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OP-ED: Rosemary Kennedy: Challenging RFK Jr.’s Views on Autism

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The Kennedys has a history of dealing with autism and intellectual disabilities. More specifically, Rosemary Kennedy, dubbed “The Forgotten Kennedy”, was most likely on the autism spectrum during the ’50s and ’60s. Unfortunately

Published

9 months ago

February 7, 2025

Oakland Post

By Kadin McElwain:

Right now, Robert F. Kennedy Jr is in the process of getting the Senate votes needed to become the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the United States. During this process, the 71-year-old politician was called for various comments made about the link between autism and vaccines. This includes calling autism “non-existent”, “tragic”, and “an epidemic”, all of which Kennedy Jr refused to explain during the hearing. This was further supported by President Donald Trump, who said we “needed Bobby” to combat the 1-in-32 autism diagnoses in children that happen every year in the United States. This is highly hypocritical of Kenedy Jr.

The Kennedys has a history of dealing with autism and intellectual disabilities. More specifically, Rosemary Kennedy, dubbed “The Forgotten Kennedy”, was most likely on the autism spectrum during the ’50s and ’60s. Unfortunately, instead of helping her be able to function in society and make a name for herself like her famous siblings, patriarch Joe Kennedy Sr had Rosie lobotomized, thrown into a group home, and abandoned for decades until she died in 2005. Robert F. Kennedy Jr didn’t have the right to call autism “a tragedy” and “non-existent” when his family failed his autistic aunt to protect their image. Here is the story of Rosemary Kennedy.

Rosemary’s Struggles

Rosemary was born on September 18th, 1918, the third child of Joe Kennedy Sr and Rose Fitzgerald. Due to deprivation of oxygen at birth, she struggled throughout her life with intellectual disabilities. This included mood swings, elopement, and struggles with academics, many of which are common symptoms of being autistic. Despite her struggles, she still lived a fulfilling life, participating in family activities and even working in England during her father’s time as ambassador to the country. But her struggles were still evident.

At 22, Rosemary “seemed to be going backward”. Her family tried to get her help, sending her to multiple places to give her a chance at life. But during the 30s and 40s, getting her help was complicated and the resources that were available at the time were either extremely scarce or didn’t have enough knowledge on disabilities to help Rosemary. Joseph Kennedy Sr knew that his family’s political careers would be ruined if something wasn’t done soon. So, in 1941, he made a decision that would leave a scar on the Kennedy legacy forever.

The Lobotomy

The lobotomy procedure was preached as something that would help individuals with mental health problems during the time of the Kennedy family’s rise to power. Mental health was widely misunderstood at this time, so society thought that lobotomy was the only way to help those with mental health issues. During the period of the procedure before its discontinuation in the 1960s, 40,000 people were lobotomized in the United States alone. Rosemary was one of these individuals. Joseph Kennedy Sr was so desperate to get their daughter the help she needed and save the family’s reputation in the process, that he thought this would be the only way. He didn’t inform anyone, including his wife, of the decision.

Unfortunately, this left Rosemary with the mental capacity of a two-year-old. She couldn’t walk, she couldn’t talk, and she couldn’t look after herself. So Kennedy Sr had her institutionalized in New York, and then eventually Wisconsin, where she would live for the rest of her life. This secret was kept by the rest of the family for 20 years until John F. Kennedy was elected to the presidency in 1961. Then in 1987, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin revealed the lobotomy to the public. Although Rosemary was implemented into family activities again once the Kennedy siblings were made aware of the institution she was at, she died alone in 2005 of natural causes, having lived only a fraction of what could’ve been a promising life had it not been for Kennedy Sr’s poor decision.

The Bigger Picture and Righting the Wrongs

Joseph Kennedy Sr was misguided when it came to helping Rosemary. He had genuine love for his daughter but also had to protect his family’s reputation by any means necessary, given the stigmatizations surrounding individuals with disabilities during this time. So, he thought lobotomy was the only way to help her. But the Kennedy family has been making an effort to help those with disabilities, to right their wrongs. During the Kennedy administration, President Kennedy signed the Developmental Disabilities Assistance Act into law, assuring that those with physical or mental disabilities would get more resources than ever before to help them live fulfilling lives. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Ethel Kennedy, and Ted Kennedy have also made efforts to raise awareness about disability rights in this country, which has led to resources being created to help these people, including those on the spectrum.

