Jean Childs Young, born on July 1, 1933 in Marian, Alabama, was an educator and civil and human rights activist, particularly to women and children. She participated in historical civil rights events, including the 1961 boycott of downtown lunch counters in Atlanta, the 1965 Selma march for voting rights, and the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign in Washington. While her husband, Andrew Young, was mayor of the city of Atlanta, Jean Young created the Dream Jamboree, a college and career fair for high school students which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

A woman of great passion for education, her impact on children will last through future generations. A school has been named in her honor – the Jean Childs Young Middle School located in Atlanta.