- Harry and Meghan celebrate digital civil rights
- The royal couple honor Dr. Mary Anne Franks
- New chapter for Archewell Philanthropies
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines over the weekend with a joint video presentation at the prestigious 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles. The couple took the opportunity to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, which they launched to honor individuals who champion civil and human rights in the digital realm. Meghan, dressed in a chic white high roll-neck sweater, and Harry, in a smart suit sans tie, expressed their pride in the initiative. They emphasized that civil rights "must evolve as fast as the technology that threatens them."
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Celebrating digital civil rights
The couple's video message highlighted the importance of digital civil rights, stating that the "right for civil rights didn't end at the doorstep of the digital world" but "begins there." This year's award recognized Dr. Mary Anne Franks for her "genuinely inspiring" and "groundbreaking" contributions as a legal scholar and author. Her work, Fearless Speech: Breaking Free from the First Amendment, delves into the complexities of free speech and its responsibilities. Prince Harry posed a poignant question: "When powerful people and powerful platforms claim to champion free speech, whose freedom are they actually protecting?"
Honoring Dr. Mary Anne Franks
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex expressed their "honor" in announcing Dr. Franks as the recipient of this year's award and sent their heartfelt "congratulations." The NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, established by the couple, aims to recognize and uplift individuals transforming the digital landscape for the better. In 2022, Harry and Meghan themselves were honored with the NAACP President’s Award for their distinguished public service.
New Chapter for Archewell Philanthropies
The video also marked a significant moment for Harry and Meghan's charitable endeavors. Their organization, previously known as the Archewell Foundation, has been renamed Archewell Philanthropies. This transition signifies a "new chapter" for the couple, allowing them to expand their global philanthropic efforts. A spokesperson for the couple stated, "This next chapter allows Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to broaden their global philanthropic efforts as a family, with meaningful reach and maximum impact, grounded in the same values, partnerships, and their commitment to show up and do good." The video even included a rare glimpse of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, volunteering at a local community kitchen in Los Angeles.
