Remembering Actor Chadwick Boseman

42 IS BACK IN THEATERS LABOR DAY WEEKEND: Actor Chadwick Boseman's death shocked moviegoers, and left "Black Panther" fans all over the world heartbroken. Boseman who had been waging a private battle against colon cancer died at the age of 43. The beloved actors' star and popularity transcends the silver screen. In addition to some of his most iconic movies being back in theaters, Varion Walton shows us one of Chadwick's authentic connections to the Tennessee Valley.  She also fills us in on a new "call to action" for self care, plus open and honest dialogue about raising the awareness of this silent killer.

NEW MUSIC: Stokley-Vibrant Ft. Snoop Dogg

VIBING WITH VIBRANT:---It's the perfect summer jam sure to keep you on the dance floor. Grammy nominated singer Stokley teams up with Snoop Dogg with a little diddy that's climbing the charts. The new video, 'Vibrant' premiered on BETher and BET Soul earlier this month.

Directed by Josh Sikkema, the video serves up all the summer fun in the sun and is the perfect anthem for family get-togethers.

The infectious hook-laden 'Vibrant' has already exploded onto radio stations around the country with airplay in top radio markets, further affirming Stokely’s reputation and skills to produce chart-topping hits.

The single was produced by Stokley and written by hitmaking duo Shakespeare! (Justin Beiber, The Internet). After nine weeks on the charts, “Vibrant” is sitting in the “Top 20” on both the Billboard and Mediabase UAC charts and showing no signs of stopping. The highly-spirited track invokes variations of any classic two-step, high energy dance track for any virtual summer setting.

"Vibrant" is Stokley's second single off the forthcoming sophomore album Sankofa out later this year. The single "She" hit #1 after 28 weeks on the charts, and now "Vibrant" is clearly on its way climbing the charts.  

Check out Stokley's other sizzling summer single, "She" (click here) 

CLUB QUARANTINE-"BATTLE OF THE VERZUZS"

ERYKA BADU AND JILL SCOTT-HOME ALONE, TOGETHER

"Battle of The Verzuzs, Feminine Style!"

(Somewhere Over The World Wide Web)---May 9, 2020---In the words of McFadden and Whitehead, "Ain't No Stopping Us Now!" This week two other "mega hitmakers" took that declaration to another level when they infiltrated the internet in a "Battle of the Verzes" in the mist of the coronavirus pandemic.

Grammy winners Erykah Badu and Jill Scott faced-off on Instagram LIVE and everyone, including the "Forever First Lady" Michelle Obama was here for it!

Spike Lee, Janet Jackson, Tamar Braxton, Niece Nash, and Ludacris were among 700-thousands fans who grabbed a cocktail and headed to the VIP conveniently set in their own homes.

"Club Quarantine Battles"were introduced by popular producers  Swiss Beatz and Timbaland.  The concept turned even more heads  when singer/songwriters Baby Face and Teddy Riley squared-off, satisfying for music starved fan seeking live performances during the national quarantine.

Saturday night's "showdown" was the first between two female performers. Jill Scott and Erykah Badu, considered "game changers" in their own right complimented each other, sharing tender tidbits on how, even after several hits about relationships  still struggle with heartbreak and insecurities. 

The industry icons who appeared more like friends than foes were in the LIVE chat room for more than 3 hours, trading hits, reminiscing about being on tour together in the early years.

Both taking a few moments to dispel any rumors of catfights and an on-going feud. "Love your sister, " Love your brother.  Recognize and celebrate each other.  There's room in the inn for everyone," Scott said.

After 48 hours in which the music industry suffered the losses of entertainment mogul Andre Harrell and Rock and Roll architect Little Richard, the entertainment world appeared to be more than ready for the soothing, incense-scented vibe of this 'fiercely feminine' duo.

Good time had by all, including the headliners.

