National Civil Rights Museum announces 34th annual Freedom Award honorees

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The National Civil Rights Museum has announced the honorees for the 34th Annual Freedom Awards.

The Freedom Awards honor recipients for their contributions to civil and human rights.

This year’s honorees include Marc Morial, the CEO of the National Urban League, Velma Lois Jones, an educator and community advocate, and Mark Suzman, the CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Central at the historic Orpheum Theatre.

There will also be a special performance by Wendy Moten, the acclaimed vocalist and Memphis native celebrated for her powerhouse performances on NBC’s The Voice.

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