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BET ‘VJ’ reports on Katrina 5 years later

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Issue date: 8/28/2010

Hurricane Katrina’s catastrophic aftermath is still being felt five years after the Gulf Coast was devastated by the intense storm.

More than 1,800 people were killed, over a million displaced and 80 percent of New Orleans was overtaken by floods that have left the Big Easy having a hard time finding its footing.

However, when 106 and Park co-host Rocsi Diaz visited the region as part of a comprehensive piece BET produced to commemorate the Katrina’s anniversary, she found that while the wounds were still fresh and recovery has been slow, the indomitable spirit of the place Diaz called home survived the destruction.

The lower ninth ward may have been ravaged, possibly beyond repair and the levees may have failed the city, but they have held on.

“The spirit never went away no matter what. That’s why so many people stayed. That’s why so many people did stay. The Saints winning the Super Bowl definitely helped us conquer over things we thought would never happen,” Diaz said. “Something that definitely was a cloud over the Superdome was the Saints never winning and they did. It really rejuvenated the city.”

Nonetheless, disappointment lingers.

“I went back there and I just … it is really sad to see that there really hasn’t been that much of a change from the years that have passed,” Diaz said. “The Brad Pitt Project is very impressive and you have some homeowners who are returning to New Orleans to rebuild but it really is a slow process.”

The New Orleans native spoke of what she believed have been some of the contributing factors towards the delayed response to conditions. To date, many have not been able to come home and large pockets of areas have been abandoned to their desolate fates.

“The city can only do so much but then when you have so many different contractors taking advantage of people, insurance scams going on,” Diaz said.

“I remember one gentleman was telling me how his home was covered with insurance but because it wasn’t flood damage insurance, he didn’t get covered. He didn’t get the money to rebuild.”

Diaz continued on the frustrations voiced to her and those she felt herself.

“I don’t think there really has been a focus on the rebuilding of New Orleans like people think that there is. There’s been a lot of attention to the lower ninth ward, a lot of attention to the other districts and wards that are in New Orleans,” she said.

“The places that needed to get the money definitely got the money but I think it’s slower because it’s the community rebuilding itself and[there’s] not really that much of a help coming from the city.”

Diaz tackled the question of whether race has been an impediment.

“I don’t know if I can say if it has or it hasn’t. I think a failed leadership by our former President [George Bush], not acting quick enough, expedient enough. … I think with the city, there’s definitely a new spirit with their current mayor and not the former leaders that they had. I think they weren’t guided the right way,” she said.

“I don’t think we had the right people in place to be able to fulfill the promises. … So, I don’t want to say race because a lot of people—Black, white and Hispanic are suffering in New Orleans—but yes, the majority of [them are] African Americans.”

Beyond the commentary for the special, the television personality has been an active presence in helping the youngest victim. She founded RocStar Foundation, a non-profit entity whose purpose is to rebuild schools in New Orleans that were compromised because of the natural disaster.

The three-year-old organization has raised over $300,000 and successfully refurbished her alma mater, West Jefferson High School.

“We have to realize and remember that these were children that were 13, 14 and sometimes maybe younger or older who went through a traumatic experience of losing family members, seeing dead bodies on the street, being displaced, having to change schools and you have to think about the post traumatic stress that these kids went through with Hurricane Katrina,” Diaz said.

“I think a lot of people don’t think about that … the effects that Hurricane Katrina had on people mentally.”

Diaz was optimistic that conditions would begin to improve.

“I have hope. I pray and I have hope,” she said.

“The city of New Orleans is not closed for business.”

For more information on BET’s special coverage on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, visit www.BET.com/news.

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Gospel singer ministers through music

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Issue date: 8/5/2010

DeWayne Woods’ second studio release, “My Life’s Lyric” soared to the Top 3 on Billboard’s Gospel Album Charts. The multiple Stellar Award winner’s new album is a testimony about what’s in his heart and what others can find in theirs.

“I’m a balladeer. I love ballads. I love the way that they feel and most of all; I love the way that they sound. When you listen to a ballad, it’ll make you sit down and listen to the lyrics a lot more,” Woods said. “A lot of times when you sing an upbeat song, you can get more into the beat—the beat will capture you first, before the lyrics, but most of the time with ballads, the lyric will capture you first.”

The CD, which features a mixture of comforting ballads, funky up-tempo tunes and lively praise and worship songs is the follow up to his award-winning debut that spawned the hit, “Let Go.”

“I called it ‘My Life’s Lyric’ because the songs really minister to me—but I want people when they listen to the project to be able to find themselves within the lyrics,” Woods said.

“So whatever it is that you’re facing, there’s a song that can kind of minister [to you] or [you can] identify with that song … apply it to your life and it can be your life’s lyrics as well.”

Woods was recently in Philadelphia and performed at Sharon Baptist Church. He spoke of his eagerness to have his music make an impact on listeners. One of his favorite tracks from the new album is “I Won’t Be Afraid.”

“When I sing that song, it really kind of ministers to me—especially being a person that, even though I’ve overcome a lot of obstacles in my life—I’m still fearful,” he said. “Sometimes, I feel like I may not live up to everyone else’s standards. So, that song ‘I Won’t Be Afraid’ has really become a favorite of mine because I can find myself within the lyrics.”

He also shared how being a single father has helped to shape him as more than just a man but as an artist as well.

“I am a single dad and we don’t have instructions with raising kids. At this time in my life, I have a teenage daughter. So, one of my main goals right now, my main focus, is to be the best dad that I can possibly be to her and really a lot of times we have situations in our lives that kind of make us feel like we failed in certain things. So, I want to make sure that I consistently win at being a great dad,” he said.

“My daughter means the world to me and she looks up to me as a dad. She looks up to me as Dewayne Woods, the artist. So, I don’t want to fail her in either capacity.”

As Woods continues to encounter more fans on the promotional trail, he hoped that they would be able to reach as many people possible.

“I just love meeting people. I just love laughing with people. I love for people to find in me something different that they did not find in another artist,” he said.

“Not to say that that’s a bad thing or anything like that but a lot of times they’ll feel that artists are unapproachable and get intimidated around them or whatever—but I want people to feel comfortable being around me.”

“My Life’s Lyric” is available in stores and online outlets. DeWayne Woods can be found online at www.twitter.com/dwoodyd.

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Toomey says won’t give up on Black vote

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Issue date: 8/2/2010

Former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey is widely considered to be the reason Sen. Arlen Specter changed parties from Republican to Democrat as Specter was behind him in the polls. The wind has been at his campaign’s back ever since.

Toomey won the Republican nomination for the Senate seat and in a reliably blue state such as Pennsylvania, he has been holding his own and has a war chest in the millions to use against senatorial challenger, U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa.

Toomey spoke with The Philadelphia Tribune and explained why he thought his message was resonating with voters and making this election so close. In part, it has been a referendum at the national political scene that has trickled down to the Keystone state.

“I think voters realize that the federal government in Washington should be focusing on job growth and it hasn’t been. I think they realize that the federal government is spending too much money and this is going to, this could bankrupt our country if they continue on this path,qu he said. “It could prevent our kids, our grandkids from achieving the standard of living that they ought to be able to achieve but with the amount of debt that we’re saddling them with, there’s a real danger about that.”

Toomey, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania’s 15th district from January 1993 to January 2005, touted his biography as another reason for connecting with an “up for grabs” electorate.

“My background as a business owner, my background in Congress fighting against wasteful spending including very much standing up to my own party when my own party was spending too much and was abandoning its principles,” he said. “I think that’s very appealing to people in this economic environment.”

African Americans are a demographic that has been hit hard by the economic downturn and Toomey expressed a desire to help. He acknowledged that Blacks predominately voted Democratic but would not concede any potential support.

“I define myself as someone who is going to focus very effectively on restoring economic growth and job creation. That’s my biggest priority. I think that’s the most important thing to just about every Pennsylvanian that I talk to. My background as a small business owner—someone who has launched a business, created a business, created hundreds of jobs—that’s a background that gives me the understanding of how to do this,” he said. “I think the federal government is pursuing many policies that are having a chilling effect on the economy, preventing the kind of recovery we should be having and I want to reverse those, block those policies and pursue those that are going to create job growth and I think that’s a message that’s going to appeal very broadly.”

Toomey also expounded on his desire to give parents more options with their children’s education.

“I think school choice is one that I know many African Americans are interested in pursuing. I’ve long believed that parents ought to be able to choose the schools their child attends and that the funding for primary and secondary education should follow the child to the school that’s chosen by the parent,” he said. “That would, I think, open up many tremendously beneficial educational opportunities for African Americas and other Americans especially in urban areas where you have a sufficient density to create a number of meaningful choices.”

Renee Amoore, deputy chair of the Republican State Committee, dismissed any notion that Black voters would automatically ignore Toomey’s efforts to reach out. She argued that Toomey has a vested interest in minorities and has sought her help to improve their conditions.

“We deal with a lot of ex-offenders. We do trainings in the prison. We do a lot of welfare work training, training people to get G.E.D.s and that whole thing so I let him know that there had to be more money in that arena for people would be able to make it. And he understood that,” Amoore said.

“He understands economic development as far as jobs. He understands small businesses and that’s so important for me because I’m a small business owner. He understands that if you keep taxing small businesses over and over again then we’re not going to be able to survive and those are the kind of things that I want my senator to understand.”

Amoore also said that there was a misconception that Republicans did not care about Blacks or issues that were of concern to them. She placed some of that fault on the party for not being more vocal about its efforts.

“I think what happens is that we Republicans, we don’t brag enough. We do a lot. People don’t see that because there’s a target on our back all the time that we’re racist, that the Republican party is all white men and I’ve been Black a long time so that’s not true,” she said. “Again, it’s about getting the message out and how do we get the message out? It’s about bragging.”

Toomey, who is pro-life and is in favor of a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage, could sour votes with his stances with Blacks but Terry Madonna doubted this would be effective in this current cycle.

The pundit, who is director of the center for politics and public affairs, professor of public affairs, and director of the Franklin & Marshall College poll, stated that those asked had more pressing matters in mind.

“Normally, he would have a tough problem because African Americans are heavily committed to the Democrats. Having said that, it’s even tougher for someone I think who didn’t support the stimulus, wouldn’t support an extension of employment compensation,” Madonna said. “I’m not suggesting that abortion and gay rights and guns aren’t important but there are some campaigns where certain issues predominate and that’s what voters use as their key when it comes to voting.

“So, this year, we’re finding that things like guns, abortion, gay marriage, they’re not even on the radar of voters when we ask them what do you care about, what do you think about.”

Madonna’s data found that health care, the economy and issues that governed daily lives were of crucial importance to voters.

Toomey, who returned to politics because of his dissatisfaction with the status quo, declared he was more than up to the task of addressing those reservations.

“I’m just very concerned that this is a very important moment in the history of our country and we need a pro-economic growth policy that will encourage job creation and economic growth and restore fiscal discipline to our government in Washington and I know that Joe Sestak totally disagrees,” Toomey said. “He wants to keep growing government, keep borrowing and spending, more debt. So, we have fundamentally different views. I’m convinced that mine are the right views for Pennsylvania and our economy and I think I can make a constructive contribution.”

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Sestak reaches out to Black churches

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Issue date: 7/18/2010

Poll finds Democrat tied with Toomey in Senate bid

U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak shocked the political world last May with his upset victory against the established and White House backed Sen. Arlen Specter to secure the Democratic nomination for the Pennsylvania Senate seat.

