(Louisville, KY) Roots 101 welcomed during Kentucky Derby weekend 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.
You can see the temporary exhibit through July 8th.
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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I received these photos from Nicole Hayden. The Louisville activist has been participating in protests for weeks asking for justice in the Breonna Taylor case.
Chef Pasch, a native of Yellow Springs, Ohio who currently lives in Louisville says “As a chef I let the food speak to me. When my creative juices flow, I can turn simple dishes into masterpieces.” The Sullivan University culinary graduate goes on to say, “It’s about teaching the new generation of chefs that it not only takes skill but passion it can be seen through from every dish that comes out of my kitchen.”
Louisville found his passion for food at an early age but never getting the break he needed to extend his career. The Sullivan University culinary graduate followed his dream and kept his faith even through the hard times. The tough times brought him to this moment. He says “He wants to live a life that shows all others that the best blessings are when we become one to others. Food is my therapy and its healing to soul and the stomach. My time is now, I’m getting the opportunity to showcase my skills.”
Rev. Alex C. Shanklin, retired pastor as pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church located in the Smoketown neighborhood in Louisville, KY. Prior to retiring Shanklin and members of the congregation paid off their mortgage and held a mortgage burning ceremony on February 28, 2016. Shanklin served as pastor for 35 years.
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.
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. 
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.
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rm 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. 
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.”
Here’s some of the events I profiled in the inaugural show:
The Miss Kentucky and Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen programs empower young women across Kentucky through pageantry. The participants develop leadership skills and confidence as they work 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.
The VIPP Report 