John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. It is a prestigious American award presented by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation to honor elected public servants who demonstrate exceptional political courage. Established in 1989, the award is named for President John F. Kennedy's 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Profiles in Courage, which profiled eight U.S. Senators who risked their careers for principle. The award seeks to celebrate modern acts of political bravery that align with the ideals articulated in Kennedy's writing and his presidency.

History and establishment

The award was created in 1989 by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation to mark the 25th anniversary of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The foundation's board, which included members of the Kennedy family such as Caroline Kennedy, sought a living memorial to President Kennedy's legacy that would inspire public service. The concept was directly inspired by Kennedy's book, Profiles in Courage, which he wrote while recuperating from back surgery and which highlighted historical figures like John Quincy Adams and Daniel Webster. The first award ceremony was held in 1990 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, with former President Gerald Ford and former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders among the initial recipients.

Award criteria and selection process

The award recognizes an elected official in the United States or internationally who has acted in accordance with their conscience, often at significant risk to their professional standing, to pursue the larger public interest. The core criterion is a politically courageous act that may involve crossing party lines, standing up to powerful interests, or advocating for unpopular positions. A distinguished bipartisan committee, historically chaired by members of the Kennedy family and including figures like former Senator John McCain and journalist Cokie Roberts, reviews nominations. The selection process is confidential, and the committee's decision is final, with the award not necessarily given annually.

Recipients and notable examples

Recipients have included a diverse array of American and international leaders. Early honorees included Gerald Ford for his controversial pardon of Richard Nixon and John Lewis for his lifelong commitment to civil rights. Notable American political figures awarded include Senator John McCain for his work on campaign finance reform with Russ Feingold, and President Barack Obama, then a Illinois state senator, for his early opposition to the Iraq War. International recipients have included Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and Malala Yousafzai. In a notable posthumous award, the 2018 honor was given to the two surviving members of the Little Rock Nine, Ernest Green and Carlotta Walls LaNier.

Impact and public reception

The award carries significant symbolic weight in American political culture, often generating media attention and public debate about the nature of political courage. Ceremonies at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum are frequently covered by major outlets like The New York Times and CNN. The award has also sparked controversy, such as when it was awarded to Barack Obama in 2017, with critics from both the Republican Party and Democratic Party questioning the timing and rationale. Despite controversies, it remains a sought-after accolade that amplifies the recipient's cause, as seen with honorees like Gabrielle Giffords and the Parkland student activists from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Administration and funding

The award is administered and funded entirely by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the work of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, which is part of the National Archives and Records Administration. The foundation's board of directors oversees the award program, with operational support from the library's professional staff. Funding for the award and its associated events, including the ceremony and an educational program for students, is derived from private donations, endowment income, and annual fundraising efforts led by the foundation. The award itself is a sterling silver lantern symbolizing a beacon of courage, designed by the firm of Edward Larrabee Barnes.

Category:Awards established in 1989 Category:American political awards