The National Civil Rights Museum rolled out the red carpet for the 33rd Annual Freedom Awards at downtown Memphis’ on Oct. 17. The evening runneth over with Black pride, Black joy, and most notably, Black excellence, particularly as the tribute relates to its host, the incomparable MC Lyte, Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson, its 2024 honorees: Xernona Clayton, Sherrilyn Ifill, and Spike Lee, and entertainment: Debra Cox, Brothers And Sisters dance troupe, and Gary Goin, and the Freedom Award house band.
This elite bunch understands that freedom comes at a cost, and it is their actions—in service of civil rights—that warrant such a prestigious honor. They stand on the shoulders and principles of our greatest freedom fighters, who paid with their lives for the freedom and equity of mankind—Dr. Martin Luther King, El Hajj Malik (Malcolm X), Medgar Evers, James Chaney from Meridian, Mississippi, Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, and Fred Hampton among them.
“Each year, the National Civil Rights Museum pays tribute to individuals whose tenacity, determination, and tireless efforts have contributed significantly to civil and human rights, Dr. Russ Wiggington, president of the National Civil Rights Museum, said when he announced the honorees…