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We bring you good news!
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!
A Time Was had!
We have the details of the highly-anticipated wedding of Dear Future Wifey podcast host, Laterras R. Whitfield, and his Mystery Bride, Mrs. Ashley (Woods) Whitfield! The exciting hybrid wedding event became an instant viral moment, drawing in 28,000 livestream viewers at its peak, amassing over 300,000 views within the first 48 hours, and attracting 147,000 unique visitors to the wedding video, literally making the bride’s long-awaited reveal one that was seen around the world!
Outmatched, Not Outclassed
Championships aren’t decided once the game is over, but championship behavior extends beyond the field of play. This game was a teachable moment for Eastern Hills, who will use this opportunity to build on for the future. This team wasn’t expected to make it past Kennedale last week and to some weren’t even expected to get on the board against Celina’s stifling defense. What Eastern Hills will remember is that they played as men. But when they extended their hand, Celina disrespected the Highlanders and the game of football.
Bailey Howell is your Miss Juneteenth 2025
On October 11, 2025, young women from across the United States gathered in Texas City, Texas, to compete in the 6th Annual Miss Juneteenth USA Scholarship Pageant, themed “From Roots to Resilience.” This empowering event aims to educate the public and inspire young Black women to become leaders in their communities.
The Miss Juneteenth USA Scholarship Pageant is a scholarship-driven and educational program that emphasizes community service, academic achievement, and cultural awareness. Participants are awarded scholarships to support their educational pursuits.
GOSPEL
THE 56th ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS ANNOUNCES SECOND ROUND OF PERFORMERS AND PRESENTERS
by Fred Willis | August 27, 2025 | Award Shows, Christian, Gospel | 0 Comments
CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant, Jason Crabb, Naomi Raine, Pastor Mike Jr. and others added to the Dove Awards performers and presenters list
THE 56th ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS ANNOUNCES FIRST ROUND OF PERFORMERS AND PRESENTERS
by Fred Willis | August 13, 2025 | Christian, Gospel | 0 Comments
TWO-TIME GRAMMY NOMINEE BLESSING OFFOR SURPRISED WITH FIRST GOLD RECORD AT ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
by Fred Willis | August 12, 2025 | Christian | 0 Comments
Can we handle the truth about the gospel music industry?
by Fred Willis | August 2, 2025 | Featured News, Gospel, The Gospel Music Series | 0 Comments
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.
Leon Lacey’s Black Tie Cinematic Symphony Comes to Dallas
by Fred Willis | July 26, 2025 | Gospel | 0 Comments
Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in this unforgettable evening of unparalleled musical artistry!
TAUREN WELLS TO HOST THE 56th ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS
by Fred Willis | July 18, 2025 | Christian | 0 Comments
The Clark Sisters Dazzle at ‘Together We Sing’
by Fred Willis | June 20, 2025 | Church, Featured News, Gospel, Local | 0 Comments
Each carefully curated song and meticulously crafted arrangement by Maestro Leon Lacy, the concert crescendoed at just the right time
PROJECT UNITY ANNOUNCES THE CLARK SISTERS AS THE HEADLINER FOR “TOGETHER WE SING” WITH THE DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
by SMG Staff | May 14, 2025 | Featured News, Gospel, Local | 0 Comments
Marvin Sapp Releases New Single: “Close The Door”
by Fred Willis | April 18, 2025 | Church, Featured News, Gospel | 0 Comments
Sapp is now turning that “momentary affliction” into an affirming message with a new single titled “Close the Door.”
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers Release “Promises” Single And Official Music Video
by Fred Willis | April 18, 2025 | Featured News, Gospel | 0 Comments
LOCAL
After whirlwind weekend UIL Football Playoffs Regional Championships one for the ages
by Fred Willis | December 1, 2025 | Local, Sports | 0 Comments
Clash of 5A powers pits Aledo against uprising Arlington Heights
by Fred Willis | November 27, 2025 | Featured News, Local, Sports | 0 Comments
1-800TRUCKWRECK AND FIESTA MART PROVIDE 1,000 THANKSGIVING MEALS TO NORTH TEXAS FAMILIES
by Fred Willis | November 24, 2025 | Featured News, Local | 0 Comments
Outmatched, Not Outclassed…
by Fred Willis | November 22, 2025 | Local, Sports | 0 Comments
When the Highlanders extended their hand, Celina disrespected Eastern Hills and the game of football.
