#  The Hutchins Center Honors presents the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal Ceremony 

 



       ![close-up photo of fingers clutching the Du Bois Medal, which displays an engraving of W. E. B. Du Bois](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/hutchins/files/hch_01.jpg?itok=-M_GrLA5) 

 

 



 

 



 

  
[**Livestream of the 2025 Hutchins Center Honors**](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=D5UF0GXzho5omfKu)



 

##  The W. E. B. Du Bois Medal is Harvard's highest honor in the field of African and African American studies. 

It is awarded to individuals in the United States and across the globe in recognition of their contributions to African and African American culture and the life of the mind. Recipients have included scholars, artists, writers, journalists, philanthropists, and public servants whose work has bolstered the field of African and African American studies.



 

##  2025 Hutchins Center Honors W. E. B. Du Bois Medalists 

 



  [### James E. Clyburn

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=rcAlLDfsiVpqhCl5&t=6479)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

United States Congressman, South Carolina

 

 

 

      ![James E. Clyburn](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/Clyburn%20Official%20Headshot%20%281%29.jpg?itok=QdsAvbtI) 

 

 

 

   [### Misty Copeland

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=OTE_0fTRg7yJvkG5&t=5875)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Ballet Dancer & Author

 

 

 

      ![Misty Copeland](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/MistyCopeland_Photo-by-Masterclass.jpg?itok=jwambWTp) 

 

 

 

   [### Marielle Franco (posthumous)

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=cgNdirT6nCl4Ky1o&t=2769)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Brazilian Politician & Human Rights Activist

 

 

 

      ![Marielle Franco](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/franco.jpg?itok=K-bRVTbr) 

 

 

 

   [### Brittney Griner

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=-CERY8is3PkxNvBs&t=3482)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Professional Basketball Player & Activist

 

 

 

      ![Brittney Griner](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/A7300155%5B44%5D.jpg?itok=g0-v0X94) 

 

 

 

   [### George E. Johnson

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=F6ttSl4SVZnXlWz8&t=1563)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Businessman & Entrepreneur

 

 

 

      ![George E. Johnson](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/thumbnail_image.png?h=4c298eec&itok=0SeAibhH) 

 

 

 

   [### Spike Lee

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=-sqFguFAsAvw6mmu&t=5540)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Filmmaker, Writer, Producer & Professor

 

 

 

      ![Spike Lee](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/spike-lee4.jpg.preset.square.jpeg?itok=DRxAazi_) 

 

 

 

   [### Amy Sherald

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=eBQ4T_WQ2TiMgk0V&t=4542)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Artist

 

 

 

      ![Amy Sherald](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/Amy%20Sherald_Headshot_Alex%20Trebus.jpg?itok=87YjLo3Q) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

[Watch Previous Ceremonies on YouTube](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkQs9-R-4MLWeuyFJMyn1tDp1_YWT2Lz6&si=N2iTtAFe2DAub5fV)



 

##  Previous Medalists - Hutchins Center 

 



 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2022 2023 2024 2025 

## 2013

 

 

  [### Valerie Jarrett

 ](https://youtu.be/o5Xac0btnug?t=1h36s) W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2013

 

 

 

      ![Valerie Jarrett](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/vj.jpg?itok=_Gs48m3d) 

 

 

 

   [### Tony Kushner

 ](https://youtu.be/o5Xac0btnug?t=1h5m33s) W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2013

 

 

 

      ![Tony Kushner](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/tk.jpg?itok=I24I9glN) 

 

 

 

   [### John Lewis

 ](https://youtu.be/OOHQsyQ5QG8)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2013 (received 2014)

 

 

 

      ![John Lewis](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/_dsc7421.jpg?itok=o9g2gLOg) 

 

 

 

   [### Sonia Sotomayor

 ](https://youtu.be/o5Xac0btnug?t=1h35m10s) W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2013

 

 

 

      ![Sonia Sotomayor](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/unknown-3.jpeg?itok=2_V7nE4A) 

 

 

 

   [### Steven Spielberg

 ](https://youtu.be/o5Xac0btnug?t=1h57m44s) W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2013

