Get ready to celebrate a true changemaker! Grammy-winning singer, actress, and activist Andra Day is set to receive the prestigious Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award at WhyHunger’s annual Chapin Awards Gala. This incredible honor will take place on May 6, 2026, at Cipriani 25 in New York City.
A Voice for Justice and Compassion
WhyHunger’s Chapin Awards Gala shines a spotlight on artists and public figures who use their influence to champion a more just and compassionate world. This award specifically recognizes Andra Day’s deep and unwavering commitment to social justice and humanitarian causes, which have consistently shaped her music and her powerful advocacy.
Day is celebrated for her soulful vocals and thoughtful songwriting, blending gospel, jazz, and blues influences into modern soul and pop. Her debut album, “Cheers to the Fall” (2015), introduced the world to her talent, featuring the quadruple-platinum hit “Rise Up.” This project not only earned her Grammy nominations and a win but also an Academy Award nomination for her song “Stand Up for Something” from the film “Marshall.”
“Rise Up’ began as a personal reminder to keep going when the world feels heavy, and I never imagined it would become an anthem for resilience and justice. To me, justice isn’t abstract — it means no one goes hungry, every child has nourishment, and every community has hope. If this song has helped even one person have more compassion or be healed, I’m grateful.” — Andra Day
Music as a Catalyst for Change
Andra Day has consistently used her music as a powerful tool for activism. Her performance of “Rise Up” at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, following remarks from the mothers of Trayvon Martin and Sandra Bland, cemented the song’s status as an unofficial anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. Day has expressed her honor that the song became associated with calls for racial justice.
Her advocacy extends beyond music. She’s supported initiatives like the Global Citizen Festival, aimed at ending extreme poverty, and participated in campaigns encouraging civic engagement for change in arts education. She also contributed to the documentary “We Will Rise,” highlighting girls overcoming barriers to education worldwide.
Furthermore, Day has championed causes including social and racial justice, gender equality, the rights of girls and women, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and juvenile justice reform. Her participation in the 2020 PlayOn benefit concert alone helped raise over $7 million for WhyHunger and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
WhyHunger’s Mission and Impact
The Chapin Awards Gala is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a vital fundraiser for WhyHunger’s mission to end hunger and address its root causes. The event brings together artists, activists, and philanthropists for an evening of cocktails, dinner, and live music. Past honorees include legendary figures like Barbra Streisand, Elvis Costello, and Harry Belafonte, underscoring the significance of this recognition.
WhyHunger recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, raising $1.4 million during its Hungerthon fundraiser. Over the last five years, the organization has connected millions with food resources and invested significantly in community-led solutions globally. They operate in the U.S. and 24 countries, dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food.
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