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Rev. Floyd Flake

New York Daily News - http://www.nydailynews.com
Rev Invested in God & Man

Monday, November 13th, 2006

"My father told us never to invest in improving someone else's property," the Rev. Floyd Flake tells his visitor. "He only had a fifth-grade education, but knew that you put your money into things you own."

With the 2008 mayoral election looming and people urging him to run, you have to wonder how the former congressman and current full-time pastor of the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York in Jamaica, Queens, plans to broker his winning investment in Tuesday's election.

Flake, 61, is on a first-name basis with almost all of the local Democratic Party politicians who helped take over the statehouse and Congress. Most of the New York delegations journeyed out to southwestern Queens in the days before the final tally seeking Flake's endorsement.

"Bill and Hillary were here last week," Flake says. "Eliot and David, Alan, they all have been here."

That's ex-President Bill and Sen. Hillary Clinton; Gov.-elect Eliot Spitzer and his running mate, David Paterson, and embattled but comfortably reelected state Controller Alan Hevesi.

Those political heavyweights came to Allen to see Flake, who over his 28 years in the pulpit has seen the 1,500-member congregation explode to more than 23,000. The church has an annual budget of more than $34 million and holdings, mostly property and businesses the church has developed in and around Jamaica and St. Albans, Queens, valued at more than $140 million.

Allen AME was once the second-largest employer of African-Americans in the state, behind Beatrice Foods. Four years ago, it ranked in the mid-50s among the top 100 African-American-owned corporations in the country.

The church is building 54 apartments and several ground-floor retail shops directly across Merrick Blvd. from its front door. The Allen Affordable Housing Complex is scheduled to open this spring.

It will join 300 units of senior housing the church owns a short distance away, a retail complex up the street and more than 100 two-family houses the church has built under Flake's stewardship, most while using a system of state and federal tax credits and by leveraging the equity in other church property.

Those two-family houses, which sold for $89,000 when they were built, now command $250,000 or more, he said.

"We've been building for over 30 years," Flake said on a drive through the Jamaica community. "We started buying land way back, when most surveys were saying the middle-class community in Queens was in decline."

Flake, newly arrived at what was then Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church, said he did his own survey and found that the average household income in the Jamaica, St. Albans and Cambria Heights communities was actually higher than in surrounding communities.

The latest U.S. Census Bureau data show that, at $52,000 a year, average African-American household incomes in several South Queens communities - including Jamaica and St. Albans - surpasses that of the average of whites in Queens.

Flake said Allen's construction projects attracted more private development to the area, increasing the housing and business stock each year.

"Private developers came in and built up projects next to ours," he said. "Other private owners came in and built more. Over the years that changed the face of the community. You can barely find a vacant lot around here where someone is not building something."

It helped, Flake said, that he spent his six terms in Congress - 1986-97 - as a centrist who would work with colleagues from either side of the aisle.

"My focus was on community development," he said. "I was not there to ingratiate myself with the powers that be."

Flake said Allen anchored southern Queens property values and positioned the community for a rebirth, while African-American communities like Harlem did not fare as well.

"Calvin [Butts, pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church] did well with development, but some of the Harlem leadership did not perceive the nature of the land," Flake said. Versed in civil rights doctrine intent on ending racial discrimination, Flake contends that Harlem politicians wanted to tell of the wrongs inflicted on their community but sometimes underestimated the importance of development.

"They spoke truth to power. I was about getting economic power to the people," he said. "You have to do more than talk about what is not being done. The transition from civil rights to civil living has not taken place. You don't get ready for the future by only talking about the past."

So will he run to replace Michael Bloomberg, the Republican mayor he crossed party lines to endorse during Bloomberg's first campaign? Flake's not sure, saying his age at election time and the expected strong candidacies of Rep. Anthony Weiner and City Controller William Thompson will be factors in his decision.

Still, "I'll have to take a serious look at it," Flake said. "Once you've been in politics, you never want to say you'll never go back."
Posted by Editor at 3:41 AM No comments: 
Speaking Pentecostal

Anointing:Used to describe any non-regular emotion (crying in the middle of a song when you forget the words, telling the church off (particularly when its over tithes and offering), doing the Olympic shout around the church (first one that hits the wall gets a white hanky tied around their neck!) ( I won't lie...I have ran around my church a coupla times....shoot it felt good!)

