Four-time Image Awards contender, Niecy Nash, reveals her thoughts on the industry’s future. “I just love diversity on TV. That’s it, that’s all. MORE!”

Nominees for the NAACP Image Awards were honored at the annual luncheon at the Beverly Hilton in California on Saturday. In advance of the awards that will take place on MLK Day in January, this luncheon recognized and applauded all the nominees for their work in the arts. This star-studded event brought together individuals from all corners of the industry to celebrate. Attendees included Yvette Nicole Brown, Marsai Martin, Niecy Nash, Major, and many more.

RELATED | NAACP Chairman’s Award To Be Presented To Union Leader William Lucy

For the last 48 years, the NAACP Image Awards has recognized people of color for their accomplishments in film, music, television, and literature. With the push towards increased diversity in the industry, we spoke with nominees about their hopes and desires for the future.

[wp_ad_camp_2]

Check out what Yvette Nicole Brown, Marsai Martin, and others had to say about diversity and empowerment in the industry moving forward!

TVAD: Given the climate of this last year and especially past few months in politics and Hollywood, what is one thing you want to see change/more of?

Niecy Nash, Star of Scream Queens and Claws:
“I just love diversity on TV. That’s it, that’s all. MORE!”

Sheri Riley, Author of Exponential Living:
“That all of us first start individually with pursuing peace, and then we’ll make decisions that will allow peace to happen in our neighborhoods, in our communities, and in our schools. Then that will move into our politics, our government, and our workplace. It all starts with one individual choice and we learned that from MLK, Rosa Parks, and David Abernathy.”

Marsai Martin, Star of black-ish:
“I want to see more empowerment. This is why I love the Image Awards because its an award show for people of color. But I want to see more of that in the Emmys, the Critics Choice, etc!”

Lil Rel, Star of Get Out:
“More diversity as far as decision making goes. A lot of these old rules, we need to change!”

Yvette Nicole Brown, Star of The Mayor:
“I’d like to see politicians care about people more. I want to see healthcare for all. I’d love to see people voted into office that actually care about the people they represent.”

Angela Robinson, Director of Professor Marston and the Wonder Women:
“I’m really hoping we’re at a tipping point. The lights have been turned on and we’re looking around and seeing how the systems of power work in Hollywood and it can be a time of change and inclusion.”

The NAACP Image Awards will air on Monday, January 15th, 2018 on TV One.