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FABUcam Concert Series: TLC

TLC performs live in Kansas City.

Nick Cannon on the Possibility of Having More Kids: ‘God Decides When We’re Done’

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After welcoming his 12th child, comedian and actor Nick Cannon isn’t sure if he’s done having children.

via People:

While chatting with Entertainment Tonight, the 42-year-old Masked Singer host and father to 12 kids was asked if he is done having babies after welcoming his 12th child, daughter Halo Marie Cannon, with model Alyssa Scott in December.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Cannon told ET, though he added that more kids could still be in the cards.

“God decides when we’re done, but I believe I definitely got my hands full,” he said. “And I’m so focused. I’m locked in. But when I’m 85, you never know. I might.”

Cannon explained to the outlet that juggling being a father to 12 kids, along with his several jobs, is all about balance.

“Everybody thinks it’s time management. It’s energy management,” he said. “Once we’re all aligned, the flow is a lot easier. If there’s any kind of low frequencies or dissension in there, that’s what messes up the scheduling,” he said.

“As long as we’re all on the same page and we all got the same goal — to be the best parents we could possibly be — that works and then the scheduling is the scheduling,” Cannon continued.

He also said that his ultimate goal as a father is just to make sure his kids have a bright future.

“It’s a blessing, man. Like, hopefully, because of what I am able to do, my kids can do whatever they want to do, to be able to be in a position that if they want to be a nuclear physicist, I know somebody at an Ivy League school that I could [hit up],” Cannon said.

FABUtainment Interviews Abbott Elementary Star William Stanford Davis

FABUtainment chats with Abbott Elementary star William Stanford Davis on the red carpet at the NAACP Image Awards luncheon in Los Angeles. William plays the role of Abbott Elementary’s eccentric custodian Mr. Johnson.

“Emily,” “Harlem” and “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” Receive the Critics Choice Association’s Seal of Female Empowerment in Entertainment

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(Los Angeles, CA) – The Critics Choice Association (CCA) Women’s Committee is pleased to announce that “Emily” (Bleecker Street), “Harlem” (Amazon Prime Video) and “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” (Disney Channel, Disney+) will receive the Seal of Female Empowerment in Entertainment. Called the “SOFEE,” the Seal recognizes outstanding new films and television series that illuminate the female experience and perspective through authentically told female-driven stories.

Written and directed by Frances O’Connor, “Emily” is a haunting and powerful imagination of Emily Brontë’s life, exploring the challenges and expectations Brontë faced as a woman of that era, repressed by society but striving toward artistic freedom. “Emily” is visually stunning, with cinematographer Nanu Segal capturing the gothic atmosphere that so richly inspired Brontë’s legendary novel “Wuthering Heights,” and many more works that followed. In addition to telling the powerful story of one of the most important authors in history, star Emma Mackey brilliantly portrays Brontë’s arduous path to discover herself and her sexuality, which reflects many struggles women can relate to today. “Emily” expands to wide release in theaters today.

“I think it’s wonderful that things like the SOFEE exist,” said O’Connor. “It’s important and necessary to find ways to help women filmmakers be recognized and find their voice!”

“Harlem” is a female-led scripted comedy series following four ambitious best friends as they navigate life in New York City. Created and written by Tracy Oliver with a majority of female writers and directors, the diverse cast features Meagan Good, Jerrie Johnson, Grace Byers, and Shoniqua Shandai as NYU grads now in their 30s. These women are trying to balance their careers, love lives, and the ups and downs of life in Harlem. The show offers the different perspectives of each woman, while highlighting the bonds they have with each other. Every character is relatable with fun, bold, and educational storylines exploring such topics as racism, family dynamics, identity, and self care. The Season 2 finale of “Harlem” premieres today on Prime Video.

