Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Call Receiving Upcoming President’s Award at NAACP Image Awards a ‘True Honor’
Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle were just announced as recipients of the President’s Award, which they will be given at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are being honored in recognition of notable achievements and distinguished public service, and will appear at the awards ceremony on Feb. 26.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle join an impressive roster of honorees
The NAACP made the announcement on Feb. 24, and released a statement praising the Royal couple for their humanitarian endeavors.
“We’re thrilled to present this award to Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who together have heeded the call to social justice and have joined the struggle for equity both in the U.S. and around the world,” NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson said in the statement. “Not only do they continue to lead by example, The Duke and Duchess have also decided to inspire the next generation of activists through the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, ensuring the support and recognition of generations of civil rights leaders to come.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex follow a noteworthy list of previous honorees including Muhammad Ali, Colin Powel, Condoleezza Rice, and LeBron James.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex share their gratitude for the recognition
The Royal couple released a statement of their own and expressed their appreciation for being named for such a prestigious award.
“It’s a true honor to be recognized by President Derrick Johnson and the NAACP, whose efforts to propel racial justice and civil rights are as vital today as they were nearly 115 years ago,” the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said.
The organization is also presenting the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, which is supported by the couple’s nonprofit, Archewell Foundation. The award recognizes those who work toward growth within social justice and technology with the mission of advancing civil and human rights. Dr. Safiya Noble, an internet studies scholar and professor of Gender Studies and African American Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, is the recipient of this year’s award.
“We’re proud to support the NAACP’s work and to also partner with the organization on the newly created annual NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, which will be bestowed to Dr. Safiya Noble as part of the 53rd NAACP Image Awards,” Harry and Meghan stated.
How to watch the NAACP Image Awards
The 53rd NAACP Image Awards features appearances by Tiffany Haddish, Kerry Washington, LL Cool J, Samuel L. Jackson, and more. Mary J. Blige will also be performing. The awards ceremony marks the first Hollywood appearance by the royal couple. The broadcast airs live on Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. ET on BET.
