Spingarn Freedom Fund Awards Gala

THE 109TH SPINGARN AWARD

Spingarn Freedom Fund awards Gala WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024, 7PM 115TH NAACP NATIONAL CONVENTION | LAS VEGAS, NV

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THE LATE JOEL ELIAS SPINGARN DONOR, THE SPINGARN MEDAL Born to an upper middle-class Jewish family in New York City, Joel Elias Spingarn was an American educator, literary critic, poet, military intelligence officer, horticulturalist and civil rights activist.

CHAIRMAN, NAACP BOARD OF DIRECTORS- 1914-1919 PRESIDENT, NAACP- 1930-1939

A delegate to the national convention of the Progressive Party, Spingarn attempted but failed to add a statement condemning racial discrimination to the party platform.

He served as professor of comparative literature at Columbia University leaving over academic freedom. H.L. Mencken deemed him, “a professor in rebellion.”

He served as a major in the U.S. Army during World War I ensuring the establishment of a training camp for Negro officers at Des Moines.

Co-founder of Harcourt, Brace and Company, most importantly, Spingarn took up his passion, racial justice. Spingarn became interested in the NAACP through the extradition case of colored sharecropper Steve Green who escaped from Arkansas after an argument with his landlord over pay and his crop. Outraged, Spingarn “plunged into the work of the association with his whole heart and soul,” becoming one of the NAACP’s first Jewish leaders, serving as chairman of the board of directors (1914-1919); treasurer (1919-1930); and president (1930 until his death in 1939).

In 1914, Spingarn went to Louisville, KY and sparked a Negro counter attack against ghettoization, culminating in the invalidation of the Louisville law that dictated where each race would live.

Through his actions, the NAACP wiped away its first Jim Crow law.

Spingarn established the Spingarn Medal in 1914, the NAACP’s highest honor awarded annually for “the highest or noblest achievement by an American Negro.”

Spingarn amassed the world’s largest collection of clematis, 250 species. He lived with his wife, Amy Einstein Spingarn, in Manhattan and at their country estate, later, the Troutbeck Inn and Conference Center in Amenia, NY. Their children: Stephen, Edward, Hope and Honor. Upon his death, Spingarn’s brother, Arthur, succeeded him as NAACP president. His widow, Amy, was elected to fill his unexpired term on the board, serving for nearly 40 years and elected the first Director Emeritus. Spingarn’s will included a bequest to fund the Spingarn Medal in perpetuity.

W. E. B. Du Bois dedicated his autobiography Dusk of Dawn to Spingarn’s memory, calling him, a “scholar and knight.”

THE SPINGARN MEDAL PURPOSE THE SPINGARN MEDAL was instituted in 1914 by the late Joel Elias Spingarn (then Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), who gave annually until his death in 1939, a gold medal to be awarded “for the highest or noblest achievement by a living American Negro during the preceding year or years.” A fund sufficient to continue the award was set up by his will “to perpetuate the lifelong interest of my brother, Arthur B. Spingarn, of my wife, Amy E. Spingarn and of myself in the achievement of the American Negro.”

PURPOSE The purpose of the medal is twofold – first to call the attention of the American people to the existence of distinguished merit and achievement among Americans of African descent, and secondly, to serve as a reward for such achievement, and as a stimulus to the ambition of colored youth.

CONDITIONS The medal is presented annually to the man or woman of African descent and American citizenship, who shall have made the highest achievement during the preceding year or years in any honorable field of human endeavor. The Committee of Award is bound by no burdensome restrictions, but may decide for itself each year what particular act or achievement deserves the highest acclaim; the choice is not limited to any one field, whether of intellectual, spiritual, physical, scientific, artistic, commercial, educational or other endeavor. It is intended primarily that the medal shall be for the highest achievement in the preceding year, but if no achievement in any one year seems to merit it, the Committee may award it for work achieved in preceding years, or may withhold it. The medal is usually presented to the winner at the Annual Convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the presentation speech is delivered by a distinguished citizen.

A nine-person Committee of Award is selected by the NAACP Board of Directors.

The Committee’s decision is final in all matters affecting the award.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AWARD Should be submitted, in writing, to the Secretary of the Committee of Award, at the NAACP National Office, by January 1 of each year. Such communications should state in detail the achievements of the person recommended.

109TH SPINGARN MEDALIST

DR. HENRY L. GATES, JR. Literary Scholar, Professor, Historian, Filmmaker and Vocal Advocate for Social, Educational and Intellectual Equality for Black Americans.

July 17, 2024 | 109th Spingarn Medalist 115TH NAACP Convention | Las Vegas, NV

CITATION DR. HENRY L. GATES, JR. 109TH SPINGARN MEDALIST The NAACP proudly offers its appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Henry Louis “Skip” Gates, Jr. for years as a distinguished historian, journalist, literary scholar, professor, film-maker and vocal advocate for social, educational and intellectual equality for Black Americans. For his commitment in preserving and advancing the significance of African American history and literature particularly as a Professor and Director of Harvard University’s Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, established as the W. E. B. Du Bois Research Institute in May 1975, making it the oldest research center focused on the study of the history, culture, and society of Africans and African Americans. For his efforts in building academic institutions to study Black culture.

In honor of his accomplishments as an Emmy Award, Peabody Award and NAACP Image Award-winner who has published numerous books and produced and hosted an array of documentary films including his groundbreaking genealogy and genetics series, “Finding Your Roots.” and most recent history series for PBS, “Gospel,” which premiered this year.

In praise of Dr. Gates advocating for the evaluation of Black literature based on the aesthetic criteria of its cultural roots, rather than relying on standards derived from Western or European traditions ensuring a more authentic understanding of Black literary works, highlighting their unique cultural perspectives and artistic merits.

In recognition of being a member of the first class awarded “genius grants” by the MacArthur Foundation, and the first African American scholar to be awarded the National Humanities Medal.

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE With Great Pride and Reverence presents The One-Hundred Ninth Spingarn Medal To

Dr. Henry Louis “Skip“ Gates, Jr.

Historian, Literary Critic, Professor, Filmmaker, Advocate for Equality Wednesday, July 17, 2024 | Las Vegas, NV

spingarn award ceremony Host

Vivica A. Fox

Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing Greetings Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair, NAACP National Board of Directors, Brooklyn, NY Derrick Johnson, President & CEO, NAACP, Jackson, MS

Invocation Rev. Dr. Donald Chaney The Renaissance Fellowship, Inc.

