Honorees & Performers

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle Obama

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.

 

2021

HONOREE

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 Poor People's Campaign

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.

2021

Honoree

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.

Lamman Rucker
HOST
Lamman Rucker is best known as the handsome star of Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married film sequel and hit sitcom Meet The Browns. He is also a spokesperson for several charitable efforts and community action initiatives.
Lamman Rucker is best known as the handsome star of Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married film sequel and hit sitcom Meet The Browns. He is also a spokesperson for several charitable efforts and community action initiatives.
Andra Day
PERFORMER

GRAMMY Award-nominated singer/songwriter, activist, and actress Andra Day was initially best known for her 2016 GRAMMY- nominated behemoth, “Rise Up.” It was her standout, debut starring role in The United State vs. Billie Holiday that earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Oscars and a Golden Globe for Actress in a Drama Motion Picture

 

GRAMMY Award-nominated singer/songwriter, activist, and actress Andra Day was initially best known for her 2016 GRAMMY- nominated behemoth, “Rise Up.” It was her standout, debut starring role in The United State vs. Billie Holiday that earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Oscars and a Golden Globe for Actress in a Drama Motion Picture

 

Amanda Gorman
PERFORMER

Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history whose performance of her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration received critical acclaim and international attention.

Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history whose performance of her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration received critical acclaim and international attention.

Leon Bridges
PERFORMER

Singer, songwriter and producer, Leon Bridges’ soulful, 1960s throw-back R&B style gives context to contemporary social issues today with a vision of what could be.

Singer, songwriter and producer, Leon Bridges’ soulful, 1960s throw-back R&B style gives context to contemporary social issues today with a vision of what could be.

Michael Eric Dyson
PERFORMER

Michael Eric Dyson is a renowned writer, preacher, lecturer, media personality and professor who has taught at distinguished universities and authored over 20 books.

Michael Eric Dyson is a renowned writer, preacher, lecturer, media personality and professor who has taught at distinguished universities and authored over 20 books.

Ed Mabrey
PERFORMER
Ed Mabrey is the only four-time World Poetry Slam Champion and an Emmy winner. He has performed on international stages and on television series such as Verses & Flow.  
Ed Mabrey is the only four-time World Poetry Slam Champion and an Emmy winner. He has performed on international stages and on television series such as Verses & Flow.  
Collage Dance Collective
PERFORMERS
Collage Dance Collective is a Memphis-based company at the national forefront of inspiring growth and diversity in ballet.
Collage Dance Collective is a Memphis-based company at the national forefront of inspiring growth and diversity in ballet.
Garry Goin
and the Freedom Award House Band

Award-winning musician, composer and producer, Garry Goin,  will lead the Freedom Award House Band for a night of nonstop entertainment and melodic sounds.

Award-winning musician, composer and producer, Garry Goin,  will lead the Freedom Award House Band for a night of nonstop entertainment and melodic sounds.