It has been officially announced that Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. will be the new Presiding Bishop of Global United Fellowship, succeeding Bishop Neil C. Ellis.

Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr will be enthroned as the next Presiding Bishop during his Enthronement Service on October 18, 2023. Bishop Neil C. Ellis will officially retire as the Presiding Bishop of Global United Fellowship on October 17, 2023, during his official Service of Retirement, which is a part of the Services of Episcopal Succession for Global United Fellowship.

Bishop Neil C. Ellis who founded Global United Fellowship in 2013, made the announcement during “The Gathering,” Global United Fellowship’s annual conference, that took place this year in Landover, MD in July of this year, in front of thousands of attendees, as well as a worldwide streaming audience. This appointment demonstrates a strong trust and respect for Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr., a proven and dynamic leader in the body of Christ world-wide.

“With deep gratitude and humility, I accept the God-ordained responsibility and opportunity bestowed upon me. I express my sincere appreciation to Bishop Neil C. Ellis for choosing me as the next Presiding Bishop. My commitment is unwavering toward fostering a positive future for the Fellowship. Every day, I will continue to work diligently to ensure the fulfillment of the mission and vision set by our founder. During this transition, we will remain united, strong, and dedicated. We are a fellowship of independent churches from different denominations and backgrounds who strategically provide an end-to-end ministry ecosystem to provide churches of all sizes, resources to execute ministry at a level of operational excellence & diligence for the Kingdom. In short, I encourage our pastors, “Don’t Do Ministry Alone.” We are here for you.”

“In addition, our goal at Global United Fellowship is to do something unique and different. Our plan is to establish connections between the church world and the business world by forming dynamic partnerships. Already, Global United Fellowship has forged relationships with The Black Wealth Summit, Impact Network, and Carolina Kitchen. These collaborations will enable our members to recognize the significance of wealth creation, entrepreneurial prospects, and utilizing business networks to bring fresh opportunities to their congregations. Additionally, we are currently in the process of forming partnerships with major corporate organizations. The possibilities for Global United Fellowship are endless,” said Peebles.

About Bishop Joel R. Peebles

Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. leads the esteemed City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover, MD, a church known for its excellence. He comes from a well-established family of preachers and teachers and is following in the footsteps of his parents, the late Bishop James Peebles and the late Apostle Betty Peebles, who founded Jericho Baptist church in 1964. The Jericho Baptist Church, now named City of Praise Family Ministries, serves as a strong spiritual pillar for the Washington DC Metro area, focused on their noble mission of “Saving Families, One Soul At A Time!” This church’s impact extends beyond just spiritual matters and encompasses a range of social and economic initiatives. In Prince George’s County, MD, and elsewhere, City of Praise Family Ministries offers over 70 ministries that contribute to community enhancement. Remarkably, it houses one of Maryland’s largest Food Bank Centers. Additionally, they provide support for college application fees, assistance with the college application process, SAT/ACT test preparation, and college tours through their Road to College program. The ministry also facilitates access to affordable senior living facilities and operates the Jericho School for educational sustainability. Through all these endeavors, City of Praise Family Ministries is a church devoted to empowering and bringing success to the community by emphasizing the values of family and love.

Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. will assume his role during a time when the church culture faces multiple challenges and a changing Christian landscape. As a highly skilled and insightful spiritual innovator and teacher, Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. is equipped to face these challenges and is driven to grow the Kingdom of God. Upholding the timeless message of love, faith, and hope, Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. continues to inspire people around the world, just as countless others have done for over two millennia.

Residing in Prince Georges Country, Maryland, Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. shares his life with his honorable wife, Pastor Ylawnda Peebles, their four children named Joel, Jordan, Janay, and Jeremiah, as well as their son-in- law, Thaddeus, and beloved grandson, Joel III.

About Bishop Neil C. Ellis

Born on the tiny island of Bimini, The Bahamas, at the age of nine years, his oratorical skills catapulted him into the national spotlight and won him a scholarship from former Prime Minister of The Bahamas the late Sir Lynden O. Pindling, to attend one of the premier high schools in the capital city of Nassau. Upon graduation, he matriculated to the College of The Bahamas and later served as president of the College of the Bahamas Union of Students (COBUS). He has authored 12 practical books that challenge, motivate and inspire the reader.