In an interview with The Philadelphia Tribune, Sestak outlined how the momentum of his grassroots campaign would once again upend political convention in the November elections.

Former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey, Sestak’s Republican challenger, raised $3.1 million for his senatorial bid in the second quarter of 2010 in comparison to Sestak’s $2 million.

Despite the cash advantage for Toomey, according to a recent Quinnipiac University poll, Sestak has been polling in a statistical dead heat at 43 percent. An integral part of Sestak’s base of support has been the African-American and faith-based communities.

“I spent a lot of time when I was a congressman going to another church, mosque, temple, sikh, synagogue other than my own,” he said.

Sestak expressed that it was crucial he build upon his support following the primaries in an effort to demonstrate he was not just in their company only for votes but to earn their trust.

“After the election primary was over, I went back the next Sunday to two of the churches because I have to try to earn their trust that I’m not just before them for the election and I’m going to come back and be a partner with them,” he said.

“I have a very small minority population (in my Delaware County Congressional district) as compared to Philadelphia, (with) both African Americans and Hispanics but actually one of my larger ones are Asian and Pacific Americans and those that did know me, I think I’ve earned their trust that I really do believe America benefits greatly if everyone has a fair opportunity.”

He further spoke on trying in earnest to address such concerns as poverty and proper mental health support for African Americans and youth who do not have adequate access. The Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity has been an ally in these endeavors.

“We work very hard at trying to get out and about. In fact, I’ve had three meetings with the Black Clergy. Both the established, the ones that are the official Black clergy organization, as well as meeting separately with those that I have gotten to know,” Sestak said.

“I don’t think you can move away from problems. I think you have to address them. If America is going to be competitive with China and India, we’ve got to have everyone have a fair opportunity and that’s what I’m trying to get out and do, but it was through a large grassroots effort that I mentioned.”

Initially, the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity made the recommendation not to endorse either him or Specter in their bids for the Democratic nomination. He found this to be just as much of a boost, but the organization reversed course and supported Specter.

“I’ve got to earn their trust. I know that. I’m very worried that people look at me as a politician. I’m probably a pretty crappy politician and I don’t want to be one. I want to be a public servant,” he said.

Despite the support, Sestak made clear that he would not alter his position on certain issues that stoke the fires of the social wars. He is pro-choice with the backing of the National Organization for Women.

“A lot of people don’t recognize that. There is a conservative strain through the African-American community and [the] Black clergy,” he said.

“[But] they need to know who they’re voting for or not voting for. I don’t want after the vote for them to say ‘I didn’t know that about you.’”

The Rev. Terrence Griffith, vice president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity and the pastor of First African Baptist Church, said he and his congregants are concerned about far more than hot button issues.

“Well, we do question candidates on that but that’s not the only issue that we deal with. We look at economic empowerment, voting history as far as it relates to the African-American community and minorities. These are the things we look at,” he said.

The Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, pastor of Mother Bethel AME, concurred.

“I think that like all politicians there are going to be points where we agree and points where we disagree so I would imagine that if we were to support the other candidate, it would be the same issue,” Tyler said. “There would be certain points where we would have agreements and certain points where we have disagreements. So, we have to look at the entire person and the entire platform and see overall if this is a platform [that] we can agree with.”

Sestak, a former officer who spent 31 years in the navy, also threw his support behind gays serving openly in the military.

“We are a nation that’s always been in search of the perfect union our four fathers saw for us, but we are still always going to be trying to achieve that. That’s the march in the progress towards freedom, civil rights, suffrage and equality for all and I just believe that.”

Sestak said that he has made his positions known but is conscious of his surroundings. Nonetheless, he believed that a common ground could be walked upon. He has often repeated a story about a Jewish man who was sentenced to die but his best friend stood in his place before different congregations.

“The king overheard them arguing and asked them to come before him and they both argued that they themselves should be hanged and the King finally said, ‘Stop. I’ll free you both under one condition. If you two friends make me your third friend,’” Sestak said.

He continued as to what that tale has meant in his efforts of outreach.

“I would like to be a third friend to those congregations, to help from my programs—we work in Washington to repair our individuals and then the whole world in the future,” he said.

“That’s what we have to do also, hold ourselves accountable; be willing to lose your job over doing what’s right for public servants and hold our national treasury accountable that we’re spending it well and right, but invest in our people and this nation benefits greatly.”

Tyler, who has had Sestak as a guest in his church more than once, sees the congressman as someone who is genuine in wanting to partner with Black people of faith.

“We’ve had one meeting where we’ve just sat around and talked about different ways to engage the faith community into the life of the campaign. Obviously the best time to meet congregants are on days when they worship,” Tyler said. “So, just like every other campaign stop, you have to do more active campaigning when and where persons of faith are gathered—whether that’s at the mosque, the temple or church, to just really beat the bushes.”

Both Tyler and Griffith said the doors of their churches are also open to Toomey.

“You have two very humble individuals with two different philosophies and I guess it will boil down to who the Black clergy think will represent them,” Griffith said.

Tyler said, “I believe that a congregation ought to hear views from everyone so that they can be better informed about making a choice. We’d relish the opportunity to have the Republican candidate come and explain to us why members of the church should support him.”

Sestak, who is Catholic, shared how his faith has guided him thus far.

“Catholicism means community and community means that you serve more, that you measure—you serve more than yourself; you serve the communities’ goals and that’s what I like about my faith.”

“I also believe that the tenets you can learn from religions and also apply to secular life are very important and so I do my religion privately—but I do go to mass on Sundays and I enjoy that moment of quiet with someone who I believe created us.”

He reflected on whether religious institutions should play a part in determining policy.

“I think if done appropriately, yes. I think faith-based initiatives, as long as churches (observe the Constitutional separation of church and state), as long as you don’t let faith-based organizations discriminate against who they hire… That’s why I set out to partner with them,” he said.

If elected, he would have to also weigh in on the contentious immigration debate. He had his answer ready.

“Arizona passed a law that’s understandable because the federal government failed to act—but the law is wrong. It does profiling. America citizens shouldn’t have to be walking around to have their papers checked and this is happening because they failed—the federal government—to act. This is a federal responsibility,” he said.

“I think the big issue here is can we earn the trust once more of people who have been slammed and let down for eight years, where the government didn’t watch out for them? And then all of a sudden, (conservatives) feel it might be overreaching. In reality, it’s trying to do things… not big government, not small government but effective government.”

Sestak shared he would like to call on the influence of first lady Michelle Obama to help sway the electorate, especially minorities.

“We need them. It’s true and simple. If by 2040, half our nation will be people of color, we need them to be well educated, healthy, productive workers with a skill that helps our economy grow,” he said.

“I want to be the President’s strong ally on trying to effect the changes that are needed.”

When asked to gauge his chances against his Republican opponent in the fall, Sestak spoke with urgency.

“Without a question, we will beat Toomey. We have to and here’s the reason. We walk through who Pat Toomey is. I respect him. He’s a nice guy. I’ve had a beer with him but he is an ideologue. He is someone who believes that wealth will trickle down,” he said.

“His whole career has been spent on Wall Street, getting rich and then going to Washington, D.C. as a congressman and writing the legislation that removed the rules that govern Wall Street.”

Sestak cited Toomey’s record to call into question his priorities.

“He would always sides with big business, big corporations, Wall Street. He’s not for, he doesn’t care about the working views of those that want to work because he voted, not just to privatize social security, but he actually voted against S-CHIP numerous times.

“He voted against child care health credits. He voted against Pell Grants to send our youth to college. He has voted to export jobs, upwards of $43 billion dollars in tax cuts for corporations that invest overseas,” he said.

“So, what you look at is (Toomey) voting against child care funding and child tax credits, (for) privatizing social security, against the minimum wage, against Medicare and against the safety rules and job training; you begin to see someone’s out of touch with what really drives America.”

Sestak made one final pitch to differentiate himself from Toomey and offered up his pledge to be an agent of change.

“To be fair to him, that’s all he’s ever seen. So, that’s why he believes in ideology. People ask me, ‘Are you liberal, conservative?’ I don’t look at myself as either. I’m a pragmatic person who looks for practical solutions to problems.”

“Plus, overarching that, to earn the trust of people who know and can see that Washington is broken and we’ve got to change that.”

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‘Sunday Best’ talent accepting what God gives him

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Issue date: 5/14/2010

Goldwire McLendon may not be a household name but the Philly native has been making quite the impression on BET’s gospel competition “Sunday Best.”

The 79-year-old soloist has been a standout on the Kirk Franklin-hosted show and is now in the Top 20. However, McLendon, who has been singing and shouting praise since the age of 9, had to be talked into auditioning.

“I have a spiritual daughter. She loves music and calls me Pop. She called me one Thursday before the auditions and said you need to go down to 13th and Arch and get auditioned. [I said] ’Me? 79? No, no.’ She said, ‘Pop, go try it. Go try it.’ So, I went down there and I tried and here I am,” McLendon said.

McLendon has already drawn comparisons to Susan Boyle of the British version of “American Idol” fame, but the good-natured man did not even know who she was. He simply felt blessed for the experience and being a blessing in return.

“I do believe that the Lord fixed it so that I could be a help to others I have met and it certainly has happened already,” he said.

Nina Hill, executive producer of “Sunday Best” attested to McLendon’s maturity as being more of a help than hindrance.

“I guess the biggest thing about [him] is just his presence. When he walked in the room before he even opened his mouth for his audition, you could feel him. He’s just such a light and he’s full of surprises. Every time we got an opportunity to hear him sing, whether it was in rehearsals, he was really kind of that anchor,” Hill said.

“He reflects talent, and grace and wisdom. That’s what you get. You get it when you seem him on television. You get it when you see him in person. You get it when you’re in the audience.”

Hill thought McLendon would go far even if he did not ultimately win the competition, which has seen gospel heavyweights such as Kim Burrell mentor.

“I think he has what people don’t even know that he needs and that’s why his journey will be whatever it’s supposed to be and he’s at peace with that. So, he can go all the way and beyond. We have no idea at this point,” Hill said.

“That gentleman has more than it.”

McLendon shared that he has become somewhat of a celebrity in Philadelphia as he is constantly accepting congratulations and well wishes. The minister, who pastured in Tennille, Ga., for 16 years, is a member of Mount Olive Holy Temple. He spoke of what he’d feel if he won.

“I’ll feel like hollering, screaming, jumping,” he said.

“I’ll just feel happy. That would be expression of happiness inside. Woooo!”

Regardless of if he is declared the winner, McLendon felt as though he has already done a victory lap by coming this far in life.

“It’s because Christ in my life has given me the strength to make it through day after day. He’s been keeping me for a long time and I often say, ‘Lord you kept me here for a reason. Thank you,’” he said.

“Sunday Best” airs Sunday on BET at 8 p.m. The finale will take place on June 20.

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Controversial writer visits Mother Bethel

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Issue date: 4/18/2010

Glaude explains context of ‘death’ of Black church

Princeton Professor Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Ph.D., created controversy when he authored the article “The Black Church is Dead” on the Huffington Post Web site. He took those sentiments to Mother Bethel AME Church over the Easter holiday to elaborate.

He expressed being pleasantly surprised that Mother Bethel AME’s pastor, the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, even extended an invitation.

“I’ve never been to Mother Bethel in all these years even when I was in Philly. I never attended and I think to walk into that sacred place and put my hand over the tomb of Richard Allen and Absalom Jones,” Glaude said.

