Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →Larenz Tate (“Power”) and Erica Ash (“Survivor’s Remorse”) To Host 2018 Bounce Trumpet Awards Jan. 20 in Atlanta
November 15, 201726th Annual Event Takes Place Sat. Jan. 20 in Atlanta, World Premieres on Bounce Sun. Feb. 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET Larenz Tate and Erica Ash will host the 2018 Bounce Trumpet Awards, an exciting night of inspiration, history and crowd-rousing performances celebrating African-American achievements and contributions. The gala black-tie ceremony will be held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on Sat. Jan. 20, 2018 and will world premiere nationwide on Bounce on Sun. Feb. 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Bounce, the fastest-growing African-American network on television, now exclusively owns, produces and telecasts the star-studded event, rebranded this year as the Bounce Trumpet Awards. Honorees, performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. Visit www.trumpetawards.com for more information. Tate is a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award-winner and currently stars on the hit series “Power” on STARZ. He has also appeared on the popular shows “Rescue Me,” “Game of Silence” and “House of Lies.” On the big screen, Tate most recently appeared in “Girls Trip,” with previous roles in “Ray,” “Menace II Society,” “Love Jones,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” and more. Ash is an NAACP Award-winning Broadway, film and television actress currently starring on the hit series “Survivor’s Remorse” on STARZ, as well as playing Brigette Hart (ex-wife of Kevin Hart) on “The Real Husbands of Hollywood.” She will star in the new legal drama series “In Contempt” and will appear in the new theatrical motion picture “Uncle Drew” from Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment. The Trumpet Awards were conceived to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of African Americans and those who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others. Founded in 1992 by American Civil Rights leader Xernona Clayton, The Trumpet Awards were acquired by Bounce in 2016. The list of prestigious honorees over its 26-year history includes Muhammad Ali, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Stevie Wonder, The African-American Women of the United States Congress, Steve Harvey, …
Posted in On the Scene, In The Spotlight | 1 CommentJada Pinkett Smith & More Honored at 2017 HBCU Power Awards
October 21, 2017As numerous colleges kicked off their Homecoming festivities, black excellence was front and center at the inaugural HBCU Power Awards presented by Morehouse College, October 20. Hundreds of guests gathered at Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel in Atlanta to celebrate eight individuals who have made significant achievements in their respective fields: actress Jada Pinkett Smith, Coltrane Curtis (founder, Team Epiphany), Kyle Hagler (president, Next Management), Nzinga Shaw (Chief Diversity Officer, Atlanta Hawks), Keinon Johnson (VP, Urban Promotions, Interscope Records), Phylicia Fant (SVP, Publicity, Warner Bros Records), Beverly Anderson (EVP, Cards & Retail Services, Wells Fargo) and Rob Rumley (Chair, Atlanta Housing Authority). Produced by Morehouse alums Derek “Fonzworth Bentley” Watkins (c/o ’96), Jash’d Kambui Belcher (c/o ’99) and Roderick Hardamon (c/o ’98), the HBCU Power Awards was full of exceptional moments: an opening “Swag Surfin’” performance by the Morehouse Glee Club and Horns section; co-host Deon Cole keeping the audience laughing; the crowd singing along to “Focus” during R&B singer H.E.R’s performance; an impromptu stroll in the aisles from an Omega Psi Phi frat; the music by DJ Trauma; Coltrane Curtis’ emotional tribute to his late father; and Jada Pinkett Smith’s moving words on the dynamics of power and the responsibility we all have to manage it wisely. Special guests included producer Will Packer, supermodel Jessica White, actor Michael Jai White, style expert Tai Beauchamp, Atlanta Hawks Foundation EVP David Lee, creative consultant and entrepreneur Taiye Samuel, radio/tv personality Gary “With The Tea” Hayes, singer Dondria Nicole, rapper Silento, author Zane and many more. Many thanks to sponsors Morehouse College, the Atlanta Hawks, Radio One, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, Experience Grands Rapids and the Lowman Group/ dba the Athletes Foot. MORE PHOTOS Photo Credit Marcus Ingram