Dinner Is Served The Spingarn Medal – Purpose Leon W. Russell, Chair, NAACP National Board of Directors, Spingarn Award Committee, Tampa, FL

Performance

Raheem DeVaughn

Presentation Of The 109th Spingarn Medal Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham Victor S. Thomas Professor of History and of African and African American Studies at Harvard University, Boston, MA

Recipient Of The Spingarn Medal Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University, Boston, MA

Closing God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again Michael Turner, Member, NAACP National Board Of Directors, Detroit, MI

Benediction

Pastor Chris Conedy LV Branch Religious Affairs Chair

HOST OF THE 109TH SPINGARN AWARD CEREMONY

VIVICA A. FOX Vivica A. Fox has triumphantly built an international brand that stands on the strength that women can do anything. With an extensive body of work that encompasses television, stage and film credits, Vivica A. Fox is an inspiration as a Hollywood actress, generous philanthropist and accomplished businesswoman.

Indiana native and NAACP Image Award winner, Vivica was discovered by Hollywood producer Trevor Walton leading to soap opera stints on “The Young and The Restless,” “Days of Our Lives,” and “Generations.” She scored a role in the blockbuster “Independence Day” alongside Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum.

Other film credits include: “Soul Food,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” with Oscar winner Halle Berry, and “Batman and Robin” alongside George Clooney. Oscar-winning director Quentin Tarantino handpicked her to star alongside Uma Thurman in the international box office hits “Kill Bill, Volumes 1 & 2.” She has also starred in a number of television series and sitcoms including “Out All Night” and the Lifetime mysteries series “Missing” where she also served as executive producer.

Vivica teamed with VH1 to produce the reality show “Glam God,” and with playwright and producer Je’Caryous Johnson to produce two touring plays sharing stages with Grammy Award winning singer Brian McKnight in “Cheaper to Keep Her,” as well as with Boris Kodjoe and acting legend Richard Roundtree in “Whatever She Wants.” Vivica also produced and starred in the cult favorite films: “The Salon,” “Two Can Play That Game,” and its sequel “Three Can Play That Game.”

Vivica expanded her brand and launched her own hair company – The Vivica Fox Hair Collection, offering a variety of high quality wigs and extensions where she makes donations of free hair to women who have lost their own hair to cancer-related illnesses.

PRESENTER OF THE 109TH SPINGARN MEDAL PROFESSOR EVELYN BROOKS HIGGINBOTHAM VICTOR S. THOMAS PROFESSOR OF HISTORY & AFRICAN & AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

PAST SPINGARN MEDALISTS

Mrs. Joel. E Spingarn, seated, widow of the donor of the Spingarn Medal, surrounded by seven distinguished recipients of this coveted award at a luncheon honoring Sammy Davis, Jr., 53rd Medalist, in New York City, March 30, 1969. From left: Roy Wilkins, 1964; John H. Johnson, 1966; Robert C. Weaver, 1962; Mrs. Mabel Keaton Staupers, 1951; Kenneth B. Clark, 1961; Miss Leontyne Price, 1965; and Mr. Davis, 1968.

NAACP 2024 SPINGARN AWARD COMMITTEE Leon W. Russell, Chair, Tampa, FL Hazel N. Dukes, New York, NY Wade Henderson, Washington, D.C. Elaine Jones, Washington, D.C. Marva Smalls, New York, NY Hon. Bobby Scott, Richmond, VA Jesse K. Turner, Jr., Memphis, TN

SPINGARD MEDAL PAST MEDALISTS AWARD YEAR

RECIPIENT

HONOR

PRESENTER

1

February 12, 1915

Professor Ernest E. Just*

Head of Physiology, Howard University Medical School for reasearch in biology.

Presented by Charles E Whitman, Governor of New York, in the Ethical Culture Hall, New York, NY.

2

February 22, 1916

Major Charles Young*

Services in organizing the Liberian Constabulary and road in the Republic of Liberia.

Presented by Samuel Walker McCall, Governor MA, at an NAACP mass meeting in Tremont Temple, Boston, MA.

Harry T. Burleigh*

Excellence in the field of creative music.

Presented by United States Senator Wesley L. Jones, Washington, at a special meeting of the NAACP in Washington, D.C.

William Stanley Braithwaite*

Distinguished acheivements in literature.

Presented by Charles F. Thwing, President, Western Reserve University, at the 10th NAACP Annual Conference, Cleveland, OH.

June 27, 1919

Archibald H. Grimke

U.S. Consul in Santo Domingo; President of American Negro Academy; For seventy years of distinguished service to his race and country.

Presented by Bishop John Hurst, Chairman, COmmittee of Award, on the campus of Atlanta Conference, Atlanta, GA.

June 1, 1920

William Edwards Burghardt (W.E.B) DuBois*

Presented by Bishop John Hurst, Author, founding the editor of The Chairman, Committee of Award, on Crisis Magazine; founding and the camps of Atlancta University at calling of Pan-African Congress; the 11th NAACP Annual Conference, NAACP founder.

Atlanta, GA.

3

4

5

6

May 16, 1917

May 5, 1918

7

June 30, 1921

Charles S. Glipin*

Presented by the Representitive of the Governor of Michigan to a proxy of Notable performance in the title Mr. Gilpin’s at the 12th NAACP Annual role of The Emperor Jones and for Conference, Detroit, MI. Medal later excellence as an actor. presented to Mr. Gilpin in person Joel Spingarn in New York City.

8

June 20, 1922

Mary B. Talbert*

Former President of the National Association of Colored Women and for continued service to women of color.

Presented by Rabbi Solomon Foser, Newark, NJ, at the 13th NAACP Annual Conference, Newark, NJ.

September 4, 1923

George Washington Carver*

Head of Department of Reseach and Director of the Experiment Station of Tuskegee Inst; For researching Agricultural Chemisty.

Presented by Charles B. Griffith, Attorney general, KS, at the 14th NAACP Annual Conference, Newark, NJ.

Roland Hayes

Singer; For artistry through interpreting Negro folk song; soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Presented by Dr. Josiah H. Penniman, Provost and President, University of Pennsylvania, at the 15th NAACP Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA. Presentation by proxy due to Mr. Hayes absence in Europe. Personal presentation made on April 7, 1925

by Walter Damrosch, New York Symphony in New York City.

James Weldon Johnson*

Former U.S. Consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua; author and secretary of NAACP.

