Marian Wright Edelman: Reflections from a lifetime fighting to end child poverty

Marian Wright Edelman discusses her upbringing in the segregated South, influenced by her parents' values of service and leadership. She shares experiences that shaped her advocacy for children, including founding the Children's Defense Fund. Edelman highlights achievements like the Head Start program and CHIP, while addressing ongoing challenges like child poverty. She emphasizes the need for global responsibility and a better future for children.

What did Marian Wright Edelman's parents teach her about addressing needs and injustices?

• To wait for others to take action

• To see what she could do to help

• To focus on her own success

• To ignore the needs of others

What lesson did Marian Wright Edelman learn from her parents about purpose in life?

• To prioritize leisure and relaxation

• To focus on personal wealth

• To follow the need and serve others

• To avoid taking risks

How did Marian Wright Edelman's childhood experiences influence her work at the Children's Defense Fund?

• She worked on issues like immunizations and education

• She focused on adult education

• She prioritized economic development

• She concentrated on international aid

What was one of the first issues Marian Wright Edelman worked on at the Children's Defense Fund?

• Providing immunizations for children

• Developing new technology

• Building new schools

• Creating job opportunities

What inspired Marian Wright Edelman to focus on children's advocacy?

• The influence of her college professors

• Her desire to become a politician

• The poverty and hunger she saw in Mississippi

• Her interest in environmental issues

What is one of the achievements of the Children's Defense Fund mentioned by Marian Wright Edelman?

• Building schools in every state

• Ending global poverty

• Creating the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

• Establishing a new political party

What was a significant outcome of the Children's Defense Fund's efforts?

• The elimination of all child poverty

• The end of racial discrimination

• The establishment of the largest Head Start program

• The creation of a new political party

What does Marian Wright Edelman identify as a major issue that adults in power have failed to address?

• The importance of investing in children

• The development of new technology

• The expansion of space exploration

• The need for more military spending

What does Marian Wright Edelman believe is essential for the future of the United States?

• An increase in military spending

• An educated child population

• A reduction in environmental regulations

• A focus on space exploration

What drives Marian Wright Edelman's advocacy work?

• Her pursuit of wealth

• Her interest in technology

• Her faith and role models

• Her desire for personal recognition