National Bar Association

John was a wonderful friend. He was a good, gentle, smart, positive, generous, and dedicated public servant. He was very proud of his sister Lena! Due to my location in D.C. and his location in California, we became long distance collaborators and prayer partners by text. We shared vision, prayers, and encouragement, which I passed on to others as well. We knew that all things were possible –individually, locally and nationally with God.

We met in 2007 during the first President Barack H. Obama Campaign as members of the National Democratic Party, National Finance Committee, African American Leadership Council. Oh, what a ride! We worked hard and focused on how we could help secure “a more perfect Union.”

Our families loved Obama! I recall sharing many joyous celebrations at the Inauguration, campaign events, intimate dinners and lunches with Barack and Michelle Obama, and the last White House BET Backyard Party under the White House Tent. My husband Bill, I, John, and everyone else danced the night and sadness away.

It was the end of an era, but not the end of our friendship. When I served as the 77th President of the National Bar Association (NBA) in July 2020 during the COVID shutdown, John readily agreed to participate in a national panel discussion on the way forward. He was extraordinary in providing insight on local government leadership during an unprecedented crisis.

It was an honor to be John’s friend. Rest in Peace, good and faithful servant.

Alfreda Robinson 77th President of the National Bar Association

National Congress of Black Women

How does one express the amazing essence and spirit of the Honorable John J. Kennedy – his selfless generosity, uncompromising belief in all that is good, and his unwavering commitment to family, friends, and the community? Words, even the very best of words, cannot truly capture the sense of loss that we are feeling today.

I remember John as a friend who exemplified life and held an irrepressible belief and faith in seeing the best in everything, even loss. His faith and the importance of believing was shown in the sharing of scriptures. Sorrow fills our hearts and is lessened only slightly with the comforting thought that we had the privilege to know him.

“When a man starts out to build a world, he starts first with himself” – Langston Hughes

Judy Matthews

Chair, National Congress of Black Women, Inc., San Gabriel Valley Vice President, Altadena Chamber of Commerce National Congress of Black Women, Inc., San Gabriel Valley