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Keeper of the Dream

Keepers of the Dream Nomination

The National Civil Rights Museum is pleased to sponsor the Keeper of the Dream Award. The Keeper of the Dream Award is a public recognition of selected youth in grades 6-12 that celebrates and recognizes the hard work and dedication of young people who take action and demonstrate a commitment to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for others.

The Keeper of the Dream Award parallels the National Civil Rights Museum  Freedom Award, which is bestowed upon individuals who have forged paths to expand freedom and opportunities for all people. The student winners of the Keeper of the Dream Award will be honored at the 2025 Freedom Award Student Forum scheduled for October 16, 2025. 

Nomination Deadline is September 26, 2025

 

Award Eligibility Requirements

•      Nominee must not have reached their 19th birthday before  October 16, 2025. 

•      Nominee must reside in the Mid-South (TN, MS, AR).

•     Nominee must not be a child or relative of an employee of the National Civil Rights Museum. 

•     Nominee must be in 6th-12th grade in the current school year.

•     Past winners of the Keeper of the Dream award are not eligible to win. 

•      A relative or family member of the student may not  nominate a student or make recommendations. 

•      For selected students, their parent or guardian must sign a media release and give the Keeper of the Dream Review    Committee permission to 1) confirm the student’s school enrollment and 2) review the student’s social media presence. 

Application Process 

Students or those wishing to nominate students are encouraged to submit applications/nominations by the deadline of September 18, 2025 by 12 Midnight (CST). 

Please be prepared to answer the following questions when nominating for the Keeper of the Dream Award: 

  • Date of birth
  • Email
  • Mailing  Address & Contact Phone Number
  • Parent or guardian/phone/email
  • School/grade 

  Please include the following with your nomination:

  • If nominating self, submit two recommendation letters that describe the act of courage, compassion or leadership that  show a commitment to ensuring equal rights and justice for others. If nominating someone else, submit your statement and one additional recommendation letter. We ask that the letters are specific and describe any obstacles that you/the nominee may have faced during the course of your/the nominee’s service.
  • If nominating self, please submit a personal statement that describes the act of courage, compassion, or leadership that you demonstrated which showed your commitment to ensuring equal rights and justice for others. Statements can be in the form of a 250-word statement, a PowerPoint/Prezi presentation, or a video. 
  • Optional: Additional documentation that supports your nomination (awards, certificates, etc)
  • List organizations you/the nominee has served.
  • Provide hours served or schedule of service.
  • Certify recommendation/nomination is not from a relative.

Applicant Review and Selection Process 

A Review Committee from the sponsoring organizations will review applications and select finalists in each age grade category. 

  • Award recipients will be notified by Friday, September 26, 2025. 
  • Award recipients will be asked to submit a headshot or high-resolution photo for use in promotion. Photos of the recipient in action, serving the community is a plus, but not a requirement. .  
  • The award recipient, and a parent or legal guardian must 1) sign a photo & video release and 2) confirm recipient’s good standing at currently enrolled school. 
  • The award recipient will be asked to attend the  Freedom Award Student Forum on October 16, 2025. 

Keeper of the Dream Recipient Award 

Each award recipient will receive the following in recognition of their hard work and dedication to community transformation: 

  • Recognition at the Freedom Award Student Forum on Thursday, October 16, 2025
  • Round-trip airfare courtesy of Southwest Airlines
  • A $500 Award
  • Keeper of the Dream signature trophy
  • Museum Family Membership for one year

