I am appalled and shocked to hear allegations in the media that Rev. Robert Paul Hollman “deceived” the two women of JCCEO who stole approximately $500,000 from the poor. These statements are wrong, false, untrue, incorrect, erroneous – downright lies! He was nowhere around them and had no communication with them – not by telephone, text, facebook, email, twitter or facsimile. How could he be the impetus behind this when he had no contact with them? Shouldn’t the independent internal audit at JCCEO lead to the two women at JCCEO without any connection to Rev. Hollman? The tragic and ironic nature of this story is that – as we recognize Black History Month – two Black women are being used to destroy and damage the reputation of one of the most successful Black pastors and leaders in our community.
Rev. Hollman did not steal money from the poor; in fact, like the Prophet Isaiah and Jesus of Nazareth he is anointed to preach the Gospel to the poor, he is sent to heal the brokenhearted, and to preach deliverance to the captives. Therefore, Paul has dedicated his life and ministry to serving the poor. To be sure, Paul is a compassionate pastor, prophetic leader, courageous preacher, and a creative businessman. As his friend and colleague, we don’t need him behind bars serving time unjustly; we need him in the community fighting for justice for the poor and working poor.
It is time for the friends, family, and supporters of Rev. Robert Paul Hollman to stand with him and denounce these false accusations. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was correct:
“It is not malicious acts that will do us in but the appalling silence and
indifference of good people. All that is needed for evil to run rampant
is for good women and men to do nothing.”
Somebody needs to say something!
Dr. Karnie C. Smith, Sr.
Birmingham, AL
