Music Legend Static Major exhibit opens at Roots 101 during Kentucky Derby weekend

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(Louisville, KY) On Monday, May 8th, Roots 101 welcomes the long awaited tribute to the ‘King of Kentucky” the late Stephen “Static Major” Garrett.  The exhibit will take you through the legendary music career of the musical genius.  The Louisville, Kentucky native was a singer, songwriter, and record producer.  Born on November 11, 1974, and died on February 23, 2008.  He was a member of the R&B trio Playa that went on to have hits like “Cheers 2 U” and  “Don’t Stop the Music”.  This is their 25th anniversary of the group’s formation. 

Static Major has produced with some of the biggest artists in R&B and Hip-Hop from Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Nicole Wray, Pretty Ricky to Lil Wayne.  Proceeding Garrett’s death, in 2018, hip-hop superstar Drake featured Garrett in his hit song “After Dark”.  Then in 2020, Louisville native Jack Harlow hit. “Luv Is Dro”, which was a song of Garrett reworked by Harlow. 

Prior to the public exhibit opening, which will be in Roots 101 from May 8th thru July 8th.  (With a possibility of a longer run).  There will be a private event on Sunday, May 7th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  The Music Is Like Breathing Brunch will give family, friends, and special guests an opportunity to get the first look at the exhibit and share special stories of the talented Kentucky native who was ahead of his time. 

Avonti Garrett, the widow and mother of his two children remembers not only the artist but the family man.  “Stephen Ellis Garrett aka Static Major was a special one-of-a-kind person.  He not only was a talented singer, songwriter, and producer, he was a good husband, father, son, and friend.  He was a family man who was generous to all.  Static had a way of leaving a memorable impression with everyone he encountered.  The love that he generously displayed made all of us feel special to him.  His timeless music still has a great influence over the music industry.  Static Major is and will forever be a true legend.  The Goat!!! By age 33.  His family, friends, and I appreciate the love and we are truly grateful for the honoring of his legacy.  He is greatly missed by all. “

Lamont Collins, Founder of Roots 101 shares his excitement about having the exhibit at his museum.  He says, “It’s so important to document and preserve our history.  Stephen “Static Major” Garrett played and still plays a vital role in the entertainment industry.  This was a long time in the making, this should have happened a long time ago. We are happy that Roots 101 in Garrett’s hometown was able to make it happen.  We invite you to come see the temporary exhibit.  We hope it will have a permanent home someday, but it is an honor to be the first to display his life and superstar career.  Legacies matter and Roots 101 continues to chronicle history of African Americans in our community and the outstanding contributions made not only to Kentucky but the world.” 

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TheVIPPReport: Louisville Native George T. French, Jr., President of Clark Atlanta University, to speak at the Louisville UNCF Luncheon honoring Alice and Wade Houston and give a full scholarship to a high school senior in Louisville

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George T. French, Jr., graduate of Trinity High School and the University of Louisville and now the President of Clark Atlanta University is coming to Louisville to help Mayor Fischer honoring Wade and Alice Houston for all their years of dedicated service to the UNCF (United Negro College Fund).

To help celebrate the event and especially the Houstons, President French will provide a full scholarship to Clark Atlanta University for the Fall 2023.

For upcoming high school seniors, please submit a one pager (no more than 500 words) on why you want to attend Clark Atlanta University and why community service is so important to your educational experience.

The HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), Clark Atlanta University initiatives include:

·Innovative research to help cure prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s

·Create new solutions in cybersecurity

·Accelerate new avenues of entrepreneurship

·Opportunities in finding new ways to eradicate social and racial injustices 

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans and was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, with over 4000 students, representing 9 countries, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Morehouse School of Medicine) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. Clark Atlanta University is also the largest of the 37-member United Negro College Fund (UNCF) institutions.

Clark Atlanta University continues a 150-year legacy rooted in African American tradition while focusing on the future through global innovation, transformative educational experiences and high-value engagement.

