​Lifetime's highly anticipated gospel biopic Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia, will premiere Saturday, April 3 at 8:00pm ET/PT. An impressive list of Broadway stars including Tony® nominee Joaquina Kalukango (Slave Play), Jason Dirden (Fences), Olivia Washington(The Butler) and Rob Demery (Lovecraft Country) join the film which is directed by Tony® Award-winner Kenny Leon and stars Tony Award nominee, SAG and Grammy® Award winning actress Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black) as the gospel legend and civil rights trailblazer.

​In the movie, Dirden stars as Russell Roberts, the dashing, music-loving Reverend who falls for Mahalia when they first meet in the late 1940s while Kalukango takes on the role of Mildred, Mahalia’s talented and opinionated, long-time pianist. Washington portrays Estelle, a piano teacher Mahalia meets at church who goes on to become her life-long friend and Demery stars as the influential civil rights leader.
 
Born in New Orleans, Mahalia Jackson began singing at an early age and went on to become one of the most revered gospel figures in U.S. history, melding her music with the civil rights movement. Her recording of the song “Move on Up a Little Higher” sold millions of copies, skyrocketing her to international fame and gave her the opportunity to perform at diverse settings including in front of a racially integrated audience at the prestigious Carnegie Hall and at John F. Kennedy's inaugural ball. An active supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, Jackson sang at numerous rallies, including the March on Washington in 1963 alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in hopes that her music would encourage and inspire racial equality.  

​From Rock’n Robin Productions and Lincoln Square Productions, Mahalia is executive produced by Robin Roberts and Linda Berman. Danielle Brooks and Kenny Leon are co-executive producers. Leon directs from a script written by Bettina Gilois and Todd Kreidler.

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Meagan Good, Chike Okonkwo, and La'Myia Good discuss the Lifetime movie, Death Saved My Life. ​

​ABOUT DEATH SAVED MY LIFE
On the surface it seems Jade (Meagan Good) has it all, a successful marketing career, a husband admired and respected in the community, and a young daughter they both dote on. But behind closed doors, her life is far from idyllic. Her husband Ed (Chiké Okonkwo) is a controlling man who is physically and psychologically abusive. When Jade decides to leave Ed, he tells her "If I can't have you, nobody will," a threat which becomes very real when she discovers he has hired someone to kill her. Knowing no one will believe her, Jade realizes the only way to escape Ed is to make him believe the hitman completed the job and that she is dead. La’Myia Good plays Jade’s sister Leigh. Death Saved My Life is produced by Jarrett Creative. Executive producers are Julie Insogna Jarrett, Seth Jarrett and Meagan Good. Seth Jarrett directs from a script written by Barbara Kymlicka.
The movie is produced by Jarrett Creative. Executive producers are Julie Insogna Jarrett, Seth Jarrett and Meagan Good. Seth Jarrett directs from a script written by Barbara Kymlicka. The film will air as part of Lifetime’s popular Ripped from the Headlines slate.

Yep! You heard correctly......Lifetime has released the official trailer to Wendy Williams' Documentary and What A Mess it is!!!!

In this feature length documentary, Wendy Williams, the self-anointed Queen of all Media, sheds her private persona and speaks directly to the camera, discussing every inch of joy and humiliation she has experienced since childhood. From her apartment in Manhattan, we’re with Wendy during the course of her divorce, as she deals with being a ‘Hot Topic’ and finds a way to right her ship again. It’s a raw, no holds barred look with never-before heard truths about Wendy’s notorious feuds with celebrities, her shocking divorce, her childhood and the private darkness she has endured. This is the story of a self-made woman who finds herself at the start of a new life, uncertain of the future, but ready to reclaim her crown. 

​The documentary is produced by eOne and Creature Films for Lifetime. Executive producers include Wendy Williams, Tara Long, Mark Ford, Kevin Lopez, Sarah Girgis and Joie Jacoby. Brie Miranda Bryant and Gena McCarthy serve as executive producers for Lifetime.

​​The two-hour documentary presents an in-depth look at the parallel lives of renowned singer Whitney Houston and her daughter Bobbi Kristina.  ​Both faced similar struggles and turned to drugs and alcohol for relief from the pressures of being in the spotlight, before leaving the earth in the same tragic way. In a candid look at the ups and downs of their personal stories, and a celebration of their lives. 

​Whitney Houston & Bobbi Kristina: Didn't We Almost Have It All premieres on Saturday, February 6 at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime.

