Imagine An America

Mr. Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League since 2003. Mr. Morial has transformed the 100-plus-year-old civil rights organization by renewing its focus on economic empowerment, education, and criminal justice reform. His leadership has expanded opportunities for underserved communities and solidified the Urban League’s position as one of the nation’s most influential civil rights organizations, and he is a recipient of the Museum’s 2025 Freedom Award.

Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, is one of theMuseum’s 2025 Freedom Award honorees. Mr. Suzman has dedicated his life to addressing injustice and inequality worldwide. From his upbringing in apartheid South Africa to his work with the United Nations and the Gates Foundation, he has built global partnerships to advance health, education, and economic opportunity for all. He shares his perspective on collective responsibility for eradicating poverty, advancing environmental justice, and addressing other issues affecting global citizens.

Two individuals uniquely positioned to highlight not only the public legacy of Rev. James Lawson Jr., but the private conviction that sustained him, are his son John Lawson, and the author of Nonviolent: A Memoir of Resistance, Agitation, and Love. John Lawson, Rev. Lawson’s eldest son, is a public servant and civic leader in his own right, carrying forward his father’s commitment to community, justice, and principled engagement. He joins us not only as a son reflecting on a remarkable father, but as someone continuing the work of strengthening civic life in tangible ways today. Emily Yellin is an accomplished journalist, author, and producer whose work has appeared in The New York Times and whose documentary storytelling has illuminated pivotal moments in American history. As co-author of Nonviolent, she helped shape Rev. Lawson’s final testament into a work that is both memoir and manual.

Within the powerful galleries of the National Civil Rights Museum, Valerie Rainford, Janet Taylor, Veda Ajamu, and Ryan Jones share how the museum’s storytelling equip executive leaders to ethically confront bias and build equity. Using history, data, neuroscience, and honest dialogue, the museum's Corporate Equity Center facilitators provide educational resources through a historical lens with clear paths for practical, profitable solutions to address systemic workplace inequities.

Three visionaries discuss their lives of service, the legacy of the civil rights movement, and their ongoing commitment to global human rights. A conversation about what it means to make history—and to shape the future.

Media pioneer and civil rights legend Xernona Clayton reflects on decades of breaking ground and opening doors for future generations. Her story is a vibrant testament to persistence, poise, and progress.

Veterans of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) share firsthand accounts of youth-led organizing in the 1960s and its connection to movements today. A multi-generational reflection on courage, strategy, and solidarity.

Renowned civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill outlines the legal battlegrounds shaping democracy—from voting rights to judicial equity. A masterclass on how the law can be both weapon and shield in the pursuit of justice.

Dr. Cornel West explores what it means to fight for justice from a place of love, joy, and moral clarity. This soulful dialogue centers the vision of the “Beloved Community” and the values that keep movements alive.

The Museum's 2016 Freedom Award honoree and civil rights attorney, Ben Crump speaks on the emotional and legal battle for justice in cases of police violence and systemic neglect. This conversation explores healing, accountability, and the pursuit of justice beyond the courtroom.