Dr. Henrietta Mann poses with her family at the White House.
Photo: White House
It was a star-studded experience full of pinch-me moments. I was with my family at the White House to celebrate Dr. Henrietta Mann — my mom — as a 2021 recipient of the National Humanities Medal. To make the occasion extra special, the famous cherry trees were dressing up the city.
A serious fashionista, Henrietta commissioned two Native dresses designed to shine a light on her Cheyenne heritage. Rhinestone-studded, black cat-eye glasses completed the ensembles.
Our first event was a celebratory dinner at the historic Decatur House, also the setting for a pre-dinner interview. When asked what it means to receive the award, Henrietta said, “I never ever thought that I would be honored by this country that my ancestors were first to love via the National Humanities Medal. It is heartwarming. It goes back to my beloved ancestors and forward to those great-great-grandchildren who have yet to come walk on this land. Their honor. Not mine.”
A serious fashionista, Henrietta commissioned two Native dresses designed to shine a light on her Cheyenne heritage.
In all, there are 24 recipients of the 2021 Medals in Humanities and Arts, including Shawn Spruce and Jaclyn Sallee from Native America Calling — the first Indigenous organization to receive a medal. Henrietta is the first Indigenous individual to receive a medal. Also in the extraordinary Humanities group are Amy Tan, Colson Whitehead, Ann Patchett, Tara Westover, and Sir Elton John (no, we didn’t get to meet him — his medal was awarded separately). Medal of Arts recipients at the dinner included Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Joan Shigekawa, and Vera Wang. Bruce Springsteen and Gladys Knight would be there for the ceremony.
The next day, March 21, was packed. First COVID tests then layers of security; a photo op with the president, vice president, and their spouses; the ceremony; and pre- and post-ceremony receptions.
We were greeted at the White House by military escorts and shown to a large room where the Marine Band was playing “Pure Imagination.” As families waited for a photo with President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Second Gentlemen Douglas Emhoff, I asked if we could meet the Springsteens, saying, “Henrietta would love to meet ‘the Boss.’” When we were waved over, Henrietta walked right up to Patty and Bruce, who gave Henrietta a warm hug and a couple of kisses. Lucky gal!
For the group photo, Henrietta stood between President Biden and Kamala Harris. Then the family members were directed to the East Room so the medalists could make a grand entrance. When the band struck up “Hail to the Chief,” President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden entered the room. President Biden led a medal ceremony sprinkled with gravity, humor, smiles, and laughter. When the ceremony was over, everyone mingled at a reception. After a busy day, we took Cinderella home.
The next day we visited the National Museum of the American Indian, where Henrietta served as a founding board member. At a celebratory dinner near the Capitol, the restaurant delivered a special dessert with a sparkling party candle. Henrietta was overjoyed.
We all got a little misty knowing we had been part of a once-in-a-lifetime occasion with a special “Cheyenne girl” from little ole Hammon, Okla. The 46th president of the United States awarded one of our nation’s highest honors to a living descendant of survivors of the Sand Creek and Washita Massacres. Henrietta has been a truth seeker and truth teller her entire career. I think Henrietta’s ancestors would be proud and happy for her. I know I am.
ABOUT THE AUTHORMontoya Whiteman, Cheyenne and Arapaho, is the managing director of editorial and special projects at AISES.