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BeBe Winans To Release A Patriotic Themed Album

Elev8 — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:19:42 +0000

Legendary Grammy winner, singer, songwriter, producer and world-class performer, BeBe Winans is set to release a new project in 2012 that the artist hopes will inspire unity, and restore much needed pride to the nation.

Read: Yolanda Adams “Be Still” World Premiere [VIDEO]

America America is an uplifting new collection of patriotic songs and a celebration of the heritage and history that we all share. In addition to nine songs that honor our nation and are works in the public domain, Winans has penned three new original songs- the first single “America America,” “We’re the United States of America,” and the poignant “Ultimate Sacrifice.” The latter is a moving tribute to our troops, acknowledging and thanking them for the personal sacrifices they make each day to protect our freedoms. A video for the single, shot in New York City and Washington D.C., will be released in the coming weeks.

“The inspiration for AMERICA AMERICA is the time we are living in,” Winans explains. “Sometimes, we forget that we are all Americans. At sporting events, when the national anthem is sung, everyone stands – black, white, rich, poor – everyone.” –BeBe Winans

Best known as one-half of the celebrated gospel duo BeBe & CeCe Winans, siblings who are part of the Winans gospel music family royalty, BeBe Winans is also renown as a solo artist, who has worked with innumerable stars of the recording industry. He is the winner of six Grammy Awards, Ten Dove awards, six Stellar Awards, and Three NAACP Awards, among his many accomplishments. In addition to launching his own radio show-The BeBe Experience- in 2010, in the fall of 2011, Winans, along with sister CeCe, was honored with the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame Star. The duo’s 2010 album, Still, their first album as a duo in 15 years, is approaching Gold. The album and singles together appeared on eight charts in total including #2 on the Gospel Album Artists chart; #3 on the Best Gospel Album chart, as well as Top 25 honors on both the Independent Albums chart and Adult R&B Songs chart. Still won two Grammy Awards in 2011. America America is BeBe Winans’ seventh solo release. It is inspired by the challenges millions of Americans now face on a daily basis. Throughout the album, Winans pours heart and soul into all-American classics including, “America the Beautiful,” “Lift Every Voice,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” “I have seen the power of music,” says Winans. “If we all come together, we all win. When our country is united, we find the path to success.”

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Susan G. Komen Bows To Pressure, Restores Planned Parenthood Grants

The Blessing — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:31:41 +0000

via:christianpost

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation announced on Friday that it has reversed course and will restore funding to Planned Parenthood.

A special announcement on the Komen website revealed that the cancer foundation is clarifying its policy changes to only disqualify groups based on conclusive criminal investigations and not “political” ones such as the federal inquiry currently taking place on Capitol Hill.

TLC Partners With ‘Real Housewives’ Producers for “Preacher Wives”

Elev8 — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:09:05 +0000

The network announced on Tuesday that it’s partnering with True Entertainment, the production company behind The Real Housewives of Atlanta, for a new reality series with the working title Preacher Wives. It will follow the “First Ladies” of Atlanta area churches.

Read:Game Show Network To Create Bible Based Show

“We are excited to work with TLC to profile the lives of these strong-willed women,” True Entertainment president Steven Weinstock says. “With most praise in religious communities directed towards male preachers, we are thrilled to give these remarkable ladies the spotlight they crave and deserve.”

The series will not only follow the women as they play out their role as preacher’s wives in the congregation, but also give a view of their home lives and how they balance both roles.

True Entertainment’s Weinstock and Glenda Hersh will serve as executive producers. The production company’s projects also include OWN’s Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes and Unfaithful, Logo’s The A-List, and Bravo’s Platinum Hit. TLC did not announce a projected airdate.

The series marks the network’s entire into the type of programming that has become the half-billion dollar reality gold of the Real Housewives franchise for Bravo, a formula that has been picked up by several other networks like VH1 and its Basketball Wives.

Make sure to follow Elev8 on twitter for updates.

Four Questions Before The Break-Up

Praise Houston — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:27:48 +0000

via: cnn.com (Oprah.com) -- After another endless fight, breaking up may feel like the only way out of this mess. But here are a few things to consider before calling it quits -- ask yourself these four questions first. Read more..

Kim Kardashian Tweets That She Is A Church Girl!

Elev8 — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:30:09 +0000

Several hours before the season finale of “Kourtney and Kim Take New York” aired last night, Kardashian attended a service at Life Change Community Church in Agoura Hills, Calif. Prior to the service she stated via Twitter, “I want to start a bible study group with my friends!”

