Clarence B Jones, a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, received a surprising phone call that left him in disbelief. The 93-year-old lawyer, known for his work with Martin Luther King Jr and his contributions to the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, was informed that President Joe Biden had chosen to honour him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Jones is among a distinguished group of 19 individuals who will be recognised for their outstanding contributions to society. The recipients come from various fields including politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. The list includes notable figures such as former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, climate activist Al Gore, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Among the posthumous recipients is Medgar Evers, who fought against segregation in Mississippi during the 1960s, and Jim Thorpe, the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States. Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian woman to win an Academy Award for best actress, and Judy Shepard, who co-founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation, will also be honoured.
Jones expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating that he feels “very touched” by the news. Despite his age and health challenges, he is looking forward to whatever the White House has planned for him. The ceremony, set to take place on Friday, will celebrate the remarkable achievements of these individuals and their lasting impact on American society.