The NAACP has launched a new original podcast series called Image Unscripted hosted by Emmy Award and NAACP Image Award-winning journalist Jemele Hill.
This series goes beyond awards season to follow conversations with actors, comedians, executives and innovators about real career moves, breakthrough moments and creative risk.
Image Unscripted is an extension of the NAACP Image Awards universe and highlights the people and passion shaping culture today.
Across the season guests open up about their journeys, why representation matters and the decisions that changed their careers. Nothing is scripted, with each episode centred on unfiltered talk about culture, creativity and the industry landscape.
Among the celebrity lineup are actress and comedian Ego Nwodim, comedian KevOnStage, actor and musician Miles Caton, actor Tyriq Withers, actress Jaz Sinclair and actor, rapper and gamer Khleo Thomas.
Also appearing are actor and comedian Kalen Allen, TV personality Scott Evans, marketing executive and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and On Brand With Jimmy Fallon star Bozoma Saint John, and founder and CEO of Black Girl Gamers Jay-Ann Lopez.
The series also features TV personality and entrepreneur Tai Beauchamp, model Shantel Jackson, Love Island season 7 star Chelley Bissainthe, season 24 Big Brother winner Taylor Hale and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
Launching on Tuesday 10 February, Image Unscripted offers listeners a deeper look at why boardrooms, screens and digital spaces need true representation.
With guests from reality TV to gaming, the series explores how creativity and intention work together to move culture forward in today’s entertainment ecosystem.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said the podcast “reflects our commitment to creating platforms that honour the people using their talents to shape culture, community and leadership.”
Johnson added that by “centring creativity, storytelling and cultural influence, Image Unscripted amplifies the power of black excellence and ensures these stories are seen, heard and celebrated.”
Robin Harrison, Vice President of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau and one of the executive producers, said the launch marks “an exciting new chapter for the NAACP Image Awards” and creates space for “community and meaningful dialogue with leading voices across entertainment.”
New episodes of Image Unscripted will be released weekly on Tuesdays, leading up to the live 57th NAACP Image Awards, airing on BET and CBS on Saturday 28 February in the US.
The podcast available on YouTube at NAACP-Plus and on all major podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
