President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to 19 individuals on Saturday in a ceremony at the White House.
The honorees spanned various fields, from arts and sports to politics and philanthropy, all recognized for their significant contributions to the United States and the world.
Among the distinguished recipients were actor Denzel Washington and NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, both celebrated for their exceptional careers and philanthropy.
🚨NEW: Denzel Washington receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom pic.twitter.com/MvaappSYgP
— Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) January 4, 2025
Washington, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, was honored not only for his extraordinary contributions to film and theater but also for his commitment to mentorship and philanthropy.
Known for his iconic roles in Training Day, Glory, and Fences, Washington has also championed programs like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where he has served as a spokesperson and advocate for decades.
Johnson, a five-time NBA champion and former Los Angeles Lakers star, was recognized for his transformative impact on sports and his work as a businessman and philanthropist. Since retiring from basketball, Johnson has built a successful career as an entrepreneur and has been a vocal advocate for HIV awareness, following his own diagnosis in 1991.
I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right now. It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this kid from Lansing, MI would one day… pic.twitter.com/3gFsus16cA
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 4, 2025
The ceremony also celebrated former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who received a standing ovation for her decades of public service. Michael J. Fox, recognized for his advocacy in Parkinson’s disease research, and Dr. Jane Goodall, a pioneering conservationist, were also among the recipients.
Sports icon Lionel Messi was honored but unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. Posthumous awards were given to civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and other influential figures.
President Biden praised the honorees for their collective contributions to society. “Together, you leave an incredible mark – and I mean this sincerely, this group – you leave an incredible mark on our country,” he said during the ceremony.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant endeavors.
Biden concluded the ceremony with a nod to the remarkable honorees, saying, “Not a bad group, huh?”
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
