Â鶹´«Ã½ labor leader and social activist Ah Quon McElrath is the focus of a new documentary that will air on on October 17, at 8:30 p.m. Ah Quon McElrath: The Struggle Never Ends! will re-air on October 20 at 1 p.m.
McElrath, a UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ alumna who earned her degree in sociology, helped found the at UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ and also served on the UH Board of Regents. In 2004, she was given the UH Founders Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership in advocating social change in education and improving social conditions throughout Â鶹´«Ã½.
McElrath was a pivotal force in ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ labor movement and a champion for social justice.
The documentary is a production of the Center for Labor Education and Research (CLEAR) at the UH West Oʻahu. One of the leading donors was at the .
“We are thrilled to sponsor this program about AQ¡¯s life,” said Kathryn L. Braun, Barbara Cox Anthony Endowed Chair of Aging. “This important female leader not only helped democratize the state of Â鶹´«Ã½, but also demonstrated a lifelong commitment to education. We¡¯re so proud to count her as an alumna and recognize her service on the University of ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ Board of Regents.”
McElrath was born in 1915 and died in 2008, yet her legacy lives on as her contributions extended far beyond the labor movement, advocating for healthcare, education, fair housing, and civil and human rights throughout Â鶹´«Ã½.
By exploring McElrath¡¯s life, The Struggle Never Ends! documents some of ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ most important history and how her work continues to inspire future generations. The documentary is part of the Ah Quon McElrath Project, which preserves her legacy through rare footage, interviews and educational materials.