July 27, 2026 – CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson is visiting CDF Freedom Schools sites nationwide this summer to discuss children’s mental health with parents.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
BALTIMORE, MD—On Monday, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of the national youth advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), will visit Baltimore to hear directly from children and families about the mental health challenges they face, and the solutions they envision.
During his visit, Wilson will meet with parents, caregivers, and students at the Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School, home to The Y in Central Maryland’s Baltimore CDF Freedom Schools® site. Through this local partnership, the program helps children and young people across the Baltimore area build literacy, leadership, and social-emotional skills while preventing summer learning loss.
Monday’s event is part of a multi-state listening tour designed to inform CDF’s advocacy for children and empower parents, caregivers, and young people to drive positive change in their communities. Dr. Wilson has already participated in town halls in Charlotte, Chicago, Little Rock, and Oakland. CDF has held executive listening sessions with families at CDF Freedom Schools since 2022 across 13 states.
What: CDF Freedom Schools Town Hall
Who: CDF Freedom Schools Scholars & CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson
When: CDF Freedom Schools Town Hall: 3pm to 4pm EST
Where: The Y in Central Maryland | Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School | 507 W Preston St, Baltimore, MD 21201
At previous stops, parents, caregivers, and youth have shared what is working and failing in their communities as they strive to raise children with dignity, hope, and joy. By mapping out local barriers and pathways to change, participants are directly fueling the national movement for child well-being.
This year, CDF has focused on asking “Are the Children Well?” to advance discussions on the mental health and social-emotional wellness of America’s young people. This initiative has taken on heightened urgency as communities nationwide begin facing the impact of Congress’ decision, last year, to cut healthcare and nutrition spending in America.
Reporters are invited to join Dr. Wilson and The Y in Central Maryland scholars at 3:00 p.m. EST for the CDF Freedom Schools Town Hall meeting.
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About Children’s Defense Fund
Children’s Defense Fund builds community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. Founded in 1973, CDF envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.