Posted on Friday, October 9, 2015

Sherri Shepherd Stars In New Movie “Woodlawn,” the 2015 Dove Awards Comedy Show & More…

Hello World,

If you’re a fan of my favorite Christian celeb Sherri Shepherd, you have plenty of opportunities to check out “The View” Contributor Sherri Shepherd this month! Next Friday, October 16, her latest movie Woodlawn will be released. Below is the a description of the movie in which Sherri portrays Mama Nathan.

Woodlawn, an exhilarating high school football story about revival and reconciliation, offers hope for overcoming the racial crises facing America today.

The movie, an Erwin Brothers film produced by Kevin Downes, tells the true-life story of Tony Nathan (newcomer Caleb Castille), who lands in a powder keg of anger and violence when he joins fellow African-American students at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Ala., after its government-mandated desegregation in 1973. The Woodlawn Colonels football team is a microcosm of the problems at the school and in the city, which erupts in cross burnings and riots, and Coach Tandy Geralds (Nic Bishop) is at a loss to solve these unprecedented challenges with his disciplinarian ways.

It’s only when Hank (Sean Astin), an outsider who has been radically affected by the message of hope and love he experienced at a Christian revival meeting, convinces Coach Geralds to let him speak to the team that something truly remarkable begins to happen. More than 40 players, nearly the entire team, black and white, give their lives over to the “better way” Hank tells them is possible through following Jesus, and the change is so profound in them it affects their coach, their school and their community in ways no one could have imagined.

The Colonels make a run at the state playoffs led by Nathan, who achieves superstar status in Birmingham and attracts the attention of legendary University of Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant (Jon Voight). It’s the miracle, Hank says, of what happens when God shows up.

“It is the story about the redemption of a cynic through a reluctant hero with the influence of an unabashed optimist,” Director Andy Erwin says. “And these three men mixed together in the midst of this spiritual awakening that really hit America in the early ’70s called the Jesus Movement. Something special happened, and a city healed.”

A book has been released in conjunction with the film: Woodlawn: Touchdown Tony: Running with a Purpose, Tony Nathan’s autobiography, is available as of Sept. 15 from Howard Books.

Below is an interview with Sherri Shepherd about the film.

Featurette – Sherri Shepherd for Woodlawn on TrailerAddict.

Sherri is also headlining the FREE 2015 Dove Awards Comedy Show, hosted by Bone Hampton, to be held Monday, October 12 at Shamblin Theatre at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. The doors open at 6:30p.m., and the show will begin at 7:00p.m.

Finally, Sherri is taking part in “Chonda Pierce: Laughing in the Dark,” a one-night cinema event that is coming to select U.S. theaters on October 27. This unique event gives an intimate look at the life of well-known comedian Chonda Pierce and how she has overcome many of life’s obstacles through faith and humor. In addition to the docu-comedy, there will be a post-event show, “Finding Light in the Darkness,” where audience members will join celebrities including Roma Downey, Kevin Sorbo, Sherri Shepherd, Monica Crowley, Corbin Bernsen and Duck Dynasty’s Miss Kay Robertson as they discuss what inspired them from Chonda’s story.

Tickets for “Chonda Pierce: Laughing in the Dark” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in nearly 480 movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events.

Any thoughts?

Posted on Sunday, October 4, 2015

The Top 10 Blog Posts and or Articles for Black Christian Women in September 2015

Hello World,

I’m a media junkie with no apologies. My desire for media is completely insatiable so I’ve decided to start compiling monthly lists for me and you to help stay abreast of the media constantly being generated. Throughout the month of September, I kept a file of interesting blog posts and or articles that crossed my path as a black Christian woman. Let me know if you like my list! Enjoy…

1. “God Battles ‘Straight Outta Compton’ for African-Americans’ Souls” by Naomi Schaefer Riley

Excerpt: How did we go from “Straight Outta Compton” to the “War Room”? In one weekend, the top movie at the box office went from one that glorifies sex and violence to one that glorifies traditional marriage and God. These movies — the one that tells the history of the rap group NWA and the other that tells the story of the religious journey of a woman to save her marriage — surely represent the ideals competing for the hearts and minds of Americans. Particularly African-Americans. See more at: nypost.com.

