Dr. Alveda C. King, Founder of King for America commented today on the newly dedicated MLK Memorial Site. The MLK quotes on the 450 foot wall surrounding the Mountain of Despair and Stone of Hope have received scrutiny and praises from visitors. 

“This missed opportunity to carve GOD’s Name on the wall still presents another opportunity. Many people don’t know that Uncle M. L. was a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It stands to reason that they have never heard of his devotion to Jesus Christ and his message of God’s agape love. I wasn’t consulted on the design of the site, still I see this as a teaching moment to encourage people to read King’s sermons.”

During a pre-dedication tour, Alveda asked why the name of God wasn’t inscribed in some of the quotes. She was told that the effort was to be global and universal in scope and that the hope was that people would depart the site wanting to know more about her uncle. “In the Old Testament, God carved His Word on stones. Today, His Word is inscribed in the human heart. While this as a politically correct versus spiritually aware type of issue, I also see this as an opportunity to witness the love of God and to invite people to read Uncle M. L.’s sermons and learn of his ministry.”

During the dedication activities, Mrs. Naomi King, widow of Rev. A. D. King placed a creation video, a copy of The Beloved Community letter and Alveda’s book HOW CAN THE DREAM SURVIVE in the MLK Time Capsule. Alveda was there to support her mother.

The Priests for Life Pastoral Associate was also reflective on President Obama’s commemorative speech on October 16, 2011 when the MLK Memorial Park Site was dedicated. “For an unforgettable moment in human history, President Obama laid aside the political gauntlet to simply remember a man who dedicated his life in service to humanity. I really appreciated the gesture, and President Obama is in my prayers.”

King who recently announced that she prefers “policy over politics” went on to note that her political views are different from the President’s in that she is pro-life and supports procreative marriage, while President Obama supports programs that seem to favor anti-life efforts, with Planned Parenthood being at the top of the list.

Courtesy of Sheilah Belle:

During the “Women Thou Art Loosed” conference featuring Bishop T.D. Jakes, one of America’s best known preachers, speaking to a crowd of women at Reliant Stadium, Thursday evening.

Paula White’s career as a pastor who helps others overcome tough times is built on life experience. Name the problem and, chances are, she’s survived it.

In her life she’s coped with suicide (her father’s), alcoholism (her mother’s), sexual abuse (her own, as a child), divorce (twice), the loss of a child (her stepdaughter) and a lengthy Senate probe of her finances (she was cleared in 2011).

If you’re a woman and can identify with even one of those things, White hopes you’ll visit her and other speakers at Bishop T.D. and Serita Jakes’ popular Woman, Thou Art Loosed conference next week at Lakewood Church. White, a best-selling author and pastor of the Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Fla., will be the keynote speaker on Friday night.

“My ministry is an out flowing of the places I’ve recovered from in life,” White said. “In a way I have never been able to before, I’m going to help them find the path. I can be a poster child that if God can do it for me, I know he can do it for you, too.”

Bishop Jakes launched WTAL – the title is drawn from Luke 13:12 – nearly 20 years ago as a Sunday school topic at his small West Virginia church. His congregation’s response was so positive it became a series that turned into a book, stage play, Grammy-nominated CD, movie and a three-day symposium that has drawn millions of participants. When the James’s brought the conference to Houston in 2003, it drew 43,000 people to Reliant Stadium.

The conference has drawn crowds during a good economy and bad, but Serita Jakes says their message is consistent: that God can “free you from anything that has you bound or tied up.”

“God speaks that word to you that there is hope,” she said. “It’s a message of liberation from anything that would keep you from reaching your potential in your education, relationship pursuits, occupational pursuits, health pursuits. It’s such a blanket message, and from the scriptures.”

The Nevels Sisters are excited to announce the release of their first major-label CD, It’s My Time, through Central South Distribution under the leadership of Vicki Mack Lataillade. The CD featuring 11 songs introduces their “new traditional thump” sound and is available in stores and online November 1, 2011.

“I was just amazed by their talent and energy,” says Lataillade, Lataillade Entertainment and Chief Marketing Officer at Central South Distribution, who struck the deal with MoLife Entertainment to bring the Nevels Sisters under her direction at Lataillade Entertainment. “The Nevels Sisters possess the ability to redefine the Gospel genre and our industry with their distinctive, fresh sound, “new traditional thump.”

