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The Trayvon Martin case will be presented before a grand jury in central Florida next month, following reports that the teenager may have been murdered, according to new reports.
On Tuesday, State Attorney Norm Wolfinger, confirmed that he was sending the case to a grand jury for further investigation.
“I share in the desire of the family and the community to accurately collect and evaluate all the facts surrounding the tragic death of Trayvon Martin,” Wolfinger said in a recent news release.
Wolfinger explained that he will use the grand jury’s “investigative resources” before moving forward with the case, and grand jurors are expected to be called in to session on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, according to MSNBC.
The news follows reports that The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI both plan to open an investigation into the shooting death of 17-year-old African-American student, Trayvon Martin.
The DOJ said that it would team up with FBI agents to “conduct a thorough and independent review of all of the evidence and take appropriate action at the conclusion of the investigation” in a statement on Monday.
“With all federal civil rights crimes, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person acted intentionally and with the specific intent to do something which the law forbids- the highest level of intent in criminal law,” the statement added.
The case sparked public outrage after it was revealed that neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman shot and killed Martin, who was completely unarmed, outside of his Sanford, Fla. home on Feb. 26.
Zimmerman, 28, claimed self defense and although 911 calls and witnesses reveal that Martin was simply walking home from the local store and that his shooting was unprovoked, Zimmerman has not been arrested or charged with any crime.
Zimmerman, who followed the young teen even after law enforcement instructed him not to, has been accused of killing Martin in what was described as an unprovoked attack.
“This guy looks like he’s up to no good, or he’s on drugs or something. It’s raining and he’s just walking around, looking about. These [expletives]. They always get away,” a heated Zimmerman told 911 dispatchers.
Martin was found dead with candy in his possession, and critics have suggested that Zimmerman’s assertion that the teen looked dangerous was simply the result of racism.
Various community leaders including Rev. Al Sharpton are calling for justice for the Martin family, and a rally has been scheduled for Thursday.
Fans looking for an early preview of new music from chart-topping foursome The Afters will have their chance later this month as the band’s song “Life Is Beautiful” is featured in the upcoming feature film October Baby. Releasing nationwide on March 23 via Provident Films, the movie’s closing credits play to “Life Is Beautiful,” a newly penned song from the band’s forthcoming Fall 2012 studio album. Before the movie hits theaters, however, the music video for the song, which also features footage from the film, is available to view online at TheAfters.com. GodTube exclusively premiered the video for “Life Is Beautiful” on their site yesterday, and the video received over 30,000 views within the first 24 hours.
“It’s an honor to be able to partner with a movie that promotes love, acceptance, forgiveness, and mercy in such a poignant and effective way,” says lead singer Josh Havens. “We hope that the song and the movie remind people of all the things that make every life beautiful!”
Already having had their music placed in TV promotions for “The Biggest Loser,” “Army Wives” and “You Deserve It,” as well as in the trailer for last year’s feature film New Year’s Eve, The Afters are no strangers to their music receiving national film and television exposure. The band’s third record Light Up the Sky bolstered two No. 1 radio hits-“Light Up The Sky” and “Lift Me Up.” The Afters’ current singles include the Top 5 Billboard Christian CHR song “We Won’t Give Up” and the newly released AC single “I Am Yours.”