Presented by Dr. W.E.B Du Bois, NAACP Founder, Editor, The Crisis Magazine and the sixth Spingarn Medalist, at the 16th NAACP Annual Conference, Denver, CO.

9

10

11

July 1, 1924

June 30, 1925

AWARD YEAR 12

13

14

15

June 19, 1926

June 28, 1927

July 3, 1928

July 2, 1929

RECIPIENT

HONOR

PRESENTER

Carter G.Woodson*

Historian and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History; editor, Negro Orators and Their Orations; For his outstanding work as a historian.

Presented by Dr. John Hayes Holmes, New York, NY at the 17th NAACP Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.

Anthony Overton*

President of Victory Life Insurance Company, the first Black company certified by the state of New York.

Presented by Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, NAACP Founder, Founder and Editor, The Crisis Magazine, at the 18th NAACP Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN.

Charles W. Chestnut

Author; For his pioneer work as a literary artist, depicting the life and struggle of American of Negro descent.

Presented by Burton R. Fitts, Lieutentant Governor, CA, at the 19th NAACP Annual Conference, Los Angeles, CA.

Mordecai Wyatt Johnson*

President of Howard Univeristy; For distinguished leadership as first Black president.

Presented by Dr. Charles F Thwing, President Emeritus, Western Reserve University at the 21st NAACP Annual Conference, Clevland, OH. Presented by Dr. William Allan Neilson, President, Smith College at the 21st NAACP Annual Conference, Springfield, MA.

16

July 1, 1930

Henry Hunt*

Principal of the Fort Valley High and Industrial School, Fort Velley, GA; For twenty-five years of service in the education of black students.

17

March 22, 1931

Richard Berry Harrison*

For his fine and reverent charac- Presented by Herbert H. Lehman, Lieuterization of the Lord in arc Contenant Governor, BY at the Mansfield nelly’s Play – The Green Pastures. Theater, New York City.

18

May 20, 1932

Robert Russa Moton*

Principal of the Tuskegee Insitute; Presented by Bronson Cutting, U.S. For excellent leadership and ser- Senator, NM, at the 23rd NAACP Annuvice in the field of education. al Conference, Washington DC.

July 1, 1933

Max Yergan*

American Y.M.C.A. Secretary, missionary of intelligence, tact and self-sacrifice; For the excellence of his work in Africa.

Presented by Edwin R. Embree, President, Rosenwald Fund at the 24th NAACP Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.

20

June 29, 1934

William Taylor Burwell Williams*

Dean of Tuskegee Insitute, long service as field agent of the Slater and Jeanes Funds and the General Education Board.

Presented by the Reverend J. Raymond Henderson, Atlanta, GA at the 25th NAACP Annual Conference, Oklahoma City, OK.

21

June 28, 1935

Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune*

Founder and President of Bethune Presented by William Pickens, Field College; For outstanding leader- Secretary, NAACP at the 26th NAACP ship and service to education.

Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO.

22

July 3, 1936 (posthumously)

John Hope*

President of Atlanta University, distinguished leader of his race.

23

July 2, 1937

Walter White*

Executive Secretary of NAACP; For Presented by Governor Frank Murphy, his personal investigaion of more MI at the 28th NAACP Annual Conferthat forty-one lynchings. ence, Detroit, MI.

19

1938 24

25

26

July 2, 1939

July 19, 1940

June 27, 1941

Presented (posthumously) by Dr. Mordecai W. Johnson, President, Howard University and the 15th Spingarn Medalist, to Mrs. Hope at the 27th NAACP Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD.

NO AWARD GIVEN Marian Anderson*

For her special achievement in music.

Presented by Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, at the 30th NAACP Annual Conference, Richmond, VA.

Louis T. Wright

Surgeon; For his contribution to the healing of mankind and for his courageous position in the face of bitter attack.

Presented by Dr. Russell L. Cecil, Professor of Clinical Medicine, Cornell University Medical School, at the 31st NAACP Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA.

Richard Wright*

Author; Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Native Son; For his outstanding creative literature.

Presented by Elmer A. Carter, Member, New York State Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board at the 32nd NAACP Annual Conference, Houston, TX.

AWARD YEAR 27

28

July 19, 1942

June 6, 1943

RECIPIENT

HONOR

PRESENTER

A. Phillip Randolph*

International President of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Por- Presented by Bishop John A. Gregg, at ters; For his role in securing the the 33rd NAACP Annual Conference, presidential order to establish the Los Angeles, CA. FEPC in 1941.

William H. Hastie*

Jurist and Educator; For his distinuished career as a jurist and uncompromising champion of equal justice.

Presented by Congressman Will Rogers, Jr., CA, at the 34th NAACP Annual Conference, Detroit, MI. Presented by Dr. Ernest A. Hooton, Anthropologist, at the 35th NAACP Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.

29

July 16, 1944

Charles Drew*

Scientist; For his outstanding work in blood plasma and research which led to establishment of blood plasma bank.

30

October 18, 1945

Paul Robeson*

Singer and actor; For distinguished achievement in the theatre and concert stage.

Presented by Marshall Field, Publisher and Phianthropist, at a dinner meeting in the Roosevelt Hotel, New York City.

31

June 28, 1946

Thurgood Marshall*

Special Counsel for NAACP; For distinguished service as a lawyer before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Presented by Robert W. Kenny, Attorney General, CA, at the 37th NAACP National Convention, Cincinnati, OH.

Dr. Percy Julian*

Reseach Chemist; For many important discoveries that have saved many lives.

Presented by Dr. Harold Clayton Urey, Professor in Chemistry, University of Chicago, IL. at the 38th NAACP National Convention, Washington, DC. Presented by Edwin R. Embree, former President of the Julius Rosenwald Fund at the 39th NAACP National Convention, Kansas City, MO.

32

June 27, 1947

33

June 27, 1948

Channing H. Tobias*

For his consistent role as a defender of fundamental American liberites.

34

July 17, 1949

Raplh J. Bunche*

International civil servant, acting UN mediator in Palestine; For singular service to the United Nations.

Presented by Mme. V.L. Pandit, Indian Ambassador to the U.S., in the Hollywood Bowl at the 40th NAACP National Convention, Los Angeles, CA. Presented by Erwin Griswold, Dean, Harvard University Law School. Accepted Posthumously by the Six yearold Charles H. Houston, Jr., at the 41st NAACP National Convention, Boston, MA.

35

June 25, 1950

Charles Hamilton Houston*

Chairman, NAACP Legal Committee and stalwart defender of democracy.

