What's Next For Obama? Democratic President To Deliver Speech For JFK Award
Former President Barack Obama is set to receive the "Profile in Courage" award given out by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, the group announced Wednesday.
"From his inspirational 2008 campaign until his final weeks in office, Barack H. Obama consistently reflected in so many ways, big and small, the definition of courage that John F. Kennedy cited in the opening lines of 'Profiles in Courage': grace under pressure," the foundation wrote in a statement on its website.
"He picked up the torch from President Kennedy and has now passed it on to a new generation of Americans, inspiring young people across the country to enter public service, affirming our belief in an America that is more than a collection of red states and blue states, and reminding all of us that no matter what we look like, where we come from, or what faith we practice, we are our brother's and sister's keeper."
Obama responded to the award on Twitter. "Humbled to be recognized by a family with a legacy of service," he posted.
Obama is scheduled to be presented the award on May 7 in Boston, the Associated Press reported. The award, named after a book penned by the late President Kennedy, is given every year to public servants who were deemed to have made courageous choices. President Kennedy's daughter Caroline Kennedy, and her son, Jack Schlossberg are expected to present the award to Obama in May.
Obama will likely deliver a speech after receiving the award taking the plunge onto the national stage amid President Donald Trump's controversial start to his presidency, Buzzfeed News' Katherine Miller reported. Obama is set to receive to award for his entire tenure in office, while two former president's were previously given the honor for specific acts: Gerald Ford in 2001 for his 1974 decision to pardon resigned President Richard Nixon and George H.W. Bush in 2014 for raising taxes after promising not to do so during the campaign.
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