​Bryan Popin recently sat down with Willie Moore Jr. for a heart-to-heart chat on Radio One's highly rated syndicated show, "The Willie Moore Jr. Show." Popin spoke from the heart and shared words of truth and encouragement live from the Atlanta based studio to the entire Radio One audience as they got real & shared a few laughs regarding the inspiration behind Popin's latest single, "Such A Time As This."

Today on NewsOne Now, host and managing editor Roland S. Martin spoke with high school senior Taiylar Ball about being banned from prom for using a racially-charged term.  The 18 year-old honor student was denied entry to her prom following the use of the N-word in a spoken word poem during her senior talent show. “I used the N-word in a positive connotation. I never had any type of malicious intent,” said Ball. Although graduation is just four days away, Ball’s graduation status is still pending. Washington Post Assistant Editor and panelist David Swerdlick believes that banning an honor student from prom and graduation was an excessive disciplinary action and believed that other forms of punishment should have been pursued.
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Swerdlick said, “Even if there was a reason to punish, which I think punishment was excessive either way, as a principal you’ve got to exercise some discretion and say, look, I’ve got to do something because we have a rule. I’ll give you detention or suspension, but to take kids who are succeeding out of the prom, out of graduation is ludicrous.” 

​Also on NewsOne Now, a mother of a young Texas girl is furious to have found severe rope burns around her daughter’s neck after an overnight school trip. Martin spoke with the young girl’s attorney who is investigating the alleged racially motivated incident

ABOUT NEWS ONE NOW:
Emanating from the heart of Washington D.C. in a state-of-the-art studio that offers a stunning view of the Capitol building,News One Now airs Monday through Friday on TV One from 7-8 a.m. ET.  News One Now is hosted by Roland S. Martin,the 2013 National Association of Black Journalists’ Journalist of the Year and former host of TV One’s long-running, award-winning weekly news program, Washington Watch with Roland Martin.  Each morning, Martin – who also serves as the program’s managing editor – sifts through the headlines of the day to spotlight matters that greatly impact the African American community. In addition to television, News One Now reaches audiences 24/7 with exclusive program content and extended editorial on NewsOne.com and the NewsOne mobile app.  News One Now is an evolution of Interactive One’s award-winning digital brand NewsOne.com that launched in 2008 and reaches millions of African Americans each month.Susan Henry is executive producer of News One Now. D’Angela Proctor is TV One’s head of original programming and production.
 
ABOUT TV ONE:
Launched in January 2004, TV One (www.tvone.tv) serves 57 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies and music designed to entertain and inform a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. The network is the exclusive home of News One Now, the only live daily news program targeting Black viewers.  In December 2008, the company launched TV One High Def, which now serves 14 million households. TV One is solely owned by Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK, www.radio-one.com], the largest radio company that primarily targets Black and urban listeners. 
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Mann & Wife is the one of the best shows on television you've probably never seen! You may think you've seen it all on television, but with Bounce TV's lineup, there's another side to urban television you have yet to experience. After a successful initial season, the Mann's have returned for Season 2. Tyler Perry alumni - and real-life husband and wife team -  David Mann (Meet The Browns) and Tamela Mann (Madea’s Big Happy Family) star and serve as executive producers of Mann & Wife, the Bounce TV comedy series that’s been called the “Black Brady Bunch.” The popular stars play newlyweds Daniel and Toni Mann who laugh and love their way through the ups and downs of blending two families together. If you would like more info about the show or catch up on previous hilarious episodes, visit the Mann & Wife site here. 

With so many options for viewing today, shows like Mann & Wife seem to get swept into the pile with other sitcoms. This show goes beyond the broad typification of sitcoms and is actually one of the strongest family units on television. When castmates are tight, the show is tight and the Mann family, JoMarie Payton and Roger Bobb all agree that this show is by family and for family! 

Far removed from her days as Harriet Winslow on the outrageously hilarious "Family Matters", JoMarie Payton said of her newest tv son David Mann: "I love the way he calls me mama...I've played a bunch of mothers but this is my favorite role as a mama". Speaking to the overall experience, she also said: "I'm at a good space!" Not many shows can say that. Even the hit series "Empire" made news with its dealings with unhappy cast member Trai Byers. Mann & Wife enjoy a great working atmosphere that has resonated strongly with its fan base and fueled record numbers with its debut season.

