When Rosa Hatfield moved to Washington DC from North Carolina, Adams Morgan was a very different place than it is now. It was the early 70’s and DC was recovering from the uprisings that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King. Tension was high between Blacks and whites and many parts of the city, including Adams Morgan, were distressed.

Rosa, the daughter of a sharecropper, moved when she was 17 years old to make a better life for her and her son who was back at home with her mother. They moved into the Ritz apartment building which, at the time, was under slumlord ownership. She soon became an important part of Jubilee Housing and we are proud to feature her for Black History and Women’s History Month.

When Jubilee Housing purchased the Ritz, Rosa and many other residents were cautious and distrustful of the new landlords, three white women in their early 30’s, who were members of the Church of the Saviour; Barbara Moore, Carolyn Banker Cresswell, and Terry Flood.

In addition to remodeling the building, Barbara started a youth program on the first floor of the Ritz. Barbara knocked on Rosa’s door every day to ask if her children could come downstairs to the program. Everyday Rosa told her no. One day Rosa was coming back from the market and saw her children playing outside with children from the building at the youth program. Recognizing the fun they were having, she let them attend the program which then changed Jubilee’s history and their lives.

Following an invitation from Barbara, Rosa began volunteering with the youth program and the two eventually became friends. Shortly after, a job opportunity became available and Rosa took Terry Flood’s place as property manager. Even though Rosa didn’t have much work experience she was eager to work and was a fast learner. More importantly, she was greatly respected by residents and the community at large. 

People who knew her say Rosa was a fierce spirit who demanded truth. She often accompanied Jim Rouse on speaking engagements. Audiences were captivated by her opening talks and speeches and led so many to join the work of Jubilee Housing.

During her tenure with Jubilee, Rosa became a member of the Jubilee church, made good friends with people from The Potter’s House and Columbia Road Health Clinic. She was loved by the community and returned that same love through acts of service. 

Rosa’s daughter, Sheila Bias said that whether her mother was having a good or bad day she was always available to help others. She could often be found volunteering in the community with Jubilee and other organizations.

Rosa died on May 5, 2002. She is survived by her four children and the Jubilee Community. Today we honor Rosa’s dedication to the Adams Morgan Community and Jubilee Housing.