Kennedys present Swift with Ripple of Hope Award in N.Y.

NASHVILLE, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights honored singer Taylor Swift with its Ripple of Hope Award at a New York ceremony this week.

The annual award goes to leaders of the international business, entertainment, and activist communities who demonstrate commitment to social change and reflect late U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy's passion for equality, justice, basic human rights, and his belief that we all must strive to "make gentle the life of this world," the center said in a news release.

At 22, Swift is the youngest winner of the prestigious award, named for Kennedy's speech about the power of young people, delivered in Cape Town in 1966.

Previous honorees include former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Irish rock icon Bono and actor George Clooney.

"Taylor is just the kind of woman we want our daughters to be: authentic and mighty. Willing to take a risk and strong enough to walk away," RFK Center President Kerry Kennedy said when presenting Swift with her award. "Whether the tyrant they're standing up to is a high school bully or a powerful dictator, all of the conflicts we've heard about tonight can only be stopped by courageous people who speak up and speak out when they see injustice."