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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

American politician, environmental lawyer, and activist.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also known as RFK Jr., is an American politician, environmental lawyer, and anti-vaccine activist. He is the chairman of Children's Health Defense and an independent presidential candidate. Kennedy advocates for waterways, indigenous rights, and renewable energy. He has a background in environmental law and founded several nonprofit organizations. In recent years, he has been known for promoting anti-vaccine misinformation and conspiracy theories.

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John F. Kennedy Kenneth C. Griffin Martin Luther King, Jr.Jeffrey Epstein Robert De Niro J. Robert Oppenheimer J. K. Rowling Rothschild Family Jimmy Carter F. Scott Fitzgerald

Timeline

Robert Kennedy marries Ethel Skakel

In 1950, Robert Kennedy married Ethel Skakel, daughter of Ann Brannack Skakel and George Skakel, founder of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation. They later had eleven children.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Born

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was born on January 17, 1954, in Washington, D.C., U.S. He is an American environmental lawyer, member of the Kennedy political family, and a prominent activist.

Robert Kennedy manages John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign

In 1960, Robert Kennedy was the tireless and effective manager of John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign.

Robert F. Kennedy's Commitment to Civil Rights

In 1961, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy expressed his dedication to civil rights during a speech at the University of Georgia Law School, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law, including the Supreme Court's school desegregation decision of 1954.

Enforcement of School Desegregation at University of Mississippi

In September 1962, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy dispatched US Marshals and troops to Oxford, Mississippi to enforce a federal court order allowing the first African American student, James Meredith, to enroll at the University of Mississippi, following a deadly riot.

Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s uncle, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. The assassination had a profound effect on the Kennedy family and the nation as a whole.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy collaborated with President Kennedy in proposing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a significant legislation aimed at advancing civil rights and combating racial discrimination, which was passed after President Kennedy's assassination.

Robert F. Kennedy's Speech to South African Students

In 1966, Robert F. Kennedy delivered a speech to South African students, emphasizing the importance of standing up for ideals, acting to improve the lives of others, and fighting against injustice as a way to create positive change and hope.

Robert Kennedy Announces Candidacy for Democratic Presidential Nomination

On March 16, 1968, Robert Kennedy declared his intention to run for the Democratic presidential nomination. His campaign was described as energetic and passionate, aiming to unite various segments of American society and bring hope during a tumultuous time.

Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy

On June 5, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was tragically shot at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California, just after winning the state's Democratic primary. Despite his untimely death, his legacy and principles continue through the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial in Washington, DC.

Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s father, Bobby Kennedy, was assassinated in Los Angeles in 1968 while running for the Democratic presidential nomination. The tragic event had a significant impact on the Kennedy family and American politics.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Receives Law Degree from University of Virginia

In 1981, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. received a law degree from the University of Virginia.

Start of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s career at RiverKeeper

In 1985, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. began his public service career as an attorney for the environmental nonprofit RiverKeeper.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Receives Master's Degree in Environmental Law

In 1987, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. received a master’s degree in environmental law at Pace University.

Establishment of RFK Human Rights organization

Kerry Kennedy has been running the advocacy organization RFK Human Rights since 1988 to continue the legacy of her late father, Robert F. Kennedy.

Kennedy's campaign against James Bay Hydro-project

In 1991, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. led a campaign to block Hydro-Québec from constructing the James Bay Hydro-project in northern Quebec, a massive dam project.

Fight against proposed dams on Cree tribal land

Beginning in 1992, Bobby represented the Cree Indians in their fight against 600 proposed dams on their tribal land.

Negotiation with Conoco to limit destruction of the Ecuadorian Amazon

In 1993, Kennedy represented the Confederation of Indian Peoples in negotiations with Conoco to limit the destruction of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

New York City Watershed Agreement

In 1996, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. helped negotiate the $1.2 billion New York City Watershed Agreement, which aimed to protect the water repository and supply for environmentalists and New York City watershed consumers. This agreement is considered a groundbreaking model in stakeholder consensus negotiations and sustainable development.

Bobby sues Mobil oil for pollution of Hudson River

In 1997, Bobby Kennedy Jr. filed a lawsuit against Mobil oil to stop its pollution of the Hudson River, aiming to make the waters clean enough for fishing and to restore the habitat for Bald Eagles.

Kennedy's protest against hydroelectric dams on Quebec's Magpie River

In 2004, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. protested the construction of hydroelectric dams on Quebec's Magpie River, which led to Hydro-Québec dropping plans for the dam in 2017.

