Toni Vaz is an actress, model, activist, and Hollywood’s 1st Black Stuntwomen. Vaz trailblazing career started in 1951 in TV and movies often appearing as an extra or performing stunts for actress Cecily Tyson, Eartha Kitt, Juanita Moore, and more. Vaz has over 50 TV shows and movies to her credit and has over 20,000 hours of performance.
Toni, a true leader, wanted better roles besides maids and hookers for herself and fellow people of color in Hollywood and envisioned an awards ceremony as elegant and as lavish as the Academy Awards, so, she Founded and Created the prestigious NAACP Image Awards to thank Hollywood Producers for hiring people of color in more positive roles like Nurses and Lawyers. The Inaugural NAACP Image Awards was held on August 13, 1967, at the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel.
In 2021, after a 50 year wait of denying Vaz her rightful credit, President Derrick Johnson of the NAACP Headquarters finally recognized and honored Toni Vaz as Founder and Creator of NAACP Image Awards at the 52nd Anniversary. Vaz was surprised and whole-heartedly welcomed the honor.
Vaz is still enjoying a wonderful life on MPTF’s campus. She’s happy, healthy, active, and full of joy as she resides amongst her peers at the beautiful MPTF.
Here’s a few current links of Toni Vaz’ incredible career.
** Toni Vaz Founder & Creator NAACP Image Awards REEL STORIES (MPTF) narratives by Angela Bassett (2021)
** Toni Vaz Hollywood’s 1st Black Stuntwomen
** Anthony Anderson announces Toni Vaz Founder & Creator of NAACP Image Awards @ 50th Anniversary (2019)
** NAACP IMAGE AWARDS (2021)
The Woman Who Helped Re-Imagine Black Hollywood: Ms. Toni Vaz – NAACP Image Awards
https://naacpimageawards.net/blog/the-woman-who-re-imagined-black-hollywood-ms-toni-vaz/
** Toni Vaz receives NAACP Image Award as Founder & Creator @ 52nd Anniversary 2021
