Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →Shayla’s Catch Shines in Essence Bookstore during Essence Fest 2016
July 4, 2016SHAYLA’S CATCH, by author Sonya Jenkins, was featured in the Essence Bookstore at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the 2nd year in a row as part of the Essence Festival 2016, July 1 – July 3, via Garden District Books. Sonya was on hand to meet and greet readers and Essence Fest attendees and sign SHAYLA’S CATCH. She also introduced her forthcoming novel, FIERY CHARM, for those interested in her next project. Enjoy the photos below from Sonya’s Essence Bookstore experience. “Getting the opportunity to speak with book lovers from all over the country about my novel, as well as meeting and chatting with other authors was exhilarating, to say the least,” said Jenkins. “Since this was my second year with Shayla’s Catch in the Essence Bookstore, I knew what to expect. But it’s always thrilling when you get more than you expect, and that was the case for me this time. So many readers stopped by who already knew about my novel, Shayla’s Catch, and I almost ran out of books!” MORE PHOTO MOMENTS! #ShaylasCatch
Posted in JAZZ IN THE GARDENS 2026, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentBad Dad Rehab Premiers THIS SUNDAY, July 3 on TV One
June 30, 2016By KIMBERLY ALSUP & GEORGE PRINGLE As TV & Film Bloggers for Team #SonyasSpotlight, George Pringle and I have been on the move in Atlanta – covering red carpet affairs and working on film sets. Not only did we get the opportunity to visit the set of Bad Dad Rehab and speak with the amazing cast recently, but we were also included in the Bad Dad Rehab Tele-Press conference with Malik Yoba, Robert Ri’chard, Rob Riley, Wesley Jonathan, Rick Gonzalez, Carl Seaton, Roger Bobb, Keronda “KiKi” McKnight, and Robyn Green Arrington. To top off the excitement we attended a private screening hosted by Malik Yoba. Wednesday, June 29 in Atlanta. Bad Dad Rehab premieres on Sunday, July 3 at 7pm. The film, written by Keronda “KiKi” McKnight, was the winner of the 2015 American Black Film Festival Screenplay Competition sponsored by TV One. CAST: Shawn: Wesley Jonathan (The Soul Man, Roll Bounce) Jared: Rob C. Riley (Hit the Floor, Bourne Legacy) Tristan: Robert Ri’chard (Coach Carter, One on One, Cousin Skeeter Pierre: Rick Gonzalez (Coach Carter, Roll Bounce) Mr. Leon: Malik Yoba (Empire, NY Undercover) DIRECTOR: Carl Seaton PRODUCER: Roger Bobb SCREENPLAY: Keronda “KiKi” McKnight VP, Original Programming & Production for TV One: Robyn Green Arrington ABOUT BAD DAD REHAB: Bad Dad Rehab is about four men who are in denial of their poor parenting skills. After turbulence with their respective baby mamas and ex-wives force them to take definitive action, Tristan, Shawn, Pierre, and Jared attend a rehab for deadbeat dads that uses unusual methods to help them become true fathers. Through all the hilarity, hijinks, drama, and soul searching, the men discover fatherhood is less about making babies, and more about making men. Bad Dad Rehab is a film for all age groups. While viewing a pre-screening of the …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a comment2016 ESSENCE FESTIVAL NEW ORLEANS – Photos & More
June 30, 2016TIME INC.’S 2016 ESSENCE FESTIVAL ATTRACTS MORE THAN 450,000 ATTENDEES FOR ANNUAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION IN NEW ORLEANS Event Captures a Record-Breaking 3.5 Billion Impressions Via Social Media Delivers Over 100 Hours of Video and Live Stream Programming Content Time Inc.’s (NYSE:TIME) 2016 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola attracted more than 450,000 attendees to New Orleans this Fourth of July weekend for its annual cultural celebration featuring more than 100 performing artists and over 100 speakers—which included first-time appearances by Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Tyra Banks, Misty Copeland and many more. Recognized as one of the country’s largest live events, the 2016 ESSENCE Festival hosted more celebrities and performing talent than ever before, extended its reach worldwide by capturing a record-breaking 3.5 billion social media impressions and delivered over 100 hours of curated video and live-stream content. The annual 4-day Festival, which took place June 30-July 3, features entertainment, empowerment, and cultural experiences during the day and the world’s best performers each night. Highlights of the 2016 ESSENCE FESTIVAL included: Over 100 performing artists—more than ever before across the Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Many of the biggest names in the entertainment industry such as Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Maxwell, Puff Daddy & The Family, Common and Ciara performed at the event’s nighttime concerts and dozens of others across ESSENCE’s Center Stage and All-Star Gospel Tribute honoring The Clark Sisters. More than 100 speakers, authors, leaders and celebrities participated in the Festival’s free daytime experience –including a first-ever appearance by Oprah Winfrey to a standing-room only crowd. Other first-time speakers included Tyra Banks and Misty Copeland and the return of perennial favorites Rev. Al Sharpton and Bishop T.D. Jakes, among others, drew packed crowds. The launch of two new consumer Expos, ‘Beauty & Style’ and ‘Entrepreneurship, …
Posted in Photos | Leave a commentTV Ratings: Oprah Winfrey’s ‘Greenleaf’ Tops Tyler Perry Suite as Network’s Top Premiere
June 23, 2016The church drama opens to 3 million viewers on premiere night, trailing only ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson’ in 2016 cable debuts. OWN delivered its strongest series premiere to date on Tuesday night. Greenleaf, the church drama which counts network head Oprah Winfrey among its cast, debuted with just over 3 million viewers on Tuesday night. That bests OWN’s robust catalog of Tyler Perry-produced scripted series to rank as the network’s most-watched series premiere to date. The drama, which has been greeted with warm reviews, also nabbed a 2.2 rating among OWN’s key demographic of women 25-54. Perry fare remains a huge draw for the cable network. The season premiere of The Haves and the Have Nots was just behind Greenleaf with 2.9 million viewers. Looking at cable premieres to date, Greenleaf trails only FX’s American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson in scripted premiere hauls. Greenleaf’s two-night premiere continues on Wednesday. Source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-oprah-winfreys-greenleaf-905622 ——————————————————-
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentTHE 20TH ANNUAL AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL – Miami – June 15-19
June 18, 2016Celebs Share their #ABFF20 Moments via Instagram STAY TUNED FOR MORE PHOTOS & VIDEO!! ABFF Recap & TV ONE Represents at the 20th Annual American Black Film Festival WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 – Opening Night Film: Central Intelligence Courtesy of Warner Bros., Presented by MPAA Warner Bros. Pictures’ Central Intelligence, an action comedy starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Amy Ryan, Aaron Paul and TV One’s Born Again Virgin’s leading actress Danielle Nicolet. THURSDAY, JUNE 16 – “A Conversation with Common” Presented by American Airlines Roland S. Martin, host and managing editor of TV One’s News One Now, the only daily news program dedicated to Black viewers, served as the moderator of “A Conversation with Common,” a dynamic discussion with this year’s ABFF Ambassador – Oscar-winning recording artist, multi-Grammy winner and actor Common (Barbershop, Selma). FRIDAY, JUNE 17 – TV One’s “Cool Out” Lounge TV One Attendees: Various Executives & All ABFF Deco and Sobe Pass Holders Description: ABFF’s Deco and Sobe pass holders were invited to stop by TV One’s Cool Out Lounge to enter for a chance to win a TV One REPRESENT swag bag and cool off from the heat with a frozen margarita and light refreshments. Attendees also enjoyed relaxing music, TV One programming and additional information on TV One’s ABFF Celebrity Scene Stealers, and Spotlight and Community Screening events. TV One Presents “Celebrity Scene Stealers” Location: Ritz Hotel Ballroom, Salons 2 &3, 1 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139 TV One Attendees: Keith Robinson, Robert Ri’chard, Rob Riley, Wesley Jonathan, Tyler Lepley, Jackie Long, Sevyn Streeter, Raney Branch Description: This year’s TV One Screenplay Competition finalists – N’Zuri Za Austin (“Tale of a Script”), Cherhonda Gunn & Traci Rooks (“The Fandom”), and Michelle McKissic (“Downsized”) set up and direct a scene performed by actors Robert Ri’chard, Rob Riley, Wesley …
Posted in Photos | Leave a commentSteve Harvey partners with Warner Bros. film Central Intelligence at Camp Grace outside of Atlanta
June 14, 2016On Saturday, June 11, Steve Harvey partnered with the upcoming Warner Bros. film Central Intelligence at his annual four-day mentoring series at Camp Grace outside of Atlanta. The mentoring camp whose mission is to develop young men into being responsible leaders, encourages young men ages 13-17 to push beyond their preconceived physical limits while also challenging their approach to hard work and dedication. The inspirational day commenced with physical fitness activities led by the United States Army followed by a keynote speech by former NFL player William Brown (Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders,) Tulsa’s Athletic Director Derrick Gragg and actor/motivational speaker/author/activist Hill Harper. The day wrapped up with a visit from Steve Harvey, who shared his story of growing up without his father, having overcome a stuttering problem for which he was bullied as a kid, and taught the young men that despite their adversity, they too, can go to college and achieve an abundance of success. Mirroring Steve Harvey’s story of being bullied, Central Intelligence also has a resonant anti-bullying message that’s exhibited through Dwayne Johnson’s character, Bob Stone. Central Intelligence releases nationwide on Friday, June 17.SYNOPSIS: Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart star in the action comedy “Central Intelligence,” for New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures. The story follows a one-time bullied geek, Bob (Johnson), who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent, coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, Bob enlists the help of former “big man on campus,” Calvin (Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realizes what he’s getting into, it’s too late to get out, as his increasingly unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot- outs, double-crosses and espionage that …