The former businessman heard and accepted a higher calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ at a very early age, and in February 1987, organized Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church with 11 charter members. No one knew that when newlywed Rev. Neil C. Ellis accepted the pastoral mantle twenty six years later, with his fresh style of ministry; he would emerge as the pastor of thousands at Mount Tabor Church and thousands more via his Internet Church, Mount Tabor Anytime. Each week his soul-stirring, life-changing, motivational, inspirational and revelatory messages are viewed on television and streamed on the internet.

The tentacles of his influence are visible globally. As a pastor, He mentors some 40 pastors in The Bahamas and throughout the United States. Bishop Ellis is passionate about the Word of God and its ability to transform lives and has travelled throughout The Bahamas, the Caribbean, North America, Germany, Africa, Israel, Greece and Rome preaching the gospel. He has been recognized by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth of England for rendering distinguished services in Commonwealth nations.  For twenty years he has served in various offices in the Full Gospel Baptist Church International. Most recently, he has given birth to The Global United Fellowship, an international body of spiritual leaders, fellowships and congregations united to strategically plan, implement and execute transformative and generational change as well as expand the Kingdom of God to all the nations of the world. It is for this reason he says, “I was born.”

He is the recipient of the 2010 Trumpet Award for Spiritual Enlightenment and he is the youngest living inductee in the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame located in Atlanta, Georgia. His song, “Don’t Do It Without Me” was nominated for a prestigious Dove Award.

Bishop Ellis is married to the former Patrice Michelle Johnson and they along with their two children Johnathan and Renechea reside in Nassau, Bahamas.

About Global United Fellowship

Established in 2013 under the leadership of Bishop Neil C. Ellis, Global United Fellowship (GUF) is a cross-denominational fellowship of spiritual leaders and churches united to strategically plan, implement and execute transformative and generational impact, and expand the Kingdom of God to all the nations of the world. The Fellowship’s Five Prong mandate is to unite churches; equip leaders; enhance marriages; resurrect the discipline of prayer and build covenant relationships within the Body of Christ.  GUF is comprised of more than 700 churches from countries and provinces including the Bahamas; England; Jamaica; Pakistan; South Africa; West Africa, the Philippines, the Turks & Caicos Islands, and The United States. With over 150 consecrated Bishops and Apostles in the Fellowship, and hundreds of influential pastors, GUF is equipped to leave a major spiritual  imprint on today’s culture through targeted ministries in the areas of Family, Education, Business, Media, Religion, Government and Arts & Entertainment. More information can be found at www.globalunitedfellowship.org.

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Grammy Award Winner, Stellar Award Winner, Billboard Music Award Winner, and 2022 American Music Award Winner for Favorite Gospel Artist, Tamela Mann, is celebrating the latest RIAA certification of her record-breaking, chart-topping single, “Take Me to The King.” The song, written by Gospel Icon Kirk Franklin and featured on her album, Best Days, is receiving the highly coveted honor of Double Platinum certification with more than two million copies sold since the track was release June 12, 2012.

“What an amazing blessing to receive this very special recognition. I’m honored Kirk and I got to collaborate on this song and I’m so thankful for the love and support of our fans who helped make this happen. I couldn’t have done it without everyone,” said Tamela.

The ballad marked the first-time collaboration between Tamela and Kirk since the songstress launched her solo career. The powerhouse team is also known for the songs, “God Provides,” the No. 1 song from Tamela’s Billboard chart-topping No. 1 album, One Way, and “Superheroes Prayer” from her latest album, Overcomer.
Tamela, along with Franklin, her husband, actor/comedian/singer David Mann, The Clark Sisters, Israel Houghton, and Tye Tribbett, are headlining the The Reunion Tour, with special guests New Breed, Texas-based choir The Family, and God’s Property. The tour kicks off Thursday, September 28th, in Connecticut and continues into November, hitting Miami, Atlanta, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Houston, and many other cities. For more information about the tour and to buy tickets, visit tillymannmusic.com.

Tamela Mann is an accomplished songwriter, producer, actress, and businesswoman, She has amassed a Grammy Award, BET Award, Billboard Music Award, American Music Award, multiple NAACP Image Awards and Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Her Billboard No. 1 album, Best Days, includes the No. 1 double platinum single, “Take Me to The King,” and received Billboard’s “Album of the Decade” for 2010-2019, in the Gospel category. Tamela’s Billboard No. 1 album, One Way, garnered two No. 1 singles, including “Change Me” and “God Provides,” which earned the singer her first Grammy Award in 2017. In 2018, Tamela and her husband, NAACP Image Award winning actor/comedian David Mann, released their first book and joint album, Us Against the World. The book won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work and the album garnered airplay success with the Urban AC track, “Ups & Downs.” Tamela and David helm Tillymann Entertainment. Together, they starred in the NAACP Image Award-winning docu-series, The Manns, the hit comedy, Mann & Wife, and their family YouTube viral series, Mann Family Dinner. Tamela is in the second season of her YouTube cooking show, Mama Mann’s Kitchen, and she and David are currently starring in Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living. Tamela’s athleisure apparel and shapewear line, the Tamela Mann Collection, is available at TamelaMann.com and in select retail stores.

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2x Grammy-nominated gospel veteran VaShawn Mitchell has just released his 10th live album to all streaming platforms entitled, “Chapter X: See the Goodness”.  Fans who have been given early access to preview record have already given it rave reviews. Leonie said, “I love each song. It gives you strength to keep moving…” The album’s vocal director, Ron Poindexter says, “So much encouragement on this album…” Special guest features include Donnie McClurkin, Jekalyn Carr, Darrel Walls, Shana Wilson and more! Fans are truly in for a treat with this record and are going to get the classic VaShawn Mitchell sound that the world has grown to know and love.

According to Mitchell, he says, “During the pandemic when I wrote this album, I was very intentional to not write from a position of where we are, but rather where we’re going.” He continues, “I wanted write music that gives a word of encouragement in order for people to see, feel, and hear victory. Each song from, ‘Work Together’, ‘Victory’, See the Goodness’, ‘Blessings’ all of them, were carefully curated in order to encourage, inspire and uplift.”

Mitchell, who is known for hit songs like ‘Nobody Greater’, ‘Turning Around for Me’, ‘Joy’ and more is no stranger to chart topping music. Aside from his own music as a solo artist his writing and producer credits also include having worked with Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Bishop Paul S Morton and the Full Gospel Ministry of Worship, Smokie Norful, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, Bishop Larry Trotter & Sweet Holy Spirit, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and more! Chapter X: See the Goodness will sure to go down as the next classic!

‘Chapter X: See the Goodness’ is currently now available to be streamed and downloaded on all streaming platforms – CLICK HERE.

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Gospel Superfest Television will honor the city of Jacksonville with a special night of healing.  The live television taping for BET, set for Saturday September 23^rd, will offer Gospel Superfest’ unique brand of television entertainment with a special segment to honor the victims and encourage the community as a result of the recent tragedy in Jacksonville.

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The highly anticipated 38^th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” culminated in a spectacular celebration of talent, faith, and inspiration. Hosted by Jonathan McReynolds and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the 2023 Stellar Awards captivated audiences with powerhouse performances and heartfelt moments that brought the power of Gospel music to life. During a star-studded ceremony held at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena, the winners in nine categories were awarded statues, highlighting the remarkable achievements and contributions of Gospel music artists and industry professionals.

The show opened with an electrifying performance of “Miracles” and “Impossible” by Kierra Sheard Kelly and Pastor Mike Jr., the night’s biggest winner. Pastor Mike, Jr. earned eight awards for his work on the album “Winning,” released under Blacksmoke Music Worldwide. The project was named Album of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year, while Pastor Mike, Jr. also took home the prestigious Song of the Year Presented by McDonald’s, Artist of the Year Presented by AT&T Dream In Black, Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year awards.

DOE, who entered the industry with her family as a member of the group Forever Jones, praised her way to solo success earning three trophies, including the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year Presented by Walmart, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for her album “Clarity,” released under Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration. Zacardi Cortez also brought home three statues, earning awards for Traditional Male Artist of the Year Presented by Bevel (a P&G Brand), Traditional Album of the Year, and Praise and Worship Song of the Year for his album “Imprint,” on Blacksmoke Music Worldwide.

The collaborative effort of Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin resulted in their joint album “Kingdom Book One” on Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Inspiration winning in two categories:

Duo/Chorus Group of the Year Presented by P&G and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year.

Tye Tribbett also brought home two awards, including Producer Of The Year Presented by Aflac and Recorded Music Packaging Of The Year for his project “All Things New,” released by Motown Gospel.

Lena Byrd Miles earned the New Artist of the Year award for her My Block Records project “Brand New;”

Bishop T.D. Jakes won Special Event Album Of The Year for his project “T.D. Jakes Presents ‘Finally

Loosed’ on Dexterity Sounds; co-host Tasha Cobbs Leonard won Praise And Worship Album Of The Year for her work on “Hymns,” released by TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel; Lecrae’s work on “Church Clothes 4” with Reach Records earned him a trophy for Rap Hip Hop Gospel Album Of The Year.

Additional categories were awarded during the Stellar Awards Pre-Show festivities. Dottie Peoples received the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award, and Dr. Teresa Hairston paid tribute to the late Keith “Wonderboy ” Johnson as she announced the winner for Quartet of the Year, which Johnson won posthumously for his project “Restructure, Renew Reunion” on Blacksmoke Music Worldwide. More artists and Gospel radio professionals who received Stellar Award statues this year were announced; a complete list of winners is available at below.

In addition to the award recipients, special honorees were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the Gospel music industry. CeCe Winans received the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award Presented by State Farm, recognizing her exceptional talent and enduring impact. Winans also gave a moving performance of her song “Goodness of God,” from her album “Believe For It.” Reverend Dr.

Milton Biggham was honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by Verizon in recognition of his lifetime dedication to spreading the uplifting message of Gospel music. Additionally, Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones was presented with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, acknowledging his outstanding contributions and influential career.

Show co-hosts McReynolds and Cobbs Leonard delivered huge performances that will uplift and inspire audiences worldwide, while Walmart’s Black and Unlimited platform provided viewers with an exclusive Reunion Tour preview performance featuring Franklin, Tribbett and Israel Houghton brought the house down! Viewers can also look forward to powerhouse performances by Charles Jenkins, DOE, Dottie Peoples, Isaac Carree, Jevon Dewand and The TrapStarz, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Naomi Raine, Natalie Grant, Maranda Curtis, Tim Bowman Jr. & Faith City Music, Zacardi Cortez, and Zak

Williams & 1 Akord. Performing on the AT&T Emerging Voices stage, Byrd Miles, Bishop S.Y. Younger, and Victory will delight viewers with their rich vocals and undeniable stage presence.

Presenters for the evening include Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Marvin Sapp, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Brian Courtney Wilson, Erica Campbell, Isabel Davis, James Fortune, Koryn Hawthorne, Jason Clayborn, NOTKARLTONBANKS, Shirley Caesar and Travis Greene.

AT&T Dream in Black proudly serves as the presenting sponsor for the 38th Annual Stellar Awards. Additionally, esteemed companies such as Aflac, GM, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Spotify, State Farm, Verizon, and Walmart joined as supporters of this year’s program.

The 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards celebrates the rich diversity and unwavering spirit of Gospel music, showcasing its profound impact on audiences worldwide. The winners and honorees exemplify the power of faith, talent, and dedication within the Gospel music community. This year’s ceremony will touch the hearts of viewers across the nation when it premieres on the newly launched Stellar Network on Sunday, July 30 at 6 p.m. ET (available on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and

Xumo Play), followed by a broadcast on BET on Sunday, August 6 at 8 p.m. ET and on Bounce TV on

Sunday, September 3 at 1 p.m. ET. The show will also be broadcast nationally from August 7, 2023, to September 10, 2023, through TV syndication. The Stellar Awards Blue Carpet Special hosted by Jekalyn Carr and will be televised on Stellar Network on July 30 at 5 p.m. ET. Viewers may check with their local provider for availability.

