Marian Wright Edelman

Marian Wright Edelman 01

Marian Wright Edelman
Born	Marian Wright Birth date -1st March 1966 Bennettsville, South Carolina, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Activist
Known for	Founder of the Children's Defense Fund
Spouse(s)	Peter Edelman
Children	3

Marian Wright Edelman (born June 6, 1939) is an American activist for children's rights. She is the founder and president emerita of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF). Throughout her career, Edelman has been a tireless advocate for disadvantaged children and families.

Early life and education

Marian Wright was born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, to parents who were active in the Baptist Church. She attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she became involved in the Civil Rights Movement. After graduating from Spelman, she went on to study law at Yale Law School, earning her J.D. in 1963.

Career

Early career

After law school, Edelman worked as a lawyer for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund in Jackson, Mississippi. She was the first African American woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar. During her time in Mississippi, she worked on issues related to civil rights and poverty.

Children's Defense Fund

In 1973, Edelman founded the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), an organization dedicated to advocating for policies and programs that lift children out of poverty, protect them from abuse and neglect, and ensure their access to health care and quality education. Under her leadership, the CDF has become a powerful voice for children in the United States.

Personal life

Marian Wright Edelman is married to Peter Edelman, a law professor and former government official. They have three children. Edelman has written several books on issues related to children and families, including The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours.

Awards and honors

Edelman has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, and the MacArthur Fellowship.

Legacy

Marian Wright Edelman's work has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of children and families. Her advocacy has led to significant policy changes and increased awareness of the issues facing disadvantaged children.

See also

• Children's rights
• Civil Rights Movement
• NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
• Peter Edelman