Michael Jordan receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
The former UNC great receives the award for his work in social justice
President Obama announced on Wednesday the recipients for the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. UNC alum Michael Jordan is among those selected for the honor.
Jordan is one of two former NBA stars to receive the Medal of Freedom from President Obama this month. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the other.
The medals come after Jordan’s September comments about the Charlotte protests which called for unity within his community.
Jordan joins the Medal of Freedom recipients within the Carolina athletic family, which include legendary Tar Heel coach Dean Smith.
In a statement, President Obama said: “The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation’s highest civilian honor – it’s a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better.”
The recipients will be awarded at the White House on November 22.