LeVar Burton, Fred Rogers, and Jim Henson raised American children better than 99% of actual parents. LeVar deserves every accolade and more.

Part of the reason I'm an engineer is because of LeVar's performance as Geordi. And part of the reason I'm a voracious reader is because of Reading Rainbow.

As a Brit, who only knew LeVar from his performances on Roots and obviously Star Trek TNG, I had NO IDEA about this side of the man. I had no idea he was so impressive a human being as well as being a great actor. I had no idea he meant so much to so many American kids who treasured his kind words, knowledge, understanding and actions. I didnt think it was possible for 'Geordie LaForge' to go UP in my estimation, but he just did.

Beautiful quote, “All television is education. The question is what are we teaching?” Whew! Just beautiful ❤

When he spoke about his 'real job', Reading Rainbow, I broke down in tears. LeVar Burton changed many of our lives for the betterand I've shared his videos with my young children.

Soon as you hear "Butterfly in the sky" you knew what time it was. ❤ Love you sir...Godspeed.

When I was a kid, I was cast in TV movie with Levar Burton. I worked with him for about a month and to this day, some 4 decades later, he's still one of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of knowing, however briefly.

LeVar Burton and Fred Rogers are still my childhood heroes. I can still, at my age, sit and watch Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and Reading Rainbow reruns and be captivated by their presence. The kindness and welcoming nature radiated through my television as a child, and still does. There have been feature documentaries about Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street in the last several years, some director out there needs to complete the PBS Childhood trilogy and make a Reading Rainbow documentary.☺

LeVar raised me on PBS. I never missed an episode of either Reading Rainbow or StarTrek. Hes a legend. Well deserved award.

Seeing LeVar's eyes get more shiny from holding back tears as Laurence went on... You can tell he knew nobody wrote this for him. Laurence said all of it from the heart, as a friend. That moment when you meet the guy who taught Morpheus everything he knows.

Mr. Burton has had such an impact on my life between RR and TNG. Everyday he modeled intelligence, curiosity, empathy and service to my generation and I will be forever grateful. Highly deserved honor.

Dolly Parton gets a lot of attention and credit for her contributions to literacy which are all deserved BUT how are we not giving just as much recognition and discussion to LeVar Burton?!?!?!

LeVar deserves ALL the awards!! 🥰 🏆

His performance in season 3 of Picard has been outstanding and has made me cry just as hard as this video. Absolutely love LeVar.

As a Young American Black girl growing up the ghetto .... Reading Rainbow changed my life..... reading was a way for me to escape the harsh reality of the hood ......also that education was the Key to open doors I never thought could be a possibility.......Thank you ❤.

Laurence Fishburne is such a good friend not only to LeVar but also to Keanu Reeves, and he speaks so highly of both of them.

As a child born in the 70’s raised in the 80’s. Reading Rainbow was my childhood! I couldn’t wait for summer days when I got to just watch every episode! It was my favorite show! This tribute made me all teary I was so happy for Mr LeVar Burton! Thank you for making my childhood Great! I still love books to this day! ❤

This legit made me tear up . This is one the best tributes I’ve ever seen

I am in my 50’s and I still remember every word of the Reading Rainbow theme song. Amazing we have been watching Levar Burton for so long. Much deserved.

The man held a master class for 25 years . Forever an icon and a legend

Wasn't expecting this to make me so emotional. So well deserved.

Levar's reading of the children's book..."Hill of Fire" when I was four years old is the single reason why I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Planetary Geology. His inspiring tone and interesting content has sparked the imaginations of countless children. He may not be a scientist or an engineer, but he sure did create a lot of them. When we finally reach those stars his character traveled to, we will still be inspired by this man.

LeVar Burton as Geordi La Forge inspired me to become an Engineer. The way you could read his emotions from his face, that was blcoked by the visor most of the time was amazing. He played past Geordi's handicap, straight into my heart. Growing up in Germany, I never got in contact with his other works because I am not even aware if they were ever translated into German. I guess that will forever be my loss. Mr. Burton, thank you so much!

LeVar was that wonderful friend all nerdy kids had in common. He told us how reading was cool. He took us on adventures. He didn't just talk about books, he brought them to life. I am forever thankful he encouraged my love or reading. In which I passed onto my own children. Thank you good sir. You are a hero.

Reading Rainbow is one of the reasons I read 1000+ pages a week. LeVar Burton changed my life as a young child.

LeVar is one of the reason why i was one of the best readers in my school when i was learning to read. And i was in the top 10 readers list all the way til middle school. I’m so blessed to see him receive this long deserving award.

