Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older postsSonya Jenkins Interviews Nancy Wilson in 2005 & Essence Tribute
December 14, 2018Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon RACHAELL DAVIS Dec, 14, 2018 In addition to being an award-winning songstress, the 81-year-old beauty was an actress, philanthropist, HBCU alum, former ESSENCE cover girl and more. Jazz singer Nancy Wilson was a classy, multi-talented entertainer who left her mark on the music industry and beyond during her 81 years of life. In addition to being a revered vocalist, the Grammy Award-winning beauty was also a mother, an HBCU alum, a philanthropist and an actress. She touched millions around the world with her voice and her radiant spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her. As we continue to celebrate the life of Nancy Wilson in light of her passing, scroll through for a back at her life in photos, along with a few facts about her journey. For More, Visit: https://www.essence.com/entertainment/nancy-wilson-facts-jazz-singer/#407286 Sonya Jenkins Interviews Nancy Wilson.
Posted in Inspirational | Leave a commentPainted Pink Educates on Breast Health Beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month
November 29, 2018Ann-Marie Appiah, Founder of PAINTED PINK, is a force to be reckoned with. Her plight to help millennials become more aware of breast health and live a preventative life (through a network of support and empowerment) has changed the lives of many. Even after Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) Ann-Marie and her PAINTED PINK team continue to inspire many with their mission to educate millennials about great health year-round, and the Holidays is no exception. When Ann-Marie was 23, a gynecologist found two lumps in her breast. Although the lumps were benign, Ann-Marie decided to be pro-active and had a lumpectomy. She also found out she was a previvor (“individuals who are survivors of a predisposition to cancer but who haven’t had the disease.”), since her aunt had Breast Cancer. A couple of years after having a lumpectomy, Ann-Marie moved to Atlanta from Tallahassee, Florida, and noticed a disparity in breast-care. She realized no one was really talking about women’s health concerns. Ann-Marie, along with a few of her line sisters from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., family and friends began advocating, and PAINTED PINK was born. “When you have a blueprint and you allow God to guide your steps and you just ask, ‘What’s Next?’ or ‘Where do you want me to go?’ verses why or how, He shows you the how,” Ann-Marie said. “I just started where I was and I used my own network.” Since its inception, PAINTED PINK has raised over $40K to create care kits for newly diagnosed young Breast Cancer warriors at local Atlanta hospitals Piedmont Hospital, Grady Health and more. “Our pillars focus on providing a unique opportunity to educate millennials about the benefits of breast health and self breast exams, nutrition, regular physical activity, clean beauty, and healthy lifestyle choices,” the Florida raised now 30-year-old stated …
Posted in For A Cause, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentThe CW Screens ‘ALL AMERICAN’ in Atlanta; Bre-Z, Director Rob Hardy & More Attend CW screening of “ALL AMERICAN”
November 15, 2018On November 13 The CW along with the Black Women Film Network (BWFN) hosted a screening of the new series ALL AMERICAN at Regal Atlantic Station. Cast member Bre-Z (who plays “Tamia ‘Coop’ Cooper”) attended along with ALL AMERICAN director Rob Hardy, showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll, CW Senior VP of Current Programs Traci Blackwell and former NFL player Spencer Paysinger, the inspiration for the show. Guests watched the pilot episode and enjoyed an insightful Q&A moderated by Bossip managing editor, Janee Bolden. Additional attendees included actor Clifton Powell (“Saints & Sinners”), rapper Bonecrusher, WNBA star Angel McCoughtry, actor E. Roger Mitchell (“The Quad,” The Hunger Games), singer Brandi Williams (Blaque), retired two-time Super Bowl Champion Tyrone Poole (New England Patriots) and former Green Bay Packers wide receiver and Super Bowl Champion Eric Matthews. ALL AMERICAN tells the story of a rising high school football player from South L.A. who is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High and forced to navigate a vastly different world. The show stars stars Daniel Ezra as “Spencer James,” Taye Diggs as “Billy Baker,” Samantha Logan as “Olivia Baker” and Bre-Z as “Tamia ‘Coop’ Cooper.” ALL AMERICAN airs Wednesdays at 9pm ET/PT on The CW – http://www.cwtv.com/shows/all-american/. Photos by Marc C. Whitehead Jr. Binge-watch previous episodes for free on the CW App here. https://youtu.be/v7_dqfMFV7g Follow #AllAmerican on social: Instagram: CWAllAmerican Twitter: CWAllAmerican Facebook: CWAllAmerican http://www.cwtv.com/shows/all-american/
Posted in TV | Leave a commentCreed II World Premiere Photos
November 15, 2018Photo Credit: Dave Allocca/Starpix; StarPix©2018 CREED II is in theaters Wednesday, November 21st Life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed. Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, he is up against the challenge of his life. Facing an opponent with ties to his family’s past only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa is there by his side through it all and, together, Rocky and Adonis will confront their shared legacy, question what’s worth fighting for, and discover that nothing’s more important than family. Creed II is about going back to basics to rediscover what made you a champion in the first place, and remembering that, no matter where you go, you can’t escape your history. Release Date: November 21, 2018 Director: Steven Caple Jr. Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris, Andre Ward, Florian “The Big Nasty” Munteanu, Dolph Lundgren, Russell Hornsby Writer: Sylvester Stallone Producers: Irwin Winkler, Charles Winkler, William Chartoff, David Winkler, Kevin King-Templeton, Sylvester Stallone Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Guy Riedel Distributor: MGM, Warner Bros. Pictures #Creed2 Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Posted in In The Spotlight, The Industry | Leave a commentTyler Perry’s A Madea Family Funeral New Trailer
November 15, 2018A joyous family reunion turns into a hilarious nightmare as MADEA and the crew travel to backwoods Georgia and unexpectedly plan a funeral, which threatens to reveal sordid family secrets. For More Info: Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram #MadeaFamilyFuneral
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentCeCe Winans: Bringing Christmas to Detroit and the World!
