TIME has named Sarah Jakes Roberts to the 2023 TIME 100 Next list.
An expansion of the TIME 100 list of the most influential people in the world, TIME 100 Next highlights 100 emerging leaders who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science and activism, and more. The full list and related tributes appear in the Sept. 25, 2023 issue, available on newsstands on Friday, Sept. 15, and now at time.com/next.
Jakes Roberts is redefining what it means to be a modern woman of faith. As a wife, mother, author and businesswoman dedicated to honoring her father’s (T.D. Jakes) mission of empowering underrepresented communities—including the disappearing middle class—her messages have spread throughout the world defying cultural, religious, gender, and socio-economic boundaries. She has a unique way of reaching people who are seeking to make peace with their past, maximize their present and deepen their relationship with God.
Jakes Roberts will provide a dynamic space for women to learn and grow together at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas this week, Sept. 14 – 16, where more than 40,000 women will gather for her global women’s conference, Woman Evolve. Jakes Roberts’ Woman Evolve is the fastest selling women’s conference in the history of Globe Life Field.
Follow @TIME for updates about the list. #TIME100NEXT
Today, Kirk Franklin released a blockbuster short film revealing the dark truth of his paternity entitled, “Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story. In the film, Franklin is not a top selling, platinum certified arena filling artist. He’s a man in search of himself. “Where did I come from?” and “Who am I?” are questions that bring men to their an early end when unanswered. Kirk Franklin, the man accused of not only taking gospel music “too far but further than ever imagined lays bare the soul shattering pain of an unresolved paternity search.
Simultaneously, the film chronicles his journey of completing his 13th album while also coming to terms with the painful truth of his identity and paternity. At one point, the search for truth preempts recording as he traces the whispers from Riverside to nearby in Arlington to find the man he can safely call his father. Through a series of fateful events, Kirk Franklin discovers that the man he knew as his father was not and that there may be some truth to the rumors circulating throughout Fort Worth and the “Riverside” community. These rumors asserted that the man we would all come to later know as Rick Hubbard may be his father.
Mr. Hubbard proactively took a paternity test and sent the results to Franklin who then took a paternity test to match against Hubbard’s. The test confirmed paternity but brought more questions than closure. Franklin then discovered another barrier to understanding was trying to resolve his strained relationship with his mother. She was in no mood to make the situation better and remained defiant in denial of the results.
Kirk Franklin has been very transparent about his paternity journey and this short film takes us the deepest into the heart and mind of one of the world’s most electrifying entertainers in any genre. With “Losing My Religion,” Franklin revisited his catalog and journey through “Twenty Years in One Night” and an unmatched amalgam of world-class talent. With “Father’s Day” Franklin’s 13th album, he punctuates the parasitical identity crisis that has been a part of his 30 year journey, woven into each lyric, phase and phrase.
“Father’s Day” as an album and short film both matter because sonship matters to Kirk Franklin and it always has. Unlike many men who have compartmentalized the existential crisis created by paternal absenteeism, Kirk’s transparency reveals the innate desire of sons for their fathers and the deep pain experienced because the desire never truly goes away. Not even when you have spiritual fathers who fill in the gap like Dr. Tony Evans. I’ll never forget watching Kirk literally sitting at Dr. Evans’ feet asking questions and inquiring about subjects later addressed in “Losing My Religion.”
Kirk Franklin performs in Dallas during his “Twenty Years in One Night” concert. Franklin combined 20 years of hits in one concert tour, performing with an incredible lineup of singers and musicians. Photo Credit: Fred Willis, SoulProsper Media Group
Reflecting on the aftermath of meeting his father, Kirk says, “He didn’t even know he had a son and I didn’t even know I had a father.” He went on to say, “I was that close to having a daddy. I wanted a daddy so bad!” Franklin discovered that his father lives close to his studio and that his youngest son played with one of his neighbors at a nearby house.
