NEW YORK (AP) Former President Barack Obama was honored with the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award at a gala in midtown Manhattan Wednesday evening.

Im not sure if youve heard, but Ive been on this hope kick for a while now. Even ran a couple of campaigns on it. Thank you for officially validating my hope credentials, Obama said during his remarks.

The organizations president, Kerry Kennedy, presented the award, which celebrates leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to social change. Past recipients include Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, Bono, George Clooney and Robert De Niro.