Stories matter. Recently, CDF Freedom Schools® welcomed Black children’s book creators to Alex Haley Farm, continuing a tradition of gathering storytellers whose work helps young people see themselves, their history, and their power on the page.

The children are well when they are safe, supported, heard, nourished, and protected. This year, CDF Freedom Schools® National Day of Social Action will focus on children’s mental health and social-emotional wellness. Join us on July 15: https://bit.ly/3R2bmah

Tonight, CDF-NY will host its 2026 Celebration of Joy! We cannot wait to see you all at the Manny Cantor Center for an evening rooted in hope, resilience, and collective action. It's too late to grab a ticket, but you can still donate here: https://bit.ly/4usdjdM

Last week in Tennessee, more than 1,300 CDF Freedom Schools® leaders gathered to prepare to serve nearly 12,000 scholars at more than 180 sites nationwide. Learn more about our upcoming summer of literacy, joy, and civic action: https://bit.ly/4otzYVA

Join CDF-New York on June 17 for Celebration of Joy: “Begin Again: Rooted in Joy, Rising in Power" as we honor young people, uplift community, and celebrate leaders advancing justice for children and families. Purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or donate here: https://bit.ly/4usdjdM

Today, on Marian Wright Edelman's birthday, we celebrate CDF’s founder and president emerita. Her lifelong work for children, families, and justice continues to shape the movement for every child. Learn more about our founding: https://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/our-history/

A sermon can remind us who we are and what we are called to do. For more than 30 years, Hall-Proctor has gathered prophetic voices to tell the truth, inspire courage, and call us toward justice for children. Join us at Alex Haley Farm this July: https://bit.ly/4omAncJ

Tonight in Huntsville, CDF Southern Regional Office will gather for A Celebration of Joy to honor leaders and youth advocates rooted in joy, rising in hope, and investing in every child. Learn more about the awardees and the event here: https://bit.ly/4dzXVa9

Knox County Schools made the right decision by returning Alex Haley’s Roots to school library shelves. But it should never have been removed. Books that reflect America’s true history and diversity belong in the hands of young people. Read more: https://bit.ly/49IOjYr

CDF mourns the passing of George Gresham, former 1199SEIU president and CDF Board Member Emeritus. His life’s work reflected a deep commitment to workers, families, children, and justice. Our condolences are with his loved ones and the 1199SEIU community.

Registration is open for #HallProctor2026! Meet us at Alex Haley Farm this July for four days of renewal, community, and preparation for the work ahead. Register today: https://www.childrensdefense.org/events/hall-proctor-institute-for-child-advocacy-ministry-2/

Today we honor a legacy of courage, truth-telling, and moral clarity. Malcolm X challenged America to confront racism without comfort or denial. His life reminds us that justice requires more than remembrance. It requires the will to speak about what our children and communities deserve.

Amazing news from NY! After being detained by ICE during a required check-in, 16-year-old Joel was granted deferred action for four years and can remain with his family. Learn more: https://www.nyclu.org/press-release/victory-16-year-old-illegally-arrested-during-ice-check-in-can-remain-with-family

Today, CDF joins communities in AL and NC for a National #DayofAction for #VotingRights. The fight for voting rights is not behind us. It's unfolding now. Communities are still demanding power, protection, and a voice in the decisions that shape our children’s lives. Join us: https://bit.ly/4dxnRSA

Children’s futures are shaped by who has power, who is represented, and whose voices are heard when decisions are made. Tomorrow, CDF joins the National Day of Action for Voting Rights in Alabama and North Carolina. Join us: allroadsleadtothesouth.com

The fight for voting rights is inseparable from the fight for children. This Saturday, May 16, Children’s Defense Fund will join actions in Alabama and North Carolina for National Day of Action for Voting Rights. Join us: allroadsleadtothesouth.com

For more than 30 years, the Hall-Proctor Institute has carried forward the legacy of prophetic preaching: the tradition of telling the truth about the world as it is and calling people toward the world our children deserve. Faith must move us toward action. Register today: https://bit.ly/3ZJB97M

This Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, we are reminded that too many children and young people are struggling, and often go without the support they need. CDF is fighting for a world where children can thrive. Learn more about our mental health advocacy work: https://bit.ly/4tj8jaM

You do not leave Hall-Proctor the same way you arrived. You leave remembering that the fight for justice is not only struggle. It is also worship, rest, and laughter. Swipe to see what you’ll take back to your community. Then register for #HallProctor2026 here: https://bit.ly/3ZJB97M

Today, we recognize Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives. This crisis is about lives stolen, families left without answers, and systems that have failed Indigenous communities for generations. We stand with Indigenous leaders calling for truth and accountability. #MMIW #MMIWR

This #TeacherAppreciationWeek, we celebrate educators who show up every day for children with patience and care. At a time of growing challenges and shrinking resources, teachers continue to give children their all. To every teacher: we see you, we value you, and we are grateful for all you do. 🍎

A youth is currently being held in immigration detention. Our Children’s Defense Fund staff in New York recently filed an amicus brief in support of their release. There is no humane way to detain youth. We refuse to accept a system that places youth in harm.

That is what Hall-Proctor means to so many who gather each year at Alex Haley Farm. Worship. Prayer. Advocacy. Community. Renewal for the work ahead. Join us this July. Register today: https://www.childrensdefense.org/events/hall-proctor-institute-for-child-advocacy-ministry-2

When our communities lose electoral power, our children lose too. Today’s Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais could reshape who gets heard in our democracy for generations. Read CDF's full statement: https://bit.ly/4udXp71

No child should have to spend even one night in immigration detention. That’s why Children’s Defense Fund joined a coalition letter calling on ICE to end child detention and close the Dilley facility in Texas, where at least 77 children are being held. Read the letter ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ujzNhr

Why does Hall-Proctor matter right now? Because this work was never meant to be done alone. #HallProctor2026 is where faith leaders and advocates reconnect, reflect, and prepare for what comes next. Register today: https://bit.ly/3ZJB97M

Ohio’s school discipline reform is quietly being undone. Suspensions and expulsions are rising, and Black children, children with disabilities, and children from low-income families are far likelier to be pushed out of classrooms. Children need support, not exclusion. Read: https://bit.ly/4edLAsS

CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson will join Dr. Martha Simmons on Preaching and Preachers for a conversation about how churches can support the movement for child well-being in 2026 and beyond. Tune in live on Dr. Martha Simmons's Facebook and YouTube on Monday, April 27 at noon ET!

Protecting our children means protecting our planet. At the 2000 Earth Day Rally, CDF Founder Marian Wright Edelman warned that “the Earth’s silence is being broken” by choices that put profit over children. Her call to build a movement for children and the Earth is just as urgent today. #EarthDay

Part family reunion. Part tent revival. Part theological study session. Part policy think tank. #HallProctor2026 is where faith leaders and child advocates come to Alex Haley Farm to refill their spiritual cup and prepare for the work ahead. Register now: https://bit.ly/3ZJB97M

Last week, #CDFMinnesota's Alexandra Fitzsimmons testified in support of legislation that would provide Minnesota schools more funding for campus safety. Every child deserves to feel safe and secure in their community. Watch her testimony: https://bit.ly/4ckHNY7

This #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, we affirm that Black Mamas deserve more than survival; they deserve joy, rest, and liberation. Join us and Black Mamas Matter Alliance to center healing and systemic change for Black families. Advance maternal health equity here: blkmaternalhealthweek.com #BMHW27

Today marks the start of Black Maternal Health Week! CDF is proud to join the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to uplift Black-led leadership and advocate for a future rooted in justice and joy for all families. Learn how you can support this important work at blkmaternalhealthweek.com. #BMHW28

