Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →‘CREED’ STARS CELEBRATE BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF METRO ATLANTA
November 11, 2015THE MAIN EVENT ‘CREED’ STARS CELEBRATE BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF METRO ATLANTA In conjunction with Warner Bros. digital campaign entitled “#IFightFor,” the stars and talent behind the motion picture CREED, Michael B. Jordan (star of CREED), Tessa Thompson (star of CREED), Ryan Coogler (Writer/Director of CREED) and Janice McKenzie-Crayton (President & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta) honored Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta’s (BBSS) personalized message entitled “I Fight For a Big Future” with a donation to their mentoring program, and mural dedication designed by Shepard Fairey’s design studio, Studio Number One. The mural will be located in the Mentoring Center within the newly adopted local headquarters of BBBS of Metro Atlanta. PHOTOS by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for Allied) Photo Credit – Getty Images for Allied More PHOTOS – by Sonya Jenkins (Below). #CREED – IN THEATERS THANKSGIVING DAY.
Posted in Streaming, Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentTHE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION and the BLACK WOMEN OF BOND TRIBUTE, HONORING THE ICONIC ACTRESSES FROM THE JAMES BOND SERIES IN ADVANCE OF SPECTRE
November 4, 2015British actress Naomie Harris Joins Ageless Bond Beauties in Celebrating the Venerable Franchise In advance of the highly anticipated North American release of the 24th edition of the wildly popular James Bond (007) franchise, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Columbia Pictures and Terry Hines and Associates’ (THA) urban division partnered with the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and ESSENCE Magazine to present a special event that celebrated the enduring legacy that black actresses have made to this groundbreaking, iconic franchise. On November 3rd at the California African American Museum, the evening included the unveiling of exclusive portraits shot by renowned photographer Kwaku Alston of 007 veteran stars in attendance, Trina Parks (1971’s Diamonds are Forever), Gloria Hendry (1973’s Live and Let Die) and Naomie Harris (Skyfall, Spectre). Superstar and Academy Award Winner Halle Berry was on hand to discuss her appreciation for being a part of such an enduring legacy. Select footage from each of their films were featured in the program. ESSENCE Magazine exclusively revealed their December cover at the event, a stunning feature of Naomie Harris, seen for the first time by the audience assembled. A highlight of the affair came when Berry, Parks and Hendry discussed their experiences as Bond Girls, and lauded Naomie Harris for her role as Eve Moneypenny in the Bond series. Parks and Hendry were among the first women of color to be a part of the franchise, providing film history some if its most memorable moments. “James Bond films are known worldwide as classic and enduring, featuring some of cinema’s most indelible moments. These films have a long history of recognizing diverse images, and black women have played a key part in that. These women carry the tradition with sophistication and beauty. It is a true honor to shine a light on their …
Posted in Movie News, Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentThe Ludacris Foundation alongside The Ryan Cameron Foundation host VIP red carpet screening of THE PEANUTS MOVIE in Atlanta
November 4, 2015The Ludacris Foundation alongside The Ryan Cameron Foundation hosted a VIP red carpet screening of 20th Century Fox’s new family film, THE PEANUTS MOVIE, on Tuesday, November 3rd at 7:00 PM at Regal Atlantic Station in Atlanta. The screening was well attended by local celebrities and influencers including: Ludacris (Rapper & Actor) Phaedra Parks (Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta) Monyetta Shaw (VH1’s Atlanta Exes) Sarah-Elizabeth L. Reed (First Lady, City of Atlanta) Parker (R&B Group 112) Headkrack (The Rickey Smiley Morning Show) Mariah Huq (Bravo’s Married to Medicine) Toya Bush-Harris (Bravo’s Married to Medicine) Lisa Nicole Cloud (Bravo’s Married to Medicine) Navia Robinson (BET’s Being Mary Jane) Marve Frazier (Chief Creative Officer at Moguldom Media Group) Ryan Cameron (WVEE-FM) Wanda Smith (WVEE-FM) Sonya’s Spotlight Publisher, Sonya Jenkins, brought her young cousins, Rae (7), Sky(14) and Chase (11) to celebrate THE PEANUTS MOVIE. After the screening they told Sonya, “That was the best movie we’ve ever seen!” Enjoy photos from the event below: Previous Photos by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 20th Century Fox/Allied Integrated Marketing MORE PHOTOS from 20th Century Fox’s “The Peanuts Movie” VIP & Red Carpet Screening November 3, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia
