Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →LIFETIME 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 & Film | 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 …
Posted in News, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentSHAYLA’S CATCH Prequel – Teaser – “Before The Catch”
November 8, 2020“Shayla’s Catch” Prequel, introduces viewers to the lifestyle of Calvin CK Moore, a wealthy NFL star wide receiver, played by Oshea Russell. The football journey and the intimate life of CK Moore is lavish and complicated. He often brags, “The more they see me, the more they want me,” but is put to the test as he juggles multiple women, who all claim him as their man. CK’s main girl, Mia Falana, has to come to terms with whether she should hang on to her playboy boyfriend or give him a dose of his own medicine. The story presents many questions about faithfulness and loyalty – even down to CK’s cousin Dexter Moore, who always watches out for (and sometimes lies for) his popular football star cousin, CK. “Before The Catch” also introduces Shayla Lucas, who is seeking an ultimate catch through any means necessary, including begging her roommate, Tacara, to convince her boyfriend, also an NFL star (Steve) to introduce her to a player on his team. In “Before The Catch” viewers will also meet Shayla’s mom, Connie, her aunt Sydney, and her soon-to-be mentor, Claire Jones, who often advises her son, Diego Jones, in his own relationship dilemmas. SEE THE 1ST EPISODE OF SHAYLA’S CATCH PREQUEL HERE: “Before The Catch” opens the door to “Shayla’s Catch” (the 53-minute film) which is now on Film Freeway and Amazon Prime Video here: More about “Shayla’s Catch” – https://tntribune.com/first-time-filmmaker-jenkins-releases-book-to-film-project-on-amazon-prime-video/
Posted in Cinema, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentF9: Fast and Furious 9 – In Theaters May 28, 2021
October 20, 2020No matter how fast you are, no one outruns their past. Next spring is the time for F9, the ninth chapter in the saga that has endured for almost two decades and has earned more than $5 billion around the world. Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, little Brian, but they know that danger always lurks just over their peaceful horizon. This time, that threat will force Dom to confront the sins of his past if he’s going to save those he loves most. His crew joins together to stop a world-shattering plot led by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they’ve ever encountered: a man who also happens to be Dom’s forsaken brother, Jakob (John Cena, next year’s The Suicide Squad). F9 sees the return of Justin Lin as director, who helmed the third, fourth, fifth and sixth chapters of the series when it transformed into a global blockbuster. The action hurtles around the globe—from London to Tokyo, from Central America to Edinburgh, and from a secret bunker in Azerbaijan to the teeming streets of Tbilisi. Along the way, old friends will be resurrected, old foes will return, history will be rewritten, and the true meaning of family will be tested like never before. The film stars returning cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel and Sung Kang, with Oscar® winner Helen Mirren and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron. F9 also features Grammy-winning superstar Cardi B as new franchise character Leysa, a woman with a connection to Dom’s past, and a cameo by Reggaeton sensation Ozuna. F9 is produced by Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Jeff Kirschenbaum, Joe Roth, Justin Lin, Clayton Townsend and Samantha Vincent. www.thefastsaga.com Genres Action Thriller Starring Vin …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentMa Rainey’s Black Bottom – Netflix – December 18
October 20, 2020Synopsis: Tensions and temperatures rise over the course of an afternoon recording session in 1920s Chicago as a band of musicians await trailblazing performer, the legendary “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey (Academy Award® winner Viola Davis). Late to the session, the fearless, fiery Ma engages in a battle of wills with her white manager and producer over control of her music. As the band waits in the studio’s claustrophobic rehearsal room, ambitious trumpeter Levee (Chadwick Boseman) — who has an eye for Ma’s girlfriend and is determined to stake his own claim on the music industry — spurs his fellow musicians into an eruption of stories revealing truths that will forever change the course of their lives. Adapted from two-time Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson’s play, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM celebrates the transformative power of the blues and the artists who refuse to let society’s prejudices dictate their worth. Directed by George C. Wolfe and adapted for the screen by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, the film is produced by Fences Oscar® nominees Denzel Washington and Todd Black. Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, Michael Potts, Taylour Paige and Dusan Brown co-star alongside Grammy® winner Branford Marsalis’ score. netflix.com/maraineysblackbottom Twitter: www.twitter.com/MaRaineyFilmFacebook: www.facebook.com/MaRaineyFilmInstagram: www.instagram.com/MaRaineyFilm @MaRaineyFilm@NetflixFilm
