All books are by Author & Publisher Juanita Bratcher

“Harold: The Making of a Big City Mayor”

Harold Washington, Chicago’s greatest mayor, was the first African-American elected mayor of the City of Chicago.

In the book, Bratcher zeroes in on how this spirited campaign got off the ground, how the dream was accomplished, and the uphill struggle that brought it about. The book focuses on:

• The early stages of the campaign
• Voter registration drive
• The infusion of “racial politics” into the campaign
• Excerpts/statements/speeches on the campaign trail
• Washington’s views on the Rev. Jesse Jackson
• Interviews following his inauguration
• Black aldermen’s views on the city’s first black mayor
• Council wars/polarization
• Selected quotes from the campaign
• The battle cry for change
• Why Washington accused former Mayor Jane Byrne of trying to “destroy” the Democratic Party
• Washington accused the Vrdolyak “29”, headed by then Alderman Edward Vrdolyak, of a “nervous reaction” to his administration’s reform process. The “Vrdolyak “29” tried to sabotage every agenda Washington tried to put in place or change.
• 16 pictorial pages

$10 plus $3.00 S&H

“Beyond the Boardroom: Empowering a New Generation of Leaders”

A biography of John Herman Stroger, Jr., the first African-American elected president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, was a legendary icon in county, city and state politics

Stroger spent almost four decades in public office. He was elected as a Commissioner to the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 1970. He served as ward committeeman before becoming a commissioner. During his 24 years as a sitting commissioner and then heading up the powerful Finance Committee, Stroger made a run for President in 1994, and won. At the age of 77, Stroger was running for a “four peat” term in 2005 said he was running for re-election because he had a vision for County for the next four years.

In the book Stroger discussed “race and politics, dealing with the white media”

“I’ve been dealing with race in terms of different racial people and culture. There are some people who are saying subtly that some race is being played in it (2006 campaign). But when you got a guy of my pigmentation and a white guy running there may be some race (involved). But as you know, even before I got to be President, I (put together) a multi-racial group. “I’d like to think that I’d be judged in the end on my performance as an elected official…”

• Quotes from various elected officials
• Stroger’s staying power
• Stroger suffered a debilitating stroke. He won the primary election but asked Democratic Party to replace him on the ballot with son, Todd
• Stroger goes out a winner, declaring: “This is probably one of the most difficult periods in my life (recuperating from stroke, and calling it quits)…this is a battle I’m going to win.”

$22.95 plus $3.50 S&H

“I Cry For A People: In Their Struggle for Justice and Equality”

A provocative book of poetry…a soul searching view of Blacks’ struggle in America, with an Introduction by the Honorable Illinois Appellate Court Justice R. Eugene Pincham (deceased):

“From the beginning of America, continuously and uninterruptedly to the present and beyond,  my people, Black people in America, have labored, struggled, bled and died combating vicious racial laws, customs and practices. Their struggle has been unending. Juanita Bratcher’s ‘I Cry for a People’ is a compilation of heart wrenching prose of the struggles of my people, Black people, for justice and equality in this land. She eloquently expresses the sentiments of the unheralded, oppressed millions who sacrificed, without notable acclaim. Bratcher’s book is a well-deserved tribute to them, their sacrifices and struggles” – Retired Illinois Appellate Court Justice R. Eugene Pincham

In the book, there are poems such as:

• The Scars of Slavery Are Upon Us
• America, Don’t Turn Your Back On The Poor
• The Menacing Eyes of Racism
• The Almighty Bigot Stands In The Door
• The Dynamics of Politics
• The Power of the Ballot
• Black Man Come Home To Your Children
• Homeless People Are Humans
• Hey, Mister Politician
• Don’t Blame Me For Your Failures

…And many, many more.

$8.00 plus $2.50 S&H

“A Celebration of Love”

 The perfect gift for Valentine’s Day and an ideal gift for anniversaries, special occasions, birthdays, etc.

Can’t say what you’d like to say to that “special person(s)” in your life? “A Celebration of Love” is a book of love poems for Lovers at Heart. This is a Tel-A-Luv book. So buy the book and celebrate love with that significant other.

$10 plus $1.50 S&H

“Crooked Curves: The Last of the Red Hot Mamas”

(A novel)

Try this ONE on for size

They got game! Seven women (red-hot mamas) all living unstable, unsavory lives with sordid pasts, find themselves pawns in the middle of a vicious and controversial scandal.

A spellbinding novel, a story about love, courage, deception and triumph of a wealthy black family in crisis. Robert and Patricia Nemac, patriarch and matriarch of the Powerful Nemac clan, had positioned themselves to blow the lid off a dark, family secret, one that would rock the foundation of the powerful Nemac Empire, and jerk at the nerves of every family member. It is a powder keg waiting to explode! An albatross around their neck! It is a rude awakening for Robert Nemac, the patriarch of the rich Nemac clan. With one flame dead and another one carrying his baby, he is caught in the crossfire of murder, fatherhood, and the scorn of his wife over his dead mistress’ child, and his infidelities. In the end, he wages an all-out battle against his mistress’ fiancé for custody of the child he fathered, against his bitter wife’s wishes. At the same time, he tries to earn back his wife’s love and respect.

$9.95 plus $3.00 S&H

“Love Me One More Time”

(A novel)

What happens when love goes wrong?

A passionate, romantic love affair goes on the skids. Can it be saved? Dr. Cal Laney, a medical doctor, is fit to be tied when he goes on a wild goose chase in search of his former sweetheart (Lori Russell) who disappeared without a trace for more than a decade. He finds it painfully agonizing to allow himself to be this uptight over a woman whose disappearance has put him through nothing short of a living hell and pushed his life into mental turmoil. When he finds her, he gets the biggest shock of his life when she reveals a secret to him he never expects to hear, leading him to demand answers for this untimely revelation. Will he end up finding solace in her arms, something he has desired for the last ten years? Or will he have a change of heart and make a beeline right into the arms of another woman who’s been waiting in the wings for his love and affection?