Contact Information 

If you have any questions regarding the award or application process, please contact: 

education@civilrightsmuseum.org 

2025 Award Winners

Carlos Watkins, a junior at Memphis East High School, serves as a Tennessee DECA State Officer representing over 8,500 students statewide. His leadership and service have earned him previous honors, including the 2025 Good Samaritan Award, the Mayor’s Rising Star Award. At just 10 years old, Carlos was recognized by Councilwoman Jamita Swearengen for his outstanding contributions to the community. He has since continued to uplift others through his work with the Carpenter Art Garden in Binghampton, where he founded and served as the Director and Operation Manager of Operation Purple House, a youth-driven initiative that secured funding, organized volunteers, and strengthened the community through creativity and mentorship. Carlos often reflects on the challenges faced by Memphis youth, believing that “if there are those of us who never get tired of doing the right thing, there is hope to keep the dream alive.” Guided by his motto, “We are the leaders of today and tomorrow,” Carlos plans to pursue a career in law and public policy, beginning with the Memphis City Council Elections in 2027.

 

Christian Love, a junior at Lausanne Collegiate School, is committed to closing equity gaps for students across the Mid-South. As a BRIDGES Youth Action Center Social Change Fellow, he founded Opportunity Bridge 901 (OB901), a youth-led digital platform that connects students to leadership programs, summer institutes, workshops, and college-prep opportunities. Christian recognized a troubling reality: access to these experiences is often inequitable—not because students lack talent, but because many don’t know they exist. OB901 addresses this gap by helping students find opportunities tailored to their grade level, interests, and time commitment, “leveling the playing field” so young changemakers can flourish regardless of school, neighborhood, or network. Christian is also the Founder and President of Lausanne’s Black Student Association, serves as a BRIDGES Youth Advisory Board member and is a Memphis Challenge ambassador. Christian’s passion for equity and service is inspired by his mother, and he carries her example forward by proving that impact can start at any age. OB901 embodies his proven commitment to leadership, innovation, and social justice, creating tangible pathways for students to explore their passions, develop skills, and step into their purpose.

 

Pragna Rajashekar, a senior attending White Station High School, has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for others through expanding access to education, healthcare, and civic engagement. She founded The Caring Hands of Tennessee, an organization which strives to improve healthcare access in rural communities. Pragna organized events, collaborated with India Fest and Chipotle, raised hundreds of dollars, and inspired volunteers to reach their full potential. Her compassion reaches globally. Pragna expanded ‘Caring Hands’ into an international student-run newspaper, a platform to share student voices, and a free platform that fosters learning and encourages youth agency. Also, Pragna’s commitment to remediating gun violence brought her into dialogue with TN policy makers. She uses both her energy and her voice to work for a more peaceful and equitable world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024 Award Winners

Maria Fernanda Machado, a senior at Central High school, is a dedicated leader and advocate, committed to service and academic excellence. As a student attorney for Youth Court Services since 2022, she has fought for civil rights and social justice, earning recognition in the Daily Memphian.

She founded Soy Mia, a nonprofit providing free menstrual products across Memphis, focusing on the Hispanic community. Maria has held Spanish-language workshops and distributed hundreds of “period starter kits.”

Maria volunteers with Cazateatro, a bilingual theater organization, where she assists with event coordination, community outreach, and productions. Whether in the courtroom or through community service, she is committed to creating a more just and equitable world.

 

Corey Mitchell Irby II, a senior at East T-STEM Academy High School, planned and led an East Campus Cleanup with two classmates, Memphis City Beautiful and East High’s PTO. The goal of the clean-up project was to ensure that students had equal access to clean and healthy learning environments. Over 150 students volunteered, resulting in winning a national DECA award in Anaheim, California. Corey also received the first DECA Community Service Award for East High’s Chapter.

Corey has helped open paths of communication between students and staff, leading to students receiving more services and resources they need. He is a member of Project STAND and is a Memphis Ambassador. He believes if things like trash and broken windows increase in a neighborhood, it looks more suitable for crime. Corey advocates for wellness in Binghampton, where he asks others to join him in caring for the community.

 

Adaria Crutcher, a senior at White Station High School, is dedicated to providing a safe environment for students struggling with their mental health. Adaria and two peers created StoryUnfinished to support students who experience suicidal thoughts.

