Social Justice Activist Millie Jeffrey Presents Marsh Lecture

March 22, 2002

DELAWARE, OHIO -- On Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m., Mildred "Millie" Jeffrey, a galvanizing activist in the twentieth century's revolution for social justice, will be presenting the 2nd annual Marsh Lecture on Public Affairs at Ohio Wesleyan University, titled "The Secret to Change." A documentary and lecture will take place in the R.W. Corns Building and is sponsored by OWU's Department of Politics and Government.

On Aug. 9, 2000, former President Bill Clinton awarded Jeffrey the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. She was recognized for her commitment to and sincere concern for victims of exploitation and discrimination over the past seven decades. In the 1930s, Jeffrey organized textile workers, and during World War II, she helped thousands of "Rosie the Riveters" learn to thrive in a male-dominated world. Jeffrey was a pioneer among whites in the '50s and '60s in the struggle for civil rights. Forging for progressive policy makers to be elected, she became a leader in Democratic Party politics. And when the modern women's movement was taking shape in the United States and across the world, Jeffrey offered savvy leadership.

In "The Secret to Change," Jeffrey passionately 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."

For more information, contact the University Communications Office at 740-368-3335 or the Politics and Government Department at 740-368-3780.