The Path MEGAzine attended this years 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration held in Miami, FL. The Co-host of the event was Cedric The Entertainer, sharing the duties with Dr. Bobby Jones. In the press conference, Cedric faced questions dealing with his relationship with Christ. In a rare occasion, we see the serious side of funny man Cedric. Well, at least for a second anyways!

The event was held on Friday, February 2, 2007 at Miami’s James L. Knight Center, SBGC attracted thousands of fans of Gospel music and professional football. Event attendees were treated to one of the most dynamic shows in the history of the SBGC, which is the first and only Gospel music concert sanctioned for Super Bowl weekend by the National Football League (NFL).

Award-winning artists Yolanda Adams, Patti LaBelle, Hezekiah Walker, J Moss, Tye Tribbett and Jaci Velasquez shared the stage with a host of NFL icons to create an evening filled with powerful performances marked by inspirational messages. Comedian Cedric The Entertainer and Dr. Bobby Jones, host of BET’s “Bobby Jones Gospel” wowed the crowd as co-hosts.

Presented by Sam’s Club, the show featured special guest appearances by Tony Dungy, head coach of the Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts, and retired NFL legends, John Elway and Jerry Rice. Other participants from the NFL included: Mike Adams (49ers), Marcus Colston (Saints), Andre Davis (Buffalo Bills), Derrick Dockery (Redskins), Jamin Elliott (Falcons), John Elway (Retired/Denver Broncos), Demetric Evans (Redskins), Michael Gaines (Panthers), Tommie Harris (Bears), Michael Lehan (Dolphins), Mike Lewis (Saints), Ray Lewis (Ravens), Derrick Mason (Ravens), Jerome McDougal (Eagles), Bryant McKinnie (Vikings), Ovie Muhelli (Ravens), Jeffery Posey (Redskins), Allen Rossum (Atlanta Falcons), Richard Seymour (Patriots), Will Smith (Saints), Donnie Spragan (Dolphins), Donte Stallworth (Eagles), Max Starks (Steelers), Troy Vincent (Redskins), DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys), Ty Warren (Patriots), Ben Watson (Patriots), Roddy White (Falcons), Roland Williams (Rams), and Quincy Wilson (Bengals).

“This show was one of our best to date,” said Melanie Few president, Results, Inc. and SBGC founder/executive producer. “Through the support of the NFL, our sponsors, South Florida’s civic partners and the local community, we were proud to have presented such a high caliber event as part of Super Bowl XLI.”

The 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration was sponsored in part by Greater Fort Lauderdale and Inspired By…The Bible Experience. Media partners include Ebony Magazine and Sheridan Gospel Network. For more information on the 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration visit www.superbowlgospelcelebration.com

The Path MEGAzine caught up with Christian comedian Rod-Z, after a performance at the Upper Room Gospel Lounge in Orlando, Florida. As a staff we were very familiar with his comedy, and had even owned a couple of his DVD’s. The man is hilariously funny. Rod-Z does only clean comedy, and has been doing comedy for over 10 years. Rod-Z currently performs at churches and gospel events across the country. We predict that this laugh out loud performer will be a household name in years to come. Listen to the interview and comedy samples on PathVision.

More on Rod Z:

With a desire to touch lives through the medicine of laughter Rod Z has penned another comical gem. Yet again, the comedic stylings of this "funny Man" shine in this sophomore compilation, 'I Ain't Lied Yet'. This project exudes with energy as he connects and captivates his audience. A collection of witty truths, this amusing outlook on life is refreshing. 'I Ain't Lied Yet' will be a wonderful addition to your collection.

Booking Contact: Garrett M. Johnson
Underground Sound Artist Management
2003 S. Victoria Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Tel: 323-732-6474, 914-663-9122
Fax: 323-732-6715
E-Mail: gjohnsonmgt@earthlink.net

A landmark decision by the Supreme Court announced Wednesday upholds a nationwide ban on a controversial abortion procedure.

Pro-life advocates are hailing the 5-to-4 ruling that a ban on partial birth abortion does not violate a woman's constitutional right to choose.

"It's been a long time coming, and make no mistake about it, this decision is the beginning of the end of Roe. V. Wade, and it's the start of a new era for the respect of our God given right to life," said Rev. Robert Schenk of Faith and Action.

Pro-choice groups are calling this legal defeat a dangerous rollback in women's rights.
"We are going to see a whole new onslaught on restrictions on abortions coming out of this decision," said Nancy Northup of the Center for Reproductive Rights.

The Partial Birth Abortion Act signed by President Bush in 2003 outlaws the procedure critics call infanticide.

Clinically called "dilation and extraction," it is performed in the second and third trimesters.
The surgeon uses forceps to pull a fetus out of the birth canal, partially delivering the body up to the head.

