The Spingarn Medal is the highest honor awarded by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for outstanding achievement by an African American. It was established in 1914 by Joel Elias Spingarn, a white Jewish professor, and author who was also a leader in the NAACP.

The Spingarn Medal was initially created to honor African Americans who made significant contributions to the fields of literature, music, arts, science, and medicine. Over the years, the scope of the award has expanded to recognize accomplishments in various fields, including civil rights activism, education, business, and public service.

Some notable recipients of the Spingarn Medal include distinguished individuals such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Sidney Poitier, and Muhammad Ali. The medal is awarded annually and continues to serve as a prestigious recognition of excellence and achievement within the African American community.