National Civil Rights Museum will present 30th Freedom Award ceremony on Oct. 14
The National Civil Rights Museum will present its 30th Freedom Award on Oct. 14, according to a news release from the museum.
Past awards have honored people ranging from Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela to Joe Biden. In 2019, the recipients were Nigerian civil rights activist Hafsat Abiola, feminist writer Gloria Steinem and recording artist John Legend.
Last year’s ceremony was moved entirely online, with no new honorees, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony celebrated past recipients with photos and video.
This year will have a new format, with both a live, on-site audience and a global virtual audience via livestream. It will celebrate both the 30th anniversary of the museum and the Freedom Award.
“This is a pivotal year for the Freedom Award,” said Faith Morris, the museum’s chief marketing and external affairs officer. “It’s a year we look at some unforgettable moments and relive the experiences with some of the world’s most phenomenal changemakers whom we’ve honored for their work in struggle for freedom and equity. With this 30th Freedom Award, we’ll expand our reach, so its impact reaches beyond the walls of a single space.”
The student forum will be virtual this year. It will feature the “Keeper of the Dream” award, a salute to area students who have demonstrated community service, compassion, leadership and courage.
Katherine Burgess covers county government and religion. She can be reached at katherine.burgess@commercialappeal.com, 901-529-2799 or followed on Twitter @kathsburgess.