Randall Kennedy
Randall Kennedy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Randall L. Kennedy is an American lawyer, scholar, and author known for his work in the fields of law, politics, and social justice.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 29, 1952, there is no available information about Randall Kennedy's passing date.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Kennedy is an American citizen by birth. His professional life has been dedicated to the study and practice of law, with a strong focus on social justice and civil rights.
Early Life and Background
Randall Kennedy was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to parents who instilled in him a deep understanding of the importance of education and social responsibility. He grew up in a family that valued learning and community service. Kennedy's early life laid the foundation for his future academic pursuits, as he demonstrated exceptional intellectual curiosity and a desire to make a positive impact on society.
Major Accomplishments
Kennedy earned his Bachelor's degree from Stanford University in 1973 and later received his law degree from Yale Law School in 1977. He has had a distinguished career as a professor of law at Harvard Law School, where he taught for over three decades. Kennedy is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research on the intersection of law and politics, particularly in the areas of civil rights and social justice.
Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his academic and professional career, Kennedy has authored several influential books that have contributed significantly to the national conversation about law, politics, and social issues. Some notable works include:
"Sexuality, Gender, and the Law: An Overview" (1993) - This book explores the complex relationships between law, sex, and gender.
"Race, Crime, and the Law" (1997) - In this work, Kennedy examines the historical and contemporary connections between racism and the American justice system.
* "Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word" (2002) - This book is an in-depth analysis of the word's history, its various meanings, and its impact on American society.
Impact and Legacy
Randall Kennedy has made lasting contributions to our understanding of law, politics, and social justice. His work continues to inspire new generations of scholars, activists, and policymakers working towards creating a more equitable society.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Kennedy is widely quoted and remembered due to his ability to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. He has been a leading voice in shaping national conversations about issues like racism, sexism, and homophobia. His commitment to social justice and his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths have earned him both respect and admiration from scholars and laypeople alike.
Randall Kennedy's life and work serve as a testament to the power of intellect, compassion, and determination.
Quotes by Randall Kennedy

Language of the Gun shows why Bernard Harcourt has earned a reputation as one of our most provocative and informative analysts of the administration of criminal justice. Thoroughly interdisciplinary, he brings to bear on his subject a remarkably wide range of sources. Most striking are his probing interviews with at-risk youths which provide a fascinating and rare glimpse into how they think about guns and gun carrying. This book bristles with insight and information.

Many people believe that determining who is 'black' is rather easy, a task simplified by the administration of the one-drop rule. Under the one-drop rule, any discernible African ancestry stamps a person as 'black.'

As soon as you say that there is a community called, let's say, black Americans, you've immediately created a boundary line - who's in that group, who's outside that group.

As important as the presidency is, that's not the only thing to take a look at in determining the racial health of the United States.

In elite, primarily white institutions, there are many blacks who have white wives. So much so that sometimes there is almost the assumption that I would be married to a white woman.

I champion sensibly designed racial affirmative action, not because I have benefited from it personally - though I have. I support it because, on balance, it is conducive to the public good.

All white people in the United States have benefited from a white supremacy. But does that mean that a white person should be viewed badly because they turn against a white supremacist policy? Just because you've benefited from something shouldn't disable you from repudiating it.

The perception of linked fate and that feeling of being always on the spot as a representative of the race, at least in mixed company, are features of African American life that predate affirmative action and arise outside of its presence.

Love is just such a crucial, wonderful thing, and if you are lucky enough to find somebody who genuinely loves you, grab that person and hold on to that person, and nothing else matters.

In law school, I earned the respect of professors and served on the editorial board of 'The Yale Law Journal.'