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UCON and WSPAA hold inaugural Juneteeth pageant, gospel celebration

Greensboro, NC (June 20, 2022) – UCON (Unwind Communications Outreach Network) and WSPAA (Winston-Salem Performing Arts Alliance) crowned the winners of the inaugural Little Miss and Junior Miss Juneteenth Pageant. Participants in the Little Miss Juneteenth Pageant are girls ages 7-10 years old and girls ages 11-14 years old for the Junior Miss Juneteenth Pageant from various cities throughout the state. “The pageant is designed to provide the girls with soft skills necessary to be well rounded and successful in life as well as building their confidence and offering encouragement,” says Linda Greenwood, UCON director.  

To enter the pageant, the girls had to have a 2.0 GPA and participated in special sessions in haircare, journaling, presenting on camera, Juneteenth history as well as fundraising. Along with the pageant WSPAA executive director Elliott Lowery, UCON director Linda Greenwood put together a special gospel celebration that highlighted the rich heritage of the African  American culture on Sunday, June 19th in Greensboro at the Van Dyke Performing Arts Theater.  This event featured an incredible line-up of regional and local artists – storyteller Fred Motley, renowned contemporary gospel artist W.I.L., and gospel rappers Ezzy Wall and Mr. GP.  

During their year-long reign, Little Miss and Junior Miss Juneteenth are expected to promote positive images through school appearances and community events and serve as role models and spokespeople for Juneteenth.

The Winners

Saraiyah Johnson, Little Miss Juneteenth
Serenity White, Little Miss Juneteenth runner-up
Joie Holding, Junior Miss Juneteenth
Pictured from left to right: Saraiyah Johnson, Little Miss Juneteenth; Serenity White, Little Miss Juneteenth runner-up; and Joie Holding, Junior Miss Juneteenth.

Little Miss Juneteenth representing High Point, NC is Saraiyah Johnson, the daughter of Michelle and  Tacuma Johnson. Saraiyah attends The College Prep and Leadership Academy, also known as The Point. The first runner-up for Little Miss Juneteenth is Serenity White, who represents Winston-Salem. Serenity is the daughter of Victoria Montgomery and attends Ward Elementary.  

Junior Miss Juneteenth representing Greensboro is Joie Holding, the daughter of Tiffany Donnell and Daniel Holding. Joie attends Morehead Elementary.

About UCON and WSPAA

UCON and WSPAA are 501c3 organizations. UCON’s mission is to raise the awareness of community residents on the benefits of collaborating with communication venues, disseminate information pertaining to broadcasting, teach people about broadcasting, develop musical artists through training, and inform the community about how communication technology works. 

The mission of WSPAA is to inspire, uplift, and educate underserved children, youth, adults, and seniors. We seek to build the self-esteem and self-worth of the communities we serve through the performing arts.

Candi Staton goes Gold in Belgium

Music legend Candi Staton has scored a gold record certification for her dance anthem, “Hallelujah Anyway” (Defected Records). London-based Defected Records recently mailed Staton a plaque celebrating the gold status of “Hallelujah Anyway” in Belgium.

“I’m so tickled,” Staton says. “I knew the song was popular because European promoters always ask me to put the song in my concert repertoire when I play Europe. However, I had no idea that it had gone gold in Belgium. I’m so thrilled that these remixes are introducing my voice and the gospel message to a new generation of clubgoers.”

Candi Staton first recorded the infectious groove for her Proverbs 31 Woman (Beracah) album in 2002 when the song received heavy airplay rotation on Radio One’s gospel format. A decade later, DJ Simon Dunmore (founder of the world’s largest dance music recording label, Defected Records), commissioned German DJ, Larse, and the legendary Chicago House DJ, Frankie Knuckles, to create their mixes that have racked up over 10 million streams on Spotify alone. It was an instant smash in clubs across the globe. It has since been remixed by other influential DJs such as Eric Kupper, Moplen, David Penn, and Dr Packer. The song has also been covered by London’s House Gospel Choir on their 2020 Island Records release, RE//CHOIRED.  

– From a press release

Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame 2022 induction set for June 18

Tamela Mann, Donnie McClurkin, The Clark Sisters, and T.D. Jakes are among the 2022 inductees.

Spotlighting a cross-section of history’s most influential Black artists, entertainers and icons, the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame (BMEWOF) Crown Jewel of Excellence Black Music Month Class of 2022 Induction and Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 18, in Atlanta. The Black American Music Association (BAMAssoc) and the Georgia Entertainment Caucus (GEC), collaboratively announced the ceremony and plans for the Black Music Month Class of 2022 Induction. 

A full list of all 16 inductees is as follows: 

Cathy Hughes (Foundational)
Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (Foundational)
Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff (Foundational)
Robert Smith (Foundational)
Run DMC (Foundational)
T.D. Jakes (Foundational)
Charlie Wilson (Mainstream)
Donnie McClurkin (Gospel)
Tamela Mann (Gospel)
The Clark Sisters (Gospel Group)
NAS (Hip-Hop)
Angela Bassett (Actress)
Steve Harvey (Mogul)
Bob Marley (International)
Patti LaBelle (Legacy)
Prince (Legacy)

With a national and international appeal, the BMEWOF will acknowledge, preserve, respect, and inspire the Black creative community for generations to come. Atlanta has long been the mecca of Black music and entertainment and the BMEWOF has already become a key addition, showcasing the industry’s greatest contributors.

The Crown Jewel of Excellence emblems for the inductees of the BMEWOF are permanently installed on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, in front of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Crown Jewel of Excellence emblems for June 2022 – and for every class of inductees moving forward – will continue to be added at the BMEWOF’s location in historic downtown Atlanta, preserved for all the world to see, and for generations to come.

For information and updates on the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame head to: http://www.theblackwalkoffame.com/

– Excerpted from a press release

Funeral services for celebrity attorney & record label co-founder Benjamin Whitfield announced

Benjamin Whitfield, Jr.

(Detroit, MI) Benjamin Whitfield, Jr., a former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan and co-owner of Detroit-based Crystal Rose Records, passed away on May 18th at his home in Detroit. Over the course of his fifty-plus year career, Whitfield successfully balanced his call to service in government and jurisprudence while also steering the ship of one of the most successful independent gospel music recording labels of the 1990s and early 2000s.

Benjamin Whitfield, Jr. was born on March 6, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan – the eldest of five children. An enterprising youth, he landed his first job at the age of twelve when he became a hat blocker at Meeks Dry Cleaners where he worked until the age of sixteen. The owner, John O. Meeks, a successful African American businessman, was an inspiration to him. “Mr. Meeks told Ben that if he kept his grades up, that he’d pay his tuition to college, and he kept his word. He paid the tuition for Ben to attend Wayne State University,” his sister Mae Collins explains.

After graduating from Eastern High School, Whitfield attended Wayne State University but finished his bachelor’s degree at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Later, he earned his Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University Law School and was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1973. From 1974 to 1979, he served as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan where he served under State Attorney General, Frank J. Kelley. In 1981, he was admitted to and qualified as an attorney and counselor of the United States Court of Claims. In private practice, he formed Benjamin Whitfield, Jr. & Associates where he specialized in probate, divorce, civil and criminal cases. “If you ever witnessed Ben in the courtroom, it was a sight to behold,” laughs his business partner, Brian Spears. “Ben was so stubborn that he was going to press whatever the issue was until his client won. He was relentless and refused to give up.”

When Whitfield’s Central State University dormmate, Barry Hankerson, had become a power-broker music manager for the likes of Gladys Knight, R. Kelly, and Aaliyah, he often called on Whitfield to handle various legal matters. For years, he represented the legendary gospel group, The Clark Sisters, and managed the enterprises of their mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, who was the longest-serving International Minister of Music for the Church of God in Christ (COGIC).

In 1993, Whitfield had the idea to launch a record label. He formed Detroit-based Crystal Rose Records with his nephew Michael J. Powell (who produced Anita Baker’s breakthrough album, Rapture), Brian Spears (a veteran music industry executive), and singer/producer, Donald Lawrence. “He was a dad, a big brother, a mentor, a biz partner, a protector,” the GRAMMY® Award-winning and gold-selling Lawrence, says of Whitfield whom he first met in the late 1980s. “He did my very first contract with Irving Azoff and Cassandra Mills at Giant Records. He partnered with me on A Songwriter’s Point of View – The Tri-City Singers’ first album, which was licensed to GospoCentric Records. He also partnered on the stage play I wrote, `A Woman Like That,’ which starred Peabo Bryson. He taught me everything about the record biz…”

Aside from Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers, Crystal Rose boasted a roster that also featured Ricky Dillard & New G, Earnest Pugh, Rodney Posey, Brenda Waters, Michael Mindingall, and The Whitfield Company, among others. In 2002, Billboard Magazine cited Crystal Rose as one of the Top Ten independent gospel labels in the business. “Benny kept his professional life separate from his family life,” Mae recalls. “It wasn’t until this week that I realized how prominent my brother was because he never talked about his career. He didn’t brag on himself. I’m so proud of him and I hate that I can’t tell him how proud I am. He was quiet about his accomplishments. He was focused on his work and there’s nothing he would not do for you.”

Whitfield, who was divorced, is survived by his sister Mae Collins, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. Aside from his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Pauline Alfred, Bernard Whitfield, and Melvin Whitfield; and three stepsisters Reola Powell, Jesse B. Whitfield, and Emmylou Morris.

Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Viewing – 4-7 PM
Cantrell Funeral Home
22121 Kelly Road, Eastpointe, MI

Thursday, June 2, 2022
Viewing – 10 AM
Funeral Service – 11 AM
Little Rock Baptist Church
9000 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI

Bryant Scott elected first African-American president of Church Music Publishers Association

Bryant Scott

The ninety-six-year-old Church Music Publishers Association (CMPA) has elected Bryant Scott as its 54th President. Scott, who is also president of the world’s oldest-operating African-American owned gospel recording label, Tyscot Records, and its publishing arm, Tyscot Publishing, will be the organization’s first president of African-American heritage.  John Shorney, Chairman of the Board for the CMPA Action Fund states, “We are delighted to elect Bryant into this CMPA position for the coming year.  He has shown tremendous leadership in the Christian music publishing industry, and we are excited to work alongside him for the benefit of all Christian songwriters and publishers.”  Bryant Scott states, “I am honored to serve the member publishers of the CMPA who represent the greatest songs in the world!”

The CMPA was founded in 1926, and is an organization currently of 51 music publishers who come together to share mutual areas of concern regarding copyright information, education, administration, protection, and legislative advocacy. It includes the publishers of almost every major church denomination as well as other contemporary publishers such as Capitol CMG Publishing, Curb/Word Entertainment, Gaither Music Company, Hillsong Music Publishing, and Maverick City Music, among others. Its publisher members’ works range from recent favorites such as Chris Tomlin’s “Good Good Father,” to vintage compositions such as Andrae’ Crouch’s 1964 anthem, “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” to heritage hymns such as “How Great Thou Art” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”  For more information on CMPA, log on at cmpamusic.org.

– From a press release

Pastor Nell Smith Ward talks ministry, new music, and the regimen that keeps her going

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Pastor Nell Smith Ward

Pastor Nell Smith Ward has been preaching since the tender age of three and singing nearly as long. From then til now, “Little Nell,” as she is better known, has graced platforms with numerous notables including Pastor Shirley Caesar, Dr. Bobby Jones, Beverly Crawford, and Dr. Maya Angelou. In 2018, she took social media by storm when Facebook footage of her wedding serenade (Jason Nelson’s “Forever”) to husband Bishop Timothy Ward went viral. As of April 2022, the video is at 733,000 views and counting.

From humble beginnings as the young preaching machine and singer-musician who served at Miracle Center Holiness Church, founded by her mother Overseer Cora Smith, God birthed Living Waters Christian Church (presently based in Zebulon, NC) in 2000. She remains the pastor alongside her husband. In our GMF Q&A, Pastor Ward chats about the early days of her ministry, her new music project, and how she brings balance into her life in the midst of ongoing demands.

Describe Pastor Nell Smith Ward in three words.

Passionate, fair, loving.

You started preaching when you were three and ran your first revival at age six. I’m sure many people were fascinated to hear about you. Do you remember what that first revival experience was like for you and possibly for those who attended? 

Yes, I remember my first revival. It was in Henderson, NC at the Jesus House of Prayer. They had to build a stool for me to stand on top of for the people to see me. People would come from miles around to hear me. My mom, Overseer Cora Smith, was there, as well as Sister Doris Busby, Donald Morgan, and Julia Johnson, my aunt. I was a sweet little girl who wanted to pray for everyone. The people were excited to see a child used by God. The churches were packed from wall to wall. I wasn’t afraid or shy. I knew my calling even back then. 

When and how did you recognize singing to be a part of your ministry?

At the age of eight. I remember when my dad came home from work and he said, “Nell, I leave for work [and] you’re singing. I come home, you’re singing.” I knew I had a gift right then and there.

Tell us all about your latest project, It’s Your Time.

This is a 20-year project in the making. I started this journey over 20 years ago. It wasn’t easy. I kept on preaching and singing and pastoring Living Waters. Yes, I had to wait on the Lord – wait on his timing – and now it’s my time! 

That’s certainly a fitting album title for your journey. What is your favorite track on the new album?

“Holy Ghost”! [And it’s] because I see how the power of God changed my life and it changes the lives of so many people. I love every song on the album. WOW! This is a hard choice.

Speaking of “Holy Ghost,” you reached back and got that classic from Rev. Milton Brunson and The Thompson Community Singers’ There Is Hope album. Why did you decide to make it part of yours?

When I was praying about the songs for the album, I started thinking about a place and time in my life. Childhood times came back to my memory. Hanging out with my cousin Darrell Johnson, he would play Rev. Milton Brunson’s music. We would listen to the album over and over again. It was a happy place in my life, so that’s why I chose that song. 

Don’t say it’s an unfair question (smile), but between singing and preaching, which is your favorite to do?

Preaching is, but singing is too. I can’t choose. They go hand-in-hand with my type of ministry.

You’ve been doing both practically all your life. In a time when we see pastors, preachers, and others in ministry experiencing burnout, what, in addition to your relationship with God, keeps you going?

Prayer keeps me going; having faith and trust in God. I’ve learned to live my life being dependent on Jesus! Staying focused on my assignment and saying “no” to some things is one way to keep your sanity as well. You can’t be everything to all people. Let God be God, and you’ll get through it.

______________________________

Pastor Ward wants you to know the single “Holy Ghost” is available on all major digital platforms.

VERZUZ Easter Special: BeBe & CeCe Winans and Mary Mary

BeBe and CeCe vs. Mary Mary flyer

Sibling duos Mary Mary and BeBe and CeCe Winans will meet up on Easter Sunday for a celebration of music famously known as VERZUZ.

Created by GRAMMY® award-winning producers and entrepreneurs Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, VERZUZ was launched in March 2020. What started as a battle between two friendly rivals has grown into a global phenomenon that celebrates some of the greatest artists of our time, including gospel’s Fred Hammond and Kirk Franklin, highlighting their careers and generating powerful surges in sales and streams.

Sisters Erica and Tina Campbell (née Atkins), who make up the gospel duo Mary Mary, began singing in the church choir as girls and have broken the gospel barrier and found mainstream success. Prior to their 2000 debut album Thankful (featuring the hit single “Shackles”) and 2002 album Incredible, the sisters joined the traveling gospel show Mama I’m Sorry (1995) and toured individually as backup singers and writers for various R&B groups. The duo has two Grammy wins. The Atkins sisters grew up in Inglewood, CA, so it was befitting that they were chosen to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before the start of SuperBowl LVI at the newly opened SoFi Stadium.

Detroit-born brother-sister duo BeBe and CeCe Winans carry a great lineage as members of the gospel dynasty, The Winans. Although they have had individual success, nothing compares to the affectionate sound that is sparked by their musical union. They first appeared in the public eye as young teens when they debuted in 1982 as a part of the singing group The PTL Singers on the television show, The PTL Club. But their musical journey began in 1987 when they were offered a recording contract by Sparrow Records. Their debut release topped the R&B and inspirational charts, yielding a Grammy award along with Dove and Stellar awards for the self-titled project. They continued to gain success with the releases of Heaven and Different Lifestyles earning them the #1 slot on the Billboard sales charts. The duo later branched out and pursued solo careers. CeCe has since garnered fifteen Grammys and BeBe six along with several urban/inspirational awards and accolades.

HOW TO WATCH: Tune in at 9:30 pm ET on VERZUZTV.com, in the @triller app, on VERZUZ IG, Facebook, or Youtube. Watch in HD with the #TrillerVerzPass on FITE.tv.

– From a media release

‘Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story’ starring Ledisi to open Pan African Film & Arts Festival

Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story

Los Angeles, CA – Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story starring Grammy winner Ledisi, and an all-star cast including Columbus Short, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Janet Hubert, Vanessa A. Williams, Corbin Bleu and Keith David, has been chosen as the opening night film for the 2022 Pan African Film & Arts Festival. The film, executive produced by Ericka Nicole Malone and Vince Allen, and directed by Denise Dowse will make its debut at PAFF, on April 19, at 7 pm at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) located at 7920 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles.

Mahalia was not only regarded as an iconic gospel singer who broke racial and gender barriers, she was also recognized as a Civil rights activist who understood the power of her position within the movement. Remember Me highlights Mahalia’s unbreakable relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Columbus Short), and her integral role in the Civil rights movement by bringing Mahalia’s fight for freedom and her own personal search for love into the spotlight.

“I am from the South where Mahalia was considered a national treasure, so when I began writing Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story in 2017, I wanted to carefully consider every word to honor this amazing woman. In creating these words for this film, I never imagined it would star the phenomenal musical icon Ledisi and renowned actor Columbus Short,” said executive producer, Ericka Nicole Malone. “To now have the honor of opening PAFF on its 30th anniversary, I am beyond blessed and excited. Premiering my film at a festival that was built on presenting the power of Black cinema is more than an honor, it is a blessing, and I don’t take it lightly.”

The Choral Arts Society of Washington and Washington Performing Arts co-present ‘Living the Dream…Singing the Dream’

Conductor Michele Fowlin
Conductor Michele Fowlin, Artistic Director (Washington Performing Arts), will be in performance. 

The Choral Arts Society of Washington and the combined gospel choirs of Washington Performing Arts will co-present treasured annual event Living the Dream…Singing the Dream tribute concert on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at 7 pm, rescheduled from January 30, 2022. The performance pays tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. while celebrating the power of music, collaboration, and human spirit. The program ​​transcends race, age, and gender to unite all who honor Dr. King’s ideals. During the performance, Choral Arts will also present its 2022 Humanitarian Award to visionary and cultural activist, LaTosha Brown.

“As one of our most beloved annual events, we are thrilled to bring Living the Dream…Singing the Dream, the joyful celebration to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., back to the stage with our partner Washington Performing Arts,” says Choral Arts Executive Director Tad Czyzweski. “Our founder Norman Scribner conceived the idea for this concert in 1969 after the riots and assassination of Dr. King. It’s an honor and privilege to shine a light on the impact of Dr. King and celebrate individuals who are keeping his dream alive.”

LaTosha Brown, Humanitarian Award recipient

Favorites such as “You’re the Lifter,” “My Soul’s Been Anchored,” “Why Do We Sing,” and the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by Nolan Williams’ We are the ones to heal our land will be sung by the Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus and Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs. NBC4 news anchor, Shawn Yancy, will host the program. This year’s honoree, LaTosha Brown (pictured right), has shown incredible leadership through her dedication to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brown is a nationally recognized “go-to” expert in Black voting rights and voter suppression, Black women’s empowerment, and philanthropy. She is the co-founder of Black Voters Matter Fund and Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute and has worked in 23 different countries including Kenya, Guyana, and Brazil. Her next mission involves resourcing and empowering women across the diaspora.

“Dr. King’s legacy has long inspired this collaboration and indeed the mission and vision of the Washington Performing Arts’ Gospel Music Choirs,” says President and CEO of Washington Performing Arts Jenny Bilfield. “The collaboration between artistic and music directors, performers, and organizations speaks to the commitment to a shared community and collective effort. We look forward to sharing a great evening of music, tribute, remembrance, and celebration alongside each other.”

Visit https://choralarts.org/living-the-dream-singing-the-dream/ for more information.

– From a release

Nell Smith Ward readies for album release party

Pastor Nell Smith Ward album release party flyer

SPONSORED – Righteous Records presents the album release party for gospel artist, Pastor Nell Smith Ward. The event, hosted by Bishop Timothy Ward, is set for Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 3 PM, and will feature live songs along with guest artist Elder Jarell Smalls.

The venue is located at 1200 S. State Street in Raleigh, NC. Tickets for the event are $40 and can be purchased via Cash App (at $PastorNell) or Paypal (at pastornellministries.com).

Pastor Nell’s current single is “Holy Ghost,” a remake of the classic from Rev. Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers.