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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

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

Lauren Daigle, Fred Hammond featuring The Choir Room, Gaither Vocal Band, and Josiah Queen Confirmed To Perform John Crist, Sadie Robertson Huff, David & Tamela Mann, and Chris Tomlin Confirmed To Present Dove Awards Tickets And Fan Experience Packages On Sale Now...

TWO-TIME GRAMMY NOMINEE BLESSING OFFOR SURPRISED WITH FIRST GOLD RECORD AT ALBUM RELEASE PARTY

Last Thursday, two-time GRAMMY Nominee Blessing Offor was surprised with a plaque celebrating his first RIAA Gold Certification for the single, “Brighter Days,” at a party celebrating the release of his new album, Real. The honor was presented by Brad O’Donnell,...

Can we handle the truth about the gospel music industry?

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

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 

Dove Awards Rewind: Favorite Moments from Christian Music’s Biggest Night, Hosted By DOE, Airing Friday, July 25th on TBN and TBN+ 2025 Music City Fan Experience Packages On Sale Now For The October 7th Show At Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena The Gospel Music...

The Clark Sisters Dazzle at ‘Together We Sing’

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

THE CLARK SISTERS TO HEADLINE “TOGETHER WE SING” WITH THE DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Project Unity’s Signature Fundraiser Returns for its Fifth Year with a Powerful Fusion of Gospel and Classical Music with a special tribute to the late Quincy Jones and Shaun Martin...

Marvin Sapp Releases New Single: “Close The Door”

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

4X Stellar Award-winning Gospel Legacy GroupLisa Knowles-Smith And The Brown Singers Release "Promises"Single And Official Music Video From Forthcoming LIVE IN DALLAS Album For five decades, the iconic Gospel group The Brown Singers has given us...

LOCAL

After whirlwind weekend UIL Football Playoffs Regional Championships one for the ages

Rematches and renewed rivalries redefine this weekend's regional finals in 4, 5, and 6A classifications. Kiante Ingram carries the ball for North Crowley against Coppell When the bell rings this Friday, student athletes will enter the field of eight remaining 2025 UIL...

Clash of 5A powers pits Aledo against uprising Arlington Heights

When the regular football season began, who had Arlington Heights penciled in on their third round bracket? The yellowjackets have been bracket busters in the 2025 UIL 5A Football Playoffs. With their opening round win over Brewer, Heights positioned themselves as a...

1-800TRUCKWRECK AND FIESTA MART PROVIDE 1,000 THANKSGIVING MEALS TO NORTH TEXAS FAMILIES

Lines stretch over two blocks as families arrived the night before for free turkeys and $50 gift cards North Texas families turned out in force Friday morning as 1-800TruckWreck, powered by Witherite Law Group, partnered with Fiesta Mart and DeDe in the Morning and...

Outmatched, Not Outclassed…

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

Last Saturday, BRAVE/R Together's 2025 Phoenix Festival brought a day of joy to Evans Plaza on the Historic South Side of Fort Worth. "Cowtown," "Funkytown," "Where the West Begins..."there are many names for the country's 11th largest city, but deep inside the city...

By the Numbers: The 2025 State Fair of Texas Economic, Agricultural, Entertainment, Community and Exhibitor Report

You may have heard that attendance was down at this year's State Fair of Texas. The numbers are in and the SFOT is doubling down on its claim otherwise. In a press release, the State Fair of Texas has shared official attendance and attraction numbers. As the Midway...

State Fair of Texas Vendors Donate Food to Local Food Pantries & Shelters

A tradition since 2015, following the close of the State Fair of Texas, food and beverage concessionaires donate unused and leftover food items to local Fair Park area food pantries and shelters as part of the State Fair Cares initiative. The amount of food available...

How to Plan for the 2025 Allstate Red River Rivalry

Things to Know Before You Go A time-honored tradition at the State Fair of Texas, the Allstate® Red River Rivalry between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners, has been played at the State Fair since 1929 – making 2025 the 96th...

State Fair of Texas Announces Safety & Security Measures for 2025 Event 

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

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

Organizers Reveal Band Lineup, Ticket Launch, and Weekend of Community Activations During the kickoff press conference held at NRG Stadium on Wednesday, May 14, Webber Marketing, in collaboration with the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority and Lone Star...

New Inspirational Drama ‘Forty-Seven Days with Jesus,’ Coming to over 800 theaters in a special three-day Fathom event

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

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!

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

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

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!

