(CNN) — The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said “a wave of hope can become a wave of change” after being honored in New York for their work on racial justice and mental health.
Prince Harry and Meghan were in the Big Apple on Tuesday night to receive the 2022 Ripple of Hope award from the Robert F. Kennedy human rights organization (RFKHR).
The award honors “exemplary leaders in government, business, defense and entertainment who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to social change and work to advance equity, justice and human rights,” according to organizers.
The couple stopped briefly on the blue carpet to pose for photographers before entering the event. They did not speak to the media or answer reporters’ questions about their Netflix documentary series, which will premiere on the streaming platform on December 8.
During the gala event, the Sussexes announced a new collaboration between their own non-profit organization and the RFKHR.
“We are honored to receive the RFK Ripple of Hope Award this year and to partner with the Kennedy family in creating the Archewell Foundation Award for Gender Equity in Student Film,” the couple said in a statement. “Our hope with this award is to inspire a new generation to excel in the arts, where diverse emerging talents have a platform to have their voices heard and their stories told,” she added.
“The values of the RFK Foundation and the Archewell Foundation are aligned in our belief in the value of courage over fear and love over hate. Together we know that a wave of hope can become a wave of change,” the statement added.
RFKHR President Kerry Kennedy said the organization chose to honor the couple because it is “proud of their work on racial justice, parity and mental health awareness” and “being there when people need them.” .
And he added: “If you look back over the last two years, hospitals, universities, governments, even Hollywood, they have all dealt with issues of racial justice, gender justice, sexual minority justice, etc. We have to start talking and normalize this discussion.”
During the gala, Prince Harry joked with the crowd during a question and answer session about how the couple had managed to leave their children at home for a “date”.
“To be honest with you, Kerry, I actually thought we were just going on a date. So it’s quite strange that we’re sharing a room with 1,500 people,” the duke joked in a short clip provided by the gala organizers.
“We don’t go out much because our children are very young, so this is completely unexpected,” she added. “But it’s nice to share our date night with all of you.”
As the audience laughed, Meghan chimed in: “Thank you for inviting me to this very special night.”
The annual gala, hosted by Alec Baldwin, also recognized Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky; Frank Baker, co-founder and managing partner of the private equity firm Siris; Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan; and Michael Polsky, founder and CEO of Invenergy. NBA legend and civil rights activist Bill Russell was also posthumously honored.
CNN’s Max Foster, Julian Cummings and Sabrina Souza contributed to this report.
(CNN) — The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said “a wave of hope can become a wave of change” after being honored in New York for their work on racial justice and mental health.
Prince Harry and Meghan were in the Big Apple on Tuesday night to receive the 2022 Ripple of Hope award from the Robert F. Kennedy human rights organization (RFKHR).
The award honors “exemplary leaders in government, business, defense and entertainment who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to social change and work to advance equity, justice and human rights,” according to organizers.
The couple stopped briefly on the blue carpet to pose for photographers before entering the event. They did not speak to the media or answer reporters’ questions about their Netflix documentary series, which will premiere on the streaming platform on December 8.
During the gala event, the Sussexes announced a new collaboration between their own non-profit organization and the RFKHR.
“We are honored to receive the RFK Ripple of Hope Award this year and to partner with the Kennedy family in creating the Archewell Foundation Award for Gender Equity in Student Film,” the couple said in a statement. “Our hope with this award is to inspire a new generation to excel in the arts, where diverse emerging talents have a platform to have their voices heard and their stories told,” she added.
“The values of the RFK Foundation and the Archewell Foundation are aligned in our belief in the value of courage over fear and love over hate. Together we know that a wave of hope can become a wave of change,” the statement added.
RFKHR President Kerry Kennedy said the organization chose to honor the couple because it is “proud of their work on racial justice, parity and mental health awareness” and “being there when people need them.” .
And he added: “If you look back over the last two years, hospitals, universities, governments, even Hollywood, they have all dealt with issues of racial justice, gender justice, sexual minority justice, etc. We have to start talking and normalize this discussion.”
During the gala, Prince Harry joked with the crowd during a question and answer session about how the couple had managed to leave their children at home for a “date”.
“To be honest with you, Kerry, I actually thought we were just going on a date. So it’s quite strange that we’re sharing a room with 1,500 people,” the duke joked in a short clip provided by the gala organizers.
“We don’t go out much because our children are very young, so this is completely unexpected,” she added. “But it’s nice to share our date night with all of you.”
As the audience laughed, Meghan chimed in: “Thank you for inviting me to this very special night.”
The annual gala, hosted by Alec Baldwin, also recognized Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky; Frank Baker, co-founder and managing partner of the private equity firm Siris; Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan; and Michael Polsky, founder and CEO of Invenergy. NBA legend and civil rights activist Bill Russell was also posthumously honored.
CNN’s Max Foster, Julian Cummings and Sabrina Souza contributed to this report.
