St. Louis attorney and civil rights activist Frankie Freeman is to be honored in two ways Thursday.

Along with receiving the 96th Spingarn Medal from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Freeman's home state has also announced another recognition.

Mo. Gov. Jay Nixon has proclaimed July 28 "Frankie Muse Freeman Day."

“The legacy of Frankie Freeman in bravely standing up for what is right has spanned more than 60 years and an entire nation,” Nixon said in a statement. “All Missourians can take pride in her many accomplishments that broke down barriers and advanced equality. I am very pleased to recognize Ms. Freeman and what she has done for so many people by proclaiming this day in her honor.”

As we shared in an earlier story, Freeman was the lead lawyer on the 1952 case that ended discrimination in St. Louis public housing. She was also the first woman to serve on the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.

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