Melanie L. Campbell is known as a freedom fighter with a positive demeanor, an ever-present smile and a can-do attitude when it comes to advocating for the rights of African Americans, and at the 27th annual Spirit of Democracy Awards on Dec. 11 at The Hamilton in Northwest D.C., the equity advocate ignited a fire to continuing working toward justice.
Sponsored by the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), where Campbell serves as president and CEO, the activist emphasized the event was not just a celebration of the honorees, but a moment to highlight the strength, resilience, beauty and boldness displayed by African American leaders over the past four years.
“The drum beat is beating,” Campbell said. “During the last few years, we have had a Black woman as vice president, a Black woman appointed to the Supreme Court, a Black man as secretary of Defense, and a Black man, Wes Moore, as the governor of Maryland. We will have two Black women in the Senate and the largest Congressional Black Caucus in history.”
Despite concerns justice advocates have about President-elect Donald Trump occupying the White House for the next four years, she offered encouragement.
“We did our ‘Black job,’” Campbell said, referencing one of Trump’s highly criticized campaign comments, alleging immigrants take employment opportunities from African Americans.
Campbell’s organization honored business, political and community leaders who made substantial contributions during 2024, including the leadership of the Divine Nine, the Black collegiate Greek-letter organizations that belong to the National Panhellenic Council.
Most of the speakers and the honorees made direct and indirect references to Trump and what his upcoming term will mean for Blacks.
Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League and chairman of the NCBCP, told the gathering that he knows how many feel after the results of the recent presidential election.
“Resent, rejection and surprise,” said Morial, 66. “There is no way the election should have turned out the way it did. There is certainly a need for post-election analysis and to heed lessons learned. We’ve got no time to be tired, no time to be afraid.”
Award-Winners Weigh In on the Election, Passing the Torch
Urban One founder and chairwoman Cathy Hughes, who was one of the evening’s honorees and attended the event through Zoom, thanked the NCBCP for recognizing her decades of work to empower the African American community.
“My inspiration for what I do comes from understanding and giving thanks and praise to God,” Hughes, 77, said. “You have to put the mission ahead of yourself. That means being unapologetically Black. You must be in the Black people business.”
Hughes did note that the Harris-Waltz presidential campaign invested little money in Black media, while giving billions to white-owned media and consultants. She cautioned the gathering to be able to distinguish between Black-owned media, such as hers, and outlets that are oriented toward communities of color, but are owned by non-African Americans.
Claude Cummings, the president of the Communications Workers of America, who was also an honoree, said: “the election was hurtful and harmful.”
He agreed with Hughes that the Democratic Party should have utilized Black media more during the campaign season.
“We need to support Black media and not the super PACS,” Cummings said.
Constance B. Newman, the special counsel on African Affairs for the Carmen Group and an honoree, said those who have been in leadership in Black America for decades must recognize when it is time to pass the torch.
“Seniors have to be ready to turn over the reins,” said Newman, 89. “But the youth need to listen to the voices of those before you.”
Terrance Woodbury, the CEO and founding partner of District-based HIT Strategies, who was also honored, said “young people are angry.”
“We are in a system that has failed us,” Woodbury said. “We must mobilize Black males. Young people also must be included in the whole process of civic participation.”
Many of the leaders of the Divine Nine didn’t attend the event to receive their honors but sent surrogates. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority International President Danette Anthony Reed was not able to attend but Gina Scott, who serves as the North Atlantic Region leadership team, stood in her place.
“I am honored to accept this honor on behalf of our international president,” Scott said. “This is a tribute to her great work and the work of many of our members in the area of social justice and advocacy.”
