Tag Archives: Presidential Medal of Freedom

Allende Among This Year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom Honorees

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Isabel Allende
 is headed to the White House…

The 72-year-old Chilean writer is among the 19 people chosen by President Barack Obama today to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Isabel Allende

Allende, best known for her novels La casa de los espíritus and La ciudad de las bestias, has written 21 books that have sold 65 million copies in 35 languages.

She’s been recognized with numerous awards internationally, including the prestigious National Literary Award in Chile, her country of origin.

Allende’s novels are often based upon her personal experience and pay homage to the lives of women, while weaving together elements of myth and realism.

Allende, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, was granted American citizenship in 1993, having lived in California with her American husband since 1989.

But Allende isn’t the only Hispanic person to receive the honor this year…

The late Edward Roybal will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.

He was the first Mexican-American to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from California in nearly a century. In 1976, he founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, creating a national forum for Latino issues and opening doors for a new generation of Latino leaders.

Other honorees this year include Meryl Streep, Tom Brokaw, Stephen Sondheim, Marlo Thomas, Stevie Wonder and choreographer Alvin Ailey.

The awards will be bestowed at the White House on November 24.

Molina Receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom

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Mario Molina has earned a major presidential honor…

The 70-year-old Mexican chemist and environmental scientist has been named a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Mario Molina

Molina, the first Mexican-born citizen to ever receive a Nobel Prize in chemistry, joins a list of 16 individuals that includes jazz musician Arturo Sandoval, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, veteran Washington Post journalist Ben Bradlee, former President Bill Clinton and country singer Loretta Lynn.

The award established 50 years ago by President John F. Kennedy is the country’s highest civilian honor given to Americans who’ve made contributions “to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

Molina, one of the most prominent precursors to the discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole, has received several awards and honors throughout his career, sharing the 1995 Nobel Prize in chemistry with Paul J. Crutzen for their discovery of the role of chlorofluorocarbon gases (CFCs) in ozone depletion.

Molina had been assigned by President Barack Obama to form part of the transition team on environmental issues.

He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Science.

This year’s other honorees include: baseball player Ernie Banks, Senator Daniel Inouye (posthumous), Nobel Prize-winning scholar Daniel Kahneman, Senator Richard Lugar, astronaut Sally Ride (posthumous), civil rights activist Bayard Rustin (posthumous), ex-UNC basketball coach Dean Smith, Gloria Steinem, civil rights leader Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian, and Judge Patricia Wald.

“The Presidential Medal of Freedom goes to men and women who have dedicated their own lives to enriching ours,” said President Obama. “This year’s honorees have been blessed with extraordinary talent, but what sets them apart is their gift for sharing that talent with the world. It will be my honor to present them with a token of our nation’s gratitude.”

Moreno to Receive LatinRecording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award

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She’s the only Hispanic artist to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony… And, now Rita Moreno will be honored with a much-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy.

The 80-year-old Puerto Rican actress/singer/dancer, who was only the second Puerto Rican to win an Academy Award, is being heralded for her nearly 70-year career in entertainment, including her awe-inspiring turn as Anita in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical West Side Story.

Rita Moreno

Born Rosa Dolores Alverío in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Moreno is one of an elite group of performers who’ve won the industry’s five most prestigious awards: an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, Tony Award and Golden Globe. And she received the highest honor bestowed upon a U.S. civilian when former President George W. Bush awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004.

Moreno’s professional repertoire includes starring in more than 135 feature films and TV series and countless stage productions in the United States and abroad.

Rita Moreno's Life Cover

Moreno is also an esteemed lecturer who shares her insight on various cultural and industry-related topics with organizations and universities throughout the country; and she’s actively involved in several charities.

But Moreno isn’t the only Hispanic entertainer being recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other recipients of the coveted award include:

Spanish born singer, songwriter and composer Luz Casal
Argentinian singer, songwriter and actor Leo Dan
Brazilian singer/songwriter Milton Nascimento
Mexican singer, actress and television host Daniela Romo
Mexican-American conguero, Latin jazz bandleader and salsa singer Poncho Sánchez
Brazilian composer, singer and guitarist Toquinho.

Meanwhile, Spanish virtuoso and flamenco guitarist Juan Carmona “Habichuela” and the Puerto Rican-born “King of the Cuatro” Yomo Toro will receive the prestigious Trustees Award.

“This year’s exceptional group of honorees not only beautifully represent our diverse music communities but exemplify the meaning of being a true pioneer of one’s craft as well as being internationally recognized within their respective musical genres,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We continue the privilege of honoring and celebrating these iconic individuals whose contributions and accomplishments continue to leave an indelible legacy in the world of Latin music and will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music fans for many years.”

Moreno and her fellow honorees will be saluted at a special invitation-only ceremony on Wednesday, November 14, as part of the weeklong Latin Grammy Awards celebration.