Taking A Stand
“A man does what he must — in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures — and that is the basis of all human morality.” — President John F. Kennedy
Fifty-nine years ago, President John F. Kennedy wrote Profiles in Courage, a collection of short biographies highlighting the actions of eight U.S. senators who chose to take a stand for the greater good of the country, despite the risks to their political careers. Since 1989, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation has honored President Kennedy’s memory with the Profile in Courage Award, celebrating elected officials who have exemplified the political courage he so admired. Our recipients have included Gabby Giffords, for her unwavering advocacy to end gun violence; former President George H.W. Bush, for his leadership in negotiating a bipartisan budget deal; and Elizabeth Redenbaugh, a school board member in North Carolina who fought racial segregation in her district’s schools.
Every fall, when we put out a call for nominees for the Profile in Courage Award, we also receive the names of ordinary Americans across the country who — while not elected to public office — have nonetheless put their livelihoods at risk and their lives on hold to do what is right for their communities.
Students, parents and teachers working to stop bullying in schools. Community members taking stands for free speech. Protesters marching to end sexual assault and gun violence. These are unquestionably courageous men and women of conscience, but because the Profile in Courage Award honors those in public office, we have never before had the opportunity to recognize their contributions.
Today, I am thrilled to announce that the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is launching a new online initiative called “Taking A Stand” to highlight these acts of political courage by ordinary Americans.
We’ll be collecting your stories of friends, family, neighbors, and community leaders who have put your community’s interests ahead of their own, even at great personal cost — and highlighting some of the most inspiring stories throughout September.
The initiative is in keeping with the Library’s proud tradition of honoring President Kennedy’s legacy. After all, it was just about 53 years ago that President Kennedy received word of a private citizen’s political courage — what would be one of many that would change the country during his presidency.
A young man named James H. Meredith Jr., an African American Air Force veteran, was denied admission to the University of Mississippi. Meredith attempted to register four times without success. He faced threats to his life and his family. Long telephone conversations between the President, the Attorney General, and Governor Ross Barnett failed to produce a solution. When federal marshals accompanied Meredith to campus in another attempt to register for classes, rioting erupted. Two people died and dozens were injured. President Kennedy mobilized the National Guard and sent federal troops to the campus. Meredith registered the next day, attended his first class — and segregation ended at the University of Mississippi.
Have you seen a member of your community show political courage? Share your story of a friend, neighbor, or colleague taking a stand for the greater good.
