"From activists who fought for change to artists who explored the furthest reaches of our imagination; from scientists who kept America on the cutting edge to public servants who help write new chapters in our American story, these citizens have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world," President Obama said in a released statement.

Alvin Ailey, (posthumous) Choreographer

Ailey's troupe founded in 1958, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs in over 71 countries. His legacy continues to be groundbreaking for the African American experience blended with modern dance.

Isabel Allende, Novelist

Allende has written 21 books that have been translated into 35 different languages. In her native Chile, she received the National Literary Award and is currently is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Tom Brokaw, Journalist

As one of the country's most respected journalists, Brokaw has been a staple on the NBC news for decades. He has also authored the book, The Greatest Generation and has covered numerous historical events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the 9-11 Attacks.

James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner (posthumous), Civil rights activists and "Freedom Summer" participants

Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner were murdered for their efforts in 1964 to give Black Americans the right to vote. Their deaths were just part of the many outcries that sparked a change in the nation and helped advance the Civil Rights movement.

Mildred Dresselhaus, Physicist 

Dresselhaus' work has helped to contribute to major advancements in electronics and materials research and design.

Rep. John Dingell of Michigan

Dingell is the longest serving Member of Congress in history. For decades he has pushed landmark legislation from Civil Rights, to Healthcare, Environmental protection, and more. 

Ethel Kennedy, Human rights activist 

The wife of Robert F. Kennedy founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights to help pursue his dream of justice and peace for the world. Her own life is dedicated to social justice, human rights, poverty eradication, and the environment.

Suzan Harjo, Writer and activist 

Dr. Harjo is a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and has pushed for the improvement of the lives of America's Native peoples throughout her career.

Federal judge and former Rep. Abner Mikva of Illinois

Mikva has served in all three branches of the government and was a law professor at Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois. 

Rep. Patsy Takemoto Mink of Hawaii (posthumous)

Mink served 12 terms as a Congresswoman for Hawai'i and co-authored Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Rep. Edward Roybal of California (posthumous)

Roybal was the first Mexican-American to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Charles Sifford, Professional golfer 

Despite numerous death threats and harassment because he was Black, Sifford helped to desegregate the Professional Golfers' Association, 

Robert Solow, Economist 

For 60 years, Solow's work has helped transform the world of modern economics and continues to participate in debates about economic growth and inequality.

Stephen Sondheim, Composer 

Sondheim's work has helped define American Theater and has earned him eight Tony Awards and A Nobel Prize for Drama.

Meryl Streep, Actress 

Streep holds the record for the most nominations for an Academy Award in history. Her roles have embodied the full range of emotion of the human experience.

Marlo Thomas, Social activist 

Thomas is an actress, producer, writer, and author who has championed causes for women's rights and girls education.

Stevie Wonder, Singer-songwriter 

Wonder's unique sound fuses blues with rock n' roll, reggae, and pop. He has won 25 Grammy Awards, and Academy Award.