Film Screening- Shaking It Up: The Life & Times of Liz Carpenter

Shaking it Up: The Life & Times; Times of Liz Carpenter tells the story of an extraordinary woman -- Liz Carpenter -- who experienced and helped shape some of the most vivid moments and movements of the 20th century. Journalist, vice-presidential advisor, White House official, author, humorist, political activist, and feminist leader: Over her 89 years, Liz was often front and center where history was unfolding leaving her own indelible mark on events and people. Hers is an inspiring story of blazing professional trails while pushing forward an agenda for women’s rights, the environment, and political engagement that is highly relevant today. Her expansive personality, political know-how, and legendary wit gave her an outsized impact on historical events -- from the JFK assassination to the launch of Great Society programs, from her high-profile leadership roles in the National Women’s Political Caucus and at the historic National Women’s Conference in Houston in 1977 to campaigning for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. The film is designed to educate and inspire viewers, especially the next generation of changemakers, to continue to “shake things up” in the ongoing battle for equal rights and human progress. The filmmakers have completed 18 interviews, including with journalists Bill Moyers, Dan Rather, and Evan Smith; Luci Johnson; Lynda Johnson Robb; presidential historian Douglas Brinkley; Lady Bird biographer Julia Sweig; and feminists Gloria Steinem, former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Mary Beth Rogers, and Eleanor Smeal. Additionally, the film draws upon extensive interviews with Liz Carpenter and news coverage of the historic times on which she left her mark.