Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →LOVING in theaters November 4
October 9, 2016The landmark civil rights case Loving v. Virginia began when Mildred Loving wrote a letter to Robert F. Kennedy. 50 years after Mildred made her plea, everyone in the United States now has the right to marry who they love. Mildred Loving’s birthday was celebrated June 22. From acclaimed writer/director Jeff Nichols, Loving celebrates the real-life courage and commitment of an interracial couple, Richard and Mildred Loving (portrayed by Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga), who married and then spent the next nine years fighting for the right to live as a family in their hometown. Their civil rights case, Loving v. Virginia, went all the way to the Supreme Court, which in 1967 reaffirmed the very foundation of the right to marry – and their love story has become an inspiration to couples ever since. Loving will open in theaters in select cities on November 4, and will expand across the country later in November. Atlanta Press Junket – October 9, 2016 – Ritz Carlton Buckhead Check back for quotes from the press Junket in Atlanta.
Posted in On the Scene | Leave a commentBeyoncé – THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR – Atlanta
October 1, 2016With all the hype about Beyoncé and THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR, and missing it the first time it came to Atlanta in the spring, I was eager to see if the “Bey Hive” would really buzz in Atlanta again, September 26. Well, Beyoncé did not disappoint. Her performance – impressive and exciting – was filled with buzz-worthy, high-energy dancing, dazzling broadway-style effects, and her solid, strong vocals culminated into a performance that rocked the Georgia Dome more than a rival game between the Falcons and Saints. From the start of the concert Beyoncé was in formation – giving the audience performances from her latest CD, Lemonade, and tantalizing fans with past hit songs ranging from “Survivor,” to “Crazy in Love,” as she changed from one sexy outfit to another, flaunting her curvy, taut figure while her dancers gyrated beside her. In true Beyoncé style, the singer eclipsed into her “Sasha Fierce” alter ego, with a cut-throat edge – even uttering four-letter words from the lyrics to some of her songs. I intentionally listened to see if she would edit the language from her CD. She did not. And of course her attitude was, “I Ain’t Sorry,” which got fans dancing and singing along – some even trying to match her movements on “Sorry” and other songs. At one point in the 2-hour long show, Beyoncé kneeled and allowed one of her fans to curse for her. As the adrenaline got more intense onstage and in the audience, Beyoncé said, “Louder,” while her fans continued to sing every word to her songs. “Louder,” she repeated, clearly commanding her audience to an almost hypnotic level with her magnetic presence. I, too, was mesmerized – dancing and singing into my iPhone – to capture the moments. I had followed Beyoncé’s career since she was with Destiny’s Child in her …
Posted in Celebrity Profile, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentCongressional Black Caucus 2016 – Washington, D.C.
September 24, 2016The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) held its 46th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) Sept. 14-18, 2016 in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme was “Defining the Moment – Building the Movement.” The ALC is one of the largest public policy conferences in the country focused on issues impacting African Americans and black communities around the world. It attracts nearly 10,000 attendees each year and features more than 100 issue forums on education, employment, healthcare, economic empowerment, the African diaspora, cultural events and more. Special high profile events including a National Town Hall Meeting, emerging leaders series, the Annual Prayer Breakfast, Phoenix Award Dinner and an exhibit showcase with a procurement fair, free health screenings, authors pavilion and much more. It was an honor to receive press credentials and to also be a part of the Authors Pavilion, showcasing my novel SHAYLA’S CATCH for the second year in a row. I even got to give an impromptu chat about my romance novel via the Oracle Group. Of course the best part of my Congressional Black Caucus weekend experience was catching up with friends. Check out a few photos from my iPhone photo blog. Sonya Jenkins Photos by Alexander Williams & Sonya Jenkins MORE PHOTOS #CBC! Sonya Jenkins showcases her novel SHAYLA’S CATCH in the Authors Pavilion FLASHBACK Congressional Black Caucus 2015 The ALC is the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the global black community.