“It’s so exciting to see ‘Harlem’ honored in this way by the Critics Choice Association’s Women’s Committee, alongside the other films and television series that highlight female-driven stories,” said Oliver. “This season we aimed to showcase Black joy and our leading ladies learning to accept their version of womanhood, whatever form that takes, even if it’s outside of what society dictates. Working with such a strong, creative group of women both in front of and behind the camera allows ‘Harlem’ to be authentic in the female perspective, and this is something that really resonates with our audience. It is our hope that the presence of this show sparks further conversations about the importance of female-centric narratives and accurate portrayals that bring more of our voices to the table.”

Based on the popular Marvel comic books of the same name, “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” follows 13-year-old supergenius Lunella Lafayette, voiced by Diamond White. Together with her 10-ton T-Rex she accidentally brought into present-day New York City, they work to protect the Lower East Side from danger. Lunella offers a refreshing presence in the Marvel universe, a Black girl whose only superpower is her brain. Centered on supportive familial relationships and female friendship, the stories give girls of color a chance to see themselves reflected on-screen as powerful contributors to their community. With an appealing and original animation style that utilizes luminescent and vibrant color, the series serves as inspiration for young viewers to enhance their skills in the STEM field. The series is streaming on Disney+ and new episodes premiere on Disney Channel on Saturday mornings.

“Our entire team is deeply humbled by this meaningful recognition,” said “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” executive producers Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland and Steve Loter. “From the beginning, our passion for promoting female, family, and ethnic diversity has been a driving force behind bringing this special show to life. It’s important to us that all children feel like they are seen, that they matter, and that their life experience is valued and limitless.”

All three projects received a perfect score in the numerical formula that is used to determine if new titles, nominated by CCA Women’s Committee members, are eligible for a SOFEE. Qualifying projects will have a prominent female character arc, give female characters at least equal screen time to male characters, have female leaders behind the scenes, and pass elements highlighted in the Bechdel test. To be considered, new film and television releases must possess an artistic and storytelling value and exceptionality, and score at least 7 out of a possible 10 points in the SOFEE rubric, which can be found at CriticsChoice.com. There are no limits or quotas governing the number of SOFEE seals the CCA may grant.

The Seal of Female Empowerment in Entertainment is issued by the CCA Women’s Committee. Members include Tara McNamara (Chair), Hillary Atkin, Semira Ben-Amor, Christina Birro, Lauren Bradshaw, Jamie Broadnax, TJ Callahan, Catalina Combs, Natasha Gargiulo, Toni Gonzales, Teri Hart, Susan Kamyab, Destiny Jackson, Louisa Moore, Gayl Murphy, Mary Murphy, Patricia Puentes, Amanda Salas, Rachel Smith, Sammi Turano, and Lynn Venhaus, Lauren Veneziani, as well as CCA board member Paulette Cohn.

Raven-Symoné to Receive Icon Award at 9th Annual Truth Awards 

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(LOS ANGELES, CA) February 22, 2023 — Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA), in association with award-winning iconic actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph and her non-profit organization, The DIVA Foundation, are excited to announce that groundbreaking actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Raven-Symone´ is among this year’s impactful honorees at the “9th Annual Truth Awards” on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood, CA. The awards will stream exclusively on Fox Soul, Saturday, March 18th.

The private and ticketed black-tie affair will begin at 5:00 pm with red-carpet arrivals and a VIP reception. Claudia Jordan (“Fox Soul’s Cocktails with Queens,” “Tea-G-I-F”) will host the event along with Marcus Washington (“NBC Bay Area News”). The “9th Annual Truth Awards” will feature live musical performances from R&B singer Avery Wilson, actor-singer-songwriter Terrell Carter, and more to be announced. 

“This year’s honorees continue the Truth Award’s tradition of recognizing the diversity in our community, from educators to advocates to creatives to sports figures.  Our community mirrors the larger Black Community, and the Truth Awards places this example of Black Excellence on display for all to see,” said Scott Hamilton, co-founder of Better Brothers Los Angeles.

