Historic Change: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Reverend Doctor Pauli Murray

By Robyn Showanes
February 26, 2024

The event took place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Special guests included Ashley Bailey, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer at the United States Mint; Rosita Stevens-Holsey, Pauli Murray’s niece and Board Member of the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice; Christian F. Nunes, President of the National Organization for Women Foundation; Singleton McAllister, Vice Chair of the NWHM; and Shay Dawson, 2022-2024 NWHM U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Predoctoral Fellow in Gender Studies.

Over 100 attendees enjoyed the special celebration, which included remarks, a short film about Pauli Murray, and a panel discussion.

“I believe one of the most impactful ways to celebrate someone is through sharing their story. This quarter is a firsthand look at how the Mint is sharing the story and legacy of Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray,” said Ashley Bailey during her remarks. “Scores of role models have been featured and illustrated on our artistically crafted coins. But there has never been a coin quite like this before.”

Before and after the event, guests had the opportunity to tour NWHM’s special exhibition highlighting Pauli Murray at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC.

Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray was a poet, writer, activist, lawyer, and Episcopal priest. She is regarded as one of the most important social justice advocates of the 20th century. She fought tirelessly for civil rights, women’s rights, and gender equality.

The reverse of the Pauli Murray Quarter was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Emily Damstra and sculpted by United States Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna. The coin was released into circulation on January 2, 2024.