Their unique style can be heard on the first single, “Company,” and their current single, “title here,” which is impacting Gospel radio now. The Nevels Sisters are a mix of traditional and contemporary Gospel with a high-energy rhythm.

“Our goal is to make a great impact on people,” says Debra of the Nevels Sisters. “Each of us feels that it is an honor and a privilege that we have this opportunity, and we don’t plan to waste a minute of it.”

Natives of Youngstown, Ohio, the group is made up of four biological sisters: Debra, Veneice, Gail and April. Their singing ministry dates back to their father’s church, Nevels Temple Church of God in Christ, where they often led the congregation in praise and worship. Recognizing their talents, their father took them on the road to further develop their skills, which paved the way for their music ministry today.

“The time that we spent on the road has really prepared us for where we are today,” says Gail. “At first, we were unaware of our gifts as artists, but now we are filled with great confidence as we share those gifts in praise of the Lord.”

Central South Distribution is an independent music distributor, and the world’s largest distributor of Gospel music. Central South distributes music to all retailers including other distributors, chain stores and independent retailers.

For more information, visit www.thenevelssisters.com or www.centralsouthdistribution.com.

Track Listing for It’s My Time:
1. Company
2. It’s My Time
3. Standing By The Grace
4. God Please Do It Again
5. Awesome
6. Good To Me
7. Power In The Blood
8. Beautiful
9. He’s Able (featuring Lecrae and PK KIDS)
10. Clap You Hands
11. It’s My Time Remix

If there is one thing you CAN’T say about Psalmist (now Pastor) Doris Stokes, is that she’s lazy or unproductive. She has GOT to be one of the busiest women in Gospel music today, especially as an Independent Artist! This year (2011) has been one of her busiest!

It is with pleasure that Black Pearl Enterprises is pleased to announce that Psalmist Doris Stokes, will be featured on the 31st Season of “Bobby Jones Gospel” on THIS COMING SUNDAY October 16th on the BET Network! The week of October 9th is LAUNCH WEEK where BPE will be celebrating the RELEASE of Psalmist Doris’ HOT NEW Single “Blow Me Away” which she will debut during her appearance on Bobby Jones Gospel which will be the culmination of Launch Weekend. So far, radio is enthusiastically embracing the new effort!

Along w/the Bobby Jones feature, look for Psalmist on “I’m Just Sayin” w/Pastor Dan Willis” the #1 Gospel Program on the TCT Network on Wednesday night October 12th @ 10:30pm (CST). Be sure to check your LOCAL listing for EXACT air times. If you don’t receive the TCT Network through your cable provider, you may watch it ONLINE by logging in here: http://vidego.multicastmedia.com/player.php?v=kr026q52″  The show will be archived for a couple of weeks, so you may access their website to view the show AFTER the original Oct. 12th air date.

Also, a ton of radio interviews will be taking place ALL MONTH in celebration of promoting the single’s OFFICIAL release on iTunes, which will be available for purchase on SATURDAY OCTOBER 15th.! You can find a list of the radio interviews by visiting Psalmist Doris’ Facebook Family Page and clicking on the “Notes” Tab for the schedule. Here’s the link: www.facebook.com/DAStokesFamilyPage

The single “Blow Me Away” is a collaborative effort between Psalmist Doris and her “Super” Producer, Michael Mindingall. This HIGH ENERGY track is unapologetically Urban, funky and is positioned to be a welcomed ADD to radio! The lyrical phrasing is “catchy” (with a throwback “twist” from an old Pointer Sisters tune…instead of “Yes, we can, yes we can, can” the NEW track boasts: “No, I can’t, no I can’t, can’t…” speaking of living without the Lord in your life!) and the beat will KEEP your head bobbin’! Be sure to download your very own copy on iTunes beginning SATURDAY OCTOBER 15TH!  Visit Doris Stokes’ website at www.dorisastokes.com

For radio, print or any other media related matters, please contact Psalmist Stokes’ Management, Bruce Knight. His contact information is below.

Phone: (513) 898-9829 or (313) 207-5786
Email: bpe1voicemusic@gmail.com 

 

Rising inspirational star MALI MUSIC will world premiere his highly anticipated new single and video, “The Job Experience,” on Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) 106 & Park and the song will simultaneously be available exclusively on iTunes.

MALI MUSIC also announced today that Grammy Award winning performer Akon will collaborate with Relevé Entertainment and SoundWalk Music Group in managerial duties. “This kid is incredible, the world needs to hear him…I don’t want to change him, just want to take his message to the masses,” says Akon.

