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Terisa Griffin: Powerhouse Vocals, Purpose-Driven Life

When Terisa Griffin steps on stage, she doesn’t just sing—she commands the moment. Her voice is rooted in gospel. Her spirit is grounded in truth. The Louisiana native and Chicago-raised soulstress has carved out a lane all her own. Her journey—from the pulpit to the national spotlight on The Voice—is filled with grit, grace, and unwavering faith.

“I’m a little bit country, a little bit city, and a whole lot of grown,” she laughs. “Louisiana gave me my roots. Chicago gave me my wings.”

Terisa’s musical journey began in her father’s church, surrounded by powerhouse sisters. “I was five when I told my dad I could sing. And instead of saying ‘sit down,’ he said, ‘come on.’ That one moment taught me there’s always space for me in this world.”

Her latest single, When You’re Around Me, is deeply personal. It is a sultry ballad inspired by the emotional rollercoaster of nearly losing her husband to COVID. “After he recovered, he brushed up against me in the hallway. I thought, ‘I fall in love every time I’m around you.’ That moment birthed the song.”

Whether in studio or on stage, Griffin performs with full vulnerability. “Someone in that audience paid to forget their problems. I owe it to them to be there and take them on a journey,” she says. “I cry through my lyrics because I feel them. I want my audience to feel them too.”

That same raw honesty is what fans connected with during Season 3 of The Voice. Though she didn’t win, Terisa walked away with something greater—clarity. “It wasn’t about a title. It was about using the platform to build momentum,” she says.

The Voice was a milestone in Griffin’s career. Another highlight was The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she shared the stage with Diana Ross. Griffin’s career is studded with pinch-me moments. “When Diana passed me the mic, it was like getting stamped by royalty. If Diana Ross sees me, who can be against me?”

Beyond the music, Terisa’s heart beats for service. Her nonprofit, Better Love Yourself, provides college-bound youth with “footlockers” full of essentials—and messages of affirmation. “These kids need to know they’re loved, that they matter, and that someone believes in them,” she says. “Sometimes strangers show us the love we never got at home.”

The program’s impact is personal and profound. “I’ve been invited to weddings, baby dedications—some of these young people still call me ‘Miss Griffin.’ That’s my Grammy. That’s my Oscar.”

As an independent artist in an industry obsessed with fitting in, Terisa has never wavered. “I am that I am,” she declares. “I’ve been told I’m too soulful or too different. But when you tamper with your DNA to please others, you’re the one left unhappy. I refuse.”

Looking ahead, she dreams of duets with legends. She wishes Marvin Gaye were still alive for a duet. In the now, she hopes to sing with Raheem DeVaughn or Jill Scott. “Jill’s humanness, femininity and her power—I love everything about her.”

To her fiercely loyal supporters—the “T-Hive”—Griffin says: “Thank you. You’ve loved me fiercely. You didn’t have to, but you did. I’ll always show up for you.”

And she will. Because for Terisa Griffin, the stage isn’t just where she sings—it’s where she shows up, fully and fearlessly.

Tika Sumpter Shares Her IVF and Miscarriage Journey

Tika Sumpter

In a heartfelt appearance on the Tamron Hall Show, actress Tika Sumpter discussed her deeply personal journey. She opened up about her experiences with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and miscarriage. She shared insights into how she navigated these experiences with her daughter, Ella-Loren.​

A Family Conversation

Host Tamron Hall asked how much Ella knew about the IVF process and the miscarriage. Sumpter recounted their candid discussions. “We were like, ‘Mommy and Daddy are trying to get a sibling.’ And she’s like, ‘Okay, can I give you that shot?'” Sumpter shared, highlighting Ella’s eagerness to be involved. She humorously added, “I had to tell Ella to slow down.” Ella was very excited about administering the IVF shot.​

Sharing the Pain and the Hope

Sumpter revealed to Hall, for the first time publicly, that she had experienced a miscarriage during her IVF journey. “I did hold the child, and I miscarried,” she said. “But I’m glad that I can share with others the experience. While it was tough, it was still worth it for me. Ella was there and didn’t know I held the child, but she saw the shots.”​Allure+2Essence+2Essence+2

