2023 McDonald’s Gospelfest
The McDonald’s Gospelfest will be making its triumphant return to the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, during Mother’s Day weekend to celebrate it’s 40th anniversary. Live Gospelfest concerts were sidelined during the pandemic in 2020, and the shows were presented virtually between 2021 and 2022. This year’s line features Bishop Hezekiah Walker, the Clark Sisters, Stephanie Mills, Kim Burrell, Dr. Jamal Bryant and Byron Cage on Saturday, May 13th. The McDonald’s Gospelfest Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded this year to Dr. Cissy Houston, a New Jersey native and mother of the late Whitney Houston, who has been a part of McDonald’s Gospelfest since its inception. In addition, there will be a “Mother of the Year Award,” honoring two local mothers.
Kierra Sheard-Kelly Releases Book “The Vibes You Feel”
Grammy-nominated gospel artist Kierra “Kiki” Sheard-Kelly has released a new inspirational book “The Vibes You Feel” for teens and young women that explores what it means to listen to God’s voice and better understand the “vibes” and intuition the Spirit uses as guidance. The book is filled with personal lessons shared by Kierra and supported by empowering scriptural promises. “The Vibes You Feel” will also offer encouragement and support for navigating today’s world, solid biblical truths and scriptural and advice along with guidance and actionable steps.
CeCe Winans to Host 2nd Annual “Generations Live” Women’s Conference
Gospel legend CeCe Winans will be hosting and will also serve as a speaker during her 2nd annual Generations Live women’s conference during Mother’s Day weekend in Nashville, TN. The two-day conference, which will be held in-person and via livestream, will be held May 12th -13th and is a collaborative effort with its partner, Compassion International. The lineup of speakers includes Pastor Dawn Chere Wilkerson, author Jackie Hill Perry, singers Nicole C. Mullen, Naomi Raine and Charity Gayle, and trauma therapist and life coach Dr. Anita Phillips. CeCe’s mother and daughter, Ashley Phillips, and Delores “Mom” Winans, who serve as co-hosts for her “Generations” YouTube show, will also join the event as speakers.
The Hawkins Family Named as Honorees for 2023 Black Music Honors
Gospel trailblazers The Hawkins Family will be among this year’s honorees that will be celebrated at this year’s 2023 Black Music Honors event. The event will be taped live at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta on Friday, May 19th. The show will be co-hosted by singer/actress LeToya Luckett and actor DeRay Davis. Black Music Honors will be a night of music exceptional performances, heartfelt speeches, and timeless memories. The televised special will premiere on Central City Productions’ Stellar TV network in conjunction with Black Music Month on June 3 and will then air nationally in syndication on Saturday, June 10th – Sunday, July 2nd.
Last Words…
Wedding Bells are Ringing for Bishop Marvin Sapp’s Namesake Son
Marvin Sapp, Jr., the sole son of gospel legend Bishop Marvin Sapp, married his fiancée Arica Nelson on May 3, 2023. The couple have been engaged for a little less than a year. The marriage is a positive new beginning for the Sapp family, who just thirteen years ago had to deal with the sudden death of MaLinda Sapp, who passed away due to stage 4 colon cancer on September 9, 2010. After her passing, Marvin was left to raise their three children on his own. The 28-year-old Marvin Sapp Jr., who also goes by Jamar Prince, is a Howard University graduate. On his social media, the senior Marvin Sapp shared, “I’m proud to see my children grow into successful adults and create their own families.”
