Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →BronzeLens Launches in Atlanta August 17
August 16, 2021BronzeLens launches Tuesday, August 17, 2021, anchored by meticulously curated information-packed programming for a wide range of filmmakers, the general public, marketing professionals, students, and film enthusiasts. 180 official selections that will be screened 63 world premieres2021 diverse line-up of films originate from:Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Ireland, India, Israel, Ghana, the Netherland, The United Kingdom, The United States, and The Americas. BronzeLens 2021 Programming Includes:Crowdfunding Leader Seed&SparkManaging Workflow with Scriptation SAGindie Contract WorkshopThe Resurgence of Black Horror Genre Packaging and Pitching Mental Health for CreativesNonfiction Distribution Opportunities and Resources Diversity, Inclusion and RepresentationBIPOC Storytelling in the Ad WorldProduct Placement & Brand Partnership Strategies REGISTER BRONZELEN SIGNATURE EVENTS Five distinguished women of color who perform with excellence in front of and behind the lens will be recipients of the 2021 BronzeLens Women SuperStars Awards Saturday, August 21 at 7:00 P.M. EST. The 2021 BronzeLens Women SuperStars are: Autumn Bailey-FordProducer and Founder of Autumn Bailey Entertainment(Maynard, Mine 9, Trading Paint) Sheila DucksworthPresident of CBS/NAACP Production Venture Priah FergusonActress(Stranger Things, Atlanta) Sara Finney-JohnsonVeteran Writer and Television Executive(Queen Sugar, Family Matters, The Parkers) Wonya LucasPresident and CEO of Crown Media Family Networks (Hallmark)90% of the Proceeds from Women SuperStars Honors Ticket Sales will be allocated for the newly established BronzeLens Creators Scholarship TICKETS BronzeLens Presents Sunday Brunch with the Brothers WSB-TV Atlanta Journalist Tom Jones will moderate BronzeLens Sunday Brunch with the Brothers and lead an in depth conversation focusing on the impact of the pandemic and the magnification of the great social and racial divides in America. Panelists will give perspectives on their future as African American men in this country. They will discuss the types of roles they believe should be created to foster social justice healing, while also sharing joys they experience in their chosen profession. Special Guests Include:Terayle Hill (The Quad)andCast Members from Bounce TV’s New Series Johnson:Derrex Brady, Thomas Q. Jones, Deji LaRay, and Philip Smithey This event is FREE and takes place virtuallySunday, August 22, 2021 at …
Posted in COWBOY CARTER TOUR- ATLANTA - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER | Leave a comment“Free Guy” In Theaters Now
August 16, 2021In “Free Guy,” a bank teller who discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game, decides to become the hero of his own story…one he rewrites himself. Now in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way…before it is too late. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, Joe Keery, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Taika Waititi, “Free Guy” is directed by Shawn Levy from a screenplay by Matt Lieberman and Zak Penn and a story by Lieberman. The film is produced by Ryan Reynolds, p.g.a., Shawn Levy, p.g.a., Sarah Schechter, Greg Berlanti and Adam Kolbrenner with Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, George Dewey, Dan Levine and Michael Riley McGrath serving as executive producers.
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentRESPECT, IN THEATERS NOW
August 16, 2021Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice. Starring Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Tate Donovan, Heather Headley, Skye Dakota Turner, and Mary J. Blige Directed By Liesl Tommy Produced By Scott Bernstein, Harvey Mason Jr. Executive Produced By Stacy Sher, Sue Baden-Powell, Aaron L. Gilbert and Jason Cloth
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentRESPECT- Premiere Photos – Los Angeles
August 16, 2021Jennifer Hudson and RESPECT dazzled the crowd at a premiere fit for a Queen Celebrating the legacy of Aretha Franklin was director Liesl Tommy and costars Marlon Wayans, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Audra McDonald, Tate Donovan, Hailey Kilgore, Saycon Sengbloh, Skye Dakota Turner, screenwriter Tracey Scott Wilson, producers Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman and Stacey Sher, and more. Other guests included Timbaland, Jennifer Holliday, Debbie Allen, Michael K. Williams, Tori Kelly, Derek Hough, Jordin Sparks, and more After the premiere, attendees celebrated outside, complete with food trucks and music from Donald Taylor and the LA Mass Choir. Aretha Franklin’s granddaughter Grace Franklin graced the audience with her grandmother’s favorite song, “Ain’t No Way,” and Aretha’s son Edward Franklin sang “My Girl.” Buy your tickets now to see RESPECT in theaters this Friday! #RESPECT
Posted in Music, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment@TravelingDannyBoy Excursions, Destinations & More!
