SettingsSpingarn Medal winners
A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr.
Aloyisus Leon Higginbotham, Jr. was a prominent African American civil rights advocate, author, and federal appeals court judge.
Aloyisus Leon Higginbotham, Jr. was a prominent African American civil rights advocate, author, and federal appeals court judge.
A. Philip Randolph
Asa Philip Randolph was a leader in the African American civil-rights movement and the American labor movement.
Asa Philip Randolph was a leader in the African American civil-rights movement and the American labor movement.
Alvin Ailey
Alvin Ailey, Jr. was an American choreographer and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York.
Alvin Ailey, Jr. was an American choreographer and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York.
Andrew Young
Andrew Jackson Young is an American politician, diplomat, activist and pastor from Georgia.
Andrew Jackson Young is an American politician, diplomat, activist and pastor from Georgia.
Anthony Overton
Anthony Overton (March 21, 1865-July 2, 1946), a banker and manufacturer, was the first African-American to lead a major business conglomerate.
Anthony Overton (March 21, 1865-July 2, 1946), a banker and manufacturer, was the first African-American to lead a major business conglomerate.
Archibald Grimké
Archibald Henry Grimké was an American lawyer, intellectual, journalist, diplomat and community leader in the 19th and early 20th century.
Archibald Henry Grimké was an American lawyer, intellectual, journalist, diplomat and community leader in the 19th and early 20th century.
Barbara Jordan
Barbara Charline Jordan was an American politician and a leader of the Civil Rights movement.
Barbara Charline Jordan was an American politician and a leader of the Civil Rights movement.
Ben Carson
Benjamin Solomon "Ben" Carson, Sr., is an American neurosurgeon and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Benjamin Solomon "Ben" Carson, Sr., is an American neurosurgeon and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Benjamin Hooks
Benjamin Lawson Hooks was an American civil rights leader.
Benjamin Lawson Hooks was an American civil rights leader.
Benjamin Mays
Benjamin Elijah Mays was an American minister, educator, scholar, social activist and the president of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia from 1940 to 1967.
Benjamin Elijah Mays was an American minister, educator, scholar, social activist and the president of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia from 1940 to 1967.
Bill Cosby
William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist.
William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist.
Carl J. Murphy
Carl Murphy (January 17, 1889, Baltimore, Maryland – February 25, 1967) was an African-American Journalist, publisher, civil rights leader, and educator.
Carl Murphy (January 17, 1889, Baltimore, Maryland – February 25, 1967) was an African-American Journalist, publisher, civil rights leader, and educator.
Carter G. Woodson
Carter Godwin Woodson (December 19, 1875 April 3, 1950) was an African-American historian, author, journalist and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Carter Godwin Woodson (December 19, 1875 April 3, 1950) was an African-American historian, author, journalist and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Channing Heggie Tobias
Channing Heggie Tobias (February 1, 1882 in Augusta, Georgia – November 5, 1961 in Manhattan, NY) was a civil rights activist and Spingarn Medalist.
Channing Heggie Tobias (February 1, 1882 in Augusta, Georgia – November 5, 1961 in Manhattan, NY) was a civil rights activist and Spingarn Medalist.
Charles Hamilton Houston
Charles Hamilton Houston (September 3, 1895 – April 22, 1950) was a prominent African American lawyer, Dean of Howard University Law School, and NAACP Litigation Director who played a significan...
Charles Hamilton Houston (September 3, 1895 – April 22, 1950) was a prominent African American lawyer, Dean of Howard University Law School, and NAACP Litigation Director who played a significan...
Charles Sidney Gilpin
Charles Sidney Gilpin became one of the most highly regarded actors of the 1920s.
Charles Sidney Gilpin became one of the most highly regarded actors of the 1920s.
Charles W. Chesnutt
Charles Waddell Chesnutt was an American author, essayist, political activist and lawyer, best known for his novels and short stories exploring complex issues of racial and social identity in th...
Charles Waddell Chesnutt was an American author, essayist, political activist and lawyer, best known for his novels and short stories exploring complex issues of racial and social identity in th...