Posted in Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentBronzeLens Film Festival Recap – November 4 – 8
November 3, 2015More than 49 films were screened including a collection of features, shorts, narratives, webisodes and documentaries during the sixth annual BronzeLens Film Festival. BronzeLens took place November 4 – 8, 2015 at various venues throughout Atlanta including the Hyatt Regency Atlanta (Festival Headquarters), The High Museum Hill Auditorium, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College, SCAD Show, Georgia Pacific Auditorium, South Fulton Arts Center and 444 Theatre. Below are a few photos from The Women SuperStars Luncheon, which has become a signature event of BronzeLens. Featured Film Highlights Wednesday, November 4, 2015 BronzeLens kicked-off with pre-festival screening and Atlanta Premiere of writer, director Nefertite Nguvu’s award winning film IN THE MORNING featuring Jacky Ido and Emayatzy Corinealdi at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center on the campus of Morehouse College, Wednesday, November 4 Thursday, November 5, 2015 Returning sponsor BET Networks presented All Shorts | All Day, a day of screenings of the 16 official 2015 BronzeLens short films selections at the Hyatt Regency Learning Center. BET Networks also presented a $5,000 prize to the winner of the BEST SHORT at the BronzeLens Awards the following day. The feature film of the day was the Atlanta premiere CHAPTER & VERSE directed by Jamal Joseph featuring Omari Hardwick and Loretta Divine, Thursday, November 5 at 444 Theatre. Friday, November 6, 2015 BronzeLens presented another Atlanta premiere on opening night, Director Trey Haley’s THE MAN IN 3B featuring Lamman Rucker, Christian Keyes and Bre’ly Evans. This film is based on the characters from New York Times Best Selling author Carl Weber’s novel The location will be announced. Saturday, November 7, 2015 BronzeLens attendees experienced BronzeLen’s Family Film Festival, a free screening of Karyn Parsons’ three animated short films: GARRETT’S GIFT, the true story of African American inventor Garrett Morgan, narrated by Queen Latifah; THE …
Posted in In The Spotlight | Leave a commentDelta Air Lines proclaims Snoopy an ‘Honorary Delta Pilot’ – THE PEANUTS MOVIE opens November 6
October 26, 2015Good grief! A dog finally gets its due, as Delta Air Lines proclaims Snoopy an ‘Honorary Delta Pilot’. During a once-in-a-lifetime event, Delta Air Lines recognized Snoopy’s sixty-five years of bravery against his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron, with a ceremony on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, GA. Known as the ‘Flying Ace’, Snoopy attended along with the creatives and co-stars of “The Peanuts Movie.” Snoopy and the gang all received acknowledgements during the commemoration from Delta Flight Museum President, John Boatright, with Snoopy receiving an ‘Honorary Delta Pilot’ proclamation. Snoopy with Steve Martino (Director) and Craig Schulz (Writer/Producer) were given the rare honor of being bestowed the First Officer pin; a pin of honor amongst pilots far and wide. Voice-talent Noah Schnapp (“Charlie Brown”), Francesca Capaldi (“The Little Red-Haired Girl”), Hadley Belle Miller (“Lucy”) and Mar Mar (“Franklin”) were awarded Flight Attendant Wings. Guests at the ceremony included students from local grade schools, as well as Delta friends, family and employees. All were entertained by the Pope High School Marching Band and Dance Squad, who would spontaneously break out in the ‘Peanuts’ theme song to get the crowd moving. No word on Woodstock’s whereabouts, but have no doubt he feels safer taking to the skies with the ‘Flying Ace’. THE PEANUTS MOVIE opens everywhere November 6, 2015.
