Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients
Washington — President Biden has announced the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. The awards ceremony will take place at the White House on Friday.
The White House stated, "These nineteen Americans built teams, coalitions, movements, organizations, and businesses that shaped America for the better. They are the pinnacle of leadership in their fields, showcasing the power of community, hard work, and service throughout their careers."
This marks the second time President Biden has bestowed the Presidential Medals of Freedom. The 2024 recipients include individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.
The full list of 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients:
Michael Bloomberg, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and three-term mayor of New York City.
Father Gregory J. Boyle, a Jesuit Catholic priest and founder of Homeboy Industries, a gang rehabilitation and re-entry program.
Rep. Jim Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat with three decades of service in the House, including roles as House Majority Whip and Assistant Democratic Leader.
Elizabeth Dole, who served as a North Carolina senator from 2003 to 2009. She was also Transportation Secretary under President Ronald Reagan, Labor Secretary for President George H.W. Bush and the president of the American Red Cross.
Medgar Wiley Evers is being honored posthumously. He led the fight against segregation in Mississippi after fighting for his country in World War II. He was murdered at age 37 in 1963.
Al Gore. The former vice president won the popular vote in the 2000 presidential election, but conceded the presidency to George W. Bush after a weeks-long recount battle in Florida. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his climate change work.
Clarence B. Jones, a renowned civil rights activist and lawyer who helped draft Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
John Kerry, who was Secretary of State for President Barack Obama and the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate under Mr. Biden. He earned a Silver Star and Bronze Star for his actions during combat in the Vietnam War.
Frank R. Lautenberg is being honored posthumously. The five-term senator from New Jersey is remembered for his work on environmental protection and consumer safety.
Katie Ledecky has won seven Olympic gold medals and 21 world championship gold medals, making her the most decorated female swimmer in history.
Opal Lee, an educator and activist who advocated for the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday.
Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to travel to space and the second female director of NASA's Johnson Space Center. She has completed four space missions.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California made history in 2007 by becoming the first woman elected as speaker of the House. She achieved this milestone again in 2019 when she was reelected to the position.
Jane Rigby, the chief scientist of the James Webb Space Telescope, which is considered the most powerful telescope ever constructed.
Teresa Romero, the president of the United Farm Workers and the first Latina to hold the position of president in a national union in the United States.
Judy Shepard, a co-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, an organization established in memory of her son who was tragically murdered because of his sexual orientation.
James Francis Thorpe is being honored posthumously for being the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal.
Michelle Yeoh, an actress who won the Academy Award for best actress last year for her performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once," making her the first Asian to win in that category.
