By Jermaine Sain

Before I share my thoughts about pursuing your dreams, I want to briefly explain why I call my supporters and followers "SPEAKER".   It's really simple!  I believe that you have to first SPEAK what you want to do before you can make it happen.  I once heard someone say that when you SPEAK thoughts aloud, your ears will hear it which allows your heart to believe it. This is a concept I've continually tried to apply.  Many things that I've spoken outloud have happened.   I don't know if it's because I've continued to repeat them or if it's soley because I spoke it.  Also, I'm not saying that things have been exactly how I've spoken them or that everything I've spoken has happened.  However, I am saying that I've definitely seen links between what I've said and what's happened in my life.   
 In short, I call my supporters and followers "SPEAKERS" because I'm encouraging you to SPEAK into your life the things that you want, as I do the same.  I'm hoping that my words and personal journey will inspire you to become a follower of When We Speak TV (my dream) and encourage you to pursue your dreams​.

​The simpliest reason you should pursue your dream is because life is short and you don't know how much time you have on this earth but also it gives you a sense of purpose and direction.  When I first started When We Speak TV, my purpose was to meet singers and musicians in the Atlanta area and that was solely the driving force but, as I continued to meet people, I started to realize that it was pushing me outside of my comfort zone and challenging me to develop new skills that I never anticipated.  Through that process of development and growth, came fulfillment and meaningfulness to life. 
Pursuing a dream gives you something to strive for, something to look forward to.  Your journey can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for others in pursuit of their own dreams.

Why do so many of us put our dreams on hold?  I think the biggest reason is fear....fear of judgement, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, but that fear is totally normal.  I can't express to you how many times in a day that I'm fearful about something as it relates to When We Speak TV.  I'm fearful that we wont be accepted into certain arenas because we don't have a huge following.  I'm fearful that people won't like the content that we produce.   To be honest, the list would take up the entire article but I've had to learn not to let my fear dictate my decisions. 
When I think about overcoming fear, I specifically think about something that Jason Lee of Hollywood Unlocked said to me. I'm paraphasing but in so many words he said not to be afraid of the mistakes because the mistakes are part of the journey.
​

​It's easy to doubt your abilities and question whether you're capable of achieving your goals. However, it's important to remember that self-doubt doesn't define who you are or what you're capable of. I've been challenging myself to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.  When I want to talk about something negative, I challenge myself to end it on a positive.  That goes back to what I mentioned earlier, "when you SPEAK thoughts aloud, your ears will hear it which allows your heart to believe it".   

Although I believe that fear is the greatest obstacle when pursuing your dreams, I also believe that most people don't pursue their dreams because they are trying to do too much at one time.  I'm definitely guilty of that.  It's important to take on smaller tasks that get you to your overall goal.  
When I think of setting goals, I think about eating a cherry pie.  Why a cherry pie?  I don't know!!!
If you decide to eat a whole cherry pie, you don't start consuming it from the middle of the pie and you don't stuff the entire pie in your mouth.  Instead, you slice the pie into portions that you believe are consumable and you eat each slice separately, until you have ultimately eaten the entire pie.  

Just like cutting that cherry pie, break down your goals into smaller milestones and set actionable steps.  Some steps may be greater than others but at least you've laid out the plan which makes it easier to consume and easier to track your progress.
Don't forget about deadlines!  I know most of us don't like them but if you set a deadline for yourself to have something done, it may be easier to hold yourself accountable.  I don't know why that is but it just seems to be better. 
Be realistic and flexible with your deadlines so that it doesn't overwhelm you.  If you know that you can't have something done by tomorrow, then set the deadline for the following day or following week. 
Remember that the ultimate goal is to make your dream a reality, not to get burned out and overwhelmed in the process.

I will be the first to tell you that it can be difficult to stay positive when you feel that your dream is not successful but a positive mindset is essential to pursuing your dreams.  Focus on the endless possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead, rather than dwelling on the road blocks.  
When I first started When We Speak TV, there was a statement that I would say regularly that I now know was essential to my success.  I need to incorporate it more....I call it a "You Never Know" mindset. I call it this because I noticed a few years ago that I would open my mind up to possiblities by saying "You Never Know where this could lead" or "You Never Know, this may allow me to meet other people" or "You Never Know, maybe this is the video that will go viral".
Those are just examples but I hope you get what I'm saying.  Having a "You Never Know" mindset kept me excited about the possibility that what I was doing may open up a new opportunity in the future.  Staying motivated throughout your journey can be challenging, especially when faced with setbacks or obstacles. Find what motivates you and use it as fuel to keep going. It could be a vision board that reminds you of your goals, a playlist of motivational songs, or regular check-ins with an accountability partner.