This ordeal wouldn’t be complete without meeting with his mother, so through his aunt Sandra, he met with his estranged mother, Debra for the first time in 23 years. Unfortunately, closure wasn’t gained and he made a painful decision in the wake of their second meeting which included both his mother and father. The harsh reality of Kirk Franklin’s story is that he spent majority of his life without either parent, though both of them were alive and never truly far from him, at all. He said of this endeavor, “I don’t want anybody being able to have a conversation about this except for me.” If you’ve ever been the subject of questionable paternity, you know exactly what he means by that.
Regardless of your station in life, you’re never more than the reduction of an illegitimate child when you’re the topic of those clandestine conversations. Knowing this, it’s no wonder that you become as he stated, “...indoctrinated in trauma that you become institutionalized in your trauma.“
While closing one chapter, there was yet another to bring closure to. Franklin’s strained relationship with his oldest son, Kerrion was also brought to a resolution in this short film. After two years, the two men not only loved on each other but relished the revelation that changed everything about their relationship. Tearfully, Kerrion confessed that “this is the only thing that I need that’s been missing from my life. There’s nothing I ask God for every single day I wake up. I have everything I want except you and my grandfather.”
Father’s Day on the calendar has passed, but October 6, 2023 is a day many will be looking forward to as Kirk Franklin tackles sonship from a new, possibly healed perspective. After watching “Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story,” what are your thoughts? Do you think this will convince men and women to reach out to their estranged fathers and mothers or for them to finally accept the children they’ve denied for years?Watch and share your feedback with us.
The 2023 Super Bowl Soulful Celebration was a night of uplifting performances, unique tributes, and words of encouragement by NFL players Demario Davis (New Orleans Saints), Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles), and hosted by syndicated radio personality Willie Moore, Jr.
One of Gospel music’s prolific artists, Tye Tribbett, kicked off the show with “Get Up” & “We Gon Be Alright,” which brought the audience to its feet. Grammy-winning contemporary gospel artist Israel Houghton set the atmosphere by performing “You Are Good” and “Moving Forward.” The powerhouse gospel music artist Kierra Sheard-Kelly took the audience higher with “Something Has To Break” and a spirited collaboration of her song “Miracles” with the Players Choir. Comprised of current and former NFL Players, the choir celebrated their 15th milestone year in the same city where they first performed together as a group back in 2008. Other players making appearances include Kelvin Beachum of the Arizona Cardinals and Justin Herron of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The legendary Patti LaBelle closed out the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration by performing her signature hits “Something Special (Is Gonna Happen Tonight),” “If Only You Knew,” and more, which kept the audience on its feet, dancing and inspired.
This year’s honoree Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback, Jalen Hurts, received the “Faith In Action” award, which honors current and former NFL Players making an impact in their communities and the lives of others off the field. Nicole Lynn, Hurts’ sports agent and the first black woman to represent a National Football League draft pick, serves as the president of football operations for Klutch Sports Group and accepted the award on Jalen’s behalf.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration brings together NFL players, gospel and contemporary Christian performers, comedy, and award-winning musicians on one stage for a spectacular show filled with song, hop, laughter, and uplifting messages of inspiration. Produced by Melanie Few, the only woman and person of color, and an NFL-sanctioned event during Super Bowl week.
Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture, formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC), is founded and executive produced by Atlanta-based marketing consultant Melanie Few. Conceived in 1999 as a gospel brunch in Miami, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration continues as the only multicultural program and inspirational event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend. The annual event joins together key NFL Players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian and mainstream GRAMMY® Award winning artists, and special guests all on one stage to bring audiences an evening of uplifting music, laughter, and inspirational messages.
The SMG Report has covered several celebrations and 2023 was the best, ever! Stay tuned to our socials for airdates and updates!
St. Philip’s School and Community Center will host the 23rd Annual Destiny Award Luncheon featuring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Sterling K. Brown on March 3rd. The Destiny Luncheon will feature a spirited and engaging conversation with Brown, in addition to performances by St. Philip’s students, tributes to St. Philip’s alumni and the presentation of the 2023 Mona and David Munson Humanitarian Award to Ellen and John McStay.
