Whereas Denzel Washington, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and the late Fannie Lou Hamer could all be legends in their very own respective industries, the trio had been among the many recipients for a similar very particular honor just lately.
Over the weekend, it was introduced that they and16 different individuals had been chosen to obtain the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden. Happening on the White Home on Saturday, Washington and Johnson attended in individual to obtain the celebrated award whereas Hamer’s niece Doris Hamer Richardson appeared to just accept the posthumous award for her aunt. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is described because the “highest civilian honor” and is given to those that have “made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or safety of the USA, world peace, or different important societal, public or non-public endeavors.”
Whereas Washington and Hamer’s niece didn’t put up in regards to the momentous event on-line, Johnson took a minute to precise his gratitude in a put up to Instagram later that night.
“I’m so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion proper now. It’s an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden chosen me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award. By no means in my wildest goals would I’ve imagined that this child from Lansing, MI would someday develop up and obtain one of many highest civilian awards of the USA,” the NBA star-turned-business mogul started.
‘
He continued:
To be within the firm of so many exceptional people is each humbling and provoking. I wish to specific my heartfelt gratitude to President Biden for his management and for recognizing the contributions of so many who’re working to make a distinction in our nation, particularly interior cities of America, and the world over.
This award isn’t just mine; it belongs to everybody who has helped me turn out to be the individual and businessman I’m at this time—my dad and mom Earvin Sr. and Christine, spouse Cookie, my youngsters Andre, EJ and Elisa; my brothers and sisters, buddies, mentors, and colleagues. It additionally belongs to everybody who has devoted themselves to the causes of freedom, justice, and equality. I settle for this honor with a deep sense of duty. It serves as a reminder of the work nonetheless forward and the change we are able to all assist result in! I promise to maintain working to make a optimistic distinction for our nation and the world.
Johnson concluded by thanking his enterprise companion Eric Holoman and his spouse Terry and congratulated his “good friend” Washington for his recognition as properly.
Different recipients included Jane Goodall, Anna Wintour, Invoice Nye the Science Man, Ralph Lauren and extra.