“It was beautiful and we’re both HBU babies. It was wonderful to make the connect and see what he’s doing as the pastor of a historic church and imaging itself as a kind of prophetic voice in these challenging times.”

Despite the nature of his comments, Glaude said the congregation received him very warmly. He did not have any prior hesitations, either.

“It was beautiful,” he said.

“In fact, the message was designed to spark a conversation and if I was invited to be a part of that conversation, I was more than open. So, it was wonderful. It turned out to be a beautiful event on all levels.”

He discussed what caused him to pen his article.

“What sparked it were the billboards in Atlanta. When there were these billboards protesting abortion in Black communities and something just said to me, where are the billboards that allow Black kids to grow up in poverty? Where are the billboards allowing the public option? Where are the billboards allowing homelessness and home foreclosures?” he said.

“And so, it seemed to me that this institution that was once a depository for the moral and social consciousness of the nation had found itself in a very precious position and we need to tell a story about it. It’s a long tradition of declaring something in order to provoke the kind of conversation we’ve been having.”

Glaude answered the question he posed with his widely debated subject matter.

“As Christians, we all believe that death doesn’t really have the final word and so I’m of the mindset that something inside of us must die; that which is better to rise again and so I think what needs to die are certain preconceived notions of what the Black church is so that we can re-imagine in the new,” he said.

He described some of those preconceived notions.

“That it’s necessarily progressive, always already prophetic, that it’s the most important institution in Black life. I think matters have changed and we need to re-imagine, I think, the institution. Not necessarily the doctrine, but the institution in relation to the moment we find ourselves,” he said.

Glaude instead held the belief that it was those in the community who served as its backbone and ultimate resurgence.

“At the heart of the vibrancy and the vitality and the possibility of the Black community are Black people and institutions are vibrant to the extent to which the people inhabit them are,” he said.

A Morehouse graduate, Glaude believed that one of its most famous students, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would agree with his stances.

“I think so. I think what I’m saying is in the tradition of which he represents,” he said. “He too was critical of the kind of conservative undertone.”

Glaude further conveyed that he was working on a follow up to his article that would focus on faith and the Black community. He believed that the Black church would yield to the pressures for it to move with the times.

“They’re going to have to if they want to survive,” he said.

“I am committed to the idea that if it’s true to the message and life of Jesus, then we’ll be speaking to the most vulnerable.”

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Gospel artist wants others to find their way

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Issue date: 3/20/2010

Marvin Sapp, a powerhouse performer in gospel, has returned to the charts with “Here I Am,” which was released this past week.

The followup to 2007’s successful “Thirsty,” this new 12 track CD was recorded live in Grand Rapids, Mich.

It already boasts the No. 1 song, “The Best In Me” which has maintained its dominance on gospel and is making an impact on the R&B/Hip Hop spectrum.

“‘Here I Am’ is sort of like an introspective look to who I am as an individual and songs of encouragement that really seek to us being defined by who created us rather than us being defined by people around us. I think that’s one of the major challenges that we have in the world today,” Sapp said.

“‘Here I Am’ is a collection of songs that will hopefully encourage and will cause the believer and unbeliever to find their identity in their creator.”

For the veteran of soulful sounds that speak to the heart, Sapp’s breakout hit ‘“Never Would Have Made It” peaked in 2008.

The inspirational tune spent 49 weeks atop the gospel charts and garnered over 2 million ringtones. It also introduced Sapp to a broader audience but he didn’t express any nervousness over attempting to duplicate this career milestone.

“I didn’t really feel the pressure if you will to try and to do a record that can compete with that. I just wanted to do a record that my listening fan base or rather I like to call industry partners would enjoy and say that this record was a blessing to me just as much as ‘Thirsty’ was,” he said.

“I wanted to make sure that this particular album spoke into the life of every particular individual so that they would understand who they were in God, who God made them to be and the authority that they had and dealt with the specific things that are in us all that make us feel valued.”

He described his eighth CD as helping others to identify in Christ. He acknowledged that he has come into his own as well.

“I think I’ve evolved since I’ve been in the music business since I’ve been around it so long. I think my music now is more mature because I think I’ve matured,” he said.

“But I don’t know if it’s changed, but I feel like I’ve finally found my niche finally. I’m enjoying what I do now. It’s not work anymore.”

The “Here I Am” CD/DVD is available for purchase in stores and digital outlets such as iTunes. Sapp will be appearing at Sharon Baptist Church on Sunday.

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‘Skorpion Show’ an Internet sensation

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Issue date: 2/1/2010

YouTube lays claim for many memorable moments and breakout stars. Kevin Simmons, 25, and Makael McLendon, 23, the faces behind “The Skorpion Show,” are the unique combination of both.

Known by their fans simply as Kevin and Makael, their channel on YouTube has more than 25,000 subscribers and more than 26 million views. The two have converted Kevin’s living room into a de facto bully pulpit; all aspects of entertainment are covered.

If an impromptu argument breaks out during moments of infectious laughter and co-singing, it’s soon water under the bridge. By the next video, their jaws are once again hitting the floor over what the other has dared to say.

“I feel like I say stuff that people are afraid to say. Like you might think it but you’re not going to say it but I’m actually saying it,” Simmons said. “I know that we impact people and the number one thing that I would say about our show is that we’re opinionated. You should always have your opinion and don’t ever bite your tongue in a situation and this show, it just evolved so much. It went from just talking about regular stuff to giving your opinion.”

McLendon, never shy to assert himself, naturally agreed.

“I just want people to take us serious. I want people to know that yeah, we’re in front of a camera and yeah, we’re in his house and we have people walking back and forth,” he said.

“People look at Kevin as the serious one and they look at me as the jokester, which is fine with me, but I don’t want you to always think that every five minutes, you’re going to expect to hear me to say something funny. I’m going to say stuff serious, too. So, don’t take me, as he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I do know what I’m talking about.”

McLendon also defended Simmons against the way Diane Sawyer’s special with R&B singer Rihanna depicted him as condoning domestic violence after her assault by fellow R&B star Chris Brown.

The Philadelphia-based duo was thrust into the national spotlight when Kevin’s comments were broadcast during the interview on ABC last fall. Kevin took to the show to deny the implication, insisting that the comments were taken out of context.

“They really didn’t catch what he was trying to say because I know what he was trying to say and I didn’t like the fact, that clip that they shown, that really wasn’t the right clip to show,” McLendon said.

On other matters, the two resemble gladiators more than allies. McLendon loves Beyoncé, which is actually an understatement. His Twitter account identifies him as hailing from Beyoncéworld, Pa. He had the pleasure of meeting her, describing the multiple Grammy award winner as sweet and humble.

Simmons is more objective about the fierce one: Janet, “Miss Jackson if you’re nasty,” is his ultimate diva. McLendon is more stay at home. You can find Simmons in the club. McLendon is politically minded while Simmons only has a cursory interest in politics.

Nonetheless, the potent chemistry that these opposites have is undeniable and oftentimes combustible. They had a brief falling out which needed the intervention of former Destiny Child’s member Michelle Williams. She has become a fan of the popular duo. They attracted more hits with a hilarious adaptation of the “Precious” movie. It has all led to a cult following online.

“The main thing I want people to get out of the show is that when you come home from work, you know you’re going to enjoy what we have to say. You’re going to laugh. I don’t think we make people cry. You’re going to have a good time when you watch us,” McLendon said.

They stressed their desire to make an impact on the fan following that has made them so recognizable online; judging by the favorable response, Simmons and McLendon have risen to the challenge. But their loyal viewers should be assured that some things would never change.

“We just keep arguing and that’s the best thing. I think once we stop arguing, there’s a problem,” McLendon said.

The Skorpion Show can be found on the Web at www.youtube.com/user/theskorpionshow.

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First Lady of Gospel releases ‘A City Called Heaven’

Issue date: 12/17/2009

Shirley Caesar, known the world over as The First Lady of Gospel, released the latest CD in her storied collection, “A City Called Heaven.” Much like a fine wine that only gets better with age, the “Hold My Mule” singer still has the Midas touch.

The performer’s latest effort, her 42nd studio album, entered the gospel charts in the top 10. It is yet another accomplishment for the 11-time Grammy winner who is regarded as a global sensation. The distinction is humbling to her.

“What I cannot believe at times is that the Lord has chosen me for such a time as this to really, really try to bring some kind of peace in the land and bring deliverance in the hearts and homes of people,” Caesar said.

The crowd-pleasing artist, never at a loss for energy as she praises into a microphone, referred to her new album as being anointed. The titular song, “A City Called Heaven,” tells the true story of twins. One of them dies. The remaining sibling asks her father if there are any playgrounds in heaven.

“I’m hoping and praying that they will come to know that heaven is a real place and that God has prepared something far better for us than here. We can’t stay here and I know that we don’t want to go to hell,” she said.

“So it is my prayer that it will cause them to prepare to get their lives together and come to know that the Lord loves us too much to leave us where we are because he wants to take us to a brand new level in him.”

When Caesar spoke with The Tribune, she had just returned from South Africa. She had performed a series of concerts and ministered to those in need. She touched upon the impact her commanding voice has had over the generations and why her style has captivated such wide audiences.

“I know something about great loss. I experienced losing my mom, my sisters. I’ve lost five sisters and I’ve lost two brothers and only five of us are still living,” she said.

“I know something about sickness in my family. Some of them were near to dead and the Lord just stepped in and healed them. As I sing to those kinds of people, they can relate because I’ve been there and made it through.”

Caesar credited God for sustaining her through the various peaks and valleys, which have defined her life and by extension, career. She was once told not to waste her mother’s money by furthering her education, but the pastor of Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church graduated from Shaw University with a bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1984. She was also the recipient of honorary doctorates from Shaw University and Southeastern University.

In her words, God did it.

“My outlet has been I think the fact that I have stuck with the church. Prayer has really been a great focus and my faith in God and knowing and trusting and believing that God will pull me through. And he did. And he has,” she said.

“So, I know that even though I’ve come through one [Hurricane] Katrina, one storm, I know that there are other storms to come. But if God has done that, he can do this. He can do it again.”

The gospel luminary expressed a desire to take a sabbatical in the near future, but it is by no means the first note of any impending retirement.

“I look back over my life to now. I know that the Lord has allowed me to make a mark and I know that God is not through with me yet. I’ve got to pay my bills,” she said.

She let out a jovial laugh.

“I’ve got to keep on singing, girl. This is my living,” Caesar said.

“A City Called Heaven” is currently available in stores and online outlets. For more information on Shirley Caesar, she can be found on the Web at www.shirleycaesar.com.

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Web mistress dishes latest Black star news

Issue date: 11/21/2009

Concrete Loop, one of the premiere Black entertainment Web sites, has as its tag “quality over quantity.”

It is a refrain that has not been compromised in its four-year existence because of the woman behind the scenes.

Angel Laws, founder and editor of the popular blog, was motivated by what she perceived as the mainstream media’s cursory glances at Black stars. Their entries were brief and, barring scandal, were not prominently featured. From her home in North Carolina, she turned a hobby into a career.

“It came about in November of 2005. I noticed a lot of blogs. I wouldn’t say blogs because they weren’t very popular back then, but a lot of mainstream Web sites like People and other ones, US Weekly, they weren’t really speaking on Black celebrities and details,” she said.

“They would have little stories here and there but they didn’t have any stories that I was interested in and since I already have a background in graphic design and template and customization, I just started the blog and started talking about Black celebrities affecting news stories and music and it started from there.”

