MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The National Civil Rights Museum hosted its 31st Freedom Awards Thursday night.
It's one of the biggest nights on the calendar for the museum as it pays tribute to outstanding individuals for their significant contributions to civil and human rights.
ABC24's Rudy Williams helped host on the red carpet.
Thursday's honorees included critically acclaimed authors Isabel Wilkerson, Taylor Branch and FedEx founder Fred Smith.
Smith said his award should actually go to the thousands who made FedEx what it is today.
"Many great African-Americans built FedEx from pilots to senior vice presidents to engineers, pick up and delivery people," Smith said. "I mean, that's what it's all about. Giving people opportunity."
The award has been given to notable figures like Jimmy Carter, Rosa Parks, John Legend and even basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson.