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Rep. Elijah Cummings To Lie in State at US Capitol; Funeral Friday

Rep. Elijah Cummings funeral arrangements have been announced. Via The Baltimore Sun: A wake and funeral for the well respected Congressman will be held next Friday at the church where he worshiped for nearly 40 years, New Psalmist Baptist Church, a church spokeswoman announced. The wake, including a public viewing, will begin Oct. 25 at 8 a.m. at the Lochearn church, spokeswoman Joi Thomas said. The funeral will follow at 10 a.m.

Photo Credit: New Psalmist Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Jr., pastor of the congregation since 1975, will deliver the eulogy in the 4,000-seat sanctuary. On Friday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Cummings will lie in state in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol on Oct. 24. “In the House, Elijah was our North Star. He was a leader of towering character and integrity, whose stirring voice and steadfast values pushed the Congress and country to rise always to a higher purpose. His principled leadership as chair of the committee on Oversight and Reform was the perfect testament to his commitment to restoring honesty and honor to government, and leaves a powerful legacy for years to come," Pelosi said. Read the full article

The Four On Fox Winner EVVIE MCKINNEY SIGNS WITH MOTOWN GOSPEL & CAPITOL CMG

Remember Evvie McKinney from Diddy's The Four on Fox? Well, she's signed a record deal with Motown Gospel and Capitol CMG. " He guided me to the right people, and made a way for me where there was no way out. God blessed me and He rewarded me for my PATIENCE and my Faithfulness towards Him." Evvie McKinney rose to prominence as the winner of the inaugural season of the TV singing competition The Four: Battle for Stardom on FOX. The young singer with Southern charm wowed judges Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, DJ Khaled, and Meghan Trainor with her powerful voice and fearless stage presentation, packing a punch as she effortlessly covered iconic soul songs, like Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You” and Bill Withers "Ain't No Sunshine." https://www.instagram.com/p/B3NvxngnH6O/ A multi-faceted performer with roots in the church, soul, and pop, the Memphis-born singer is poised to create music with a broad appeal and inspirational messages. Evvie was on hand to support her new Motown Gospel family at the 50th annual GMA Dove Awards.

Photo Credit: EvvieMusic Instagram "Last night after the Dove Awards, I had THE TIME OF MY LIFE meeting and hanging with my new family! Lord, THANK YOU for bringing me to these WONDERFUL people who LOVE YOU and are on a mission to spread the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ!," she posted on Instagram. Evvie McKinney’s cover of the Stevie Wonder hit “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” was recently featured on the Hitsville: A Motown Gospel Celebration project, commemorating Motown Records’ 60th Anniversary. She is currently working on her debut project to be released in 2020. This is awesome news! I already know she is going to be singing her face off on her debut project. Read the full article

[WATCH] Isaac Carree "HER" Official Video Dedicated To His Wife

Isaac Carree just dropped the official video for his new single "HER" that's dedicated to his wife Dietra Carree. The video begins with the voice of Pastor John Gray officiating the couples 15th wedding anniversary vow renewal, and ends with a tribute to the late LaShawn Daniels and his wife April Daniels, who made marriage dope for millennia's.

“I wanted to do a song about my wife, Carree shared. I wanted to do a love song to let her know how much I love her. I wanted a song that gave men a voice to tell their woman how much they love them. We live in a world where women not only don’t have equal rights and equal pay but they don’t get equal love and respect. I wanted to do a song that highlighted the love of my life and for another man, the love of his life. "HER" is also featured on Carree’s upcoming album “No Risk…No Reward” that's out this fall on Shanachie Entertainment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZMWXgjffyc Read the full article

Broadway’s SpongeBob Musical To Air On Nickelodeon

Broadway's Tony Award nominated SpongeBob Musical is headed to Nickelodeon this December! Members of the Broadway cast will reunite to film the show in front of a live theater audience. Nickelodeon will air the performance, titled The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage!, this December, with the announcement of an exact date to come. According to reports, cast members taking part in the filmed performance include stars Ethan Slater as SpongeBob and Gavin Lee as Squidward, Danny Skinner as Patrick Star, Brian Ray Norris as Eugene Krabs and Wesley Taylor as Sheldon Plankton, with Christina Sajous appearing as Sandy Cheeks. Read the full article

Lecrae and Reach Records Win Album Of The Year & Song Of The Year at 2019 Dove Awards