The 38th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Executive in Charge of Production and Producer. Michael A. Johnson serves as Producer and Director.

For more information about the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, please visit www.stellarawards.com. Stay connected and follow the Stellar Gospel Music Awards on social media: @thestellars on Instagram and Twitter, and Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook.

Category #1 – ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

Category #2 – SONG OF THE YEAR

Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr., James Fortune & JeVon Hill; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

Category #3 – MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #4 – ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

DOE; Clarity; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #5 – DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Kingdom Book One; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #6 – NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Lena Byrd Miles; Brand New; My Block Inc.

CATEGORY #7 – ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Winning; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #8 – CHOIR OF THE YEAR

Brent Jones; Nothing Else Matters (INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING, PRAISE HIM); JDI Entertainment

CATEGORY #9 – PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Tye Tribbett & Joseph Bethea; All Things New; Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #10 – CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Kingdom Book One; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #11 – TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

Category Omitted

CATEGORY #12 – CONTEMPORARY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #13 – TRADITIONAL MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Zacardi Cortez; Imprint; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #14 – CONTEMPORARY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

DOE; Clarity; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #15 – TRADITIONAL FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Category Omitted

CATEGORY #16 – CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Winning; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #17 – TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Imprint; Zacardi Cortez; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #18 – URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

When I Pray; Doe; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #19 – MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR 

Mr. McClure; Michael McClure, Andre Rudolph & Antonio Minifield; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #20 – TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR

Category Omitted

CATEGORY #21 – CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR

Category Omitted

CATEGORY #22  – INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Category Omitted

CATEGORY #23  – SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR

T.D. Jakes Presents “Finally Loosed”; Various Artists; Dexterity Sounds

CATEGORY #24 – RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Church Clothes 4; Lecrae; Reach Records

CATEGORY #25 – YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Detroit Youth Choir; Rockspell; Confidential Records

CATEGORY #26 – QUARTET OF THE YEAR

Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson; Restructure, Renew Reunion; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #27 – RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR

All Things New; Mike McKesey & Trent Nicholson; Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #28 – PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Hymns; Tasha Cobbs Leonard; TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #29 – PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR

You’ve Been Good To Me; Zacardi Cortez; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #30 – RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR

Blak Sheep; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

SPECIAL HONOREES

JAMES CLEVELAND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Rev. Milton Biggham

ARETHA FRANKLIN ICON AWARD

CeCe Winans

THOMAS A. DORSEY MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones

AMBASSADOR DR. BOBBY JONES LEGEND AWARD

Dottie Peoples

About the Stellar Gospel Music Awards

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards is the first and only Gospel Music Awards show in the country, honoring Gospel Music artists, writers, and industry professionals for their contributions to the Gospel Music Industry. The Stellar Awards ranks high in status as the only Gospel Music television awards program syndicated in over 140 markets nationwide. For more information, please visit www.thestellarawards.com.

About Central City Productions, Inc.

Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. is a national broadcast television producer and syndicator of its exclusively owned African-American programming. Celebrating over 50 years of broadcasting Black excellence with uplifting and entertaining original television content, CCP’s award-winning television programs include the Black Music Honors (www.blackmusichonors.com), Stellar Tribute to the Holidays, Black College Quiz Show Series (www.blackcollegequiz.com), Black History Honors, America’s Black Forum (www.americasblackforum.com), Mentoring Kings (www.mentoringking.com), and Mentoring Queens (www.mentoringqueen.com), among many others. For more information, visit www.stellartv.com.

About Stellar TV Network

For over 50 years in television programming targeted to Black audiences, Central City Productions has become the most recognized and respected company in the Faith-based community. Going forward, we are excited about the continued success we will enjoy in launching our Stellar Network. The Stellar Network fills the void for a Family-Friendly, entertainment, lifestyle network targeting Black audiences. Stellar Network is the first in uplifting content with positive, inspirational, and entertainment programming. Stellar’s Goal is to be the most preferred network to Black audiences nationwide.