Trick of the Enemy:Used to describe anything that happens because you didn't do what you were supposed to, like your car getting repossessed cause you didn't pay the note, lights getting shut off cause you quit work to go on tour with the pastors choir, or your child repeating the first grade cause he missed the whole second semester to go on a 90 day/90 night fast and consecration. (The Enemy done played some tricks on me )

*Of course, we know there is grace*

Rhema Word:Any message from an out-of-town pastor or evangelist. (Yeah ...I love them)

Prophetic Word:Same message from that out-of-town pastor, delivered 5 decibels louder, while the congregation is standing. Quiet organ music optional, but works better with silence. (Def with the music)

Carnal:Used to describe a saint who goes to the movies. This term doesn't apply if you rent the same movie from Blockbuster. ( I saw a couple from church at the movies and they looked like deer in some headlights....I know they didnt want to see me LOL)

Didn't God Move?:What saints say after a long service where the pastor doesn't preach and they just shout the whole service. (Sholl is right!!! Love that)

Unlock Your Blessing: What preachers say after they've finished preaching, and they say you must give $50 to "unlock your blessing." For a more dramatic effect, this offering can be started at $1,000 and worked down to $25. ( You ain't never lie)

He'll Do It If You Let Him (followed by inaudible tongues): Round one of shouting; will begin in 5 minutes. Organist Get Ready ( I'm getting ready too LOL)

We Got To Move On: What the preacher says when he wants shout time to start up again. Organist, turn up the volume on the Leslie. (HMM)

We Have Time for One More Testimony: Not really, we're just waiting on the pastor to come into service. If you're called on during this one, when you hear clapping, just stop talking, cause the pastor has walked in and people are no longer interested in what God did for you. (I fell out on this one...cause I've seen it happen and I thought the same thing)

We Can Never Pay for the Word: Get your checkbook out, the auction will begin momentarily! This phrase always comes before the offering is taken for the guest speaker. ( They do say that)

God Has Been Dealing with Me on Some Issues: I'm still doing what I was doing before I got saved, only now I just put in an extra $5 in my offering when I do it. (Oh my goodness)

Is He Worthy?: Of course He is; why ask a question like that. (Exactly)

Let Us Go To God in Our Own Way: This is what you say when they ask you to pray in church and you don't know what to say.

Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready!!!: Don't really know what this one means, but if you're not careful, a shout could break out when you say it. It must be said three times to have real impact.

I Can't Get No Help: Preachers say this when no one says amen in the spot they thought would get a lot of amens.

I'm Blessed and Highly Favored: Said when a fellow saint asks "how are you?" Memo to saints: you CAN be saved and answer "fine" when someone asks how are you.

Where The Spirit of The Lord is, There is liberty: Whenever you want to disrupt service and holler out when it's quiet, use this statement to justify your behavior.

Get Ready To Go To The Next Level: This means the church will be hosting another revival in a few months.

Stand To Your Feet: This gives the illusion that the preacher is finished, but be prepared to stand up for at least 1/2 hour. May be cut to 15 minutes if the organist starts playing softly.

Give God a Shabach: Scream to the top of your lungs. Some church members may blow whistles and wave flags as well.

Every Head Bowed, Every Eye Closed: Quick! Everyone look around to see who's getting saved again this week.

Secular: Any person, place, object or event that's not in the church.

The "Yes Lord" Song: Signals the official end to shout time. Anyone still shouting when this song is over is considered to be "in self".

In Self: Used to describe someone who acts alone in church. For example, someone who is shouting alone. Add two more people to this display and its called...

In The Spirit: When three people are doing the same thing in a church service at the same time.

Prayer Partner: Phone buddy. 5 minutes of prayer, 1 hour of church gossiping.
(definitions also apply to COGIC, Charismatic and most anything seen on TBN... not that there's anything wrong with that! ;)
Posted by Editor at 6:51 PM No comments: 
New Website Sparks Outrage!

Nigga Space.Com-www.niggaspace.com - This is truly ridiculous!
Posted by Editor at 2:00 AM 2 comments: 
Barack Obama for President?

Any takers? He's got our vote!
Posted by Editor at 1:49 AM 5 comments: Memphis Prepares for 99th Annual COGIC Convocation!

