By Abiola Olawale
President of the United States, Joe Biden, has announced his decision to confer the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 19 outstanding individuals, including notable figures such as Hillary Clinton, Lionel Messi, Magic Johnson, George Soros, and Ralph Lauren.
Additionally, other honorees include notable figures like Bono, Michael J. Fox, José Andrés, and Jane Goodall, and posthumous awards for civil rights leaders and former government officials.
The New Diplomat reports that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honour in the United States.
Biden explained that the decision to award the 19 individuals is premised on their exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, and world peace. It is also in recognition of their significant contributions to societal development in all ramifications.
The New Diplomat highlights some details on some of the recipients:
1). Hillary Clinton was recognized for her extensive public service, having served as First Lady, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State. She was also the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.
2). Lionel Messi, the renowned soccer player, was honoured for his contributions to sports and philanthropy, notably through his Leo Messi Foundation, which supports healthcare and education programs for children worldwide.
3). Magic Johnson was acknowledged for his basketball legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers and his philanthropy, particularly for supporting underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
4). George Soros received the award for his philanthropy via the Open Society Foundations, which focuses on strengthening democracy, human rights, education, and social justice globally.
5). Ralph Lauren was celebrated for redefining the fashion industry with his lifestyle brand that embodies American tradition and for his philanthropy, especially in the fight against cancer.
6). José Andrés – A Spanish-American chef known for founding World Central Kitchen, providing relief to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.
7). Bono – U2 frontman and activist, recognized for his work in fighting AIDS and supporting global initiatives like PEPFAR.
8). Ash Carter (posthumous) – Former U.S. Secretary of Defence was honoured for his service in national security and defence policy.
9). Michael J. Fox – Actor and advocate for Parkinson’s disease research, noted for his contributions to the arts and health advocacy.
10) Tim Gill – Entrepreneur and philanthropist whose work has significantly advanced LGBTQI rights and equality.
11). Jane Goodall – Renowned primatologist and conservationist whose research has transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution.
12). Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous) – Civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the fight for racial justice and voting rights in America.
13). Robert F. Kennedy (posthumous) – Former U.S. Attorney General and Senator, honoured for his civil rights and social justice work.
14). Bill Nye – Science educator, known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” recognized for promoting scientific literacy.
15). Ellen Ochoa – The first Hispanic woman in space and former Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, for her contributions to science and space exploration.
16). Nancy Pelosi – Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, noted for her legislative leadership.
17). David M. Rubenstein – Co-founder of The Carlyle Group, recognized for his philanthropy in education, history, and the arts.
18). George Stevens Jr. – Filmmaker, playwright, and founder of the American Film Institute, honoured for his contributions to the arts.
19). Anna Wintour – Vogue editor-in-chief and fashion icon, recognized for her influence in the fashion industry and philanthropy.
This ceremony marks the last time Biden will bestow this honour on accomplished individuals as his term runs to an end.
