David Alan Grier, Janelle James, Essence Atkins and Kerry Washington Salute the Wayans Family: ‘The Legacy is Undeniable’

variety.com:

Angelique Jackson The Wayans Family were inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame at the 56th Image Awards on Saturday night. The Wayanses — siblings Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and the second generation of talent, Damon Wayans Jr., Damien Dante Wayans, Craig Wayans and Chaunté Wayans — joined previous inductees including New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee and Earth Wind and Fire.

The NAACP Hall of Fame Award is presented to “individuals or groups who have been pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence continues to shape their industry for generations.” And as one of the most influential families in comedy and entertainment — collectively behind such culture-defining hits as “In Living Color” (which also launched the careers of Jennifer Lopez and Rosie Perez), “My Wife and Kids,” “Hollywood Shuffle,” the “Scary Movie” franchise, “White Chicks” and the hit CBS sitcom “Poppa’s House” — they certainly fit the bill. “It’s almost beyond words,” Chaunté Wayans told Variety about being honored alongside her family. “Keenen has always been the godfather of the family.

His vision of picking people and putting a team together of different artists — even outside our family. The moment I really knew what [our legacy] was, was when you see successful stars, like Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx, talk about that start and those doors opening.

He broke barriers, and he taught us not to be afraid to take risks.” On stage, Damon and Marlon Wayans also gave their eldest brother his due, delivering a touching and hilarious speech about how Keenen prospected for the family’s future by moving to Hollywood, then taught each one of his.