Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were recognized at the NAACP Awards for their exceptional humanitarian efforts and distinguished public service.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were presented with the NAACP’s Award on Saturday evening for their impactful contributions, including supporting a Texas women’s shelter, advocating for vaccine equity, and establishing community relief centers in collaboration with World Central Kitchen.
In a tweet by the NAACP Image Awards, it was revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were the proud recipients of the prestigious President’s Award.
The Duchess of Sussex expressed her gratitude upon accepting the award, emphasizing the significance of the Image Awards’ legacy, which originated following the enactment of pivotal civil rights legislation in the 1960s.
She highlighted the importance of upholding federal voting protections and continuing the legacy of civil rights icons like the late John Lewis.
The NAACP Image Awards have previously honored esteemed individuals such as LeBron James, Rihanna, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Muhammad Ali, and Jesse Jackson.
Collaborating with the NAACP and their Archul Foundation, the Duke and Duchess introduced a new accolade, the NAACP Archul Digital Civil Rights Award, aimed at recognizing innovators driving change at the nexus of technology and social justice.
The inaugural recipient of this award was Sophia Noble, PhD, for her groundbreaking study on how search engine algorithms perpetuate racial and gender biases.
Prince Harry took a moment during the ceremony to acknowledge the urgent need for global support for the people of Ukraine.
Expressing gratitude for the award, he underscored the couple’s shared commitment to serving others, confronting injustice, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
Meghan Markle paid tribute to the legacy of George Floyd, reflecting on the profound impact his tragic death had on the nation and their subsequent dedication to advancing racial justice.
In a joint effort with the NAACP, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle launched the NAACP Archwell Digital Civil Rights Award, an initiative that will annually recognize leaders driving transformative change in social justice and technology.
Meghan emphasized the importance of collaborating with the NAACP and the broader community to address contemporary challenges while honoring the legacies of past activists.
The couple expressed pride in contributing to this vital work and thanked everyone for their support and recognition.
The NAACP Archwell Digital Civil Rights Award, with a $100,000 prize, aims to empower innovators who are leveraging technology to advance social justice causes.
The first recipient, Sophia Noble, PhD, shed light on the biases embedded in internet search algorithms through her influential research.
The week-long NAACP Awards event celebrates diversity and excellence in various fields, including television, music, literature, and film, culminating in a live broadcast on BET at 8pm ET on Saturday.
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