cheryl mullenbach has contributed several entries to an encyclopedia american women at work, and her eyes to five per article titled the election of julia addington, an accidental milestone and all -- i will politics and cover the story of an iowa woman who is believed to be the first woman elected to public office in the united states. it is my great pleasure to introduce cheryl. [applause] >> it is a great honor to be part of the 2013 roosevelt reading said -- reading festival today. for anyone who loves history is expert tight -- exciting to spend time and a presidential library and museum. for a lifetime admirer of roosevelt it is especially gratifying to be here and i part . gives me the opportunity to introduce the stories of some individuals who, like the roosevelts, it showed courage and determination as they fought to overcome fascism and nazism to make the world safe for democracy. they did it with perseverance, resolve, and stubborn resistance , often with grace, dignity under unimaginable pressure. but unlike the roosevelts, the experiences of these african-american women