Soledad O’Brien hosts this highly anticipated series.  CNN’s Black in America-Almighty Debt is the third installment of the documentary series focused on Black hardships in America.  The documentary takes the viewer on a journey with several different families that are in financial crisis for different reasons.  The realism of their situations grabs your attention forcing you to look at yourself and evaluate everything you’ve been raised to think about money.  I wonder how many of us are really debt free?

The premiere was unique, in that the key people in the documentary were also in attendance alongside CNN analysts.  CNN’s Roland Martin (blue suit), along with CNN business news correspondent Stephanie Elam (pink dress), joined with the featured Pastor of the documentaries church centered theme.  Pastor DeForest Blake “Buster” Soaries (Senior Pastor for First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey second from left) and Ronald Green, Houston City Controller (far right) all sat on the panel discussing the issues with Soledad O’Brien (middle).  The panel opened the floor to the audience, who was able to express their concerns to the panel.  The common denominator in many of the issues is the sad notion that you have to “keep up with the Joneses,” and the under-valued philosophy of living within your means.

Here are a few great quotes from the documentary and subsequent panel discussion:

“I’m against optimism if it’s not rooted in reality.” -Pastor Buster Soaries

“Debt is Slavery” -Pastor Buster Soaries

“Elevate this as a movement.” – Roland Martin

“People stay in these houses as if God’s going to pay the mortgage.  God don’t pay mortgages.” -Pastor Buster Soaries

 “Debt is a bigger problem than racism.”

“We had more self esteem when we were segregated.” -Pastor Buster Soaries

Soledad O’Brien takes you on a financial journey through the eyes of three families. This documentary is a must see.  There are many lessons to learn, and by the time you finish watching the documentary you will be left with lingering questions and in depth contemplation on your overall financial status.  The viewer will more than likely walk away with a new appreciation and understanding of how to stretch the value of $1.00.  Make sure you tune in on October 21, 2010 at 9pm/est.  “It’s time to remove the invisible shackles that financial debt employs.” -Roland Martin.

About PATH Blogger Shuntia Wheeler: Shuntia Wheeler is a graduate student at Prairie View A&M University. She graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication from Prairie View A&M University in December 2009. Ms. Wheeler has demonstrated leadership in various organizations; She is the former Financial Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists PV Chapter, a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the national honors society for communication, she has served as the Academic Editor of The Pantherland Yearbook, and she is a contributing journalist for The Panther.  Check out her blog at www.shuntia-wheeler.blogspot.com, as she presents world news from a fresh perspective through fun, fierce, and factual stories impacting the world we live in.  Email her at shuntia@pathmagazine.com

[Left to Right] Chanelle Haynes, Angel Taylor, Adrian Anderson

This just in out of the Trinity 5:7 camp.  Music World Gospel announces Trinity 5:7 will now be a Duo instead of a Trio.  Adrian Anderson will leave the group to pursue other opportunities.  Adrian Anderson officially joined Trin-i-tee 5:7 ten years ago in 2000, replacing former group member Terry Brown.  The announcement comes as a shock to fans that love the successful Grammy nominated Group.  No word yet on if Trinity 5:7 is looking for a replacement for Adrian.  Read the official press release by Music World Gospel below.

Houston, Texas — Music World Gospel recording artists Trin-i-tee 5:7 today announced their transition from a trio to a duo. New Orleans natives and original group members, Chanelle Haynes and Angel Taylor will move forward as a duo and Adrian Anderson will pursue other career opportunities.

Chanelle Haynes and Angel Taylor have performed together since their days as high school classmates and have been best friends for nearly 20 years.  As part of a group, they have professionally recorded together for 14 years. “The evolution of Trinitee 5:7 has come with many beautiful seasons, and great accomplishments,” said Taylor and Haynes. “We’ve been tremendously blessed to have been given the opportunity to inspire so many through our music. A new season has come upon us, and we realize by embracing this change, the best is yet to come. Now as a duo we look forward to sharing our hearts and souls with you through our music on our newest project, A New Day.”

