Harry and Meghan pay tribute to the people of Ukraine as they accept NAACP award

Prince Harry and Meghan Markel paid tribute to the people of Ukraine as they accepted the President’s Award at the NAACP Image Awards. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared on stage at the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday to accept the award in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. 

As they accepted the award for their work helping a Texas women’s shelter, promoting vaccine equity and creating community relief centers, Harry first wanted to address the conflict in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion this week. 

‘We would like to acknowledge the people of Ukraine, who urgently need our continued support as a global community,’ he said. 

The Duke added that he was grateful for being honored by the NAACP and that he and his wife were meant to be together to help others despite their own differences. 

‘I think it’s safe to say that I come from a very different background from my incredible wife, yet our lives were brought together for a reason. We share a commitment to a life of service, a responsibility to combat injustice and a belief that the most often overlooked are the most important to listen to.’ 

Throughout the pandemic, the couple’s Archewell Foundation has taken on many endeavors, including the promotion of COVID-19 vaccine equity and support for the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice. 

‘I couldn’t be prouder that we’re doing this work together,’ Meghan said.

‘We moved to California, my home state, shortly before the murder of George Floyd. For Black America, those nine minutes and 29 seconds transcended time, invoking centuries of our unhealed wounds. 

In the months that followed, as my husband and I spoke with the civil rights community, we committed ourselves and our organization, Archewell, to illuminating those who are advancing racial justice and progress.’ 

Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, said in a statement that it was a thrill to honor Harry and Meghan for their work to support ‘equity both in the US and around the world.’ 

‘Not only do they continue to lead by example, The Duke and Duchess have also decided to inspire the next generation of activists through the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, ensuring the support and recognition of generations of civil rights leaders to come,’ Johnson said.