Andra Day Honored at WhyHunger Gala in New York for Humanitarian Impact
The 2026 Chapin Awards Gala brought major attention to the work of WhyHunger as it raised 523,435 dollars to support efforts aimed at ending food insecurity. The event took place on May 6 in New York City at Cipriani 25 and gathered hundreds of supporters, artists, and advocates.
A key moment of the night was the honoring of Grammy winning artist Andra Day with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award. The award recognized her long standing commitment to social justice, activism, and using her music career to support humanitarian causes around the world.
The gala also highlighted other contributions to social justice work. Organizers emphasized that the funds raised would go toward WhyHunger’s mission of addressing hunger at its root causes and supporting community driven solutions globally.
Andra Day’s Speech and Activism Through Music and Action
During her acceptance speech, Andra Day reflected on how her career has been shaped by activism and responsibility. She spoke about the importance of collective care and using influence to support those in need.
She said, “Because rising up is not just about personal strength. It is about collective care. It is about asking who around me needs support and what can I do right now to help be part of the solution.”
Day also highlighted that true change requires action, not just awareness. She connected her message to the mission of WhyHunger, stressing that ending hunger is a choice society must commit to.
Over the years, she has used her platform for major causes, including racial justice, gender equality, and health advocacy. Her song Rise Up became widely recognized as a message of resilience and hope during social movements in the United States.
Powerful Performances and Calls for Action at the Gala
The evening featured live performances and appearances from several well known artists and public figures. Andra Day delivered a standout performance that added emotional depth to the night’s mission driven atmosphere.
Executive Director Jenique Jones set the tone for the event with a strong message about urgency and responsibility. She said, “Food is a human right. Ending hunger is not a dream. It is a decision.”
Other performers and guests included Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Yola, and Chef Amanda Freitag. Their presence helped reinforce the gala’s blend of art, activism, and fundraising for global hunger relief efforts.
The event also included video tributes and a closing performance of Harry Chapin’s Circle, bringing a reflective end to a night focused on justice and community action.
Jad Abumrad and Social Justice Storytelling Recognition
The gala also honored Jad Abumrad with the Bill Ayres Social Justice Award for his work in storytelling and media. He is known for co founding Radiolab, a program that blends science, culture, and human experience through narrative journalism.
Abumrad emphasized the importance of listening and connection in addressing global challenges. He said, “The deeper work is to simply listen in stereo and show others how to do the same.”
His recognition highlighted how media and storytelling can influence public understanding and inspire social change, especially in issues related to inequality and human dignity.
WhyHunger’s Ongoing Mission to End Global Hunger
The work of WhyHunger continues to expand globally, focusing on long term solutions to food insecurity. Over recent years, the organization has connected millions of people to nutritious food and invested in community led programs.
In addition to its fundraising events, WhyHunger has supported initiatives across the United States and in more than 20 countries. Its approach focuses on addressing the structural causes of hunger rather than temporary relief alone.
The 2026 gala followed earlier milestones, including major fundraising events that have brought in millions of dollars over time. These efforts continue to support communities working toward food justice, equality, and sustainable access to nutrition worldwide.