KEYWORDS
Whitney Houston - Lifetime movies - documentaries - Whitney Houston documentaries - Didn't We Almost Have It All - Lifetime - nick gordon - bobbi kristina - whitney houston songs - documentary trailer - Jermaine Sain - When We Speak TV

TV One has announced the premiere date of its two-part documentary special UNSUNG PRESENTS: MUSIC & THE MOVEMENT –remembering the artists and songs that have provided the soundtrack to the fight for justice and equality – airing part one on Monday, January 18, 2021, at 8 P.M. ET/7C immediately followed by part two at 9 P.M. ET/8C.
On hand to provide commentary about the new musical genre that emerged during pivotal movements in Black Americans tumultuous past and troubling present are Erica Campbell​, Big Gipp, Raheem DeVaughn, Rev. Al Sharpton, Isaac Hayes III, Ronda Racha Penrice, Headkrack, Shante Paige, DJ Kemit, Dyana Williams, Angie Ange, Colby Colb, Rickey Vincent, Steve Ivory, Delores Thompson, Dave Washington, Billy Johnson, Jr., Kenny Gamble, P. Frank Williams, Keith Murphy, DJ Yella, Battlecat, Soren Baker, and Felicia “Poetess” Morris. 

​The Martin Luther King Jr. Day special incorporates first-hand accounts, interviews with artists and media, coupled with archival footage from memorable speeches, soul-stirring vocal performances, and more. Moments of Black auditory dissent featured in the special spans centuries and includes themes of Negro spirituals, like “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” which provided both a distraction from the harsh conditions of slavery and communication tools for the enslaved as they plotted their escape to freedom; to soul and funk anthems during the Black Power movement performed by Aretha Franklin (“Respect”) and Curtis Mayfield (“People Get Ready”) demanding an immediate change to the political landscape and that civil rights be upheld; to the heart-wrenching viral music videos by young, contemporary artists – like Keedron Bryant’s captivating single “I Just Want to Live” – creating rallying mixtapes for the current Black Lives Matter movement which, this past summer, saw a melting pot of cultures across the globe who marched in solidarity, to protest police brutality. The two one-hour specials serve as a re-examination of the power that music has had to transform a cultural moment into a movement. 

Additionally, UNSUNG PRESENTS: MUSIC & THE MOVEMENT will feature the broadcast debut of the original track "KliKKK KlaKKK" by Sunny Dizzle and the group Steaksawse, recently announced as the winner of Reach Media's "The Song" contest. Presented in partnership with Kevin Liles and 300 Entertainment, the contest was designed to provide an opportunity for an independent artist to create music that reflects the current climate, elevates the collective consciousness, and promotes hope and change. The single will have its global release on Friday, January 15, 2020 and will be featured across Reach Media radio stations.  

​For more information about TV One's upcoming programming, including original movies, visit the network's companion website at www.tvone.tv. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the hashtags #MUSICANDTHEMOVEMENT and #REPRESENT.

​​Lifetime unveils airdates for two all-new authorized biopics and three new documentaries centered on some of the most iconic women in pop culture history--Salt-N-Pepa, Wendy Williams and Whitney Houston, airing on three-consecutive Saturdays to heat up Winter 2021. 

The three-hour Lifetime original movie Salt-N-Pepa, about the groundbreaking hip hop duo, premieres Saturday, January 23 at 8 pm ET/PT, followed by the documentary Salt-N-Pepa Interview Special, hosted by Emmy® and NAACP award winning, Loni Love (The Real, Café Mocha, Bridezillas) and featuring exclusive interviews with Salt-N-Pepa, airing immediately after the biopic, at 11 pm. Wendy Williams: The Movie, the first biopic about outspoken television host Wendy Williams, premieres Saturday, January 30 at 8 pm ET/PT, accompanied by the documentary The Wendy Williams Story…What a Mess!, featuring a raw and emotional interview with Wendy, airing at 10 pm. And finally, the new documentary, Whitney & Bobbi, about the heartbreaking parallel lives and ultimate fates of pop legend Whitney Houston and daughter Bobbi Kristina, premieres Saturday, February 6 at 8 pm ET/PT.

KEYWORDS
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​Talk show host Wendy Williams executive produces the biopic on her life, revealing the highs and lows she has experienced throughout the years. Wendy has made herself the go-to source for great celebrity dish on her hit talk show, The Wendy Williams Show, but recently the spotlight has turned towards her. 