​Something else that has been beneficial in maintaining my "You Never Know" mindset has been celebrating my wins.  Its easy to forget how far you've come when you are only focused on where you're going.  It's important that you celebrate your progress along the way.  No matter how small.   
That doesn't mean that you have to throw a party everytime you succeed at something.  Sometimes that may only be that you take a moment to look back at how far you've come.  A personal practice of mine is, I like to go back and watch some of my previous episodes and I remember the struggles that I overcame.  It also ignites me to remember the obstacles that I've already tackled. 

​I hope this small article has encouraged you to pursue your dream.  No matter what that dream is.  I truly believe that the pursuit of your dream is a journey worth taking. It requires what one of my favorite artists would say, "Strengh, Courage, and Wisdom".  That's India Arie, in case you don't know.
Take it one slice at a time and maintain a "You Never Know" mindset and it will help you immensely along your journey.  Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.
So, SPEAKER, it's time to pursue your dreams. SPEAK them outloud, hear the words you SPEAK, believe what you SPEAK, and take that first step. The world is waiting for you to make it happen.
What Do You SPEAK?

If this article has inspired you in any way, I would like to encourage you to share it with your friends or someone that you feel would be inspired by it and also follow When We Speak TV on social media. 
​We can't wait to SPEAK with you!!!

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​Exactly 50 years ago this fall, the most terrifying horror film in history landed on screens, shocking audiences around the world. Now, on Friday, October 6th , a new chapter begins.
​From Blumhouse and director David Gordon Green, who shattered the status quo with their resurrection of the Halloween franchise, comes The Exorcist: Believer.  

Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago, Victor Fielding (portrayed by Tony winner and Oscar® nominee Leslie Odom, Jr) has raised their daughter, Angela on his own. 
 
But when Angela and her friend Katherine disappear in the woods, only to return three days later with no memory of what happened to them, it unleashes a chain of events that will force Victor to confront the nadir of evil and, in his terror and desperation, seek out the only person alive who has witnessed anything like it before: Chris MacNeil. 
 
For the first time since the 1973 film, Oscar® winner Ellen Burstyn reprises her iconic role as Chris MacNeil, an actress who has been forever altered by what happened to her daughter Regan five decades before.

​Also worth mentioning, our good friend Nikki worked in the special effects department for this film, so you know I'll be watching.
Congratulations Nikki!!

Drop down in the comments and let us know if you'll be watching The Exorcist: Believer in theaters October 6th.

KEYWORDS
​The Exorcist Believer - the exorcist: believer - cast of the exorcist believer - the exorcist believer trailer - the exorcist believer release date - the exorcist believer videos - the exorcist believer release date 2023 - when does exorcist believer come out - When We Speak TV - best horror movies of 2023 - Jermaine Sain - best movie reviews

Hey ya'll we have another update on a friend of When We Speak TV!!!

And it's our friend, singer/actor Chandra Currelley, from many Tyler Perry plays and Tyler Perry's Bruh on BET+.

Recently Chandra Currelley was a guest on The Terrell Show!!!

....and guess what else?  Chandra Currelley showed up to Jazz In The Alley Riverdale in support of When We Speak TV!!!  
It was so refreshing to catch up with Chandra Currelley and words can never express how appreciative we are to have her love and support!!!
WE LOVE YOU CHANDRA!!!

 LJust a little background on Chandra Currelley.... Many people recognize her from her work with Tyler Perry but before that, Chandra was the lead singer of the R&B band, SOS Band, and she has performed in many musical theater productions by not just Tyler Perry but also Debbie Allen and Kenny Leon.  
Chandra has appeared in at least eight of Tyler Perry's films, as well as, his series For Better Or Worse, which aired on the OWN Network and Bruh which airs on BET+.

Here's another little know fact about Chandra Currelley
​Chandra credits LaTanya Richardson and Samuel L. Jackson for guiding her in the right direction professionally long before the married couple became Hollywood heavyweights.   
In fact, Chandra says that Samuel L. Jackson, "paid for my theater workshop. "

During Bounce TV's red carpet premiere of Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black and White, Jermaine Sain speaks with guests such as Ambassador Andrew Young, Louis Gossett Jr, Mahdi Cocci, Timon Kyle Durrett, Jonathan Slocumb, and more about Xernona Clayton's influence in their lives.

