Laurence Fishburne presents LeVar Burton with the Lifetime Achievement Award 

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.☺

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 ❤.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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?!?!?!

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

"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.

Not me crying for 19 minutes straight 😩🙏💕

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.

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 deserves ALL the awards!! 🥰 🏆

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.

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.

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!🎉👏🏼👍🏼

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....

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

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'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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.🙏

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 🥰

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!

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! ❤

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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. ❤️

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!!!!

I'm not crying...you're all crying...

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 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.

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

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

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.❤️🏆

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. 💯💯💯

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.

Such a well composed and dignified man. To this day I still look up to him.

This was so beautiful 🥰👏🏾 Congrats Mr Burton and family 🥳

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Awww I wish he did "For those who don't know I am, I'm Samual L Jackson" Because they both have this gag going on where there both mistaken for each other in each others films, and Jackson had said Fishburne has signed Sam's name

15:28 - Well that's the first time I've spontaneously started clapping along with the audience to a video. Freaked my dog RIGHT out. Congratulations, LeVar, you more than deserve it. I have quite the library at home as a direct result of you and Reading Rainbow.

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.

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.

Amazing tribute to LeVar Burton! Congratulations on this LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ❤

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.

6:35 >"Gordie" La Forge That hurt. That would Geordi.

We need reading rainbow back now more than ever please bring it back for our children's sake

When he sees Patrick Stewart....

Yes Thank you for everything Mr.Burton ! ❤

Literacy and a love of reading is one the greatest and most important gifts a parent, or anyone involved in a child's development, can grant that child. The quality of one's thoughts and how you express those thoughts is very connected to how literate and well read you are.

This was so beautiful and inspiring to see Mr. Burton receive this lifetime achievement award!

I remember watching Roots in school, soaking up and exploring while watching Reading Rainbow (the theme song is probably one of the greatest ever), and watching Star Trek with my mom (she loved her some Sir Patrick Stewart). I had hoped he would be the next host of Jeopardy, but I don’t think the powers that be want it. Whatever he does next, I’m sure it’ll impact the lives of future generations as well.

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

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

I salute you Brother Lavar Burton!! An icon!! 🙏🏽👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾💯

OMG Stop crying! I didn't realise until coming across this clip now, in my 40s, what an influence he had on me as a kid and my love of reading!

His Cameo on “COMMUNITY” was awesome……😅😅😅

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.

Saving Patrick Stewart till last was absolutely the right move😊😊

What an amazing acceptance speech. I remember watching the first generation of Reading Rainbow forty years ago. We need more of this in the world.

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

Morpheus gives Geordi LaForge a lifetime achievement award!

Reading Rainbow was one of the best things I remember growing up as a kid in the 1980's. The man definitely deserves this award.

I still remember seeing LeVar in Roots. His performance was so powerful it has always stuck with me.