Yesterday, we lost a giant. Legendary Detroit activist, author and philosopher Grace Lee Boggs passed away at the age of 100. That's a hundred years of kicking ass and inspiring generations of activists in the struggles for civil rights, labor, feminism, environmental justice and other causes. Grace Lee Boggs is the truth.
Grace Lee Boggs, Advocate for Many Causes for 7 Decades, Dies at 100
Grace Lee Boggs' extraordinary, inspirational story is told in the award-winning feature documentary American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs, directed by Grace Lee (no relation), which aired on PBS in 2014. In observance of her passing, POV has put the film on free streaming for the next month.
Watch it here:
Grace Lee Boggs, 98, is a Chinese American philosopher, writer, and activist in Detroit with a thick FBI file and a surprising vision of what an American revolution can be. Rooted for 75 years in the labor, civil rights and Black Power movements, she challenges a new generation to throw off old assumptions, think creatively and redefine revolution for our times. Winner, Audience Award, Best Documentary Feature, 2013 Los Angeles Film Festival. A co-presentation with the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM).
Also, President Obama issued a statement on the passing of Grace Lee Boggs:
Statement by the President on the Passing of Grace Lee Boggs
Michelle and I were saddened to hear of the passing of author, philosopher, and activist Grace Lee Boggs. Grace dedicated her life to serving and advocating for the rights of others – from her community activism in Detroit, to her leadership in the civil rights movement, to her ideas that challenged us all to lead meaningful lives. As the child of Chinese immigrants and as a woman, Grace learned early on that the world needed changing, and she overcame barriers to do just that. She understood the power of community organizing at its core – the importance of bringing about change and getting people involved to shape their own destiny. Grace’s passion for helping others, and her work to rejuvenate communities that had fallen on hard times spanned her remarkable 100 years of life, and will continue to inspire generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with Grace’s family and friends, and all those who loved her dearly.
More tributes to come. Rest in peace, Grace Lee Boggs.