Adrian Anderson officially joined Trin-i-tee 5:7 ten years ago in 2000, replacing former group member Terry Brown. “The season of transition has presented itself,” said Anderson. “I move forward to a new season, launching my beauty company, ‘Halo Tu’ Beauty,’ which celebrates kindness, love and glamour, and working corporately in the entertainment/music industry. To all of our fans, I love you and will continue to share my artistry and creativity in various ways. I partner with you in my new journey.”

Trin-i-tee 5:7 has been the Best Selling Female Gospel Trio in music history. The GRAMMY® Award nominated, Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award and Stellar Award winners have achieved unprecedented success in their career over the past decade. Trin-i-tee 5:7 derives its name from the Biblical book of St. John, chapter 5, verse 7—which encapsulates how the Father, Son and Holy Ghost cooperatively work on behalf of humankind.

The self-titled debut album, Trin-i-tee 5:7 debuted in the summer 0f 1998, at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart, eventually being certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and winning Trin-i-tee 5:7 a Stellar Award as Best Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year. Produced by R. Kelly and Kirk Franklin, the inaugural CD included the ballad, “God’s Grace;” a rousing, modern rendition of the African-American spiritual classic, “Mary, Don’t You Weep;” and club-friendly tracks  such as “Call His Name.”

Spiritual Love, the sophomore album, dropped in 2000 and proved to be the group’s biggest hit yet. It landed Trin-i-tee 5:7 at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart and #5 on the Billboard R&B Album Sales chart. “Put Your Hands Up,”  “I Promise,” “My Body,” and “There He Is” were each radio hits.  Two years later, the ladies were back on top with the edgy dance track “Holla” from The Kiss album, which resulted in the trio performing on “Soul Train” and at BET’s “106 & Park” video premiere.

In fall 2007, Trin-i-tee 5:7 signed with Spirit Rising, now Music World Gospel. Since then, the critically acclaimed trio saw their fourth album, T57, debut at #2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Album chart.

The pulsating “Listen” from their Music World Gospel debut CD, graced Billboard’s Hot 100 R&B Airplay chart and was one of the biggest gospel radio hits of 2007-2008. The album went on to win two prestigious Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards, a GRAMMY® nomination, and resulted in Trin-i-tee 5:7 being spotlighted on the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards broadcast alongside Aretha Franklin, BeBe Winans, Israel & New Breed and the Clark Sisters.

Their current project, Love, Peace, Joy at Christmas is their first-ever holiday CD and bonus DVD.  The duo will release their forthcoming project, A New Day, in the first quarter of 2011.

The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that a relative and family friend of Albertina Walker’s was arrested after they allegedly roughed up the gospel legend’s longtime manager and agent at a tribute concert after she died.  A friend of mine got a text about this late last week, but no one new the details surrounding the incident until the Chicago Sun Times released this in depth report.  

The incident happened Thursday night at Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester, during a musical tribute to Walker, the Grammy award-winning “Queen of Gospel” who died Oct. 8, police said Saturday.

The concert followed a public viewing that day; her funeral was Friday.

It started when the 32-year-old victim went on stage, police said. The victim was identified by sources as Eric Peterson.

“The two individuals ordered the victim to get off the stage. When he did not exit the stage, they physically went ahead and battered this individual,” police spokesman John Mirabelli said Saturday.

“One of them grabbed him, and the other one punched him,” Mirabelli said.

Gerald Walker, 47, of the 7700 block of South Essex, and Carl Jackson, 40, of the 8300 block of South Seeley, were arrested Thursday night and were each charged with one count of battery.

Tina Nance, Albertina Walker’s goddaughter, confirmed the police account and identified Gerald Walker as Albertina Walker’s nephew and Jackson as a family friend.

“The nephew who was involved was upset by some things that had gone on, as the family did not feel [the manager] should be on that stage and asked him to come off,” Nance said. 

“It was unfortunate what happened, but I don’t want it to detract from the celebration of my godmother’s legacy and her memory.”

One person who witnessed the encounter said it happened right before the tribute concert started. Some family members “didn’t want [Peterson] to be there. He said he didn’t want to be escorted from the pulpit in front of 5,000 people,” the witness said.

Sources said the dispute between Peterson and family members involves some of Walker’s possessions.

Peterson, sources said, was not seriously injured and attended Walker’s funeral.

Peterson could not be reached for comment Saturday.

Pam Morris, a longtime friend of Walker’s, said she wants everything to be resolved so the gospel queen’s “incredible legacy can be remembered and carried on for years for my grandchildren and their children yet to be born.”

ALSO READ: Albertina Walkers Passing Prompts Barack Obama to Release Statement

Radio personality Tom Joyner ‘s son Oscar got married last weekend in Miami.  Yolanda Adams sung for the couple and Bishop T.D. Jakes performed the wedding ceremony.  The newlyweds’ incorporated traditional Ethiopian traditions into the wedding.   As were the customs of Oscar Joyners’ bride Alem Gola.   Oscar Joyner, is President of The Tom  Joyner Morning Show’s parent company Reach Media.

Many other celebrity friends came out for the wedding and reception.  Look at the pictures below.

Bishop T.D. Jakes (Left) Poses with Yolanda Adams (Right) and bride & groom. 

Tom Joyner and his ex-wife pose with family of the bride

Yolanda Adams Sings at wedding

Eric Benet and Tamia Sing at Reception

Doug E. Fresh Performed at Reception 

Viewing
Thursday, 10/14
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
West Point Baptist Church
35th and Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL

Musical Salute at Apostolic Church of God
Thursday, 10/14
7 p.m.
63rd and Dorchester
Chicago, IL

*****

Funeral Service and Visitation
Friday, 10/15
10 a.m. Visitation
11 a.m. Funeral Service
West Point Baptist Church
36th and Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL
Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. L. Bernard Jakes officiating

The Queen of Gospel Albertina Walker died on Friday, October 8, 2010 from complications from emphysema at RML Specialty Hospital in Chicago. Albertina Walker was known as the Queen of Gospel because of her influence and stellar accomplishments within Gospel music. She studied under Thomas Dorsey, was encouraged by Mahalia Jackson and was the founder of the legendary Caravans.

Albertina recorded over 60 CD’s, earned five gold records, received 10 Grammy nominations and won a Grammy in 1995.

Also Read: Albertina Walkers Passing Prompts Barack Obama to Release Statement

Below is the statement from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on the passing of Gospel music great Albertina Walker:

Michelle and I are saddened by the passing of gospel great Albertina Walker. Ms. Walker was known for her Grammy Award winning voice and recognized by many as the ‘Queen of Gospel.’

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, she started singing in her church youth choir at just four years old where she learned to spread the ‘Good News’ through song. She also performed before President Bill Clinton and was honored at the White House by President George W. Bush for her contributions to Gospel music. And she never forgot to give back, impacting her community through the Albertina Walker Scholarship Fund and many other charitable endeavors.

Ms. Walker’s voice and message has touched congregations across the nation. Though we have lost an American icon, her influence on gospel music will continue for generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and the countless lives she touched.

 

Also Read: Funeral Arrangements for the Legendary Albertina Walker Announced

Now this is impressive.  Reach Records recording artist Lecrae makes holy hip-hop history with the release of his latest release Rehab. The new release sold over 27,000 units in its first week, making it the largest selling first week holy hip hop release ever. Consequently, the album debuts atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts, Top Christian Albums Charts, and Independent Albums Charts.  In addition, the album hits #5 on the Top Rap Albums Charts, #6 on the Digital Albums Charts, and #17 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts.

So the next time your children ask for some rap music, mix in a little Holy Hip Hop by Lecrae.  They’ll love you for it, and they’ll get a positive message in return.
 