 

 

 

      ![Steven Spielberg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/unknown-6.jpeg?itok=Mu1zqnLP) 

 

 

 

   [### David Stern

 ](https://youtu.be/o5Xac0btnug?t=1h22m11s) W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2013

 

 

 

      ![David Stern](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/ds.jpg?itok=Xp2f7XIW) 

 

 

 

   [### Other Medals Awarded in 2013

 ](/people/other-medals-awarded-2013)Richard D. Cohen

Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham

Donald Yacovone

 

 

 

   ![Exterior photo of the Hutchins Center in Harvard Square](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_scale_small/public/facade_full-size_06.jpg?itok=1rRKGvQj) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## 2014

 

 

  [### David Adjaye

 ](https://youtu.be/ibULy7GV4RI) W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2014

 

 

 

      ![David Adjaye](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/_dsc7541.jpg?itok=N4iv09ux) 

 

 

 

   [### Maya Angelou (posthumous)

 ](https://youtu.be/lNM2FHcFUZU) W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2014 

 

 

 

      ![maya](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/maya.jpeg?itok=SPP8YWtQ) 

 

 

 

   [### Harry Belafonte

 ](https://youtu.be/xWdGSTEQBn0) W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2014

 

 

 

      ![Harry Belafonte](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/_dsc7691.jpg?itok=lnjd2ffa) 

 

 

 

   [### John Lewis

 ](https://youtu.be/OOHQsyQ5QG8)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2013 (received 2014)

 

 

 

      ![John Lewis](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/_dsc7421.jpg?itok=o9g2gLOg) 

 

 

 

   [### Steve McQueen

 ](https://youtu.be/wPEHu9H6fNI) W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2014

 

 

 

      ![Steve McQueen](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/_dsc7748.jpg?itok=FFdLv56l) 

 

 

 

   [### Shonda Rhimes

 ](https://youtu.be/pZ1KVVQven4) W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2014

 

 

 

      ![Shonda Rhimes](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/_dsc7858.jpg?itok=Hllf-bEy) 

 

 

 

   [### Oprah Winfrey

 ](https://youtu.be/apKPipg0ujI)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2014

 

 

 

      ![Oprah Winfrey](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/_dsc8036_1.jpg?itok=Fe7mNxXp) 

 

 

 

   [### Other Medals Awarded in 2014

 ](/people/other-medals-awarded-2014)Ira Berlin

 

 

 

   ![Exterior photo of the Hutchins Center in Harvard Square](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_scale_small/public/facade_full-size_06.jpg?itok=1rRKGvQj) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## 2015

 

 

  [### Muhammad Ali

 ](https://youtu.be/3NAwKF8G4nY?t=1h51m33s) W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2015

 

 

 

      ![Muhammad Ali](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/2.jpg?itok=26Wk6XTH) 

 

 

 

   [### Richard D. Cohen

 ](https://youtu.be/3NAwKF8G4nY?t=38m53s)Vice Chair, National Advisory Board

Chairman, Ethelbert Cooper Gallery of African & African American Art

W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2013 and 2015

 

 

 

      ![Richard D. Cohen](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/rc.jpg?itok=jtwpulAd) 

 

 

 

   [### Ethelbert Cooper

 ](https://youtu.be/3NAwKF8G4nY?t=1h5m50s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2015

 

 

 

      ![Ethelbert Cooper](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/bc.jpg?itok=Rd1wRX7i) 

 

 

 

   [### Marian Wright Edelman

 ](https://youtu.be/3NAwKF8G4nY?t=30m4s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2015

 

 

 

      ![Marian Wright Edelman](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/mwe.jpg?itok=WiEHge6A) 

 

 

 

   [### Mellody Hobson

 ](https://youtu.be/3NAwKF8G4nY?t=47m56s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2015

 

 

 

      ![Mellody Hobson](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/mh.jpg?itok=gYDPYiO6) 

 

 

 

   [### Eric Holder

 ](https://youtu.be/3NAwKF8G4nY?t=23m11s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2015

 

 

