US President Joe Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Diverse Group
US President Joe Biden recently awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals from various fields, recognizing their exceptional contributions and achievements.
Notable Recipients
- Team USA swimmer Katie Ledecky
- Civil rights leader Medgar Evers
- Television host Phil Donahue
During the awards ceremony at the White House, President Biden encouraged Ledecky to continue her success in swimming, emphasizing that age should not hinder her pursuit of more medals.
Celebrating ‘Firsts’
The honoree list includes individuals who have made significant breakthroughs in their respective fields, such as:
- Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress
- Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space
- Jim Thorpe, the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal in 1912
Political Allies and Figures
President Biden also recognized key political allies and prominent figures, including:
- Representative Jim Clyburn
- Nancy Pelosi
- Former Senator Elizabeth Dole
- Former Vice President Al Gore
- Former Secretary of State John Kerry
- Previous New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Biden commended Al Gore for his graceful concession in the 2000 presidential election, highlighting the importance of upholding democratic principles.
Other Honorees
Additional recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom include:
- Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries
- Opal Lee, activist for Juneteenth
- Senator Frank Lautenberg, consumer safety advocate
- Astrophysicist Jane Rigby
- United Farm Workers president Teresa Romero
- LGBT advocate Judy Shepard
- Clarence B. Jones, contributor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic speech