Ricky Dillard will host The Red Party, his eighth live recording in Detroit, October 30th.  Ricky Dillard recently signed with Light Records along with Dorinda Clark-Cole of the Clark Sisters.  Dillards’ 2007 hit “The Light” was one of my favorite songs of that year.  This years 2010 live recording will be held at Second Ebenezer Church, everyone is encouraged to wear something red and bring a canned good for Gleaners Food Bank.  There will be some amazing folks in attendance, we’ll keep you updated as the stars RSVP.

If you are in or near the Detroit area, you should certainly look into attending this event.

Gospel legend Albertina Walker died this morning at 81 years old. She was known as “The Queen Of Gospel” and was the lead singer and founder of the legendary gospel group “The Caravans” that launched the careers of other gospel pioneers like Shirley Caesar and Dorothy Norwood.

Over the summer, Albertina had taken very ill and was hospitalized with breathing complications stemming from her battle with emphysema. We pray for her family, friends and all of those that loved her in the gospel music industry. 

Walker was born in Chicago in 1929. She had been in the hospital since Aug. 29, the day she celebrated her 81st birthday.

She started to sing for the children’s choir of the West Point Baptist Church when she was just 4 years old.  By age 22 she had organized the Caravans, her gospel group.

She is known for a long list of songs including Lord Remember Me, Walk Around Heaven and Lord Keep Me Day by Day.

Albertina Walker will be deeply missed by fans and family.  Go Walk around heaven woman of God.  Job well done.  Below is a couple of her songs. 

Music World Gospel’s recording artist, Brian Courtney Wilson begins his 25 city tour today to promote the re-release of his debut break-through and award-winning project. JUST LOVE Deluxe Edition will be in stores October 5.The 25 city tour includes concert and promo dates as well as a partnership between the American Heart Association’s Power to End Stroke campaign and Music World Gospel/Music World Entertainment. In addition to the American Heart Association concert dates, Wilson will visit other cities including Columbus, OH; Atlanta, GA; Montgomery, AL; Nashville, TN; Birmingham, AL; Jackson, MS; Mobile, AL; New Orleans, LA; Baton Rouge, LA; Houston, TX; Dallas, TX; Little Rock, AR; Washington, DC; Philadelphia, PA; New York, NY; Detroit, MI; and Chicago, IL; (see partial schedule below).

Wilson’s new single “Awesome God” is # 1 Most Added, Billboard’s Greatest Gainer and Billboard’s Top 30 on the Hot Gospel Song chart. The song is also on Billboard’s New and Active list with only two weeks at radio. Pat McKay of Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s “Praise Channel” says,
“‘Awesome God’ is the captivating gospel truth.”

In addition, to Wilson’s “Awesome God,” the CD/DVD package includes four brand new songs—”The Word,” “Monday’s Pain,” “The Only Way,” and “This Christmas.” The relaunch project also features all the songs from the original recording. The DVD includes video footage from a worship service at Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, New Jersey, where Wilson ministered in song.

Wilson’s second single from his debut project; “Already Here” will impact INSPO/Light AC radio in October. The single has been on the Billboard charts for over 60 weeks and remains in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Gospel Recurrent chart.

JUST LOVE’s first single release, “All I Need,” is the longest-running current single, charting for over 75 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Song chart. In 2009, “All I Need” was named Song of the Year at the Mississippi Gospel Music Awards, which also saluted producer, Stan Jones, as Producer of the Year for his work on the project. In September 2010, Wilson received the Gospel Music Heritage Month Rising Artist Award and he also received a nomination for Song of the Year by the Atlanta Gospel Music Choice Awards. The third and title single, “Just Love” also remains in the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Song chart.

JUST LOVE debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Album chart and #6 on Billboard’s Top Christian Album chart. The CD has remained at #1 on Christian Music Trade Association’s (CMTA) Inspirational Album chart for nearly 50 weeks. Since its release in June 2009, the CD has held steady in the Top 15 on the Billboard Top Gospel Album chart for over 65 weeks.