Nomination for 'Trial Lawyer of the Year'

In 2007, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was nominated as one of the three finalists for 'Trial Lawyer of the Year' by Public Justice for his pivotal role in the $396 million jury verdict against DuPont for contamination from its zinc plant in West Virginia. This recognition highlighted his impactful legal advocacy.

Profile in HBO Documentary Mann v. Ford

Kennedy & Madonna was featured in the 2010 HBO documentary Mann v. Ford, showcasing their four-year litigation on behalf of the Ramapough Mountain Indians against the Ford Motor Company for toxic waste dumping. The lawsuit not only resulted in a monetary settlement but also led to the re-listing of the community's land on the federal Superfund list.

Founding of EcoWatch

In October 2011, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. founded EcoWatch, a prominent environmental news site.

Meeting with President-elect Donald Trump

Sean Spicer confirmed that Kennedy and President-elect Donald Trump met to discuss a position in the Trump administration. Kennedy accepted an offer from Trump to chair the Vaccine Safety Task Force, but no final decision had been made.

Press Conference with Robert De Niro

Kennedy and actor Robert De Niro held a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., criticizing the press for not allowing debates on vaccination science. They offered a reward for proving the safety of injecting mercury into babies and pregnant women.

RFK Jr. publishes book on his relationship with mom Ethel

On May 15, 2018, RFK Jr. published a book titled 'American Values: Lessons I Learned from My Family' where he revealed surprising details about his complex and fraught relationship with his mother Ethel.

Kennedy family members condemn Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccination activities

On May 8, 2019, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Joseph P. Kennedy, and Maeve Kennedy McKean wrote an open letter distancing themselves from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccination activities and conspiracy theories on public health.

Visit to Samoa with Taylor Winterstein

During a visit to Samoa, Kennedy appeared in a photo with anti-vaccine activist Taylor Winterstein. They perpetuated the allegation that the MMR vaccine played a role in the 2018 deaths of two Samoan infants, despite the infants mistakenly receiving a muscle relaxant along with the vaccine.

RFK Jr. lobbies against California state pro-vaccine bill

In June 13, 2019, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. actively opposed a California state pro-vaccine bill called SB 276, which aimed to restrict medical exemptions from vaccinations without the approval of a state public health officer.

Kerry Kennedy Meltzer criticizes Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s misinformation on COVID-19 vaccines

In December 2020, Kennedy's niece Kerry Kennedy Meltzer, a physician, wrote an open letter criticizing her uncle for publishing misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines' side effects.

Instagram bans RFK Jr. for spreading false anti-vaccine claims

Instagram banned RFK Jr. from its platform due to sharing debunked claims about COVID-19 and vaccines. Facebook, the owner of Instagram, stated that the account was removed for spreading misinformation.

Kennedy makes controversial remarks at anti-vaccination rally

During a speech on January 23, 2022, at an anti-vaccination rally in Washington D.C., Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made inappropriate comparisons to Hitler's Germany and Anne Frank, leading to backlash and later an apology.

RFK Jr. apologizes for Anne Frank reference in anti-vaccine speech

RFK Jr. issued an apology for making a reference to Anne Frank during his anti-vaccine speech, which was criticized as reprehensible and insensitive.

RFK Jr. asks Twitter if he should run for President of the United States

RFK Jr. hinted at a potential presidential run by seeking opinions on Twitter, asking for assistance in making the decision.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declares candidacy for 2024 presidential election

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election on April 5, 2023.

RFK Jr. declares his U.S. President candidacy

RFK Jr. announces his intention to run for the position of U.S. President, with a focus on addressing the corrupt merger between state and corporate power that has negatively impacted the economy, middle class, environment, and societal values.

Cheryl Hines supports RFK Jr.'s presidential run

Cheryl Hines expressed her support for her husband, RFK Jr., in his decision to run for president in 2024, despite opposition from other family members.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces 2024 Democratic presidential candidacy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of the influential Kennedy political family, announced his intention to run for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. He described his message as populist and aimed at working people, middle-class people, and the poor.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces candidacy for President as an independent

On October 9, 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a significant decision to run for President of the United States as an independent candidate, marking his final break from the Democratic Party.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Names Nicole Shanahan 2024 Running Mate

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, announced Nicole Shanahan as his running mate for the 2024 general election. Shanahan, a Silicon Valley attorney and entrepreneur, aims to appeal to disillusioned millennial and Gen Z voters.

End of the Timeline
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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