The VIPP Report: In a raw interview with Louisville native Ben “Digital Black” Bush of Playa he opens up to Sherlene Shanklin of WHAS11 and owner of the The VIPP Report about Stephan “Static Major” Garrett. Bush talks about the call he received from Static’s wife six years ago today.
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The VIPP Report by Sherlene Shanklin: Today friends and family paid their final respects to one of the last living members of the Tuskegee Airmen. Louisvillian Alvin LaRue Sr.passed away on Monday, February 3rd. LaRue was a flight officer for the Tuskegee Airmen and World War II veteran. He retired from the Army Corps of Engineers.
I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to find the Kentucky members of the prestigious Alabama unit about 13 years ago for Black History Month. The first person I found was Alvin LaRue Sr. I knew him because I knew his son. We sat down and talked about his accomplishments and how important it was to let people know their history. I remember that he was very humble and so willing to share his story about the segregation in the Army even though they were all fighting for the same thing.
LaRue is a native of Louisville and he was a student at the University of Pittsburgh when he was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1943. LaRue then went on to become one of America’s first Black military airmen.
LaRue was buried today at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff, KY. Alvin LaRue Sr. was 89 year old.
During this Black History Month remember those who made sacrifices so that their children, and their children’s children could have a better life.
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The VIPP Report: In the February edition of Ebony Magazine renowned sculptor Ed Hamilton has one of his pieces featured. The African American Civil War Memorial began in 1992 as a Bill in Congress presented by Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia. Work began to develop the site and select an artist to design the commemorative art piece. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities commissioned The Spirit of Freedom designed by artist Ed Hamilton from Louisville, KY. To learn more about Hamilton contact sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.
The VIPP Report: Kirk Franklin and the Family will be in Louisville during Kentucky Derby weekend. It’s the 2nd Annual Grace at The Race featuring Tamela Mann, Amy Grant and Franklin. The concert will be held on Thursday, May 1st at the Kentucky Center for the Arts in downtown Louisville. The fly jock Tom Joyner will be the emcee for the evening.
Grace at The Race is an annual Pre-Derby event that will honor three individuals from the corporate, sports and entertainment sectors for their commitment and contributions to community service and raises funds for local and national non-profit organizations that have a focus on at risk children.
“Grace at The Race” will be held on Thursday, May 1st at the Galt House for dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. followed by the concert. If you would like to have dinner prior to the concert, there will be a “Grace at The Race” dinner which includes a concert ticket. For both events tickets are $125.00 before March 1st and $150.00 after that date. During the dinner local gospel artist Cynthia Williams will be featured.
If you would like to just attend the concert you purchase single tickets before March 1st for only $67.00, after March 1st, tickets are $77.00. For group sales call 502-417-1624.
For additional information on “Grace at The Race”, please visit http://www.graceattherace.com.
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LaSonya Berry, President/CEO of McPherson, Berry & Associates, Inc. (McPherson|Berry) was launched on January 10th, an interactive chat amongst professionals who only have a few minutes to spare in a workday. It’s called “Mocha Minute™”. The new online water cooler is designed for executives, leaders, managers, business students and professionals. Mocha Minute™ will initiate the dialogue to promote social learning and provide thought provoking discussion. The idea is to be able to do it within an allotted time you take a 15 minute break in your workplace. The new type of online water chat will only take a few minutes of your time but provide you invaluable information from leaders you rarely have access to in the workplace.
LaSonya Berry, CEO of McPherson|Berry says “I was very happy with the execution of the first “Mocha Minute”. Within the 15-minute break we were able to open the dialogue and answer questions from professionals interested in training, hiring and leadership coaching. This is a great start for the monthly chat. I encourage you to participate in the February online discussion.”
The next Mocha Minute will be Friday, February 14th at 11:00 a.m. (EST). Grab your mocha, latte, coffee, tea or water and take a minute out of your busy schedule to chat online about important business matters with Mocha Minute™. The online break will give you an outlet to discuss all things business from the latest trends, workforce challenges, industry news, HR, career/management concerns and power tips. We invite you to engage in the conversation.
Mocha Minute™ will take place every 2nd Friday of each month at 11:00 a.m. We invite you to engage in the discussion. Follow us on Twitter @McPhersonBerry to get real-time responses.
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The VIPP Report: Multi-platinum R & B/Soul artist Mary J. Blige’s father is currently in critical condition in a Michigan hospital. Police say 63 year old Thomas Blige was allegedly stabbed by his ex-girlfriend. The incident happened around 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning in Blige’s apartment. The suspect is currently in a Calhoun County jail charged with attempted murder and she is expected to be arraigned Friday.
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