Friendship Baptist Church presents ‘Echoes from the Past’

To recognize Black History Month and the struggle for equality, justice, and freedom Friendship Baptist Church hosted a program Feb. 16 in Lewes. Music, poems and skits were presented to support the theme.  

Offering the keynote was Dr. Reba Hollingsworth, who holds a doctorate in counseling. She spoke of her early years in segregated schools and overcoming bias to earn several degrees. Hollingsworth was born into a Milford family who learned to be industrious, to find a purpose for living and believed everyone is equal in God’s eyes.

“My father taught all of us that if you can’t find a job, you make a job,” Hollingsworth said. Her mother wouldn’t accept the use of the word “can’t.” She would always ask, “Did you try?” She has followed her ancestry to learn that she is descended from Harriet Tubman.

She stressed an important lesson she has learned in her 92 years, “Don’t assume what people may do to cause harm to you. Look at it from a different perspective, and find a way to make it benefit you,” she said.

She provided a short list of guidelines for the congregation, “Choose to smile, remember where you have come from, don’t let anyone label you, don’t say can’t, and look for the benefit.” Several students of Hollingsworth were in the audience and conveyed her impact on their lives. Most could remember racial segregation and continued racism after desegregation. Hollingsworth reminded the attendees, even with obstacles, the race perseveres and creates many important contributions in America. “Let's be proud of our race: we are God’s gift to humanity,” she said.