Memphis, October 18, 2025
News Summary
At the 34th Freedom Award ceremony in Memphis, Marc H. Morial emphasized the urgent crisis facing voting rights in the U.S. He criticized the low voter turnout at 35% and labeled potential rollbacks of voting rights as alarming. Morial’s address coincided with deliberations on a Supreme Court case that may impact the 1965 Voting Rights Act. He also highlighted the importance of civic engagement and called for renewed efforts to protect civil rights during a challenging time, marked by self-suppression and the lingering effects of historical injustices.
Memphis – Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, expressed grave concerns over the state of voting rights in the United States at the National Civil Rights Museumโs 34th Freedom Award ceremony held on October 16, 2025. Morial warned of a โfull frontal assaultโ on voting rights, civil rights, and diversity initiatives, calling it a significant crisis that requires urgent attention.
In his address, Morial labeled potential rollbacks of voting rights as both โabsurd and obscene.โ His remarks coincided with the ongoing U.S. Supreme Court deliberation on Louisiana v. Callais, a pivotal case that could threaten key provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The case centers around whether electoral districts can be designed for the protection of minority voting rights without discriminating against others, a question that carries profound implications for civil rights.
Morial criticized the current voter turnout rate, which stands at only 35%, calling it unacceptable and further described voter suppression as “awful,” while labeling the phenomenon of self-suppression as a “moral sin.” His critiques aimed to highlight the urgent need for civic engagement amongst communities, particularly in light of past injustices linked to decisions such as those in the Dred Scott and Plessy v. Ferguson cases.
Following Morial’s address, he participated in a panel discussion including Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, Memphis Mayor Paul Young, and Tennessee State Rep. Karen Camper. During the discussion, Mayor Paul Young noted the alarming levels of self-suppression as evidenced by the low voter turnout in the recent 2023 mayoral election.
In his remarks on the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis, Morial expressed skepticism, citing concerns over their preparedness. He raised questions about the funding implications of using the National Guard versus investing in community support programs to enhance public safety.
Morial characterized the current civil rights landscape in America as a โstate of emergency,โ pointing to the deployment of the National Guard and the rollback of diversity initiatives enacted during President Donald Trump’s administration. He called on attendees to continue to fight for civil rights, emphasizing perseverance in the face of adversity.
The ceremony not only honored Morial but also recognized Dr. Velma Lois Jones, a prominent Memphis educator and civil rights leader, alongside Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation. The event celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, underlining the ongoing struggles to safeguard voting rights in the United States.
Wigginton, president of the museum, underscored the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who fought for voting rights amid ongoing threats that aim to diminish those rights. Morial suggested that all elected officials and students in Tennessee should consider visiting the National Civil Rights Museum to deepen their understanding of these issues.
The museum also announced the upcoming reopening of its renovated Legacy Building in Spring 2026. This expansion will connect historical milestones from 1968 to the present and aims to relate contemporary struggles for equity and democracy. The initiative is supported by ongoing capital fundraising efforts.
The Freedom Award ceremony also included a student forum, which showcased young activists and their contributions to the civil rights movement, reinforcing the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders committed to civil rights advocacy.
FAQ
Marc H. Morial is the President and CEO of the National Urban League.
What was the main focus of Marc H. Morial’s address at the ceremony?
His address focused on the current crisis regarding voting rights and civil rights in the United States, emphasizing the need for civic engagement.
What is the significance of the case Louisiana v. Callais?
It is a critical case currently being deliberated by the U.S. Supreme Court that could impact the protections provided by the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
What was the voter turnout rate mentioned in the address?
The current voter turnout rate is 35%.
Who were honored during the Freedom Award ceremony?
The ceremony honored Marc H. Morial, Dr. Velma Lois Jones, and Mark Suzman.
When will the renovated Legacy Building at the National Civil Rights Museum reopen?
The renovated Legacy Building is set to reopen in Spring 2026.
What was the overall sentiment expressed regarding the state of civil rights in America?
The current state of civil rights in America was characterized as a “state of emergency.”
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 34th Freedom Award Ceremony |
| Date | October 16, 2025 |
| Main Speaker | Marc H. Morial |
| Major Concerns | Voting Rights Crisis, Voter Turnout Issues |
| Supreme Court Case | Louisiana v. Callais |
| Voter Turnout Rate | 35% |
| Recognition | Dr. Velma Lois Jones, Mark Suzman |
| Upcoming Renovation | Legacy Building reopening Spring 2026 |
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: National Urban League’s Address
- ABC News: Supreme Court Case Impact on Black Representation
- GlobeNewswire: National Civil Rights Museum Announces Expansion
- Fox 13 Memphis: Tennessee’s Ties of Gun Rights to Voting Rights Restoration
- Wikipedia: Voting Rights in the United States
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