Reckoning Inc. will present an African American Genealogy Workshop during Black History Month to help citizens trace their family tree

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(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. will present an Introduction to African American Genealogy workshop on Saturday, February 25h at the St. Stephen Family Life Center, located at 1508 W. Kentucky Street in the Multi-Purpose Room #1 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This workshop is intended for anyone seeking to begin the process of building a family tree—no previous genealogical experience is required. Just come with any information you possess about all known elders in your family. It will be conducted by Denyce Peyton, a professional genealogist with over 25 years of experience who is currently project director for Reckoning, Inc.’s Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project. The workshop is free and open to the public.

For more information about Reckoning, Inc., visit www.reckoninginc.org

If you would like to setup an interview with African American genealogist Denyce Peyton, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

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Reckoning Inc. will present an African American Genealogy Workshop during Black History Month to help citizens trace their family tree

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(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. will present an Introduction to African American Genealogy workshop on Saturday, February 11th at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This workshop is intended for anyone seeking to begin the process of building a family tree—no previous genealogical experience is required. Just come with any information you possess about all known elders in your family. It will be conducted by Denyce Peyton, a professional genealogist with over 25 years of experience who is currently project director for Reckoning, Inc.’s Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project. The workshop is free and open to the public.

For more information about the workshop, visit www.kcaah.org/events. For more information about Reckoning, Inc., visit www.reckoninginc.org

If you would like to setup an interview with African American genealogist Denyce Peyton, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

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Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 collaborate to honor Kentucky’s Black Civil War soldiers

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(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. is partnering with the Roots 101 African American Museum for a photographic exhibit entitled We Fought for Our Freedom: Kentucky’s African American Civil War Soldiers. It will open with a press conference at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 10 and will remain at the Roots 101 museum through the end of 2022.

The photos in the exhibit are all of soldiers who served in the Union Army’s 108th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, which
was mustered in Louisville in June 1864. The regiment consisted predominantly of formerly enslaved men from Kentucky
and served with distinction guarding Confederate prisoners of war at the Rock Island military prison in Illinois.

For Black men in Kentucky, enlisting in the Union Army was a difficult and often dangerous proposition. Kentucky was
the last state in the Union to allow Black men to join the Army, whether enslaved or free. And even after it became legal
in the summer of 1864, it was still a deeply unpopular policy among many white Kentuckians, with some using deadly
force to keep enslaved men from enlisting. It was also treacherous for enslaved men to travel through the state to
enlistment sites, as they could be caught by “slave catchers” who were paid bounties to return enslaved people to their
enslavers.

And yet, nearly 24,000 Black men from Kentucky braved these challenges and joined the Union Army, with over 44% of
eligible Black men enlisting, the highest percentage of any state. This represented roughly 13% of the 186,000 U.S.
Colored Troops who served in the Civil War, and one-quarter of all the soldiers who served in the Union Army from
Kentucky.

For More Information
To explore the research Reckoning, Inc. has done into the lives of the Kentucky’s Black Civil War soldiers, including
archival documents and detailed family trees, please visit their project website at KYUSCT.org.

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to
create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational
curricula, online content, and other means.

The Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project is made possible by grants from the Gheens Foundation, J. Graham Brown
Foundation, Humana Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, Brown-Forman, LG&E and KU Foundation, David
A. Jones, Jr. and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle, Inc., Sociable Weaver Foundation, Snowy Owl Foundation, Kentucky
Humanities, Kentucky Arts Council, Brooke Brown Barzun and Matthew Barzun, American Historical Association, and the
Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

We’ve attached our media kit for your review.  Also, attached are photos from the exhibit.  Plus, a google drive link is provided for additional photos. 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NMn-cX7BOFOeR1RFhpJf8lJ578EfDNqw?usp=share_link

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Contact: VIPP Communications
info at vippcommunications dot 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 how we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.  www.vippcommunications.com

News conference announcement: Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 will hold a news conference to announce a new exhibit just before Veterans Day

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Media Advisory

(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 African American Museum will hold a news conference to announce a photographic exhibit entitled We Fought for Our Freedom: Kentucky’s African American Civil War Soldiers.

WHAT: We will officially open the photographic exhibit, which will remain at the museum through December 31, 2022. We will also explain that the soldiers featured in the exhibit were all enslaved men from Kentucky who joined the Union Army’s 108th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, which was founded in Louisville. The regiment was assigned to a military prison in Rock Island, IL, guarding Confederate prisoners.

WHEN: Thursday, November 10th at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Roots 101 African American Museum, located at 124 N. 1st Street, Louisville, KY 40202

WHO:

  • Dan Gediman, Executive Director, Reckoning, Inc.
  • Denyce Peyton, Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project Director, Reckoning, Inc.
  • Lamont Collins, Founder/CEO, Roots 101 African American Museum
  • Descendants of Harrison Mudd, a member of the 123trd U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, also founded in Louisville.

VISUALS: We will have a power point during the program, and you will have an opportunity to tour the exhibit

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit our website reckoninginc.org

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

The Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project is made possible by grants from the Gheens Foundation, J. Graham Brown Foundation, Humana Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, Brown-Forman, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr. and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle, Inc., Sociable Weaver Foundation, Snowy Owl Foundation, Kentucky Humanities, Kentucky Arts Council, Brooke Brown Barzun and Matthew Barzun, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

TheVIPPReport: Miss Black Kentucky USA announces this year’s participants

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WINNER WILL BE CROWNED IN LOUISVILLE IN OCTOBER

(Louisville, KY) Miss Black Kentucky USA and United Crown Productions announce this year’s participants.  Each young woman of color will get the opportunity to experience a pageant format, showcase their talent and earn scholarships to assist them with their educational endeavors. 

Here is a list of this year’s contestants in the Teen, Miss and Ms. categories:

Nia Franklin (Teen)- Louisville 

Bria Byrd (Teen) Elizabethtown 

Alyesse Coonrod (Miss) Lexington

Jada Outten (Miss) – Louisville

Jade Spaulding (Miss) – Louisville

Lanisha Porter (Miss) – Louisville

Sherae Brackens (Miss)- Louisville

Bianca Blakely (Miss) – Louisville

Arielle Thompson (Miss) – Louisville

Taylor Dudley (Ms)- Maysville 

Andrea Johnson (Ms) – Louisville

Mandy Lemond (Ms) – Lexington

Dominique Joy Thompson (Ms)- Louisville

Mashayla Hays (Ms) – Louisville

Shekinah Armstrong (Ms)- Louisville

The pageant will be held October 9th in Louisville, Kentucky at Memorial Auditorium.

Dr. Ashley Anderson, Executive Director of Miss Black Kentucky USA says, “We have a fantastic group of women.  I had the opportunity to meet with them in August, and this is going to be a great pageant but judges will have the tough duty of selecting the young woman to represent the state of Kentucky.  This group has set the bar high for our inaugural return.  I hope you will come out and support these women as they compete for the title but also scholarships to help further their dreams and aspirations.”

The birth of the Miss Black Kentucky USA franchise is one that will have an impact on young women of Kentucky for generations to come.  Beyond the scholarships that will be awarded in Miss, Ms., and Teen divisions, the life skills programming will be sure to elevate the minds and lives of all participants. It will groom leaders, shed light on issues of concern in the community, and meaningfully fund the educational pursuits of black women in Kentucky.  It is my intent that this program becomes the largest scholarship funding source for young women of color across Kentucky.

If you would like to be a sponsor and/or place an advertisement in the program, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

To set up an interview with Dr. Anderson contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

Stay tuned for additional information and announcements as it becomes available for the return of Miss Black Kentucky USA.    

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The VIPP Report: A Louisville church bouncing back after unrest in the city due to Breonna Taylor and pandemic

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Little Flock Missionary Baptist Church uses their faith to motivate its members and the community they serve

Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, ABC Louisville

In Today’s ‘Your Story’ organizations and churches are starting to help get the COVID-19 vaccines to those in need. Even though, Little Flock Baptist Church has faced some setbacks due to their unwavering faith they press on.

