Robert F. Kennedy Book Award

Robert F. Kennedy Book Award
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial · Public domain · source
Name	Robert F. Kennedy Book Award
Description	Literary award for works that reflect Robert F. Kennedy's commitment to social justice and human rights
Presenter	Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
Country	United States
Year	1980

Robert F. Kennedy Book Award. The Robert F. Kennedy Book Award is a prestigious American literary prize established to honor works of fiction and non-fiction that most faithfully reflect the ideals and concerns of the late Robert F. Kennedy. It serves as a significant cultural institution within the broader narrative of the US Civil Rights Movement, recognizing authors who engage with themes of social justice, human rights, and the pursuit of a more equitable society, thereby perpetuating a legacy of civic engagement and moral courage.

History and Establishment

The award was established in 1980 by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., the renowned historian and former aide to President John F. Kennedy, along with a group of Kennedy family friends and colleagues. Its creation was a direct initiative of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial, now known as Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. The award was conceived as a living memorial to Robert F. Kennedy, whose political career, particularly following the assassination of his brother, became deeply intertwined with the struggle for civil rights and economic justice for the poor. The inaugural award ceremony was held at Hickory Hill, the Kennedy family estate in Virginia, setting a tradition of connecting the literary honor to the personal and political legacy of the Kennedy family.

Purpose and Criteria

The primary purpose of the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award is to encourage and celebrate writing that exemplifies a concern for the poor and the disenfranchised, and which reflects a belief in the power of individual action to rectify societal wrongs. The criteria explicitly seek works that demonstrate a deep commitment to social justice and human rights, mirroring Senator Kennedy's own evolution into a champion for African Americans, migrant workers, and other marginalized groups. Eligible works include both non-fiction and fiction, and they are judged on their literary merit as well as the potency of their social message. The award committee looks for books that, in the spirit of Robert F. Kennedy, confront uncomfortable truths about American society while affirming foundational national principles.

Notable Award Recipients and Works

Over its history, the award has honored many distinguished authors whose works have contributed significantly to public discourse on rights and justice. Early notable winners include Taylor Branch for his seminal civil rights history Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-63, which received the award in 1989. Other prominent recipients are Nick Kotz for Judgment Days: Lyndon Baines Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Laws That Changed America, and Diane McWhorter for Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama: The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution. The award has also recognized works addressing broader social justice themes, such as Jonathan Kozol's Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation, which examines poverty in the South Bronx.

Connection to Civil Rights and Social Justice

The award's intrinsic connection to the US Civil Rights Movement is profound. Robert F. Kennedy's own political journey saw him move from a role as United States Attorney General during pivotal early-1960s confrontations to a Senatorial voice powerfully advocating for racial and economic equality. The award, therefore, selectively honors literature that extends this narrative, focusing on the ongoing struggle for civil and political rights. It has consistently recognized books that delve into the history of the movement, biographies of its leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., and analyses of its legal and social aftermath, including works on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and school desegregation. This focus ensures the award acts as a custodian for the historical memory and contemporary relevance of the fight for equal protection under the law.

Administration and Selection Process

The award is administered by Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, an organization dedicated to advancing the human rights vision of its namesake. The selection process typically involves a committee comprised of authors, journalists, scholars, and public figures with expertise in relevant fields. While the committee's composition changes, it has included notable individuals such as John Lewis and Marian Wright Edelman. The process begins with a call for submissions from publishers. The committee reviews entries, creating a shortlist before selecting a final winner. The award is presented at a ceremony, often in Washington, D.C., that serves as a platform for discussing the book's themes and their relation to ongoing social justice efforts.

Impact and Legacy

The impact of the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award lies in its ability to elevate serious, socially conscious literature into the national conversation. By bestowing its imprimatur, the award provides significant visibility to authors and subjects that might otherwise receive less mainstream attention, thereby influencing public opinion and scholarly focus. Its legacy is one of reinforcing the importance of narrative and historical analysis in understanding and advancing the cause of justice. In the context of the US Civil Rights Movement, the award has helped to canonize key historical texts and inspire new generations of writers to examine issues of race, poverty, and equality. It stands as a testament to the enduring belief that literature and informed citizenship are essential pillars for the preservation of a stable and cohesive society.