When I learned of Senator Edward Kennedy’s death, I was deeply saddened. It seemed the end of a very long, but engaging book. You know the kind of book that you actually enjoy reading and can’t wait until the next chapter to see what’s going to happen. As you continue to read, you know the end is approaching, yet once you’ve read the book in its entirety, you find yourself holding tight to the book and reflecting on its content.
That’s how I felt about Edward Kennedy’s death.
I’m sure my adoration for the Kennedy family came from my mother. As children, she used to dress my brother, sister and I in classic outfits similar to those that John Jr. and Caroline Kennedy wore when they were young. I vividly remember my favorite outfit: a navy blue sailor dress, white ruffle socks with red Mary Janes. My navy pea-coat completed the look.
I remember how my mom would speak fondly of the Kennedy’s; whether it was Jackie’s chic style and sophistication, President Kennedy’s political acumen, or even Bobby Kennedy’s charm and grace…I knew of the Kennedy impact.
As I became older, I developed a deep respect for Edward Kennedy. Initially it was the distinctive Boston accent that captured my attention, then the interest of his life experiences (I often wondered how he felt being the lone Kennedy brother and having to voluntarily or involuntarily continue the family’s political legacy); but eventually it was Edward’s own political prowess that garnered the highest level of respect from me.
So many major pieces of legislation that positively impacts African-Americans, or all people for that matter, can be credited to the hard work of Edward Kennedy. Be it civil rights, voting rights and labor, education; or even the cause of his life, revisions to the country’s health care system – Edward Kennedy advocated for common folks. As he rallied his liberal policies, he was also known to cross party lines and get key legislation enacted. Few politicians today possess such a skill.
As I reflect on Edward Kennedy’s life, I can’t help but think how different America’s political landscape would have been had the youngest Kennedy brother not served 46 years in the Senate. While some may strongly disagree with me, I dare say that the United States may not have seen the election of a Black president had it not been for Kennedy’s endorsement of Barack Obama.
As he made a surprising appearance at last year’s Democratic National Convention, Kennedy boldly declared he attended the event to “stand with you to change America, to restore its future, to rise to our best ideals and to elect Barack Obama president of the United States.”
The last eight words had the most resounding affect.
In his endorsement, Kennedy made Obama promise him to make health care a top priority. So far, the president hasn’t let up on his promise, a tremendous feat given the opposition Obama’s health care reform act is currently facing.
Edward Kennedy began his life’s work by walking in the shadows of his older brothers. I can only imagine the immense pressure he must have felt always having to live up to the Kennedy name. While his last name never changed, the way people viewed him did. Through the years Edward Kennedy established himself as a man who made his way based off his own hard work and merit. In Kennedy’s life we appreciated that and in his death we should always remember it.
Edward Kennedy once said, “We know the future will outlast all of us, but I believe that all of us will live on in the future we make.”
Indeed, he will.