We continue to fight for immigrant and mixed-status families nationwide. #CDFNewYork leaders Khin Mai Aung and Juan Diaz recently wrote an op-ed for the Buffalo News on why New York must pass the Access to Representation and BUILD Acts to protect our youth. Read here: https://bit.ly/4ebCYTv

Join the Paper Doll Campaign to help end family detention: https://bit.ly/41JLhys

Our Black Student Leadership Network Fellows and Ambassadors are driving change nationwide. Recently, Morehouse College student and #BSLN Ambassador Jordan Freeman (right) led an important conversation on sexual health and HIV awareness. Read more about Jordan's work here: https://bit.ly/48o4Rnw

No child should live in fear of gun violence. The Ohio Capital Journal recently wrote a story #CDFOhio's new report about gun violence in the state and the steps needed to protect our children. Read more about our recommendations here: https://bit.ly/4cpYYZr

Save the Date | Join #CDFNewYork on June 17 in Lower Manhattan as we hold A Celebration of Joy to uplift progress and community. We’re coming together to honor the people shaping a brighter future for New York’s children and youth. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4sebZKw

Take Action For Our Children | As families face rising costs and strained schools, CDF's Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson challenges us to stop treating children as afterthoughts. Read this month’s #ForOurChildren newsletter to learn how you can champion child well-being in America: https://bit.ly/4vcvOEM

All children deserve to live active lives in an healthy environment. This #TBT and #EarthMonth, we remember when CDF Founder and President Emerita Marian Wright Edelman met with former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy in 2014 to discuss how to fight climate change and pursue environmental justice.

In March, CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson joined the 2026 Common Sense Summit to tackle some of the issues now facing our youth in the digital sphere. We appreciate Common Sense Media inviting us to participate in such an important conversation about children’s safety and well-being.

Is your family getting the most out of the Child Tax Credit? The ABC Coalition Parent Advisory Board recently hosted a workshop breaking down CTC changes and how to maximize your benefits. Watch the full recording to learn how your story can shape future policy: https://bit.ly/4cfrVax

CDF-Ohio’s Brianna Booker recently testified in support of H.R. 148 in the Ohio statehouse. We believe this legislation represents a critical step toward providing stronger safeguards to prevent firearm-related child deaths in Ohio. Watch her full testimony here: https://bit.ly/4mm03VT

"It’s going to impact their physical and emotional wellbeing" | #CDFTexas' Trudy Taylor Smith, Esq. recently talked to Nonprofit Quarterly about the expanding, devastating toll of child detention in America. Read her thoughts as to why it must be dismantled: https://bit.ly/3Qasrhi

Minnesota lawmakers are considering new school violence prevention plans. #CDFMinnesota’s Alexandra Fitzsimmons recently testified on how these policies keep students feeling safe and supported. Read more on her testimony via Minnesota Public Radio: https://bit.ly/4sv1Ji2

New York outlawed arresting children under 12, but now some law enforcement are targeting their mothers. #CDFNewYork's José Perez spoke with The Imprint to challenge this punitive mindset and urge a shift toward providing young people more support. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4t9u4dD

Ohio's Kids in School Rule! program is changing the game for students in foster care. Join #CDFOhio and partners this Friday for the next Fostering Potential lecture to see how we are supporting Ohio's youth. Don't miss it! Register here: https://bit.ly/3ProIvE

Gun violence continues to take a toll on communities across the nation. A new report from #CDFOhio sheds light on the psychological impact on children in Ohio and the economic burden on our communities. Read the report to explore the data and the urgent need for change: https//bit.ly/4dFgYAb

The #CDFNewYork team wants you to help them tear down the barriers for children and young people! If you live in New York, tell your elected officials to dedicate $50 million to the Youth Justice Innovation Fund using this tool: bit.ly/YouthJusticeTakeAction

Is your family getting the most out of the Child Tax Credit? Join the ABC Coalition Parent Advisory Board on TOMORROW for a virtual workshop. We’re breaking down recent CTC changes, how to maximize your benefits, and how your story can shape future policy. Register here: https://bit.ly/4rFmJkA