HBCU Marching Bands & Historic Speeches By Martin Luther King & Barack Obama Featured on Powerful Music Video for "Can You Feel It - The Jacksons X MLK" Remix Epic Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, announce the...

Aretha Franklin’s Can’t-Miss ‘Amazing Grace’ Finally in Theaters after 47 Years

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

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

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

Multi-Award-Winning singer-songwriter, producer and R&B Icon, D’ANGELO passes away at the age of 51. Earlier today, shocking news broke and with it, the hearts of music lovers worldwide. Michael D'Angelo Archer known worldwide by his mononynm D' Angelo passed away...

WavMaker Expands into Higher Education, Empowering Universities with Pre-Cleared Music Library

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

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

Organizers Reveal Band Lineup, Ticket Launch, and Weekend of Community Activations During the kickoff press conference held at NRG Stadium on Wednesday, May 14, Webber Marketing, in collaboration with the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority and Lone Star...

Universal Music Group and Apple Music announce Sound Therapy

UMG x Apple Music Apple Music is joining forces with Universal Music Group (UMG) to introduce Sound Therapy, an innovative audio wellness collection designed to help listeners attain clearer focus, deeper relaxation, and better sleep.1 "For years, elevating music's...

The Estate of Multi-Platinum Recording Artist Mo3 Wins Big in Jury Verdict for Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Against Former Sound Engineer

The Estate of Melvin Noble, Jr., known globally as the multi-platinum recording artist Mo3, secured a significant victory in a lawsuit against former sound engineer, Ray Gene Bollin, Jr., doing business as Absolut Production Recording Studios in all the...

Black Music Action Coalition’s BMAC LIVE Accelerator Program Returns

Empowering Future Live Music Leaders with Career Training & Paid Internship Opportunities – Applications Open May 5th The Inaugural Cohort of the BMAC LIVE Accelerator Program (Photo Credit: Mike Melendy for Black Music Action Coalition) The Black Music Action...

Official Homegoing Service Details for Legendary Singer, Songwriter and Actress, Angie Stone

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.

Marvin Sapp Stuns and Serenades with Contemplative, “IF I WERE AN R&B SINGER”

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

On Thursday, November 6th, The Root will announce the 2025 honorees of The Root 100, an annual ranking celebrating the most influential Black leaders in America who have made a significant impact in their fields and communities, across arts,...

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK BOOKSTORES OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES TO CHAMPION BLACK LITERARY CULTURE

Inspired by the legacy of the country's first Black-owned bookstores and the remarkable individuals behind them, the official launch of the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) took place today. As a first-of-its-kind national organization, NAB2 has been...

The Patio Chic Foundation Hosts “BLOOM SUGA” TPCCON 2025 Featuring a Star Studded Gala Honoring Opal Lee, Cheryl Polote Williamson and Many More!

TPCCON is a national movement centered on empowering Black women to reclaim their spaces, elevate their voices, and nurture their whole selves

Hall of Fame Broadcaster Ernie Johnson, Jr. Joins ZERO Prostate Cancer as Newest Global Brand Ambassador

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

Did you know Charles Schwab offers banking solutions? Many consumers don't, but they will soon find out when they visit, The DECNetwork Powered by Charles Schwab Bank. Today, the DEC Network unveiled its new signage at Redbird Mall to reflect the partnership powering...

Warner Bros. Discovery to Separate into Two Leading Media Companies

Enhanced Strategic Focus and Flexibility Will Better Position Storied Brands Across Entertainment, Sports and News to Drive Shareholder Value Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) (the "Company," "WBD," "we," "us," "our") today announced plans to separate the company,...

IDRIS AND SABRINA ELBA PREMIERE “NO LIP SERVICE” — A GROUNDBREAKING ALBUM FROM S’ABLE LABS EXPLORING BLACK IDENTITY AND CREATIVE WELLNESS.

The release coincides with S’ABLE Labs’ first foray into the lip category: the launch of the Moringa Lip Salve.

Starbucks Faces Lawsuit Alleging Discriminatory Application of Restroom Policy

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

New research from OpenTable shows that over half of Americans (55%) prefer sitting outdoors to dine when the weather is nice

Dolly Parton Serves Up Southern-Inspired Comfort Food with New Line of Single-Serve Frozen Meals

Today, global icon Dolly Parton announced the expansion of her retail food line in collaboration with Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG). This exciting launch introduces single-serve frozen meals that bring Dolly's cherished Southern-inspired favorites to homes...