She emphasized the importance of sharing such experiences to support others. She stated, “I feel like I’m helping somebody else understand the process. Not only the process, but I’ve also been there with you. I am not the first one, and I won’t be the last. But we can share in that.”​

Looking Ahead

Sumpter reflected on her journey. She mentioned that she had earlier decided against attempting IVF again due to the emotional toll. Still, she is now considering it once more. She acknowledged the hope that IVF brings to many. She expressed a wish to be more informed about her health in future attempts. “I think IVF gives so much hope to so many people. I wish I had known more about my health before. I wanted to understand what was missing,” she said.​

Sumpter’s openness aims to shed light on the often private struggles linked to fertility treatments. It also encourages others to share their stories.​

For a more in-depth look at Tika Sumpter’s experience and her thoughts on motherhood and vulnerability, you can watch her interview on the Tamron Hall Show:​

HULU SETS NEXT FEATURE DOCUMENTARY “LAST TAKE: RUST AND THE STORY OF HALYNA” 

FROM STORY SYNDICATE, ANONYMOUS CONTENT AND CONCORDIA STUDIO; DIRECTED BY RACHEL MASON 

LAST TAKE: RUST AND THE STORY OF HALYNA – In 2021, Alec Baldwin’s prop gun fired a live bullet on the set of the movie RUST, killing its cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins. “LAST TAKE: Rust and the Story of Halyna” takes viewers inside that day and its aftermath, told first-hand by the people who lived it. (Courtesy of Felipe Orozco) HALYNA HUTCHIN

FILM SET TO PREMIERE MARCH 11 ON HULU

  • Hulu announced today, “Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna,” a new documentary film directed and produced by Rachel Mason, from Story Syndicate, Anonymous Content and Concordia Studio. The documentary feature is slated to premiere Tuesday, March 11 on Hulu.  
  • In 2021, Alec Baldwin’s prop gun fired a live bullet on the set of the movie RUST, killing its cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins. Directed by Emmy Award-nominee Rachel Mason (“Circus of Books,” “An Update on Our Family”), “Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna” takes viewers inside that tragic day and its aftermath, told first-hand by many of the people who lived it.  
  • Quote from Rachel Mason (Director): “Halyna was dear to me for many reasons. Not only was she a friend, she was a collaborator. While she was alive, I could never have imagined making a film about her. My hope was to make films with her, and to support her in all the many films that she was sure to make. In the media frenzy which followed her death, it felt as if Halyna was erased, her loss eclipsed by the surrounding controversies. Our film aims to keep her at the center, while offering a portrait of the experience of those with whom she spent her final 12 days, which hopefully, through their efforts, offers the world a very much unfinished portrait of Halyna.”
  • Synopsis:On October 21, 2021, on the set of the movie RUST, a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin fired a live bullet, wounding the film’s director and killing its cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins. Within hours, the catastrophic accident was enveloped by a frenzy of media attention. For months, then years, as lawsuits flew and criminal trials unfolded, the tabloid spectacle around the case overshadowed a private, personal tragedy.
  • In “Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna,” Halyna’s friend, director Rachel Mason, goes beyond the public narrative to reveal the untold human story of that terrible day and all that followed — from the vantage point of the people at the center of the tragedy. The film weaves together the accounts of those who were on the set of RUST that day and of those, like Mason, who not only lost a cherished friend and colleague but who are still navigating the trauma of the aftermath.
  • Working with public court records, behind-the-scenes material from RUST, and unprecedented access to key individuals and materials, including Halyna’s personal archives, the film examines the official investigations into the safety protocols on set and explores the private moral reckoning of all involved. It probes for answers to the questions those closest to Halyna all carry. How could this have happened?  And how do we possibly make sense of it?
  • Rigorously reported, emotionally raw, and deeply personal, the film seeks to redeem the core of the story that the media exploited — that of a talented cinematographer whose life story was minimized, yet in death gave her colleagues an unexpected opportunity to heal from unimaginable loss by completing the film that mattered deeply to her. 
  • Credits: “Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna” is a Hulu Original produced by Julee Metz, Kate Barry, Jon Bardin, and Will Cohen for Story Syndicate, and Jessica Grimshaw, Nick Shumaker, and Jennifer Sears for Anonymous Content. Executive Producers include Story Syndicate’s Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, and Tommy Coriale; Concordia Studio’s Lizzie Fox and Casey Meurer; Anonymous Content’s David Levine; and Matthew Hutchins. The documentary was directed by and produced by Rachel Mason in association with FutureClown Productions. 
  • The project joins Hulu’s documentary slate, including “God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty,” “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons,” “Stolen Youth: The Cult at Sarah Lawrence,” “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” “The Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini,” and upcoming docuseries “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,” premiering February 27. 

