Spingarn

Spingarn may refer to several individuals and concepts, most prominently associated with activism and advocacy for African Americans:

• Joel Elias Spingarn (1875-1939): An American educator, literary critic, and civil rights activist. He was a leading figure in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), serving as its chairman from 1930 to 1939. Spingarn was a strong advocate for racial equality and worked to combat discrimination and segregation. He also promoted African American literature and culture.

• Arthur B. Spingarn (1878-1971): An American lawyer and civil rights activist, brother of Joel Elias Spingarn. He also played a significant role in the NAACP, serving as its president from 1940 to 1966. Arthur focused his legal expertise on fighting racial discrimination and defending the rights of African Americans in the courts.

• Spingarn Medal: An annual award presented by the NAACP to recognize the highest achievement of an African American in any field of human endeavor. Established in 1914 by Joel Elias Spingarn, the medal is one of the most prestigious honors in the African American community. Notable recipients include W.E.B. Du Bois, Marian Anderson, Martin Luther King Jr., and Maya Angelou.

The Spingarn family's contributions to the civil rights movement were instrumental in shaping the fight for racial equality in the United States. Their work through the NAACP and the establishment of the Spingarn Medal have left a lasting legacy in the pursuit of justice and opportunity for African Americans.