The VIPP Report: Support Small Business Saturday by stopping by the MELANnaire Marketplace at Fourth Street Live

Posted on November 22, 2021 by The VIPP Report

(Louisville, KY) The MELANnaire Marketplace is curating the Galleria REMIX Holiday Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, November 27th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Fourth Street Live indoors located at 416 W. Liberty Street, in downtown Louisville. Did you realize that it’s been nearly 40 years since you’ve shopped in the Louisville Galleria? The community considered it as one of the best places where people could gather to shop, eat, work, play and so much more. On Small Business Saturday you will get to experience that same feeling with the MELANnaire Marketplace, while supporting local businesses fulfill their entrepreneurial drams of being a business owner.

The Louisville Galleria, (now known as Fourth Street Live) at one time was the place that many in the Black community visited on a regular basis. The Galleria Remix Holiday Shopping Extravaganza will open its doors on Black Friday. (November 26th) and Small Business Saturday (November 27th) and EVERY weekend up until Christmas Eve for all your shopping needs.

There will also be live entertainment, pictures with Santa, family photos, food vendors plus crafts for kids and so much more.

As you begin to shop for your holiday gifts, we invite you to stop by and support Black-owned businesses who have a large array of products and services from bath & body, clothing, handcrafted jewelry, artwork, and fresh baked goods just to name a few of the products available.

MELANnaire Marketplace founder Nachand Trabue says “Finally, a place we can depend on to shop during the holidays. Avoid large traffic jams and support local businesses. That’s a win-win for the community and your dollars go right back into the community. Come shop with local Black-owned businesses. If you would like to be a vendor, we would love to have you just contact us at blackbusinessesmatter502@gmail.com.”

If you are looking to do a profile on Trabue and/or any of the vendors, we invite you to come out and hear the stories. If you would like to be a vendor and/or be a sponsor, please contact MELANnaire Marketplace at http://www.melannaire.com.   Please announce and/or post on your community calendars.

“Where Black Businesses Matter”

Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU & #MELANnaireMarketplace.

Instagram: @melannairemarketplace

The VIPP Report: MELANnaire Marketplace takes you down memory lane with a Galleria Remix on Black Friday

Posted on November 22, 2021 by The VIPP Report

(Louisville, KY) Did you know that downtown Louisville once had a mall visited by thousands on the property where Fourth Street Live resides today? Families gathered, downtown employees would shop and eat lunch there and guests into Louisville picked up souvenirs and last-minute items they forgot at home. The MELANnaire Marketplace wants to recreate that feeling of support in community and its businesses by hosting the Galleria Remix Shopping Extravaganza on Friday, November 26^th (Black Friday) and Saturday, November 27^th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Fourth Street Live indoors located at 416 W. Liberty Street, in the heart of downtown Louisville.

The founder of the MELANnaire Marketplace, Nachand Trabue says “We have been planning and working out the logistics for this for months. We are excited to have customers ‘Buy Black on Black Friday’. We celebrate the partnerships we are developing with other minority businesses to start the process of having something to pass down to our next generation. If you ever shopped at the Galleria, you would understand our concept. Being a one-stop shop for the community. We have even extended our hours to accommodate everyone who wants to shop with us.

If you are looking to do a profile on Trabue and/or any of the vendors, we invite you to come out and hear the stories. If you would like to be a vendor and/or be a sponsor, please contact MELANnaire Marketplace at www.melannaire.com. Please announce and/or post on your community calendars. If you have any questions, please contact us at blackbusinessesmatter502@gmail.com.

“Where Black Businesses Matter”

Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU & #MELANnaireMarketplace.

Instagram: @melannairemarketplace

VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand. Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes. Contact one of our team members to see how we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. www.vippcommunications.com

MELANnaire Marketplace where local is the new Black

Posted on November 4, 2021 by The VIPP Report

(Louisville, KY) The MELANnaire Marketplace will take place this Saturday, (November 6th) from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Manhattan on Broadway located at 716 E. Broadway. As you begin to shop for holiday gifts, why not shop local? Shoppers have an opportunity to walk around purchase items from books by local authors, clothing, candles, natural health products to hand crafted jewelry. We are excited to announce that we have brokered a deal to have gently used items for sale. Come out and support local entrepreneurs because “Local is the new Black”.

Nachand Trabue, founder of the MELANnaire Marketplace says “we are gearing up for the holidays and vendors are adding daily. Our Black businesses matter, and I get so excited each week to see new faces come out to support us. We also working with a company to be able to offer likely used home goods to clothing. Truly really put us in a category that gives us a chance to offer products and goods to anyone. I invite you to come out and see the marketplace and hear the stories of our local entrepreneurs and what they have to offer.”

If you are looking to do a profile on Trabue and/or any of the vendors, we invite you to come out and hear the stories.

WHO: MELANnaire Marketplace

WHAT: Shopping with Black-owned businesses

WHEN: Saturday, November 6th from 12:00pm-5:00pm

WHERE: Manhattan on Broadway, 716 E. Broadway

WHY: Creating a marketplace in downtown Louisville for residents & tourists to easily get too.

If you would like to be a vendor and/or be a sponsor, please contact MELANnaire Marketplace at http://www.melannaire.com. Please announce and/or post on your community calendars. If you have any questions, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306.

“Where Black Businesses Matter”

Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU & #MELANnaireMarketplace.

Instagram: @melannairemarketplace

The VIPP Report: Lady Veterans Connect Announce Inaugural Gala

Posted on October 19, 2021 by The VIPP Report

(Winchester, KY) Lady Veterans Connect will host their inaugural Lady Veterans Gala on Monday, November 8^th in Lexington at the Hilton Downtown, 369 West Vine Street from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

The evening is all about embracing the ‘sheroes’ of the armed forces. The event will have a red-carpet entrance so guests can see the veterans as they arrive followed by the welcome address at 6:00pm. Dinner will be served at 7:00pm. Gala guests will be able to enjoy entertainment, raffles, and a silent auction.

Female veterans will get to enjoy the gala free with prior registration. You can purchase a table for ten for $600 and individual tickets are $75.00.

Phyllis Abbott, Executive Director says “Kentucky is currently the home to over 24,000 women veterans. We honor our lady veterans every year but couldn’t accommodate everyone who wanted to participate from family, friends, and supporters. By moving it to the Hilton Downtown it’s gives us a chance to increase awareness and our reach about the contributions these ladies have done for the military. We want them to come out and enjoy the evening as we kickoff activities and events for Veterans Day (November 11^th). I hope you join us and support our initiatives.”

To be a sponsor, purchase tickets and/or if you need transitional housing go to www.lv-connect.org or call 859-806-4297.

About

Lady Veterans Connect is an organization created to provide high quality, comprehensive services to assist female veterans in transitional support and preventing homelessness. Founded in 2012 under the name Sheppards Hands by Phyllis Abbott, LVC was officially renamed in 2016 and opened the first transitional healing home, the Thurman-Abbott House, for female veterans in Kentucky. Since then, LVC has connected over 500 lady veterans in Kentucky with needed resources.

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The VIPP Report: MELANnaire Marketplace heads to the Russell neighborhood showcasing Black-owned businesses in a pop-up mall

Posted on October 18, 2021 by The VIPP Report

Founder, Nachand Trabue will be honored in an awards ceremony

(Louisville, KY) The MELANnaire Marketplace and Old Walnut Street presents the Black Walnut Marketplace with a pop-up mall as part of West Louisville’s 5th Annual Economic Mobility Summit. It will be held on Friday, October 22nd at the Louisville Central Community Center, 1300 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. The pop-up mall opens at 12:00pm and closes at 9:00pm.

The summit will also recognize six Louisville entrepreneurs with the inaugural Sam Watkins Jr. ‘Light the Way’ Awards Ceremony where MELANnaire Marketplace founder Nachand Trabue will be honored for entrepreneurial excellence. The program is scheduled to begin at 6:00pm.

Trabue says “This is a true honor to be recognized by my peers. I have tried to find ways not only be a successful entrepreneur but to assist other Black-owned businesses find a way to promote and sell their products and services. Entrepreneurship as we’ve learned is a labor of love. So, many have had to close their doors over the past two years while some decided to make a career change and open a business. I try each and every week to give businesses a place where we can work together as a community to generate wealth. I’m truly humbled to be recognized along with the other recipients.”

If you would like to be a vendor and/or be a sponsor, please contact MELANnaire Marketplace at http://www.melannaire.com.
Please announce and/or post on your community calendars.

“Where Black Businesses Matter”
Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU & #MELANnaireMarketplace.
Instagram: @melannairemarketplace

The VIPP Report: MELANnaire Marketplace celebrates one-year anniversary Labor Day Weekend

Posted on August 30, 2021 by The VIPP Report

Immediate Release:

August 29, 2021

(Louisville, KY) During one of the toughest times in the City of Louisville a group of business owners found a way to support themselves. From the pandemic to the social unrest that spilled into the streets due to the Breonna Taylor case and other cases across the nation. One community leader and entrepreneur Nachand Trabue, owner of Manhattan on Broadway rallied area businesses to work together to generate wealth in the Black community.

Now, the MELANnaire Marketplace invites you to come out and celebrate it’s one-year anniversary on Saturday, September 4^th from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Manhattan on Broadway located at 716 E. Broadway.

The MELANnaire Marketplace showcases products and services of Black-owned businesses. Many of the entrepreneurs do not have the capital for storefronts or office space so this marketplace is critical for their growth, and it puts them in front of consumers, both local and tourist looking for shopping opportunities in downtown Louisville.

According to local census, only 2.4% of businesses are Black owned while they make up 22.4% of the population. That’s why are requesting your support as consumer and/or sponsor.

When you visit the marketplace you will see all type of vendors from homemade pet treats, artwork, clothing, accessories to soul food and healthy food options and produce.

There will be a live DJ and band playing throughout the event.

The founder and creator of the MELANnaire Marketplace Nachand Trabue says “This was birthed out of love for community and to see other Black-owned businesses reach their ultimate potential. We are literally sitting in a food desert, and no one is coming to the aide of the residents in the Smoketown and downtown residents. We had an urgent need, so I contacted businesses and we all agreed that we needed to help ourselves instead of waiting on someone to help us.

