47 million Americans are without health coverage
President Obama
gosp e l today | Aug 24 , 2 0 0 9
& The Healthcare Crisis
2
This past week, President Barack Obama led a national conference call with 140,000 people of faith to discuss the healthcare reform bill that is currently being debated by congress. While the issue of healthcare has been immersed in partisan politics since it appeared on the agenda of public policy, President Obama took time during his conference call to label healthcare reform as a
moral issue rather than a political issue. However, while the number of participants on the call was historic, everyone in the faith community is not in agreement with the President’s plan. a Bishop Harry Jackson labels the plan as “immoral and unGodly.” He says that the plan permits payments for abortion, and argues that 75% of the people who get abortions are Black. Stay tuned...gt
Rev. Jesse Jackson Raises Questions... BMW’s “No Urban Dictate” whose mission and programs include a multitude of topics on diversity." wrote Jackson. "The symposium's purpose is to facilitate substantive dialogue, open communication on diversity opportunities, and to prevent this type of behavior recently demonstrated by BMW. However, you have repeatedly declined to participate in these dialogues." "This speaks to your lack of transparency of your business practices as they relate to diversity," added Jackson. The letter from the civil rights leader comes on the heels of a letter to BMW's O' Donnell from the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) requesting a meeting to discuss "a corporate culture that condones discriminatory practices." Both NABOB and Rainbow PUSH have questioned the role of BMW's AfricanAmerican ad agency of record, The Matlock Group, and whether it was using the expertise of the agency to avoid the exclusion of urban radio stations and other African-American media outlets in the placement of advertising. Thus far, both organizations say they are still awaiting a response from BMW executives. gt
Aug 24 , 2 0 0 9 | gosp e l today
On August 19, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, has sent a letter to BMW expressing concern over the actions of one of the automaker's advertising agencies in issuing a "No Urban Dictate" for an upcoming BMW/MINI Cooper ad campaign. The request to discuss the matter comes after disclosure that BMW's media buying agency sent an email to stations requesting information on ad rates, but specifically stated "No combos or urban formats" should be included. In a letter to BMW Chairman and CEO, Jim O' Donnell, Jackson called the exclusion of urban radio stations "disturbing." The letter also said, "This issue, along many others, continues to boycott communities of color and excludes us from participating on a level economic playing field even when we fully embrace and purchase your vehicles." Jackson also questioned BMW's commitment to diversity by saying that the automaker had ignored earlier Rainbow PUSH requests for information and participation in discussions. "Because diversity and inclusion are so important to the automotive industry, each year Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project hosts a symposium
3
gos p e l today |
Aug 24 , 2 0 0 9
Dr. Judy McAllister: First Lady of Praise & Worship
4
“Congregants are attending church every Sunday without having a lifetransforming encounter with God,” laments Dr. Judy McAllister. She is now the President of the International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ. “The music ministries of our churches must assume a large part of the blame, because it is our job to lead the people into the presence of the Lord – the place where they c a n find all that they need.” Dr. McAlllister’s position gives her liberty to teach and preach her philosophy as well as to demonstrate it through her amazing giftedness. “Those who truly experience God’s presence cannot remain the same; so it is our responsibility as music ministers
to identify and eliminate everything within our lives that hinders us from ushering in a manifestation of God’s glory.” “Our music departments are filled with individuals who have achieved excellence in musicianship, performance and music education; but too many fail to walk in the holiness that brings about the anointing for effective ministry. “Singers, dancers and musicians must understand that a lifestyle of worship is the prerequisite for ministry, which will be pleasing to God and edifying to His people. “In my book, Worship As A Lifestyle, I discuss the fact that our lives must consist of the daily experience of fulfilling the will of God – as outlined in His Word and His purpose for our lives. This is true worship, and will make us fit vessels through which God can minister to His people.” Dr. McAllister’s position was popularized by the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Although there have been others to fill the position, Dr. Clark’s presence was indelible. “I certainly realize that as President of the International Music
