For Our Children

CDF's 50th Anniversary

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Sunday, I was honored to bring the message at Middle Collegiate Church
in New York City for the National Observance of Children's
Sabbaths. Founded in 1628, Middle Church is one of the oldest
Protestant congregations in North America and has celebrated
Children's Sabbaths with Children's Defense Fund for
nineteen years. As I was transitioning into leadership at CDF in
December 2020, Middle Church was devastated by a building fire, and is
gathering in East End Temple the home of a Jewish congregation as it
rebuilds. This interfaith setting speaks to the church's
expansive theology and was quite fitting for our celebration.

For thirty years, Children's Sabbaths have been honored across
faith traditions and have engaged places of worship across the country
to focus prayers, worship, education, and action around the urgent
problems facing our nation's children and youth.

During my sermon, I wrestled with the question, "What does God
want?" My sense for reading sacred texts is that "God
desires a community of peace with humanity in relationship and
Holiness in the realm." I believe we have the responsibility and
capacity to achieve this vision if we listen to children and create
the conditions for them to thrive.
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For 50 years, in mission, CDF has been standing for children, guided
by the vision and principles of our Founder and President Emerita,
Marian Wright Edelman. One way we pursue our mission is by bringing
child advocates, policymakers, and young people together to discuss
what they need. Next week, we will host special events in Washington,
D.C., to celebrate this journey and propel ourselves forward to
unleash the joy in growing up for all children.

On November 2 and 3, we will convene Child Well-being in America: A
National Policy Forum, at the historic Howard University to explore
topics impacting the ability of children and youth to flourish. During
the forum, CDF will unveil its new policy direction to strengthen the
communities, systems, and families that shape young life in our
country.

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On the evening of November 2, we will hold A Celebration of Joy: 50
Years of Children's Defense Fund, at the National Museum of African
American History and Culture, to celebrate the institutional legacy we
have inherited and honor leaders who prioritize child well-being, and
support communities wielding the power to ensure they thrive.

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On November 3, as we conclude the policy forum, we will celebrate the
30th anniversary of the CDF Freedom Schools Program at Howard
University. The weekend of celebration will end with multiple acts of
service around Washington, D.C., as staff and volunteers roll up our
sleeves for our inaugural Marian Wright Edelman Day of Service on
Saturday, November 4.

All these events will be centered around the well-being of our young
people and the question of how we can better serve their interests.
Join us.


For our children,

Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson
President and CEO

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