Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →STEPHANIE MILLS HONORED AS A LIVING LEGEND BY THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON AND THE 2025 TRIUMPH AWARDS
October 13, 2025After being honored in her hometown of Mount Vernon in late September with the dedication of “Stephanie Mills Way”, the legendary icon received another recognition. On Monday, October 6th, the National Action Network celebrated Stephanie Mills at its 15th Annual Triumph Awards. The ceremony, hosted by National Action Network Founder Reverend Al Sharpton, applauded Stephanie Mills and fellow honorees for their contributions to the mission of National Action Network. Attendees Included: Stephanie Mills, “Babyface,” Ari Melber, Chelsea Maddox-Dorsey, Vincent Bohanan, Reverend Al Sharpton, Zohran Mamdani, and more! The evening honored leaders in various industry sectors that use their platforms to champion civil rights and social justice. Mills was recognized alongside fellow honorees including 13-time Grammy Award-winner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, MSNBC host Ari Melber, A Wonder Media Company CEO Chelsea Maddox-Dorsey, and Sound of Victory Choir Founder and Director Vincent Bohanan. ABOUT NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK (NAN) National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender.
Posted in Music, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentMalia’s Blog: First Tournament in the Books
October 12, 2025By Malia Fisher To round-out the final days of my first preseason as a professional athlete, the Rutronik Stars Keltern and I participated in the Lux’ELLE Trophy Women’s Basketball Tournament. From September 19th to 21st, we embarked on a four-hour journey to Luxeuil-Les Bains, France, in two mini-buses. There, we were guaranteed two games out of four teams, with the winner taking home some hardware! A typical gameday is much more anticlimactic than one would assume. You wake up, have breakfast, and then retreat to your room for a few hours. Afterward, you come back, have lunch, and return to your room for another few hours. Finally, you’re ready to head to the gym and play. Your time is entirely yours, and you have the freedom to choose how you spend it, which is fair game. The rule in the NCAA rule regarding warm-up time is that the clock starts exactly one hour before the game. However, here in Germany, we don’t even start stretching until there are 30 minutes left on the clock! Our first game was against Elfic Fribourg, a Swiss team that has won the national championship eight times since 2024. We started the game strong, taking the lead by a significant margin in the first few minutes. However, we couldn’t maintain this momentum and before we knew it, Fribourg had caught up by halftime. The rest of the game was a back-and-forth battle, with foul trouble plaguing both teams. When the clock struck zero, the game was tied, and we were headed into a five-minute overtime period. At this point, both of our starting bigs had fouled out, and I was soon to follow suit. This left our team with only five guards, with only about three minutes left to play. Despite the odds stacked against …
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentMalia’s Blog: Playing Professional Basketball in Germany
September 24, 2025By Malia Fisher In just two weeks of living in Germany, I’ve taken on a diverse range of roles, including athlete, chef, nutritionist, chauffeur, maintenance repairwoman, maid, athletic trainer, and doctor. So, let me share some insights into my experiences so far. My bedroom window overlooks the charming town of Keltern, Germany. Surrounded by lush greenery, a wine vineyard stands tall at the top of the hill, and a vibrant blue sky contrasts sharply with the horizon. Cobblestone sidewalks wind through the town, lined with cramped stucco houses that proudly display the same red brick roofing. The pace of life in Keltern is quite slow, but it’s filled with life, memories, and promise. If you crave more excitement, just hop on a train to Pforzheim, Germany, where you’ll find a bit more bustle and a plethora of stores. Now, what do my days really look like? As an overseas basketball player for Rutronik Stars Keltern, I am my own boss. I’ve been in a constant state of learning, trying to navigate daily life while also mastering a new system of basketball. My days typically involve two workouts a day, with a mix of team practice, weights, conditioning, and recovery. I’m responsible for taking care of my body, ensuring I’m well-rested and nourished, and coming in with the right mindset. As a rookie coming straight from Rice University, my biggest adjustment has been the drastic change in access to resources. I never realized what I was taking for granted. For instance, ice is a rare commodity here. Fridges don’t have ice makers. You can’t find it at the grocery store. There will not be a bag of ice waiting to be wrapped around my knee at the end of a hard practice! My solution to this has been to make ice cups every …
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentFrom Take-Off to Tip Off and Back: Malia Jordan Goes Pro
September 13, 2025Standout Player for Rice University Makes a Move to Play Professional Basketball in Germany By Malia Fisher Imagine you’re sitting in the aisle of a completely full American Boeing 777 flight. The middle-aged man next to you is cozily watching his movie on the screen in front of you. The young girl across from you is tussling with her pink crocs that are slightly too big. And then there’s you. At the ripe, relatively green age of twenty-two, you’re flying across the world to follow the dream you’ve had since you were a little kid. We all have the same destination, but don’t all have the same destination. Stay with me now! My name is Malia Jordan Fisher, and I’m embarking on a new chapter in my life. When strangers ask me what I do for a living, I can proudly tell them I’m a professional basketball player, starting my rookie year in the picturesque town of Keltern, Germany. Yeah, it sounds unbelievable to me too! Keltern is a small town nestled just south of Frankfurt. As for what the town is like, well, let’s just say your guess is as good as mine. But here’s the thing: I still have six hours before this exciting chapter of my life begins, and I thought I should share my journey with you all. I was born in Nashville, Tennessee, where I grew up until I was nine years old. I began playing basketball at the age of four. My mother, Stephanie McDonald, played collegiate basketball at Middle Tennessee State University, holding multiple records and claiming an easily coveted spot in their athletics Hall of Fame. My father, Lavoisier Fisher, had a tremendous collegiate football career at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He then went on to play in the National …
Posted in Fitness, Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentRuth & Boaz Streaming on Netflix September 26.
