Memphis has always been a city of changemakers — and that spirit is alive and well in three local students who were recently recognized by the National Civil Rights Museum for their leadership and activism.
During the Freedom Award Student Forum on October 16, NCRM President Russell Wigginton announced the 2025 Keeper of the Dream Award winners: Carlos Watkins, Pragna Rajashekar, and Christian Love.
“Students are the future of this community,” said Wigginton. “They’re the ones who will carry forward the mission of equality and justice.”
The Keeper of the Dream Award honors students who demonstrate courage, creativity, and commitment to advancing equal rights in their communities. This year’s recipients represent the next generation of leaders working to make Memphis — and the world — more equitable.
Pragna Rajashekar: Empowering Others Through Caring Hands
Rajashekar, a senior who founded Caring Hands, leads a fully student-run organization dedicated to expanding access to healthcare and education. Her passion was sparked when her mother was hospitalized, and she witnessed firsthand how difficult it can be for many families to access quality care.
Caring Hands has grown to include an international student newspaper and initiatives that support underserved youth. “If you give people access to healthcare and education, they’ll take it,” she said. “They just need the opportunity.”
Rajashekar hopes to pursue a career in healthcare law, continuing her advocacy for equitable access to care. And when she’s not leading change, you can find her enjoying her favorite local spot: Gus’s Fried Chicken — “The mac and cheese is literally the best.”
Carlos Watkins: Building Community Through Operation Purple House
A junior at Memphis East High School, Watkins founded Operation Purple House, a youth-led initiative that supports the Carpenter Art Garden in Binghampton. What started as a school project has grown into a community-driven effort to connect local students with creative opportunities.
From organizing picture days and art merchandising workshops to hosting a neighborhood Christmas parade, Watkins has built a bridge between his school and the community.
“We are the leaders of today and tomorrow,” he said. “We have to give ourselves those titles now so we can keep them when we’re adults.”
Watkins plans to study psychology, political science, and economics — and ultimately aims to become the President of the United States. Until then, he’ll keep fueling up at Dixie Queen, his go-to spot for “the best food, hands down.”
Christian Love: Connecting Youth Through Opportunity Bridge 901
At Lausanne Collegiate School, junior Christian Love created Opportunity Bridge 901 (OB901), a digital platform that connects students with leadership programs, college prep, and other enrichment opportunities.
His goal: to make opportunity accessible for all. “There’s a lot of gatekeeping in leadership culture,” he said. “We’re changing that by showing there’s more than one seat at the table for changemakers.”
OB901 recently launched an Opportunity Ambassador Program, placing student leaders in every Shelby County school to help their peers find and apply for opportunities.
Love believes the National Civil Rights Museum plays a critical role in modern Memphis. “It pushes back against negative perceptions of our city and shows that Memphis youth are making change,” he said.
Inspired by President Barack Obama, Love dreams of becoming a politician — and maybe one day, president himself. His campaign slogan? Vote C. Love 2042.
Honoring the Next Generation
As Freedom Award honoree Mark Suzman told the students during the ceremony, “You can make a difference at every level — in your family, in your community, in your country.”
Through their work, these Keepers of the Dream are already doing just that — reminding Memphis that the legacy of Dr. King and the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement are alive in every new generation.