October Baby-premiering nationwide March 23-marks the feature film debut of award-winning music video directors Jon and Andrew Erwin. It tells the story of Hannah, a 19-year-old college freshman whose world is rocked by learning she is the adopted survivor of an attempted abortion. The realization leads Hannah on a journey to find her birth mother, but it is the power of forgiveness she ultimately discovers. The film earned the Grand Jury Prize for Best Fiction Feature at the Red Rock Film Festival and was named Audience Choice Feature Film at the Omaha Film Festival. In support of the film’s life-affirming theme, the producers of October Baby have assigned 10 percent of the profits of the film to the Every Life is Beautiful Fund. More information can be found at www.EveryLifeIsBeautiful.com. Visit the film’s official website at www.OctoberBabyMovie.net
About The Afters: Texas-based, four-piece band The Afters were propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit “Beautiful Love,” earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV’s “8th and Ocean.” “Beautiful Love” was also the most downloaded track of 2006 on the iTunes ® Inspirational charts and garnered the band an mtvU award as well. The Afters’ sophomore release Never Going Back To OK (INO/Columbia Records) debuted in the Top 50 on the Billboard Top 200, and proved to be sensation on the silver screen with “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Dr. Phil,” “Army Wives” (Lifetime) and “Rachael Ray.” The band’s third record Light Up the Sky has bolstered two No. 1 radio hits, as well as placements on “The Biggest Loser” (NBC) and “You Deserve It” (ABC). A slew of media including Rolling Stone, Seventeen.com, E! News Live, TV Guide, Premiere Radio and more also picked up on covering The Afters.
Deanna Ransom is back with a new single off her forth-coming album. The new single ‘Never Say Never…Again’ has just been released to iTunes and Amazon.
Ransom says about the single, “I wrote ‘Never Say Never…Again’ based on my real life experience. Alone, broken, hurt, fearful and crying myself to sleep every night for 3 years thinking that was how it was always going to be; I was miserable. Then I really embraced God’s love, healing and rebuilding and my life was transformed. I want all of my sisters (and brothers!) who have been hurt or are hurting, to know that the pain of a battered or broken heart is not greater than the transforming love of God who will make you and your life brand new by allowing Him to love you back to wholeness. I want everyone to get their smile, their trust and their future back when they hear this song; I did!” – Deanna Ransom
Produced by GRAMMY Award Winning Producer Herb Middleton, the street date for the full project Never Say Never…Again is May 2012. You may purchase the single by clicking here.
If you are a radio programmer and want to be serviced with this single, contact Sharron Dunn at 334.226.1189 or by email at All4Christent@hotmail.com
The debut single, “Just That Good” by Ms. Dorothy Norwood has made its debut on the Mediabase Top 30 Gospel chart this week. It pays tribute to her best friend and mentor, The Queen Of Gospel, The Late Albertina Walker. Upon listening, you will be drawn into worship and your hands will go up in praise.
Available In stores & online now, Dorothy Norwood returns with her latest and possibly the best recording of her illustrious “God’s Been Just That Good.” Ms. Norwood’s signature voice is backed by the young, bright, fresh sounding voices of Isaiah Thomas & EOP (Appears Courtesy Of Good Fellas Music Group) and the result is truly a heavenly mix.
Nothing short of a living legend, The World’s Greatest Storyteller , Dorothy Norwood has been entertaining, preaching, uplifting, mentoring, writing, and producing for more than fifty years.
On January 14, 2012, Ms. Dorothy Norwood will be the recipient of the prestigious Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Awards at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN during the 2012 Stellar Awards taping.
For decades, millions have been blessed by her classic, “Victory Is Mine; arguably, one of the greatest congregational hymns of all time which still appears in national commercials and Hollywood feature films such as “The Help”, 5 time, 2012 Golden Globe nominated and Oscar buzz motion picture.
Dorothy Norwood officially began her gospel career in 1956, singing with Mahalia Jackson, Reverend James Cleveland, and with one of the greatest female gospel groups of all time, The Caravans. In 1960, she launched her solo career with Savoy Records, recording her first album, Johnny and Jesus in 1964. This release was quickly followed by Denied Mother in 1965, earning Norwood the title, “The World’s Greatest Storyteller.” Both projects certified gold. All total, five albums reached gold status. 1971, she recorded Live with the GMWA Mass Choir of Northern California; Live reached #1 on the Billboard Charts. To her credit, she has also had three top ten gospel albums and been in the top forty fourteen times (Billboard).
In 1972, she became an unlikely opening act for the Rolling Stones’ national tour with Mick Jagger. By 2000, Ms. Norwood was nominated for the Lady of Soul Award for her album, The Lord is a Wonder. She followed that nomination with two more at the 2001 Dove Awards for Ole Rickety Bridge (Traditional Album of the Year) and “There’s Got To Be Rain” (Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year).
