Since 1991, the Freedom Award has served as a symbol of the ongoing fight for human rights both in America and worldwide. At its inception, the Museum presented two awards, National and International. Over time, other categories have been added. In 2005, the Lifetime Achievement Award was established to celebrate individuals who have devoted themselves and much of their professions to enriching the lives of many and championing change for several decades.
This year's black-tie AWARDS CEREMONY is immediately followed by the Gala Dinner at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.
The Freedom Award, the museum's signature event that honors outstanding individuals for their significant contributions to civil and human rights.
This year's honorees are Ruby Bridges-Hall, activist and educator, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, civil rights movement organizer and Ava Duvernay, celebrated director and the official filmmaker for the National Civil Rights Museum. We will also be celebrating the contributions of organizations that support the mission of the NCRM.