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The Secret to Change
| Length: | 38 min |
| Released: | 2001 |
| Ages: |
College Adult |
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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's, she organized textile workers. During World War II, she helped thousands of "Rosie the Riveters" learn to thrive in a male-dominated world. The 50's and 60's 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.
Through seven decades, Millie Jeffrey brought about change -- by empowering victims of exploitation and discrimination to fight for equality and opportunity. In the 1930's, she organized textile workers. During World War II, she helped thousands of "Rosie the Riveters" learn to thrive in a male-dominated world. The 50's and 60's 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.
"Millie Jeffrey is a wonder! This effective behind-the-scenes labor, civil rights, and women's leader mentored and inspired countless women leaders. Thanks to this fine documentary, Millie will now inspire and teach many more young leaders." --Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President, Children's Defense Fund
"Anyone who wants to understand how the U.S. has become a more just society or needs encouragement for the struggles still remaining must see this marvelous film..." --Susan M. Hartmann, Professor of Women's Studies and History, The Ohio State University
"Recommended for secondary school level and above and for Women’s Studies, Political Science, and Multicultural Studies programs." MC Journal: The Journal of Academic Media Librarianship
"Libraries supporting curriculums that include women's issues, civil rights, labor history, social history, and women in nontraditional roles will find a demand for this interesting and empowering documentary." School Library Journal
"Anyone who wants to understand how the U.S. has become a more just society or needs encouragement for the struggles still remaining must see this marvelous film..." --Susan M. Hartmann, Professor of Women's Studies and History, The Ohio State University
"Recommended for secondary school level and above and for Women’s Studies, Political Science, and Multicultural Studies programs." MC Journal: The Journal of Academic Media Librarianship
"Libraries supporting curriculums that include women's issues, civil rights, labor history, social history, and women in nontraditional roles will find a demand for this interesting and empowering documentary." School Library Journal