CAU Programs Include:

•The only Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development of its kind

•A Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development

•An Institute for Civic Engagement, Social Justice & Leadership Institute

•The W.E.B. Du Bois Southern Center for Studies in Public Policy

•A Center for Workforce Development

•A program in Cyber Physical Systems

•39 undergraduate programs, 28 graduate programs, 9 doctoral programs

“I am proud of my Louisville legacy – being born and raised with my sisters, graduating from Trinity High School and then from the crown jewel of the city – the University of Louisville. Now, as the President of the largest College Fund school – Clark Atlanta University, I want to provide an opportunity for a 2023 high school graduate – a future innovator, entrepreneur, C-Suite Executive through a full scholarship to Clark Atlanta University.”

For upcoming high school seniors, please submit a one pager (no more than 500 words) on why you want to attend Clark Atlanta University and why community service is so important to your educational experience.

For interviews with President French: sshanklin@vippcommunications.com

Please send your 500-word essay to: Rohena@nichemktg.com

The VIPP Report: Celebrating the Legacy of Black Louisville and the influences that still resonate in the consciousness of the community

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It’s a tradition that many automatically put on their calendars from year to year because when you attend the celebration hosted by Legacies Unlimited Inc. you walk away realizing that so many that grew up in this community made history in so many ways especially in the entertainment industry.  On January 25th & 26th, they will be remembered and celebrated for their outstanding accomplishments. It’s all about Celebrating the Legacy of Black Louisville.  It will be held at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, (KCAAH) located at 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.

This event pays tribute to the achievements and contributions that Louisville’s African American citizens have made to Louisville, the nation and the world.

The program will consist of exhibits, workshops and two performance events.  It’s the JAZZ AT THE TOP HAT. A re-imagined night out at the Top Hat Club, Black Louisville’s most famous entertainment spot during the glory days of the 1940’s and 50’s.  This event will present jazz vocalist, Bobby J and will feature International flutist and Jazz historian Galen Abdur Razzo.                                                                                        

 The second event is The Walnut Street Revue, a live stage show reminiscent of the “chitlin circuit” performances that played in venues on Walnut Street, now Muhammad Ali Blvd., in the 1940’s & 50’ when Walnut Street was in vogue.  The revue will be hosted by WLKY’s Ann Bowdan. The evening will be filled with great music presented The Jerry Tolson Jazz Group with vocalists Alisia and Karen Chavez.

A special tribute will be paid to the late Foree Wells, a Louisville musician who played with some of the greatest blues performers in the business, which included —music legend the late B.B. King.  Wells, also founded the Walnut Street Blues Band which included his two sons and a daughter in law. The Walnut Street Rhythm & Blues Band will be in attendance that evening and will perform a special tribute in memory of their beloved father, Foree Wells.

The Opening Ceremony will take place from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm on Friday, January 25th followed by an unveiling of the exhibits.  The exhibits included in this year’s program include the following:   Two Centuries of Black Louisville …the Exhibit – A permanent exhibit of photographs from the book Two Centuries of Black Louisville —A Photographic History; Textile Designs by Louisville’s “Bag Lady” – Zephyr May Miller; and The Works of Louisville Folk Artist, Marvin Finn plus much more. 

There will be two workshops held on Saturday, January 26th.  The first one, The Legacy of Central High School from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. It’s an investigative look at the historical significance and impact that Central had on its students and the community as well. Come learn about the legacy that this educational institution created over the years through the lens of Dr. Larry Wilkins Doyle, a 1968 CHS graduate whose did his doctoral studies on the historic school.  The second workshop will be The Listening Room Workshop. It will present recordings of Louisville’s African American entertainers & musicians of the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s. These selections will be provided by the Soulful Sounds of Derbytown and presented by Ron Lewis of Mr. Wonderful Productions.

Celebrating the Legacy of Black Louisville is presented by Legacies Unlimited in partnership with the KCAAH and the University of Louisville Archives & Special Collections. It is made possible through support from the Owsley Brown II Family Foundation, 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 AND JAMBUSTERS BALLOONS & MORE at Popular Level Road. For ticket information call (502) 456-2394.

To set-up an interview, please contact Sherlene Shanklin with VIPP Communications at info at vippcommunications dot com.  If you have an entertainment/community calendar, we are requesting that you post and/or announce. 

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