Addressing the class of 1993, Marian Wright Edelman spoke up for children

In her 1993 Class Day speech, she reminded the graduating seniors of those less fortunate.

Marian Wright Edelman (Cambridge, MA - June 13, 1991) - Marion Wright Edelman, president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund, stands to receive her honorary degree at Harvard University Commencement.

Marian Wright Edelman (Cambridge, MA - June 13, 1991) - Marion Wright Edelman, president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund, stands to receive her honorary degree at Harvard University Commencement. | Photograph by Harvard News Office

In her address to the class of ’93, Marian Wright Edelman, the founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund, eschewed levity and addressed forthrightly the plight of needy children in the United States.

Read brief excerpts from this PDF from the July-August 1993 issue.

Most popular

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Lafayette’s Unexpected Gift to George Washington: Pheasants

The two birds will be on display at Harvard this summer.

Harvard Alumni Win Two 2026 Nobel Prizes

Karl Deisseroth revolutionized neuroscience. Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has adjudicated cases in international courts concerning genocide.

Explore More From Current Issue

A woman with curly blonde hair sits casually against a stone wall, wearing a black top and jeans.

Chloe Chapin trains her Broadway costume designer’s eye on the history of men’s fashion.

Three young women posed side by side against red background.

The 2026-2027 Ledecky and Summer Undergraduate Fellows

A smiling elderly man in glasses sits comfortably in a striped armchair.

Plus, veteran higher education leader Thomas Ehrlich reflects on university curricula for his 70th reunion