Unrelenting Love Tested

Dr. Cal Laney is one of six professional black men (known as the “Super Six”) – powerful and modestly wealthy, who has bonded over the years in an enduring, longtime friendship. When the going gets tough they can count on that solvent friendship to see each other through. So when Laney’s love life has some very daring and traumatic moments – in dire need of some “sexual healing” – he reluctantly seeks the advice of his buddies about his wanton love affair. He finds their responses quite mind-boggling. Will he abandon their advice altogether? Or will he pick up the pieces and try to mount them back together again?

$15 plus $3.00 S&H

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Books Layout and Design by Pamela & Clarence McMillan

“All we could do was to stand”

By Chinta Strausberg

Dr. Berlean Miller Burris, the wife of former U.S. Senator Roland W. Burris, chronicled the daily stories written about her husband who was dogged by the media over allegations that he talked to the brother of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich about raising money while seeking then President-Elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate.

She turned that daily pain into an inspiring book entitled, “Just Stand: God’s Faithfulness Never Fails.”

Just three-days before Blagojevich was sentenced to 14-years in prison, Dr. Burris held a book-signing ceremony at Josephine’s Hardtimes Restaurant, 436 E. 79th St., Chicago, Illinois. “When Roland was appointed to the Senate, we went through such trials at that time and all we could do was to stand because our backs were against the wall,” she said.

“The reason why we could stand was because of God’s faithfulness to us and ultimately he was vindicated and clearly we could see his faithfulness.”

When asked how did she cope with the screaming almost daily headlines denouncing her husband, Dr. Burris said, “ I just started journaling and I would pray about it. Roland had assured me that he had done absolutely nothing wrong, but we could not convince the press of that and we did not have any ink.”

Saying she had no intentions of writing a book, Dr. Burris said she simply recorded her thoughts and accounts every day as a way of coping with the pressures they were enduring.

“At the end of the experience, I had journal all of this information and I realized how faithful God had been to us and said I have to tell my story.”

Dr. Burris said they ran out of money because of the bad press. “That was something he had to contend with. People will stick with you when you’re riding high, but if they think something is going differently, they disappear.

“They sent everything to a Republican state’s attorney in southern Illinois and told him to find out all of the bad stuff. He looked at everything and determined that there was absolutely nothing there but that was never printed in the headlines,” she said. “That was clearly God’s faithfulness.”

The youngest of 13 children from Itta Bena, Mississippi, Dr. Burris said Blacks could not attend school to become a registered nurse but they could become a practical nurse. “They were not very kind to us in terms of becoming a registered nurse.”

Her parents sent her to Provident Hospital to become a registered nurse and while there; she met Roland Burris from southern Illinois. Former Senator Burris said he was working part-time in the Pharmacy.

“I told my boss, who was a pharmacist who was dating a nurse who happens to be her (Berlean’s work sister) and I told my boss I wanted to meet some of those pretty nurses and they set it up to meet Berlean. I went over to the dormitory and she came downstairs.

“We went into the lounge. I stood and said, ‘Why do you want to meet me. She said, ‘I didn’t want to meet you. You wanted to meet me’ and she got up and walked out. I had to try and do a little patching up so the next day I came back and met her the next day and we got off to a better start and the rest is history. We started dating,” he said. The couple has been married 50-years on December 23, 2011.

Burris, who was the first African American to be elected for a statewide office when he won the Illinois Comptroller seat in 1978. He went on to win the race for the Illinois Attorney General in 1990. served as Illinois Attorney General until 1995.

But, his problems began after Blagojevich, who Wednesday was sentenced to 14-years in federal prison, appointed him to replace then President-Elect Barack Obama.

Burris came under fire by the media and some political foes who claim he perjured himself when he testified before an Illinois House of Representative committee on whether he allegedly tried to negotiate on the price for Obama’s Senate seat—a charge he adamantly denied.

After several investigations, it was a Republican Sangamon County State’s Attorney who cleared his name. Burris had done nothing wrong.

But, the almost daily screeching headlines were traumatizing to Burris and his wife who kept a journal she turned into a book.

Burris said being a political wife is not easy. He spoke about the false allegations leveled against him. “I also did a lot of praying,” he said. “People were praying for us so there is power in prayer.”

Referring to the media reports, Burris said, “These people took misinformation that was printed in those newspapers and they tried to put me in jail. They tried to get me for perjury. No way in the world” was he guilty of that, he said.

When the smoke cleared, Sen. Burris said, “When the truth came out from the Republican state’s attorney in Sangamon County, the media didn’t say anything. They didn’t say that Roland Burris had not done anything wrong. They said we were still under investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee but they were doing absolutely nothing because there was nothing there.

“They created a great deal of consternation for my political career because I wanted to run for at least a term in the U.S. Senate but then they created all this debt for me and created such an atmosphere to pay off the debt let alone $10 million or $15 million to run for the office,” the senator said.

Asked if he is bitter, Burris said, “I’m not bitter, no. It was just a learning experience. I chalk it all up to God directing me and setting the foundation to which way I was supposed to go. That was not for me other than to get the appointment. I had an opportunity to serve in the U.S. Senate. That is what I really cherish and will never forget,” he said.

The couple, who belong to Saint John Church Baptist, said faith has sustained them through their political storm. The song, “Just Stand,” sums up how the Burris’ got through the media bashing and false accusations.

“If the mind keeps thinking you’ve had enough but the heart keeps telling you don’t give up who are we to be questioning, wondering what is what? Don’t give up, through it all, just stand up” and that is exactly what the Burris’ did…”Just Stand” and let God work his miracles.

