In a ceremony which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. NBC News’ Allie Raffa breaks down the key moments from a star-studded ceremony in the East Room of the White House March 22. President Biden awarded the 2021 National Medal of the Arts and Humanities medals to Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight and Mindy Kaling among others.
Find the 2021 National Medal of Arts winners below. The transcription has been edited for length but you can find key moments of the event at: https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/biden-awards-2021-national-medals-of-the-arts-and-humanities-in-star-studded-ceremony-166206533659
After greeting everyone President Biden noted this nation’s founding father, who, in the midst of a war of independence, wrote a letter to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, which had recently made him a member.
“General Washington wrote, and I quote, “‘The arts and sciences [are] essential to the prosperity of the State and…the ornament and happiness of human life,’” said President Biden.
“He knew the greatness of a nation was measured not only by the strength of its army and the vastness of its geography, the size of its economy, it was also measured in the vitality of its culture — and the culture forged in the freedom of expression to speak and to think freely.”
The work of our honorees is as diverse as the nation that celebrates with them today. But — but common threads weave them together in many ways in the very fabric of America: the pursuit of excellence, the drive to create, the yearning to connect, and the boldness to be truth tellers, bridge builders, and change seekers.
Above all, you’re masters of your craft.
The National Medal of the Arts recipients include renowned painters like Judy Baca — who has made a canvas out of communities all across America, especially her beloved Los Angeles. Her groundbreaking murals depict the strength and scope of human nature and tell the forgotten stories — tell the forgotten stories, bringing public space to life and tell a fuller story of who we are as Americans.
And now, please come up one by one as my military aide, Major Hughes, reads your citation.”
Judith Francisca Baca.
For her monumental impact on public art in America. Judith Francisca Baca’s collaborative work has turned forgotten histories into public memory, pioneering an art form that empowers communities to reclaim public space with dignity and pride.
Accepting on behalf of The Billie Holiday Theatre, Blondel Pinnock.
For being an artistic jewel for the nation. Channeling its namesake’s exploration of freedom and identity, The Billie Holiday Theatre cultivates some of our nation’s most renowned Black actors, writers, designers, and musicians, and has expanded the reach of American artistic expression and achievement.
Fred Eychaner.
For his unwavering courage and support of the arts as a force for a more just nation. From dance and architecture to arts education and a lifetime of LGBTQI+ advocacy, Fred Eychaner has helped give millions of people strength to be themselves and moved our country forward.
Accepting on behalf of the International Association of Blacks in Dance, Denise Saunders Thompson.
For expanding our nation’s appreciation for the practice and preservation of dance from the African diaspora. Through teaching, training, performance, the International Association of Blacks in Dance promotes dance by people of African ancestry and origin, explores and exchanges art, spans cultures and generations, and enriches the dance culture of America.
Mindy Kaling.
For giving voice to a new generation of storytellers. Imbued with humor and heart, Mindy Kaling’s work across television, film, and books inspires and delights, capturing and uplifting the experiences of women and girls across our nation.
Gladys Knight.
For her iconic voice as the Empress of Soul. Gladys Knight’s exceptional talent influenced musical genres, from rhythm and blues to gospel to pop, and inspired generations of artists, captivated by her soundtrack of a golden age in American music.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
For her humor and wit that has helped to redefine American culture. As one of the most decorated comedic actors of our time, Julia Louis-Dreyfus has blazed a trail for women in comedy and across American life through her commitment to excellence and the power of her example.
Antonio Martorell-Cardona.
For a lifetime of vision and candor as an artistic communicator, convener, and voice of conscience. Transcending generation and genre, Antonio Martorell-Cardona’s art exposes hard truths with whimsy and color to help us remember and grow as people and as a nation.
Joan Shigekawa.
For a lifetime of service to art in America. Throughout her career, Joan Shigekawa has championed artists, created global exchanges, and promoted the power of the arts to heal, build strong economies, and help people and nations reach their full potential.
Bruce Springsteen.
For his extraordinary contributions to the American songbook and for being “The Boss.” One of our greatest performers and storytellers, Bruce Springsteen’s music celebrates our triumphs, heals our wounds, and gives us hope, capturing the unyielding spirit of what it means to be American.
Vera Wang.
For her pioneering vision, which has reshaped fashion and business in America. From the runway to red carpets to retail stores, Vera Wang’s modern designs and bridal collections express individualism and elegance, making beauty and style accessible to all.
Richard Blanco.
For breathing life into the identity and idea of America. An award-winning poet and author, professor and public speaker, and son of Cuban immigrants, Richard Blanco’s powerful storytelling challenges the boundaries of culture, gender, and class while celebrating the promise of our nation’s highest ideals.
Johnnetta Betsch Cole.
For being a celebrated leader of sanctuaries of higher learning and culture. A scholar, anthropologist, and academic pace-setter, Johnnetta Betsch Cole’s pioneering work about the ongoing contributions of Afro-Latin, Caribbean, and African communities have advanced American understanding of Black culture and the necessity and power of racial inclusion in our nation.
Walter Isaacson.
For chronicling the history and genius of America. Through the stories of our nation’s remarkable citizens, Walter Isaacson’s work, words, and wisdom bridge divides between science and the humanities and between opposing philosophies, elevating discourse and our understanding of who we are as a nation.
Earl Lewis.
For writing America’s history and shaping America’s future. As a social historian and academic leader, Earl Lewis has made vital contributions to the field of Black history, educating generations of students while also being a leading voice for greater diversity in academia and our nation.
Henrietta Mann.
For dedicating her life to strengthening and developing Native American education. The pioneering efforts of Henrietta Ho’oesto’oona’e Mann led to programs and institutions across the country devoted to the study of Native American history and culture, honoring ancestors that came before and benefiting generations that follow.
Accepting on behalf of “Native America Calling,” Jaclyn Sallee.
For connecting Tribal and non-Tribal communities across the United States. Through its interactive shows on the radio and online, “Native America Calling” educates the American public about Indigenous issues while preserving Indigenous history and culture to honor their contributions that strengthen the sacred Nation-to-Nation relationship.
Ann Patchett.
For putting into words the beauty, pain, and complexity of human nature. With her best-selling novels and essays, and her bookstore, readers from around the world see themselves in the pages of Ann Patchett’s books that take people to places of the heart and feed the imagination of our nation.
Bryan Stevenson.
For his moral call to redeem the soul of our nation. An advocate fighting tirelessly for the poor, incarcerated, and condemned, Bryan Stevenson follows the Book of Micah’s instructions to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly as he chronicles the legacy of lynching and racism in America, shining a light on what has been and all that we can be as a nation.
Amy Tan.
For expanding the American literary canon. By bravely exploring experiences of immigrant families, heritage, memories, and poignant struggles, Amy Tan’s writing makes sense of the present through the past and adds groundbreaking narrative to the diverse sweep of American life and literature.
Tara Westover.
For turning American life into literature. Tara Westover’s memoirs of family, religion, and the transformative power of education has moved millions of readers and served as a powerful example of how the humanities can set people free and a nation free.
Colson Whitehead.
For his truth-seeking as an American literary icon. With genre-defying craftsmanship and creativity, Colson Whitehead’s celebrated novels make real the African American journey through our nation’s continued reckoning with the original sin of slavery and our ongoing march toward a more perfect Union.
Well, everybody, I — I hope you enjoyed today. … It was just such an honor to meet so many incredible people, really and truly. You’re amazing. And you do make the country better. You make us a better place.