36

June 29, 1951

Mabel Keaton Staupers*

Leader of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses.

Presented by lillian Smith, Author, at the 42nd NAACP National Convention, Atlanta, GA.

37

June 27, 1952

Harry T. Moore*

NAACP leader in the state of Florida and a martyr in the crusade for freedom.

Presented by Representative Clifford P. Case, NJ. Accepted Posthumously by his Mother, Mrs. rosa B. Moore, at the 43rd NAACP National Convention, Municipal Auditorium, Oklahoma City, OK.

38

June 26, 1953

Paul R. William

Distinguished architect; For his pioneer contributions as a creative designer of livale attractive modern dwellings.

Presented by Senator W. Stuart Symington, Missouri, at the 44th NAACP National Convention, St. Louis, MO.

39

July 4, 1954

Theodore K. Lawless*

Physician, educator and philanthropist; For pioneering achievements in dermatology.

Presented by Dr. Buell Gallagher, President, College of the City of New York, at the 45th NAACP National Convention, Dallas, TX.

40

June 26, 1955

Carl J. Murphy*

Dedicated editor, publisher and farsighted civic leader.

Presented by New Jersey Governor Robert B. Meyner at the 46th NAACP National Convention, Atlantic City, NJ.

41

December 8, 1956

Jack Roosevelt Robinson*

Brilliant and versatile athlete; For superb sportsmanship and for his singular role in athletics.

Presented at the Spingarn Award Luncheon meeting, hotel Roosevelt, New York City.

AWARD YEAR

RECIPIENT

HONOR

PRESENTER

June 28, 1957

Martin Luther King, Jr.*

Dedicated and selfless clergyman; For leadership role in the Montgomery bus protest movement.

Presented by Bishop Richard S. Emrick, Protestant Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, at the 48th NAACP National Convention, Detroit, MI.

43

July 11, 1958

Mrs. Daisy Bates* and the Little Rock Nine, Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Pattillo, Gloria Ray, Terrance Roberts, Jefferson Thoman*, Carlotta Walls

For their pioneer role in upholding the basic ideals of American democracy in the face of continuing harassment and constant threats of bodily injury.

Presented by Dr. William E. Stevenson, President, Oberline College, at the 49th NAACP National Convention, Clevland, OH.

44

September 11, 1959

Edwared Kennedy (Duke) Ellington*

Composer and orchestra leader; For outstanding and unique musical achievements.

Presented by Benny Goodman aboard the U.S.S. Liner United States at New York City.

Langston Hughes*

Poet, author and playwright.

Presented by NAACP President, Arthur B. Spingarn at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, during the 51st NAACP National Convention, St. Paul, MN.

Kenneth B. Clark*

Professor of Psychology at the College of the City of New York, founder/director of the Northside Center for Child Development; For his dedicated service and inspired research in the field of psychology.

Presented by Dr. Otto Klineberg, Professor and Chairman, Department of Social Psychology, Columbia University, at the 52nd NAACP National Convention, Philadelphia, PA.

Robert C. Weaver*

Administrator and home Finance Agency; For his long years of dedicated public service at municipal state and federal levels.

Presented by Earl B. Schwulst, President, Bowery Savings Bank, and Chairman, Commission on Race and Housing of the Fund for The Republic at the 53rd NAACP National Convention, Atlanta, GA. Accepted Posthumously by his Wife, Myrlie Evers, at the 54th NAACP National Convention, Chicago, IL.

42

45

46

47

June 26, 1960

July 16, 1961

July 8, 1962

48

July 4, 1963

Medgar Wiley Evers*

NAACP field secretary for the state of Mississippi; For his dedication and steadfast courage in the face of continued death threats.

49

June 23, 1964

Roy Wilkins*

NAACP Executive Director; For his leadership, integrity and his dedicated service.

Presented by Dr. John Hope Franklin, Chairman, History Department, Brooklyn College, at the 55th NAACP National Convention.

Presented by Rudolf Bing, General Manager, Metropolitian Opera, at the NAACP Fellowship Dinner, New York City. Recipient was unable to be present at the 56th NAACP National Convention.

50

January 2, 1965

Leontyne Price*

Metropolitian Opera star, in recognition of her divinely inspired talent.

51

July 8, 1966

John H. Johnson*

Founder/President of the Johnson Publishing Company of Chicago.

Presented by harry Golden, Author and Publisher, at the 57th NAACP National Convention, Los Angeles, CA.

Edward W. Brooke, lll

First African American to win popular election to the United States Senate since Reconstruction.

Presented by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts, at the 58th NAACP National Convention, Boston, MA.

52

July 11, 1967

53

July 1968

Sammy Davis, Jr.*

Broadway/Hollywood star and civil rights activist.

Presented by NAACP Executive Director Roy Wilkins, at the Spingarn Award Luncheon, Plaza Hotel, New York City, March 30, 1969 as Mr. Davis was abroad when designatedfor the Medal in July 1968.

54

July 2, 1969

Clarence M Mitchell, Jr.*

Director, NAACP Washington Bureau and civil rights lobbyist; For his privotal role in the enactment of civil rights legislation.

Presented by Lucy Wilson Benson, President of the League of Women Voters, at the 60th NAACP National Convention, Jackson, MS.

AWARD YEAR

RECIPIENT

HONOR

PRESENTER

55

June 30, 1970

Jacob Lawrence*

Artist, teacher and humanitarian.

Presented by Bayard Rustin, Executive director, A. Phillip Randolph Institute, at the 61st NAACP National Convention, Cincinnati, OH.

56

July 9, 1971

Leon Howard Sullivan*

Clergyman, activist and prophet.

Presented by Andrew F. Brimmer, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System, at the 62nd NAACP National Convention, Minneapolis, MN.

July 4, 1972

Gordon Alexander Buchanan Parks*

In recognition of his unique creativity, as exemplified by his outstanding achievements as photographer, writer, film maker, and composer.

Presented by Dr. Clifton R. Wharton, Jr., President, Michigan state University, at the 63rd NAACp National Convention, Detroit, MI.

Wilson C. Riles*

Educator, in recognition of the stature he attained as a national leader in the field of education.

Presented by John H Johnson, President, Johnson Publishing Company at the 64th NAACP National Convention, Indianapolis.

Damon J Keith*

Jurist; in tribute to his steadfast defense of constitiutional principles.

Presented by Congressman Charles C. Diggs, Jr., Detroit, MI, at the 65th NAACP National Convention, New Orleans, LA.

