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

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7 years ago

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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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 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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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.

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Jon Keith Releases New Video & Announces New Project: “AND Fly”

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1 month ago

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July 17, 2026

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Through aggressive vulnerability and cinematic storytelling, Jon Keith has become one of the most compelling voices in Christian music. Blending hip-hop, pop, alternative, and soul, his music explores the tension between brokenness and hope with refreshing honesty. Rather than offering easy answers, Jon creates songs that meet people in their pain and point them toward the person of Jesus.

Following the success of GROW WINGS, Jon returns with his most ambitious project yet: AND FLY, releasing August 7, 2026. Building on the story of transformation, the album asks a new question—not just what it means to grow, but what it looks like to finally live in the freedom God created us for.

Featuring appearances from Chance the Rapper, DaniLeigh, Tenroc, Torey D’Shaun, Aklesso, Dell Mac, and Eris Ford, AND FLY blends massive pop records, vulnerable songwriting, cinematic production, and faith-filled storytelling into Jon’s boldest artistic statement to date.

AND FLY is available everywhere on August 7, 2026.

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2819 WORSHIP DEBUTS AT #33 BILLBOARD’S HOT CHRISTIAN SONGS CHART WITH BREAKOUT SINGLE “FOR CHRIST ALONE”

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3 months ago

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May 6, 2026

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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.

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Grammy Award-Winning Artist DOE Releases New Worship Anthem “Know Your Name”

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4 months ago

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April 30, 2026

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Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, DOE, drops an energetic and powerful new worship anthem, “Know Your Name,” available now on all streaming platforms. Known for seamlessly bridging R&B, gospel, and contemporary Christian music, DOE delivers a deeply personal and generational declaration of faith with her latest single.

Produced by Kyle Lee and written by DOE alongside David Spencer, Anthony S. Brown, and Dia Viola, “Know Your Name” carries the energy of a live worship moment, capturing collective praise.

“‘Know Your Name’ was inspired by the word ‘posterity’ found in Psalm 22:27–30,” shares DOE. “I have such great respect for the generations before me who taught me how to call on the name of the Lord, and for the generations coming after me who need to know His name too. He has a name for every season of life. This song is both my prayer and my declaration that every generation will know His name.”

Born Dominique Jones, DOE has emerged as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary Christian and gospel music. Her recent single “Black Boy,” featuring Jon Batiste, underscored this mission, offering a timely and affirming message that celebrates identity, dignity, and hope for young black men. This same intentionality carries into “Know Your Name,” where personal testimony meets universal truth.

Her 2025 album Heart Of A Human, which she penned in its entirety, earned the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, further solidifying her place as a leading voice in the space.

With eight GRAMMY® nominations, two GMA Dove Awards, and collaborations alongside artists such as Lecrae, Maverick City Music, and Tauren Wells, DOE continues to expand her impact. Her musical roots run deep; raised in a family of artists, she began performing professionally as a teenager with the acclaimed group Forever JONES before launching her solo career in 2019.

Get Connected with DOE:
https://doe.komi.io/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7z7byOJ4AJnMY2NHE66ZpW
https://www.youtube.com/c/DOEJonesMusic
https://www.facebook.com/doejonesmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/doejonesmusic/
https://www.tiktok.com/@doejonesmusic

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