John,

Marian Wright Edelman founded the Children’s Defense Fund in 1973 to focus the power and values of the Civil Rights Movement on the fight to ensure all children have what they need to thrive. Today, we find ourselves immersed in a new movement to end racial and economic injustice, and we’re thrilled to share that we have a new leader who is perfectly positioned to guide us in that fight.

Today, we’re proud to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson to be the next President and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund.

Dr. Wilson is a thought leader in racial justice, community organizing, and movement building. He is a champion for children’s rights who has long been a member of the Children’s Defense Fund family. He is a familiar face to all who gather in Beloved Community at the CDF Proctor Institute and led the effort to bring the CDF Freedom Schools® program to St. Louis.

He is also deeply rooted in the Black Lives Matter movement. In the wake of the tragic murder of teenager Michael Brown in 2014, he co-chaired the Ferguson Commission responsible for releasing “Forward Through Ferguson: A Path Toward Racial Equity.”

- Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson

Marian Wright Edelman brought Dr. King’s vision to the movement to end child poverty. Now, as we enter a new chapter of the struggle for equity and justice in America, we’re incredibly honored to follow the leadership of Dr. Wilson to guarantee the rights of all children.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson home.

In solidarity,

The Children’s Defense Fund

P.S. Would you consider making a gift today to welcome Rev. Dr. Wilson to his leadership role and to equip him to continue the Children’s Defense Fund’s legacy of fighting every day for America’s children? Donate today.

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