​Xernona Clayton, an extraordinary woman who has impacted our country so respectfully and quietly that many aren’t aware of her enormous contributions. 
Her incredible career became the first Black woman in the South to have her own TV show, helped write the blueprint to desegregate hospitals in the South and even convinced a KKK Grand Dragon to renounce his position as well as the organization.

Bounce TV, the popular broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, will recognize Juneteenth with the premiere of an exclusive new documentary, Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black and White on Monday, June 19, at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
Celebrating the life of one of the most unheralded civil rights icons and African American pioneers of our time, the documentary tells the amazing story of Xernona Clayton, an extraordinary woman who has impacted our country so respectfully and quietly that many aren’t aware of her enormous contributions.

Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black and White will spotlight the person who over her incredible career became the first Black woman in the South to have her own TV show, helped write the blueprint to desegregate hospitals in the South and even convinced a KKK Grand Dragon to renounce his position as well as the organization.

Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black and White includes insights from Ambassador Andrew Young, Martin Luther King III, Pamela Poitier, and broadcasting legends Tom Johnson and Pat Mitchell. Senator Raphael Warnock, NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, actor and rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris and other influential personalities also discuss their experiences with Ms. Clayton. The film is produced and directed by Emmy and Peabody award-winning director and producer Nancy Saslow and her Mishpookah Entertainment Group and executive produced by David Hudson. 

With a mission to illuminate the brightest young talents of tomorrow, the program empowers talented youth and their parents with a multi-tiered platform, designed to guide them through the nuances of the entertainment industry, enhance their portfolios, provide them with valuable industry insights, helping take their careers to the next level.

The national talent search will kick off at the Hard Rock Cafe in New Orleans on April 1 st , followed by stops in major cities including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York City, and more.

KEYWORDS
kenan thompson - young stars talent seach - kenan thompson talent search - comedian - kenan thompson young stars talent search - kenan thompson and hard rock cafe talent search - youth talent search in atlanta - looking for talent agency in for child - talent agents looking for youth talent - talent agencies in atlanta - Jermaine Sain - casting call for kids - When We Speak TV - Kenan Thompson Atlanta - talented kids in the arts - kid in media - Atlanta casting calls - Atlanta talent search - talent search for talented kids in music - speak tv - Atlanta media - young stars 360 talent search  

In the spirit of the 60th anniversary of Dr Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech, Night of Ideas Atlanta 2023 explored how the historical concept of rights opens the present to new political, cultural, and ethical possibilities.​

​At the Night of Ideas Atlanta 2023, we explored the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and enjoyed an educational and uplifting evening of talks and performances with academics, activists, artists, journalists, and thought leaders exploring the challenges of the present and the future and connecting the civil rights movement's history to the ongoing fight for justice and equality.

​Thanks to the Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Villa Albertine for a lovely night.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NIGHT OF IDEAS
For more information about go to nightofideas.org

​Opening Conversation
Gaëtan Bruel, James Richards, Monica Prothro

​Defending Rights, Realizing Dreams.
Dr. Bernice A. King, Jill Savitt, Valérie Baud-Candau, Ashley Woods

​Sweet. Work.
Okorie “OK Cello” Johnson

​From 1963-2023, A French-American Dialogue on Political Activism and Nonviolent Resistance
Dr. Vicki Crawford, Charles Black, Nadia Chérif-Raguibi

​And Then What: Music, Motivation, Imagination, and Change
Adlia Halim, Floyd Hall

​you are what you eat… the system is broken? and other things to chew on
j. olu baiyewu, Ahmariah Jackson

Creating International Refugee Law: Negotiating Protection in the Height of the Civil Rights Movement, and the War in Vietnam
Robert Barsky, Dr. Stéphanie Boulard

Much More Than Just A Dream: 5 Powerful (But Forgotten) Messages from MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
Nsé Ufot

Cultural Dreams for a Digital World
Marie Picard, Dr. Emmanuel Vergès

How to Fall in Love with a Creek
Hannah S. Palmer

Memories of the Civil Rights Era and Implications for Today
Dr. June Manning Thomas, Dr. Ellen Basset

Beyond Roe: Re-Designing Systems of Equity for Women in Georgia and in the US
Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Julie F. Kay, Kyesha Lindberg, Elayne DeLeo

Ensuring Education Equity for Refugee Girls
Elizabeth Elango, Erika Denman

​The Invisible Made Visible: Using Art to Humanize Immigrants
Yehimi Cambrón, Veronica Hogan

​The Second Dream: Can We Revive Dr. King’s Abandoned Vision for the School Children of America?
Douglas Blackmon, Laura McCarty

