The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to national security, world peace, culture, or other significant public or private endeavors. In Black history, several notable figures have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their achievements and contributions to society.

One prominent recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom is Rosa Parks, often referred to as the "mother of the civil rights movement." Parks was awarded the medal posthumously in 1996 by President Bill Clinton for her courageous act of refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and igniting the civil rights movement.

Another notable recipient is Maya Angelou, a renowned writer and civil rights activist, who was awarded the medal in 2010 by President Barack Obama for her literary accomplishments and contributions to American culture. Angelou's work, which includes poetry, memoirs, and essays, has inspired and influenced generations of readers.

Other Black recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom include baseball legend Jackie Robinson, civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, opera singer Marian Anderson, and astronaut Guion Bluford, among others. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to Black history and American society, and their achievements have been recognized and celebrated through this prestigious award.