The Destiny Award Luncheon is the signature fundraising event for St. Philip’s School and Community Center. All funds raised from the event benefit the programs that service the 260+ students enrolled at St. Philip’s School, in addition to the more than 4,000 children, adults and seniors active in the St. Philip’s Community Center. Since its inception, the Destiny Award Luncheon has raised over $5 Million to support essential educational and social service programs at St. Philip’s School and Community Center.
It’s time again for the Annual Destiny Award Luncheon at St. Philip’s! The SMG Report has covered a share of these wonderful events and this year’s event is on par with the greatness of previous years! In prior years, we were on hand to behold conversations with the likes of Cicely Tyson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Taraji P. Henson. The Destiny Awards Luncheon brings together some of DFW’s greatest givers and each year, funds are raised to continue the excellence for which St. Philip’s is known. We look forward to this enthralling conversation with such a bright star in Hollywood and beyond. If tickets are still available, you can get them, here.
Marking its 24th year, the groundbreaking music and inspiration extravaganza “Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture,” (formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration) returns during Super Bowl LVII week with a live taping on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona.
The only multicultural program and community event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend, the highly anticipated night of music, comedy, NFL Players and soulful inspiration is themed “Unstoppable,” with featured performances from the legendary Patti LaBelle, Israel Houghton, The Players Choir and more!
“Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture,” (formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration)
In addition to uplifting and inspiring audiences with musical tributes, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration highlights NFL players, their faith and philanthropy. This year, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration will confer its highest honor, the “Faith In Action” Award, to Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback and Super Bowl LVII contender Jalen Hurts.
The “Faith In Action” award honors current and former NFL players making an impact in their communities and in the lives of others off the field. Jalen’s service to the Philadelphia community, numerous charities and his native Texas has aided countless individuals and institutions. Previous recipients of this special recognition include Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, Tim Brown, Russell Wilson, Tony Dungy and Troy Vincent, among others.
Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture, formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC), is founded and executive produced by Atlanta-based marketing consultant Melanie Few. Conceived in 1999 as a gospel brunch in Miami, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration continues as the only multicultural program and inspirational event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend. The evening brings together an ensemble of NFL players, gospel/contemporary Christian performers, comedy and award-winning musicians spanning all genres on one stage for a spectacular show filled with song, hope, laughter and uplifting messages of inspiration. This year’s show-stopping performers include the illustrious Patti LaBelle, joined by Israel Houghton, The Players Choir and more.
Originating at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, the annual event joins together key NFL Players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian and mainstream GRAMMY® Award winning artists, and special guests all on one stage to bring audiences an evening of uplifting music, laughter, and inspirational messages.
Past programs have featured show stopping performances from artists such as Yolanda Adams, CeeLo Green, Chloe Bailey, Kirk Franklin, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, Patti LaBelle, Erica Campbell, Gladys Knight, Fantasia, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, and Anthony Hamilton among others.
The Players Choir, comprised of former NFL players
For fifteen years, the Players Choir has delivered one of the most highly-anticipated musical performances during the biggest weekend in sports, the annual Super Bowl Weekend. Making its debut in 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona during the 9th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (now Super Bowl Soulful Celebration), the choir launched with more than 40 active and former NFL players under the direction of Grammy Award-Winning artist, Donnie McClurkin.
Developed by Super Bowl Soulful Celebration Founder and Executive Producer Melanie Few with a core group of NFL players who wanted to share their faith through song, this summer the group delivered two fan-favorite performances on the highest-rated television variety competition show “America’s Got Talent,” (AGT) – the classic Bill Withers anthem “Lean on Me” and Justin Timberlake’s chart-topping “Can’t Stop The Feeling.”