About BET Media Group

The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA; PARAP), is the world’s largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international.

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Seven time Stellar Award-winning gospel icon, VaShawn Mitchell has just released the second single from his upcoming album, entitled, “Work Together”. This follows the first single “See the Goodness” featuring Donnie McClurkin that is currently growing on Billboard. Inspired by the famous scripture Romans 8:28, the song is an up-tempo groove that reminds listeners that “all things work together work together for my good.”

In his own words, Mitchell says, “This song is an important part of this project, Chapter X, because it is meant to encourage, inspire, and uplift the listener. After going through seasons of turmoil and the unknown over the past few years, it’s important to remember that regardless of what it looks like, all things work together for them that love The Lord!” He continues, “…and not only does it work together, the hook of the song says it’s working right now!”

“Work Together” is now available to be streamed on all digital streaming platforms.

https://fts.lnk.to/WorkTogether

About VaShawn Mitchell

VaShawn Mitchell was born and raised in Chicago, IL, a city known as the birthplace of Gospel music, an art form that has been indelibly imprinted on his life.  His love for Gospel music led him to spend many years in his youth as a Music Director and then Minister of Music in the city of Chicago.

Throughout the years, VaShawn’s artistic vision has grown, shaping him into a mature worship leader and a recognized Gospel songwriter. In 2010, his passion and talent for songwriting, producing and singing led him to release Triumphant which became his best-selling album to date. Soaring to the top of the charts with his mega-hit single “Nobody Greater,” Mitchell amassed numerous awards and nominations.  In 2011, he received 11 Stellar Award nominations (the most received by any artist that year) and took home 6 trophies. He also earned two GRAMMY Award Nominations and two GMA Dove Award nominations for both the album and single.  Billboard magazine declared “Nobody Greater” the #1 Most Played Gospel Song of 2011 and Mitchell was named Billboard’s #1 Gospel Radio Artist of 2011 and Triumphant was among the Top 5 Gospel Albums of 2011. The single held the #1 position for nine consecutive weeks on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and crossed-over to the Urban Contemporary Adult charts.  Building on the success of “Nobody Greater”, VaShawn went on to release Created 4 This which generated the top 5 single “Turning Around for Me.” Following this project VaShawn went on to record and release, Unstoppable (for which he received a Stellar Award nomination) and Secret Place, which was recorded live in South Africa.  Secret Place was released in November 2016 ad debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts. The first single from his latest project is an infectious song entitled “Joy” which held the #1 spot on radio charts for several weeks and earned VaShawn his first Dove Award as an Artist for Urban Worship Song of the Year.  In 2019, VaShawn released his latest project entitled Elements, celebrating 20 years in the gospel music industry. In that same year Mitchell took home his seventh Stellar after mass success of his hit single, “He Got Up” featuring Dorinda Clark Cole. A deeply personal offering, VaShawn invites listeners to become acquainted with the standard elements God’s character, the very elements that have carried him through the ups and downs of both life and career.

Over the last several years Mitchell continued to stretch his creative talents beyond his own recording career.  He has been instrumental in the career of many of today’s popular artists and has received two Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association for his work as a producer. Always committed to the promotion of upcoming voices in the Gospel Music industry, VaShawn assumed the role of President & CEO of the Gospel Heritage Foundation in 2018 and has plans to expand the reach of this ministry to prepare the next generation for their own journey.

Mitchell continues to expand interests in community service and philanthropy.  He is currently the National Faith Based Spokesperson for the Big Brothers Big Sister organization and recently started the Norman Youth & Arts Foundation, named in memory of his grandfather.  Mitchell has performed for the NAACP as well as partnered corporately with Denny’s on several health care initiatives. VaShawn was recently honored by his hometown of Harvey, IL when they named the street where he grew up “VaShawn Mitchell Street.”  He believes that he is a role model for young people, and that it is part of his calling.  It’s a role that he is both proud and happy to take on.

