LeVar Burton Honored with National Humanities Medal for Literacy Advocacy

Actor and literacy advocate LeVar Burton has been awarded the National Humanities Medal at the White House, recognizing his significant contributions to fighting illiteracy and promoting literacy across the United States. This prestigious honor acknowledges Burton’s lifelong dedication to education and his impact on American culture through his work.

Burton is best known for his roles in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots” and the popular television show “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” where he played the character Geordi La Forge. However, his most enduring legacy may be his work as the host of the children’s educational television series “Reading Rainbow,” which aimed to inspire a love of reading in young audiences.

The National Humanities Medal is awarded to individuals or organizations whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities and has helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to these disciplines. Burton’s commitment to literacy and education aligns perfectly with the medal’s criteria, making him a well-deserved recipient of this honor.

The award ceremony, held at the White House, highlights the importance of literacy and education in American society. Burton’s recognition serves as a testament to the power of media and advocacy in shaping cultural values and promoting educational excellence.