PCGCampbell Ford Freedom Award

In 1999, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Ford Motor Company created the Ford Freedom Awards. The program celebrates and recognizes African Americans whose contributions and sacrifices have paved the way for important and lasting changes in society.

Each year, the award recognizes two people. The award is given posthumously every year to an individual who has dedicated his or her life to improving the African American community and the world at large through their chosen field (arts, humanities, religion, business, politics, science or entertainment). The award also recognizes a Ford Freedom Award Scholar, an individual who has excelled on a national or international level.

The Ford Freedom Award provides a platform for the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to promote its educational goals to a national audience.

The program gives the museum a significant fund raising opportunity with proceeds going to the museum’s educational programs, exhibitions and community outreach programs.

The program also reinforces Ford Motor Company’s commitment to developing innovative community partnerships.

PCGCampbell has been Ford Motor Company’s strategic partner for the Ford Freedom Award since the program’s inception.

This involves managing celebrity participation (winners include actor Morgan Freeman, musician Al Jarreau and educator/entertainer Bill Cosby), working with television stations to produce specials about the award recipients, managing press conference logistics, hosting a black-tie gala reception and more. PCGCampbell also created the “look and feel” of the award by designing the event’s logo and letterhead.

The Ford Freedom Award allows the Charles H. Wright Museum and Ford Motor Company to further their partnership behind a common goal: strengthen communities, provide educational opportunities and celebrate diversity.

Since 1999, the award has raised more than $500,000 for the museum, and over 60,000 students have benefited from educational outreach programs. Local and national media cover the award every year.