Our Fashion Icon Naomi Campbell’s acceptance speech was one of many heartfelt and inspiring moments at the 2018 CFDA Fashion Awards. The supermodel touched on her career, her challenges, her sobriety, and her philanthropy. Here, her amazing remarks:

“Good evening.  I am so honored to receive the Fashion Icon Award tonight.

Thank you Diane von Furstenberg, Steven Kolb and all the members of the CFDA. It’s really special given the illustrious previous winners, especially Franca Sozzani, whom I love and think about very often.

Over the years, the CFDA Foundation has helped victims of Hurricane Sandy to women in Nepal, laying down foundations for better lives. My own charity Fashion For Relief, which I realized the other day has been going for an incredible 13 years now, has aided Ebola sufferers in Africa, recent refugees from Syria and most recently the fight for equality in education, health and culture. In August 2005, we all saw the horrors of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and I felt compelled to do something as New Orleans was the very first state in America that I visited. In one week, we managed to organize an event. Teddy Forstmann provided a tent at New York Fashion Week, Anna Wintour gave us the Vogue closet.  Each and every designer came to give their clothes. Ralph Lauren designed the T-shirts and André  Leon Talley was by my side every step of the way.

This is what I love about our industry. When things really matter, we all come together.

I was told many times that I can’t do this job because I’m black, but I never let that be an excuse. I used that to drive me.  Of course, I’m human and I found it hard at times not to take things personally.  I proudly stand here today as a woman of color who will continue to push for diversity and equality in this industry. I will always strive to achieve change and I continue to stand together with Bethann Hardison and Iman.

Ultimately, I’m a South London girl and I’m forever grateful that my mother allowed me to sneak out on my own for castings. I don’t know if she allowed me actually, I think I just snuck out!

They told me I’d only last 11 years in this business. But here I am 32 years later, standing in front of you all.  It’s a great honor and I’m extremely grateful.

Many in this room have dealt with my lateness, but I’ve never lied and I’ve grown up in front of you all.  Here I am with you, 32 years later clean and sober, and I consider you all my extended family.

You have been there for me through thick and thin. Through good times and difficult times, through the “Naomi, it’s time to grow up” times. You kept me grounded and loyal and I thank you for that.

I’ve always loved my work and I’ve always loved what I do. Always lived hard and played hard. Whenever I had a time out, you were always there to embrace me on return.

I reflect on life and share everything I gained and learned through this wonderful business. People say this business is fickle. They couldn’t be more wrong. It was a special time and a privilege to have been there in the legendary era of the fashion industry.

What a wonderful group of women…Cindy, Stephanie, Linda, Christy, Claudia and Kate. You are my sisters for life. Without you, I don’t think anyone would have heard of me. Thank you for your unconditional and unwavering love and support.

I must talk about Azzedine Alaïa. When he left us, I lost my Papa. I was 15 years old when he took me under his wing. I know he’s with me tonight. I promise to keep his legacy alive as long as I’m here to do so.

Thank you to all the great photographers I’ve worked with – Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon; greats like Irving Penn, Horst, Guy Bourdin, Bill King, Peter Lindberg, David Bailey, Ellen Von Unwerth, and Steven Meisel. Steven Meisel, from the beginning… you guided and taught me. I’m extremely grateful.

Thank you to designers Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Thank you Raf for such a beautiful dress tonight.

My mother Valerie. Thank you for showing and giving me the strength I needed. Thank you for letting me go through my mistakes that every adolescent girl has to go through. Valerie Morris, you believed in me as a three-year-old when I said I wanted to be a dancer. You sacrificed everything to ensure I had the best I could have.  You always inspired me. You gave me strength and courage. My whole being comes from you. You raised me single-handedly, mother and father both.

And lastly, I’d like to thank my agency DNA. David Bonnouvrier, Richard Habberley, Akeem Rasool and Carly. You said to me that this is a marriage without divorce, and I am happily married.

I’m truly humbled tonight. Congratulations to all the other recipients. Have a great night. Thank you again to the CFDA and to you all for joining me on this amazing journey.