The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has selected Elise Durham as its next executive director. Durham comes to NABJ with more than 30 years of professional work experience in television news management, strategic communications, and government relations, and has an extensive background leading dynamic, results-oriented teams. She is also a longtime member of NABJ.
Durham was selected after multiple reviews by the NABJ executive board and ad hoc executive director search advisory committee. Candidates were scored on key measurements critical to an executive director’s responsibilities, considering the ever-changing landscape for journalists and media professionals. Durham was a standout on each level.
Currently, Durham is the Assistant General Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Public Affairs for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world. She oversees a multi-million-dollar portfolio and a team of thirty employees. In that role, she manages the airport’s relationship with corporate, strategic and community partners. Before that, Durham was communications director for Atlanta Mayors Keisha Lance Bottoms and Andre Dickens. She also served as Executive Director of Strategic Communications for Morehouse College where she contributed to a 5-year capital campaign that raised $120 million.
Durham’s commitment to NABJ has lasted for more than 35 years. During that time, she produced major events for NABJ including serving as convention program chair, convention chair, and producer of several U.S. presidential candidate forums. She also was behind the Founders’ reception held at the African American Museum on History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Her passion for NABJ runs deep. “I am honored and ready to help lead NABJ into its next, most transformative chapter grounded in vision, advocacy, innovation, and love,” said Durham. “I often say that NABJ is the longest love affair I have ever had, and I am excited about what the future will bring.”
As an “NABJ baby” Durham participated, as a student, in the very first NABJ Short Course, held at her alma mater Florida A&M University -where she sits on the Board of Visitors of the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. She has worked for six television stations including market powerhouse WSB-TV, producing two of the No. 1 news programs in the country.
Over the years, she has raised tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships for the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists, where she currently serves as Parliamentarian.
As current NABJ Executive Director Drew Berry recently announced his upcoming retirement later this year, NABJ leadership is looking forward to welcoming Durham.
President Ken Lemon says, “The selection of our next executive director now allows the current executive board, which also serves as NABJ’s personnel committee, to fulfill responsibilities they were elected to do. That includes ensuring an Executive Director is in place and empowered to do the business of NABJ as we roll into our next 50 years.”
NABJ made the decision to fill this critical role at this time to:
Allow for a smooth transition between the outgoing and incoming executive directors,
Ensure stability with sponsor and partner relationships, many of whom are attending the convention this year, and
Create synergy with the Board of directors and NABJ staff while the current executive director is in place.
Retiring Executive Director Drew Berry says, “We are thrilled to welcome Elise Durham as NABJ’s next executive director. With a deep understanding of our organizational history and culture, and a proven track record of visionary leadership, she is uniquely positioned and qualified to guide NABJ into its next chapter.” Berry continued to say, “Serving this extraordinary organization has been the honor of a lifetime. As I prepare to pass the baton, I do so with pride and optimism, knowing that NABJ will be in capable and committed hands. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve, and I leave this position proud of what we’ve built together.”
Durham will officially begin her position as NABJ executive director this fall.
Inspired by the legacy of the country’s first Black-owned bookstores and the remarkable individuals behind them, the official launch of the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) took place today. As a first-of-its-kind national organization, NAB2 has been built to unify, elevate, and empower Black-owned bookstores across the country.
NAB2 is a nonprofit collective created to promote literacy, amplify Black voices, and preserve Black culture by increasing the visibility, sustainability, and impact of Black bookstores and booksellers. The organization represents a powerful step toward creating long-term infrastructure and collective advocacy for one of the most vital cultural cornerstones of Black America.
“For decades Black bookstores have been the connective tissue in communities across the nation. Many of us have talked for years about the power of collective action and now, with the founding of NAB2 we have the ability to institutionalize policies and practices that will allow for the further growth and flourishing of these important institutions”— Blanche Richardson, Founding Board Member and Owner, Marcus Books
The organization’s inaugural board includes trailblazers from some of the country’s most historic and impactful Black bookstores. Many of these are now being led by third, fourth and fifth generation family member bookstore owners including Marshall’s Music and Books (Jackson, MS), Hakim’s Bookstore (Philadelphia, PA), Marcus Books (Oakland, CA), and Source Booksellers (Detroit, MI). NAB2’s multi-tiered membership model invites bookstore owners, professional booksellers, and at-large industry allies, authors, publishers, and distributors, to join in shaping a national agenda rooted in equity, culture, and commerce.