Laws realized she had created a sensation when celebrities themselves began to contact her.

Time magazine recognized Concrete Loop as one of the best celebrity Web sites of 2008.

Above all else, she has been able to connect with readers who appreciate the site’s objective stance. There aren’t cheap shots taken in between the lines of the posted stories.

“I wanted to make sure that it had that professional feeling. I don’t want to have my readers having incorrect information. I don’t want to get sued for having incorrect information,” she said.

“Plus my own personal aspect is that I don’t like talking bad about people anyway. A lot of people come to the site and the pictures. So for me to downgrade doing their job, it just doesn’t feel right.”

In addition, Laws is well aware that the loyal visitors to her site cuts across racial lines.

“It’s 100 percent from the heart. Everything I do, I make sure I’m OK with it. I make sure that I put a Black person in a positive light. I don’t want to bring down my people, as they would say, and have them looking like stereotypes and coons in front of mass media, especially since I know that Black people are not the only ones reading the Web site because we have been featured on the �Today Show,’” Laws said.

“We’ve been a feature on many mainstream Web sites and I think that Concrete Loop is a great place to look at the positive side of Black entertainment.

“Of course, there are other sites you can go to for that. Everybody wants to know the gossip and the rumors. Yeah, I’ll read it, too, but I think at the end of the day, Concrete Loop gives you a positive spin, quality look at Black entertainment from all spectrums.”

The online mainstay cited Crunk + Disorderly as one of her favorite sites and is an avid watcher of the YouTube show, The Skorpion Show.

As for her own entity, she spoke of expanding it into a brand. She is currently working on a book about blogging and stretching out Concrete Loop into an online magazine.

“I’m blessed. Anything that happens, I’m blessed. I’m being humble, but that’s how it really is,” she said.

Concrete Loop can be found on the Web at www.concreteloop.com and Laws can also be found at angelonfire.com

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Gospel veteran is keeping it simple

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Issue date: 10/17/2009

Hammond offers fans music to ‘grab on to’

Fred Hammond’s impressive discography grew as his latest CD, “Love Unstoppable,” debuted at No. 1 on the gospel charts.

It is his sixth opening at the top spot, and the respected veteran discussed how he’s grown and sustained himself in the very fickle music industry.

After a three-year absence, most of which he spent touring, he treated this studio album with simplicity.

“I’m older and so I approached this one a little more different than I did the last one, which is that I made things a lot more simple, a lot more singable, because one thing I’ve learned is that people during these last few years, people really wanted to have something they could grab on to. I want to make the songs as simple as possible so they can just continue to sing them,” Hammond said.

The effort paid off, as the lead single, “They That Wait,” featuring John P. Kee, has been very successful on gospel radio, residing in the top 5. It has further solidified his status as the architect of urban praise. He does not jump on any bandwagons.

“When you’re trying to keep up with trends, you can miss it because sometimes trends don’t translate. Just because it works for R&B, it doesn’t mean that it’ll work for gospel. And what I saw is that people who start off one way in gospel, when they get a hit but then they change with the trends,” he said.

“I like people to stand and dance and be able to sing exactly what they feel, because that’s what gospel is about. It’s about the Word. And when people can sing the word, God at that point becomes bigger than their problems. Right now, to most of us, God is as big as our problems but when we sing and give him glory, then God becomes bigger than our problems.”

Hammond credited being able to recognize the seasons as to why his career has endured for nearly 30 years.

“Meaning, whatever the season is, I pay attention to it,” he said.

“I try to give the people what they want and what the people want to do is they want to sing. And gospel, it’s a participation sport I call it. They don’t want to watch you do it. Thy want to do it with you.”

When asked how he would measure the success of this album, he responded with words offered to him by his son. The 11-year-old hoped that someone would become better friends with Jesus.

“I really do measure it if the people are getting it. If the people are gravitating to it; if it can reach out to the folks that need it,” he said.

“I don’t measure it by awards. I don’t measure it by all that other stuff. I measure it by the people.”

“Love Unstoppable” is currently available in stores and online outlets.

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Internet entertainer celebrates his true self

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Issue date: 10/17/2009

The Internet is replete with various characters who only need a camera and over-the-top antics to draw attention to themselves. B. Scott, a sensation in the viral world who has popularized the phrases “muffin,” “double kisses” and “no ma’am,” is an exception; positivism and straight-forwardness are two elements to his growing brand.

He is unapologetically flamboyant and has no desire to conform. One may be left with his trademark line, “B****, boo, bye” if they persist in trying to fit him into any preconceived mold.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that me just being who I am is enough. I don’t have to come out here and be mean and evil. I let other people do that. That’s not who I am. If you are true to who you are, you will be a success and I’ve proven that,” Scott said.

“I choose to be positive because I am a positive person. I try to be. It’s easy to get caught up in negativity because that’s the human side. That’s a human component, but my higher self, the person that I pray God to be every morning that I wake up, is a person that’s focused on what do I need to do today; how can I be the best person? How can I be more consistent in being my higher self?”

B. Scott, born Brandon Scott Sessoms, has cultivated his online presence since he burst onto the scene with his popular YouTube videos.

The success of his channel, which has almost 70,000 subscribers, led to many recognitions, including an official partnership with the site.

It has been a whirlwind of praise for B. Scott’s pop culture commentary as various outlets such as TV One Access, BET, Access Hollywood and Extra have shone a spotlight on him. But for the model and aspiring TV personality who has regularly interviewed such people as Ashanti, Kandi Burruss and Ne-Yo, the light around him did not always shine brightly.

“I was always plotting how I was gonna get off that farm,” Scott said.

He attended North Carolina School of Mathematics, a two-year specialized high school in Durham, N.C.

“I was good in science and math but that really wasn’t the reason why I went. I went so I could escape or get away from the environment that I was in and that as an environment people teasing me for being different, not being very accepting of a person like me.”

In particular, he was targeted because of his sexuality, being androgynous and his mixed ethnicity.

“I learned how to do things on my own because it made me very independent. I say all the time, if I wasn’t multi-racial, gay and androgynous, I think that I wouldn’t have been so focused and gung-ho about getting away and not being part of the norm that made my community what it was,” he said.

Scott is now using his newfound fame to help uplift others. He kicked off the Gay Pride Month at Yale University and recently joined the NOH8 Campaign.

As a child, he often asked himself why he was different. However, as an adult, he has emerged on the frontlines of demonstrating for equality and acceptance. In doing so, he has revealed himself to be a role model.

“I have come to terms with it,” he said.

“I see myself as a person who is just trying to do the best I can. I wake up in the morning and I know this sounds corny, but I do ask God every morning to help make me the best person that I can be and if someone sees what I’m trying to do as my path and things that I have accomplished and they see me as a role model, then so be it.”

In between good natured laughs that indicate a jovial spirit, Scott is well aware that there are those who take fault with him; to each his or her own because he has a thick skin and a higher power as covering.

“They hate you in different ways. I find that sometimes people try to find something valid to criticize only to disguise their hate for you,” he said.

“They will look for anything that’s wrong to jump on because they really don’t like you anyway. But how I respond to that is how I’ve responded my whole life. I’ve been criticized my whole life and that prepared me for this.”

“Nothing that people have said to me since I’ve started my business, since I’ve started my career and going in this direction is new to me. The worse has already been said.”

Scott credited his mother, two best friends and his faith in God for sustaining him.

The 28-year-old will be relying on these anchors as continues to mine his current fortunes and become financially set by the time he is 30. He is already in talks to star in his own television show and even though the sky is seemingly the limit, he insists he will remain grounded.

“The person I was years ago in terms of my spirit is the same now except that my spirit is more wiser and seasoned,” he said. “I’m just a person who is being who I am and hopefully encourages other people to be who they are.”

B. Scott can be found on the Web at www.lovebscott.com.

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Singer Indigo breaks through gospel industry standards

Issue date: 08/27/2009

Gospel artist Indigo will be releasing her album, “The iNDI1ST Project … BREAKTHROUGH” on Sept. 8.

Previously recognized as Jocelyn in the music industry, Indigo almost let the frustrations of the business silence her voice. She described having lost her drive to sing. However, the presence of God has given her a change of heart.

“When I first dedicated my life to Christ in 2006, I was just coming out of a secular music career. I was in a girl group and different things had happened and it was just kind of a culmination of events and I was like I don’t really want to do music anymore – the business kind of turned me off,” Indigo said. “[But] I just found God putting different songs on my heart here and there.”

Indigo ultimately recorded the 12-track album “The iNDI1ST Project … BREAKTHROUGH,” which was released by X-Posure Entertainment/Thank You Entertainment via Fontana-Universal Music Group.

She and Reginald Rainey were the executive producers for this CD that is a melting pot of different genres in gospel. In her owns words, the disc provided something for everyone, especially for herself.

“I grew up in church and semi around church and things like that, but getting to know God for myself and having my own understanding and reading my Bible and being in prayer, the transition was like eye-opening for me,” she said.

“And it’s not even a comparison when people ask about when I was in R&B and doing R&B music because that was just performance, a platform of networking for people to see you. But in gospel, you know, at least for me, I want them to see Christ in me. I don’t want them to see me.

“I want them to be connected to God by hearing my music and hearing the words to the songs.”

She spoke of enjoying being able to perform in front of audiences and possibly being able to instill a change in them as well. She also dismissed those who would perhaps be skeptical of her sincerity.

“I’m enjoying people’s lives being touched by what I’m singing at events and at their churches and girls and teenagers who are inspired to get closer to God and knowing that you don’t have to live by the world’s standards but they can actually live by the Bible and things like that,” she said.

“It’s always going to be somebody who has something to say but who is that person? Who are you or who I am to tell somebody that they can’t have a change of heart if that’s genuinely where their heart is?”

Indigo shared that it was her own struggle that has now allowed her testimony to show through song.

“I want to live. I have a desire to live for God. If I’m going off the path a little bit, I want to be brought back on; put me in check so that I can live for (God) and not for the world. So, that’s kind of the theme for the album,” she said.

“I’m just giving praise and worship, just thankful that I’ve been saved and not wanting to turn back, not wanting to go anywhere else; just go full steam ahead for Christ.”

She recognized that record sales were important but it was not a priority for this album.

“If it’s meant for the album to go gold or platinum … or something, that would be awesome. But at the same time, I’m sure that God knows what he’s doing. And if he allows 150 people to buy it, I’m sure that’s going to be 150 people with whom he needs to hear that message,” she said.

For more information about, Indigo can be found online at www.jesusgroupie.com/index.php.

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Carnival for a Cure keeps telling truth about HIV/AIDS

Issue date: 08/22/2009

Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church hosted its third annual Carnival for a Cure on Aug. 15. It was organized by Enon’s HIV AIDS Ministry to raise awareness.

Over 1,000 participated in the Carnival for a Cure held at Enon’s Athletic Field across from the main church on 2800 W. Cheltenham Ave.

The Rev. Blane Newberry, associate pastor of fellowship, once again helped to organize the event. He conveyed its importance.

“The focus of the day is people being tested for HIV and AIDS and making the congregation as well as the community aware of this disease,” Newberry said.

The carnival focused on confidential testing and distributing information about the disease.

Newberry conveyed some of the misconceptions that prevent people from learning their status and being open about it. One of the reasons he cited was the perception that the church was not actively involved in combating this plague.

