US president Barack Obama will honor 19 people with the Medal of Freedom, the USA’s highest civilian award. Among them will be actress Meryl Streep, singer Stevie Wonder and writer Isabel Allende.

The 19 chosen will be receiving the Medal from president Obama’s hands during an official ceremony at the White House on November 24th for their  commendable contribution to peace, security, and arts. Choreographer Alvin Ailey who died in 1979 will be honored post-mortem.