Marian Wright Edelman Distinguished Lectureship with Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson

Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson is the president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund and CDF Action Council, national organizations advancing child well-being and racial justice through policy advocacy, community organizing, and a network of CDF Freedom Schools in 30 states. A leader in philanthropy, faith, and social justice, he also chairs the boards of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Duke University’s Divinity School.

Prior to joining CDF in 2020, he led Deaconess Foundation in St. Louis and co-chaired the Ferguson Commission following the killing of Michael Brown, Jr. Dr. Wilson holds degrees from Xavier University of Louisiana, Eden Theological Seminary, and Duke University. A published author and widely respected speaker, he is a recipient of numerous honors for his service and advocacy, including the 2025 “Shoes of Justice” Award and three honorary doctorates.

Marian Wright Edelman is the founder of the Children's Defense Fund, an internationally known organization established to advocate for the rights of children. She is a graduate of Yale School of Law and was the first African American woman admitted to the bar in Mississippi.

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