 

      ![Eric Holder](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/eh.jpg?itok=bMU2BRoQ) 

 

 

 

   [### Charlayne Hunter-Gault

 ](https://youtu.be/3NAwKF8G4nY?t=1h23m45s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2015

 

 

 

      ![Charlayne Hunter-Gault](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/chg.jpg?itok=jeBkon1N) 

 

 

 

   [### Nasir "Nas" Jones

 ](https://youtu.be/3NAwKF8G4nY?t=1h39m54s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2015

 

 

 

      ![Nas](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/nas.jpg?itok=zMfBzgMb) 

 

 

 

   [### Carrie Mae Weems

 ](https://youtu.be/3NAwKF8G4nY?t=58m52s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2015

 

 

 

      ![Carrie Mae Weems](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/cmw.jpg?itok=uSW3hrrS) 

 

 

 

   [### Other Medals Awarded in 2015

 ](/people/other-medals-awarded-2015)Richard S. Dunn

 

 

 

   ![Exterior photo of the Hutchins Center in Harvard Square](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_scale_small/public/facade_full-size_06.jpg?itok=1rRKGvQj) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## 2016

 

 

  [### Ursula M. Burns

 ](https://youtu.be/K9D1qPga_nw?t=30m18s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2016

 

 

 

      ![Ursula Burns](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/_drc4097_0.jpg?itok=qKaqSLtI) 

 

 

 

   [### David L. Evans

 ](https://youtu.be/K9D1qPga_nw?t=21m37s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2016

 

 

 

      ![David Evans](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/_drc3995.jpg?itok=QEzyg4Fh) 

 

 

 

   [### Pam Grier

 ](https://youtu.be/K9D1qPga_nw?t=1h24m10s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2016

 

 

 

      ![Pam Grier](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/_drc4467.jpg?itok=KQw_--lm) 

 

 

 

   [### The 1966 Texas Western Miners

 ](https://youtu.be/K9D1qPga_nw?t=1h41m54s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalists, 2016

 

 

 

      ![Texas Miners](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/miners2.jpg?itok=KYT9Kihy) 

 

 

 

   [### Lana MC Lyte' Moorer

 ](https://youtu.be/K9D1qPga_nw?t=1h12m28s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2016

 

 

 

      ![MC Lyte](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/_drc4327.jpg?itok=uJp-b7Gf) 

 

 

 

   [### Jessye Norman

 ](https://youtu.be/K9D1qPga_nw?t=1h2m)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2016

 

 

 

      ![Jessye Norman](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/jn.jpg?itok=6c2G4yUC) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## 2017

 

 

  [### Donna Brazile

 ](https://youtu.be/KS6CVMpbONg?t=43m54s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2017

 

 

 

      ![Donna Brazile](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hutchins_web_ceremony_melissablackall_-84.jpg?itok=cGtGWau_) 

 

 

 

   [### LL Cool J

 ](https://youtu.be/KS6CVMpbONg?t=1h43m2s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2017

 

 

 

      ![LL Cool J](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/4163ee.jpg?itok=e-t5XE3n) 

 

 

 

   [### Ava DuVernay

 ](https://youtu.be/KS6CVMpbONg?t=1h27m9s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2017

 

 

 

      ![Ava DuVernay](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/3562ee.jpg?itok=Ycxbp5JN) 

 

 

 

   [### Carla Hayden

 ](https://youtu.be/KS6CVMpbONg?t=56m29s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2017

 

 

 

      ![Carla Hayden](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hutchins_web_ceremony_melissablackall_-108.jpg?itok=VnpJj83O) 

 

 

 

   [### Jennifer Oppenheimer (posthumous)

 ](https://youtu.be/KS6CVMpbONg?t=1h5m2s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2017

 

 

 

      ![JWO](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/jenniferoppenheimer.jpg?itok=EauPgJb3) 

 

 

 

   [### John W. Thompson

 ](https://youtu.be/KS6CVMpbONg?t=36m56s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2017

 

 

 

      ![John W. Thompson](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hutchins_web_ceremony_melissablackall_-70.jpg?itok=Z8Uhq6r4) 

