Children's Defense Fund

Last week, Children's Defense Fund Black Student Leadership Network fellows and Morgan State University students Iyanna Constant and Bianca Washington also partnered with Afros MSU to host "Embracing Yourself: Rejecting Eurocentric Beauty Standards and Embracing Authenticity," an event challenging the overemphasis of Eurocentric beauty standards and celebrating Black authenticity. "At this event, participants gathered to discuss the societal beauty standards and pressures faced by the Black community," Constant said. "We encouraged attendees to write down on sticky notes what they find beautiful about themselves as a way to redefine beauty. Our overarching theme of rejecting ignorance aligns with the principles of child defense, fun, and Black leadership. It emphasizes the broader issues we encounter in society concerning ignorance related to race, gender, colorism, sexuality, and more."   Our BSLN fellows' work is a powerful reminder that young leaders are at the forefront of the fight for equity. Way to go, team! Are you a young Black leader in college interested in participating in BSLN? Apply by April 14th to join! Don’t miss out: https://bit.ly/4l9VLQp  

At Children's Defense Fund, we believe in equipping the next generation of servant leaders with the tools, support, and platform to drive meaningful change. That’s why we created the Black Student Leadership Network (BSLN), a dynamic program that amplifies young voices and equips students to advocate for their communities. Through mentorship, training, and opportunities for direct action, BSLN fellows are shaping a brighter future for their generation and those to come.   Under the guidance of Tiffany Brooks, M.Ed, M.Div, BSLN fellows are leading critical conversations on their campuses. Recently, Kent State University student and BSLN fellow Maiya Dixon spoke to WKYC Studios (video link below) and WOIO about Ohio Senate Bill 1, a bill that would ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in higher education. Maiya raised concerns that the proposal seeks to erase history and limit opportunities for students, which is an issue that underscores the urgent need for diversity and student advocacy in policy debates: https://bit.ly/4iPegYJ   "What I feel is problematic about SB 1 is the fact that they're trying to erase history," Dixon said.   Are you a young Black leader in college interested in participating in BSLN? Apply by April 14th to join! Don’t miss out: https://bit.ly/4l9VLQp

Children's Defense Fund applauds United States Senator Cory Booker on his historic, 25-hour-long speech on the Senate Floor. We appreciate Senator Booker using his floor time to address the issues facing everyday people across our nation as they contend with harmful policy proposals.   In his speech, the Senator highlighted concerns shared by CDF and some of our partners about Medicaid and CHIP cuts. His leadership in speaking out against these proposed cuts ensures the voices of those who need it most are heard. "The American Academy of Pediatrics, Children's Defense Fund, Children’s Hospital Association, Family Voices, Inc. - National, First Focus on Children, March of Dimes, and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, they all came together to jointly write, 'by reducing vital support for Medicaid and CHIP, we would not just be cutting a budget line, you would be eliminating the health prospects of our children, leaving them with the care they need," Booker said.   If Medicaid were to be cut, thousands of children and young people across the United States could lose access to the essential care they need to grow into healthy, thriving adults. It is vital that we protect these programs to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Again, we thank Senator Booker for standing up for the future of our children and continuing to advocate for those who are most vulnerable.

In less than 100 days, President Trump’s administration has threatened CHIP and Medicaid, slashed education funding, and pushed a budget that puts children at risk. "It feels like our leaders want to turn back the clock and sentence our children in the way back machine," said Children's Defense Fund President & Chief Executive Officer Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson. But as Dr. Wilson writes in his latest For Our Children column, we refuse to go back. Read more: https://bit.ly/4l7v2Ux

Children's Defense Fund has long been an advocate for the Child Tax Credit and ongoing efforts to expand the benefit across the United States.   CDF-Minnesota Senior Policy Director Alexandra Fitzsimmons recently testified before state lawmakers in Saint Paul to push for a proposal called the “Baby Bonus” – a one-time financial boost for families welcoming a newborn.   "A $400 child tax credit bonus for newborn babies can reduce financial strain on parents and bring economic stability for families at a time when income may be waning," she said. Research consistently shows that income supplements, especially during a child’s early years, significantly improve long-term health and educational outcomes. Click the link to learn more about this effort and why CDF-MN supports this important legislation: https://bit.ly/42iE7lR

We are thrilled to welcome Jaren Sorkow as the new state director of Children's Defense Fund-California! With a deep commitment to equity and a track record of championing policies that uplift children, young people, and families, Jaren brings a wealth of experience and passion to this role. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission to ensure every child in California has the opportunity to thrive. “For more than fifty years, CDF has transformed the lives of millions of children through its policy and advocacy work from coast to coast,” Jaren said. “I cannot wait to contribute to that storied legacy to continue to help the hundreds of thousands of children and young people who live in my home state of California.” Join us in celebrating Jaren’s arrival and learn more about his background, vision, and dedication to child advocacy here: https://bit.ly/4ioGdqb

Children's Defense Fund stands firm against efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, and we will not back down in the fight to protect their rights as President Donald Trump and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s actions threaten the foundation of public education, putting millions of students—especially those from marginalized communities—at risk.   "The March 20, 2025, Presidential Executive Order calling for the dismantling of the department is illegitimate, short-sighted, and a threat to the nation’s future," Children's Defense Fund President & Chief Executive Officer Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson said.   Read his full statement on why this fight matters here: https://bit.ly/4hzBErN

Children's Defense Fund Vice President & Chief Program Officer Sheri Brady recently joined leaders from the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (CGLR), the Bezos Family Foundation, and other partners for a virtual CGLR Funder to Funder Conversation. Sheri highlighted the impact of Early Learning Nation and CDF’s Leadership & Advocacy Collective, which equips local leaders with the tools to drive meaningful change for children and families. "CDF believes in centering the voices of the constituencies that are most impacted," she said. Interested in getting involved? We’re offering Local Action Fund grants to support community-led initiatives improving outcomes for children and families. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/emWiQiVk Stay tuned for more from CGLR on Sheri’s discussion later this week: https://lnkd.in/d-TXSy6

Mississippi’s income tax plays a crucial role in funding essential services that support children and families. Children's Defense Fund-Southern Regional Director Oleta Fitzgerald recently joined coalition partners at the statehouse to speak out against efforts to eliminate it, warning that such a move could have serious consequences for the state’s most vulnerable communities. "We are working in communities across the state of Mississippi, making sure that people and community understand the issues that impact their lives and how important it is for the representation to be concerned about those issues and the well-being of their communities, their children, their families," she said. Watch the clip below from WLBT 3 On Your SIde to hear what Fitzgerald had to say to the public on the steps of the statehouse in Jackson and read the following story from Mississippi Public Broadcasting to learn more about what's happening with Mississippi tax policy and how the proposed changes could impact children: https://bit.ly/4iAVjJ3

Children's Defense Fund-Texas Senior Administrator of Policy and Advocacy Trudy Taylor Smith, Esq. recently spoke with Evan MacDonald of the Houston Chronicle about the issue of healthcare access and legal rights for immigrant families under President Donald Trump’s administration.     Since the President was inaugurated roughly two months ago, young immigrant families have found themselves under constant attack by discriminatory policies on both the state and federal levels. Taylor Smith emphasized the importance of immigrant families knowing their rights, especially regarding their access to healthcare services.     “The fact of the matter is that we all benefit when immigrants and their children are able to access care," she said.    Their conversation also stressed the need for continued advocacy to protect immigrant families and provide them with the information they need to thrive.     Read the entire article here: https://bit.ly/4bzfswC