Friends,
As Co-Chair of Children’s Defense Fund’s National Celebration of Joy Host Committee and a proud board member, I want to take this moment to extend my deepest gratitude and share a few moments from that evening that have stayed with me.
The theme of joy was apparent, yet complex, in a time when so many challenges continue to deeply impact our communities. And yet, as Dr. Wilson reminded us that night, joy is not something we turn to instead of the struggle—it is what carries us through it.
That truth was powerfully echoed when the Honorable Bennie Thompson, U.S. Congressman from Mississippi, accepted the Advocate for Joy Award. In his remarks, he reminded us:
“Joy, when rooted in justice, can change the world.”
And now, as we close out this extraordinary year, Dr. Wilson wanted to personally thank you for the role you played in making this work possible. Please take a moment to watch his special message of gratitude below:
