LWVGB Hosts Screening & Discussion of "Open Secret"

On Wednesday, March 24, 2010, the LWVGB hosted a screening of the film "Open Secret" at Alabama Power Company in downtown Birmingham, AL.

Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform, with the support of the League of Women Voters of Alabama, Greater Birmingham Ministries and the American Association of University Women of Alabama, took the official transcript of the 1901 Alabama Constitutional Convention and created a re-enactment, using actors in period costume, speaking the words of the 1901 delegates. This half-hour re-enactment film was named "Open Secret" after some of the words used during that Convention. A woman, although not a delegate, and not allowed to vote in 1901, appealed to the men to allow women to vote. They turned her down. They also disenfranchised poor whites and Blacks in that memorable document.  Their words will surprise you. 

The screenings of this re-enactment were presented throughout Alabama beginning in February, 2010.  There was a discussion following each screening on whether or not the Constitution should be changed, and the best way to do it.  The audience was invited to participate in the discussion. All screenings were free and open to the public. NOTE: As March 31, 2010, this film continues to be presented at public meetings in Alabama. For more information about the film, future presentations, and obtaining a DVD, go to the ACCR website at www.constitutionalreform.org/