Culture
We Celebrate Chadwick Boseman For Sharing His Gift of Story-Telling At Its Finest
Yesterday we all received the surprising news that Chadwick Boseman passed away at only 43 years old. He left behind his wife who he secretly married in 2019. She was his long time love as they dated for nearly 6 years prior to their wedding last year. She was by his side from the time of his diagnosis throughout his battle with cancer. Chadwick passed with her and his family by his side. Our prayers are with his wife, his family and friends. Today we are remembering Chadwick Boseman and celebrating him for his work.
Like most pursuing anything in the entertainment world, Chadwick’s career didn’t begin overnight. His film work spans from 2003 – 2020. Like many, he pressed through a line of rejection and obstacles to get where he was in his career. But, he couldn’t do it alone. This Howard University alumni credits Denzel Washington who later paid for Chadwick to attend Oxford to study acting for being a major help in his career.
CHADWICK CREDITS DENZEL WASHINGTON FOR PUSHING HIS CAREER FORWARD
In 2019, Boseman spoke at the American Film Institute dinner where he was able to honor Denzel Washington with a lifetime achievement award. He shared the story of receiving Denzel’s help for school during his speech and thanked him saying, “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.”
In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine Chadwick shared more of that story. Apparently, while attending Howard, his teacher Phylicia Rashad originally encouraged Chadwick to attend Oxford in the UK during a summer program. While he and friends were accepted to the program, they couldn’t afford to go. “That’s when Rashad, who played Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, stepped in and ‘essentially got some celebrity friends to pay for us to go,” says Chadwick.
Chadwick went on to portray some of the biggest Black ICONs our world has seen and in the process showed us “story-telling” at its finest! Those roles include Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall and the Black Panther where he made history in the world of Marvel super heroes bringing world wide inspiration and a new image of a Black superhero for the world to see.
CHADWICK’S MOST POPULAR MOVIE ROLES
While Chadwick’s most known roles were filmed in 2013, his career spanned from 2003 – 2020. View a full listing of his film contributions here. Scroll down to see highlights from several of his most known roles:
“BLACK PANTHER“
“42” (The Story of Jackie Robinson)
“THURGOOD MARSHALL”
“GET ON UP” (The Story of James Brown)
“CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR”
“AVENGERS INFINITY WAR”
View a full listing of Chadwick’s film contributions here.
Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.
Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.
👉 Watch the live performance here.
Legacy Meets New Fire 🔥
Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.
Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.
The Vibe
With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.
Culture
ArtSoul Radio & Actor Empowerment Summit Host Sneak Peek of BET+ Series Churchy with KevOnStage at XL Film Fest
Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.
A First Look at Churchy Season 2
Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.
Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members
Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.
A First Look at Churchy Season 2
Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.
Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members
For those in Chicago, the August 17th event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage live with KevOnStage and his cast. Can’t make it in person? Join the ArtSoul Radio community to gain exclusive access to the full panel replay after the event.
Click here to sign up and stay connected. Community members will be the first to receive:
- A private link to the full panel replay
- Behind-the-scenes clips and highlights
- Special giveaways tied to Churchy Season 2
Why This Event Matters
Partnering with XL Film Fest and The Actor Empowerment Summit to bring this BET+ collaboration to Chicago is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural moment for faith-based media. It reflects the growth of Christian creatives in film, comedy, and storytelling while highlighting Chicago as a hub for innovative cultural conversations.
About Churchy
After debuting as one of the most-watched scripted comedies on BET+, Churchy quickly built a loyal fan base. Season 2 expands the storylines, bringing new characters, guest stars, and bigger laughs—all while spotlighting themes of faith, community, and resilience. Produced by KevOnStage Studios alongside industry leaders and executive producers like LeBron James and Maverick Carter (SpringHill), the show continues to elevate digital-first creators onto global platforms.
Culture
Holy Smoke! Festival 2025 Kicks Off This Week in Nashville — Full Guide, Lineup, Schedule, & How to Tap In
1K Phew Links Up With WHATUPRG & Ty Brasel for “Ain’t He” — A Cultural Shot of Faith, Confidence, and Atlanta Energy
Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore Announce Their Exits from Maverick City Music: The End of an Era and the Beginning of Something New
NEW MUSIC: Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts Deliver a Soulful Moment with “Still”
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K-Ci of R&B Group Jodeci Shares Near Death Experience & How His Faith Helped Him Recover
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Watch Jonathan McReynolds Perform “God Is Good” and Discuss His New Book “Before You Climb Any Higher” on Tamron Hall
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