On 6/5
Ford’s Theatre Society will bestow the
Lincoln Medal on The Honorable
James E. Clyburn and
Clive Davis. The award is given to a person or persons who, through their body of work, accomplishments or personal attributes, exemplify the lasting legacy and mettle of character embodied by the most beloved president in our nation’s history.
The celebrated congressman and the music-biz legend will be honored at the
Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, the first since 2019 due to the pandemic. The presentation will be followed by a dinner at the
National Portrait Gallery and
Smithsonian American Art Museum.
“Abraham Lincoln’s legacy as a complex and inspiring American is timeless,” Ford’s Theatre Director
Paul R. Tetreault proclaimed. “We are honored to present this year’s Lincoln Medals to two remarkable men who, like Lincoln, have shaped American life and artistic expression for generations.”
Past recipients of the Lincoln Medal include General
Colin Powell and wife
Alma Powell as well as political humorist
Mark Russell (2019), philanthropist and businesswoman
Sheila C. Johnson and golf legend
Jack Nicklaus (2018), former
NFL QB Peyton Manning (2017), civil-rights activist
Diane Nash (2016), former Secretary of State Dr.
Condoleezza Rice (2015), Congressmen
John Lewis (2007) and
John D. Dingell (2014), Holocaust survivor and author
Elie Wiesel (2012), human-rights activist Archbishop
Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Justice
Albie Sachs (2010), filmmaker
George Lucas (2009), actors
James Earl Jones (2014),
Ruby Dee (2008) and
Sidney Poitier (2009), Dr.
Maya Angelou (2008),
Aretha Franklin (2009) and Supreme Court Justice
Sandra Day O'Connor (2008).
