The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Over the years, several Black individuals have been recipients of this prestigious award for their significant contributions to American society and culture.

Some notable Black recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom include civil rights leaders such as Rosa Parks, a key figure in the Montgomery bus boycott, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader in the fight for desegregation and equal rights. Other recipients include athletes like Muhammad Ali, musicians like Ella Fitzgerald and Stevie Wonder, and actors like Sidney Poitier.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. It is a way to honor and recognize those who have had a profound impact on society and history.