Nashville, TN -- Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr invite you to celebrate this season of joy and love by sharing a new Christmas collection of music with you. CHRISTMAS WITH THE BARRS is an exciting Christmas album full of holiday favorites and classic Christmas songs for every seasonal playlist and family gathering.
On this album, Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr have an iconic collaboration with Gospel music legend Dr. Bobby Jones and Kyla Jade (of The Voice) on the high-spirited song "Jesus What A Wonderful Child". They have created a one-of-a-kind official music video encapsulating them all in holiday animated characters. Watch and Listen to "Jesus What A Wonderful Child"
"I was excited to have this opportunity to sing with this wonderful husband and wife duo," says Dr. Bobby Jones. "This is a special time of the year in which we put Christ first. God is able and always does what He says He will do, even after such troubling times as we experienced over the last few years. During this time of the year, we celebrate Jesus being brought into this world as our deliverer. Christmas is special because of Him!"
"Jesus What A Wonderful Child" official music video can be watched and shared from Bishop Frederick Barr's YouTube channel. This fun and churchy animated feature is directed and created by Xavier Payne and embodies the praise and excitement of our Savior's birth.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BARRS is an extraordinary holiday musical experience produced by Bishop, Dr. Barr, and Lance Lucas (Jekalyn Carr, Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers, Kevin Davidson). The album features Mark Kibble of the Grammy Award-winning group Take 6 on "My Favorite Things" and Anne Taylor-Slaughter on the jazzy rendition of "Go Tell It On The Mountain". The album is released on the Barr's Tiger Records label and is available now on all digital outlets.
Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr are pastors of the Life Church International in Nashville, TN, and owners of The Barr's Music City Soul Food Restaurant. They are a powerhouse couple known throughout Nashville for their selflessness and unstoppable approach to life and business.
Here is Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr's Animated Holiday Music Video "Jesus What A Wonderful Child" Featuring Dr. Bobby Jones and Kyla Jade on YouTube at https://youtu.be/RRNz65o2OzI
Klasik Boutique Receives 2022 Best of Rahway Award
Rahway Award Program Honors the Achievement
RAHWAY November 14, 2022 -- Klasik Boutique has been selected for 2022 Best of Rahway Award in the Women's Clothing Store category by the Rahway Award Program.
Each year, the Rahway Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small businesses through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Rahway area a great place to live, work, and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2022 Rahway Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Rahway Award Program and data provided by third parties.
To learn more information about Klasik Boutique including their clothing products, please visit https://www.klasikboutique.com
About Rahway Award Program
The Rahway Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Rahway area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Rahway Award Program was established to recognize the best local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.
Hey Papi Promotions Network member Sabrina Thompson makes the news with her Girl In Space Club.
Despite having a full-time job at NASA, Thompson runs the direct-to-consumer label Girl in Space Club. Girl In Space founder Sabrina Thompson at work wearing one of her designs. Read more about the Girl In Space Club on website https://girlsinspaceclub.com
June 23, 2022, 4:26 PM Press Release by Rosemary Feitelberg EDITOR, READY-TO-WEAR & SPORTSWEAR NEWS
Somehow Sabrina Thompson is completely at ease with the unlikely trifecta of art, aerospace and entrepreneurism.
Aside from being a full-time NASA employee and atmospheric scientist, she is an artist, founder of the streetwear brand Girl in Space Club and is developing a prototype suit for female astronauts to wear en route to space or underneath Extra-Vehicular Activity suits.
Wannabe space travelers will be able to buy the $600 flight suit she has designed for consumers and will soon be produced in her home base city of Baltimore. It has been developed with the incubator Sew Bromo and Belvidere Terrace Atelier. Through Girl in Space Club’s nonprofit arm, Thompson plans to use art and fashion to offer STEM education to high school girls.
Having joined NASA in 2010, she now designs orbit trajectories for space missions. Translation? “I don’t want to sound like a GPS, but I basically calculate how much it costs in terms of fuel and then the path that we’re going to take to get from Point A to Point B. So if we leave Earth to get to another planet, I design the trajectory to get to that other planet, and then the orbit, the fly-by or whatever path we take to get to the target destination,” she explained.
Unlike generations of children who have dreamed of becoming astronauts, Thompson said working for NASA wasn’t something that she ever envisioned. “I didn’t know my job existed until I started working there,” she said. “To be honest, I stumbled upon this.” As a child growing up in Roosevelt, New York, she was either in her bedroom with the door closed — music blasting — drawing her own characters or out on the basketball court. Her mother worked as a nurse and her father drove charter buses. As “a pretty good student” and the valedictorian of her class, Thompson said her high school art teacher helped her choose a major at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. “She said, ‘You’re good at math and science, and you’re very creative. Why don’t you try mechanical engineering?’” Thompson said.
That advice eventually led to internships, including one at NASA. Before joining NASA full-time, she earned a graduate degree in aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech. More recently, she completed a second graduate degree in atmospheric physics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Nike, Free People and Lucky Brand are a few of her favorite brands. She said “she also likes ethnic clothes,” and buys fabric during occasional trips to India to make her own styles. A bit of a sneakerhead who had practically every pair of Air Jordans in multiple colors, Thompson said she has tried to grow out of that “but it’s not happening.” She has, however “slowed down a lot” and has sold some of the 75 pairs, due to necessity. “I sold them because I was running out of space,” said the Baltimore-based Thompson.
In 2018, she started Girl in Space Club, after realizing that something was missing from her life. “I had a great job that was satisfying my curiosity about how things worked. It allowed me to grow in technical areas. But that artist inside of me was internally starving,” Thompson said.
Having not taken the brand too seriously initially while still searching for a niche, in early 2020 that switched, with Thompson gaining some mentoring. Now the direct-to-consumer label is starting to consistently be profitable through online sales and pop-ups. A $125 jean jacket, a $40 “Eva T-shirt” and the $25 “Universe Inside Me” digital art print are some of the offerings.
The space suit prototype that is being developed for female astronauts is to be worn during missions for launch and entry. Extensive research and development will be needed, according to Thompson, who is in the early stages of connecting with partners, speaking with potential investors and applying for grants. The design could potentially be modified to be customized for the launch requirements of companies in the private sector of aerospace.
Still in the research and design phase, she said the aim is to create something stylish and for the female form. “If you look at all the astronaut suits that have been designed, they were designed with the male in mind, not the female,” she said, noting how an all-female space walk had to be postponed in early 2019 due to the lack of spacesuits to fit the women astronauts.
Taking into account research and development, testing, sourcing different materials and replacement items, the development of a spacesuits requires millions of dollars. The in-flight suit that is in development will “definitely be cheaper than that,” Thompson said.
