This year’s ‘A Celebration of Joy: Through Their Eyes’ highlights the shared commitment of CDF-Texas, youth advocates, and lawmakers to improving the well-being of children across the Lone Star State.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
DALLAS, TX—Next week, Children’s Defense Fund-Texas (CDF-Texas) will host “A Celebration of Joy: Through Their Eyes” to honor local advocates dedicated to advancing the well-being of young people in Texas.
On October 9, CDF-Texas will present its Advocate for Joy Award to Texas State Rep. James Talarico and Loretta Burns, founder and executive director of the AB Christian Learning Center in Fort Worth. The CDF Advocate for Joy Award honors servant leaders that advance Children’s Defense Fund’s mission of building community, so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy.
Talarico represents House District 50, which includes parts of Austin and Travis County. A former public school teacher and education nonprofit leader, he now serves on the Texas House Committee on Public Education. In his first three terms in Austin, he championed legislation to establish the state’s first cap on pre-K class sizes, provide schools with Narcan to prevent teen overdoses, and improve the quality and affordability of childcare. Talarico will provide virtual remarks at the event.
Burns founded the AB Christian Learning Center in 2006 to support vulnerable youth in Fort Worth with academic enrichment and out-of-school programs. She later launched the “Power of 7” initiative to engage families as partners in education. Later, in 2012, she brought the CDF Freedom Schools® program to the community. Under her leadership, the number of CDF Freedom Schools sites in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have grown from one to five, serving up to 250 scholars each summer.
CDF-Texas will also honor young people who exemplify resilience, dedication, and demonstrate a calling to public service while supporting youth affected by systemic inequities. CDF-Texas will present Jabryn Carston with the CDF Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service Award for their work as a storyteller whose art uplifts voices and sheds light on pressing social issues. Originally launched in 2015 by the American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF), the award honors the legacy of AYPF founder Samuel Halperin. Children’s Defense Fund acquired AYPF in 2023.
CDF-Texas State Director Dr. Brandy Taylor Dédé said the event will also aim to reflect the hopes, truths, and bold imaginations of young people in the Dallas-Fort Worth community and across Texas.
“Across Texas, there are countless people who work tirelessly to improve the well-being of children,” said Dr. Taylor Dédé. “This celebration honors their contributions while also uplifting the world as seen through the creative lens of children and youth. We look forward to coming together in Beloved Community to recognize all who are working to help make our state a better place.”
Event Details:
Rosewood Center for Family Arts
5938 Skillman St.
Dallas, Texas 75231
October 9
5:30 p.m.