Children’s Defense Fund Encourages Racial Healing In Wake Of Trayvon Martin Killing

Teenagers packed a convention auditorium in Cincinnati, Ohio to discuss violence and racial healing. Founder and President of The Children’s Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman, believes children can change the national dialogue about race. She reminded them of their ability to make a difference.

Speaking to the teenagers, Edelman said, “Children can and must change this country. I hope you will leave this conference armed with new facts and understanding about the huge threats facing our children and democracy and ready to join together to ensure a level playing field for every child.”

In the United States, poverty afflicts 16.4 million children. Three thousand children die each year from gun violence. And thousands are homeless.

Beth Quill, Executive director of The Children’s Defense Fund of Texas, indicated the organization’s mission is particularly significant during troubled economic times. Quill described the organization as a “movement to help make the lives of our children in this country better.”

Poet and author, Dr. Maya Angelou, delivered the keynote address at Wednesday’s meeting. Angelou filled the room with joy, opening with a gospel song and poem. She urged the youth at the conference to refrain from using the “N” word. And she asked, “What is the bleeding and the meeting, the killing and thrilling all about?”

Dr. Angelou also expressed her love and support for Trayvon Martin’s parents, who also spoke at the convention. Trayvon’s father, Tracy Martin, called his son a hero, explaining that Trayvon had pulled him from a burning home. “My child was my hero. He saved my life and not to be there to save his life in his time of need is real troublesome.”

Trayvon’s mother, Sabrina Fulton, said her greatest challenge is “not holding and talking to him. If I can handle that, I can certainly deal with what the court rules.” Trayvon’s parents have traveled the country, sharing their story since their unarmed teenage son was shot and killed in February by neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman.

The Children’s Defense Fund started 40 years ago to fight for justice for children. This year’s conference was the first in seven years. To read more about The Children’s Defense Fund, visit http://www.childrensdefense.org/