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The Unleashed Voice Radio Show UNPLUGS with local pianist Brennan Villines. Brennan velvety smooth sound will blow you away!

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Whether its rock, blues, or rap, Brennan can deliver the music and even give it to you “delta dirty.”  If you’ve never caught one of Brennan Villines live gigs you owe it to yourself to find him and get there.

Brennan is a graduate of the University of Memphis music program; a classically trained pianist and singer originally from rural Western Kentucky, which gives him a background that makes his music – soulful.

Brennan1Villines sultry vocals have been compared to a jazz-tinged R&B reminiscent sound of John Legend and Gavin DeGraw.

To learn more about this featured artist tune in to KWAM AM 990 to The Unleashed Voice Radio Show for a personal and in depth discussion with Brennan and his trio ‘Dirty Streets” on July 2, 2016 @ 5pm.

Flo Gibbs “Unleashes” the details about her Long Awaited Documentary Mentality “Girls Like Us” on The Unleashed Voice Radio Show

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The world premiere of #PROUDTOBE MENTALITY “Girls Like Us” will happen on July 6, 2016. The documentary tell the stories and share the lives of four strikingly different women that span the LGBTQ pronouns.

Flo Gibbs will “Unleash” her passion and vision behind her documentary during her live in- studio interview on The Unleashed Voice Radio Show Saturday July 2, 2016 @ 5PM on KWAM AM 990 Talk Radio.

Mentality “Girls Like Us” is a Memphis based documentary that touches the raw and revealing story of three lesbian women and one female to male transition experience. These are real life stories of love, sexual abuse, drugs, transgender issues, and happiness.

This documentary will take the viewers on a roller coaster ride that will cause an emotional stirring as each character transparently share their lives in front of the camera for all to see.

Gibbs is the founder of LOCO Music & Media Group.  She is also known as the hip-hop artist LUNATIC-FLO (MY PEOPLE’S CHOICE).

 

THE VISION CHURCH OF ATLANTA PRESENTS 2016 UPPC HOLY CONVOCATION

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Bishop Allen (1)

Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, III is the Presiding Prelate over the United Progressive Pentecostal Church Fellowship, also the pastor and founder of the Vision Church of Atlanta, GA.

Foreword by Bishop O.C. Allen:

Preachers are known for giving illustrations, so I will use one: Every piece of clothing is held together by a series of threads culminating in a masterpiece that can be worn comfortably and tailored to any size. The same phenomenon appears to be underway with a new affirming African-American spiritual leadership throughout the country. The threads of a young burgeoning inclusive leadership are weaving together the fabrics of spirituality and social justice. What has finally begun to emerge from this artistry is a beautiful tapestry of social progress, pursuit for equality, and religious fervor paralleling that which characterized the early history of the Black Church.

The United Progressive Pentecostal Church Fellowship is leading the challenge to do as the scripture admonishes: “Seek justice and defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17). Founded in 2007, the UPPC is committed to intertwining Social Gospel and Liberation Theology with the Pentecostal roots of spiritual gifts, fervent worship, and intense devotion to God.

Gathering in Atlanta, Georgia June 21-26, the UPPC will hold its annual Holy Convocation to inspire, motivate, and cultivate clergy and leaders who are committed to delivering innovative ministry to those on the margins and beyond. “Miracles, Signs, and Wonders” is the theme for 2016.

5x7-UPPC-ConvocationBack-Web-742x1024The “Miracles” simply refer to the abundance of people from different walks of life all gathered in one place and on one accord. The “Signs” refer to the conditions of inequality, oppression, and hopelessness in our world — signs which prove that our society is in desperate need of spiritual leadership to affect real, meaningful, and lasting change. The “Wonders” refer to all that can happen when people from the margins have the courage to stand up, be the change they want to see, and open their hearts to a living God.

