Waubonsee Community College

The secret to change, by Millie Jeffrey and Dennis J. Smith

eng

videorecording

For College; Adult audiences

The secret to change

electronic resource

747797431

by Millie Jeffrey and Dennis J. Smith

38

On August 9, 2000, former President Bill Clinton awarded Mildred McWilliams Jeffrey the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. In this inspiring film, Senator Ted Kennedy, Gloria Steinem, Geraldine Ferraro, John Conyers and others reveal why the diminutive Millie stands tall as a galvanizing activist in the twentieth century s revolution for social justice. Through seven decades, Millie Jeffrey brought about change -- by empowering victims of exploitation and discrimination to fight for equality and opportunity. In the 1930 ', she organized textile workers. During World War II, she helped thousands of "Rosie the Riveters" learn to thrive in a male-dominated world. The 50s and 60s found Millie a pioneer among whites in the struggle for civil rights. To get progressive policymakers elected, she became a leader in Democratic Party politics. And, when the modern women s movement was taking shape, Millie offered savvy leadership. This documentary chronicles Millie s achievements with a rich mixture of archival, educational and commercial films. The exuberant Millie offers a tested blueprint for action, urging those working for social change to organize, build power coalitions and above all -- never give up! In her words -- "You never win freedom permanently. You have to win it time after time ... whether it s union rights, civil rights, or equality for women. We have to keep at it and at it." A Production of the Educational Film Center and National Women s Education Fund

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