​The Freedom Dreams of an Undocumented Student
Nayelly T., Erika Denman

The Rights of Nature
Felwine Sarr, Dr. Brigitte Stepanov

​Access to a Full Public Education as a New Right?
Nora Nafaa

​Ain’t I Human Too?
Tim'm West, Hanifah Walidah

​Teaching Liberation: The Impact of the Appeal for Human Rights on the Undocumented Student Movement in Georgia
Dr. Laura Emiko Soltis

Belonging as an Act of Justice: Re-imaging Homelessness Through the Lens of MLK’s Beloved Community
Terence Lester

​It Was All a Dream?
Maboula Soumahoro, Anne-Gaëlle Saliot

​Housing, Labor, and the Fight for Dignity
Chenée Joseph, Saba Long, Nsé Ufot

We Lose Before We Win. Why Sport-Based Youth Development Is Integral to the Future of Gen Alpha
David Hopings, Ahmariah Jackson

Civil Rights and Atlanta Today
Rose Scott, David Edwards, Moki Macias, Dr. Maurice Hobson, Dr. Na'Taki Osborne Jelks

​Art and Social Justice
Sheila Pree Bright, Dr. Cheryl Finley, Dr. Deborah Willis

Last month (Jan 2023), Chicago-based multimedia mega-company, Central City Productions, announced the production of Black History Honors, a brand-new television series. The screening of the series premiere was held, Monday, January 30th, 2023, at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio – hosted by Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League. The Proctor & Gamble Company is the presenting sponsor of the Inaugural Black History Honors, four-part docuseries, honoring heroes of the Underground Railroad and featuring musical tributes by award-winning gospel music artists, to celebrate Black History Month in February.

About the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center opened in August 2004 on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Since then, more than 1.3 million people have visited its permanent and changing exhibits and public programs, inspiring everyone to take courageous steps for freedom. Two million people have utilized educational resources online at freedomcenter.org, working to connect the lessons of the Underground Railroad to inform and inspire today’s global and local fight for freedom. Partnerships include Historians Against Slavery, Polaris Project, Free the Slaves, US Department of State and International Justice Mission. In 2014, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center launched a new online resource in the fight against modern slavery, endslaverynow.org.

About Central City Productions (CCP)
Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. is a national broadcast television producer and syndicator of its exclusively owned African American programming. Celebrating over 50 years of broadcasting Black excellence with uplifting and entertaining original television content, CCP’s award-winning television programs include the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Black Music Honors, Stellar Tribute to the Holidays, Black College Quiz Show Series, America’s Black Forum, Mentoring Queens and Mentoring Kings, among many others.
​For more information, visit www.stellartv.com

Hey Speakers!
We just want to take a moment to share a few awesome events happening in and around Atlanta that you're sure to enjoy!  
GO OUT THERE AND HAVE A GREAT TIME!

Althea René gained musical inspiration from her father Dezie McCullers (one of Motown's original Funk Brothers). She has since developed her creative style. More details 

Annual oyster festival at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar, with Louisiana Cajun-style oysters and live entertainment.  For more details

Kindred the Family Soul is a Grammy-nominated adult contemporary R&B duo from Philadelphia consisting of husband and wife Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon. Big hit singles eluded them, but they developed a strong following that appreciated their unwavering dedication to releasing relatable and mature R&B. ​ More details

1UP Comedy, Fire City Comedy, and Hissy Fit Comedy are teaming up once again to bring you the second annual West End Comedy Fest. More details

​The HBCU marching event of the year is back! It’s the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands. New name–same event you’ve always loved. The original battle of the bands is back in Atlanta and kicking off Black History month with six of the top HBCU marching and bands in the country along with special performances by two of the best high school marching bands in Atlanta. Get Tickets

​Come join thousands of LEGO fans for two days filled with everything LEGO at
AtlantaBrickCon, a LEGO Fan event! More details

Sol Dance is a free-form movement experience where all bodies are welcomed. We offer a gently guided, sensory journey meant to be experienced in its entirety. The music is meticulously curated by Scott alongside talented percussionists & sound healers – generally not limited to only one genre. More details

One of the biggest Jewish film festivals in the world, featuring dozens of narrative and documentary films. For more details

​Annual festival of the televisual arts in association with the Savannah College of Art and Design. More details

...and rare performances by Gospel Recording artist Gene Moore, Khari Cabral of JIVA, Spiritual Influencer- A Soul Called Joel, Mayah Dyson, and a few other surprises! Get Tickets

