April 12, 2026
Mr. Rodney L. Hurst, Sr. presents
“The Struggle Continues”
Claudia Marshall, Worship Leader
Gary Smart, Pianist
Mike Ludwick and Emily Rose Ludwick, Guitar and Voice, Special Music
A Jacksonville Civil Rights Icon, Rodney Lawrence Hurst, Sr., will share his wisdom after a lifetime of activism in the Civil Rights movement in this country. He will talk about the ongoing struggle for Civil Rights and how we might become part of the solution, rather than the problem.
After a fellowship break (11:50) there will be an additional presentation by Mr. Hurst, along with time for Q&A with the congregation, sponsored by READI Ministry.
About our Guest Speaker
Rodney Lawrence Hurst, Sr. is a civil rights activist, Black historian, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, widower, Air Force veteran, cancer survivor, and the author of four national award-winning books. He is a native of Jacksonville. His first book, “It Was Never About a Hot Dog and a Coke®!” (read by our READI Banned Book Club) is a personal account of the 1960 sit-in demonstrations in Jacksonville, and the infamous “Ax Handle Saturday.” A 1960 graduate of segregated Northwestern Junior-Senior High School in Jacksonville, Hurst served two four-year terms on the Jacksonville City Council.
About our Member-Musician
“Firepit” Mike Ludwick is an unabashed devotee of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and the music of the 1960’s. He went country in the 1990’s inspired by the “hat acts” of the era, particularly Garth Brooks. When living in Virginia prior to his move to Florida in 2020, he provided music for UU congregations in Charlottesville and Virginia Beach. Firepit is now becoming known around town as a protest singer, sharing his music at rallies, demonstrations, and wherever those working for social justice need some spiritual encouragement, including here at BBUUC.
Emily Rose Ludwick is a 9th grade public school teacher at Creekside High School who enjoys music, art, and writing. She’s a D&D nerd, obsessed with exploring characters, over-analyzing narrative themes, killing the part of her that cringes, and building community through shared storytelling. She’s been singing as long as she’s been able, but singing with her dad, Michael Ludwick, has always been her favorite. She loves indie folk, syrup-voiced crooners, and the soundtrack of Trolls 3. My favorite groups to listen to right now are The Crane Wives and Hozier!