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.

Photo Caption by Chinta Strausberg: Dr. Bearlean Miller Burris and former U.S. Senator Roland W. Burris.

Nationwide (BlackNews.com) — The Ron Brown Scholar Program seeks to identify African-American high school seniors who will make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service activities and demonstrate financial need. The applicant must be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card. Current college students are not eligible to apply.

Each year, a minimum of ten students will be designated Ron Brown Scholars and will receive $10,000 annually for four years, for a total of $40,000. The recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown Scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. More than 250 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars since the inception of the Program.

Ron Brown Scholars are selected in the spring prior to entering college. Applications are screened during the month of February by Ron Brown Scholar Program staff. In March, finalists are invited to participate in a weekend selection process in Washington, D.C. at the expense of the CAP Charitable Foundation. Finalists are interviewed by members of the Ron Brown Selection Committee and are expected to participate in several Selection Weekend activities. Scholarship winners are selected on the basis of their applications, interviews and participation in Selection Weekend activities.

The deadline to apply is January 9, 2012.

For more details, visit:
www.BlackStudents.com/ronbrownscholars

Johnson Publishing Company Chairman Linda Johnson Rice Receives The Links Medal

Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) — Last weekend, The Links, Incorporated, an international nonprofit service organization of professional women of color, hosted its 65th Anniversary from November 11-13 in Washington, D.C. Nearly 1200 guests from throughout the United States, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, representing the 274 Links chapters, attended the weekend celebration.

The event included a rededication and ribbon cutting ceremony of The Links, Incorporated’s newly renovated National Headquarters, a state of the art LEED certified building, located at 1200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW in downtown Washington D.C.

“The Links, Incorporated is proud to celebrate our 65 years of unwavering commitment to public service and the empowerment of our community. Our members continue to make a difference daily in communities across the globe and collectively helped raise over $2,000,000 dollars in 2011 for transformational programs that will continue to carry our proud legacy of service forward in the years to come,” stated Margot James Copeland, National President of The Links, Incorporated.

The Marriott Wardman Park was the backdrop for a black-tie reception and gala hosted by actors Tim Reid and Daphne Maxwell Reid and featuring Grammy-award winning singer Will Downing. The evening, which was attended by many persons of note, including Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC), Mayor Vincent Gray, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya Elkana Odembo, Lynn Whitfield, and Desiree Rogers, marked the debut of the organization’s highest honor bestowed upon an organization, The Links Medal, presented to Johnson Publishing Company Chairman Linda Johnson Rice on behalf of Ebony magazine.

The recipient of The Links Medal, designed by renowned sculptor and artist Ed Dwight, must have a legacy of challenging the status-quo, moving into unknown territories to create and establish permanence of position, and demonstration of making a significant and positive impact in the lives and culture of African-Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

“We at Ebony are honored and humbled to receive the inaugural Links Medal, and remain committed to our long tradition of working with The Links to inform and enrich lives,” stated Linda Johnson Rice, Chairman of Johnson Publishing Company.

The Links, Incorporated

For 65 years, The Links, Incorporated has been committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African-Americans and other persons of African ancestry. Today, a premier international service organization with more than 12,000 members in 274 chapters located in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, its legacy of friends providing service that changes lives, established by the original circle of nine friends in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1946, is alive and well. The members of The Links, Incorporated are influential decision makers and opinion leaders. The Links, Incorporated has attracted many distinguished women who are individual achievers and have made a difference in their communities and the world. They are business and civic leaders, role models, mentors, activists and volunteers who work towards a common vision by engaging like-minded organizations and individuals for partnership.

With over 2 million service hours recorded in the past three years, members regularly contribute more than 500,000 documented service hours in their respective communities annually. The Links Foundation, Incorporated, the philanthropic arm of The Links, Incorporated, has made more than $24 million dollars in charitable contributions since its founding. Working closely with its sponsors and supporters, The Links, Incorporated is focused on creating transformational programming in communities of color in Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities.

For more information, visit www.linksinc.org.

For more information, photos, or to schedule an interview please contact Chris Garrett of Impact Strategies at 202-223-4338 or cgarrett@impactstrategiesllc.com.

Vashawn Mitchell leads with 10 nominations, followed by Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin and Deitrick Haddon

Special Honorees John P. Kee, Vy Higginsen and Dorothy Norwood Also Announced

Nashville, TN (BlackNews.com) — Nominees for the 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, gospel music’s biggest night of the year, were revealed in last Saturday’s special one-hour live telecast from Nashville’s NorthStar Studios, “The Stellar Awards Nomination Concert and Announcements” on Atlanta-based GMC Network. The Stellar Gospel Music Awards is the first and only annual nationally-televised awards show honoring African American gospel music artists.

With nominations revealed in twenty-nine categories, emerging gospel star Vashawn Mitchell led this year’s nominees, earning an impressive ten nods for his work on his 2011 release Triumphant, including “Artist of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year.”

Veteran superstars Mary Mary and Kirk Franklin tied with six nods for their respective projects Something Big and Hello Fear. Groundbreaking artist Deitrick Haddon’s latest CD, Church on the Moon, earned five nominations.

In addition to the individual nominations of the top artists, their team members also scored nominations for the projects: Director Christian Heuer received a nomination for Mary Mary’s music video, Walking, and Warryn Campbell received a nomination for Producer of the Year for Mary Mary’s album Something Big; Songwriter Darius Paulk received a nomination for Nobody Greater, sung by Vashawn Mitchell; and Denise Trotman and Greg Gilligan received a nomination for the recorded music packaging on Kirk Franklin’s Hello Fear.