Co-star David Mann said of his television mom, that having JoMarie Payton aboard is like having a player coach on the team. Mrs. Payton has a long list of television and film credits and it's easily understandable the value she brings to any cast and project. In fact when asked why she chose to go with Mann& Wife, she said "I do what feels right...If I don't think it's right, I don't do it!" 

Co-star Tamela Mann said of shows like Mann & Wife "some people want the basics and it's all about family with me! If my kids and grandkids can't be a part of it, I don't want to be a part of it!" 

Roger Bobb is a hot name in Hollywood these days, his other production Rickey Smiley for Real has also returned for its second season on TV One. Bobb said of shows like Rickey Smiley for Real and Mann & Wife: "I respect African American individuality, I respect the culture and family unity. Faith and family are the litmus test...would my mother watch the show?" 

In addition to the show's incredible cast, numerous guest stars have graced the set of Mann & Wife. To date, Elise Neal, Goapele, Cocoa Brown, Kim Coles and Vivica A. Fox makes regular guest appearances as the ex-wife of David's character "Daniel". 

Mann & Wife airs on Bounce TV each Tuesday night at 8 pm CST. For market information and to view past shows, visit Bounce TV today and don't forget the popcorn!

​David Mann is an actor, stand-up comedian and gospel singer. Mann won over audiences with is portrayal of Madea’s nephew, Leroy Brown, in many of Tyler Perry’s biggest movie hits. His character was so popular it led Perry to develop the feature film Meet the Browns (2008) and the subsequent series of the same name. Mann’s portrayal of Mr. Brown in the TV version of Meet the Browns (2009) resulted in his 2011 NAACP Image Awards win for “Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series.”

​TAMELA MANN – Singer and actress Tamela Mann began her career as a gospel singer with the multi-Grammy Award-winning and double platinum gospel phenomenon Kirk Franklin and the Family. Her musical talents have led to additional collaborations with such stars as Mary J. Blige, Al Green and Celine Dion. Discovered by Tyler Perry, she starred in his early stage plays and was later cast alongside husband David in many of Perry’s feature films, including roles in Madea Goes to Jail (2009), Meet the Browns (2008), and Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2007).

Actor/comedian Tony Rock has served as host, star, writer & producer for some of the entertainment industry’s biggest programs and movies. Tony has appeared in such hits as Think Like a Man (2012) and TV series Real Husbands of Hollywood (2015), Single Ladies(2012) and Everybody Hates Chris (2008). In 2012, he parlayed his comedic success to hosting the revamped Apollo Live where he works alongside some of the musical greats Gladys Knight, Doug E. Fresh and Michael Bivins.

 

​Jo Marie’s big break came when she was cast as the elevator operator on the ABC sitcom Perfect Strangers in 1987. Her performance was so well received by audiences that she was given her own sitcom, Family Matters, in 1989. Following the successful 200 episode run, Payton left Family Matters and was cast in numerous noteworthy series over the years, including roles in The Proud Family (2001), Will and Grace (1999) and Moesha (1996). In addition to her acting career, Payton has also enjoyed success in the music industry, recording a solo jazz album in 2000.

​With three hit shows recently on the air and 11 films having been released in the last six years, all opening at #1 or #2 on their opening weekends, Roger Bobb is one of the most successful producers working in the film and television industry today. Roger is the President and CEO of Bobbcat Films, a film and television production company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to creating Bobbcat films, Roger served as Executive Vice President of Tyler Perry Studios.

​Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 93.5 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets.

About REACH Media, Inc.
REACH Media, Inc. is the leading cross-platform media company with networks and syndicated talent REACHing a predominately adult African-American audience of 12 million on a weekly basis, through broadcasts, digital media, events and initiatives. The company syndicates highly popular radio shows including The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, The Russ Parr Morning Show, Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, The D. L. Hughley Show, The Ed Lover Show, The Willie Moore Jr. Show, The Nightly Spirit with Darlene McCoy, Gospel Traxx with Walt ‘Baby’ Love, and Keepin’ It Real with Al Sharpton. REACH Media Inc., founded in 2003 by Tom Joyner and CEO David Kantor, is a subsidiary of Radio One.  

'Rise Up' singer Andra Day is having an impressive 2016. With GRAMMY nominations, a performance at the Grammy Awards, touring, radio and publishing gains and so much more, Day is 'rising' to household notoriety.

Actually, the good vibes kicked in last year when Day was featured in an Apple commercial with music legend Stevie Wonder reprising his famous Christmas classic "Someday At Christmas". Day reprised the song not only for the commercial but for consumers and the song went up on iTunes following the spot's television debut.

