BEHIND THE MASK CONFERENCE 2026

LABOR DAY SALE

(NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA)--We’ve got exciting news! In honor of Labor Day, we’re offering a special holiday registration rate for the Behind the Mask Conference.

 September 1 – 5, 2025 only

 $75 Standard Registration Only

 Seats are limited, and once they’re gone, this price will not be available again.

We know March 2026 may feel far away, but this life-changing weekend is one you don’t want to put off. Now is the perfect time to lock in your spot and start anticipating a time of renewal, empowerment, and connection with your sisters.

So, call your circle, text your bestie, and spread the word, because Behind the Mask 2026 will be unforgettable, and these holiday savings make it the perfect moment to register.

REGISTER NOW AT: BEHIND THE MASK WEBSITE

Don’t wait! Secure your seat today and be part of something extraordinary!

                                                

                                                         

A NIGHT OF SMOOTH JAZZ AND COOL VOCALS

DARLENE HILL AND FRIENDS

(MOBILE, ALABAMA) ---Mobile, Pensacola, and surrounding areas, have you heard? The legendary vibraphonist and percussionist Darlene Hill is performing for one night only at The Calirojae Event Center in Mobile. 

Check out "Darlene and Friends" at the Smooth Jazz Explosion, Sunday, October 12th. "Fall is definitely heating up with this one!" Get your tickets today!!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

 LABOR DAY: The perfect time to “relax and recharge!” Enjoy the long holiday weekend. See you Tuesday of next week!  #OfficialEndOfSummer #WheresTheCookout

Marty McDonald on expanding "Elle Olivia" to more Target stores nationwide

"Audacity Meets Opportunity!"

(Chattanooga, Tennessee)---More than two years ago, Marty McDonald sat down with CBS Mornings to share the story behind her incredible journey. Today, she’s back where it all began—on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga—as the keynote speaker for the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga’s Entrepreneur Power Lunch.

           

A wife, mother, certified interior designer—and the first Black woman to earn a degree in Interior Design from UTC—Marty has also added ‘author’ to her list of achievements. Her new book, Audacious, is available now on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Before we hear from her today, let’s revisit that conversation where Marty revealed what started it all and why she finally decided to ‘bet on herself.’  Check out Marty's interview with CBS Mornings at the top of the page.

A 'WHITE HOT" SUMMER CONCERT SERIES!""

"CHATTANOOGA, SOLD OUT AGAIN!!"

(DOWNTOWN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE)--Tomorrow night, Sunday, August 24th, The Velvet Chair Experience returns with another unforgettable evening of live music, storytelling, and soul. While this weekend’s show is completely sold out, the celebration continues all summer long.

Up next: our much-anticipated "ALL WHITE PARTY," where featured vocalist Karen Collins and Friends promise a white hot performance that you don’t want to miss.

I’m honored to serve as your host and emcee, and I invite you to join us for the next regular performance on Sunday, September 28th. Secure your seat now and be part of the magic that keeps Chattanooga talking.

Check out The Velvet Chair Experience website for more information on how you can RSVP for a table for you and your friends for the next performance, Sunday, September 28th. https://thevelvetchairexperience.com

NATIONAL RADIO DAY--HONORING THE MEMORY OF GINA BROWN

NATIONAL RADIO DAY

August 20, 2025

(New Orleans, Louisiana)--This week, I pause to remember my best friend, the late Gina Brown, a true queen of the airwaves.

A proud New Orleans native, Gina had a gift with a microphone that could move souls. She began her journey more than 30 years ago as the smooth Sunday Jazz Brunch host at Ninety-Three Blx in Mobile. And in her final days, she poured her heart into the mic at 102.3 WHIV FM New Orleans, where the mantra is “We honor independent voices.” Gina did just that, leaving her soul in the control room and in the hearts of listeners across the Crescent City.

