The heirs of legendary jazz composer, arranger, lyricist, and pianist Billy Strayhorn have started a petition seeking a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his contributions as a great American composer, his involvement in social justice, and his support of those in need.

While Strayhorn’s compositions are widely celebrated—“Take The A Train,” “Lush Life,” and “Chelsea Bridge” are among the dozens of influential jazz titles he penned—some may not be familiar with the additional significance of his story. Strayhorn was a personal friend of Martin Luther King, Jr. and worked closely with teams fighting for racial equality in the States. Additionally, in his personal life, Strayhorn was an openly gay man, whose refusal to be shamed continues to inspire those in favor of universal civil rights.

Strayhorn is widely known as the longtime collaborator of Duke Ellington who, upon receiving his own Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Nixon in 1969, accepted the award in deference to Strayhorn, citing the latter’s four personal freedoms—freedom from hate, self-pity, fear, and pride.

2015 marks Strayhorn’s centennial birth year and celebrations of this momentous anniversary have continued around the globe all year.

Click here to sign the petition.