“That is one misconception; that the church isn’t doing enough in our community about HIV and AIDS, but what Enon Tabernacle through the direction of our pastor Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller is doing,” said Newberry. “We’re saying that everyone should be tested, especially in our church and in the community so that we can cover those who may be embarrassed by this dreadful disease and how we do that is by being tested ourselves,” he said.

Newberry explained that he and the HIV/AIDS Ministry are heeding the words of Waller to engage in the discussion.

“What we can do to really help this stigma is for all of us to be tested, and what we would basically be saying is that we all have HIV and AIDS. So therefore, we’re all going to be tested. So that person who has it, they don’t have to be looked upon as being stigmatized in this context of the congregation,” he said.

“While we do have people who have come forward and disclosed their HIV and AIDS status on a positive note and they will come forth, there is healing involved because we do have a support group for them here as well at the church.”

The HIV AIDS Ministry meets twice a month. It has a three-prong approach of education/awareness, training and testing. However, they maintain that abstinence outside of marriage is the best preventive measure.

“We’re very strong about it, but reality says that we know that there are people who may go against that but at the end of the day we have an obligation as Christians and if we serve Jesus Christ, it’s to tell people the truth,” he said.

For more information about Enon’s HIV/AIDS Ministry, contact (215) 276-7200.

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Pastor is the constant as generations pass by

Issue date: 08/22/2009

Ebenezer Methodist Church holds as its mantra that it is a sanctuary lighting a darkening world. Those are words the members preach and practice, opening their doors to the community and beyond.

“Brighten the corner where you are,” Bishop Albert N. Jarman Sr., Ebenezer’s pastor, said. “We believe in world outreach. Charity begins at home and spreads abroad. So we work hard to do at home what many believe is needed elsewhere.”

Jarman celebrated his 23rd anniversary at the church in June. It has been a time marked by the passing of generations and he now finds himself as the constant.

“Spiritually, I’ve grown in patience, vision and I’d say other ways as well, and hope,” he said. “I came to the church at a time of change. The church was in the throes of change … changing from one generation to another, and I was there to lead in that change and I noticed that some of the people I christened there are now graduating from college. I sometimes now baptize their children, and it’s been exciting.”

He also reflected on how his faithful have grown with him during the years.

“They’re really good people. They love the Lord and they love the work,” he said. “They respond well. They grow with me as much as I grow with them.”

“We have worked together, been disappointed together and through it all and out of it all, we have grown tremendously, and that’s what church is about: growing exponentially and experience-wise, as well as physical growth.”

The faithful at Ebenezer, of which there are over 300 strong, reciprocated the words of praise.

“Sometimes, he makes me mad because he’s so selfless,” Joseph Hadrick said. “He’s always thinking about somebody else first. He rarely thinks about his own situation. It’s just humbling to be around somebody who’s like that.

“He’s always ready to go to bat for somebody who’s in a position who can’t really help themselves so much.”

Bernard Gordon, a trustee, shared the high opinion.

“Excellent man,” Gordon said. “Very knowledgeable, understanding, loving, caring. (He’s the) type of guy that would give the shirt off his back to you. So he’s a real good preacher.”

In addition to the outpouring of love for Jarman, the warm feelings are extended to the members of the church. They relate to each other as one family.

“It’s like a family. It’s definitely like a family where most everybody knows everyone else. If you don’t know who someone is, you soon come to find out. All different age groups work on committees together,” said the Rev. Loretta Hadrick, children’s church pastor.

“We celebrate one another’s accomplishments and we grieve with one another at losses. It really is just a great, big family and we definitely support each other and encourage each other in growing in our faith.”

Roslyn Smith, Sunday school superintendent, offered her views on why Ebenezer has been such a port in a storm for so many.

“That little church on the corner, we have struggles and we don’t have much, but all that we have and have done for the community has been just an outpouring of love and kindness,” Smith said.

“A lot of people come to our church because they may have been turned away from other churches, and we receive them with open arms despite race, color, creed; whatever their backgrounds are, we are an open church.”

The summer also ushered in the 20th anniversary of Ebenezer’s Vacation Bible School. On Aug. 1, there was a celebration held at MLK Park. It was reserved as a kids’ day with such activities as a fraternity step show, evangelism giveaways and pony rides.

“Each year, vacation Bible school acts as a bridge,” said the Rev. LaVance Pittman, youth pastor.

Ebenezer is currently trying to relocate into a much larger facility. Jarman and others envision an edifice housing the necessary room to spearhead initiatives from their own front doors.

“I’d like to see them in a new building that will accommodate some of the activities, the community activities that churches are expected to do nowadays. When the church was built, it was built as a preaching station,” Jarman said.

“I’d like to see them get into a building that will allow for recreation. Things we didn’t think where the church’s responsibility 50 years ago, but we now know that they impact the community, the kind of community we live in.”

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Basketball camp builds confidence, unity

Issue date: 08/20/2009

United Church of the First Born and professional basketball player Marvin Kilgore Jr. sponsored the church’s inaugural Basketball Camp for Kids on Aug. 15. It was an occasion to inspire the youth.

Over 60 kids participated in the event, which was held at the Barrett Playground. United’s pastor Bernard Brown worked with Marvin Kilgore Jr. and Sr. to bring about the day and was pleased by the outcome.

“The basketball camp is about myself (and) Marvin Kilgore Jr. coming together to do something for the community, for the kids,” said Brown. “The kids responded awesome. They were ecstatic. They had a lot of fun. It was just awesome, awesome for the kids.”

Brown explained what he hoped the outing inspired the impressionable youth ages 9 to 15.

“I believe the kids were very receptive to the words of Marvin Kilgore Sr. and also myself. As a matter of fact, the slogan on the back of our T-shirts was ‘One Team, One God,’” he said.

“That’s what we wanted to teach them about unity and working together and how they can do things collectively together and not as individuals and that they can conquer more as an unit than they can as individuals.”

Kilgore Jr., who has played in Tel-Aviv, was happy to have contributed his time and inspirational words.

“I thought it was a great idea,” Kilgore Jr. said. “I always wanted to do something like that. I always told myself that when I became a professional athlete, if I was blessed enough to be professional athlete, I would do something like this and give back to the community.”

He had little doubt that the youngsters would adhere to what was ingrained in them. The University of Texas at El Paso graduate was sure that a seed was planted and this initiative would take root.

“I think they took something good from it. I think the kids look up to us in the neighborhood, the older guys,” he said. “When they see somebody positive, I think they just want to be a part of something. There isn’t too much going on in Philadelphia, so they just want to be a part of something and do something good and we gave them a chance to.”

“It went really well. It went better than I expected. The kids got to be around positive people and get a good message and hear different stories about how people got to be successful.”

Brown spoke of how the church’s outreach has drawn in new members. The word of mouth has made the community of the covenant’s attempt to be a presence. The next demonstration of their commitment will be a back-to-school giveaway in the coming weeks.

For more information, contact (215) 438-0278.

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Deborah Cox rekindles love for music

Award winning R&B artists Deborah Cox and Kenny Lattimore brought their “A Timeless Promise” tour to Philadelphia on Saturday at The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. The talented vocalists did not fail to captivate their audience, showcasing why they are respected veterans in a fickle industry.

In an interview with The Tribune, Cox talked about the tour, the state of Black music and finally coming into her own.

“The tone of the show is to really bring that classic soulful music back to our audiences that really missed our sound,” Cox said before her performance at Penn’s Landing. “Radio has changed and there’s not a lot of adult music that’s being put out there. So the only way to get it to the fans and the people that love it is to get out and perform it in front of them in these theaters, clubs, etc.”

Cox, singer of such hits as “We Can’t Be Friends” and “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here,” revealed that she and Lattimore – who is married to singer Chante Moore – have long discussed taking the stage together. Since both had projects out, the timing proved right. Their tour started earlier in the month in Savannah, Ga., taking them to Orlando, Fla., Charlotte, N.C., Atlanta, Ga. and New Orleans, La. More dates are to be added as the reception has been overwhelmingly positive thus far. The duo who sing a rendition of Cox’s “We Can’t Be Friends,” have been embraced by fans on the road. However, she demurred on the suggestion that this tour was a reintroduction to the music scene.

“The fans have been following pretty much everything that I’ve been doing for the past five, six years,&rdqo; Cox said. “They responded really well to the ‘Destination Moon,’ project, which was a tribute album that I did to Dinah Washington. They followed me through the different remixes that I released.”

“This particular tour is more of a reconnection with the people who have not been able to really hear R&B – that classic soul music – in a long time.”

The Broadway star of “Aida,” who shared she would be returning to the theater soon, also hoped that this tour would propel listeners to have an impact on what is heard on the radio.

“I think it’s really going to show a lot of these (radio) programmers, there are a lot of people that are supporting our music, but I think there could be a lot more. It just allows the touch and feel aspect of this industry,” Cox said.

“[Touring] brings it back alive again because I think live music was really struggling for a while. People weren’t really coming out to concerts and stuff. I think if they know what it is they’re going to get from beginning to end and they’re not going to be duped; like you can be duped when you’re listening to a record and then you see the artist live and they don’t really deliver. I think that’s what people are going to feel, like they’re given something special through this particular tour.”

Cox admitted to some of her frustrations about the state of mainstream music, but had no intention of compromising. She does not feel the need to follow trends in order to achieve success.

“I just feel like I’m at a stage now of my life where I don’t have to listen to what critics have to say or even believe what critics say. I feel like I’ve arrived and that I’ve come into my own. I’m confident enough to know my strength in what I do,” Cox said

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Author’s message: Don’t ask God for your bailout

Issue date: 07/11/2009

In the midst of the recession, the government has issued many financial bailouts. However, according to author Wendy Evans, people should not hold their hands out for one of them, but should turn to God instead.

“Seeking God For Your Financial Bailout” is a 60-page book she wrote, inspired during a trying time in her life. It was December 2008 and she’d just been hospitalized. Upon her release, she was laid off from her job and her father became ill. Evans said it was during this period that she received a message from a higher power.

“God began to tell me that he was getting a lot of cries for help from people here in the earth realm who wanted to know where he was and why this was happening and what they needed to do to get their financial bailout. Because people, they’re complaining that they don’t feel like they should be in the situation. They’re complaining that they’ve been in this situation like forever and they don’t know what they’re doing wrong,” Evans said.

She said God took away what was most valuable to people. In turn, they would cry out to him in a broken state and appreciate him more.

“What the Lord said to me is that he’s tired of pouring resources into buckets that have holes in them,” she said.

“They don’t properly manage what God has entrusted them with and he’s allowing resources to dry up, jobs to dry up. He’s allowing the economy to get so bad because he’s tired of it, really, and he doesn’t feel like people are putting him first anymore. So, Therefore he began to speak to me to write the message out and make it very plain and very clear.”

She cautioned that her book was not a cure, but rather a self-introspection that will allow balance in one’s life.

“It’s not a cure. It’s not a miracle. I’m not promising a miracle, because I don’t have the power to give a miracle, and I even say it in the book. Do not blame the author if you do not get a financial bailout from God, because that’s his responsibility. All he asked me to do was just write the book. I wrote the book, and however he chooses to work and whatever power he chooses to use or not use that is his responsibility.

“So with that being said, people walk away from the book a changed person. Do they get their bailout overnight? Usually they don’t. It’s a process. It’s a process that actually puts them back on the right pathway so that their view is different, so that their mind is different … so that when God does give them the financial bailout or the financial plan they need to get back on the right track, they don’t blow it again.”