To conclude, Robert Kennedy Jr has no right to shame people with autism and further stigmatize the disorder when his own family is trying to clean up a misguided mess they made with Rosemary. This makes him a huge hypocrite and puts shame on the Kennedy family name. But the potential Health and Human Services Secretary can still do the right thing. If he is sworn in next week by the Senate, RFK Jr can help further research surrounding autism to better the resources that are available to these individuals currently. He can also use his voice to further advocate for disability rights and join his family in righting the wrongs of their past. Even though the Kennedy family has made a mess, Kennedy Jr can clean up his portion and help make a fair and equal world for all.

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Michael: The King of Pop’s Story Returns to the Big Screen

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The curtain has finally lifted on one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films. Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer and release date for “Michael,” the sweeping biopic about Michael Jackson that has been years in the making.

Published

1 week ago

November 6, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The curtain has finally lifted on one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films. Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer and release date for “Michael,” the sweeping biopic about Michael Jackson that has been years in the making. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film will arrive in theaters on April 24, 2026, with the singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stepping into the spotlight to portray his legendary uncle.

The trailer wastes no time rekindling the aura of Jackson’s genius. Opening with a studio scene between Jackson and his longtime producer Quincy Jones, played by Kendrick Sampson, the clip builds from a quiet, familiar rhythm to the electrifying pulse of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” Viewers catch glimpses of the singer’s childhood, flashes of “Thriller,” and the silhouette that redefined pop culture. Each frame reminds fans of why Jackson remains unmatched in artistry and influence. The cast surrounding the late pop king’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, reads like a who’s who of Black entertainment and music history. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Nia Long portrays Katherine Jackson, and Larenz Tate takes on the role of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Laura Harrier portrays music executive Suzanne de Passe, while Kat Graham embodies Diana Ross. Miles Teller plays attorney John Branca, a towering entertainment lawyer and longtime Jackson confidant who later became co-executor of his estate. The film’s journey to release has been as complicated as the icon it portrays. Production wrapped in 2024, but legal hurdles over depictions of past controversies forced extensive reshoots and editing delays. Even so, Fuqua’s film now appears ready to reclaim the narrative, focusing on Jackson’s creative ambition and humanity beyond tabloid noise. IndieWire reported that the film had faced “a massive legal snafu” over a disputed storyline but was retooled to center the music and legacy that defined generations.

Maven. Photo Credit: Glen Wilson

“Michael” promises more than a chronological retelling. It aims to explore how a child star from Gary, Indiana, became the world’s most influential entertainer. The script, written by Oscar-nominated John Logan, traces Jackson’s early years with the Jackson 5 through the triumphs and isolation of global superstardom. With Fuqua’s cinematic eye and producer Graham King—who brought “Bohemian Rhapsody” to life—joining forces with estate executors Branca and John McClain, the film is positioned as both a tribute and a restoration of Jackson’s cultural truth. Branca’s work behind the scenes has long shaped Jackson’s posthumous success. After the singer died in 2009, Branca and McClain took control of the estate burdened by debt and turned it into a global powerhouse worth billions. Under their stewardship, Jackson’s projects have generated more than $3 billion in worldwide ticket sales and landmark deals, including a $600 million joint venture with Sony earlier this year. At its heart, though, “Michael” is a story about artistry that transcends scandal. It offers a reminder that, despite the noise surrounding his life, Jackson’s music still bridges continents and generations. The trailer’s closing moments capture that spirit. As the beat of “Billie Jean” swells and Jaafar Jackson moonwalks into a spotlight, audiences are left with a familiar feeling—the awe of witnessing something timeless return home.

“Michael” opens worldwide in theaters April 24, 2026. See the official trailer here.

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Donald Trump Is the Biggest Loser

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The Trump Brand took a significant hit as it was swept up in the Democratic blue wave of the election last night.

Published

1 week ago

November 5, 2025

Oakland Post

By April Ryan

The Trump Brand took a significant hit as it was swept up in the Democratic blue wave of the election last night.

