(Essence Magazine “40 Fierce & Fabulous!” cover celebrating its 40th Anniversary)

Guess who graced the pages of Essence magizine this month alongside Iman, Oprah and Maya Angelou….. Gospel Superstars Mary Mary!!! The two were invited to help the magazine celebrate its 40th Anniversary in this mouths “40 Fierce & Fabulous!” issue.

( Erica (left) 38 is one-half of chart-topping gospel duo, Mary Mary. Essence writes “FAB FACTOR: The Campbell sisters spread The Word with conviction and flair.” )

Essence celebrated ‘Power Players’ (athletes) ,”Cover Girls” (Supermodels) and even the “Madame Presidents” (presidents of colleges and countries) but highlighted Erica and Tina, for not just being mere singers but “Artist” . Underlining their anointed soul that has cross-generational appeal Essence expounds, that through their music they create brilliance”.

(Tina (right) 35, is part of the talented gospel duo, Mary Mary.)

We salute Essence Magazine for 40 years of placing black faces on newsstands across America. You have helped to shape and empower us. For that we say Thank You and pray that you will help us feel “Fierce & Fabulous” for another 40 years to come.

It’s exciting anytime an engagement is announced but its ten times more exciting when it involves Gospel’s Sweetheart Kierra ”Ki Ki” Sheard and a young attractive Detroit Pastor… Welton T. Smith IV. Over the weekend KiKi was all smiles and could barely remember lyrics to her own songs while in concert in Jersey on the 24th. But after a gleeful announcement in her father’s Sunday morning service on the 25^th ,it was clear what had Miss Sheard in a tizzy. Later that evening she announced her engagement to Pastor Welton via her Twitter and followed it with…

“Ooooommmmggg this is the best day ever…completely speechless! This is a true new beginning…”

(Video of Pastpr Welton T. Smith IV Preaching a Youth Service)

KiKi and Pastor Welton have been inviting one another to their personally sponsored events over the last few years but did an amazing job of keeping their romance out of the public eye.Pastor Welton T. Smith IV pastors New Life Family Church in Detroit, MI. Sheard is currently a student at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where she is studying entertainment law. Though originally a criminal justice major, the decision to switch to entertainment law was definitely influenced by her growing career in the gospel music industry.
No date has been set and family and friends of the two have been very tight lipped but you know we will keep you informed. OCT sends our love and congratulations to the newly engaged couple.

After appearing at the National Association of Black Journalist annual convention over the weekend, Donnie McClurkin is set to minister around the country. While at the convention McClurkin, spoke about his battle with diabetes and also performed while sharing the stage with Dr. Oz.

(Donnie really shined as a true minister of the Lord during a recent tapping of a TBN show with Donnie as host and Steve Harvey as guest.)

McClurkin has alreadystarted his ministry with a nationally syndicated radio show titled “The Donnie McClurkin Show”. One vital part of his radio show is titled “Gospel Gold” where he showcases classic gospel songs from many of gospels matriarchs and patriarchs.

“My true excitement about the radio show comes from being able to be interactive while reaching several million people. Through radio, internet, and technology I’m able to communicate with the “All Star Kid” segment and our “Kid Bits” segment. Kids call in to ask me about the bible or any subject. We’re able to interact with listeners on‑line taking telephone calls from people all over the world.” said McClurkin.

(Donnie pictured above at a Oprah sponsored event honoring Susan Taylor for her 37 years at Essence magazine with Wintley Phipps; Gayle King and author Terrie Williams)

McClurkin is set to host his annual New York Call conference on August 28^th in Eisenhower Park. Also he’s planning to start the “Perfect Music Ministry Conference” on August 19^th in Chicago. This upcoming conference will include a two day workshop with a host of speakers and evening services.

When McClurkin was ask about his ministry he stated “I want to utilize all my gifts to unify and draw from the different wells of knowledge we have. It’s time to realize that our diversities should not separate us, but in this eclectic display of unity I want to show the true love of God and the true love of man.”

After battling pancreatic cancer for two years, gospel patriarch Bishop Walker Hawkins will be remembered on July 20^th at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA. with a special concert which will feature many of gospel music greats.

(Images from Bishop Hawkins Memorial Service)

The concert which is titled “The Man, the Music, The Ministry: A Musical Salute to Bishop Walter Hawkins, will feature artist such as Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Bebe Winans, and Donnie McClurkin. The star studded lineup will also consist of Lynnette Hawkins, Ledisi, Karen Clark Sheard, Daryl Coley, Byron Cage, Melvin and Doug Williams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Ted Winn, The Love Center Choir, and Jonathan Dubose Jr.

(Images from Bishop Hawkins Memorial Service)

Also in attendance will be Hawkins’ former wife and gospel great Lady Tramaine Hawkins. Donald Lawrence, Kurt Carr, Edwin Hawkins (Bishop Hawkins Brother), Richard Smallwood and Rusty Watson will serve as music directors for the ceremony. BET personality Dr. Bobby Jones, former Sunday Best Judge Bebe, and his brother Dr. Marvin Winans will share responsibilities as the masters of ceremonies.

(Images from Bishop Hawkins Memorial Service)

Tickets were first come, first serve and vanished sooner than you could blink. For information about tickets contact Paramount Theater Box Office at 510-465-6400. Bishop Hawkins home going service will be held today Wednesday, July 21 at the Paramount Theater and will be officiated by Bishop Kenneth Moales.

KTVU.COM will webcast the Bishop Walter Hawkins Homegoing Memorial Celebration on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. P.S.T. In honor of Bishop Walter Hawkins, his family request that all donations be made to The Walter Hawkins Memorial Foundation. The Love Center Ministries will also be accepting cards, letters and donations in Hawkins honor at: Love Center Ministries, 10440 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94603.

Remember the quote all good things must come to an end. Well in this case the quote might prove to be heart breaking and detrimental. The Word Network has discontinued its highest rated groundbreaking success…. “The Lexi Show” hosted by Alexis Nucklos. The Lexi Show brought a voice to Christian journalism that had never been heard before.

(Historical “Lexi Show” Interview w/ Bishop Carlton Pearson)

The Lexi Show” has courageously given gospel celebrities a place to dialog about the controversial matters we have all experienced or at least noticed. It was on “The Lexi Show” that Grammy-nominated artist Tonex admitted to having a homosexual relationship. Not only was this a controversial topic but it also proved to be one that would either make or break Tonex career. Opening himself to the public through “The Lexi Show” brought more viewers to the television program. Aside from controversial matters “The Lexi Show” became a stage for viewers to explore the deeper sides of gospel celebrities like Prophet Todd Hall, and Dr. Jamal Bryant. I don’t think any of us will ever forget Lexi’s historical interview with Pentecostal Fame Maker Bishop Carlton Pearson. Speaking on the alarming news Lexi stated:

“I’m overwhelmed with the unbelievable number of letters, phone calls and e-mails I’ve received in support of my show; I’m thankful and grateful to all of the fans of the show and will have a new home for the show soon.”

(Lexi’s Newest Promo Pics)

Along with her career as a TV personality Lexi is a renowned gospel singer who has released numerous gospel albums. Her most recent album “What Heaven Hears” was released in 2007 and held a spot on billboards gospel charts. Keep your eyes and ears locked to the OC for updates regarding the future of “The Lexi Show”. Lexi is a fighter. Widow of the late producer Michael Allen and single mother since his untimely death, Lexi has made it clear in recent statements that she will not give up on the brand she has created in the “The Lexi Show” and is currently entertaining negotiations to find the show a new home!!! What were the executives over at The Word Network thinking…..this is just the type of show BET and TV1 would love?????