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The events leading up to Kardashian’s widely publicized divorce of New Jersey Nets forward Kris Humphries became the focus of her show’s season finale, in which she could be seen frequently shedding tears over her unhealthy marriage.

But while the model and reality star’s Tweets on Sunday revealed her angst to see the season come to a close, she seemed excited to learn more about the Bible.

“On [my] way to church with the girls!” she posted on her way to the service in Southern California. Afterward she said that she “can’t wait” for next week’s service, which she indicated will feature a lesson about angels.

Kris Jenner, Kardashian’s mother, was also in attendance for the Sunday service. She Tweeted a message of thanks to the church’s pastor, Brad Johnson, for sharing a helpful sermon about “Toxic Family Members.

NYC Fights For Right To Disclose Zachery Tims’ Cause Of Death

The Blessing — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:47:22 +0000

via:christianpost

New York City authorities continue their fight to publicly disclose the cause and manner of death of Zachery Tims, the former senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC) in Apopka, Fla. Tims’ August death remains a mystery to the public as the legal battle between the minister’s family and the City continues.

The lawyers representing New York City and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) claimed in paperwork filed Friday, Jan. 27 that the minister’s mother, Madeline Tims, acting as the representative of Tims’ estate, has no legal standing to prevent officials from releasing the information on the cause of the pastor’s death.

Star Jones Returns To The View!

Elev8 — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:30:06 +0000

“The View” announced on Wednesday that Jones will appear on the daytime talk show on Feb. 22 to promote an awareness campaign about heart disease among women.

Walters and Jones had a falling out in 2006 when Jones, one of the five original co-hosts of the daytime chat show, exited “The View.” ABC decided not to renew her contract and Jones took Walters by surprise by announcing on June 27 that she would be leaving the show.

That exit came more quickly than expected. Walters wouldn’t allow her back the next day.

Read:Sherri Shepherd Admits She Would Be Lost Without Work

Walters later said that Jones had compelled her co-hosts to lie for her by not revealing that Jones had undergone gastric bypass surgery while on “The View.” Jones took her own shots, criticizing Walters for writing an autobiography that revealed details of an affair.

The women later had something serious in common. Both underwent open heart surgery to repair faulty heart valves within two months of each other in 2010. Jones is coming back to the show to discuss her involvement in the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” public information campaign.

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U.S. Crime Figures Down Amid High Jobless Rate

The Blessing — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:53:19 +0000

via:christianpost

Although the global economy has been suffering since 2008 and millions of Americans remain unemployed, communities across the U.S. are witnessing a downward trend in crime rates- leaving some experts baffled.

Statistics recently released by the FBI indicate that both violent crimes and property crimes decreased substantially from the first six months of 2011, compared to the first six months of 2010.

American Idol Lands In Houston!

Praise Houston — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:00:05 +0000

via: news92fm.com Tonight on the “American Idol” show, the spotlight will shine on the Lone Star State! The auditions from Houston, Texas will air on tonight’s episode. Read More ... Read more..

TD Jakes Says Nightclubs Integrate Better Than Churches

Praise Houston — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:07:35 +0000

ChristianPost.com is reporting that Pastors T.D. Jakes of the Potter’s House and Jack Graham from Prestonwood Baptist Church recently held a pastors’ conference about the racial divide that still exists in church congregations. They both believe racism is still prevalent inside and outside the church body.

Question of the day:

Do you feel that segregation still exists in churches? Do you attend a multi-culturally diverse church?

President Obama and Arizona Republican Governor Have Confrontation

Praise Houston — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:34:32 +0000

via: heraldsun.com According to reporters at the scene, Gov Brewer could be seen pointing her finger at the president during their brief exchange, before Mr Obama walked away. Gov Brewer later said the president had been upset about a passage in her recent book in which she described a meeting between the two at the White House. Read more..

Oprah’s “Next Chapter” To Feature Bishop TD Jakes

Elev8 — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:30:26 +0000

The Oprah Winfrey Network confirmed Tuesday that as part of her new prime-time series, “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” Winfrey will interview Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas.

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“The series, which features Oprah as she steps outside of the studio for riveting, enlightening and in-depth conversations with newsmakers, celebrities, thought leaders and real-life families, will expand to air part two of her in-depth interviews starting Monday, January 30,” the network announced.

Winfrey will be visiting Jakes at his 30,000-member church, but the network did not reveal when the visit will be made nor when the recording of her visit with the megachurch pastor would air. Jakes, also an author and filmmaker, broadcasts his sermons on “The Potter’s Touch,” which airs on a variety of Christian broadcasting networks, including Trinity Broadcasting Network and Black Entertainment Television.According to the Dallas pastor’s official website, Jakes has been named “America’s Best Preacher” by Time Magazine and ranks among the 25 Most Influential African-Americans.

