Speak Truth to Power: Human Rights Defenders Who Are Changing Our World

by Kerry Kennedy, Eddie Adams (Photographer)

Through photographs by Eddie Adams and interviews by human rights activist Kerry Kennedy, gripping stories are revealed of 51 men and women around the globe who put their lives on the line, surviving imprisonment, torture, and death threats, because of hope for and dedication to a future where equality is common and oppression rare.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Mary Kerry Kennedy is an American human rights activist and writer. She is the seventh child and third daughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel. She is the president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a nonprofit charitable human rights advocacy organization.

Reviews

[Brian Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER doesn’t carry a publication date; and as I’m reading it in 2015, it appears really dated. All of the profiles appear to date from no later than 1999. This is unfortunate in a number of ways, but particularly because reading this book now is really depressing: almost without exception the situations described in the 51 interviews have gotten worse. Nevertheless, inspiration can be found.

“One works for justice not for big victories, but simply because engaging in the struggle is itself worth doing.” Oscar Arias Sanchez

“We don’t have a right to lose hope.” Jaime Prieto Mendez

“I simply believe that human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are not luxuries.” Raji Sourani

“…you have no right to say: ‘Since I cannot do anything, I shouldn’t do anything.’ “ Elie Wiesel

“…courage signifies the determination to act according to your values.” Jose Zalaquett

“Law has become an instrument of repression, rather than an instrument for change.” Hina Jilani

[Magda Tsakiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars are not enough

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tagged this book "spirituality" and gave it five stars but it is not fun and I doubt the editors would call it spiritual. It was nevertheless a text that changed my life forever.
There is one story in particular that I used to read repeated about Diana Ortiz.
There are violent images such as film then there is the horror of more difficult and complex torture, deprivation, and degradation. A must read for those who like to weep.

[Pat Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Speak Truth to Power gives us an insight into the power of the human spirit. It tells us why and how men and women all over the world struggle against oppression, injustice, and cruelty. There is horror but there is also immense hope in this world where dedicated people translate their commitment to human rights into action.
-- Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Prize Laureate

[Hamad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational and motivational. Ariel Dorfman's play is so extremely powerful on paper, I can't imagine how it would be on stage. I think I need to buy the complete-version book and read about more activists and their issues.

[Sabrina]

I won this book at a bar trivia night, where it was described as "the most depressing coffee table book in the world." That pretty much says it all.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most inspirational book I've ever come across.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays about people who have seen injustice and changed the world. It's very inspiring. Modern day heroes!

[Oz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful book, more powerful live.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Van Jones? Really? Wish I had not wasted my time or money.

[Julius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich habe die Schweizer Schulbuchversion basierend auf diesem Buch, angereichert durch Portaits der jeweils Interviewten zu ihren Aktivismusfeldern. Die allermeisten sind inspirierend, die Repräsentation scheint mir wohl gewählt, nur hier und da ist zu häufig jemand aus der Schweiz die Hauptfigur oder die Sprecher*in des Struggles.