In 1973, Marian Wright Edelman established the Children’s Defense Fund, the most powerful voice ever created for the millions of poor children in the United States. Over the past quarter-century, the Children’s Defense Fund has fought for funding for Head Start and other related programs that successfully provide health care, immunizations, nutritious food, and educational opportunities for poor children and their families. She has also investigated juvenile justice and foster care systems and supported anti-gun legislation.

A prolific author, lecturer, and proud social agitator, Edelman has touched the lives of countless children by providing the basic necessities of success—educational opportunity, equality, justice, and hope. Edelman has received dozens of honorary degrees and many awards including the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship Prize. Marian Wright Edelman shines as a beacon of light illuminating what is possible for an individual to accomplish as well as a beacon of hope safeguarding all American children. . . . short bio

In 1973, Marian Wright Edelman established the Children’s Defense Fund, the most powerful voice ever created for the millions of poor children in the United States. Over the past quarter-century, the Children’s Defense Fund has fought for funding for Head Start and other related programs that successfully provide health care, immunizations, nutritious food, and educational opportunities for poor children and their families . . . full bio