Marian Wright Edelman, Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund

No Black history in America or history of children’s advocacy can be complete without the name of Marian Wright Edelman. Her impact on the welfare of all children has been profound.

Born in South Carolina in 1939, Marian soon achieved academic excellence. As a student at Spelman College in Georgia, she earned a scholarship to study abroad at such notable schools as the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Geneva in Switzerland.

When she returned to Spelman for her senior year in 1959, it was a tumultuous time, and Marian joined the Civil Rights Movement, believing in equality and freedom for all. She was one of the courageous group of students arrested in 1960 for staging sit-ins at discriminating restaurants in Georgia.

At Yale School of Law, Edelman continued her studies and became the first Black woman admitted to the Bar in Mississippi in 1964, the same year she was instrumental in establishing the Head Start Program to promote school readiness. She began her law practice at the NAACP, focusing on racial justice.

In 1973, Edelman founded the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) in Washington D.C., a child’s advocacy and research center. From the beginning until the present day, the CDF has made significant contributions to children’s welfare. With Edelman at the helm, they lobbied for legislation including the Education for All Handicapped Children in 1975 and the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act in 1980.

Among Marian Edelman’s contributions to children’s rights have been revamping the adoption and foster care systems and support for youths who are abused, neglected, living in poverty, and homeless. Shelter’s services and our community have been strengthened thanks to her tireless efforts.

Ms. Edelman has published many books and won numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. While she stepped down as the CEO of the CDF in 2020 at the age of 80, she continues to be active in the organization and fight for the rights of all children. Marian Wright Edelman is a name to remember.

Learn more about Black History Month

And the history of Child Welfare