StoryUnfinished has helped close to 500 students learn ways to cope with mental and emotional challenges. StoryUnfinished’s goal is to remind students not to let their story go unfinished or untold; because everyone has a story worth sharing.

Adaria is also the Social Media Manager with the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH) Youth Council. She creates media to promote advocacy through youth voices, garnering an audience of almost 600 youth voices throughout Memphis. She truly is doing great work with the teenagers in the city of Memphis.

 

 

 

 

2023 Award Winners

Hannah Glenn, a senior at East High School and a distinguished leader in JROTC, has championed the cause of voter education and activism. Through her initiative, “Sign Up to Vote” pledge, she has inspired her peers to engage actively in the democratic process. Hannah’s passion for civic engagement is evident in her voluntary contributions of over 200 hours to various local and national organizations, including FeedMemphis, Stopbullying.gov, Veterans of America, Girl Scouts of America, and AXIS Neighborhood Cleanups.

 

Jade Mitchell, a seventh-grader at Colonial Middle School, has expressed her creativity and positivity through her music. She penned and performed a song titled “Memphis and Beyond” with the youth choir Perfecting Gifts, spreading love and hope amidst challenging times. Jade’s music video, encapsulating the spirit of resilience, has garnered widespread attention, amassing over 16,000 Facebook views and earning airtime on local radio stations.

 

Ira Sharma, a senior at White Station High School, has emerged as a prominent advocate for youth rights. Through her involvement in organizations such as Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH) Youth Council and Young Women Against Injustice (WAI), she has tirelessly worked towards amplifying the voices of Memphis youth and advocating for their civil rights. She was involved in the MICAH Youth Council’s recent gun violence legislation campaign ahead of the Tennessee Legislature Special Session in August, including helping craft a petition and representing the Youth Council to local press.

She has also been involved in organizing various voter registration and menstrual product donation drives with Young Women Against Injustice.

 

2022 Keeper of the Dream Award Winners

In a groundbreaking year of advocacy and action, the Youth Justice Action Council (YJAC) has played a pivotal role in reshaping the narrative surrounding youth violence in Memphis. Through their relentless efforts, this dedicated group has successfully transformed responses to youth crime in Tennessee, particularly within the confines of Shelby County Juvenile Court. By amplifying the voices of directly impacted youth, YJAC has achieved unprecedented milestones, leading to meaningful change in the justice system.

Over the past year, YJAC has conducted in-depth research shedding light on the experiences of justice-impacted youth in Shelby County. Their findings, encapsulated in a comprehensive report, have highlighted the disproportionate impact of arrest and sentencing on Black and Brown youth. This report served as the foundation for their advocacy, driving significant reform initiatives forward.

YJAC’s impact extends beyond research. Their recommendations have been instrumental in shaping programs and policies at the Youth & Family Resource Center in Shelby County. Additionally, they’ve actively engaged with political leaders, making their voices heard through memos and presentations. Their efforts culminated in a historic achievement: the recommendations of youth who have firsthand experience with the justice system were directly acknowledged by all key political decision-makers in Shelby County.

Members of the Youth Justice Action Council, all exceptional students from various high schools in the region, include:

  • Alexis Estrada, George Washington Carver High School
  • Crystal Oceja, Kingsbury High School
  • Bel Webb, George Washington Carver High School
  • Marshawn Jemison, George Washington Carver High School
  • Milana Kumar, Collierville High School
  • Octavia Stokes, Central High School
  • Salina Shamsuddin, Collierville High School
  • Trekeria Rainey, Raleigh-Egypt High School
  • Tydre McKenzie, George Washington Carver High School

Through their unwavering dedication, YJAC has ushered in a new era of youth justice reform in Memphis. Their collective efforts have not only raised awareness about the challenges faced by justice-involved youth but have also paved the way for a more equitable and just future for all. The impact of their work will resonate for generations, marking a turning point in the fight for justice and equality in Shelby County.