The annual event will honor trailblazing LGBTQ+ African-Americans and allies whose personal and professional accomplishments have positively impacted the perception and image of the Black LGBTQ+ red-carpet community. The Truth Awards embody the belief that members of the Black LGBTQ+ community and its allies who embrace and live their truth should be celebrated and honored.

Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) will award over $25,000 in scholarships to students from the Los Angeles, Boston, Charlotte, and Chicago metropolitan areas this year. Fifty percent of the 2023 scholars are pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Since its inception, Better Brothers Los Angeles has provided over $150,000 in tuition assistance.

Raven-Symoné will be awarded the Icon Award celebrating her iconic career through the decades and commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility. Known for her unforgettable roles on shows like (“The Cosby Show”), (“That’s So Raven”), (“The Cheetah Girls”), (“Raven’s Home”). Raven-Symoné has been a persistent presence in kids, family, and family entertainment for over three decades, particularly on the Disney Channel, where she rebooted her 2003 family sitcom (“That’s So Raven”). She has received several accolades, including five NAACP Image Awards, two Kids’ Choice Awards, three Young Artist Awards, and three Daytime Emmy Award nominations.

The Upshaws, which just released new episodes on Netflix, will receive the Cultural Affirmation Award. The series is created by Regina Hicks and Wanda Sykes. The Cultural Affirmation Award recognizes television series that celebrate, encourage, and foster acceptance of Black Queer relationships, love, life, and family. 

Daytime Emmy® Award-winning TV Judge, Judge Greg Mathis, is set to receive the annual Family Award, presented to a family who publicly provides unwavering love and support to LGBTQ+ family member(s) living their lives openly and unabashedly.

Social media personality Tabitha Brown will receive the Ally Award, presented to an individual who has been a beacon of support and comfort to the LGBTQ+ community through professional or personal actions and advocacy.  Past recipients included Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, actor Rockmond Dunbar, and Emmy Award-winning actresses Loretta Devine and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Alongside Raven-Symone´, the “9th Annual Truth Awards” will honor Hampton’s Byron Perkins, the first openly gay HBCU football player, with the Courage Award, UCLA’s executive vice chancellor and provost, Dr. Darnell Hunt, with the Excellence in Education Award, the Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Gilead Sciences Dr. David Malebranche and Unique Woman’s Coalition with the Advocate Award, and STARZ Network with the Corporate Diversity & Leadership Award.

The night’s presenters will include Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”), Emmy-nominated tv Judge, Mablean Ephriam (“Justice with Judge Mablean”), Jason Lee (“Hollywood Unlocked,” “The Jason Lee Show”), Jerrie Johnson (“Amazon Prime’s Harlem”), Eric Scott Ways  (“The Best Man: The Final Chapters”), Geffri Maya and Rhoyle Ivy King (“All American Homecoming”), Folake Olowofoyeku (CBS Bob Abishola) and more to be announced.

The DIVA Foundation and its founder Sheryl Lee Ralph are especially pleased to continue their partnership with Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) on this effort. Both organizations believe a healthy Black community – one where individuals are allowed to live their truth, free of shame and stigma, and are recognized as equal and rightful members of the community – is a critical piece in the fight to end HIV/AIDS. This year’s honorees were picked from various fields, including entertainment, fashion, beauty, business, finance, and media.

“The struggle continues!” said Sheryl Lee Ralph. “It’s important that we focus on supporting our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ+ community as they continue to fight for equality. Our public acknowledgment and partnership make it possible for them to live out loud and openly for the world to see.” She added, “The Truth Awards, along with our acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, will encourage, inspire, and motivate others to live their truth unapologetically.” 

Humor Mill Comedy Awards Hosted Its Inaugural Comedy Awards, Honoring Ralph Farquhar and George Wallace

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(LOS ANGELES, CALIF.) – The inaugural Humor Mill Comedy Awards premiered their electrifying, unforgettable celebration of trailblazing comedic legends, rising stars and social influencers Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the Director’s Guild of America. With Instagram-worthy show-stopping moments, the night honored the diverse and rich history of urban comedy with a curated group of presenters, honorees and special tributes.

