DC – Performers and Authors

Not all suffragists were Free Lovers by any means; but several prominent Free Love advocates like Victoria Woodhull were strong supporters of women’s rights, so the reputation stuck. This enjoyable talk about the 19th century battle between Free Love and prudery reveals a fascinating side of American society, which affected the struggle for women’s right to vote. The talk is rated PG-13.

Audience Feedback:

 "This unknown suffragist history was enlightening and entertaining. Numerous members' feedback was very positive. One long-standing member said this was the best lecture we've ever had!"- Joan Gill, Chair of Speaker Programs, Canadian Women's Club of San Francisco

"Joe Miller was recently invited by the Sonoma Valley Historical Society and presented his research on the history of the suffragists to a very receptive audience. His presentation was most informative as well as entertaining. He engaged the audience by showing how much of this subject has been completely forgotten or misunderstood."- Peter G. Meyerhof, Historian

Joe C. Miller published an article in The History Teacher, titled “Never a Fight of Woman Against Man: What Textbooks Don’t Say about Women’s Suffrage” (2015). There he argued that college textbooks include many errors and myths about women’s history.

Throughout Murray's life, she fought for the oppressed, not only through changing laws, but by using her powerful prose to influence those who could affect change. She lived by her convictions and challenged authority to demand fairness and justice regardless of the personal consequences. Without seeking acknowledgement, glory, or financial gain for what she did, Pauli Murray fought in the trenches for many of the rights we take for granted. Her goal was human rights and the dignity of life for all. Although Pauli Murray's accomplishments have been mostly unrecognized, the tide seems to be turning. Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray's image will grace the first quarter in 2024 for the U.S. Mint's American Women's Quarters Program.  Also, an award winning documentary was released in 2022, My Name is Pauli Murray. 

Rosita will give a thought provoking speech (in-person or virtually), plan a multi-faceted field trip and/or school assembly, be a knowledgeable member of a panel to inspire youth and seasoned listeners. Rosita and Pauli's stories will help listeners learn to overcome adversity and achieve one's goals with persistence and determination. Specialized programs for adults include Prosecco with Pauli, an interactive discussion with wine, wisdom and whimsy and Safe Spaces Sessions, a session that may include marginalized people to discuss, process, and heal from the trauma and stress caused by discrimination, racism, sexism and other forms of oppression. Safe Spaces Sessions allows individuals to feel supported and respected for exactly who they are. Fireside Chats hosted by Rosita are modeled after President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and can revolve around the political climate, social issues or lighter topics as requested.

Rosita also hosts a plethora of virtual programs. Coffee Club Zoom will revolve around a topic cultivated by Rosita and the host and will be a lively, interactive discussion with a diverse group of participants. This is also offered as a monthly, quarterly or bi-annual program. Pauli, Tea and Me is similar to Coffee Club Zoom but this program revolves around the life and work of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray.

As a long-time educator, Rosita enjoys teaching, interacting with and learning from the youth. In addition to Children's Hour Readings, Rosita plays games such as acrostic poetry, and gets kids involved with "Think, Pair and Share", "Buzz Session", brainstorming groups and even light-hearted debate sessions.

Rosita enjoys creating and cultivating new spaces for programs in which community members can come together to discuss life or even brainstorm how to achieve common goals and desires. She will happily customize programs to suit the goals and needs of your adult and/or youth group.

Rosita has presented before the Federal Reserve Bank, various chapters of the National Organization for Women (NOW), Tavis Smiley's syndicated radio program, The Diocese of Atlanta, Meredith College, University of Colorado, Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, Saint Mark United Methodist Church Atlanta, Solidarity and Social Justice Committee, Carolina Friends School, and many more.

More about Rosita: Ms. Stevens-Holsey is a recently retired educator with Prince George's County Public Schools (in Maryland) and now devotes her full time to uplifting Aunt Pauli's legacy, which is her passion project.  She accomplishes this through various avenues.  Aside from being a supporter and Board Member of the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, she has also founded an organization, Preserving Pauli Murray, LLC.  Rosita travels the country speaking about her Aunt Pauli via interviews, podcasts, keynote speeches, sitting on panels, giving school assemblies and/or field trips, etc.  In addition to this, Rosita has written an award winning biography entitled Pauli Murray: The Life of a Pioneering Feminist & Civil Rights Activist, co-authored with Terry Catasús Jennings.  

Ms. Stevens-Holsey is also a board member of the National Women's History Alliance (NWHA, which is responsible for what is now known as Women's History Month) and a founding member of the Black Women's History Committee of the NWHA.  Rosita is a member of the National Organization for Women (NOW), NAACP and Change the Names Project.

Cynthia was featured on a segment of the NBC Today show entitled “Fabulous and 50” which highlighted her gospel CD and featured her official gospel video “Walk with me” which was originally sung by the late Mahalia Jackson. Cynthia has sung at the American Church in Paris, France, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Preached in 1965. She has sung for the late Coretta Scott King and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She has traveled throughout Italy singing songs inspired by the Late Dr. King.

Cynthia has opened at the EWG (Executive Women in Government) Summit at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and selected for Custom Border Protection Police Week Valor Memorial in Washington, DC with her version of the National Anthem.  She has sung for members of Congress, the Secretary of Homeland Security and many other government officials.  Cynthia’s goal is to maintain the integrity of traditional gospel and to minister through music. In the words of the late Mahalia Jackson “Blues are the songs of despair, but Gospel songs are the songs of hope.” Cynthia desires to bring us HOPE.