 

 

 

   [### Kara Walker

 ](https://youtu.be/KS6CVMpbONg?t=27m36s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2017

 

 

 

      ![Kara Walker](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hutchins_web_ceremony_melissablackall_-58.jpg?itok=o3EvSXsp) 

 

 

 

   [### Darren Walker

 ](https://youtu.be/KS6CVMpbONg?t=1h17m21s)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2017

 

 

 

      ![Darren Walker](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hutchins_web_ceremony_melissablackall_-141.jpg?itok=j43vHbME) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## 2018

 

 

  [### Dave Chappelle

 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwUXR_E3n6U)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2018

Comedian & Actor

 

 

 

      ![Dave Chappelle](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/dc.jpg?itok=qTpS9JBk) 

 

 

 

   [### Kenneth I. Chenault

 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aIBsYtdKuM)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2018

JD '76

Executive & Philanthropist

 

 

 

      ![Kenneth I. Chenault](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/kc.jpg?itok=qNZIanhl) 

 

 

 

   [### Shirley Ann Jackson

 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5o0jByvvVc)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2018

President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

 

 

 

      ![Shirley Ann Jackson](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/saj.jpg?itok=mpuJCDgL) 

 

 

 

   [### Pamela Joyner

 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqF4NqDjUhQ)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2018

MBA '84

Art Collector & Philanthropist

 

 

 

      ![Pamela Joyner](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/pj.jpg?itok=HJ-8GNvm) 

 

 

 

   [### Colin Kaepernick

 ](https://youtu.be/Kca69p0CveU)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2018

Athlete & Activist

 

 

 

      ![Colin Kaepernick](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/ck_02.jpg?itok=Cc4d26bM) 

 

 

 

   [### Florence Ladd

 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD_CYbOKduY)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2018

Director Emerita of the Bunting Institute & Professor

 

 

 

      ![Florence Ladd](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/fl.jpg?itok=JweQ9uT0) 

 

 

 

   [### Bryan Stevenson

 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYkNurU8i1w)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2018

JD '85, MPP '85, LLD '15

Founder / Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative

 

 

 

      ![Bryan Stevenson](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/bs.jpg?itok=kuGffkFv) 

 

 

 

   [### Kehinde Wiley

 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMwqpURrceY)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2018

Artist

 

 

 

      ![Kehinde Wiley](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/kw.jpg?itok=J5nzW-CC) 

 

 

 

   [### Other Medals Awarded in 2018

 ](/people/other-medals-awarded-2018)Clifford Darden

Drew Gilpin Faust

Lillian Lincoln Lambert

Theodore Lewis

George Price (posthumous)

Leroy Willis

 

 

 

   ![Exterior photo of the Hutchins Center in Harvard Square](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_scale_small/public/facade_full-size_06.jpg?itok=1rRKGvQj) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## 2019

 

 

  [### Elizabeth Alexander

 ](https://youtu.be/mCwczw2TgRk?t=4426)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2019

Poet, Educator, and President of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

 

 

 

      ![Elizabeth Alexander](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hchae.jpg?itok=39_Wu0en) 

 

 

 

   [### Lonnie G. Bunch III

 ](https://youtu.be/mCwczw2TgRk?t=3623)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2019

Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution

 

 

 

      ![Lonnie G. Bunch III](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hchlb.jpg?itok=FarI3jns) 

 

 

 

   [### Rita Dove

 ](https://youtu.be/mCwczw2TgRk?t=6665)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2019

Poet

 

 

 

      ![Rita Dove](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hchrd.jpg?itok=GnTDeKuQ) 

 

 

 

   [### Sheila C. Johnson

 ](https://youtu.be/mCwczw2TgRk?t=2743)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2019

Philanthropist, Co-Founder of Black Entertainment Television

 

 

 

      ![Sheila C. Johnson](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hchsj.jpg?itok=WOGyuMWi) 

 

 

 

   [### Queen Latifah

 ](https://youtu.be/mCwczw2TgRk?t=9086)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2019

