Interdisciplinary Learning Lab
Marian Wright Edelman Lectureship
Marian Wright Edelman is the president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund, an internationally known organization established to advocate for the rights of children. She is a graduate of Yale School of Law and was the first African American woman admitted to the bar in Mississippi.
In October 2014, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Office of Population Health and the Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities launched the Marian Wright Edelman Distinguished Lectureship Series. This lecture series features nationally and internationally known scientists, educators, and child advocates, who present and discuss cutting-edge research and policy issues regarding child health and child health disparities. Lectures also highlight work in cross-cutting areas such as child education, policy, public health, medicine, social justice, and economic development.
2026 Marian Wright Edelman Distinguished Lectureship
When: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: R153 Lower Amphitheater
Contact Info: Patrick Taylor at pctaylor@umc.edu or (601) 815-9439
Description:
The Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities – the clinical arm of the John D. Bower School of Population Health at UMMC – welcomes Hermon M. Johnson Jr., director of the Mound Bayou Museum, as the featured speaker for the 2026 Marian Wright Edelman Distinguished Lectureship Series. Johnson will present “Overcoming Adversity: Resilience, Hope, and Community Transformation in Mound Bayou, Mississippi.”edelmanedelman
The lecture will explore the history, resilience, and enduring legacy of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, and the role of community in creating lasting change.
Lunch will be provided. The event will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in the R153 Lower Amphitheater.