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CeCe Winans, the acclaimed and iconic gospel artist, is thrilled to announce the final dates of her highly anticipated Believe For It Tour; sponsored by Compassion International and produced by Transparent Productions. Winans has captivated audiences worldwide with her soul-stirring performances and the last six concert dates will finally make its way to key markets like New York, Atlanta and Baltimore that have been looking forward to its arrival.

The resolute support of new and long-time fans has spoken loudly at the box office. The tour has been a resounding success, encompassing a total of 60 ticketed events.  It began in September 2022 in Indianapolis, IN and will culminate on October 2023 in Chicago, IL at the 10,000 seat arena, House of Hope. Throughout the tour, Winans has led concerts across 27 states, Washington DC, and even gone internationally to three countries, The Bahamas, St. Lucia, and England.

As the Believe For It Tour reaches its grand finale, Winans is excited to share these meaningful moments with special guests Jenn Johnson and Todd Dulaney. Both accomplished artists known for their heartfelt worship and powerful songwriting will blend right into the nights of praise that have been selling out since the tour began.

Winans goes on to share, “It has been amazing to have the opportunity to tour and sing these songs across the country.  I think my favorite memory of the Believe For It Tour has been the feeling of true unity in worship that the audiences have brought to every single night.  I am so excited to have Jenn and Todd joining me on these final dates as we wrap up the tour while looking to the future.  God is so good.”

CeCe Winans invites everyone from all walks of life to join her on this musical journey that’s far more than a concert.  Her incredible voice, inspired by her unwavering faith continues to make an impact wherever she goes.  These final dates will be the last opportunity for fans to be a part of this worship experience.

Believe For It Tour Final Six Dates With Jenn Johnson and Todd Dulaney:

October 11 – Charlotte, NC – Bojangles Coliseum

October 12 – New York, NY (Brooklyn) – Kings Theater

October 13 – Baltimore, MD – Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena

October 18 – Atlanta, GA – The Fox Theatre

October 19 – St. Louis, MO Chaifetz Arena

October 20 – Chicago, IL – House of Hope

Tour Dates Already Announced and On-Sale:

August 6 – Paducah, KY – The Carson Center

August 17 – Philadelphia, PA – The Dell Music Center

August 20- Indianapolis, IN – Indiana State Fair

September 15 – Nashville, TN – The Fisher Center

September 16 – Wilkesboro, NC – Faithfest

September 29 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame

Fans have the opportunity to secure their seats early during the pre-sale period, which begins on  Friday, June 23 a few days before tickets are available to the general public on Monday, June 26^th.

To purchase tickets and find more information about the BFI Tour, please visit www.cecewinans.com.   (Pre-Sale Password: BELIEVE)

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Thursday, May 18, 2023 — TV ONE is back with “Date Night Thursdays”. Kirk and Tammy Franklin kick off the night with the premiere of “The One” at 9p ET/8C. “Asking for a Friend,” hosted by LisaRaye McCoy, will return at 10p ET/9C.

Atlanta bachelor and bachelorette Brent and Ashley have long struggled to find their soulmates. Now, with a little guidance from gospel legend Kirk Franklin and his wife Tammy, Brent and Ashley will embark on a journey filled with sexy suitors and outrageous activities as they seek to find love. Throughout the series, Ashley and Brent will meet two new potential matches each week. Sparks will fly as our daters get to know one another while partaking in some risqué game nights yet soulful sessions with Kirk and Tammy at the helm. At the end of each episode, Brent and Ashley will determine which dates possess the qualities that could make them their soulmate, ultimately leading that suitor to join them at The One Mansion.

THE ONE is produced by Critical Content. The executive producers are Jenny Daly, Ron Hill, Phil Thornton, Oji Singletary, Eric Timm, Matt Pickel, and Rob Lobl. Tarvenia Jones serves as Co-Executive Producer. Tony Yates is the Head of Production. Sammy Yamada is the Executive in Charge of Production for Critical Content. Austyn Biggers is the Senior Vice President of Programming and Production and Allison Simmons is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production for TV One.

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