In 2005, Norwood won the Soul Train Lady of Soul Award for “Stand on the Word,” and was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame twice; for her work as a solo artist as well as with The Caravans. The American Quartet Hall of Fame also inducted The Caravans in 2006 and Norwood reunited with the group to produce what would become a Billboard chart topping album, Paved The Way (Malaco). Paved The Way also garnered nominations in every major industry award group including the Grammy’s, Doves, Stellars, and Soul Train.
For nearly every year of her professional career singing gospel music, Dorothy Norwood has recorded an album.
Dorothy Norwood truly can testify that “God’s Been Just That Good!”
“The Search For The One” stand up comedy talent search kicked off this past Wednesday in Chicago Illinois (Kings Word Church), and continued Friday to Chattanooga TN (Pneuma Christian Ctr.), Saturday Nashville TN (True Way Church), and ended Sunday in Gastonia North Carolina (Friendship Church). Says Host & Co-creator Akintunde, “This is the strongest final round in the 5 year history of this Talent Search.” Out of 32 comedy contestants, 9 have moved on to the final round on April 1st in Columbia SC.
FINALIST
TOSIN ADEYKOTE CHICAGO, IL.
DONALD MARTIN INDIANAPOLIS, IN.
MARCUS HARVEY ATLANTA, GA.
VICK COOLEY ATLANTA, GA.
CHRIS CHERRY NASHVILLE, TN.
MIKE HEAD CINCINNATI, OH.
NAKITTA B LANCASTER, SC.
ANTOINE SCOTT RICHMOND, VA.
TERRENCE G BIRMINGHAM, AL.
$5,000 IN CASH & PRIZES
The “Opening Spot on the 2012 REBIRTH OF COMEDY TOUR
$2,500 Cash
Professional Photo Shoot
Professional Media Kit
Eligibility for representation by The Assignment Agency
ADDED VALUE
Winner will be featured guest on Akintunde’s radio show, “The Akintunde Show” (currently airing on 43 stations nationally).
Winner (along with select finalist) will be featured on The Rebirth of Comedy “Laugh Of The Day” (daily comedy segment airing on 38 stations).
Akintunde LIVE – The Rebirth Of Comedy Tour is set to kick off on May 6th in Columbia SC (Full tour schedule TBA).
The case of a 17 year black boy who was gunned-down holding candy and ice-tea is causing up-rage in the black community and is receiving wide-spread coverage in the national media. Trayvon Martin lost his life for apparently ‘looking suspicious’ to neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman.
Rev. Al Sharpton sees the importance of this case and is heading to Florida to stage a rally. “I wait for an era when young black men will no longer have to live in fear. Decades after the abolishment of slavery, we were haunted by the reality of being hunted down, beaten and lynched by both everyday citizens and law enforcement,” says Sharpton. The following statements were also expressed by the activist. Young boys like Emmett Till were openly and viciously murdered because of the sentiments of bigoted individuals who believed they had the right to carry out their own brand of injustice.
Today, black (and Latino youth as well) are routinely targeted, profiled and ‘mistakenly’ shot by those sworn to serve and protect us (i.e. Sean Bell).
And now, in what can only be described as the most blatant form of vigilante murder, a 17-year-old named Trayvon Martin loses his life at the hands of a self-proclaimed ‘crime stopper’. But the only crime here is that this killer ended poor Trayvon’s life under the guise of his own preconceptions and has not been charged, nor arrested. We will head to Florida to ensure that all that changes immediately.
On Thursday, March 22 at 7 PM, National Action Network (NAN) and I will convene an urgent rally at the First Shiloh Baptist Church in Sanford, FL. to demand justice for Trayvon Martin. We will be joined by community leaders and concerned citizens, from all ethnicities, backgrounds and walks of life, who cannot even begin to comprehend this nightmarish situation.
