"Exceptional contributions" to civil and human rights is what is necessary to receive a Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum, and the museum has now announced the honorees who meet these qualifications.
Producer Xernona Clayton, filmmaker Spike Lee and president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund Sherrylyn Ifill are 2024's honorees at the Freedom Awards.
The museum said the event will pay tribute to "individuals who have shown unwavering commitment to promoting justice and equality."
It will take place at the Orpheum Theatre on Oct. 17 with the "Pre-Award Gala" at 5:30 p.m. at the Halloran Centre next door. The Award Ceremony itself is said to take place at 7 p.m.
Honoree Xernona Clayton worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and is the founder as well as president of the Trumpet Awards Foundation. "Her pioneering spirit in broadcasting continues to inspire generation," the museum said.
Honoree Sherrilyn Ifill increased LDF's engagement in civil rights issues, "particularly in combatting voter suppression and racial discrimination," the museum said. The National Civil Rights Museum described her mark on advocacy as "indelible."
Honoree Spike Lee, in addition to being an award-winning filmmaker, has also served as a tenured professor "committed to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers," the museum said. Some of Lee's most acclaimed films include "School Daze," "Get on the Bus," "Chi-Raq" and "Do the Right Thing."
Those interested in purchasing tickets for the 2024 Freedom Awards can do so here.