WASHINGTON (NEWSnet) — The Presidential Medal of Freedom, considered the nation’s highest civilian honor, will be awarded Friday afternoon to 19 people.

“These nineteen Americans built teams, coalitions, movements, organizations, and businesses that shaped America for the better,” the White House announcement said. “They are the pinnacle of leadership in their fields. They consistently demonstrated over their careers the power of community, hard work, and science.”

The list includes 10 men and nine women; three medals will be issued posthumously.

The honorees are:

Michael R. Bloomberg: Mayor Michael Bloomberg is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and three-term mayor of New York. He is credited with revolutionizing the financial information industry and transforming the city’s education, environment, public health, and the arts.

Gregory J. Boyle: Father Greg Boyle is a Jesuit Catholic priest who is the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, a gang-intervention and rehabilitation program. His work has helped thousands of Los Angeles residents.

James E. Clyburn: Representative Jim Clyburn is the former Assistant Democratic Leader and Majority Whip in the United States House of Representatives. Through his work during three decades in the House, Clyburn has contributed to a freer country.

Elizabeth Dole: Senator Elizabeth Dole has served her country as a United States Senator, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Labor, and President of the American Red Cross. She leads by example in her support for military caregivers and their families.

Phil Donahue: Phil Donahue is a journalist and television pioneer who pioneered the daytime issue-oriented television talk show. Donahue was the first daytime talk show to feature audience participation and one of the most influential televisions programs of its time.

Medgar Wiley Evers (posthumous): Medgar Evers (d. 1963) fought for his country during World War II and returned home to lead the fight against segregation in Mississippi. After he was murdered at age 37, his wife Myrlie continued the fight to seek justice and equality in his name.

Al Gore: Al Gore is a former Vice President, United States Senator, and member of the House of Representatives. After winning the popular vote, he accepted the outcome of a disputed presidential election for the sake of the country’s unity. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for his action on climate change.

Clarence B. Jones: Clarence B. Jones is a renowned civil rights activist and lawyer who helped draft Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Jones was instrumental in preserving Dr. King’s legacy and remains an outspoken force against hate.

John Forbes Kerry: Secretary John Kerry’s public service career has spanned seven decades. He is a former Secretary of State, United States Senator, and the first Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. His bravery in combat during the Vietnam War earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star.

Frank R. Lautenberg (posthumous): Senator Frank Lautenberg (d. 2013) was a five-term United States Senator and New Jersey’s longest-serving Senator. He is remembered for his work on environmental protection and consumer safety.

Kathleen Genevieve Ledecky: Katie Ledecky is the most decorated female swimmer in history. Her achievements include seven Olympic gold medals and twenty-one world championship gold medals.

Opal Lee: Opal Lee is an educator and activist known for her efforts to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. More than 150 years after emancipation was announced in Texas, she joined President Biden to officially make Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021.

Ellen Ochoa: Ellen Ochoa is the first Hispanic woman in space and the second female Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Dr. Ochoa has flown in space four times, logged nearly 1,000 hours in orbit, and continues to inspire young scientists.

Nancy D’Alesandro Pelosi: Nancy Pelosi served as the 52nd Speaker of the House and has represented San Francisco in Congress for more than 36 years. Her work has shaped legislative agendas and Democratic priorities for decades.

Jane Rigby: Jane Rigby, an astronomer who grew up in Delaware, is the chief scientist of the world’s most powerful telescope. A prolific researcher, Dr. Rigby embodies the American spirit of adventure and wonder.

Teresa Romero: Teresa Romero is the president of the United Farm Workers and the first Latina to become president of a national union in the United States. She has secured key victories intended to improve the lives of workers.

Judy Shepard: Judy Shepard is the co-founder of the Matthew Shephard Foundation, an organization created in memory of her son who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime. Her work has driven tremendous progress in the fight to give hate no safe harbor.

James Francis Thorpe (posthumous): Jim Thorpe (d. 1953) was the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal. The country’s original multi-sport superstar, he went on to play professional football, baseball, and basketball while breaking down barriers on and off the field.

Michelle Yeoh: Michelle Yeoh is an actress known for her groundbreaking work in a number of blockbusters over four decades. Recently, she became the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress.

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