Freedom Award Ceremony Celebrates Civil Rights Icons

The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis recognized filmmaker Spike Lee, civil rights leader Xernona Clayton, and former NAACP Legal Defense Fund president Sherrilyn Ifill at the Freedom Award ceremony for their significant contributions to justice and equality. The event featured a pre-award gala and a ceremony hosted by hip-hop legend MC Lyte, with performances by Deborah Cox. During the ceremony, Spike Lee emphasized the importance of voting in the upcoming presidential election, urging the audience to be wary of political 'shenanigans.' The honorees also addressed students at a forum, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and be catalysts for positive social change. Spike Lee, known for his films addressing racial issues, shared his experiences as a filmmaker and his passion for storytelling at a separate lecture event. The Freedom Award is one of the nation's most prestigious honors, held at the historic Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.