“My mother, Mother Rose, founded and ran Underground Books in Oak Park. My involvement in the National Association of Black Bookstores is deeply personal. It’s a way for me to honor her legacy and ensure that the stories, voices, and spaces she cherished continue to thrive,” said Kevin Johnson, Founder, National Association of Black Bookstores.
The core priorities of the organization are as follows:
Elevating the Black bookstore community by offering professional resources, increased visibility, and a strong network of support;
Expanding representation in the bookselling industry by supporting long-term financial sustainability and growth;
Leveraging economies of scale to benefit both current and future Black bookstores and booksellers;
Serving as a collective voice for Black bookstores through advocacy and public engagement;
Educating the public about the rich history and enduring legacy of Black bookstores in America.
Structured with a full board of directors, advisory board, and general membership body, NAB2 plans to convene virtually and in person throughout the year, with key events slated during Black Lit Weekend in New York (August 15–16) and the Sacramento Black Book Fair (September 12–13).
For more information, to become a member, or to support NAB2, visit www.nab2.org or follow @nab2blk on social platforms.
About the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2)
The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) is the first and only national organization dedicated to empowering Black-owned bookstores and booksellers. Founded in 2025, NAB2 exists to promote literacy, amplify Black voices, and preserve Black cultural heritage by strengthening the visibility, sustainability, and impact of Black bookstores across the United States. Through advocacy, education, strategic partnerships, and a unified membership network, NAB2 supports Black literary spaces as engines of community, commerce, and cultural change. Learn more at www.nab2.org and follow @nab2blk on social platforms.
Up to $500,000 in Grants Available for Churches Preserving African American Heritage
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that the application period is now open for its Preserving Black Churches grant program, a $60 million national initiative dedicated to uplifting historically Black churches and the communities that preserve them.
This program provides vital financial support to historically Black churches or congregations that steward sites of profound significance of Black history. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 are available to help recipients reimagine, redesign and strengthen their historic preservation efforts.
Established in 2023, the Preserving Black Churches program has grown into a cornerstone of the Action Fund’s mission. In 2025 alone, the Action Fund awarded $8.5 million in grants to 30 historic Black churches across 19 states – from rural towns to major cities. Since its inception, the program has invested $19.5 million in 108 historic Black churches, spanning from Alaska to Florida.
Eligibility is limited to entities that preserve sites of historical significance of African American heritage. This includes historically Black churches – typically an active congregation with a historic building at least 50 years old (or 35 if of exceptional significance) – that were constructed or used by historically Black congregations or designed by Black architects/builders. In addition, historically Black churches repurposed for arts and cultural programming are eligible. Interested applicants must submit a full application through the Action Fund and National Trust’s online grant application system.
In 2025, the Action Fund’s National Grant Program has awarded $13.5 million to support 56 sites across the nation. We’re proving that Black history is not just worth preserving, it’s worth investing in.
If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to view a pre-recorded applicant information session or register to attend the upcoming Q/A webinar on August 14th at 7PM EST. The session will provide guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and funding priorities. Register for the webinar here.
For complete eligibility details and to begin your application, please visit this link
After rounds and rounds of failed uploads, it’s finally up! The Norman Gyamfi interview with Isaac Carree was a blessing in disguise! The gospel music industry has an opportunity to look itself in the mirror and make long awaited changes or face an uncertain future in the entertainment industry as we know it. Part of what I do with The SMG Report and SoulProsper Radio is to foster conversations that get us thinking and moving. This presentation is no different!
While many people were making personal attacks and hating on TRIBL, they picked up more GMA Dove Awards nominations this week, 22 to be exact. We have an opportunity to finally make change and advance the way we need to. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it this way, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
In this video, I suggest the three things we can do to turn things around:
1) Structure– We have none. Every man for himself has eroded our portion of the entertainment industry. Sub genres have no connection to each other, it’s like family members who don’t know each other. Mainstream and independents are like strangers. But that’s because every element of our industry is separate.
2) Synergy– It’s simple…come together and work together! I even suggest that with a sense of synergy, we can advocate for each other.
