The Golden Gate Funeral Home hearse rest outside Concord Church in Dallas, Texas
The funeral program, limited to family and rostrum clergy.
Yesterday in Dallas,Texas the families of Yolanda Carr and Marquis Jefferson flanked by friends, and the community converged upon Concord Church in Dallas to celebrate the life of a light gone extinguished by injustice. Since news of the shooting broke, the Fort Worth community has been embroiled in relentless demand for justice. Less than two weeks after Amber Guyger was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for killing Botham Jean, the Dallas Fort Worth community was faced with another officer involved tragedy.
This shooting was different. Officers were called to the Carr home because the door was open. Jefferson was playing video games with her nephew well into the early morning, but a call for a welfare check garnered an “open structure” (burglary) response, resulting in the tragic loss of life. Atatiana Jefferson was eulogized as a caring and compassionate young woman who moved home to help care for her mother. The outpouring of love is perhaps the best response to the way she lived her life, with high regard for others.
The family wished to honor and celebrate her life rather than bemoan the tragedy and that wish was carried out in a touching service lasting about an hour and a half. Following a final viewing, the service commenced with a stirring selection from her cousin who remarked that “she would be up before the music even started!”
A number of resolutions were read and acknowledged during the service, including one from congresswoman Maxine Waters. Congresswoman Waters intimated that she felt a deep sense of connection when she heard of the tragedy. Not only has she been a justice fighter for years and a steadfast presence fighting for her constituents, her maiden name is also Carr. Though familial certainty is unsure, she offered her condolences, assistance and echoed the demand for justice in the name of Atatiana Jefferson. Other resolutions included submissions from the office of John Wiley Price, The United Methodist Women, The St. Luke Community United Methodist Church and Nicole Collier, State Representative for Miss Jefferson’s district.
Atatiana was remembered by her mother for her “humble boldness” and for the way she always felt that she would change the world and still believes that even through this tragedy, that her legacy will.
“…you my dear have indeed changed the world by your sacrificial love, unrivaled work ethic and your legacy that is yet to unfold.”
Yolanda Carr, in a written statement to her daughter
Her father was strengthened by his daughter’s life and memory saying that because of his daughter, his purpose is “clearer now than ever before…it is my hope that your life be remembered, honored and loved through others through the Atatiana Jefferson Foundation.”
Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”
John Wesley
For a life whose light has gone out way too soon, senselessly and unjustly, what is a family and community to do? After the beautiful songs were rendered, it was time to tune our hearts to the prophetic moment. In messages replete with calls to action and demands for justice were reminders of God’s sovereignty and righteousness. The service was attended by several notables including: Fort Worth Police Chief, Ed Kraus and numerous FWPD officers, Fort Worth mayor, Betsy Price, Councilwoman Kelly Allen-Gray, noted journalist Bob Ray Sanders, State Senator Royce West, Attorney S. Lee Merritt, Former FWPD Chief Joel Fitzgerald and the Reverend Kyev Tatum and his wife.
Standing to deliver both a charge and words of encouragement were host pastor, Bryan Carter and Pastor Carl Ming, Southwest Region Conference SDA Youth and Young Adult Ministries. While Pastor Carter admonished attendees to trust God in trying times, Pastor Ming instructed attendees to ask hard questions!
We must stand up and begin to ask some serious questions like why is injustice sitting down on the throne while righteousness is cast in the dungeon? We have to begin to ask the question why is that we’re asking people to protect our people who are afraid of our people? Why is it that the pledge to protect and serve changes when they turn up and realize that the skin color is different?
Pastor Carl Ming
From his text found in Job 14:1-2,14, Pastor Ming expounded upon 1) the evidence of iniquity in our world, 2) the faith of God’s people and 3) the infinite wisdom of our God. and though he admonished the jubilant worshipers to steadfastly acknowledge God as the author and finisher of their faith, there is a dichotomous disturbance plaguing our humanity. This was illustrated in his introduction by the invocation of the poem “If We Die” by one of the first and foremost voices of the Harlem Renaissance, Claude McKay.
If we must die, let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot, While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursèd lot. If we must die, O let us nobly die, So that our precious blood may not be shed In vain; then even the monsters we defy Shall be constrained to honor us though dead! O kinsmen! we must meet the common foe! Though far outnumbered let us show us brave, And for their thousand blows deal one death-blow! What though before us lies the open grave? Like men we’ll face the murderous, cowardly pack, Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back!
