Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →BLACK MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT WALK OF FAME INDUCTS IT’S 2023 BLACK HISTORY MONTH CLASS – Ambassador Andrew Young, Danny Glover, and Dr. Bobby Jones
March 4, 2023Photo Credit: ATL Pics/Prince Williams The Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame (BMEWOF)hosted its 4th installation of the Crown Jewel of Excellence™ Black History Month Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony and Brunch Celebration on February 28th, 2023 – immediately following, The Black History Month Celebratory Brunch was held at the Thompson Buckhead Hotel. VIP’s in attendance included Will Packer, Yolanda Adams, Dallas Austin, Vashawn Mitchell, Mayor Andre Dickens, Representative Park Cannon, Isaac Carree, Wardell Malloy; and founders Catherine Brewton, Hon. Erica Thomas, Demmette Guirdy and Michael T. Mauldin, About The Inductees Ambassador Andrew Young is known as a leader in the Civil Rights movement, he has built a remarkable legacy as a civic activist, elected official, groundbreaking ambassador, social entrepreneur, and adviser to presidents. Today, he leads the Andrew J. Young Foundation’s efforts to develop and support new generations of visionary leaders who will create sustainable global approaches to economic development, poverty alleviation, and the challenge of hunger. Danny Glover is an award-winning actor, producer, and humanitarian, with a performance career that spans more than 30 years. Glover has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program, focusing on issues of poverty, disease and economic development in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. He currently serves as UNICEF Ambassador. Dr. Bobby Jones is an acclaimed singer who has released 14 albums, toured internationally and won many honors, including Stellar Awards, Dove Awards, and a Grammy Award. He is often credited with giving gospel music its first national stage. Started in 1980, Bobby Jones Gospel is the longest continuously running show on cable and a Sunday morning staple of Black Entertainment Television. About the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame is a joint initiative by the Black American Music …
Posted in Atlanta Scene, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment2X GRAMMYⓇ, DOVE AND STELLAR AWARD-WINNING ARTIST KIERRA SHEARD-KELLY RELEASES HER SEVENTH STUDIO ALBUM, ALL YOURS, AVAILABLE NOW
March 3, 20232X GRAMMY®, Dove and Stellar Award-winning artist Kierra Sheard-Kelly has released her highly anticipated seventh studio album, ALL YOURS(RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment). The chart-topping singer/songwriter continues to create her own powerful dynamic sound on her latest album, an uplifting 12-track project celebrating God’s love, wisdom and finding personal freedom in letting go and trusting God. Featuring the lead single “Miracles” (feat. Pastor Mike Jr.), “Praise Through,” “Making A Way” (feat. Adia), “The Jungle” and more, the lyric visual for “The Jungle” is also available now. Following her 2020 chart-topping album KIERRA, her new album ALL YOURS showcases a thrilling blend of melodies and lyrical candor that bring together Kierra’s versatile talents and love for all genres, from the sounds of gospel to hip-hop, R&B, dance beats, and more. Co-writing every track on ALL YOURS, Kierra also teamed up on the production and songwriting with some powerhouse collaborators including her brother J. Drew Sheard II, Adia, Pastor Mike Jr., Jekalyn Carr, Anthony Brown, Mali Music, Anita Wilson, Jor’Dan Armstrong, among others. Kierra says of ALL YOURS, “This album was very special to make. When you radically stand for the Lord, there’s a sound He’ll give you. He will also give you innovation, strategy, and ideas that become game-changers. That’s what He did for me. There’s a song for everyone on this album encouraging them to walk with the Lord.” Kierra Sheard-Kelly began her professional singing career at age nine, growing up in Gospel music and ministry as the daughter of Gospel icon Karen Clark Sheard and Bishop J. Drew Sheard. She has become a trailblazer in contemporary Gospel and ministry, reaching others and sharing inspiration beyond music as an actress, author, and entrepreneur. Besides her fashion line Eleven60, and her women’s mentoring and fellowship organization SistHer, Kierra will release her second book this spring, The Vibes You Feel: What I’ve Learned about Life and Relationships …
Posted in Inspirational | Leave a commentCelebrate Phenomenal Black Women
March 1, 2023Black women are heroic. Even in the face of adversity and disenfranchisement, Black women have had to be resilient, innovative, and nimble. That’s why for all that they do, we want to say THANK YOU. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we honor the contributions, talent, and ingenuity of Black women throughout history. This past year, we’ve witnessed countless “firsts” for Black women: Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Shalanda Young became the first Black woman to head the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Maya Angelou became the first Black woman to appear on a U.S. quarter. Sandra Douglass Morgan became the first Black female president in NFL history. MJ Rodriguez became the first transwoman to win a Golden Globe. Angela Bassett became the first actor in a Marvel film to win an acting award at the Golden Globes. Ariana DeBose became the first Afro-Latina to win best supporting actress at the Oscars. Quinta Brunson became the first Black woman to receive three nominations in the Emmys comedy category. The list goes on… This month, let us all remember to not only thank Black women for their genius but to support them too. Support Black women in medicine. Support Black women in business. Support Black women in education. Support Black women in entertainment. Support Black women in tech. Support Black women in advocacy. And support Black girls so that they might grow up to be Black women who thrive and continue to make history. Together we thrive, NAACP@NAACP