September 3, 2025ABOUT RUTH & BOAZ Rising Atlanta hip-hop artist Ruth Moably gives up the glamorous life to start anew in rural Tennessee, where she cares for Naomi, the mother of her boyfriend who died in a tragic incident, and meets the man of her dreams. Directed By: Alanna Brown Written By: Michael Elliot & Cory Tynan Produced By: DeVon Franklin and Tyler Perry Executive Producers: Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, Bart Lipton Key Cast: Serayah, Tyler Lepley, Phylicia Rashad, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Gregalan Williams, Nijah Brenea, Walnette Santiago, James Thomas, Christopher Broughton, Jermaine Dupri, Chaundra Hall-Broomfield Original Song By: Babyface Ruth & Boaz will be released on Netflix on September 26.
Posted in Cinema, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentOMF2025 ATL featuring Future, Doechii, The Dungeon Family, Mary J. Blige, Clispe, Kehlani & MORE!
July 28, 2025SATURDAY, OCT 25TH & SUNDAY, OCT 26TH, 2025PIEDMONT PARK – ATLANTA, GA ONE Musicfest 2025 featuringFuture 💎 The Dungeon Family Reunion 💎 Doechii Mary J. Blige 💎 Ludacris 💎 Kehlani Clipse 💎 Jazmine Sullivan 💎 Leon Thomas and MORE!! PRE-SALES AVAILABLE NOW!🎟️ General On Sale starts THIS Wednesday @ 11am 🎟️ …and over 40 more acts!2 days of Music, Community, Culture, Food, Art & Festivities PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE FOR ALL TICKET LEVELS**payment plan available ONLY for a limited timeGeneral Admission Includes:Access to Live music across all stages in Piedmont Park to watch over 40 acts, One Commemorative RFID-enabled Wristband, access to all food vendors, bars, concessions, official band merch, festival merch, free water stations, and specialty items from dozens of vendors throughout the park.**Payment Plan Available GET TICKETSGA+ Includes:Introducing GA Plus! An elevated GA experience. Unlimited access to GA+ Lounge with seating and air-conditioned restrooms, One Commemorative RFID-enabled Wristband, Two days of live Performances on all Stages, Access to all food vendors, Full-service bar with beer, wine, and cocktails for purchase **Payment Plan Available GET TICKETSVIP Includes:Up-close, prime viewing areas at all stagesOne Commemorative VIP RFID-enabled WristbandAccess to two VIP lounges at two stages featuring seating, premium air-conditioned restrooms, and full-service cash barsExclusive Food experience within the Main Stage Lounge (food for purchase)Complimentary water and soft drinks in both VIP loungesCell Phone chargers in VIP Lounges**Payment Plan Available GET TICKETSPlatinum Includes:Premier viewing areas at all stages and access to the Platinum-only viewing deckOne Commemorative Platinum RFID-enabled Wristband Access to Platinum Lounge with relaxed seatingComplimentary full-service bar, light hors d’oeuvres and catered dinnerAir-conditioned premium restroomsOn-site concierge services and complimentary with mobile charging (available first come, first-served)Exclusive ONE Musicfest swag bagAccess to all VIP and GA areas**Payment Plan Available GET TICKETS Copyright (C) 2025 ONE Musicfest. All rights reserved.Thank you for your participation with ONE Musicfest and your support of music.
