Star Trek: The Next Generation star LeVar Burton picked up another prestigious accolade on Monday, this time directly from the President of the United States. Burton was one of several recipients being honored at the White House by the National Endowment For The Humanities.
Burton at the White House
On Monday, President Biden hosted the presentation of the 2022 and 2023 National Humanities Medals, in conjunction with the National Medals of Arts, for the National Endowment for the Humanities. The National Humanities Medal honors an individual or organization whose work has “deepened the nation’s understanding of the human experience, broadened citizens’ engagement with history or literature, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to cultural resources.” Burton was named as one of the 2023 National Humanities Medalists for his work as an actor and literacy advocate.
“The National Humanities Medal recipients have enriched our world through writing that moves and inspires us; scholarship that enlarges our understanding of the past; and through their dedication to educating, informing, and giving voice to communities and histories often overlooked,” said NEH Chair Shelly C. Lowe in a statement announcing the recipients.
A total of 19 distinguished medal recipients were honored at the ceremony. This included directors Steven Spielberg and Spike Lee, actress and singer Queen Latifah, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, historian Jon Meecham, and chef and author Anthony Bourdain (posthumously). “Above all, you are the masters of your craft that have made us a better America with all of you have done,” said President Biden at the White House ceremony.
The best of us
Burton brought his wife Stephanie to the event who shared an image of the pair from the White House, beaming with pride for her husband with “He’s the best of us.”
This is the second time this year a Star Trek star has been honored at the White House. In May, Discovery special guest star (and Section 31 star) Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Watch Burton at White House
Below you can watch video of Monday’s event.
