The Spingarn Medal is awarded annually by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to recognize outstanding achievement by an African American. It was established in 1914 by Joel Elias Spingarn, a white Jewish professor, and NAACP board member. The medal was created to encourage and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans in various fields, including the arts, sciences, athletics, and civil rights activism.

Over the years, the Spingarn Medal has been awarded to a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions to society, including civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and W.E.B. Du Bois, as well as artists like Duke Ellington, Maya Angelou, and Oprah Winfrey. The medal continues to be an important symbol of recognition and honor within the Black community, highlighting the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history.