ACLU Of Michigan Holds Legacy Lecture In Grand Rapids, Sept. 16. Speaker Is Eleanor Clift, Contributing Editor For Newsweek

Top Quote Eleanor Clift, contributing editor for Newsweek, will be the featured speaker at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan's next lecture in its Legacy Lecture series in Grand Rapids on Thursday. Sept. 16, 2010. End Quote
  • Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland, MI (1888PressRelease) August 27, 2010 - The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan's next lecture in its Legacy Lecture series will be held in Grand Rapids on Thursday. Sept. 16, 2010 with featured speaker, Eleanor Clift, contributing editor for Newsweek. The lecture series is a component of ACLU of Michigan's commemoration of its 50th anniversary. Clift will address "Women in Politics: Intriguing Voices; Compelling Views." The lecture runs from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., and will be in the Wealthy Theater, 1130 Wealthy Street.

    Bank of America is presenting the event, which is open to the public. A book signing will follow.

    In 1959, social justice advocates established an ACLU chapter in Michigan, defending civil liberties at the most local level. The Legacy Lectures are a tribute to the efforts of the organization's founders and focus on topics of historical significance to the organization and to Michiganders. Through these events, the ACLU of Michigan honors the contributions of its founders and their legacy of standing up for civil liberties.

    Kary Moss, executive director of the ACLU of Michigan said, "This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from one of America's foremost political journalists. Through her weekly column and other press appearances, it is clear that Eleanor Clift has her finger on the pulse of what's happening in Washington and the changing role of women. Historically, the ACLU of Michigan has been in the forefront fighting for women's rights. It's an honor to welcome Ms. Clift to Michigan to speak to these issues of great importance to our members."

    Clift became a Newsweek contributing editor in September 1994. She writes on the Washington power structure, the influence of women in politics and other issues. Her column, "Capitol Letter," is posted each Friday on Newsweek.com.

    She is a former Newsweek's White House correspondent and has served as the publication's congressional and political correspondent. Clift left Newsweek briefly in 1985 to serve as White House correspondent for The Los Angeles Times, returning to Newsweek the following year. In June 1992 she was named deputy Washington bureau chief.

    Clift is a regular panelist on the syndicated talk show, "The McLaughlin Group." She has played herself in several movies, including "Dave," "Independence Day," "Murder at 1600," "Rising Sun," and the CBS series, "Murphy Brown."

    Clift wrote two books together with her late husband, Tom Brazaitis, a columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer: "War Without Bloodshed: The Art of Politics" and "Madam President: Shattering the Last Glass Ceiling." Clift's book, "Founding Sisters," deals with the passage of the 19th amendment giving women the vote. Her most recent book, "Two Weeks of Life: A Memoir of Love, Death and Politics," is about the loss of her husband and an examination of how we deal with death in America.

    She serves on the board of the International Women's Media Foundation, the Center for Politics and Journalism, and the National Hospice Foundation."

    Tickets to the Sept. 16 event are $20 for members; $30, non-members; $10, students; and $100, VIP (VIP tickets include premium seating and admission to a private reception/Afterglow with Eleanor Clift at the home of ACLU supporters). Purchasers of one VIP ticket are entitled to another $30 ticket for free. To purchase tickets, visit www.aclumich.org, or call (313) 578-6827.

    To become an event sponsor, call Kristin Gootjes at 616-745-8452, or select a sponsorship package on the ACLU of Michigan website. Sponsorships range from $250 to $5000, and include benefits at every level.

    The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan is our state's guardian of liberty, working daily in the courts, legislature and communities to defend the Bill of Rights and U.S. Constitution. For more information, visit www.aclumich.org.

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