We Rise: A Film from the Center for Women's History
Shows every hour on the half hour in the Robert H. Smith Auditorium

On November 6, 1917, women in New York State gained the right to vote. Amidst the arduous 70-year fight for suffrage, activists also brought to light myriad social issues, from labor conditions to racism to birth control. Narrated by Meryl Streep and featuring the song "We Are Here" written and composed by Alicia Keys, "We Rise" places women at the center of political thought and action that reshaped the country in the early 20th century.

Through artistic projections, immersive sound, and theatrical lighting, the unique 17-minute film created by Donna Lawrence Productions profiles some of the remarkable women whose advocacy for change had lasting effects—including Lillian Wald, nurse and founder of Henry Street Settlement; Addie Hunton, suffragist and leader of black women's organizations; Margaret Sanger, birth control activist; and Clara Lemlich, who led the massive strike of shirtwaist workers in New York's garment industry in 1909; as well as women such as Clara Driscoll, head of Tiffany Studios' Women's Glass Cutting Department, who found new opportunities for work and independence in New York City during the era.

Funding to share We Rise online provided by:
Kelly Williams and Andrew Forsyth
 
With additional gifts from:
Daisy Soros
Joyce Chang & David Robbins
Joan Granlund
   Allison Holtzschue
Francine A. LeFrak Foundation

We Rise

Co-producers
Susan and Roger Hertog
The Leonard and Judy Lauder Fund
Jean Margo Reid
Robert H. Smith Family

Associate producers
Richard Gilder and Lois Chiles
Leni and Peter May

Other support
Jennifer and John R. Monsky
Daria L. and Eric J. Wallach

Additional funds
Field Family Foundation
Fredrica S. and Stephen J. Friedman
Brenda Grassey
Amanda and Neal Moszkowski
Joan and Michael Steinberg
Barbara and John Vogelstein

Public support
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council
Empire State Development and I LOVE NEW YORK under Governor Andrew Cuomo’s
Regional Economic Development Council Initiative