NAACP Honors Vice President Kamala Harris with Spingarn Medal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, [email protected]

LOS ANGELES - Last night, the NAACP awarded history-making leader and steadfast champion for democracy, Vice President Kamala D. Harris, the 2025 Spingarn medal - the Association's highest honor. The Spingarn Award dinner took place in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday, September 30. The Medal was presented to Vice President Harris by NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Leon W. Russell during the dinner.

"It is a true privilege to recognize Vice President Kamala Harris as this year's Spingarn Medal recipient," said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. "Her trailblazing leadership and unwavering commitment to justice embody the very essence of this honor. As the first woman and the first Black American to serve as Vice President, her legacy of breaking barriers and championing equity will inspire generations to come."

The NAACP Spingarn Medal honors the highest achievement by a living African American in any honorable field. Kamala D. Harris, who served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025, began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office before being elected District Attorney of San Francisco and later Attorney General of California. Throughout her trailblazing career, she has defended the Affordable Care Act, championed marriage equality, advanced civil, immigrant, and voting rights, and strengthened global alliances - among a multitude of defining achievements.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Spingarn Medal - an award whose legacy reflects the brilliance, sacrifice, and determination of generations who paved the way for progress," said Kamala D. Harris, 49th Vice President of the United States. "To be counted among its recipients is profoundly inspiring. That it comes from the NAACP, one of our nation's oldest and greatest champions of freedom and equality, makes this honor all the more meaningful."

Vice President Kamala Harris now joins the distinguished list of previous Spingarn medal recipients, including remarkable figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and W.E.B. Du Bois. The NAACP honors her steadfast and unwavering dedication to the progress of Black America. In the proud tradition of the Spingarn Medal, we recognize her extraordinary contributions to justice, equity, and public service.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.