PRESS RELEASE — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hyattsville, MD — On Sunday, March 8, marked as International Women’s Day 2026, join award-winning D.C. native, playwright, mental health advocate, author, and folk poet Billye Okera for an unforgettable experience in honor of women, at Busboys & Poets Hyattsville, 5331 Baltimore Avenue. The theme is “A Woman’s Heart: Stumblin’, Shoutin’, & Standin’ Up – A Night with Billye Okera & Friends,” hosted by RGMI Press.
Masterfully demonstrating the art of poetry performance, with vocal accompaniment by her classically trained daughter AnDraea Keene, Billye Okera also unites with local poets Aisha Asare, Gwenivere McClain, and Liz Reitzig to celebrate women’s history and give voice to victims of sexual assault, rape, and incest. Other anti-domestic violence advocates representing House of Ruth D.C. will present a video testimonial of survivors and housing solutions, while collecting donations of women’s toiletries.
Planned to attend will be Ward 1 City of Hyattsville Councilmember Greg Barnes, Prince George’s County Victims Advocate Dr. Delaine Smith-Clark, Producer Patricia Cooper of Noble Michele Music, and Fine Water Sommelier Charlemange Kesner. Historical women’s spotlights include Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mother Teresa, bell hooks, Sojourner Truth, Shirley Chisholm, and Malala Yousafzai.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Free of cost, with a donation of a full-sized women’s item below (no travel sizes please) to benefit House of Ruth D.C.:
- moisturizing lotion
- soap
- deodorant
- toothpaste
About House of Ruth: Founded in 1976, House of Ruth empowers women, children, and families in Washington, D.C. to rebuild their lives after trauma, abuse, and houselessness. What began as the city’s only shelter for women experiencing houselessness has grown into a leader in trauma-informed, service-enriched care.
A Woman’s Heart: Stumblin’, Shoutin’ & Standin’ Up – A Night with Billye Okera, registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-womans-heart-stumblin-shoutin-standin-up-billye-okera-friends-tickets-1981997343408?utm
Contacts:
Aisha Asare
RGM International
(240) 441-0122
publisher@rgminternational.org