Posted in On the Scene, Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentOMG Moment: Andre Is Crazy | Season 3 Ep. 1 | EMPIRE
September 22, 2016Recap – Wednesday, Oct. 5 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) calls in a favor with mega-superstar Kitty (guest star Mariah Carey) to record a new song with Jamal (Jussie Smollett), hoping he will overcome his inability to perform. Meanwhile, Andre (Trai Byers) runs into some trouble and things don’t go as planned. Also, Cookie and Lucious (Terrence Howard) are at odds, Hakeem (Bryshere “Yazz” Gray) and Gram (guest star Romeo Miller) fight for Tiana’s (Serayah) attention, and things heat up between Cookie and Angelo Dubois (guest star Taye Diggs) in the all-new “What Remains is Bestial” episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, Oct. 5 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. _____________________________________________ OFFICIAL “EMPIRE” SOCIAL INFORMATION: OFFICIAL “EMPIRE” FACEBOOK: facebook.com/EmpireFOX OFFICIAL “EMPIRE” INSTAGRAM: @EmpireFOX OFFICIAL “EMPIRE” TWITTER: @EmpireFOX JOIN THE DISCUSSION: #Empire An All-New Episode of EMPIRE Airs Wednesday, Sept. 28 @ 9/8c on FOX
Posted in Inspirational, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentQueen of Katwe in theaters September 23
September 13, 2016“Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher, p.g.a. and John Carls, p.g.a. with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo, Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga. For 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) and her family, life in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle. Her mother, Harriet (Nyong’o), is fiercely determined to take care of her family and works tirelessly selling vegetables in the market to make sure her children are fed and have a roof over their heads. When Phiona meets Robert Katende (Oyelowo), a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess, she is captivated. Chess requires a good deal of concentration, strategic thinking and risk taking, all skills which are applicable in everyday life, and Katende hopes to empower youth with the game. Phiona is impressed by the intelligence and with the game requires and immediately shows potential. Recognizing Phiona’s natural aptitude for chess and the fighting spirit she’s inherited from her mother, Katende begins to mentor her, but Harriet is reluctant to provide any encouragement, not wanting to see her daughter disappointed. As Phiona begins to succeed in local chess competitions, Katende teaches her to read and write in order to pursue schooling. She quickly advances through …
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentBronzeLens Film Festival Roars – Photo Recap
September 10, 2016The 7th Annual BronzeLens Film Festival was a huge success, bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta and helping to showcase the city as a leader in the thriving film industry August 25-28. More than 49 films were screened, including a collection of shorts, features, webisodes and documentaries. Narrative fiction, documentary, webisodes and short film screenings coupled with the who’s who of the film industry are the core components that have established BronzeLens as one of the nation’s most substantive film festivals. BronzeLens events took place at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis (Festival Headquarters), SCADShow, Georgia Pacific Center Auditorium, National Center for Civil and Human Rights and South Fulton Arts Center. Check out a few photos from #BronzeLens2016 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016 – http://bronzelens.com/women-superstars-luncheon/ 10:45AM – BRONZE CARPET | NOON – LUNCHEON iPhone photos by Sonya Jenkins Check back for captions. All About The Gram – Editor’s Picks – #BonzeLens Instagram Photos BronzeLens Awards Show: http://bronzelens.com/bronzelens-awards-show/ BronzeLens Photo Gallery: http://bronzelens.com/press/photo-gallery/ #DigitalLivesMatter Premiere: http://sonyasspotlight.com/digitallivesmatter-red-carpet-and-premiere-screening-atlanta/ About BLFF The BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, that is dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color. In fact, the mission of the BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is two fold: to promote Atlanta as the new film mecca for people of color; and to showcase films and provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers. Every fall, film lovers, actors, and film makers gather in culture-and-heritage-rich Atlanta, Georgia to share a creative platform of education, entertainment and empowerment discussions related to film, as well as television, and the production of both. The BronzeLens Film Festival will feature screenings in multiple venues, as well as informative panels, and enlightening Master Classes led by top names …
