Former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Hillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Fox News poll: Biden ahead of Trump in Nevada, Pennsylvania and Ohio MORE was honored alongside Rev. Jesse Jackson and philanthropist Pitt Hyde with Freedom Awards from the National Civil Rights Museum.

The 27th annual Freedom Awards ceremony took place in downtown Memphis on Wednesday, honoring individuals who have made a global impact.

In his remarks at the event, Biden told attendees that the country needs their “energy” and “leadership,” and that a “battle for the soul of America” is taking place.

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“In the face of the hateful rhetoric and divisive legislation we cannot remain silent,” the former vice president said.

Joe Biden: "I'm here to tell you that once again we need your energy. Once again, we need your leadership. Once again, we need your renewed commitment to civil rights and civil justice." https://t.co/p2nsEnDmse pic.twitter.com/oxWOvIt1rS — The Hill (@thehill) October 18, 2018

Museum President Terri Freeman News 3 in Memphis, Tenn. that Biden was selected as an honoree for his work on human rights and LGBTQ issues.

She said that Jackson, a civil rights leader and member of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inner circle, was honored this year because the theme of the event was 1968 – the year King was assassinated.

Freeman noted that she sees “many similarities” between 1968 and 2018, given the current political climate.

“We want to continue to help people understand the work is not over,” she said.