July 7, 2021@TravelingDannyBoy, my travel blog and Instagram page, features some of my best photos on my exotic excursions. Enjoy! AND A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, DANNY BOY – July 7th! For photo permission contact me @TravelingDannyBoy. Traveling has always been a passion of mine. I always wanted a job where i could travel non stop, so I figured out the life of a Flight Attendant would be the perfect fit. Why not get paid to see the world while keeping thousands upon thousands of people safe in the friendly skies? If you love what you do, it never feels like a day of work. I also enjoy taking photographs, so here are some moments I have captured on some of my destinations. Photos by Daniel Jarvie More Photos & Videos Coming Soon! Click @TravelingDannyBoy to follow me via social media.
Posted in Travel | Leave a commentNational Museum of African American History and Culture Observes Juneteenth With All-Day Virtual Programming
June 15, 2021Juneteenth Becomes a Federal Holiday https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-signs-juneteenth-bill/index.html New Digital Resources Now Available To Mark Freedom Day The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is hosting a day of events exploring African American cultural traditions to commemorate Juneteenth, the holiday marking the day—June 19, 1865—that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and freed enslaved African Americans there some two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday is part of a tradition of festivals commemorating the end of slavery, African American contributions to American life and freedom itself. The museum’s virtual programming and new educational resources can be found on its Juneteenth webpage. “We have celebrated Juneteenth in my family for years,” said Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of NMAAHC. “But last year—in the midst of the murder of George Floyd and delayed justice for Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and too many others whose names have become sadly familiar—this commemoration of liberty and justice took on more urgency.” The museum’s virtual Juneteenth commemoration will include activities exploring the meaning of freedom and engaging in African American cultural traditions. Featured Juneteenth public programs include: · Discussion with food writer Adrian Miller on his latest book Black Smoke. · Genealogy presentation with an expert from the museum’s Robert Frederick Smith Explore Your Family History Center. · Selection of stories told by Jan Blake reflecting the wisdom and strength of America’s post-slavery communities. · Panel discussion on the origins and significance of Juneteenth. · Musical performance and conversation with singer Amythyst Kiah. “The goal of the museum’s programming this year is to help our visitors reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth and its traditions of music, food and freedom,” Young said. “We’re offering new ways for the public to join us in celebrating the holiday and the richness of African American culture, …
Posted in Spotlight, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentMarla Gibbs Celebrates Her 90th Birthday with Friends and Family
June 15, 2021Marla Gibbs (born Margaret Theresa Bradley; June 14, 1931) is an actress, singer, comedian, writer and television producer, whose career spans five decades celebrated her birthday at Peter Georges’ Conference Room Restaurant & Bar in Playa Vista and the party was sponsored by family friend and businessman Henry Woods, founder of HNW International Corporation, an international Consulting/Connector Firm, along with Lemuel Daniels, Peter George, and others. An all-star cast of Marla’s friends and children that attend the birthday celebration included; Beverly Todd, Judy Pace, Earnest Harden, Jr., Kathleen Bradley, Sheila Frazier, former State Senator Diane Watson, Jackee Harry, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Tico Wells, Attorney Frank K. Wheaton, and Marla’s children; Angela, Amil, Dorian, and Jordan Gibbs. A host of politicians presented proclamations and kind words to Marla, present were Mayor James Butts, Councilmember Curren Price, Jr, Senator Sydney Kamlager, along with representatives for Congresswoman Karen Bass, Mayor Eric Garcetti, LA Supervisor Janice Hahn, and Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson. Guest mixed and mingled and dined on a lavish display of passed hors d’oeuvres of cauliflower wings, brussels sprouts, lamb meat balls, along with a buffet dinner which included; seafood pasta, penne Norma, flatbread, crispy chicken paillard, and a green salad. Followed by a music video and serving of a delicious birthday cake, as everyone sang happy birthday to Marla. Marla simply said, “Thank you and this is my 30th birthday celebration!” About Marla Gibbs Gibbs is known for her role as George Jefferson‘s maid, Florence Johnston, in the CBS sitcom, The Jeffersons (1975–1985), for which she received five nominations for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She also starred in the show’s spin-off Checking In (1981) and the NBC sitcom, 227 (1985–1990); Gibbs co-produced the latter series, played the lead role of Mary Jenkins, and sang the theme song. Gibbs has won seven NAACP Image Awards. In later years, Gibbs played supporting roles in films The Meteor Man (1993), Lost & Found (1999), The Visit (2000), The …
