By: Capacia, Malchiah Reizelle Anne
The White House announced on Friday, May 3rd, that U.S. President Joe Biden plans to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, known as the country’s highest civilian honor, to 19 high-profile politicians, Oscar-winning actors, Olympic medalists, and a former vice president.
The White House also noted that President Biden often highlights the power of collective action and praised the nineteen recipients for their contributions to shaping a better America.
“President Biden often says there is nothing beyond our capacity when we act together, and these nineteen Americans built teams, coalitions, movements, organizations, and businesses that shaped America for the better,” the White House said in a news release announcing the recipients of the award.
The list includes individuals who have excelled in their respective fields, such as actor Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian to win the best actress Oscar; Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space; and Jim Thorpe, the first Native American to secure an Olympic gold medal. It also features record-breaking Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, boasting seven Olympic gold medals.
Meanwhile, the White House also describes the recipients as the “pinnacle of leadership in their fields.”