Posted in 2023 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE™ | Leave a comment24TH ANNUAL SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION HONORS PHILADELPHIA EAGLES QUARTERBACK JALEN HURTS
February 16, 2023While the Kansas City Chiefs came out with the Super Bowl LVII win, history was made when Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) and Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) became the first Black Quarterbacks to start in a Super Bowl. “To have two Black quarterbacks start in the Super Bowl, I think it’s special,” Mahomes told reporters. “I’ve learned more and more about the history of the Black quarterback since I’ve been in this league. The guys that came before me and Jalen set the stage for this and now I’m just glad we can set the stage for kids that are coming up now. It’ll be a great game against two great teams and against another great quarterback. I’m excited to go out there and do what we can against a great team.” “I think it’s history,” Hurts said. “I think it’s something that’s worthy of being noted and it is history. It’s come a long way. I think it’s only been seven African-American quarterbacks to play in the Super Bowl, so to be the first for something is pretty cool. I know it will be a good one.” Doug Williams was the first to break through the barrier, leading Washington to a victory (and a Super Bowl MVP honor) in 1988 in Super Bowl XXII. It took 26 years before the next Black quarterback, Russell Wilson, emerged from a Super Bowl victorious. (NFL.com) This year, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration conferred its highest honor, the “Faith In Action” Award, to Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts. The “Faith In Action” award honors current and former NFL players making an impact in their communities and in the lives of others off the field. Jalen’s service to the Philadelphia community, numerous charities and his native Texas has aided countless individuals and institutions. Previous recipients of this …
Posted in On the Scene, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment24TH ANNUAL SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION HONORS PHILADELPHIA EAGLES QUARTERBACK JALEN HURTS WITH THE 2023 “FAITH IN ACTION” AWARD
January 31, 2023Marking its 24th year, the groundbreaking music and inspiration extravaganza “Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture” (formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration) returns during Super Bowl LVII week with a live taping on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona. The only multicultural program and community event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend, the highly anticipated night of music, comedy, NFL Players, and soulful inspiration is themed “Unstoppable,” with featured performances from the legendary Patti LaBelle, Israel Houghton, The Players Choir and more! In addition to uplifting and inspiring audiences with musical tributes, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration highlights NFL players, their faith, and philanthropy. This year, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration will confer its highest honor, the “Faith In Action” Award, to Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback and Super Bowl LVII contender Jalen Hurts. The “Faith In Action” award honors current and former NFL players making an impact in their communities and in the lives of others off the field. Jalen’s service to the Philadelphia community, numerous charities, and his native Texas has aided countless individuals and institutions. Previous recipients of this special recognition include Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, Tim Brown, Russell Wilson, Tony Dungy, and Troy Vincent, among others.Originating at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, the annual event joins together key NFL Players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian, and mainstream GRAMMY® Award-winning artists, and special guests all on one stage to bring audiences an evening of uplifting music, laughter, and inspirational messages. Past programs have featured show-stopping performances from artists such as Yolanda Adams, CeeLo Green, Chloe Bailey, Kirk Franklin, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, Patti LaBelle, Erica Campbell, Gladys Knight, Fantasia, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, and Anthony Hamilton among others. Tickets are on sale now at superbowlsoulfulcelebration.com. For more info, credentials requests, or schedule interviews, submit your request HERE or contact us at publicist@frontpagefirm.com. In addition to uplifting and inspiring audiences with musical tributes, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration honors current …
Posted in Spotlight, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment39TH ANNUAL UNCF MAYOR’S MASKED BALL -ATLANTA