My final thought returns to the illustration I began with: Clothes are held together by the threads along their margins. So it only makes sense that those who have been thrust to the margins of society are the ones now designated to mend its fabrics. In this respect, living on the margins comes not only with its own reality, but also with a duty. What a beautiful world this can be once we recognize our position in society as not only a gift, but also a calling to unite all the fibers of our world into a mosaic of love, compassion, and peace.

Black Tie Gala Tickets can be purchased at:

http://uppc.ticketleap.com/the-black-tie-gala

To view the entire schedule of activities go to

http://uppcholyconvocation.org/schedule/

 

New York City’s Rainbow Fashion Week Kicks off in High GEAR!

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received_1173991835968168Over the last 2 years, Rainbow Fashion Week has attracted over 25,000 queer and gay friendly attendees and over 5 million impressions. We showcased queer designers, photographers, models, make-up artist, stylist, merchants, retail buyers and thus increased access for LGBT supportive talents to ensure their future inclusion within New York’s creative pool. But we don’t stop there; each event is tasked with a social responsibility ad campaign, which primarily begins with honing in on local water quality issues that impact the health and well being of our local and international water body. After attending a summit at the Hudson Institute which addressed the destruction of the Himalayan glaciers and speaking with Sharon Kahn of Water Keeper Alliance, we re-wrote our mission statement and it is now our global pledge to educate new designers of the responsibilities they bare when ordering, utilizing and disposing textiles to consider bio safe vendors as well as considering several “re-purposing ideals.” So this year, we will work hard to accomplish these objectives.

image3 (1)RFW 2016 will be the very first “Carbon Neutral Fashion Week.” The use of solar energy is a sustainable solution to the energy challenges of today. Not only do solar energy systems generate energy with zero greenhouse gas emissions, but the solar industry has also taken on the responsibility to mitigate and manage the full range of social and environmental impacts during the entire lifecycle of the solar energy system. In an attempt to become more morally accountable fashion week, we will work closely with industry leaders such as Viridian to help educate our audiences.

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“Queer Kids Kick AZZ” Fashion and Art Show

Our additional concerns are addressed by our event producers who have personal messages such as anti-bullying, domestic violence, same sex marriage and trans-justice which offers potential sponsors additional outlets to reach one of New York’s fastest growing communities and organizations.

image1“All Are Welcome. We Are One Nation Under the Rainbow.”

www.rainbowfahionweek.com

City of Memphis honors Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis with Proclamation during 2016 Pride Service

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Pastor Gooch ExaltingOn Sunday June 19th The City of Memphis, honored Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis with a Proclamation.  The Proclamation noted the achievements and importance of the work Dr. Darnell Gooch, Jr. and his congregation is doing for the City of Memphis through Ministry work.

The Proclamation highlighted the specific importance of “the safe haven” that the church has created for the LGBT community.

Pastor Gooch and Maria Fuhrmann

Maria Fuhrmann presented the Proclamation on behalf of The City of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Dr. Darnell Gooch, Jr.

Cathedral Proclamation from City of MemphisCathedral of Praise Church of Memphis was founded in 2012 by Dr. Darnell Gooch, Jr. and is located at 561 South Prescott (inside of Buntyn Presbyterian Church).  Sunday School is 11:00 AM, Worship Service is 12:30 PM, Bible Study is on Wednesday Night’s from 6:30 pm until 7:30 PM.

In attendance also Sunday was The 9th Congressional District Representative Steve Cohen who addressed the congregation passionately about the importance of “Voting” and remaining “Vigilant” in a world full of hatred.

Pastor Gooch and 9th District State Representative Steve Cohen

9th Congressional District Steve Cohen and Dr. Darnell Gooch, Jr.

Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis was also the “Official Host Church” for 2016 Memphis Black Gay Pride celebration.  The event was held after church service at Audubon Park Memphis from 3:30 PM until dusk. In attendance was an array of individuals, community organizers, and community organizations who all gathered to celebrate unity and love.

