WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros, and actor-director Denzel Washington are set to receive the nation’s highest civilian honor on Saturday at a White House ceremony. President Joe Biden will present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to a distinguished group of 19 individuals from various fields including politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science.
According to the White House, the honorees have been chosen for their outstanding contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, as well as their efforts towards world peace and significant societal endeavors, both public and private. Among the recipients, four medals will be awarded posthumously to honor individuals who have left a lasting impact.
The posthumous recipients of the award include Fannie Lou Hamer, a prominent civil rights activist who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and played a pivotal role in the advancement of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Also being honored posthumously are former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, George W. Romney, who served as both governor of Michigan and secretary of housing and urban development, and Ash Carter, the former secretary of defense.
Noteworthy connections exist among some of the recipients and prominent figures in American politics. Robert F. Kennedy, one of the posthumous awardees, is the father of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the secretary for health and human services. George W. Romney, another posthumous recipient, is the father of former Utah Republican Senator Mitt Romney, a well-known conservative critic of Trump’s administration.
The list of honorees also includes major philanthropists such as Spanish American chef José Andrés, recognized for his charitable work through the World Central Kitchen organization, and Bono, the lead singer of the iconic rock band U2 and an active advocate for social justice causes.
Sports and entertainment stars set to be recognized at the ceremony include legendary soccer player Lionel Messi, retired basketball superstar Earvin “Magic” Johnson, actor Michael J. Fox, known for his advocacy for Parkinson’s disease research, and William Sanford Nye, popularly known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy” for his educational contributions to science.
Other distinguished awardees encompass a range of fields, including conservationist Jane Goodall, longtime editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine Anna Wintour, renowned fashion designer Ralph Lauren, American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr., entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill, and David Rubenstein, a founding member of the global investment firm The Carlyle Group.
It is noted that last year, President Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on a diverse group of individuals, including civil rights activist Medgar Evers, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina, and actress Michelle Yeoh.
