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Jean Childs Young was a civil and human rights activist who was known for her work with women and children. In 1954, after graduating from Howard Unversity, Andrew Young met his first wife, Jean Childs Young at a small Congregational church in 1951 where he was working as a pastor.
The couple tied the knot in 1954 and moved to Atlanta in 1961. As reported by The New York Times, they had four children together— three daughters, Andrea Young and Paula Shelton, and Lisa Alston and a son, Andrew. Jean Childs Young succumbed to liver cancer in 1994.
A native of Marion, Alabama, Jean Young was diagnosed with cancer in early 1991, shortly after her husband's unsuccessful bid for Georgia's governorship and their successful campaign for Atlanta getting to host the 1996 Olympic Games.
She actively contributed to both efforts, campaigning for her husband and traveling across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe to gather international support for Atlanta's Olympic bid.
She earned a master's degree in education from Queens College in New York and went on to teach in Hartford, Thomasville, and Atlanta before becoming a coordinator for elementary and preschool programs with Atlanta public schools.
As mentioned on the National Park Service website, in 1979, Jean was appointed chair of the International Year of the Child, a global initiative marking the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
During Young's tenure as mayor of Atlanta, Jean Childs Young initiated the Dream Jamboree, a college and career fair aimed at inspiring high school students to pursue higher education and career opportunities. This impactful program continues to benefit the community, recently celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Jean’s enduring legacy includes the Jean Childs Young Middle School in Atlanta, named in her honor, a testament to her profound influence on education and her unwavering dedication to empowering future generations.
More about Jean Childs Young
As described in her bio on The History Makers, she transitioned from teaching to a broader global role. She became the protocol liaison for foreign dignitaries at GoodWorks International, a global business consulting firm established by her husband.
Additionally, she served as vice chair of the Andrew J. Young Foundation and was the executive director of Andrew Young Presents, an Emmy-winning documentary series focusing on Africa, the Civil Rights Movement, and other critical social issues.
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She was honored as Atlanta Area II Teacher of the Year and received awards such as the Southern Bell Black History Calendar 'Teacher of Excellence' Award and the Georgia Teachers Incentive Award for Intermediate Grades.
Beyond her professional achievements, she contributed to the community by serving on the boards of organizations including the United Negro College Fund, the Andrew & Walter Young YMCA, Atlanta Technical College, WestCare, and Clark Atlanta University.
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