Posted in Streaming, On the Scene | Leave a commentCreed – “Generations” Featurette [HD]
October 26, 2015CREED in theaters November 25th, 2015. http://creedthemovie.com From Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures comes award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler’s “Creed.” The film explores a new chapter in the “Rocky” story and stars Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone in his iconic role. The film also reunites Coogler with his “Fruitvale Station” star Michael B. Jordan as the son of Apollo Creed. Adonis Johnson (Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there’s no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed’s legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa. Once in the City of Brotherly Love, Adonis tracks Rocky (Stallone) down and asks him to be his trainer. Despite his insistence that he is out of the fight game for good, Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo—the fierce rival who became his closest friend. Agreeing to take him on, Rocky trains the young fighter, even as the former champ is battling an opponent more deadly than any he faced in the ring. With Rocky in his corner, it isn’t long before Adonis gets his own shot at the title…but can he develop not only the drive but also the heart of a true fighter, in time to get into the ring? #ifightfor @creedmovie #creedmovie
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentPZI JEANS UNVEILS FALL/WINTER 2015
October 7, 2015Curvy Denim Line For Women Releases Season’s Newest Trends PZI Jeans, a denim line for the naturally hourglass curvy woman has announced the release of their Fall/Winter 2015 styles. This season, PZI Jeans will be presenting a variety of new styles to compliment the PZI woman’s hourglass shape and trendy sophisticated lifestyle. Ranging in design, PZI Jeans Fall/Winter 2015 new arrivals themed, “Love Your Curves All Over Again” will feature a combination of the highly anticipated trouser style, straight, boot, and skinny leg jeans. PZI Jeans is debuting the Kasey Patch and Ciara Jogger, the two most unique styles this season, both will consist of dark to medium blue washes with 5 pockets, elastic ankle cuffs with contrast top stitching. The Kate and Mia Grey Skinny were designed to suit the everyday PZI woman providing a softer feel, yet form fitting style for an all day wear. Additionally, the Fall/Winter 2015 styles will include a pop of color for the “color lovers” featuring the Nina Skinny available in Autumn Green and Red. These perfect mixes of denim washes, colors and styles will be sure to electrify. All styles will consist of the PZI Jeans signature logo embroidery on the waistband, signature “P” logo on back pockets, or the logo plate. Incredibly stretchy, comfortable fabrics remain key and are incorporated into the denim styles accented to giving the PZI woman the “live in denim” texture in addition to the fit and mobility needed to feel comfortable. Known for eliminating gaping at the waist and conventionalizing an innovative fit, PZI Jeans new styles of denim is influenced by curve diversity. The PZI Jeans woman comes in various shapes and heights, and the new collection caters to them all. PZI Jeans Fall/Winter 2015 styles will allow the PZI Jeans woman to fall in …
Posted in Music | Leave a commentSAM SMITH’S “WRITING’S ON THE WALL” Music Video Launch
October 5, 2015At 00.07 GMT Monday October 5th, Global James Bond Day, Sam Smith has unveiled the full music video for “Writing’s On The Wall,” the theme song to the new James Bond film SPECTRE. Global James Bond Day is the anniversary of the theatrical release of Dr. No, the first James Bond film. Sam Smith enlisted renowned music video director and long-term collaborator Luke Monaghan to direct the spectacular video that accompanies the new single. Shot in various locations throughout Rome, the video for “Writing’s On The Wall” opens with a poignant scene of Union Jack clad coffins and goes on to feature various shots of Smith filmed in the same locations as Spectre. The video is interspersed with extracts from the Spectre film including a love scene between Bond (Daniel Craig) and Lucia (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. “Writing’s On The Wall” was co-written by Sam Smith and fellow GRAMMY® Award winner Jimmy Napes. The track is awash with cascading orchestration and delicate keys, whilst Smith’s impeccable vocals elegantly glide above the instrumentation, strewn throughout with his effortless falsetto. It is the first James Bond theme song recorded by a British male solo artist since 1965. After premiering on September 25 worldwide, “Writing’s On The Wall” rocketed to the top of the charts and made chart history by becoming the first Bond theme song ever to score a UK No. 1. “Writing’s On The Wall” is available to stream and download: Stream: http://po.st/WOTWsp Download: http://po.st/W4P0Zk SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond adventure, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, will be released in the UK on October 26 and in the US on November 6. About “SPECTRE” A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond (Daniel Craig) on a rogue mission to Mexico City and …
