How Robert F. Kennedy Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Robert F. Kennedy—a timeline of influence.

Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) was a significant figure in American politics and law. He served as the 64th United States Attorney General from 1961 to 1964 and as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1965 until his assassination in 1968. At the time of his death, he was a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. A prominent member of the Democratic Party alongside his brothers John and Ted, RFK is remembered as an icon of modern American liberalism.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1968: Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Founded

In 1968, The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights was founded. The center includes an international award program to recognize human rights activists.

1968: Impact of Kennedy's Death on the 1968 Election

Robert Kennedy's death in 1968 is considered a significant factor in the Democratic Party's loss of the 1968 presidential election.

1969: Publication of Thirteen Days

In 1969, Robert Kennedy's account of the Cuban Missile Crisis was posthumously published in a book titled Thirteen Days.

Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis

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1969: Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps Launched

In 1969, The Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps was launched by a small group of private citizens. This Massachusetts-based organization helps abused and neglected children each year.

1971: Publication of We Band of Brothers

In his 1971 book We Band of Brothers, aide Edwin O. Guthman recounted Kennedy admitting an hour after receiving word of his brother's death, that he thought he would be the one "they would get" as opposed to his brother.

We Band of Brothers

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1974: Community Development Corporations

By 1974, as a result of Kennedy's initiatives, there were 34 federally funded and 75 privately funded community development corporations.

1974: The Missiles of October TV Play

In 1974, Kennedy's role in the Cuban Missile Crisis was dramatized by Martin Sheen in the TV play The Missiles of October.

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1998: Robert F. Kennedy Silver Dollar Released

In 1998, the United States Mint released the Robert F. Kennedy silver dollar. The coin featured Kennedy's image and emblems of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Senate.

2000: Thirteen Days Film

In 2000, Kennedy's role in the Cuban Missile Crisis was dramatized by Steven Culp in Thirteen Days.

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2000: Evan Thomas on Kennedy's Powers

In 2000, biographer Evan Thomas wrote that Robert Kennedy misused his powers by "modern standards" but concluded he was a great attorney general.

2006: Bobby Film Released

In 2006, the film Bobby was released, telling the story of multiple people's lives leading up to RFK's assassination. The film employs stock footage from his presidential campaign, and he is briefly portrayed by Dave Fraunces.

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2011: The Kennedys Miniseries

In 2011, Barry Pepper won an Emmy for his portrayal of Kennedy in The Kennedys, an eight-part miniseries.

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2016: Jackie Film

In 2016, Peter Sarsgaard played Kennedy in the film about Jacqueline Kennedy, Jackie.

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2019: The Irishman Film

In 2019, Jack Huston played Kennedy in Martin Scorsese's film The Irishman.

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2019: Speech on the Death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Selected for Preservation

In 2019, Kennedy's "Speech on the Death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." from April 4, 1968, was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.