The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, and it has been bestowed upon several notable figures in Black history. Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the medal is awarded by the President to individuals who have made significant contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural endeavors.

Some notable Black recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom include civil rights leaders such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., who were both awarded posthumously in recognition of their pivotal roles in the civil rights movement. Other recipients include trailblazers in various fields, such as Maya Angelou, the celebrated poet and author; Toni Morrison, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist; and Sidney Poitier, the groundbreaking actor and film director.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom serves as a token of appreciation for individuals who have made a lasting impact on American society and beyond, and many Black recipients have been recognized for their contributions to advancing civil rights, promoting equality, and enriching the cultural landscape of the United States.