Having twice applied to go to space with NASA, including in the summer of 2020, Thompson is planning to try again in 2024. “They say it takes two or three tries before you get selected,” she said.
With South Korea becoming the seventh nation to use a homegrown rocket for a successful satellite launch earlier this week, NASA continues to set the standards despite an influx of private companies getting into aerospace. “You have so many companies that have popped up in the space industry in the last couple of years. It’s insane,” she said. “It’s partially because, when you work for the government, there are rules and regulations. There is a lot of bureaucracy and things that need to take place before you can move forward with initiatives. When a new administration comes in, everything you’ve worked for, maybe for the past four years or eight years, those programs could be pushed off to the side to focus on something else. When you have people from private industry working on space, you don’t have those issues.”
Noting how many SpaceX employees previously worked for NASA, Thompson said other private companies have been inspired by how successful SpaceX has been and are following suit. “Globally, this is happening. A lot of people are coming together in different countries — in Africa, all over Europe, in India and of course in China. I strongly believe this is the future. We will see more astronauts outside of NASA astronauts.”
BRIDGEPORT, Conn., Aug. 19, 2022 / -- More than 175 churches, organizations, and businesses throughout Southwest Connecticut have come together to throw a party for the region. They're calling it CT CityFest with Andrew Palau. With a special emphasis on unity, hope, and good news, the free two-day festival will be held August 27-28, at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut (1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport, CT 06604).
Accomplished in partnership with the Luis Palau Association—a well-known non-profit ministry based in Portland, Oregon—the family-friendly festival will feature award-winning artists TobyMac, Lecrae, We Are Messengers, Blanca, Megan Duke, Zenzo, and Impact Music. It will also include a Family Fun Zone and stage performance, as well as action sports demonstrations from skateboard, BMX, and freestyle motocross athletes. This will all lead up to a culminating moment on both Saturday and Sunday when author and speaker Andrew Palau will share a clear message of hope with the crowd.
In addition to the free two-day festival at Seaside Park, multiple affinity events and smaller gatherings have been taking place throughout the region. The ongoing effort has also included a region-wide service initiative known as CityServe, focusing on the most urgent and pressing social needs in the area. Local leaders are looking to continue this unity and partnership for the long-term.
Details of CT CityFest with Andrew Palau are below:
WHERE: Seaside Park 1 Barnum Dyke Bridgeport, CT 06604
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, August 27-28, 2022 Schedule for both days: Family Fun Zone and Stage Program: 4:00-5:00pm Action Sports Demo: 5:00-6:00pm Main Stage Program: 6:15-9:45pm A full schedule of events is available online at www.cityfest.org.
MEDIA NOTE: Members of the media interested in attending CT CityFest should contact Jay Fordice at jay.fordice@palau.org or 503-341-2297 to arrange for media credentials.
ABOUT CT CITYFEST: CT CityFest with Andrew Palau is a region wide campaign focused on serving the region and proclaiming a clear message of hope. It came about as a result of years of planning by hundreds of leaders from the faith, business, and civic communities in Southwest Connecticut. The vision is to see the Christian community come together in greater unity, service, and proclamation - showing the community at large the joy, peace, love, and grace of Jesus Christ. For more information on CT CityFest with Andrew Palau, visit www.cityfest.org.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas Announces the Appointment of Jacqueline Griffin to its Corporate Board of Directors
Washington, DC, May 23, 2022 – Motivational Speaker Jacqueline Griffin has become the newest Director to serve on Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas’ Corporate Board of Directors. Griffin, who is known by many as the mother of Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL Quarterback, and current ESPN Analyst Robert Griffin III, is the Founder and CEO of the Moms Motivating Moms (M3) organization, and the President of The Robert Griffin III Foundation.
“Our leadership team is looking forward to working with Ms. Griffin in this capacity. With her experience as a grandparent of local Boys & Girls Club Members, a former member of the U.S. Army, and familiarity with the local community in which we serve, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas thinks she will be an excellent addition to the team to help us grow and further impact the lives of the youth who need us most,” said Tiana Quick, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas.
Griffin raised her children in Copperas Cove, Texas, and her grandchildren attended Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas’ (BGCTX) affiliate Boys & Girls Club of Copperas Cove for a number of years. She has supported BGCTX in numerous ways, most recently by providing the opportunity for 40 Copperas Cove youth to attend a Christmas shopping spree in December, 2021 through The Robert Griffin III Foundation. In her new role on BGCTX’s Corporate Board of Directors, Ms. Griffin will serve as a representative of the organization’s Waco Chapter of Clubs.
About Robert Griffin III Foundation: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strives to discover, design, and support programs that benefit struggling military families, underprivileged youth, and the victims of domestic violence. To learn more about Robert Griffin III Foundation, please visit the website at https://rg3sports.com/rg3foundation/.
About Moms Motivating Moms: Our goal is to help mothers (all women are and have mothered a child in their lifetime) empower each other through encouragement, resources, and the support needed to make a difference in the lives of their children, their families, their communities and our society. To learn more about Moms Motivating Moms, please visit the website at https://momsmotivatingmoms.com.
TMMP Awards deadline for nominations fast approaching
Christian artists have just under a week to be in contention for The Music and Media Awards (TMMP) 2022.
All artists who submit their music to one of TMMP’s media partners by Tuesday 17th May, will be considered by a panel of judges for this year’s awards.
You can submit your music to:
UK Platforms: Astep FWD, Gospel Hydration, Visions TV Online, Unbound PR, Zoe Records, House of Saint, Narrow Sounds, Integrity Music, GMIA,HFP Music, Feedem Music, Ministry of Music, Sound Doctrine, Polongo TV, Heart Song Live, Uprise Music, Reggae Gospel 360, MHM Magazine, Man In The Middle, LCBN, GX Radio, Life Radio, ToshMag, Star Radio UK, Sandra Godley, Akosua, Christian Music Platform, Ruthie Christian Media, Club Kingdom Radio & ER Management, PAAM TV UK, Reggae Tribe, Gospel Promo.
International Platforms: Evido's Entertainment, Goodnews Television, AD4TVRadio, God Music App, Praiseworld Radio, Amen Radio, Klevarest Communications, Kadosh Productions,Gospel Gh, God Radio 1, Gospel Music Buzz, Aspire Bookings
Due to the pandemic, last year’s event was held online and featured performances by Sinach (Waymaker), Noel Robinson, Philippa Hanna, Jonathan McReynolds, Emanuel Smith, Reblah and more.
This year, TMMP, which aims to promote and celebrate the diversity found in UK Christian and Gospel music, is holding its flagship annual event over two days at Life Church in Bradford in August.
