Where Did Archwell’s Digital Civil Rights Award Disappear?

Last year, the spotlight shone brightly on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as they introduced the annual Digital Civil Rights Award through their Archwell Foundation in partnership with the NAACP.

The inaugural recipient was Sophia Nobel, recognized for her significant contributions to digital rights.

However, as 2023 rolls on, there's a noticeable absence of any updates regarding this award on the NAACP's official platforms.

What happened to it?

Questions are swirling around whether the Sussexes might be struggling to fulfill their promise of a $100,000 prize for this year's winner.

Speculation is rife that the award was perhaps more about garnering attention than genuine commitment.

The Archwell website had initially touted the award as a way to honor individuals tackling pressing issues like discrimination, misinformation, and privacy in the tech world.

The plan was clear: each year, an individual would be celebrated for their efforts to promote digital equity and social justice within technology.

But without a visible follow-up for 2023, many are left wondering if the Sussexes' intentions were ever sincere or simply a strategic move to enhance their image after winning the President's Award last year.

At the 53rd NAACP Image Awards, Harry and Meghan were indeed honored, but the circumstances surrounding their recognition have raised eyebrows.

Some critics allege that their award may have been more of a financial transaction than a heartfelt acknowledgment.

According to Tom Bower's book, there were claims that José Andrés, who nominated the couple for a Time Magazine icon status, received a $25,000 donation from Archwell for his charity work.

This connection leads to further speculation that the Sussexes might have essentially bought their accolades.

They were awarded the NAACP President's Award, and shortly thereafter, it was announced they would fund the NAACP Archwell Award.

Coincidence?

Many think not.

When Harry accepted the award, his demeanor suggested he was less than thrilled to be there.

Observers noted that Meghan seemed to thrive in the spotlight, while Harry appeared visibly uncomfortable.

Body language expert Dr. Lillian Glass analyzed his movements and pointed out that his fidgeting resembled the behavior of someone desperate to escape an awkward situation.

Dr. Glass remarked that despite Harry's public persona, his body language betrayed his true feelings.

She likened his rocking back and forth to a child struggling to hold it together, indicating a deep sense of discomfort.

This raises questions about whether Harry is truly at ease with the path he and Meghan have chosen.

While the couple has made headlines for their philanthropic efforts, the inconsistencies surrounding the Digital Civil Rights Award cast a shadow over their credibility.

Are they genuinely committed to social justice, or are they merely leveraging these initiatives for personal gain?