Musical Artist, Producer, Actor

 

 

 

      ![Queen Latifah](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hchql.jpg?itok=8rmdpIvV) 

 

 

 

   [### Kerry James Marshall

 ](https://youtu.be/mCwczw2TgRk?t=5400)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2019

Artist

 

 

 

      ![Kerry James Marshall](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hchkjm.jpg?itok=tQ9AaZJq) 

 

 

 

   [### Robert F. Smith

 ](https://youtu.be/mCwczw2TgRk?t=7784)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2019

Philanthropist and Founder, Chairman & CEO of Vista Equity Partners

 

 

 

      ![Robert F. Smith](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/hchrfs.jpg?itok=pgG89TBT) 

 

 

 

   [### Other Medals Awarded in 2019

 ](/people/other-medals-awarded-2019)Biodun Jeyifo

 

 

 

   ![Exterior photo of the Hutchins Center in Harvard Square](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_scale_small/public/facade_full-size_06.jpg?itok=1rRKGvQj) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## 2022

 

 

  [### Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

 ](https://youtu.be/87E2n4FwHPU?si=ykdnJeL9o-Te5CPF&t=8117)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2022

NBA Hall of Famer, Author, Cultural Critic

 

 

 

      ![abdul-jabbar_credit-dan-winters.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/abdul-jabbar_credit-dan-winters.jpg?itok=0UKs-Dc8) 

 

 

 

   [### Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

 ](https://youtu.be/87E2n4FwHPU?si=y5aOFA6AsyI51Eq7&t=7075)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2022

Writer

 

 

 

      ![adichie_photo.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/adichie_photo.jpg?itok=aeJwojbk) 

 

 

 

   [### Laverne Cox

 ](https://youtu.be/87E2n4FwHPU?si=EhCUzzBizD5qSlKS&t=3077)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2022

Actress, Producer, LGBT Advocate

 

 

 

      ![cox_photo.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/cox_photo.jpg?itok=2yyGu0EW) 

 

 

 

   [### Agnes Gund

 ](https://youtu.be/87E2n4FwHPU?si=67znCJG7rthAcN__&t=4570)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2022

President Emerita of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Founder of Studio in a School

 

 

 

      ![gund_photo-credittimothy-greenfield-sanders91.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/gund_photo-credittimothy-greenfield-sanders91.jpg?itok=ITq3lBn5) 

 

 

 

   [### Raymond J. McGuire

 ](https://youtu.be/87E2n4FwHPU?si=qFGTAG7vYnUVUCK8&t=5750)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2022

Business Executive, Philanthropist, Chairman of the Studio Museum in Harlem

 

 

 

      ![mcguire_photo_0.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/mcguire_photo_0.jpg?itok=Pxx_y1b0) 

 

 

 

   [### Deval Patrick

 ](https://youtu.be/87E2n4FwHPU?si=cL4Hah41VLqgUEb7&t=2479)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2022

71st Governor of Massachusetts, Civil Rights Leader

 

 

 

      ![gov.-patrick_photo.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/gov.-patrick_photo.jpg?itok=xXspXEJS) 

 

 

 

   [### Betye Saar

 ](https://youtu.be/87E2n4FwHPU?si=G4S-4mM3Ph733dR8&t=1949)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2022

Artist

 

 

 

      ![saar-2019-courtesy-of-the-artist-and-roberts-projects-los-angeles-photo-david-sprague.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/saar-2019-courtesy-of-the-artist-and-roberts-projects-los-angeles-photo-david-sprague.jpg?itok=ClrVXodF) 

 

 

 

   [### Other Medals Awarded in 2022

 ](/people/other-medals-awarded-2022)Karen C. C. Dalton

 

 

 

   ![Exterior photo of the Hutchins Center in Harvard Square](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_scale_small/public/facade_full-size_06.jpg?itok=1rRKGvQj) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## 2023

 

 

  [### Medals Awarded in 2023

 ](/people/medals-awarded-2023)Linda Sowell Jackson

Marcyliena H. Morgan

Kenneth E. Reeves

 

 

 