Claude McKay
For tense moments like those expressed by Claude McKay, felt by the Carr/Jefferson families and the punctuated throughout the service, Pastor Carter shared that though we are tired, we can indeed trust God in trying times, knowing that as promised in Psalm 46:1-2, God is our shelter and strength and promises stability to his saints.
Many of us are tired. Tired of talking to our kids about the police. Tired of seeing tearful mothers on tv. Tired of having to protest to prove that black lives do matter. Tired of hoping that the jury will get a conviction. Tired of hoping that the bodycam will prove what we already know. Tired of gathering for funerals, tired of protesting, tired of praying, tired of incarceration, tired of underserved communities, tired of racial profiling, tired of checking the box on an application, many of us are tired!
Pastor Bryan L. Carter, Concord Church
The family of Atatiana Jefferson prepares to leave the sanctuary of Concord Church, in Dallas, Texas
Pastor Carter confirmed to the family that “God has been giving you strength. On days when you didn’t want to get out of the bed, God has been giving you strength.” For the family and surrounding community, strength is what will be needed as both a criminal and civil trial ensue in the wake of this unspeakable tragedy. Reverberating throughout the service was the pulse of the community whose citizens’ trust in law enforcement has been irreparably eroded. To that, Pastor Carter gave redress, saying, “we live in a broken, fallen, unjust world. But despite the world we live in, we can find strength in God who gives us help to deal with these struggles. And, at some point, He gives us the ability to move from why to what now?“
What now do you want me to do, God? How do I build my life back? How do I keep her legacy alive? What now God, how do I move forward and still honor the woman of God that she was?
Pastor Bryan L. Carter, Concord Church
These questions ring out from the sanctuary in Dallas to the 1200 block of East Allen in Fort Worth, to a waiting, watching world yet again looking for answers. Last night, citizens and city leadership again tried to sift through the rubble of the aftermath to find some semblance of answers but the meeting ended with much of the same frustration billowing through council chambers at city hall. Though the answer remains unclear, what is clear is the duress of the road to healing that lies ahead for both the family of Atatiana Jefferson and the city and residents of Fort Worth.
It is with a heavy heart that the Stampley family would like to announce the passing of their 15 year old daughter, Mary Stampley, from complications with a seizure. Please keep their family in your prayers and respect their privacy as they deal with this traumatic event.
Micah Stampley and his wife Heidi have teamed up to provide the world with the incomparable experience of the ministry that is Micah Stampley. Though many around the world know Micah for his voice and hits, but his wife Heidi has been an integral part as writer for a few of his radio singles and songs we know and love him for. The news of their daughter’s untimely demise has rocked the gospel community. In the wake of the news, the gospel community has risen to support this family in their time of grief and season of bereavement.
Funeral arrangements and ways to comfort the family will be shared as soon as details are confirmed.
The Bad Boys are back and this time, it’s ‘for life’! Watch the trailer for one of the most anticipated movies of the decade. Will Smith (Mike Lowrey) and Martin Lawrence (Marcus Burnett) have teamed up yet again to bring you one last, crazy ride! Dont miss an update, visit the site and keep up with all BBFL news and updates!
MULTIPLE GRAMMY®-NOMINATED CHART TOPPER TRAVIS GREENE RELEASES NEW SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO, “WON’T LET GO”
Chart-topper Travis Greene has released a new single “Won’t Let Go,” available now at digital music providers and serviced to radio. Greene has also simultaneously released the song’s official video on VEVO. Building anticipation for more new music from the three-time GRAMMY® nominated, Billboard Music Award, Dove and 11-time Stellar Award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer, “Won’t Let Go” marks the first single off his upcoming album Broken Record.
Delivering a gripping tune that have been hallmarks of his hits, Greene continues to be a powerful connector, building bridges to share the universal love of Christ, giving strength and comfort that God’s love is always present in our lives, carrying us through our journeys and struggles, from day into night.
“This started with the idea that God will never let me go. A lot of times when we’re going through something, we have this misconception that God has left us. There’s a scripture that says He’ll never leave us nor forsake us. This song is encouragement for anyone who feels left, or lonely, or just trying to figure out how they’re gonna make it through. Just knowing that He’ll never let you go, His hand is big enough, strong enough, to handle our darkest days and lowest places. This song is just a testimony of His faithfulness, of His goodness. I pray this is a blessing to everyone, as it’s been a blessing to my family and friends.”
