By Kenny Taylor
As tributes to this Gospel Music Icon continue, Washington DC stepped forth over the weekend to honor and celebrate this great man and his music. The event was held at The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square and included a cadre’ of DC-based psalmists who worked closely with Bishop Hawkins. Hosted by Radio One’s Winston Chaney, the “Belle” of Howard University gospel programming, and Ms. Jacqui Gales Webb, a full evening of Hawkins music was re-visited with the help of Lady Tramaine Hawkins and sister Lynette Hawkins Stephens.
Rounding off the line-up was Richard Smallwood alumnus: Ms. Dottie Jones, who blessed the house with “Lord I Love You,” Loree Slye Montgomery, ministered “Be Grateful,” and Minister Dennis Sawyers who belted “Marvelous” with such passion that it visibly moved the excited congregation of Hawkins enthusiasts. Minister Sawyers performed the song at the Kennedy Center with Bishop Hawkins at his last national public appearance.
With contributions by Jimmy Russell & BOC, Brian Spriggs & Nu Worship, Ryan Vincent Ford & Ministry, Sunday’s Best’s Clifton Ross, Wyomme Parris, Co-Pastor Veda McCoy, Chad Gilbert, and Taiwan Bradford, the stage was set for Lynette Hawkins Stephens who blessed the house with the Hawkins classic, “Special Gift.” Closing out the evening of reflections was The Lady Tramaine Hawkins who re-visited the iconic “Changed” and “Going Up Yonder” as well as ministering her latest hit, “I Never Lost My Praise.” The “live” clips of Bishop Hawkins and recollections by participants ushered in some of the most overwhelming moments of the evening. Additionally, commendations from the city of Washington DC and Prince Georges County, Maryland were presented. “This is really, really nice” remarked Cheryl Jackson of DC’s Praise 104.1.
Congratulations Pastor Jerome Bell, Attorney Ron Magnus (GMWA), Jimmy Russell, and Maryland Family Christian Center for making this Celebration a great success.
(L-R) Atty Ron Magnus, Lynette Hawkins Stephens, Pastor Jerome Bell, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, First-Lady Tonita Bell
Winston Chaney – Radio One & Jacqui Gales Webb – Howard University FM – Guest MC’s
Also Read: Sheila Jackson Lee Speaks on Gospel Music Heritage Month: Tribute to Gospel Legends