The Saints Are Coming! Memphis Prepares for 99th Annual COGIC Convocation!
You know you're COGIC when:

1. You refer to any women who's slightly older than you as "mother"

2. You think a woman is dressed because they have on a hat that is
either 3 feet wide or has feathers or rhinestones all over it

3. You're a man and you don't feel your outfit is complete without a
pair of cufflinks (preferably the COGIC seal ones)

4. You refer to the trip that the COGIC saints take in November as
Memphis instead of the Holy Convocation

5. You can sing your behind off while barely trying

6. People think you are "grand" ... hey you are a part of the grand
ole church

7. People come up to you and say how is Bishop Patterson doing like
you go home to see him every night

8. You take pride everytime you hear someone sing "YES" in knowing
that your founder BISHOP C. H. MASON wrote it

9. If someone says the words Church of God in Christ or the acronym
COGIC, you feel a quickening

10. You buy at least 3 new outfits and a new mink every year

11. You're used to seeing people wear minks in 60 degree weather

12. You leave church (especially in memphis) and go to one of the
following to stuff your face: Denny's, the buffet, TGI Fridays, the
diner, thee waffle house, pigglywiggly's, the Marriot, Catfish
Cabin, or IHOP

13. You don't think it's normal for a church service to pass without
someone dancing, falling out, speakiing in tongues, etc.

14. You take pride in knowing that there is a bond between you and
the following: the Clark Sisters (Twinkie, Jacky, Dorinda & Karen),
Tamela & David Mann, Timothy Wright, J Moss, Kim Burrell, Michelle
Williams, Kierra Kiki Sheard, Judith Christie McAllister, and the
many other gospel artists who are(or at least got their start) in
the COGIC fold

15. If you can finish this song ... "This is the ...

This was borrowed from a sister who posted this on her MySpace page at http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=97694096&blogID=172594589
Posted by Editor at 1:31 AM No comments: 
What Can We Do to Curtail Crime in Memphis?

Please give us suggestions!
Posted by Editor at 5:01 PM 3 comments: 
Don't Rent Your School Out to Everyone!

Online Video of Rap Concert at Northside High in Memphis,Tennessee! This is too wild!
HERE'S THE VIDEO....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1-w_jKeAf4
Posted by Editor at 3:52 AM No comments: 
African American Neckwear Firm

Powder Springs, GA -Clothing retailer and boutiques alike will be excited about 3 new innovative and patented designer neckties that are called The Diamond Cut, The Circle Cut and The Square Cut neckties under the private labels of Shamel James for men and the Ellese Morgan collections for women.

Designed and patented by Melvin and Traci Bryant of Mo'Twin Designs, Inc. The company is the first and only business to create its own line of designer cut neckties designed exclusively for men and women. The unique features of the necktie designs are in the shape and cut of the ties.

"For many years, the traditional necktie has been worn to compliment the attire of millions of individual who wears them, however there has been no reasonable change to the cut of the necktie until now," says President and C.E.O. Melvin J. Bryant II.

"We designed our neckties to give necktie wearers a choice as to what style and cut of necktie they would like to wear with their attire, also to add diversity to the traditional necktie market."

The company launched their new line of designer neckties in January 2006 at the Atlanta Apparel Mart. Established in June of 2005, the neckties are very unique and impressive in their designs and will create a new trend for the necktie industry.

Retail cost: $49.99 - $65.00

Melvin or Traci Bryant


Posted by Editor at 1:00 AM No comments: It's Hard Out Here for a Sister!

Los Angeles, CA-Clean Heart Productions releases a gripping cinematic journey into the realities facing today's successful, saved, single African-American women nationwide this fall in documentary, SOULMATE. According to the 2004 U.S. Census, 42.3% of all African-American women have never been married. This staggering statistic is one of many reflected throughout this deeply personal portrait which reveals the trials and triumphs of unforgettable women while offering hope and practical advice on issues such as loneliness, the desire for sexual intimacy and the ticking biological clock. Having already received rave reviews from private screenings across the country, acclaimed veteran television writer/producer and founder of Clean Heart Productions, Andrea Wiley, has produced a revolutionary film which she hopes will not only impact the body of Christ, but popular culture as well.

SOULMATE brings you face to face with the stark realities facing today's single, professional African American women such as:

* Black women are five times more likely to remain single at 40 than white women.

* Unlike any other race, Black women have higher educational attainment than black men.

