“The Other Side of the Tracks,” a new film produced by local historian Tom Summers, explores the early life and career of Dr. Reba Ross Hollingsworth.

A legendary figure in Delaware, Dr. Hollingsworth, 95, is widely known for her years as a dedicated educator and for her tireless commitment to community service.

Dr. Hollingsworth, who grew up in Milford during the 1930s, overcame the obstacles of living in a segregated society with pluck, intelligence, and determination.

Despite the lack of opportunity, she never lost sight of the importance of education. After attending Booker T. Washington Middle School, she advanced to the Delaware State College High School, and Delaware State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics.

In 1970, she was awarded a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Delaware, and then in 2001, a Ph.D. in Counseling from Pacific Western University.

She served her community in numerous roles, including a stint as vice chair of the Delaware Heritage Commission, a life member of the NAACP, and as past president of the African American Historical Society. Throughout her life, she has been stalwart advocate for civil rights and is recognized as one of the foremost authorities in Delaware on parliamentary law.

In September 2018, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women.

In “The Other Side of the Tracks,” Dr. Hollingsworth shares memories of growing up in Milford with host Tom Summers. Interspersing the interview are vintage black and white photographs of the city, many taken during Dr. Hollingsworth’s childhood.

“Dr. Hollingsworth has such a wealth of information about Milford and the local area,” Mr. Summers said. “While she has been interviewed and filmed numerous times, I thought her memories of Milford needed to be captured on film for present and future generations.”

The film is intended to fill a gap in Milford’s historical narrative. “I was talking to Dr. Hollingsworth several years ago about a tour of Milford that I had recently taken, and she asked me if the tour included any information about the local African-American community,” Mr. Summers said, “and I noted that it did not and began to formulate an idea about how to preserve this part of Milford’s rich history.”

“The Other Side of the Tracks” is the result.

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This film is the first in a future occasional series that Summers will be producing in collaboration with BayToBayNews.com.

We hope you enjoy his initial effort.