2025 Phoenix Festival: An uplifting day of joy in 76104
by Fred Willis | November 10, 2025 | Featured News, Local | 0 Comments
By the Numbers: The 2025 State Fair of Texas Economic, Agricultural, Entertainment, Community and Exhibitor Report
by Fred Willis | October 19, 2025 | Local | 0 Comments
State Fair of Texas Vendors Donate Food to Local Food Pantries & Shelters
by Fred Willis | October 18, 2025 | Local | 0 Comments
How to Plan for the 2025 Allstate Red River Rivalry
by Fred Willis | October 11, 2025 | Local, Sports | 0 Comments
State Fair of Texas Announces Safety & Security Measures for 2025 Event
by Fred Willis | September 25, 2025 | Featured News, Local | 0 Comments
The State Fair of Texas engages leading security experts in the industry to ensure the safety of our patrons, vendors, and staff.
State Fair of Texas to Host Sensory-Friendly Mornings for the Seventh Year
by Fred Willis | September 25, 2025 | Featured News, Local | 0 Comments
On Sensory Friendly Mornings, adjustments are made across fairgrounds to accommodate any sensory-related concerns.
ENTERTAINMENT
The 2025 PEPSI® National Battle of the Bands Brings the Culture, Sound, and Celebration Back to Houston
by SMG Staff | May 19, 2025 | Entertainment, Featured News, Festivals, Music News | 0 Comments
New Inspirational Drama ‘Forty-Seven Days with Jesus,’ Coming to over 800 theaters in a special three-day Fathom event
by Fred Willis | February 21, 2024 | Church, Entertainment, Film | 0 Comments
Forty-Seven Days with Jesus contains a powerful portrayal of Jesus’ life that reminds us all of The Gospel’s enduring impact.
Not just any day…”Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story” and why you just may need a moment, and some tissue
by Fred Willis | September 15, 2023 | Celebrity, Entertainment, Faith, Featured News, Gospel | 0 Comments
Kirk Franklin’s transparency reveals the innate desire of sons for their fathers and the deep pain experienced because the desire never truly goes away
Super Bowl Soulful Celebration Honors Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts with 2023 “Faith In Action” Award; Performances include Patti LaBelle, Israel Houghton, NFL Players Choir & More!
by Fred Willis | January 31, 2023 | Entertainment, Faith, Featured News, Gospel | 0 Comments
Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration is founded and executive produced by Atlanta-based marketing consultant Melanie Few
Introducing: The T.D. Jakes FAST Channel, coming to Amazon Freevee late 2022/Early 2023
by Fred Willis | September 23, 2022 | Business, Christian, Entertainment, Faith, Featured News, Television | 0 Comments
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.
BYRON ALLEN’S ALLEN MEDIA GROUP HIRES MICHELE GHEE AS PRESIDENT OF MULTICULTURAL ADVERTISING
by Fred Willis | August 25, 2022 | Entertainment, Television | 0 Comments
Ghee comes to AMG from her most recent position as CEO of Ebony and Jet
‘Epic’ New Digtal EP of The Jacksons’ “Can You Feel It” Remixes out now!
by Fred Willis | June 22, 2021 | Entertainment, Music News | 0 Comments
Aretha Franklin’s Can’t-Miss ‘Amazing Grace’ Finally in Theaters after 47 Years
by Fred Willis | May 23, 2019 | Aretha Franklin, Entertainment, Featured News, Film, Gospel | 0 Comments
The film was 47 years in the making and was a labor of love for the top selling gospel album of all time and the inimitable artistry of the Queen of Soul, the late Aretha Franklin.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z bringing more than music to OTRII
by Staff | August 29, 2018 | Academics, Celebrity, Entertainment, Music News | 0 Comments
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter announce a new scholarship program that will award one exceptional senior high school student with financial needs
RECORDING ACADEMY™ STATEMENT RE: ARETHA FRANKLIN
by Staff | August 16, 2018 | Aretha Franklin, Celebrity, Entertainment, Featured News, Gospel, Music News, National News, World News | 0 Comments
During her six-decade career Aretha earned 44 GRAMMY® nominations, 18 GRAMMY Awards, and was recognized by the Recording Academy™ on several occasions for her remarkable accomplishments as an artist and philanthropist.