Posted in Cinema, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentJenna Scott Fights after Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
October 14, 2020For Jenna Scott, Chadwick Boseman’s passing was personal, although she didn’t know the actor personally. As a Stage IV colon cancer survivor since 2017, Scott, 34, contemplated how she would tell her four-year-old son that his mom is fighting the same disease his superhero favorite “Black Panther” fought. Chadwick Boseman played “Black Panther” in the Marvel Comics movie of the same name, which was the first film to receive a Best Picture nomination at the 91stAcademy Awards and the highest-grossing superhero movie of all time. Diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer 12 months after giving birth to a healthy baby boy in June of 2017, Scott looked back and realized that something was off in her body. While pregnant, she experienced excruciating abdominal pains, severe fatigue, vomiting and bleeding. She was told by her obstetrician that her symptoms were pregnancy-related. Without having the accurate diagnosis, Scott carried on with her life with her college sweetheart and husband, Derrick Scott. The couple met while attending respective Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs), Spelman College, where Jenna was a cheerleader and quite active on campus, and Morehouse College, where Derrick was a popular football player. As athletes, the couple maintained fit bodies throughout college – being as health-conscious as possible. They continued their fitness regimen after graduating from college, and looked forward to becoming parents after marrying in 2015. After Scott persisted in letting her obstetrician know that the same symptoms she was experiencing while pregnant were still bothering her a year after giving birth to her son, and getting no clear answers, she found a primary care physician. The physician then referred her to a gastrointestinal specialist. When the gastroenterologist ordered a colonoscopy for Scott, it seemed like a normal procedure for anyone experiencing the symptoms she described to him and the traditional …
Posted in Spotlight, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentDABABY LEADS THE 2020 BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” WITH 12 NOMINATIONS, FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY RODDY RICCH WITH 11 NODS
October 3, 2020MEGAN THEE STALLION and DRAKE TIE FOR THIRD HIGHEST NOMINATIONS WITH 8 NODS EACH OTHER TOP NOMINEES INCLUDE FUTURE WITH 6 NODS, LIL BABY WITH 4 NODS, FOLLOWED BY BEYONCÉ, DJ KHALED, TRAVIS SCOTT, and MUSTARD WITH 3 NODS EACHTHE BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” 2020 WILL PREMIERE ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020 AT 9PM ET/PT ON BET #HIPHOPAWARDS BET announces the nominees for the 15th annual “Hip Hop Awards,” honoring the past year in hip hop music across 17 categories. The BET Hip Hop Awards is set to premiere on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 9:00PM ET/PT. Rising superstar, and winner of the 2019 Hip Hop Awards “Best New Hip Hop Artist,” DaBaby, leads this year’s nominations with an impressive 12 nods. Following his win for “Best Male Hip Hop Artist” at the BET Awards, DaBaby’s 12 nods includes ‘Best Live Performer,’ ‘Lyricist of the Year,’ ‘Hip Hop Artist of the Year,’ ‘Impact Track’ – Rockstar (BLM Remix) and two nominations in the ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Best Hip Hop Video,’ and ‘Best Collab’ categories. Additionally DaBaby makes history, with two entries in the ‘Hip Hop Album of the Year’ category with “Blame It On Baby,” and “Kirk” both receiving nominations. Roddy Ricch, another 2019 ‘Best New Hip Hop Artist” nominee, takes second place with an impressive 11 nods. Megan the Stallion, who opened the 2019 show, tied with global superstar Drake for third most nominations securing 8 nods each.Other notable nominations include Future, who received 6 nominations. Lil Baby who received 4 nods. Beyoncé, DJ Khaled, Travis Scott, and Mustard each received three nominations. Additionally, ‘Best New Hip Hop Artist’ Award nominees include Flo Milli, Jack Harlow, Mulatto, NLE Choppa, Pop Smoke, and Rod Wave. Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET will oversee the annual show, with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, serving as Executive Producer of the BET “Hip Hop Awards” 2020 along with and Jeannae Rouzan–Clay, Vice President of Specials, Jesse Collins Entertainment. “Best International Flow” is a category that will recognize artists from around the …
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