Testimonies reveal hard times of Black History

Littlefield’s Black History Program was termed as “very informative”, after the public heard some truthful testimonies from older people talked about how Black People have come through the hard times they experienced in their past (before not too many years ago).

The program was presented at the Peace Deliverance Church, 801 LFD Drive, in Littlefield. Johnny Rosemond, master of

Johnny Rosemond, master of ceremonies, kept the “information rolling in” as he introduced the participants, and he spoke about some of the past history he and his family, as well as many of his friends, have experienced.

First on the program was the congregational singing of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” that was printed on the back of the program.

Deacon Ed King of Sudan read the Scripture, which was followed by prayer by the host Pastor, Rev. John McCarty.

Ann Bradley welcomed the congregation to the program, and invited them to celebrate—”So let us celebrate!”, she said.

Retha Williams explained the occasion for the meeting, noting that the program is a “History of knowledge about where we are, and where we’ve been, because people without a history, don’t know where they’re going.”

Master of Ceremonies Johnny Rosemond advised the young people (and adults that didn’t know) “We have many Black People in many positive positions in Lamb County—and began to name them as well-known becase of their past involvement in the community.

He asked the question:: “What keeps us from getting good positions in the community? It’s us!” Because of the recognition that was given to many of Littlefield’s black people, who are now gone, the possibilities are still available. “Our black people need to put our pride aside,” he suggested.

Marlo Miles, music teacher, led some of her choir students in singing: “It’s Me, Oh Lord, I’m Standing in the Need of Prayer”, which was accompanied by recorded music.

More musical songs were presented by Joe Dawson, who played “Glory, Glory Halleluah, His Truth is Marching On”, on his Alto Saxophone; and Kevin King of Sudan who sang a song about Friends; “Anybody Here Seen My Friends (he named several well-known local people as he sang). “Can you tell me where they’ve gone?”

An offering was taken by the deacons, prior to a Clothes-Washing skit that was presented by Kandy Scales and Sharon Johnson.

Sharon played the role of someone who was tired of working for the master – “I want to be Free!”, while Kandy played the role of a grown-up (or parent) who tried to stop her from thinking about acting that way, because of a chance of being disciplined by the Master (slave owner).

When she heard someone singing “Walk In The Water”, she ran away.

Pastor Ray Trevenia introduced the speaker, Pastor James Price, who talked about “Living the Dream, by going back to the old school times, when we had to go to church with our parents.”

We were standing on the shoulder of others (parents, grand parents, and other grown-ups who taught youngsters the correct way of life.)

Pastor Price explained: “I remember when we were treated so bad, but God got us through.”

He wants the youth to respect their parents, and other people, because now, many of the younger generation have not had good discipline taught to them, in order for them to know how they should live and act.

He suggested our youth need to receive instructions everyone gets when we read the Bible.

In concluding the program, Johnny Rosemond preached his own sermon.

He mentioned how black people were brought to the United States, and sold to do slave work, while being treated as some kind of animal, and definitely as nunhuman beings.

He further explained that the American Indians are really the only true Americans, since they have been here all the time. “But, we were sold from our native country, and brought here!”

As Pastor Dwain Morgan of the Irvin Street Baptist Church, gave the invitation, he advised everyone to “Look back and see where God has brought us.”

“We are the future builders of others, and God is still faithful, and is still saving souls.

“I’m excited that God has blessed us and brought us through. We’re still in need of God’s blessings—and He still offers to lead and guide us.”

The congregation sang “We Shall Overcome”, before the program ended with the benediction.

A sandwich reception was served, to close the activities of the day.