Robert F. Kennedy: Day of Affirmation Address at the University of Cape Town

Through the 1950s, Robert Kennedy worked as legal counsel on various Senate committees before managing his brother John’s successful campaign for president and then serving as attorney general in his brother’s administration. Coming out of the shadows after his brother’s assassination, in August 1964 Kennedy celebrated his brother’s accomplishments at the Democratic National Convention in a speech in which he outlined a vision for the country’s future. A visit to South Africa in 1966 provided an opportunity for Kennedy to speak out on the world stage. Standing before members of the National Union of South African Students, he delivered his Day of Affirmation Address at the University of Cape Town, speaking about freedom and civil rights. The speech represents what might be considered his most substantial explanation of the interrelationship of generational shift, social progress, and political leadership that was contributing to the growing desire for foundational change in the United States.