Usher & Danny Glover honoured at Freedom Awards

R&B superstar Usher and actors Danny Glover and Cicely Tyson have been honoured at the 2011 Freedom Awards in Memphis, Tennessee.

The Yeah! hitmaker was feted for his charity efforts on behalf of his youth organisation, the New Look Foundation, while Lethal Weapon star Glover accepted an accolade for his work as a political activist.

Accepting his award at the National Civil Rights Museum on Saturday (12Nov11), Usher said, "You have the opportunity to be recognised for what you do in music, but when you're being recognised for what you do 100 per cent from your heart, that really makes a difference."

Oscar nominee and civil rights campaigner Cicely Tyson was presented with the Pioneer Award and CSI: NY actor Hill Harper received the Freedom Award for education.

Other honourees included Grammy-nominated musician Kirk Whalum and basketball icon Bill Russell.

The Freedom Awards are given to civil rights pioneers in the fields of education, humanitarianism, the arts, sports, activism and legal justice.