57

58

59

July 3, 1973

July 2, 1974 1975

NO AWARD GIVEN

60

January 11, 1976

Hank Aaron*

Athlete, in recognition of his singular achievement in the sport which symbolizes Americ – baseball; his impressive home run record.

61

January 9, 1977

Alvin Ailey*

Innovative dancer, coreographer and artistic director.

Presented by Leonard DePaur, Renowned Conductor-Composer, at the New York Hilton Hotel, New York, NY.

Author, biographer and lecturer, exhaustive research and literary skill combined in Roots.

Presented by Professor Benjamin Quarles, Chairman, Department of History, Morgan State University, at the 68th NAACP National Convention, St. Louis, MO.

62

June 30, 1979

1978 63

64

65

January 7, 1979

June 26, 1979

July 1, 1980

Presented by Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn at the Americana hotel, New York, NY.

NO AWARDS GIVEN Andrew Jackson Young

Minisiter plenipotentiary and extraordinary United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

Presented by Nathaniel S. Colley, Esq., Member NAACP National Board of Directors, Sacramento, CA in New York, NY.

Rosa L. Parks*

In recognition the the quiet courage and determination exemplified when she refused to surrender her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.

Presented by Hon. Damon L. Keith, Chief U.S. Judge, Eastern District, Detroit, MI, at the 70th NAACP National Convention, Louisville KY.

Rayford W. Logan*

Educator, historian, author; For his prodigious efforts to set before the Black American’s continuing struggle against oppression.

Presented by Dr. W. Montague Cobb, President, NAACP, at the 71st NAACP National Convention, Miami Beach, FL.

66

June 30, 1981

Coleman Alexander Young*

Mayor of Detroit, public servant and labor leader.

Presented by Hon. Damon J. Keith, Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Court, Detroit, MI, at the 72nd NAACP National Convention, Denver, CO.

67

July 2, 1982

Benjamin Elijah Mays

Educator, theologian and humanitatian.

Hon. Edward W. Brooke, lll, Former United States Senator, Massachusetts, at the 73rd NAACP National Convention, Boston, MA.

AWARD YEAR 68

July 15, 1983

RECIPIENT Lena Horne*

1984

HONOR Artist, humanitarian and living symbol of excellence.

PRESENTER Presented by Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Former President, National Urban League, at the 74th NAACP National Convention, New Orleans, LA.

NO AWARDS GIVEN

69

January 24, 1985

Tom Bradley*

Mayor of Los Angelos, public servant, humanist.

Presented by Bishop H. Hartford Brookins, Presiding, Twelfth Episcopal District A.M.E. Church, at the spingarn medal Award Dinner, Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angleles, CA.

70

December 7, 1985

William H. Cosby

Humorist, artist, educator, family man and humanitarian.

Presented by Lena Horne, Singer, Actress, at the Spingarn Medal Award Dinner, Marriott Marquis hotel, New York, NY.

Benjamin Lawson Hooks*

Executive Director, NAACP. In tribute to his precedent-setting accomplishments.

Presented by the Hon. Edward W. Brooke, Former U.S. Senator, Massachusetts, Partner, Law Firm of O’Connor & Hannan at the 77th NAACP National Convention, Baltimore, MD.

71

72

73

74

July 3, 1986

July 9, 1987

Percy Ellis Sutton*

Public servant, businessman, community leader.

presented by the Rev. A.C. Sutoon, Meber, NAACP National Board of Directors and Hazel N. Dukes, President, NAACP NY State Conference of Brnaches and Member, NAACP National Board of Directors, at the Apollo Theatre.

July 14, 1988

Frederick Douglass Patterson*

Educator, doctor of veterinary medicine, visionary an humanitarian.

Presented by the Honorable Franklin H. Williams, former U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and President, The Phelps Stokes Fund, at the 79th NAACP National Convention, Washington, DC.

Jesse Louis Jackson

Clergyman, political leader, civil rights activist; first American of African descent to become a major presidential candidate.

Presented by Jesse Louis Jackson, Jr., Son, at the 80th NAACP National Conventions, Detroit, MI. Presented by the Honorable Percy E. Sutton, chairman, Innercity Broadcasting Corporation, Former President, borough of Manhattan, NY, at the 81st NAACP National Convention, Los Angleles, CA.

July 13, 1989

75

July 12, 1990

Lawrence Douglas Wilder*

Governor, pulic servant, attorney and visionary in tribute to an extraordinary life of accomplishment.

76

July 11, 1991

Colin L. Powell*

General of the U.S. Army, 12th Chairman, Joint Cheifs of Staff, U.S. Department of Defense.

Presented by Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, Executive Director/CEO, NAACP at the 82nd NAACP National Convention, Houston, TX.

Barbara Jordan*

Lawyer, educator, political leader and stateswoman.

Presented by Azie Taylor Morton, Director, Resource Coordination, Reading is Fundemental, former United States Treasurer, at the Spingarn Award Dinner, December 9, 1992, New York Hilton Hotel, New York, NY.

Dorthy Irene Height*

National Council of Negro Women, National YWCA, The Center for Radical Justice and President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; For extraordinary leadership in advancing women’s rights.

Presented by Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, Executive Director/CEO, NAACP, at the 84th NAACP National Convention, Indianapolis, IN.

Maya Angelou*

Poet, author, actress, playwritght, producer, educator, and historian.

Presented by Oprah Winfrey, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Harpo Entertainment Group, at the 85th NAACP National Conventions, Chicago, IL.

77

78

79

December 9, 1992

July 15, 1993

July 14, 1994

AWARD YEAR 80

81

82

83

84

85

86

July 13, 1995

July 11, 1996

July 1997

July 1998

July 15, 1999

November 16, 2000

July 12, 2001

RECIPIENT

HONOR

PRESENTER

John Hope Franklin*

Presented by Julius L. Chambers, J.D. Historian, scholar and educator; Chancellor, North Carolina University; in recognition of an unrelenting former Director-Counsel NAACP Legal quest for truth and the enlightenDefense and Educational Fund at the ment of Western Civilization.

86th NAACP National Convention.

A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr.*

Jurist, scholar, teacher and humanitarian; in honor of a distinguished jurist who emerged a giant jurisprudence during a three-decade tenure as the nation’s longest serving active Federal Judge.

Presented by Dr. C. Delores Tucker, Chair National Political Congress of Black Women, president, Bethune DuBois Fund, Inc. at the NAACP 87th National Convention, Charlotte, NC.

