Pastor Kim Burrell Apologizes for “Broken an Ugly” Comments
ospel singer Kim Burrell has been the focus of harsh backlash after referring to churchgoers as “broke and ugly” while giving a sermon during the CCIF Holy Convocation 2022 on July 13th at the Kingdom City Church in Charlotte, NC. Pastor Burrell was billed on the event as a musical guest not a preacher, took the platform and made comments about churchgoers’ appearances, their finances, PPP loans and COVID vaccines. After a video of the event went viral on social media, Burrell drew criticism from fans and others prompting her to issue an online apology that was soon retracted and replaced with a personal video explaining that the initial lackluster response came from her attorney. For many, this incident was reminiscent of similar criticism the singer drew back in 2017 for delivering an anti-gay sermon. That incident resulted in talk show host Ellen DeGeneres canceling a taping that Burrell was set to appear in.
Christian Singer Amy Grant Named as a 2022 Kennedy Center Honoree
The Kennedy Center has named their 2022 honorees for the upcoming ceremony in December. The 45th Annual Kennedy Center Honors will feature the customary reception hosted at the White House by the secretary of state on the eve of the ceremony. Christian artist Amy Grant was named among this year’s honorees which include Gladys Knight, U2, Tania Leonand George Clooney. The Honors recognizes the full body of works and cumulative contributions of artists over the decades. David Rubenstein, the chairman of the Kennedy’s Center noted that Amy Grant was the first artist to bring Christian music to the forefront of American culture. The broadcast of the ceremony will air on CBS and is typically held during the first weekend of December.
Nashville Singer Dies One Month After Debut in “Elvis” Movie
Shonka Dukureh, the actress/singer who portrayed Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton in the recently released biographical musical film “Elvis,” was found dead in her Nashville apartment last Thursday. Nashville police did not provide a cause of death but confirmed there was no foul play involved. Dukureh, who was 44 years old was the mother of two young children. “Elvis” was her first major release. In an Instagram posted the week before her passing, she spoke of her breakthrough role saying “Gratefulness is where I live cuz my granny, gmama, momma, family modeled and instilled it in me. It isn’t a posture of less than or crumbs scraping, but one that acknowledges good things aren’t a guarantee and when we encounter them thankfulness, gratefulness is the least we can express.”
Homegoing Services Held for Gospel Singer Nancy Carree Wilson
Pioneering soloist Nancy Carree Wilson passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022, at her residence. Pastor Wilson who was the founder of New Beginnings Community Outreach Churchin Greensboro, NC would have been 74 next month. She was highly regarded as a soloist and choir director who conducted workshops and recorded an album entitled “Designed for Worship.” Pastor Wilson had also served as the host of “Gospel Expo,” a long-running television program which aired on ABC and FOX over twenty years. Pastor Wilson, a native of Greensboro, NC, was the mother of three adult children including Isaac Carree of the Stellar Award-winning group, Men of Standard. Her celebration of life service was held Friday, July 22, 2022, at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Women’s Empowerment Event Returns to Raleigh, NC
After being sidelined for two straight years due to COVID-19, the Women’s Empowerment event will be making its triumphant return to the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on Saturday, July 30th 11:00 am – 3:00pm.. Women’s Empowerment is a day of seminars, panel discussions, and musical entertainment from guests and panel participants, including Tamela Mann, Byron Cage, Erica Campbell, Gene Hoskinsand others.TV talk show host Sherri Shepherd will serve as the featured speaker for the return event. This year’s theme is “Faith, Family & Career” will pay special homage to women who have overcome two years of uncertainty, virtual learning, social distancing and working from home. Women’s Empowerment will provide attendees with a day of spiritual respite and needed self-care.