* The more money and education a black woman has, the less likely she is to ever get married or have children.

* Almost 70% of all new cases of HIV/AIDS are black women.

* AIDS is the number one killer of black women between the ages of 25 and 44.

When asked why she embarked upon a film project on singleness when Wiley herself is a married mother of two, Wiley replies, "While working as Executive Producer on 'The Parkers' during its final year, I began to sense God calling me into a new season and into His purpose for my life." Shortly after the show wrapped, Wiley's sense was confirmed after two successful, single girlfriends, in separate conversations, bared their souls about single life behind the masks. "My heart went out to them and it was as though God said, 'This is it. Tell this story.'"

Beyond the friends and associates that gathered to share their journeys, SOULMATE offers insight and wisdom on coping with singleness in a God-centered way from some of the nation's most dynamic Christian leaders: Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, senior pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, CA--of which 66% of his 11,000 plus membership are singles; speaker, singer, former advertising agent and New York Times best selling author of Sassy, Single and Satisfied, Michelle McKinney Hammond; Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale, senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, GA; actress/comedienne Sherri Shepherd; and senior pastor Donald Bell of Covenant Blessing Fellowship Church, Gardena, CA, among others.

"SOULMATE gives voice to the thoughts of successful, single women who love God, but desire a mate. Each opinion shared by the interviewees speaks to the heart and soul of every single woman. The advice given is insightful and necessary, and the reflections are heart wrenching and real. I recommend that SOULMATE be viewed not only by singles, but by churches across the country so that spiritual leadership can get a clearer picture of the challenges single Christian women face on a daily basis," comments Kimberley Brooks, author of He's Fine...But is He Saved?

"African-American women have faced what seems like insurmountable obstacles, trials and tribulations. But in the midst of these storms that have raged for centuries, there is a special blessing and strength that God has bestowed to our women. In looking at the number of African-American women who find themselves without their 'soul mate', I must first urge our women and anyone seeking a mate to address the 'soul' and establish an intimate relationship with God...," adds Bishop Eddie L. Long, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA.

For those still waiting to exhale, SOULMATE penetrates the myriad of emotions felt by women at pivotal moments and stages in their lives. This inspiring film also offers some surprising revelations about the quest for one's true...Soulmate.

SOULMATE is available for purchase at www.soulmatefilm.com

To book or sponsor a DVD screening, please send your request to email@example.com. For all media inquiries, including interview and speaking requests, please contact Candace D. Reese via email at firstname.lastname@example.org or via phone at (678) 754-8881.

Andrea Wiley has enjoyed successful careers in both corporate and entertainment industries. As an acclaimed television writer/producer and screenwriter, she has amassed a body of work that includes numerous high profile network comedy series', including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," starring Will Smith, "The Parent Hood," The Jamie Foxx Show," "The Steve Harvey Show," "Malcolm and Eddie" and most recently, "The Parkers," starring Mo'nique, on which she served as the Executive Producer. Wiley is the director and producer of her fourth documentary, entitled SOULMATE, and has formed her own Los Angeles production company, Clean Heart Productions. The film web site is www.soulmatefilm.com

Clean Heart Productions is a Christian-based, multi-media company. The company's mission is to bring attention to the power of the Christian faith, by illustrating scriptural principles in a relevant, relatable and irresistible manner. It was further formed to be a 'change agent' in popular culture by presenting the uncompromising Gospel to audiences everywhere.

Envision Consulting Services, Inc., owned and controlled by Candace D. Reese, is a results-oriented, full-service public relations boutique, helping clients reach their business visions and create new corporate images, through effective communications and public relations management. Services include, but are not limited to Publicist, Media Tours, Advertising Agent, Event Marketing/Management, Seasonal Promotions, Community Relations, Multi-Media Buyer/Consultant, Motivational/Training Seminars, and Marketing/Public Relations Consultant. The company web address is www.EnvisionPR.com

Posted by Editor at 12:53 AM No comments: What Can We Do to Curtail the Violence in Memphis?

Memphis has garnered the unfortunate title of the America's second most dangerous city. What can we do about it?
Posted by Editor at 12:49 AM No comments: Christian Website Recommendations!


The Official Launch of Homecoming Season Launches at H2O on The Waterfront Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) - ChristianHangSuite.com, the internet's premiere destination portal for Black Christians, is hosting "The Official Homecoming Block Party" at H2O Restaurant & Lounge on Sunday, October 1st from 3pm-7pm. This event is Strictly for the "Grown & Saved".

