Quote

Speech Delivered at the Commemoration of the 125th year of the Founding of Central High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

May 6, 1964

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Philadelphia, PA

I feel we can approach the young people of the world with strength and with confidence. We have made a representative government work and maintained freedom at the same time. We have no apologies to make for what we have done here in the United States. We are big enough to admit our errors and strong enough to be tolerant of ideas and diversity. I think the advantage is irrepressible. No other system can match it in our conquest for inquiring young minds. We are a young Nation, and we have in addition the strength, the spirit, the vigor to lead the world by our example. What we need is the discernment to identify true values and goals, however difficult that may be.

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.