In the Smoketown community sits the church on South Hancock. It’s pastor Rev. Bernard Crayton tells me of their beginnings which dates back to 1867. 

Rev. Bernard Crayton “By newly freed slaves.  The church was originally on Ormsby back in that time. They actually put the building on trees and rolled it here to the site on Hancock Street. It’s been a fixture in this community every since. It has a rich, rich, history.”  

Growing up in Cleveland Ohio.  Being a part of a family of ministers.   Rev. Crayton in April 1999 moved to Louisville in hopes of becoming a pastor of his own church. 

Crayton says “I never been to Louisville, I’ve been through Louisville but applied for the church Little Flock Baptist Church and when I got here, I knew this was the place I was supposed to be. It’s been a great blessing for the past 22 years.”

With COVID-19, he tells me how he’s been keeping up with his members to see how they are doing? Crayton: “People call in on the prayer line.  I have anywhere from 60 something people that will call in.  It’s not only my members but people from all over. I mean all over the United States.”     

Dealing with the pandemic and protests in the city last summer.  The pastor takes a call in the middle of the night that tried to break his spirit.  He tells me what was said, “Well, that was just unbelievable. One our members passed by the church and said the church doors had been shot out and I was going, WHAT!. That was right during the time when tensions were high in the city. I just couldn’t believe, I don’t know  why but I just couldn’t believe it happened to our church. When I saw where the front door windows had been shot out and bullet holes in the foyer. It really took me back.  I had a lot of people not only the black community but the white community in this city. That came and wanted to do whatever they could.”   

Turning to his faith, the pastor took a call from a company that wanted to fix their doors free of charge. Whichh renewed his faith.  Crayton said, “Even in spite of that there are still a lot of good people in this world.” 

So even though the doors of the church remain closed for services.  Little Flock wanted to find a way to help. So, they will open their doors  Saturday to help its members and the community.  Crayton says, “Saturday we are having our own pop up clinic. We have partnered with Norton Healthcare. We have been talking reservations but walk ins will be available.  Anyone who wants to come.”

Rev Crayton is trying to reassure people of color to get vaccinated.   He says “It comes from those who are just not trusting the govt. Historical things that have happened. It comes from misinformation. It comes from lies. It comes from conspiracy. And we’re trying to break all that down to make sure that people of color understand how important it is especially African Americans understand how important it is to get your shot.”

People of faith have been asking for a sign and the pastor believes this is it. “If you’ve been praying to God about a healing praying this will go away. God has given us the answer.  Its right there in front of us.  And what you need to do is just trust him. Call in and get your shot. That’s how I see it.  That’s how I really see it.”  

The church is working on renewed faith that you should never give up regardless of your situation. 

Crayton says “What I have tried to preach every single Sunday is HOPE.”

Ending Covid-19 ONE SHOT at a time vaccine clinic“ will be on Saturday, March 20th from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Little Flock Missionary Baptist Church located at 1030 S. Hancock Street.  Walk ups are welcomed but if you would like to schedule an appointment call Delane at 502-381-2354 or Charlotte at 502-494-8411. 

►Contact Your Story with 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/article/news/local/outreach/vaccine-clinic-at-little-flock-missionary-baptist-church-louisville-your-story/417-ffbdf381-6cd5-4266-96ab-9dbb57b0c81a

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

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Laura Douglas

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

Laura Douglas and Sherlene Shanklin

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

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

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

The Muhammad Ali Center is located at 144 N. 6th 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

The VIPP Report: One of the world’s top African American sculptors is honored by his hometown

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Ed Hamilton named Louisvillian of the Year

(Louisville, KY) You’ve seen his works from The Amistad, Muhammad Ali’s steel boxing gloves both in Louisville, The African American Civil War Memorial, ‘Spirit of Freedom’ in Washington to the Unfinished March of the late Dr. Martin Luther King in Newport News.  Now, the American Advertising Federation of Louisville announces that Ed Hamilton will receive the “Louisvillian of the Year” award. 