Posted in 57th NAACP Image Awards, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentCivil Rights Icon Dr. Joseph Lowery’s 96th Birthday Celebration
October 6, 2017Gospel Great Yolanda Adams Performed at 96th Birthday Celebration for Civil Rights Icon Dr. Joseph Lowery “Think Like A Man” producer, Will Packer; pastor and activist, Reverend Dr. William Barber; and attorney, Angela Rye; were among the honorees. Sonya’s Spotlight Publisher Catches up with Dr. Lowery and a few guests. Five-time gospel Grammy winner, Yolanda Adams and Emmy Award winning actor, Keith David, the star of OWN’s megachurch drama “Greenleaf,” were featured entertainers on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, when celebrities, dignitaries and activists from around world descended upon Atlanta to pay tribute to the “dean” of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Joseph Lowery, for his 96th birthday celebration. “Think Like A Man” producer, Will Packer; pastor and activist, Reverend Dr. William Barber; and attorney, Angela Rye; were among the honorees for the evening hosted by the Joseph and Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice & Human Rights (Lowery Institute). A musical extravaganza, the reception, gala and after-party were held at The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University. The musical tribute, produced by Kenneth Green, highlighted milestones in Dr. Lowery’s lifelong commitment to the nonviolent fight for voting rights, economic equality and social justice. Nearly 100 of the Lowery Institute’s Change Agents took part in the program to let Dr. Lowery know that his legacy is secure with them. Change Agents are college students trained at the Lowery Institute then assigned to elementary, middle and high schools to teach the principles of nonviolence coupled with conflict management and social and self-awareness. Lowery says, in their respective areas, the honorees epitomize the theme of the event, Grounded in History: Soaring Towards the Future. “They understand the nexus between our past and our future. Will Packer is not only telling our stories, he is committed to employing and uplifting people …
Posted in On the Scene | 1 CommentCongressional Black Caucus Annual Conference 2017 – “And Still I Rise”
October 1, 2017The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) and Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) kicked off the 47th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), September 20-24, 2017 in the Nation’s Capitol. This year’s Annual Legislative Conference theme, “And Still I Rise,” highlighted key events and activities including the highly-anticipated National Town Hall, focusing on, ‘Fighting the Systemic Destruction of our Civil Rights”; the Prayer Breakfast, headlined by Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Pastor Shirley Caesar and feature keynote speaker Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr.; the Phoenix Awards dinner featuring keynote speaker Dr. Michael Eric Dyson; and a host of forums and sessions with topics including civic engagement, civil rights, foreign affairs and national security, and CBCF core pillars: education, health and wellness, economic empowerment and the environment. Enjoy a few photos via Sonya Jenkins and facebook.com/CBCFInc. More Photos from Sonya Jenkins in the Authors Pavilion and the National Newspaper Publishers Association Soirée. Check out more Authors Pavilion Photos Here: http://sonyasspotlight.com/sonyajenkinsauthorspavilioncbc/ ABOUT ALC The ALC is the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the global black community. The conference features nearly 100 public policy forums on health, education, economic empowerment, the environment, and more. Signature events and features include the National Town Hall, Celebration of Leadership in Fine Arts, Community Breakfast and Health Fair, Gospel Extravaganza, Black Party, Prayer Breakfast, Exhibit Showcase, and the culminating event, the Phoenix Awards Dinner. This year’s theme, “And Still I RISE” reflects a legacy of resilience that emphasizes the collective strength of the black community to rise above continued racial inequalities. Sign up to receive the e-newsletter and follow the CBCF on social media using hashtag, #CBCFALC17 for updates. Sign up to receive the e-newsletter and follow the CBCF on social media using hashtag, #CBCFALC17 for updates. Twitter: twitter.com/CBCFInc Facebook: facebook.com/CBCFInc Instagram: instagram.com/CBCFInc LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/congressional-black-caucus-foundation Google: google.com/+CBCFIn YouTube: …
