Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights

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"This nation today needs all the free minds it can muster in order to meet the challenge posed by the infinite complexity of problems both at home and abroad, and to pit our intellectual strength against the insidious menace of an enemy that goes by many names: discrimination, hunger, disease, ignorance, economic oppression, and political tyranny." - Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Photographer: Steve Shapiro.

Had he lived, Robert F. Kennedy would have turned 99 years old today. Last year, Zoel Boublil and I wrote a piece for the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Newsletter discussing our favorite anecdotes from his life and career. You can read that piece here: https://lnkd.in/ddvmtscS. Today, I’ll discuss a different one. In August 1964, just nine months after his brother was killed, Robert Kennedy was slated to give an address at the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City. He was introducing a film dedicated to his late brother and first decided to say a few words. As the story goes, when Kennedy walked to the lectern, the crowd erupted in a 22-minute standing ovation. If there hadn’t been a video, no one today would believe it. I didn’t believe it until I spoke with a man who had been in the audience that day and who emphatically told me, “They wouldn’t stop clapping!” After many unanswered pleas to quiet the crowd, tears welled in his eyes, and he finally spoke. The crowd fell silent as he recited Shakespeare: When he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun. Though burdened by personal grief and sorrow, Kennedy concluded his speech with a call to action: “We can't just look to the past, we must look to the future.” The crowd erupted once again as Kennedy exited the stage, walked onto the fire escape, and wept. Not four years later, the country heard another Kennedy brother eulogize his fallen brother—this time, it was Robert himself who had fallen. I wonder if those present at his memorial thought back to the Shakespeare lines they had heard in Atlantic City years earlier. Senator Edward Kennedy concluded his eulogy with another of Robert’s favorite lines, adapted from Bernard Shaw’s "Back to Methuselah": “Some men see things as they are and ask why; I dream things that never were and ask why not.” Robert F. Kennedy is the reason I study Classics, the reason I now work at the Justice Department in a building that bears his name, and the reason I aspire to a career in public service. A bust of him now sits in the Oval Office, and public servants from across the political spectrum credit him for their involvement in the common good (President Biden once called him “my only hero”). “The Greek word for ‘idiot,’” Kennedy would often say, “means somebody who is not involved in politics.” His question to us remains timeless: Why not? Why not build bridges? Why not champion justice? Why not strive to seek a newer world? Human leadership like this is rare. Even 99 years after his birth and 56 years after his death, it is fitting and proper to remember not only the mark he made on America during his lifetime but also the ripples of hope that sprang forth from him after his death.

?? Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed by someone within their own family. There is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls. This year, during the 16 Days of Activism campaign—an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing action to end all forms of violence against women and girls—we join the call for urgent accountability and meaningful action from decision-makers worldwide. Follow the campaign on our Instagram story, and use #NoExcuse to help spread awareness! ?????

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world, with 1 in 3 women subjected to physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/ey-qjUe

There’s still time to make an impact this weekend! We are at that moment when we have to decide if we will be motivated by fear or by courage. Chip in and join us in the fight against oppression ?? https://rfkhro.org/4i1chR9

We’re thrilled to announce some exciting new opportunities at RFKHR for the upcoming year! We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team as: ? Social Media Fellow (2025-2026); ? Spring 2025 Communications Intern; ? Spring 2025 Business and Human Rights Intern; ? Spring 2025 John Lewis Young Leader Intern. Take the next step in your career and help us drive meaningful change in 2025! Applications can be found ?? https://lnkd.in/e886RM8S

Today, Senator Kennedy, our namesake and hero, would have turned 99. Sen. Kennedy understood the transformative power of individual action. He believed that each of us has the power to create real, lasting change. When one person stands up for dignity and justice, he said, they "send forth a tiny ripple of hope" that can "build a current strong enough to sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." We know that all he would have wanted for his birthday is to know that the ripple he started continues to grow and inspire. ?? That's why we're kicking off our #GivingTuesday campaign early this year. When you give $100 or more, you'll be entered to win a pair of tickets to our annual Ripple of Hope Gala on December 11! Join us in creating a more just and peaceful world ?? https://rfkhro.org/4i1chR9

"Mutual understanding between us is more essential today, than ever before. For daily, we are faced with the paradox that, while the world is growing smaller, its problems are becoming larger and more complex."- Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

In this month’s #JusticeRoundup: ?? RFKHR files new amicus brief challenging systemic racial bias in immigration proceedings; ?? Read about the first-ever Arusha Initiative Town Hall, a landmark event that brought together experts to discuss key issues related to African human rights system;? ?? Join our advocacy efforts to secure amnesty for persecuted Honduran journalist Carlos ávila, and; ?? Submit your nomination for the 2025 Human Rights Award today! Subscribe below for more stories like these in your inbox!