The 2022 class of the Medal of Freedom included the likes of attorney and civil rights activist Fred Gray , Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, U.S. Oylmpic medalist Simone Biles , Khizr Khan and the first person to take the COVID-19 vaccination, Ms. Sandra Lindsay, and SNCC founding member Diane Nash . The event, held in the East Room of the White House, honored these individuals because of their significant contributions and impact to society. Specifically, the award is "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interest of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." "This is America", said President Biden. Actor, producer Denzel Washington also made the awardee list, but was unable to attend because of a positive COVID-19 test (to the disappointment, and dismay, of many). President Biden described Washington as "a man who couldn't be here today, but wanted to be." The p