For more information, Evans can be found on the Web at www.wendyevans.org. The book can also be purchased through Amazon.com.

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Campbell Rites Solemn, Loving

Issue date: 12/2/2008

A funeral attendee stands by the coffin of former Councilwoman Carol Ann Campbell during viewing before service at St. Matthew’s African Methodist Episcopal Church in West Philadelphia on Monday.

Mourners laud a woman who stood up for her principles

Former City Councilwoman Carol Ann Campbell was honored by hundreds of mourners who filled the pews of St. Matthew’s African Methodist Episcopal Church to pay their final respects on Monday.

The funeral procession included dignitaries such as U.S. Rep. Bob Brady and Mayor Michael Nutter, family members, friends and the ordinary people whose lives she touched.

“She was a feisty warrior… for the have-nots in Philadelphia,” said Judy Hayes-Trulear, a lifelong friend.

“She’d do anything for anyone. She was just a beautiful person. Anyone who met her will never forget her. That’s just the kind of person she was, and anything you asked her to do, if it’s possible, she would try and do it for you,” said Helen Duckett-Wilkerson, Campbell’s friend of over 40 years.

The former city councilwoman was laid to rest in a white and gold casket with the dates of her birth and death engraved.

A display of flowers and a video montage of Campbell greeted those who came to say their goodbyes.

They found a measure of comfort in the visage of a reposing Campbell in her signature shades, favorite shawl and a smile etched across her lips. One person remarked that the expression was possibly there because she was seeing God.

“She was an outstanding leader,” said Rep. Frank L. Oliver. “To say that she led a group of men, I think that would’ve been hard for some females, but not with her. She was really a strong, aggressive leader and we’re certainly going to miss her, because I don’t know of anyone who’s going to take the place and play the same type of role that she played throughout the years for minorities.”

Being the child of Edgar Campbell, it was repeated many times over that she learned at the master’s feet. She used that acumen to help bring others into power, campaigning for more diversity in public office. She never backed down from the battle that would result.

“Everybody’s not 100 percent perfect, but I think Carol got criticized for a lot of things that really weren’t her fault,” said Tribune columnist Linn Washington. “There are those who, irrespective of the positions that they take, are opposed to certain people having equitable access to power. And Carol had a very short fuse with that.

“I think her lasting legacy will clearly be her influence on the courts, the increase in the number of African-American judges. You have to understand that when we look at City Hall now and we see a lot of diversity, that that diversity we see in City Hall… has been a result of the very difficult price, some… waged through political people like Carol Campbell and her father.”

The Rev. Ellis I. Washington who officiated at the occasion eulogized her as a servant of the people.

He emphasized that the proceedings were a worship service to remember, reflect and give thanks. He added that while Campbell did not stand on the pinnacle of recognition, she had the recognition come to her because she dared to serve the people. He highlighted her ability to say what needed to be said and her unapologetic reality.

“She just dealt with loyalty and dealt with people who told the truth,” said Frank George Canty. “She did not deal with individuals… who lied. She did not deal with those individuals. She was never a bad person. She didn’t have a bad side. She always had a good side, but if you come to work, you’re going to work. If you came with B.S., she had no time for you. If that’s a bad side of Carol, maybe we should all have a bad side.”

Even in the midst of the somber mood, the deep empty void described was filled with reminiscing.

Some said they would miss arguing with her. Others reflected on the significant part she played in not only advocating for minorities and the disabled, but elevating the role of women in politics.

“One thing that she was able to do as a female as to stand toe to toe with the male counterparts politically, and as we know, there aren’t that many women who can stand tall in our political environment here in Philadelphia or anywhere in the United States,” said state Rep. Vanessa Brown. “I think she leaves that opportunities exist for women and that we can achieve great things.”

There were special remarks by former Mayor John F. Street, U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah and other notables, but Campbell once declared she wanted to be remembered as the character in the poem, “The House By the Side of the Road” by Sam Walter Foss.

One line stated, “Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend of man.”

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Local Psalmist Ministers on TBN Special

Issue date: 12/19/2008

Eric O. Shipman, a local artist, was given the opportunity to minister to a worldwide audience about the true reason for the yuletide celebrations.

Shipman taped a holiday special, titled “Praise The Lord,” with the theme of putting Christ back into Christmas on Trinity Broadcasting Network. It was taped at Deliverance Evangelistic Church and airs Dec. 19. The program, featuring Shipman singing traditional carols and the Voices of Deliverance Mass Choir providing background, also brought forth the talents of Jeff Majors and a message from the Rev. Glen Spaulding of Deliverance.

The hour and a half program, hosted the Rev. Michael King of Deliverance, will be televised throughout the holidays into more than 2.8 million homes. Shipman was hopeful that the festive presentation would inspire the kind of cheer he believes Christmas was intended for.

“We’re hoping to get as many souls as possible. The main thing we’re going after is just the fact of getting the people to come back to their roots as far as Christmas is concerned. I know that we get so busy and so involved in the Christmas holiday. We got this gift… but the main thing and the main stream of Christmas is Christ because there would be no Christmas without Christ,” Shipman said.

“There’s so much commercialism, so much hype around it. So much that is being pointed out as far as �Give me, give me, give me’ and not enough giving. The main thing of Christmas is to give instead of to receive because God gave his only begotten son for this very reason.”

To those who known Shipman, this is a testimony that he communicates through the power of voice. It is not merely reserved for a certain time of year.

“The greatest thing about Eric is not that he has a five-, six-octave range with power. The fact that he’s anointed at the time when he speaks or the time when he opens up his mouth, the power of God just drops out and that’s why I find so amazing; that we are able to go to different churches and win souls for Christ,” Sheldon Price, his manager, said.

“It’s fine to say that someone has a great voice, but that’s not&emdash;as a manager in Christ&emdash;what I’m looking for. What I’m looking for is the power of God to emerge and there’s a well inside of Eric. There is a well inside of Eric that just emerges; that when people hear him, they are blessed.”

Alex Ingram, minister of music at Deliverance Evangelistic Church, was confident that the spirit of his ministering through song would not be lost on audiences, but embraced. He spoke of Shipman as being humble, gifted and appreciative that he was asked to participate in the special.

“I think we get so caught up in the new contemporary thing, we kind of lose some of the old flavor. So, I think a lot of people would just appreciate the traditional sound that he brings,” Ingram said.

Shipman, who released his CD “What Will It Take” in 2007, expressed gratitude to TBN officials and God for allowing him the opportunity to perform in his first major venue. He is currently looking to sign with a record label and can be reached online at myspace.com/ericoshipman.

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Many Pioneers passed in 2008 but Legacies Live

Issue date: 12/28/2008

In this Dec. 4, 2001, file photo, comedian Bernie Mac poses for photographers backstage at the 2001 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. The award-winning actor-comedian died at age 50 from complications of pneumonia. Eartha Kitt is shown at left. AP PHOTOS

The year 2008 was a remarkable time that saw the tides of change usher in the first African American as president. However, as the world said, “Hail to a new chief,” many goodbyes were also said. It was a year of unexpected triumphs, but also sudden ends to eras that helped pave the way for those accomplishments.

It was a presidential election that many African Americans thought they would never live to see. But the likes of Carol Ann Campbell, the former Philadelphia politician, fought to see it come to pass. The former City Councilwoman was the first superdelegate to express her support for Barack Obama. She died Nov. 19.

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the first African-American Black congresswoman from Ohio, had initially thrown her support behind Sen. Hillary Clinton before endorsing Obama. A passionate politician, she died of a brain aneurysm on Aug. 20, before Obama accepted the Democratic nomination. As history was made and broadcast, thoughts were turned to Edie Huggins, who was the first African-American female reporter on television in Philadelphia. She died at the age of 72.

Award-winning journalist Kendall Wilson spoke of wanting to get back in the newsroom. Alas, the 20-year veteran of the oldest continuously published Black newspaper died Nov. 17.

Another respected journalist who died unexpectedly was Tim Russert. The beloved host of NBC’s “Meet The Press” died June 13 of a heart attack.

Russert’s absence was felt in the campaign, but Obama suffered a personal loss when his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, died two days before he was elected.

As much was made about Obama’s biracial background, Mildred Loving’s contributions to society were remembered upon her passing in May. She was the Black woman who challenged Virginia’s ban on interracial marriage. It led to the Supreme Court’s overturning the law in a landmark ruling.

In the year of Obama, politics and entertainment fused as never before, with many celebrities endorsing him.

A biracial daughter of the South, Eartha Kitt, known for her saucy attitude and sultry voice, died on Christmas Day.

Kitt, 81, was dubbed the “most exciting woman in the world” by Orson Welles. Her career spanned six decades, from her start as a dancer with the famed Katherine Dunham troupe to cabarets and acting and singing on stage, in movies and on television.

She won two Emmys, and was also nominated for several Tonys and two Grammys.

Her first album, “RCA Victor Presents Eartha Kitt,” was released in 1954. It featured songs such as “I Want to Be Evil,” “C’est Si Bon” and the saucy gold-digger’s theme song, “Santa Baby,” which is revived on radio each Christmas.

The following year, the record company released “That Bad Eartha,” which featured “Let’s Do It,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” and “My Heart Belongs to Daddy.”

Always one to speak her mind, Kitt made headlines in the 1960s for denouncing the Vietnam War during a visit to the White House.

Comedian Bernie Mac was one, but The Kings of Comedy star succumbed on Aug. 9 of complications due to pneumonia. That same weekend, soul legend Isaac Hayes passed away.

Bo Diddley, another pioneer who was known as the “The Originator” because of his influence on rock‘n’ roll died June 2 of heart failure.

The music industry also lost other powerful voices such as Miriam Makeba. The South African singer and civil rights activist passed away in early November.

Odetta, often referred to as “The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement,” left a legacy of American folk music, blues, jazz and spirituals when she died Dec. 2.

Long before the blockbuster “Dark Knight” was released in theaters, the death of its star, Heath Ledger, arguably made it the most anticipated movie of the summer.

The 28-year-old Oscar nominee was frozen in time after succumbing to a January drug overdose. His turn as the maniacal joker titillated audiences and made him a cult hero.

Other notable actors who faded from the silver screen were Charleton Heston, who appeared as “Moses,” “Ben-Hur” and “Michelango” and was an NRA supporter, and his contemporary, Paul Newman, an Oscar-winner who parlayed his talent into philanthropy.

Estelle Getty, who became known to America as its sassiest “Golden Girl,” died in July. Another iconic figure, NFL Hall of Famer Gene Upshaw, died in August. The leader of the NFL players’ union and only pro footballer to play in three Super Bowls with the same team in three different decades, was memorialized by the league.

Dock Ellis, the former Major League pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, died in December. He once claimed he pitched a no-hitter under the influence of LSD and later spoke out about drug use.

Carlos Santiago was a star infielder in the Negro leagues. He died Dec. 21.

These times of sorrow were without some of the spiriual guidance many had come to rely on. W.D. Mohammed, the leader of the Nation of Islam and the first Muslim to deliver an invocation on the Senate floor, died on the last day of Ramadan.

The Rev. James L. Bevel, who was revered as “Father of Voting Rights” and “Strategist of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.” had his reputation tainted by an incest conviction. He died of cancer Dec. 19.