Scissors are then forced into the base of the skull to make an opening and a suction catheter is inserted to evacuate the contents, before removing the fetus from the patient.
The narrow decision reveals a shift in the court's direction.

Liberal justices were pitted against conservatives, with the majority hinging on Bush appointees Chief Justice John Roberts and Samuel Alito.

Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy voiced concern over patients not getting information on "the way the fetus is killed."

He wrote " medical profession… may find different and less shocking methods to abort the fetus in the second trimester."

Writing in the minority, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg called the decision "alarming , " saying it "applauds federal intervention to ban a procedure found necessary in certain cases."

Republican presidential candidates overwhelmingly support the ruling with Mitt Romney saying it "reaffirmed the value of life. by upholding a ban on a practice that offends basic human decency."

Sen. John McCain also weighed in calling "Partial birth. one of the most odious aspects of abortion."

But Democratic frontrunners were sharply critical.

It's "a dramatic departure from four decades of Supreme Court rulings that upheld a woman's right to choose." said Senator Hillary Clinton.

Senator Barack Obama was concerned it would "embolden state legislatures to enact further measures to restrict a woman's right to choose, and that the conservative Supreme Court justices will look for other opportunities to erode Roe v. Wade."
Bush praised the decision saying he would "continue to work for the day when every child is welcomed in life and protected in law."

The high court's decision only highlights the significance of presidential appointments to the bench, and the significance of the 2008 election in a highly-charged debate over the 'right of a woman to control her own body' versus the 'right to life of the unborn.'

38th Annual GMA Dove Awards – Recipients

The biggest night for Christian music took place last night in Nashville, with awards given to the most talented Christian artists. Among the big winners at the Dove Awards, which is the most prestigious award given to a Christian musician, worship star Chris Tomin and newcomer Aaron Shust raked in the most accolades with six and three Doves, respectively.

“Chris Tomlin and Aaron Shust deserve their moment to rejoice in the recognition their community has bestowed on them with their multiple Dove Awards,” commented John W. Styll, president and CEO of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and presenter of the awards, in a statement, “and it is evident they will be impacting gospel and Christian music for some time to come.” For the second year in a row, Tomlin pulled away with the night’s biggest honors: Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. This is in addition to the five previous Dove Awards that he won last year. “I’m overwhelmed by all this,” Tomlin said as he held his awards. “I feel like King David when he was a shepherd kid. His brothers were more talented than he was… yet somehow God has put his hand on him…and on me. “I’m just always reminded that God must increase, and I must decrease. At the end of the day, it’s all about worshipping God,” he added. Shust, who just came onto the Christian music scene, has already made a big stir in taking home some of the other big prizes including Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and New Artist of the Year. He has made a strong start to his career. When asked by a journalist backstage whether things will change for him the next day after garnering the accolades, a teary-eyed Shust confessed, “I’m a sinner today, and I’ll still be a sinner tomorrow.” “It’s just an honor to be here,” he added. Shust also thanked his mom for letting him hold a turkey baster and sing as a kid.

Among the other top winners were Casting Crowns (Group of the Year), Natalie Grant (Female Vocalist of the Year), Jars of Clay (Music Video of the Year), and Ed Cash (Producer of the Year). “The Dove Awards is evidence that the message of the good news of the Gospel knows no musical boundaries and reaches across generations, genres and cultures,” added Styll. “The artists, songwriters and producers honored tonight may come from many different backgrounds, but they are connected by excellence, creativity and passion and we congratulate each on their individual honors.” In 43 total categories, various Dove Awards were given out in a variety of genres as well including pop/contemporary, rock/contemporary, rock, rap/hip hop, inspirational, worship, country, and gospel, among several others.

Incorporated into the night’s festivities were 15 performances comprising of 25 different recording artists. Some of the many stars that staged shows were Tomlin, Shust, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Brian Littrell, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mandisa, and MercyMe, amongst many other huge names. The awards showcase was presented live at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, and was hosted by Natalie Grant, Brian Littrell and Donnie McClurkin. The program was recorded and will air in May on television.

