Mary and her work will be honored at the "Freedom Sings" event and she'll be saluted musically by Rodney Crowell and Judy Collins, and take part in a Q-and-A session.
When the announcement was made, the Newseum and the First Amendment Center's Ken Paulson said her career, "has been one of absolute integrity. She has consistently written and performed songs that take a stand and reflect the human condition, while her activism outside of her art has also effected real change for real people."
Other stars to receive the "Spirit of Americana" Free Speech in Music Award include Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Charlie Daniels, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Steve Earle, and Mavis Staples.
The "Freedom Sings" event is tonight.