MUSIC NEWS
OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT – MULTI-AWARD-WINNING R&B ICON, SINGER-SONGWRITER & PRODUCER, D’ANGELO HAS PASSED AWAY AT THE AGE OF 51
by Fred Willis | October 14, 2025 | Featured News, Music News | 0 Comments
WavMaker Expands into Higher Education, Empowering Universities with Pre-Cleared Music Library
by SMG Staff | May 21, 2025 | Education, Music News | 0 Comments
WavMaker provides an alternative to free online music resources, which often lack quality and copyright guarantee
Grammy-Winning Multi-Platinum Rapper Cardi B Receives ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award
by SMG Staff | May 21, 2025 | Culture, Music News | 0 Comments
The ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award, which is presented to ASCAP members who have had a major influence on music and culture, to recognize their success as creators and changemakers.
The 2025 PEPSI® National Battle of the Bands Brings the Culture, Sound, and Celebration Back to Houston
by SMG Staff | May 19, 2025 | Entertainment, Featured News, Festivals, Music News | 0 Comments
Universal Music Group and Apple Music announce Sound Therapy
by SMG Staff | May 14, 2025 | Music News | 0 Comments
The Estate of Multi-Platinum Recording Artist Mo3 Wins Big in Jury Verdict for Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Against Former Sound Engineer
by SMG Staff | May 14, 2025 | Music News | 0 Comments
Black Music Action Coalition’s BMAC LIVE Accelerator Program Returns
by SMG Staff | May 5, 2025 | Music News | 0 Comments
Official Homegoing Service Details for Legendary Singer, Songwriter and Actress, Angie Stone
by Fred Willis | March 8, 2025 | Featured News, Music News | 0 Comments
Homegoing services for ANGIE STONE, which will be held on Friday, March 14th in Atlanta, GA. and on Saturday, March 15th, in her hometown of Columbia, SC.
MULTI-AWARD-WINNING LEGENDARY SINGER-SONGWRITER, ANGIE STONE TRAGICALLY PASSES AWAY IN A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT
by Fred Willis | March 1, 2025 | Featured News, Music News | 0 Comments
Angie Stone has passed away
Marvin Sapp Stuns and Serenades with Contemplative, “IF I WERE AN R&B SINGER”
by Fred Willis | February 14, 2025 | Gospel, The Gospel Music Series, Urban Music News | 0 Comments
Read our review of “If I Were An R&B Singer” by Marvin Sapp
LIFESTYLE
The Root Celebrates a New Era of Black Leadership and Influence with The 2025 Root 100 list to be announced November 6th
by Fred Willis | November 5, 2025 | Featured News, Lifestyle, People | 0 Comments
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK BOOKSTORES OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES TO CHAMPION BLACK LITERARY CULTURE
by Fred Willis | August 7, 2025 | Books & Magazines | 0 Comments
The Patio Chic Foundation Hosts “BLOOM SUGA” TPCCON 2025 Featuring a Star Studded Gala Honoring Opal Lee, Cheryl Polote Williamson and Many More!
Hall of Fame Broadcaster Ernie Johnson, Jr. Joins ZERO Prostate Cancer as Newest Global Brand Ambassador
by SMG Staff | June 13, 2025 | Health & Beauty, Lifestyle, Sports | 0 Comments
Johnson steps into his role as Global Brand Ambassador at a pivotal moment in the national conversation on prostate cancer.
