While Denzel Washington, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and the late Fannie Lou Hamer may all be legends in their own respective industries, the trio were among the recipients for the same very special honor recently.
Over the weekend, it was announced that they and16 other people were chosen to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden. Taking place at the White House on Saturday, Washington and Johnson attended in person to receive the prestigious award while Hamer’s niece Doris Hamer Richardson appeared to accept the posthumous award for her aunt. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is described as the “highest civilian honor” and is given to those 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.”
While Washington and Hamer’s niece didn’t post about the momentous occasion online, Johnson took a minute to express his gratitude in a post to Instagram later that evening.
“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 grow up and receive one of the highest civilian awards of the United States,” the NBA star-turned-business mogul began.
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He continued:
To be in the company of so many remarkable individuals is both humbling and inspiring. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Biden for his leadership and for recognizing the contributions of so many who are working to make a difference in our nation, especially inner cities of America, and across the world.
This award is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has helped me become the person and businessman I am today—my parents Earvin Sr. and Christine, wife Cookie, my kids Andre, EJ and Elisa; my brothers and sisters, friends, mentors, and colleagues. It also belongs to everyone who has dedicated themselves to the causes of freedom, justice, and equality. I accept this honor with a deep sense of responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the work still ahead and the change we can all help bring about! I promise to keep working to make a positive difference for our country and the world.
Johnson concluded by thanking his business partner Eric Holoman and his wife Terry and congratulated his “friend” Washington for his recognition as well.
Other recipients included Jane Goodall, Anna Wintour, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Ralph Lauren and more.