Travis Greene, on writing new song
Greene will also perform in an album pre-release event in Washington DC on Saturday October 5th, at the 12th Annual Spirit of Praise Celebration sponsored by Radio One, Inc., Praise 104.1, DC’s Inspiration station. Tickets go on sale on Monday August 27th, with the Spirit of Praise event also including Kurt Carr, William McDowell, Koryn Hawthorne, Jonathan Nelson, Steffany Gretzinger, and the three finalists from BET’s “Sunday Best,” Tiffany Andrews, Joshua Copeland, and Melvin Crispell, III. Recently honored with a Dove Award nomination for the upcoming 2019 show, where he is nominated for Gospel Artist of the Year, Greene recently released a new set of live performances with a digital album SetList Vol. 1. Greene’s newly-released single “Won’t Let Go” was premiered as part of an action-packed flurry of activity as he held his annual Engage Culture Weekend, engaging the community and giving back in his home base of Columbia, SC.
https://travisgreene.lnk.to/WontLetGoBD
The event which ran August 23rd-25th, celebrated the third anniversary for Forward City Church, the church he and his wife Dr. Jackie Greene planted and co-pastor in Columbia. The weekend featured empowering live events with special guests including Kirk Franklin, DeVon Franklin, Heather Lindsey, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, William McDowell, and more http://engageculture2019.com.
We are so excited to announce the official joining of Jonathan Traylor to the Motown Gospel family! Jonathan is a remarkably gifted singer, songwriter, dancer and live performer… if you’re unfamiliar with his ministry, take a look on socials or anywhere you listen to music to get a better feel. We couldn’t be more excited for the newest member of our family and can’t wait to see what’s next!
Listen to Jonathan’s major label release of, Stones and Giants right now!
“God’s Plan” Named Song of The Year; Tay Keith and Post Malone Presented with Songwriter of the Year Award; Tay Keith and Wheezy Beatz Named Producer of the Year and Sony/ATV Received Publisher of the Year
SANDY SPRINGS, GEORGIA – AUGUST 29: BMI President & CEO, Mike O’Neill, 2019 BMI President’s Award Recipient, Brandy Norwood, BMI Vice President of Creative Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, and Ray J pose onstage during The 2019 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center on August 29, 2019 in Sandy Springs, Georgia. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) celebrated the songwriters, producers and publishers of the past year’s most-performed R&B/hip-hop songs during the 2019 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards held at the Sandy Springs Arts Center in Atlanta. Multiple-award-winning singer/songwriter and actress Brandy received the BMI President’s Award in recognition of her powerful impact on the entertainment industry and her timeless hits, which have secured her place in R&B history.
Hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, the evening included stellar performances by some of the hottest artists on the music scene. The ceremony kicked off with a moving tribute video in honor of the late rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle to celebrate his musical legacy and remarkable philanthropic work. Atlanta-based rapper Gunna followed with a medley of his biggest hits, ending with his smash “Drip Too Hard” featuring Lil Baby, who joined him on stage for the performance. Afterwards, Gunna received a special award in recognition of the song garnering one billion streams. TV personality and comedian, DC Young Fly then presented Memphis rapper NLE Choppa with the 2019 BMI Social Star Award.
The evening also featured a series of special tributes to Brandy, which began with contemporary R&B singer/songwriter Jade Novah performing a beautiful rendition of “Talk About Our Love.” The tributes continued with Samoht singing a stripped-down version of “Brokenhearted,” followed by gospel singer Kierra Sheard’s sultry performance of two of Brandy’s power ballads, “Have You Ever” and “He Is.” Eric Bellinger rounded out the tributes with “Baby” and “Nothing” which had the audience singing along. Brandy’s brother, Ray J, took to the stage and serenaded his sister with “Best Friend” before she was presented with the BMI President’s Award. Brandy accepted the accoladed with an impromptu performance, encouraged by the audience, of “I Wanna Be Down,” before singing her iconic hit “Almost Doesn’t Count.”
The event also honored the top producers and songwriters of the previous year’s 35 bestperforming R&B/hip-hop songs in the U.S. from BMI’s repertoire of more than 14 million musical works. Wheezy Beatz tied for Producer of the Year with Tay Keith. Keith also received the coveted Songwriter of the Year award, an honor he shared with Post Malone, marking his second tie for the evening. Song of the Year went to “God’s Plan” by Yung Exclusive and Marciano and Sony/ATV was named Publisher of the Year for having 18 of the most performed songs of the year including “Sicko Mode,” “I Like It” and “In My Feelings.”
As the 2019 BMI President’s Award honoree, Brandy joins previous recipients Curtis Mayfield, Ludacris, Toni Braxton and Will.i.am, among others in sharing this distinction.
