The literacy level at Mississippi prisons? Fifth grade. Can't read, what are you going to do? If you've got a conviction rap, what are you going to do? It's a real crisis. — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
We must always refill and ensure there is a critical mass of leaders and activists committed to nonviolence and racial and economic justice who… — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
It is utterly exhausting being Black in America - physically, mentally, and emotionally. While many minority groups and women feel similar stress, there is… — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
Justice is not cheap. Justice is not quick. It is not ever finally achieved. — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
I never thought I was breaking a glass ceiling. I just had to do what I had to do, and it never occurred to… — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
In my generation, we learned how to be leaders by being exposed to and involved with adults who empowered us and gave us a… — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
The old notion that children are the private property of parents dies very slowly. In reality, no parent raises a child alone. How many… — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
When Jesus Christ asked little children to come to him, he didn't say only rich children, or White children, or children with two-parent families,… — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
“Don’t feel entitled to anything you don’t sweat and struggle for” — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
You can't tell parents to teach children the value of work when we don't have jobs and the jobs we have don't pay a… — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
To all those mothers and fathers who are struggling with teen-agers, I say, just be patient: even though it looks like you can't do… — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
It really takes a community to raise children, no matter how much money one has. Nobody can do it well alone. And it's the… — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
Democracy cannot breathe, indeed will die, if those enjoined to protect it and uphold the laws snuff it out - with no consequences. — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
Hunger and malnutrition have devastating consequences for children and have been linked to low birth weight and birth defects, obesity, mental and physical health… — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
We're spending, on average, three times more for prison than for public-school pupils. That's the dumbest investment policy. It doesn't make us safer. — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
You'd better stay determined, because that's how our ancestors got us where we are. — Marian Wright Edelman Copy Share Image
