Robert F. Kennedy Memorial to Commemorate RFK’s 80th Birthday

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jeffrey Buchanan, 202-463-7575 ext 241

WASHINGTON D.C.—- This November, Robert F. Kennedy would have celebrated his 80th Birthday. In honor of this occasion, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial will present a program of events on Nov. 16 to commemorate RFK's life and legacy.

Robert Kennedy dedicated his life to creating a more just world and in the process he influenced generations of social, political and cultural leaders. November 16th will be a day for those who admired RFK in life and those that still fight for his vision of social justice to commemorate the man, his message and his legacy. As Americans are faced with tough questions on the role of government and the realities of poverty and human rights abuses the Memorial feels this November is an important time to gather and reflect on RFK’s legacy.

The Memorial will be hosting three events on the day, all are open to the public; The 2005 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award Ceremony from 10:30am-12pm in the Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building, a panel discussion on Capitol Hill entitled “How is Robert F. Kennedy’s Vision Relevant Today?” from 2:30-4:30pm, and an evening reception in the Mansfield Room of the US Capitol Building from 5:30-8pm. Those interested may RSVP for the day’s events by visiting http://www.rfkmemorial.org/rfk80th

The 2005 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award will be presented to Stephen Bradberry, the Lead Organizer of the New Orleans chapter of ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now), the nation's largest community organization of low- and moderate-income families working together for social justice and stronger communities. The ceremony will be hosted by Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy and Senator Edward Kennedy. This year’s ceremony will include tributes from prominent speakers who were influenced by RFK’s life and legacy. Speakers will be announced shortly, visit http://www.rfkmemorial.org/rfk80th for details.

The panel discussion entitled, “How is Robert F. Kennedy’s Vision Relevant Today?”, will be a gathering of those who worked with RFK and were inspired by him to discuss RFK's message and politics today. The forum will also feature politicians, prominent leaders in the social justice field including former Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services Peter Edelman, co-founder of the United Farm Workers Delores Huerta, and several RFK Human Rights Award laureates. The purpose of this forum is to look at what Robert Kennedy’s legacy has meant to today’s political parties, the NGO sector, and specifically the RFK Memorial Center for Human Rights.

The evening reception will be a time for those who admired RFK to offer commemorations. RFK’s friends, family members, former campaign staff and supporters will gather at the reception to share stories of RFK and how he has affected their life’s work. A film crew will be on hand to record attendees remembrances of RFK’s life and legacy.

The days events will be hosted by Robert Kennedy’s children and their spouses, Joseph P. Kennedy II & Beth Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. & Mary Richardson Kennedy. Courtney Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy (Chair), Chris & Sheila Kennedy, Max & Vicki Kennedy, Rory Kennedy & Mark Bailey.

The Memorial is also hosting a number of programs to commemorate the event on their website. Please visit http://www.rfkmemorial.org/rfk80th for more details.

Available for Interview:
Kerry Kennedy, Daughter of Robert Kennedy and founder of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights
Delores Huerta, Co-Founder of the United Farm Workers
Peter Edelman, Former Legislative Assistant of Robert Kennedy and Former Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services
Stephen Bradberry, Lead Organizer ACORN New Orleans and 2005 RFK Human Rights Award Winner
Edwin Guthman, Former Speechwriter for Robert Kennedy

Contact Jeffrey Buchanan (202) 463-7575 ext 241 for availability

Source: Robert F. Kennedy Memorial
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"..if men are to be free for that "pursuit of happiness", which was the earliest promise of the American nation- we will need more than poverty programs, housing programs, and employment programs, although we need all of these. We will need an outpouring of imagination, ingenuity, discipline and hard work unmatched since the first adventurers set out to conquer the wilderness. For the problem is the largest we've ever known." — Robert F. Kennedy, Dec. 10, 1966