Virginia – Performers and Authors

One such personality is Fannie Lou Hamer, voting and women’s rights activist who fought tirelessly to achieve voting rights for Black Americans. She was arrested, jailed, and severely beaten, which left Fannie Lou with a lifetime of injuries. She fought against racism throughout Mississippi as she helped pave the way for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Gwen’s presentation as Mary McLeod Bethune gives testimony to the hardships Bethune faced as she struggled to open a school for Black girls in 1904 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Education was of utmost importance to her.

Gwen shares the wit and wisdom of Sojourner Truth who was born into slavery in Ulster County, NY around 1797 and given the name Isabella Baumfree. We follow her life’s journey as she sojourns around the region spreading God’s truth, thus renaming herself, Sojourner Truth. Truth was a powerful orator and determined in the pursuit for freedom for herself and others.

Although you might recognize a drop of humor in Gwen’s presentations, that is not to say that there was anything humorous in the life’s experiences of the women she portrays. Rather, understand that to make it through tough times, it often helps to laugh in the face of hardships and adversities.

Gwen’s presentations also include representations of Zora Neale Hurston, Madame C. J. Walker, and one-woman dramatic pieces suitable for Juneteenth events, Christian faith organizations, as well as Kwanzaa celebrations – content modified, if necessary, for children and adults. Contact Gwen for more details.

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.