Recently Michelle Obama visited Mexico City on a mission to express the US concern with Mexico’s brutal drug wars, and the underprivileged teenagers increasingly being drawn into them. While she was there of course her fashion wardrobe was the truth. She mainly wore floral prints with bright pink, greens, and yellows. Mostly dresses, she wore Tracy Reese, Diane Von Furstenberg, Rachel Roy, and the designer of her inaugural gown Jason Wu. As she always is, First Lady Michelle Obama was on a mission with grace and style.

This past Saturday Gospel singer Michelle Bonilla celebrated the release of her sophomore album “In Spite of Me.” The party was held at Calvary Chapel located in Philadelphia, PA. It was not just any old regular album release party; instead it was a free concert featuring other noted artist. These included Leah Smith, Donielle Rodwell, Tru Destiny, Benita Farmer, Mark Arthur, Corey Red, R-Swift and special guest Ayiesha Woods, who has been nominated for both Grammy and Dove Awards and is noted for working with pioneer gospel artist CeCe Winans.

(Check out this video one of her fans recorded from the concert )

“In Spite of Me” was produced by Michelle’s her husband Lee Jerkins, founder of RockSoul Entertainment. The album is made up of a mix of R&B, pop and Latin melodies, which were highlighted during the concert. It includes 16 tracks, 13 of them being full songs, and the rest diary excerpts. Featured artist include Chevelle Franklin who is a Jamaican gospel artist, and gospel hip-hop artist Lecrae.

(Michelle and her husband producer Lee Jerkins)

(Debut video single for Michelle Bonilla’s “Your Show” from her sophomore album, “In Spite of Me”)

“In Spite of Me” is available on iTunes NOW as well all other outlets or for order on http://www.rocksoulonline.com/store

April Nevels of the Nevels Sisters has been added to the unique UniverSoul Circus’ Praise Nights as a special performer. Nevels just recently released her debut album “Krazy Praize” which features the high energy radio-friendly single “Krazy Praize.” The single was released on 7-Places Records and has been steadily rising to popularity in the gospel entertainment world. According to Nielsen’s Broadcast Data Systems which track radio air play, it is among Gopel’s Most Added.

So far the African American owned one-ring circus has had Nevels to perform her hit single in Greenville, South Carolina last week. Upcoming performances include Columbia, South Carolina (April 22), and Baltimore, Maryland (June 3).

Last week President Obama met with 20 black religious leaders with the focus of discussing major issues affecting African Americans across the nation. Since before being elected, Obama has faced much criticism. Not only from White America, but he has had to face criticism from those of his own race as well. Congressional Black Caucus leader and noted public figure Tavis Smiley, has been one of those individuals known to openly criticize Obama for what he calls a “lack of addressing job crisis and financial discrimination against Blacks”.

The purpose of meeting with the religious leaders was to receive their intake on the issues at hand. Shortly following the meeting they released a letter to the press saying, “President Obama has pursued policies that are crucial for our communities and the nation as a whole; and we cannot afford to lose courage and fortitude at this juncture,” the letter read. “President Obama has fought for us – and we must fight for him.”

In the face of all the criticism, ministers prayed for the strength, wisdom, and courage of our President. They also challenged him to fill the next Supreme Court vacancy with the face of an African American, and to create more summer jobs for youth. With the courage and wisdom our President seeks there is no doubt that he will follow through with the many request as well continue to focus on the advancement of the Black Community.

God is doing amazing things for ¼ of the legendary Clark Sisters, Karen Clark Sheard who recently founded her own record label Karew Records. Embarking upon this new season actually leaves no one out,the entire family yields their talents to the newest entity of the family business. It is something she has always wanted to do but just never had the push to do so. Thanks to her husband of 26 years, Pastor J. Drew who has always been a major support of hers, her dream has come true.

Sheard says “I’ve always wanted to have my record company and I always said back in the day that, one day I’m gonna make my own decisions. I’m going to be my own CEO. So, I have to give it to my husband who is a great businessman, as well as a pastor. He helped me. He said, come on let’s do this. You’ve been wanting to do this. Let’s do this.”

(First lady says its her kids that keep her young)

With the success of starting the record label, Sheard’s first album released on the label is her jazzy new CD entitled “All In One.” The first Single from the album, “Prayed Up” has already become a smash hit on gospel radio stations. She said in a recent interview “This record is gonna talk about who I am,” says Karen, “and all of the hats that I wear. I’m a First Lady, a wife, a mother, and I’m a business woman… so it’s just all about the people knowing me.” Executive Produced by young J Drew II, he really emerges as a true writer and producer on “All In One”. If you ever thought his new position as A&R director over at Karew Records was forced or just handed to him by his parents all those myths are dispelled with this one.

It does not stop with the record label, Sheard in currently on 10-city national tour. The tour is for the musical stage play “Church Girl,” written and produced by Angela Barrow-Dunlap. It took off March 23 in Detroit, MI. Sheard was also blessed to grace the cover of EWW magazine. Inside features a story on her, family, the new record label, and the trials and tribulations that she had to endure to gain her well deserved success.

All In One hit stores April 6^th so go get it NOW…don’t be last at obtaining your copy.

For more on her album, tour dates, personal and family lifestyle, visit the following WebPages

twitter.com/officialkcs, www.facebook.com/officialkcs, www.karewrecords.com