If The Gospel Music Association (GMA) were to add a Hip-Hop Label Of The Year category, Reach Records, the recording home of Lecrae, Andy Mineo, Gawvi, 1K Phew, KB, Tedashii, Trip Lee, Whatuprg and Wande, would be a top contender. Lecrae, CEO and co-founder of Reach, made history in 2015 when he became the first hip-hop artist to win the coveted Artist Of the Year honor at the 46th Annual Dove Awards. Since then, Reach artists have produced music that has earned them votes and nominations every year and 2019 is no exception! https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qWRibprKn/ At the 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards taped in Nashville, on October 15th, Reach Records won two Dove Awards: Rap/Hip-Hop Album Of The Year for Lecrae’s Let The Trap Say Amen collaborative studio album with Atlanta producer, Zaytoven, and Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song Of The Year for GAWVI’s “Fight For Me” single featuring Lecrae. Reach Records artists also swept through in nominations with Andy Mineo’s “None Of My Business,” Lecrae & Zaytoven’s “Get Back Right” vying for Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song Of The Year and Andy Mineo’s The Sword, GAWVI’s Panorama, Tedashii’s Never Fold who were also nominated in the Rap/Hip-Hop Album Of The Year categories. Lecrae performed "Get Back Right" at the GMA's and after receiving the Album Of The Year Award posted on his IG thanking all the supporters who "believed in me and @Zaytovenbeatz building bridges." See below Instagram posts by @Lecrae,@Zaytovenbeatz,@Gawvi celebrating their Dove Award wins! The 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards were held live on October 15 in Nashville, Tennessee and will air exclusively on TBN October 20 at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. Read the full article

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Bart Millard Wins GMA Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year (Artist)

Bart Millard, lead singer for multi-platinum band MercyMe, added another Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Award to his long list of accolades, garnering the award for Songwriter of the Year (Artist) at the 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards. MercyMe unveiled their brand new single, "Almost Home," live during the show. The track will release everywhere October 25th. Filmed on Tuesday, October 15 in Nashville, TN., Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively air the show on Sunday, October 20, 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST. Following back to back successful spring and fall 2019 Imagine Nation Tours, the MercyMe 2020 Tour was also announced this week. Featuring Jeremy Camp and David Leonard, the tour will run February 13 through April 5, 2020. Hitting key markets including Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Minneapolis, the MercyMe 2020 Tour will support the band's upcoming 2020 studio project.

2019 has reaped both GRAMMY® and Billboard Music Award nominations for the current American Music Award winners, all following the box office shattering film I CAN ONLY IMAGINE inspired by frontman Bart Millard's real-life story behind the beloved MercyMe song. Read the full article

My Day At The 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards

It's October, which means the smell of fall and the Gospel Music Association's annual Dove Awards in Nashville. The Dove Awards have always held a special place in my heart. It's something about the atmosphere in Music City, and the way the Christian and Gospel community comes together to uplift our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here are some of my favorite moments from the show:

TobyMac is a BEAST!!! He opened the show with a performance of his hit song Elements and had it snowing on stage; he also won A Dove Award for Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year. I also found out that he opened a shoe store in downtown Franklin, TN called CITIZEN. Had no clue. But anyway, his sneaker game is sick!Jonathan McReynolds and his dope performance jacket. I told him, he's going to have to start selling that thang. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qPQ0dhVI4/ Backstage he told us he's working on a new album. We can look forward to that next year. 3. Tasha Cobbs Leonard!! When she opens her mouth even to speak, you hear "The Sound." She blessed me backstage when she started talking about her husband, Kenneth Leonard, Jr. and how it's important that you connect with the right person. Tears started flowing from her eyes and mines as well as she shared how the sound of her music even changed once they married. "I partnered with a man of God who pulled greatness out of me!" https://www.instagram.com/p/B3reuGYgtMb/ Talk about purpose partner! Tasha is also working on new music. 4. Christian comedian John Crist was hilarious. I've never heard him outside of Instagram and YouTube, so to hear him in person was awesome. He's super funny. He shared that he got his start doing the announcements at his father's church (his father is a pastor).