CALLING ALL ALUMNI! Join us as we kickoff Homecoming Season! Come represent your Alma Mater! We're encouraging ALL Alumni from local colleges, national colleges, HBCU's, High Schools, and Greek Organizations!

(Wear your school Alumni colors or Greek paraphanalia).
We're bringin' "The Yard" to FIRST SUNDAYS!

Steppin' LIVE: Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha, and more!

Special Invited Organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Iota Phi Theta

Performing LIVE: Holy Hip Hop artist "ASON", Urban Gospel artists "R.E.A.L.", and soloist "SONYA PASS".
Music spun by DJ ROBB-O and DJ TAK-NIC

* 21 and OVER
* CASUAL ATTIRE (School or Greek colors OPTIONAL)

Sunday October 1st
H2O Restaurant & Lounge
800 Water Street SW Washington, DC
RSVP at www.firstsundaysdc.com

About First Sundays
First Sundays, "A New Christian Experience", is the official monthly networking social of ChristianHangSuite.com, and is designed exclusively for Young Professional Christians (21 and over). Every First Sunday of the month, come out and network, meet new people, and enjoy great Gospel music and a delightful buffet.

Posted by Editor at 12:47 AM No comments: We Salute Pastor Kenneth T. Whalum Jr.'s Bust A Move Moday

View their awesome concept at http://www.bustamovemonday.com/
Posted by Editor at 12:40 AM No comments: Dr. Claud Anderson

We recommend his website Powernomics! The website is located at http://www.powernomics.com/
Posted by Editor at 12:36 AM No comments: Hot New African American Clothing Line!


Wilberforce, OH (BlackNews.com) - LP Apparel, a new innovative clothing line that is destined to take over the fashion world, is becoming the biggest trend to hit Historical Black Colleges and University's.

Founded by CEO, David Hutcherson in April 2004, LP Apparel was first known for the LIVEPROUD(TM) wristband, primarily sold on college campuses. With a concept parallel to LIVESTRONG® fashions, Hutcherson produced the red, black and green tinted LIVEPROUD(TM) silicone wristband. The purpose of the wristband is to serve as a testament of hope, a way of encouragement and a representation of pride for the African American race.

Following the success of the LIVEPROUD(TM) wristband fad, Hutcherson executed a bigger vision thus launching LP Apparel in August 2005. Each design created for the clothing line sets Hutcherson apart from many other designers. The mission of LP Apparel is to provide consumers an opportunity to empower themselves and raise social awareness of the African American community. "I live by the phrase 'Reflection of the soul'. Most people do not know the meaning behind the attire they wear or the symbols they display on their clothes. I decided to promote and create a clothing line that has a positive meaning for African Americans and serve as an exhibit of our history and unity," said Hutcherson.

Since 2005, LP Apparel has grown tremendously and has become one of the most talked about clothing lines among African American college students. Consumers can find a wide collection of men and women t-shirts, in all sizes, which offer diverse style and a positive meaning. LP Apparel will continue to expand with original styles of LP Apparel jewelry, jackets, polo's, pants and much more, which can be found on the Official LP Apparel website.

Hutcherson is a graduating senior, at Wilberforce University, majoring in business management. A Chicago native, Hutcherson has attended several college job fairs, served as a host for Russell Simmons Convocation at Wilberforce University, attended The African Festival in Indianapolis, IN, and hosted an exclusive LP Apparel fashion show in Wilberforce, OH.

For more information about LP Apparel, please visit www.lp-apparel.com or call (773) 426-0147.

Posted by Editor at 12:32 AM No comments: Gospel Superfest 3


The Most Widely Distributed Gospel Television Show Sets the Stage for Gospel's Greatest Superstars

New York, NY - This year's Gospel Superfest will feature great Superstars, including two of Hollywood's finest, Vivica A. Fox and Clifton Davis. The duo rejoins the live taping of Gospel Superfest- New York 3. This star-studded event will take place on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28, 2006 at the Christian Cultural Center located at 12020 Flatlands Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207.

