Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →Snoop Dogg, Michael Harris and Nipsey Hussle Honored at The Black Business Association’s “Virtual Salute to Black Music” Thursday, June 24, 2021
June 10, 2021Rap/Hip-Hop Music icon & Philanthropist, Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus, Businessman/Philanthropist Michael Harris, and the late rapper and business man, Nipsey Hussle are this year’s honoree for the Black Business Association (BBA), “Virtual Salute to Black Music Awards” on Thursday, June 24, 2020 at 5:30 – 7 PM. The BBA is the oldest ethnic business organization in the State of California and will host its Annual event held in recognition of Black Music Appreciation Month. The BBA is excited to announce it will honor Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus, with the “Lifetime Legacy Award”,and Michael Harris, with the “Business Pioneer Legends Award”. We will also honor Nipsey Hussle posthumously the “Distinguished Business Advocate Award”. In keeping with the event theme, “The Business behind the Music”, the (BBA) recognizes the honorees for their contributions of these esteemed honorees in the advancement of African-Americans in the music Industry. Now, more than ever the (BBA) recognizes that in light of the current Black Lives Matter Movement; there is an even greater imperative, to acknowledge those that help to propel Black Lives into success. Among past Honorees are; Clarence Avant, Berry Gordy, Dick Griffey, Smokey Robinson, Siedah Garrett, Janet Jackso, and Jheryl Busby to name a few. About Snoop Dogg Snoop Dogg is a rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, media personality, entrepreneur, and actor. His music career began in 1992 when he was discovered by Dr. Dre and featured on Dre’s solo debut, “Deep Cover” and then on Dre’s solo debut album, The Chronic. He has since sold over 23 million albums in the United States and 35 million albums worldwide. Snoop’s debut album, “Doggystyle”, produced by Dr. Dre, was released in 1993 by Death Row Records. Bolstered by excitement driven by Snoop’s featuring on The Chronic, the album debuted at number one on both the Billboard 200 and Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Doggystyle became certified quadruple platinum in 1994 and spawned several hit singles, including “What My Name?” and “Gin & Juice”. Snoop has 17 Grammy nominations and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Snoop Dogg has starred …
Posted in In The Spotlight | Leave a commentIssa Rae To Star As Spider-Woman In ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ Sequel
June 10, 2021BY D’SHONDA BROWN · JUNE 5, 2021 The spider-verse just got a little more Insecure, if you know what we mean. Originally reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Issa Rae will be joining the cast of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse as Jessica Drew, also known as Spider-Woman. Alongside Shameik Moore (Dope, Netflix’s The Get Down) and Hailee Steinfeld (Pitch Perfect 2, Bumblebee) returning as Miles Morales and Spider-Gwen, Rae’s roles as Spider-Woman is a dream come true for the self-proclaimed Marvel fan. The Lovebirds actress took to her Instagram story to express her excitement. “The way that I have loved Spider-Man since the third grade. A dream come true,” she wrote in her story. Insecure co-star Yvonne Orji tweeted the official announcement of Rae joining the animated Spider-Verse movie, and said: “Love. To. See. It.” Though “plot details are being kept hidden in the circuits of a super-collider,” according to THR, the sequel has a slated release date of Oct. 7, 2022. Phil Lord and Chris Miller will be the credited writers, and Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson are directing. In more Issa Rae-related news, the multihyphenate announced her eight-figure deal with WarnerMedia and is currently filming the fifth and final season of Insecure, which earned her three Emmy nominations, including outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.
