Yesterday, President Obama honored this year’s recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award given to “individuals who have made meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

This year’s honorees are more than deserving of our nation’s highest honor; among them Bob Dylan, Dolores Huerta, and the incomparable Toni Morrison.

At the event, the President spoke eloquently of the astounding contributions these individuals have made to the very fabric of America culture.

From Colorlines:

“Together, the honorees on this stage, and the ones who couldn’t be here, have moved us with their words; they have inspired us with their actions. They’ve enriched our lives and they’ve changed our lives for the better. Some of them are household names; others have labored quietly out of the public eye. Most of them may never fully appreciate the difference they’ve made or the influence that they’ve had, but that’s where our job comes in. It’s our job to help let them know how extraordinary their impact has been on our lives. And so today we present this amazing group with one more accolade for a life well led, and that’s the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”

Read more at Colorlines.com

How do you feel about this year’s recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom?

What’s your favorite Toni Morrison novel? Bob Dylan song?

How has Dolores Huerta’s life and work inspired you?

Sound off below!