Day also celebrated dual nominations for her debut album "Cheers to the Fall" and the single "Rise Up". Though not a trophy winner; Day performed during the ceremony, a clear vision of much more to come for the singer.

Her breakout anthem “Rise Up” continues to inspire athletes and everyday achievers worldwide. “Rise Up” was the soundtrack to ESPN’s Black History Month Special by the same name which aired in February. In it, the sports network profiled athletic overcomers and their headlining stories.

Don't miss Andra's June cover issue of ESSENCE magazine
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Andra's faith is very important to her and it is her prayer that “Rise Up” will minister a message of hope and healing. She’s truly an amazing artist with a beautiful voice and inspiring background.

The song’s uplifting message has resonated with many audiences including the American Cancer Society. “Rise Up” also gained her the recognition of celebrities like Serena Williams and Alicia Keys, who described it as a record that “will get you through anything.”
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This summer at McDonald's get your "Rise Up" cups, starting May 2nd. The cups will feature “Rise Up” lyrics and a Shazam-able image that can be scanned from mobile devices to win a chance to see Andra perform at Essence Fest in July.
To read more about Day and this amazing feature, read the article published in the Washington Post.

Starring as a young teacher plagued with visions, Tatyana Ali (Zoe Ever After, Love That Girl!, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) returns to TV One in the new made-for-television movie Second Sight. Premiering Saturday, April 23 at 8 p.m. ET, Ali plays Clara Randall, whose gift of "prophesy" leaves her haunted by premonitions of horrific kidnappings. Despite people's unwillingness to believe her "second sight," Clara takes it upon herself to search for one of her students who has gone missing. Shot on location in Los Angeles, this suspenseful thriller marks the third project executive produced by Radio One Founder Cathy Hughes and Executive Vice President of Special Projects Susan Banks.
 
"First with horror, and now suspense, Ms. Hughes and Susan Banks have once again ushered TV Oneinto an entirely new genre for the network," stated D'Angela Proctor, TV One's Head of Original Programming and Production. "Driving the network into fresh and unexplored territory is exactly what our new brand promise represents - taking chances and defying expectations."
 
Living in a constant nightmare, Clara (Ali) has trouble understanding her abilities as well as convincing others - specifically her boyfriend Tony Prescott(Texas Battle, The Bold and The Beautiful) - that the visions are not just a figment of her imagination. After "seeing" the abduction of a student from her school, she realizes she must take matters into her own hands by following the clues from her visions. Along her mission to save this innocent life, Clara discovers disturbing secrets and lies surrounding those she trusted most.
 
Denise Boutte(Meet The Browns, For The Love Of Ruth) also makes her network return in the role of Tamara Johnson, Clara's best friend. Rounding out the cast of stellar actors is Edwina Findley(Get Hard) as Donna Gray,Sharif Atkins (White Collar, Rizzoli & Isles) as Richard Gray, the parents of the kidnapped student Mary Ann, played by Jessica Pressley(For The Love of Ruth) and Marla Gibbs who joins the cast as Clara's grandmother - Nana Miller.
 
Second Sight is produced by Digilab Productions for TV One. Radio One Founder Cathy Hughes and Executive Vice President of Special Projects Susan Banks serve as executive producers. Second Sight was written by Susan Banks and Michael Scott serves as Director and Producer. For TV One, Jubba Seyyid is executive-in-charge of production, Robyn Greene Arrington is vice president of original programming and production, and D'Angela Proctor is head of original programming and production.
 
Encores of Second Sight will also air on TV One on Saturday, April 23 at 10 p.m. ET and Sunday, April 24 at 8:30 p.m. ET. For more information about TV One's upcoming programming, including original movies, visit the network's companion website at www.tvone.tv. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagramand Facebook(@tvonetv) using the hash tag #SecondSight and catch clips and promos on TV One's YouTube Channel.

Women from all musical genres are encouraged to submit an entry to perform
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The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) returns to Nashville for its third annual She Rocks Summer NAMM Showcase, taking place on Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 8:30 – 11:00 p.m. at The Listening Room Cafe. Submissions are now open for women in music of all genres to enter for a chance to perform. 
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​Click here to submit.

“We’re excited to come back to Nashville for the third year in a row. One of my favorite aspects of our Showcases is to go through the submissions we receive. There are so many talented women out there, and I’m proud to provide them with an opportunity to perform in front of industry pros and fans,”said WiMN Founder, Laura B. Whitmore.