Hamilton is receiving the award for his outstanding achievement and generous personal contributions in the areas of civic, educational and business.  The sculptor only needed to possess only one of the three, but this talented humanitarian is a true community ambassador who works tirelessly who in turn is an inspiration to so many within Louisville and communities around the U.S. The national acclaimed sculptor gives his time and talents.

Ed Hamilton says “As a citizen of Louisville, KY, I’m proud and honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the 2020 Louisvillian of the Year award.  I know I owe my success to many who saw my talent during the early years of my artistic journey.

It is in the spirit of family, parents that adopted me and are now deceased, Edward Norton and Amy Jane Camp Hamilton.   They raised me to have respect for all people, the value of hard work and development of moral values.  This enabled me to extend myself into the Louisville community. 

To the love of my life and soul mate of 54 years of marriage, Bernadette, I seriously believe if not for her love and support, I would not be the man, the father, or the artist that I am today.  How lucky I am to be alive today.

I extend blessings to all past recipients and indeed I’m in good company.”

Ed Hamilton

Other works Hamilton has designed is the 16th President of the United States and Kentucky native Abraham Lincoln with the Lincoln Memorial which is located along the Ohio River in downtown Louisville. He’s known for but not limited to is The Booker T. Washington Memorial in Hampton, VA, Joe Louis Memorial in Detroit, MI, and the Amistad Memorial in New Haven, CT just to name a few of the many works you can visit around the U.S. 

To learn more about Ed Hamilton and his works contact, Sherlene Shanklin with VIPP Communications for appearance and speaking engagement availability at sshanklin@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: African American Bloodstock Agent Seeks Winner’s Circle at Kentucky Derby

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HARBUT-STACKED copy

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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!cid_A431B594D7B4419F8E91FA0D5F1A9765@SherlenePCVIPP 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: Civil Rights icon Rep. John Lewis dies at the age of 80

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Official Congressional Photo

Rep. John Lewis

By Sherlene Shanklin

Late Friday evening, word spread quickly about the passing of Civil Rights icon and Congressman John Lewis.

The “conscious” of the U.S. Congress died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 80.

The Freedom Rider attended Fisk University and when he was not in class he was leading demonstrations and sit-ins.

Within the last two hours the following statements were released.

Former President Barack Obama says “When I was elected President of the United States, I hugged him on the inauguration stand before I was sworn in and told him I was only there because of the sacrifices he made. And through all those years, he never stopped providing wisdom and encouragement to me and Michelle and our family. We will miss him dearly.”

The Congressional Black Caucus says “The world has lost a legend; the civil rights movement has lost an icon, the City of Atlanta has lost one of its most fearless leaders, and the Congressional Black Caucus has lost our longest serving member. The Congressional Black Caucus is known as the Conscience of the Congress. John Lewis was known as the conscience of our caucus. A fighter for justice until the end, Mr. Lewis recently visited Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington DC. His mere presence encouraged a new generation of activist to “speak up and speak out” and get into “good trouble” to continue bending the arc toward justice and freedom.”

Bill and Hillary Clinton say “We have lost a giant.”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi says “Today, America mourns the loss of one of the greatest heroes of American history: Congressman John Lewis, the Conscience of the Congress.

The Lewis family tried to hold the news of his passing because Dr. Martin Luther King’s lieutenant C.T. Vivian also of Atlanta, Georgia passed away earlier in the day.  Out of respect for the Vivian family they were trying to wait.

To learn more on Rep. John Lewis’ life and countless accomplishments go to https://johnlewis.house.gov/.

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

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

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AuthorsExpoLexington2020

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 22nd 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.

AuthorsExpoLexington

 

The VIPP Report makes its television debut on The LENS in Louisville

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By Sherlene M. Shanklin

FB_IMG_1561842341373

My first segment for The Lens, a weekly program focusing  and celebrating urban lifestyle and their unique perspective on issues took place in the historic Smoketown neighborhood. It’s the oldest African-American neighborhood in Louisville, KY.

