An annual commemoration of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday. The day features free public admission, live music, community discussions, and outdoor performances celebrating civil rights history.
Archives: Events
Freedom Award Student Forum
A youth-focused hybrid educational forum presented by FedEx and Ford Philanthropy. The event engages 5th–12th graders nationally and includes the presentation of the Keeper of the Dream Award to local youth leaders.
Democracy Day in Action
A nonpartisan civic engagement and voter mobilization event. The initiative provides voter education, registration resources, and hands-on activities to prepare citizens for the general election, featuring local organizational partners, music, and food.
2012 Freedom Award Ceremony & Gala
The Freedom Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions in civil rights and who have laid the foundation for present and future leaders in the battle for human rights. This year's honorees are: Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize recipient; Dr. Bernard Lafayette, one of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s lieutenants; Marlo Thomas, a national […]
October Lunch & Learn
Education disparity is a hot topic in the United States. As many organizations tackle this subject, how can individuals and communities prepare to assist in challenges of education in the US? Speaker Josh Edelman is a Senior Program Officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on the Empowering Effective Teachers team. His work focuses […]
Gandhi King Community Conference
A conference for activists, organizers, grassroots leaders and people that just want to improve their community and the world to gather in a unique environment that will leave them better equipped and connected to better our community.
King Day
Come celebrate Martin Luther King Day at the National Civil Rights Museum. 8:00AM-6:00PM Admission $3 ($2 with canned good donation)
Singing the Dream: The March on Washington at 50
Commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington with a courtyard concert that is a mix of popular movement songs and diverse speakers from the political, educational and religious community. With performances by Memphis's own "American Idol" contestants Alexis Grace, Keia Johnson, and Trump Tight, this FREE family concert is inspired by the timeless […]
Public Forum
The annual Public Forum event is the opening event for the National Civil Rights Museum's Freedom Award celebration. Sponsored each year by International Paper Corporation (IP), the Forum enables students and members of the Memphis community an opportunity to hear from leaders in the ongoing struggle for civil and human rights.Led by a guest emcee, […]
Freedom Award Ceremony & Gala
The Freedom Award is an annual event for the National Civil Rights Museum. This year's honorees are Mary Robinson, Geoffrey Canada and Earl Graves Sr. Held each year in the fall, the Freedom Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions in civil rights and who have laid the foundation for present and future leaders […]
Drop the Mic Poetry Slam
The National Civil Rights Museum will host a poetry slam competition for young poets to share their creative thoughts as a part of the grand re-opening of the museum in Spring 2014. #MyFreedomIs is the theme for the poetry slam. A panel of celebrity guests will serve as judges. Mid South poets ages 15-25 can […]
National Civil Rights Museum Grand Reopening Community Day
After 18 months of renovations, the National Civil Rights Museum is officially reopening the doors of the Lorraine Motel for the new Museum experience. Join us for an activity filled day as we celebrate this historic occasion.The day will begin with a parade through Downtown Memphis to the doors of the Museum where Museum officials […]