A prolific singer, songwriter and producer, MALI MUSIC’s stage charisma and distinctive sound have the music world buzzing. His story-telling genius attracted BET and made him the first inspirational artist to be a part of BET’s critically acclaimed Music Matters series. MALI MUSIC introduced this new and powerfully explosive single on the top-rated 2011 BET Awards in Los Angeles to an audience of his peers and received a standing ovation.

In support of the release of “The Job Experience,” Jamaal “Mali Music” Pollard is currently performing on the 2011 Misfit Tour with fellow artists DA’T.R.U.T.H., Sean Simmonds and Ambassador, where Mali shows firsthand why his passionate, consciousness-raising music has been on the rise enthralling audiences everywhere and provides a taste of material from his upcoming new album. Releasing his debut EP The Coming and his hugely successful follow-up album The 2econd Coming to acclaim, MALI MUSIC’s powerful poetic style have captivated legions of fans, who’ve shared their passion worldwide and made him an internet sensation with over 2 million views on YouTube and over 1.3 million plays on MySpace.

MALI MUSIC has garnered massive attention around the globe, setting music fans and the music industry afire with his thought-provoking songs and performance style.

Carving his own path and sound in contemporary gospel, Mali was most recently featured on Kirk Franklin’s chart-topping album Hello Fear. A singer, writer, producer, and actor with limitless passion for opening hearts and minds of people, Mali also wrote and produced “Blue God” on Jessica Reedy’s #1Gospel Album, and co-wrote, produced and performed on “New Life” for Akon’s new record set for release in 2012.

Dedicated to introducing the good news of the gospel to the world at large through the life-changing avenue of music, MALI MUSIC says in his own words:

“When people hear my music, I want them to feel like they’ve experienced something that they never have. I want my music to take them somewhere else, give hope, inspire creativity and ignite a desire to live for more.”

To learn more about MALI MUSIC, please visit:

Official Website: www.malimusicnote.com

Thousands of people gathered Sunday to give the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial a proper dedication on the National Mall after its opening in August.

Aretha Franklin, poet Nikki Giovanni and President Barack Obama were among those who honored the legacy of the nation’s foremost civil rights leader during the ceremony, which people of all ages and races.

“I know we will overcome,” Obama proclaimed, standing before the 30-foot (9-meter) granite monument to King on the National Mall. “I know this,” the president said, “because of the man towering over us.”

Obama and his wife, Michelle, and Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, joined a host of civil rights figures for the dedication on the sun-splashed Mall. The memorial is the first to a black man on the National Mall and its parks.

“He had faith in us,” said Obama, who was 6 when King was assassinated in 1968. Obama told the crowd, “And that is why he belongs on this Mall: Because he saw what we might become.”

WATCH OBAMA’s SPEECH:

The dedication has special meaning for the Obamas. The president credits King with paving his way to the White House. Before his remarks, he left signed copies of his inaugural speech and 2008 convention address in a time capsule at the monument site. The first couple and daughters Malia and Sasha made a more private visit to the site on Friday night, before the crowds and the cameras arrived.

In his talk, Obama focused on King’s broad themes — equality, justice and peaceful resistance — as the nation confronts, 48 years after King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, some of the same issues of war, an economic crisis and a lingering distrust of government in some quarters.

Referring to citizen protests against the wealthy and powerful that have spread from Wall Street and Washington, even abroad, Obama said: “Dr. King would want us to challenge the excesses of Wall Street without demonizing those who work there.”

The monument, situated between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials in what the designers call a “line of leadership,” was 15 years in the making. Several speakers noted that its designers could not have predicted then that the monument would be dedicated by the nation’s first black president.

Click Here to read the full story on MSNBC.com

Less than two and half weeks after its September 15th launch, iTBN has inspired people in 137 different countries to click play.

Part of Trinity Broadcasting Network’s (TBN) ongoing effort to offer viewers a comprehensive “multi-screen television environment,” iTBN is one of the most exciting and innovative technologies TBN has ever embraced. The next revolution in television viewing, iTBN is a quantum leap forward in viewer-controlled programming.

Since its launch five days ago, over 9,000 hours of iTBN programming was viewed in North America alone. From the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia, iTBN viewers have tuned in from137 countries to choose from decades of television programming.

iTBN offers current TBN programming as well as content from its long and rich broadcast past.