Over this past year, we have had people from all over the city and surrounding communities come out and support us. This is truly a community effort. I just feel so blessed to be able to spearhead the initiative. I had no idea that when we started that the MELANnaire Marketplace would become so important in the community. That’s a testament for the need and the quality service our businesses bring to the table.”

We would like to thank all the Black-owned businesses, sponsors, and community leaders who have participated and supported us over the past year. We look forward to the next year.

We currently have more than 30 local businesses participating on Saturday, September 4^th:

We invite you to stop by and see what the entrepreneurs have to offer.

If you would like to be a vendor and/or be a sponsor, please contact MELANnaire Marketplace at www.melannaire.com. Please announce and/or post on your community calendars. If you have any questions, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306.

“Where Black Businesses Matter”

Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU & #MELANnaireMarketplace.

Instagram: @melannairemarketplace

The VIPP Report: Stop by MELANnaire Marketplace this weekend

Posted on August 27, 2021 by The VIPP Report

(Louisville, KY) We invite you to Louisville’s only weekly portal of Black-owned businesses. The MELANnaire Marketplace will take place on Saturday, August 28^th at Manhattan on Broadway located at 716 E. Broadway. The marketplace runs from 12 pm to 5 pm. Shoppers have an opportunity to walk around shop and hear the stories of the start-ups. Come out and support area entrepreneurs. You find produce to one of kind pieces from artists and designers.

The founder and creator of the MELANnaire Marketplace Nachand Trabue says “I can’t believe it’s been a year already. All I tried to do is fill a void in our community and now this is now a staple. I strongly believe in helping others and this is just one platform showing that we can work together as we provide for our families. If you have not had an opportunity to shop with us. I encourage you to stop by and see what the entrepreneurs have to offer.”

If you are looking to do a profile on Trabue and/or any of the vendors, we invite you to come out and hear the stories.

WHO: MELANnaire Marketplace

WHAT: Shopping with Black-owned businesses

WHEN: Saturday, August 28th from 12:00pm-5:00pm

WHERE: Manhattan on Broadway, 716 E. Broadway

WHY: Creating a marketplace in downtown Louisville for residents & tourists to easily get too.

Labor Day Weekend, (September 4^th) we will be at Manhattan on Broadway from 12pm-5pm to celebrate our one-year anniversary.

“Where Black Businesses Matter”

Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU & #MELANnaireMarketplace.

Instagram: @melannairemarketplace

The VIPP Report: MELANnaire Marketplace Schedule of Events

Posted on August 26, 2021 by The VIPP Report

MELANnaire Marketplace

The MELANnaire Marketplace takes place every Saturday in Louisville, KY. Alternating between Manhattan on Broadway located at 716 East Broadway from 12pm to 5pm in the Smoketown neighborhood and Fourth Street Live from 12pm to 6pm in the downtown business district. We will also move the marketplace where there’s a need.

Here’s our latest schedule:

Saturday, August 28^th – Manhattan on Broadway

Saturday, September 4^th – Manhattan on Broadway (One year anniversary)

Saturday, September 11^th– We will be at Finzer & Preston Streets (outdoors) In partnership with the Smoketown Festival and Black Wealth Week

Saturday, September 18^th– Fourth Street Live

If you would like to be a vendor and/or be a sponsor, please contact MELANnaire Marketplace at www.melannaire.com.

Please announce and/or post on your community calendars. If you have any questions, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com and/or by calling 502-341-7306.

“Where Black Businesses Matter”

Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU & #MELANnaireMarketplace.

Instagram: @melannairemarketplace

The VIPP Report: Remembering photojournalist Bud Dorsey

Posted on August 16, 2021 by The VIPP Report

By Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 ABC Louisville

In today’s ‘Your Story’. Remembering famed photographer Bud Dorsey. Who died last week at the age of 80. I spoke to Yvonne Coleman Bach, Associate Publisher and Editor who worked with him and called him a good friend.

He could tell a story without even saying a word. Charles ‘Bud’ Dorsey got his start with the Louisville Defender Newspaper. I spoke to Bach about the paper that’s been in existence for over 80 years and Dorsey’s impact.

Bach says “Bud was wonderful. I started working with Bud in the mid-1980’s. What we try and do is bring that positive back and to let people know there’s a lot of positive things happening in the community.”

Dorsey somedays didn’t wait for an assignment. He went where the news was happening. Coleman-Bach says “Working with Bud was unreal because he made my job easier. He never let me down. He was looking and watching for things to happened and he was always there.”

Coleman-Bach says Bud had that dedication and a strong love for what he was doing even when he had to go home and care for his small children alone. She adds “One of the things people don’t know about Bud. He has four kids and his wife died at a very young at a very early age. Left him with four kids the youngest one under a year old.”

Even with all of that going on he captured the essence and soul of the community. Coleman-Bach says “He was out there for the civil rights marches, he was out there for the little league ball games he was out there for everything that was going on in the community and it showed that positive side.” Helped create special bonds with Central High classmates like Muhammad Ali. “The few times I was with Bud where Muhammad Ali is concerned. Every time he saw Bud, even when he couldn’t speak, when he saw Bud he would give some type of sign like oh there’s Bud.”

I asked Coleman-Bach about some of his best moments. Coleman-Bach says “I think the coverage he did on Ali and I have to go back and say too a second one is Louis Coleman. Bud did some fabulous coverage with Louis Coleman. He went to different cities with him. Consistently following him and following the work he was doing. Which is very important in the community.”

It wasn’t hard for Coleman-Bach to describe Dorsey as a father and photographer. She says “Even when talking about his as a photographer or a dad he was absolutely amazing. /Coleman 4:16-24 Bud was able to capture the community, the West Louisville community like no one could and I don’t think anyone else will.”

In his own words, he wanted to make sure his work lived on. Dorsey says “I want to try and leave a legacy for my grandkids and great grandkids. It’s a great place to be and a great place to live.”

I wanted to share with you a photo Dorsey took of me some 20 years ago. I’ve kept it all these years. I was speaking at the Louisville Black Expo to a group of students interested in television production.

There will be a community memorial service on Saturday where Bach will speak. The service is from noon to two at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage at 17^th and Ali.

►Contact The 411’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

To see the story, click the following link https://www.whas11.com/mobile/article/features/bud-dorsey-louisville-photographer-defender-remember/417-4f8b6b1f-0174-4f5f-a135-3741d919880d

The VIPP Report: A look back to how Ronnie Baker qualified for the Tokyo Olympics

Posted on August 14, 2021 by The VIPP Report

By Sherlene Shanklin

The Tokyo Olympics is in the books and Louisville native Ronnie Baker did us proud. He did not bring home any hardware but friends, family and supporters couldn’t be more happy on how he represented U.S.A.

Let’s take a look back at my story on Baker just days before he went to the Olympics.

It’s the race 27 year old Ronnie Baker has dreamed of and trained for all his life. Now, he’s just a few days away from making that dream come true. He tells me he’s a product of West Louisville, JCPS and most of his family lives in Louisville.

Baker says “I went to Ballard and Highland Middle. I lived in the west end and grew up in Village West. My whole family is there actually. My mom, my brother moved back, my sister is there. Pretty much even my extended family is there.”

Baker started with cross country and then later became a sprinter. It all happened after a coach watched him compete.
He says “They saw me run and they were like hey you should go out for the track team. That’s when I started running track. That conversation I had on field day. I always had the speed. I just did not know where to put it.”

Now, he will head to Tokyo but it will be much different than he dreamed. Missing the opening ceremonies due to the flight schedule and no fans. I asked what he needed to run to win gold.

Baker says “I don’t know what it is going to take because Tokyo is going to be different you know Tokyo is not going to have spectators so the atmosphere, kinda the crowd, the energy that’s not going to be there. Crossing multiple time zones and jet lag could be a factor. “

Winning the 100 meters in Monaco, the last big meet before the games. I asked does this put him in excellent position to win gold?
The Olympian says “Absolutely, That race was It was a good momentum booster, motivational. Like… It gives me momentum going into the Olympics. I think it was great for me being there and to experience with all the guys potentially be running against in events as well.”

He goes on to say “This is when you do a lot of light work and focusing on the small, I mean the tiny-ist things that are the difference between gold and silver.”

Ronnie Baker will run in the 100 meters on July 31st and then he will be a member of the four by 100 relay team. Baker’s wife and mom will watch with other families in Orlando at Disney World while his family in Louisville will be apart of a couple of watch parties cheering him onto gold.

I’ve been in contact with Baker this week and he sounded confident and relaxed leading up to the biggest race of his career thus far.

Here’s a fun fact. Former Olympian and Kentucky native Tyson Gay and Baker are cousins. So, running literally “runs” in the family. For “Your Story.”

Contact Sherlene Shanklin at sherlene@sherleneshanklin.com or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

To see the story, click the link below.

https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/louisville-native-ronnie-baker-going-for-gold-in-tokyo-olympics/417-b2712e88-29c0-4770-9270-852159c6b09f

The VIPP Report: Preparing Young Ladies To Be Successful Both On And Off The Basketball Court

Posted on July 27, 2021 by The VIPP Report

STARS Youth Enrichment Program will spend the day in Troy, Ohio empowering future leaders

(Troy, OH) With the increased interest in females wanting to participate in sports the STARS Youth Enrichment
Program, (STARS YEP) and the Lincoln Community Center team up to host an all-girls camp. It’s the 2021 Girls Life
Skills and Empowerment Camp. It will be held on Saturday, August 28th from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Lincoln
Community Center located at 110 Ash Street in Troy.

This year’s camp has a vast array of experience when it comes to basketball knowledge and skill set. Former NCAA
coach and Co-author of Skills for Life Mike Jarvis will discuss his personal life experiences and perspectives that camp
attendees need to hear! In addition to Coach Jarvis, the following sports icons will be onsite throughout the day: NBA
star Dale Ellis, former NCAA Women’s assistant coach, Nikita Lowry Dawkins, and NBA scout Don Sellers. Sellers will
make a debut as alter ego: “Professor Basketball”, a motivational, fun-spirited coach who encourages participants to
strive for excellence, will emcee the event.

The camp will also begin to lay the foundation on how the camp participants can begin to prepare themselves with
useful life skills lessons. There will also be plenty of fun, food, music and much more! This camp is free. Registration
begins at 6:30 am with opening ceremonies beginning at 9:00 am.

