Our Voice for Children
August 2020
We are disgusted and devastated by the episodes of violence that terrorize and traumatize Black children and families in communities across this country. The disregard not only for Jacob Blake’s life but also for his children speaks to the centuries of trauma and pain inflicted on Black children and families. We will continue to demand accountability and systemic change.
The March Continues
On the 57th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, we are still fighting for jobs and justice—justice for Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, George Floyd, and far too many others. Read Marian Wright Edelman's latest column, in which she reflects on Dr. King's lesser-known message from 57 years ago about the promissory note still bouncing at America’s bank of justice.
A New Freedom Summer
This summer, CDF Freedom Schools scholars fought for voting rights and education—just like the young people who made Mississippi Freedom Summer possible in 1964.
CDF Freedom Schools staff, scholars, and parents met the unique needs of this summer with hope, education, and action.
Even amidst so much uncertainty, our resilient, dedicated partners shone. We're so grateful to them and their service.
Help make sure vulnerable children will not get left behind as our country responds to this pandemic. Donate to the Children in Crisis Fund >
Our Advocacy for Children
Our state and national policy teams continue to fight to ensure that families—particularly families of color and low-income families—have what they need to survive and thrive. Here are some of the ways we advocated for the most vulnerable children and their families this month:
We exposed how little President Trump's recent executive actions did to provide meaningful relief for children and families.
We called on the U.S. Department of Education to withdraw a rule that would harm low-income children in favor of providing relief to higher-income private schools.
We emphasized the need to include immigrant families in any economic stimulus payments included in the next COVID-19 relief effort.
We endorsed the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, which encourages an important shift away from police officers in schools.
We applauded the release of a bipartisan bill that would provide much-needed support to children and families in the child welfare system.
We marked the birthday of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) by emphasizing how the program must be strengthened to fight for racial justice.
We joined an Amicus Brief on Fulton v. City of Philadelphia to make it clear that discrimination in any form is harmful to children.
Celebrating Unlimited Potential
Our five CDF Beat the Odds® honorees from the Washington, D.C. area didn't get the proper celebration they deserved when our gala was canceled in March. This month, we virtually celebrated their resilience, academic excellence, and commitment to social change with an intimate gathering just for them. Meet these incredible young leaders and share a note of congratulations.
Youth Voices
This summer, we were lucky enough to have some super-star college interns serving with us across the organization. Three of those fantastic interns shared why the work that the Children's Defense Fund does has so much meaning for them:
Child Watch Roundup
In a Child Watch column published this month, Marian Wright Edelman shared two powerful prayers from her dear friend Rev. Frederick J. "Jerry" Street to nurture all of us in these difficult times.
Catch up on the rest of Marian Wright Edelman's recent Child Watch columns:
Be sure to sign up to receive Marian Wright Edelman's Child Watch column directly to your inbox every Friday.
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