12th August there will be a wide range of workshops and breakout events aimed to encourage and inspire musicians, artists, songwriters and worship teams, ahead of an evening concert featuring some of the top names in Christian music from around the UK.
On Friday 12th August there will be a wide range of workshops and breakout events aimed to encourage and inspire musicians, artists, songwriters and worship teams, ahead of an evening concert featuring some of the top names in Christian music from around the UK. A black-tie red carpet awards ceremony will then be held the next day (on Saturday 13th August).
Details of the workshops and line-up for the concert and awards will be released in the next few weeks, but super early bird discounted tickets are now available from: www.tmmpawards.com/tickets
Eric Reverance, one of the co-founders of TMMP said:
“I am so excited. This is a weekend not to be missed, celebrating the diversity of the wealth of talent in Christian music around the UK.
“We would like to encourage all artists to submit music to our partners and to come along."
TMMP co-founder Andrew Morrison said:
“We are delighted to be hosting the awards and other events at Life Church in Bradford. There is so much great talent out there and one of the reasons we have decided to host this year’s event in West Yorkshire, is because it’s a world class venue fit for some of the top names in UK Christian and Gospel music.”
TMMP co-founder Shireen Morrison said:
“I’m looking forward to the TMMP Awards, it promises to be a fantastic weekend gathering together to learn and celebrate.”
The WORLD’S LARGEST POETRY TOUR returns to London, UK this 7th May 2022
PIA London - the UK’s largest Christian annual spoken word event is back after a 2-year break. Exceptionally gifted poets Ezekiel Azonwu and Chris Webb return to London and are joined by new faces but no less talented Jasmine Sims and Jazer Willis. The UK’s Dai Woolridge along with top poets from the Bible Society-sponsored #PoeticChallenge are set to showcase at the event and there will be a special Beauty Workshop by Kiyanna Azonwu. All of this will take place at PIA London Summit on Saturday 7th May 2022 at Dominion Centre in London.
The UK has a vibrant and spirited spoken word scene filled with rising talents; this is a real moment for the scene with artists coming together to encourage and learn from one another like never before. With over 1000 tickets sold so far, PIA London Summit is already the biggest ever Christian-based poetry event and certainly one of the best attended in the UK poetry scene. This May, the poets aim to deliver another round of scintillating words, rhyming couplets, strategic sentence structures, and theatrics on several important themes in the faith.
Exciting times once again as the organizers are searching for the UK and Europe’s best poet to open the PIA London Summit in what is now dubbed the #PoeticChallenge and sponsored by Bible Society. The previous winner Paul Syrstad claimed it the ‘highlight of my year’. There were 30 submissions from which 8 were shortlisted by Judges and public votes. The winner gets to perform live to open the show on 7th May. With the highly anticipated PIA Workshops, meet and greets, and powerful performances from the poets, the UK is in for a treat and then some.
Accolades from previous years speak of not just the fantastic performances but also of the events organisation with the poets giving high praise to the London team for ‘top quality professionalism’. Attendee's feedback for the shows include ‘life-changing’ ‘spectacular’ ‘stupendous’ ‘best ever’ ‘incredible’.
Saturday 7th May 2022 Show Time: 7pm - 9pm VIP: Currently Sold Out Tickets: General Admission £25 (more on the door) Venue: Dominion Centre, 9 The Broadway, High Road Wood Green N22 6DS
Notes to Editors ● Spoken word is one of the fastest-growing art forms in the UK and PIA is now a firm fixture in the UK scene. ● 2017 saw the PIA World Tour London debut which makes this year only the 4th time the PIA poets have come together in the UK ● The event was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic and a virtual conference was held in 2021 to which London ticket holders were given free access. ● Jackie Hill Perry, Preston Perry, Jannete Ikz, and Joseph Solomon will be making the trip but London will see the addition of new PIA poets, Jasmine Sims and Jazer Willis. ● London’s events are a collaboration between PIA World Tour, AStepFWD, and ArtisteHub along with official event sponsors Compassion UK and Bible Society. ● All VIP tickets are now Sold Out and General Admission tickets are currently £25. ● The #PoeticChallenge had 30 submissions and is the annual poetry challenge to see which local poet gets the chance to open the event. ● Bible Society are the challenge sponsors for 2022 and will announce the winner at the event.
Africa Network BFTF membership website for all ministries interested in Africa, now has a translator into over 100 languages. Sign UP Here https://bftfafricanetwork.ning.com
Every one of more than 15,000 pages of people, information, free resources, research, sermon outlines, training, photos, videos, discussions, national unity groups, special interest groups etc.
Two-time Academy Award winner and 2022 nominee Denzel Washington will be speaking at the 2022 International Leadership Summit, which is taking place Mar. 31 through Apr. 2 in Charlotte.
The annual conference was founded by T.D. Jakes and brings together aspiring and tenured entrepreneurs, leaders and influential change agents to revolutionize the future of leadership. At this year’s event, Washington will join Jakes for a master class discussing Hollywood, faith and life in the spotlight, according to a press release.
Washington, who is also a producer and director, is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation and holds the title as the most Oscar-nominated Black man of all time. Washington has 10 Academy Award nominations under his belt, including one this year for his work in “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” In 2019, Washington was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, one of the highest honors for a career in film. At the 2016 Golden Globe Awards, he received the Cecil B. deMille Award for lifetime achievement, which is bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.
In addition to the Academy Award nomination for “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” Washington expanded his directorial portfolio in 2021 with “A Journal for Jordan,” starring Michael B. Jordan. Washington has previously directed the films “Antwone Fisher” (2002), “The Great Debaters” (2007) and “Fences” (2016).
“Denzel Washington’s career is unrivaled — both on and off the screen, his passion for impacting the world shines through,” said Jakes.
“Denzel’s wisdom, business prowess, and ability to mentor and mobilize has indelibly influenced the world, and I am honored to welcome him to the International Leadership Summit.”
Jakes has spent the last 45 years serving and inspiring people on a global scale. In addition to his role as Bishop of The Potter’s House, Jakes is a philanthropist, an educator, a real estate developer and a respected leader in the international business community. The annual International Leadership Summit will provide visionaries and leaders with the tools they need to become “master builders” who can construct a solid foundation and revolutionize the way they lead in an ever-changing world. Guests from 19 countries have registered to attend the summit, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Namibia, Kenya, South Africa and Switzerland.
Other speakers at this year’s conference include Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, business tycoon Janice Bryant Howroyd, author and political commentator Van Jones, Pastor Joel Osteen, and other key figures in business, entertainment, nonprofit and faith arenas.
Registration for the conference is open at https://thisisils.org. Attendees may join virtually or in person.