Chris Jones, Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (AR-02), says, “Last night was electric, and it was unquestionably a wave.” Democrats won big in what is widely considered a repudiation of Trump’s 9 months at the White House in his second term.

In the state of Virginia, which produced the first big election night win and saw the election of the first woman governor, Democrat Abigail Spanberger, 56% of Virginia’s residents disapprove of President Trump. In New Jersey, 55% of state residents disapprove of the president; in New York, 69% disapprove; and in California, 63% disapprove of the president. The Trump brand or his support for any candidates did nothing to benefit those he endorsed in this election. They actually lost in each race he publicly put his name behind. Trump endorsed former New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who lost the New York mayor’s race in his run as an independent. And New Jersey Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who ran for governor with the presidential endorsement, also lost his prospective race.

The next question is, will the democratic momentum be sustainable? Jones further explained, “This can become a 2026 tsunami, but turning a wave into a tsunami takes energy. A lot of energy. It doesn’t just happen. The conditions are there. Now we have to work!”

Some Democrats would argue that the work is already underway. The pushback against Trump’s national redistricting efforts received a thumb in the eye from California voters. Prop 50, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s counterbalance to President Trump’s redistricting efforts, passed in California last night. Although Trump’s name was not on the ballot last night, his Republican policies were. The United States has now entered the longest government shutdown in its history. Forty-two million Americans are not getting SNAP benefits. Economists are acknowledging that the government shutdown is contributing to the rise in delinquent debt in the student loan, automotive, and credit card industries. These items are among the negatives Americans are protesting against.

Compounding Trump’s political problems is a tariff battle that’s directly impacting pocketbooks. The day after the elections, the Trump administration was arguing before the US Supreme Court in favor of the president’s tariff powers. Meanwhile, President Trump‘s poll numbers are underwater, standing at a 37% national disapproval rate

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Historic Beatdown: Democrats Sweep Virginia as Speaker Don Scott and Jay Jones Make History

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — In a clear rejection of the policies of President Donald Trump, history repeated itself in Virginia.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 5, 2025

Oakland Post

By Lauren Burke

In a clear rejection of the policies of President Donald Trump, history repeated itself in Virginia. Democrats once again swept all three statewide offices as they did in 2017 during Trump’s first term. Abigail Spanberger easily won the office of Governor, and State Senator Ghazala Hashmi won her race over John Reid to be the next Lieutenant Governor. The victories occurred against the backdrop of a historic win in Virginia by Spanberger that will give Virginia its first woman Governor.

Spanberger’s widely predicted win over Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears was called 17 minutes after the polls closed in Virginia at 7 pm. Former Delegate Jay Jones won his race against incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares. His victory means Jones will be the first Black Attorney General in Virginia’s history. Jones’ win was particularly noteworthy since the last month of his campaign was consumed by the issue of private text messages from 2022 to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner. Republicans ran a non-stop barrage of negative ads against Jones for a month.

Del. Coyner lost her bid for re-election to Delegate-elect Lindsey Dougherty. The Dougherty race was the number one target for House Speaker Don Scott and his campaign lieutenant, Delegate Dan Helmer. Coyner’s defeat was one of at least 13 victories for Democrats who have now added to their ranks in the Virginia House to historic margins. When the Virginia General Assembly returns to session in January, there will be at least 64 Democrats in the chamber. The widespread Republican defeat is a testament to a combination of historic fundraising, Democrats running in all 100 seats, dislike of President Trump’s policies, and an ineffective top of the ticket featuring Lt. Gov. Earle Sears.

+13: Speaker Scott and Del. Helmer Hit Historic Numbers in Fundraising and Power

As the evening ended, a glaring historic fact became clearer: The Virginia House of Delegates will expand to a historic number. The change means the largest Democratic House chamber in the modern era. There were several notable wins by Democrats running for the Virginia House. They include Virgil Thornton, Lilly Franklin, and Kim Pope Adams. Speaker Don Scott and his campaign chair, Dan Helmer, undertook a record fundraising effort never before seen in Virginia’s history. The moment of success for Virginia Democrats will be viewed as a positive signal for Democrats moving into the 2026 elections.