VETERAN BROADCASTER IRENE JOHNSON WARE DIES

REMEMBERING RADIO PIONEER, IRENE J. WARE

(Mobile, AL)--She was the original "total package!" Irene Johnson-Ware was a loving, witty, razor sharp, generous philanthropist who died empty.

When she wasn't setting fashion trends, Mrs. Ware was breaking the "glass ceiling," by becoming the General Manager of WGOK-AM in Mobile, Alabama in 1961.

Photo: Estate of Irene Johnson-Ware

Together, she and her beloved husband, Ronnie Ware changed gospel music scene in The Southeast and beyond. Both recognized by ASCAP, BMI, CBS Records and The Stellar Awards for their work in the industry.

On a personal note, I shall never forget how her infectious spirit opened doors for young, impressionable girls. With her trademark smile and audacity of hope for a better way of life, Mrs. Ware urged city leaders in the aftermath of the civil rights era to provide quality housing for underprivileged children and their families in The Port City.

I will truly miss our quiet times together, especially the moments celebrating Valentine's Day, holidays and birthdays.

Photo Credit: Varion Walton-VisionVoiceVarion

I always loved hearing her stories about all of the Gospel Greats like Aretha Franklin, The Clarke Sisters and many others. 

She will forever be remembered as an influential, Mobile resident "quintessential lady." In her death, she leaves behind a generation of other "fiercely feminine," up and coming media moguls who will always look to her life as a template for success.

After many weeks of declining health that was non-covid related, God Almighty finally called her home to be at rest. Irene Johnson-Ware, a faithful servant who leaves behind a lasting legacy. 

In closing, I thank God for our time together. The moments and memories will forever be implanted in my bereaved heart.    

Photo Credit: Varion Walton-VisionVoiceVarion 

I found an impromptu interview from her home, in 2016 when the City of Mobile came together to honor her life and work. 

Please take a to share in the moment I was so blessed to have with this rare and special woman. Rest in paradise, Mrs. Ware. Your "BRIGHTER DAYS" are now eternal! 

For More Information on the legacy of Mrs. Irene Johnson Ware, visit ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE:  https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/195826/veteran-broadcaster-irene-johnson-ware-has-died?fbclid=IwAR2v-is7xni7kExtFzL-F4n68zzUgZ9dGH02bpfUiZKI6zzva-uiXUJEuLE

"SHE" MADE IT!

STOKLEY'S "SHE" BILLBOARD'S NUMBER 1 SINGLE

(New York, NY)--April 22, 2020--Stokley's "SHE" snags the Number 1 Spot on Billboard! Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer Stokley is celebrating the success of his hit single “SHE” as it conquers the #1 spot on both the Billboard and Mediabase UAC charts after 28 weeks. 

Written by Stokley & Carvin Haggins and produced by Stokley, “SHE” has taken the airwaves by storm receiving support from stations across the country including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and Cleveland as well as SiriusXM and Music Choice among other streaming music platforms. 

The female boasting single that celebrates women has become a fan favorite. The single is accompanied by a very sexy video that was directed by Josh Sikemma and continues to celebrate women as well as gives a new sensual view of Stokley that many fans have never experienced before.

“I want to thank all of the fans for all the energy, loyalty and love,” states Stokley. “This is just a precursor of what’s to come. You all are my relentless #1s.” 

“SHE” is Stokley’s first career #1 and third top-five chart-topping single since he launched his solo career with the release of his album Introducing Stokley, which produced singles “Organic” and “Level.” “SHE” is the lead single off of Stokley’s forthcoming sophomore album Sankofa due out this summer. 

For more information on the new single and tour dates log onto www.istokley.com--StrongArm Media 

CORONA CHRONICLES--ESSENCE 2020 CANCELLED

NEW ORLEANS MAYOR SUGGESTS NO LARGE EVENTS UNTIL 2021


Its Official, Essence Fest 2020 has been cancelled. 
Here’s the official word from event organizers. 