Not me crying for 19 minutes straight 😩🙏💕

My dad got me into reading when I was a kid, but we only had three tv stations... one of which of was PBS. I became huge fan of Levar Burton due to Reading Rainbow, but what really changed my life was the Reading Rainbow episode where he did the behind-the-scenes for Star Trek: The Next Generation. I was captivated by the sets, special effects, and how it was a job. So, years later, in 2005, after having gone to college for acting, I moved to LA and began working in TV and film. Levar has always been one of my heroes, and his work stuck with me my whole life, and continues to do so now.

So happy to see Mr. Levar Burton receive his flowers while he is still here! Well deserved what an amazing human being. Thank you so much for all your years of dedication and love!🎉👏🏼👍🏼

You don't have to go far to see what kind of person Levar is. You just have to look at how his daughter acts and she is a complete ray of sunshine.

LeVar Burton is an American treasure. He embodies the power of being kind.

Mr. Burton is the reason I am who I am. I teach history because I got to watch Reading Rainbow (the mummies episode, cmon). I am so appreciative of this man. I can’t even put it into words. Thank you, sir. Thank you. You guided me to reading and to my passion. I can’t repay it.

I watched Levar Burton on Reading Rainbow 🌈 since I was a little boy in the 90s!!!! I still love the series since DAY ONE!!!!! EDUCATION IS EVERY THING!!!!

He's right up there with Mr rodgers. I watched all of that as a kid. Sesame street. Mr rodgers and Reading Rainbow.

Not a dry eye in the house. Totally awesome. We don't get Reading Rainbow over here but I watched Roots as a young boy because my Mum wanted me to understand a little more of what the world was like and give me a clear idea of how to make it better. My Mum's philosophy was that we should always try and leave the world in better condition than it was when we found it. This man and the people like him do that idea proud.

LeVar Burton is simply an icon, plain and simple. He has literally changed the lives of millions of children through his show Reading Rainbow 🌈 and countless other projects that has made him a legend. He’s more than worthy of the Lifetime Achievement Award because of his impact on the importance of reading and education. Congrats, Mr. Burton. Your Lifetime Achievement Award is well deserved.

I can't say enough about LeVar. As both a Reading Rainbow and Star Trek fan as a kid, he may have been on my TV more than anyone else. But for him, and my grandmother, who was also an outspoken champion for my literacy, I would not be the human I am today. I couldn't be more grateful.

I have no words, just happy tears. 😭 I love him so much! He’s been a treasure from day one, and my god, Reading Rainbow was everything when I was growing up. Lucky are we who were blessed with this man in our lifetime. ❤️

Did I just start crying watching a KZfaq video about LeVar Burton? Yes I did. My gosh what an amazing individual.

The man is an icon. I remember growing up watching Reading Rainbow and loving books aside of my mom and dad pointing me in that direction LeVar kept it going! Then out of no where my parents let me stay up to watch Star Trek one night and I was blown away excited when I saw LeVar on the show! Now to see him again on Picard. The man has been a seriously important part of countless peoples lives. Thank you LeVar!

I also grew up watching Reading Rainbow and I want so badly to tell Mr. Levar Burton himself how much I appreciate his service to us children at that time how important and fun reading is.

I saw Roots when I was 10 years old. That experience awakened my attention and appreciation for history. I started watching Reading Rainbow when I was 12 years old. That experience expanded my love for literature. I watched Star Trek: The Next Generation with my father when I was 16 years old. That experience fired my imagination and nurtured my understanding of science. Mr. Burton was literally my teacher in every major subject. I know I'm joining a chorus here when I say he made me the man I am today. Thank you, Mr. Burton. Thank you.

I’m a middle aged white woman who grew up in a run down city. There were only a few black families in our small city when I grew up and I’m proud to say that my single working mom was friendly with another single mom who was black and her two children, around my age, were wonderful friends to me. I’m glad I also had Levar Burton in my life as a kid. I loved his show as a child and here I am still listening to him. I love his current podcast and listen to it every week.

Being from Europe, I wasn't exposed to LaVar besides Star Trek, never knew he is such a treasure and legend. 20 minutes later, I cannot imagine anyone else more deserving of this award! Congratulations man!

As someone who missed out on Reading Rainbow in the UK but knows Levar though Roots and TNG to see how many lives he has improved beyond my own fills my heart!

He is why I love books, he opened our imaginations! I learned as much from him about reading as my own family taught me. God Bless Him

So happy to see LeVar receive this award. I remember seeing him for the first time in Roots. It was a story that brought many tears to my eyes and taught me the plight of my darker skinned brothers. I remember when I saw him on Reading Rainbow and rarely missed a show. I remember tuning in to Star Trek The Next Generation and already being a Trekkie it was a match made in heaven to me. So, all in all, LeVar has been part of my life for most of my life, and it's like I know him. In actuality, he obviously doesn't know me, but I congratulate him and look forward to whatever else he pursues because I know he will be phenomenal at it.🙏

We had some of the Reading Rainbow books in our school library. Whenever he featured one of them, it was like discovering some hidden passageway to knowledge and adventure. Same books, totally different. I doubt I'd have started reading as voraciously as I did without the work of this man. No telling how many ships he set sail, encouraged, and built in the hearts and minds of his audiences.

