Quote

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

May 6, 1964

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Philadelphia, PA

The young throughout the world will not wait for our concern. They are going ahead with their own revolution, not waiting for us. They are going ahead in their own way and in their own time. In many countries today they are in open revolt against oppression and against poverty, against the grinding condition of systems which have not allowed progress. They are in revolt against the established order, against the status quo. History is on their side, and in one way or another they will achieve a large measure of success in their endeavors, whatever the cost. In so many instances, their revolution is an easy decision for them, for they feel they have nothing to lose. What they think and what they do has a direct effect on all of us here in the United States. Across the globe they are a force of whirlwind proportions, and the world of tomorrow will bear the imprint of their ideals and their goals. For this reason we must be concerned about them.

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.