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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.
Billboard's #1 Most Added Song in the Country!! Renee Spearman's "I GOT GOD"13 NEW ADDS
(Hollywood, CA) The follow-up single to her Top 5 smash "I Love Him" featuring 10-time Grammy nominee & multiple winner Hezekiah Walker, Stellar & Grammy nominee Renee Spearman's new smash hit single "I GOT GOD" is Billboard's #1 Most Added Song in the Country!!
Leaping 5 more spots this week on Billboard with +102 spins, "I GOT GOD" has 13 new adds in major markets all over the country including Atlanta, DC, Chicago, Houston, Detroit, etc!
WPZE - Praise 102.5 Atlanta, GA
WPRS - Praise 104.1 Washington, DC
WPZS - Praise 100.9 Charlotte, NC
WPZZ - Praise 104.7 Richmond, VA
KROI - 92.1 FM Houston, TX
WJMO - Praise 94.5 Cleveland, OH
WNNL - The Light 103.9 FM Raleigh, NC
WWIN - Spirit 1400
Baltimore, MD
WDMK - 105.9 FM Detroit, MI
WGRB - Inspiration 1390 Chicago, IL
KATZ - Hallelujah 1600 St. Louis, MO
WCAO - Heaven 600 Baltimore, MD
WTJZ - Praise 104.9 FM. Norfolk-Virginia Beach, VA
Recently named one of BMI's 2021 Trailblazers of Gospel and up for a 2020 Dove Award for "Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year",Renee Spearman isone of gospel music’s top singer/songwritershaving worked with some of music's biggest stars including Grammy winners Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams, Dr. Bobby Jones, and Byron Cage, just to name a few.
With4 Billboard topping releases in a row, Renee’s career has soared on highly regarded indie powerhouse label JDI Records(Brent Jones, Beverly Crawford, Norman Hutchins, etc.). Produced by Quadrius Salters (Ricky Dillard, Kurt Carr) and Professor James Roberson (Dorinda Clark-Cole, Dr. Bobby Jones), check out the powerful new video for "I GOT GOD":
Welcome.US provides a single point of entry for Americans to donate to frontline organizations, host arriving families through Airbnb and find other ways to help Afghans as they rebuild their lives in the United States after fleeing the Taliban
A man walks with a child through the Doña Ana Village of Fort Bliss, where Afghan refugees are being housed, in New Mexico, Sept. 10, 2021. The Biden administration provided the first public look inside the U.S. military base where Afghans airlifted out of Afghanistan are screened, amid questions about how the government is caring for the refugees and vetting them. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
(RNS) — Three former presidents and first ladies have joined with religious leaders, faith-based refugee resettlement agencies and others to support a new national organization with the goal of making it easier to help Afghan evacuees arriving in the United States.
Welcome.US launched Tuesday (Sept. 14) to provide a single point of entry for Americans to donate to frontline organizations, host arriving families through Airbnb and find other ways to help Afghans as they rebuild their lives in the U.S. after fleeing the Taliban.
“We know that doing the work of making our new neighbors welcome is the starting point for the many ways in which their presence will enrich us all,” Cecilia Muñoz, co-chair of Welcome.US, said during a virtual news conference Tuesday morning.
“This is what we do when we’re at our best, and we’re proud to have developed an approach to help Americans do this work together.”
Muñoz, who was director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under former President Barack Obama, is chairing the organization alongside John Bridgeland, who directed the council under former President George W. Bush.
Obama, Bush and former President Bill Clinton — along with former first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush and former first lady and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — also are serving as honorary co-chairs “to lift up everyone else involved and remind us that this is our opportunity, in a time of all too much division, for common purpose,” according to the Welcome.US website.
People evacuated from Kabul, Afghanistan, wait to board a bus after they arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport, in Chantilly, Virginia, on Aug. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
They are joined by leaders from several faith-based refugee resettlement groups, which form the backbone of the U.S. refugee resettlement program. Those groups have been working independently to meet the needs of Afghans arriving with Special Immigrant Visas or on humanitarian parole since the U.S. withdrew troops from Afghanistan last month.
Among those leaders are Bill Canny, head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Migration and Refugee Services office; Erol Kekic, senior vice president at Church World Service; Chris Palusky, president and CEO of Bethany Christian Services; Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service; and Jenny Yang, senior vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief.