The She Rocks Summer NAMM Showcase takes place on Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 8:30 – 11:00 p.m. during the Summer NAMM Show in Nashville, Tenn., at The Listening Room Cafe on 217 2nd Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201, a short walk from the Music City Center, and is sponsored by 108 Rock Star Guitars. An optional $5 pre-sale or $7 door donation is requested. This showcase is open to all ages.

Artists interested in performing must submit an entry by May 3, 2016. Performers will be announced by May 13, 2016. 

The WiMN also recently announced the official 2016 She Rocks ASCAP Expo Showcase, taking place Friday, April 29 from 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. at the Tinhorn Flats Saloon & Grill in Hollywood during the ASCAP Expo. Now in its third year, the official Showcase will feature Divinity Roxx, Anjali Ray, Maddy Vance, and Facing West. This free showcase will feature drink specials and giveaways.

To fill out the submission form and for official rules and regulations, visit 
 http://www.thewimn.com/summer-namm-showcase/. 

Sunday night in Dallas, Texas proved there’s no place like home for Kirk Franklin, who brought his “Twenty Years in One Night” world tour home to the Majestic Theatre. It’s hard to explain such an inexplicable night but still, one must try. Where would you even start? Which song did you like the best? Franklin jam packed twenty plus years of his recorded music into well over two hours of non stop music. It was a night of nostalgia and reminiscing on each phase of Franklin's career. The audience was equally as diverse as the genres Kirk has interwoven into his inimitable, signature style.

The night didn't afford DFW a 'family reunion' with Franklin's original singers, but it was a true reunion as it united old and new fans alike to celebrate the music of two generations' greatest songwriter. The magic of #TYION is that you remember your own life when you hear the songs played. You remember where you were when you fell in love with those songs and what they in turn mean to you. This is by far the best concert on tour right now and one of the most unforgettable live music experiences ever!

Simply put, it's the concert you don't want to end! Franklin made the night special for his protege's as well. Opening act Myron Butler surprised Candy West with a mid set interpolation of her debut single "Turnaround" and as part of the tour, Shaun Martin (Producer/ Musical Director) performs during intermission.

The night in Dallas was different and a celebration of Franklin's humble beginnings as well as a tip of the hat to whatever the future may hold. Franklin gave the fans what they came for, Vintage Kirk. But he also introduced them to his new album "Losing My Religion", for which he was awarded a 2016 Grammy Award for the album's first single: "Wanna Be Happy". Midway into his opening set, Franklin set the tone for the concert affirming that the crowd wanted to hear "Kirk with the S-Curl" and from before he 'got retainers for his teeth'! He delivered and the crowd was well pleased!

In a heartfelt moment, Kirk thought back on the woman that adopted him as a young boy at the age of 64, Ms. Gertrude. "She recycled cans and newspapers to pay for piano lessons...she never heard a song or cd, but I believe every song passed through her ears."

The night featured its own set of surprises and special moments. Kirk's son Caziah joined him on drums on for "Hosanna". Caziah played an interlude on "Losing My Religion". Each night during "Intercession", he hands the mic to a singer in the audience. Last night's stop in Houston netted Zacardi Cortez and his crazy vocals. The mic toss has also featured Bishop William Murphy and other gospel artists. Without fail, this is one the best moments of the night and in Dallas, it was no different as Kirk used the moment to testify about the inspirational moments that birthed the song.

It's just an idea, but don't you think Kirk Franklin should re-record "Intercession" with all the guest vocalists from this tour's mic toss? Check out Zacardi Cortez in Houston.

Kirk asked all the men in the audience to sing as he recounted moving into a new house and facing the weight of many projects 'falling through'. In a word, he was 'embarrassed' but during a meeting he whisked away to pen perhaps his most poignant piece ever, "Intercession". After rehearsing the story, Franklin led the men in a chorus, singing: "He sees me, but He hears You" (lyrics from the song).

View the SMG Photo Gallery from Sunday's concert here

This concert is so good, it's hard to fathom what could possibly be next for Kirk Franklin! Why is there no dvd for this experience? You'd bottle it up if you could! Two hours of singing, dancing and laughing. Yes, laughing...in case you didn't know, Kirk Franklin is hilarious and quite the quick wit-a real ham on stage! Kirk showed his age a little, most of his dance moves resembled pop-locking from the 80's but his showmanship was reminiscent of the late James Brown, mic stand kick included.