“Creating iTBN involved putting thirty-eight years of TBN content onto the new site so it could be viewed on demand,” says Paul Crouch Jr., TBN’s chief of staff. “Thousands of hours of old video tapes and programs, old praise programs with people who’ve now been promoted to heaven…much of it is as relevant today as it was thirty years ago.”

Nearly 10,000 hours of TBN programs are currently available via the new iTBN online service. A faith-based, Christian content version similar to Hulu.com, iTBN provides a “TV Everywhere” experience for viewers via a downloadable application onto a variety of smartphones, iPads, and computer screens.

The TBN app for smart phones and mobile devices makes iTBN a veritable portable web library of Christian programming…past and present.

“iTBN was specifically created so the message of the Bible is accessible 24 hours per day, on whatever device people use and whenever people need it,” says Crouch.

The beauty of iTBN is its search ability. If a viewer wants to watch a show about salvation, the Holy Spirit, Oral Roberts, Billy Graham, or whatever, it can be immediately searched out and watched. Out of this extensive database of programs, viewers can choose whatever they wish, whenever they wish to watch it.

TBN’s most popular networks can now be watched in real time, making Christian programming more accessible to the increasing numbers of viewers who spend less of their time watching traditional television and more of their time online.

Among the broadcast treasure trove to which viewers have free access 24-7 through iTBN are TBN Classics, timeless, exclusive TBN programs that audiences have enjoyed for decades; Popular Documentaries, thought-provoking shows among TBN’s most requested programming; Educational and Children’s Programs, entertaining and uplifting shows for the entire family; and Movies, big-screen favorites that have helped make TBN a leader in quality Christian and family-friendly films.

iTBN also includes on-demand programming for teens, Christian music shows, and a whole lot more. iTBN enables viewers to watch clips of specific speakers, authors, musicians, and others who have appeared on TBN programs, as well as to search for programs on specific faith issues they are interested in knowing more about.

The new iTBN online service also gives viewers instant access to TBN’s most watched networks: TBN’s flagship network, the Church Channel, JCTV, Smile of a Child, Enlace USA, Nejat TV in Farsi, and the Arabic-language Healing Channel.

“The message of the gospel never changes, but the technology and the way it’s presented does, and should evolve as we have the need to reach more people for the Lord,” says Crouch. “This is the bottom line.”

About Trinity Broadcasting Network 
Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is the world’s largest religious network and America’s most watched and requested faith channel. Each day TBN offers 24 hours of commercial-free inspirational programming that appeals to viewers from a wide variety of denominations and backgrounds. Beginning in 1973 as a single UHF station in southern California, TBN now reaches every major continent via 78 satellites and more than 18,000 television and cable affiliates worldwide. In the United States, TBN is available to 92 percent of the total households. Its website receives millions of visitors monthly. In addition to TBN, the network owns and operates seven networks, including the Church Channel, JCTV youth network, TBN Enlace USA Spanish language network, and Smile of a Child children’s network. For more information on TBN, visit www.tbn.org and www.tbnnetworks.com.

As seen on MSNBC.com.  Sunday October 16th the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial will be dedicated in Washington, D.C., seven weeks after the original event was canceled because of Hurricane Irene. Travelers attending the dedication can expect smaller crowds, cooler weather and a revamped schedule of events and activities at the site and around the city. “Due to the postponement, we are planning an event much smaller in scale but just as big in spirit,” said Harry Johnson Sr., president and CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation Inc., in a statement in September.

Originally scheduled to coincide with the 48th anniversary of King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech, the Aug. 28 event was projected to draw as many as 250,000 people. This weekend’s event will likely be much smaller, reports NBC Washington, with about 50,000 people expected to gather in West Potomac Park. “The reality is that fewer people are able to travel long distances this time of year compared to late August,” said Robin McClain, spokesperson for Destination DC, the city’s tourism office. Those that make the trip, she added, “are likely to experience ideal fall weather and an historic, once in a lifetime event.”

Although the event has been scaled back, a full roster of civil rights leaders and other public figures, including Aretha Franklin, former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young and the Reverend Jesse Jackson, are expected to attend. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., with President Obama delivering the dedication address during the 11 a.m. hour The dedication is free and no tickets are required. However, visitors should be advised that: There will be no public access to the memorial site during the dedication. Instead, visitors will be directed to West Potomac Park just west of the site, where large-screen monitors will broadcast the ceremony. Gates will open at 6 a.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs.

