Events
RFK Euroge grand event in Venice in support of the Gulf Coast population

On September 3rd 2010 the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation of Europe will be in Venice, hosted in the splendid gardens of the Casino, for a fundraising event to support the our activities around the world.

The event is the result of an agreement between the Robert Kennedy Foundation and the Biennale di Venezia, one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions, who expressed closeness to the Foundation for its ideals and work.

Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert Kennedy and Honorary President of the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation of Europe, has confirmed her presence, with our guest of honor Stephen Bradberry, whose organization will receive part of the funds raised at the event.

Bradberry is the co-founder and Executive Director of Alliance Institute, a New Orleans based organization which brings together an experienced team of trainers, public service specialists, development specialists, and grassroots leaders to provide individuals, families, and organizations with the skills and information necessary for them to fully participate in the decision-making processes that affect them in their homes, neighborhoods and communities.

Stephen was awarded the 2005 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award from the RFK Center for Justice & Human Rights for his work on behalf of the economic and social rights of New Orleans residents and survivors of Hurricane Katrina across the Gulf Coast.

Along with the RFK Center, Bradberry co-founded the Gulf Coast Civic Works Campaign (GCCWC), a broad-based alliance of local and national, faith, student and neighborhood organizations advocating for the creation of 100,000 living wage jobs and training opportunities for those communities directly affected by the 2005 and 2008 hurricanes.

In response to the April 2010 BP oil drilling disaster, Stephen and the RFK Center are advocating for federal initiatives, like the ones called for by the GCCWC, that partner with affected communities, their local authorities and organizations to address what is already a grave human rights crisis affecting the health and livelihoods of thousands across the Gulf Coast.  

A delegation from the RFK Center and from RFK Europe visited the Gulf Coast in June, to assess with Stephen Bradberry the disastrous impact on human rights. (You can read our joint press release here.)