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Former First Lady and best-selling author Michelle Obama will receive the Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum on October 14. As described by the National Civil Rights Museum, the Freedom Award honors those whose influence has "crossed color lines, culture divisions and spanned across the globe." Recipients are also characterized as leaders who continue to adapt as the "fight for civil rights continues to shift and change, from marches for desegregation to policy change for women's rights and more." Past award recipients include filmmaker Ava DuVernay, civil rights icon Jesse Jackson Sr., attorney Ben Crump and President Joe Biden.
"Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama is a lawyer, writer, and the wife of the 44th President, Barack Obama. Through her four main initiatives, she has become a role model for women and an advocate for healthy families, service members and their families, higher education, and international adolescent girls’ education," the Ivy League graduate's bio reads.
The former first lady is not the only recipient of the Freedom Award this year. In fact, she is one of three people to receive the honor. Rev. Dr. William Barber II and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis of the Poor People's Campaign will also be honored this fall.
"The Poor People's Campaign is co-chaired by Rev. Dr. William Barber II and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis whose leadership in the relaunch of the Campaign in 2018, the virtual 2020 and on-site 2021 Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington have mobilized diverse audiences," their joint bio reads.
Hosted by actor Lamman Rucker, the virtual celebration will be held on October 14. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets as early as September 5.
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