Los Angeles, CA (News4usOnline) – On Feb. 21, 2025, the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors ceremony took place at The Novo-LA Live, celebrating exceptional behind-the-scenes contributions and technical excellence in the arts.
Among the distinguished nominees was Deborah Riley Draper, an acclaimed writer, director, and filmmaker, recognized for her outstanding directing in the documentary series “James Brown: Say It Loud.”
“James Brown: Say It Loud” is a four-part docu series that delves into the life and legacy of the legendary musician James Brown. The series traces Brown’s incredible journey from a seventh-grade dropout in the Jim Crow-era South to an entertainment icon and cultural force.
Through interviews with friends, family, collaborators, and protégés, as well as archival footage, the documentary sheds light on Brown’s profound impact on music and culture.
In an interview, Draper expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I am thrilled to be here. To be able to direct four episodes for a network about an icon is incredible. Unpacking a man’s life who was a seventh-grade dropout and manifested becoming a global icon—that level of perseverance, brilliance, creative genius, and resilience is a lesson for us all.”
Draper also stated, “I would tell up-and-coming creatives, don’t compromise on your integrity, don’t compromise on the story you want to tell. You may not be able to write and direct that story on the first pass, but hold on to it until the moment is right, so you can tell it exactly the way you want, so that you do honor to the subject and you do honor to yourself.”
Draper’s career began with a passion for storytelling and a keen interest in shedding light on untold cultural narratives. Before entering the world of documentaries, Draper earned a degree in advertising but soon found her true calling in filmmaking.
Her background in advertising gave her a unique understanding of visual storytelling, which she used to craft compelling narratives in film. Draper’s first major film, Versailles ’73: American Runway Revolution (2012), explored the historic fashion showdown between American and French designers at the 1973 Versailles fashion show, where African American designers and models challenged the traditional white-dominated fashion industry.
This documentary earned Draper critical acclaim and marked a pivotal moment in her career.
Following that success, Draper continued to build her reputation with “Olympic Pride, American Prejudice” (2016), a documentary about 18 African American athletes who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, defying racial prejudice and fighting for their place in history.
Draper’s dedication to showcasing the resilience and brilliance of African Americans in her films has made her a significant figure in documentary filmmaking.
Draper’s nomination for “James Brown: Say It Loud” at the NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors highlights the importance of recognizing behind-the-scenes excellence, especially in roles like directing that bring diverse stories to life.
Her work not only celebrates Black culture but also emphasizes the need for representation and diversity across all facets of the creative industry.
The NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors underscore the importance of representation and diversity in all facets of the creative industry, highlighting often-overlooked roles such as directing, writing, and other technical crafts essential to bringing diverse stories to life. Draper’s nomination exemplifies the recognition of exceptional behind-the-scenes contributions that enrich the arts and culture landscape.
For those interested in exploring James Brown: Say It Loud, the series is available for viewing on the A&E network.
Lead Photo Caption: Deborah Riley Draper (right) hangs out on the carpet at the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors at the Novo-LA Live with Deanna Brown- Thomas on Feb. 21, 2025. Photo credit: NAACP Image Awards
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