A FREE Devotional Guide The 3:16s of the New Testament The most well known verse in the Bible is John 3:16. There are, however, 20 other 3:16s in the New Testament and they are all worth reading. I did and I wrote a devotion on each of them and put them in this eBook. Start the New Year in The New Testament with the 3:16s. https://christian-perspectives.ck.page/01123380c9
OUR GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2021 IS ERIC REVERENCE
INFORMATION ABOUT ERIC REVERENCE CAN BE FOUND BELOW
My Story
Eric Reverence is a UK based Recording Artist, Worship Leader, Evangelist, Multiple award-winning Singer Song writer, Evangelist, Event Organiser and a pioneer of Kingdom works and Networking. He is the Co-founder of The Music and Media Platform Awards (TMMP), UK President of Gospel Industry Network (GIN UK), founder of Spontaneous Worship, founder of Pakistan Project and is a Youth Ambassador in the UK. Eric’s heart and passion is to spread the Gospel and love of God through his music, produce songs for everyone needs, charitable works, create platforms for upcoming artists and musicians, empower and build others especially young people with creative gifts.
Eric’s career started off in 2010 with a first single ‘I Give You My All’ which touched many lives and was aired on national and international Christian radio stations and TV networks including UCB Radio and Wonderful TV. In 2014 he released his EP ‘I Will Carry On’ followed by an international tour in Ghana and Netherlands which was phenomenally successful. In 2017, His rise to success landed him a record label deal with Nine Fruits Record where he released his single ‘I Believe’ and received major recognition including appearing on MOBO Awards article, StepFwd Christian Charts and many international articles. Eric became a Partner and Patron of Countrystyle Community Tourism Network/Villages where he worked with Diana McIntyre-Pike (President/Founder & Community Tourism Consultant) to develop the Christian Tourism Market in the Caribbean.
In 2018, Eric was appointed the Media and Communications director of Great Commission Society (GCS) and now holds the role as Membership Director. In 2019, Eric and his Co-partner hosted one of the biggest events in the UK ‘Gospel Explosion Summit- UK meets USA’ which was very successful and received lots of global exposure. His continued rise to success connected him with Visions TV Online and MHM Magazine as their Strategist Adviser.
In early 2020, Eric organised a successful global charity project called ‘The Believe Song’ which involved over 60 musical artists across the globe and raised funds for countries who were affected heavily by Covid 19. Eric worked with Great Commission Society (GCS), Visions TV Online and South African International Artist and Producer J Ross to complete the project. In May 2020, Eric and his Co-Founders Andrew & Shireen Morrison founded TMMP Awards with the aim to become the biggest Christian award in the UK.
Eric’s continuous rise to success has seen him shared stage with international Christian/Gospel artists and global icons including Hillsong, Tim Hughes and Sonnie Badu. Eric has also completed successful tours in the UK, USA, Canada, Netherlands, Ghana and Latvia. Eric has just released his latest hit single ‘Miracles’ and currently working on his album which will be completed in 2021 followed by Africa tour (Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania) UK tour, Europe Tour, North America and Asia Tour.
Achievements and Honours:
2020 – Winner of International Artist of The Year (Gospel Choice Music Awards)- USA.
2020 – Humanitarian Awards Winner (Prayze Factor Awards)- USA
2020 – Believe Project 2020- Involving 60 musician artists across the globe.
2020 – Nominated for International Artist of The Year, Song of The Year and Contemporary Artist of The Year (Prayze Factor Awards)- USA.
2020 – Nominated for International Artist of The Year, Song of The Year and Contemporary Artist of The Year (Gospel Choice Music Awards 2020)- USA.
2020 – Nominated for International Artist of The Year, Song of The Year and Contemporary Artist of The Year (S & M Gospel Music Awards)- USA.
2019 – Nominated for International artist of The Year (Texas Gospel Music of Excellence)- USA
2019 – Organised Gospel Explosion Summit 2019 UK Meets USA in London, UK.
2018 – Winner of Male Artist of The Year (Gospel Touch Music Awards)- UK.
2018 – Appointed one of the Directors of Great Commission Society (2018).
2017 – Partner and Patron of Countrystyle Community Tourism Network/Villages- Caribbean.
2017 – Nominated for Role Model of The Year (National Diversity Awards)
2016 – Winner of Artist of The Year (BEFFTA Awards)- UK
2015 – Winner of Praise and Worship Leader of The Year (PraiseTek Gospel Music Awards)- UK
2014 – Nominated for New Artist of The Year (African Gospel Music Awards)- UK
2011 – Finalist at Gospel Rock Competition- UK.
2000 – Selected to represent UK at World Methodist Youth Conference- Atlanta Georgia USA
1998 – Won National 5-Aside Football Tournament at Wembley Arena- UK
Press Release written by Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez - AWARD WINNER, AUTHOR, MC, BLOGGER, BROADCASTER & AMBASSAOR FOR PEACE -UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION – AVAILABLE FOR MC SERVICES IN NIGERIA & OTHER COUNTRIES- CONTACT +447882809005.
Internationally renowned worship leader Eric Reverence reconnects with his West African roots on his new single, ‘Oluwa’, out now.
It’s a simple one-word title, but it says a lot. ‘Oluwa’ (the Yoruba word for God) is an exuberant, joyful Afrobeat Gospel tune, designed to usher in 2022 on a note of thanksgiving and expectation. Eric wrote and recorded the song during a successful tour in Nigeria in November 2021.
The making of ‘Oluwa’ marks a sort of homecoming in Eric’s own personal journey. British Ghanaian-born Eric moved to Canada in 1991 and eventually to the UK in 1992, but his memories of childhood in Ghana weren’t particularly happy ones. “Life in Ghana was a huge struggle as I was always told by my teachers and headteacher that I was useless and worthless,” he recalls. Eric’s ministry as a worship leader and Gospel artist has taken him across the UK and to the USA, Ghana, Netherlands, and Latvia, but it’s always been with a more western pop sound. And then in 2020 Covid-19 struck and George Floyd was murdered. Both those events got Eric thinking that it was time for him to return to his African roots - musically at least. A tour of Nigeria followed, and the concept for ‘Oluwa’ was born. Produced by Tobass Adolphus, the song combines the sounds of the various tribes of both Nigeria and Ghana. The joy and vibrancy of the song are expressed beautifully in the accompanying video, with its breath-taking choreography, made by the Nigerian production company Justice DH Films and creative director Austine Holy.
“God has seen us through a lot in the last year,” Eric says. “Oluwa’ is a song of thanksgiving to God for what he’s brought us through, and of anticipation for what he has in store for us next.”
