Honoring Marian Wright Edelman’s legacy on Founder’s Day. Living it forward every day.
On June 6, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) celebrates Founder’s Day. This date was chosen to honor the birthday of our founder and president emerita, Marian Wright Edelman.
More than a celebration, Founder’s Day is a reminder: of the charge she gave us, and the children she taught us never to forget.
Mrs. Edelman founded CDF in 1973 with a vision bold enough to challenge systemic injustice, and a love deep enough to center the needs of the most underserved. Her legacy is not just in the laws changed or policies advanced, but in the generations of advocates, organizers, and servant leaders who carry the torch she lit.
“We do not have a money problem in America,” she once said. “We have a values and priorities problem.”
Her words remain a guidepost for us today, as we continue to advocate for equitable education, economic justice, access to health care, and the right for every child to grow up safe, well, and free.
This Founder’s Day, we reflect with reverence. But more than that, we act with resolve. Because we still believe.
We believe in a nation that does right by its children.
We believe justice and joy are not in conflict.
We believe change is possible, and urgent.
And we believe that Mrs. Edelman’s charge is now ours to keep.
Join us as we continue the work.
Our young people cannot wait.