Powerful Program Highlights Women Throughout History

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEW WINDSOR – The large white sign emblazoned with black marker read, “Women’s Rights are Human Rights.” It was elevated high up, as an energetic, powerful, and articulate blonde-haired women clad in a black outfit, distinct waist belt buckle and wire rimmed glasses, chanted, “Sisterhood is powerful.”

One had to do a double take, as the image was spot-on for the iconic American feminist journalist and social political activist, Gloria Steinham, as she appeared in the 1960s, perhaps 70’s. Now close to 87 years old, Steinham’s heyday persona was potently resurrected by Mary Lou Carolan, Executive Director of the Newburgh Free Library as well as a Community Builder and Place Maker. It was Steinham who ignited Carolan’s still burning passion for fighting for women’s rights. Similar to Carolan, three other women: Adrienne Gelfand-Perine, Akilah Sutphin and Thomasina Brock, have been positively impacted by legendary women who came before them; each showed their appreciation of and love for these females, bringing them to life Saturday afternoon at New Windsor’s La Casa Vicina restaurant at the Let’s Talk, “I’m Every Woman” Annual Program, saluting Women’s History Month.

Spearheaded by Shirely Sutphin, Let’s Talk emerged in 1997, guided by the unwavering mission of educating, enriching and empowering women with the “toolbox” of vital leadership skills necessary to make profound differences in their personal and professional lives as well as communities. Hosting a wide assortment of annual workshops, seminars and events, Sutphin is laser-focused on tapping into people’s strengths while helping them attain optimum success in all realms of life. Her long-standing, super critical Women’s History Month event has grown each year, attracting the attention of attendees from all backgrounds, including political dignitaries, such as City of Newburgh Mayor, Torrance Harvey, who was on-hand with his wife this year.

“There is no he without she, and men doesn’t exist without women,” Harvey emphasized as he spoke following the luncheon buffet, just prior to the performances. “These wonderful women who are here today stand on the shoulders of women who have come before them.” He added, “We have come a long way, but there is still a long way to go for in the fight for women’s equality.”

Another one of those iconic females, whose shoulders so many have been supported by, was portrayed by Gelfand-Perine, a retired drama teacher, who is involved with community art programs. Clad in a black judge’s robe, sporting a short locks and glasses, Gelfand-Perine magically and convincingly transformed herself into the unforgettable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the first Jewish woman and second woman to serve on the Supreme Court.

Alluding to her social media popularity among young people, Gelfand-Perine elicited chuckles from the audience as she spoke in a perfectly delivered Brooklyn accent.

“Everyone has to be very vocal, even now in the 21st Century, to protect reproductive rights,” emphasized Gelfand-Perine standing up on a heightened stand behind a lectern. “We must keep on fighting to change all the laws on the book for all people.” She added, “If I had to choose how to be remembered it would be that I used all of my talents to the very best of my abilities to fight for what’s right.”

Following Ginsburg’s spot-on depiction, attendees were introduced to Madame C.J. Walker, an African-American entrepreneur, philanthropist and political and social activist who has the distinction of being the first self made female millionaire in America. Creating a homemade line of hair products, Madame Walker came to life through Akilah Sutphin’s poised presentation. Formally clad in a white beaded dress, Akilah sat upright at a table, relaying the priceless power of hard work as well as giving back.

“It meant a lot to me to help African-Americans in this country; I’m proud of the work I did with various groups (such as the international and colored branches of the YMCA, home elder care facilities) and schools,” said Akilah as she captured Walker’s essence. “If there is something you want to do, do it, and make sure you are helping others and lifting them up, always; I could not have done what I did, without others being there to support me.”

Last to take the stage was Brock, as she treated the audience to an assortment of images of the American abolitionist, Harriet Tubman. Whether it was bent over, plodding along and fighting for freedom in informal attire or presenting herself as looking like a man, standing firm to her beliefs in equality and justice, Brock riveted the audience with unforgettable snapshots of the trailblazer Tubman, who saved over 700 slaves and whose image might soon be permanently emblazoned on the $20 bill.

“I came from Africa and am royalty,” Brock’s voice resonated with pride. “I am Harriet Tubman.”

Also providing singing entertainment throughout the two hour program, laden with unforgettable female figures throughout history, were: Certain Voice members: Carlotta Muse and Shonna Robinson (Adeline Haynes was also scheduled to appear, but circumstances prevented her from doing so.)

The four hour program concluded with a “mixer” networking segment, something close to Sutphin’s heart as well as at the core of “Let’s Talk.”

“Women like to talk to one another, and that’s where the name of this group came from,” smiled Sutphin about her organization that most aspires to making women feel valued and special ALL year round. “Women’s History Month is all about the great achievements and the deep past that we share as women; I hope we were able to show a piece of that here today.”