Barack Obama receives RFK Human Rights award at NYC gala
https://apnews.com/8fbc00fb2a3e431fa21dc85afa0ed18b?fbclid=IwAR3SvnaVbVeqiVbgVzxkJbWo7AlBMmVW1kuj9FUKBDvZoJCtjRccxAHSacA
Barack Obama receives RFK Human Rights award at NYC gala
By SABRINA CASERTA
2 hours ago
NEW YORK (AP) Former President Barack Obama was honored with the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award at a gala in midtown Manhattan Wednesday evening.
Im not sure if youve heard, but Ive been on this hope kick for a while now. Even ran a couple of campaigns on it. Thank you for officially validating my hope credentials, Obama said during his remarks.
The organizations president, Kerry Kennedy, presented the award, which celebrates leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to social change. Past recipients include Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, Bono, George Clooney and Robert De Niro.
If we summon our best selves, we can inspire others to do the same. Its easy to succumb to cynicism, the notion that hope is a fools game, Obama said.
When our leaders are content on making up whatever facts they want, a lot of people have begun to doubt the notion of common ground, Obama said. Bobby Kennedys life reminds us to reject such cynicism.
Also honored with Ripple of Hope Awards were New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav and Humana CEO Bruce Broussard. Speakers included actors Alec Baldwin, Keegan-Michael Key, Alfre Woodard and journalist Tom Brokaw.
This year also marks the 50 anniversary of Robert F. Kennedys campaign for the White House.