The live announcement show was led by the evening’s hosts, Christian comic Akintunde and Stellar Award-winning gospel artists Trin-i-tee 5:7. They were joined by Isaac Carree, William McDowell, Y’anna Crawley and Brian Courtney Wilson, who delivered stirring performances. Additionally, Stellar Award-winning artist James Fortune made a surprise guest appearance.

The show’s producers, Central City Productions Founder/Chairman Don Jackson stated, “Last year marked our first live nominee announcement on the GMC television network and today’s show was another huge success! It is very appropriate and fitting to celebrate the nominees of Gospel’s biggest night through praise and worship because everyone is a winner here today.”

The 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Show will be hosted this year by gospel legends Dorinda Clark Cole and Marvin Sapp and taped before a live audience on Saturday, January 14, 2012. The telecast is scheduled to air in national syndication from January 21, 2012 to February 26, 2012 on the GMC and local markets around the country.

The show will feature star-studded performances by James Fortune, Kirk Franklin, Jessica Reedy, Earnest Pugh, Richard Smallwood and Vision, Martha Munizzi, LeAndria Johnson, Lecrae, Canton Jones, Kim Burrell, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Fred Hammond and Ricky Dillard among others.

In addition to recognizing the year’s most outstanding contributions in the genre, The Stellar Awards also bestow special honors upon individuals whose names are synonymous with greatness throughout distinguished careers in the gospel arena. During this year’s ceremony, Vy Higginsen, founder of Gospel for Teens will be recognized with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award; Dorothy Norwood will receive the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award; and John P. Kee will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award for his historical contributions to the industry. Other special categories were also revealed, highlighting the top radio stations serving urban Gospel music audiences.

It was also announced that a Public Voting for the Gospel Announcer of the Year and Internet Radio Station of the Year will be available online from October 29, 2011 through November 15, 2011 by visiting www.thestellarawards.com. Viewers can also log on to www.Facebook.com/stellarawards and follow Twitter.com/@TheStellars for show updates.

The live taping at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN is open to the public and tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster (http://www.ticketmaster.com/). Ticket prices range from $55 – $200. In addition, balcony seats are available for students for $35. For additional details, visit the Stellar Awards website (www.thestellarawards.com).

In related news, the Gospel Music Channel renewed its agreement to broadcast the Stellar Awards through 2014 as part of a long-term deal announced Friday between the two parties. GMC has telecast the Stellars since 2009. Additionally, the network will also air the live Stellar nominations in 2012 and 2013.

Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. (CCP) has produced The Stellar Gospel Music Awards for 26 years. The first show was taped at the Arie Crown Theatre in Chicago and The Stellar Awards has since evolved into a premier Gospel event recognizing and honoring African American artists. An original awards show, it has propelled and showcased top Gospel artists and countless television and film stars. The ever-expanding roster of celebrity appearances on the Stellar Awards has included such notable personalities as Lou Gossett, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, The Winans, Clifton Davis, Yolanda Adams, Vicki Winans, Tyler Perry, Aretha Franklin, Idris Alba, Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker and countless others.

“Once again we have an amazing lineup for the 27th Annual Stellar Awards,” said Stellar Awards Producer Barbara Wilson. “As Producer of this show for over 25 years, I am constantly inspired by the wealth of talent out there. My mission is to continue to produce a show that not only entertains our viewers, but touches their souls in a way that only gospel music can do.”
The 2012 Stellar Awards Nominees are:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- EARNEST PUGH, EARNESTLY YOURS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE
- KIRK FRANKLIN, HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS
- VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

SONG OF THE YEAR
- DARIUS PAULK, NOBODY GREATER – TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL
- DEITRICK HADDON, WELL DONE – CHURCH ON THE MOON, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- KIRK FRANKLIN, I SMILE – HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- WESS MORGAN, I CHOOSE TO WORSHIP – UNDER AN OPEN HEAVEN, BOWTIE WORLD MUSIC

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- EARNEST PUGH, EARNESTLY YOURS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE
- ISRAEL HOUGHTON, LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE, INTEGRITY MUSIC
- SMOKIE NORFUL, HOW I GOT OVER: SONGS THAT CARRIED US, TREMYLES MUSIC/EMI GOSPEL
- VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR* (*renamed in 2011)
- BEVERLY CRAWFORD, LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES – VOL. 2, JDI RECORDS
- KIM BURRELL, THE LOVE ALBUM, SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT – MARTHA MUNIZZI, MAKE IT LOUD!, EPIC MUSIC
- YOLANDA ADAMS, BECOMING, N-HOUSE MUSIC GROUP

GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR
- JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA, I BELIEVE, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE
- MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS
- THE RANCE ALLEN GROUP, THE LIVE EXPERIENCE II, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
- TRIN-I-TEE 5:7, ANGEL & CHANELLE, MUSIC WORLD GOSPEL/MUSIC WORLD

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- GREATER MOUNT CALVARY RECORDING CHOIR, GREATER MOUNT CALVARY LIVE: AS TOLD BY THE MUSIC MINISTRY, CALVARY RECORDS
- PREASHEA HILLIARD, LIVE OUT LOUD, SOUNDEFX MEDIA/BLACKSMOKE
- TODD DULANEY, PULLIN ME THROUGH, GOLDSTREET GOSPEL MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
- Y’ANNA CRAWLEY, THE PROMISE, ID MUSIC GROUP/UNIVERSAL/FONTANA DISTRIBUTION

CD OF THE YEAR
- JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA, I BELIEVE, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE
- KIRK FRANKLIN, HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS
- VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

CHOIR OF THE YEAR
- CHICAGO MASS CHOIR, XV LIVE, NEW HAVEN RECORDS
- MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR, …THEN SINGS MY SOUL, MALACO
- RICKY DILLARD & NEW G, KEEP LIVING, LIGHT RECORDS/ENTERTAINMENT ONE
- SHEKINAH GLORY MINISTRY, REFRESHED BY FIRE, KINGDOM RECORDS, INC.

