Jesse Jackson, Biden honoured by National Civil Rights Museum

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Former Vice-President Joe Biden, civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson and philanthropist J.R. “Pitt” Hyde III are this year’s recipients of the National Civil Rights Museum’s Freedom Awards.

The Memphis, Tennessee-based museum announced in a news release Thursday the winners of its annual awards honouring civil and human rights leaders.

Biden served under former President Barack Obama. The museum says Biden has worked to shape policies affecting the living standards of middle-class Americans, gun violence and violence against women.

The museum says Jackson has played “a pivotal role in virtually every movement for peace, civil rights, empowerment, gender equality, and economic and social justice.”

Hyde founded auto parts retailer AutoZone Inc. The Hyde Family Foundation has worked to improve education, strengthen neighbourhoods and promote arts in Memphis.