[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 124 (Friday, October 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   TRIBUTE TO MILDRED MILLIE JEFFREY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 5, 2000

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with high honor and deep admiration 
that I share the words of President William Jefferson Clinton as he 
bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to a national treasure from 
the State of Michigan, Mildred ``Millie'' Jeffrey.

       As a Catholic schoolgirl, Millie Jeffrey dodged the stones 
     of neighborhood bigots and watched Klansmen march through 
     town with a burning cross. As a union organizer in 
     Mississippi, she stood bravely as company men snapped 
     bullwhips at her feet. Clearly, they didn't know whom they 
     were up against.
       She may be small in stature and humble in manner, but she 
     is very strong. She worked for Walter Reuther and counseled 
     the Kennedys, influencing all with her courage and unflagging 
     commitment to social justice. To meet the need for more women 
     in public office, she started the National Women's Political 
     Caucus, and sparked the effort to nominate Geraldine Ferraro 
     16 years ago.
       For countless women around the world, she remains an 
     inspiration. Her impact will be felt for generations, and her 
     example never forgotten.

  It has been my personal privilege to work side by side with Millie 
Jeffrey over these years on many vital issues ranging from the world of 
politics including the campaign of Robert Kennedy to the world of civil 
rights and the rights of women. It is hard to convey through the 
written word Millie's enthusiasm and dogged devotion to her causes. She 
not only continues to ``light up'' a room, but she remains committed to 
action and results.
  In closing, let me share a bit of Millie Jeffrey herself from an 
upcoming documentary film of her life, ``You never win freedom 
permanently. You have to win it time after time after time--whether 
it's union rights, civil rights, equality in education or for women in 
any aspect of our lives. We have to keep at it, and at it.''

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