Pic 2 Father Day Recipents

Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis also presented awards in recognition of Father’s Day.

Community Leaders Award

Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis also presented “Spirit Awards” to individuals who have had a long lasting impact on the LGBT Community.

Dr. Darnell Gooch, Jr. would like to thank the organizers of this year event for requesting the presence of Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis; The SAGA, The Memphis Police Department for their Community Relations with the LGBT Community; First Family of Memphis; Black Diamonds; Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center; The Haven; and Community HIV/AIDS Network of LeBonheur.

Anyone interested in visiting or collaborating in community events along with Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis please visit the church website at cathedralmemphis.org for more information.

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Hospitality and Fellowship Ministry

Special Note: Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis will not hold service the Week of June 20th through June 26th.

The Unleashed Voice Magazine is the Official Media Guide for Pride Weekend in Memphis

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Friday June 17th through June 19th will mark a “New Era” for Pride in Memphis, TN.  The torch has been passed to Longwood Entertainment who will introduce the Memphis Community to The SAGA “United we Stand, We see no color barriers, We Are One” is this years slogan.

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This years event will kickoff with an Open Forum Discussion featuring the Ebonee Sherry and Roman Black, Mr. and Miss Gay Universe 2015 at 629 Monroe Ave, Premier Palace from 3 PM until 5 pm, FREE Admission. There will be a special emphasis on “Raising Awareness w/The Rules.

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The Weekend will continue with events throughout the city in Celebration of Pride in Memphis 2016. The Pool Party Saturday at 8941 Dewberry Street from 3 pm until 7 pm Free Admission and Give-A-Ways will certainly cool you off from the expected heat in the forecast.
FB_IMG_1465962317569There will be functions for everyone to attend including Church at Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis, where Dr. Darnell Gooch, Jr. is Senior Pastor, located at 561 S. Prescott will host the Official “Spirit Day” for Pride in Memphis.

Expected to be in attendance are representatives from both the City of Memphis Mayor’s Office and Shelby County Mayor’s Office with Official Proclamations to the LGBTQ Community. TN State Senator Lee Harris and 9th Congressional District Steve Cohen are scheduled to be in attendance.  In recognition of members of the LGBTQ community Bro. Anthony  Hardaway will have a Special Presentation.

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The SAGA “FAMILY AFFAIR” 

FB_IMG_1465964937197Will follow Church Service from 3:30 pm until 7:45 pm at AUDUBON PARK (Park & Getwell) Bring your grills, tents, children, and coolers for a fun filled weekend!

All are Welcomed!

*The Memphis Police Department has offered to provide Security and Officer Presence at all events to ensure the safety of those who wish to participate.

Remember we will not “Live in Fear!” #WeAreOrlando

Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center Vigil for Pulse Nightclub Tragedy #OnePulse

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9th Congressional District Steve CohenOn today more than 100 communities around the United States hosted vigils in honor of the Orlando victims. With a heavy presence of Memphis Police, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol and Special Task Force and estimated number of 500 supporters gathered in front of MGLCC in the Cooper Young District to express their support.

The supporters were greeted by an array of speakers ranging from The City of Memphis Mayor, Jim Strickland to voices of ordinary citizens.  Each speaker addressed different sentiments but the common theme was “we will not live in fear.”

Mayor Jim Strickland expressed his continued support of the LGBTQ Community and vowed to make Memphis a city safe for “all people to live peacefully together.”

Congressman Steve Cohen expressed his condolences to the victims of the shooting and promised the LGBTQ community that he would continue fighting legislation that attempts to oppress same-gender loving people. Supporters in the crowd 4

Dr. Darnell Gooch, Jr. the Senior Pastor at Cathedral Praise Church of Memphis expressed to the supporters to continue exhibiting love even in light of those who spew hate.

Will Batts, Executive Director offered a passionate plea to all in attendance to give financially to the Orlando victims through Equality Florida GoFundme link the official site which at the time of this article had raised $1,238,096 with a goal of $2.0M.

