John J. Kennedy – Remembering a Great Man from a Sister’s Vantage Point

John J. Kennedy’s life was a master class in relationships and doing right by people and his community.

John, you guided me as you did with so many others. While compiling and reading the many letters received for this book, I realized your life truly was a master class not only to me, but also to many, many others. You taught me in so many ways how to live and love in service to myself, family, others, and my community. For this, you have my eternal grat itude. Thank you!

Upon your passing and in reflection, I had many aha moments. Some may call it a revelation. I realized the strength I carry in my heart to speak up and speak out came from 1988 when we worked on the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s campaign, and you encouraged me to ask Rev. Jackson for a meeting. You said, “All they can do is say no.” You could have done it too. You saw in me what I did not see in myself. Well, I got the meeting. You taught your older sister that I had the power in me to get what I want. You forced me to come into my strength. I did not realize it until I started reflecting on your passing, the relationships, and things we did. I think of how many times you reminded me that all they can do is say no, and always ask for what you want, and do not sell yourself short. Much of this is what our father would tell us; you took it to heart.

John, as your loving big sister, I watched your faith-guided journey through life with pride and admiration. I saw your beauty, your softness, your vulnerability, and your brilliant mind at work as you developed solutions to longstanding challenges. I knew that your family, your faith, and your community fueled your relentless determination. I witnessed the boundless strength you summoned to keep serving at the expense of your health.

John, your north star was serving your community. A fire in your belly rose when you fought for justice. You fought like a lion to protect his cubs. You gave voice to those marginalized. You brought resources, perspective, and passion back to your community.

John, you understood people and the difference you could make. You not only sought community input in decision-making, but also implemented processes and structures to ensure that input. You displayed your ever-present human touch when you recognized and publicly thanked those who volunteered their precious time and resources to help make our community better. You understood the power of an idea and the need to fuel it with the resources needed for execution. You were a visionary who saw how much better we all could be, how much better projects could be, and how much better our community could be. As one constituent noted, Councilmember Kennedy understood the hurt of the community and transformed that into hope for the community.

You soared to some of the highest levels and circles of our society as you dined with kings, queens, and presidents, yet you remained rooted in and committed to your community. You understood the access you had and devoted yourself to extend your opportunities to others. A spirit of inclusion guided you.

I received the gift of knowing the personal side of you and was blessed to know your greatness of passion, your power of productivity, and your endearing humility.

John, you were bigger than life, and now you are my angel. From my front row seat, I was blessed to see a little boy named John grow up to be a great man committed to service.

You shared your spiritual faith and unwavering and infectious trust in God. Many received your weekly scriptures and words of encouragement. Your siblings were the beneficiaries of your unconditional love for family. While you never had children, you were a father to many.

As I grieve over the devastating loss of an amazing brother, I also grieve for a community that lost a champion and a pillar. As I struggle to find peace as I miss you, I find strength in remembering how you impacted others, inspiration in the need to continue his efforts, and solace in knowing that heaven has a special, new addition. I love you, my darling little brother Johnny. Your trip to earth has ended; the journey is over; you blessed us with your visit; and you did a great work. Now, God welcomes you back to your eternal home. Farewell, till I see you again.

In a time of tragedy or great loss, many sincerely ask, “Is there anything I can do?” My answer is a resounding, “Yes!” You can collaborate with me and others to continue John’s tireless work on behalf of the community. We must be individual and collective voices of conscience to ensure that everyone’s voice is represented and heard at decision-making tables. We must hold ourselves, others, and our elected officials accountable. As new projects, challenges and opportunities arise, we must all be vigilant in asking who will or will not benefit, whose voice is or is not heard in the planning process, and do we have processes in place to ensure fundamental fairness for all. In so doing, we can honor John’s memory most appropriately by continuing his work.

Thank you everyone for your unconditional love; for the hundreds of cards, flowers, meals, and conversations; and for the contributions to the scholarship trust. You undergirded our family, and we will be forever thankful. God bless you and enjoy the experience of learning more about John.

Lena Louise Kennedy

Nieces and Nephews

Alana Williams

To my uncle, You were my godfather, and I love you dearly! My dream was for you to be around to see and meet my child that I will eventually have in the future. Sadly, that will not happen and my heart aches, but I know you will be looking down on me.

One of my fondest memories of you was in my adult years when you invited me over for dinner, and we talked about life. At the visit, I was able to have a look into your world and I was amazed by the many stories you shared with me! I learned from you what we meant to each other as well as your kindness, your loving honesty, and your firm advice. Remember, I was the niece who could handle your banter.

You have always been there to help me in bringing God back into my life through honest conversation, scripture, and prayer. Your love and kindness helped me find the next steps in my career. I cherish every scripture and every text message we had together.

I love you!

Your goddaughter, Alana

Williams

Halili Kennedy

An uncle is a bond of faith that even time cannot sever – a gift to last all our lives. An uncle is forever. Uncle Johnny was someone who helps, advises, and encourages. He was great at telling funny family stories. My uncle was a second father to me. Out of all the many blessings in my life, having had my Uncle Johnny in my life was the greatest of them all.

Arielle Baptiste

John knew me since I was a baby. John felt like the center of a universe. He was a bright star whose energy and influence effortlessly attracted others to orbit. The loss of John seems like the dimming of day to night. A source of light has gone out and left those behind to feel somewhat lost in the dark. When a large star reaches the end of its life, its center begins collapsing in itself, a supernova explosion occurs, and a black hole is formed.

Black holes are thought to be at the center of every large galaxy. Although hidden and unseen, their gravitational pull alludes to their presence. This force is what binds together aimlessly drifting objects into observable cosmic organization.

John is no longer here to illuminate the spaces surrounding him, but his pull, impact and love is still felt.

Dear Uncle Johnny,

One of my best memories with you was when I was eight years old, and you took my cousins and me to Disneyland. What a special treat that was and it made me feel so special. Because you were such a relatable uncle, you made the Disneyland trip fun. It was not about the rides for me, it was about spending precious time with you. I always thought of you as an uncle who was the tough dad figure who did not know how to have fun, yet we were having a blast.

Uncle Johnny, you would always buy me Kodak cameras and I would take so many pictures. You gave me a love and appreciation for photography and taught me to enjoy the simple things in life. You would say, “Be grateful for a glass of water glimmering from the sun rays on the counter table.”

If I ever needed help, you were there for me without question. You may have asked me a thousand