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
- AARON LINDSEY, TOMMY SIMS, & ISRAEL HOUGHTON, LOVE GOD,LOVE PEOPLE, INTEGRITY MUSIC – KIRK FRANKLIN, HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- VASHAWN MITCHELL, DANIEL WEATHERSPOON & RICK ROBINSON, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL
- WARRYN CAMPBELL/ MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS

CONTEMPORARY GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR
- JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA, I BELIEVE, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC
- MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS
- TRIN-I-TEE 5:7, ANGEL & CHANELLE, MUSIC WORLD GOSPEL/MUSIC WORLD

TRADITIONAL GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR
- KEITH “WONDERBOY” JOHNSON & THE SPIRITUAL VOICES, BACK 2 BASICS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE
- THE RANCE ALLEN GROUP, THE LIVE EXPERIENCE II, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
- THE SOUL SEAKERS, SOUL SEEKERS II, MY BLOCK RECORDS/MALACO MUSIC GROUP

CONTEMPORARY MALE OF THE YEAR
- DEITRICK HADDON, CHURCH ON THE MOON, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- EARNEST PUGH, EARNESTLY YOURS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE
- ISRAEL HOUGTON, LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE, INTEGRITY MUSIC
- VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

TRADITIONAL MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- KEITH “WONDERBOY” JOHNSON, BACK 2 BASICS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE
- JOHN P. KEE, THE LEGACY PROJECT, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- RANCE ALLEN, THE LIVE EXPERIENCE II, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
- SMOKIE NORFUL, HOW I GOT OVER: SONGS THAT CARRIED US, TREMYLES MUSIC/EMI GOSPEL

CONTEMPORARY FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

- KIM BURRELL, THE LOVE ALBUM, SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT
- PREASHEA HILLIARD, LIVE OUT LOUD, SOUNDEFX MEDIA/BLACKSMOKE
- Y’ANNA CRAWLEY, THE PROMISE, ID MUSIC GROUP/UNIVERSAL/FONTANA DISTRIBUTION
- YOLANDA ADAMS, BECOMING, N-HOUSE MUSIC GROUP

TRADITIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- BEVERLY CRAWFORD, LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES – VOL.2, JDI RECORDS
- EVELYN TURRENTINE-AGEE, THERE’S GONNA BE A MEETING, SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT
- LASHUN PACE, REBORN, SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT
- TWINKIE CLARK, WITH HUMILITY, ARROWHEAD GOSPEL

CONTEMPORARY CD OF THE YEAR
- DEITRICK HADDON, CHURCH ON THE MOON, VERITY MUSIC GROUP
- KIRK FRANKLIN, HELLO FEAR, VERITY MUSIC GROUP
- MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS
- VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

TRADITIONAL CD OF THE YEAR
- JOHN P. KEE, THE LEGACY PROJECT, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR, …THEN SINGS MY SOUL, MALACO
- RICKY DILLARD & NEW G, KEEP LIVING, LIGHT RECORDS/ ENTERTAINMENT ONE
- SMOKIE NORFUL, HOW I GOT OVER: SONGS THAT CARRIED US, TREMYLES MUSIC/ EMI GOSPEL

URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
- DEITRICK HADDON, WELL DONE – CHURCH ON THE MOON, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- KIRK FRANKLIN, I SMILE – HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- MARY MARY, WALKING – SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/ MY BLOCK RECORDS

- VASHAWN MITCHELL, NOBODY GREATER – TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR – SHORT FORMAT
- CANTON JONES, GOD – DOMINIONAIRE, CAJO RECORDS
- CHRISTIAN HEUER, WALKING – SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS
- MARTHA MUNIZZI, EXCELLENT – MAKE IT LOUD!, EPIC MUSIC
- VASHAWN MITCHELL, NOBODY GREATER – TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR – LONG FORMAT
- DEITRICK HADDON, CHURCH ON THE MOON: PART ONE, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- JERRY PARRIES, BISHOP MORTON CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN MUSIC, LIGHT RECORDS/ENTERTAINMENT ONE,
- MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR, …THEN SINGS MY SOUL, MALACO
- RICKY DILLARD, KEEP LIVING, LIGHT RECORDS/ENTERTAINMENT ONE

TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR
- CHICAGO MASS CHOIR, XV LIVE, NEW HAVEN RECORDS
- GREATER MOUNT CALVARY RECORDING CHOIR, GREATER MOUNT CALVARY LIVE: AS TOLD BY THE MUSIC MINISTRY, CALVARY RECORDS
- MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR, …THEN SINGS MY SOUL, MALACO
- RICKY DILLARD & NEW G, KEEP LIVING, LIGHT RECORDS/ENTERTAINMENT ONE

CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR
- LONNIE HUNTER & STRUCTURE, I’M BACK, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE
- SHEKINAH GLORY MINISTRY, REFRESHED BY FIRE, KINGDOM RECORDS, INC.

