Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →2014 Spelman Women of Color Conference
May 17, 2014Themed “21st century Leadership: Leading Forward,” the 2014 Spelman Women of Color Conference explored several essential components vital to leadership success, at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta May 14 -May 15. Conference participants heard from groundbreaking women across a variety of fields, through informative workshops, powerful speeches, one-on-one interactions, and presentations. Attendees were treated to three milestone events as LEADS celebratd a decade of success with the first installation of the Academy of Game Changers, the 10th Anniversary Legacy of Leadership Awards, and a special “blue carpet” birthday celebration. Another new programming element this year was the “Intimate Conversations with Game Changers,” which featured members of the inaugural Academy of Game Changers sharing their personal leadership journey. Conference host, Shaun Robinson, Spelman Alumna , Emmy Award-winning journalist and Access Hollywood host SPEAKERS: Retired NBC Universal Chief Diversity Officer and multimillion dollar businesswoman Paula Madison; Major General Marcia Anderson, the first African-American woman Major General in the U.S. Army Reserve; civil rights icon Roslyn Pope; former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; award-winning journalist and host of NPR’s “Tell Me More,” Michel Martin; award-winning journalist, editor, author and Essence Magazine Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Bush; Editor at the Navajo Times Candace Begody; and JET Magazine Editor-In-Chief Mitzi Miller, among others. Sonya’s Spotlight Web Mag Correspondent captured photos from the conference. Photo Captions Forthcoming. ABOUT SPELMAN COLLEGE Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a highly selective, liberal arts college widely recognized as the global leader in the education of women of African descent. Located in Atlanta, Ga., the college’s picturesque campus is home to 2,100 students. Outstanding alumnae include Children’s Defense Fund founder Marian Wright Edelman; Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer; JPMorgan Chase Foundation President Kimberly Davis; former acting Surgeon General and Spelman’s first alumna President Audrey Forbes Manley; Harvard College Dean Evelyn Hammonds; author Pearl Cleage; and actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson. For more information, …
Posted in Photos | Leave a commentA powerful message from First Lady Michelle Obama
May 10, 2014A powerful message from First Lady Michelle Obama First Lady Michelle Obama honored all mothers on this upcoming Mother’s Day and offered her thoughts, prayers, and support in the wake of the unconscionable terrorist kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian girls. It’s a powerful message. Watch the First Lady’s address:
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentXSCAPE LONG AWAITED NEW MUSIC FROM MICHAEL JACKSON OUT ON EPIC RECORDS MAY 13
May 10, 2014XSCAPE: NEW ALBUM COMING MAY 13TH XSCAPE LONG AWAITED NEW MUSIC FROM MICHAEL JACKSON OUT ON EPIC RECORDS MAY 13 EPIC CHIEF L.A. REID TEAMS UP WITH TOP PRODUCERS TO “CONTEMPORIZE” SONGS FROM ICONIC ARTIST’S ARCHIVE On May 13, Epic Records, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will releaseXSCAPE, an album of new music by the internationally beloved music icon and King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The project features eight new tracks, which the world will be hearing for the very first time on the new album. For the ultimate fan experience,XSCAPE will also be available in a Deluxe Edition, which includes all of the sourced Michael Jackson recordings in their original form. The XSCAPE standard and Deluxe Editions are available for pre-order beginning April 1 on iTunes.com/MichaelJackson and elsewhere, and available at all retailers worldwide on May 13. XSCAPE is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, who, after an initial mining of Jackson’s archives by the Estate, was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals. Reid curated the final list of recordings to deliver to the producers, who retooled the production to add a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson’s essence and integrity. It’s a process Reid calls “contemporizing.” The album’s lead producer, Timbaland was one of a handful of producers Reid believed had the gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson’s work. Additional producers include global hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “Jroc” Harmon and John McClain. “Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world,” remarked L.A. Reid. “Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentLupita Nyong’o Is PEOPLE’s Most Beautiful
April 25, 2014By JULIE JORDAN AND ANTOINETTE Y. COULTON She may have won an Oscar for her role as the slave Patsey in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave and recently landed a contract with Lancôme Paris, but Lupita Nyong’o “never dreamed” she would be touted as “Most Beautiful” for all the world to see. “It was exciting and just a major, major compliment,” the 31-year-old says of gracing this year’s cover. And especially, “I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen.” Born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, Nyong’o first equated beauty with what she saw on television: “Light skin and long, flowing, straight hair,” she says. “Subconsciously you start to appreciate those things more than what you possess.” Her mother, Dorothy, who is the managing director and head of PR for the Africa Cancer Foundation, “always said I was beautiful,” Nyong’o adds. “And I finally believed her at some point.” PHOTOS: PEOPLE’s Most Beautiful Women: Then & Now Keep up with your favorite celebs in the pages of PEOPLE Magazine by subscribing now. As a teen, Nyong’o dyed her hair every color – except blonde – and even went as far as shaving her head bald. “It was very strange and very cold!” she says, laughing. “It was scary but I like to dare myself.” Now she says the best compliments are “when I have been called beautiful with not one drop of makeup on,” she adds. “And also before I comb my hair or put on a pretty dress. Happiness is the most important thing.” Source: http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20360857_20809287,00.html
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentTHE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 In Theaters May 02
April 23, 2014SYNOPSIS We’ve always known that Spider-Man’s most important conflict has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that his greatest battle is about to begin. It’s great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there’s no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: Oscorp. http://www.theamazingspiderman.com/site/ https://www.facebook.com/theamazingspiderman https://twitter.com/SpiderManMovie http://instagram.com/SpiderManMovie
Posted in Cinema | Leave a comment‘Scandal’s’ Tony Goldwyn: Fitz Is In For a ‘Rough Wake-Up Call’
April 19, 2014“Olivia is the woman that Fitz needs to be with as a partner, lover and soul mate. That’s never going to change and that hasn’t changed, but Mellie is Fitz’s family,” the actor tells THR after the season three finale. ABC/Ron Tom “Scandal” [Warning: This story contains spoilers from the season three finale, “The Price of Free and Fair Election,” of ABC’s Scandal.] President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn) has been re-elected for a second term on ABC’s Scandal, but it came at an incredibly high price during Thursday’s season three finale. Olivia (Kerry Washington) effectively asks Rowan (Joe Morton) to help get Fitz re-elected after Sally (Kate Burton) uses the explosion in her favor. Rowan has Tom, a member of the White House Secret Service, poison the Grants’ eldest son, Jerry Jr. STORY: ‘Scandal’: Who Died and 19 Other Big Reveals From the Season 3 Finale [3] It all comes after an action-packed episode that included Fitz learning that his father raped Mellie (Bellamy Young), who remained silent and stood by her man all in the name of furthering his political career. Olivia, meanwhile, heads off with Jake (Scott Foley) to stand in the sun after she recognizes that she is the problem that most needs fixing, as everyone’s drama can be traced back to her. Meanwhile, Rowan delivers news that Marie Wallace (Khandi Alexander), Olivia’s mother, was behind Jerry Jr.’s death, and tells Fitz that she’s been killed. The move earns Rowan his former job as B613 Command, only he’s keeping his estranged (terrorist) wife in the trusted B613 hole and has Harrison (Columbus Short), the only one to figure out just what happened, at gunpoint. The Hollywood Reporter caught up with Goldwyn to get his thoughts on whether losing a child and learning Mellie’s secret could bring them closer together, how Fitz …
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentDeVon Franklin Shares Success Tips – Talks “Heaven Is For Real”
April 16, 2014Author, inspirational speaker and Sony Pictures executive DeVon Franklin is enjoying an amazing start to 2014. This Easter, the 2014 Trumpet Awards honoring Franklin (among others) will premiere on TV One; his highly-anticipated new film “Heaven Is For Real” will premiere in theaters nationwide on Tuesday, April 16 and he and his lovely wife Meagan Good are revealing their sartorial side as a couple, having recently graced the pages of Essence magazine (February) with a 6-page fashion spread, as well as the cover of Today’s Black Woman (March/April). In addition, DeVon is the featured expert on an upcoming episode of OWN’s “Help Desk,” where he dispenses pragmatic, spiritually-rich and motivational advice to viewers looking for some sage wisdom on a variety of life issues. Sonya’s Spotlight Web Mag (Sonya Jenkins) got to chat with both DeVon and Meagan on the Red Carpet at the 2014 Trumpet Awards, where they both gave advice to youth. See video here: http://youtu.be/4QDJLa_fmuw . Sonya’s Spotlight also participated in a tele-conference with DeVon recently, where he talked about “Heaven Is For Real” and shared success tips for people over 40. Here are a few of DeVon’s tips: TIPS for 40 & ABOVE: I. Know that it starts from within and with God. II. Do an assessment. III. Ask yourself what you really want to do. IV. Tap into your passion. “I challenge anyone over 40 to not rest on your laurels and complacency,” Franklin said. “If you’re here, you’re here for a reason,” Franklin gave examples of actors who had “made it” after 40, such as Morgan Freeman and Samuel L. Jackson. Franklin described himself “rebel in reverse” growing up. Check out trailer for Heaven Is For Real below: #HeavenIsForRealMovie #HeavenIsForRealMovie Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book of the …
Posted in On the Scene | Leave a commentRIDE ALONG ON DVD & BLU-RAY
April 16, 2014RIDE ALONG became available April 15th, on DVD and Blu-Ray. After making history for its three-week run at #1 at the box office this past MLK weekend, you can now bring RIDE ALONG home to enjoy. The Blu-Ray release will include special features such as Kev & Cube’s Wild Ride Along that shows firsthand how these two megastars fed each other creatively and the DVD will put audiences backstage as they visit the cast and crew on the set of shooting the film. SYNOPSIS: For the past two years, high school security guard Ben (Kevin Hart) has been trying to show decorated detective James (Ice Cube) that he’s more than just a video game junkie who’s unworthy of James’ sister. When Ben finally gets accepted into the police academy, James invites him on a ride-along designed to scare the hell out of him and ultimately demonstrate if Ben has what it takes to take care of his sister. But when the wild night leads them to the most notorious criminal in the city, James will find that his new partner’s rapid-fire mouth is just as dangerous as the bullets speeding at it. Also starring John Leguizamo and Laurence Fishburne, Ride Along is an action-packed comedy with big thrills and even bigger laughs. Bonus Features Exclusive to the Blu-rayTM: Alternate Ending Deleted Scenes Alternate Take Kev & Cube’s Wild Ride: Audiences will experience Kevin Hart and Ice Cube’s electrifying chemistry in a short feature that shows firsthand how these two megastars fed each other creatively, how Hart’s energy fueled the process, and what he learned about dedication and focus by working with Ice Cube. An Explosive Ride: Ever wonder what it would be like to be beaten up by Laurence Fishburne? This trip behind the scenes will expose the hilarious exchanges between the stars …
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentMy Escape to Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
April 15, 2014There’s nothing like a quick getaway to the Bahamas, and nothing more alluring than staying at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort. On my recent trip there I basked in the sun, delighted in the turquoise ocean and walked in the sand, while partaking of some of the most enchanting surroundings I’ve ever seen on an island. The Atlantis Paradise Island reminds me of Las Vegas on a beach. From the myriad of activities, including a casino, night clubs and fine dining, you can find it all at the Atlantis! But on my escape, I just wanted to delight in the luxurious surroundings and rejuvenate. And I did just that! Check out a few photos from my Tropical Escape. Atlantis – Paradise Island Photos by Sonya Jenkins Atlantis Aquarium Adventure Just Sonya – Atlantis Paradise Island Resort IT’S BETTER IN THE BAHAMAS
Posted in Travel | Leave a comment“RIO 2” Red Carpet Screening With Janelle Monae And Carlos Saldanha
April 9, 201420th Century Fox hosted a special red carpet presentation of RIO 2 on Monday, April 7th at Regal Atlantic Station. Local guests who stopped by the carpet included Carlos Saldanha (director), Janelle Monae (soundtrack artist), Ludacris (actor/artist), Curtis Fields (musician), Todd Chrisley (“Chrisley Knows Best”), Matt Bryant (Atlanta Falcons), Meyrick Murphy (“Walking Dead”), Towanda Braxton (Reality TV Star), Torrei Hart (Actor), Chauncey Davis (former Atlanta Falcon), Sanjay Gupta (CNN Reporter) and Torrei Hart (“Atlanta Exes.”)
Posted in Photos | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
