Pelosi to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom Along with 18 Others from Biden

Clarence B. Jones received a surprising call from the White House, informing him that President Joe Biden wanted to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Jones, at 93 years old, is being honored for his activism during the Civil Rights Movement. He’s a lawyer who played a role in Martin Luther King Jr.’s legal team and helped craft the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech delivered by King in 1963.

Jones is among a group of 19 individuals chosen by President Biden for their remarkable contributions to various fields such as politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, science, and religion. Three of the recipients will be honored posthumously.

The announcement from the White House lauded these individuals for their leadership and impact on society. The diverse group includes notable figures like Michael Bloomberg, Rep. James Clyburn, Elizabeth Dole, Al Gore, John Kerry, Frank Lautenberg, Nancy Pelosi, Medgar Evers, Michelle Yeoh, Jim Thorpe, Judy Shepard, and others.

Jones expressed his gratitude for the recognition and is looking forward to what the White House has planned for him. He mentioned feeling touched by the honor and credits the grace of God for waking up each day despite his health challenges.

The list of recipients also includes Gregory Boyle, Phil Donahue, Katie Ledecky, Opal Lee, Ellen Ochoa, Jane Rigby, Teresa Romero, and others who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. In 2022, President Biden previously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 17 individuals, including Simone Biles, John McCain, and Gabby Giffords.

President Biden himself received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Barack Obama in 2017, a week before the end of their administration.