STATEMENT FROM ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. ON THE 2020 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE

(April 22, 2020)--New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell bravely recommended yesterday that no large events take place in New Orleans in 2020, and ESSENCE fully supports that decision. After continued monitoring of the evolving developments in the COVID-19 global pandemic and remaining in close contact and collaboration with our partners in the City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana, we are confirming today that we will no longer move forward with the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture live experience – and look forward to returning to New Orleans in 2021. 

We are excited to now announce that our ‘ESSENCE Benefit Series to Fight COVID-19’ will raise money and provide support for businesses and organizations in Black communities across the country, and that our first-ever ESSENCE Festival of Culture: The Virtual Edition taking place over July 4th weekend will be included in this effort as a multi-day experience and benefit celebration. This Festival will be hosted on our new ESSENCE Studios streaming platform, which will extend the experience to communities everywhere providing unfettered access to the power, purpose and party that has made the ESSENCE Festival the largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience in the world. Women across the globe and their families will engage in interactive, live opportunities to be inspired, empowered, entertained and transformed as they enter a new economic, spiritual and wellness journey ahead. The virtual Festival will be a benefit celebration in honor and support of the City of New Orleans, which has been an incredible partner over the Festival’s 26 years and continues to be especially hard hit during this crisis.

From the beginning, we have shared that the health, safety and well-being of our Festival-goers, local citizens and others who contribute to making the Festival such a unique experience were our top concerns and would be the foremost considerations in our decision-making. While we initially hoped that a reschedule from our July 2020 dates to later in the fall would be feasible, current information and projections by public health officials and agencies have made it increasingly clear that any large-scale events this year could potentially and unnecessarily put attendees and surrounding communities at risk. So, what would have typically been a very difficult decision for us was not because people come first, and we will continue to do everything that we can to serve our community during this time. We will honor all tickets sold for the 2020 Festival in 2021 and will also offer full refunds. Ticket holders should visit www.essencefestival.com for further information.

‘ESSENCE and the City of New Orleans have a partnership that thrives in good times and is made even stronger in challenging times,” said Mayor Cantrell. ‘We share an uncompromised commitment to the best interest of our local community and our tourist community, and the priorities right now are providing support to those who have been affected by the disproportionate impact of the pandemic here in New Orleans and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to our great city in 2021 for the return of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture and to once again helping to create such an unmatched and magical experience.”

‘We greatly appreciate the Essence family for working with the City of New Orleans and Louisiana as we face this ongoing public health crisis,’ said Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana. ‘We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Essence family and look forward to continuing the celebration in 2021.’

We continue to understand that in these times, accurate information and critical resources from trusted sources are vital. So, ESSENCE created the ESSENCE of the Matter: COVID-19’s Impact on Black America digital platform to provide Black women and communities with the tools, information, resources, solutions, inspiration and empowerment needed to address the multitude of issues arising from this pandemic. ESSENCE Studios will deliver these live virtual experiences and produce the content our community needs as we continue to navigate this unprecedented time together and beyond. Experiences to date have included our first-ever virtual ESSENCE Wellness Houseä and ESSENCE CARES Act information sessions, with the next – the ESSENCE & New Voices Entrepreneur Summit – included in our Benefit Series and scheduled for Friday, April 24. Visit www.essence.com for more information. In addition, our editorial team is producing daily content on our dedicated page to educate our community on the coronavirus, its impact, best practices for prevention and how we can not only survive, but thrive, through this time.’

NOTHING COMPARES TO YOU: REMEMBERING PRINCE

THE DAY THE MUSIC STOPPED!


(New Orleans, LA.)--Few have influenced a generation musically like Prince Rogers Nelson. Live on eternally in Paradise, Prince! This week marks 4 years since your voice was silenced. Time has done little to heal the holes left in our hearts. 

Essence Music Festival 2014

Essence Music Festival 2014

Essence Music Festival 2014

(Photo Credit: Artist Photographer during Essence Music Festival 2014-New Orleans) 




#RememberingAnIcon 
#PrinceRogersNelson 
#4YrsWithoutTheGift 
#EMF2014