2025 Marian Wright Edelman Distinguished Lectureship: advancing child well-being and racial justice

The Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities proudly hosted the 2025 Marian Wright Edelman Distinguished Lectureship this October, continuing a tradition that uplifts leaders who are shaping the national conversation around children’s health, opportunity, and equity.

Named for civil rights icon Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), Yale-trained attorney, and the first African American woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar, the lectureship series was established in 2014 by the UMMC Office of Population Health and the Evers-Williams Institute. Each year, it brings nationally and internationally recognized voices to Mississippi to discuss cutting-edge research and policy issues affecting children and families.

This year’s keynote speaker was Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund and the CDF Action Council. A nationally respected advocate for racial justice and child well-being, Rev. Dr. Wilson leads CDF’s policy, community organizing, and education initiatives, including its network of CDF Freedom Schools in 30 states.

His lecture focused on the urgent need to address structural inequities affecting children while calling on health systems, policymakers, and communities to act boldly on behalf of the nation’s most vulnerable youth. Rev. Dr. Wilson emphasized the interconnectedness of education, economic opportunity, community power, and health, a message that aligns closely with MEWI’s mission.

Dr. Juanyce Taylor, Director of the Interdisciplinary Learning Lab and host of this year’s event, spoke to the significance of the moment:

“The Marian Wright Edelman Lectureship is more than a gathering; it is a platform for truth-telling and transformation. Rev. Dr. Wilson challenged us to examine the systems surrounding our children and to take responsibility for building a more just future. His message will stay with this community for a long time.”

The 2025 lectureship brought students, faculty, community leaders, and child advocacy partners together for an energizing conversation about Mississippi’s role in advancing health equity for children. It reaffirmed a shared commitment. Every child deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to flourish.