Peyton Alex Smith Joins Streetz 94.5 to Hand Our Turkeys at the South Dekalb Mall and Walmart on Old National Hwy

There was a long line of residents ready to greet a long line of volunteers. There were several different organizations that showed up for the host Larry Johnson and the Women of the NAACP Atlanta. Nicole Ford of District 3 was out in the cold with her supporters.

The girls representing Prime had free merchandise. The organization Hug Life cares, and members of the Divine 9 also participated and made their presence felt. The @mystreetz945atl team left the South DeKalb Mall. They met up with Streetz 94.5 radio hosts J Smoke and ETCali at the Walmart on Old National Hwy. They wanted to keep the spirit of “1 free turkey per family” alive.

Many seniors and neighborhood residents showed up. They also had the opportunity to sign up for a medical CBD card. Additionally, they received more free treats. There was a gaming truck available. It was a reward for the kids who waited patiently in line with their parents and grandmas.

The Nagel Law Firm was representing at the Walmart on Old National Hwy. Dr Maria of Noble Chiropractic in Norcross, offered amazing free 5 minute massage sessions. ETCali was leading the pack as far as fan recognition. Many people wanted to pose in a photo with him. They thanked him for cheering them up in traffic from 2-6pm daily.

Thanks to the Team Captain Solo. He ran a tight ship in the parking lot. He directed the drivers, kept the order, and stayed on time from start to end. Everything was very well organized. What an amazing Saturday for the Community. Giving Back is definitely the love language at Streetz 94.5 as a radio family.

Malik Whitfield and Veronika Bozeman talk about Tubi Original ‘Still Here’

Malik Whitfield and Veronika Bozeman chat it up about their prospective roles in Still Here and how their amazing chemistry on set made for a lifetime friendship.

Listed below are the main characters in the film. Stream on TUBI this weekend.

  • Charles Malik Whitfield – William Law
  • Veronika Bozeman – Jennifer Law
  • Blue Kimble – Kenny
  • Tanee McCall – Kimberly Stanton
  • Erika Guillory White – Detective Milestone
  • Gary Sturgis – Detective Gary
  • Flex Alexander – Detective Gray
  • Terrell Clayton – Frank
  • LaRita Shelby – Kaitlin
  • Ad Davis – Trevor Staples
  • Alyssa Rachel – Breanna

Actors Thomas Q Jones and Michael Anthony in TV ONE Original Movie “One Day at Christmas”

After being stuck in a train station on Christmas Eve, two strangers actors (Thomas Q Jones) and (Asia’h Epperson) meet in a bar, only to lose contact a few hours later. They reconnect after a series of unexpected events, but on much more complicated terms.

Thomas Q Jones was feeling ambushed into what appeared to be “the perfect marriage”. However while his heart was stuck on this lady he met at a bar (Asiah’h Epperson), she was busy in a relationship she settled for with (Michael Anthony) after finding out her prince charming had a whole fiancé.

Will the two find their way back to each other? You will have to tune in to TV ONE on Sunday December 12th at 8pm Eastern.

Thomas Q. Jones was recently featured in the Bounce, Johnson series. He helped create the show, which has already been renewed for a second season. Michael Anthony most recently landed a co-star role as Ricky the husband of Big Fifty (played by Remy Ma) in the Big Fifty biopic on BET. Asia’h Epperson recently starred in Lifetime’s A Christmas Family Reunion.

