Rachael Hollingsworth was born in Brooklyn and grew up being a victim of gang violence. This tough woman also endured sexual and physical abuses while she was growing up. Because of her experiences, she turned to helping less fortunate people as she tried to escape her own feelings of victimization. Reaching out to those who are in need gave her a new perspective and made her realize that there's always someone who experienced worse than she did.
A talented singer, Rachael has sung back-up for artists like Donnie McClurkin, Cassandra Wilson and Max Roach. She also had the chance to sing onstage with P.Diddy and Erick Morillo. On the big screen, she was part of Marci X and Maid in Manhattan. Among her notable TV appearances were on shows Strong Medicine,
Friends ,
Nip/Tuck and
Dirt . She currently resides in Hollywood and is busy recording songs for her debut album. Despite her hectic schedule, she finds time to plan and work on her own non-profit organization. She intends to create a sanctuary for the children in Brooklyn's inner city. Her ultimate, long-term goal is to be able to build a school in every inner city of the country.
Rachael Hollingsworth's favorite giving back moment was when she went to Dakar, Senegal in December 2004. For six weeks, she worked with orphaned children and taught them some songs and dances. Her favorite foods are sweet fried plantains, rum bread pudding, Orville Redenbacher Kettle Korn and vegan chocolate nut ice cream bars. She enjoys listening to Whitney Houston and watching the films Shawshank Redemption and Malcolm X. She spends her weekends working on her Sabar and Djembe African dance.
Rachael Hollingsworth is one of the 10 contestants on ABC's reality game show
Oprah's Big Give , where each contestant is given a large sum of money as they compete in finding “the most powerful, sensational, emotional and dramatic ways to give to others.” With the intention of serving others, Rachael followed her instincts in joining the competition even it meant waiting in line for six hours and tolerating a 104 fever while doing so.
(Photo courtesy of ABC)