Jarvis is excited to be a part of the program and encourages others to participate in the camp. “I have the unique
opportunity to teach these young ladies the proper techniques of basketball and teach them the necessary life skills to
be successful. I hope to help inspire them to be the best version of themselves. As a former player and coach, I have
been in their shoes. I can share what worked and did not work that helped to mold me into the person that I am today”.

We would like to thank our program partners Magnified Giving, Never the Less Inc., and the Lincoln Community
Center for working with us to help make the camp a wonderful experience for everyone involved.

If you would like to be a sponsor for this camp and/or another S.T.A.R.S. youth programming activity, please visit our
website at http://www.starsyep.org or email info@starsyep.org. To setup interviews please contact Sherlene Shanklin, VIPP
Communications at 502-341-7306 or by email at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

S.T.A.R.S. Youth Enrichment Program (Skills, Talent, Action, Results, and Success) is a unique program that supports
and mentors youth ages 8-15. And a certified 501 ©(3) non-profit organization.

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The VIPP Report: MELANnaire Marketplace at Fourth Street Live! in downtown Louisville this weekend

Posted on July 13, 2021 by The VIPP Report

HEAD TO FOURTH STREET LIVE! THIS WEEKEND FOR MELANNAIRE MARKETPLACE

Where the community comes out to Shop, Socialize & Support

(Louisville, KY) The MELANnaire Marketplace welcomes you to come out to Fourth Street Live! on Saturday, July 17th from 12pm to 6pm. This week’s theme: Summer Breeze Festival featuring live jazz with the Baconaters and entertainment provided by DJ Cam, FaithWorks Studio and Redline Performing Arts.. We have a large array of Black-owned businesses from handmade jewelry, fresh baked goods, fresh produce to clothing and unique crafts. This is a FREE event that we invite the whole community to come out and support.

If you are looking for a great story, we invite you to come out and hear the stories of how these entrepreneurs got their start. We will help coordinate your request and/or you can walk to see who catches your eye.

WHO: Melannaire Marketplace Summer Breeze Festival

WHAT: Pop Up Mall

WHEN: 12:00pm-6:00pm

WHERE: Fourth Street Live!

If you would like to be a vendor and/or be a sponsor, please contact MELANnaire Marketplace at www.melannaire.com.

Please announce and/or post on your community calendars. If you have any questions, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306.

“Where Black Businesses Matter”

Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU & #MELANnaireMarketplace.

Instagram: @melannairemarketplace

The VIPP Report: Your next Miss Kentucky and Miss America Outstanding Teen is…….

Posted on June 20, 2021 by The VIPP Report

YOUR NEXT MISS KENTUCKY AND MISS AMERICA’S OUTSTANDING TEEN REPRESENTING THE COMMONWEALTH IN THE MISS AMERICA COMPETITION WILL BE…….

June 20, 2021

(Louisville, KY) After four days going through preliminaries we now know who will be representatives in the Miss America competition representing Kentucky.. The winner was crowned d in front of a large audience held at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville. This year’s winner is Haley Wheeler, (Miss Louisville Metro).

This year’s Miss Kentucky Outstanding Teen is Chloe Yates., (Miss Nulu).

These programs empower young women across Kentucky through pageantry to develop the leadership skills and confidence to achieve their biggest goals in life. The Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization continues to develop role models for communities not only in Kentucky but the world.

Awarding over $70,000 in cash scholarships and over $2 million in in-kind scholarships, the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization is a celebration of the talent, scholastic achievement and commitment to service of Kentucky’s finest young women. This organization is so much more than a crown…it is changing Kentucky, one young woman at a time!

To set up an interview, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

For additional information on the pageant please visit www.misskentucky.org.

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The VIPP Report: Its the return of Kentucky’s Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Competition

Posted on June 8, 2021 by The VIPP Report

Who will represent the state of Kentucky?

(Louisville, KY) We are excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for the Miss Kentucky and Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen competitions being held at the Kentucky International Convention Center, (KICC) in the heart of downtown Louisville.

The state preliminaries will run from June 16^th -19^th with the finals and the crowning at 6:30 pm on Saturday, June 19th where we find out who will represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Scholarship Organization.

Dr. Ashley D. Anderson, Executive Director for the pageant and President of the Miss Kentucky board says “We are so excited about being back on stage giving amazing opportunities to so many talented Kentuckians. We like the rest of Kentucky businesses and organizations have been on a hiatus but we are stronger and even more passionate about helping these young ladies reach their goals. I encourage you to come out and support the program that help develop our future leaders.”

As soon as our two representatives are crowned they will immediately begin to prepare for the national stage. Kentucky is always a major contender and this year will be no exception.

Awarding over $70,000 in cash scholarships and over $2 million in inkind scholarships, the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization is a celebration of the talent, scholastic achievement and commitment to service of Kentucky’s finest young women. This organization is so much more than a crown…it is changing Kentucky, one young woman at a time!

Tickets start at $30.00 for events June 16th-19th. The June 19th crowning event starts at $50.00. You can purchase them on Eventbrite under Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/miss-kentucky-scholarship-organization-17407366534

The Miss America Board of Directors voted unanimously in favor of postponing the Miss America 2021 Competition (which was to take place in December 2020) and has advised the 51 qualifying competitions across the country to do so as well.

Following the recommendation of the MAO and in an effort to ensure the health and well-being of our candidates and volunteers, the Miss Kentucky Board of Directors has cancelled the Miss Kentucky Competition (taking place in June 2020). All current titleholders will be eligible to vie for the title of Miss Kentucky 2021 during the summer of 2021 (June 16th-19th @KICC)

To set up an interview, please contact Sherlene Shanklin, at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

For additional information on the pageant please visit www.misskentucky.org.

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The VIPP Report: Actor Hill Harper’s Financial Tour Makes A Stop In Louisville

Posted on May 23, 2021 by The VIPP Report

Special from Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 ABC Louisville

The Good Doctor’s Hill Harper aka Dr. Marcus Andrews is known for giving medical advice but when he’s not on the set he’s giving guidance on how to create generational wealth.

Hill, a Brown University and Harvard graduate founded the Black Wall Street Digital Wallet which promoted financial independence and economic influence.

Hill also cofounded The Digital Financial Revolution Tour and it will make a stop in Louisville of Sunday, May 23^rd from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Club Cedar, 416 South 26^th Street.

The financial tour will be virtual but participants will gather at Club Cedar.

To learn more about the tour and the Black Wall Street Digital Wallet go to www.theblackwallstreet.com.

You can watch the Good Doctor’s on Mondays at 10:00 p.m. on WHAS11.

►Contact The 411’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

The VIPP Report: Lady Veterans Connect Dedicate Anna’s House For Women Veterans

Posted on May 22, 2021 by The VIPP Report

LADY VETERANS CONNECT ANNOUNCE DEDICATION AND RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY OF ANNA’S HOUSE FOR WOMEN VETERANS

(Winchester, KY) As Kentuckians works to get back on track due to the pandemic. Lady Veterans Connect is dedicated to changing the lives of women veterans by giving them a safe place to stay as they heal and transition back into society.

On Saturday, June 12^th at 1pm you are invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication of our Winchester facility located at 11400 Irvine Way.

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development female veterans are two to three times more likely to be homeless than any other group in the United States adult population? [LVC is committed to changing these statistics by providing a safe place to heal and become the proud women they were while serving our country.] Kentucky is the home to over 24,000 women veterans with that number expected to double in the next five-years?

Phyllis Abbott, Executive Director says “This transitional housing [program] is vital for women who maybe dealing with PTSD and other forms of trauma. We had to postpone the celebration but our services were needed more than ever. This ribbon cutting symbolizes the support we have received from sponsors, volunteers and the community who made this possible. By taking a few minutes to say thank you for helping make this dream a reality.”

To apply for transitional housing and/or to be a volunteer for the Lady Veterans Connect visit our site at http://www.lv-connect.org.

If you plan to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony please RSVP at info@ladyveteransconnect.org.

To setup an interview please contact VIPP Communications at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

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The VIPP Report: The Muhammad Ali Center announces Laura Douglas as their first Black woman interim president

Posted on March 29, 2021 by The VIPP Report

By Sherlene Shanklin, Special Report with WHAS11, ABC Louisville

After nearly a decade in Louisville, Donald Lassere will leave the Muhammad Ali Center and move back to his hometown of Chicago. In his seat as president and CEO, Laura Douglas.
In ‘Your Story’ I sit down with the respected corporate leader.

To many in the community she is called the stabilizer. Because she helps corporations and non-profits maintain their business practices while stabilizing their leadership.

First, Laura Douglas did it at TARC; now she’s moving to the Muhammad Ali Center; serving as its first Black woman president. Making history in her hometown.

Douglas discusses her family and her close connection to the city. “Well, I grew up here in the Russell neighborhood. I had eight brothers and sisters. We started out at James Bond Elementary School which is now Byck. I went to Western Junior High School and to Shawnee High School.

After graduation, Douglas continued her education to become an attorney. She explained her career path. “I started out my career as a lawyer, I’m a graduate of the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and I’ve been a general counsel at several organizations and my most recent position was at LGE and I retired from there. Throughout my career I have always been a volunteer and I’ve always served on a number of boards in the community. And one of the places I invested a great deal of my board serve was here at the Muhammad Ali Center.”

As the immediate past board chair, she is now ready to get the doors of the Ali center reopened. Douglas says “Here at the Muhammad Ali Center the good news is, it’s an outstanding organization with a very impeccable national a reputation. My role is here is to keep the ship steady in the water as the board looks for a permanent CEO. I’m happy to do that”.

Douglas came out of retirement to take on this role, but i wanted to know if she planned to go back into retirement, as she shaped the next generation’s CEO’s at home. Douglas with a smile says “Yes, yes I will. I was a granny and my grandchildren kinda run my life for me.”

Douglas is excited about keeping the Ali Center moving until the national search is completed which could take up to six months. Douglas’ family is happy about her and understand the importance of the position but see what her family thinks her most important title is to them. She says “My family is proud but one thing they remind me every day, I’m just granny as far as they are concerned and I’m mom.”

