Marian Wright Edelman

Marian Wright Edelman has dedicated her life to advocating for civil rights and children’s welfare, establishing the Children’s Defense Fund and influencing national policy for over five decades. After earning her Bachelor of Laws from Yale Law School in 1963 and becoming the first African-American woman admitted to The Mississippi Bar in 1964, Marian Wright Edelman immediately embarked on a distinguished career dedicated to social justice. She began her legal work with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund’s Mississippi office, providing crucial representation for activists during the seminal Mississippi Freedom Summer and tirelessly addressing racial justice issues. Edelman played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Head Start program, designed to provide early childhood education.

After 45 years at the helm of the Children’s Defense Fund, Edelman transitioned to the role of President Emerita in 2020, marking a new phase of her illustrious career. In her ongoing capacity as President Emerita of the CDF, Edelman continues to shape public discourse through her prolific writing and compelling public speaking engagements. Her advocacy remains focused on ensuring a level playing field for every child, leveraging her five decades of experience to inform and inspire national policy and community action.