President Barack Obama will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to media magnate Oprah Winfrey for her philanthropic work, especially with young women, an administration official said today.
Two other Illinois legends -- Cubs great Ernie Banks and civil rights leader Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian – will also receive the honor in a ceremony at the White House later this year.
Known around Obama’s hometown as “Mr. Cub,” Banks played in 11 All-Star Games and hit more than 500 home runs in his career. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.
Vivian was a friend of Martin Luther King, Jr. who participated in numerous Freedom Rides and sit-ins of the civil rights movement and built several organizations that fought for equality.
Vivian moved from central Illinois to Chicago in 1966 to direct the Urban Training Center for Christian Mission. He later organized black organizations to fight racism in the building trade unions.
Media giant Winfrey, creator of the Oprah Winfrey Show, was one of Obama’s first big-time political supporters. Her backing and fund-raising helped power his presidential bid and gave it viability in its early days.
The presidential medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor. Presidents award them to honor meritorious contributions to the security, culture and national interest of the U.S.
Other winners the White House is announcing today include feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem and Sally Ride, the first American woman astronaut in space.
Two other Illinois legends -- Cubs great Ernie Banks and civil rights leader Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian – will also receive the honor in a ceremony at the White House later this year.
Known around Obama’s hometown as “Mr. Cub,” Banks played in 11 All-Star Games and hit more than 500 home runs in his career. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.
Vivian was a friend of Martin Luther King, Jr. who participated in numerous Freedom Rides and sit-ins of the civil rights movement and built several organizations that fought for equality.
Vivian moved from central Illinois to Chicago in 1966 to direct the Urban Training Center for Christian Mission. He later organized black organizations to fight racism in the building trade unions.
Media giant Winfrey, creator of the Oprah Winfrey Show, was one of Obama’s first big-time political supporters. Her backing and fund-raising helped power his presidential bid and gave it viability in its early days.
The presidential medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor. Presidents award them to honor meritorious contributions to the security, culture and national interest of the U.S.
Other winners the White House is announcing today include feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem and Sally Ride, the first American woman astronaut in space.
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