#20 RFK’s Daughter and Global Human Rights Advocate: Kerry Kennedy on Trauma, Forgiveness, and Social Justice

Welcome to another episode of Curveball, where life’s toughest challenges are met head-on by those who refuse to give up. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down for a heartfelt conversation with Kerry Kennedy—human rights advocate, author, and president of RFK Human Rights. As the seventh child of Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy, Kerry offers a rare glimpse into what it was like to come of age in a family at the center of American history, where dinner table conversations included civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and Cesar Chavez.

Kerry shares vivid memories of her parents’ partnership, emphasizing how the women in the Kennedy family quietly fueled movements for justice and shaped national conversations around equality and service. She reflects on the tragic night of her father’s assassination—how she processed the loss as an eight-year-old girl, and the surprising gift of forgiveness she received in the aftermath, even praying for her father’s killer.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Kerry delves into the work of RFK Human Rights, highlighting landmark international legal victories and her drive to empower the next generation of change-makers. Throughout, she draws from her personal experiences with adversity to share lessons on confronting trauma—not simply surviving it, but learning and growing from it.

This episode is a powerful reminder that, in Kerry's words, “our country is on fire”—and it’s up to each of us to run toward the flames, to meet suffering with action and empathy, and to channel our pain into positive change. Join us for an inspiring story about family, faith, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice, as Kerry Kennedy shows how even the deepest wounds can give rise to “ripples of hope.”

Listeners Will Learn:

• Kerry Kennedy describes how her parents didn’t separate home life from work, especially during the civil rights movement.
• The story about the suggestion box at the Justice Department is both humorous and illustrative.
• Kerry talks about the powerful influence of women in the Kennedy family.
• Robert F. Kennedy’s Cape Town speech is quoted as emphasizing the importance of everyday individuals sending out “ripples of hope.”
• When reflecting on her father’s response following Martin Luther King's assassination, Kerry emphasizes the importance of "showing up again and again" to build trust in communities.
• Kerry Kennedy describes watching the chaos on TV after Dr. King’s murder, then seeing her father walk directly into the turmoil to try to calm the riots.
• In discussing her father’s assassination, Kerry recounts praying both for her father and his killer.
• The work of RFK Human Rights spans international litigation, advocacy, and education.
• Kerry mentions that many major advances in justice and democracy come from "small groups of determined people" rather than governments or corporations.
• Kerry’s advice for processing trauma was to “learn the lessons” from your hardships.

Key Moments:

(00:00) 60s Civil Rights Activism at Home

(05:41) Tribute to RFK: a Family Man

(09:01) Robert F. Kennedy's Legacy of Service

(09:49) Hope and Empowerment Against Injustice

(14:38) Campaign Speech Countered Racism Narrative

(18:34) Resonating Politics and Personal Struggles

(21:41) Gift of Forgiveness in the Face of Trauma

(23:12) Kerry’s Remarkable Forgiveness and Strength

(27:52) Focus on Police Violence and Immigration

(31:58) Witnessing Injustice and Trauma

(36:03) Grassroots Movements Drive Global Change

(39:10) Empathy's Role in Overcoming Challenges

(41:43) Navigating Hellish Health Challenges