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We envision a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.
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The State of America’s Children®
As the president of the United States prepares for this year’s State of the Union address, Children’s Defense Fund President and CEO Reverend Dr. Starsky Wilson has a message about the state of America’s children.
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Use Your Voice!
The BSLN Fellowship and Ambassador Program offers an enriching opportunity for college students to actively organize in the community and influence public policy. Apply today or share with an eligible college student!
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CDF Haley Farm
Named for author and activist Alex Haley, CDF Haley Farm in Clinton, TN, is a sacred and safe space for facilitating movement-building moments and training opportunities for prioritizing joy, pursuing justice, and promoting rest as resistance. Explore the rich history of Haley Farm and consider hosting your next event there!
Learn MoreRecent News
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CDF: Supreme Court Ruling on Voting Rights Act Threatens Voices for Black and Brown Children
On Wednesday, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that weakens a key part of the historic Voting Rights Act. The legislation, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, eliminated legal barriers that once kept thousands of African Americans across the country from voting.…
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CDF-Texas: Proposed Rule Change Could Threaten Housing Security for Thousands of TX Children
The federal government estimates that its proposed rule change could threaten the housing of 36,000 eligible children living in immigrant and mixed-status households nationwide. Nearly a quarter of impacted families live in Texas.…
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Rural Mississippians Stand to Lose Again in Efforts to Gain Access to Quality, Affordable Broadband Internet
Trump administration’s efforts to rescind $700 million of the $1.2 billion in broadband expansion grants allocated to Mississippi through Biden’s BEAD program diminishes opportunity in the state.…
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CDF-TX Public Comment to HUD on Proposed Housing Rule
April 16, 2026 — Children’s Defense Fund-Texas strongly opposes HUD’s proposed rule on “verification of eligible status” under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980. CDF-TX argues the rule would increase homelessness among children in Texas and cause significant harm to their social, emotional, physical, and economic well-being, particularly for marginalized families. The organization urges HUD to withdraw the proposed rule in full.…
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Find a CDF Freedom Schools® Site
At CDF Freedom Schools, we’re not just educating. We’re nurturing lifelong learners and advocates for progress. We’re sculpting a brighter tomorrow where we celebrate every young person’s potential, and affirming their impact on the world is profound. Find a CDF Freedom Schools site near you.
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Subscribe to “For Our Children”
Sign up to receive the monthly column by Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson.
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CDF’s President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, shares insights, challenges, and hopes for the future in “For Our Children.” CDF’s President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, offers a personal perspective on challenges, victories, and the path ahead in “For Our Children.” Delve into a unique narrative that guides our mission, celebrates milestones, and navigates the journey toward a brighter tomorrow. Explore now for an inside connection to our vision—where the story of our commitment to children and youth unfolds.
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