Joe Medicine Crow (Plains Native Indian) receives Medal of Freedom
At a White House ceremony on August 12th, the President will bestow the Nation's highest honor - a Medal of Freedom - on citizens widely known for their good works in the fields of the arts, sciences, sports, politics, and social movements.
The underlying theme of the auspicious occasion figures prominently in the grand scheme of President Barack Obama.
After all, his honorees - gay activist Harvey Milk, for instance - are a a handful of high-profile individuals Barack Obama perceives as "Agents of Change".
When the list of Freedom of Medal receipients was first-released, a spokesperson duly noted for the record, that all of the celebrated nominees "blazed trails and broke down barriers."
In a statement issued to the press, Barack Obama used his own deft touch, to elaborate further.
"These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds. Yet they share one overriding trait: each has been an agent of change. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way."
In addition to Milk,individuals singled out for the prestigious honor include:
Jack Kemp
Jack Kemp was primarily known as a U.S. Congressman who served his constituents (and country well) in more prosperous times (1971-1989).
But, he also wore a hat as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (1989/1993).
In 1996, he was a Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States.
Kemp was a professional football player (1957/1969) - who led the Buffalo Bills to U.S. Football League championships in 1964 & 1965 respectively - before entering public service.
In Congress and as a Cabinet Secretary, while actively engaging in his key political role(s) in Congress and as Cabinet Secretary, Kemp stumped tirelessly to encourage development in what was perceived then as "undeserved urban communities".
He often referred to himself as a "bleeding heart conservative" and the image stuck with American Voters.
In the private sector, in the years just prior to his death, Kemp selflessly put the spotlight on the difficult challenges faced by the impoverished , and worked across party lines to improve the quality of life for his fellow Americans and citizens of the world, in general.
Senator Edward Kennedy
Considered over the long haul to be one of the great lawmakers of our time, Kennedy has loyally served his country for approximately forty-six years.
Some of his accomplishments include reforming the public schools, strengthening civil rights laws, and supporting the U.S. worker.
In a nutshell, his epitaph might read as follows:
Senator Kennedy
The Senator, a celebrated member of the Kennedy "clan", has worked tirelessly to ensure that every American has access to quality affordable health care, which is at issue in the corridors of power in Washington just now.
"Health care reform is the "cause of his life," he has asserted to all within earshot.
With that, the charismatic politician chose to dive into the fray - and over the long term - managed to champion every health care bill enacted by Congress over the course of the last five decades.
The "Lion of the Senate" is not only widely respected on both sides of the aisle for his commitment to progress, but also his keen ability to legislate wisely without fault.
The Senator is brother to former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy.
Both were felled by murderous hands while serving their country.
Reverend Joseph Lowery
Reverend Lowery is a recognized leader in significant activist causes and has been known as a front-runner in the U.S. civil rights movement since the early 1950s.
Lowery helped organize the City of Montgomery bus boycott after Rosa Parks was denied a seat, and later co-founded a Civil Rights Organization (Southern Christian Leadership Conference)with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The respected and much-loved Reverend not only led the landmark march from Selma to Montgomery - but since that fateful day in 1965 - has passionately continued (without wavering thereafter) to shed light in the dark corners of the world to effectively champion the cause of Civil Rights.
Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu is an Anglican Archbishop emeritus.
Tutu is "South Africa's moral conscience," according to some.
Tutu was a leading anti-apartheid activist in South Africa, then later served as General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) in the years 1978 through 1985.
A formidable crusader, he has always endeavoured to bring about justice and racial reconciliation in South Africa.
Obama's nominee for the "Medal of Freedom" on these shores, was previously honored with a Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts with SACC (1984).
In 1986, Tutu was elected Archbishop of Cape Town.
When the role of Chair of the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission presented itself in 1995, he graciously accepted the post.
Although Tutu retired as Archbishop, today - in his capacity as an Elder - he commands widespread respect in a symbolic role he does not take lightly.
Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King was a professional tennis player (1960/1970).
King wisely traded off her moment in the spotlight to champion gender equality issues in the once male-dominated field of sports.
On a whimsical note, Billie Jean King roundly beat out Bobby Riggs in a "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match, which became the most-watched tennis ratings-getter in television history.
In 1981, King became one of the first openly-lesbian sports figures of major note in America.
When she hung up the tennis rackets for good, King became the first woman commissioner in professional sports when she co-founded and led the World Team Tennis (WTT) League.
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
The first woman to warm the bench on the U. S. Supreme Court (retired 2006).
President Reagan was a chief supporter who nominated her for the post in 1981.