A young teenager walking home, armed only with candy and a drink, should never lose his/her life because someone in a gated community feels “threatened.”
George Zimmerman, the accused adult shooter, is roaming the earth freely while Trayvon’s mother, father and family members must bury their precious child.
It is an atrocious miscarriage of justice, and we demand that authorities in Florida arrest Zimmerman immediately and charge him for the crime of murder. Anyone with sound reasoning cannot disagree.
In 2005, the state of Florida enacted one of the toughest ‘stand your ground’ self-defense laws which allowed civilians to use deadly force against ‘intruders’ or anyone they believed was a ‘threat’ to their life. Supported — and in many ways lobbied — by the National Rifle Association, these laws don’t even require a person to retreat from the situation, thereby allowing them to pursue someone who “threatens” them.
The legislation not only protects individuals from prosecution, but goes so far as barring them from civil suits in many cases as well. As the model for dozens of other states that now carry similar laws, the Florida self-defense rule creates an environment where anyone, at any moment, can claim they were fearful of someone as a justification for cold-blooded murder. And that’s exactly what we see here in the tragic case of Trayvon Martin.
In the recently released 911 tapes of that fateful day, Zimmerman was clearly told to stand down by authorities, but he didn’t comply. Many eyewitnesses said they heard screams of help, but no one came to Trayvon’s assistance in time to save his life. Zimmerman claimed he had spotted a ‘suspicious’ individual, and, as several news outlets have reported, he pursued Trayvon, not the other way around.
In a society that still views young men of color as threatening, dangerous and suspicious without cause, these self-defense laws in Florida and elsewhere give free range for anyone to openly kill those that they may not like or those that make them feel uncomfortable because of their own inherent prejudices. And the race/ethnicity of Zimmerman or any citizen in this type of scenario doesn’t matter, because at the end of the day, it is the race of the victim — Trayvon — that does matter. It is his race and his demographic that is consistently depicted as the threat and negatively portrayed in popular culture.
A few years ago, a man in Oklahoma City shot and killed a 16-year-old who allegedly tried to rob the drugstore where he worked. This pharmacist attempted to plea self-defense, but because he shot the teenager in the head, chased someone else out and returned to shoot the kid five more times as he lay the floor, he was sentenced to first-degree murder.
Young Trayvon’s only crime was buying a pack of Skittles and walking through the wrong neighborhood. He had his entire life ahead of him, and we demand justice without delay. Zimmerman must be held accountable.
Join us in Sanford on Thursday as we call for a repeal to Florida’s outrageous self-defense laws. It’s about Trayvon’s life, not supposed self-defense.
I’m still waiting for the day that young black men (and women) can walk freely in any neighborhood without fearing for their lives.
With numerous honors and stellar reviews for their latest album, Ghosts Upon the Earth, it is no surprise that three-time GRAMMY® nominated group Gungor is selling out shows in major cities, including Dallas, Houston and Santa Ana. With stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and more, the “Ghosts Upon the Earth Tour” launched March 1 in Austin, Tex., and features special guest The Brilliance. To purchase tickets or to check out the latest information on each of the tour stops, click here http://gungormusic.com/#!/tour/).
Well-known for taking a fresh, distinctive approach to worship music, Gungor’s album Ghosts Upon the Earth sold over 9,500 units during the first week of its release, earning Gungor the No. 3 spot on Christian Soundscan and No. 43 on the Billboard Top 200 while also debuting at No. 1 on the Christian iTunes ® Charts. iTunes ® also heralded Gungor as the iTunes ® Rewind 2011 pick for “Christian & Gospel Breakout Artist of the Year” ( www.iTunes.com/iTunesRewind). Relevant Magazine, who is also sponsoring the “Ghosts Upon the Earth Tour,” named the album “The Best Musical Surprise of 2011” (http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/music/features/27497-the-best-musical-surprise-of-2011).
The group will also be recording performances in select cities throughout the tour and will release a live CD/DVD collection this coming fall.