   ![Exterior photo of the Hutchins Center in Harvard Square](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_scale_small/public/facade_full-size_06.jpg?itok=1rRKGvQj) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## 2024

 

 

  [### LeVar Burton

 ](/people/levar-burton)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2024

Actor, Director, Education Advocate

 

 

 

      ![lb.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/lb.jpg?itok=_RUC2AWJ) 

 

 

 

   [### Kimberlé Crenshaw

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/siinTKYp5VU?si=3uYT_yM7kNJwLR7R&t=4846)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2024

Civil Rights Advocate, Legal Scholar

 

 

 

      ![kc_01.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/kc_01.jpg?itok=yjMyNP68) 

 

 

 

   [### Kathy Delaney-Smith

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/siinTKYp5VU?si=rCTiskGY3wSU5icU&t=2040)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2024

Harvard Women's Basketball Coach, 1982-2022

 

 

 

      ![kds.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/kds.jpg?itok=ipldO2kY) 

 

 

 

   [### Thelma Golden

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/siinTKYp5VU?si=fsFIXPeJVtKDtkyK&t=2903)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2024

Director & Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem

 

 

 

      ![tg.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/tg.jpg?itok=KSLxV3Wf) 

 

 

 

   [### Francia Elena Márquez Mina

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/siinTKYp5VU?si=lIOLsabpiLOZEMzQ&t=6408)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2024

Vice President of Colombia, Human Rights & Environmental Activist & Lawyer

 

 

 

      ![fmm.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/fmm.jpg?itok=Plh4Jsra) 

 

 

 

   [### Strive Masiyiwa

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/siinTKYp5VU?si=NtFhZe2-DlsA51hc&t=3628)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2024

African Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

 

 

 

      ![sm.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hutchins/files/sm.jpg?itok=ckyYIVqE) 

 

 

 

   [### Other Medals Awarded in 2024

 ](/people/other-medals-awarded-2024)Ingrid Monson

 

 

 

   ![Exterior photo of the Hutchins Center in Harvard Square](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_scale_small/public/facade_full-size_06.jpg?itok=1rRKGvQj) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## 2025

 

 

  [### James E. Clyburn

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=rcAlLDfsiVpqhCl5&t=6479)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

United States Congressman, South Carolina

 

 

 

      ![James E. Clyburn](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/Clyburn%20Official%20Headshot%20%281%29.jpg?itok=QdsAvbtI) 

 

 

 

   [### Misty Copeland

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=OTE_0fTRg7yJvkG5&t=5875)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Ballet Dancer & Author

 

 

 

      ![Misty Copeland](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/MistyCopeland_Photo-by-Masterclass.jpg?itok=jwambWTp) 

 

 

 

   [### Marielle Franco (posthumous)

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=cgNdirT6nCl4Ky1o&t=2769)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Brazilian Politician & Human Rights Activist

 

 

 

      ![Marielle Franco](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/franco.jpg?itok=K-bRVTbr) 

 

 

 

   [### Brittney Griner

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=-CERY8is3PkxNvBs&t=3482)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Professional Basketball Player & Activist

 

 

 

      ![Brittney Griner](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/A7300155%5B44%5D.jpg?itok=g0-v0X94) 

 

 

 

   [### George E. Johnson

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=F6ttSl4SVZnXlWz8&t=1563)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Businessman & Entrepreneur

 

 

 

      ![George E. Johnson](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/thumbnail_image.png?h=4c298eec&itok=0SeAibhH) 

 

 

 

   [### Spike Lee

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=-sqFguFAsAvw6mmu&t=5540)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Filmmaker, Writer, Producer & Professor

 

 

 

      ![Spike Lee](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/spike-lee4.jpg.preset.square.jpeg?itok=DRxAazi_) 

 

 

 

   [### Amy Sherald

 ](https://www.youtube.com/live/juj6xsiP3fU?si=eBQ4T_WQ2TiMgk0V&t=4542)W. E. B. Du Bois Medalist, 2025

Artist

 

 

 

      ![Amy Sherald](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-10/Amy%20Sherald_Headshot_Alex%20Trebus.jpg?itok=87YjLo3Q) 

