President Biden on Saturday honored a number of prominent figures in politics, fashion, entertainment and activism, awarding 19 people with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Among those honored are chef and philanthropist Jose Andres, musician and activist Bono, former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, actor Michael J. Fox, and entrepreneur and activist They include LGBTQ advocate Tim Gill.
Biden also introduced conservationist Jane Goodall, NBA legend Magic Johnson, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, acclaimed soccer player Lionel Messi and science educator Bill Nye. , philanthropist David Rubenstein, Democratic donor and philanthropist George Soros, American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr. and actors will also be honored. Denzel Washington and longtime Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
The president will also honor four people after the death of Robert F. Kennedy, who served as attorney general. Ashton Carter served as Secretary of Defense. George Romney was the governor of Michigan. and Fannie Lou Hamer, the civil rights activist who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
“These 19 Americans are great leaders who made America a better place,” the White House said in a press release. “They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Biden is expected to receive the award, considered the nation's highest civilian honor, at a White House ceremony.
The president has spent the last week of his term recognizing civilian and military contributions to the country. He presented the Presidential National Medal of Honor to multiple recipients on Thursday, and awarded the Medal of Honor and Medal of Valor to multiple individuals on Friday.
