Actress Jane Fonda Highlights Women for a New
Los Angeles Luncheon
On May 4, more than 300 women attended LAANE’s Women for a New Los Angeles Luncheon, honoring acclaimed actress and activist Jane Fonda.
Converging on USC’s Town & Gown from across Los Angeles, guests joined together for what has become one of the premier events for progressive women in Southern California.
Speakers included LAANE’s Executive Director Madeline Janis, San Fernando Mayor Pro Tem Nury Martinez and activist and political advisor Lara Bergthold, who introduced this year’s honoree.
Fonda spoke eloquently about her own activism, and praised LAANE’s work to lift up communities through organizing. “One of the things that LAANE’s work proves more than anything is that power is in collaboration,” she said.
“What really changed my life—and it’s why LAANE’s work touches me so deeply—is getting involved with community organizers and activists. What it showed me was how human beings can be transformed.”
Martinez echoed these sentiments, crediting LAANE with giving her the tools to implement policies that improve the lives of low-income residents and benefit the region.
Attendance at this year’s event nearly doubled from the previous year, reflecting the broad interest of progressive organizations and women throughout Los Angeles.
Click above to watch a short video— featuring honoree Jane Fonda—from LAANE's Women for a New Los Angeles Luncheon.
Recommended Reading Special women’s edition selection of books on labor history, democracy and the progressive movement
in America
L.A. Story By Ruth Milkman
Sociologist and labor expert Ruth Milkman explains how Los Angeles, once known as a company town hostile to labor, became a hotbed for unionism, and how immigrant service workers emerged as the unlikely leaders in the battle for workers’ rights.
Blue Grit: True Democrats Take Back Politics From the Politicians By Laura Flanders
The feminist Air America radio host and successful author explains how progressives are coming after the conservative establishment with new talent, new ideas, new media and new cash, and they have their sights set on building a new progressive movement, whether or not the Democratic Party is ready.
Femininity in Flight By Kathleen Barry
This book argues that the way flight attendants have seen themselves, been marketed and have organized reflects shifting views of the role of women in American society.
Gendering Labor History By Alice Kessler-Harris
A leading historian articulates gender’s fundamental importance in the shaping of U.S. history and working-class culture in this book of essays.
On the Picket Line Mary E. Triece
Working-class women developed their own tactics and leadership styles to challenge economic injustice and discrimination during the Great Depression. This book looks at the way female organizers often used a more personal speaking style to connect with audiences.
Sociologist and labor expert Ruth Milkman explains how Los Angeles, once known as a company town hostile to labor, became a hotbed for unionism, and how immigrant service workers emerged as the unlikely leaders in the battle for workers’ rights.
The feminist Air America radio host and successful author explains how progressives are coming after the conservative establishment with new talent, new ideas, new media and new cash, and they have their sights set on building a new progressive movement, whether or not the Democratic Party is ready.
This book argues that the way flight attendants have seen themselves, been marketed and have organized reflects shifting views of the role of women in American society.
A leading historian articulates gender’s fundamental importance in the shaping of U.S. history and working-class culture in this book of essays.
Working-class women developed their own tactics and leadership styles to challenge economic injustice and discrimination during the Great Depression. This book looks at the way female organizers often used a more personal speaking style to connect with audiences.