Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, filmmaker Ava DuVernay, Microsoft chairman of the board John W. Thompson alongside actor and recording artist LL Cool J are among a group of eight being by Harvard University in October.

For the last 5 years, the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research has awarded the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal to those who "have made significant contributions to African and African American history and culture, and more broadly individuals who advocate for intercultural understanding and human rights in an increasingly global and interconnected world," according to Harvard.

The honorees will receive the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal at the Hutchins Center Honors event on Oct. 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sanders Theatre in Cambridge.

Additional honorees will include Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, visual artist Kara Walker and philanthropist Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer, who will be honored posthumously.

Tickets to attend the free event are available through the Harvard Box Office, the event is open to the public.