The DEC Network Unveils New Sign Announcing Naming Rights Partnership with Charles Schwab Bank
by SMG Staff | June 11, 2025 | Business, Featured News, Local | 0 Comments
Warner Bros. Discovery to Separate into Two Leading Media Companies
by SMG Staff | June 9, 2025 | Business, Television | 0 Comments
IDRIS AND SABRINA ELBA PREMIERE “NO LIP SERVICE” — A GROUNDBREAKING ALBUM FROM S’ABLE LABS EXPLORING BLACK IDENTITY AND CREATIVE WELLNESS.
Starbucks Faces Lawsuit Alleging Discriminatory Application of Restroom Policy
by SMG Staff | May 27, 2025 | Business, National News | 0 Comments
What began as a routine trip to Starbucks quickly escalated into a life-altering traumatic event that Johnson alleges violated civil rights under Washington law.
Summer Seats and Where to Eat: OpenTable Reveals the Season’s Outdoor Dining Capitals and Their Must-Visit Restaurants
Dolly Parton Serves Up Southern-Inspired Comfort Food with New Line of Single-Serve Frozen Meals
by SMG Staff | May 21, 2025 | Featured News, Lifestyle | 0 Comments
CHURCH & FAITH
Preserving Black Churches Application Period is Open
by Fred Willis | August 7, 2025 | Church | 0 Comments
The Clark Sisters Dazzle at ‘Together We Sing’
by Fred Willis | June 20, 2025 | Church, Featured News, Gospel, Local | 0 Comments
Each carefully curated song and meticulously crafted arrangement by Maestro Leon Lacy, the concert crescendoed at just the right time
Texas Southern University Announces the Establishment of the William A. Lawson Endowment
Bishop T.D. Jakes Announces Plan to Install Touré Roberts and Sarah Jakes Roberts as Next Senior Pastors of The Potter’s House
by Fred Willis | April 27, 2025 | Church, Featured News, Local | 0 Comments
Marvin Sapp Releases New Single: “Close The Door”
by Fred Willis | April 18, 2025 | Church, Featured News, Gospel | 0 Comments
Sapp is now turning that “momentary affliction” into an affirming message with a new single titled “Close the Door.”
‘The Black Church’ Owes You No Explanation, Pastor Donnie Swaggart
by Fred Willis | October 24, 2024 | Church, Politics | 1 Comment
Pastor Donnie Swaggart, keep the Black Church’s name out of your mouth!
The focus is fertility at the Good Soil Forum in Dallas
by Fred Willis | June 16, 2024 | Business, Church | 0 Comments
Because of its attention to detail for entrepreneurs in and outside the realm of “church,” the Good Soil Forum is quickly becoming a go-to business conference.
New Inspirational Drama ‘Forty-Seven Days with Jesus,’ Coming to over 800 theaters in a special three-day Fathom event
by Fred Willis | February 21, 2024 | Church, Entertainment, Film | 0 Comments
Forty-Seven Days with Jesus contains a powerful portrayal of Jesus’ life that reminds us all of The Gospel’s enduring impact.
THOMAS NELSON RELEASES THE BREATHE LIFE BIBLE, INSPIRING FAITH IN ACTION THROUGH AN EMPOWERING SCRIPTURAL JOURNEY
by Fred Willis | February 13, 2024 | Books & Magazines, Christian Perspective, Featured News | 0 Comments
The Breathe Life Bible extracts wisdom from God’s Word, power from His Spirit, hope from His gospel, and faith that equips believers to put their faith in action.
This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for a shepherd who cares
by Fred Willis | November 22, 2023 | Christian Perspective | 0 Comments
The Lord showed me that He will always make a way for me and that He’s showing my enemies that nothing they do or throw my way will prevent me from partaking in the portion He has prepared for me!
SPORTS
DFW schools push for state dominance in 2025 UIL Football Playoffs
by Fred Willis | December 8, 2025 | Sports | 0 Comments
The emotional intelligence epidemic brewing in high school sports
by Fred Willis | December 3, 2025 | Sports | 0 Comments
Let the flags fly: Addressing the growing emotional intelligence epidemic in high school sports.
