October 9th, 2024

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Iconic four-time Grammy Award winner and 12-time nominee, Deniece Williams, joined BlackPressUSA for a live interview during the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) 2020 Virtual Annual Convention.

Williams, who transformed R&B, pop and gospel music over her extraordinary five-decade career, joined Stephanie Mills, Anthony Hamilton, Carlos Santana & Cindy Blackman Santana, and Salt-N-Pepa in a star-studded lineup of musical talent appearing at the first virtual conference in the 193-year history of the Black Press and the 80th anniversary of the NNPA.

Acclaimed sports, race, and culture expert, Jemele Hill also appeared live during the conference.

Supremes legend Mary Wilson appeared via a special pre-recorded performance, and Raggae Icon Ziggy Marley also provided a pre-recorded musical treat.

Williams has produced No. 1 pop and R&B hits like “When You Love Somebody,” “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle,” “Free,” “Black Butterfly,” and “Let’s Hear it For the Boy.”

During a recent “Black Lives Matter” demonstration, Williams’ “Black Butterfly,” earned selection as one of the Top 10 Black Empowerment Songs of all-time by veteran music writer Chuck Arnold.

A Gary, Indiana native, Williams was weaned on the late, great Minnie Ripperton’s soul stylings.

Riperton, who, according to her biography would later become a trusted mentor and friend to Williams, posted on Williams’ website.

Williams took a circuitous route to musical stardom. She attended Morgan State University in Baltimore to become a registered nurse and also worked as a ward clerk at Mercy Hospital in Chicago. Later, Williams worked for a telephone company while singing part-time in clubs.

“It was when I landed a part-time job singing at a club at the Casino Royal, that I realized how much I enjoyed singing and performing, this was the pivotal moment in my life and where my music career began,” Williams explained.

In a 2019 review of her early smash album, “This is Niecy,” the late and great music columnist Rashod Ollison wrote that Williams was one of the best female singer-songwriters to emerge in the mid-’70s with a classic approach that generally sidestepped trends.

“She became a pop star in the ’80s with the era-defining ‘Let’s Hear It for the Boy,’ a catchy number from the Footloose soundtrack,” Ollison wrote.

“But long before that, she poured womanly intelligence into beautiful music,” he proclaimed.

The musical roots on “This Is Niecy” snake through jazz and gospel, an irrevocably black approach, Ollison noted.

But Williams’ unflinching look at the wonder and disillusionment of romance makes it universal, all rendered in a flutelike soprano that evokes very little, if any, gut-venting pain. Even songs of soured love beam a ray of sunlight, Ollison continued in his praise.

With only eight songs averaging about four minutes each, Ollison proclaimed that This Is Niecy is a concise musical portrait. The opener, “It’s Important to Me,” is one of those zesty numbers with exclamatory horns found on Earth, Wind & Fire albums with White shadowing Williams on lead vocals.

“‘That’s What Friends Are For,’ not to be confused with the Dionne Warwick charity hit of the ’80s, is a charmer with shifting tempos that mingle girl-next-door sweetness with womanly allure, a Williams hallmark,” Ollison wrote.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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