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentKerry Washington, Catherine O’Hara, Lena Waithe, Kelly Clarkson Among 2021 Gracie Awards Honorees (Exclusive)
June 13, 2021The event, honoring women in TV, radio and digital media, will be held Sept. 27 in Los Angeles. BY KIMBERLY NORDYKE JUNE 9, 2021 4:00AM Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/kerry-washington-lena-waithe-2021-gracie-awards-1234964834/ via @thr Kerry Washington, Catherine O’Hara, Lena Waithe and Kelly Clarkson are among the women who will be honored by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation at its 46th Annual Gracie Awards. The event, which is set to take place Sept. 27 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles, honors women working in television, radio and digital media along with entertainment and news programs created by women that address timely topics and social issues. Other 2021 honorees will include Hillary Rodham Clinton, DeDe McGuire, Danielle Monaro and Erin Andrews, along with NBC’s Today, CBS This Morning’s “Breonna Taylor: Her Life, Death and Legacy,” ABC’s black-ish, FX Networks’ Mrs. America and Disney+’s Taylor Swift documentary folklore: the long pond studio sessions. “Throughout this important year, we have enjoyed some of the most compelling content in our history. We were informed, enlightened and entertained by women in media across all platforms,” said Becky Brooks, president of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. “As we celebrate AWM’s 70th anniversary, we are thrilled to honor this incredible group of women who have demonstrated their commitment to sharing emotionally charged, timely and compelling content. We look forward to reconvening in person to recognize these incredible achievements and brave storytelling.” Honorees are selected in national, local and student markets, including both commercial and non-commercial outlets. In lieu of the Gracie Awards Luncheon, which will no longer take place in person on June 26 in New York City, local and student award winners will be recognized virtually. An alternate in-person celebration is currently being evaluated. In the sixth consecutive year as executive producer, Vicangelo Bulluck will “spotlight these prolific women in the …
Posted in On the Scene | Leave a commentAtlanta Botanical Garden Wins National Award For Excellence
June 11, 2021The Garden is honored to win the national Award for Garden Excellence presented by the American Public Gardens Association! The award salutes a public garden that has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices, achieving excellence in displays, collections and sustainability efforts. Watch the video presentation.
Posted in Inspirational | Leave a comment2021 ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca-Cola Announces its 2021 “LIVE LOUD” VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE
June 10, 2021ESSENCE, the leading and only 100% Black-owned media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities, announces its stellar talent line-up for its 2021 ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca-Cola—the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience. Incorporating virtual for the second year in light of the pandemic, this year’s event will live up to its theme of “Live Loud” by featuring exciting content across all of its stages centered around culture, equity and celebration. As the nation continues to reopen, ESSENCE’s exciting and elevated hybrid experience will present a celebration of the resilience, power and achievement of our community and omnipresence of our culture — and a tribute to the city that the Festival has always called home. The star-studded lineup will feature performances by: Jazmine Sullivan, DJ Khaled & Friends, Ne-Yo, Tank, Michelle Williams, Kirk Franklin, Davido and D-Nice. The Festival’s powerful interactive sessions will also showcase leading voices throughout the two weekends including: Mary J. Blige, Angela Yee, Adrienne Bailon, Sarah Jakes Roberts, Tracy G., Tiana Major9, Big Freedia, Miss Lawrence, Supacent, Shantrelle P. Lewis, Jesseca Dupart and more. The Festival will stream on ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCE.com—Friday-Sunday over two weekends, June 25-27 and July 2-4. “The ESSENCE Festival of Culture, now the largest festival in the nation by per day attendance, is an unparalleled convening and celebration of global Black culture and continues to have even deeper impact on our communities via our expanded focus on economic inclusion, cultural ownership and community development,” said Latraviette Smith-Wilson, ESSENCE Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer. “As a live experience, the ESSENCE Festival normally attracts more than 500,000 attendees annually during July 4th weekend in New Orleans — but last year, we made the necessary decision to shift our multi-day celebration to an innovative virtual format due to COVID-19. The ESSENCE Festival was the first of its kind and scale to be executed virtually during the pandemic, and our team worked tirelessly to deliver the content, programming …
Posted in COWBOY CARTER TOUR- ATLANTA - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, BLACK MUSIC HONORS 2024, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