Chef Jernard Wells back in the kitchen with Chef Bren Hererra on Cleo TV

CHEF BREN HERERRA AND HOST, CHEF AND ENTREPRENUER JERNARD WELLS

This is the second time we were introduced to Chef Bren Hererra giving us the good tea on recipes; along with Chef Jerard Wells getting up close and personal with the cast of New Soul Kitchen.  The media was so anxious to preview the one-of-a-kind cooking show; hosted by Chef Jernard Wells, an award-winning TV Host/Celebrity Chef/Bestselling Cookbook Author, best known from his numerous appearances on Food Network & Cooking Channel shows.

Wells has been featured on the “Today Show,” PEOPLE,” “Steve Harvey Morning Show,” “Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” ESSENCE, to name a few. Chef Jernard will provide step-by-step instructions on preparing one of his signature dishes, while giving tips for quick quarantine meals, healthy alternatives to classic soul food favorites, and provide a sneak peek on the top foodie trends taking over this fall.Join us for an opportunity to engage with four leading African-American female chefs and culinary influencers who, throughout the season, deliver an array of flavors from around the world, sure to please every palette.

Joining the press conference were : Chef Bren Herrera, Chef Essie Bartels, Chef Resha and Chef Ahki. Chef Bartels had to leave early but she introduced us to some tantilizing African dishes. We look forward to her continuing the conversation and cooking later.

Check out https://mycleo.tv/show/new-soul-kitchen/ before you get into the video below.

RECIPE TIME!!!! CORNMEAL ONION RINGS BY CHEF RESHA

Source: CLEO TV

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow or sweet Vidalia onion, sliced into rings
  • 2 cups cold buttermilk
  • ¾ cup ground cornmeal
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
  • dash of salt and pepper
  • dash of cayenne pepper
  • dash of chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder

Instructions

  1. Soak the onion rings in the buttermilk overnight.
  2. Mix the cornmeal, flour, dried herbs, and seasoning together until combined.
  3. Coat each ring just once and set to the side. Repeat with each ring until all are coated.
  4. Fry in 375- degree oil until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle with a tiny bit of salt as soon as they come out of the fryer and serve on and alongside your salmon BLT.

The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel Biopic coming to Lifetime

Screen Shot 2020-01-23 at 10.18.27 PMThe Clark Sisters are taking their act to the big screen and the movie will be super amazing! Just to give you a little taste of what the film will be about :

The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel will air Easter on Saturday, April 11th at 8pm eastern and pacific, only on Lifetime.

MOVIE SYNOPSIS:

From executive producers and Grammy Award winners Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott, comes the authorized musical tale of the incomparable gospel singers, The Clark Sisters.   The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel recounts the story of the highest selling female gospel group in history and of their trailblazing mother, Mattie Moss Clark (Aunjanue Ellis).  Credited with bringing Gospel music to the mainstream, the five Clark sisters (Christina Bell as “Twinkie,” Kierra Sheard as “Karen,” Sheléa Frazier as “Dorinda,” Raven Goodwin as “Denise,” Angela Birchett as “Jacky”) overcame humble beginnings in Detroit, enduring abuse, loss, rejection, betrayal, and sibling rivalries to achieve international fame as icons of the Gospel music industry.

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Continue reading The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel Biopic coming to Lifetime

Hip Hop Holiday on BET – A Nina Holiday Entertainment Debut

Terry J Vaughn Directs “Hip Hop Holiday” on BET

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Jay Morrison, Terri J Vaughn, Elijah Everett, Ernestine Morrison

Hip Hop Holiday airred at 8pm November 30th on BET Network. The show was written by Atlanta’s gem ‘Cas Sigers-Beedles’ & Directed by Terri J Vaughn and both also served as producers on the project. The ‘Reel Divas’ along with ‘Atlanta Pitch Summit’ and ‘Green Light Media” hosted a viewing party in Atlanta at the Suite Lounge, 375 Luckie Street. Continue reading Hip Hop Holiday on BET – A Nina Holiday Entertainment Debut