INSTRUMENTAL GOSPEL CD OF THE YEAR
- HAROLD RAYFORD, I AM THE INSTRUMENT, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
- MOSES TYSON, JR., MUSIC REMASTERED & SACRED ORGAN, TYMO RECORDS
- TODD LEDBETTER, MEDITATIONS: HYMNS IN THE KEY OF JAZZ, DAMALJAH
- WINSTON STEWART, SEASON, JOYFUL RECORDS

SPECIAL EVENT CD OF THE YEAR
- BISHOP PAUL S. MORTON, BISHOP MORTON CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF MUSIC, LIGHT RECORDS/ENTERTAINMENT ONE
- JOHN P. KEE, THE LEGACY PROJECT, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- SHEKINAH GLORY MINISTRY, REFRESHED BY FIRE, KINGDOM RECORDS, INC.
- VASHAWN MITCHELL, MY SONGBOOK, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL CD OF THE YEAR
- FLAME, CAPTURED, CLEAR SIGHT MUSIC
- LECRAE, REHAB, REACH RECORDS
- LECRAE, REHAB: THE OVERDOSE, REACH RECORDS
- VIKTORY, BIRTH OF A LEGACY: VOL. 1, VIKTORIUS MUSIC GROUP

CHILDRENS PROJECT OF THE YEAR
- PURE N HEART, TEEN PURE IN HEART LIVE, MUSIC2CHANGEU RECORDS
- SANTIAGO & CLAUDE DEUCE, MY DESTINY PLACE – MY IMAGINATION, OPEN RIVERS PICTURES/EAESIS/WORD DISTRIBUTION
- THE VELAZQUEZ FAMILY SINGERS, TEN, Z.A.V.E. RECORDS
- T-REP THE YOUNG PRAYZR, LET’S GO, YUNGSTA GRIND ENTERTAINMENT

QUARTET OF THE YEAR
- KEITH “WONDERBOY” JOHNSON & THE SPIRITUAL VOICES, BACK 2 BASICS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE
- THE RANCE ALLEN GROUP, THE LIVE EXPERIENCE II, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
- THE SOUL SEEKERS, SOUL SEEKERS II, MY BLOCK RECORDS/ MALACO MUSIC GROUP

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
- CHRISTINA JONES, DOMINIONAIRE, CAJO RECORDS
- DENISE TROTMAN & GREG GILLIGAN, HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP
- MARTHA MUNIZZI, MAKE IT LOUD!, EPIC MUSIC

- TANNER GARY, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

PRAISE AND WORSHIP CD OF THE YEAR
- EARNEST PUGH, EARNESTLY YOURS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE
- ISRAEL HOUGHTON, LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE, INTEGRITY MUSIC
- SHEKINAH GLORY MINISTRY, REFRESHED BY FIRE, KINGDOM RECORDS, INC.
- VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

SPOKEN WORLD CD RECORDING OF THE YEAR
- MARCO THE POET, MARCO THE POET EP, INDEPENDENT
- MICHAEL DIALLO MCLENDON, THE DIALLO EXPERIENCE, SEEDWORKS RECORDS
- SELAH, LOOK AT YOU LOVING ME, PAUSE AND THINK MINISTRIES
- TRUPOETRY, TRUPOETRY, TRUPOETRY
SPECIAL AWARDS — HONOREES/ NOMINEES

THOMAS A. DORSEY MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREE
VY HIGGINSEN

AMBASSADOR DR. BOBBY JONES LEGEND AWARD HONOREE
DOROTHY NORWOOD

JAMES CLEVELAND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREE
JOHN P. KEE

SMALL MARKET RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR
- WDJL 1000 AM Huntsville, AL
- WJNI 106.3 FM Charleston, SC
- KOKA 980 AM Shreveport, LA
- WIMG 1300 AM Trenton, NJ

MEDIUM MARKET RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR
- WLOU 1350 AM Louisville, KY
- WPRF 94.9 FM New Orleans, LA
- WENO 760 AM Nashville, TN

- KPZK 102.5 FM Little Rock, AR

LARGE MARKET RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR
- WHAL 95.7FM/1460 AM Memphis, TN
- WFMI 100.9 Va-Norfolk-Newpt, VA
- WCAO 600 AM Baltimore, MD
- WMBM 1490 AM Miami, FL

MAJOR MARKET RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR
- WPZE 102.5 Atlanta, GA
- WPRS 104.1 Washington, DC
- KJLH 102.3 FM Los Angeles, CA
- WGRB 1390 AM Chicago, IL
ABOUT CENTRAL CITY PRODUCTIONS (CCP)
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson and Produced by Barbara Wilson for Central City Productions. Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions is a distributor of original targeted programming to television and cable networks. For more information, please visit www.ccptv.com.
ABOUT GMC
GMC (www.watchGMCtv.com) is America’s favorite television channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. The Parents Television Council(TM) recently awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval(TM) to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” GMC was the only television network to receive the highly coveted honor in 2010. GMC can be seen in more than 51 million homes on various cable systems around the country, including DISH Network on channel 188, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Follow GMC TV on Facebook and Twitter at http://facebook.com/gmctv and http://twitter.com/gmctv.

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – Richmond Free Press photographer Sandra Sellars made history when she covered the historic investiture of Virginia Supreme Court Justice Cleo E. Powell on Friday, Oct. 21.

When the prize-winning photographer arrived at the state’s highest court to cover the Powell formal installation, she became:

• · The first Black newspaper photographer to cover an investiture in the 232-year history of the court, which is located across the street from the State Capitol.
• · The first woman newspaper photographer to cover a Supreme Court investiture, according to Free Press research.

Overton Jones, a retired Richmond daily editor, agreed that Ms. Sellars was a likely gender history maker in Richmond journalism. “I don’t recall any” woman photographer covering a Supreme Court investiture, said Jones, who worked first for the defunct Richmond News Leader and later for the Richmond Times-Dispatch a total of 55 years, beginning in 1938.
Sellars’ presence will add to the historical significance of the installation of Justice Powell, the first Black female justice elected to the court by the General Assembly.

Chief Justice Cynthia D. Kinser’s approval of Sellars represents a major victory for the decade-long Free Press campaign to change the court’s guidelines that previously barred photographers from the Free Press and other Black-owned newspapers, as well as those from non-dailies. Earlier, the chief justice, in response to another Free Press campaign, expunged sexist references from the court’s website.

