Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim in theaters December 13th
November 10, 2024A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg. Director – Kenji Kamiyam Writers – Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, Poebe GittinsStars
Posted in Fitness | Leave a commentTHE MERGE AWARDS 2024
November 7, 2024The Merge Awards co-founders Dr. Holly Carter and Robi Reed, along with special co-host Traci Blackwell, honored Grammy award-winning Singer-Songwriter Toni Braxton, Influencer, Tabitha Brown, Director and Playwright, David E. Talbert, CEO, The Zeus Network, Lemuel Plummer, President, Disney Branded Entertainment, Ayo Davis, Multi-Grammy award-winning Producer, Warryn Campbell, and Grammy and Golden Globe award-winning Singer and Actress, Andra Day at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Saturday, November 2. Hosted by Producer and New York Times best-selling Author, DeVon Franklin, The Merge Awards recognizes those individuals making significant contributions toward merging faith and entertainment within their respective fields. he 14th annual, two-day Merge Summit, presented by Walt Disney World Resort, in collaboration with Sony Music Publishing, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Mielle Organics and The Zeus Network theme this year was “Commanding The Moment!” Check out a few Photos by Sonya Jenkins below, where attendees and honorees COMMANDED THE MOMENT.
Posted in Spotlight, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentALBANY ROAD in select theaters November 15
November 2, 2024ABOUT ALBANY ROAD Albany Road is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of life’s complexities through the lens of a road trip between two women who couldn’t be more different. Celeste Simmons (Renée Elise Goldsberry), a successful New York executive and Paula Henderson (Lynn Whitfield), her ex-fiancé’s strong-willed mother, find themselves reluctantly sharing a rental car on a journey that delves into love, regret, missed opportunities and the difficult conversations we avoid. As they navigate the physical and emotional landscape of their journey, the layers of their relationship are peeled back, revealing deep-seated truths and a path toward healing. Genre: Drama, Comedy, Women and Film, African-American Experience Runtime: 135 Director: Christine Swanson Writer(s): Christine Swanson Cast: Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield, J Alphonse Nicholson, Lisa Arrindell, Gary Dourdan, Joe Holt, Rachel Nicks, Ben Rappaport, Lily Cowles
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentONE Musicfest Celebrates 15 Years with a Stellar Lineup and Unforgettable Performances
October 29, 2024ONE Musicfest, a beacon of diversity and inclusivity in the music world, celebrated its 15th anniversary with a star-studded lineup and electrifying performances. Held at Atlanta’s Central Park on October 26th and 27th, the festival brought together a diverse range of artists, from legendary icons to rising stars, captivating audiences with their musical prowess and stage presence. Highlights from the Festival: Latto and Gunna Ignite the Stage: The headliners, Latto and Gunna, delivered high-energy performances that had the crowd singing along to fan favorites like “Brokey.” Latto’s energetic setlist and captivating stage presence left a lasting impression, while Gunna’s smooth delivery and melodic tunes created a euphoric atmosphere. Jill Scott’s Soulful Serenade: Jill Scott’s soulful voice and timeless classics filled the air, transporting the audience to a nostalgic era of Neo Soul with hits like “A Long Walk” and “Whatever.”. Her performance was a testament to her enduring popularity and musical talent. Earth, Wind & Fire’s Timeless Performance: The legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire took the stage and delivered a powerful performance that showcased their iconic hits from “Reasons” to “September” and incredible musicianship. Their performance was a highlight of the festival, bringing together generations of fans. Method Man & Redman’s Nostalgic Reunion: The dynamic duo Method Man and Redman reunited on stage, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey through their iconic discography. Their energetic performance and witty banter had the crowd reminiscing about the golden age of hip-hop. Redman and Method Man by Terence RushinRising Star Shines Bright: The festival also showcased several rising stars, including GloRilla,who commanded the stage. GloRilla excited fans with a surprise appearance by T-Pain. Together, they performed “I Luv Her” from her latest album, Glorious. T-Pain kept the energy high, treating the audience to classics like “Buy U A Drank,” “Kiss Kiss,” and more. Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind, & Fire by Andy Doan Engagement at the P&G Stage: Love was in the air …
Posted in Atlanta Scene, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment2024 Democratic National Convention – brought to you by DNC Virtual Correspondent Sonya Jenkins
August 20, 2024VP Kamala Harris has a plan to build a better future. DEMOCRATIV NATIONAL CONVENTION PHOTOS Stay Tuned for More! KAMALA HARRIS KEY MESSAGE ON ABORTION ON LOWERING COSTS ON DEMOCRACY Trump’s plan is in plain sight: Project 2025 would gut America’s system of checks and balances.
Posted in Spotlight | Leave a commentDeadpool & Wolverine in theaters Now
July 25, 2024Wolverine is recovering from his injuries when he crosses paths with the loudmouth Deadpool. They team up to defeat a common enemy. DIRECTOR Shawn Levy PRODUCERS Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy and Lauren Shuler Donner EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, George Dewey, Simon Kinberg and Jonathon Komack Martin WRITERSRyan Reynolds & Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick & Zeb Wells & Shawn Levy CAST Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni and Matthew Macfadyen RELEASE DATEJuly 26, 2024
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentKamala Harris Announces Presidential Bid Backed By Biden And Record-Breaking Support From Black Women
July 24, 2024“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said in a statement. BY MELISSA NOEL · UPDATED JULY 22, 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris announced her intention to seek the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign and endorsed her. This has set up a potential historic bid for the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major political party ticket. “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said in a statement shared on X. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda,” Harris continued. Biden’s historic endorsement — and Harris’s pledge to unite the party behind her — came Sunday afternoon after he announced that he is dropping his reelection bid following weeks of mounting calls for him to step aside. The president’s bad debate performance called into question his ability to win a second term and govern for another four years. “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today, I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee,” Biden said.
