On this date in 1963, Marian Anderson, the renowned African American contralto, and Ralph Bunche, the distinguished diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, were awarded the first Medals of Freedom by President John F. Kennedy. This prestigious honor, created by President Kennedy, recognized their exceptional contributions to American society.

Marian Anderson made history with her groundbreaking career in classical music and her iconic 1939 performance at the Lincoln Memorial, while Ralph Bunche was honored for his work in diplomacy, particularly his role in mediating peace efforts in the Middle East, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950.

Their awards marked a significant moment in the history of the Medal of Freedom and celebrated their profound impact on the civil rights movement and global peace.