The National Civil Rights Museum is proud to announce the distinguished honorees for the 34th Freedom Award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to civil and human rights. The Museum’s signature event, the Freedom Award, pays tribute to individuals who have shown unwavering commitment to advancing truth, equity, and justice in a time when those values are […]
Tag: Freedom Award
Follow the museum’s highest honor, from annual honoree announcements to coverage of the ceremony. These posts recognize the national and global figures who have advanced civil and human rights, from Tom Brokaw to Stacey Abrams. Read who is being honored and why their work matters.
Week 26: Better Jobs – Resumes & Interviews Matter
“ Building a resume can be stressful and the content choices can make a difference. The qualifications and accomplishments listed on a resume can have a great impact on the recruiters’ hiring decisions. How well a person presents themselves in the interview is a huge factor. The chart below from Miami University research shows how commonly used resume […]
Week 27: Peace: Nonviolence as a Way of Life
“ Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King and Freedom Award honoree, speaks to middle and high school students about nonviolence at the National Civil Rights Museum’s Freedom Award Student Forum on October 19, 2017. LET’S GO! Seek friendship and understanding. The goal of nonviolence is not to defeat […]
President Jimmy Carter: A Giant Among Leaders
The National Civil Rights Museum joins the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter. A giant among leaders and a true example of the highest ideals of public service, President Carter’s legacy will forever be etched in history. As a recipient of the Museum’s 1994 Freedom Award and the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, […]
Museum Statement on the Passing of Rev. James Lawson
The National Civil Rights Museum is deeply saddened by the passing of civil rights philosopher and strategist, Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr. Participating in several museum events and programs, Rev. Lawson has been a lifelong mentor of the movement and among a panel of respected scholars for the National Civil Rights Museum. He is […]
Stacey Abrams: Champion of Voting Rights Honored at the National Civil Rights Museum
Every year, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, bestows its prestigious Freedom Award upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of civil and human rights. In 2023, one of the distinguished honorees is none other than Stacey Abrams, a dedicated advocate for voting rights. Abrams has dedicated her life to […]
Museum Statement Regarding the Passing of Bill Russell
The National Civil Rights Museum mourns the passing of 2011 Freedom Award honoree and sports pioneer, William Felton Russell. Following baseball legend Jackie Robinson’s example, Bill Russell believed it was his responsibility as a celebrity to use his platform to stand up for positive social change. Bill Russell was an outspoken advocate for civil rights. […]
Museum Statement Regarding the Passing of Sidney Poitier
The National Civil Rights Museum joins the world in grieving the loss of a great icon and its 2001 Freedom Award honoree, Mr. Sidney Poitier. Poitier was a trailblazing thespian and staunch civil rights activist that remained true to his principles. His art reflected his convictions. Because of that, the world reimagined Black culture during […]
Museum Statement on the Passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu
The National Civil Rights Museum grieves the loss of world leader and 1992 Freedom Award honoree, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Tutu became the first black Anglican Dean of Johannesburg in 1975, Bishop of Johannesburg in 1985, and Archbishop of Cape Town in 1986. Under his vigorous leadership, the church in South Africa became immersed in the […]
Museum Statement on the Passing of Secretary Colin Powell
The National Civil Rights Museum expresses deep sorrow in the passing of 1997 Freedom Award honoree, Secretary Colin L. Powell. Secretary Powell was appointed by President George W. Bush as the 65th Secretary of State in 2000, becoming the first African American Secretary of State in the U.S. Powell was a professional soldier for 35 […]
Museum Mourns the Passing of Freedom Award Honoree Frank Robinson
We are saddened by the passing of baseball icon Frank Robinson, a Hall of Famer, two-time MVP, and MLB’s first African-American manager. He was honored by the National Civil Rights Museum with the Freedom Award Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. His contributions to civil rights and baseball were many, including the integration of black players […]
Museum Statement on the Passing of Hugh Masekela and Wyatt Tee Walker
January 23, 2018 will go down in civil rights history as a sad day. Two of the icons of the 20th century civil rights movement made their transition – Ramapolo Hugh Masekela and Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker. Hugh Masekela was a renowned South African composer. In a career spanning more than five decades, Masekela […]