December 22, 2022UNCF 39th ANNUAL ATLANTA MAYOR’S MASKED BALL RAISED 2.1 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT Record-breaking fundraiser attended by a sellout crowd of 1,300 It was a night to remember the generosity and goodwill support of attendees and sponsors of UNCF’s 39th annual Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball. “This year’s event was historic. It was record-breaking for UNCF Mayor’s Masked Balls generating the largest amount ever raised for this event. We far exceeded expectations by raising 2.1 million in scholarship support thanks to our awesome donors who love HBCUs,” said Justine Boyd, assistant vice president, Atlanta Region, UNCF. “I am enormously grateful for the outpouring of support for this legacy event, which brought together guests from around the nation. The excitement and enthusiastic support were simply amazing.” The stellar event held at the Atlanta Marquis in downtown Atlanta was an evening of excitement and entertainment for the sold-out audience. As the newly installed mayor of Atlanta, the Honorable Andre Dickens hosted his first UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball. Joining Mayor Dickens as Honorary Co-Chair was Nicole “Nikki” Clifton, president of social impact, at the UPS Foundation where she leads UPS’s global philanthropy, social impact and international community affairs and oversees the company’s efforts to respond to the world’s most pressing social, humanitarian, and environmental needs. UPS was the title sponsor of the ball, joined by Presenting Sponsors, Chick-Fil-A, Norfolk Southern, Nike, Google, and Delta Air Lines. The Billye Suber Aaron Masked Award Honorees were Charmaine Ward-Millner, Kaiser Permanente vice president of mass communications, community relations and Bentina Chisolm Terry, Georgia Power senior vice president, customer strategy & solutions. Actor Timon Durrett was master of ceremonies. Grammy-Award winner Babyface was a major highlight of the evening as he took to the stage to entertain a sold-out crowd of 1300. The celebrities present were musicians Jermaine Dupri, Jeezy and wife, Jeannie Mai, actor …
Posted in Atlanta Scene, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentCREED III in theaters 3/3/23
December 22, 2022After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian – a fighter who has nothing to lose. Creed III is the third installment in the successful franchise and is Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut. Director: Michael B. Jordan Screenplay by: Keenan Coogler & Zach Baylin Story by: Ryan Coogler and Keenan Coogler & Zach Baylin Starring Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Mila Davis-Kent, Florian Munteanu, and Phylicia Rashad Produced By Irwin Winkler, p.g.a., Charles Winkler, William Chartoff, David Winkler, Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, p.g.a., Elizabeth Raposo, p.g.a., Jonathan Glickman, Sylvester Stallone
Posted in Cinema, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentEmancipation L.A. Premiere Photos
December 22, 2022Apple Original Films world premiere of “Emancipation” at the Regency Village Theatre. “Emancipation” premiered in theaters on December 2 and globally on Apple TV+ on December 9, 2022.
Posted in Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentEmancipation – in theaters December 2, and globally on Apple TV+ December 9
December 1, 2022“Emancipation” tells the triumphant story of Peter (Will Smith), a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom. The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” taken during a Union Army medical examination, that first appeared in Harper’s Weekly. One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” which shows Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery. Starring Will Smith, Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Gilbert Owuor, Mustafa Shakir, Steven Ogg, Grant Harvey, Ronnie Gene Blevins, Jayson Warner Smith, Jabbar Lewis, Michael Luwoye, Aaron Moten, Imani Pullum Directed By Antoine Fuqua Produced By Will Smith, Jon Mone, Joey McFarland, Todd Black Executive Produced By Chris Brigham, Antoine Fuqua, James Lassiter, Heather Washington, Cliff Roberts, Glen Basner, Scott Greenberg
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentKING COMBS MAKES HISTORY AS FATHER-SON DUO REACH NO. 1 ON US AIRPLAY CHARTS
November 23, 2022Diddy Song Link- https://diddy.lnk.to/GottaMoveOnVideo Link – https://Diddy.lnk.to/GottaMoveOnVideoKing Combs https://music.empi.re/combskodak WHO: Sean “Diddy” Combs Christian “King” Combs WHAT: Sean “Diddy” Combs and his son, Christian “King” Combs, each soared to the top of the charts with their hit new songs “Gotta Move On” featuring Bryson Tiller and “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” featuring Kodak Black, respectively. Diddy topped the R&B Airplay chart with “Gotta Move On” as Christian dominated the Mainstream R&B Airplay chart with “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop.” This is a proud moment for the legendary mogul, whose recent return to music has been met with nothing but LOVE and to experience it alongside his son, Christian, who’s worked hard to forge his own legacy with Bad Boy Entertainment, makes it all the more significant for Diddy. With “Gotta Move On” hitting number 1, this marks 11 number 1 hits total for Diddy and King Combs’ first number 1. “Seeing me and my son Christian climb the charts together is a dream come true and I’m so proud of all the hard work to reach No. 1, but this win is much bigger than music,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs. “This milestone is about carrying on the legacy of our family and showing the world that 30 years from now, we’ll still be on top.” “Locking in my first #1 record is crazy. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into getting this record to where it is, we’re finally here and we can’t stop now!”, states Christian. “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” featuring Kodak Black was released in July and has quickly become the unofficial song of the summer. The track has over 14 million views on YouTube and 33 million+ streams. The single was derived from the 1996 Bad Boy classic “Crush on You” by Lill Kim and Lil Cease. This is Christian’s first number 1 smash record. “Gotta Move On” featuring …
Posted in Celebrity Profile, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
