Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights on Monday named former President Barack Obama as one of its Ripple of Hope laureates.
“Laureates were selected for their exceptional work toward a more just and peaceful world,” the nonprofit organization said in a statement. It cited Obama’s accomplishments as president, as well as his ongoing commitment to “lifting up the next generation of leaders through his work with the Obama Foundation.”
Obama will receive the award alongside Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and Humana CEO Bruce D. Broussard.
“Bobby Kennedy was one of my heroes,” Obama said in a statement. “I first got into public service because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, believing that my own salvation was bound up with the salvation of others. That’s something he expressed far better than I ever could … That’s what I’m determined to help inspire and cultivate over the rest of my career — the idea that anybody can be one of the millions of acts of conscience and voices raised against injustice.”
The organization’s founder, Ethel Kennedy, will present the awards to the recipients during the annual Ripple of Hope gala in New York City on Dec. 12.
Past recipients include Bill and Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Tim Cook, and actors George Clooney and Robert De Niro.