‘Oluwa’ is out now. For further information or to arrange interviews, contact Eric Reverence at: • Email: reverencee@gmail.com • Social Media: @ericrevrence • Website: https://www.ericreverence.com
"Emmanuel(Wonderful Counselor)" a song written by Jordan & Mark Biel and recorded by Amanda Ownby Stacey makes Canadian radio !!!
Christmas Songs Radio also featured Amanda on their website and Facebook page. This song was also featured in the video "Unconditional Love ( A Christmas Story)".
Dreamin' Out Loud, LLC, a credited limited liability company registered in the state of Missouri is very proud to announce the re-launching of its' indie record label Dreamin' Out Loud Entertainment.
Established in 2009 as a family-owned indie Contemporary Christian Pop label, Dreamin' Out Loud Entertainment (D.O.L.E.), was voted indie label of the year at the inaugural 2013 IMEA Music Awards in Ashland, Kentucky. One single, "Rough Day", was released on its' flagship artist in 2014.
In 2014 (D.O.L.E.) signed Christian Contemporary Pop artist Kristin Rader from Cleveland, TN. The single "Smile" was released on her in 2015.
In 2016 (D.O.L.E.) was put on inactive status but as of Fall 2021, has been re-launched as a multi-genre niche entertainment recording company focused on spreading a positive, up-lifting message through the creative arts. Its' releases will be through mp3 only.
"Our mission is to bring to the world positive, uplifting and professional materials of the highest quality", says Arthur E. Payne III CEO.
The first official release for the re-launched Dreamin' Out loud Entertainment label is an original Christmas song entitled Emmanuel (Wonderful Counselor) written by Jordan Biel & Mark Biel. Jordan Biel is the founder and CEO at Innovate Records. Lead vocals are by Amanda Ownby Stacey. The single was originally produced and arranged in 2014 by Jonathan Crone in Nashville, TN with lead vocals re-recorded by Joe Mills of Highpoint Recording Studio, Lenexa, KS.Watch the new video here...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzOW5GqqXTk
Dreamin' Out Loud Entertainment is a company founded on Christian principles and morals and is a division of Dreamin' Out Loud, LLC.
Former Council Member and State Delegate Tony Knotts Announces His Candidacy for the Council District 8 Special Election
Experienced Public Servant Offers Stability, Accomplished Leadership, and a Steady Hand in a Time of Public Health and Economic Challenges
Oxon Hill, MD – Tony Knotts, who served as the District 8 Council Member from 2002 to 2010 and Maryland State Delegate for District 26 from 2014 to 2018, today is announcing his candidacy for the District 8 Special Election and is also filing his candidacy for the 2022 regular District 8 Primary to be held in June. Yesterday, District 8 County Council Member Monique Anderson-Walker announced her intent to resign her office, which, if effective before December 7, 2021, will trigger a special primary and general election in the early months of 2022.
Today, Council Member Knotts issued the following statement:
"From my time as a U.S. Marine to my service to the residents of District 8 as County Council Member, including serving as Council Chairman, and representing District 26 as a State Delegate, I have dedicated my life to the cause of public service and, specifically, to improving our quality of life in Prince George's County. I am proud of the tremendous progress that I helped District 8 and our County realize during my tenure as County Council Member, including the development of our County's signature economic development achievement -- the National Harbor Project, building the Southern Area Technology and Recreational Complex in Fort Washington, and establishing the new Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill. In the wake of the most serious public health crisis in our lifetime, the COVID-19 pandemic, the residents of District 8 need an experienced, steady, and accomplished hand to lead our communities into the future, not on-the-job training or instability. I fully understand the need to establish smarter development and environmental policies, increased infrastructure investments in Maryland 210 and Southern Maryland Light Rail, new investments in our public schools, and more direct support and services for our seniors, veterans, minority-owned businesses, and returning citizens. Most of all, I understand that a County Council Member cannot get anything done for the residents of District 8 without knowing how to work as a team with his or her colleagues on the County Council and with the County Executive. I am ready on day one to lead as the next County Council Member for Councilmanic District 8."
Tony Knotts is a lifelong resident of Prince George's County. He is a Vietnam War Veteran having served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Knotts is married to Wanda Knotts and currently resides in Oxon Hill, Maryland. He is a graduate of Fairmount Heights High School, where he was a substitute teacher while pursuing a Master’s Degree. Knotts earned an Undergraduate Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Management from Bowie State University. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. Knotts worked for the Washington Suburban and Sanitary Commission (WSSC), one of the largest public utilities in the nation, as a Budget Analyst, Minority Business Enterprise Officer and finally retiring as a Strategic Management Specialist. Knotts maintains membership in a host of civic associations and an active membership in the Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington. Knotts’ professional affiliations include the Coalition of Concerned Black Christian Men and the South County Economic Development Association among many others.
Hi Akiva, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today? For a person who never took any classes in playwrighting or directing I realize now it is a God-given gift. Able to articulate line by line for actors/actresses, making sure the storyline flows from the beginning, middle, and the end, researching the right background music that enhances the scenes, etc.
When I think back, I saw the pieces planted in me at an early age, during my adolescents and now adulthood. When I was little, I would spend hours in my room playing with my GI Joe toys, Transformers, etc. In my little room, I lived in a rhombus imagination. I created scenes for my toys to act in. I was the actor and director.
Approaching my teen years, I lost my mom and dad a year apart from one another. At this point the writer in me begins to write down feelings, things I wish I had, things I experienced, saw in my family, among my peers, and in society. I would begin to write short skit in my journals. Now around this time, I am also a star athlete at Westminster Academy named All-County in Broward (Fort Lauderdale, Fl) for Wide Receiver. I was heavily recruited to play baseball after high school. After being timed as one of the fastest running the bases; they compared me to the next fastest ever ran that fast was MLB Otis Nixon of Atlanta Braves. I was for sure I was going to play in Major League Baseball especially playing against Alex Rodriquez (New York Yankee) and Danny Kanell (ESPN Sports Analyst and New York Giant). But God has something else planned for me.
After graduating from Bethune Cookman University with a BS in Sociology. Another piece to the puzzle that I realized I needed later with my writing/directing. I worked three years with the Department of Juvenile Justice as a Group Treatment Counselor for youth first-time offenses in the judicial system. I also got married in June 1998.
I will have to say while in college I became a Tyler Perry fan. I remember not having too much money as a college student purchasing a ticket to one of the plays he was producing in Orlando, Fla. Since then, I followed and watched Tyler. One thing I can learn from him is that he never gave up. It took that one experience of people wrapped around the building to kick start his career. My people wrapped around the corner to get in is coming. I had one experience in 2013 for Cain N Abel. What happened I got distracted after losing my job. I really felt that was the year I was supposed to have left the workplace of a 9 to 5.
