Mayor Michael Bloomberg is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and three-term mayor. He revolutionized the financial reporting industry and transformed New York City’s education, environment, public health and arts.
Gregory J. Boyle is a Jesuit Catholic priest who is the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program in the world. He has helped thousands of Angelenos change their lives.
Representative Jim Clyburn is the former Deputy Democratic Leader and Majority Whip in the United States House of Representatives. During three decades in the House, Representative Clyburn transformed the lives of millions of Americans and created a freer country.
Senator Elizabeth Dole served her country as a pioneering United States Senator, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Labor, and President of the American Red Cross. She sets an example by supporting military caregivers and their families through her Foundation.
Phil Donahue is a journalist and television pioneer who pioneered the issue-oriented daytime television talk show. Donahue was the first daytime talk show to feature audience participation and one of the most influential television programs of its era.
Medgar Evers (died 1963) fought for his country in World War II and returned home to lead the fight against segregation in Mississippi. After he was murdered in his home at the age of 37, his wife Myrlie continued the fight for justice and equality on his behalf.
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 contested presidential election in the interest of our unity. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for his bold action on climate change.
Clarence B. Jones is a famous civil rights activist and attorney who helped write Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Jones was instrumental in preserving Dr. King’s legacy and remains a open force against hatred.
Secretary John Kerry is a former Secretary of State, United States Senator, and the first Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. His valor in combat during the Vietnam War earned him the Silver Star and the Bronze Star, and history will remember his career in public service that spanned seven decades.
Senator Frank Lautenberg (died 2013) served as a five-term United States Senator and the longest-serving senator from New Jersey. He is remembered for his critical work on environmental protection and consumer safety in a number of areas.
Katie Ledecky is the most decorated swimmer in history. An athletic prodigy, she has won seven Olympic gold medals and twenty-one world championship gold medals so far. She will continue to compete for the Nation which looks at her with admiration.
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 in officially making Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021.
Ellen Ochoa is the first Hispanic woman in space and the second female director of NASA’s famous Johnson Space Center. Dr. Ochoa has flown in space four times, spent nearly 1,000 hours in orbit, and continues to inspire younger generations of scientists.
Nancy Pelosi served as the 52nd Speaker of the House and has represented San Francisco in Congress for over 36 years. A staunch defender of democracy, she has shaped legislative agendas and democratic priorities for decades.
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.
Therese Romero is the president of the United Farm Workers and the first Latina to serve as president of a national union in the United States. She has won key victories to improve the lives of the workers who feed and fuel our nation.
Judy Shepard is the co-founder of the Matthew Shephard Foundation, an organization created in honor of her son who was murdered in one of the country’s most notorious anti-gay hate crimes. His work has made enormous progress in our fight against hatred.
Jim Thorpe (died 1953) was the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal. The nation’s first multi-sport superstar, he went on to play professional football, baseball and basketball while breaking down barriers on and off the field.
Michelle Yeoh is an actress known for her groundbreaking work in several blockbusters over four decades. Recently, she became the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Yeoh continues to break stereotypes and enrich American culture.
(Credit: The White House)
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