All individuals who identify as same gender loving must remain vigil and do not succumb to fear. We must remain committed to live openly and freely without fear of social hate and religious extremists. #LoveAlwaysWins

Pastor Darnell at the Rally

We Won’t Forget the 49 KILLED in Orlando, FL “We Are Orlando”

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Early Sunday at a gay nightclub in Orlando, the deadliest mass shooting in the United States and the nation’s worst terror attack since 9/11, authorities said.

  • The gunman, Omar Mateen, 29, of Fort Pierce, Florida, was interviewed by the FBI in 2013 and 2014 but was not found to be a threat, the FBI said.
  • Mateen called 911 during the attack to pledge allegiance to ISIS and mentioned the Boston Marathon bombers, according to a U.S. official.
    Orlando, FL police shot and killed Mateen.
  • Mateen carried an assault rifle and a pistol into the packed Pulse club around 2 a.m. Sunday and started shooting, killing 50 people and wounding at least 53, police said.
    The Orlando suspect exchanged gunfire with 14 police officers at the club, which had more than 300 people inside.
    The gunfire started around 2 a.m.
    “He had an automatic rifle, so nobody stood a chance,” said Jackie Smith, who had two friends next to her get shot. “I just tried to get out of there.”
  • After a standoff of about three hours, while people trapped inside the club desperately called and messaged friends and relatives, police crashed into the building with an armored vehicle and stun grenades and killed Mateen.
  • A law enforcement official said the gunman made a 911 call from the club in which he professed allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

“It appears he was organized and well-prepared,” Orlando Police Chief John Mina said early Sunday. Authorities said they haven’t found any accomplices.

“We know enough to say this was an act of terror and act of hate,” President Obama said in an address to the nation from the White House.

Presidential Proclamation — LGBT Pride Month, 2016

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The White House on Friday issued a proclamation by President Barack Obama calling on Americans to eliminate prejudice “everywhere it exists,” declaring June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.
“As progress spreads from State to State, as justice is delivered in the courtroom, and as more of our fellow Americans are treated with dignity and respect – our Nation becomes not only more accepting, but more equal as well,” the proclamation begins.
Obama writes that although the gay rights movement saw a massive victory this month last year with Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act, giving gay couples married in states where it’s legal the same federal benefits that straight couples receive, full equality is not yet here.
“Despite this progress, LGBT workers in too many States can be fired just because of their sexual orientation or gender identity; I continue to call on the Congress to correct this injustice by passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act,” Obama states. “And in the years ahead, we will remain dedicated to addressing health disparities within the LGBT community by implementing the Affordable Care Act and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.”
Following the example of the bravery during the June 1969 riots that took place at the Stonewall Inn, now widely recognized as starting the gay rights movement, Obama writes “let each of us speak for tolerance, justice, and dignity – because if hearts and minds continue to change over time, laws will too.”

Muhammad Ali Dead at age 74

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Muhammad Ali died today at the age of 74. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. in 1942 Ali adorned the world with his braggadocio attitude and amazing skills in the boxing ring. One of his most famous quotes “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” has been used all over the world and is simultaneously associated with Ali’s trait in the boxing ring. Muhammad Ali passed away at Honor Health Scottsdale Medical Center Center in Scottsdale, AZ after a 32 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Muhammad Ali was 74 years old and a three time Heavyweight boxing champion of the world; R.I.H. Champ!

“Muhammad Ali’s 10 Rules of Success

  1. THINK DIFFERENTLY
  2. HAVE CONFIDENCE
  3. DEFY THE RULES
  4. STICK TO YOUR GAME PLAN
  5. HAVE A BIGGER VISION
  6. BE PREPARED TO HANDLE ANYTHING
  7. SHOW GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
  8. BE DETERMINED
  9. OUTSMART YOUR COMPETITION
  10. BE CHARISMATIC