June will mark the fifth anniversary of Muhammad Ali’s passing. The Ali Festival will honor him with his six core principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality. I asked Douglas did she expect the opportunities she’s seeing today?
She says “As a small child I know my mother and father encouraged all of us to expand our horizon and to dream big. I’m really fortunate to have the opportunity and to be able to continue to work in a community that I really love

The Muhammad Ali Center will reopen to the public on Thursday, April 1st.

This year’s Ali Festival will be June 4^th to the 13^th.

The Truth Be Told Temporary Exhibit has been extended to 2022.

The Muhammad Ali Center is located at 144 N. 6^th Street, Louisville, KY 40202.

Contact The 411’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

To see the story click the link: https://www.whas11.com/video/news/community/louisville-native-laura-douglas-named-muhammad-ali-centers-interim-president/417-738e504a-52d4-47fb-8bdd-f03f6ffcf312

VIPP Communications End of 2020 Message

Posted on December 31, 2020 by The VIPP Report

As the year ends, we have experienced things that we never thought would happen in our lifetime from the pandemic to the struggle for social justice. Have you ever heard the phrase, “This was the worst year and best year of my life?” This holds true for us.

Many of you have put a pause on business opportunities while some were able to create new ventures.

VIPP Communications is open and still working to cater to your specialized needs while assisting the community we love and want to see get back on track.

In 2021, we will be launching new projects and adding even more services. We do more than public relations and event management. You will see our name on various initiatives from diversity & inclusion, research, developing and maintaining brands to becoming a celebrity book editor. Please look at our site for additional services.

We will also begin to add additional team members once the pandemic is officially over and travel restrictions are lifted. We believe in mentoring those who are willing to learn in a professional setting.

We just wanted to thank you for the business, and we look forward to working with you in 2021.

Take a look at our website http://www.vippcommunications.com. Follow us on social: FB/IG @vippcommunications & Twitter @vippcomm

The VIPP Report: The Lady Veterans Connect salutes female members of the military

Posted on October 25, 2020 by The VIPP Report

A Virtual Event: Honoring Our She’roes

(Winchester, Kentucky) As the country begins to hit reboot, Lady Veterans Connect is looking for unsung heroes of the military. All Female Veterans from all era’s of military service are called to be honored this Veterans Day.

Join us on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11th, for Lady Veterans Connect first-ever free virtual event, “Honoring our She’ roes”; a Q&A panel session, with giveaways, that takes place from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., moderated by Judge Lindsey Thurston. Registration is required for the Facebook Live event.

Visit www.lv-connect.org/sheroes.html to register and upload photos and details for yourself, or a loved one. Deadline to submit is November 8th. All photo submissions are planned to become a permanent fixture on the Wall of Honor at Lady Veterans Connect Winchester, Kentucky location.

Female veterans currently are, and will continue, to be an important part of the veteran community. Women represent about 10 percent of the total veteran population, with approximately 2 million female veterans in the United States and U. S. Territories.

To setup an interview please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

Lady Veterans Connect is an organization created to provide high quality, comprehensive services to assist female veterans in transitional support and prevent homelessness. Founded in 2012 under the name Sheppards Hands by Phyllis Abbott, LVC was officially renamed in 2016 and opened the first transitional healing home, the Thurman-Abbott House, for female veterans in Kentucky. Since then, LVC has connected over 500 lady veterans in Kentucky with needed resources, as during COVID-19 we have not been able to have women in the home, but we are now allowed to do so.

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VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management, writing services, marketing, branding and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand. Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes. Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. www.vippcommunications.com

The VIPP Report: African American Bloodstock Agent Seeks Winner’s Circle at Kentucky Derby

Posted on August 24, 2020 by The VIPP Report

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY, Aug. 24, 2020 – The 146th running of the Kentucky Derby will be like none other. There will be no fans in the stands at Churchill Downs, and for the first time in 13 years, African Americans will have ownership in a derby qualifying racehorse.

Ray Daniels, a Lexington businessman and Greg Harbut, a Lexington Bloodstock Agent are two of three owners of the Kentucky thoroughbred, Necker Island. The two are among a tiny group of Black men to ever own a Derby qualifying racehorse. “My family and I are excited and truly blessed to be part of such a momentous event,” Daniels said.

Especially noteworthy of this historic accomplishment is Harbut’s lineage. He is the grandson of Tom Harbut, a groom and subsequently the general manager for Harry F. Guggenheim’s breeding stallion operations in the 1960s. Tom Harbut owned a racehorse, Touch Bar that ran in the 1962 Kentucky Derby. He did not attend to watch his horse because Black’s were not allowed to sit in the grandstands. Greg is the great-grandson of Will Harbut, the legendary groom for Man o’ War from 1930-1946. Many industry experts consider Man o’ War to be the greatest racehorse of all time. “My family has been on this journey for nearly 100 years. Horseracing is in our blood and I am humbled and honored to continue the legacy of my grandfather and great-grandfather,” Harbut said.

Many organizations are calling for a boycott of the Derby as a pathway to justice for the unarmed killing of Breonna Taylor at the hands of the Louisville Police Department. “There is a powerful social movement sweeping the country that cannot be ignored,” said Daniels. “Black lives matter, and I wholeheartedly stand in solidarity with the family of Breonna Taylor in the call for justice.”

Necker Island is a colt by Hard Spun who finished second in the 2007 Kentucky Derby and amassed nearly $3 million in career earnings. Necker Island will be ridden by Miguel Mena on Sept. 5th.

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VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand. Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes. Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. www.vippcommunications.com

The VIPP Report: Louisville protest move from the business district to the neighborhoods

Posted on July 15, 2020 by The VIPP Report

UPDATED 7/15/2020 4:30pm: From Louisville Metro Police Dept.: Suzanne Craft the individual that was served a summons regarding vandalism with racial hate messages was arrested today by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s for failure to appear in court on those charges.

This evening, members of Louisville Showing Up for Racial Justice (LSURJ) along with other community leaders and protesters will converge on the Lake Forest neighborhood located in Eastern Jefferson County, a subdivision in Louisville.

They are going to this particular community after several driveways were spray painted with racist slurs. The protesters are concerned that there was not enough action taken on the incident to protest the families involved and to express support for those involved.

This incident(s) took place on and/or around June 29^th, following unrest after the death of George Floyd and the ongoing case right here in Louisville of Breonna Taylor.

On March 13^th just before 1:00 am on Springfield Drive, Breonna Taylor was shot multiple times after LMPD executed a no-knock search warrant. The 26 year old died from her injuries.

Protests started in Louisville, Kentucky on May 29^th and they continue to this day like the Lake Forest protest as well 6^th and Jefferson in downtown Louisville.

The investigation is currently in its fourth month and is in the hands of the Kentucky Attorney General’s office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, (FBI).

Follow me for up to date information on the Breonna Taylor case.

►Contact Sherlene Shanklin at sherleneshanklin@gmail.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

The VIPP Report: Metro Disability Coalition announces their Breaking Barriers Spotlight Award honorees

Posted on March 11, 2020 by The VIPP Report

METRO DISABILITY COALITION THANK THEIR UNSUNG HEROES AT AN AWARDS CEREMONY

(Louisville, KY) The Metro Disability Coalition invites you to attend their 21st Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Monday, March 16th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Rudd Heart & Lung Center located at 201 Abraham Flexner Way.

There will be a reception prior to the ceremony for special guests, honorees and those participating in the program. This year’s theme is Working Toward a Fully Accessible Community for All Disabled Individuals.

The awards ceremony will honor community unsung heroes and community leaders in their various fields from service workers, educators to youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. Several Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS) students and faculty will be honored.

Here’s a list of this year’s Breaking Barriers Spotlight Award honorees:

Ms. BJ Levis

Lifetime Achievement Award

Nina Mosely

Merit Award

Dia Erpenbeck

Cedric Jones

Jenny Tyree

Sonora Crosby

Jodi Grajek

Cheikh El Moustapha

Certificate of Merit

United Auto Workers Ramp Building Program

Community Honoree

Breaking Barriers Spotlight Student & Teacher Awards recipients:

Students

Ava Baker

Goldsmith Elementary

Makenzie Harman

Georia Chaffie Tapp

Gabrielle Runyon

duPont Manual High School

Teachers

Pamela St. John

ECE Teacher

Lincoln Elementary

Performing Arts School

Eileen Foote

Implementation Coach

Crosby Middle School

Christina Delk

Itinerant Teacher

Marion C. Moore High School

Our guest speaker will be Rev. Corrie Shull, Senior Pastor of the Burnett Avenue Baptist Church. He also serves as the sixth district board member for the Jefferson County Public Schools Board of Education. Under his leadership at Burnett Ave, the congregation has experienced tremendous growth through the addition of hundreds of families into church membership, creating relevant ministries, implementing twenty-first century technology and embracing new and dynamic ways of engaging people from all walks of life for the purpose of life transformation.

A proponent of education, Rev. Shull holds degrees from Fisk University and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and works as an adjunct professor for Louisville area colleges.

Some our special guests will be Michelle Dillard, Assistant Superintendent, JCPS; Metro Council President David James and Metro Councilwoman Barbara Sexton-Smith.

We would like to thank the following that support the Metro Disability Coalition not only for this event but support us throughout the year: University of Louisville Health, Bates Memorial Disability Ministry.

Bridgehaven, The Center for Accessible Living, Council on Developmental Disabilities, Dayspring, God’s Gatekeepers St Stephen Youth Ushers, Independence Seekers, Kentuckians for Single Payer Healthcare. KIPDA, Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission. NAMI, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Superior Van & Mobility.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Marcellus Mayes by calling 502-774-8993 or Ronel McCombs at 502-836-1245

If you would like to setup an interview with a member of the Metro Disability Coalition for the 21st Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards held on Monday, March 16^th at the Rudd Heart & Lung Center please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

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The Metro Disability Coalition is an organization of individuals and agencies in Louisville, KY who advocate for those with disabilities to have a better quality of life. The 501c (3) organization was established in 2001.

