Freedom Awards match turbulence of 1968 with today
Former vice president Joe Biden (left) sits next to Rev. Jesse Jackson at the National Civil Rights Museum's 2018 Freedom Award gala. Both Jackson and Biden spoke about the threat the current White House administration poses to civil rights. (Houston Cofield/Daily Memphian)
J.R. "Pitt" Hyde (center), Memphis philanthropist and founder of AutoZone, walks toward the stage at the 2018 Freedom Awards to accept his award. Hyde has supported civil rights in many ways, including helping to found the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. (Houston Cofield/Daily Memphian)
Former vice president Joe Biden laughs as Rev. Jesse Jackson makes a joke on stage at the 2018 Freedom Awards. Biden recounted some of the greatest victories in the civil rights movement but made it clear he believes civil rights are strongly threatened under the current White House administration. (Houston Cofield/Daily Memphian)
Rev. Jesse Jackson stands to salute former vice president Joe Biden after Biden finished his speech at the 2018 Freedom Awards. Both Jackson and Biden spoke about their belief the Trump administration poses a threat to civil rights. (Houston Cofield/Daily Memphian)
J.R. "Pitt" Hyde (center) stands with his wife, Barbara Hyde (center right), on the red carpet to speak with media prior to the start of the National Civil Rights Museum's Freedom Award gala. (Houston Cofield/Daily Memphian)
African-American style writer and 2018 Freedom Awards host Michaela Angela Davis speaks to a sold-out audience in the Orpheum. (Houston Cofield/Daily Memphian)
Victorie Franklin (center) and Jordan Franklin (right), the grandchildren of Aretha Franklin, laugh as Rev. Jesse Jackson makes a joke on stage at the 2018 Freedom Awards. (Houston Cofield/Daily Memphian)
J.R. "Pitt" Hyde (center) stands with his wife, Barbara Hyde (center right), on the red carpet to speak with media prior to the start of the National Civil Rights Museum's Freedom Award gala. (Houston Cofield/Daily Memphian)
Former vice president Joe Biden speaks to a sold-out audience in the Orpheum during the National Civil Rights Museum's 2018 Freedom Awards. (Houston Cofield/Daily Memphian)
Orpheum staff help guests find their seats at the 2018 Freedom Awards. The sold-out audience heard from three 2018 award winners: former vice president Joe Biden, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Memphis philanthropist J.R. "Pitt" Hyde. (Houston Cofield/Daily Memphian)
Topics
Freedom Awards J.R. Pitt Hyde Jesse Jackson Joe Biden National Civil Rights MuseumBill Dries on demand
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Bill Dries
Bill Dries covers city and county government and politics. He is a native Memphian and has been a reporter for more than 40 years.
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