In 1999, I decided to enlist in the United States Air Force which brought me to the DMV area. I was stationed in Andrews AFB, MD for 9 years and 5 months receiving an honoring separation in 2008, but later in 2015 the USAF medically retired me.
My first stage play.
2009, I was attending Lighthouse Baptist Church; at the time the church wanted to do something different for the Christmas celebration. My wife at the time volunteered my name to write them a stage play. Yes volunteered. She reminded me that all the years in college I would write skits and always talk about production. For some reason, I stopped thinking about performance arts. I decided to say yes to the opportunity. As soon as I said yes, I began to have visions. I saw characters for the play, a storyline, supporting songs, etc. Next, I began to people watch; I personally chose everyone who I thought was qualified to play the roles I was writing. The play was called, “My Christmas Story.” The play received a standing ovation. At that point, I realized the gift God gave me is for real.
I begin to write more plays that were dear to me because there were stories of mine hidden in different characters. A lot of people review my plays like an emotional rollercoaster. You will get your laughs, thrills, suspense, teaching, and a lot of tears.
My motto is to provide high-quality stage plays that focus on the following cores from the play: comedy, teaching, drama, and ministry.
The following stage plays I have written over time:
2010, 2013 Cain N Abel; A grandmother took on a job to raise two of her grandsons. One grandson chose God and the other one chose the streets. It took the grandmother and her god-fearing grandson to go pull the other brother out of the darkness. I wrote this play to show how the effects of favoritism would do among family members, especially siblings.
2015 Deep Cover Stage Play Production – A pastor lost his first love in Jesus Christmas. He was more worried about expanding the church. He was losing his identity until an invited Bishop for the revival called him out on his behavior.
2016 Answering His Call Stage Play Production; An honor roll student finds herself In School Restriction. While in restriction the students opened up on personal things they were going through. At this point, she understood why she was there as she helped and encouraged each student that was going through depression, lack of confidence, and dealing with pregnancy.
2018-2019 I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Dinner Theater)
2019 Deep Cover “Let Your Light Shine in Dark Places” Pastor Wilson is challenged by his son to use his platform and speak out against police brutality, racism, and social injustice.
2019 Deep Cover “Let Your Light Shine In Dark Places” Panel Discussion at Anacostia Arts Center, DC- food, live entertainment, and a panel discussion on police/community relations, racism in society and the church, social injustice, and rights to vote
2020 Hired to write a book into a stage Play Production. The Storm Has A Ministry Stage Play Production. A mother’s story recovering from breast cancer, two divorces but wasn’t prepared to lose her son to violence in the streets of Atlanta, Ga. Instead of being bitter, she turned her pain into a ministry to teach others how to get through their pain.
2021 Life N Music web series Musical Drama series; Season One Episode one will begin March of 2022.
2023 Upcoming Stage Play Production, When Two Storms Collide.
After putting all the pieces together, I can walk boldly that I am a playwright, director, and now a screenwriter. Life and other experiences have made me the writer I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way? A smooth ride not at all. I was raised by my grandmother. I never understood why I wasn’t living with my mother and my brother. My grandmother felt my mom was too young to raise me at the time. After some disagreement between mother and daughter my mother left and gave birth to my brother a year later.
I spent some time with my mother when I guess I was allowed. I remember spending the night at her apartments and or even going to work with her. My mom was hard work. She kept a job. One of the hardest things as a young man is to see his mother get beaten by her boyfriend. One night my brother and I were locked in a room as we can hear our mom being tossed to the walls and punched by her boyfriend. I wish I could have done something but I was paralyzed with fear. I wasn’t used to seeing that living with my grandmother. I actually shared about that abusive night in my play, Cain N Abel.
My mom received some bad news in 1986 that she had cancer. I think it was high in stages as she did not last long after going through chemotherapy. Jan 1996 my mom died in my room. For a long time, I couldn’t sleep in my room.
My dad was always in prison during my growing up. When describing my dad, I tell people I saw him three times: 1. Visiting him in Radford Fl prison when I was very young. 2. In my senior year in high school, my dad came to visit me at my grandmother’s. We talked briefly. He promised to be the dad I wanted in my life. 3rd. Six months later from the conversation at my grandmother’s living room my father was murdered in Miami Beach, Fla. I stood before him as he laid stiff in the casket. I looked at him remembering our conversation and seeing our resemblance.
Worked multiple jobs to take care of my family. I always had two jobs until 2008. I believe in taking care of my family by all means. That was a challenge especially on days I didn’t feel like going.
Being a full-time student attending night classes to receive my Masters in Information Network Systems. The money I would receive from the military for being a full-time student I would use to finance my stage plays for years until the money ran out.
Marital Problems- while writing my plays I experience some marital issues. The way I was able to handle it I developed a lot of characters in different plays. I was able to share how I felt through my actors. A lot of that was in I’ll Be Home For Christmas. It was my way of talking to my daughters and well to my wife. July 29th, 2020 received a divorce.
September 2020 learned I had chronic leukemia after going through some testing and biopsy. I was torn in pieces. I wasn’t for sure how long I had to live. I went back to holding my mom’s hand while she was dying. Remembering how much she went through with chemo. I always feared having cancer all my life.
In February of 2021, I did a short film with Kevin Simmons (Intentional Vision Filming). The short film was therapeutic for me. Kevin felt I was the best person to play me. I decided to come out of the director and become an actor. The film focused on me packing giving a sigh I lost my family and now dealing with the news of having leukemia. I called it “Faith Walk”
During these trying times, I was about to be blessed to write my first song called “Time After Time”, co-writer Burnie Stevenson.
More of the challenges now besides my health is trying to find sponsors and investors. I truly feel once I’m able to gain more help in that department we can reach out to some big-name actors, actresses, and or artists to appear in the plays I have already written.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about McClam Enterprise Productions? McClam Enterprise Productions was founded in 2010. We are a faith-based production company that believes in creating believable scenes on stage where everyone from all ages and races can relate. We turn biblical scriptures and or parables into modern-day stage plays. One of the first ones that people still talk about is Cain N Abel's 2010 and 2013 productions.
We are rapidly growing; our organization consists of the following: Casting Director, Stage Crew Director, Operation Manager, Transportation Operator, and Project Manager. In the beginning, I wore all those hats but over time I found the right people to trust to perform the work. Their main objective is to keep me busy focusing on production and execution with the cast, etc.
Currently, we specialize in one-on-one consultation on how to put a production together and acting, review scripts, stage crew assistant, work for hire turn your book into a script.