 

 

 

   [### Other Medals Awarded in 2025

 ](/people/other-medals-awarded-2025)David Eltis

 

 

 

   ![Exterior photo of the Hutchins Center in Harvard Square](/sites/g/files/omnuum10831/files/styles/hwp_scale_small/public/facade_full-size_06.jpg?itok=1rRKGvQj) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

##  Previous Medalists - Du Bois Institute 

 





###    2000  expand\_more  

Sheila Biddle

Randall K. Burkett

C.T.W. Curle

Richard Ekman

Francesca E. Farmer

Clyde C. Ferguson

Diorita C. Fletcher

Alphonse Fletcher, Jr.

Daniel M. Fox

George W. Goethals

Peter Gomes

Leslie Skip Griffin, Jr.

Ewart Guinier

Robert La Bret Hall

Charles Jordan Hamilton, Jr.

Alan Heimert

Jeffrey P. Howard

Octavia Hudson

Nathan I. Huggins

H. Stuart Hughes

Quincy Jones

Martin Kilson

Sewanyana G.M. Kironde, Jr.

Jeremy R. Knowles

Harry M. Lasker, III

Walter J. Leonard

Gerald Levin

Robert L. Listenbee, Jr.

Gary T. Marx

Genevieve McMillan

Dominique de Menil

Elvin Montgomery, Jr.

Donald E. Newhouse

Susan Newhouse

Godfred P. Otuteye

Martin Payson

Anne Peretz

Martin Peretz

Wesley E. Profit

Franklin D. Raines

Wendy F. Raines

Nancy Randoph

Joanna Rose

Daniel Rose

Henry Rosovsky

Neil L. Rudenstine

Ruth J. Simmons

Carl S. Sloane

Charles W.W. Smith

Werner Sollors

Eileen Southern

John D. Tyson

Craig Michael Watson

John W.M. Whiting

Preston N. Williams

Thomas Samuel Williamson, Jr.

Ernest J. Wilson, III

Cheryl Yvonne Wynn

 

 



###    2001  expand\_more  

Harvey V. Fineberg

 

 



###    2002  expand\_more  

K. Anthony Appiah

Cornel West

 

 



###    2003  expand\_more  

Richard Newman

 

 



###    2004  expand\_more  

Michel Fabre

Geneviève Fabre

 

 



###    2005  expand\_more  

Lawrence D. Bobo

Nadine Gordimer

Marcyliena Morgan

Toni Morrison

Wole Soyinka

Derek Walcott

 

 



###    2006  expand\_more  

Francois Albemagnon

Gerard Bissainthe

Aimé Césaire

Bernard Dadie

Rene Despestre

Mamadou Dia

Yande Christiane Diop

Edouard Glissant

Douglas E. Harris

Glenn H. Hutchins

Kenneth Ingraham

Paulin Joachim

George Lamming

Frederick A. Lucas, Jr.

Ferdinand Oyono

Moune de Rivel

Marilynn S. Robinson

Marcelino Dos Santos

Manuel dos Santos Limas

Assane Seck

Bachir Toure

Abdoulaye Wade

Hubert Walters

Dennis W. Wiley

 

 



###    2007  expand\_more  

Melba Pattillo Beals

Elizabeth Eckford

Ernest G. Green

Barbara E. Johnson

Gloria Ray Karlmark

Carlotta Walls LaNier

Albert Murray

Richard Musgrave

Terrence Roberts

Jefferson A. Thomas

Minnijean Brown Trickey

Thelma Mothershed Wair

Vaughn Waters

 

 



###    2008  expand\_more  

Chinua Achebe

Susan Newhouse

Donald E. Newhouse

Richard L. Plepler

Tamara Robinson

Ingrid Saunders-Jones

Tavis Smiley

 

 



###    2009  expand\_more  

Hugh M. Brother Blue

Bob Herbert

Charlayne Hunter-Gault

Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.

Joanne Kendall

Frank H. Pearl

Daniel Rose

Joanna Rose

Shirley M. Tilghman