New York, NY, September 24, 2025 – Kerry Kennedy, president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, today announced that Stephen Colbert, Host, Executive Producer, and Writer of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, has been named a 2025 Ripple of Hope Award laureate. As one of the most influential satirists of his generation, Colbert has long used wit to challenge injustice, shine a light on pressing social issues, and inspire millions.
“Humor can be a catalyst for change,” said Kennedy. “Stephen Colbert stands as a shining example of how speaking truth to power, boldly, wisely, and with heart, can ignite change and send ripples of hope far beyond the stage.”
“I wish my mother was alive to see me receive this honor. Robert F Kennedy’s mission of public service and love for all humanity was a cradle creed that she gave to her 11 children,” shared Stephen Colbert.
The RFK Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award honors leaders from government, business, advocacy, and entertainment who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social change, equity, justice, and human rights. Colbert will be recognized alongside previously announced laureates Martin Cabrera, Jr., founder and CEO of Cabrera Capital; former NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson; Stefano Lucchini, Chairman of RFK Human Rights Italia; and Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, at the annual Ripple of Hope Gala on December 9 in New York City.
This year’s Gala will also feature special guest attendees including Harry Benson, Robert De Niro, Van Jones, Richard Kind, Aasif Mandvi, Rosie Perez, and Yolanda Ross. The evening will also mark the launch of RFK’s 100th birthday campaign, with a host committee chaired by former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton.
The Ripple of Hope Award is inspired by Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s renowned speech, the 1966 Day of Affirmation remarks he addressed to students in South Africa at the height of Apartheid: “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Previous winners include Stacey Abrams, then-Vice President Joe Biden, Bono, Tim Cook, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President William “Bill” Clinton, George Clooney, Fran Drescher, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Amanda Gorman, Dolores Huerta, late Congressman John Lewis, former President Barack Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Robert F. Smith, Donato J. Tramuto, Desmond Tutu, and Tom Wilson.
About Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights:
We are a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization, founded in 1968, working to realize Robert F. Kennedy’s dream of a more just and peaceful world. In partnership with local activists, we advocate for key human rights issues—championing change makers and pursuing strategic litigation at home and around the world. And to ensure change that lasts, we foster a social-good approach to business and investment and educate millions of students about human rights and social justice.
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