Some of the unsung heroes of the civil and voting rights movement were honored for their work during the annual Freedom Flame Gala.

The Bridge Crossing Jubilee and The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute partnered to host the gala at the Wallace Community College.

“Each year we come up with people to honor who has been active in the voting rights movement,” said Carolyn Gaines-Varner, Bridge Crossing Jubilee board member and museum board president.

Gaines-Varner said the gala is a way to honor those who aren’t typically recognized for their activism.

“A lot of these people are never recognized,” she said. “[They] appreciate what we’re doing.”

Dr. Clayborn Carson, Sanford University centennial professor, was awarded the Keeper of the Flame award. He participated in civil rights and antiwar protests during his undergraduate years at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Sybrina Fulton was awarded the Passion of the Flame award. Since the death of her son Trayvon Martin in 2012, she has spoken out about violence. She was unable to attend the gala because of a mix-up in travel arrangements.

The Rev. Robert and Jean Graetz were awarded the Passion of the Flame and Couple of the Struggle awards. Robert worked closely with Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Together they published several books including “A White Preacher’s Memoir: The Montgomery Bus Boycott” and “A White Preacher’s Message on Race and Reconciliation.”

Sophia Bracy Harris, Federation of Child Care Centers of Alabama (FOCAL) co-founder, was awarded Igniter of the Flame award.

Colonel Brodes Hartley Jr. was awarded the Sustainer of the Flame award for his active participation in leading the 1965 bus boycott in Tallahassee.

Alexis Herman was awarded Builder of the Flame. In 1997, she became the first African American sworn in as the Secretary of Labor.

Selma native John Rankin was awarded Igniter of the Flame. He participated in the 1965 marches as a teenager.

Rahiel Tesfamariam, founder of Urban Cusp magazine and former columnist for The Washington Post, was awarded the Spirit of the Flame. In 2014, she led a national Black Friday economic boycott.

Mark Myles, Fightfor15 campaign organizer, was awarded Builder of the Flame.

Gaines-Varner said the gala also serves as a major fundraiser for both the jubilee and the museum. Tables were sold for $800 and individual seats were sold for $75.

Gloria Griffin, Jeannie Bryant and Dr. Gloria Mitchell traveled from Pennsylvania to participate in this year’s bridge crossing events.

Bryant said they came to the event to reflect on the past and their ancestors. She said it’s important to know what your past is so it can help in the future.

“We also have to remember that the fight isn’t over. We have so far to go,” she said.