Our professionalism and high-quality productions set us apart from others. Our main objective to make sure our audience remember their experience with McClam Enterprise Productions. It reminds me when you ask a person how was church? Oh it was good, I can’t remember what the Pastor said but I tell you everything else was great!!! They are saying for that 2 hrs. their experience was great!!! That is what we want our viewers to experience!! The fun they remembered having.
Planting seeds wherever we go is our branding. We want to use our platform to plant good seeds in the lives of the people. If a community is having a police relation issue; our plays know how to target that situation in an entertainment setting but at the same time we are providing a solution and creatively show the audience both sides of the situation where people can see the Officer as a human and the Officer (s) can see the citizen as a human. I call this both sides meeting in the middle.
Our services are open to anyone! We ask you to have good energy and a passion to learn and take directions.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you? We are always looking to work with other people or businesses that share the same vision to help our community. We are currently collaborating with Assured Business Organization Services (SheAbos) founded by Angela Middleton. Angela Middleton after attending one of my productions sat me down and showed me how she can help me free up more of my time.
Since the coloration, we now work together in a group we called Network Link. We bring CEOs of other businesses in the community and give them the platform to share more about their organization. The main thing is to share, support, and network with one another.
Anyone from the community ever attends our event we teach them how to start their business and educate them on the purpose of networking.
You can reach us at mcclamenterpriseproductions@gmail.com or subscribe on mcclamenterpriseproductions.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 26th October 2021 MOBO Award winner Faith Child and actress Jennifer Lee
Moon to host inaugural Step FWD Awards The UK’s definitive Christian & Gospel Music Awards
The response to the upcoming Step FWD Awards has been remarkable and with Early Bird tickets already Sold Out, the momentum is certainly building. The ‘Dove meets Stellar’ event will be held on 27th November and will honour 40+ years of legacy whilst celebrating the 'best of British' talent from the last 12 months.
Performers will be announced later this week, and it's now been revealed that MOBO and multi-award-winning rapper Faith Child and actress Jennifer Lee Moon will host the definitive Christian and Gospel music awards.
The top 5 nominees in each of the UK Christian Charts Song of the Year categories will also be announced from Wednesday 27th October. This comes after thousands of votes were registered, with people flocking to the awards website to name their Song of the Year! All 150+ Judges also got the chance to have their final say, in which of the 131 No.1 tracks will earn the 12 Song of the Year titles. Other music awards finalists such as Duo/Group, New Artist, Male and Female, Producer and Video of the Year will be announced soon.
A big highlight of the Step FWD Awards will be the honouring of many individuals, who across decades have paved the way for the current generation and on whose shoulders the Christian music industry stands. A few Outstanding Contribution recipients are being announced ahead of the event, starting with Howard Francis. Lifetime Achievement and Legacy Awards will be a substantial aspect of the night as well.
Date: Saturday 27th November 2021 Time: 5:30 (Red Carpet) 6:30pm (Doors Open) Venue: St Paul’s Hammersmith, London, W6 9PJ
Notes to editors 1. AStepFWD is a multimedia project sharing music, news and more in a culturally relevant digital environment. The progressive organisation is staffed by volunteers from across the UK and overseas.
2. AStepFWD powers the monthly UK Christian Chart - the only independent and national charting system in the UK for Christian & Gospel artists.
3. The UK Christian Charts celebrates 7 years serving the music scene since March 2014. Throughout this time it has processed 3700+ music submissions from over 600 hundred Christian and Gospel artists.
4. This first Step FWD Awards also aims to educate the UK on the wealth of contribution so many have and continue to make to the industry. Look out for videos via our @astepfwd YouTube channel.
5. The 5 Final Nominees for the 12 Song of the Year categories along with the 5 nominees for all other non-voted categories will be announced from the 27th of October, 2021
6. 8 recipients of the Outstanding Contribution Awards will be announced ahead of the awards event in a special educational twist to honouring the UK’s history and legacy
Prince George's County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. (PGCDPC) awarded 13 $1,000 scholarships to students for its annual “Empowering Future Leaders” scholarship awards program.
OXON HILL, M.D., October 25, 2021 - The Prince George's County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. awarded 13 $1,000 scholarships to students for its annual “Empowering Future Leaders” scholarship awards program.
Student applications were reviewed by the Coalition's scholarship awards committee chaired by Jerome "Duke" Haggins. Aside from this recognition, the students received citations from Maryland State Senator Obie Patterson. Congressman Steny Hoyer will be sending the students citations as well.
The thirteen students receiving scholarships this year were: Trinity Gourdin, Cassandra Swilley, Nia Nottingham, Arielle Swilley, Nicholars Read, Evelyn Anderson, Shayne Richmond, Seth Adams, Taylor Nolan, Ronald Weaver, Victoria Costen, Matthew Waits and Marlon Waits. Two of the students were high school graduates, attending either Oxon Hill High School or Crossland High School with the remaining students attending either the University of Miami, Old Dominion University, Frostburg State University, Towson University, University of Maryland College Park, or Morehouse University.
Aside from the documentation required with the application, students provided their views on the essay question, What advice would you give to legislators who are considering legalizing marijuana for recreational use in Maryland this year? If this topic is placed on the ballot next year, the Coalition will share their views on this controversial topic. Over the past nine years, the Prince George's County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. has awarded over $200,000.00 in scholarships to students, allowing them to continue their education in preparation for their future careers.
Students were involved in a variety of community and leadership activities. Some have served in leadership roles for sorority or fraternity projects in their community or academic institutions, served as an election judge, traveled abroad for service projects in Haiti, St. Croix and Brazil, distributed hygiene packets for the homeless and served at local hospitals and clean-up programs in the community.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, speakers at the Coalition’s breakfast program have included: Mrs. Jacqueline Griffin, motivational speaker and mother of NFL Quarterback RG. III, Judge Arthur Burnett, Sr. National Executive Director of the NAADPC, former States Attorney Glenn Ivey, Former U.S. Marshal, Matthew Fogg, and Ronald Blakely, Former Associate Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Dr. Ivory Toldson, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. Mrs. Ebony N. McMorris currently with the White House Press Corp and former National News Correspondent for Reach Media, Radio One, often served as the Coalition's Mistress of Ceremonies for their scholarship breakfast awards programs.
Dr. Valencia Campbell, President of the PGCDPC said, "Despite the impact of COVID-19 on our business and so many of our partners, we are extremely pleased that we were able to continue helping students realize their academic goals. Our donors deserve a special thank you during this difficult time,” she added.
About: The Prince George's County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that promotes policies and laws that embrace the public health nature of drug abuse. Through our scholarship program, we provide community-based support to families within the county with a focus on students obtaining higher education and living a drug free life. Through the support of interested organizational partners, and grassroots members like you, we hope to prevent and reduce illegal drug abuse and related crimes in Prince George's County. For more information about upcoming events and how to partner with us, please visit our website at https://www.pgcdpc.com.
Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, of Baylor, is photographed with the award during a news conference, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, in New York. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle) (Craig Ruttle | ASSOCIATED PRESS) By Darby Brown Published: Oct. 12, 2021, at 4:18 PM EDT
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The Board of Directors of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame announced the Class of 2022 which will be inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame on March 12, 2022. The Class was selected by ballot through a statewide selection committee; votes were tabulated by Simply Voting.
The 61st Annual Induction Banquet will be held in the BASE at the Extraco Event Center in Waco, Texas, on March 12, 2022.
The newly elected inductees for the Class of 2022 are as follows: Bob Beamon, Chris Bosh, Manu Ginóbili, Robert Griffin III, Tony Parker, Carly Patterson Caldwell, Mike Renfro, Suzie Snider Eppers, and Michael Strahan.
Bob Beamon- Track & Field | Beamon attended the University of Texas at El Paso, where he competed in track and field. He first rose to prominence in 1967, when he won the AAU Indoor Title and medaled in the Pan American Games, both in the long jump event. Beamon won gold in the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games, jumping 29 ft. 2 ½ in., blasting the previous world record by nearly two feet. Beamon’s world record stood for 23 years, and he still holds the Olympic record. His world record jump was so incredible that it worked itself into sports vocabulary. “Beamonesque” is a commonly used phrase that describes a feat that is overwhelmingly superior to what preceded it, referencing Beamon’s famous leap. Beamon was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1977 and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983.
Chris Bosh- Basketball | A product of Dallas and Lincoln High School, Bosh is an 11-time NBA All-Star (2005′-16), two-time NBA Champion (2012, 2013), and Olympic gold medalist (2008). Bosh was drafted fourth overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors and spent six years with the Miami Heat (2010′-16). He quickly cemented his dominance in the post by being named to the All-Rookie Team in 2003-’04 and the All-NBA team in 2006-’07. Over his 13-year career, he averaged 19.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. His #1 jersey was retired by the Miami Heat in 2019. In September 2021, Bosh was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Manu Ginóbili- Basketball | Ginóbili is one of only two players to ever win an NBA Championship, a EuroLeague title, and an Olympic gold medal. After playing seven seasons in Argentina and Italy, winning the EuroLeague title in 2001, he joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2002. Ginóbili spent his entire NBA career with the Spurs (2002-2018) where he claimed four NBA Championships (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), two NBA All-Star appearances and the 2008 Sixth Man of the Year award. His No. 20 was retired by the Spurs in 2019.
Robert Griffin III- Football | The greatest quarterback in Baylor football history, Griffin was unstoppable during his four years at Baylor. A four-star recruit out of Copperas Cove High School, Griffin was immediately handed the reigns to the Baylor offense his freshman year, where he won Big 12 Conference Offensive Freshman of the Year and Big 12 Freshman of the Year. Griffin was also a standout hurdler under Coach Clyde Hart during his freshman year at Baylor. In 2011, he won the ultimate honor in college football, the Heisman Trophy. Griffin was also named the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year and won the Davey O’Brien Award and the Manning Award. The Heisman winner was drafted second overall to the Washington Redskins, where he won Offensive Rookie of the Year and was selected to the Pro Bowl his first season. Griffin was able to carve out a successful eight-year career in the NFL, playing for the Redskins, Browns, and Ravens.
Tony Parker- Basketball | Parker was born in Belgium and raised in France before he descended on Texas in 2001 to play for the San Antonio Spurs. The Frenchman did not disappoint during his time with the Spurs, winning four titles (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) in one of the most dominant dynasties in NBA history. Parker was a major contributor, averaging 15.5 points per game and 5.6 assists per game throughout his career. He’s a six-time NBA All-Star and was named to four All-NBA teams, and was the NBA Finals MVP in 2007. Parker retired in 2019 having played a total of 1,254 career games. His No. 9 jersey was retired by the Spurs in 2019.
Carly Patterson Caldwell- Gymnastics | Olympic gold medalist Carly Patterson, was one of the greatest gymnasts of her time, known for her signature dismount, the Double Arabian. Patterson won her first gold medal at the senior level, winning all-around and balance beam at the American Cup in 2003. The year after, Patterson would compete in her first and only Olympics, becoming the second American woman to win the all-around gold medal since 1984, and the first to ever win in a non-boycotted Olympic Games. Patterson would end her career in 2006 with a total of 27 medals to her name. She was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2009.
Mike Renfro- Football | Renfro has represented nearly every Texas football team there is. The wide receiver played at Arlington Heights High School before playing collegiately at Texas Christian University, and then professionally for the Houston Oilers and Dallas Cowboys. Renfro was a standout at TCU, being named All-SWC three times and a second-team All-American. Renfro finished his collegiate career with the third-most receiving yards in SWC history with 2,739 and left TCU with the most receiving touchdowns, yards, and receptions in program history. Renfro played 10 years in the NFL and was named the Dallas Cowboys’ most valuable player in 1985. He retired with 323 career receptions for 4,708 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Suzie Snider Eppers- Basketball | Born and raised in Robinson, Texas, Eppers was the first in a long line of star basketball players to play for Baylor women’s basketball. After leading Robinson High School to its first-ever basketball state championship in 1970, Eppers took her talents to Baylor University in 1973, where she became the first women’s scholarship athlete in school history. Throughout her collegiate career, Eppers accumulated 3,861 points and went on to become Baylor’s first-ever All-American in women’s basketball. Her No. 23 jersey was retired by the Lady Bear. Eppers’ talent wasn’t just confined to the basketball court; She was a decorated track and field athlete in high school, where she still holds the Central Texas shot put record at 50 feet and 10 inches.
Michael Strahan- Football | Michael Strahan was without a doubt one of the most feared defensive players in NFL history. After attending Texas Southern University, Strahan was drafted 40th overall by the New York Giants, where he spent his entire 15-year professional career. Strahan was a seven-time Pro Bowler and led the NFL in sacks for two seasons (2001, 2003). His best season came in 2001, where he set the single-season sack record with a staggering 22.5 sacks and won NFL Defensive Player of the Year. In his final game as an NFL player, Strahan helped lead the Giants to a Super Bowl victory (2008) against the undefeated New England Patriots. He finished his career with 141.5 sacks, sixth all-time in NFL history. He is also a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s and Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2014. Today, Strahan is a co-anchor for ABC’s " Good Morning America”, a two-time Daytime Emmy award winner, Co-CEO of SMAC Entertainment, “Fox NFL Sunday” sports analyst, and a best-selling author.