Since 2009, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has supported about 10,000 Afghans through the SIV program with housing, employment assistance, medical support, cultural orientation and other resettlement services, Vignarajah said during the virtual news conference. The group has seen a “tremendous outpouring of support” in recent weeks, she said, with more than 45,000 people signing up to volunteer.
Americans are looking for ways to help, she added.
“Americans across the country and across the political spectrum … are eager to welcome Afghan allies and refugees as their newest neighbors. So many individuals, communities and congregations have a deeply personal connection to this historic effort, and they are opening their homes, literally and figuratively, once again for Afghans in need,” Vignarajah said.
Bilal Askaryar. Photo via Welcome.US
Bilal Askaryar, an Afghan American activist who previously worked for Church World Service, shared his family’s story of coming to the U.S. as asylum-seekers in the 1990s after Soviet forces withdrew from Afghanistan. He remembers the first-grade teacher who made him feel welcome and helped him learn English.
Askaryar sees a number of parallels between his experiences and the stories of Afghans now coming to the U.S., he said.
“But there’s one significant difference between when I was a kid and today: I’m heartened to see the Welcome.US campaign bring together … a whole of government approach, volunteer agencies, businesses and refugee agencies — so many smart people who have come together with a common goal of welcoming our new Afghan neighbors with dignity and compassion,” he said.
Welcome.US also lists a diverse group of religious leaders as part of its Welcome Council.
Among them are Bishop Michael Curry, head of the Episcopal Church; prominent New Age author and alternative medicine guru Deepak Chopra; the Rev. Cynthia Hale of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Georgia; Walter Kim, head of the National Association of Evangelicals; Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York City; Imam Mohamed Magid of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center in Virginia, former head of the Islamic Society of North America; Rabbi Jack Moline, head of the Interfaith Alliance; the Rev. Gabe Salguero, head of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition; Rabbi David Saperstein, former U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom; and Cardinal Joseph Tobin, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey.
Story by:
Emily McFarlan Miller is a national reporter for RNS based in Chicago. She covers mainline Protestant Christianity.
The social enterprise grocery store opens its second location dedicated to improving food access and community health in underserved communities
SEAT PLEASANT, MD (September 24, 2021) – Good Food Markets, a local grocery store, opened a second location in Seat Pleasant, MD on Wednesday September 15. Good Food Markets is a social enterprise of DC nonprofit Oasis Community Partners. In 2015, they launched their pilot location in the DC neighborhood of Woodridge in Ward 5. The Prince George’s County location was selected after extensive dialogue with the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGC-EDC) as part of their efforts to improve food access in underserved areas of the County.
Good Food Markets is located in the Addison Plaza shopping center which had been home to a Safeway grocery store until it closed in 2016 creating greater difficulty for residents, many of which are seniors or low-income, to access fresh food. Mayor Eugene W. Grant of Seat Pleasant, Maryland enthusiastically welcomed Good Food Markets and said, “For over 1,902 days since the closing of a major grocery store in Seat Pleasant my residents have suffered the effects of a food desert.” He went on to say, “Good Food Markets will have a tremendous positive effect granting many of our senior citizens, families and neighbors access to fresh, wholesome and nutritious and healthy food options that they had been denied of for a long time.”
In addition to everyday grocery access, this location will also have a full-service café with a made-to-order menu and communal seating. “Good Food Markets is truly a welcome grocery opportunity to this area of District 7/Capitol Heights and Seat Pleasant communities in Prince Georges County! We welcome the retail grocery market to help supplement our need for quality foods, meats and vegetables,” said Saundra Womack of the Peppermill Village Civic Association.
Further, Good Food Markets will host health education events for adults and children, and partner with community organizations to provide residents with tools to stay healthy. “We are more than just a grocery store,” expressed Good Food Markets Marketing Manager, Krista Carter. “We have hosted over 400 programs since opening our first location on Rhode Island Avenue, and are excited to learn what our neighbors need in order to best serve as a comprehensive health and wellness resource,” she added.
The project was funded in late 2019 through grants, a Healthy Food Financing Initiative loan from the Low-Income Investment Fund (LIIF), and an Economic Development Incentive Fund loan from the PGC-EDC. The independent nonprofit organization has been able to battle through the challenging pandemic circumstances, and open this store despite rising construction and materials costs, and ongoing delays.