Veteran host and actor, Clifton Davis, from NBC's Amen, will once again be accompanied by Hollywood "A List" actress/producer Vivica A. Fox (from Lifetime Television's MISSING and most recently ABC's Dancing With The Stars-2006). In addition, get ready for foot stomping, hand clapping, and high praising with special guests John P. Kee & New Life, Byron Cage, Howard Hewett, Ricky Dillard & New G, Melvin Williams, Karen Clark Sheard, Gary Anglin, Martha Munizzi, Lashell Griffin (Oprah Winfrey Pop Star Challenge Winner), Shirley Murdock, Dr. Leonard Scott, James Hall & Worship & Praise, Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers, TONEX, Hezekiah Walker & LFC, Dorinda Clark Cole, Kierra Ki Ki Sheard, Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing, J Moss, 2102, John Cook, Malissa Redmond, The Anointed Pace Sisters, The McClurkin Project, The Singletons, and many more.

This explosive two-day recording event will again take place at three-thousand seat auditorium of The Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York, where the honorable Dr. A.R. Bernard is Pastor and Founder.

The Gospel Superfest TV Series is the most widely distributed gospel television show in domestic syndication (Source: Nielsen Media Research 2003 – 2005) and is one of the leading gospel programs distributed to Christian cable networks, including The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), The Word Network, and the Daystar TV Network. The show is in syndication with networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. It reaches approximately 94 million TV households with each broadcast. The producers expect this season's broadcasts to reach approximately 95 percent of all U.S. television households via an estimated 250 TV stations nationwide.

This year, the three-hour nightly recording sessions will feature a variety of music, dance, and comedy. "We are sure that everyone in attendance will have an awesome time as the artists minister God's word through song," said Executive Producer, Dr. Bobby Cartwright. This event promises to be life changing and a pivotal industry event, as the Superfest returns to New York for the third consecutive year.

Gospel Superfest "Live New York" is sponsored by CCCMG, the in-house record label of the Christian Cultural Center and by Cartwright Television Ventures, LLP . Sponsors in syndication include General Motors, Procter & Gamble and Kraft Foods. Event Co-sponsors include The Word Network, Zomba Gospel, Blackberry Records, Canvas Records, Tyscot Records and Rejoice Musical Soul Food.

Over seven-thousand (7,000) people are expected to attend from all over the world, including Africa, Bermuda, and Europe. The sessions take place on Friday, Oct 27th at 8:00pm and Oct. 28th, 2005 at 7:30pm. Tickets for these historic recording session(s) are available at all Ticketmaster outlets (www.ticketmaster.com) and at the Christian Cultural Center (www.cccinfo.org). For additional information please contact the Gospel Superfest New York-3 Hotline at 212-631-4200 or visit www.gospelsuperfest.com

For more information and to request media coverage, contact Alicia Smith at email@example.com or Judy Groover at firstname.lastname@example.org or 1-877-235-2186.

About Gospel Superfest
Gospel Superfest Television is a production of United Television, LLC of Ohio. It was divinely inspired and created by show executive producer, Dr. Bobby Cartwright, Jr. in 1998 and was first implemented in 2000. Sessions have been held in, Louisville, KY; Columbus, OH; Raleigh, NC; Jacksonville, FL; and Atlanta, GA prior to landing in New York City in 2004. Gospel Superfest is one of the most widely distributed TV programs in black gospel music with distribution quarterly at over ninety-two percent of all US TV households

About the Hosts
Vivica A. Fox - Fox is a dynamic actress and producer, starring in such films as Independence Day, Batman and Robin, Set It Off, Kingdom Come, Kill Bill Vol I and Kill Bill Vol II. She is currently starring in and is the co-executive producer of the Lifetime Channel's hit series, Missing. Fox received the "Lady of Soul 2003 Lena Horne Career Achievement Award", as well as "MTV Movie" and "NAACP Image Award" nominations for her past performances. Vivica's most recent TV role includes ABC's Dancing With The Stars where she is a contestant.

Clifton Davis - Davis is an actor, singer, composer, producer, and minister, sharing his unique talents with audiences around the world for more than 25 years. Clifton is best known for his 5-year run as Reverend Rueben Gregory on the popular NBC television series, Amen. He has been a guest star on such shows as The Jamie Foxx Show, Living Single, Malcolm & Eddie, Party of Five, and The Sentinel. Davis returns to Gospel Superfest TV for the seventh consecutive year.


Posted by Editor at 12:28 AM No comments: Was Oprah Correct in Cheering Obama in 2008?