“Behind me you see the Ali gloves. Fun fact did you know they were made by Louisville native Ed Hamilton?  Now, this week’s The VIPP Report.”

20190628_131320Here’s some of the events I profiled in the inaugural show:

*It’s Bring It Live, The Dance Battle.  The show takes place on Monday, July 22nd at 7:30 p.m.

*The Juneteenth Jubilee at Waterfront Park had to be rescheduled due to rain.  So they moved it to Sunday, July 28th.  The new date signifies the adoption of the 14th amendment to the U-S constitution was certified.  The amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States which included slaves.

*Boys 2 Men will be at the Indiana State Fair on Wednesday, August 14th.

*The Kentucky State Fair announces Sheila E and the GAP Experience on Friday, August 16th.  The concert is free with paid gate admission.  The KY State Fair runs August 15th through the 25th.

*The NAACP Hardin County Branch will host their 28th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday, September 21st.  Their special guest speaker will be Roland Martin.

*It’s Wu-Tang Clan’s 36th Chambers 25th Anniversary Tour on Friday, October 18th at Paristown Hall on Brent Street.  Tickets are $115.  You can purchase them at kentuckycenter.org.

I’m excited to announce that i’m one of the producers of a new show.  I will also have the wonderful opportunity to present The VIPP Report.

If you have a story idea and/or if you would like to be a sponsor of the segment, contact The  VIPP Report by emailing  thevippreport@vippcommuications.com.

Follow our column at www.thevippreport.com.

Follow us on Twitter: @thevippreport

Follow us on IG: @vippcommunications/@sherlenemediapro

The VIPP Report: On Veterans Day the FIRST African American to hold the rank of “Colonel” in the U.S. Army will receive a permanent memorial in Louisville

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The Charles Young Veterans Memorial

The memorial will be at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage

Today, (Sunday 11th), veterans , officials and community leaders will gather at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage Center, (KCAAH) located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd for the official unveiling of the Charles Young Veterans Memorial. This is the first project of the Freedom Flag Initiative. It works through Public-Private Partnerships to install American Flags throughout communities and states across the nation and build memorials to honor our nation’s veterans. The public is invited to attend the Veteran Flag Memorial Project ceremony which takes place at 2:00 pm.

The memorial will be named in honor of Colonel Charles Young.  Col. Young was born a slave in 1864 in Mason County, Kentucky.  He was one of the first African Americans to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point and the first black colonel in the U.S. Army.   He also served as a member of the 9th Calvary also known as the Buffalo Soldiers.  Young died in Liberia in 1922. Charles.Young.1919

The Veteran Flag Memorial Project was created by the Region VI Commanders of the National Association for Black Veterans as an opportunity to unify people and communities by providing beautiful spaces to reflect on a symbol that can unify us all.

If you are unable to attend but would like to have photos of the event send your request to info@vippcommunications.com and we will give you a summary of the event and photos of the groundbreaking.

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!cid_C5A664E86DDE4FF19B737E7F6159E0FA@SherlenePC

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.

 

The VIPP Report: Prince had a giving heart for a historic Louisville library

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Prince Check

Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television/ABC

I saw several people on my social media pages talking about Prince Rogers Nelson donating money to a Louisville library.  I have spoken with the spokesman with the Louisville Public Library and they confirm that Prince’s charity “Love 4 One Another Charities” donated $12,000 to the Louisville Free Public Library.  It was earmarked for the Western Branch Library.   In 1905, the Western Colored Library opened at 1125 West Chestnut Street, the first free public library in the nation for African-Americans staffed entirely by African-Americans. On October 28, 1908, the newly constructed Carnegie Library opened at its current location. The branch was led by pioneering African-American librarian, Reverend Thomas F. Blue.

I have obtained the check that Prince sent to the charity.

If you have a story idea send it to The411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter at @Sherlenemediapr and Instagram @Sherlenemediapro for real-time news.