5. And then there was Kirk and Tammy Franklin. Kirk being the GOAT, closed everything out, and of course he didn't disappoint. What's that saying, " don't leave before the benediction." Your blessing could very well come during the benediction, I know mines did at the end of the show. Kirk shared some nuggets of wisdom with inspiring gospel artists, and ended with this nugget," If you're not ready to die don't get into the Christian entertainment business, Lord knows the church don't need no more mistakes." The Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN October 20th at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. Some performances you can look forward to are: Dorinda Clark Cole, JeKalyn Carr and Shirley Caesar, CeCe Winans performed a snippet of Alabaster Box, TobyMac, Kelonate Gavin and Kirk Franklin to name a few. Read the full article

First Look: Disney's Jungle Cruise Trailer & Poster

Disney released a brand new trailer & poster for the upcoming family action-adventure film Jungle Cruise starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.

Photo Credit: Walt Disney Studios Inspired by the famous Disneyland theme park ride, Disney’s JUNGLE CRUISE is an adventure-filled, Amazon-jungle expedition starring Dwayne Johnson as the charismatic riverboat captain and Emily Blunt as a determined explorer on a research mission. Also starring in the film are Edgar Ramirez, Jack Whitehall, with Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti. Jaume Collet-Serra is the director and John Davis, John Fox, Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia and Beau Flynn are the producers, with Doug Merrifield serving as executive producer. Disney’s JUNGLE CRUISE hits U.S. theaters on July 24, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydnzilTiBcY Read the full article

COOKIE JOHNSON: HEALTHY CHURCHES 2020 NATIONAL CONFERENCE SPEAKER

The Healthy Churches 2020 conference has announced that Cookie Johnson will present at this years event. Cookie Johnson joins other faith and public health leaders presenting at this years conference being held in Charlotte, NC. Cookie's presentation is entitled “Stigma! The Voice of a Child of God, Wife, Mother & Caretaker.” Gospel Artist Israel Houghton will headline the conference’s Best Practice Awards Dinner.

Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference is the leading training conference for establishing and sustaining Health Ministries for congregations serving African Americans. For registration, hotel and individual and group rate information, visit: www.healthychurches2020conference.org Read the full article

Sherri Shepherd Starring In Faith Based Movie Musical "A Week Away"

Sherri Shepherd will appear on the big screen in a faith based movie musical. Shepherd is set to star in the musical "A Week Away" about a wayward teenagers first experience at a Christian summer camp. According to Deadline, the movie follows Will Hawkins, a troubled teenager whose recent run-in with the law puts him at an important crossroads; go to juvenile hall or attend a Christian summer camp. At first a fish-out-of-water, Will eventually opens his heart and discovers a love and sense of belonging in the last place he expected to find it. The movie musical will also star Bailee Madison, Kevin Quinn, and David Koechner. Filming is currently underway in Tennessee, and the movie is set to hit theaters in 2020. Read the full article

REPORTS: Will Smith Working On "Fresh Prince" Spin-Off

Will Smith reportedly is working on a Fresh Prince of Bel Air spin-off. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series will be developed through his and Jada's Westbrook Inc. No production date has been set, but last week he announced a clothing line inspired by the 90's sitcom. Bel-Air athletics line — which is named after the fictional school that his character attended on the show. You can check out the clothing line at willsmith.com

Photo Credit: Website Read the full article

TAUREN WELLS DROPS NEW SONGS + ANNOUNCES SOPHOMORE ALBUM

Tauren Wells just dropped some new music and announced the release date for his sophomore album "Citizen of Heaven."

Photo Credit: Provident Label Group Citizen of Heaven is the follow-up to his award-winning debut solo album, Hills and Valleys, which he released in 2017. Citizen of Heaven is available now for pre-order now and will release everywhere January 24, 2020. Two tracks from the new album can be streamed and purchased now: “Miracle” and “Close,” which features Steven Furtick of Elevation Worship. “I have this unshakable feeling that this album is going to be one of the most important things I’ve ever done,” says Tauren Wells. “It just feels special.” Wells’ sophomore album boasts several incredible collaborations, including “Millionaire (Good Like That),” with multiple GRAMMY® Award winner Kirk Franklin, who lends his signature sound to the song which he also produced; multiple CMA Award-winning trio Rascal Flatts on “Until Grace”; Steven Furtick of Elevation Worship on “Close”; and Jenn Johnson of Bethel Music on “Famous For (I Believe).” Read the full article

Demario Davis Wins Appeal Over "Man Of God" Headband

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis has won his appeal against the NFL over his "Man of God" headband. Demario Davis shared the news on his Instagram account Tuesday. "So my agent just told me that I won my appeal and won't have to pay the headband fine!!" He continued, "Always glory above so I’m taking every penny of that original $7,017 fine and donating it to St. Dominics hospital."