Attention recording and performing Artists!
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
Share in the vision for Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Happiness at Urban Music Fest 2007. A one of a kind music festival acclaimed for its eclectic line-up and family-friendly vibe. Showcasing the world's finest in positive urban music, this festival will be the premiere music festival of the Twin Cities, scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 30, 2007.
Urban Music Fest is searching the country over to find 20 of the hottest independent urban artists to feature on the Urban Music Fest compilation CD and/or perform live at the Festival. Submit your material today for the Urban Music Fest Compilation CD! This is a fast-track project, so jump on board NOW as we feature the finest in original, independent urban music! DJ Glenn of KCDR Radio has signed on with Urban Music Fest as the host DJ for the compilation. Why is this a HUGE opportunity for you? 5,000+ FREE CD's of The Urban Music Fest Compilation will be distributed within in the Twin Cities and abroad with 30 to 45 days of strong marketing and promotion leading up to the festival. If your song is hot enough to be on the CD, Submit Now! If you would like to perform Submit Now!
DEADLINE:
May 7, 2007 or WHEN ALL SLOTS ARE FILLED! WHICH EVER COMES FIRST!
SUBMIT NOW!
Primary Genres Accepted:
Urban, R&B, Hip Hop, Rap, Gospel, Contemporary, Christian, Funk, House Music, Poetry, Pop, Rock, and Spoken Word.
NO PROFANITY
NO USE OF THE 'N' WORD
Urban Music Fest is a celebration of positive, fresh, and revitalizing music that offers hope, inspiration and life thru the lyrics.
Send your material in an MP3 format to: umf@xrossmusic.com and make sure to name the file with the correct artist and song name. You also must include your contact information (i.e. first and last name, phone number & mailing address) in the email. Be sure to include a professional photo. The Urban Music Fest staff will review your material, and you will be contacted on or before May 15, 2007.
1. Unlimited number of submissions per artist
2. 20 artist slots available
3. Each additional song: $20.00
Payment needs to be made through www.paypal.com.
Send money link to: info@xrossmusic.com
All submissions will receive a through review.
Compilation is scheduled to hit the streets on May 15th 2007
Compilation distribution: 5000+
Benefits to the Artists:
1. Your music will be massively exposed to a new market – 5,000+ copies of your hottest song distributed to thousands in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) and abroad
2. Street team will be utilized to market and push your product (artist/band name, website, song, etc.) noted on the CD
3. Gain national exposure for your material
4. Increase album sales
5. A chance to take the stage with other top urban artists in the country
6. Inclusion as an Urban Music Fest 2007 performing artist (as deemed appropriate)
7. Thousands of additional fans will know your group and song whether you perform at Urban Music Fest or not
8. Promotion of independent artists with no hassle to the artist
Selected artists will receive:
1. 10 copies of the CD for their own use.
2. Invitation to perform live at The Urban Music Fest 2007 (remember they've been playing it for the past two months…they are hyped and ready to see you perform!)
3. Inclusion on printing/press release associated with the compilation CD
4. Artists will be marketed and promoted on Urban Music Fest website.
5. Inclusion on printing/press releases associated with the Urban Music Fest.
6. Inclusion on the MySpace promo page www.myspace.com/urbanmusicfest (make UMF your top friend)

We look forward to putting you on BLAST! Those in attendance will have the opportunity to see many of the hottest acts touring today. Industry heads will turn at the shear glimpse, momentum and magnitude of this event, not to mention the prolific independent artists showcasing a real desire for a positive social change through music. Urban Music Fest is sure to pack the stage with national
indie artists in an A-1 club atmosphere within the boundaries of the Twin Cities nightlife. Professional and quality entertainment, service & merchandise vendors, delicious food and non-alcoholic drinks are simply a few of the attractions!
Thank you in advance for your interest, support and participation in helping us make Urban Music Fest 2007 a great success!
Korey Dean Sr. | Founder – 763.502.0212 (umf@xrossmusic.com)

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CONTACT:
Nedra Merritt
nedramerritt@yahoo.com
267-297-2020

"Gumbo for the Soul" dares to call it like it is. This serving of Gumbo is a must-read for every parent, teacher, mentor, and all who believe it is important that our children can read and comprehend the English language." — Tavis Smiley, Author, Television and Radio Host
"Gumbo for the Soul" tells African-Americans exactly what the recipe for a good life is…It is inspirational, uplifting, and recommended for people of all ages, colors and aspirations." — Alice Holman, The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
San Francisco Bay Area parent and adult tutor Beverly Black Johnson has taken steps to address the dismal statistics of the high school drop-out rate amongst Black students. She founded Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program to implement solutions to black students' declining GPAs, and to improve the scores of college-bound high school seniors by developing a literacy program. Johnson shared her vision for the literacy program with some of the nation's best-selling and first-time African-American writers, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, community leaders, laypersons and students. More than 100 talented individuals generously contributed to the anthology titled Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community. Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit development of Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program – a 501(c)(4) public service initiative. The anthology is available online at www.BarnesandNoble.com

