All-star musical lineup headlines International Freedom Conductor Awards
September 27 Aronoff performances to include Deborah Cox, Keith Robinson, MAJOR. and Syleena Johnson; tickets on sale now
CINCINNATI – On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the National Underground Railroad® Freedom Center will turn up the lights and the volume for one unforgettable night. The International Freedom Conductor® Awards, presented by Procter & Gamble, will celebrate today’s champions of justice with a mix of inspiring honors, and a range of powerhouse live performances. Two-time Emmy Award–winning journalist Tamron Hall will guide the evening as host.
The International Freedom Conductor Award is the Freedom Center’s highest honor, recognizing people whose lives and actions echo the courage of those who risked everything to lead others to freedom on the historic Underground Railroad. The 2025 honorees – Lonnie G. Bunch III, Opal Lee, Toni Morrison, John E. Pepper, Jr., and Isabel Wilkerson – are testaments to the power of leadership, truth and hope.
A Night Where Music Meets Mission
At the heart of this celebration is music – the universal language of courage and change. From soulful ballads to electrifying anthems, the 2025 performance lineup is stacked with artists whose voices have moved hearts and inspired action around the world. Each performer brings a style as unique as their story, but together they create a soundtrack of celebration honoring this year’s awardees. The lineup includes:
Deborah Cox
A trailblazer in music, theater and activism, Deborah Cox began her career singing backup for Celine Dion before launching into solo success with the platinum-selling album "One Wish." With multiple Juno Awards and Broadway credits, she’s the first Black woman inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame – and a tireless advocate for social justice.
Keith D. Robinson
From heartfelt ballads to commanding acting roles, Keith D. Robinson brings a rare mix of passion and artistry to his onstage presentation, infusing every performance with perseverance and soul. He is known for "Dreamgirls" and is now starring as Dr. Ted Richardson on the CBS soap opera "Beyond the Gates," the first hourlong daytime soap with a predominantly Black cast on network television.
MAJOR.
Major R. Johnson Finley – known by fans simply as MAJOR. – writes and sings with purpose. His songs "Honest" and "Why I Love You" have become modern classics, celebrated for their sincerity, hope and connection.
Syleena Johnson
Syleena Johnson’s music is deeply rooted in truth and resilience. Her acclaimed "Chapter" album series and standout feature on "All Falls Down" have cemented her as one of R&B’s most authentic voices.
Tamron Hall
Two-time Emmy Award–winning journalist, author and host, Tamron Hall is a trusted voice in modern media. She is host of "Tamron Hall," one of daytime television's highest-rated shows, which will kick off its seventh season this fall. Her career has been dedicated to shining light on stories that matter, making her a perfect host for this celebration of courage and commitment.
Tickets for the 2025 International Freedom Conductor Awards are available now at cincinnatiarts.org.