Before the Humor Mill Comedy Awards began, the humor was already in full swing with social media correspondent Juhan Jones’ quick witted, humorous behind-the-scenes recaps from the red carpet. Opened with an illuminating message from the show’s visionary and Executive Producer, Frank Holder, the stage was set for a night of joy and celebration. Detroit Comedian Tony T. Roberts hit center stage with a hilarious opening song that sent seismic waves of laughter rippling through the crowd. Roberts passed the torch to Host and Executive Producer Chris Spencer, who kept the energy high throughout the evening. Presenters for the night included Stan Lathan, Tiffany Haddish, Brian J. White, Alex Thomas, Jasmine Burke, Dorien Wilson and many more who paid tribute to the pioneers of urban comedy. Veteran television writer and producer Ralph Farquhar, along with the legendary comedian and actor George Wallace were the night’s honorees.

“I’m so glad there’s a show that’s honoring all these comedians that have gone unnoticed all these years,” says Ralph Farquhar. “Black comedians are the backbone of the industry and that’s the truth. I’m glad I was thought of to receive the first Icon Award.”

“It’s a true blessing and an absolute honor to be recognized by my community and receive this award from my people,” says George Wallace.

The night continued to commemorate the achievements of comedy greats with special history moments honoring the contributions of trailblazers who paved the way for the next generation of comedic talent including Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham, Moms Mabley, Stepin Fetchit, Freddie Prinze and Pat Morita. With its fusion of highlighting the brightest stars of yesterday, today and the future, the Humor Mill Comedy Awards celebrated winners across several categories including “Best Sitcom,” “Funniest Film of the Year” and more.

View this year’s Humor Mill Comedy Awards winners below:

●      BEST SITCOM – REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD

      BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS IN TV/FILM – KIM FIELDS

      BEST COMEDIC ACTOR IN TV/FILM – DC YOUNG FLY

      FUNNIEST FILM OF THE YEAR – DAY SHIFT

      SKETCH OF THE YEAR – JUHAHN JONES

      BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS – DAPHNIQUE SPRINGS

      COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR – EARTHQUAKE

      COMEDY SPECIAL OF THE YEAR – DAVID ARNOLD

      BEST COMEDIC BRAND ADVERTISING – OLD SPICE – DEON COLE, GABRIELLE DENNIS

The Humor Mill Comedy Awards paid a heartwarming special tribute to comics we lost in 2022. “Comedy has always held a special place in my heart, and to me, it’s a medium that is designed to celebrate those we’ve lost who have dedicated their lives to bringing laughter and joy to people all around the world while spotlighting the talented comedians who are still here,” says founder and executive producer of the show Frank Holder.

Holder closed the night with a poignant and uplifting message, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to bring together the best and brightest of urban comedy. For more information on Humor Mill and air date, visit www.humormilltv.com or connect on social media @humor_mill on Instagram, @thehumormill on Twitter and @HumorMill on Facebook.

FABUtainment Interviews Bel-Air Star Adrian Holmes at the NAACP Image Awards Luncheon

Actor Adrian Holmes, who plays the role of Philip Banks on Peacock’s Bel-Air, chats with FABUtainment on the red carpet at the NAACP Image Awards luncheon in Los Angeles, California.

Watch as Adrian discusses his NAACP Image Award nomination, and what we can expect to see on season 2 of Bel-Air.

Former BELLATOR Champion Brent Primus Will Now Face Mansour Barnaouiin Lightweight World Grand Prix on May 12

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Los Angeles — BELLATOR MMA today announced a change to the lineup for its third visit to the Accor Arena in Paris, France on Friday, May 12.

