The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award given to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, to world peace, or to other significant social, public, or private activities.
President Biden believes that great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair chance, and put decency above all else. These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.
The following individuals will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom:
José Andrés
José Andrés is a well-known Spanish-American culinary innovator who popularized tapas in the United States. His World Central Kitchen provides extensive assistance to communities affected by natural disasters and conflicts around the world.
Paul David Hewson Bono
Bono is the frontman of the legendary rock band U2 and a pioneering activist in the fight against AIDS and poverty. He brought together politicians from opposing parties to create the U.S. AIDS PEPFAR program, and is co-founder of the ONE and (RED) campaigning organizations.
Ashton Baldwin Carter (in memoriam)
Ash Carter served as the 25th Secretary of Defense and has dedicated his career to improving security for all. During his career, he served under 11 Secretaries of Defense in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary Clinton made history many times during her decades of public service, including as the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate. After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman nominated for President by a major political party in the United States.
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox is an actor who has won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Grammy Award. He is a world-renowned promoter of Parkinson's research and development.
Tim Gill
Tim Gill is a visionary entrepreneur whose work supports LGBTQI rights and equality. After transforming the publishing industry with groundbreaking software, he has used his success to achieve key victories in the fight for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.
Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall is a world-renowned ethologist and conservationist whose research has changed our understanding of primates and human evolution. She is a passionate advocate for individuals and communities to protect and conserve the natural world.
Fannie Lou Hamer (in memoriam)
Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer changed the struggle for racial justice in America. As the founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, she opposed the exclusion of the black vote from the political system and laid the groundwork for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Earvin "Magic" Johnson is a legendary retired basketball player who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. Off the court, he is a successful businessman and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumously)
Robert Francis Kennedy is remembered as an Attorney General who fought hard against racial segregation and as a United States Senator who sought to address poverty and inequality in the country. His legacy continues to inspire those who advocate for justice, equality and public service.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is a fashion designer who has redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition. He has influenced culture, business and philanthropy, particularly in the fight against cancer and in the preservation of the Star Spangled Banner.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional football. Through the Leo Messi Foundation, he supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
William Sanford Nye
Bill Nye has inspired and influenced generations of American students as "Bill Nye the Science Guy". His dedication to science education continues through his work as CEO of the Planetary Society and as a vocal advocate for space exploration and environmental protection.
George W. Romney (in memoriam)
George Romney was a businessman who served as chairman and president of American Motors Corporation. As a public official, he later served as the 43rd Governor of Michigan and the 3rd Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
David M. Rubenstein
David Rubenstein is co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, where he has built one of the most successful global investment firms. He is known for his philanthropy and generous support of the restoration of the country's historic sites and cultural institutions.
George Soros
George Soros is an investor, philanthropist and founder of the Open Society Foundations. Through his network of foundations, partners and projects in more than 120 countries, Soros focuses on global initiatives that advance democracy, human rights, education and social justice.
George Stevens, Jr.
George Stevens, Jr. is an award-winning writer, director, author and playwright. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in preserving and celebrating the best of American film and the performing arts, including founding the American Film Institute and creating the Kennedy Center Honors.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is an actor, director, and producer who has won two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. He also served as the national spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for more than 25 years.
Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour is a well-known fashion icon who has been the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine since 1988. A champion of philanthropic causes, she is also behind the annual Met Gala fundraiser and is the chief content officer of Condé Nast.
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