In all actuality, one of the most overlooked elements of the night may have been the choreography after all. Dancing together with background singers Deonis Cook and Kenyon Dixon, the night felt like a big party and not a gospel concert. At one time toward the end of the concert, Kirk shouted out, "turn that aisle into a party!" And party, they did...!

The tour has enjoyed sell out performances thus far, but this DFW stop was extra special for Franklin who repeatedly addressed the crowd as "hometown" and copiously thanked the crowd for not giving up on him during his many difficult days as a young artist.

In a moment of thanks he said to the crowd: "I want you to see yourself when you see me...I'm a product of you!" For Franklin and everybody in attendance, this stop was nothing short of special!
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This leg of the tour ends this weekend in California; but as memories of this whirlwind tour fade, there'll always be lingering memories of this unforgettable night in Dallas!

"...You almost had it...!"

From Fred, 

First off, let me thank each and every one of you who cast votes, shared our social media updates and posts or spoke directly to me to let me know you were pulling for SoulProsper Radio. Unfortunately, 2016 will NOT be the year that we bring home the Stellar Award for Internet Radio. We did not receive an official nomination despite making the second and final ballot. Am I disappointed, of course. Sad, not really. I will however, stress how important this would have been not just for myself and SoulProsper Radio, but for all of you who genuinely support the work of the SoulProsper Media Group and SoulProsper Radio. 

It was a fun run and I found out just how great many of my friends are. I also discovered that this industry is an industry that works 24/7. You're never done growing, reaching or introducing yourself to new people. I learned all that in about two months. I also learned that the industry is big business and you can't bring everyone with you. Over the course of Stellar voting, some friends became enemies amidst the competition: There were people whose show is on SoulProsper Radio who chose to publicly support another station. Show hosts I reached out to told me to wait until after the Stellars to make a decision about adding SoulProsper Radio to their syndication...it was a wild month for us amidst all the voting.

I also learned the impact we're making already. I'd go places and hear people tell me: "I voted for you, I hope you win!" That means a lot. Not to me personally, but it means something to see the work being recognized among people within the industry.

I try not to be competitive, especially with so many people I consider 'friends' in the industry but what's for me, I've gotta get. Who knows when/if you'll see SoulProsper Radio on another ballot, if that time comes you know what to do. If not, it's ok and perfectly fine because as long as I can fulfill the person placed in my hands, I'm good. 

I want to thank you again for all of your support over the few months of Stellar voting and want to let you know how appreciative of you I am. Especially those of you who reached out to your friends and compelled them to vote. Thank you, immensely. Thank God for you and thank God for SoulProsper Radio. -'Fred

To my family, mother and sisters, auntie and cousin, wife Rhonda and the kiddos, church family and extended family, thank you all for your support. Should SoulProsper Radio ever be considered for any other recognition, I will be sure to inform you properly. My apologies for not properly getting that to you in time. 

Special thanks to my colleagues in the inspirational media industry who lent their support to SoulProsper Radio, including those who broadcast as part of this effort. I also want to thank Chos3n of Birmingham England and Sherilyn Bennett of Spirually Sweet Brands who almost daily posted on behalf of SoulProsper Radio. I would also like to thank Brother Radical at Prosperity FM in the Little Cayman Islands who ignited congratulatory posts following the Prayzefactor Award in September which helped spur the Stellar ballot buzz. 

To those in media, thank you for showing your support openly, via email, messaging, tweets and otherwise. Please know that it was an immense undertaking vying for this year's award. Dallas is represented by its terrestrial station and PD, which is exceptional and is to be commended. 

God is SO good! This week I'm thoroughly convinced or as Paul said, fully persuaded that God spoils us His little children and knows how to keep us sane (go with me here). Tuesday morning, official nominations were announced...when I got up, I saw a message from a group in Manchester, England. The lovely ladies of VineJuice Radio were ready to talk! 

It took about 10 minutes (two full minutes of pleasantries and American/British impersonations) to seal the deal! SoulProsper Radio is welcoming its second international broadcast, featuring the "Juicy Ladies" show of. VineJuice Radio UK. Currently, our sole international broadcast is the Top 20 Gospel Mix hosted by Brother Kwame Adu. 

So, help me welcome the lovely ladies of VineJuice Radio as they prep their show for your home for the REST of the best in gospel music!