
Freedom Center's International Freedom Conductor Awards
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Procter & Gamble
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DateSep 27, 2025
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VenueAronoff Center
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LocationProcter & Gamble Hall
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Ticket PricesStarting at $71.00
Discount Available for Groups of 10+ Tickets -
AvailabilityOn Sale Now
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Seating ChartView Seating Chart
Event Details
This event was rescheduled to Saturday, September 27, 2025 from its originally scheduled date of May 24, 2025.
An evening of live music and the march toward freedom.
Enjoy an evening of live entertainment, stirring speeches, and a powerful call to action as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center honors five heroes with its highest honor – the International Freedom Conductor Award.
Join Emmy Award-winning journalist Tamron Hall as we celebrate the Vanguards of Freedom, featuring live music by Deborah Cox, MAJOR, and Syleena Johnson to celebrate 2025 honorees Lonnie G. Bunch III, Opal Lee, Toni Morrison, John Pepper, and Isabel Wilkerson under the bright lights of the Aronoff Center.
This year, the Freedom Center will honor:
- Opal Lee - the Grandmother of Juneteenth
- Lonnie G. Bunch III - founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and first African American Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
- Toni Morrison - Pulitzer Prize- and Nobel Prize-winning author of The Bluest Eye and Beloved
- John E. Pepper Jr. - businessman, philanthropist and former CEO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- Isabel Wilkerson - Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling-author of The Warmth of Other Suns and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
In celebration of these heroes, black-tie attire is encouraged but not required.
PRE-SHOW VIP RECEPTION ADD-ON
Choose to begin the evening, starting at 5:30pm, with an extraordinary experience! A limited number of VIP Reception Packages are available for $170.00 apiece, including:
- A private meet-and-greet with our esteemed honorees and entertainers.
- An open bar and sumptuous heavy hors d'oeuvres, accompanied by live jazz.
- Red Carpet Experience.
- Limited-edition IFCA'25 merchandise to commemorate your support.
AGE RECOMMENDATION
Recommended for audience members ages 13 and above.
RUNTIME
Approximately 2 hours, including an intermission.
PURCHASE POLICIES
No refunds, unless otherwise specified.
If your performance is postponed or rescheduled, we will automatically move your tickets to the new performance date(s). If you are unable to attend the new dates, we will work with you to find a solution, which may include, without limitation, an exchange into an alternate performance or a credit for a future performance.
THEATER ETIQUETTE
For the comfort and enjoyment of your fellow audience members, and to not distract those around you and the actors onstage:
- Turn OFF your cell phone. Even silent calls can be distracting, and the light from your phone can be as disruptive as a cell phone ring. Turn OFF your cell phone.
- Be sure your cell phone is turned off again after intermission.
- Refrain from talking or allowing children to kick seats ahead of them during the performance.
- Photos and recording during the performance are strictly prohibited.
Note that guests who are disturbing those around them may be asked to leave the theater.