February 2019

ESSENCE FESTIVAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE LINE-UP

2019 ESSENCE FESTIVAL UNVEILS EPIC 25TH ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE LINE-UP

– Nation’s largest annual consumer event celebrates 25th Anniversary during Fourth of July weekend –

– 80+ of the world’s most talented and creative artists gather for a 3-day, can’t-miss musical “homecoming” –

– Special performances celebrate two of music’s most seminal albums –

Mary J. Blige’s ‘My Life’ and NAS’ ‘Illmatic’ – marking 25-year anniversaries in 2019

– Hosted by LONI LOVE and Music by D-NICE –

July 4-7, New Orleans, LA

The ESSENCE Festival®, the world’s largest entertainment and cultural experience, celebrates its 25th anniversary during Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans and today unveiled part one of its epic 25th anniversary performance line-up.  The impressive schedule currently features more than 80 of the most talented and creative artists from across the globe.  More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

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USHER SET TO HEADLINE KENTUCKY DERBY’S TRIFECTA GALA

R&B superstar and Grammy Award winning singer Usher has been tapped to headline The 2019 Trifecta Gala, the premiere Derby Eve event of the Kentucky Derby, on Friday, May 3, 2019 at The YUM! Center in downtown Louisville.  The Trifecta Gala, recognized by Churchill Downs as an official Kentucky Derby event, is an annual philanthropic celebration presented by former NBA star and Heartland Coca-Cola CEO Junior Bridgeman and his family. Slated to perform during the Gala’s latter portion, Usher, who is known for his distinct style, soulful voice, and electrifying dance moves, will entertain Derby attendees with back up dancers and various songs from his chart-topping hits during the exclusive and special performance. “We are truly excited about partnering with Usher for the 2019 Trifecta Gala,” said event host Eden Bridgeman.  “His talents as an international entertainer will bring an unprecedented energy and guaranteed first-class entertainment to our event and to the Kentucky Derby festivities. Having a star like Usher headline our event will be crucial in helping us raise money and awareness around the charities and organizations our family hopes to support.” Sponsored by Coca-Cola and Boeing, The 2019 Trifecta Gala will benefit several charities that have partnered with the Bridgeman Charitable Group for this special occasion, including the V Foundation, The Louisville West End School, and The University of Louisville Autism Center. The fun-filled fete, an official event of the Kentucky Derby Festival, will include a night of food and beverages, a silent auction, and a plethora of who’s who from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Additional celebrity guests for this high-profile event will be announced in the coming weeks, and ticket sales and sponsorship information for ‘The Trifecta’ 2019 Derby Eve Gala are available at www.trifectagala.com.

Police sources: New evidence suggests Jussie Smollett orchestrated attack

Law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation tell CNN that Chicago Police believe actor Jussie Smollet paid two men to orchestrate an assault on him that he repo
The sources told CNN the two men are now cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Smollett told authorities he was attacked early January 29 by two men who were “yelling out racial and homophobic slurs.” He said one attacker put a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him.

NAACP CHAIRMAN’S AWARD TO BE PRESENTED TO CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS DURING ’50th NAACP IMAGE AWARDS’

The NAACP announced today that Congresswoman Maxine Waters will be honored with the prestigious NAACP Chairman’s Award which is bestowed in recognition of individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change. Leon W. Russell, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, will present Congresswoman Maxine Waters with the award at the 50th NAACP Image Awards on March 30, 2019 live at 9pm/8c on TV One.

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“Unsung” Featuring Lloyd, Adina Howard, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Shirley Murdock and More

UNSUNG celebrates the lives of trailblazing musicians whose full stories and journey have yet to be explored. This season promises memorable stories of influential artists including R&B heartthrob Lloyd, 90s songstress Adina Howard, 80s family band The Jets, singer/songwriter Shirley Murdock, house music legend Crystal Waters, crooner Glenn Jones, vocalist Kenny Lattimore and contemporary gospel musician Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Through first-hand accounts, interviews with family and friends, and archival footage, each episode weaves a tale of the highs and lows of a life in the limelight.
https://youtu.be/sfvJVqvByTA

NFL Sons and Moms Super Bowl-A-Thon

Atlanta’s own Legendary NFL all Pro Bowler RoddyWhite., Former NFL Wide Receiver of the Atlanta Falcons; DeShaun Foster; Former NFL Running Back of the Carolina Panthers; Mike Boley., Former NFL Linebacker of the New York Giants; Keary Colbert., Former NFL Wide Receiver of the Carolina Panthers and host of other professional athletes came together to raise money for TACA (Autism) and Epilepsy with a “Super-Bowl-A-Thon” at BowlMor In Atlanta.

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