“Ghosts Upon the Earth Tour” Dates *All dates subject to change, please stay tuned to www.gungormusic.com for the most updated information.
3/20/2012 Kearney Evangelical Free Church Kearney, Nebraska 3/21/2012 The Orpheum Theater Wichita, Kansas 3/22/2012 James River Assembly Ozark, Missouri 3/23/2012 Hoyt Sherman Place Des Moines, Iowa 3/24/2012 Northwestern College Maranatha Hall Saint Paul, Minnesota 3/25/2012 Kingsway Christian Avon, Indiana 3/27/2012 Merillat Centre for the Arts Huntington, Indiana 3/28/2012 First Church of Christ Burlington, Kentucky 3/30/2012 Edman Chapel at Wheaton College Wheaton, Illinois 3/31/2012 Calvin College- Covenant Fine Arts Center Grand Rapids, Michigan 4/12/2012 The Auricle Canton, Ohio 4/14/2012 Gramercy Theatre New York, New York 4/15/2012 Jammin Java Vienna, Virginia 4/16/2012 Crosspointe Church Cary, North Carolina 4/17/2012 First United Methodist Church Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina 4/21/2012 Fellowship Evangelical Free Church Knoxville, Tennessee 4/22/2012 Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee
About Gungor: Three-time GRAMMY ® nominee Gungor earned critical acclaim with their first record Beautiful Things (Brash) upon its release in February 2010. Worship Leader magazine named Beautiful Things their top CD release of 2010 while both Relevant Magazine and CCM gave the record honorable mentions in their celebrated year end lists. Amidst appearing at well known Passion and Catalyst conferences and headlining the unique “Beautiful Things” and “Ghosts Upon the Earth” events, this musical collective hailing from Colorado has earned GRAMMY ® nominations as well as a GMA Dove Award nominations. Gungor released their latest GRAMMY ® nominated Ghosts Upon the Earth (Brash) in September to “best of the year” support
BET reporter Torrence Glenn interviewed some of the worlds best entertainers on the Celebration of Gospel Red Carpet. Watch the video below and be sure to tune into the Celebration of Gospel as it airs nationally April 1st on BET.
The Celebration of Gospel was taped at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. The show brings together gospel superstars and R&B legends to share the stage in not often seen dynamic and exclusive performances. The event is hosted by best-selling author, veteran comedian and media mogul Steve Harvey.
This year’s stellar line-up included the very best that gospel and secular music has to offer with performances by Gospel greats Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, The Rance Allen Group, James Fortune & FIYA, 2012 Grammy-award winner Le’Andria Johnson, Jessica Reedy, Earnest Pugh, Isaac Carree, Moses Tyson Jr. Ricky Dillard & New G, Zacardi Cortez and Maurette Brown Clark plus a special appearance by BET Music Matters artist Mali Music as well as secular artists Grammy and Tony Award-winner Jennifer Holliday, as well R&B sensations Faith Evans, Johnny Gill, Ledisi and Kelly Price. In addition to musical performances, Dr. Bobby Jones, of BET’s long-running gospel show BOBBY JONES GOSPEL and actress Wendy Raquel Robinson of the ratings juggernaut THE GAME delivered moving spoken word selections.
Additionally, two moving tributes were planned in recognition of the life and legacy of the “Mother of Gospel Music,” four-time Grammy-award winner, civil rights activist, and vocal powerhouse Mahalia Jackson and to honor the memory of legendary entertainer, Whitney Houston, whose singing gift was anchored in her gospel roots.
CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL is a BET Networks production. Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Music Programming and Specials, Lynne Harris Taylor, Vice President of Specials and Music Production and Executive Producer Geovanni Brewer will oversee production. Conductor Ray Chew (“American Idol”) returns as the show’s musical director.