After whirlwind weekend UIL Football Playoffs Regional Championships one for the ages
by Fred Willis | December 1, 2025 | Local, Sports | 0 Comments
Clash of 5A powers pits Aledo against uprising Arlington Heights
by Fred Willis | November 27, 2025 | Featured News, Local, Sports | 0 Comments
Outmatched, Not Outclassed…
by Fred Willis | November 22, 2025 | Local, Sports | 0 Comments
When the Highlanders extended their hand, Celina disrespected Eastern Hills and the game of football.
“We Believe!” Eastern Hills faces Celina in a fierce Area matchup
by Fred Willis | November 21, 2025 | Featured News, Sports | 0 Comments
The big blue machine from Easter Hills rolls into Pennington Field this Friday on a quest to dethrone the king of the hill, Celina.
Recapping Arlington Heights’ Bi-district Championship
by Fred Willis | November 19, 2025 | Featured News, Sports | 0 Comments
One of them “1’s”
by Fred Willis | November 17, 2025 | Featured News, Sports | 0 Comments
It’s the SWAC, Jack! Catch JSU and BCU LIVE from Jackson on HBCU Go
by Fred Willis | November 13, 2025 | HBCU, Sports, Streaming, Television | 0 Comments
Johnson C. Smith University makes its first CIAA championship game appearance against Virginia Union this Saturday
by Fred Willis | November 13, 2025 | HBCU, Sports, Streaming, Television | 0 Comments
‘The Measure of a True Artist’, Tyler Perry Responds to Geoffrey Owens Story with Show Offer
by Fred Willis | September 4, 2018 | Celebrity, Featured News, Television | 0 Comments
Geoffrey Owens should be on his way back to work as an actor, soon, thanks in part to Tyler Perry.
Black Girls CODE students build ‘Hidden Figures’ website
by Fred Willis | January 10, 2017 | Celebrity, Film, Parenting & Kids | 0 Comments
Watch Brave Williams in ‘The Christmas Lottery’ Re-Airing Tonight on BET
by Fred Willis | December 21, 2020 | Featured News, Television | 0 Comments
Breakout star Brave Williams stars alongside Reginald Vel Johnson, Asia’h Epperson and a stellar cast in “The Christmas Lottery”. The film is a newcomer to a Christmas movie lineup of black families, stories and actors dominating screen time, this year.
TV ONE announces plans to suspend daily production of award-winning morning news show ‘NewsOne Now’
by Fred Willis | December 9, 2017 | Politics, Press, Television | 0 Comments
Vision Films To Release Relationship Drama ‘A Season For Love’ Timed For Juneteenth
GRAMMY® Nominees Childish Gambino, Lady Gaga, Little Big Town, and P!NK Set to Bring Music’s Biggest Night® Back to New York After 15 Years
by Fred Willis | January 9, 2018 | Award Shows, Press, Television | 0 Comments
Corporate Audio Visual is No Longer “Too Expensive”
by Fred Willis | March 7, 2019 | Technology | 0 Comments
Now in its 29th year of corporate AV rental and event service, the Media Stage staff delivers complete AV support to businesses and producers across the U.S.
Blood Pressure Is Thicker Than Water on the next episode of ‘In the Cut’
by Fred Willis | September 2, 2016 | Television | 0 Comments
URBAN ONE, INC. HOSTS WE ARE ONE: MORE THAN A HASHTAG VIRTUAL TOWN HALL FOR INJUSTICES AROUND THE COUNTRY ON THURSDAY, JUNE 4 AT 8 P.M. ET
by Fred Willis | June 4, 2020 | Featured News, Press, Radio, Television | 0 Comments
Urban One addresses these issues with the We Are One: More Than A Hashtag virtual town hall. Urban One remains committed to being a voice for the community.
TV ONE’S NEW TRUE-CRIME SERIES REVISITS THE HIDDEN CORRUPTION AND FALL OF DALLAS’ PREMIERE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE OF SINS OF THE CITY THIS THURSDAY, JUNE 3 AT 9 P.M. ET/8C
by Fred Willis | June 2, 2021 | Local, Television | 0 Comments
The groundbreaking feature film “Carter High” told the story of the 1988 Carter Cowboys, but this episode of “Sins of the City” take a look at the darker side of that epic season that saw the Carter Cowboys’ dream season come crashing down.
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