Posted in R&B Pop Culture, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentSonya Jenkins’ Authors Pavilion experience at Legislative Congressional Black Caucus 2017
September 30, 2017I was honored to be a featured author in the 2017 Congressional Black Caucus Authors Pavilion (presented by The Oracle Group Inc.), where my novel, SHAYLA’S CATCH, and the teaser version of my novel, FIERY CHARM, were showcased. This was my third year in a row (Threepeat), where I was on hand Friday, Sept. 22nd from 3-5pm at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center – meeting and greeting many who attended the Congressional Black Caucus. The Authors Pavilion showcases one of the largest assortments of books by and about people of African descent in the DMV and maybe in the country. With an inventory in access of 3,000 new release and best-selling paperback and hardback books, the Pavilion offers literature by and about Black people that covers almost every category of human interest. Enjoy a few photos I captured in the Authors Pavilion below. For more about novels penned by Author Sonya Jenkins, visit https://www.amazon.com/author/sonyajenkins
Posted in JAZZ IN THE GARDENS 2026, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentA QUESTION OF FAITH in Theaters September 29
September 27, 2017Synopsis: A judge remands Maria to a juvenile detention center after the teen strikes 12-year-old Eric with her car while texting. Joining Eric in the hospital is Michelle, a young singer who collapses while auditioning for a major record label. As their respective parents begin to question their faith, a chain of events unknowingly brings all three families together in unexpected ways. Photos from A Question Of Faith – photo courtesy – www.aquestionoffaith.com Check out a few Photos from Atlanta Premiere of A Question of Faith, which took place Monday, Sept. 25, at Regal Atlantic Station. Some of the stars who came out to the premiere were Kim Fields (“Facts of Life”), Renee O’Connor (“Xena: Warrior Princess”), GregAlan Williams (“Greenleaf”), Donna Biscoe (HIDDEN FIGURES), T.C. Stallings (WAR ROOM), Amber Thompson (member of Gospel group The Nelons), Karen Valero, Marliss Amiea Meritt, Angela White (producer – first African American female to produce theatrical faith-based film), and more. Covered by L. Serenity Parker
Posted in Cinema | Leave a comment8th Annual BronzeLens Film Fest 2017 -Recap
August 29, 2017The Eighth Annual BronzeLens Film Festival will be held August 20-27 in Atlanta, Georgia. Headlining the festival are 2017 BronzeLens Women SuperStars honorees including award-winning director, writer and producer Neema Barnette (QUEEN SUGAR, BEING MARY JANE, THE BREAKS), veteran television and theater actress Crystal Fox (THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS, IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT), and award-winning filmmaker Nefertite Nguvu (IN THE MORNING, U.N.I.T.Y. Re-ignighted, BLACK AMERICA AGAIN). Actor Lamman Rucker (GREENLEAF) will lead Masterclass – Up Close – Through the BronzeLens: The Art of Auditioning with Lamman Rucker. Legendary stage and screen actors Keith David (GREENLEAF) and E. Roger Mitchell (THE QUAD) engage in insightful and revealing conversation during Sunday Brunch with the Brothers. They will be joined by (QUEEN SUGAR) Timon Kyle Durrett and Omar Dorsey. Over 60 films will be screened inclusive of shorts, features, documentaries and webisodes. Selected juried films represent the work of filmmakers from the United States, Spain, France, Australia, Colombia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Germany and Switzerland. Substantive programming, combined with a who’s who of the film industry has established BronzeLens as one of the nation’s pre-eminent film festivals. With Georgia now No. 1 in feature film productions, BronzeLens has long attracted national and international attention to Atlanta, promoting the city as a leader in the film industry. BronzeLens events will take place at Westin Peachtree Plaza (festival headquarters), the Auditorium at Georgia-Pacific Center, Auburn Research Library on African American Culture and History, and Ray Charles Performing Arts Center. BronzeLens Film Festival Highlights: Sunday, August 20 BronzeLens Film Festival executive producer and founder Kathleen Bertrand, also an acclaimed vocalist, kicks off the festival with Sisters in Song Concert: A Tribute to Music in Film. The concert will be held at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at …
