Meet us at Alex Haley Farm for Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry
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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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“All Roads Lead to the South”: CDF Leadership to Join Historic Voting Rights Protest
May 14, 2026 – CDF Board Chair Rev. Dr. Don Darius Butler will help bus attendees from Huntsville to Selma and Montgomery for Saturday’s National Day of Action to fight for a democracy that reflects the faces of all America’s children.…
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For Our Children: Building the Country Our Children Deserve
May 5, 2026 – In May, we pause to observe National Foster Care Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and National Teacher Appreciation Week. Together, these bring into focus the systems, conditions, and communities that shape family stability and children’s well-being in the nation.…
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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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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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