The racial breakthrough in Virginia could – by example – open doors for Black newspapers across the country. Old rules, based on vestitures of racism remain in high courts and state houses around the nation.
The new Kinser guidelines, for the first time, allow a pool photographer for non-daily newspapers and one, as usual, for dailies. Previously, the court only allowed one pool photographer in the courtroom – and that photographer always came from a White-owned daily or The Associated Press.
For the Oct. 21 Powell investiture, Steve Helber, a veteran photographer for The Associated Press, was designated to provide pool coverage for dailies.

The court notified the Free Press of the guideline change in an Oct. 6 email to Raymond H. Boone, Free Press editor/publisher. The email also notified Mr. Boone of the selection of Ms. Sellars to “serve as the pool photographer representing non-daily newspapers.” The email was sent by Katya N. Herndon, the state court’s director of legislative and public relations.

Sellars also represented the 200 newspaper members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association of which the Free Press is a member.

The ceremony took place inside the court’s marbled and pillared courtroom that was packed with more than 250 well wishers. They included U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, Federal Judge Roger Gregory, Gov. Bob McDonnell, Attorney Gen. Ken Cuccinelli, Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones, state judges and legislators, family and friends. Another 250 people watched the 80-minute ceremony in overflow courtrooms that received a live feed.

A solemn Justice Powell raised her right hand and put her left hand on the Bible belonging to her late father, Milas Powell Jr., a Bible held by her mother, Mary C. Powell, and husband of 22 years, Alvin L. Dilworth, a Chesterfield County deputy sheriff.

Then her three children proudly helped the trailblazing justice into her black judicial robe.

The court’s policy change stems from a Sept. 19 meeting between Chief Justice Kinser, Justice Powell and Boone, who was accompanied by Ms. Sellars and two other staff members – reporter Jeremy Lazarus and photographer Jerome Reid. At the rare face-to-face between the chief justice and the press, the chief justice also was accompanied by the court’s executive secretary, Karl R. Hade, and Ms. Herndon.

During the cordial, hour-long meeting in the chief justice’s office, the chief justice told Boone that the court was seeking to revamp its coverage policies to improve access to its ceremonies. She outlined the two-photographer policy for ceremonial events in the high court’s small courtroom during the meeting. At the time, she would only say the policy change was under consideration.
The Free Press challenged the court’s ban on the newspaper’s access to ceremonies as a violation of the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of the press. Boone also contended that the old policy promoted monopoly journalism.

The Free Press campaign began in 2003 when the state’s first black chief justice, the late Leroy Rountree Hassell, rejected a pledge to the Free Press to cover his investiture after the pledge had tentatively been offered by the court’s staff.

At the time, Justice Hassell did so to maintain the court’s tradition of allowing only one press pool photographer at such events. “I want to keep everything traditional,” he was quoted as saying. During his tenure that ended just before his death last winter, he refused to consider any change to the policy despite repeated Free Press editorials challenging his position.

The Free Press continued its campaign after Chief Justice Kinser took office Feb. 1, only to be rebuffed in seeking to cover the Sept. 1 investiture of new Justice Elizabeth A. McClannahan. Chief Justice Kinser set up the meeting with Boone after he wrote her Aug. 30, protesting the Free Press’ exclusion from the McClannahan investiture and past ceremonies and urging her to lead the change in the court’s press policy.
The Free Press also gained support for its position from the NNPA, Virginia Press Association and the Coalition for Open Government.

A standing ovation resounded as Justice Powell was escorted to the bench by three men she said played important roles in her career success: Norfolk native John Charles Thomas, the first black Supreme Court justice who is now a Richmond lawyer; Richmond state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III of Richmond and Chief Justice Hassell, also a Norfolk native.

In his remarks at the investiture, Gov. McDonnell, a Republican, hailed Justice Powell’s arrival on the court as fresh milestone in the effort to develop “a more perfect union and provide more equal justice.” He noted a black woman on the court could never have been imagined in 1623 when the original colonial court of appeals was created or in 1779 when its successor, the state Supreme Court, was established by the legislature.”What a tremendous day,” he enthused.
He pointed out that Justice Powell was being formally installed, while across the street at the State Capitol, a building designed by slave-holding Thomas Jefferson and built by slaves, filming was going on for a movie about the “Great Emancipator,” President Abraham Lincoln.

Photo Caption:

Richmond Free Press Photographer Sandra Sellars and Free Press Editor/Publisher Raymond H. Boone approach an entrance at the Virginia Supreme Court before she became the first woman and first Black person to photograph, representing newspapers, to cover the Virginia Supreme Court’s Investiture. PHOTO: Jerome Reid/Richmond Free Press

Photo Caption:

Virginia Supreme Court Justice Cleo E. Powell is applauded by fellow members of the court after she is sworn in Oct. 21 as the first Black woman to serve as a justice in the court’s 232-year history. PHOTO: Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez (second from left) presented awards to law enforcement and community partners for their outstanding work with domestic violence victims at a recent luncheon held in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Pictured with State’s Attorney Alvarez are (left to right):  Trinidad Birrutea from Connections for Abused Women and their Children, recipient of the Outstanding Advocate Award; Sarah McClarey, recipient of the Courage Award; and Chief Ernest T. Brown, Chicago Police Department, recipient of the Outstanding Law Enforcement Award.

PETAL et al.’s  Free video training workshops a resounding success; participants learned the basic essentials of designing and developing a video game.

South Holland, IL – Juanita Bratcher, Editor & Publisher of CopyLine Magazine, Author, Poet & Songwriter, shared her expertise in Script Writing to participants at PETAL et al.’s Video Game Design & Development workshops at the South Holland Library in South Holland, Illinois. Bratcher will also teach Script Writing at PETAL et al’s upcoming Training Sessions at Chicago’s Avalon Library, 8148 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL, on October 22nd and 29th.

