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Former US Vice President Kamala Harris received the NAACP Chairman’s Award on February 22, 2025. She reflected on the organization's work to support the Black community in her acceptance speech.
She shared that the human rights group's work motivated her to join the public service. Harris is also a lifetime member of the organization. Showing gratitude, she said:
“To receive this award has very special meaning for me. As everyone here may know, I grew up inspired by the work of NAACP, inspired by all those who took up the fight for justice for equality and opportunity. Their example is part of the reason I chose a life of public service, seeking to always live by the words of a distinguished NAACP founder, W. E. B. Du Bois.”
The organization was formed on February 12, 1909. In 1908, a violent race riot in Springfield became the catalyst for its formation. At that time racial violence and lynchings were widespread, but this event pushed a group of white activists, including Mary White Ovington and Oswald Garrison Villard, to take action.
According to Variety, the Chairman’s Award recognizes individuals who contributed to public service and used their influence to bring change. Kamala Harris had previously served as California’s Attorney General and a U.S. Senator.
She then became the first woman, Black American, and South Asian American to hold the position of Vice President alongside President Joe Biden.
As per ABC News, Leon W. Russell, who chaired the NAACP’s national board of directors, described Kamala Harris as a powerful advocate for change. He stated that the event would honor her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and improving society.
Kamala Harris reflected on NAACP founder W. E. B. Du Bois’ ideals
Speaking about the ideals of W. E. B. Du Bois, Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of acting in the present rather than waiting for the future. She reflected on the NAACP’s origins, noting that it was founded during a deep division, marked by greed and hatred.
Despite the challenges, Kamala Harris said those who established and continued the organization’s work understood the difficulties ahead and remained steadfast in their mission. She left an inspiring message for the audience saying:
“We use our power, we organise, mobilise, we educate and we advocate because you see our power has never come from having an easy path. Our strength flows from our faith, faith in God, faith in each other and our refusal to surrender to cynicism and destruction, not because it is easy but because it is necessary.”
She continued:
“Not because victory is guaranteed but because the fight is worth it and while we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter, in our American story.”
The American story, according to Kamala Harris, will be written by the people. Since its emergence, the NAACP has sought to protect the rights promised by the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, ensuring equality and ending racial discrimination.
The national office opened in New York City in 1910, led by president Moorfield Storey. Though the organization embraced multiracial membership, Du Bois was the only Black executive then. He played a key role in launching The Crisis, the NAACP’s publication.
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