Metro Disability Coalition Board Members

Marcellus Mayes, Bobbie James, Cheryl Medley, Ronel McCombs, Chuck Rogers, Beverly Peterson, Elaine Weisbard, Ira Grupper, Ronnie White, Teddy Young, Antonio Wickliffe, Manetta Lemkheitir, Charlie Sims, Grace Smith, Bill Wright and Goldina Lofton

The VIPP Report: Derby Soundstage 2020 announces concert lineup with T.I. and Megan Thee Stallion co-headlining KY Derby weekend

Posted on March 3, 2020 by The VIPP Report

WE’RE AT THE POST WITH THE STALLION AND THE KING OF THE SOUTH PERFORMING AT DERBY SOUNDSTAGE 2020

When hip hop meets Derby two of its hottest stars T.I. and Megan Thee Stallion will be in concert

(Louisville, KY) The Twins Spires at Churchill Downs are always a main attraction when travelling to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby, but this year another duo will also be demanding the attention of Derby-goers. Multi-Grammy award winner T.I. and rising hip-hop superstar Megan Thee Stallion will gallop their way to the Bluegrass State to co-headline Derby Soundstage 2020. The concert will be held on Thursday, April 30^th in Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center located at 937 Phillips Lane at 8:00 p.m.

T.I. is an actor and entrepreneur known for his southern rap and ‘Trap Music’ with masterful lyrics. He has a lengthy catalog, which includes Billboard #1 hits like ‘Whatever You Like,’ ‘My Love,’ and ‘Live Your Life,’ just to name a few.

Megan Thee Stallion has skyrocketed to stardom amid the 2019 releases of her first full-length mixed-tape ‘Fever’ and hit song ‘Hot Girl Summer.’ These projects earned her a 2019 BET Hip Hop Award and an MTV Video Music Award. Megan has stamped her reputation as a hit-maker with songs like ‘Simone Says,’ ‘Diamonds,’ and ‘Realer.’

Derby Soundstage is produced by The Livsuite. Tickets start at $50 and go on sale Friday, March 6th at 10am at ticketmaster.com.

To obtain media credentials you must be an accredited media outlet and will need to fill-out a form to enter the concert and be staged in the media section. To receive consideration contact info@vippcommunications.com

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VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand. Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes. Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. www.vippcommunications.com

The VIPP Report: The Stamina Foundation Throws Their “Rose” Into the Kentucky Derby Gala Field

Posted on February 26, 2020 by The VIPP Report

With an over-the-top couture fashion show led by a Project Runway designer and entertainment by a Grammy Award nominated artist the Grandstand Gala is a sure bet

(Louisville, KY) The Stamina Foundation is happy to announce their inaugural Grandstand Gala during Kentucky Derby weekend in Louisville, KY. As racing fans begin to arrive in the city, they will find out that this event on Thursday, April 30th will set the tone for style influencers trying to make a fashion statement during the Run for the Roses. The Grandstand Gala will take place at the Kentucky International Convention Center, (KICC) Ballroom at 7:00 p.m. located at 221 S. 4^th Street.

The lavish Derby event will have a red-carpet entrance as partygoers enjoy a runway style show featuring Project Runway’s Season 17 and Louisville native Frankie Lewis’, Frankie Lew Demi-Couture Collection. The designer will debut her summer collection with one of a kind pieces. We will give you an exclusive look periodically showing you the designer working and creating right up until the models hit the runway Derby week.

Frankie Lew Is a demi couture fashion house that specializes in artistic clothing for every occasion. Guests should feel free to be bold and make a statement. Unconventional materials are our favorite because they destroy the limits of fashion and expression. Join us in a night of wearable art and fashion freedom.

Dr. Ashley Anderson, co-founder of the Grandstand Gala understands that the world not only watches the “Run for Roses” but for its unique and bold style. She says “The Kentucky Derby is known across the world for its fashion! This event pays homage to that by tapping Project Runway Designer and Louisville’s own, Frankie Lewis to provide inspiration for attendee attire and by putting designs from artists, designers and boutiques on display in a live fashion exhibition. We couldn’t be more excited about this event.”

Grammy Award nominated artist Raheem DeVaughn will be the Grandstand Gala’s featured entertainer. The R&B and Neo Soul artist known as “Radio Raheem” and “The Love King” continues to make great music with hits like “Woman”, “Just Right”, “You”, “Ridiculous” and his latest hit the “Love Reunion” is his seventh studio album entitled by the same name.

The singer/songwriter will take Derby fans through a love experience as we countdown Kentucky Derby 146. DJ Reggie Reg will provide entertainment throughout the evening.

During the gala, NBA champion and Louisville native Derek Anderson and his wife, entrepreneur and community leader Dr. Ashley Anderson will present this year’s Grandstand Gala 2020 award honorees. The AOK Inspiration Award will be presented to Allan Houston, former NBA all-star. The AOK Commitment to the Community Award will be presented to Nicole Hayden, founder of Friends of Nicole 50/50 Mentoring Collaborative, Inc.

Houston, a Louisville native played in the NBA for 12 seasons in which he played for the New York Knicks nine of those seasons. He also won a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. The two-time NBA all-star shooting guard retired and currently serves as special assistant to the general manager for the Knicks and the general manager of the Westchester Knicks, the Knicks’ G League team. He’s not being honored for his accomplishments on the court but what he’s done off the court as a humanitarian through the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation and the Allan Houston Mentoring Initiative. Houston is married to Tamara Houston and they have seven children.

Hayden, a Louisville native and Miss Plus America 2014 works tirelessly to educate the community with the resources and information needed to build confidence and leadership skills essential for transitioning youth through their educational journey. The Founder & President of Friends of Nicole 50/50 Mentoring Collaborative Inc. gives her opportunities to be a role model. Her #IOWNCONFIDENCE campaign motivates and inspires not only locally but nationally.

Derek Anderson, co-founder of the Grandstand Gala says “We’re so excited to bring a new event to our city. The Grandstand Gala will offer the unique opportunity to celebrate Derby week and support the local fashion scene while supporting the mission and programming of the Stamina Foundation within the community.”

Tickets are $150 for individual tickets and they can be purchased on Eventbrite. To reserve a table and/or to be a sponsor contact DrA@AshleyDAnderson.com.

Proceeds from the inaugural Grandstand Gala held on Thursday, April 30^th at the KICC benefit the programs of the Stamina Foundation. The foundation is a 501©3 organization with the mission to empower youth and young adults with the resources and life skills they need to follow their dreams.

The Stamina Foundation will pursue this mission with educational programming and events throughout the year, but the first major project will be the development of the Stamina Academy. The purpose of the Stamina Academy is to teach life skills to youth both in and out of the school system with the goal of bringing this generation back to life’s basic skills: manners, being respectful to others, self-confidence, self-motivation, and self-education.

Youth today are greatly influenced by their peers and social media. Without proper guidance or a positive infrastructure, they tend to go down a bad road, which results in negative, long-term life consequences. Stamina will teach youth to identify and pursue their passions and to focus on being great instead of trying to fit in. For additional information go to http://www.staminafd.com.

To obtain media credentials and/or to setup interviews contact Sherlene Shanklin, VIPP Communications at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com. ***Stay tuned for special guest announcements. ***

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musi#EverythingisAOK

The VIPP Report: Miss USA Deshauna Barber will be in Louisville to speak at Black Achievers Celebration

Posted on February 20, 2020 by The VIPP Report

By Sherlene M. Shanklin

With scholarship as their main objective, the Chestnut Street Family YMCA Black Achievers program announces their keynote speaker for their 41^st celebration.

Miss USA 2016 DeShauna Barber will be the keynote speaker. The U.S. Army Reserve Captain will motivate young aspiring leaders to stay disciplined as they follow their dreams even when there’s a hardship not to stop trying to reach their goals.

Youth Achiever of the Year is Tajalia Tillman who attends DuPont Manual High School.

The 41^st YMCA Black Achievers Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 22^nd at the Galt House Hotel at 5:30pm. Tickets are $100 per person and they can be purchases and the Chestnut Street YMCA or by emailing ljohnson@ymcalouisville.org.

The YMCA Black Achievers Program includes events such as Spring Break College Tours, Community Service Projects, Leadership training, ACT workshops, college & career fairs plus much more.

I have the great honor of announcing the scholarships and institutions they plan to attend. For many families, this will be the first time they will hear the school and the amount of scholarship money their child will receive. It’s truly an exciting moment and I have to say that when I received the long list of names and the amount of money they will get in scholarships it’s super impressive and I can only imagine what their families will feel on Saturday.

Congratulations to the scholars of the Chestnut Street Family YMCA Black Achievers. Our future is in great hands with your leadership.

The VIPP Report: Raphael Saadiq makes a stop at Paristown Hall

Posted on February 17, 2020 by The VIPP Report

Saadiq writes about real-life situations that no one wants to talk about but necessary for healing and you get a chance to hear him live at Paristown Hall

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s exciting to see how much the entertainment circuit has grown over the years in the Bluegrass market. All types of genres, all forms of art and of course the area has some top notch venues.

Grammy Award winning R & B musician, songwriter and the man artists go to for collaborations will be in Louisville for a concert.

Raphael Saadiq will be at the Old Forester Paristown Hall on Monday, February 17th. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show will begin at 8:00 p.m. with some new music off of his latest solo project, Jimmy Lee. It was released in August.

The former member of Tony! Toni! Tone! entitled the album after his late brother who died of a heroin overdose. Through music, Saadiq will take you through the journey of addiction and later loss which many times causes confusion and sadness.

Over Saadiq’s 40 year career, he has many chart-topping hits from “Something Keeps Calling”, “Good Man” to “Ask of You”. He’s produced songs for John Legend, Solange Knowles, TLC, En Vogue and the late Whitney Houston.

General admission tickets are $35.00 but if you feel like a V.I.P. experience that evening they have a premium ticket which will cost you a little more. Also, there’s a meet and greet ticket available.

The VIPP Report: Kentucky woman heads to the White House to be honored for entrepreneurship during Black History Month

Posted on February 10, 2020 by The VIPP Report

KENTUCKY NATIVE AND CEO OF DB BOURBON INVITED TO WHITE HOUSE TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A GAMECHANGER IN BUSINESS

(FRANKFORT, KY) In honor of Black History Month, DB Bourbon Candy’s CEO Robyn Stuart is invited to the White House in Washington, DC on Friday, February 21^st to celebrate black entrepreneurship.

