Ethel Kennedy, wife of Robert F Kennedy has died on October 10th 2024 at the age of 96 after a stroke.
Ethel Kennedy (née Skakel) was an American human rights advocate and widow of Robert F. Kennedy, the former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Senator. She was born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a prominent Catholic family in Greenwich, Connecticut. Her father, George Skakel, was a wealthy businessman, and her mother, Ann Brannack, was a devoutly religious homemaker.
Ethel attended the all-girls Greenwich Academy and later graduated from the prestigious Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart in 1949. She met Robert F. Kennedy, known as Bobby, through her friendship with his sister Jean Kennedy while on a ski trip in Canada. Ethel and Bobby married on June 17, 1950, and went on to have 11 children, becoming one of the most prominent and well-known families in American politics.
After the assassination of her husband in 1968, Ethel remained active in public life, devoting much of her energy to human rights advocacy. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (now the RFK Human Rights Foundation) to continue her late husband's work on issues like social justice, civil rights, and the promotion of peace.
Ethel's legacy was tied closely to the Kennedy family’s long history of political and social influence in America. She has remained active in family and philanthropic causes well into her later years. Despite the tragedies the Kennedy family has endured, Ethel has been known for her resilience, faith, and commitment to her family's legacy of service.
Ethel Kennedy (née Skakel) is an American human rights advocate and widow of Robert F. Kennedy, the former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Senator. She was born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a prominent Catholic family in Greenwich, Connecticut. Her father, George Skakel, was a wealthy businessman, and her mother, Ann Brannack, was a devoutly religious homemaker.
Ethel attended the all-girls Greenwich Academy and later graduated from the prestigious Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart in 1949. She met Robert F. Kennedy, known as Bobby, through her friendship with his sister Jean Kennedy while on a ski trip in Canada. Ethel and Bobby married on June 17, 1950, and went on to have 11 children, becoming one of the most prominent and well-known families in American politics.
After the assassination of her husband in 1968, Ethel remained active in public life, devoting much of her energy to human rights advocacy. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (now the RFK Human Rights Foundation) to continue her late husband's work on issues like social justice, civil rights, and the promotion of peace.
Ethel's legacy is tied closely to the Kennedy family’s long history of political and social influence in America. She has remained active in family and philanthropic causes well into her later years. Despite the tragedies the Kennedy family has endured, Ethel has been known for her resilience, faith, and commitment to her family's legacy of service.
Ethel Kennedy had a profound influence through her dedication to human rights and social justice, and she had made significant contributions to continue the legacy of her late husband, Robert F. Kennedy. Here are some of her most notable achievements:
1. Founding the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (now RFK Human Rights)
In 1968, following the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, Ethel founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights to honor his memory and continue his work. The organization, later renamed RFK Human Rights, has played a critical role in advocating for civil rights, social justice, and human dignity around the world. The center supports causes such as poverty alleviation, human rights protection, and racial equality. Its initiatives include providing grants, advocating for political prisoners, and awarding the RFK Human Rights Award to individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of human rights.
2. Promotion of Civil Rights and Social Justice
Ethel has been a vocal advocate for civil rights, racial equality, and social justice throughout her life. She actively supported her husband’s campaigns for social reform, including his efforts to address issues such as racial injustice, economic inequality, and poverty in America. After Robert's death, she continued her efforts, speaking out against apartheid in South Africa, human rights abuses, and various social injustices in the U.S. and abroad.
3. Environmental Advocacy
Ethel has also been involved in environmental causes. Her son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is a well-known environmental lawyer and activist, and Ethel has supported his work and participated in efforts to protect natural resources. Through the RFK Human Rights organization and personal efforts, she has helped raise awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
4. Supporting Human Rights Defenders Globally
Through the RFK Human Rights Award, Ethel Kennedy has helped shine a spotlight on courageous human rights defenders around the world. The award, given annually, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the defense of human rights in the face of adversity. Ethel's efforts have helped raise global awareness about human rights abuses and supported the work of activists in countries like Burma, Sudan, and Central America.
5. Philanthropy and Charitable Work
Ethel has been involved in numerous charitable endeavors throughout her life. She has worked with various organizations dedicated to health, education, and human rights. She played a key role in raising funds for the creation of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., and has consistently supported initiatives that align with her late husband’s values of public service and compassion.
6. Inspiring a Legacy of Service in Her Children
Ethel has instilled a deep sense of duty and service in her children, many of whom have pursued careers in public service, law, politics, and advocacy. Several of her children, including Kerry Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have followed in her footsteps by championing human rights and environmental causes, thereby extending her impact across generations.
7. RFK Ripple of Hope Award
Ethel helped establish the RFK Ripple of Hope Award, which honors leaders from the realms of business, entertainment, and activism who demonstrate a commitment to social justice and human rights. Past recipients of the award have included figures like Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The award helps raise awareness and encourage those in power to contribute to social change.
8. Lifetime Dedication to Human Rights and Peace
Despite enduring immense personal tragedies, including the deaths of her husband and two of her children, Ethel has remained a steadfast advocate for peace, justice, and equality. Her resilience has been a source of inspiration to many. Ethel has been recognized for her work with numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented to her by President Barack Obama in 2014 for her contributions to human rights and public service.
Ethel Kennedy’s achievements reflect a lifetime of commitment to the principles of social justice, human rights, and peace. Her work, through RFK Human Rights and other advocacy efforts, continues to influence people and inspire change around the world.
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