Patrick Gaspard
NAACP
BALTIMORE – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People (NAACP), the nation’s foremost civil rights organization, has
announced that Ambassador Patrick Gaspard will be awarded the
prestigious Spingarn Medal during the NAACP’s 110th Annual Convention taking place in Detroit, Michigan on July 24.
The award recognizes Gaspard’s’ lifelong commitment to equality and
civil rights. Gaspard, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo,
moved with his parents to the United States when he was three years old.
He served as political director for President Barack Obama in the White
House and as the Executive Director of the Democratic National
Committee, overseeing the party committee's efforts to re-elect
President Obama. In 2013, President Obama nominated Gaspard to the post
of United States ambassador to South Africa. He worked to strengthen
civil society and worked in partnership with the South African
government to develop the country’s healthcare infrastructure and to
support innovations in local governance. He also worked to connect South
African entrepreneurs to United States markets; develop clean,
renewable, and efficient energy technologies; and to end wildlife
trafficking.
“Patrick Gaspard is a global champion for civil and human rights. His
contributions to campaigns to end police brutality, improve access to
affordable health care, and increase dignity for working families is
unparalleled,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. For over
100 years, we have honored leaders who have served as pillars in the
fight for justice and this year’s selection of the Patrick Gaspard is no
exception.”
“The NAACP has been a beacon and an inspiration to me my entire life;
Its leaders blazed the trails we now walk, and helped make my career,
and the careers of countless other organizers and activists, possible,”
said Gaspard. “The previous recipients of this incredible honor are
among my greatest heroes, who showed us what dedication and the courage
of our convictions could achieve. To be in their company is beyond
humbling. I am enormously grateful for this recognition, and will do all
that I can to try, now and in the years to come, to live up to its
promise.”
“Ambassador Gaspard’s service within the Labor Movement as well as
his tenure as a member of the Obama administration has always inured to
the benefit of all Americans,” said Leon W. Russell, NAACP Chairman,
National Board of Directors. “His service in the diplomatic corps as
Ambassador to South Africa during a challenging period of that nation’s
development was stellar.”
The NAACP Spingarn award was established in 1914 by the late Joel E.
Spingarn then Chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors. It was given
annually until his death in 1939. The medal is awarded “for the highest
or noblest achievement by a living African American during the preceding
year or years.” A fund to continue the award was set up by his will,
thus, the NAACP has continued to present this award. Previous recipients
of this award include: Mrs. Daisy Bates (Little Rock Nine), Jesse L.
Jackson, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Earl G. Graves Sr., Oprah Winfrey,
Cecily Tyson, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier and the Honorable
Nathaniel Jones. Tickets to the Spingarn Dinner can be purchased on the
NAACP Convention website here.
ABOUT NAACP 110TH CONVENTION:
Other highlights will include a Presidential Candidates Forum, a
legislative session, a CEO Roundtable, LGBTQ workshop plus the highly
anticipated NAACP Experience retail expo and diversity career fair.
More information about the 110th Annual NAACP National Convention, including a detailed schedule of events may be found by visiting naacpconvention.org. Media interested in covering the event should apply for press credentials here.
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Founded
in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil
rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the
world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities.
You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer”
issue areas here.
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