THE NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM ANNOUNCES 33rd FREEDOM AWARD HONOREES
18 Junio 2024 - 10:39AM
The National Civil Rights Museum is proud to announce the
distinguished honorees for the 33rd Freedom Award, recognizing
their exceptional contributions to civil and human rights. The
Freedom Award, the Museum's signature event, pays tribute to
individuals who have shown unwavering commitment to promoting
equity and justice.
The esteemed honorees for the 33rd Freedom Award are:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The prestigious Freedom Award ceremony will be held October 17,
2024, at 7:00 pm Central at the historic Orpheum Theatre in
Memphis, TN. It will be preceded by the Pre-Award Gala and Red
Carpet at 5:30 pm at the adjacent Halloran Centre.
This year’s Freedom Award host is MC Lyte, a legend in
music and entertainment. She is a pioneering artist and a
formidable actress in television and film. The evening of
captivating performances also includes Grammy-nominated recording
artist, Deborah Cox, whose talent spans music, Broadway,
television, film, and fashion.
The celebration extends beyond the evening festivities, as the
Museum will hold a hybrid Student Forum on October 17
at 10:30 am Central at FedEx Forum. This inspiring educational
forum aims to empower middle and high school students to take
action and create positive change in their communities.
The National Civil Rights Museum has a rich legacy of honoring
distinguished civil and human rights leaders, including Coretta
Scott King, Nelson Mandela, Bono, Oprah Winfrey, Stacey Abrams,
Kerry Kennedy, and many more. The Freedom Award signature sponsors
are FedEx and Hyde Family Foundation.
Tickets for the evening event are available via Ticketmaster.
Event sponsorships are available. To sponsor, or for
further information and updates, visit
freedomaward.org.
About the National Civil Rights Museum:
Located at the historic Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. was tragically assassinated, the National Civil Rights
Museum provides an in-depth overview of the American Civil Rights
Movement. Since its establishment in 1991, the Museum has attracted
millions of visitors from around the world, with a profound mission
to preserve the legacy of Dr. King and advocate for ongoing human
rights struggles. As a Smithsonian Affiliate and a recipient of the
prestigious 2019 National Medal Award, the Museum continues to
inspire action and foster positive social change.
– civilrightsmuseum.org
–
Connie Dyson
National Civil Rights Museum
901-527-1225
cdyson@civilrightsmuseum.org