In 2026, the National Civil Rights Museum will launch the Bayard Rustin Institute—a new initiative honoring the life and legacy of this visionary activist and strategist, best known as an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the chief…
Archives: Events
34th Freedom Award Red Carpet Livestream
Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education 225 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 Tune in to the Freedom Award red carpet livestream. Our Pre-Show Gala and red carpet are the perfect gateway to…
Founders Park Grand Opening
National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN A New Space for Reflection & Celebration We’re cutting the ribbon and opening the gates to another chapter of community connection. Join the National Civil Rights Museum and BlueCross BlueShield…
Teacher Workshop: The Power of Primary Sources
Join us to explore the rich legacy of Bayard Rustin, a life-long activist for racial equality and an unwavering proponent of nonviolence. Discover how Bayard Rustin’s treasured possessions, correspondence, and ephemera capture the spirit and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. Using the Speaking Truth to Power exhibition and the Rustin Collection we will delve…
The Freedom Award Student Forum
A hybrid celebration for students in grades 5-12, held the same day as the Freedom Award, inspiring young people through the honorees’ stories and presenting the Keeper of the Dream Award.
Without Fear: Black Women and the Making of Human Rights
Join the National Civil Rights Museum for a powerful conversation with acclaimed historian, bestselling author, and Brown University professor Dr. Keisha Blain on her groundbreaking new book, Without Fear: Black Women and the Making of Human Rights. The hybrid event’s discussion is moderated by Tami Sawyer, a Memphis public servant and civil rights activist. Spanning…
Teacher Workshop August 2025 with Dr. Monet Lewis-Timmons
By exploring the material objects found in personal archives, we gain a unique window into an individual’s life and legacy. In this session, we will delve into the stories of Bayard Rustin, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, and Frances Thompson—examining the significance of the objects they left behind and what these artifacts reveal about their experiences and impact….
Malcolm X at 100: A Conversation with Ilyasah Shabazz
Malcolm X at 100: A Conversation with Ilyasah Shabazz is an in-person and hybrid featuring commemorating the legacy Civil and Human Rights Icon Malcolm X during the year of his 100th birthday and 60 years after his assassination. The featured…
Fireside Chat with Art Gilliam
As part of the Catalyst for Change series, join us for a compelling fireside chat with Art Gilliam, President and CEO of WLOK Radio, whose groundbreaking leadership helped redefine the landscape of Southern media and Black-owned broadcasting. A true pioneer,…
Brother Outsider: A Pride Month Tribute to Bayard Rustin
National Civil Rights Museum 450 Mulberry St., Memphis, TN 38103 As part of its Catalyst for Change Series, the National Civil Rights Museum will host a powerful screening of “ Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin,”a groundbreaking documentary that…
Freedom Award
The National Civil Rights Museum’s signature Freedom Award returns Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Memphis. Tickets on sale now.
Unite Memphis 5K and 1-Mile Walk
Register Now The National Civil Rights Museum is proud to announce its partnership with Unite Memphis to champion unity, hope, and healing across our city. This year’s Unite Memphis 5K Walk/Run — formerly known as the Race for Reconciliation — will coincide with 901 Day, creating a celebration of Memphis pride. This event is expected…