3) Stewardship– Or should I say, greater stewardship. We have a RICH legacy and we must OWN it and protect it from poachers! Our legacy publishing is NOT in our community. Why is this the norm? Want something to be mad at? Look at why we haven’t invested in building our own publishing administration companies. Who owns the masters to those impactful recordings that “got us over?” Truth is, we OWN as a conglomerate, little to nothing, and it explains why we often have NO leverage in major conversations.
These are just my thoughts on how we can look at creating solutions within what we know as the gospel music industry. Because…the gospel music industrial complex is on its way in and it doesn’t include us, the music we love or the artists we consider ours! Maverick City was just the latest…
We’re all in this together! You will never be able to pit me against CCM. It’s the rest of the music I grew up on! However, when we allow outside forces to force competition, we all lose. Check out the video below, the chapter timestamps are provided. Join the conversation and let’s talk about it!
Leon Lacey‘s Black Tie Cinematic Symphony, with an 80-piece orchestra is coming to town and you don’t want to miss it. Expect to experience a splendid, sophisticated night, filled with incredible cinematic music brought to life by the extraordinary conductor Leon Lacey and powerful performances by Yolanda Adams & Israel Houghton. This concert promises a unique and inspiring musical journey from soaring melodies to epic scores. Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in this unforgettable evening of unparalleled musical artistry!
Prepare to be swept away and inspired by the electrifying performances of Grammy-winning icon Yolanda Adams and Gospel legend Israel Houghton, accompanied by a breathtaking 80-piece, full symphony orchestra. This unforgettable evening fuses powerful worship, cinematic brilliance, and world-class musicianship to create an experience that feels like stepping inside a movie score. Expect to be immersed in this elegant, extraordinary and innovative live event with special guest appearances and moments that will move your soul.
Who is Leon Lacey?
Leon Lacey isn’t just a composer, producer, or music editor – he’s a sonic architect, seamlessly navigating the diverse landscapes of television, film, and the global music industry. His career is a testament to a boundless creative spirit and a mastery of musical language that transcends genres. From the intimate emotional currents of HBO/Showtime’s critically acclaimed series “The Chi” and the compelling narratives of Fox’s “Our Kind of People,” to the transformative journeys on Oprah’s OWN Network with Iyanla Vanzant, Lacey’s fingerprints are on projects that resonate deeply with audiences. His versatility has made him a sought-after collaborator for Grammy Award-winning titans like Wyclef Jean, Janet Jackson, Brandy, and the legendary Smokey Robinson, as well as hip-hop heavyweights such as Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Rockwilder, Method Man and G-Unit, and gospel icons Karen Clark Sheard, Hezekiah Walker, Tye Tribbett and Donald Lawrence.
Lacey’s compositional prowess extends far beyond popular music, finding a powerful voice in the realm of orchestral scores for networks like MARVEL, NBC, OWN, and TV One. His ability to evoke emotion and enhance visual storytelling through sweeping arrangements has led to prestigious commissions, including a breathtaking live performance with the LA Philharmonic featuring Gustavo Dudamel and Yolanda Adams in March 2020. This landmark achievement was followed by his orchestrations being brought to life by the esteemed San Francisco Symphony in December 2021, and a commissioned work for the Hollywood Bowl’s Juneteenth Celebration in 2022, further solidifying his reputation in the classical world.
Dove Awards Rewind: Favorite Moments from Christian Music’s Biggest Night, Hosted By DOE, Airing Friday, July 25th on TBN and TBN+
2025 Music City Fan Experience Packages On Sale Now For The October 7th Show At Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena
The Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce eight-time Dove Award-winning artist Tauren Wells will be returning as host and performer for the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards for his third consecutive year. The GMA Dove Awards will happen live on October 7th, 2025 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are on sale now. The worldwide broadcast will premiere Friday, October 10th, 2025, exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app.
“Hosting the Dove Awards in 2023 and 2024 was such an incredible experience. I’m so excited to run it back this year when we bring it to Bridgestone Arena. It’s going to be a great night!” said Tauren Wells.
The GMA also revealed the itinerary for its annual Music City Fan Experience which includes:
New Artist Showcase featuring the 2025 class of New Artist Of The Year Nominees and Night of Worship
River cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat including a songwriters showcase and stunning views of Nashville
Hotel stay at the Sheraton Grand Nashville
Ticket to the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards hosted by Tauren Wells
For more information and reservation details CLICK HERE.