Posted in Celebrity Profile, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentTHE COLOR PURPLE ON BROADWAY WINS 2016 TONY-BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL
June 14, 2016 Posted in In The Spotlight | Leave a commentCentral Intelligence in theaters June 17
June 5, 2016About: Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart star in the action comedy “Central Intelligence,” for New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures. The story follows a one-time bullied geek, Bob (Johnson), who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent, coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, Bob enlists the help of former “big man on campus,” Calvin (Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realizes what he’s getting into, it’s too late to get out, as his increasingly unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, double-crosses and espionage that could get them both killed in more ways than Calvin can count. “Central Intelligence” also stars Oscar nominee Amy Ryan (“Gone Baby Gone”), Aaron Paul (TV’s “Breaking Bad”), and Danielle Nicolet (TV’s “The Game”). The film is directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (“We’re the Millers,” “Dodgeball”). The screenplay is by Ike Barinholtz & David Stassen and Rawson Marshall Thurber; story by Ike Barinholtz & David Stassen. It is produced by Scott Stuber (“Ted”), Peter Principato (TV’s “Black-ish”), Paul Young (“Black-ish”) and Michael Fottrell (“Furious Seven”). The executive producers were Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener, Samuel J. Brown, Michael Disco and Ed Helms. The behind-the-scenes creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Barry Peterson (“We’re the Millers,” “21 Jump Street”); production designer Stephen Lineweaver (“Ted,” “Blades of Glory”); editors Mike Sale and Brian Olds (“We’re the Millers,” “Tammy”); and costume designer Carol Ramsey (“Horrible Bosses,” “Dodgeball”). The music is by Theodore Shapiro and Ludwig Goransson. New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures present, a Bluegrass Films/Principato Young Entertainment Production, a Rawson Marshall Thurber Film, “Central Intelligence.” It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. This film is rated PG-13 for “crude and suggestive humor, some nudity, action …
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentMAXWELL AND OMARI HARDWICK ON ESSENCE’S SPLIT-COVER JULY ISSUE!
June 3, 2016No matter the time, these men are always on our minds! In ESSENCE’s hot split-cover July issue cover story, Night & Day, we caught up with two of our fantasy men to kick off our ode to the fellas. First, ESSENCE Festival headliner Maxwell talks about losing Prince, relationships and connecting with fans 20 years after his Urban Hang Suite. Then, Power star Omari Hardwick talks about success, fatherhood and why he’s not judging his TV character, “Ghost.” Plus, in A Few Good Men, ESSENCE presents our gallery of fineness for your viewing pleasure—including Creed’s Michael B. Jordan; Independence Day: Resurgence star Jessie T. Usher; Underground’s Aldis Hodge and more. Maxwell performs on the Mainstage of the 2016 ESSENCE Festival on Friday, July 1st–the Grammy winning soul icon’s forthcoming album blackSUMMERS’night is available for pre-order now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/maxwell/id486768. See Omari Hardwick and the cast of POWER at the 2016 ESSENCE Festival. For more information or tickets, visit ESSENCEFestival.com. ESSENCE’s July issue hits newsstands on June 10th. For more on this month’s issue, visit: ESSENCE.com.
Posted in R&B Pop Culture | Leave a commentTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN In Theaters July 1
June 2, 2016About The Legend of Tarzan: Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Jerry Weintraub Production, a Riche/Ludwig Production, a David Yates Film, The Legend of Tarzan. Directed by David Yates (the last four Harry Potter films, upcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), The Legend of Tarzan is an all-new action adventure that reimagines the legendary character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, starring Alexander Skarsgård (HBO’s True Blood, Diary of a Teenage Girl) as John Clayton III / Tarzan, and Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, upcoming Suicide Squad) as his beloved wife, Jane. The film also stars Oscar nominees Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, the Captain America films) and Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond, Gladiator), with Oscar winner Jim Broadbent (Iris), and two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained). www.legendoftarzan.com
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