Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Honoring Archewell Foundation Recipient: A Well-Deserved Recognition

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Surprise Archewell Foundation Award Winner: ‘Deserving of This Honor’

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a surprise visit to honor a tech innovator who they felt was very deserving.

On Thursday, March 14, Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, surprised Dr. Joy Buolamwini with the NAACP-Archewell Foundation Digital Civil Rights Award in person.

A video posted on the Archewell website showed Meghan and Harry talking to Buolamwini, 34, who reacted with surprise by saying, “Y’all got me good” when they shared the news.

In the video, Meghan starts by saying that they meet amazing tech leaders and face the tough task of choosing just one winner for the NAACP- Archewell Foundation Digital Civil Rights Award.

Buolamwini started the Algorithmic Justice League to fight against racism and sexism in software. She also authored Unmasking AI, a book that examines how technology affects society and discusses ways to prevent risks related to AI.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Surprise Archewell Foundation Award Winner: ‘Deserving of This Honor’

During the 2024 SXSW Conference and Festival on March 8, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were seen together. They were captured in a photo by Getty Images.

In a video, Harry shared a story about Buolamwini from her college days. He mentioned that she found out that facial recognition technology failed to detect her dark skin. It only worked when she wore a white mask.

He mentioned that she has become one of the most inspiring, passionate, and impactful figures in the field of AI today, at a time when her expertise is greatly needed.

Meghan expressed that Buolamwini is truly an inspiration and deserving of this honor, as well as many more accolades.

The computer scientist has been awarded a $100,000 grant to further her research.

In a statement posted on the Archewell website, Buolamwini expressed her gratitude for being selected as a recipient of the Digital Civil Rights Award from the NAACP and The Archewell Foundation. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI algorithms, which are becoming increasingly widespread, do not infringe upon the civil rights of marginalized communities. The grant will support the Algorithmic Justice League in their efforts to prevent AI-related harm, provide resources for those affected, and raise awareness about the impact of AI on society through advocacy, art, and research.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Surprise Archewell Foundation Award Winner: ‘Deserving of This Honor’

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

Introduced by Meghan and Harry in 2022, the annual award recognizes emerging leaders who are committed to bringing about positive changes and advocating for civil rights in the digital world. In 2023, Nabiha Syed, the CEO of The Markup, a nonprofit news organization that focuses on exploring how technology impacts society, was honored with this award.

The Archewell Foundation was established in 2020 after Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior members of the royal family. The foundation is guided by the belief that mental health and our overall well-being are of utmost importance. Their website states that they prioritize solutions that take into account the needs of families, young people, different races, and genders. The foundation also aims to discover the common joy and hope we all have for the future.

Harry made a virtual appearance at the Diana Legacy Awards on Thursday, celebrating charitable efforts in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana. Along with his Archewell obligations, he expressed his pride in the honorees for their work.

In a video conference, Harry thanked the honorees and shared that his mother would have been incredibly proud of their efforts. He also apologized for not being able to attend the event in person, expressing his wish to be there with them.

The Diana Legacy Awards took place in London, while Harry spoke from California, where he and Meghan have been living since 2020. (Prince William, Harry’s brother, attended the awards in person to hand out trophies on Thursday.)

“The future belongs to you, and you are shaping that future,” said the Duke of Sussex. “Enjoy the rest of your evening if you have plans. If you're continuing on, be sure not to get into too much trouble. Thank you for inspiring many others and for protecting my mother's legacy. I truly appreciate it."

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the inspiring visit of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to honor Dr. Joy Buolamwini, a renowned tech innovator dedicated to combating biases in AI. Buolamwini's pioneering work in exposing the limitations of facial recognition technology for individuals with darker skin tones underscores the critical need for inclusivity and fairness in the development and deployment of AI systems. Her efforts to address these biases through the Algorithmic Justice League are commendable, and the $100,000 grant awarded by the NAACP-Archewell Foundation Digital Civil Rights Award will further amplify her impact.

Additionally, Prince Harry's virtual appearance at the Diana Legacy Awards demonstrates his unwavering commitment to honoring his mother's legacy of compassion and service. The awards recognize individuals who embody the spirit of Princess Diana through their charitable endeavors, and Harry's heartfelt message to the honorees reflects his admiration for their dedication to making a positive difference in the world. These events showcase the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's ongoing engagement with causes close to their hearts, particularly those that promote equality, inclusivity, and the well-being of others.