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Tag: Chapin Awards Gala

  • Andra Day Honored for Activism at WhyHunger Gala

    The annual WhyHunger Chapin Awards Gala, held in New York City on May 6th, was a night dedicated to combating food insecurity and celebrating those who champion social justice. This year’s event successfully raised over $523,000, and among the distinguished honorees was the incredibly talented actress and singer, Andra Day.

    Andra Day: From ‘Rise Up’ to Real-Life Impact

    Andra Day was presented with the prestigious Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award. This recognition celebrates her powerful commitment to using her platform and artistry to advocate for a more just and compassionate world. Her Grammy-winning song ‘Rise Up’ has become more than just a hit; it’s an anthem for resilience and collective action.

    The gala highlighted how Day has consistently channeled her music into activism. Her performance of ‘Rise Up’ at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, following powerful statements from the mothers of Trayvon Martin and Sandra Bland, resonated deeply and cemented the song’s status as a movement anthem. Furthermore, her participation in the PlayOn benefit concert in 2020 helped raise millions for WhyHunger and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

    A Night of Inspiration and Action

    The event, hosted by the global nonprofit WhyHunger, brought together hundreds of supporters for an evening of cocktails, dinner, and inspiring programming. Alongside Day, Jad Abumrad, founder of Radiolab, received the Bill Ayres Social Justice Award for his work in using media to inspire change. The gala also featured appearances from notable figures like Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, Yola, and Chef Amanda Freitag.

    WhyHunger Executive Director Jenique Jones delivered a compelling call to action, emphasizing that ending hunger is a ‘decision,’ not just a dream. Andra Day, in her acceptance speech, echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘Rising up isn’t just about personal strength — it’s about collective care.’ She urged attendees to move beyond inspiration to commitment, focusing on immediate action and justice rather than just awareness or charity.

    WhyHunger’s Enduring Mission

    WhyHunger’s work is crucial in addressing the root causes of food insecurity. In the past five years alone, the organization has connected 6.6 million people to nutritious food and invested $9.6 million in community-led solutions worldwide. They operate globally, advocating for the fundamental human right to nutritious food for all.

    The gala served as a powerful reminder of the impact collective action can have. By honoring individuals like Andra Day and Jad Abumrad, WhyHunger not only celebrates their contributions but also inspires continued dedication to building a more equitable and hunger-free world.

    What inspires you most about Andra Day’s activism? How can we all contribute to ending hunger in our communities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Andra Day Honored for Humanitarian Work

    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.

    What are your thoughts on Andra Day receiving the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award? Share your reactions in the comments below!