Photo Credit: Instagram Davis was fined $7,017 by the National Football League for a "uniform infraction" during a Sept. 22 game against the Seattle Seahawks, for wearing the headband. Davis shared that he is taking the $7,017 he was fined and donating it to St. Dominic Hospital in Mississippi to help build a new ER. The New Orleans Saints player is a native Mississippian. His mother worked for the hospital while he was in High School. Read the full article

My Visit To RHOA Kandi's Restaurant "Old Lady Gang"

On Monday, Oct. 7th I was in Atlanta for a private media screening of the Harriet film, and decided to have dinner at RHOA star, Kandi's restaurant Old Lady Gang. Because I was staying in the Midtown area, I visited the location on Peters Street. During my visit to Atlanta, all of Black Hollywood was in town for Tyler Perry's movie studio grand opening. So, before you ask, no! I didn't run into Oprah and Stedman nor Bey and Jay, but I did run into Kandi's aunt Nora! As soon as I walked into Old Lady Gang there she was standing at the front. She greeted me with that pretty smile and gave me a hug like she's known me my entire life. I felt right at home from that moment on. Get this! She said she comes to the restaurant everyday and enjoys talking and taking pictures with her guest!

I arrived around 5:30 p.m. and didn't have to wait for a seat. My server ( I forgot her name) was excellent, she kept coming back to our table to make sure we were okay, and even brought out a fresh plate of cornbread muffins.

I ordered kandi’s honey glazed blackened salmon with kandi's yams and it was amazing!!!! Those yams were the bomb! I would've ordered some to go, but the way my Weight Watchers points are set up I had to resist. Anyway, if you're ever in Atlanta make sure you check out Old Lady Gang, oh and grab you a glass of Arnold Palmer! Then it was off to Regal Atlantic Station for the private screening of Harriet. I'll have to share my review of the movie later... I'm under contract with the film studio, but I'll say this.... Cynthia Erivo was wonderful! Read the full article

Jacky Clark of The Clark Sisters Inks Deal With United Alliance Music Group

Good news coming out of the Gospel music industry for Jacky Clark! The two-time GRAMMY® Award, NAACP Image Award, Stellar and Dove Award-winning recording artist, known as a member and eldest sister of three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning legendary group, The Clark Sisters has inked a distribution deal with Nashville-based record label United Alliance Music Group (UAMG) announced today. Under the terms of the new strategic distribution deal, UAMG will provide label services utilizing a "conception to completion" model, world-class A&R, marketing, radio promotions, publicity, consulting and function as a digital distributor through its Sony Music/The Orchard partnership for all master recordings and visuals. "I am totally excited and humbled about this new venture with UAMG. I pray that my ministry continues to bless people, celebrate and feel good about where they are in their life," states Jacky Clark-Chisholm. "In the words of Mr. Tyler Perry... You must be able to dream it, see it, and most of all believe that God can bring all your dreams to fruition". Read the full article

Mary J. Blige: God Showed Her The Truth In Her

Our girl Mary J. Blige covers the latest Issue of Self, where she reflects on recovery, healing and taking care of herself after a very public and messy divorce...oh, and she shows off her banging breakup body. Mary has survived a lot..... and it's because of God and prayer! Inside the Issue, Mary is asked who helps her get through hard times, like she helps her fans through her music... Her answer simply put....God! “I don’t have a Mary J. Blige,” Mary J. Blige explained to the publication. “I got my family. I have my sister, my mom—that I can’t tell everything to, because they family, and you don’t want to get them all riled up. But I have God. That’s my Mary J. Blige. He showed me the truth in me, so I can be transparent. But I don’t have someone I listen to. I don’t. It’s just me. It’s a very alone place, but it is what it is. And it’s always been this.”

The woman who once believed all of the negative things she heard from men, from haters, from a nagging sense of self-doubt, has now arrived at a place where she can silence feelings of insecurity just as well as she ignored that broken toe. “I know what God says about me,” she explains. “He says I’m beautiful, he says I’m strong, he says I have to believe that…. I’m Mary, and that’s beautiful to me. I accept that. I accept all that comes with that.” Amen! Read the full article

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