Due to limited parking in the area, organizers recommend walking or taking public transit. The city’s Metrorail system will open two hours early, at 5 a.m.; for information on fares, stations and restrictions, visit their website. While the Sunday ceremony is seen as the end of a long process, a controversy over an inscription on the monument threatens to linger after the crowds disperse. The line — “I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness” — paraphrases a longer quotation and, according to some, reflects poorly on King.

“The quote makes Dr. Martin Luther King look like an arrogant twit,” the author and poet Maya Angelou told The Washington Post in August. Last week, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, whose agency will manage the monument as part of the National Park Service, told the Christian Science Monitor that the misquote was “an area of concern to me” and suggested that the issue would be addressed at a later date.

Controversy aside, this weekend offers D.C.-bound travelers additional opportunities to reflect on King’s legacy. Among the options: Corcoran Gallery of Art: Opened on Oct. 1, the “30 Americans” exhibit explores issues of identity, race and sexuality through the works of American-African artists of the last 30 years. Strathmore: On Friday, Atlanta’s Morehouse College will host a tribute concert honoring its most famous alumnus at this music venue in North Bethesda, Md. Featuring R&B singers Eddie Levert, Dennis Edwards and Johnny Gill, the event will also honor Stevie Wonder and Congressman John Conyers Jr.

“We wanted to chronicle the efforts of people who are keeping Martin Luther King’s legacy in front of the world,” said concert manager Henry Goodgame, Morehouse’s director of alumni relations. “Stevie Wonder’s and John Conyers’ work have been stepping stones leading to what the event on Sunday is all about.”

Le’Andria Johnson, returns to #1 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart this week, with Jessica Reedy’s From the Heart following right behind at #2.

Isaac Carree also made a notable jump with his solo debut, Uncommon Me, from #9 last week to #3 this week.  

Here’s the full Top 10 on the charts…

1 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
2 | Jessica Reedy – From the Heart
3 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
4 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
5 | Lecrae – Rehab
6 | 116 Clique – Man Up
7 | CoCo Brother – Gospel Mix V
8 | WOW Gospel 2011
9 | Trin-i-tee 5:7 – Angel & Chanelle
10 | Andraé Crouch – The Journey

VaShawn Mitchell’s Triumphant Deluxe Edition and Music World Gospel’s Ultimate Gospel Vol. 1 are among this week’s new releases. I’m curious to see if they’ll make an appearance in the Top 10 next week.

The e-book is online at www.keithdouglas.org and www.amazon.com for an investment of only $6.99.

Every page illuminates biblically-based, spiritual principles and lessons that will instruct, engage and empower readers to mature and incorporate a Kingdom mindset. This concise, step-by-step guide delves into scripture for revelation and direction, corrects religious ideology and equips people for war.  In addition, Douglas encourages positive affirmations and explores seven keys that will unlock the gates of your potential and open doors to new opportunities and possibilities. Armed with this essential tool, no one who activates its doctrine will ever fail.   

One reader wrote, “The Power to Get Wealth: No Money Required was a life-changing, exploratory journey into who we are in Christ and what is possible by His power, my words and my faith. No outlandish messages of unbelievable grandeur but simple yet profound for everyone. Now, I understand how to work the Word of God…my spiritual man has been awakened! Keith exposes fear and challenges you to dream beyond your imagination and achieve greatness.”

About Keith Douglas 

Entrepreneur, speaker, film producer, executive producer and now author, Keith Douglas transitions into the arena of touching lives with the written word. Throughout Los Angeles, Douglas is known for destroying religious barriers and transforming minds. He is CEO and Chairman of the internationally-known RKD Music and Talent Management and Founder of the Speakers Bureau Institute. He is Executive Producer of The Book of David: Vol.1 Transition CD by Dave Hollister, which was nominated for 2007 BET Gospel Album of the Year. In 2009, he was honored with the Stop the Violence “Think Education First” Award by Bishop Noel Jones and the City of Refuge Church Regardless of his abundance of accolades, Keith is a man of God and serves his family and community. He believes strongly in the power of God’s word, prayer and worship. One empowering quote Keith lives by and shares frequently is “Quitters never win, winners never lose.”

For more information about The Power to Get Wealth:  No Money Required or to read an excerpt, please visit www.keithdouglas.org.