Chicago
unites with Alabama was a huge success recently when Pastor Deandre
Patterson and Donald Buster Woods spearheaded a gospel concert to raise funds to help
college students and victims of the state hit hard by killer tornados.
President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency for the Alabama areas
affected by the twisters. Let’s continue to pray for our sisters and brothers.
Dr.
Luvonia Whitly
celebrated 25 years in radio. To climax the recent celebration she had, she
invited a bevy of women who inspired her during her career, including Pam
Morris, Angela Martin, Karen Fletcher, Sandra Robinson, Janet Sutton, Sonya
Blakely and Rev. Felicia Campbell.
Lonnie
Hunter is telling
the world in his brand new single "I'm Back!" Hunter signed to Blacksmoke
records and is among the top five selling gospel CD. "I'm Back is an
anthem for believers who didn't give up during the struggle" said Hunter.
The former minister of music for St. Mark Church Cathedral in Harvey, Ill. now
works with Bishop David Evans in New Jersey.
Congrats
to Ricky Dillard and New Generation Chorale on the new single “God is Great.”
The Stellar Award-winning choir celebrated with an “all white” album release
concert at St. Mark Cathedral. Dillard is adamant about continuing the choir
sound as part of the worship experience. His latest project, “Keeping Alive”,
is burning up the billboard charts.
Kudos
are in order for “Your Gospel Sister” Pam Morris who was tapped once again to head
Gospel Music Day during the Taste of Chicago on June 26. Due to budget cuts,
the city cut the Gospel Music Festival to one day to take place during the
Taste of Chicago. Local talent will be featured for a salute to Mahalia Jackson
and a tribute to the Queen of Gospel, the late Albertina Walker. Word has it
that Donald Lawrence will close out Gospel Music Day. We will keep you posted
for schedules and times.
In the
meantime, Bishop Larry Trotter is getting serious as he pushes to outlaw Blunt-brand wraps
used in marijuana. “Having this product in mainstream stores in Chicago is like
having drug pushers in our neighborhoods,” said the pastor of Sweet Holy Spirit
Church who is looking to spread awareness throughout Cook County.
Farewell
blessings to Oprah Winfrey who has left a stellar legacy in Chicago and the world
for the past 25 years. May the next chapter of her life and the OWN (Oprah
Winfrey Network) be even greater … the world is waiting.
Happy
bday blessings to Donald Lawrence.
“Remember
you are Blessed by the Best!”
Effie
Rolfe is the religion entertainment columnist and author of The (K)Nots Prayer
Journal. Contact her at info@supersizeyourthinking.com