Read: “Oprah’s Next Chapter” Focuses In On Joel Osteen

Winfrey previously interviewed televangelist Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.

If Jakes’ interview is anything like Osteen’s, viewers will be discussing the episode long after it airs. In their Jan. 8 interview, Winfrey questioned Osteen on his ego, the criticism he receives from both nonbelievers and believers, and his monetary income.

Click here to read more.

GMC Seeks Faith & Family Screenwriters For Screenplay Competition

Elev8 — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:30:58 +0000

GMC, America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment, announced today that it is partnering with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) on the second annual GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition. The competition, promoting the development of faith friendly family entertainment screenplays, with a focus on the American Black cultural experience, is a component of GMC’s “Official Sponsorship” of Film Life’s 16^th annual ABFF event, which is the pre-eminent festival promoting cultural diversity within the film and television industry. The 2012 ABFF will be held June 20-23 in Miami.

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Submissions for the GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition are being solicited now through March 15 by the ABFF through the organization’s web site (http://abff.com/festival/) and newsletter. All eligible screenplays received will be sent to GMC for review by a select panel, which will choose three finalists. The three finalists will have portions of their screenplay performed by actors in attendance at the festival and in front of a live audience of festival attendees and industry tastemakers. One Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000.

“We are thrilled to renew our partnership with ABFF to present the GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition for a second year,” said Wendy McCoy, vice president of marketing at GMC. “The response to last year’s competition was extremely successful generating over 130 submissions across various genres such as family, adventure, romantic comedy and drama. We look forward to producing and premiering last year’s winner Raising Izzie and finalist Somebody’s Child on GMC this year and to finding additional exciting projects in this year’s Competition.”

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Brad Siegel, vice-chairman of GMC, added, “We take pride in the fact that the GMC’s Faith and Family Screenplay Competition is a natural extension of our network’s commitment to showcase inspiring multicultural themed faith friendly family stories. As we begin production on last year’s winning screenplay, Raising Izzie, it solidifies that our partnership with ABFF and this Competition is a valuable proving ground to bring these stories to life.”

Entries for GMC’s Faith and Family Screenplay Competition should: be formatted for a two-hour television movie, or approximately 88 minutes of content excluding commercials; center around faith-friendly, family-friendly topics with a focus on the American Black cultural experience with a wide audience appeal, and; focus on genres/formats that tell these inspiring stories like romantic comedies, comedies, dramas and family adventures. All submissions should be a non-period piece, and; submitted in a printed form only. Electronic entries will not be accepted. Submissions should be mailed to: GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition 2012, c/o Film Life, Inc., 116 West 23^rd Street, 5^th Floor, New York, NY. All submission materials must be received no later than 5 p.m., Thursday, March 15^th.

In the inaugural GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition the Grand Prize was presented to writer David Martyn Conley for his original screenplay Raising Izzie, a story of two young orphaned sisters and the caring teacher who changed their lives. Raising Izzie, which starts production in March in Atlanta, will be produced and directed by former ABFF award winner Roger M. Bobb (For Colored Girls, “House of Payne”). Bobb is the only two time winner of the Best Film Award at the ABFF. Raising Izzie will premiere on GMC in July and have its premier at this year’s Festival.

Last year’s runner-up winner, Somebody’s Child, an original screenplay written by Siddeeqah Powell, is in pre-production and will premiere on GMC in August

Supreme Court Ruling Favors Texas in Redistricting

The Blessing — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:41:23 +0000

Story by: Ariane de Vogue

via:abcnews

The Supreme Court today threw out interim redistricting maps drawn by a federal court in Texas saying the court had not paid enough deference to maps drawn by the Republican dominated state legislature.

The unsigned unanimous decision will clarify a controversy in the state that has already lead to a delay in the Texas primary.

Octavia Spencer Quotes Martin Luther King Jr. In Acceptance Speech

Elev8 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:38:05 +0000

Octavia Spencer won Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for The Help last night at the 2012 Golden Globes Awards. During her acceptance speech, Octavia quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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“This is seriously nuts. Thank you to the Hollywood Foreign Press, seriously, You know, with regard to domestics in this country, now and then, I think Dr. King said it best, ‘All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance,’ and I thank you for recognizing that with our film. After generations of exclusion and invisibility, we are so grateful to Octavia for helping bring recognition and light to this workforce. And we’re thankful for all of the performances in The Help that gave life and dignity to domestic workers’ stories.”

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