2. “Matthews wins Senate District 45 runoff” by Sarita Chourey

Excerpt: The special election is being held to select a replacement for Sen. Clementa Pinckney, who was a reverend and married father of two. Pinckney was among the nine gunned down in June during Bible study at the historic black Emanuel AME Church. Dylann Roof, a 21-year-old who expressed white supremacist views and posed with the Confederate flag, could face the death penalty for the massacre, if convicted. “Most importantly, I want to thank the family of Senator Clementa Pinckney,” said Matthews after the votes were counted Tuesday. See more at: jaspersuntimes.com.

3. “103-Year-Old Ga. Woman Banned From Church for Criticizing Pastor’s Preaching Style” by Breanna Edwards

Excerpt: A 103-year-old Georgia woman has been kicked out of her church for disagreeing with her pastor’s preaching style, with members even calling the police on the woman, who has been a part of the congregation for some 90 years. See more at: theroot.com.

4. “Ferguson Mirrors Birmingham 1963? Minister on Ferguson Report Returns Home to Speak” by Greg Garrison

Excerpt: The Rev. Traci Blackmon grew up in Birmingham, Ala., in the 1960s and has been on the front lines of protests in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014 and 2015. “What happened to Birmingham with Bull Connor is what happened to Ferguson,” said Blackmon, a registered nurse and ordained minister who is returning home to Alabama this weekend to speak at Covenant Community Church in Center Point on Friday at 7 p.m. and at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham on Sunday in the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. See more at: al.com.

5. “Neighbors in Religion: Catholic nun celebrates 75 years of service to church, community” by Bea Hines

Excerpt: Sister Clementina is a member of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the country’s first black order of nuns. Her celebration was spread over two weeks, in two states: Maryland, her home state; and Florida, where she has worked for many years. The first celebration was in August and 17 of her former students and parents from Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Liberty City traveled with her to Baltimore for the festivities. See more at: miamiherald.com.

6. “Black Sisterhood Was the Emmys’ Biggest Winner” by Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts

Excerpt: The demonstration of love and support among Hollywood’s women of color—e.g., Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis, Uzo Aduba—was more extraordinary than any of the awards won. The tears kept rolling like rivers down my face. I couldn’t stop crying. I didn’t want to stop crying. Her words were like a salve on my soul. An “I see you, Sis” from 3,000 miles away. I don’t know her. Not sure if I’ll ever meet her. But that brilliant, richly dark woman, with her glorious crown of natural hair, shined brighter than any star on my screen in that moment. See more at: damemagazine.com.

7. “‘Empire’ Actress Can’t Even Escape Fans at Church” by Richard Johnson

Excerpt: Ta’Rhonda Jones, who plays sassy assistant Porsha on the soapy Fox TV drama, confesses the show has made it difficult for her to attend church in her hometown of Chicago. See more at: pagesix.com.

8. “Domestic violence in the church: Former wife of an abusive senior pastor speaks out”

Excerpt: Gifted, beautiful and God-fearing, Janeen Michael would have never imagined in her wildest dreams that she would become the victim of domestic violence. And yet, for 15 years, she stayed in a marriage to a senior pastor who was brutalizing her behind closed doors. So why did she stay so long? “Pride, fear and shame were the bars of my prison,” the Journey to Love author and worship leader explains of what she calls the “toxic relationship.” See more at: buzz.eew.magazine.com.

9. “Mississippi Christian Living: Peggie Gillom-Granders, Journey of a Champion”

Excerpt: When she graduated from high school in 1976, she was the first African American female to be awarded an athletic scholarship to Ole Miss. Peggie is quick to say, “Yes, but you know I never thought of myself as any different from anybody, and none of my teammates treated me like I was any different. We were teammates and friends.” The “friends” part is past and present! She keeps up with most of her teammates even now, forty years later. See more at: hottytoddy.com.

10. “Sierra Leone: ‘Power to Women’ Campaign Targets 10,000 Students” by Ibrahim Tarawallie

Excerpt: A campaign to promote the participation of women in political governance and propel them into leadership positions has commenced in Kailahun district, targeting over 10,000 students, 12 women councillors and 46 junior secondary schools. See more at: allafrica.com.

Any thoughts?

Posted on Friday, October 2, 2015

TV One Airs 2015 Triumph Awards Hosted by Tichina Arnold Tomorrow (PICS Included)!!!

From left to right: Tichina Arnold, Rev. Al Sharpton, Tyreee Gibson & Estelle

From left to right: Tichina Arnold, Rev. Al Sharpton, Tyrese Gibson & Estelle

Hello World,

TV One today will air its inaugural television broadcast of The 2015 Triumph Awards presented by Reverend Al Sharpton and National Action Network tomorrow at 8 p.m. EST. Filmed in Atlanta, GA and hosted by Tichina Arnold, this esteemed ceremony recognizes the triumphant impact this year’s honorees have made on our society.

Journalist Soledad O’Brien

Recording artist and philanthropist Tyrese Gibson was presented the Entertainer of the Year honor by Martin Luther King III and received a special message from friend and fellow entertainer Ludacris. With a body of work as a civil rights leader, activist and minister spanning over eight decades, Rev. Dr. Joseph Echols Lowery received the Chairman’s Award for Historic & Transformative Service from NAN’s Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and Rev. Al Sharpton. Emmy® winning comedienne, actress and producer Wanda Sykes received the Activism in the Arts honor for her years of service to youth homelessness and engagement. Chief Diversity Officer and Global Director of Education and External Relations for Intel, Rosalind Hudnell was presented the honor of Corporate Executive of the Year in support of her distinguished leadership within the corporate sector. The night’s final honor, the President’s Award for Service and Humanitarian Efforts, was presented to John Legend for his work as a vocal champion for social justice who gave the audience a special treat during his acceptance speech by singing “Wake Up Everybody” before turning it over to Tichina Arnold to close the show.

Actress Terri J. Vaughn

This star-studded event included appearances by presenters Afemo Omilami, Carl Payne, Danielle Nicolet, Darrin Henson, Donnie Simpson, Nicole Beharie, Soledad O’Brien, Syleena Johnson, Richard Lawson, Patrik-Ian Polk and Terri J. Vaughn. Legendary hip-hop artist Chubb Rock served as announcer during the show.

Singer Syleena Johnson

Musical performances throughout the show presented a positive, uplifting score for an evening of excellence.

Award winning hip-hop artist T.I. delivered an original spoken word piece titled “United We Stand,” urging youth to not use the spirit of activism as an opportunity to elevate their social media presence.

In a soul stirring performance, gospel recording artist, Tasha Cobbs brought the crowd to their feet with a medley including the television debut of “Put A Praise On It” and Grammy® Award winning single “Break Every Chain.”

Martin Luther King III

The Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, the South’s leading African-American theatre company for young adults, unveiled “Put Your Guns Up,” a moving performance art tribute recounting the victims of unfortunate deaths as a result of gun violence.

Youth Ensemble of Atlanta

Led by the program’s Musical Director Robert Glasper, house band The Robert Glasper Experiment performed a touching rendition of “I’m Dying of Thirst.”

Grammy® Award winner Estelle performed her anthem of perseverance “Conqueror” in honor of the inspirational work that honoree Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery has done for the civil rights movement.

Estelle

Rev. Al Sharpton & Rev. Joseph E. Lowery

Singer, songwriter Chanté Moore was joined by R&B artist Stokley Williams for an enchanting performance of “Someday We’ll All Be Free.”

Ledisi, a leading jazz recording artist and actress with credits including the Academy Award nominated film Selma, performed her hit single “Gonna Be Alright” championing Rev. Al Sharpton, whose 61st birthday coincides with the broadcast premier.

Ledisi

Multi-hyphenate entertainer and distinguished honoree Tyrese took to the stage for a rousing performance of his chart-topping hit single “Shame.”

Paying tribute to Nina Simone’s legacy of activism through the music medium, Grammy® nominated singer Jazmine Sullivan performed “Baltimore,” a song from Simone’s 1978 album that is once again reflective of the times.

Jazmine Sullivan

Tichina Arnold channeled the Godfather of Soul, James Brown for a show-stopping cover of “I Got The Feelin,” went on to reunite with her “Martin” co-star Carl Payne – who also served as a writer for the program – for a must-see comedic enactment of “Cause I Love You.”