Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a renowned activist, environmental attorney, and author. With a deep commitment to protecting the environment, he has dedicated his life to various nonprofit organizations and currently serves as the president of the esteemed ‘Waterkeeper Alliance.’ Additionally, as the chairman of the ‘World Mercury Project,’ Kennedy Jr. strives to eliminate mercury exposure from pharmaceuticals. His extensive knowledge and expertise in environmental law have led him to teach at the esteemed ‘Pace University School of Law’ for over three decades. Furthermore, he co-hosts the nationally syndicated radio program ‘Ring of Fire.’ Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Kennedy Jr. has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious ‘Champion of the Environment’ award.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Robert Francis Kennedy Jr.
- Age: 69 Years, 69 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Cheryl Hines (m. 2014), Emily Ruth Black (m. 1982–1994), Mary Richardson (m. 1994–2012)
- Father: Robert F. Kennedy
- Mother: Ethel Skakel
- Children: Aiden Caohman Vieques Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy III, Conor Richard Kennedy, Kathleen Alexandra Kennedy, Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy, William Finbar Kennedy
- Born Country: United States
- Lawyers
- Writers
- Notable Alumni: Pace University School Of Law, London School Of Economics
- Education: Harvard University, Pace University, University Of Virginia, London School Of Economics, Pace University School Of Law
Childhood & Early Life
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was born on January 17, 1954, in Washington, D.C., United States of America. He is the third-born child of Ethel Skakel Kennedy and Robert Francis Kennedy. He spent his childhood at the famous ‘Hickory Hill’ in Virginia, along with his siblings. Despite being born into a family of famous politicians, Kennedy Jr. had a tough childhood as he had to witness the assassination of his uncle and father at a very young age. John F. Kennedy was murdered when Kennedy Jr. was just nine years old, and his father Robert Francis Kennedy was killed when he was in his early teens.
Young and disturbed, Kennedy Jr. took to the streets after his father’s death and was eventually arrested in Hyannis, Massachusetts for possessing marijuana. However, he quickly turned his life around and managed to secure his diploma from ‘Palfrey Street School.’ He then attended ‘Harvard College,’ where he graduated with a ‘Bachelor of Arts’ degree in 1976. He also attended ‘The University of Virginia School of Law’ to earn his ‘Juris Doctor’ degree. He also holds a ‘Master of Laws’ degree from ‘Pace University.’
Career
Kennedy Jr. began his career in 1983 as an Assistant District Attorney. In 1984, he joined the non-profit environmental organization, ‘Riverkeeper,’ where he eventually became the senior prosecuting attorney and was admitted to the New York bar. He played a crucial role in ending the practice of shooting lead shots into the Long Island Sound and filed lawsuits against various municipalities and industries for discharging pollution into the environment. In 1987, he established the ‘Environmental Litigation Clinic’ at ‘Pace University School of Law’ and served as the supervising attorney and co-director for three decades. The clinic prosecuted companies and governments for polluting the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. Kennedy Jr. also represented environmentalists in lawsuits against New York State and New York City and played a critical role in finalizing the $1.2 billion ‘New York City Watershed Agreement’ in 1996. He has also been involved in international environmental activism, meeting with world leaders to advocate for environmental protection. In 1999, he helped create the ‘Waterkeeper Alliance,’ an organization that now runs 320 licensed programs across 38 countries, and currently serves as its president.
In 2000, Kennedy Jr. co-founded the law firm ‘Kennedy & Madonna, LLP,’ which represents private plaintiffs in lawsuits against polluters. He and his team have fought against factory farms, oil industries, mining practices, hydro projects, and nuclear power plant proposals, among other practices that cause environmental damage.
In Popular Culture & Other Works
Kennedy Jr.’s environmental works have been the subject of several films and documentaries. He has appeared in films such as ‘The Hudson Riverkeepers’ (1998), ‘The Waterkeepers’ (2000), and ‘Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk’ (2008). He also appeared in the documentary film ‘Indian Point: Imagining the Unimaginable’ (2004), directed by his sister Rory Kennedy. Kennedy Jr. has written or edited at least 10 books, including three children’s books, two of which have become New York Times bestsellers.
Awards & Achievements
Kennedy Jr. has received numerous awards for his environmental activism, including the ‘Green Star Award’ (1995), ‘Thomas Berry Environmental Award’ (1997), ‘EPA Environmental Quality Award’ (1997), ‘Water Watch Award’ (1998), and being named one of the ‘Heroes of the Planet’ by ‘Time Magazine’ (1999). He has also received awards such as ‘Champion of the Environment’ by New York State (2000), ‘Marshall P. Madison Award’ (2004), ‘Theodore Gordon Flyfishers Conservation Award’ (2008), ‘USC Dornsife Sustainability Champion Award’ (2008), ‘Moms Across America Healthy Communities Award’ (2017), and ‘Earth Justice Mountain Heroes’ (2017).
Personal Life
Kennedy Jr. was first married to Emily Ruth Black from 1982 to 1994, with whom he has two children. He later married Mary Kathleen Richardson and had four children with her. Mary tragically died by suicide in 2012. In 2014, Kennedy Jr. married Cheryl Hines, and they have been together since. Kennedy Jr. is also a licensed falconer, wildlife rehabilitator, and raptor propagator. He is an expert whitewater kayaker and has organized many white-water expeditions.