Carl T. Rowan*

Journalist, publicist, civic leader and public servant.

Presented by Herry Florence, Vice President, Communication and Strategic Development, nissan motos, Corporation, at the 88th AACP National Convention.

Myrlie Evers-Williams

Civil rights activist, risk-taker, mother, true believer.

Presented by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, founder, the King Center, Atlanta, GA, at the 89th Annual NAACP Convention, Atlanta, GA.

Earl G. Graves, Sr.*

Founder, Black Enterprise Magazine; businessman, publisher, educator, advocate, entrepreneur, family man.

Presented by kenneth I. Chenault, President and Chief Operating Officer, American Express Company, 90th NAACP Annual Convention, New York City, NY.

Oprah Winfrey

Actress, producer, educator, publisher and humanitarian.

Presented by Dr. Maya Angelou, Z. Smith Reynolds Professor of American Studies, Wake Forest University, at the 91st NAACP National Convention, Baltimore, MD.

Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.*

Lawyer, Advisor to Presidents, Champion of Civil Rights and Human Rights, Exemplar and True Believer.

Presented by Dr. Gardener Taylor, Pastor Emeritus, Concord Baptist Church of Christ, at the 92nd NAACP National Convention, New Orleans, LA. Presented by Earl G. Graves, Sr. Publisher, Founder/CEO, Black Enterprise Magazine, at the 93rd NAACP National Convention, Houston, TX.

87

July 1, 2002

John Lewis*

Public servant, protector of civil and human rights, community leader and inspirer of youth.

88

July 1, 2003

Constance Baker Motley*

Civil rights pioneer, jurist, public official; For her commitment and pursuit of justice for all Americans.

Presented by Derrick Bell, Esq. Visiting Professor, New York University Law School, at the 95th NAACP National Convention, Miami, FL.

Robert L. Carter*

Attorney, educator, federal judge and guardian of civil rights; For his extraordinary acheivement of winning twenty-one cases argued before the Supreme Court.

Presented by Peggy Cooper Davis, John S.R. Shad Professor of Law, New York University Law School, at the 95th Annual NAACP National Convention, Philadelphia, PA.

Oliver W. Hill

For his key role in the United States Supreme Court Case, Brown v. Board and his determined, quiet and persistent pursuit of justice.

Presented by Damon J. Keith, Senior Circuit Judge, 6th Circuit. U.S. Court of Appeals, Detroit, MI, at the 96th NAACP National Convention, Milwaukee, WI.

Benjamin S. Carson, Sr.

In tribute to a alifetime of growth and singular achievement, from the bottom of his fifth grade class, to become the youngest ever Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery in the United States.

Presented by Catherine B. Reynolds, Chairman and CEO, Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation, at the 97th NAACP National Convention, Milwaukee, WI.

89

90

91

July 15, 2004

July 14, 2005

July 20, 2006

AWARD YEAR 92

July 12, 2007

RECIPIENT

HONOR

PRESENTER

John Conyers, Jr.*

Guardian of civil rights and civil liberties, consummate legislator and public servant.

Presented by Professor Charles Ogletree, Jr., Harvard Law School, at the 98th NAACP National Convention, Detroit, MI. Presented by Leon Russell, 2008 Chairman of the Sppingarn Award Committee, at the DePalma Productions Studio, New Rochelle, NY.

2008

NO AWARD GIVEN

93

May 13, 2009

Ruby Dee*

A consummate actress whose career has spanned some six decades in the theater, films, television and radio.

94

July 16, 2009

Juliam Bond*

Educator, historian, poet, author, public servant. champion of Civil and Human Rights.

Presented by Taylor Branch, Historian and Author, at the 100th NAACP National Convention, New York, NY.

Cicely L. Tyson*

Versatile, dramatic actress of stage, film and television and most especially as a role model and her positive portrayal of African American women.

Presented by kerry Washington, Actress of stage, screen and television at the 101st NAACP National Convention, Kansas City, MO.

95

July 15, 2010

96

July 28, 2011

Frankie Muse Freeman*

Legal advocate, public servant, civil rights champion.

Presented by Ambassador Andrew Jackson Young, Founding Principal & Chairman, Good Works International, at the 102nd NAACP National Convention, Los Angeles, CA.

97

February 15, 2013

Harry Belafonte*

Superb vocalist, actor, director, produver, exemplar of civil rights and human rights.

Presented by Hon, Cory Booker, Mayor of the City of Newark, NJ at the NAACP National Convention, Los Angleles, CA.

Jessye Norman*

Opera and concert artist.

Presented by the Honorable John Lewis, U.S. Congressman, 5th District of Georgia and Dr. Silas Norman, Jr., Associate Dean for Admissions, Diversity & Inclusion, Wayne State University, at the 104th NAACP National Convention, Orlando, FL.

Quincy Jones

Musician, Composer, Producer, Arranger, Conductor, Entrepreneur and Humanitarian.

Presented by Roslyn M. Brock, Chairnman, NAACP National Board of Directors at the the 105th NAACP National Convention, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sidney Poitier*

Actor, film director author and diplomat.

Presented by Myrlie Evers-Williams, NAACP Chairman Emeritus and 83rd spingarn Medalist at Spago, Beverly Hills, CA.

Hon. Nathaniel R Jones*

Attorney, eminent federal judge, educator, author, public servant and internationally renowned guardian of civil and human rights.

Presented by Anthony Foxx, U.S. Secretary, Department of Transportation, at the 107th NAACP National Convention, Cincinnati, OH. Presented by the 42nd President of the United States, William “Bill” Clinton, at the 109th NAACP National Convention, San Antonio, TX.

98

99

100

101

July 17, 2013

July 23, 2014

September 24, 2015

July 20, 2016

103

July 18, 2018

Hon. Willie L. Brown, Jr.

Attorney, state assemblyman, speaker of the California Assembly, Mayor of San Fransico, public servant, author, newspaper columnist.

104

July 24, 2019

Patrick H. Gaspard

Diplomat, humanitarian, union executive, politicall strategist, working families advocate.

Presented by Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder, National Action Network, at the 110th NAACP National Convention, Detroit, MI.

105

March 23, 2021

Misty Copeland

Ballet dancer, author, humanitarian.

Presented by Susan Fales-Hill, television producer, at the virtual 52nd NAACP National Convention.

Dr. Cato T. Laurencin

Engineer, physician, scientist, professor.

Presented by The Hon. Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., President Emeritus, Morehouse School of Medicine, at the virtual 112th NAACP National Convention.