Department, I stand on the shoulders of great individuals, who have laid the foundation for one of the greatest musical aggregations anywhere, and brought it to where it is today. Although the IMD is most assuredly moving forward and upward, we must never forget from whence we have come. We must honor the memories, celebrate the legacies, and recognize the leadership of International Music Department pioneers - Mother Anna Broy Crockett Ford, Mrs. Deborah Mason Patterson, Evang. Emily Bram (Bibby), Mother Ernestine Washington, Mother Jessie Mae Renfro Sapp and certainly we honor the memory of the legendary Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. It is also important for us to recognize and salute the organizational genius of
Mother LuVonia Whittley and celebrate the musical mastermind, the one and only - Professor Iris Stevenson. Each of these leaders is distinctive, and has labored to pursue their God-given visions and worked untiringly to make significant contributions to the music ministry of our great church. I do not desire, nor can I walk in the shoes of any of these great pioneers; but it is certainly my endeavor to follow the vision and path, which God has laid out before me as President of the International Music Department. As I walk in obedience to Him, I am confident that He will bring the IMD to the level of excellence and effective ministry, which ultimately brings Him glory and meets the needs of His people. gt
entrepreneur’s
boot camp Prepare your Mind, Body & Spirit for the next season of your journey!
cHristiAn Writers | publisHers | AutHors
you’ll leArn:
spend time with gospel today publisher,
n How to launch/manage a publication
teresA HAirston
n How to write press releases that get noticed!“I'm inviting those of you who are n How to write articles that will get published
—dr. teresA HAirston
october 30, 2009 | AtlAntA, GA A t l A n t A
A i r p o r t
only $299*
M A r r i o t t
*Includes conference fees and lunch meal. Hotel offers airport shuttle. Does NOT include hotel accommodations.
H o t e l
*SPACE IS LIMITED. YOU MUST APPLY AND BE ACCEPTED TO PARTICIPATE. FOR APPLICATION/COSTS, SEND EMAIL TO: drhairstongt@aol.com
Aug 24 2 0 0 9 | gosp e l today
n Basic strategies for business success
ready to take the next step on your path to purpose to spend a day with me that is especially designed to help move you into the place God has for you! I hope you'll make the sacrifice to be part of this special event!”
5
This Week
new york’s got a new hot spot!
gos p e l today | Aug 24 , 2 0 0 9
Gospel Uptown is a new restaurant located at 2110 Seventh Ave, (btw. 125th & 126th Sts), in New York City, that will celebrate its “Grand Opening” on August 26th and 27th The owner, Joseph H. Holland, a Harlem-based entrepreneur, attorney, writer, and ordained minister hopes to bring back the days of Harlem Renaissance supper clubs while promoting fresh new talent as well as established legends in their genres.
6
Executive Chef/Partner Kenneth Collins hopes to entice guests with “Signature soul cuisine” (Sweet Potato Ravioli, Brown Sugar Cured Sea Bass, and Beer Braised BBQ Short Ribs). The restaurant accommodates up to 225 guests in its dining hall, and plans to pair its food with live performances spanning disciplines including: Jazz, HipHop, Blues, Latin and R&B to World Beat, Comedy, Poetry, Liturgical Dance, Musical Theatre and weekend Gospel brunch. Appetizers range from $8- $10; and entrees from $11- $24. Lunch service will commence after Labor Day. For more information: 212-280-2110. gt
DARWIN HOBBS to Record LIVE
Aug 24 , 2 0 0 9 | gosp e l today
On September 18th, Darwin Hobbs will record his next CD/DVD project at the Oasis Worship Center in Nashville, TN. “I'm very excited about the upcoming worship experience to say the least,” said Hobbs. The producer for the project will be Daniel Weatherspoon. “I'm determined that all who attend will have an experience with God,” said Hobbs, “and not just enjoy a live recording… My prayer is that through this small but power-packed evening of music, people will develop more intimacy and relationship with the Father, which is where the heart of worship really is! For more information contact: (317) 4792343
9