“Good Food Markets was founded on the fundamental belief that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food. The new Seat Pleasant location is the culmination of the workthat numerous organizations and individuals have put in over years to advocate for policies, funding and action to expand food access in this neighborhood,” stated Good Food Markets Executive Director, Philip Sambol. He continued, “We are proud to be serving the Prince George’s County community and will continue to expand on our vision later this year with our third store in Ward 8.”
Throughout the pandemic Good Food Markets has provided emergency food to nonprofits and public sector entities, including the Prince George’s County health department, delivering over 540,000 meals worth of groceries in DC, Maryland and Virginia.
A Grand Opening celebration is scheduled on Saturday, October 2 from 10am – 2pm, with Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Seat Pleasant Mayor Eugene Grant, and other community leaders scheduled to speak at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
About Good Food Markets
Good Food Markets is social enterprise grocery store operated by nonprofit Oasis Community Partners with the mission to improve food access and community health by providing fresh healthy food, hosting fun educational events, and collaborating with neighborhood groups.
CONTACT: September 16, 2021 Publicist, Shawn Hay, 301-641-0814, heypapipromotions@gmail.com
The LM Foundation's Annual 5K Walk/Run Against Domestic Violence
Landover, Maryland, September 17, 2021 – Join us for the LM Foundation's Annual 5K Walk/Run Against Domestic Violence on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT at Prince George's Sports and Learning Center - Outdoor Track, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 21043.
The fundraising event will help to support survivors of domestic violence by providing food, toiletries, and help to find temporary housing, etc. This Walk-a-Thon will also address and provide assistance to families on available resources, education, health, counseling, and a temporary safe haven from an abusive environment. In support of Bethany House, VA, the Walk-a-Thon goal is to raise awareness. A portion of the funds raised will be donated to financial support the Bethany House, No. Virginia.
“The goal of this event is to bring awareness of knowing the signs of domestic violence and how to support domestic violence survivors. If I had known the signs many years ago, Iwould have been able to help my best friend. I do this now so one will have to watch someone they love go through it and not know what to do." – Founder & CEO, Pamela Price
Event Details: + Duration: (minimum) 5K or 3.1 miles + Sponsorship Pledges/Donation: $50.00 per lap + Individual Registration Fee: $35.00 (non-refundable) + Group Registration Fee (4 or more): + $25.00 (non-refundable) + Tee Shirts - $15.00 Adult $10.00 Children + Onsite registration opens at 9:00 AM and the official start time is 10:00 AM + Early Bird Registration at https://thelmfoundation.org/domestic-violence-prevention-walkathon
About The LM Foundation Our mission is to give hope to those who need it most! We aim to rebuild hope where it’s been damaged or lost. We work to rebuild and restructure with those in need, those who are underprivileged, and those who are underserved. Our focus lies on community efforts, including small-scale construction protects, shelter, food aid, community awareness, and educational opportunities. We firmly believe it takes a village to raise a child, and if you work on creating the most well-equipped society you can, so many problems simply work themselves out. To learn more, please visit https://thelmfoundtion.org.
Press Release: June 19 Museum, Inc. Announces the Appointment of Ms. Jacqueline Griffin to its Board of Advisors.
Jacqueline (aka Momma Griffin) Griffin is a Motivational Speaker, mother of three, grandmother, and retired Army Sergeant. Many also know her as the mother of Heisman Trophy Winner, Number Two (2) Overall NFL Draft pick, NFL 2013 Rookie of the Year, and NFL Quarterback, Mr. Robert L. Griffin III (RG3).
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Motivational Speaker Ms. Jacqueline Griffin recently joined June 19 Museum, Inc as an advisor to prepare for the 2022 Juneteenth Celebration. Ms. Griffin will be a spotlight speaking at special Juneteenth banquets and become a Juneteenth Ambassador. In this role, she will support fundraising activities and other national observance activities.
June 19th, referred to as Juneteenth, marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and free all enslaved people. The troops' arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Presidential Executive Order freeing slaves in all rebelling states. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.
Jacqueline (aka Momma Griffin) Griffin is a Motivational Speaker, mother of three, grandmother, and retired Army Sergeant. Many also know her as the mother of Heisman Trophy Winner, Number Two (2) Overall NFL Draft pick, NFL 2013 Rookie of the Year, and NFL Quarterback, Mr. Robert L. Griffin III (RG3).
Ms. Griffin has two amazingly talented daughters: Miss Jihan Griffin and Miss Dejon Griffin and four gorgeous, intelligent, and talented granddaughters Jania Moten, Reese Griffin, Gloria Griffin, and Gameya Griffin and a handsome grandson, Baylor Griffin.