106

July 14, 2021

AWARD YEAR

RECIPIENT

HONOR

PRESENTER

107

July 29, 2022

James E. Clyburn

Majority Whip, third-ranking Democrat, U.S. House of Representatives, statesman, educator, civil and human rights activist.

Presented by Brenda C. Murphy, President, NAACP South Carolina State Conference, at the 113th NAACP National Coonvention, Atlantic City, NJ.

108

August 1, 2023

Dr. Hazel N. Dukes

NAACP National Board Member; NAACP NewYork State Conference President; civil and human rights activist.

Presented by the Hon. Hilary Rodham Clinton, 67th U.S. Secretary of State at the 114th NAACP National Convention, Boston, MA.

CHAIR, NAACP BOARD OF DIRECTORS When Joel E. Spingarn envisioned the award that would bear his name, he wanted to create a historical record of the achievements and accomplishments of “Negroes” in the United States. Although, at first glance, his goal may have appeared to be paternalistic, in realities, it was recognition that was absolutely necessary in the early twentieth century, because it highlighted people and accomplishments, that Jim Crow era America, denied, downplayed and outright ignored. The Spingarn Award has become the highest form of recognition a Black American can received. Today, as it was a hundred years ago, the nation is excited to learn who will be the recipient of the 109th Annual NAACP Spingarn Medal.

It is my heartfelt pleasure to extend the heartfelt congratulations of the NAACP National Board of Directors and our entire organization, to Henry Louis “Skip” Gates, Jr. for his lifetime of remarkable achievements as an historian, journalist, literary scholar, professor, filmmaker and vocal advocate for the social, educational and intellectual equality of Black Americans.

The Spingarn Medal recognizes Skip Gates as an educator, television and movie producer and brilliant documentarian of all of the kinds of achievement that the Spingarn seeks to exemplify. Although some may quibble with the individual details of a specific project, there can be no question that the work he does illuminates the work and history of African’s in America and provides the entire world with a window into those achievements and for many who would deny those achievements absolute documentation of the creativity and brilliance of the Community this Association has represented for the last 115 years and indeed to a people who have made significant contributions to the development of this nation since the first ships from Europe landed in what they called the “New World”.

We applaud Dr. Gates for his dedication, hard work, and the excellence that he has demonstrated with absolute brilliance, creativity, determination and passion.

Receiving an award is not just a moment of celebration, but also a reflection of the awardee’s commitment to their craft and their unwavering determination to reach their goals.

This 109th Spingarn Medalist continues the tradition of serving as a motivator and motivation for others to strive for even higher heights and to continue their efforts to positively the lives of African Americans. By doing so, he forces the entire nation and world to recognize the contributions made by the African American “BLACK” Community. The NAACP is absolutely delighted to recognize the life and work of Dr. Henry Louis “Skip” Gates.

Leon W. Russell, Chair 109th Spingarn Award Committee Chair, NAACP National Board of Directors

PRESIDENT & CEO, NAACP I am honored to recognize the NAACP’s 109th Spingarn Medalist, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Sentiments with respect to the tremendous contributions of Professor Gates to literature, documentary filmmaking, and to the history of our people as a whole, are those of highest distinction. His work has been groundbreaking and has earned numerous accolades over the years.

It is not only admired but also trusted; influencing a new sense of ancestral belonging, pride, and dignity in who we are as a people, our abundant and rich history, as well as why the work we currently do for a more just democracy is of the utmost importance. Professor Gates has been a valued and thought-provoking partner in our advocacy, and we have gleaned from his award-winning research and conclusions.

It is an immense pleasure to present the Association’s highest honor for outstanding achievement by an African American – to literary genius, one of America’s foremost authorities on our Black history, and a friend of the NAACP – Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Derrick Johnson President & CEO, NAACP

DR. HENRY L. GATES, JR. Literary Scholar, Professor, Historian, Filmmaker and Vocal Advocate for Social, Educational and Intellectual Equality for Black Americans.

July 17, 2024 | 109th Spingarn Medalist 115TH NAACP Convention | Las Vegas, NV

Henry Louis Gates Jr., born on September 16, 1950, is a distinguished American literary critic, professor, historian, and filmmaker. Currently serving as the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and the director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University, Gates has made significant contributions to the recognition and understanding of African American literature as an integral part of the Western canon.

Gates, a trustee of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, has unearthed the earliest known African American novels, showcasing his commitment to preserving and studying historical texts.

His extensive publications and scholarly work have played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of African American literature’s significance.

In addition to his academic achievements, Gates has made a lasting impact as the host of the PBS television series “Finding Your Roots” since 2012. This groundbreaking show combines expert research in genealogy, history, and genetics to unveil the ancestral histories of prominent American figures, contributing to a broader understanding of cultural heritage.

Born in Keyser, West Virginia, Gates’s early life, vividly portrayed in his memoir “Colored People” (1994), reflects his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazing intellectual.

After graduating summa cum laude from Yale University in 1973, Gates earned a Ph.D. in English literature from Clare College, Cambridge.

Gates’s academic career includes influential roles at Yale, Cornell, and Duke University before settling at Harvard in 1991. As the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor, he teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses and serves as the director of the Hutchins Center, contributing significantly to the study of Black culture.

His commitment to preserving African American history is evident in projects like the Black Periodical Literature Project and the acquisition of “The Image of the Black in Western Art.” Gates’s research as a MacArthur Fellow led to the discovery and authentication of groundbreaking novels like “Our Nig” and “The Bondwoman’s Narrative.”

Beyond academia, Gates has been a vocal advocate for social, educational, and intellectual equality for Black Americans. His role as the editor-in-chief of the “Oxford Dictionary of African American English” underscores his dedication to documenting and celebrating the linguistic contributions of historical and contemporary Black figures.

Gates’s involvement in television programs such as “African American Lives”, “Faces of America”, “Finding Your Roots” demonstrates his commitment to exploring diverse ancestries and histories.

His critically acclaimed PBS documentary series, “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross,” earned him the 2013 Peabody Award and a NAACP Image Award.