The second and final installment of Hapeville Celebrates Black History will include a very special live performance by cellist Okorie "OkCello" Johnson. OkCello is an Atlanta-based cellist-songwriter, looper, improviser, and storyteller who has been featured in InStyle and Atlanta Magazines, and has participated in numerous collaborations, including with the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Emory University, and Flux Projects and has performed and recorded with numerous award-winning artists, including Maxwell, Van Hunt, India.Arie, De La Soul, and Big Boi of Outkast. More details

Explore the science of color with this vivid exhibit, The Nature of Color. Learn how color conveys information and helps us make sense of the world in both human and natural environments.  More details

Bring your sweetheart for a romantic evening at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where fragrant orchids, live entertainment, dancing and refreshments set the mood.  More details

​Charity race run in underwear at Eventide Brewing to benefit research into and awareness of neurofibromatosis. More details

No matter your ethnicity, if you support Black owned businesses, you are invited to attend this event. Atlanta has not had a large general Black expo in years... A place where you could find Black owned companies like caterers/bakers, insurance, hair stylist, therapist, business coach, realtor, artist, handy man, moving company, etc. all in one place.  More details

Soloist, composer, soulful bandleader, and award-winning saxophonist Trey Daniels is an inspiration for his generation in jazz, funk, R&B, and Hip Hop. More details

Anita Baker has brought grace and class to every performance since her teenage days honing her three-octave vocal range at Detroit nightclubs. After gaining more experience on the stage with the Detroit funk band Chapter 8, she set off on a solo career in the early 1980s. 

She hit it big with such romantic classics as "Sweet Love" and took the world by storm, starting with her first headlining stint, The Rapture Tour, in 1986. Over the next decade, Baker kept conquering the charts as well as stages around the world, until 1994-95's Rhythm of Love tour. 

After a long hiatus, she came back strong in 2004 after signing to Blue Note Records, and she became a regular on the road once again. In January 2018, she announced her retirement, but not before saying goodbye with a bang with her hugely successful Farewell Concert Series tour. More details

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater brings their unparalleled talent to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta to connect you to the heart of dance. Celebrate the latest season with new works, audience favorites, and beloved classics, including Alvin Ailey’s timeless masterpiece Revelations. Get Tickets

Following a successful fall tour and much lauded four-night sold out run with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center earlier this fall, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros—consisting of Bobby Weir, Don Was, Jay Lane and Jeff Chimenti—announce three nights alongside the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Atlanta Symphony Hall.  More details

​Odessa Green Agency and Vision One Media Presents ODESSA GREEN'S JAZZLIFE
LIVE PERFORMANCE BY JULIE DEXTER
FRIDAY FEB 17 2023  
This is Jazz event that will take place twice a month,  featuring all the best we have in Jazz music locally and nation wide. Get Tickets

Lalah Hathaway at City Winery Atlanta for 3 days.  More details

​Miss Royalty International pageant promotes diversity and inclusivity. We welcome ages 4+ including an Elite division for 60+. More details

Join the fun in ​Universal Joint in Downtown Lawrenceville for their 2023 4th Annual Chili Cook Off is on Saturday, February 25th from 12:00 to 4pm!  More details

CeeLo Green, DJ Jelly, Tony Tatum, Richmond Punch, Tyrus Turner, Fashion Show by VNJ Designs, and more are ready to entertain you for Morrow’s Black History Month. Free family event from 3-11pm on February 25th. More Details

​Annual race series with marathon, half-marathon and 5K courses through central Atlanta. Start and finish lines at Centennial Olympic Park. More details

Lifetime has an exciting slate of upcoming holiday movies including the original film, Kirk Franklin’s The Night Before Christmas starring Naturi Naughton, Lorea Turner and Luke James. The film is set to premiere Saturday, December 10th on Lifetime at 8PM ET. The family film was executive produced by 16x GRAMMY Winner Kirk Franklin who stars in the film as well. ​

​FILM SYNOPSIS:
Caught in a blizzard on Christmas Eve, estranged mother and daughter Journee (Naturi Naughton) and Nia (Lorea Turner) are forced to take refuge inside a church where a handful of also-trapped parishioners are reeling from the cancellation of their annual holiday concert. The spirit of the season takes hold as Journee and Nia weather the wintry storm together with the other churchgoers, including handsome youth pastor Adam (Luke James) and a heavenly music teacher (Kirk Franklin), who motivate the mother and daughter to reconcile their differences through music, faith, and love. With the help from this unlikely yet spirited group of strangers, Journee and Nia band together to help the church salvage not only their holiday traditions, but also their show-stopping Christmas day performance, despite the raging storm outside.
 
#ItsAWonderfulLifetime
#TheNightBeforeChristmas