Multi-Grammy Award-Winning Gospel Artist Hezekiah Walker Establishes Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union University

June 02, 2021

RICHMOND, VA – Virginia Union University (VUU) will launch the Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union University. The academic center is the first of its kind in the United States. It will provide education and resources to help musicians and budding gospel artists to learn the cultural and business aspects of gospel music and the industry. Courses will be available to all VUU students and a variety of certification courses related to work in the industry will also be available to the general public.  

Walker, a second-year student of the Virginia Union University’s Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology said, “the strong theological training I’ve received here at Virginia Union during the past two years has helped to shape my ministry.” He continued, “My goal is to give back to the school that has poured so much into me, by helping emerging gospel artists learn the business, as well as theological aspects of the gospel music industry.”

“Gospel music is an important part of our culture and VUU is honored to partner with  Walker to create a central hub for the study, writing, and preservation of gospel music. Walker has poured his spiritual gift and innovative ideas into the development of courses and events planned for the Center,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President and CEO of Virginia Union University. “VUU is growing to meet the changing career interests of our students by creating academic programs where the workforce demand is high or where students can explore opportunities in STEM, history, or the arts.”

The primary purpose is for the Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union University is for all components of gospel music to work cohesively to blend our vast areas of ability and excellence in the knowledge of the arts. Students will learn through the study of sacred arts and how it relates to African heritage; explore music and worship traditions that promote understanding of biblical texts in faith-building; and participate in several planned live recordings to be produced under the direction of  Walker and VUU Choir director and award-winning gospel producer, Elder J. David Bratton.

The Center will launch in June 2021 and is an extension of Walker’s mantra, “And Because God is the greatest power, we will not be defeated!”

About Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and Center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world. It was founded in 1865 to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advance liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences. Visit https://www.vuu.edu/ for more information.

Press Release: Blackeye Entertainment Films: "The Show Must Go On'-Interview with Director/Producer of DMX's Final Film

For Immediate Release: April 27, 2021

Publicist, Shawn Papi, Office: 301-641-0814, Email: heypapipromotions@gmail.com

c/o Joy T.J. Riley

To download PDF File click the link: (The Show Must Go On Interview with Director Antonio Simmons (b).pdf)

In the news...

Check out the LIVE interview on WUSA9 by news reporter Ellen Bryan with Hey Papi Promotions Network members Jacqueline Griffin and Tasheka Green.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                            

CONTACT:

March 12, 2021                                                                                                         

Publicist, Shawn Hay

Office: (301) 641-0814

Email: heypapipromotions@gmail.com

Crossland High School Dance Company, students, staff, Wanda's Hope Klozet, and the Gamma Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, as well as the Bowie/Mitchellville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternities, hosted a "Pull-up and Pop The Trunk Coat Giveaway" to help local residents in Temple Hills, Maryland.

TEMPLE HILLS, M.D., March 12, 2021 - Prince George's County Public School's Crossland High School Dance Company, students, staff, and Wanda's Hope Klozet organization hosted a "Pull-up and Pop The Trunk Coat Giveaway" on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Crossland High School in Temple Hills, Maryland.  Wanda's Hope Klozet members and several generous community partners assisted with resources and support for this successful community service event.  More than 500 NEW coats were donated and given away to local families as they drove through the school parking lot. The community is still significantly impacted by the school and government closures related to COVID-19 and Wanda's Hope Klozet and partners were able to serve the community through this coat giveaway. Principal Michael Gilchrist, Wanda J. Knotts, students, fraternity members, and Crossland staff and alumni helped children and families on Saturday. Please share some of the highlights from the event below with family and friends!

Bowie State University students, Crossland High School alumni, former Crossland High School employees, the Gamma Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, and the Bowie/Mitchellville Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi all came together with coats and smiles to safely support and serve the community during this pandemic.

“It is truly a pleasure to give back to my alma mater and this community,” says Ikey Staton, Crossland Alumni and member of the Gamma Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

“I have a strong desire to connect communities to proper resources to restore Hope so families can thrive. This is why these events are so important to me”, says Wanda J. Knotts.

About Wanda’s Hope Klozet

Wanda’s Hope Klozet is a leading organization that addresses the basic clothing and shoe needs of underrepresented families around the USA. We support children, women, and families as they navigate through life challenges and hardships. We assist the community in developing a positive power that aids them along in life while offering them some of the luxuries that we frequently take for granted. Wanda’s Hope Klozet believes in a society that offers all humans irrespective of their status, race, and circumstances, equivalent opportunities to live a normal and happy life. Lack of access to clothes and shoes are some of the factors that are marginalizing our nation's neediest citizens. We provide coats and shoes to help people fight freezing winters in the USA and around the world. For more information about Wanda's Hope Klozet, please visit their website at https://www.wandashopeklozet.com

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