President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 people in a ceremony at the White House on Jan. 4, with the list of recipients including famous actors, musicians, athletes, scientists, entrepreneurs, and political leaders.
“For the final time as president, I have the honor of bestowing the Medal of Freedom—our nation’s highest civilian honor—on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary, people,” Biden said during the ceremony, praising them for their “sacred effort to shape the culture and the cause of America.”
Three of the recipients are former political leaders from diverse ideological backgrounds: Robert F. Kennedy, who was a Democrat and served as attorney general; George Romney, who was a Republican and served as the governor of Michigan; and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a Democrat.
Other honorees include musical artist Bono, actor Michael J. Fox, conservationist Jane Goodall, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, soccer star Lionel Messi, scientist and TV host Bill Nye, actor Denzel Washington, and investor George Soros.
Biden praised the recipients for using their diverse talents to work on behalf of the country and to help Americans in need.
“Let me just say to each of you: thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country,” Biden said.
Kennedy was recognized for his pivotal role in combating racial segregation during the Civil Rights Movement and his efforts as a senator to address poverty and inequality. Romney, the father of former Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), served as chairman and president of American Motors Corporation and as the third Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Clinton was honored for her public service career, including becoming the first first lady elected to the Senate and the first woman nominated for president by a major political party.
Soros was honored for decades of work supporting organizations and initiatives that promote democracy, human rights, education, and social justice across the globe, according to the White House.
Goodall, a world-renowned ethologist and conservationist, was honored for her groundbreaking research on primates. Bono was recognized for his decades of activism in fighting poverty and disease through his music and global campaigns.
Fox was honored for his advocacy in Parkinson’s disease research, having become a leading voice in the fight for medical advancements. Johnson was celebrated for his philanthropy; he has supported underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
Lauren was acknowledged for his contributions to American fashion and his philanthropic efforts supporting cancer research and other causes. Messi was recognized for his charitable work supporting children’s education and health care.
Nye was honored for his efforts to popularize science and environmental awareness. Washington was celebrated for his inspiring performances and his charitable contributions to education and the arts.
The remaining recipients are renowned chef José Andrés; Ashton Baldwin Carter, who served as secretary of the Department of Defense; entrepreneur Tim Gill; Fannie Lou Hamer, who was a civil rights leader; philanthropist David M. Rubenstein; writer and playwright George Stevens Jr.; and Vogue magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
