J.K. Rowling to Be Honored with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award

by · August 13, 2019

J.K. Rowling might be best known as the author of the Harry Potter series, but she has also lent her voice to numerous charitable causes over the years. For her work toward advancing social justice, it has been announced that J.K. Rowling is among this year’s recipients of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award!

Rowling was named a 2019 Ripple of Hope laureate for the work that she has done with her children’s charity, Lumos. Also named as laureates were US Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, environmental activist Wendy Abrams, and the founder and executive chairman of Livongo Health, Glen Tullman.

Kerry Kennedy, the president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and the daughter of the late Robert F. Kennedy, was quoted in the organization’s press release.

My father believed that each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope. We are proud to honor these extraordinary laureates who have sent forth countless ripples of hope to millions of people inspired by their example.

Rowling was also quoted and expressed how honored she felt to be a recipient of the award.

I’m delighted and honoured to be receiving this [a]ward in such distinguished company and in the spirit of Robert F. Kennedy’s dedication to social change.

Rowling and the other laureates will receive their awards from Kerry Kennedy during the annual Ripple of Hope Gala in New York on Thursday, December 12, 2019.

For more on Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, you can read the press release below or visit the organization’s website. To learn more about Lumos, you can visit its website or view our previous coverage of the organization’s campaigns.

Congratulations to J.K. Rowling on being named a 2019 Ripple of Hope laureate!

Press Release

The 51st annual RFK Human Rights Ripple of Hope ceremony will be held on December 12, 2019, in New York City to honor laureates for humanitarian advocacy around the globe

NEW YORK, Aug 13, 2019 – Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights today announced its 2019 Ripple of Hope laureates: U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, J. K. Rowling, writer of the renowned Harry Potter series and founder of the children’s charity Lumos; Wendy Abrams, environmental activist and founder of Cool Globes, Inc; and Glen Tullman, founder and executive chairman of Livongo Health. Laureates were selected for their lifelong commitment to human rights and their exceptional work toward a more just and peaceful world.

“My father believed that each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope,” said Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights President Kerry Kennedy. “We are proud to honor these extraordinary laureates who have sent forth countless ripples of hope to millions of people inspired by their example.”

Kennedy will present the awards to the Laureates during the annual Ripple of Hope Gala in New York on Thursday, December 12, 2019.

“More than fifty years ago, Robert Kennedy issued a rousing call to action, reminding the citizens of the world that ‘it is from numberless diverse acts of courage…that human history is thus shaped,’” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “The Ripple of Hope Award stands as a beautiful testament to the power that each of us has to shape the tides of history, and it is my hope that my receiving this award will inspire others to help build the world of decency and dignity of which Robert Kennedy dreamed. It is a great personal and official honor to receive the Ripple of Hope Award, and to be associated with past distinguished recipients who have advanced freedom and justice with the same spirit of compassion, conscience and moral courage that guided Robert Kennedy.”

The annual Ripple of Hope Award honors outstanding leaders who are changing the world for the better, recognizing leaders from government, business, advocacy, and entertainment who are dedicated to advancing positive social change.

["]I am honored and humbled to accept the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award on behalf of all people living with chronic conditions,” said Livongo Founder and Executive Chairman Glen Tullman. “We have made great progress in advocacy, research, and creating solutions that empower people with chronic conditions to live better and healthier lives, but we are not yet finished. With 147 million people living with chronic conditions in the United States alone, we have more work to do to ensure we eradicate one of the largest societal epidemics today. Along with the [sic] Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, we believe health is a human right and delivering in a manner that is cost[-]effective and efficient furthers that objective."

“I’m delighted and honoured to be receiving this [a]ward in such distinguished company and in the spirit of Robert F. Kennedy’s dedication to social change,” said J.K. Rowling.

Past Ripple of Hope laureates include Barack Obama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bono, Hillary Rodham Clinton, George Clooney, Robert F. Smith, Harry Belafonte, John Lewis, and Tim Cook.