In earlier career pursuits in Arizona, O’Connor served as a state trial jurist, appellate court judge, and a member of the Arizona state senate (where she dazzled keen observers daily after she broke the glass ceiling to become the first woman in the U.S. to ever lead a state senate as Senate Majority Leader).
O’Connor graduated Stanford Law School (3rd in Class standing) during an era when those of the female persuasion were inclined to toil away in low-level menial task jobs and rarely entertain lofty notions about aspirations in the legal profession.
For a brief stint, the former Chief Justice served on the Stanford Law Review.
Later, O'Connor was elected to the "Order of the Coif".
Although retired, feisty O’Connor was not inclined to go out to pasture peacefully, without kicking up a bit of new turf, first.
Since 2006, the "gracious lady" has served as Chancellor of the College of William and Mary, become actively involved hands-on with the Board of Trustees of the National Constitution Center, and boldly sauntered into International terrain when she joined the Iraq Study Group.
Today, O'Connor appears to be content lecturing on public service.
Chita Revera
By many standards, Chita Rivera is an accomplished and versatile actress, singer, and dancer, with two Tony Awards under her belt.
Reflect on the lively out-going star's long distinguished show-biz career in the performing arts for just a second, and it becomes evident that Revera no doubt inspired a generation of young Hollywood hopefuls to follow in her footsteps.
In 2002, the unwitting survivor, became the first Hispanic recipient of the highly-prized Kennedy Center Honor.
Who could ever forget her electric portrayal of "Anita" (a signature role) in the original premiere of the classic Broadway hit musical "West Side Story"?
Rivera continued to hit the boards after that first auspicious splashy entrance many moons ago on Tin Pan Alley.
The highlights include dazzling stage performances Chicago, Bye Bye Birdie, and Jerry’s Girls.
In - "The Dancer’s Life" - Chita Revera took a risk (and bared her soul) in a well-received autobiographical musical, which celebrated life in the theatre.
Stephen Hawkins
Hawking is an internationally-recognized theoretical physicist who holds a prestigious post as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University.
To many, the good-natured genius is easily in league with Isaac Newton, a previous post-holder (1669).
Although Hawkins is best-known for his pioneering academic research in mathematics and physics, the gifted numbers-pusher has been also penned three popular science books.
"A Brief History of Time" was a best-seller read across literary circles.
The reason for this phenomenon was obvious!
Hawking believes that non-academics should be able to access his work just as physicists are, and hence, wrote a tome that accomplished that task, admirably.
Mary Robinson
Robinson was the first female President of Ireland (1990 – 1997).
A former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997 /2002), the ever-ambitious (competent) politician has also admirably served as a member of the Irish Senate.
Currently, the former Irish Prez, wears two hats.
In addition to her high-profile role as Honorary President of Oxfam International, she also Chairs the Board of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI Alliance).
Robinson founded - "Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative" - an organization she presides over as President at the organization's base of operations in New York City.
In a nutshell, the main purpose of the initiative is to ensure that human rights are the prevailing compass bearings which chart the course for a globalization on this mortal coil (as Shakespeare might coin it) that is fair, just and of benefit to all.
Nancy Goodman Brinker
The founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure which is the world’s leading breast cancer grass roots organization.
Brinker established the organization in memory of her sister, who passed away from breast cancer in 1980.
Through innovative events like Race for the Cure, the organization has given and invested over $1.3 billion for research, health services and education services since its founding in 1982 and developed a worldwide network of breast cancer survivors and activists who are working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find cures.
Brinker served in government as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary (2001 – 2003), Chief of Protocol of the U.S. (2007 – 2009), and Chair of the President’s Cancer Panel (1990).
In May, Nancy Goodman Brinker was named the first-ever World Health Organization's Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control.
Dr. Pedro Jose Greer Jr.
Greer is a physician and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at the Florida International University School of Medicine, where he doubles as Chair of the Department of Humanities, Health and Society.
The selfless good doctor is the founder of Camillus Health Concern, an agency that provides medical care to over 10,000 homeless patients a year in the city of Miami.
He is also the founder and medical director of the St. John Bosco Clinic which provides basic primary medical care to disadvantaged children and adults in the Little Havana community.
Understandably, the great humanitarian has also been singled out with three Papal Medals as well as the prestigious MacArthur "genius grant".
Joe Medicine Crow (High Bird)
Dr. Joe Medicine Crow, the sole surviving Plains Indian War Chief, is author to a legacy of seminal literary works in Native American history and culture
According to historians of note, Medicine Crow is the last person alive to have received direct oral testimony from a participant in the Battle of the Little Bighorn - his grandfather - who was a scout for General George Armstrong Custer.
While on active duty in World War II, Medicine Crow fulfilled four tasks required to become a "war chief" -one of which - included stealing fifty Nazi SS horses from a German camp.