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(Exclusive Coverage) Prince performs onstage during the “HitnRun” tour opener at The Louisville Palace on March 14, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

 

 

The VIPP Report: When two great civil rights leaders “Meet”

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AT THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE

Due to a medical emergency, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage did not get to debut the stage play “The Meeting”.  It’s about the meeting of the minds between two of the most prominent names in the Civil Rights Movement.  They had two totally different approaches but their ultimate goal for racial equality was the same.  While it was timely to do during Black History Month the story is timeless.

So on Sunday, April 24th at 3:00 p.m. the Griot Players Series at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, (KCAAH) presents “The Meeting”.  The play is by Jeff Stetson and directed by Baron Kelly.  Admission is only $5 per person.

If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X had met for an hour or so, what would they have found to say to each other?  Jeff Stetson undertook to answer that question in this one-act play.  The play sets the clock back to the year 1965, when a fictionalized meeting between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and Malcolm X took place at the Hotel Theresa in Harlem, New York. One who believed in non-violence while the other believed in self-defense, the scenes in the play reveal the shared pain behind their very different philosophies to address racial inequality are very compelling.

Aukram Burton, Executive Director for KCAAH says “The playwright provides a fascinating premise in the “The Meeting.” The play imagines Martin Luther King visiting Malcolm X at the latter’s invitation in his Harlem hotel room in 1965, just days before Malcolm X’s murder and three years before an assassin’s bullet would kill Dr. King’s life. “The Meeting” is an important play that will provide an engrossing story about two great Black freedom fighters that remains relevant to audiences today. I encourage families and youth groups to see a piece of history”.

This program will be produced by the Kentucky Center African American Heritage in collaboration with the African American Theatre Program at the University of Louisville.

For additional information on “The Meeting” contact 502-583-4100.

If you have a story idea, send it to us at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can follow us on Twitter @TheVIPPReport @vippcomm.

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The VIPP Report was created by Sherlene Shanklin. Owner of VIPP Communications based out of Louisville, KY. @Vippcomm @Sherlenemediapr

 

The VIPP Report: Misty Copeland named first black female dancer in the history of the American Ballet Theatre

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MISTYCOPELAND

Special report contributed by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11, ABC Louisville

Misty Copeland is having a great week in the eyes of the arts community.  Copeland made her New York debut in the lead role of “Swan Lake”, which is one of the most important roles in a ballerina’s repertoire.  Today, she woke up to some even bigger news.  She had received a promotion.  The Missouri-born dancer was named the principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre.  Copeland is the first black woman to achieve that status in the company’s 75-year history.

A principal dancer explained to me is the highest rank within a professional dance company.  They are likely the star of the company.

Over the last several years, the 32 year old has become a strong voice for diversity in dance.  She even penned a best-selling memoir, , “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina.”

Throughout the day, she has received congratulatory messages from entertainers and other artists in the industry from Taye Diggs, Star Jones to the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Copeland joined the company in 2001 and was appointed in a soloist spot in August 2007.

If you have a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm @Sherlenemediapr and Instagram Sherlenemediapro.

http://www.whas11.com/story/entertainment/2015/06/30/the411-with-sherlene-shanklin–the-american-ballet-theatre-names-their-new-principal-dancer/29543895/

The VIPP Report: The White House releases that President Barack Obama will be in Louisville later this week

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Sherlene Shanklin with President Barack Obama

Sherlene Shanklin with President Barack Obama

By Sherlene Shanklin

Later this week, President Barack Obama will be in Louisville, KY.  At this time, White House officials are not releasing very many details.  I do know that the President will visit Indatus, a Louisville based technology company on Thursday, April 2, 2015.  The business is located on E. Main Street, which is just down the street from the KFC Yum Center and Whiskey Row, a new business development designed to promote Kentucky’s bourbon and other related products.

If you have a story idea, send it to me at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr @vippcomm.

The VIPP Report: Tuskegee Airman & World War II veteran Alvin LaRue Sr.’s funeral was held in Louisville, KY

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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.
If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com

Louisville Sculptor Ed Hamilton’s African American Civil War Memorial is in this month’s Ebony

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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. 

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