Posted in In The Spotlight | Leave a commentMovie Trailer! Bill Duke Stars in Steven Soderbergh’s Thrilling Crime Drama No Sudden Move with Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro on HBO Max July 1
June 10, 2021Actor, writer, producer Bill Duke stars in the highly anticipated Warner Bros. Pictures crime drama No Sudden Move with Don Cheadle, and Benicio del Toro, streaming on HBO Max July 1. The world premiere and red-carpet event of the crowd-pleaser will take place June 18 at the Tribecca Film Festival in New York, two weeks ahead of its streaming release date. Directed by Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh, and written by Ed Solomon, Duke plays OG Original Gangster) with a star-studded ensemble. Rounding out this cast of stellar actors is Ray Liotta, Jon Hamm, Brendan Fraser, David Harbour, Amy Seimetz, Kieran Culkin, Noah Jupe, Craig muMs Grant, Julia Fox and Frankie Shaw. In this gritty story which takes place in 1954 racially charged Detroit, a group of small-time criminals who are hired under mysterious circumstances to steal what they think is a simple document, foul up their master plan, which leads them on a search to find out who hired them and for what purpose in the midst of a segregated, racially tense, urban backdrop. Bill Duke, an accomplished film writer, director, and producer said (about his role in this crime thriller), “I’m a OG in charge of it all and I know where all my enemies children go to school.” As No Sudden Move excites audiences world-wide, Duke’s own company, Duke Media Entertainment will launch the YOUNITE Network which strives to provide inspirational, educational, and entertaining stories of individuals and organizations speaking purpose, hope and uniting hearts around the world every day. Sneak previews of the inspiring and celebrity filled content will be posted on social media. The multi-talented Duke is also an accomplished writer and poet. He is the author of two books, The Works of The Invisible Man, a collection of eclectic prose, and The Journey, a coming-of-age story, that address issues and challenges relevant such as, self-image, acceptance, bullying, tolerance, equality and more. For interviews contact Edna Sims at ESP Public Relations at esppr@icloud.com or call 310-770-8117. No Sudden Move – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3JxUdbJ0do YOUNITE Network – Subscribe Social …
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentNAACP ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 52nd NAACP IMAGE AWARDS LIVE ON BET HOSTED BY ANTHONY ANDERSON
March 28, 2021PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS KICKED-OFF THE NIGHT WITH A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO VIEWERS EDDIE MURPHY INDUCTED INTO IMAGE AWARDS HALL OF FAME, LEBRON JAMES RECEIVED THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD AND CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT ICON REV. JAMES LAWSON HONORED WITH THE CHAIRMAN’S AWARD DURING THE CEREMONY THE STAR-STUDDED EVENING FEATURED APPEARANCES FROM ALICIA KEYS, ANDRA DAY, ARSENIO HALL, CYNTHIA ERIVO, LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, MARTIN LAWERENCE, MICHELLE OBAMA, MISTY COPELAND, REGINA KING, SAMUEL L. JACKSON, THE CAST OF TYLER PERRY’S SISTAS, SWIZZ BEATZ, TRACY MORGAN, WILL SMITH, AND MC LYTE Following the week-long virtual experience, tonight the NAACP celebrated the stellar achievements of the 52nd NAACP Image Awards winners during a special LIVE broadcast on BET and simulcast across ViacomCBS networks including CBS for its first time, as well as BET Her, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Paramount, Pop, Smithsonian, TV Land, VH1, BET PLUTO, and CMT. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris kicked-off the night in a special recorded message highlighting the importance of the NAACP and saluting its work. Winners of the night included D-NICE (Entertainer of the Year), Viola Davis (Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series – “How To Get Away With Murder” and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture- “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”), Regé-Jean Page (Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series –“Bridgerton”), Issa Rae (Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series – “Insecure”), Stacey Abrams (Social Justice Impact) and “Bad Boys For Life” starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence (Outstanding Motion Picture). The late Chadwick Boseman won the award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture – “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”. Chadwick’s wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, accepted the award in his honor, encouraging fans to be proactive about their health and visit StandUpToCancer.org for more information about detecting the signs of colon cancer. During the ceremony, legendary entertainer, film icon and two-time Image Award recipient Eddie Murphy was inducted into the acclaimed NAACP Image Awards Hall Of Fame. The Hall of Fame Award was presented by Eddie Murphy’s collaborator and long-time friend Arsenio Hall. NAACP President …
Posted in R&B Pop Culture, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment“Shayla’s Catch Prequel” Streaming via Amazon Prime Video
