The Spingarn Medal is awarded annually by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for outstanding achievements by an African American individual. It was established in 1914 by Joel Elias Spingarn, a white professor, and literary critic, who served as the head of the NAACP. The medal recognizes excellence in various fields such as literature, music, civil rights, education, and other areas that benefit the African American community.

The Spingarn Medal has been awarded to notable figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, and Thurgood Marshall, among others. It is one of the most prestigious awards for African Americans and serves to highlight the contributions and accomplishments of individuals who have made a significant impact on society.