There will be a summit where Stuart and other business owners from all over the U.S. will get the opportunity to meet high ranking federal agency representatives and discuss the expansion of contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses and the creation of more mentorship programs for minority entrepreneurs to collaborate with the private sector.

Stuart, a native of Lexington, KY will participate in a summit that begins at 7:30am. Later in the date, at 5:00pm there will be a reception. She says “The doors of opportunity just keep opening for me and my business. I’m excited to represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky at the White House for this once in a life chance during Black History Month. I plan to learn common practices of other successful businesses, then come home, implement and help others who are wanting a chance to grow their business.”

DB Bourbon Candy, LLC can be found in various locations throughout Kentucky from the Kroger Company to the Muhammad Ali International Airport. To learn more about Robyn Stuart and DB Bourbon Candy and how to place your customized order visit http://www.dbbourboncandy.com.

If you would like to setup an interview and/or invite DB Bourbon to your next event, please contact Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin at vippcommunications dot com.

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History

In 2002, Stuart started her business after the passing of her mother Johnnye S. Cunningham During the holidays, her mother would create the delicious treat as a family tradition. Robyn wanted to honor her mother, so she decided to start the business and make the original candy recipe apart of her business. With the support of Four Roses Distillery, Louisville Convention Center and Bourbon Country as well as the many events and activities she participates in everyone loves to see the wonderful creation that she produces. From initially starting with candy the business has grown into developing other products such as chocolate covered fruit, bourbon cheesecakes to chocolate covered popcorn.

VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand. Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes. Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. http://vippcommunications.com

The VIPP Report: Showcasing Kentucky Black Authors in Lexington at an Expo

Posted on February 4, 2020 by The VIPP Report

In celebration of Black History Month, it’s the Kentucky Black Authors Expo at the Lyric Theatre, 300 E. Third Street in Lexington on Saturday, February 22^nd from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

Some of the authors featured will be Rev. Dr. Jim Thurman, Frank “X” Walker, Rev. Dr.C.B. Akins, Rev. Herbert Owens, Vanessa Sanford, Ron Spriggs, Dr. Junior Greenlee, Rosetta Quisenberry. James “Chali” Jones, Shonda White plus many other talented writers.

The Kentucky Black Authors Expo is free and open to the public.

The VIPP Report: Ball N’ Out is common for Rupp Arena but Wild N’ Out takes over in March

Posted on January 21, 2020 by The VIPP Report

There’s some shows that you just can’t turn away from. I’m surfing the channels and I always have to stop on MTV’s Wild N’ Out. I consider myself pretty knowledgeable when it comes to pop culture but I literally learn something new every time I watch that show. It’s a rap and comedy battle on steroids, performances by top artists and the latest in trends. With its resurgence of the show Nick Cannon has decided to hit the road.

Save the date of Tuesday, March 24^th for Wild N’ Out in Lexington, KY. The show will be held in Rupp Arena.

Fans of the show can expect some standup as well as some music performances. Some of the cast members you will get to see on tour, DC Young Fly, Karious Miller, Emmanuel Hudson, Justina Valentine and DJ D-Wreck. The 27-city tour kicks off in March with the lineup changing up for each city along with some surprise guests.

Tickets start around $30.00. You can purchase tickets at LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com and the Lexington Center Ticket Office.

If you have a story idea, send it to me at thevippreport@vippcommunications.com. Follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.

The VIPP Report: Celebrating the Legacy of Black Louisville with entertainment memories from the past

Posted on January 8, 2020 by The VIPP Report

(Louisville, KY) Music is healing to the soul and jazz is the essence of the heart and when you combine the two, you celebrate music and its legacy. Legacies Unlimited Inc. presents Jazz At The Top Hat Club featuring the jazz renderings of saxophonist Rick DeBow and The Palm Room Crew on Friday, January 24^th at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, (KCAAH) located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd formerly known as Old Walnut Street at 7:30pm.

Although members of the group CRISIS have not played as a unit for a number of years, they will come together as The Palm Room Crew for this Jazz At The Top Hat event.

We invite you to The Top Hat Club, it’s the place to be and to be seen as we celebrate the legacy of Black Louisville. Tickets are $35 for general admission.

On Saturday, January 25th, it’s “Ladies Night Out” with The Walnut Street Revue. We take you back to the 1930’s, 40’s and 50s. Louisville legends song stylist Tanita Gaines and showstopper Sheryl Rouse will perform.

Ken Clay, founder of Legacies Unlimited says “Its two evenings full of great music and memories. We take you down memory lane as we remember our music legends from Louisville in particular Old Walnut with music powerhouses of today. We will also honor an entertainer on that Saturday with the Helen Humes Jazz Legend Award. We’ve only given the award to a handful of people over the years, but we feel the particular artist we will honor is so deserving. We invite you both evenings as we party Old Walnut Street style.”

The award is named in honor of Helen Humes. A jazz and blues singer from Louisville, KY who was a vocalist with Count Basie’s band. Enthusiasts and historians have documented that Humes was a vital voice in the swing-era. Helping them shape and define the sound of vocal swing music. The only child of a school teacher and her father was the first black attorney in the city. In 1937, Basie asked Humes to join his band, replacing Billie Holiday. The Louisville music icon recorded her last album in 1980 and died from cancer in 1981 at the age of 68 years old.

Tickets for The Walnut Street Revue are $50 for general admission and $60 for cabaret seating. (limited space)

Celebrating the Legacy of Black Louisville is presented by Legacies Unlimited in partnership with the KCAAH. It is made possible through support from Christy Brown, the Owsley Brown II Family Foundation, Hardscuffle Inc., WLKY-TV and George & Mary Lee Fischer.

Tickets for the both JAZZ AT THE TOP HAT and WALNUT STREET REVUE are available at Better Days Records in Lyles Mall or at 1765 Bardstown Road. You can also purchase them online at redpintix.com.

Please announce and/or post our event to your entertainment/event calendar. To set-up an interview, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

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The VIPP Report: It’s the countdown into the new year benefiting area youth

Posted on December 27, 2019 by The VIPP Report

The Stamina Foundation rings in 2020 with a clear vision for the year ahead

(Louisville, KY) The Stamina Foundation presents their inaugural New Year’s Eve Soiree hosted by Louisville native former NCAA & NBA Champion Derek Anderson and his wife Dr. Ashley Anderson at the Hyatt Regency Louisville at 9:00 p.m.

It will be an evening filled with great entertainment by The Unlimited Show Band featuring Sheryl Rouse and DJ Reggie Regg. There will be a special performance by Hannah Drake that you don’t want to miss. The emcee for the evening will be Oremeyi Kareem.

It’s a party with a purpose benefiting the Stamina Foundation Food Insecurity Endowment that will be used to support initiatives in the community combating hunger among our youth. General admission tickets are $75, and VIP is $125. You can purchase them on Eventbrite.com.

Please post our announcement on your NYE event calendars and announce on your shows. If you have any questions and/or would like to setup an interview, contact booking@vippcommunications.com.

The Stamina Foundation New Year’s Eve Soiree was made possible due to the support of the following community leaders who tirelessly give back to organizations who are trying to make a difference through compassion. A special thank you to: Papa John’s, Pride Realty, Nail Talk, Citizens Union Bank, Republic Bank, LGE and KU Foundation, WellCare, Norton Healthcare, AFM Threads, VOME’, Simply Thai and Heine Brothers. To be a sponsor and/or purchase a table contact us at AOK@staminafd.com.

To learn more about the Stamina Foundation visit www/staminafd.com.

VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand. Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes. Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. http://vippcommunications.com

The VIPP Report: WLPAA 30 Year Celebration: “A Million Dreams”

Posted on December 11, 2019 by The VIPP Report

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) will host its 30 Year Celebration: “A Million Years” 6:00 p.m. Saturday December 14, 2019 at the Omni Hotel Louisville in the Olmstead Ballroom.

The emcee for the evening will be the Honorable District #4 Councilwoman, Barbara Sexton Smith. Special guest for the evening will be the Honorable Greg Fischer, Mayor of Louisville.

Come!! Enjoy!! The evening will be filled with the “sounds of hope,” orchestral sounds from Jubals Strings, and fine dining, and tribute will be given to McDaniel Bluitt, founder/director of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, for 30 years of service.

The Academy invites you to support the children as they celebrate this momentous occasion. Adult tickets are $100.00, student tickets are $50.00. All tickets may be purchased at: Artspace, 4th floor 323 West Broadway

For more information regarding the 30 Year Celebration contact Kathy Washington, Event Coordinator (502) 235-0745.

To arrange an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, founder of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, contact: info@vippcommunications.com or http://www.westlouisvilleperformjngarts.org.

History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir. Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

The VIPP Report: Tickets go on sale today for legendary ‘Supreme’ Diana Ross

Posted on November 20, 2019 by The VIPP Report

Courtesy: Louisville Palace Promotions

Ross will ease on down to the Palace in 2020. The superstar will be in Louisville at the Louisville Palace on Sunday, February 23^rd.

Ross is one of the most successful recording artists of our time. The Motown legend got her start as the lead singer for the Supremes and then went on to have an unbelievable solo career with hits like “I’m Coming Out”, “Endless Love”,” “Touch Me in the Morning” just to name a handful of her mega hits.

The multi-Grammy Award winning performer will be backed up by a six-piece band during her show. Her last performance in Louisville was April 26, 2012.

Tickets go on sale today at 10:00 am for the Louisville, Kentucky concert.

If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport@vippcommunications,com. Follow us on Twitter @thevippreport.

The VIPP Report: The Seafood Lady will open a restaurant in NULU

Posted on November 15, 2019 by The VIPP Report

Closing the Oak Street location to move to a larger venue to give seafood lovers the ultimate dining experience

(Louisville, KY) While many companies in the fourth quarter of the year, begin to wrap up business ties and prepare for 2020, The Seafood Lady is expanding due to an overwhelming increase in customer support. They are moving to NuLu, New Louisville.

Their 107 W. Oak Street restaurant will close and be relocated to 601 E. Jefferson Street, right in the heart of the East Market District. Seafood lovers have until Saturday November 23rd to visit the Oak Street location.