Bratcher said PETAL et al. ’s efforts to offer free video game workshops to teach participants about the multi-billion-dollar industry should be commended. ”Just seeing the eagerness and the interest on the part of those participating in the workshops was amazing,” Bratcher said. “And to get this training for free makes it all worthwhile. Hopefully, some Foundations will step in and help PETAL et al. in its efforts to reach out to minorities in helping to develop their career goals and bring more diversity to the video game industry.”

PETAL et al., a not-for-profit company, offers the free video game training workshops to develop and enhance the skills of those persons interested in working in the video game industry.

According to Pamela McMillan, President & CEO of PETAL et al.,  ”minorities are grossly under-represented in the video game and mobile applications industry. There is a lack of diversity in the industry and we’re missing out on diversity.”

Concerned about a lack of diversity in the multi-billion-dollar video game and mobile applications industry, McMillan, through PETAL et al., is making steps to train minorities about the industry through exploratory and training workshops.

During the training sessions, McMillan teaches Introduction to Video Game Design & Development, and Clarence McMillan, PETAL et al.’s Chief Technology Officer, teaches Conceptual Art and Story Boarding. Others teaching in the sessions are: Nitin Khare, Michele McMillan and Anand Rao, some of the top Programmers in Chicago, who will share their expertise with participants; Samuel Piazza, Musician & Sound Engineer, will discuss music and sound effects for video games.

Pamela McMillan emphasized the need to raise minorities’ awareness about developments in the video game and mobile applications industry. She said video games and apps are not just for entertainment but also educational.

Clarence McMillan said the Video Game Design & Development Workshops sponsored by PETAL et al. focuses on and introduces technology behind many of today’s video games to users of this medium that are under-represented in its making and creation.

About PETAL et al.

PETAL et al. is a non-profit organization, the first of its kind that provides skills development and leadership training to the underprivileged and underrepresented in the entertainment technology arts industry where only a disproportionate number of minorities are employed. Our goal is to level the playing field by providing minorities who have career goals and a passionate interest in the field with mentoring services, world class trainers, industry insiders and experts with expertise and track records in the industry.

The mission of PETAL et al., is to provide training, mentorship and leadership skills to “level the playing field” for minorities in the Video Game and Mobile Applications industry. Our focus is on job skills development, portfolio enhancement and networking to help resolve the low representation of the underrepresented and underprivileged in the field and increase their potential for employment in the industry by creating bridges. We will do this by working with industry leaders, educators, organizations and corporations for the development of programs to make jobs in the industry tangible.

The vision of PETAL et al. and its founder is to inspire entertainment technology artists to push creativity, passion and their skills to the limit whereas prospective employers keep an eye out for talent coming out of the program.

The series follows 71-year-old Robbie Montgomery, a vivacious one-time soul backup singer for Ike & Tina Turner as she juggles expanding her wildly successful St. Louis soul food empire and her ever-growing family.

(BlackNews.com) — Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network’s highly-anticipated new family docu-series premieres on Saturday, October 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (8 p.m. CT) and takes viewers inside the close-knit Montgomery clan from St. Louis as they attempt to balance the daily demands of their lives while expanding the family-owned business.

Featuring an African-American cast, Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s is a heartwarming depiction of a hardworking, colorful and loving family, and demonstrates how good food, prepared with love, brings people together from all walks of life.

“Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s features a strong, fun-loving family as they work together to run their St. Louis soul food restaurant. We look forward to viewers welcoming the Montgomery family into their homes,” said Lisa Erspamer, executive vice president, programming and development, OWN.

 The show focuses on the family’s matriarch, Sweetie Pie’s owner Robbie Montgomery, a one-time backup singer for Ike and Tina Turner, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, James Brown and Pattie LaBelle, who honed her world famous fare utilizing her mother’s coveted soul food recipes to feed her band mates on tour during the segregated 60’s – a time when finding restaurants that would serve African-Americans with dignity was a difficult task. After a health scare ended her singing career, Montgomery (best known as “Miss Robbie”) sold her delicious dishes from the trunk of her car before opening her first Sweetie Pie’s eatery 15 years ago with the help of her family. Eight years later, Miss Robbie opened her second, roomier location in the Mangrove neighborhood. Featured on foodie favorite “Diners, Dives and Drive-Ins,”

Sweetie Pie’s is a local landmark for those seeking down-home comfort food prepared by Montgomery’s expert hand, and a favorite destination for visiting celebrities and dignitaries. The eatery has attracted notable diners such as sports icon and business mogul Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Oscar-winning actress and talk show host Mo’Nique and even President Barack Obama.

Miss Robbie, known for her quick wit, big heart and no-nonsense approach says, “Everyone comes to Sweetie Pie’s. All races, people from all over the world. The one thing they all have in common is that they are all hungry.” Her motto is “This family means business!” and her frequent sayings like “If it don’t make money, it don’t make sense,” pepper the show’s dialogue with a spiciness that gives viewers a glimpse into Miss Robbie’s larger-than-life persona, and account for her widespread popularity in the St. Louis community.

Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s also introduces viewers to the supporting cast of colorful characters in Montgomery’s life: there’s her son and business manager Tim Norman, Robbie’s ‘right hand’ and a former ladies’ man whose youthful brush with street life and the resulting consequences inspired him to mentor and help others; Tim’s longtime girlfriend, the beautiful, no-nonsense Jenae who is also expecting their first child; Miss Robbie’s nephew Lil’ Charles, a charismatic slacker who she has a soft spot for, but complains he “works hard at not working.”

Viewers also get to know other key members of the Sweetie Pie’s crew, such as kitchen manager ‘Pops’ who often provides old-school advice and serves as a voice of wisdom for the Montgomery family and other staff, and Jazzmin, who sometimes challenges Tim’s management skills with her insubordinate attitude.