Charles Young (United States Army)
Charles Young (March 12, 1864 - January 8, 1922) was the third African American graduate of West Point, the first black U.S. national park superintendent, first black military attaché, first bla...
Charles Young (March 12, 1864 - January 8, 1922) was the third African American graduate of West Point, the first black U.S. national park superintendent, first black military attaché, first bla...
Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr.
Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. was a civil rights activist and was the chief lobbyist for the NAACP for nearly 30 years.
Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. was a civil rights activist and was the chief lobbyist for the NAACP for nearly 30 years.
Coleman Young
Coleman Alexander Young (May 24, 1918 – November 29, 1997) served as mayor of Detroit in the U.S. state of Michigan from 1974 to 1993.
Coleman Alexander Young (May 24, 1918 – November 29, 1997) served as mayor of Detroit in the U.S. state of Michigan from 1974 to 1993.
Colin Powell
Colin Luther Powell is an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army.
Colin Luther Powell is an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army.
Constance Baker Motley
Constance Baker Motley (September 14, 1921 – September 28, 2005) was an African American civil rights activist, lawyer, judge, state senator, and President of Manhattan, New York City.
Constance Baker Motley (September 14, 1921 – September 28, 2005) was an African American civil rights activist, lawyer, judge, state senator, and President of Manhattan, New York City.
Daisy Bates (civil rights activist)
Daisy Lee Gatson Bates (November 11, 1914 – November 4, 1999) was an American civil rights activist, publisher, and writer who played a leading role in the Little Rock Integration Crisis of 1957.
Daisy Lee Gatson Bates (November 11, 1914 – November 4, 1999) was an American civil rights activist, publisher, and writer who played a leading role in the Little Rock Integration Crisis of 1957.
Damon Keith
Damon Jerome Keith (born July 4, 1922) is a Senior Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Damon Jerome Keith (born July 4, 1922) is a Senior Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Dorothy Height
Dorothy Irene Height (March 24, 1912 – April 20, 2010) was an American administrator, educator, and social activist.
Dorothy Irene Height (March 24, 1912 – April 20, 2010) was an American administrator, educator, and social activist.
Douglas Wilder
Lawrence Douglas Wilder is an American politician, the first African American to be elected as governor of Virginia, and the first to serve as governor of a U.S. state.
Lawrence Douglas Wilder is an American politician, the first African American to be elected as governor of Virginia, and the first to serve as governor of a U.S. state.
Duke Ellington
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and big-band leader.
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and big-band leader.
Earl G. Graves, Sr.
Earl Gilbert Graves, Sr. is an American entrepreneur, publisher, businessman, and philanthropist.
Earl Gilbert Graves, Sr. is an American entrepreneur, publisher, businessman, and philanthropist.
Edward Brooke
Edward William Brooke, III (born October 26, 1919) is an American politician and was elected to the United States Senate as a Republican from Massachusetts in 1966, defeating his Democratic oppo...
Edward William Brooke, III (born October 26, 1919) is an American politician and was elected to the United States Senate as a Republican from Massachusetts in 1966, defeating his Democratic oppo...
Ernest Everett Just
Ernest Everett Just was a pioneering African American biologist, academic and science writer.
Ernest Everett Just was a pioneering African American biologist, academic and science writer.
Frederick D. Patterson
Frederick Douglass Patterson, born in Washington D.C. and orphaned at the age of two.
Frederick Douglass Patterson, born in Washington D.C. and orphaned at the age of two.
George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver, was an American scientist, botanist, educator, and inventor.
George Washington Carver, was an American scientist, botanist, educator, and inventor.
Gordon Parks
Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks (November 30, 1912 – March 7, 2006) was a groundbreaking American photographer, musician, poet, novelist, journalist, activist and film director.
Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks (November 30, 1912 – March 7, 2006) was a groundbreaking American photographer, musician, poet, novelist, journalist, activist and film director.
Hank Aaron
Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron, nicknamed "Hammer," or "Hammerin' Hank," is a retired American baseball right fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1954 through 1976.
Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron, nicknamed "Hammer," or "Hammerin' Hank," is a retired American baseball right fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1954 through 1976.
