[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF MILDRED ``MILLIE'' JEFFREY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 25, 2004

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Mildred ``Millie'' Jeffrey, a pioneer who was at the forefront of our 
country's most powerful social and political movements. Millie passed 
away in March, and on Saturday she will be honored at her beloved Wayne 
State University in Detroit.
  Millie once said, ``the secret to change, that is change for the 
better, starts with involvement.'' No one lived that mantra more than 
Millie. She was a powerful voice for our Nation's workers, fighting for 
their right to organize and to ensure fair treatment in the workplace. 
Millie marched in the South with Dr. King, and trained other civil 
rights activists as they worked to break down racial barriers. As a 
leading feminist, Millie worked tirelessly to open the doors for 
equality of future women leaders. She was the guiding force in the 
effort to nominate Geraldine Ferraro as Walter Mondale's running mate 
in 1984. Four years ago, President Clinton awarded Millie the Medal of 
Freedom, our Nation's highest civilian honor.
  The Reuther family brought Millie to Michigan, and it is the place 
she called home for over 5 decades. Many people don't know this, but 
Millie was, in fact, an elected official in our State, serving 16 years 
on the Wayne State Board of Governors. She loved living on campus, 
showing visitors ``her neighborhood'' and interacting with the 
students. She took great pride in watching the election of the first 
woman Senator from Michigan, Debbie Stabenow, and the first woman 
Governor, Jennifer Granholm. Many of today's leaders count Mildred 
``Millie'' Jeffrey as their mentor and friend. I was personally 
enriched by her example, her endless energy, and her friendship.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Millie and 
her contributions to Michigan and our Nation.

                          ____________________