Led by Grammy-winning Gospel producer Myron Butler, now the choir is back in the city where it all began for a special milestone appearance — current and former NFL Players appearing with the choir include: Bryan Scott, Buffalo Bills; Cameron Newton, Atlanta Falcons; Michael Gaines, Carolina Panthers; Stephen Pierce, Cleveland Browns; Isaiah McKenzie, Buffalo Bills; Tully Banta-Cain, New England Patriots; Jamon Brown, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams; Trey Williams, USFL (previously Cowboys); Nathan Palmer, 49ers, Broncos; KeShun Freeman, New Orleans Saints; Dwayne Wright, Buffalo Bills; Prince Amukamara, NY Giants; Willie Yarbary, USFL (previously LA Chargers); Michael Martin, Cincinnati Bengals; and Timothy Johnson, Las Vegas Raiders.
To stay up to date with the latest Players Choir news and activities, please follow them on social @PlayersChoir.
Melanie Few, SBSC founder
Meet the Visionary, Melanie Few
Melanie Few, Founder, Executive Producer, and NFL Sanction Holder of Results Marketing and Media (RMM). Melanie is the only female and person of color with an NFL sanctioned event. She also founded the (NFL) Players Choir in 2014, which has become a staple performance at Super Bowl Soulful Celebration. The Players Choir drew national recognition with their fan favorite appearances on “America’s Got Talent” in 2022. Melanie’s company RMM has partnered with agencies and corporations alike to create, plan and produce over two hundred integrated marketing events, representing more than thirty brands across sixty product categories.
Amazon Freevee to Feature Unscripted, Faith-Based Content FromRenowned Spiritual Leader Bishop T.D. Jakes
For the first time, iconic sermons and inspiring messages from Bishop Jakes will be available to streamon demand and on a dedicated FAST channel, both free to watch. The announcement is part of the Women, Thou Art Loosed! Grand Finale Conferencein Atlanta, taking place this weekend.
Today, Amazon Freevee and Bishop T.D. Jakes announced a two-year deal to stream the spiritual leader’s most-loved sermons on the service in the U.S. beginning December 1. The deal includes streaming rights in the U.S., UK, and Germany, with exclusive on-demand and FAST channel rights to 300 hours of content, featuring some of the Bishop’s most treasured new and archived sermons and interviews.
Bishop Jakes will be the first faith leader to have their ministry available on the service, including a FAST channel, providing a free-of-charge, dedicated space for viewers inspired by his teachings and message. The T.D. Jakes FAST Channel will be available for customers in the U.S. to stream on the Freevee app and within Prime Video in early 2023.
Named “America’s Best Preacher” by TIME magazine, Jakes has commanded stages from the White House to the Aspen Institute, the Drucker Institute at Claremont Graduate University to the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Spanning a wide array of themes and formats that include some of Jakes’ most iconic sermons, Freevee customers will also have access to content that includes emotional well-being; T.D. Jakes on The Road: Australia, London, and Africa; and leadership and business talks featuring National Cathedral messages and conversations with celebrities and heads of state.
“Through his powerful and dynamic sermons and wide-ranging community outreach, Bishop Jakes has been a source of wisdom and guidance to millions around the world,” said Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD Original content and programming at Amazon Studios. “At Freevee, our steadfast mission is to deliver our broad audience a diverse selection of compelling, personally resonant content. As we build our faith-based offerings alongside our entertainment selection, we are honored to be the exclusive video streaming home for Bishop Jakes’ decades-long ministry, and proud to be a destination for viewers to find an ongoing source of spiritual inspiration.”
“The launch of our channel with Amazon Freevee signals a major step forward in providing a protected and trusted space for audiences’ emotional and spiritual fortitude. As Amazon continues to innovate and offer audiences meaningful content, I’m proud to illustrate to the world how ministry and philanthropy can be done in an ever-evolving culture. Though what we’ve been able to achieve with this launch is unprecedented, our mission to positively affect lives by reducing limitations on how people can be ministered to remains our North Star. I look forward to taking more big, meaningful leaps with Amazon.”