With the new location comes new features that customers will love and have requested that owners include on their menu. They will have a liquor, beer, daiquiri and wine bar. The 120-seat restaurant will have patio space, a private dining area and greeters who will seat patrons and take their orders giving them the full dining experience.

The Seafood Lady will have their specialty dishes on the menu, plus they are adding new healthy options to accommodate and cater to a new target audience so that everyone can find something on the menu they can enjoy.

Nichelle Thurston, owner of Seafood Lady Restaurants and Bar would like to thank the City of Louisville for all their support. Thurston says “We are sad to say farewell to Old Louisville you have been great to us, and we are thankful but were excited about joining our new NuLu neighborhood. To be apart of a community named one of the 18 Best Food Neighborhoods in America is something special. I’m excited to be alongside other up and coming restaurants like Feast BBQ and Louisville Cream.”

Lee Weyland, Director of Business Development for Weyland Ventures, “Weyland Ventures and First Hospitality are thrilled to welcome The Seafood Lady to the Hancock House project, working with a well-established restaurant to enhance the neighborhood and offer an unmatched experience to our guests and visitors to the area. We believe Nichelle has the experience and past success to grow her business in the NuLu area. Our company revitalizes neighborhoods partnering with locally owned restaurants and businesses as a critical component in creating a strong and welcoming sense of place.”

The Seafood Lady Restaurants and Bar has two locations, 3201 Fern Valley Road and 601 E. Jefferson Street. The Fern Valley restaurant currently offers delivery. Catering and private event opportunities are available upon request.

To setup an interview and/or request additional information on Nichelle Thurston contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

Follow the Seafood Lady on their social media platforms at @seafoodlady on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can see construction updates as they work on their NuLu restaurant. For their busy clientele, who love their food truck. You can now get updates and a schedule also on their social platforms.

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The VIPP Report: Junior J releases his latest single and gives his hometown a chance to hear it first

Posted on November 1, 2019 by The VIPP Report

RISING R&B ARTIST RELEASES LATEST SINGLE AT A RELEASE PARTY THIS SUNDAY

(Louisville, KY) Louisville native singer/songwriter Junior “Junior J” Jackson invites you to his I’m Selfish, A Day with Junior J on Sunday, November 3^rd at the Mellwood Arts Center, 1860 Mellwood Avenue. The party is from 5:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Junior J’s single release party featuring TEO will be hosted by Louisville natives Black and Smoke E. Digglera. The two R&B stars are members of Playa formed in the Derby City and now they are the two newest members of Dru Hill.

DJ Lifesaver will control the vibe throughout the evening with R & B and Soul music fans in mind.

Junior J says “This is a surreal moment for me. It’s been a long time coming and now I have an opportunity to share my music with the world thanks to J Rock Entertainment. I’m honored and grateful for the support of my city that’s why I wanted them to get a sneak preview of what’s ahead. To have Smoke E. Digglera and Black host this event is monumental. To have these two talented artists support me is a big deal and when I get the opportunity to return the favor to an up and coming artist, I will do the same.”

After Junior J’s party he begins to prepare for Saturday, November 9^th at the KFC Yum! Center where he will open for the Louisville Soul Music Festival featuring Keith Sweat, Anthony Hamilton, Joe and Angie Stone.

To setup an interview and/or request additional information on Junior “Junior J” Jackson contact VIPP Communications at info at vippcommunications dot com.

To book Junior J for your concert and/or event contact J Rock Entertainment at jrock216@gmail.com.

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The VIPP Report: The first African American secretary for the Smithsonian visits KCAAH in Louisville

Posted on October 27, 2019 by The VIPP Report

By Sherlene M. Shanklin

On September 25^th at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage they hosted An Extraordinary Evening with Dr. Lonnie Bunch.

Dr. Bunch is the 14^th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute. That consists of 19 museums, nine research centers and the National Zoo. He was previously the founding director of the National Museum of African American History.

The Heritage Center is located a 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard in Louisville, Ky.

See link for my WHAS11.com photo gallery Dr. Lonnie Bunch in Louisville, Ky

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The VIPP Report: Chris Tucker announces Kentucky comedy show

Posted on October 25, 2019 by The VIPP Report

Twenty-twenty is shaping up to be a big year for entertainment coming to the Bluegrass. Comedian/actor Chris Tucker announces his return to Louisville. The Rush Hour and Friday star has attended the Kentucky Derby and other events while in Louisville. He even took the stage to sing with the late Teena Marie at the Grand Gala, a Kentucky Derby Event but this time he will take the stage to do stand up. Save the date of Friday, March 6^th at the Louisville Palace.

Tickets are already on sale and they start at $39.50. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Fans will not be allowed to take photos and/or record portions of the show. Tucker and his team just want you to sit back and just take in the comedy experience.

The VIPP Report: Snoop Dogg’s I Wanna Thank Me Tour will make a stop in Louisville

Posted on October 23, 2019 by The VIPP Report

Snoop Dogg scheduled to perform in Louisville

Courtesy: Snoop Dogg promotional photo for I Wanna Thank Me Tour

Special Announcement by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11, ABC Affiliate Louisville

When you get a song stuck in your head and you begin to sing it, everyone around you tends to hum it too. I started singing Snoop’s song and everyone wanted to know why I was humming his song. You didn’t hear? He’s coming to Louisville. The “I Wanna Thank Me” Tour will drop it like it’s hot at the Louisville Palace on Saturday, January 25^th.

Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. for the hip hop superstar. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 25^th at 10 am.

If you have a story idea, send it to me at The411@whas11.com. You can follow me on social for the latest in entertainment and community news.

The VIPP Report: JB Smoove performs at the Kentucky Center

Posted on October 10, 2019 by The VIPP Report

Courtesy: JB Smoove official promo photo

Special contribution Sherlene M. Shanklin, WHAS11, The411, ABC Louisville

(Louisville, KY) The Kentucky Center presents multi-talented comedian/actor Jerry “JB Smoove” Brooks. The author of The Book of Leon: Philosophy of a Fool, based on his character Leon where he’s loved by so many fans who watch the HBO comedy series “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. He actually got his start by appearing on Def Comedy Jam in 1995. He’s appeared on countless shows and programs from Saturday Night Live, ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat to the Real Husbands of Hollywood.

He will be at the Kentucky Center on Friday, October 25th in Bomhard Theater. His stand up act is for mature adults due to the language and theme of the show.

Tickets are $38.50 and they are still available at the time of this report.

If you have a story idea, send it to me at The411@whas11.com. You can follow me on social for the latest in community and entertainment news.

FB: @Sherlene Shanklin

Twitter: @sherlenemediapr

IG: @sherlenemediapro

The VIPP Report: Music industry professional gives back by hosting a free workshop in Louisville

Posted on October 7, 2019 by The VIPP Report

Learn the industry standard from the man who secretly shapes artists for major labels

(Louisville, KY) Have you ever wondered how some aspiring artist(s) get the record deal while others do not? It’s all about the A, B, C’s of Music and being able to understand what the label expects from you. On Sunday, October 13^th in Louisville, KY by one of the best kept secrets in the music industry Dorian “King D” Washington will host a “Music 101” workshop at the Hardrock Café at Fourth Street Live from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The free music workshop will discuss publishing, radio, marketing, music plus much more. This event is for anyone wanting to learn about the industry and how it works.

The question many artists ask, “Do I have to move?” Washington says, “You can make it from anywhere no excuse.” Where did he get that mentality? You have to hear his story and road to success on the Sunday, October 13^th.

“Music 101” Louisville was made possible due to the partnership of The Orchard, Sony Music, New Wave Distribution, South Coast Music Group, Hitmaker and D. Wash Management.

Space is limited so to sign up for the workshop and/or request additional information send your information to dorian at newwavedistro dot com.

If you would like to setup an interview Dorian Washington and/or to be a sponsor for future industry events, please contact VIPP Communications at sshanklin at vippcommunications dot com.

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The Hardrock Café is located at 424 S. 4^th Street in downtown Louisville, KY.

VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand. Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes. Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. http://vippcommunications.com

The VIPP Report: The Kingdom Choir will perform in Kentucky

Posted on September 24, 2019 by The VIPP Report

They were introduced to the world when they performed “Stand By Me” at the 2018 Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

Now, The Kingdom Choir announces their North American tour. On Wednesday, October 16^th they will travel to Louisville and perform at Brown Theatre.

Founded in 1994. The choir draws their inspiration from various Christian traditions and is dedicated to creating a sound that reflects the community.

Tickets start at $25.00 for the two hour show.

If you have a story idea, send it to me at thevippreport at vippcommunications dot com.

The VIPP Report: KCAAH will host a grand re-introduction event featuring the first secretary the Smithsonian

Posted on September 23, 2019 by The VIPP Report

Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 an ABC affiliate, Louisville

Louisville, KY, When you think of re-introduction you think about how you are going to embrace change. The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, (Heritage Center) will turn a page to history by starting a new chapter with the launch of their Inaugural Quarterly Membership event that they are calling “An Extraordinary Evening” honoring Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution on Wednesday, September 25^th at the Heritage Center from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

I’ve had several people ask me who is Dr. Bunch? He’s the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian and the first African American to hold the position. He assumed the position on June 16, 2019 where he now oversees 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, along with numerous research centers and several education units and centers.

His past position was the director of Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The re-introduction event will hold it’s first bourbon tasting west of 9^th Street which will feature 12 top tier exclusive brands which they call the “Bourbon Alley”. Woodford Reserve’s Master Taster Katie Farley will be sharing her craft with the guests. At this event, they will also honor the first African American master distiller on record Uncle Nearest.

Did you know that Brough Brothers Distillery has a micro-distillery in West Louisville? They will also be apart of the event.

Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, President of UofL will serve as the emcee for the event as Mayor Greg Fischer, and other elected officials and dignitaries will be in attendance as guests enjoy a tour of new exhibits, cocktails, food pairings and of course networking opportunities.

For additional information visit the Heritage Center’s site at www.kcaah.org.

If you have a story idea, send it to me at The411@whas11.com. You can follow me on social for the real-time news and announcements at Twitter @sherlenemediapr & FB @SherleneShanklin.

