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DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) - For Barbara Bradshaw, faith has never just been about Sunday worship. It has been about voice, courage, and community transformation.

During Black History Month, the Douglas pastor reflected on how the Black church has shaped history, strengthened families, and continues to serve as a pillar of resilience.

A Faith-Rooted Early

Bradshaw says her foundation of faith began in childhood, growing up in the Baptist church during segregation.

She remembers a time when opportunities were limited and injustice was common. As a child, she worked in the fields picking cotton and tobacco to help make a living, experiences that shaped her work ethic and her perspective on perseverance.

Sunday mornings meant traditional hymns, long prayers, and a pastor delivering the Word. Worship filled her home each week, something she says planted spiritual roots that still guide her today.

“We didn’t have a choice about going to church,” Bradshaw said. “But I’m grateful for that. Everything has to start from a root.”

Beyond attending church, Bradshaw says she also received spiritual training under Mother Coney, a woman she credits with helping shape her discipline, prayer life, and understanding of service in ministry.

But even as faith grounded her, she says she faced injustice firsthand.

“The color of my skin [may have] had to go through some things. You know, I had to learn my boundaries in that and not get angry and keep the love of God in me because of the color of my skin. Because the color of my skin don’t defy who I am, nor [does it defy] where I’m going.”

That foundation eventually led her to pastor Kingdom Reformation Ministries, located at 2060 Broxton Highway in Douglas. Before moving into a building, she and her congregation worshiped in homes and later at the Central Square Complex before expanding into their current space.

She has now been pastoring for about ten years.

The Black Church: A Source of Strength

Bradshaw says the Black church has historically been more than a place of worship; it has been a place of strategy, survival, and hope.

From the Civil Rights Movement to today, she believes faith leaders have carried the responsibility of speaking boldly against injustice.

Referencing leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Harriet Tubman, Bradshaw says courage rooted in faith changed the course of history.

“He really fought for it,” she said of King. “Even in hardship and danger, he had a voice.”

She also pointed to biblical women such as Deborah, Esther, and Abigail as examples of spiritual boldness, women who stood for their people even in dangerous times.

“It lets me know I can be that strong and even stronger,” Bradshaw said.

Struggle That Built Strength

When asked how the struggles of the past still impact the Black community today, Bradshaw said history carries both pain and power.

She says she often hears young people say, “Oh, that couldn’t have been me,” when learning about slavery and segregation or, “You better be glad I wasn’t in that day.”

Bradshaw says while those comments reflect disbelief, they also show how far the community has come.

“It can be positive and negative,” she explained. “But the struggles made us strong. They made us courageous. They made us who we are.”

She believes teaching younger generations about slavery, segregation, and injustice is critical.

“If they understand the price and the suffering that was paid for them,” she said, “it will inspire them to be better.”

Looking Back And Forward

When asked whether she ever believed the African American community would see the progress it has today, Bradshaw was reflective.

“Did I think so? Not at first. But as I would grow and mature, I knew we would. I knew we would. That was in my heart. Someone [is] going to rise up. Someone got to stand. You know, everybody can’t just sit down and, oh, we’re going to just let it be. No. We got to have courage enough to stand. And I believe that. And me, I’m going to do my part. I’m going to do the part that grace me to. And I always tell my church, I’m going to be in that zone he put me in. And I’m not going to try to do your, your, your feel, other people feel. But I tell you, I’m going to do what [I] can with all my heart and all my desire. It’s the police that my father, heaven and a father. And, you know, just to be who I am, who I was called to be. I am somebody. You are somebody. And we deserve to be treated as equals.”

More Than a Building

Bradshaw emphasizes that the church’s role extends beyond the sanctuary.

She says churches serve communities through outreach, prayer, healing ministries, and leadership in civic spaces. She believes faith leaders must stand boldly for equality and human dignity.

“Every human being was created equal,” she said. “You’re supposed to be treated with dignity and love.”

A Message of Salvation and Abundance

For those seeking faith, Bradshaw says salvation begins with belief and confession.

“If you just open up to God and let Him fill you,” she said, “you will have someone to walk you through every day.”

She describes faith as walking in abundance, not necessarily a life without struggle, but a life overflowing with joy, peace, and purpose.

“God has made this day,” she said. “Let’s not harden our hearts.”

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