Johnson commented, "We as parents, educators and village leaders have to step up and place higher demands on the education system so that our kids get the quality of education to which they are entitled and deserve." She continued, "We cannot afford to simply stand by the wayside and allow our kids to slip through the ever-widening cracks. We must take action."
Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community is the first in a series of compilations of delicious poems, essays, quotes, personal reflectional accounts of contributors' respective educational and occupational experiences that address adversity, obstacles, perseverance and determination, as well as assorted gumbo recipes. Under development for more than two years, and in print for less than two weeks, the highly-anticipated anthology is already the buzz in literary circles.
Popular author, television and radio host Tavis Smiley said, "Gumbo for the Soul" dares to call it like it is. This serving of Gumbo is a must-read for every parent, teacher, mentor, and all who believe it is important that our children can read and comprehend the English language." Member of the highly-respected RAWSISTAZ Reviewers Alice Holman's R.A.W. Rating of "5 out of 5" accompanied her broad review that included, "This collection of writings is inspirational and uplifting. I can't think of a better book to read when depression and a sense of meaningless in this world overtakes your soul."…"Gumbo for the Soul"…succinctly brings out our stellar history in this country. The inspirational pieces are beautiful stories that let us know God is with us no matter what. The gumbo recipes begged to be tried for dinner."

Gumbo for the Soul proudly includes among its 106 talented contributors: Toni Beckham, president & CEO, PR, et Cetera, Inc.
Heather Covington, NAACP Image Award nominee; author of Literary Divas; host, the Black Family Channel's "Literary Living"
Nathasha Brooks-Harris, Emma Award winning author of Panache
Delores Thornton, "Queen of Marketing" Marguerite Publishing
Niambi Jarvis, founder & CEO, Hiyaah Power, Inc.
Michael Henderson, Morehouse College Alumni
Kim Robinson, author of The Roux in the Gumbo
James W. Lewis, contributor, Chicken Soup for the Soul
Synthia Saint James, award-winning artist, author, songwriter, and illustrator of the widely popular Kwanzaa postage stamp
Vecepia Towery-Robinson, CBS "Survivor" winner
Keyanna Bean, Rapper
Kyeisha D. Johnson, Student
Beverly Black Johnson, founder, Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program; compiler, Gumbo for the Soul anthology series
THE BOOK:
Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community
Compiled by Beverly Black Johnson
iUniverse, Inc./Gumbo for the Soul Publications, April 2007
(ISBN:0-595-42907-6, ISSN:1934-3590, Paperback, $24.95 U.S., non-fiction)
Book cover by Synthia Saint James; foreword by Heather Covington
Available for purchase now at www.BarnesandNoble.com
THE LITERACY PROGRAM:
Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit development of Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program – a 501(c)(4) public service initiative. To learn more about the program, and how you can support it, please visit www.gumboforthesoul.net. Corporate and organizational sponsorships are welcome. Please email gumboforthesoul@yahoo.com or call 209-947-4743.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:
Next in the Gumbo for the Soul anthology series is Gumbo for the Soul: Here's our Child, Where's the Village? Submission deadline: June 16, 2007 | both electronic (heresourchild@yahoo.com) and hardcopy required. Mail to: GFTS-Village Child, P.O. Box 5193, San Jose, CA 95150. Sponsor ads are available. For more detailed information about submission requirements for the next anthology, please visit www.gumboforthesoul.com

CONTACT:
Toni Beckham
PR, et Cetera, Inc.
408-499-3664
Toni@PRetCetera.com

"Black leaders like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Rep. Maxine Waters, former NAACP head Ben Muhammad (formerly Ben Chavis), and Russell Simmons have encouraged anger and distrust towards police for years." states the out-spoken minister
A CBS 60 Minutes segment aired this past Sunday reporting that the "stop snitchin'" campaign being promoted by some rappers in videos and on t-shirts is intimidating witnesses from coming forward to testify. According to law enforcement officials, this is causing crimes including murder to go unsolved in the inner cities. This epidemic has outraged social activist and author, Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, who says that this twisted "code" has been passed down by criminals and by corrupt Black leaders who have been promoting an anti- police culture for the past 15-20 years.
"No one should be surprised that this 'stop snitchin'' campaign has a foothold in the Black community," said Rev. Peterson. "Black leaders like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Rep. Maxine Waters, former NAACP head Ben Muhammad (formerly Ben Chavis), and Russell Simmons have encouraged anger and distrust towards police for years."

In the 60 Minutes segment, CNN's Anderson Cooper talked with New York rapper Cam'ron, also known as "Killa Cam," who said, "It's a code of ethics (not to snitch)." Rapper Busta Rhymes, along with up to 25 people witnessed the Feb. 5, 2006 fatal shooting of his friend and bodyguard, Israel Ramirez, but according to New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, no one will talk or testify. The segment also featured interviews with several young Black teenagers who said that in their neighborhoods, "People get respect for robbing banks, but if you're snitching that's a crime."
Rev. Peterson said, "What the rappers are doing is wrong, but we must realize that so-called Black leaders have long encouraged Black youth to hate and distrust police. Until we restore the family and Black men become responsible fathers, this problem will continue to plague America's inner cities."

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson is the author of "SCAM: How the Black Leadership Exploits Black America." He's also an expert commentator on race and gender issues. For more information, visit www.bondinfo.org