Freedom Award

We’re proud to share the distinguished honorees for the 33rd Freedom Award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to civil and human rights.

The esteemed honorees are:

· SPIKE LEE, Academy Award-winning filmmaker whose groundbreaking work has reshaped filmmaking and cinema, has inspired national conversations around race, representation, and culture. Lee is also a dedicated educator, serving as a tenured professor committed to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.

· SHERRILYN IFILL, President and Director-Counsel Emeritus of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF), has left an indelible mark on civil rights advocacy. Her tenure as Director-Counsel saw LDF’s increased engagement in civil rights issues, particularly in combatting voter suppression and racial discrimination.

· XERNONA CLAYTON, civil and human rights activist and producer who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the SCLC, has been a trailblazing leader in civil rights and broadcasting for 60 years. Clayton is renowned as the Founder and President of the Trumpet Awards Foundation. Her pioneering spirit in broadcasting continues to inspire generations.

The Freedom Award, the Museum’s signature fundraising event, pays tribute to individuals who’ve shown unwavering commitment to promoting equity and justice. Your ticket purchase supports free year-round programming and more! Visit https://tr.ee/33FAHonorees to learn more and secure your spot at the 33rd Freedom Award!

“This is … wow.” Thank you to Lewis Black for stopping by the museum today! It was a pleasure welcoming the comedian while he used some free time on his busy schedule to learn more about civil rights history.

The entertainer reflected on memories of his recalling being in the crowd at Dr. King’s March on Washington in 1963.

The National Civil Rights Museum’s Student Forum, a celebration for and by young movement makers, is opening its virtual doors worldwide! 🌎

The program kicks off the Freedom Award festivities and is an opportunity for students to be inspired by the purpose-driven lives of Freedom Award honorees.

For the Livestream link, register at freedomaward.org

Each year the museum’s Freedom Award pays tribute to individuals who have contributed significantly to civil and human rights. The honorees have carved unique paths for the betterment of society.

Visit freedomaward.org to learn more about this year’s award ceremony!



#

is the only 4x World Poetry Slam Champion and Emmy winner!

He has performed on international stages and on several seasons of TV One’s “Verses and Flow.”

To hear the awe-inspiring message he’ll deliver at this year’s Freedom Award, get your ticket to the event at freedomaward.org.

Today the Museum announced the 30th Anniversary Freedom Award will be virtually presented October 14. The honorees are MICHELLE OBAMA and THE POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN led by REV. DR. WILLIAM BARBER and REV. DR. LIZ THEOHARIS. Tickets available 9/5/21. Visit freedomaward.org.

N.K. Jemison’s How Long Til Black Future Month is a collection of Afrofuturism fantasy and sci-fi short stories that imagines a world where Black Americans enjoy the freedoms MLK and other Black leaders have advocated for.

▶︎ Justice
▶︎ Peace
▶︎ Better Jobs with Fair Wages
▶︎ The End of Poverty
▶︎ Fair Housing
▶︎ Quality Education

How long, we ask, must we wait for these freedoms?

Amelia Boynton Robinson was one of the first African Americans to be registered to vote in Selma and played a key role in planning the marches from Selma to Montgomery.

in 2012, Trayvon Martin was killed. His death and the acquittal of his killer would spark outrage and calls for action across the country.

Five years after his death, Trayvon’s father would tell The Guardian, “Racism is alive and well in America.”

As we continue to face and fight racism in America, where do we go from here? How many more black men and women must die before we dismantle racism in our country?

in 1948, Dr. King was ordained as Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. He was just 19 years old but already demonstrated the fruits of the spirit and a passion for peace.

2010 Freedom Award honoree Wangari Maathai became the first African woman to earn the Nobel Peace Prize (2004) after leading a grassroots environmentalist movement called the Green Belt Movement.

These efforts encouraged women across Central and East Africa to plant trees to show the importance of economic and environmental sustainability. She also played a crucial role in pushing for democracy in her home country of Kenya.

in 1936, the 1992 Freedom Award honoree Barbara Jordan was born.

In 1974, Jordan gained national attention during the Watergate hearings. While giving a statement on the Articles of Impeachment, she said, “I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the destruction of the Constitution.”

Her political acumen and passion for peace, justice, and diversity opened many doors in the political realm for Black men and women.

✨“I sat and watched the entire Freedom Award Tribute, from the pre-show to the rolling credits of the tribute and I am so glad that I did,” said one viewer.

✨“What an awesome show!!! An Aaamaazing walk down memory lane!!!” said another viewer.

If you did not have a chance to view the full Tribute on Friday, it is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sxeyFllDG6A!

Feel free to share this link with others who inquire. Have a great pre-holiday week! ☺

We would love to hear your thoughts too!

Virtual Freedom Award Tribute 2020 The National Civil Rights Museum presented a Virtual Freedom Award Tribute on December 11, 2020 to celebrate the past 28 years of honoring phenomenal men and...

Thank you to everyone who joined us this past Friday for the !

Interested in viewing or re-watching this year's virtual Freedom Award Tribute? No worries, It's available on our website home page and YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/sxeyFllDG6A.

Virtual Freedom Award Tribute 2020 The National Civil Rights Museum presented a Virtual Freedom Award Tribute on December 11, 2020 to celebrate the past 28 years of honoring phenomenal men and...

Georgia has played host to many of history’s civil rights leaders.

In 1972, Andrew Jackson Young Jr. became one of the first black southerners elected to Congress in Georgia in the 20th century. As a lifelong activist and Freedom Award honoree, he stood at MLK’s side and championed many of King’s tenants, and continues to fight for equality today!

What does an EGOT winner, a feminist icon, and a champion for human rights all have in common❓

They are all Freedom Award honorees! 2019 was a glorious year when John Legend, Gloria Steinem, and Hafsat Abiola were honored! Celebrate with us during this year's .

RSVP at https://bit.ly/virtualFArsvp.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvz0fDbkc4c&feature=youtu.be

2019 Freedom Award Sizzle Reel An audience of local, national and international leaders, changemakers and supporters of civil and human rights attended the 28th Annual Freedom Award Octobe...

Stevie Wonder is a music legend, Freedom Award Honoree, and has used his position of influence to improve the world around him, fight for civil rights, and raise money for various charities.

He met Martin Luther King Jr. when he was 15-years-old at a rally in Chicago and was ultimately responsible for King’s birthday being recognized as a national holiday.

For information on this year’s , visit http://freedomaward.org