By Earl Ofari Hutchinson Even before Oprah Winfrey cheer led Illinois Senator Barack Obama for President in 2008 on Larry King Live, Obama for President 2008 bumper stickers, mugs, and tee shirts were hot ticket sellers on websites. Internet chat rooms pulse with talk about an Obama presidency run, and Chicago papers run articles speculating about the prospects of an Obama candidacy. Though Obama hasn’t said anything about his plans, the Democratic Party’s newest telegenic, shining star has to be flattered by the clamor for him to toss his hat in the ring. But that’s what it should stay, flattery.

Obama is not the shot in the arm the Democrats need to take back Congress and the White House in 2008. He is too new on the political scene, too untested, too politically nice, too liberal, and most of all he’s an African-American.

Those factors make it virtually impossible for Obama to pry one, let alone, two states away from the Southern Republican bloc. The solid South, that is the South that is mostly white, conservative and male, pro war, anti-big government, vehemently opposes any political tilt to minorities, and is heavily influenced by ultra conservative Bible Belt fundamentalism. These political attributes are the exact antithesis of Obama’s political appeal, pitch and thrust (despite his tepid plea for the Dems to court the Christian fundamentalists). The Southern strategy has proven to be a winning formula for GOP presidents Nixon, Reagan, Bush Sr. and Bush Jr.

A presidential candidate also must raise mega millions, get their party’s official stamp, and appeal to conservative, white middle-class voters outside the South. Obama showed in his walk over Senate race in Illinois in 2004 that he can corral the big bucks. During the campaign he raised a record four million dollars in a three-month span. But that was a state race. A presidential bid is far different. To prove that he’s a viable candidate, and bag the money, he must preach a centrist, conservative message of family values, tax fairness, and military preparedness. He simply hasn’t been on the political scene long enough to sell that message and open the money spigots. And he’d need every penny he could get. The Republican contender will have a united party behind him (or her) and have mountains of cash.

Obama won’t send conservative evangelical Christians scurrying to the barricades to defeat him. That dubious distinction, if Jerry Fallwell’s recent Devil reference to Hillary Clinton is to be believed belongs to her. But as a liberal, and African-American they will be hyper wary of him.

Then there’s the issue of race. Obama did reasonably well in neutralizing, if not totally breaking down the reservations of many whites in Illinois to vote for a black candidate. But his opponent was the lightly regarded, fill-in outsider, Alan Keyes, who also is an African-American. Many Republicans in the state sat that one out. It will be a far different story if Obama hits the national campaign trail. While polls show that more whites than ever are willing to vote for a black candidate for state and local offices, there is yet no evidence that that openness extends over to a vote for a black candidate for the presidency.

In fact, white males more than any other group have bought the Republican’s anti-government, anti-liberal line. Bush bagged more than sixty percent of the white male vote in 2004. The percentage of the white male vote that a white male Republican candidate likely will get won’t change much in 2008. If Obama is the Democrat of choice, that percentage the Republican might get might jump even higher. Colin Powell found that out when he briefly toyed with a presidential run in 1996. Despite his enormous popularity, and cross over appeal, he ultimately decided not to run, and one of the reasons was his concern that race would be an issue and a liability.

The Republicans will likely pour millions into beefing up their diversity pitch among blacks and Latinos. They will tout Bush’s minority business, homeownership, and education initiatives as a better deal for minorities than anything the Democrats have to offer. That claim won’t convince the majority of blacks to vote Republican. But it could pare down the number that dash to the polls to vote for Obama. Even if Obama got the overwhelming majority of black votes, which is likely, that’s not terribly significant. Any Democrat that runs will do just as well with black voters.

The Democrats hope to retake the White House rests on their ability to find a white male candidate populist enough to convince a significant number of swing state voters that a Democrat in the White House is a real alternative to the GOP policies on the war, the economy, health care, immigration and energy issues, and centrist enough to convince them that he is as tough on terrorism and as big an advocate of a strong military as the GOP.

That’s a tall order. Obama is not the man that can fill it, at least not in 2008.

Columnist Earl Ofari Hutchinson is a political analyst and social issues commentator, and the author of The Emerging Black GOP Majority (Middle Passage Press, September 2006), a hard-hitting look at Bush and The GOP’s court of black voters. For order information, see www.blackgopbook.com

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