Children's Defense Fund founder visits

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - For nearly four decades, the Children's Defense Fund has advocated for children who can't speak for themselves.

The group's founder, Marian Wright Edelman, was in Dayton Wednesday to launch the Freedom Schools program, which creates a learning environment for kids during the summer.

She also met with philanthropists and educators who want to improve the lives of America's youth.

"This is a wake up call to look at our children who are being suspended and dropping out.  A majority of children can't read on their computed grade level.  So, we're trying to wake up folk," said Marian Wright Edelman, Founder of the Children's Defense Fund.

Wright Edelman spoke with students, directly impacted by the Freedom Schools program. She was certainly in her element, visiting a summer program called the Freedom School at Dayton Boys Prep.

"We really want to pay special attention to extra children of color and disabled," said Wright Edelman.

So the Children's Defense Fund crusade developed nationwide learning centers to keep young people on their academic toes in the summer.

Students like Gabriel Bailey know the benefits.

"She's one of my heroes.  Really, why?  She created Freedom Schools.  If not for her, I would not be reading at the level I am today. What's that?  Actually, I'm reading at the 10th grade level," said Gabriel Bailey, Freedom School Summer Camp.

The Freedom Schools' theme is, "I can make a difference to myself".

It is also the theme of the book, "The Carrot Seed", read to the students by Edelman. "Bottom line is don't you ever give up."

"What would you ask her? Did you have people that said you couldn't do it? I know some people say Gabriel, you can't, you can't do this, you are too little or it's too hard for you, but I'm ahead in my class in reading."

"You are the little boy in The Carrot Seed book? Yes, ma'am."

Wright Edelman's visit to Dayton is part of the Children's Defense Fund pursuit of justice and empowerment for young people.