The Shriver Brief : Poverty Law Commentary & Insights : Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law : Affordable Housing, Healthcare Reform

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The Shriver Center Board of Directors and staff are deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the "Lion of the Senate", and an inspiration to all who are committed to the achievement of economic and social justice. Senator Kennedy championed access to quality health care, education and civil rights for all people in the United States and around the world. He authored more pieces of major legislation than any other United States senator and recently successfully led efforts to pass the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that ensures equal pay for equal work. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with the Kennedy family and the extended family of Kennedy staff and friends across the country.

Upon learning of Senator Kennedy’s passing, several staff members took time to reflect on his role in American history.

I would like to express my sadness brought about by the death of Senator Ted Kennedy. I found myself crying this morning and reflecting on the outstanding services the Kennedy family has given to the people who have needed help, and what the family has meant to me. I can recall standing on the cafeteria steps at Jackson State University and being told that President Kennedy had been assassinated, and how for weeks I cried. I vividly remember watching my colleague James Meredith leave Jackson State to attend Old Miss and how President Kennedy was so determined for him to have rights - the same rights as anyone else - that he sent members of the U.S. National Guards to escort him to class. I just want to thank Sen. Kennedy and the Kennedy family for their fight for justice for those who are less fortunate. I wish there was a way I could express myself nationally.             

- Nancy Carey, Administrative Assistant

I, too, am sad to hear the news about Senator Kennedy. His family has been a part of my life forever. Coming from a large family, I remember when I was growing up my father used to read the newspaper about the Kennedys and would tell us how we must strive to have a better life. Sen. Kennedy is going to be missed greatly, especially by many African-Americans of my generation.

            - Mae English, Administrative Associate

This is very sad news for all of us--and even sadder that he will not be around to help our country achieve real health care reform.

-Wendy Pollack, Director, Women's Law & Policy Project