Posted in Fitness | Leave a commentPitbull On EMPIRE, October 7: Exclusive Sneak Peek
September 23, 2015EMPIRE Episode 2 – Aired Oct 1 2015 EMPIRE | OMG Moment: “Without a Country” Cookie and her cohorts decide to start their own record label, but it’s off to a bumpy start when everyone has different visions for the new company. – See more at: http://www.fox.com/empire/full-episodes#sthash.Y3dm6xfJ.dpuf *SEASON PREMIERE* “The Devils Are Here” Still in federal lockup, Lucious is trying to run Empire from inside. THE LYONS ARE BACK ON THE ALL-NEW SEASON TWO PREMIERE OF “EMPIRE” WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, ON FOX Kelly Rowland, Marisa Tomei, Chris Rock, Don Lemon, Al Sharpton, Andre Leon Talley, Tyra Ferrell and Swiss Beatz Guest-Star Season Two picks up three months after the shocking arrest and incarceration of Empire Entertainment head LUCIOUS LYON (Terrence Howard). Still in federal lockup, Lucious is trying to run Empire from inside, while a headline-grabbing state prosecutor hangs her political ambitions on bringing him down – no matter what it takes. Meanwhile, Cookie stages a star-studded #FreeLucious concert in his support, while scheming with Andre, Hakeem, Anika and the business savvy Mimi Whiteman (guest star Marisa Tomei) to finalize the hostile takeover of Empire in the all-new “The Devils Are Here” Season Two Premiere episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, Sept. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Cast: Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon, Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon, Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon, Bryshere ‘Yazz’ Gray as Hakeem Lyon, Trai Byers as Andre Lyon, Grace Gealey as Anika Calhoun, Kaitlin Doubleday as Rhonda Lyon, Gabourey Sidibe as Becky, Ta’Rhonda Jones as Porsha and Serayah McNeill as Tiana Guest Cast: Marisa Tomei as Mimi Whiteman, Chris Rock as Frank Gathers, Kelly Rowland as Leah Walker, Don Lemon as Himself, Al Sharpton as Himself, Andre Leon Talley as Himself, Swiss Beatz as Himself, Rafael De La Fuentes as Michael Sanchez, Tyra …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentPlus Night Out 2015 Featured During New York Fashion Week
September 23, 2015By Darralynn Hutson Plus Night Out 2015 #PNO #PlusNightOut showcased an exclusive fashion exhibition on Thursday September 17. In its’ 5th year, Plus Night Out was held for the 2nd year at the LoftW83rd multi-function cultural center in New York City’s Upper West Side where Latina Magazine’s Director of Content, Shirley Velasquez was Mistress of Ceremony to over 250 VIP attendees invited to view cutting-edge designs for the curvy consumer. SPRING 2016 Collections include: QRISTYL FRAZIER DESIGNS, RUE21, SERITA BELL, TRU DIVA, WILLIAM H. DESIGNS AND JILL ALEXANDER DESIGNERS. This year, through a collaborative partnership with Latina, IPM Models, #PNO showcased Curvy Latin and African American Models in the showcase and provided #realtime coverage through www.Latina.com and www.PlusNightOut.com Twitter, Facebook and IG accounts. Models, Liris Cross and Jessica Likas were #PNO Ambassadors driving the social media one week prior to Plus Night Out’s September 17 premiere. PNO’s Media partner, Latina Magazine was joined by Elite #PNO Sponsor Rue21+, and Sponsors: Curls, Inc., SeanJohn, The IPM and True Modeling Agencies, Tramps Hosiery, SLAP (Satin Lined Caps) Avianne & Co. Jewelers, Stickwitit Apparel, Stylaga.com and Jax Coconut Water to produce the event. About Plus Night Producer, Jovanna Reyes Jovanna Reyes is a photographer, publisher of Curvysta magazine, event producer oand blogger. Her love for the plus industry began while working at Bloomingdales and progressed to owning a plus boutique and Plus fashion photography. Her photos are featured in Curvysta.com, DailyVenusDiva.com, SkorchMag.com and more. She also produced online shows, Curvy Mode, ReCurved, On The Streets and In the Closet, featured on Skorch TV. Her newest venture, Curvysta magazine just celebrated its first successful year. Plus Night Out Host, Shirley VelAsquez Shirley Velasquez is the director of content of Latina magazine, Latina.com and The Latin Kitchen. She is also the author of Global Girls children’s book series. Her work has appeared in Elle, Glamour, American Way, Woman’s …
Posted in Music | 1 Comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
