Starsky Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Starsky Wilson
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | August 2, 1976 |
| Education | Xavier University of Louisiana (BA) Eden Theological Seminary (MDiv) Duke University (DMin) |
| Occupation | Pastor, Civil rights activist |
| Organization | Children's Defense Fund |
| Spouse(s) | LaToya Smith |
| Children | 4 |
Starsky Wilson was born in 1976 in Dallas, Texas. He is an American activist and a minister. He is currently the president of the Children's Defense Fund. Starsky Wilson is known for working to protect children's rights. He also works for racial equity, which means making sure everyone is treated fairly, no matter their race.
Contents
Starsky Wilson's Education
Starsky Wilson grew up in Dallas. As a teenager, he went to Xavier University in New Orleans. There, he took part in public speaking contests. He later earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Xavier.
He then earned a master's degree in divinity from Eden Theological Seminary. A divinity degree is for people studying to become ministers. He also earned a doctorate degree from Duke University.
Starsky Wilson's Career
Starsky Wilson worked for the United Way, an organization that helps communities. This job led him to move to St. Louis, Missouri.
Leading St. John's Church
In 2008, Wilson became the pastor of St. John’s Church in St. Louis. This church was founded in 1855. Wilson was the second Black pastor to lead the church.
In 2012, Wilson worked with other faith leaders in Missouri. They wanted to make rules for payday lending. This is when people borrow small amounts of money at very high interest rates.
Helping the Community with Deaconess Foundation
In 2011, while still a pastor, Wilson became the President and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation in St. Louis. This foundation helps children and families.
Role in Ferguson Protests
In 2014, a young man named Michael Brown was killed by police. This led to many peaceful protests. St. John’s Church, where Wilson was pastor, became a center for these protests.
Starsky Wilson helped organize "Freedom Rides" in 2014. These were like the historic Civil Rights Movement rides. They brought people together to support justice.
The Ferguson Commission
Also in 2014, the governor of Missouri asked Wilson to help lead the Ferguson Commission. This group looked into problems in the community. They wrote a report about things like how police and citizens interact. They also looked at fairness in courts, how children are doing, and equal chances for everyone.
Leading the Children's Defense Fund
In December 2020, Wilson became the CEO and President of the Children's Defense Fund. This important organization works to help children across the United States. He took over from its founder, Marian Wright Edelman.
Starsky Wilson also serves on the boards of other groups. These groups work on things like how charities give money and how to make organizations more effective.
In January 2021, Wilson gave a special speech at Duke University. It was part of their yearly event honoring Martin Luther King Jr..
In 2022, Wilson joined a new group called NinetyToZero. This group works to reduce the racial wealth gap in the United States. This means trying to make sure people of all races have fair chances to build wealth.
Starsky Wilson's Family Life
Starsky Wilson lives in Washington, D.C.. He lives there with his wife, LaToya, and their four children.