Having seen the last moment on the enterprise-d in Picard’s last episode, when it flashed back to the reading rainbow Star Trek episode, my god I wept. This man is beyond a treasure. He’s a saint. America and the world are infinitely richer for having him.

The most deserving person of this award. Dedicating his work and life to teaching young kids. Congratulations. One of the very best.

My Lord, he's always such a class act and so articulate, even when he's choked up with emotion. He and Fred Rogers are probably the two greatest heroes we've ever had, y'all.

As someone who grew up with Reading Rainbow and a profound love of books, I approve of this award 10,000% Also, he's aged very well, hasn't he?

Yeah, I got misty eyed watching this. And like Sir Patrick Stewart said, he should've gotten this long ago. Still, I'm very happy to see all that's he done for ALL OF SOCIETY be recognized in such a way!

One of the greatest. LeVar shaped my childhood through Reading Rainbow and Star Trek. To say he's been important to millions of us would be an understatement. To call him a legend is to scratch the surface of what he has given us all. Congratulations to everyone's childhood friend from afar.

Levar is a national treasure. I'm so thankful we get to see him again on Picard Season 3 as Geordie. That's where I discovered him and I'm forever grateful for his contributions to education and cinema.

This is a full circle moment, and something that is very emotional for me, because this man raised me as a child, and allowed me to flourish through the power of reading.

This man is an icon in my life. He was with me at every stage in my life. Haven't cried this hard in a long time. CONGRATULATIONS SIR!!! but dont take my word for it....

.." Take a look, It's in a Book, Reading Rainbow 🌈 " My jam, my show as a kid. Luv you LeVar..Class, ALL the Way 👏 👏

"You taught me what love looks like, smells like, tastes like, and sounds like. I'm the luckiest man in the world." What a line. Truly a man of letters.

Who's cutting onions over here?! 😭Congratulations, Sir! 💪🏽🤩💖

LeVar Burton is such an amazing talented inspirational icon. He is a genuine treasure. I still can't understand why he isn't hosting Jeopardy. Nothing against the current hosts, but what a loss for all of us not to have LeVar behind that podium. Congrats on the Emmy and here's to many more years of seeing this man on the screen, big or small.❤️🏆

I watched Mr. Burton everyday as a kid grew up on RR, Mr. Rodgers and Jim Hensen SS. These young kids today have missed out on a lot of great things. Congratulations LeVar Burton.

Reading Rainbow taught me how to express myself with words, while TNG helped shape my young imagination. Mr. Burton was a powerful and positive force in my childhood and it makes my heart swell to see this.

A true legend. Growing up watching Reading Rainbow but as adult loving him in Star Trek. He’s incredible and a true inspiration to everyone to go boldly!

I love this man and all he's done as a storyteller and education advocate. He was such a pivotal part of my childhood through Reading Rainbow and the little of Next Generation I watched on reruns. So glad that he got this well earned reward!

This was so beautifully said. Happy tears for such a well deserved award for a man who has devoted his entire life to giving to others in a unselfish way. We love you you Mr. Burton

Levar Burton. The first time I saw you was when Roots aired. My children grew up watching your beloved Reading Rainbow 🌈. Thank you. Thank you. We’ll keep reaching for the stars. Thank you

I became a physician and scientist because of seeing myself on TV through LeVar Burton on RR & TNG. Mr. Burton, you showed me that black boys can be smart, and be a nerd, and be successful. I am forever grateful to you, Mr. Burton. I love and appreciate you!

LeVar is one of those who inspired my love for reading. Such a wonderful human being and a great person.

Such a great impact he's made. Television or movies, he's always made a great influence!

What a outstanding introduction by Lawrence. That’s how you bring someone up and bring them their flowers.

We don’t have many role models left. I thank him and his family for taking up the role.

That was amazing. Mr. Fishburne deserves an award for his heartfelt speech that he gave to a legendary story - teller who was being rightfully awarded.

If I ever get to meet Lavar Burton I am going to say only one thing to him "thank you... thank you for not just my childhood.. but my adulthood as well... you taught me what reading could mean as a child... you taught me what history meant as a teenager with roots, and you taught me what the world could become as a man with star trek... I will forever be grateful you exist sir"

I am sitting here at work with a wet face and smile of admiration at 34. Well deserved!!!

I was still at a single digit age when TNG came out. I remember sitting down to watch it with my dad and being like "Hey! Its the guy from Reading Rainbow!", which was one of my favorite shows and it really made me want to want Star Trek. LeVar was such a huge part of my childhood.

