Celebrating the Legacy of Reverend, Richard L. Wilson

[williamjackson]

Celebrating the Legacy of Reverend, Richard L. Wilson
R.L. Wilson Education Day

"Nobody gave Blacks anything in this country, we have
earned everything." Rodney Hurst , West Friendship
Baptist Church Oct. 2013

The celebration of Reverend Richard L. Wilson is a
celebration of the life and influence of a man that has
touched many lives  in his service while here on Earth.
In his service as husband, father, Reverend, community
organizer, educational advocate, mentor, role model,
service to his community and country, influencer in the
civil rights movement, life changer and iconic representation
of a Godly man; Reverend Wilson stood tall and straight.

Known for his steadfast dedication and service to the Lord,
building the Ministry, his involvement in the civil rights
movement help propel African Americans forward with
pride and purpose to make their and their children's live better
in Jacksonville, Florida
Reverend Wilson encouraged and supported education not
just in his family and church, but in the community. More than
once he has paid  tuition, room and board, books and other
financial obligations to make sure as the Sheppard of the ministry
he was obedient to the Word of God and a role model for
excellence.

Sometimes with great sacrifice to his own health, his personal
finances and even time with his family Rev. Wilson put the
service of the Lord first because that was his calling and his
mission. Rev. Wilson's legacy and great works were celebrated
at a dedication designed by his wife Queen Wilson a dedicated
educator and community activist herself. She still serves the
ministry being involved in many areas still at the church her
beloved husband pastured.



Rodney Hurst spiritual foundation,  growth and baptized at West
Friendship, came home to provide a stirring and emotionally charged
presentation about the  life of Reverend Wilson, what he stood for,
the value of understanding  history, valuing education and working
in ministry. African American history is vital to the continued
growth of African American's not just in Jacksonville, but throughout
the nation. The involvement of ministry is not for the weak of heart,
but for the steadfast and dedicated. Those that are not afraid to
follow God's words; the civil rights movement started in the church
as Mr. Hurst shares it was an organized movement involving
"a collection of experiences and spiritual decisions."

Many of the words of Mr. Rodney Hurst (in my opinion) should be
heard by all African American youth to teach them how valuable
they are because of their history and heritage. Many do not
understand or realize the value of African American schools in
Jacksonville, Florida. Too many do not realize the value of the
African American schools like these listed here
http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AM00000077/00001/5x ; and
Jacksonville's first Black school was Isaiah Blocker Junior Senior High.

The sharing of important historical information is valuable because
African American children need to know their history, their legacy
of greatness in various fields that this country has benefited from.
The history of African Americans helps to lead them to a better future,
better communities and better relationships between themselves.
One of many comments made by Mr. Hurst that African Americans,
"have to realize who you are so you know where you are going" ring
true.



As an educator and community activist too many African American youth
are lost because they do not know "who they are and where they
came from beyond their parents." This leads to a lack of purpose and
lack of vision in their lives. Mr. Hurst presentation would not be complete
without the reality of racism and its effects of intimidation, creation of
fear, self doubt and attempts to destroy African Americans thirst for
equality this country. Mr. Hurst did not just speak on his involvement
during the civil rights movement which is documented in his award winning
and highly acclaimed book, "It was never about a hot dog and a Coke,"
but the involvement of the community and the leadership of the men
of ministry like Reverend Wilson. 



One of the key statements that Mr. Hurst made was, "Do  You Know
Whose Shoulders You Stand On?" Consider who you follow and think about
what you stand for. Many have sacrificed and given their lives in service
to allow African Americans to be successful in this country. We all stand
on the shoulders of men like Reverend Wilson, Mr. Rodney Hurst,
Dr. Girardeua, Asa Phillip Randolph, Carter G. Woodson and many more.

Rev. Wilson's legacy and life will live on in his children, grandchildren, and
the adults that were blessed to know him and call him friend, Pastor,
mentor, role model and Man of God.

Recognizing Mr. Hurst family and friends in attendance:
Mrs. Ann A. Hurst (wife), Mrs. Joan E. Whitlock (sister), Mr. Rodney Hurst II
(son) and the honorable  Dr. Arnett E. Girardeua (former State Senator
and Doctor of Dentistry Medicine) also a participant and key member in
the civil rights movement in  Jacksonville and nationally.

Resources:
Rodney L Hurst
"The Struggle Continues"
http://www.rodneyhurst.com/