December 13, 2018 - Last night in New York City , former President Barack Obama and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy received the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award. The RFK award is given in recognition to those who work toward a more just and peaceful world.

Upon accepting the award Obama said "its easy to succumb to cynicism but Bobby Kennedy's life reminds us to reject such cynicism and that progress is fueled by hope."

Murphy , who served as Obama's Ambassador to Germany from 2009 to 2013 , stated that "I thank you for keeping the spirit of RFK alive so that it may educate and inspire future generations , just as he inspired my generation to learn form one another, to seek common ground , and to serve our communities."