Posted in MOTIVATION, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentCrowning Glory – Haircare by Sonya Jenkins
September 10, 2016Sonya Jenkins’ 5 Tips to Having Lustrous, Healthy, Thick Hair 1. Keep it Clean. Whether you shampoo your hair every day, every week or more often or less, having a fresh, clean head of hair is essential when it comes to maintaining healthy hair. The shine, the luster, the bounce, the body, the fresh smell – all come from a clean head of shampooed hair. Remember: No one wants to smell dirty hair. Keep it fresh & clean. 2. Find the right conditioner or deep conditioner for you. There are several deep conditioning products that help damaged hair and prevent breakage. Try some. Moisturizing conditioners have worked best for me, because they add shine. Periodically try a deep, penetrating conditioner – especially if you have processed or color-treated hair. Sit under a dryer and allow the deep conditioner to penetrate your hair. Don’t overdo it. Follow instructions. 3. Get a trim every 6-8 weeks. I used to be afraid to get my hair trimmed, for fear the stylist would cut off too much of my hair – especially when hair growth was my goal. After a few bad experiences in the hair salon with “Scissor Happy” stylists, I refused to get my hair trimmed for about six months. After my split ends got out of control, I gradually got over my fear of getting my hair trimmed and learned that the more I got rid of those split ends the faster my hair would grow. If your stylist gets “Scissor Happy,” it’s up to you to speak up. Just say “No.” You should trust the person who cuts or trims your hair. 4. Avoid as much Heat as possible. Although I use flat irons and blowdryers from time to time, I try to avoid putting too much heat to my …
Posted in Music, Fitness | Leave a comment#DigitalLivesMatter RED CARPET AND PREMIERE SCREENING – Atlanta
August 25, 2016#DigitalLivesMatter RED CARPET AND PREMIERE SCREENING Hosted By ATLANTA MAYOR’S OFFICE OF FILM & ENTERTAINMENT, BRONZELENS FILM FESTIVAL and NINA HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT WHO: THE CAST: @DJ Young Fly, @Emmanuel Hudson, @Navv Greene, @Ernestine Johnson, @B Simone, @Rodney Perry THE DIRECTOR: @Terri J. Vaughn THE PRODUCERS: Cas Sigers-Beedles, Rikki Hughes, Anwar Patterson, Bobby Patterson, DC Young Fly, Laro n Walker and Terri J. Vaughn Wednesday, August 24, 2016 WHERE: Regal Atlantic Station #DigitalLivesMatter More Photos to be Added
Posted in R&B Pop Culture | Leave a commentColumbus, Ohio – Day Trip
August 24, 2016Jet-Setting around globe for business and pleasure has its ups and downs. But one of the things I enjoy most is getting together with family who live in cities I don’t visit frequently, They always show me love and roll out the red carpet for me. My cousins, the Hudsons, showed me much love on a recent day and overnight visit I had in Columbus, Ohio, even giving me a tour of the city. Here are just a few of the pictures I posed for and took in Columbus, Ohio. Captions and more. photos will be added.
Posted in Travel | Leave a commentHANDS OF STONE Premiere and After Party – Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramirez, Usher, Beyonce, Jay Z and others
August 23, 2016The Weinstein Company’s HANDS OF STONE Premiere and Party presented by DeLeón Tequila, NetJets, The Redbury New York and VisitPanama at The Redbury New York – Monday, August 22, 2016. ATTENDEES Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramirez, Usher Raymond IV, Ana de Armas, Ruben Blades, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, (Director) Jonathan Jakubowicz Governor Andrew Cuomo, Jay Z, Beyonce Knowles, Priyanka Chopra, Drena De Niro, Carlos Garcia de Paredes, Grace Hightower, Claudine Jakubowicz, Eliud Kauffman, Pedro Perez, Rosie Perez, Ben Silverman, Robb Skyler, Harvey Weinstein, Jay Weisleder Professional Boxers – Shane Mosley, Melissa StVil, Alicia Ashley, Brian Adams, Peter ‘Kid Chocolate’ Quillin, Sadam Ali, Ed Brophy, Clarence George, Bernard Hopkins Usher’s Snapchat Photo of Beyonce and Jay Z After Party at The Redbury New York
Posted in Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
