The international organization advocates for a “just and peaceful world” through litigation and education. It was founded by Robert Kennedy’s family and friends in 1968.
Cook received the Ripple of Hope award last December from the organization, for his “commitment to sustainable business practices and his lifelong commitment to human rights.” Cook has repeatedly spoken about human rights issues, and has also publicly declared his pride in being gay in an op-ed, hoping to alleviate the fear of coming out for others. He also spoke out about discrimination in the workplace.
“If hearing that the CEO of Apple is gay can help someone struggling to come to terms with who he or she is, or bring comfort to anyone who feels alone, or inspire people to insist on their equality, then it’s worth the trade-off with my own privacy,” Cook said in 2014 op-ed, published in Bloomberg Businessweek.
Other members of the human rights group’s board come from business, finance, academia, entertainment, education, government, and civil society.
“Growing up, I was inspired by Robert Kennedy’s infinite hope for humanity and his belief that people at their core are good, sharing universal goals for themselves and the world in which we live,” Cook said, as reported by the organization. “Robert Kennedy spoke to our highest aspirations, calling Americans from all walks of life to fight for something better. He was and is a hero and role model to me, and I am honored to serve alongside Kerry and the rest of the board to advance his message of justice and equality.”
