Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power
Continuing the Fight for Justice in 2025 and Beyond
As we move into 2025, Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power remains an essential and timely reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power. In the face of political uncertainty, social division, and ongoing struggles for racial and gender justice, Barbara Lee’s unwavering commitment to activism and advocacy shines brighter than ever. This film is not just a historical look back—it is a vital resource for today and tomorrow, inspiring new generations to carry forward the mantle of leadership and activism.
The need for truth in our political discourse has never been more urgent, and Barbara Lee’s life and work provide a powerful model of integrity, resistance, and justice. As we look ahead to the next four years, we are called to continue the work that Lee, along with other trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm, set in motion—by amplifying their legacies and using their stories to empower our actions. Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power serves as a rallying cry for current and future generations to speak out against injustice, stand up for what is right, and demand the change we need to see in the world.
Keeping the Message of Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power Alive and Thriving
Social Action Media is committed to ensuring that the message of this powerful film continues to resonate in the years to come. In this critical moment of political and social transformation, Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power is more important than ever. As the film reaches new audiences through screenings, streaming platforms, and educational programs, it serves as both a call to action and a roadmap for those who are ready to take up the fight for justice.
The film highlights the life and legacy of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, whose consistent refusal to back down in the face of political pressure—whether in her opposition to the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars or her defense of marginalized communities—has made her one of the most respected and fearless leaders in Congress. By sharing her story, we not only honor Lee’s incredible contributions but also reinforce the crucial message that speaking truth to power is an ongoing necessity, especially in times of crisis. With future legislative battles for civil rights, reproductive justice and fair wages, Lee’s message is a beacon for all who strive to create a more just and equitable world.
Intergenerational Leadership: Carrying the Torch Forward
One of the most profound aspects of Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power is the way it bridges generations of activism. At a recent event hosted by Representation Matters, Rep. Barbara Lee joined actress Christina Jackson, who portrays a young Barbara Lee in the Netflix film Shirley, for a discussion that also honored Shirley Chisholm’s legacy. The event, moderated by Aimee Allison of She the People, highlighted the importance of intergenerational leadership and the enduring relevance of Chisholm’s and Lee’s work.
During the discussion, Rep. Lee and Jackson reflected on how Chisholm’s mentorship shaped Lee’s path in politics and how Lee, in turn, continues to mentor the next generation of leaders, including Lateefah Simon, who was just elected to carry on Lee’s legacy in Congress. This passing of the torch is a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship and solidarity in the fight for justice. As we approach 2025, it is crucial that we continue to elevate and support women like Rep. Lee, Rep. Pressley and Lateefah Simon—leaders who understand that true political power comes from speaking truth to power, even in the face of opposition.
Fighting Through Film: The Impact of Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power
The film’s impact reaches beyond just being a documentary—it is a call to action for all who believe in justice and equality. Abby Ginzberg, the director of Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power, reflects on how the documentary has illuminated the importance of representation and activism, particularly as we face pivotal moments in history. “The film has already earned widespread recognition, including an NAACP Image Award, but its true value lies in its ability to mobilize people to act and engage in the ongoing struggle for justice and to consider running for elected office,”said Ginzberg.
In addition, Ginzberg’s recent induction into the Silver Circle of the Emmys® highlights the powerful work being done through Social Action Media to elevate voices of change through film. As we move into the next few years, we are committed to continuing this work and ensuring that films like Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power remain accessible, relevant, and impactful for audiences around the world. The film has just been acquired for distribution in Japan, where audiences have responded to Barbara Lee’s example as a beacon for change in their own system of government.
Uplifting Voices for Change: The Legacy of Speaking Truth to Power
As we enter the new year, the message of Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power continues to resonate as a vital tool for inspiring political and social change. The film amplifies the voices of those who are working to create a better world—leaders like Barbara Lee, who have shown us that speaking truth to power is not just about resisting injustice but also about creating a more inclusive and equitable future.
One key component of this message is the focus on the role of women in politics. Throughout the film, we see how Barbara Lee has worked tirelessly to support and mentor other women in Congress today, such as Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator-Elect Lisa Blunt Rochester, who is about to make history as she and Angela Alsobrooks become the first two African American women to serve in the Senate at the same time. This commitment to intergenerational empowerment is critical as we look to the future and work to ensure that the next generation of leaders is prepared to take on the fight for justice and equality.
The Importance of Spreading the Word: Keep the Conversation Going
Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power takes on even greater significance as many seek to find their voices as part of the opposition to the new Trump administration. As Barbara Lee said in a recent New York Times article reflecting on the results of the election:“At the end of the day, this is a wake-up call,” she said. “As someone who has been in resistance movements before, as someone who wants to see peace and justice in the world, I’m not going to turn my back.” We encourage you to spread the word about this important film. Host a screening, share the story with friends and colleagues, and engage in conversations about the lessons we can learn from Barbara Lee’s life and work. By keeping the message of Speaking Truth to Power alive and well, we are not only honoring Barbara Lee’s legacy but also empowering the next generation to continue the fight for justice.
Building on the success of the Barbara Lee documentary, Social Action Media has undertaken a new docu-series entitled, She Dared to Dream, which features women members of Congress such as Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Pramila Jayapal and others who are carrying forward Barbara Lee’s legacy. This work is not just about celebrating the past—it is about shaping the future. She Dared to Dream will further highlight the women who are making history today and will continue to build on the foundation of activism and leadership set by trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Lee.
As Barbara Lee prepares to leave Congress, after 26 years of amazing service to her district and as the highest ranking Black woman in leadership in the House, her colleagues gathered to thank her for being a role model of courage, consistency and innovation. Among her numerous achievements , many called out her work as founder and co-chairwoman of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus which led to the creation of PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), which President George W. Bush signed into law in 2003 and has been estimated to have saved 25 mllion lives. The speakers ranged from Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, to House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, to Rep.Ayanna Pressley, Rep. Katherine Clark, Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Barbara’s grandson, Jonah Lee. Close to 50 former staffmembers were in attendance in celebration of Team Lee, who Barbara credits with doing the heavy lifting behind her initiatives, bills and constituent services.
Why Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power is Needed Now More Than Ever
Today the world faces unprecedented challenges. From political instability to environmental crises, the need for leaders who will speak truth to power is more urgent than ever. Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power is more than just a historical document—it is a crucial tool for understanding the importance of leadership, courage, and integrity in the fight for justice. It provides a model for those who seek to make a difference in their communities and a roadmap for how we can continue to fight for a more equitable future. In February, 2025, as part of Black History Month programming, Women Make Movies will host a free, virtual screening of the film, followed by a conversation with Barbara Lee and other special guests. Sign up here: www.speakingtruthtopowermovie.com/contact
By continuing to share and engage with Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power, we ensure that the lessons of Barbara Lee’s life and career continue to inspire the next generation of activists, politicians, and citizens. Now, more than ever, we must keep the conversation going and reaffirm our commitment to speaking truth to power.
Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and for educational use through Women Make Movies. To learn more about screenings, join the conversation, and stay updated on upcoming projects, follow us on social media. Together, let’s keep the message of speaking truth to power alive and well for the next four years and beyond!