March 24, 2021Author, Journalist, Actress and Filmmaker Sonya Jenkins‘ new film-making venture, “Shayla’s Catch Prequel,” has taken off to new heights via Amazon Prime Video. During the 1-year celebration of her first film project, “Shayla’s Catch,” a 53-minute film streaming on Prime Video (2019), Jenkins got an idea to reboot the “Shayla’s Catch” initiative (with prequels). On November 16, 2020 “Shayla’s Catch Prequel” premiered exclusively on Prime Video – TV episodes – with new episodes of intrigue, romance and drama on the way. “Shayla’s Catch Prequel” introduces viewers to the lifestyle of Calvin CK Moore, a wealthy NFL star wide receiver, played by fitness model and actor Oshea Russell. The football journey and the intimate life of CK Moore is fast and complicated, with extraordinary athleticism, fame, money and multiple women being the primary forces in his life. The story presents many questions about faithfulness and loyalty, intertwined with the competitive nature of American sports. “Shayla’s Catch Prequel” also stars singer and VH1 “Love & Hip Hop New York” alum Amina “Buddafly” Pankey, who plays CK’s longtime girlfriend, Mia grows increasingly fed up with her superstar boyfriend’s philandering ways, but also gloats in giving him a taste of his own medicine. Middle Tennessee State University student, Kyleigh Campbell, plays Shayla Lucas, a naïve, hopeful romantic seeking her ultimate catch. Eventually, Shayla and CK meet, as he is flattered by her innocence and she is intrigued by the heart-thumping enchantment of his good looks, popularity and lifestyle. Jenkins believes “Shayla’s Catch” is more relevant today than it was when she first started writing the novel two decades ago, because it delves into self-esteem issues that plague many young women today, especially in a social media influenced society. “Healthy self-esteem has nothing to do with having thousands and millions of social media followers or having a ball player or millionaire as a boyfriend or …
Posted in TV News, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentLIFETIME REUNITES WITH BISHOP T.D. JAKES FOR TWO NEW MOVIES
February 11, 2021FROM THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS ANTHOLOGYBY AUTHOR VICTORIA CHRISTOPHER MURRAYLUST: A SEVEN DEADLY SINS SAGA (wt) DEBUTS APRIL 17 STARRING KERI HILSON, TOBIAS TRUVILLION AND DURRELL ‘TANK’ BABBS WITH SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY MS. JUICY, AND LETOYA LUCKETTENVY: A SEVEN DEADLY SINS SAGA (wt) PREMIERES ON APRIL 24STARRING SERAYAH, ROSE ROLLINS, AND KANDI BURRUSSWITH SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY DA BRAT AND DC YOUNG FLYCLIFTON POWELL APPEARS IN BOTH FILMS BISHOP T.D. JAKES EXECUTIVE PRODUCES WITH DERRICK WILLIAMS AND SHAUN ROBINSON Following the successful partnership of Lifetime with Bishop T.D. Jakes with Faith Under Fire and I Am Somebody’s Child, Lifetime reteams with the Bishop for two movies –Lust: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) and Envy: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) – based on two books from the Seven Deadly Sins anthology by Victoria Christopher Murray. Lust: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) premieres onSaturday, April 17th at 8pm ET/PT and stars Keri Hilson (Love By The 10th Date), Tobias Truvillion (One Life to Live), and Durrell ‘Tank’ Babbs (The New Edition Story). Envy: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) premieres on Saturday, April 24th at 8pm ET/PT and stars Serayah (Empire), Rose Rollins (The L Word), and Kandi Burruss (Real Housewives of Atlanta). Bishop T.D. Jakes and Derrick Williams serve as executive producers on both films, alongside TV host, Shaun Robinson, who under the Broader Focus initiative, will executive produce movies for the first time. Lust: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) and Envy: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) join previously announced book to screen movies by author V.C. Andrews, Ruby, Pearl in the Mist, All That Glitters and Hidden Jewel this spring, and continues to establish Lifetime as the home for movies inspired by books from best-selling authors. Below are the full descriptions and premiere dates for Lust: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) and Envy: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt). The first of the Seven Deadly Sins book series, this movie is a grounded morality tale that explores the power of lust, but at what cost? Tiffanie Cooper (Keri Hilson) is about to have the wedding of her dreams to her soul mate, the dashing Damon King (Tobias Truvillion), founder of King Enterprises. But when Damon’s old friend Trey Taylor (Durrell ‘Tank’ Babbs) …
Posted in Music | Leave a commentW.A.P.: Women and Protest; Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Lizzo, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Shonda Rhimes, Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, Meghan Markle, and Naomi Campbell Standing Up for Social Justice
December 23, 2020Bridge Philanthropic Consulting Highlighting Black Female Artists and Media Moguls Who are Standing Up for Social Justice In a continuing commitment to amplify the voices of social justice philanthropists of color and disrupt the philanthropy sector, Bridge Philanthropic Consulting (BPC) is publishing the second position paper in its new series called The Iconic Impact Initiative. The newest paper, W.A.P.: Women And Protest, highlights 12 Black women who are leveraging their celebrity, platforms, resources, and influence to fight injustice and advance anti-racism. They have chosen this mantle and are standing up for the cause of equity and justice at this moment of racial reckoning in the United States. W.A.P.: Women And Protest examines how these disruptors are using their voice to be a force in social justice and social change as artists and American citizens. The following women are featured in the paper: Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Lizzo, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Shonda Rhimes, Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, Meghan Markle, and Naomi Campbell. “Black women have often walked the proverbial tightrope of being stereotyped as an ‘angry black woman’ because they courageously speak up, speak out and refuse to be silenced in the face of injustice — in any form,” said Tashion Macon, Ph.D., BPC Partner, Culturalist and W.A.P.: Women and Protest co-author. “It is difficult to constantly be demeaned as tyrannical when your children, your family, your community, and your ‘climb’ are perpetually threatened. But even still, a clarion call went out. DJ Beverly Bond reminded us of our magic, Beyoncé called us into formation, and we rose to the occasion. The W.A.P. Women And Protest position paper is the announcement of a trade wind –the kind of wind that turns the tide.” The Iconic Impact Initiative series is part of Circa64, BPC’s recently announced Social Justice Practice. It was created by BPC to explore the historical nature of multi-cultural philanthropy and modern-day leaders of color …
