House Majority Whip (D-SC) (Courtesy Photo)
President Joe Biden awarded U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Friday, May 3.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors.
“Words cannot express the profound honor and gratitude I feel upon receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This recognition is not only a testament to my work, but also to the countless individuals who have supported my journey; the giants who fought alongside me for justice, equity, and the pursuit of progress; and the support of my loving family,” said Clyburn.
“I am immensely grateful to President Biden for this incredible honor and take seriously the responsibility it carries. While it serves as a recognition of one’s accomplishments, it is also an astute reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. It speaks to the duty each and every one of us has to further the founding fathers’ dream of a ‘more perfect union.’ I accept this award with deep humility and the promise to uphold this vision,” he continued.
“I reflect upon the moment I was elected president of my NAACP Youth Council in Sumter, South Carolina, at the age of 12. From leading student protests in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to marshaling majorities to pass consequential legislation in Congress, I have learned that we all have roles to play in making the greatness of this democracy accessible for everyone,” he explained. “I look forward to continuing my efforts to bend the arc of history towards justice and proving myself worthy of this incredible honor.”
The other honorees receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom were former New York mayor and philanthropist Michael R. Bloomberg, Homeboy Industries founder Father Gregory J. Boyle, former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole, journalist and former talk show host Phil Donahue, former Vice President Al Gore, civil rights Attorney Clarence B. Jones, former Sen. John Kerry, champion swimmer Kathleen Ledecky, activist Opal Lee, Johnson Space Center Director Ellen Ochoa, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Astronomer Jane Rigby, United Farmworkers President Teresa Romero, Matthew Shepard Foundation co-founder Judy Shepard, and actress Michelle Yeoh.
Posthumous medals were awarded to civil rights icon Medgar Evers, Native American Olympian James Thorpe, former U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg.
