The Rainbow PUSH organization hosted the Let Freedom Ring celebration on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday to commemorate the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth. The function took place at the Fox Theatre on January 20 and highlighted six individuals who exude the spirit of Dr. King.
In a press release promoting the event in advance, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., founder and president emeritus of Rainbow PUSH Coalition said, “We look forward to honoring these extraordinary leaders who have embodied Dr. King’s commitment to social justice by giving selflessly of themselves, their resources, and their ingenuity. The collective action of these individuals has strengthened humanity, and their work continues to personify the legacy of Dr. King in a way that empowers upward mobility through fairness and equity. We are pleased to shine more light on their efforts.”
The evening’s six honorees received recognition in one of four categories: the Humanitarian Award was presented to Detroit Tiger legend Willie Horton and (posthumously) Esther Gordy Edwards of the Motown Historical Museum; the Social Justice Award to Minister Malik Shabazz and (posthumously) Viola Liuzzo for paying the ultimate sacrifice during the Civil Rights Movement; the Social Service Award to Eva Garza Dewaelsche of SER Metro Detroit and owner and publisher of EL CENTRAL Hispanic News; and the Keep Hope Alive Award to Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr. The Martin Luther King High School Dance Workshop also performed routines that speak through the language of artistic movement and grace.
Previous Let Freedom Ring award recipients have included Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Wayne County Community College District Chancellor Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, Congressman John Conyers, Detroit News Publisher Jonathan Wolman, R&B singer KEM, former University of Michigan football player and current NFL player Blake Corum, and others.
