Quick Facts
- Birthday: January 17, 1954
- Nationality: American
- Education: Harvard, Pace
- Occupation: Environmental Lawyer
- Parents: Robert F. Kennedy, Ethel Kennedy
Introduction
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has led a fascinating life as an environmental lawyer, activist, and member of the influential Kennedy family.
In this article, we will uncover 18 surprising facts about his life, career, and activism.
By the end, you will have a deeper understanding of this remarkable individual and the impact he has had on the world.
Facts About Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Born into a political dynasty: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was born into the famed Kennedy family, a powerful American political dynasty. His father, Robert F. Kennedy, served as U.S. Attorney General and Senator, and his uncle, John F. Kennedy, was the 35th President of the United States.
- Struggled with dyslexia: Growing up, Kennedy struggled with dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects reading and language-based processing skills. Despite this challenge, he went on to graduate from prestigious institutions and become a successful environmental lawyer.
- Education and career: Kennedy earned his Bachelor’s degree in American History and Literature from Harvard University and received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Pace University School of Law. He also earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental Law from Pace University.
- Early environmental work: Kennedy started his environmental career as an attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), where he fought to protect the Hudson River from pollution and overdevelopment.
- Waterkeeper Alliance: In 1999, Kennedy co-founded the Waterkeeper Alliance, a global movement of grassroots environmental organizations focused on protecting and preserving the world’s waterways. He currently serves as the organization’s president.
- Professor at Pace Law School: Kennedy has taught environmental law at Pace University School of Law for over three decades. He is currently a professor emeritus at the institution.
- Author and editor: Kennedy has authored and edited several books on environmental issues, including Crimes Against Nature (2004) and The Riverkeepers (1997). His writing focuses on the importance of preserving our natural resources and holding polluters accountable.
- Advocate for renewable energy: Kennedy has been a strong advocate for renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. He believes that transitioning away from fossil fuels is crucial for combating climate change and protecting the environment.
- Environmental awards and recognition: In recognition of his environmental work, Kennedy has received numerous awards, including the William O. Douglas Award from the Sierra Club and the Environmental Hero Award from the National Audubon Society.
- Kennedy family tragedies: Throughout his life, Kennedy has faced multiple family tragedies, including the assassinations of his father, Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle, President John F. Kennedy. He has also lost two siblings, David and Michael, to drug overdoses.
- Radio show host: Kennedy has hosted the weekly radio show “Ring of Fire,” discussing progressive issues, politics, and environmental topics with various guests.
- Married to actress Cheryl Hines: In 2014, Kennedy married actress Cheryl Hines, known for her roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm and Suburgatory. The couple has been active in environmental and charitable work together.
- Father of six: Kennedy is the father of six children from his two marriages, including Conor, who followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in environmental law.
- Vaccine skepticism: Kennedy has been a controversial figure due to his vaccine skepticism, which has led to criticism from the scientific community and accusations of spreading misinformation.
- Legal battle with Monsanto: In 2018, Kennedy was part of the legal team that secured a $289 million verdict against Monsanto, the agrochemical company, in a case where a school groundskeeper claimed the company’s weed killer caused his cancer. The verdict was later reduced to $78.5 million.
- Advocate for environmental justice: Kennedy has consistently fought for environmental justice, ensuring that marginalized communities receive fair treatment and protection from environmental hazards.
- Philanthropic work: He has been involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors, supporting causes such as human rights, education, and the arts. Kennedy serves on the board of directors for multiple nonprofit organizations, including the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.
- Passion for falconry: Kennedy is an avid falconer, a centuries-old sport involving the training and hunting of birds of prey. He has credited falconry with helping him connect with nature and develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues.
Conclusion
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has devoted his life to advocating for environmental causes and justice.
Despite facing personal tragedies and growing up in the public eye, he has become a respected figure in environmental law and activism.
His work has influenced global movements to protect our planet and its resources for future generations.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. FAQ
Who is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an American environmental lawyer, activist, and author.
He is a member of the prominent Kennedy family and has dedicated his career to advocating for environmental causes and justice.
What is the Waterkeeper Alliance?
The Waterkeeper Alliance is a global movement of grassroots environmental organizations focused on protecting and preserving the world’s waterways. Robert F.
Kennedy Jr. co-founded the organization in 1999 and currently serves as its president.
What books has Robert F. Kennedy Jr. written?
Kennedy has authored and edited several books on environmental issues, including Crimes Against Nature (2004) and The Riverkeepers (1997).
What is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s stance on vaccines?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a controversial figure due to his vaccine skepticism, which has led to criticism from the scientific community and accusations of spreading misinformation.
How is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. related to John F. Kennedy?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the nephew of John F.
Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. His father, Robert F.
Kennedy, was the brother of John F. Kennedy and served as U.S. Attorney General and Senator.
What is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s role in the legal battle against Monsanto?
In 2018, Kennedy was part of the legal team that secured a $289 million verdict against Monsanto, the agrochemical company, in a case where a school groundskeeper claimed the company’s weed killer caused his cancer.
The verdict was later reduced to $78.5 million.
What is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s connection to falconry?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an avid falconer, a centuries-old sport involving the training and hunting of birds of prey.
He has credited falconry with helping him connect with nature and develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues.
How has Robert F. Kennedy Jr. been recognized for his environmental work?
Kennedy has received numerous awards and recognition for his environmental work, including the William O.
Douglas Award from the Sierra Club and the Environmental Hero Award from the National Audubon Society.
Who is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. married to?
Robert F.
Kennedy Jr. is married to actress Cheryl Hines, known for her roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm and Suburgatory. The couple has been active in environmental and charitable work together.
What is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s educational background?
Robert F.
Kennedy Jr. earned his Bachelor’s degree in American History and Literature from Harvard University, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Pace University School of Law, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental Law from Pace University.
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