In celebration of the upcoming 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards, tune in Friday, July 25th on TBN and TBN+ for Dove Awards Rewind: Favorite Moments from Christian Music’s Biggest Night. The broadcast special, hosted by DOE, will include unforgettable Dove Awards performances from Christian and Gospel music’s biggest artists.
Tauren Wells is a celebrated platinum-selling musician, author, pastor and public speaker who has quietly galvanized audiences worldwide for nearly a decade. With eight GMA Dove Awards (including Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year), 10 GRAMMY® nominations, a Billboard Music Award nomination, and a Premio Lo Nuestro Nomination, his accolades also include nods from theBET and NAACP Image Awards. Known for blending contemporary Christian and gospel with elements of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, Wells has earned seven #1 hits, three consecutive Top 5 Billboard Christian Album debuts, and over 1.5 billion global streams. His RIAA-certified singles—platinum hits “Known” and “Hills and Valleys,” and gold singles “Take It All Back,” “God’s Not Done With You” and “Famous For (I Believe)” —continue to resonate deeply with listeners. Wells has collaborated with artists across genres, from Academy® Award winner H.E.R. to rock icons Skillet, and shared stages with legends, including Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey. His dynamic performances have captivated fans worldwide. In January 2024, he and his wife launched Church of Whitestone in Austin, TX, where they serve as co-lead pastors, blending family, faith, and ministry into his artistry. More about Tauren Wells HERE.
The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers, and JoAnna Illingworth and Shama Mrema as scriptwriters. Russell E. Hall returns as director and Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.
Get Connected with the 2025 GMA Dove Awards: *Watch exclusively on TBN or the TBN+ app starting Friday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET – find out more at www.tbn.org/2025doveawards
TPCCON is a cultural reset. It redefines rest, power, and outdoor luxury for women everywhere. Hosted by The Patio Chic Foundation, TPCCON serves as a sanctuary where women come to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
The Patio Chic Conference (TPCCON) returned to the Loews Hotel & Convention Center in Arlington, Texas for its most powerful year yet. Created by outdoor living visionary Tara L. Paige, TPCCON is a national movement centered on empowering Black women to reclaim their spaces, elevate their voices, and nurture their whole selves—throughout luxury, culture, and community.
Themed “Where Healing Meets Home: Breathe. Bloom. Belong.”, this year’s TPCCON features a dynamic mix of thought leadership, healing rituals, high-style events, and entrepreneurial innovation. With over 300 attendees expected, three major ticketed events, a sold-out VIP experience, and a show-stopping gala honoring iconic women leaders, TPCCON 2025 is the lifestyle experience of the summer.
“This is BIGGER than patios and pillows.” Tara L. Paige, founder of The Patio Chic Foundation.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is sponsoring this year’s Business Executive Suite, a dedicated space within TPCCON designed for networking, learning, and resource sharing among women entrepreneurs and professionals. The initiative, which has supported thousands of small businesses nationwide with education and access to capital, brings credibility and opportunity to attendees. The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau has come on as a key sponsor, helping to anchor TPCCON in the heart of a business community that values innovation, inclusion, and regional impact. These partnerships not only enhance the experience for guests but also speak to the growing recognition of events like TPCCON as important cultural and economic convenings.
THE BLOOM GALA Elegance meets impact at the black-tie Bloom Gala, honoring five trailblazing women. This red-carpet evening included a curated dinner, awards presentation, live entertainment, and a silent auction benefiting The Patio Chic Foundation.
While on The Bloom Gala’s pink carpet, honorees shared life lessons and expounded on the weekend’s theme. Dr. Jill Wagonner told The SMG Report how she battles the “brainwashing” of physicians to remain on their feet and see about others while neglecting themselves. “As physicians, we’re trained not to take care of ourselves. We are trained to make everyone else a priority, both men and women, and it’s almost like a sign of weakness if you take a few minutes for yourself. So the first thing you have to do is recognize the brainwashing that you’ve got to always be on your feet and then do everything you can to make yourself a priority. The bottom line is this: if you are not well, everything, every assignment, everything that you have to accomplish falls or stops. So, if you are going to take care of those things that you are here to do, then you have to be well to get them accomplished.”