November 7, 2018By: Mary Crosby – Detroit’s own CeCe Winans is returning to Detroit and bringing Christmas with her! CeCe will headline the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, Friday, November 16, at Campus Martius; and with the recent release of SOMETHING’S HAPPENING! A CHRISTMAS ALBUM (Puresprings Gospel/ Thirty Tigers), she is spreading good news and cheer to not only Detroit, but the entire world. The 11 track album featuring Christmas classics and new songs is available at iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Barnes & Noble and other music retail outlets. All retail link:https://ffm.to/somethingshappening After winning Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Album (Let Them Fall In Love) and Best Gospel Performance/Song Gospel (“Never Have To Be Alone”), there is no doubt that gospel icon CeCe Winans and her songwriter/producer son, Alvin Love III, make beautiful music together. This time around, the dynamic mother-son duo collaborated on CeCe Winans’ fourth holiday recording, Something’s Happening! A Christmas Album (Puresprings Gospel/ Thirty Tigers). CeCe told us that she has learned to trust her talented son’s producing instincts. She shared that prior to recording the project Alvin told her, ‘I know your voice better than anybody.’ “He proved to know my strengths and my weaknesses, so he would stretch me in places… I think he’s brought me into a place of remaining who I am but reinventing myself at the same time.” The 11-song project includes 5 new compositions penned by Alvin Love III, and 5 classics with distinctive updated twists. There is also a reprise of the title song. Taking on 5 new Christmas songs might sound like a risky proposition, but as CeCe pointed out, “you have to think, all the ones we’ve listened to for years were original at one time.” CeCe also said this about her talented son, “his vision was to do a …
Posted in MUSIC | Leave a commentIdris Elba Named People’s Sexiest Man Alive
November 6, 2018The news was announced on ‘The Tonight Show’ on Monday. It’s official, Idris Elba is the sexiest man alive according to People Magazine. The actor was unveiled as the latest to receive the annual honor on The Tonight Show Monday night. The star spoke with host Jimmy Fallon on the show where the cover was revealed, and Elba showed off a number of “smoldering” poses. When he saw the cover, Elba called it “amazing” and thanked People. “My mom is going to be really, really proud,” the star said. Elba is the third man of color to be honored with the title, as Denzel Washington and Dwayne Johnson have also been named Sexiest Man Alive in the past. In accepting the accolade, Elba tweeted, “Who’d have thought it! Thank you @people & all the fans for naming me #SexiestManAlive. Don’t forget to grab your issue this week. I’m honoured & thankful. What’s even more important is your vote in the midterm elections. Your vote can make a difference!” See his cover, below. Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/idris-elba-named-peoples-sexiest-man-alive-1158462 THRnews@thr.com@thr
Posted in Celebrity Profiles, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentNOBODY’S FOOL – New York Premiere Images
October 31, 2018NOBODY’S FOOL is in theatres November 2, 2018 SYNOPSIS: Trying to get back on her feet, wild child Tanya (Tiffany Haddish) looks to her buttoned-up, by the book sister Danica (Tika Sumpter) to help her get back on track. As these polar opposites collide — with hilarious and sometimes disastrous results — Tanya discovers that Danica’s picture-perfect life — including her mysterious boyfriend — may not be what it seems. EXECUTIVE PRODUCED, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY: Tyler Perry STARRING: Tiffany Haddish, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Mehcad Brooks, Amber Riley and Whoopi Goldberg https://youtu.be/MoCG5aWtlPU
Posted in In The Spotlight, Photos | Leave a commentNOBODY’S FOOL In theaters November 2
October 23, 2018SYNOPSIS: Trying to get back on her feet, wild child Tanya (Tiffany Haddish) looks to her buttoned-up, by the book sister Danica (Tika Sumpter) to help her get back on track. As these polar opposites collide — with hilarious and sometimes disastrous results — Tanya discovers that Danica’s picture-perfect life — including her mysterious boyfriend — may not be what it seems. EXECUTIVE PRODUCED, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY: Tyler Perry STARRING: Tiffany Haddish, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Mehcad Brooks, Amber Riley and Whoopi Goldberg https://youtu.be/MsFbMw9LO5M
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentSonya Jenkins’ Birthday & Book Release
October 20, 2018Author, Publisher and Actress Sonya Jenkins celebrated her Birthday and the release of her latest book, MOTIVATION: The Path to Inner Power, with her family and friends at Nikko Japanese Steakhouse in Tyrone, Ga. on Wednesday, October 17, 2018. Guests mixed and mingled and dined with the author while personal chefs grilled and entertained – hibachis style. Actor and singer Reuben Baker also serenaded Sonya with a “Happy Birthday” song. Check out video (below) and photos from the festive event. SONYA JENKINS CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY AND BOOK RELEASE – October 17, 2018 PHOTOS by Marcus Whitehead Jr. MORE PHOTOS MORE PHOTOS Order Sonya Jenkins’ Book, MOTIVATION: The Path to Inner Power by clicking on photo below: Follow Sonya on Instagram @SonyasSpotlight
Posted in For A Cause | Leave a comment ← Older posts
