RFK In the Land of Apartheid: A Ripple of Hope
Category: Television and Streaming“To tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of the world.” Robert Kennedy often spoke those words. This TV documentary examines his historic 1966 trip to South Africa and the legacy he left behind, as well as the hopes for the people of the land.
Kennedy brought with him the message that America stood for hope. Kennedy brought with him words to inspire and encourage the people of South Africa. And Kennedy brought with him the words that have become synonymous with the struggle of Apartheid and the legacy of not only the historic visit, but also the legacy of Robert Kennedy himself: “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 those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Besides his famous words, the documentary looks at the impact the visit by Robert and Ethel Kennedy had on those who saw them in 1966. Interviews with those who were there as well as others explain the affect RFK had on their personal lives. There are countless people in that country now with the first name “Kennedy.”
Although Apartheid continued for more than two decades after his visit, Robert Kennedy gave the people hope and showed them there was “a light at the end of the tunnel.” For those who were not alive in the 1960s, it might be difficult to understand the impact RFK had on people around the world. In South Africa, with his message of hope, he was looked up to by the people of the country, and given the highest treatment. Throngs of people gathered to see and hear him. This documentary examines those amazing days.
RFK In the Land of Apartheid: A Ripple of Hope premiers Tuesday, June 10, 2014 on Link TV (DirecTV 375 and DISH Network 9410).
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
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