Dr. Cinetrea Grace Williams told us how she rests by retaining her connection to the earth. “Sometimes, you get a little tired, but when you’re doing the will of God, when you have a purpose, there’s always some inspiration that’s going to come and keep you going. That’s why I love Mrs. Tara. I’m an outside person, too! I love nature. I’m a pescatarian and I eat very healthy. I believe in herbs and growing your food. That garden is so important. We have to get back to gardening like did back in the day, we’ve got to bring it back. It’s time. We have to get in touch with nature. We come from the soil. God gives water. We have to water ourselves and absorb nature. It’s all part of healthy living.”
You wouldn’t know that Cheryl Polote Williamson is living with a heart condition. She told us on the pink carpet that her mindset is her superpower. Her overcoming the dire diagnosis is credited to much more than her mindset, but it is the driving force behind her drive to bloom and belong! “When I walk into a room, I disrupt the room with my presence. When I walk in with that feeling, I think I give other women the same permission to be everything that they’re supposed to be. I think we spend so much of our time shrinking to make other people feel comfortable, I don’t shrink anymore. I walk into the room like I’m supposed to be in the room. I walk in the room like God set me in the room because I know He did!”
Desoto Mayor Rachel Proctor enjoys the confidence of citizens in her city, mainly because she works so hard for them. Working as hard as she does requires ample rest and the occasional reset. When asked how she reclaims her time with rest, Mayor Proctor told The SMG Report that she makes sure that she establishes strong boundaries in each people group. “People pull you in so many directions and I have a big heart and oftentimes, I give, give, give and before I realize it, I am depleted. So, for me, reclaiming my time, reclaiming my space, reclaiming all of those things looks like setting firm boundaries with those that I love, those that I work with to make sure that I make time not only for the work but making time deliberately for the rest as well.”
2025 HONOREES: ● Dr. Opal Lee – Grandmother of Juneteenth & Medal of Freedom recipient ● Mayor Rachel L. Proctor – Visionary civic leader, Mayor of DeSoto ● Dr. Jill Waggoner – Wellness expert and educator ● Anita Hawkins – Philanthropist & Advocate ● Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson – Mindset coach, bestselling author, and movie producer ● Cinetrea Grace Williams – Nonprofit pioneer & community strategist
SOURCE: The Patio Chic Foundation and KTA Media Group
When Gospel Royalty Graces the Stage, the Night is ‘Golden’
Gospel music’s “Golden Girls” sang their hits, laughed with the crowd and turned the symphony center into a sanctuary at Together We Sing, Wednesday night. The Clark Sisters‘ time on stage was just as dazzling as their fashion. The gospel legends who were the featured artists came to Dallas to sing and send a message of unity and grace. The annual event shines a light on the breadth of black music, both sacred and secular. The “Together We” vision focuses on driving inclusion and developing unity in shared spaces. It is insufficient and grossly disingenuous if our commitment to exist in separate spaces. Unity as the abiding principle and accompanying power to doing great things together. Coming together in a place less frequented by gospel music listeners gave them a chance to experience sights and sounds in a performance hall, played by chamber musicians, elevated by and accompanied by artistry beyond the sound of Sunday morning.
Your Hosts of Together We Sing
From L-R: Dia Wall (WFAA) and Keith Solis (KRNB), hosts of Together We Sing 2025
Taking place during black music month and with Juneteenth as a backdrop, the event is a celebration of what unity sounds like and not merely an optical illusion. People of all faiths and backgrounds come together to enjoy, experience, and contribute to a night of unified vision and purpose. The monumental concert punctuates a day of Dallas area activist acknowledgment. This year, Together We awarded the Project Activist Award to Almas Muscatwalla, Co-Founder of Faith Forward Dallas. Timothy Powers, Senior Counsel at Haynes Boone received the Project Unity Advocate Award and Michael Hinojosa, Chief Impact Officer of Engage2Learn and Former Superintendent of Dallas ISD received the Project Unity Legacy Award. Also honored during the concert were Linda Searight, founder of recording group “God’s Property”, Dallas businessman and philanthropist Roland G Parrish, President & CEO of Parrish Restaurants, Founder of the Parrish Charitable Foundation and 95th Linz Award recipient and choral director Clark Joseph, conductor of the 200 Voice chorus.