​The authorized project provides a revealing look at Wendy’s journey, from her scrappy upstart days in urban radio to the success of her own syndicated talk show. Despite all the naysayers and obstacles Wendy encountered throughout her life, her strength and determination have allowed her to thrive. Ciera Payton takes on the lead role while Morocco Omari stars as Wendy’s ex-husband Kevin Hunter. Produced by Front Street for Lifetime and executive produced by Wendy Williams, Will Packer and Sheila Ducksworth. Darren Grant directs from a script written by Leigh Davenport and Scarlett Lacey.

And that's not all.....

​In this feature length documentary, Wendy Williams, the self-anointed Queen of all Media, sheds her private persona and speaks directly to the camera, discussing every inch of joy and humiliation she has experienced since childhood. From her apartment in Manhattan, we’re with Wendy during the course of her divorce, as she deals with being a ‘Hot Topic’ and finds a way to right her ship again. It’s a raw, no holds barred look with never-before heard truths about Wendy’s notorious feuds with celebrities, her shocking divorce, her childhood and the private darkness she has endured. This is the story of a self-made woman who finds herself at the start of a new life, uncertain of the future, but ready to reclaim her crown. The documentary is produced by eOne and Creature Films for Lifetime. Executive producers include Wendy Williams, Tara Long, Mark Ford, Kevin Lopez, Sarah Girgis and Joie Jacoby. Brie Miranda Bryant and Gena McCarthy serve as executive producers for Lifetime.

KEYWORDS
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​TV One’s new original holiday film CHRISTMAS DILEMMA is set for Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 7 P.M. ET/ 6C with an immediate encore at 9 P.M. ET/ 8C. The film marks the first project directed by Essence Atkins and builds on the actor’s longstanding relationship with TV One.
As an actor, Atkins’ TV One credits include original films such as Girlfriend’s Getaway and its sequel, along with Coins For Christmas, and Coins For Love. Filmed in Atlanta, the movie stars BJ Britt (Being Mary Jane, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Brittany Hall (Ballers, Satisfaction) , Carl Anthony Payne II (Martin, 5th Ward), and Christopher B. Duncan (Black Lightning, The Jamie Foxx Show). 

Oprah is encouraging everyone to support black owned businesses all year-round with Oprah's 2020 Favorite Things.

​There are some fascinating gifts for everyone in your life.  You can even read Oprah's review of each product.

KEYWORDS
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We are so excited to share with you thought our friend and When We Speak TV guest, Kelli Ferrell (owner of Nana's Chicken & Waffles) , is on a new food series on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network).

Please show your support by purchasing, posting it online, tagging When We Speak TV on all social media, and letting us know what you think!!  

​In time for the holidays, our friend (..AND PREVIOUS WHEN WE SPEAK TV GUEST),
Chandra Currelley, releases "My Favorite Things" .

​Tyler Perry Studios hosted its #TPSGiving food giveaway drive-up event where volunteers in protective equipment were handing out the non-perishable food items and gift cards to people in need. 

In recognition of World AIDS Day, December 1, Atlanta-based, Horizon Theatre, the Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) and AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the world’s largest provider of HIV/AIDS services, bring to the virtual stage Love, M., a powerful story about mothers, sons, and AIDS activists during the early days of the AIDS Crisis.
​The free virtual premiere will star actor and activist Lamman Rucker from the television series Greenleaf and actor and Broadway icon Terry Burrell.
​The live virtual premiere on Tuesday, December 1, will begin at 7 PM (EST).  

​The evening will include a pre-show welcome, the play, and, in partnership with rolling out Health IQ, a post-show conversation, moderated by award-winning journalist Patrick L. Riley with guests, Lamman Rucker, Gabriel Maldonado, CEO of TruEvolution and former Obama appointee to the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, mental health professional Dr. Shalondra K. Crawford and George M. Johnson, journalist and author of All Boys Aren’t Born Blue. Audiences can go to the Love, M. show page HERE to join the evening’s festivities via Horizon Theatre’s website, Facebook, and YouTube channel. After the premiere, the production will be available on demand through December 31. 

KEYWORDS
Horizon Theatre - Lamman Rucker - World Aids Day - Patrick L. Riley - Atlanta actors - TruEvolution - All Boy's Aren't Born Blue - Dr. Shalondra K. Crawford - television series Greenleaf - Terry Burrell - Horizon Theatre Company - Jermaine Sain- When We Speak TV - AIDS - HIV - Love, M - powerful stories about mothers - Gabriel Maldonado