Her beloved segment, “G’s Corner,” and her golden voice are deeply missed. On this day, we celebrate not just National Radio Day but the legacy of one of the greatest disc jockeys to ever do it, my dear friend, the late, great Gina Brown.

Miss you, babygirl, Varion

“When Legends Align: A Forgotten Interview, a Forever Memory”

 Remembering Singer/Songwriter Betty Wright 

(New Orleans, Louisiana)--Have you ever had a project you never quite found the time to finish?

Recently, I unearthed a true gem, an exclusive interview I did with the legendary R&B singer, Betty Wright. I always remembered it, not just because of the interview itself, but because my best friend, Gina Brown, was the concert promoter, and Gina was also the opening act that night, October 5, 2018, in New Orleans.

  

     (Photo Credit: Gus Bennett, New Orleans "The People Project!")

Who could’ve imagined that nearly seven years later, both Gina and Betty would no longer be with us?

Gina was more than a friend; she was family. And Betty Wright? She was Gina's early influence and musical hero. To see Gina shine that night alongside her icon was unforgettable. It’s been emotional revisiting this footage, but also comforting, like hearing their voices echo through time.

As I finally pieced this story together, I was also reminded of how many lives Betty touched, mentoring major artists, uplifting her daughters, and leaving a mark far beyond the stage.

So here’s the takeaway: don’t wait!  Finish the projects you’ve been putting off. You might just uncover a treasure worth sharing with the world.

"VERY VARION"- COMMAND ANCHOR IN DEMAND!

(MOBILE, ALABAMA)----"Sometimes, you have to extend a little grace to yourself. 💫 After 25+ years in TV news, I’ve found myself disheartened by where the industry is headed. Watching this old clip reminded me of the passion and purpose I once poured into every newscast. Was it all for nothing? I don’t think so. These memories remind me why I started—and why we must believe in a better, more purposeful future for journalism. Here’s to the comeback of the glory days. 🙏📺 

ACTOR MALCOM-JAMAL WARNER --GONE TOO SOON!

 MALCOM-JAMAL WARNER  1970-2025

(COSTA RICA, CENTRAL AMERICA)

"Clearly, we thought we had more time!"

The world is in a collective shock today with the heartbreaking news of Malcolm-Jamal Warner's unexpected passing at just 54 years old.  For many of us, Malcom will forever be remembered as the beloved "Theo Huxtable," the quick-witted, warm-hearted son from The Cosby Show who helped redefine the image of the Black Family life on television 

But Malcolm was so much more than a former child star. He was a seasoned actor, a thoughtful director, a gifted musician, and a powerful spoken-word artist. In recent years, he was coming into his own in deeply moving roles that showed the full scope of his talent, roles that proved his range, depth, and staying power in a tough industry. Did you know he won a Grammy?

This news comes as both a surprise and a sorrow. Malcolm had so much more to give, and we all felt there was still more to come. He was a quiet force, a true artist, and a steady presence in our cultural landscape.

Rest in peace, Sweet Prince. Your work here is done, and what a lasting legacy you leave behind.

Honoring a Living Legend: Mrs. Valena McCants

(Mobile, Alabama)--It brings me so much joy to celebrate a true trailblazer in education and guidance, Mrs. Valenia McCants. Long before the title “life coach” became a trend, she was one, pouring into students with wisdom, grace, and purpose at C.F. Vigor High School in the City of Prichard, Alabama.

Mrs. McCants is 100 years old and God has blessed her with a remarkable life and legacy. Her influence runs deep, touching not only my life but also reaching across three generations of my family. That kind of impact is rare, and it speaks volumes about her dedication, brilliance, and heart.

Mrs. Valena McCants 

I'm thrilled to see her celebrated in Our Southern Souls magazine. I encourage all my Vigor High classmates and fellow educators across Mobile to take a moment and read HERstory—a story of strength, compassion, and fierce femininity.

👉🏽 Read and be inspired: www.oursouthernsouls.com

Thank you, Mrs. McCants, for lighting the way for so many of us.