Entertainment

Kirk Franklin Responds to His Dove Awards Speech being edited to cut remarks on police brutality in America for The Second Year.

Published

3 years ago

October 29, 2019

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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

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A post shared by Kirk Franklin (@kirkfranklin) on Oct 28, 2019 at 7:27am PDT

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.

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A post shared by artsoulradio (@artsoulradio) on Oct 17, 2019 at 6:32am PDT

Entertainment

Jonathan McReynolds Releases New Single “Your World”

Published

2 days ago

August 9, 2022

Art Soul

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GRAMMY and Stellar Award winner Jonathan McReynolds returns with a new sound on the brand new single, “Your World” (MNRK Music Group).
“Your World” reminds the listener of God’s sovereignty – it’s a bop, intentionally upbeat, and happy. The song was written to help people lift the weights that hold them down. Known for bridging the gap between contemporary church music and the music of the past, Jonathan has included African American spiritual texts and the influences of Marvin Gaye. “Your World” will have listeners up moving and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.
Jonathan McReynolds shares, “This song reflects my evolution and growth. I am not the same person I was when I wrote my first album. Now, I am secure enough to take more risks and remove any limits to my creativity. It’s God’s World, and we are just living in it!”
“Your World” is available now wherever music is shared and streamed.

LISTEN TO “YOUR WORLD”

FOLLOW JONATHAN MCREYNOLDS
IG: @JonMcReynolds TW: @JonMcReynolds FB: @JonMcReynolds

Entertainment

Ceelo Green joins Pastor Mike Jr. for Super Bowl Gospel in Gospel Remake of the Gnarles Barkley Hit, “Crazy”

Published

6 months ago

February 12, 2022

Art Soul

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Five time Grammy Award-winner, Ceelo Green, joins breakout urban inspirational star and 5x Stellar Award winner, Pastor Mike Jr., for an epic performance of the current Billboard hit, “Amazing” — a gospel rendition of the Gnarles Barkley hit, “Crazy”. This epic performance will air during a special tribute to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and current Jackson State University coach, Deion Sanders. Super Bowl Gospel is scheduled to air on Bounce this Saturday, February 12 at 5 pm PT / 8pm EST and be available for streaming free on Prime Video and IMDB TV.

The show will be hosted by Sarah Jakes Roberts and comedian DC Young Fly. Other guests performances include Cece Winans, Natalie Grant, Chloe, Regina Bell, and Mali Music. When asked about this special performance Pastor Mike Jr. says, “Wow, to have the opportunity to perform for Super Bowl Gospel with the legend Ceelo Green is a dream come true! Often we see things from afar and find it intangible…” He continues, “…but when the intangible manifests into the ‘tangible’, one can’t help but stop and praise God for being what we call Him —a promise keeper. I’m truly grateful for this amazing opportunity.”

Entertainment

DOE Releases New Docu-Series To Accompany Up & Coming Album – Watch Here!

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Doe Jones is back with new music! But this time, she’s taking her fans behind the scenes to learn more about her story, her creative process and more.

Published

6 months ago

February 5, 2022

Art Soul

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Doe Jones is back with new music! But this time, she’s taking her fans behind the scenes to learn more about her story, her creative process and more. DOE is known for being very down to earth and relatable. These are truths that are especially heard in her music. Her two recent releases from the coming album, “When I Pray” and “So Good” each carry the transparency and authenticity that we love to hear from DOE. It’s also a style that seems to be a leading characteristic from any music released from the LifeRoom Music Label so far!

DOE made the first announcement of her new DocU Series on instagram where thousands of fans immediately showed their excitement!

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Since the announcement, DOE has released two episodes of the series giving us all a sneak peek into parts of her world that we have never seen or heard before. The first episode features stories from her Parents, LifeRoom Music Label owner Jonathan McReynolds and Pastor Michael Todd of Transformation Church. DOE dives right in sharing stories about her upbringing, her creative writing style, her musical journey and much more. DOE’s coming album releases February 18th! So, pre-order today and get caught up on the docu-series now! Trust us. You’ll be glad you did.

If you missed the release of the first two episodes of DOE’s docu-series, we’ve got you covered! Scroll down to watch both episodes below:

EPISODE ONE