The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage is located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

Sherlene Shanklin: KCAAH welcomes Dr. Lonnie Bunch of the Smithsonian

The VIPP Report: KCAAH’s Grand Re-Introduction Event Featuring Dr. Lonnie Bunch

Posted on September 13, 2019 by The VIPP Report

An Extraordinary Evening

KCAAH’s Grand Re-Introduction Event Featuring Dr. Lonnie Bunch

Kentucky Center for African American Heritage

1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY

LOUISVILLE, Ky. September 25 –The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (Heritage Center) is embracing the change of season with a rebirth on Wednesday, September 25^th from 5 – 8:30 pm. The evening will launch the Inaugural Quarterly Membership Event with “An Extraordinary Evening” honoring esteemed guest Dr. Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and Founding Director, National Museum of African American History. In June 2019, Dr. Bunch assumed the helm as the 14^th Secretary – and first African American – of the 19 museums of the Smithsonian Institution; its nine research centers, and the National Zoo.

The evening will begin with Louisville’s first bourbon tasting west of 9^th Street, featuring 12 top tier, exclusive brands. Katie Farley, Woodford Reserve’s Master Taster will be sharing her craft in this “Bourbon Alley”. Sample Uncle Nearest, the small batch whiskey distilled to honor the first African American master distiller on record in the U.S, and Brough Brothers spirits crafted by our neighbors in the West End. These and other featured brands pay homage to the center’s drive for inclusivity.

Dr. Neeli Bendapudi will emcee our program of comments from Dr. Bunch and Aukram Burton, Heritage Center Executive Director, special presentations by elected officials, and a tour of Heritage Center new exhibits, cocktails, southern savory food pairings, and networking opportunities will all follow.

Doors will open at 5pm on September 25^th at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. Obtain entry with the purchase of a “Circle of Friends” membership to the Heritage Center for $125 per person. In addition to admission to the Extraordinary Evening, membership benefits include admittance to three additional quarterly Heritage Center events; JB&B Holiday Celebration – Dec 2019; Miss Ida B. Wells – March 2020; Juneteenth Film Festival – June 2020.
Purchase online via Eventbrite link. Or call Kelly Dettor at 502 – 894 – 9768.

About Kentucky Center for African American Heritage

KCAAH is situated in the heart of the historic Russell Neighborhood, located in Louisville’s West End Corridor, an area undergoing revitalization and slated to become an arts and cultural district.

Located at 18^th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, the Heritage center occupies a 55,000 sq. foot campus and overlooks the area that once was Old Walnut Street. This area holds special significance for Kentuckiana’s African American community.

The Heritage Center is the result of a collection of African American educators, artists, and historians who have collaborated to give the long-dormant history of African American’s in their region the voice and platform it deserves. This group evolved from the Louisville and Jefferson County African American Heritage Committee into its current mold, with a single unifying goal of promoting the Kentuckiana region’s black heritage.

The Center is a vital contemporary institution, providing space for performances of all types giving the rich heritage of African Americans the platform they deserve. The Center’s long-term goals include various spaces for career specific learning for students such as music, recording, trade industries and theater.

1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40203

www.kcaah.org

Sponsors for the Grand Re-Introduction event include:

Presenting Sponsor, Brown-Forman;

Platinum Sponsors, Humana; University of Louisville, Office of Research and Innovation

Reception Sponsor, Strothman and Company

Supporting Table Sponsors: AARP KY, ACTORS Theatre, HJI Supply Chain Solutions, Louisville Healthcare CEO Council, Louisville Tourism, Republic Bank, Signature HealthCARE, TOPS Magazine, York Management, Inc.

The VIPP Report: Hip hop artists help their young fans with school supplies by donating their time and talents

Posted on August 7, 2019 by The VIPP Report

(Louisville, KY) This weekend music will fill the air for a great cause as area youth get the opportunity to fill their backpacks with school supplies thanks to some hip-hop artists. Last year, Dusty Leigh and his team went above and beyond their expectations when it came to donating school supplies to area youth.

On Saturday, August 10^th, they do it again thanks to last year’s response and need. Dusty Leigh Day welcomes Bubba Sparxx, Nappy Roots, Ritz, Sean Paul of the Young Bloodz and Haystak to The Bourbon Hall, 116 W. Jefferson Street. There will also be a special performance by Burden, Justin Time, Big Murph, Prime Suspects, Rocky Luciano, Japp Wayne and B Simm.

Doors open at 7:00 pm with the concert beginning at 8:00 pm. You must be over 18 years old to enter the event.

The concert is FREE with a school supply donation. If you don’t bring supplies, Leigh is asking for a minimum donation of $10. Proceeds will benefit Shirley’s Way. The non-profit organization assist families who have a loved one with cancer. It gives them one less worry as they care for their loved one.

We would like to thank AT&T Fiber, Bluegrass Meds and volunteers and supporters for making Dusty Leigh Day possible.

If you would like to setup an interview with Dusty Leigh and/or request media credentials, contact at VIPP Communications at info@vippcomunications.com.

The VIPP Report: The Green House Family Resource Center plants a new seed of hope on growing, supporting and sustaining families

Posted on July 30, 2019 by The VIPP Report

Grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at their new headquarters just a block away from courts system

(Louisville, KY) So many have expressed their concern that they have to travel all over the city to handle their social service needs. We introduce to the community, The Green House. The family resource center provides supervised visitation and facilitated exchanges, individual, co-parenting and group therapy, and psychiatric services all under one roof for the convenience of their clients.

On Friday, August 9^th at 717 W. Market Street, Suite 1 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm city officials, community leaders, clients and prospective clients will tour the facility and interact with staff. During the open house, a ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 4:00 pm.

The Green House’s founder Jessica Green understands and is appreciative of the one stop shop convenience. Green, a family law practitioner, healthy family advocate and adoptive mother of three children says “In honor and loving memory of her parents, James and Dr. Judith Green, who adopted 11 children, and fostered over 100 children during their lifetimes, The Green House, was birthed, furthering their legacy of creating a better community, one family and one child at a time. I too understand the importance as a mother the difficulty that many families have in going to multiple service providers to make sure that their family’s needs are met in a timely fashion. Our focus is to strengthen and support families”

At The Green House, each family is required to do an in-person intake interview with one of our service clinicians, and to complete an intake form to ensure that we understand the unique needs and concerns of each family. It is also important that each family understands how our program works. Case workers and judges are also able to refer cases directly to The Green House. Intake forms and Court referral forms can be found on our website at GreenHouseFamilies.com.

The Green House accepts all insurances for therapeutic services and offer competitive and affordable rates for our visitation and exchange services.

In addition to offering supervised visitation (both monitored and sight and sound), facilitated child exchanges, we are pleased to also offer individual and group therapy, co-parenting therapy, reunification therapy, parenting classes, provide documentation for Court and CHFS services, and have a board-certified psychiatrist on our staff. Certain clients may also qualify for case management services.

For additional information on The Green House Resource Center visit their website at www.greenhousefamilies.com.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, we will have remarks from a member of Mayor Greg Fischer’s office as well as Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith because The Green House is in her district.

School-aged youth in attendance will receive some school supplies to assist them with a fresh start to a new school year. We will also have vouchers for free haircuts and school physicals for qualifying students.

If you would like to setup an interview with Green prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502-295-0435.

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The VIPP Report: Third Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Project

Posted on July 28, 2019 by The VIPP Report

Remembering Music Icon and Louisville born Lionel Hampton with a concert benefiting Lincoln Foundation’s Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®

(Louisville, KY) On Friday, August 23^rd at the Kentucky Country Day, (KCD) Lincoln Foundation, in partnership with Dick Sisto, Ken Clay, and Owsley Brown III, presents the 3^rd annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Project. Talented local artists will perform in honor of jazz great Lionel Hampton. The evening starts with a pre-concert reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 7:00 p.m.

Proceeds from the event benefit Lincoln Foundation’s signature Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®. The purpose of the college prep program is to empower deserving youth to achieve successful graduation from high school and college. Scholars have earned over 440 post secondary degrees since 2000. The mission of Lincoln Foundation is to provide educational enrichment programs that develop and support youth in overcoming barriers to achievement.

The Lionel Hampton Jazz Project recognizes the contributions of Hampton and the influence he still holds in the entertainment industry. Hampton was born on April 20, 1908 in Louisville, Kentucky. When his name is mentioned, fans and fellow musicians reference Hampton as an innovator, vibraphonist, showman and a major contributor to the world of jazz. The Jamey Aebersold Quartet featuring Gabe Evens (piano), Tyrone Wheeler (bass) and Jonathan Higgins (drums) will open the evening. Dick Sisto’s Vibraganic Trio featuring Kendall Carter (organ), Mike Hyman (drums) and Marlin McKay (flugelhorn) will round out the performances in tribute to Hampton. Sisto serves as the artistic and musical director for the event.

During the course of the evening, Lincoln Foundation will also present the prestigious Spirit of Excellence Award. The award is given annually to individual(s) who exemplifies an active commitment to education, human/community service, and leadership. The 2019 recipient is Dr. F. Bruce Williams of Bates Memorial Baptist Church. The pastor, of one of the largest congregations in the city, works tirelessly in the church and community as a great humanitarian. Past recipients include Steve and Amy Trager, Christina Lee Brown, Laura Douglas, Ed Hamilton, Mary Gwen Wheeler, Mayor Greg Fischer, Robert & Deborah Blair and Lonnie & the late Muhammad Ali.

Tickets for the Lionel Hampton Jazz Project are $65 and can be purchased through www.louisvilletickets.com.

For additional information, please contact Paula Campbell at 502.585.4733 ext. 203 or Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com. Visit our website at www.lincolnfdn.org.

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VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand. Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes. Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. http://vippcommunications.com

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When hip hop meets Derby two of its hottest stars T.I. and Megan Thee Stallion will be in concert

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About Kentucky Center for African American Heritage

KCAAH is situated in the heart of the historic Russell Neighborhood, located in Louisville’s West End Corridor, an area undergoing revitalization and slated to become an arts and cultural district.

Located at 18th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, the Heritage center occupies a 55,000 sq. foot campus and overlooks the area that once was Old Walnut Street. This area holds special significance for Kentuckiana’s African American community.

1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40203

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Located at 18^th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, the Heritage center occupies a 55,000 sq. foot campus and overlooks the area that once was Old Walnut Street. This area holds special significance for Kentuckiana’s African American community.