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Harper Lee Awarded Medal of Freedom

Civil rights pioneer Hooks also receives highest civilian honor

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 6, 2007 4:50 AM CST
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(Newser) – Author Harper Lee and NAACP pioneer Benjamin Hooks yesterday received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, for their work for racial equality. Lee, 81, wrote the 1960 Pulitzer-winning classic To Kill a Mockingbird, which challenged racism and was made into a powerful movie featuring Gregory Peck. The book "influenced the character of our country for the better," said President Bush.

Hooks headed the NAACP for 15 years and was the first black criminal court judge in Tennessee. "He never tired of demanding that our nation live up to its ideals of liberty and equality," said Bush. Also among those honored were the first female president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, and Cuban dissident Elias Biscet.

President Bush, left, presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Civil Rights pioneer Benjamin Hooks, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
President Bush, left, presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Civil Rights pioneer Benjamin Hooks, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday,...   (Associated Press)
President Bush. right, presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Robert Hyde, to honor his father, former Illinois Rep. Henry Hyde, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Fellow recipient, author Harper Lee looks on at center. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Bush. right, presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Robert Hyde, to honor his father, former Illinois Rep. Henry Hyde, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, during a ceremony in the East Room of the...   (Associated Press)
President Bush, looks on at right, after he presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom for jailed Cuban human rights activst Oscar Elias Biscet to his stepson Yan Valdes Morejon, left, and daughter Winnie, right, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in...
President Bush, looks on at right, after he presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom for jailed Cuban human rights activst Oscar Elias Biscet to his stepson Yan Valdes Morejon, left, and daughter Winnie,...   (Associated Press)
President Bush, right, shares a laugh with author Harper Lee, as he presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Bush, right, shares a laugh with author Harper Lee, as he presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov....   (Associated Press)
President Bush, right, presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Bush, right, presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington....   (Associated Press)
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COMMENTS
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Founder of C-SPAN, also honored, help revive America's 'town hall spirit'
Washington Post

Lee's book 'will be read and studied forever'
al.com (Ala.)

Johnson-Sirleaf 'never wavered' in her advocacy for citizens' rights
Voice of America

Story of Elias Biscet
MSNBC

 
Tennessee • civil rights • Ellen Johnson Sirleaf • Presidential Medal of Freedom • Harper Lee • Benjamin Hooks • To Kill A Mockingbird • NAACP • civil rights movement

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