Other prominent figures who passed away in 2008 were:

• William F. Buckley Jr., A powerful voice in the conservative movement
• Yves Siant Laurent, French fashion designer
• Levi Stubbs, Four Tops frontman
• Mr. Blackwell, designer who was well known for his annual Best and Worst lists
• Steve Fossett, Millionaire adventurer
• Bettie Page, ’50s pinup queen
• Sir Edmund Hillary, 88. Conquered Mount Everest; one of the 20th century’s greatest adventurers.
• Bobby Fischer, 64. Reclusive chess genius who dethroned Soviet champion in 1972.
• Suzanne Pleshette, 70. Beautiful, husky-voiced actress; sardonic wife on “The Bob Newhart Show.”
• Earl L. Butz, 98. U.S. agriculture secretary; forced out in 1976 over racist joke.
• Roy Scheider, 75. Two-time Oscar nominee (“The French Connection,” “All That Jazz”); police chief in “Jaws.”
• Rep. Tom Lantos, 80. 14-term California congressman; forceful voice for human rights.
• Former Sen. Howard Metzenbaum, 90. Liberal Ohio Democrat who challenged big business.
• Richard Widmark, 93. Hollywood leading man; made sensational debut as a giggling killer (“Kiss of Death.”)
• Irvine Robbins, 90. Co-founded Baskin-Robbins, brought exotic ice cream to every corner of America.
• Eddy Arnold, 89. Country singer known for his mellow baritone (“Make the World Go Away.”)
• Hamilton Jordan, 63. Political strategist; helped Jimmy Carter win presidency.
• Dick Martin, 86. Zany co-host of “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In,” which took television by storm in 1960s.
• Sydney Pollack, 73. Oscar-winning director, a Hollywood mainstay (“Tootsie,” “Out of Africa.”)
• Harvey Korman, 81. Emmy winner for “The Carol Burnett Show”; conniving politician in “Blazing Saddles.”
• Jim McKay, 86. “Wide World of Sports” host; told Americans about killings at 1972 Olympics.
• Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, 99. heart surgeon who pioneered now-common procedures such as bypass surgery.
• Tony Snow, 53. White House press secretary who cheerfully sparred with reporters. July 12. Colon cancer.
• Norman Whitfield, 67. Motown songwriter, producer (“I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”)
• Studs Terkel, 96. Broadcaster, Pulitzer-winning author; celebrated the common people.
• Michael Crichton, 66. Author whose books became blockbuster films (“Jurassic Park.”)
• “Sunny” von Bulow, 76. Comatose heiress; husband was acquitted of attempted murder.
• Van Johnson, 92. Boy-next-door Hollywood star (“30 Seconds Over Tokyo.”)

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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Youth Rally Teaches Integrity

Issue date: 4/27/2008

The Pennsylvania Eastern District Congress of Christian Education presented their annual Youth Rally/Oratorical Contest on April 19. New winners were minted but everyone went home with a prize and a greater appreciation of their faith.

This year’s theme centered on maintaining Christian integrity (vaules) in changing times and to pass the ball on. The children who participated, who ranged from 9 and up, competed in two divisions in response to the premise. The younger kids were judged on scripture memorization, delivery, pronunciation, posture and eye-to-eye contact. The older ones had to recite an essay and were critiqued on the aforementioned and also content and originality.

Jade Spence came in first followed by Danielle Bradley-Wilson, Arianna Ahiagbe and Akira Miller. Spence was awarded $100 in a savings bond and will now represent Pennsylvania Eastern Congress. She will enter in the overall state competition and will be eligible for a monetary prize of up to $10,000. For chairwoman Cynthia Jefferson, the backbone of this disciplined competitive forum, she placed a greater value on instilling esteem, knowledge and confidence each youth left the stage with.

“It is important, very important that we teach our children an education at home, in school and in our community: that we must be the role models and we must let them know that they can do anything they want to do. They can be anything they want to be,” Jefferson said.

“This contest is to allow our young people to shine, to grow and, hopefully, it sets an example that you can be whatever you want to be and I just want young people to know that.”

During the ceremony, many were recognized for their contributions with children and lifting them up, including the Superintendent of the Chester Upland School District, Gregory E. Thornton, for continuing to provide funding and encouragement. Mae Rhea, who has been in the state Congress for many years, received flowers. Rhea has been able to get to every function despite not having a vehicle. Deacon John Williams, president of Pennsylvania State Congress, received recognition for telling pastors and teachers that education begins in Christ and then in the home. Past President Johnny Crawford and Robert Lord, president of PA Eastern District Congress of Christian Education, were also highlighted for their involvement.

Gail Cain, co-chair of the Youth Rally Committee, got a nod as well. Jefferson described her as always being there for the young people and acting in a Christian manner.

“It was a feeling of joy, an absolute joy. I was totally surprised that Dr. Jefferson took the time out to honor me in that manner. The award itself was beautiful,” Cain said.

Despite the competition, the day was a joyous one filled with fellowship. A skit,“Christians on the Red Carpet,” written by Superintendent Ruby Cotton, New Light Beulah B.C., was performed as were other musical selections. Jefferson was hopeful that the messages of the day would carry forth into the lives of the youth.

“Our theme last year was keep the ball moving… and this year, it was pass the ball on and we can’t be afraid to let our young people do a job. We’re supposed to be there to help them, to support them and I just hope that we’ve helped some of them,” she said.

“I use the example that if we all fish together in the same ocean with the same initiatie, fishes will beome whales of knowledge and knowledge and experienc will become wisdom because if you give me a fish, I can eat for one day. However, if you teach me to fish, I can eat for a lifetime.”

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Rev. Wright Returns for Thankful Baptist

Issue date: 11/28/2008

Thankful Baptist Church held its 49th Annual service by emphasizing its theme of unity. The Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.—depicted as a divisive figure in the national press in regards to Barack Obama’a presidential campaign—was one of the guest pastors called on to preach about Christians standing together as one.

The service was in honor of the various auxiliaries, ministries and unsung heroes of the church. The Rev. Johnny B. Hunter of Cannon Baptist Church presided over the 7:45 a.m. service and Wright took the pulpit at 11 a.m.

Thankful’s the Rev. Ivan B. Hewitt praised both men as messengers of God and did not worry about what Wright would say. He declared giving Wright a free hand and allowing the Lord to have his way.

“He’s a free spirit and I certainly would not dare to tell him what to say to his congregation,” Hewitt said.

“When the controversy did start, he canceled all his Philadelphia appointments except for Thankful Baptist Church,” he added. “My understanding is that he will be going to other churches but I think this is the first church he’s coming to since Obama has been elected. No, I was not apprehensive at all.”

Wright declined to speak to the press, but he did not hold his tongue for those in the spirited sanctuary.

In his third public engagement since Obama was declared the victor on election night, it was almost redundant when he told the crowded room that he was not the man who appeared on Fox’s Hannity and Colmes.

The pastor emeritus of Trinity United Church of Church in Chicago read from John 2:1-10 which dealt with complaints about there being no more wine at a wedding.

Wright conveyed there were no such instances of a problem-free life.

In the circumstance of unexpected travails, he declared that God was already there even before it is known. He further stressed the need for the community and body of Christ to come together and ask on each other’s behalf.

By the time he had closed his remarks, parishioners were hugging and shaking hands one to another at his behest to pray for other church members.

W. Cody Anderson, previously with 900AM WURD and WDAS who now operates ACG Associates, was in attendance.

The pastor recognized Anderson, who has given Wright’s sermons an outlet on the airwaves throughout the years. In turn, Anderson was happy that his friend could once again speak power to truth without his words being misconstrued.

“I think Rev. Wright was overly concerned about hurting Senator Obama’s chances of becoming president and he felt that anything he would’ve said would’ve been used against him or taken out of context,” Anderson said. “And now that he has successfully won, I think he feels like he can get on with his life to some extent.”

“I’m partial. I love Rev. Wright. Rev. Wright is like a brother to me. So, obviously, I enjoyed him. I enjoyed his sermon as I have for so many years and I feel terrible about how the media has projected or portrayed Rev. Wright to the extent that his life, his family’s life, the church that he has been affiliated with have all been threatened and that disturbs me because that’s not who he is. I also felt very strongly about media, especially media who was largely responsible for a lot of this taking it upon themselves to try and set up their cameras within the church.”

Cameramen and photographers, who had been setting up their equipment in the church’s balcony, were asked to not film or record in the sanctuary.

Anderson felt they should have been put out since it was a private occasion and that a similar intrusion would not have been attempted in a non-African church.

Nonetheless, for those who heard Wright’s sermon, which was filled with humorous anecdotes, enthusiasm was abounding for his oration.

“He has blessed my life in so many ways,” said Shannone Nicolson. “He gives me a reality. He uses the Bible—and he relates it to real life and therefore I can stay and hold my faith, keep my faith and try to walk a good life, a Christian life.”

Thankful Baptist Church’s next celebration will be held on Sunday, Nov. 16 to commemorate the 17th Annual Deacon and Deaconess Day.

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Norful aims to ‘transcend’ with chart-topper

Issue date: 5/21/2009

Smokie Norful has extended his discography with his latest chart-topper, “Smokie Norful Live.’ The release debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel and #5 on R&B charts.

He was also recently nominated for the 2009 BET Best Gospel Artist and is seemingly bound to pick up more accolades for his first ever-live recording.

The disc and accompanying concert DVD were recorded at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis, Tenn. He shared the stage with gospel superstar Tye Tribbett and R&B songbird Heather Headley to create a testimony of his faithfulness.

“In my humble opinion, I really believe this is the best CD that I’e released because it captures more of me than any other CD that I’ve done,” Norful said.

“I’ve been able to communicate my heart, my passion and my message stronger and greater than I have on any other CD. I literally was involved in every single level.”

He was not only the artist on this effort but the producer and executive producer as well.

The 10-track CD, featuring the hit “Justified,” also marked the first project distributed through a new agreement between the Christian music label and Norful’s newly established Tr�Myles Music.

“I did everything but carry the instruments. I was more involved with this CD than anything I’ve ever done. That’s one reason I said that. The other reason is phonically, it really is just great production and I know that I’m biased, but I’m very, very excited and proud of what we were able to accomplish.

“The music that was able to come out of it, the songs to me are very apropos as to what’s going on throughout the world and there’s something on there that just reaches everybody. So, those are the reasons why I say this is the best CD,” he said.

Norful spoke highly of the featured guests on his album.

Of Tribbett, who collaborated with him on the opener “He’s Gonna Come Through,” Norful was in awe of his famed energy.

“He is truly a man of God and truly an incredible musician and artist. The sign that he put together for me, it was perfect for this CD,” he said.

He praised Headley as a joy to work with because of her sincere demeanor.

“I know she’s an R&B superstar but she has a heart for God that I really hope the world will be able to experience and embrace because we had some of the most incredible dialogue while we were on the road, just sharing the word and getting excited about it,” he said.

Norful also spoke of how he measured success, both as a businessman and as the winner of Grammy, Dove and Stellar awards.

For the former, he expressed looking at the changing musical landscape, but in regards to the latter, his inspiration has not changed. Being able to uplift, encourage and provide hope were barometers for him.

“My music has been blessed to be transcendent,” said Norful. “When I started off in the music industry that was really my focus. Let me do music. Let me not be so… focused on what genre I’m trying to reach,” he said.

“I’m trying to reach the world. I’m not trying to reach the gospel community, the R&B community, the pop community. I’m literally trying to reach the world because the message that I carry is absolutely transcendent. The gospel message is a message of hope. That is what the gospel is.”

For more information on Smokie Norful, go online at www.smokienorfulministries.org. His album, “Smokie Norful Live” is currently available in stores and online outlets.

