Marian Wright Edelman

Marian Wright Edelman (born June 6, 1939) is an American activist for civil rights and children's rights. She is best known as the founder and president emerita of the Children's Defense Fund. Born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Marian's father, a Baptist minister, instilled in her the importance of education. After completing her education at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, she received a Merrill scholarship which allowed her to study abroad in France and Switzerland. During her time as a Lisle Fellow, she also studied in the Soviet Union. Marian's commitment to social justice led her to become a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, influencing leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.