Medicine Crow was the first member of his tribe to attend college and secure a well-earned Master’s degree in anthropology (1939).
During his lifetime, Dr. Crow has always endeavoured to make significant contributions to the preservation of the culture and history of his ancestors, the first Americans on these shores.
Consequently, his importance as a role model to young Native Americans across the country, is unflinching.
Today, the legendary bigger-than-life War Chief, continues to lecture at universities and notable institutions such as the United Nations.
Sidney Poitier
Poitier is one of the most celebrated Afro-American actors here and abroad.
The charismatic leading man landed his first break in show biz when Daryl F. Zanick cast him in the feature film, "No Way Out".
Poitier's performance as a doctor treating a white bigot got him plenty of notice from critics and the press alike, which propelled him into meatier roles in higher-quality productions in the mainstream cinema.
These auspicious beginnings set the stage for his lofty climb to greater heights on the American filmmaking scene which was rapidly transforming at the time.
The end result being - that Sidney Poitier became the first black actor to win a coveted Oscar for his magnetic performance in the charming celluloid offering - "Lillie's of the Field".
On the heels of this triumph, Poitier became the undisputed role model for Afro-Americans seeking to grasp a brass ring, previously beyond their reach in an industry-town that dealt with stale unrealistic stereo-types (especially in respect to race).
For the record, young Hollywood hopefuls may want to take note for future reference, that Poitier began his acting career - in spite of the fact he was without any training or on-camera or stage experience - by auditioning at the American Negro Theatre with just a hope and a prayer.
Trivial buffs and die-hard fans point out that Poitier was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1974).
Unlike an "honorary knighthood", it is actually a substantive knighthood, since the actor Poitier is a citizen of the Bahamas.
Because his homeland was a Commonwealth realm at the time of his appointment, Poitier is recognized under the British Honours System.
Hence, the dignified Poitier is entitled to be addressed as "Sir Sidney Poitier".
Harvey Milk
Harvey Milk became the first openly gay elected official from a major city in the United States when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors (1977).
Not without a fight, though, as best depicted in Gus Vant Sant's well-lauded screen bio "MILK" (which garnered a coveted Best Actor Oscar for a riveting portrayal fleshed out on screen by talented Sean Penn).
Although the slightly naive Milk was a likable street-wise activist with an infectious personality, he was the target of much hate when he first set up camp in the Castro District - a mixed neighborhood in those heady days - because he encouraged lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens to live openly about their sexuality.
Coming out was the only way they could change society and achieve social equality, according to impassioned politician, who was an "agent of change" in this regard.
In spite of the headway gay activists were making in the Bay area, both Milk & San Francisco Mayor George Moscones were viciously shot down (1978) by a disgruntled employee (former city supervisor Dan White) who felt threatened personally, professionally, and spiritually by the in-roads Milk & Moscone were making in respect to the "gay cause" in San Francisco social and political circles.
Today, in addition to being credited for introducing the infamous "pooper scooper" City Ordinance (enforcing mandatory street clean-up etiquette on pet owners around the city), Milk is revered nationally and globally as a pioneer of the LGBT civil rights movement for his exceptional leadership and dedication to equal rights.
Dr. Janet Davidson Rowley
An American human geneticist, Rowley is the Blum Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, Molecular Genetics & Cell Biology and Human Genetics at The University of Chicago.
The brilliant scientist (and tireless humanitarian) was the first to identify a chromosomal translocation as the cause of leukemia and other cancers.
High-profile Rowley is internationally renowned for her studies of chromosome abnormalities in human leukemia and lymphoma, which have led to dramatically improved survival rates for previously incurable cancers and the development of targeted therapies.
The Nation's highest scientific honor was bestowed on her in 1999 when President Clinton awarded her with the much-deserved National Medal of Science.
Muhammad Yumus
Yunus is a global leader in respect to anti-poverty efforts and is widely-known (and respected) for pioneering the use of "micro-loans" to poor "non-credit-worthy" individuals without collateral.
A trained economist, Dr. Yunus founded the Grameen Bank in his native Bangladesh, to realize his dream (considered lofty and beyond reach to critics here and abroad at the time) to provide small low-interest loans to the poor - with the ultimate aim - of bettering the quality of life for the needy (1983).
Decades later, Grameen Bank has not only managed to remain sustainable (despite low interest rates), but spread its financial wings.
The Grameen Bank (and Yanus philosophy) is a role model emulated throughout the world today.
Yanus was subsequently singled out for a Nobel Peace Prize in view of his altruistic efforts and self-less humanitarian acts, which hastened the financial wherewithal for povert-stricken.
Obama, first-rate choices, all!