Harry Burleigh
Henry "Harry" Thacker Burleigh (December 2, 1866 – December 12, 1949), a baritone, was an African American classical composer, arranger, and professional singer.
Henry "Harry" Thacker Burleigh (December 2, 1866 – December 12, 1949), a baritone, was an African American classical composer, arranger, and professional singer.
Harry T. Moore
Harry Tyson Moore was an African-American teacher, and founder of the first branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in Brevard County, Florida.
Harry Tyson Moore was an African-American teacher, and founder of the first branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in Brevard County, Florida.
Henry A. Hunt
Henry Alexander Hunt (1866 - 1938) was an African-American educator who led efforts to reach blacks in rural areas of Georgia.
Henry Alexander Hunt (1866 - 1938) was an African-American educator who led efforts to reach blacks in rural areas of Georgia.
Jackie Robinson
Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was an American baseball player who became the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era.
Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was an American baseball player who became the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era.
Jacob Lawrence
Jacob Lawrence was an American painter; he was married to fellow artist Gwendolyn Knight.
Jacob Lawrence was an American painter; he was married to fellow artist Gwendolyn Knight.
James Weldon Johnson
James Weldon Johnson was an American author, politician, diplomat, critic, journalist, poet, anthologist, educator, lawyer, songwriter, and early civil rights activist.
James Weldon Johnson was an American author, politician, diplomat, critic, journalist, poet, anthologist, educator, lawyer, songwriter, and early civil rights activist.
Jesse Jackson
Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. is an African-American civil rights activist and Baptist minister.
Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. is an African-American civil rights activist and Baptist minister.
John Conyers
John Conyers, Jr. (born May 16, 1929) is the U.S. Representative for, serving since 1965 (the district was numbered as the 1st District until 1993).
John Conyers, Jr. (born May 16, 1929) is the U.S. Representative for, serving since 1965 (the district was numbered as the 1st District until 1993).
John Hope (educator)
John Hope (June 2, 1868 – February 20, 1936), born in Augusta, Georgia, was an African-American educator and political activist.
John Hope (June 2, 1868 – February 20, 1936), born in Augusta, Georgia, was an African-American educator and political activist.
John Hope Franklin
John Hope Franklin was a United States historian and past president of Phi Beta Kappa, the Organization of American Historians, the American Historical Association, and the Southern Historical A...
John Hope Franklin was a United States historian and past president of Phi Beta Kappa, the Organization of American Historians, the American Historical Association, and the Southern Historical A...
Julian Bond
Horace Julian Bond, known as Julian Bond, is an American social activist and leader in the American civil rights movement, politician, professor, and writer.
Horace Julian Bond, known as Julian Bond, is an American social activist and leader in the American civil rights movement, politician, professor, and writer.
Kenneth and Mamie Clark
Kenneth Bancroft Clark and Mamie Phipps Clark were African-American psychologists who as a married team conducted important research among children and were active in the Civil Rights Movement.
Kenneth Bancroft Clark and Mamie Phipps Clark were African-American psychologists who as a married team conducted important research among children and were active in the Civil Rights Movement.
Langston Hughes
James Mercer Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist.
James Mercer Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist.
Lena Horne
Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was an American singer, actress, civil rights activist and dancer.
Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was an American singer, actress, civil rights activist and dancer.
Leon Sullivan
Leon Howard Sullivan was a Baptist minister, a civil rights leader and social activist focusing on the creation of job training opportunities for African-Americans, a longtime General Motors Boa...
Leon Howard Sullivan was a Baptist minister, a civil rights leader and social activist focusing on the creation of job training opportunities for African-Americans, a longtime General Motors Boa...
Louis T. Wright
Louis Tompkins Wright (1891–1952) was an American surgeon noted for his work in Harlem.
Louis Tompkins Wright (1891–1952) was an American surgeon noted for his work in Harlem.
Mabel Keaton Staupers
Mabel Keaton Staupers (February 27, 1890 - November 29, 1989) was a pioneer in the American nursing profession.
Mabel Keaton Staupers (February 27, 1890 - November 29, 1989) was a pioneer in the American nursing profession.
Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson was an African-American contralto and one of the most celebrated singers of the twentieth century.
Marian Anderson was an African-American contralto and one of the most celebrated singers of the twentieth century.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.
Mary Burnett Talbert
Mary Burnett Talbert (September 17, 1866 – October 15, 1923) was an American orator, activist, suffragist and reformer.
Mary Burnett Talbert (September 17, 1866 – October 15, 1923) was an American orator, activist, suffragist and reformer.
Mary McLeod Bethune
Mary Jane McLeod Bethune was an American educator and civil rights leader best known for starting a school for African American students in Daytona Beach, Florida, that eventually became Bethune...
Mary Jane McLeod Bethune was an American educator and civil rights leader best known for starting a school for African American students in Daytona Beach, Florida, that eventually became Bethune...
Max Yergan
Max Yergan (1892 in Raleigh, North Carolina – 1975) was an African American activist notable for being a Baptist missionary for the YMCA, then a Communist working with Paul Robeson, and finally ...
Max Yergan (1892 in Raleigh, North Carolina – 1975) was an African American activist notable for being a Baptist missionary for the YMCA, then a Communist working with Paul Robeson, and finally ...
Medgar Evers
Medgar Wiley Evers was an African American civil rights activist from Mississippi involved in efforts to overturn segregation at the University of Mississippi.
Medgar Wiley Evers was an African American civil rights activist from Mississippi involved in efforts to overturn segregation at the University of Mississippi.
Mordecai Wyatt Johnson
Mordecai Wyatt Johnson (January 4, 1890 – September 10, 1976) was an American educator.
Mordecai Wyatt Johnson (January 4, 1890 – September 10, 1976) was an American educator.
Myrlie Evers-Williams
Myrlie Evers-Williams (March 17, 1933- ) is a civil rights activist and journalist who worked tirelessly to seek justice for the murder of her well-known civil rights activist husband Medgar Eve...
Myrlie Evers-Williams (March 17, 1933- ) is a civil rights activist and journalist who worked tirelessly to seek justice for the murder of her well-known civil rights activist husband Medgar Eve...
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is an American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist.
Oprah Winfrey is an American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist.
Paul Robeson
Paul Leroy Robeson was an American singer and actor who was an advocate for the Civil Rights Movement.
Paul Leroy Robeson was an American singer and actor who was an advocate for the Civil Rights Movement.
Percy Lavon Julian
Percy Lavonn Julian was an African American research chemist and a pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants.
Percy Lavonn Julian was an African American research chemist and a pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants.
Percy Sutton
Percy Ellis Sutton (November 24, 1920 – December 26, 2009) was a prominent black American political and business leader.
Percy Ellis Sutton (November 24, 1920 – December 26, 2009) was a prominent black American political and business leader.
Ralph Bunche
Ralph Bunche (; August 7, 1903 (disputed) or 1904December 9, 1971) was an American political scientist and diplomat who received the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize for his late 1940s mediation in Palestine.
Ralph Bunche (; August 7, 1903 (disputed) or 1904December 9, 1971) was an American political scientist and diplomat who received the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize for his late 1940s mediation in Palestine.
Rayford Logan
Rayford Whittingham Logan (January 7, 1897 – November 4, 1982) was an African-American historian and Pan-African activist.
Rayford Whittingham Logan (January 7, 1897 – November 4, 1982) was an African-American historian and Pan-African activist.
Richard Berry Harrison
Richard Berry Harrison was a renowned actor, teacher, dramatic reader and lecturer.
Richard Berry Harrison was a renowned actor, teacher, dramatic reader and lecturer.
Richard Wright (author)
Richard Nathaniel Wright was an African-American author of sometimes controversial novels, short stories, poems, and non-fiction.
Richard Nathaniel Wright was an African-American author of sometimes controversial novels, short stories, poems, and non-fiction.
Robert C. Weaver
Robert Clifton Weaver (December 29, 1907 – July 17, 1997) served as the first United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (also known as HUD) from 1966 to 1968.
Robert Clifton Weaver (December 29, 1907 – July 17, 1997) served as the first United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (also known as HUD) from 1966 to 1968.
