Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released a surprise statement ahead of a significant event in California. Their announcement was made through their Archewell Foundation and coincides with the NAACP Image Awards, scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 22. Recognizing Leaders in Digital Civil Rights In their statement, Prince Harry and Meghan highlighted the importance of digital civil rights and acknowledged this year's recipient of the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award. "Each year, the NAACP awards one individual with the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award,” the statement read. "This award celebrates leaders who are advancing civil rights in digital spaces and leading the way to build a better online world. The Archewell Foundation is thrilled to congratulate this year's recipient, Dr. Alondra Nelson, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to AI policy and the advancement of civil rights." Dr. Alondra Nelson: A Leader in AI and Civil Rights The statement further elaborated on Dr. Nelson’s contributions: "Dr. Nelson accepted the award yesterday evening during the NAACP Hollywood Bureau Symposium. Dr. Alondra Nelson is a sociologist and leading expert in artificial intelligence (AI). Her work focuses on the connections between science, technology, medicine, and social inequality." Dr. Nelson is currently the Harold F. Linder Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study, an independent research center in Princeton, New Jersey. Her research has uncovered critical flaws in AI, particularly how it contributes to election misinformation and produces misleading or even harmful responses. Using her findings, she has actively advocated for stronger safeguards and regulations in AI. A Voice for Ethical AI Policies The Archewell Foundation's statement also highlighted Dr. Nelson’s significant policy contributions: "Dr. Nelson is a trusted policy advisor who previously served as Director of The White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, where she oversaw the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights—a historic guide that ensures tech policy safeguards civil rights." In 2023, she was appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence. In this role, she played a key part in shaping international AI governance. In recognition of her work, Dr. Alondra Nelson will receive a $100,000 grant to further her research and advocacy efforts. She joins previous recipients of the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, including Dr. Safiya Noble (2022), Nabiha Syed (2023), and Dr. Joy Buolamwini (2024). NAACP Image Awards and Kamala Harris’ Recognition The 56th NAACP Image Awards will be broadcast live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22. The venue is approximately an hour and a half’s drive from Prince Harry and Meghan’s Montecito home. This year’s event will also feature a special recognition for U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is set to receive the prestigious Chairman’s Award. ALSO READ: Who Is Julia Wandelt? Polish Woman Reasserts Claim Of Being Madeleine McCann, Cites New DNA Evidence