Presents the life and work of 86-year-old Quaker activist George Lakey,
a non-violent revolutionary who has worked his entire life for justice and peace.
Citizen George presents the life and work of Philadelphia-based Quaker activist George Lakey, a non-violent revolutionary who has worked his entire life for justice and peace, guided by his ideal of societal transformation.
Called "a civil rights legend" by The Guardian, George was born into a working-class family in rural Pennsylvania, worked in factories, and conducted sociological research at the University of Pennsylvania while learning to build movements for justice and peace. When he was nine years old, George preached about civil rights and equality. He was first arrested in the civil rights movement, risked his life in Vietnam in the struggle against that war, came out publicly as bisexual, and, more recently, as an 85-year-old great-grandfather of a large interracial family, committed civil disobedience for climate justice. George has led over 1500 social justice workshops on five continents, started movement-building organizations including Jobs with Peace and Earth Quaker Action Team, taught at Swarthmore College and the University of Pennsylvania, and is the author of eleven books.
Citizen George moves back and forth in time, highlighting specific events of George's activist life, his spiritual inspiration, and the dynamic role that community plays in enabling him to face danger and violence. His experiences as an activist are intertwined with his personal journey as a husband, father and out gay man. George's Quaker roots have been the foundation for his work in many movements that have shaped our world: Ban the Bomb Movement, Anti-Vietnam War Movement, Civil Rights Movement, LGBTQ Liberation Movement, Anti-Apartheid Movement, and the Climate Justice Movement. Our film blends archival footage, contemporary verité footage of George in action, and interviews with colleagues and family members. Animated sequences, inspired by graphic novels, illustrate scenes from George's life.The scenes are narrated by George, and feature excerpts from his memoir "Dancing with History."
The thread that ties this remarkable life story together is a passion for change. Since the age of 19, George has been conscious of his life's purpose — to use whatever gifts he has to work for justice and peace. Today, at 86 years of age, George's message of a nonviolent revolution is more urgent than ever. His story will inform those struggling to make sense of the current troubling political climate, illuminate a path forward, and inspire those willing to work for change to face today's moment. Citizen George paints a portrait of a deeply human, determined individual who is unstoppable and unflappable in his quest for a fair and just world.
99 minutes
English SDH captions
Directed by Glenn Holsten
Produced by Natalie Valentine
Bill McKibben, Environmentalist, Author, Educator, Journalist, Founder of Third Act
"This is more than just a good biographical film. It is a call for action. It's about the importance of thinking strategically. It's about the connections between the personal and political. It's about overcoming fear and self-doubt to make a difference in the world. Citizen George is one of the most hopeful and inspirational films you'll ever see."
Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics, Director of Middle Eastern Studies, University of San Francisco, Author, Nonviolent Social Movements: A Geographical Perspective
"A powerful tribute to a great activist leader and social movement mentor. If you don't know about George Lakey's extraordinary career there's no better way to learn than taking in this panoramic portrait of a life well lived in pursuit of peace and justice."
Mark Engler, Co-author, This Is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt Is Shaping the Twenty-First Century
"Citizen George is a well-timed documentary that offers important lessons for navigating today's era of political conflict with hope and courage...Community plays a complementary role in many of George's stories. Although the film features George, in most scenes, he is part of a group. Even the making of this film was a communal experience...As people brace for the coming election and its aftermath, we need to remember that what we can face together is much greater than what we can face alone."
Eileen Flanagan, Waging Nonviolence
Mark Leier, Professor of History, Simon Fraser University, Author, Roles of Resistance: Game Plans for Teachers and Troublemakers
"We need more George Lakeys — his is a story of hope. He is the community organizers' organizer. This is the story of a person deeply invested in making the world a better more humane place, where love and peace provides a counter narrative that the world only moves forwards with violence."
Greg Carroll, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Associate Director, Center for Childhood and Youth Studies, Salem State University