Franklin won Gospel Artist of The Year at the 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards this year which was held on October 15 in Nashville. The awards show aired on TBN on October 20th. However, after the show aired, it was brought to Kirk Franklin’s attention that his speech was edited.
“During my speech, I brought attention the murder of Atatiana Jefferson in her home by a white police officer,” Franklin said in his Instagram video. “I asked everyone in the audience and those viewing to join me in prayer for not only Atatiana’s family, including her 8-year-old nephew who witnessed the killing, but also for the family of the police officer. Last week, during the airing of the awards on the same network, again, that part of my speech was edited out.”
On Monday, Kirk announced his boycott against the Dove Awards and the Trinity Broadcasting Network after the broadcaster censored his award speech. Franklin posted a lengthy video on Instagram explaining the full scenario where he states that TBN edited out the portion of his speech in which he discussed police brutality against the black community. As a result, he is now boycotting by no longer attending events affiliated with or for the Dove Awards, Gospel Music Association or TBN.
“It is always his goal to encourage reconciliation as well as accountability,” say Franklin. This boycott is his way of taking a stand that would hold these institutions accountable. When asked how long the boycott will last, he stated the following:
“I will no longer attend events affiliated with or for the Dove Awards, Gospel Music Association or TBN until tangible plans are put in place to protect and champion diversity especially where people of color have contributed their gifts, talents and finances to help build the viability of these institutions.” says Franklin.
Kirk is not asking others to join in his boycott. But, he is holding strong to this being his chosen response. Kirk ended his video with the following statement: “In the end we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Watch his full response below.
Watch Kirk’s Response To Dove Award Committee & TBN
After Franklin posted the video, the Gospel Music Association, which hosts the Dove Awards, issued the following apology:
“We would like to publicly acknowledge that we are deeply apologetic for the missteps that happened relating to the editing of Kirk Franklin’s Dove Awards acceptance speech,” said Jackie Patillo, the association president, in an official statement.
“It left a general perception that we are not concerned with key social issues that affect people of color. It is not our intent to disregard or silence any of our artists, and we are deeply saddened by this perception and are committed to change this.”
TBN, in joint efforts with the association, also published the unedited version of Franklin’s speech.
However, this is not the first time TBN edited out comments about police brutality in a Franklin speech. In 2016, after winning the same award “Gospel Artist of The Year”, Kirk Franklin used the stage to encourage unity and the power of all cultures praying together for each other when one is down. It was a timely message considering the state of our culture during the time of that award show. Sadly, over two years later, the message was still equally as timely. Just as before Kirk boldly and respectfully asked for everyone to come together again to pray for everyone involved. It was a powerful display for the body of Christ to show others! Our prayers are with Kirk and the Networks being held accountable. We pray that all needed change happens so all groups can continue to collectively do more kingdom work that touches and speaks to everyone.
Tamara Young-McCoy is the founder of ArtSoul Konnect Entertainment Media, home to ArtSoulRadio.com, and a Radio Host/Journalist whose work has appeared in Ebony, Jet, Blavity, and other publications. With a background in TV, film, and digital media, she is dedicated to bridging faith, culture, and entertainment through storytelling and media innovation. She is passionate about mentoring young creatives, amplifying diverse voices, and advancing the Christian music industry while expanding its mainstream reach. Follow her on social media or learn more at www.tamarayoungmccoy.com.
Atlanta-based collective 2819 Worship makes a powerful entrance, landing at #33 Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart with their debut single, “For Christ Alone”, a live worship moment already resonating globally.
In its first week, the track has generated over 876K global streams, alongside more than 1,800 social creates and 240K official video views; an early indication of strong audience demand and engagement to not only the song but the truth that it declares.
“For Christ Alone” captures the depth and intensity of a live worship experience rooted in Scripture: Matthew 24:30, a sermon that founder and lead pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell spoke on for several months, that describes the Second coming of Jesus, while also drawing from Colossians 1:18, declaring Jesus Christ is the head of the body, which is the church, and the “firstborn from the dead” a title of authority and victory in resurrection, not creation. Together, these truths anchor the song’s message: Christ alone stands for us and leads the way for us, and in the end, there will be no more arguments about who was telling the truth.
“All the glory belongs to God alone,” shares the collective 2819 Worship. “We are deeply humbled by how the Spirit is moving through this sound and are truly in awe that people are being moved by a song drawn directly from Scripture. The reach of this song isn’t about the music alone, but about hearts responding to the Word of God.”
Beyond the numbers, the song is driving a wave of organic and authentic engagement across social platforms. Listeners are sharing videos of the track on repeat during workouts, long drives, and quiet moments of reflection, with some saying it’s “Summer Anthem” and “it’s on my top shelf!! In repeat rotation.” The 13-minute track is creating an experience within itself, with fans leaning into the full-length moment as a space for uninterrupted worship.
