According to the National Civil Rights Museum in Tennessee, former US First Lady Michelle Obama and The Poor People’s Campaign will receive the Freedom Award.
The awards, which commemorate “significant achievements to civil and human rights,” will be awarded to Michelle Obama and campaign organizers Reverend William Barber and Reverend Liz Theoharis in a virtual ceremony on Oct. 14, the museum said on Wednesday.
Michelle Obama, a lawyer, and writer became the first Black first lady after her husband, Barack Obama, was elected president in 2009. In addition, she will be inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in October.
The Poor People’s Campaign, based in Washington, DC, aims to combat systematic racism, poverty, and environmental devastation, according to a statement from the museum.
“A particular moment will concentrate on those events this year that transformed the way this country perceives and responds with racial injustice, including a special tribute,” award producer Faith Morris said.
Darnella Frazier, the adolescent who filmed George Floyd’s death on her smartphone and helped spark global protests against racial injustice and police brutality last year, will be honored during the ceremony.
In addition, Frazier received a special commendation from the Pulitzer board in June of this year.
