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Speech delivered at the 10th Anniversary Convocation for the Center for Study of Democratic Institutions of the Fund for the Republic, New York City

January 22, 1963

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New York, NY

If our Constitution had followed the style of Saint Paul, the First Amendment might have concluded—”But the greatest of these is speech.” In the darkness of tyranny, this is the key to the sunlight. If it is granted, all doors open. If it is withheld, none.

New year, new us. Same mission.

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is rebranding to honor the legacy of our founder and hero, Mrs. Ethel Skakel Kennedy. From now on, we will proudly be known as the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center

While our name is changing, our mission and work remain the same. We will continue to fight injustice, advance human rights, and hold governments accountable around the world in 2026 and beyond.