In a note (http://www.matthewwest.com/2012/02/08/i-need-stories/) posted originally to fans, two-time GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West is once again extending an invite for people to submit their stores for his new album slated to debut in the fall of this year. After receiving over 10,000 personal stories from all over the globe for his 2010 project The Story of Your Life, the acclaimed singer/songwriter who has been forever impacted by the outpouring of stories, felt as though there was even more for others to say during this season of his music. The singer/songwriter is collecting stories through the end of March, and giving away a free download of “The Story of Your Life” for every submission. West will begin recording the new album in the spring of this year with a plan to unveil the set of new songs in September.
“Even after [The Story of Your Life] was released and I was no longer officially collecting stories, the stories did not stop pouring in,” explains West. “On average, over a hundred stories have been sent to my website every week during these last two years. I could sense this season of telling the stories of peoples’ lives wasn’t quite finished yet. I’m beyond excited to take this journey with you with this new season of stories and songs.”
Just a month after wrapping the nearly sold out “The Heart of Christmas Tour” with fellow GRAMMY ® nominee Mandisa, West is embarking on the nationwide “Come to the Well Tour” with Casting Crowns this spring. Hitting major markets such as Orlando, Fla., Raleigh, N.C., Baltimore, Md., Philadelphia, Penn. and more, the tour will visit around 40 markets from February through May.
The end of 2011 found West wrapping promotion for his first full length Christmas record, The Heart of Christmas, and movie of the same name. The title track struck Top 10 on mainstream AC radio. Additionally, THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS film was the highest rated gmc WORLD PREMIERE MOVIE in the history of the channel.
About Matthew West: Lauded by The New York Times as “a vivid and compelling songwriter with impressive approaches to the familiar,” two-time GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West’s discography includes acclaimed releases: Happy (2003), History (2005) and Something to Say (2008). His latest studio album, The Story ofYour Life, was inspired by 10,000 stories from every state in the U.S. and 20 countries. The album released on October 5, 2010, and garnered attention from CNN Online, Fox News, Billboard Magazine, Country Weekly, American Songwriter and more. The Story of Your Life gave West the largest street week debut of his career selling over10,000 units the first week landing at No. 3 on Christian Soundscan, and No. 41 on the Billboard Top 200. In conjunction with Harvest House Publishers, West teamed up with bestselling author Angela Thomas for “The Story of Your Life” book. The Heart of Christmas marked West’s first full-length Christmas project which also boasts the top 10 mainstream AC radio hit “The Heart of Christmas.” A multiple ASCAP “Song of the Year” winner, West has had four No. 1 radio hits including his latest GRAMMY (R) nominated tune “Strong Enough.” His songwriting credits include Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio and more.
Gospel singer, pastor and producer Marvin Sapp will soon be adding “author” to his resume.
Sapp, pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church on Burton Street SE, said he has signed an initial agreement with Destiny Image Publishers that he hopes will bring a book to store shelves before the end of the year.
“It could be fairly quick because the book is finished,” said Sapp of his prospective title “I Win,” also the name of his forthcoming CD.
“It’s not autobiographical, but it’s about how I made it through certain situations in my life and examples of things people can do to be successful in life and relationships and in leaving a legacy,” he said.
Sapp, 45, lost his wife and the mother of their three children, MaLinda Prince Sapp, to cancer in September 2010. His latest music and the book reflect the experience.
Destiny Images is a Pennsylvania-based publisher of faith-based books whose authors include well known Christian pastors and speakers such as T.D. Jakes, of Dallas, Texas, and Dr. Myles Monroe of Nassau, Bahamas.
“I was honestly considering self-publishing until I received a call from Destiny Image that they were interested,” said Sapp, who said a long term, multiple book publishing agreement is now being prepared.
Sapp said he’s been doing “listening parties” and other appearances in connection with his CD, “I Win,” which hits stores April 3. He was speaking from Tampa, Fla. where he was about to leave on a weeklong gospel cruise as a performing artist. Gospel singers Fred Hammond and Kierra Sheared are among the other artists on board.
Sapp’s first single (“My Testimony’) from the album is up to No. 6 on the Billboard gospel song chart – still with “greatest gainer” status.