Untold numbers of adults today learned of their own or their neighbors' heritage through Roots. They learned to embrace the written word and the power of stories through Reading Rainbow. They learned to embrace science, curiosity, and compassion through Star Trek. They found a strong role model for the blind in Geordi LaForge. And these adults have gone on to pass these ideas on to the next generations. The number of people who truly owe some of the best of themselves to LeVar is beyond measure.

This makes me so emotional. Thank you, Levar. Sending a big hug to my fellow 90 babies.

This is such a well-deserved award. I loved Reading Rainbow; I was one of those kids. LaVar was always so gentle, humble, enthusiastic, and encouraging, and he helped give me a love of reading. Now, I’m a writer, and part of the credit for that goes to him. And of course then he became one of the best characters on one of the best TV shows of all time!

Mr. Burton has been a part of my life in a myriad of ways from that of roots and teaching me that slavery was part of our history is Black Americans but not the full story. To that of Star Trek the next generation where he taught me along with my most important Advocate my mother, that it was okay to be a black individual with disability and navigate beyond the world's limits of what might be perceived as achievable or even okay. I sit here a thirty-six-year-old black individual with a disability whom is about to embark on a journey that requires a great deal of reading, and knowledge that I indeed can do anyting I have my associate's degree, however in the fall of 2023 I will be going back to school to receive my bachelor's degree in Black studies with a minor in political science and I tribute a great deal of that to the works of my mother first of all most importantly, but not too far behind that beautiful soul is mr. LeVar Burton congratulations good sir. You deserve this and indeed so much more.

It's awesome to see someone you looked up to and learned so much from nearly 40 years ago being publicly recognized for being the hero you've always known he was. Good stuff.

Thank you LeVar Thank you Reading Rainbow congratulations!

So proud for LeVar Burton's well deserved honor. I live with hope and pray that "Reading Rainbow" will come back to television. I wait daily for that event!

Fred Rogers is smiling right now for his mentor to recieve an award

I love it when Geordi La Forge plays the role of LaVar Burton! Pretending to do awards and rainbow shows!

I grew up with Lavar my first black friend!!!! We need more people of color in children’s television ❤

So grateful for all those years we spent together when I was a kid in front of the TV while my mom was working overtime. And then later when an young adult with ST TNG. Well deserved 🥰

LeVar 100% deserves it. Such an amazing and genuine person.

CONGRATULATIONS 👏👏👏👏 MR LEVAR BURTON! YOU ARE STILL AN AMAZING PERSON! ❤AWESOME!🎉😊😊🎉❤

I am 40 years old and remember this amazing man from the age of 6.may he be blessed.

Reading Rainbow was my favorite show as a kid. I think I owe my love of reading to LeVar Burton. I would totally still watch it if it was still on (with LeVar). So thank you, LeVar. I owe you so much.

Man I remember when the teacher rolled in that squeaky cart with that classic fat t.v / vcr. We knew it was either National Geographic, the Mario bros. t.v show or The Reading Rainbow. The 90’d was great and glad I lived as a kid during that priceless slip in time. Congrats Burton for this award and for creating memories for us kids.

I'm 45, and I still remember watching Reading Rainbow. I remember my favorite episodes. Thank you LaVar Burton for making me love Reading.

Well EARNED! It chokes me up whenever I hear his voice or that damn song because I think of countless mornings watching Reading Rainbow with my Mother. She passed when I was 17 and one thing I learned early in her passing was that life was about to get much tougher mentally, emotionally, and psychologically because of such memories. Even the lyrics read true and my Mother always said it was ok to be a dreamer as long as you do something about those dreams. I raise my kids on these older shows and they enjoy it just as much. From Mr. Burton to Mr. Rogers... I thank you all. I love you all. YOU MATTERED AND YOU STILL DO. As a black man, THANK YOU Mr. Burton for not only teaching us differently, but showing us that it can be done. 👊🏿🙏🏿🖤

i may not remember a lot from my childhood, but i'll always remember how much i loved watching Reading Rainbow, including the episode where LeVar went on the set of TNG, as that was what introduced me to Star Trek. he deserves this award and tons more.

"All television is education, the question is what are we teaching" 😮

You wanna cry!!!?!?! You wanna cry!!?!?!?! 😭 my 1980's heart is so happy for him. I don't think I truly understood how much of a champion he has been for us. Wow

I’m glad I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s. Mr. Levar Burton was the reason why I loved reading as a little child.😀 Reading Rainbow was the best show ever!📕🌈 The song still brings tears to my eyes when I hear it.😭 Thank you so much for the knowledge you gave to me.👏🏾

Deserves his flowers many times over. LB’s been a part of our lives our entire lives. Sensational orator and educator. Lest we not forget the Cameo video. Thank you, Sir. 💯💯💯

Mr. Burton, your presence in my childhood was an anchor. I'm grateful and thankful for your inspiration.