Robert L. Carter
Robert Lee Carter (March 11, 1917 – January 3, 2012) was an American civil rights activist and a United States District Judge.
Robert Lee Carter (March 11, 1917 – January 3, 2012) was an American civil rights activist and a United States District Judge.
Roland Hayes
Roland Hayes (June 3, 1887 – January 1, 1977) was a lyric tenor and is considered the first African American male concert artist to receive wide international acclaim as well as at home.
Roland Hayes (June 3, 1887 – January 1, 1977) was a lyric tenor and is considered the first African American male concert artist to receive wide international acclaim as well as at home.
Rosa Parks
Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was an African-American civil rights activist, whom the U.S. Congress called "the first lady of civil rights", and "the mother of the freedom movement".
Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was an African-American civil rights activist, whom the U.S. Congress called "the first lady of civil rights", and "the mother of the freedom movement".
Roy Wilkins
Roy Wilkins was a prominent civil rights activist in the United States from the 1930s to the 1970s.
Roy Wilkins was a prominent civil rights activist in the United States from the 1930s to the 1970s.
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Samuel George "Sammy" Davis Jr. was an American entertainer and was also known for his impersonations of actors and other celebrities.
Samuel George "Sammy" Davis Jr. was an American entertainer and was also known for his impersonations of actors and other celebrities.
Theodore K. Lawless
Theodore K. Lawless (1892–1971) was an American dermatologist, medical researcher, and philanthropist.
Theodore K. Lawless (1892–1971) was an American dermatologist, medical researcher, and philanthropist.
Thurgood Marshall
Thurgood Marshall was an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, serving from October 1967 until October 1991.
Thurgood Marshall was an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, serving from October 1967 until October 1991.
Tom Bradley (American politician)
Thomas J. "Tom" Bradley was the 38th Mayor of Los Angeles, California, serving in that office from 1973 to 1993.
Thomas J. "Tom" Bradley was the 38th Mayor of Los Angeles, California, serving in that office from 1973 to 1993.
Tom Bradley (politician)
Thomas J. "Tom" Bradley (December 29, 1917 – September 29, 1998) was the 38th Mayor of Los Angeles, California, serving in that office from 1973 to 1993.
Thomas J. "Tom" Bradley (December 29, 1917 – September 29, 1998) was the 38th Mayor of Los Angeles, California, serving in that office from 1973 to 1993.
Vernon Jordan
Vernon Eulion Jordan, Jr. is an African-American lawyer, business executive and civil rights activist in the United States.
Vernon Eulion Jordan, Jr. is an African-American lawyer, business executive and civil rights activist in the United States.
W. E. B. Du Bois
William Edward Burghardt "W. E. B." Du Bois was an American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author and editor.
William Edward Burghardt "W. E. B." Du Bois was an American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author and editor.
Walter Francis White
Walter Francis White was a civil rights activist who led the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for almost a quarter of a century and directed a broad program of legal ch...
Walter Francis White was a civil rights activist who led the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for almost a quarter of a century and directed a broad program of legal ch...
William H. Hastie
William Henry Hastie, Jr. (November 17, 1904 – April 14, 1976) was an American, lawyer, judge, educator, public official, and advocate for the civil rights of African Americans.
William Henry Hastie, Jr. (November 17, 1904 – April 14, 1976) was an American, lawyer, judge, educator, public official, and advocate for the civil rights of African Americans.
William Stanley Braithwaite
William Stanley Beaumont Braithwaite was an American writer, poet and literary critic.
William Stanley Beaumont Braithwaite was an American writer, poet and literary critic.
William T. B. Williams
William Taylor Burwell Williams was Dean of Tuskegee Institute, taught at Hampton Institute, and was two-time president of the National Association of Teachers in Colored Schools (later renamed ...
William Taylor Burwell Williams was Dean of Tuskegee Institute, taught at Hampton Institute, and was two-time president of the National Association of Teachers in Colored Schools (later renamed ...
Wilson Riles
Wilson Camanza Riles was an American educator and politician from California.
Wilson Camanza Riles was an American educator and politician from California.