NAACP NATIONAL OFFICERS LEON W. RUSSELL Chair JANETTE MCCARTHY WALLACE

General Counsel/Secretary

KAREN BOYKIN-TOWNS Vice Chair

JESSE H. TURNER, JR. Treasurer

DERRICK JOHNSON President/CEO

ALPHONSO BRAGGS Assistant Secretary

YVONNE WHITE Assistant Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AKOSUA ALI ALAN LAZOWSKI ALEXIA DUKES (Y) ALICE HUFFMAN ALPHONSO BRAGGS ASHANTA GLEASON (Y) BETTY ANDREWS BISHOP DENNIS V. PROCTOR BISHOP MARVIN THOMAS, SR. CARMEN TAYLOR CHANNING HILL (Y) CLAUDE CUMMINGS DEMAR L. ROBERTS DR. ADORA OBI NWEZE DR. DWAYNE PROCTOR DR. HAZEL N. DUKES ELDER EDWARD DUBOSE FRANCESCA MITCHELL (Y) FREADA KAPOR KLEIN GARY BLEDSOE GEORGE GRESHAM

GEORGETTE DIXON GIA GREENIDGE (Y) GLORIA J. SWEET-LOVE JAMES GALLMAN JORDAN WALKER JOSEPH COTTON JESSE H. TURNER, JR. KAREN BOYKIN-TOWNS KATHERINE T. EGLAND KENYA COX KYRA MITCHELL (Y) LAJUANA BIVENS LEON W. RUSSELL MADIE ROBINSON MAUREEN DUNCAN MICHAEL A. CURRY MICHAEL MCCLANAHAN MICHAEL T. TURNER OPHELIA AVERITT PETER ROSE RABBI JONAH PESNER

CHAIR EMERITI

DIRECTORS EMERITI

MYRLIE EVERS-WILLIAMS H. JULIAN BOND* REV. DR. ROSLYN M. BROCK

DAISY BATES* DR. EUGENE T. REED*

RANDI WEINGARTEN RAOUL CUNNINGHAM RAYMOND CURRY REBECCA PRINGLE REV. DAVID WALKER REV. DR. AMOS C. BROWN REV. DR. GINA STEWART REV. DR. ROSLYN M. BROCK REV. DR. WENDELL ANTHONY REV. THERESA A. DEAR RICHARD T. SMITH RICK CALLENDER ROBIN WILLIAMS RONALD E. REYNOLDS SCOT X. ESDAILE STEVEN RICARD THOMAS L. KALAHAR TRACEY A. EDWARDS WANDRA ASHLEY-WILLIAMS WENDELL J. HARRIS, SR. YVONNE WHITE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR /CEO EMERITI BENJAMIN L. HOOKS*

BOARD MEMBER EMERITI *Deceased

WILLIAM LUCY, HON. FRED BANKS

OFFICERS DR. DWAYNE PROCTOR Chair

CELOIS STEELE Vice Chair

jJANETTE MCCARTHY WALLACE General Counsel/Secretary

THOMAS L. KALAHAR Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANGELA DORN ANTOINETTE BROCK JOHNSON BARBARA MARCIN BRITTNEY CALLOWAY CAROLE YOUNG CHRISTINA HOLLENBACK CHUKWUNDI ONIKE DONNELL WHITE DOUG THORNELL DR. GARTH GRAHAM DR. JOHN E. ARRADONDO ED FOSTER SIMEON

FEDRICK INGRAM JAMES HARRIS JANA HOLT JANICE BRYANT HOWROYD JOHN SPINNATO KENNETH E. DOBSON LACHANDRA WHITE LIVINGSTON ALBRITTEN, JR. LORI GEORGE MAYA J. BERMINGHAM NA ENG NATE MILES

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE LARCINE BLAND LAURA BLACKBURNE DR. MARCELLA MAXWELL, ED.D* MYRLIE EVERS-WILLIAMS PATRICK GASTON

*Deceased

NICHOLAS WIGGINS OTHO E. KERR PAMELA ALEXANDER RAQUEL BONE REV. KEITH NORMAN SARITA JAMES SHAZZIA KHAN TANYA LEAH LOMBARD TONYA VEASEY YOLANDA EGLAND WILSON YUSUF GEORGE ZAFAR BROOKS ZEPHANII SMITH EISENSTAT

NAACP — We’re proud to support you Bank of America is proud to partner with and support the NAACP. Visit us at bankofamerica.com/about

©2023 Bank of America Corporation | ENT-297-AD

Connecting people and possibilities.

At FedEx, we strive to be as diverse as the world we serve. After all, our business is all about connecting people, places, and cultures. That’s why we encourage diversity within our organization and celebrate it in communities around the world.

We are proud to support the 2024 NAACP Spingarn Awards and National Conference.

We also would like to congradulate Henry Louis Gates Jr. as the 2024 Spingarn Award Recipient

©2024 FedEx. All rights reserved.

Great public schools are places where students feel safe, have a sense of belonging, and can receive an education that prepares them for the real world. Great public schools are places where parents and educators work together so each student has the support and opportunity they deserve to thrive and pursue their dreams. That is why we ask you to join the NEA as we demand an inclusive, culturally responsive public education system in which every student and educator is treated with dignity and respect, no exceptions, through our Demand the Freedom to Learn Pledge.

BECKY PRINGLE, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the landmark decision of Brown v. Board of Education.

Following the decision of Brown v. Board of Education, vouchers were created and used by school districts to enable white students to attend private schools, which could (and still can) limit admission based on race. As a result, the schools that served those white students were closed, and schools that served Black students remained chronically underfunded— rooted inherently in segregation, racism, and enforced patterns of discrimination.

NEA continues to fight for adequate and equitable school funding, so that all students, of every race and every place, have the funding they need to learn without limits. If we’re serious about doing what’s right for every child’s future, let’s do what works: Support public schools by electing pro-public education candidates in Election 2024.

Promote, Protect, and Strengthen Public Education

NOW, THE WORLD IS YOURS.

At Nissan, we believe diversity and inclusion strengthens us as individuals and as a company, creating powerful opportunities for innovation, excellence and growth. The Congressional Black Caucus Institute shares this priority, which is why we are proud sponsors of the 115th NAACP National Convention.

Please drive responsibly. Always wear your seat belt, and please don’t drink and drive. ©2024 Nissan North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Communications Workers of America congratulate Springarn Medal Recipient Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. Dr. Gates' scholarship has enriched our understanding of our diverse literary heritage and his explorations of genealogy and cultural identity have highlighted the ways in which we are connected to one another.

Claude Cummings Jr. President Ameenah Salaam Secretary-Treasurer

THE 109TH SPINGARN AWARD

Spingarn Freedom Fund awards Gala THANK YOU! WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024, 7PM 115TH NAACP NATIONAL CONVENTION | LAS VEGAS, NV