Roland G. Parrish receiving his awardRoland G. Parrish and Pastor Richie ButlerClark Joseph Receiving His Award Toska Medlock, Pastor Richie Butler, Keith Solis and Dia WallToska Medlock, Pastor Richie Butler, Keith Solis and Dia Wall
Performances by award-winning recording artist Blessing Offor, Ethan Kent, Kim Kenny Green and Certrell Russell kept the crowd on their feet between performances by The Clark Sisters. The crowd was ready to capture each moment in song by the Clarks, who didn’t disappoint but cautiously tiptoed down memory lane. With such an extensive catalog, each carefully curated song and meticulously crafted arrangement by Maestro Leon Lacey, the concert crescendoed at just the right time, concluding with a resounding reprise of the unforgettable, “Praise the Lord” (Hallelujah).
Ethan Kent Performs “One Voice” with His EnsembleCertrell Russell Performs and Clark Joseph Conducts at Together We SingFrom L-R: Ariel Campbell, Emerald Campbell, Demarcus Williams, Nikki Sanford and Carla Williams
A Moment of Remembrance, A Time of Tribute
Derrick Walker performed a piece during the “Piano and Poets” segment of the concert, in tribute to the late composer, artist and producer, Shaun Martin. The closing lines of the piece also honored and mentioned the late Jimmy Wyatt and the late Quennel Gaskin, other locally based, yet globally celebrated artists. Perhaps the greatest influence of 20th century musicians, Quincy Jones was honored and given tribute, as well.
Derrick Walker performs a tribute to the late, Shaun MartinJay Tillman Performs a Tribute to Shaun Martin
Our ‘Golden’ Moment
No recollection of Together We Sing 2025 would be replete without mention of Jacky, Dorinda, Karen or Twinkie. The formidable foursome proved why they have such staying power. Their songs have stayed blessed listeners for decades and the group has enjoyed success and longevity like only a few other gospel artists. Their 50+ years career span has garnered them the nickname “The Golden Girls” with a legacy that grows with time. Fans young and old bellowed out the unforgettable melodies with fervor, filling the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center with praise. Solange Knowles brought The Clark Sisters to Houston’s Eldorado Ballroom for her Glory to Glory concert series, to rousing reviews. However, Wednesday night’s concert endeared the gospel legends to their friends, fans and family in Dallas. Before taking their final bow, Jacky Clark-Chisolm took a moment to celebrate Dr. Myron Williams and Leon Lacey, who were the first musicians under her direction as a national choir director in the Church of God in Christ. Each sister has served in national leadership roles and Karen Clark-Sheard is currently the 1st Lady of the Church of God in Christ, the largest Black Pentecostal denomination in the United States and fifth largest denomination in the United States.
“I didn’t get my picture with the Clark Sisters!” -Keith SolisVirtuosos in tandem, Twinkie Clark and Jay Tillman
Virtuosos in Tandem
“All Hail the Queen!” The undisputed queen of the Hammond B-3 organ accompanied her sisters, singing many of the songs that came from her soul to our ears for years. One young man lived the dreams of musicians all over the world as he, along with Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark, accompanied the world-famous Clark Sisters with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. His expressions, though unique to him, are vicarious, expressing what anyone would feel and experience in the presence of royalty as he was. Seated at the organ bench, Twinkie Clark remains enthroned as the lone gospel female organist in the Hammond Hall of Fame.
Virtuosos in tandem, Twinkie Clark and Jay Tillman
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) today announced a new, multi-year agreement with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) to continue airing regular season Friday night matchups on ION – the league’s Friday night national network home since 2023.
ION, one of the most-watched networks on television, is available on pay TV, connected TV, free ad-supported streaming platforms and over-the-air in more than 128 million homes. This season, ION is broadcasting the most regular season games, 50 in total, as part of its WNBA Friday Night Spotlight series. The lineup also includes the WNBA on ION Studio Show, which is the first weekly game broadcast studio show dedicated exclusively to WNBA game coverage.
This new agreement comes on the heels of a 2024 season where average viewership for the State Farm® WNBA Friday Night Spotlight increased by 133% year over year and attracted more than 23 million unique viewers across games and wrap shows.
