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REACHING THE MASSES

Global media reach of over 5 billion.

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THOUSANDS FOR PEACE & ACTION

Over 3,000 attendees participated in the MLK50 Pledge, a call to peace and action.

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MEMPHIS-WIDE

Dozens of city-wide events that took place over the course of 5 days.

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ROLL OUT THE CARPET

Red carpet, secret service, and VIP itinerary coordination for over 15 MLK Freedom Award honorees annually.

National civil rights museum

MLK50 Commemoration

Reflecting & Honoring

In April of 2018, all eyes turned to Memphis, Tennessee as the National Civil Rights Museum honored the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s tragic death through a three-day grand commemoration. The MLK50 Commemoration events created an opportunity for groups from all over to come together and reflect on the state of racial unity and peace in today’s culture. A two-day symposium convening scholars, historians, and thoughts leaders from across the country kicked off the events, followed by a day-long observance and tribute to Dr. King. The Day of Remembrance culminated with an Evening of Storytelling – a signature event to conclude the MLK50 Commemoration. The National Civil Rights Museum partnered with LEO Events to ensure an impactful, memorable event. The MLK50 events received immense media coverage with local, national, and international outlets including The New York Times and U.S. News & World Report, as well as a global media reach of over 5 billion.

 

In the end, attendees were motivated and ready to activate change, with more than 3,000 participants signing the MLK50 Pledge – a call to peace and action.  Working as a team unit two years prior to the MLK50 Commemoration, the theme, goals, and objectives were set, as well as over 50 pre-program events.

LEO was proud to be a part of this commemoration by:

  • Serving as the overall strategic events partner for MLK50 sanctioned events
  • Planning and executing site for Day of Commemoration including venue management
  • Managing and executing the Evening of Storytelling including venue selection, food & beverage, set-up, event design, logistics, and VIP coordination

The Freedom Award

Leaving A Legacy

Noted as one of the nation’s premier heritage and cultural museums, the National Civil Rights Museum is located at the former Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The museum has entrusted LEO Events with its largest annual event, The Freedom Award, since 2006. Held each year in the fall, The Freedom Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions in civil rights and who have laid the foundation for present and future leaders. Former honorees include Nelson Mandela, Bono, Oprah, Joe Biden, Magic Johnson, and the Dalai Lama. Since LEO became involved in the event management, the museum saw profits increase $350k over the next five years. LEO is proud to work as a seamless extension with the museum by:

  • Serving as the overall strategic events partner for all Freedom Award sanctioned events
  • Managing logistics for VIP and Honorees including housing, travel, communications, transportation, and itineraries
  • Sourcing, contracting, and managing venues and hotels
  • Working with the city and county on public safety and security planning
  • Executing the Pre-Show Gala including red carpet management, event design, food & beverage, set-up, logistics, and VIP coordination
  • Overseeing staffing and volunteers
  • Coordinating media

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