Nashville, Tenn. (TN Tribune)-On May 3, 2024, President Biden named nineteen Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have contributed to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors.
President Biden often says nothing is beyond our capacity when we act together. These nineteen Americans built teams, coalitions, movements, organizations, and businesses that shaped America for the better. They are the pinnacle of leadership in their fields. They consistently demonstrated the power of community, hard work, and service over their careers.
Of this year’s recipients, two are members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: US Representative James Clyburn (D-South Carolina) and Deaconness Opal Lee.
Representative Jim Clyburn is the former Assistant Democratic Leader and Majority Whip in the United States House of Representatives. During his three decades in the House, he has transformed the lives of millions of Americans and created a freer country. He is a member of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
Opal Lee is an educator and activist known for her efforts to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. More than 150 years after that day in Texas, she joined President Biden to officially make Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021. She is a member of Baker Chapel AME Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
