Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →National 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 98TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 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 Sports & Inspiration | 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 Tour Alert, 57th NAACP Image Awards, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentSnoop 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 …
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