2819 Worship signed with Reach Records earlier this year. Now, with early momentum and a growing digital footprint, 2819 Worship is quickly emerging as a collective to watch within the worship space.
Anike recently released new visuals for her single “Holy Girls” and it’s making waves!! In less than a month, her supporters have already pushed the single to #1 in Music and #3 overall on YouTube Hype Charts — a feature on YouTube that highlights the platform’s fastest-rising videos based on real-time engagement and momentum. It’s clear that this artist continues to not miss a beat!
Fresh off the cusp of women’s history month, we can’t overlook the fact that Anike recently had a baby and in that process successfully and consistently released new promotion, music, and even an educational course for up and coming artists during that time. She has been resourceful and consistent, always finding ways to continue her grind while not ignoring her personal needs and health to the best of her ability.
An artist of her caliber continuing to unite and inspire young women to grow closer to the Lord while also reaching their life goals – in their health, career and relationships – is not only inspiring; she has become an example of tenacity and strong faith. Much like the current picture of her life, this single is giving Proverbs 31 energy and showing young ladies everywhere the value of pursuing life with God at the center! It makes sense that this latest single “Holy Girls” is becoming more than a vibe – it’s becoming a new anthem!
Check it out below — and let’s continue to run it up!
Reach Records, the influential label founded by GRAMMY Award-winning artist Lecrae and home to some of the industry’s most impactful voices, including Tedashii, Anike, Hulvey, and Trip Lee, officially announces the signing of Atlanta’s 2819 Worship from 2819 Church, headed by Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell, to its roster. The announcement was made during 2819 Church’s powerful Good Friday service, where the news was met with overwhelming excitement from attendees and the broader faith community, and caused a chatter among fans and churchgoers online. This partnership signals a powerful move in worship music.
Speaking on the partnership, Reach Records founder Lecrae shared:
“The gospel has always been at the center of Reach Records’ vision. While our roots are in hip-hop, our mission has always been to create space for the full expression of faith music, message, and movement. I’ve personally been impacted by Pastor Philip’s teaching and inspired by what God is doing through this community. As we’ve spent time together, it’s become clear that there’s a genuine alignment that makes this feel less like a partnership and more like a shared calling. We’re excited to help carry the sound, the message, and the culture of this house to new audiences.”
Lonnell Williams, Executive Pastor of 2819 Church and COO of 2819 Worship, added:
“2819 Worship was built on one conviction: Christ above everything.
Every song. Every collaboration. Every decision — filtered through that single standard. So when we looked at Reach Records, we weren’t evaluating a label. We were evaluating alignment. And what we found was an organization that has spent nearly two decades putting the Gospel at the center of their work, their artists, and their culture.
This partnership is the fruit of obedience. God opened this door. We walked through it.
And we don’t take lightly what it means to be the first worship team ever signed to a predominantly Christian hip-hop label. That’s not a milestone we chased. That’s a door God opened — and it comes with responsibility. Because firsts don’t just make history. Firsts set the standard for everyone who comes after.
We believe this is a moment for CCM. Not just hip-hop. Not just worship. Vertical worship that is solely unto Christ — in the fullest sense of the word. Diverse in sound. Rich in expression. Uncompromising in message. The name of Christ deserves every genre, every room, and every generation. We intend to build in all of them.
Reach Records understands assignments. So do we. That’s why we’re here — and that’s why we’re just getting started.
Ultimately, 2819 is a house of ‘Prayer, Presence, and Proclamation’ —we are so ready for the rest of the world to step into that presence we experience every Sunday gathering!”
While the collective’s debut single under Reach Records has not yet been confirmed, fans are already rallying behind “For Christ Alone,” a song that has generated significant momentum online with over 1 million impressions and growing demand from Christians nationwide.
According to CBN, 2819 Church has rapidly emerged as one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing churches in America. The church has grown from fewer than 200 weekly attendees in 2023 to approximately 6,000 today, often exceeding building capacity and utilizing overflow rooms every Sunday. Lines form as early as 5:30 AM, reflecting the hunger and anticipation surrounding each gathering. In October, the church hosted its ACCESS prayer event, drawing nearly 40,000 to State Farm Arena, filling both the main venue and a nearby convention center; an extraordinary testament to the movement taking place within this community.
This landmark partnership signals a powerful convergence of culture and worship, positioning 2819 Worship to bring its distinct sound and message to audiences worldwide. As Reach Records continues to expand its influence across genres, the addition of 2819 Worship underscores a shared mission: to elevate the name of Christ through music that transcends boundaries and reaches every generation.
For more information on the signing of 2819 Worship, please visit www.reachrecords.com.