Posted in Atlanta Scene | Leave a commentKIRK FRANKLIN’S ‘DEN OF KINGS’ EPISODE TWO AVAILABLE NOW –
July 25, 2025FEATURING TYLER PERRY, JAY “JEEZY” JENKINS AND DERRICK HAYES WATCH NOW PHOTOSRon Hill, Phil Thornton, Tyler Perry, Kirk Franklin, Trell Woodberry, Jay Allen, Jeezy and Derrick HayesTyler Perry, Kirk Franklin, Jeezy and Derrick Hayes In Kirk Franklin’s Den of Kings, a new dinner conversation series hosted by Franklin. In the second installment of the hit series, Kirk Franklin brings together Tyler Perry, Jeezy, and Derrick Hayes for a transparent conversation about legacy, leadership, faith, and the true meaning of being a boss. Topics include:• Why vulnerability matters in leadership.• The real cost of success.• Rewriting the Black male narrative.• Mentorship, manhood, and mental health. https://youtu.be/yA2Y8jP4M6g?si=whR4EoNV9iD5qIe_ Previous Episode: https://youtu.be/OT6mXEAQVJM?si=xjLxQnlf3RNf-PtJ
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentThe Pickup Coming to Prime Video Globally on August 6, 2025
July 25, 2025The Pickup brings together two generations of comedy for an explosive and hilarious partnership that showcases the chemistry between old-school experience and new-wave energy.The film delivers heart-pounding thrills, sharp comedy, and unexpected mishaps — everyone’s in for a hilarious and wild ride.Directed by Tim Story, who’s known for his work on The Blackening, Barbershop and Ride Along, the film blends high-octane action with sharp humor.In addition to Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, and Keke Palmer, the film features a diverse cast including Eva Longoria, Marshawn Lynch, Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i, Andrew Dice Clay, and Ismael Cruz Córdova. In the action-comedy The Pickup, a routine cash pickup takes a wild turn when two mismatched armored truck drivers, Russell (Eddie Murphy) and Travis (Pete Davidson), are ambushed by ruthless criminals led by a savvy mastermind, Zoe (Keke Palmer), with plans that go way beyond the cash cargo. As chaos unfolds around them, the unlikely duo must navigate high-risk danger, clashing personalities, and one very bad day that keeps getting worse. Directed by Tim StoryWritten by Kevin Burrows & Matt MiderProduced by John Davis, p.g.a., John Fox, p.g.a., Eddie Murphy, p.g.a., Tim Story, Charisse Hewitt-Webster, p.g.a.Starring Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Jack Kesy, Andrew Dice Clay, Marshawn Lynch, Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i and Keke Palmer Run Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes | Rating: R | Genre: Action, Comedy #ThePickupMovie@PrimeVideo@AmazonMGMStudios@CultureRated@PrimeroLatino@PrimeComedy
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentGood Fortune In Theaters October 17
July 24, 2025In GOOD FORTUNE, a well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy venture capitalist (Seth Rogen). Starring Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari, Keke Palmer, with Sandra Oh, and Keanu Reeves Directed By Aziz Ansari Executive Produced By Aniz Adam Ansari, Jonathan McCoy, Christopher Woodrow, Connor DiGregorio
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentPrince – Sign O’ The Times – Experience it in IMAX® August 29
July 24, 2025Sign O’ The Times is widely celebrated for capturing the artist at his creative peak—blending electrifying concert footage with cinematic storytelling, powerful visuals, and genredefying sound. Now, enhanced with IMAX’s precision surround sound audio, customized theatre geometry, and crystal-clear images, Prince’s virtuoso performance is set to mesmerize fans old and new in the most epic format available. “Prince – Sign O’ The Times” features some of Prince’s most iconic tracks, including “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” the anthemic title track “Sign O’ The Times,” and “U Got The Look,” Prince’s smash hit duet with Sheena Easton. The film showcases Prince’s unparalleled musicianship, stagecraft, and style, highlighting his timeless impact on music and popular culture. Director & Star: PrinceProducers: Robert Cavallo, Joseph Ruffalo & Steven FargnoliCo-Producer: Simon FieldsDirector of Photography: Peter Sinclair Runtime: 85 MinutesRated: PG-13 IMAX Official Channels:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IMAXUSCAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/IMAXX: https://twitter.com/IMAX#IMAX Prince Official Channels:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/princeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/prince/?hl=en X: https://x.com/prince#PrinceSignOTheTimes https://youtu.be/ncDxgkcBBmA?si=OMIbsXc4ByBMTyod
Posted in Cinema, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
