Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., renowned environmental activist and champion of children’s welfare, has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency of the United States.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., renowned environmental activist and champion of children’s welfare, has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency of the United States. The nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Kennedy aims to continue his family’s legacy of public service by prioritizing environmental causes and the well-being of children.
Having witnessed the tragic assassinations of both his uncle and father, Kennedy chose to dedicate his life to advocating for issues that held deep personal significance. He founded the Waterkeeper Alliance, the world’s largest clean water advocacy group, and served as its chairman and attorney. The organization has been instrumental in restoring and preserving the health of water bodies worldwide. Additionally, Kennedy established Children’s Health Defense, an influential mass membership organization focused on addressing childhood chronic diseases and toxic exposures.
Kennedy’s tireless efforts as a defender of the environment and children’s health have earned him accolades and numerous legal victories. TIME Magazine recognized him as its “Hero for the Planet” in recognition of his leadership in the fight to restore the Hudson River. His advocacy led to the establishment of over 300 Waterkeeper organizations globally. Furthermore, Kennedy’s negotiation of the New York City watershed agreement, representing environmentalists and New York City watershed consumers, has been hailed as an international model for sustainable development and stakeholder consensus negotiations.
The scope of Kennedy’s environmental impact extends beyond North America. He has been involved in landmark legal battles in Latin America and Canada, advocating for the rights of indigenous communities and the protection of their lands. Notably, Kennedy played a crucial role in the trials against Monsanto and DuPont, securing significant victories in contamination cases that garnered public attention and inspired the film “Dark Waters.”
Kennedy’s contributions to the written word have also been widely recognized. His articles have graced the pages of prestigious publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and Newsweek, among others. He has authored several books, including the New York Times bestsellers “Crimes Against Nature” (2005) and “The Real Anthony Fauci” (2021), as well as the critically acclaimed biography “American Values: Lessons I Learned from My Family.” Kennedy has also written children’s books on American history and Saint Francis of Assisi.
Educated at prestigious institutions, Kennedy holds degrees from Harvard University, the London School of Economics, the University of Virginia Law School, and Pace University School of Law. He served on the faculty of Pace Law School from 1986 to 2018, where he co-founded and supervised the Environmental Litigation Clinic.
Born on January 17, 1954, in Washington, DC, Kennedy is the third of 11 children of the late Senator Robert Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy. Recently, Kennedy’s mother, Ethel, celebrated her 95th birthday, marking a milestone for the renowned Kennedy family.
In his personal life, Kennedy is married to Cheryl Hines, a notable actress, and together they have seven children, including Kennedy’s six children from previous marriages.
As Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. embarks on his presidential campaign, his platform will focus on addressing pressing environmental concerns, safeguarding the health and well-being of children, and championing social justice causes. With his extensive experience, passion, and commitment to public service, Kennedy aims to inspire a new era of leadership dedicated to a sustainable and equitable future for all.
