NAACP Announces Dr. Alondra Nelson as the Recipient of the 2025 NAACP – Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2025
Contact (NAACP): Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
LOS ANGELES - Last night, the NAACP announced Dr. Alondra Nelson as the recipient of the 2025 NAACP – Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award during the NAACP Hollywood Bureau Symposium. This esteemed award recognizes individuals at the forefront of advancing digital civil rights and technology equity.
Dr. Nelson is a leading sociologist and AI expert who focuses on the connections between science, technology, medicine, and social inequality. She is currently the Harold F. Linder Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study, an independent research center in Princeton, New Jersey. Dr. Nelson is a respected policy advisor and previously served as acting director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where she oversaw the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights. Through her pioneering research and advocacy, she has championed policies that ensure technology serves as a tool for progress rather than a mechanism for exclusion.
The NAACP – Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, now in its fourth year, celebrates innovators who use technology to advance social justice and civil rights. As part of the honor, Dr. Nelson will receive a $100,000 unrestricted fellowship award to support her continued work in digital equity.
"The fight for civil rights in the digital age is more urgent than ever. As AI, data privacy, and algorithmic bias increasingly shape our daily lives, we must ensure that technology is used to advance equity rather than reinforce discrimination. Dr. Alondra Nelson's work exemplifies the kind of leadership and vision necessary to navigate these challenges and build a more just society," said Derrick Johnson, President & CEO of the NAACP. "The NAACP is proud to recognize her contributions and support her continued efforts to safeguard civil rights in the digital landscape."
The NAACP – Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award was established in 2022 with The Archewell Foundation to highlight and support those working at the intersection of technology and social justice. Previous honorees include Dr. Safiya Noble, Nabiha Syed, and Dr. Joy Buolamwini. The award was presented during the 56th NAACP Image Awards week (2/18-2/22) in Los Angeles, California.
For more information on the NAACP – Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, visit NAACP.org.
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About the NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.