“The WNBA’s partnership with Scripps has already delivered great results in expanding the league’s reach and visibility,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “This new multi-year agreement reflects the growing excitement surrounding the league and the rising demand for WNBA games. Through Scripps’ ION Network Friday Night doubleheaders, we will continue to showcase the world-class talent of WNBA athletes to even more fans nationwide.“
“Since 2023, the WNBA Friday Night Spotlight on ION has enhanced the accessibility and reach of WNBA games for fans nationwide,” said Adam Symson, Scripps president and CEO. “Our robust partnership with the league has flourished, and we are thrilled to solidify ION’s status as the premier Friday night destination for WNBA action for years to come.”
The E.W. Scripps Company, headquartered in Cincinnati, is a distinguished journalism and media enterprise, celebrated for its deep-rooted community connections and expansive national reach. For 147 years, Scripps has been a trusted source for unbiased news and information. The Scripps Sports division adeptly services professional and collegiate sports leagues, conferences and teams, offering both local market depth and national broadcast visibility that covers up to 100% of TV households.
To access complete details about the WNBA on ION, and find ION channel information, visit https://www.ionwnba.com/.
Follow @IONWNBA on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for future updates.
Ultimate gathering of Black Girl Joy and Dream Cultivation features inaugural She Got Now Awards and transformative workshops empowering the next generation
The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (Southern Black Girls) proudly welcomes over 1,000 Black girls, femme identifying youth, and women to Atlanta this week for the 2025 Black Girls Dream Conference: “She Got Next.” Taking place Friday, June 6 – Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, this dynamic two-day celebration of Black girl brilliance promises to be the ultimate gathering of joy and dream cultivation, providing life-changing experiences for participants from across the South. The conference theme “She Got Next” reflects Southern Black Girls’ commitment to investing in and preparing the future of Black women’s leadership across the region.
Phenomenal Workshops, Awards and Recognition
Conference sessions include over 80 interactive workshops spanning STEM, mental wellness, social justice, beauty, and creative expression, featuring activations from Dove, Microsoft, Lush Cosmetics, and the Ludacris Foundation just to name a few.
We are proud to welcome Dove, co-founder of the CROWN Coalition, as the “Creating Joy” Sponsor, bringing signature experiences including the Roots to CROWN hair braiding workshop and the Shine & Share photo experience. These activations celebrate natural beauty and cultural heritage while providing attendees with lasting memories of their empowering conference journey.
Dove has been working to “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural hair” by supporting The CROWN movement and the passage of the CROWN Act since 2019. As part of its ongoing mission to make a positive experience of beauty universally accessible to all, Dove celebrates the natural beauty and limitless potential of Black girls and women.
This year’s conference will also host the inaugural She Got Now Awards, honoring exceptional achievement and impact across multiple categories. We will also recognize our Black Girl Joy Award winners, Dream Investment Fund entrepreneurs, and Black Girls Defense Fund grant recipients who are creating transformative change in their communities across the South.
This conference represents our unwavering belief that it is important to create safe spaces where joy is used as a tool for resistance and resilience in our community. “The dream conference is a space of learning and elevation but it is also one of love and encouragement”, said Chanceé Lundy, Executive Director of Southern Black Girls. “Through ‘She Got Next,’ we’re creating transformative experiences that give Black girls and women the tools, confidence, and community they need to turn their boldest dreams into reality. Every workshop, every connection, every moment of joy is designed to remind our attendees of their unlimited potential.”
Inspiring Conversations and Role Models
The conference includes inspiring fireside chats hosted by journalist and producer Shari Nycole with accomplished Black women including actress, singer and author Trinitee Stokes; professional athlete, LSU Basketball Championship team member, and entrepreneur Jasmine Carson; and mathematical trailblazers Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson, brilliant young women who made headlines by solving the Pythagorean Theorem using trigonometry while still in high school; a method thought to be impossible for over 2,000 years.
These conversations will provide attendees with real-world insights from women who have navigated challenges and achieved success in entertainment, sports, academia, and beyond, offering practical advice and inspiration for the next generation of leaders.
LaTosha Brown, Visionary Founder, emphasized the conference’s lasting impact: “We’re not just hosting an event, we’re building a movement. This conference creates a powerful ecosystem where Black girls and women gain the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to become the leaders, innovators, and changemakers our communities need.”
