The Spingarn Medal is the highest honor awarded by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). It was established in 1914 by Joel Elias Spingarn, a white Jewish professor and NAACP board member. The award is given annually to recognize outstanding achievements by African Americans in various fields, including arts, science, sports, and civil rights.

Over the years, the Spingarn Medal has been awarded to prominent individuals such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Oprah Winfrey. The award serves as a symbol of recognition and celebration of the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans to society.

The Spingarn Medal is an important part of Black history as it highlights the exceptional achievements and resilience of African Americans in the face of systemic racism and discrimination. It continues to be a prestigious award that honors those who have made significant impacts in their respective fields and inspires future generations to strive for excellence.