Posted in In The Spotlight | Leave a commentCOMING 2 AMERICA – Premiering on Prime Video March 5th, 2021
December 23, 2020Set in the lush and royal country of Zamunda, newly-crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and his trusted confidante Semmi(Arsenio Hall) embark on an all-new hilarious adventure that has them traversing the globe from their great African nation to the borough of Queens, New York – where it all began. Directed by Craig BrewerScreenplay by Kenya Barris and Barry W. Blaustein & David SheffieldStory by Barry W. Blaustein & David Sheffield and Justin KanewBased on characters created by Eddie MurphyProduced by Kevin Misher and Eddie MurphyCostumes by Ruth E. CarterExecutive Produced by Brian Oliver, Bradley Fischer, Valerii An, Kenya Barris, Charisse Hewitt-Webster, Michele Imperato Stabile and Andy BermanStarring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, KiKi Layne, Shari Headley, with Wesley Snipes and James Earl Jones. Also starring John Amos, Teyana Taylor, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Paul Bates, Nomzamo Mbatha, Bella Murphy #Coming2America
Posted in Cinema, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentSmiley, The Flight Attendant – A Children’s Book by Sonya Jenkins
December 19, 2020Purchase the Paperback copy of SMILEY, THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT by clicking on the link or photo below. Remember to include the name you want the author to sign your book to – in instructions, or email Sonyasspotlight@aol.com: https://py.pl/jSnkP SMILEY, THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT takes young readers and adults on a flight from Atlanta to Orlando, which is filled with rough air, a peanut allergy and safety and common courtesy tips. On this particular flight, there are also two unaccompanied minors, who bravely travel without their parents. SMILEY, THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT teaches airplane safety, inflight etiquette and encourages SMILING. The story is based on a flight in the life of former flight attendant, Sonya Jenkins, an entertainment writer, author, actress and filmmaker. As a former flight attendant for Delta Air Lines, my travel dreams took off when I discovered the wonders of domestic and international excursions during my 32-year career. Sports charters and Caribbean flights were the highlights of my career, but my most heart-warming flights were charters for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I also broadened my aviation knowledge when I worked in Corporate Safety and as a social media moderator for Inflight Service. Being a flight attendant taught me discipline, better communication skills, safety, cultural awareness, and people skills that enhanced my personal life as well. Getting dressed in my uniform and sporting my wings helped me to feel a sense of pride and confidence. One of my favorite uniforms during my career as a flight attendant was the red dress from the Richard Tyler Uniform Collection. My love for children motivated me to write my first children’s book, Smiley, The Flight Attendant, during the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic. In 2020 I also hung up my wings as a flight attendant, but I determined to still soar to new heights and include children’s projects in my continued creative repertoire. Thanks, Cori Pankey and Bronx Pankey, the girls who always bring out the mother in me and the kid in me. I dedicate this book to …
Posted in MOTIVATION, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentPresident-Elect Joe Biden Says He’s “Humbled by the Trust and Confidence” of American Voters in Victory Speech
November 8, 2020The former vice president addressed the United States after the Associated Press and multiple news outlets projected that he had won the 2020 election. Just hours after the Associated Press and other media outlets projected that former Vice President Joe Biden would be elected the 46th president of the United States, Biden addressed the nation in his first speech as president-elect. Jogging out to “We Take Care of Our Own” by Bruce Springsteen, Biden said “Tonight all over this nation … an outpouring of joy, hope, renewed faith tomorrow will bring a better day. I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me.” Biden said he would “make America respected around the world again.” Biden said he understood that Trump supporters were disappointed, but “this is the time to heal.” Biden said the novel coronavirus pandemic would be his No. 1 focus as soon as he entered office. His speech concluded with a medley of songs including Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” and Whitney Houston’s cover of Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love.” The enormous crowd of supporters who turned out to cheer on Biden waved American flags as they sang and danced. Most of those shown on television were wearing masks. On Saturday morning Biden tweeted, “America, I’m honored that you have chosen me to lead our great country. The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a president for all Americans — whether you voted for me or not. I will keep the faith that you have placed in me.” Biden’s running mate, California Sen. Kamala Harris, has made history, becoming the first female vice president of the United States and first Black and Asian-American woman to hold that office. Harris, wearing white as an apparent nod to …
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