The Custom House Juneteenth Museum will offer interactive exhibits leveraging augmented reality and other technologies, a learning center, community outreach, education, job creation of museum staff, and cultural and historical preservation. The museum will develop and facilitate activities principally to commemorate the Juneteenth Celebration. It will also develop and facilitate activities that celebrate global diversity and inclusion through the stories and historical significance of Juneteenth. Our collections leverage modern technology to enrich, engage, and inspire communities through insight, visualizations, and interaction.
Jacqueline is not new to working with initiatives to give back. She has a long history of support to building greater awareness of the history and importance of Juneteenth. She serves as the President of The ROBERT L. GRIFFIN III (RG3) FOUNDATION, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization whose mission is to discover, design, and support programs that benefit struggling military families, underprivileged youth, and the victims of domestic violence. Jacqueline Griffin founded MOMS MOTIVATING MOMS (M3) to help mothers 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. The organization supports all women that are and have mothered a child in their lifetime. Jacqueline believes when we invest in each other positive change happens for us and our families, which results in our communities and our society prosper.
About MOMS MOTIVATING MOMS (M3)
The MOMS MOTIVATING MOMS (M3) organization's mission is to encourage, educate, and energize moms by fostering an environment of inclusiveness. Our goal is to help mothers (all women who 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. Learn more about (M3) at https://momsmotivatingmoms.com
About June 19 Museum Inc.
June 19 Museum, Inc. develops world-class tourist destinations dedicated to the Juneteenth Holiday. The Customs House Juneteenth Museum will feature interactive exhibits, a boutique hotel, a restaurant, and a learning center to support the Galveston, Texas community. Learn more about June 19 Museum Inc at https://june19museum.com
Here is a word from the author, Robin McKinley. “Recently after a storm the beautiful rainbow seen on the cover of this eBook appeared in the sky. I took this picture from my front porch. It reminds us of the promises God has given to each of us in His Word.” The Psalmist shared many of those promises. Click below to read about some of them.
WE DID IT!!! BESTSELLING BOOK!!! ACHIEVEMENT RECEIVED!!! Oh I'm so grateful and it's wonderful to shout VICTORY! I wanted to take the time to thank all who assisted "Finding Joy In The Journey Vol 2" to BESTSELLER status. You are appreciated. 🤩 Should anyone want a signed copy. It's $20 plus $5 shipping. I love you all. Again, thanks for making me a Bestselling Author the gold star feels great. 🌟
I penned some tools that help you find joy during difficult times. This devotional is filled with 90 different perspectives and ways to find JOY! I am so excited about the project.
"FINDING JOY IN THE JOURNEY VOL 2" is available for pre-order in the Kindle store. It is available* https://bit.ly/fjitjvol2kindle
The Amazon Kindle book is $1.99. You can also DM me or comment your email below and send $1.99 to my cashapp $queencle1 or Paypal.me/qcleinspires
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.
There are times when we have felt that today would be our last, thinking tomorrow would never come. Anxieties of Life can weigh heavy on our Mental Health. Would you believe that you can find the Answers in the Bible to WHY you feel the way you do?
Please read the following scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Did you notice the first verse reads, '...in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here'? This allotment of time is a Conclusion of a System of things. This time period of distress pangs is known as the Last Days. It's not the end of the world, but rather the end of wickedness that permeates the world of mankind, righteous and unrighteous alike. This time period will soon come to an end. These anxieties you feel today will evaporate and dissolve for those who become survivors of the Last Days. Notice the instruction of what to do in 2 Timothy 3:2-5? It says, '...and from these turn away.'
The scriptures provide a roadmap for certain ones to escape the time of distress. "During that time {Jesus Christ} will stand up, the Great Prince who is standing in behalf of your people. And there will occur a time of distress such as has not occurred since there came to be a nation until that time..." But notice the ending of this verse. "And during that time your people will escape, everyone who is found written down in the book." (Daniel 12:1)
Remember, "Bad associations spoil useful habits." (1 Corinthians 15:33) "Now, O Israel, what is Jehovah your God asking of you? Only this: to fear Jehovah your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul," (Deut 10:12) "At that time those who fear Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance was written before him for those fearing Jehovah and for those meditating on his Name." (Malachi 3:16)
The Bible tells us, "Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Pslams 34:18) Also, we have a helper in the His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ whom states, "Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you." (Mat 11:28)
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