Posted in R&B Pop Culture, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentTHE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD in theaters Now
August 20, 2017SYNOPSIS The world’s top protection agent [Ryan Reynolds] is called upon to guard the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world’s most notorious hitmen [Samuel L. Jackson]. The relentless bodyguard and manipulative assassin have been on the opposite end of the bullet for years and are thrown together for a wildly outrageous 24 hours. During their raucous and hilarious adventure from England to the Hague, they encounter high-speed car chases, outlandish boat escapades and a merciless Eastern European dictator [Gary Oldman] who is out for blood. Salma Hayek joins the mayhem as Jackson’s equally notorious wife. The film will be “hitting” your theatres on August 18. Summit Entertainment presents, Millennium Media presents, in association with Cristal Pictures and East Light Media, a Millennium Media/Nu Boyana Film Studios/CGF production. Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman, and Salma Hayek, Elodie Yung, Joaquim De Almeida, Kirsty Mitchell, with Richard E. Grant Directed by: Patrick Hughes Written by: Tom O’Connor Produced by: John Thompson, Matt O’Toole, Les Weldon, Mark Gill Executive Producers: Avi Lerner, Trevor Short, Boaz Davidson, Jason Bloom, Douglas Urbanski, Jeffrey Greenstein, Yariv Lerner, Christine Otal, Christa Campbell, Lati Grobman, Matt Milam, Chris Jing Liu and Scott Einbinder
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentTyler Perry’s BOO 2! A MADEA HALLOWEEN in theaters October 20
August 20, 2017On the spookiest night of the year, Madea is summoned to keep a watchful eye on Brian’s teenage daughter and keep her out of trouble. Little does she know, the trouble is coming for her. Fortunately, or not, she has her posse of Bam, Hattie and Joe to shield off ghosts and killer clowns. It’s a fright fest where all hell-arity breaks loose. Actors:Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, Patrice Lovely, Bella Thorne, Yousef Erakat Director:Tyler Perry In BOO 2!, Madea, Bam, and Hattie are back for this hilarious sequel. The gang heads to a haunted campground and the group must literally run for their lives when monsters, goblins and the bogeyman are unleashed. #Boo2
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentOFFICIAL DATES ANNOUNCED FOR 2018 ESSENCE FESTIVAL
July 29, 2017The official dates for the 2018 Essence Festival® presented by Coca-Cola® will take place from July 5 – 8, 2018 in New Orleans, LA. Limited advance tickets for the 24th annual event’s nightly concert series will be available starting August 10 at 10:00am ET. On the heels of a record-breaking 2017 Festival, the highly anticipated event is expected to feature a diverse, all-star roster of musicians and speakers for its nightly concert series and daytime empowerment programming respectively. The 2017 “party with a purpose” drew over 470,000 attendees and featured first-time performances by Diana Ross and Chance The Rapper, plus keynote conversations with Ava Duvernay, Mary J. Blige, the cast of the critically acclaimed film “Girls Trip” – Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish – and many more. Festivalgoers can start planning their ‘girl’s trip’ and weekend getaways by visiting Essence Festival for a recap of the 2017 Festival, information about advance ticket sales, the latest news about the Festival and to sign up for Festival-related newsletters. Join the Essence Festival community by following us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2018 Essence Festival on Facebook for additional updates. Sponsors of the 2018 Essence Festival® include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola® and major sponsor State Farm. CHECK OUT SONYA JENKINS’ 2017 ESSENCE FEST EXPERIENCE BELOW:
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