Posted in Inspirational, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentFIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST Premiering Sept. 5 on @Peacock
July 24, 2024FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST, based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast, follows the infamous story of how an armed robbery on the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.” When a hustler named Chicken Man (Kevin Hart) hosts an afterparty to celebrate the fight with a guest list of the country’s wealthiest, including top Black mafia leaders, the night ends with the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history. Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is hellbent on clearing his name but must convince his old adversary, J.D. Hudson (Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives in the city’s desegregated police force, who is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice. The series stars Kevin Hart (who executive produces for his company Hartbeat alongside Will Packer), Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard. FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST is created and written by Shaye Ogbonna (Penguin, The Chi, God’s Country). Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch (Echo 3, The Calling) serve as showrunners and executive producers. Will Packer created the idea for the series after producing the Fight Night podcast for iHeartPodcasts. He executive produces along with Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media; Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hartbeat, Conal Byrne and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts; Jeff Keating for Doghouse Pictures, LLC, and Lars Jacobson. Craig Brewer (Empire, Dolemite Is My Name) executive produces the series and directs episodes 101, 102, 107 and 108. The series comes from Universal Television LLC, a division of Universal Studio Group, and is based on the acclaimed true crime podcast Fight Night by Will Packer Media, Doghouse Pictures, LLC and iHeartPodcasts. The biggest night. The baddest hustlers. Anything could go down. #FightNight arrives Sept. 5 on @Peacock
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentPEACOCK RELEASES OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR NEW SEASON OF BEL-AIR PREMIERING THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
July 19, 2024ABOUT BEL-AIR S3: Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Peacock’s drama series Bel-Air imagines the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air through a new, dramatic take on Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known. In season three, school’s out for the summer, and Will is doing Bel-Air his way. Being a part of the Banks family has given him a new perspective – it isn’t just about wealth, it means that Will now has options to lean into other things that excite him and has the privilege to dream bigger. As Will makes an exciting pivot, he finds a partner in Carlton, who desperately wants to leave his life of addiction behind and rebuild his damaged reputation. And while the dynamic duo has a lot of exciting wins, working together also reveals fundamental differences in their backgrounds and worldviews. Can a partnership of such extremes work? Pressure at work and home will also pose challenges for Viv and Phil. How does a couple hold strong when their lives are at sea? Hilary’s romantic journey with LaMarcus will face some shocking hurdles, and Ashley’s views on romance will start to blossom as she comes of age the summer before she starts high school, and Geoffrey’s London past will come a little too close to home. Inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral trailer that reimagined the iconic, culture-defining ‘90s sitcom, Bel-Air takes a fresh and raw approach to this world of swagger, style, and aspiration, while exploring Will’s complex journey through a current lens. The series features an ensemble cast that introduces new sensation Jabari Banks …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentThe National Urban League’s 5th Annual Women in Harmony Awards Luncheon
July 17, 2024JUDGE FAITH JENKINS, TRACEY EDMONDS, LISA PRICE AND BEVY SMITH WERE HONORED AT THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE’S 5TH ANNUAL “WOMEN IN HARMONY AWARDS LUNCHEON” HELD DURING ESSENCE FESTIVAL WEEKEND IN NEW ORLEANS ON SATURDAY, JULY 6TH Star-studded Red Carpet Celebration of Unity, Purpose and Courage Featured Performances and Appearances by Jenifer Lewis, Kenny Lattimore, Carl Thomas, Koryn Hawthorne, The NFL Players Choir, Dr. Karri Turner, Laterras Whitfield and More The National Urban League presented the 5th Annual Women in Harmony Awards Luncheon yesterday, Saturday, July 6th, in New Orleans. Held at the renowned Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the invitation-only red carpet celebration took place behind the backdrop of the 30th Anniversary of The ESSENCE Festival of Culture–the nation’s most prominent African American cultural gathering of the year. Under the theme, A Celebration of Unity, Purpose and Courage, this year’s luncheon paid tribute to outstanding Black women who lead, create and transform our world. Esteemed honorees were: Judge Faith Jenkins, Tracey Edmonds, Lisa Price and Bevy Smith—who passionately and graciously accepted their awards. Legendary actress Jenifer Lewis also provided a touching moment towards the end of the luncheon, as she gave a tearful recount of her harrowing accident in 2022, her miraculous recovery and her renewed passion for life and empowering her community. The luncheon also featured dynamic performances by R&B sensation Carl Thomas and gospel star Koryn Hawthorne. In addition, attendees had an opportunity to experience the Luncheon’s new Self Care Lounge which featured make-up consultations from Danessa Myricks Beauty, premium lash applications by TheLouLuCollection, aspirational journals and books from Dream Bigger Now TODAY and many more beauty and wellness brands. This year’s sponsors were: Experian, McDonald’s, HCA Healthcare and Amazon. WHO: Honorees: Judge Faith Jenkins, Tracey Edmonds, Lisa Price, Bevy Smith Performers: Carl Thomas, Koryn Hawthorne, The NFL Players Choir Presenters: Dr. Karri Turner, Laterras R. Whitfield Special Guests: Kenny Lattimore, Jenifer Lewis, Beverly Bond/Black Girls Rock! CEO, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Raheem DeVaughn, Aldis …
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