Shaking It Up: The Life & Times of Liz Carpenter

Directed and produced by Christy Carpenter and Abby Ginzberg
77 minutes; Documentary

A discussion with co-director and co-producer Christy Carpenter (Liz Carpenter's daughter) and Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist, will follow the screening. Tickets are $10; $8 for Friend-level Modern members; $7 for Associate-level Modern members and above.

Shaking it Up: The Life & 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 twentieth 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, her high-profile leadership roles in the National Women’s Political Caucus and at the historic National Women’s Conference in Houston in 1977, and 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.