FedEx and National Civil Rights Museum host Freedom Award Forum in Memphis
- The Freedom Award Student Forum will take place on October 17, 2024, at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee.
- The event will feature distinguished honorees, including Xernona Clayton, Sherrilyn Ifill, and Spike Lee, and is designed for students in grades 5-12.
- This initiative aims to inspire students nationwide and is supported by FedEx and other organizations, highlighting the importance of civil rights education.
On October 7, 2024, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, announced its upcoming Freedom Award Student Forum, scheduled for October 17, 2024. This hybrid event, presented by FedEx, aims to inspire students by showcasing the achievements of notable Freedom Award honorees, including civil rights activist Xernona Clayton, former NAACP Legal Defense Fund President Sherrilyn Ifill, and filmmaker Spike Lee. The forum is designed for students in grades 5-12, allowing them to engage with the honorees' stories and experiences through a moderated YouTube chat, reaching up to 5,000 participants in person. FedEx's involvement includes over 100 employee volunteers who will assist with various logistical aspects of the event. The Freedom Award Student Forum represents a significant educational opportunity, expanding the museum's outreach and accessibility to students nationwide. The partnership with FedEx and support from other organizations, such as Ford Philanthropy and the Memphis Grizzlies, enhances the program's impact. Educators are encouraged to register their students in advance to participate in this unique experience, which aims to foster a deeper understanding of civil rights and social justice. The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the historic site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, serves as a vital institution for educating the public about the American Civil Rights Movement. Since its opening in 1991, the museum has welcomed millions of visitors, including a significant number of students, and continues to inspire action for positive social change.