[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 12, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MILDRED ``MILLIE'' JEFFREY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2004

  Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Mildred ``Millie'' Jeffrey, a strong leader, community activist and 
protector of our United States Constitution. Millie passed away on 
Wednesday, March 24, 2004.
  Through seven decades of social activism, Millie Jeffrey demonstrated 
how one individual can influence the battle for social justice by 
empowering victims of exploitation and discrimination to fight for 
equality and opportunity.
  Millie was on the Board of Governors at Wayne State University, and 
she was the Director of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Consumer Affairs 
Department. Millie served with dedication and brought to her endeavors 
a brimming optimism. Millie was a mentor for legions of women and men 
in the labor, civil rights, women's rights, and peace movements. She is 
most remembered for her humor, passion for life, and her goodwill that 
will be remembered for generations to come.
  Millie once said; ``You never win freedom permanently. You have to 
win it time after time; whether it's union rights, civil rights, or 
equality for women.'' In the words of Michigan's Governor Jennifer 
Granholm, ``The greatest honor we can pay her, is to recommit to 
working for fairness and justice for all of our citizens today and 
everyday.''
  Everyone knew that if they wanted to hear true wisdom one would have 
to talk to Millie. She helped pave the way for women in politics 
everywhere. With her long list of accomplishments and accolades she 
became an icon of modern politics. On August 9, 2000 President Clinton 
awarded Millie the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award 
bestowed by the United States Government, for her selfless acts for 
peace. When awarding her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, President 
Bill Clinton said, ``She may be small in stature and humble in manner, 
but she is very strong.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to pay tribute to the life and 
work of ``Millie'' Jeffrey and express my deepest condolences to her 
family and to all who knew, loved, and were touched by her life.

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