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Christ Community Baptist brings HIV/AIDS awareness

Issue date: 4/3/2009

Christ Community Baptist Church and partners from neighborhood organizations held an HIV/AIDS awareness march in the 19104 ZIP code area on March 28. It was a call to arms, with the demonstrating chanting that the disease is unacceptable and doesn’t have to be. Spearheaded by Christ Community’s HIV/AIDS Ministry, the demonstration drew more than 200, including state Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown of the 190th district. The participants were not deterred by the damp weather and took to the streets with a police escort leading the way and the talents of Powelton Steppers and the West Philadelphia Congesta Angels energizing the crowd.

There was also a hearse leading the procession to signify that there were too many funerals related to HIV/AIDS in the community.

“Today, we are going to walk into the 19104 ZIP code area and try to make our community aware of the high statistics that we have for HIV and AIDS,” said the Rev. Arthur White, pastor of Christ Community. “We feel that our community needs to be more concerned than it is, so we’re going to do a walk to try and stimulate us to care more about ourselves and one another and drop these statistics down.

“I hope that residents in the 19104 ZIP code will become concerned enough to change their behavior. Because we know that there are some people here who are suffering who don’t want to make it known because some don’t feel the community cares enough, but there are a lot of resources out here that can alleviate suffering. Nobody has to die from having the disease.”

Information tables were set up at Christ Community and along the route. Rapid testing was also available at certain locations, such as MillCreek Baptist Church. White expressed concern that African Americans were becoming the poster people for the virus and many agreed that it was the church’s place to have an impact on that depiction.

“My function today is to educate the people in this neighborhood about HIV and what its done to the African-American race and what it’s now presently doing to our young teenagers,” Deacon Derrick Taylor said. “AIDS does not look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. It seems to be more of a stronger increase in the community, especially among those who are high school dropouts; those who don’t care, children having children, children catching it by being carried… we felt today that if we can raise a level of consciousness, get them to see that you can get tested, we can prevent this thing and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.“

“I think when you talk about HIV and AIDS, it touches on a lot of issues that people are uncomfortable talking about, such as homosexuality, drug addiction and abuse and, unfortunately, we’ve been very quiet about it and it doesn’t just affect this population,” said Kera Ritter, a ministry leader. “It affects, right now in particular, heterosexual women the most and it’s about time that churches started to step up.“

Andrea Johnson, founder of Girl U Can Do It, shared her personal story with those gathered. She became infected with HIV after her husband had an affair.

“We have to open up our mouths and talk about it because if not, it’s never going to go away,” Johnson said.

“When I first found out my status, I said, ‘Yes why me.’ But being as though the person I am — and I consider myself to be a loud mouth where if it’s an injustice, I am always fighting… to improve the quality of life, especially for my African-American people in general.”

She also addressed comments Pope Benedict XVI recently made when visiting Africa about condoms not being the solution to the epidemic.

“With great respect to the pope and not to discourage anything that he said: We’re in this world, in the real world, every day combating [these] virus[es], such as HIV, and if we don’t use protection, how is this disease going to dissipate. It’s not going to happen. We have to have prevention, preventative measures.”

Brown, the first woman elected to the 190th, said her appointment meant that a mother’s love would now be at the table.

&ldqo;So many of us who do live in this community probably don’t even know that we truly do know someone who is infected,” Brown said. “It’s a silent disease. It’s a disease that people carry alone. They don’t go out and tell anyone because they’re afraid of the stigma and I think with us being here today, it gives those people in our community the support that they don’t normally get and I hope at least we touched those folks as they see us standing for them in the community,” she said.

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Gospel singer attributes success to faith

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Issue date: 5/28/09

Nakesha “Kee Kee” Ross is a hip-hop gospel sensation, an author, an entrepreneur and above else a devoted wife and mother. The secret to her success is an unyielding faith.

Her tome, “A Voice of My Heart” is a memoir about the struggles she has endured. She grew up as one of 12 children in a poverty-stricken home and was sexually abused by her stepfather.

The Philadelphia native has her periods of pity but that trail of tears led to a woman who just released her first book and whose first solo project is due in stores at summer’s end. She harbored no ill will over her life’s journey.

“I think that when you’re in the body of Christ and your body does a clean sweep, you’re not supposed to see any residue you know. A lot of people use their past experiences as a crutch to keep them where they are. I use it as a catapult… a launching pad to take me to the next level,” Ross said.

She wrote “A Voice of My Heart” as a testimony for others and found it to be therapeutic.

“I think that when God allows us to go through certain things in life and to overcome that we only went through those things to pull someone else out of what they’ve come through. If they see you’re still struggling with those issues and still using it as a crutch, you’re not an inspiration to them.

“So, I would like to be an inspiration to all women who have been through everything; to come out as pure gold. Don’t come out as half beaten or half-tried… downtrodden. Just come out as pure gold as if you never ever went through anything,” she said.

“When I was writing my book, I thought I was cured from the whole thing or over it,” Ross continued, “but in writing the book and reliving the events and counting the different events that happen, I found myself weeping and crying… but that in itself was a healing process and now after writing the book, I’m able to talk about it openly all the more without any feelings of regret any feelings of hurt or nay feelings of pain or anything like that.

“So, I think that now I can honestly say that I’m healed or closer to my healing than I thought I was.”

Her anticipated album being distributed through Destiny Management, which bears the same title as the book, is a soundtrack for the confessional. The disc, following her previous effort, “Can You Handle It?” with the group Four 13, is a gospel anthem that does not have a traditional sound but is hip hop influenced. Ross did not find that that to be a contradiction.

“Most people would say how can you do gospel and hip hop at the same time? But I believe that God has given us all a right to praise god in our own way. As long as it’s in spirit and in truth and this is all that I know, hip-hop.

“I also believe that it’s not for everybody but it’s for this generation because this generation doesn’t listen to traditional gospel or traditional music. They’re first caught often by the beat and then lyrics and once you catch them with the beat, they don’t even realize it’s gospel sometimes and then they hear the message behind it,” she said.

“I think I’m here to catch people where they are for the lost generation.”

The artist has also branched as label owner to Miracle Music and when she is not in the studio, she is the proprietor of the hair salon, Promise Hair Boutique.

It is another means of sharing the gospel since Ross shared that people volunteered everything but their social security while under the dryer. She is also heavily involved in a hotline that offers advice to callers and is looking for sites to house her nonprofit organization, Girls In Fellowship Together.

However, at the end of the day, the hardest job is to be that of caretaker.

“That’s the hardest thing to do is to juggle everything that I juggle and then to go home and cut it off and just be mommy and wifey,” Ross said.

Ross described it as a miracle and a dream that her children were able to grow up in a loving home. She hoped that her adversities and triumphs would be an encouragement.

“I would like people to know that I am just as normal as everybody else. It might seem like I possess a whole lot of powers, but it’s not like that at all.

“That I’m a regular person; that I was a regular little girl who went through trials and tribulations, peer pressure and things like that, ups and downs and not knowing if you fit in, not knowing if you were good enough… but when you come to a place in your life and you recognize and realize a woman’s worth, your worth as a woman, you don’t accept the okie dokie,” she said.

“You can and will become anything you say. I’ve been rapping for over 11 years. It’s just now coming to this point.”

Although Ross has accomplished much in her life, the best is yet to come from her. She expressed little intention of slowing down but focused on craft and extending her brand.

“I’m looking to be known all over the world. I’m looking to be the role model that Beyoncé is for the secular people. I’m looking to be that role model for the gospel,” she said.

For more information on Kee Kee Ross, she can be found online at http://keekeeross.com/

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McClurkin’s latest CD stresses love and unity

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Issue date: 4/18/09

Donnie McClurkin, the Grammy award-winning international gospel artist, released his fourth CD, “We All Are One (Live in Detroit)” in late March.

His first effort in four years soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Sales chart, extending a streak he accomplished with “Donnie Mcclurkin… Again,” psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

The New York native returned to his second home of Detroit to record live at Detroit’s StraightGate International Church. He shared the stage with heavyweights Karen Clark Sheard, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams and Mary Mary, whom he regards as family, to create an album that reinforced human connections.

“It’s an album that came together after a five-year hiatus, and it’s just an album that deals with, first of all, the glory of God and how wonderful he is. And secondly, how we need to be unified and how we need to come together to realize that we are a global family… we’re all the same,” McClurkin said.

He said he believed the election of President Barack Obama would allow this message of acceptance despite inherent differences to resonate.

“Through his elevation, it has caused so many other things to shift. In fact, there’s been a dramatic shift and a more vivid awareness of how we have so much in common and how anything is possible once we unify; and that’s… what’s really being promoted through this CD. It’s about, in spite of our differences in the past, and especially religiously, we’ve had some real differences, it’s time to put those things aside and start to focusing in on things we have in common.”

It was the renowned platinum-selling artist’s hope that his latest offering would help to heal some of those divisions.

“It will be able to permeate into the area that is hardest to change, and that is the church. The church world is the hardest to accept and adapt to change, and that’s not changing our doctrine, but you know, just changing some of our mentality and some of our methods of how to love people, how to show real care for people and how to link arms with people even if you have differences,” he said.

“It has been hard to minister that into the church world. This music, my music, is able to transcend into the partitions and walls and barriers and get into the hearts of people, because they know who I am and we’ve had integrity in our music and out life and it enables me to get into their hearts and just admonish them to start to act like Jesus and understand that people are people no matter what or who they are. And that we’ve got to love them even if they have to change.”

As a minister, McClurkin definitely understood the power of the written word, but felt that its readers would be better served to act in a manner that is more Christlike. The upbeat disc represents jubilation and refrains from judgment.

“Religion has always been the voice and morality of spirituality. It’s always been the voice of character, and with those types of displays that you’ve got to continuously promote, it makes you a little rigid. You can’t bend it to the right or the left. You’ve got to stay the course, and in doing so, sometimes we move and run over people instead of slowing it up a little bit and taking on people,” he said.

“Our rigidity is just a byproduct of our bringing and how we’ve been taught, but we’ve got to go back to the foundation, and that is the love that Jesus had, and that love has got to be put back into this thing. So, we’ve got to start to embrace people and to love them in spite or despite whatever they’re doing or who they claim to be, and understand that even if they never change, God still so loved the world that he gave his only son.”

McClurkin admitted to being pessimistic about the album during production, but soon fell in love with it. He cried after a first listen and spoke of being still in a position to provide some of his best work.

“I’ve laid down before the Lord and said, ‘God save me all over again, forgive me again.’ And when you do that, you become so vulnerable that you can hear God. You can let your defenses down and God can lead you and talk to you, and he can show you what to do if you’re patient enough just to stay in his presence. And that’s what I’ve learned how to do; to take my time and there’s no rush,&rsduo; he said.

McClurkin acknowledged that there would always be critics and those who loved him, but the gifted artist did not pander to either. He simply wanted the disc to speak and minister for itself.

“I want them to take out of this album what the title of the album depicts that we all are one, that we should all peel back the color of our skin, the texture of our hairs, the contour of our noses and that we are all the same. We are body, soul and spirit. People may have different lifestyles that we may not agree with, but by the end of the day, we all got to love one another. Let God judge each other spiritually. Let the Bible be the Bible, but let us show the love that Jesus Christ had and love one another despite everything else,” he said.

“We All Are One (Live in Detroit)” is currently available in stores and online outlets. Donnie McClurkin can be found on the Web at www.donniemcclurkin.com.

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