Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music Win Top Honors for BET
Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin received top honors in this year’s BET Awards. BET Awards 2023 was broadcast live from Los Angeles, CA on June 25th. Kirk and the Maverick City Music collective received the prestigious Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for the song “Bless Me,” one of the featured collaborations recorded on the live Kingdom Book One album that was recorded live together with 1,300 inmates in a Florida prison yard. The Kingdom Book One project was the ultimate moment in ministry created to shed light on the issue of mass incarceration while also serving as a testament to the transformative power of God’s love, offering solace and restoration. This award was the fifth received for this project. They previously received a 2023 NAACP Image Award and three Grammy Awards.
Inductees Announced for Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame
The Black American Music Association and the Georgia Entertainment Caucus collaboratively announced the ceremony and plans for the upcoming Black Music Month Class of 2023 Induction. The Black Music Month Induction will recognize and honor trailblazing artists, iconic entertainers, and luminaries who have impacted both Black culture and the community at large. This year’s inductees include gospel superstar Marvin Sapp and Mahalia Jackson, who will posthumously be bestowed the honor for her legacy of within Gospel music. The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of FameCrown Jewel of Excellence Black Music Month Class of 2023Induction ceremony will be held October 26, 2023.
Tragedy Strikes Louisiana Pastor and Wife
In an attempted murder-suicide, 25-year-old Louisiana pastor Danny Prenell, Jr. shot his wife, 27-year-old Gabrielle Prenell, twice before shooting himself once. Prenell the pastor of the Bright Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Pineville, LA, was said to have bad a history of domestic violence is now hospitalized in Mississippi where he is now been charged with one count of aggravated domestic violence, disturbing a business and disorderly conduct. Prenell however is not facing an attempted murder charge. The reasoning behind this has not been disclosed. Prenell had shot his wife, then himself while their children were present. Prenell’s wife is in stable condition.
The Reunion Tour Announced
A long-awaited reunion and collective of gospel super-talents have recently announced a Fall reunion tour. “The Reunion Tour” announced by Kirk Franklin will feature Kirk, Israel Houghton, The Clark Sisters, David and Tamela Mann, Tye Tribbett and special guests New Breed, The Family, and God’s Property. Fans will most certainly be delighted to have the massive collective of talent take the stage together to perform so many vintage gospel classics from over the decades. The tour which will be making 29 U.S. stops, kicks off on October 1st in Boston and will continue into late November, with the last stop scheduled in Fort Worth, TX. The pre-sale for the tour began on June 20th.
Last Words…
Christian Influencers Headed to Las Vegas
The Christian Influencer Convention (CIC) headed to Las Vegas on July 26, 2023. It’s an inaugural event seeking to unite faith-driven influencers, content creators, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs to strengthen, empower, and foster unity within the broader community of believers. Seasoned content creators, and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as those simply looking to deepen their faith are all invited to come and witness the power of love and faith and celebrate Christian figures who have touched the lives of millions with their uplifting messages and heartening stories. The convention will feature an array of panel discussions designed to inspire personal and spiritual growth and build a stronger sense of belonging within the Christian community.
