Story and photos by Speakin’ Out News staff
DECATUR— Publisher William D. Smothers, founder of Speakin’ Out News, may be one of the most influential voices in Huntsville, but his first career was as a school teacher at Danville High School and he delivered a little-known history lesson entitled, “F.Y.I. – For Your Information” on Sunday, February 24, 2019 to Redeeming Love Outreach Ministries congregation. Smothers recounted the racism in his early childhood and the struggles confronted as being a black newspaper owner.
Redeeming Love Outreach Ministries celebrated its Black History Program with an opening “drum call” performed by Crystal Williams. The program was filled with monologues performed by Yolanda Rogers as Abolitionist Harriet Tubman, Kris James as Abolitionist Frederick Douglas, Myisha Carter as Activist Rosa Parks, Ambra Johnson as Astronaut Mae Jemison and Darrion Thomas as President Barack Obama. There was festive music and a special dance routine coordinated by Canderiah Smothers, as the congregation dressed in colorful African attire.
The program concluded with the congregation singing the Black National Anthem, “Life Every Voice and Sing” followed by comments and remarks by Redeeming Love Outreach Ministries pastor, Evangelist Emma J. White.
