Wael Ghonim Accepts 'Profile In Courage' Award For Egyptian People

03:34

May 23, 2011

Caroline Kennedy presents Egyptian Wael Ghonim, representing the people of Egypt for their democratic uprising, the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award in Dorchester, Monday. (AP)

The John F. Kennedy Library presented its 2011 "Profiles in Courage" awards today. Among the honorees: Egyptian Wael Ghonim and the Egyptian people.

Ghonim is Google's head of marketing for the Middle East and North Africa. He is also one of the most prominent faces of the Egyptian revolution. In late January this year, Ghonim was arrested by state security forces for his use of social media, which helped spark the Egyptian uprising.

Ghonim was released after almost two weeks in detention. By that time, tens of thousands of protesters had gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square, where Ghonim delivered an emotional speech declaring, "This is not a time for individuals...it is a time for us to say just one thing: Egypt above all."

Ghonim was in Dorchester today, accepting the 2011 Profile in Courage award.

This program aired on May 23, 2011.