CHURCH & FAITH

Preserving Black Churches Application Period is Open

Up to $500,000 in Grants Available for Churches Preserving African American Heritage The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that the application period is now open for its...

The Clark Sisters Dazzle at ‘Together We Sing’

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

The endowment is being established through a generous initial gift of $200,000 from Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

Bishop T.D. Jakes Announces Plan to Install Touré Roberts and Sarah Jakes Roberts as Next Senior Pastors of The Potter’s House

Today Jakes unveils historic leadership shift, entrusting a legacy years in the making as he ushers in a new era and expands his global mission In a deeply symbolic Sunday announcement, Bishop T.D. Jakes—globally recognized faith leader, cultural influencer and...

Marvin Sapp Releases New Single: “Close The Door”

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

Pastor Donnie Swaggart, keep the Black Church’s name out of your mouth!

The focus is fertility at the Good Soil Forum in Dallas

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

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

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

 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

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? The UIL Football Playoffs semi-final matchups are set and the brackets are full of teams from the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. In 4A Divison 1, Stephenville takes on Celina in what promises to be an unforgettable matchup. The historic...

The emotional intelligence epidemic brewing in high school sports

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

Rematches and renewed rivalries redefine this weekend's regional finals in 4, 5, and 6A classifications. Kiante Ingram carries the ball for North Crowley against Coppell When the bell rings this Friday, student athletes will enter the field of eight remaining 2025 UIL...

Clash of 5A powers pits Aledo against uprising Arlington Heights

When the regular football season began, who had Arlington Heights penciled in on their third round bracket? The yellowjackets have been bracket busters in the 2025 UIL 5A Football Playoffs. With their opening round win over Brewer, Heights positioned themselves as a...

Outmatched, Not Outclassed…

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

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

Arlington Heights took on Brewer in a slugfest at Farrington Field last week. With a bi-district championship and second round berth on the line, both teams played a tough four quarters, gifting fans an instant classic at Fort Worth's historic Farrington Field. The...

One of them “1’s”

Football is a team sport, but many times, victory comes down to one play, one call, carry or catch in crucial minutes. For Eastern Hills and Arlington Heights, stellar play from athletes wearing the number "1" pushed their teams to big bi-district championships Last...

It’s the SWAC, Jack! Catch JSU and BCU LIVE from Jackson on HBCU Go

Bethune-Cookman University and Jackson State University collide in a can’t-miss SWAC matchup full of athletic fireworks, tradition, and pure HBCU passion.  Both teams are looking to close out the regular season strong — Jackson State with a home-field statement win...

Johnson C. Smith University makes its first CIAA championship game appearance against Virginia Union this Saturday

History takes center stage as Allen Media Group’s HBCU GO, the nation’s leading media platform for HBCU sports, shines a national spotlight on two major HBCU football moments in Week Twelve. All eyes turn to Durham, North Carolina, where Johnson C. Smith...

‘The Measure of a True Artist’, Tyler Perry Responds to Geoffrey Owens Story with Show Offer

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

  To push this message further, screenings will take place across 12 markets for over 1000 future tech divas over the next two weeks. The movie tells the incredible untold story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson—brilliant African-American women...

Watch Brave Williams in ‘The Christmas Lottery’ Re-Airing Tonight on BET

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’

TV One has announced that after four years of award-winning programming and distinguished service to viewers as the only Black daily newscast on television, the network has decided to suspend the production of NewsOne Now as a daily morning news show.  The final live...

Vision Films To Release Relationship Drama ‘A Season For Love’ Timed For Juneteenth

A Season For Love takes a realistic look at love and whether a relationship can survive when each partner’s dreams and ambitions head in different directions.

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

 GRAMMY® WINNER PATTI LUPONE AND CURRENT NOMINEE BEN PLATT TO HERALD A SPECIAL BROADWAY TRIBUTE AT THE 60TH GRAMMY AWARDS® The Recording Academy™ has announced the first group of artists to perform on this year's milestone 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards®. Taking the stage...

Corporate Audio Visual is No Longer “Too Expensive”

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’

Blood Pressure Is Thicker Than Water on an All-New Episode of In the Cut Plus, Can the Guys Keep Their Cool When a Beautiful Woman Comes Around? Angie Stone and Claudia Jordan Guest Star Tune in This Tuesday, September 6 at  9pm ET/8pm CT on Bounce TV Past tensions...

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

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

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.

this is the SMG Report

good news, good VIEWS