While a momentous middleweight bout between former BELLATOR Middleweight Champion Gegard “The Dreamcatcher” Mousasi (49-8-2) and No. 2-ranked Fabian “The Assassin” Edwards (11-2) will still main event the card, Sidney Outlaw will no longer compete in the BELLATOR Lightweight World Grand Prix. Outlaw’s removal from the highly acclaimed tournament gives No. 6-ranked lightweight and former BELLATOR champion Brent Primus (11-3) an opportunity to step into enemy territory against Paris-based standout Mansour “Afro-Samurai” Barnaoui (20-4) in an opening round, quarterfinal matchup of the million-dollar BELLATOR Lightweight World Grand Prix.

BELLATOR 296: Mousasi vs. Edwards will be televised live in America on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. CEST/4 p.m. ET. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at accorarena.com and bellator.fr.

Brent Primus will enter the Lightweight World Grand Prix in the hopes of conquering the BELLATOR lightweight division for a second time since besting Michael Chandler in 2017. The Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt was eager to throw his hat into the ring when the Grand Prix was announced, and thanks to his stay-ready philosophy, was able to answer when opportunity knocked. Primus will enter the tournament having already secured a win over one of the field’s athletes, BELLATOR 292 title challenger Benson Henderson.

With a win over Barnaoui, Primus would face the winner of the championship quarterfinal between reigning titleholder Usman Nurmagomedov and Henderson, which takes place March 10. The Eugene, Oregon native will look to make the most of his May 12 clash with Barnaoui in what promises to be one of the best fights of the BELLATOR year.

Paris’ Mansour Barnaoui was one of BELLATOR’s biggest signings in 2022, and for good reason. The Tunisian-born Frenchman formerly won titles in ROAD FC, M-1 Challenge, and BAMMA, and he demonstrated his world-class abilities in his BELLATOR debut in October with a second-round rear-naked choke of veteran Adam Piccolotti at BELLATOR 287 in Milan. Barnaoui will bring his outstanding 95% stoppage rate and an eight-fight winning streak into this matchup with Primus as part of the Lightweight World Grand Prix’s opening round, and he will hope to continue his finishing ways in what would be a stark warning to the rest of the tournament field. 

BELLATOR 296: MOUSASI VS. EDWARDS MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME

May 12 — 10 p.m. CEST/9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Middleweight Main Event: #1-Gegard Mousasi (49-8-2) vs. #2-Fabian Edwards (11-2)

Lightweight World Grand Prix Co-Main Event: #6- Brent Primus (11-3)vs. Mansour Barnaoui (20-4)

Middleweight Bout: Douglas Lima (32-11) vs. Costello van Steenis (14-2)

Lightweight Bout: Thibault Gouti (14-6) vs. Kane Mousah (14-4)

BELLATOR 296: MOUSASI VS. EDWARDS PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | BBC iPlayer (U.K.) | Pluto TV

6 p.m. CEST/5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT

Lightweight BoutDavy Gallon (21-8-2) vs. Saul Rogers (15-5)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Simon Biyong (9-2) vs. Jose Augusto (7-4, 1 NC)

Kenny Lattimore’s Hit Single “Take A Dose” Reaches #1 on Billboard Charts

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(Los Angeles, CA) – For 2 consecutive weeks, Grammy-nominated, R&B vocalist and songwriter, Kenny Lattimore is holding the #1 spot again on the Billboard Adult R&B charts for his hit single, “TAKE A DOSE”. It was exactly 25 years ago, when Kenny Lattimore’s globally recognized signature song, “For You,” secured the #1 spot on the charts and reigned for a record breaking 17 weeks.

Take A Dose, is about the healing power of love. The whimsical and animated music video for “Take A Dose” was directed by Chico Benymon. 

“It’s been an incredible start to 2023. My wife, Faith, and I just welcomed a baby girl last month and now I have another #1 song. I remember when my song FOR YOU was in its 10th week, I was like wow, this is incredible how my song and lyrics are impacting and inspiring so many people and resonating with beautiful couples from all over who were using it to represent their love in their weddings. Now, after a career spanning 25 plus years to be back at #1 for the second the week in a row, I’m truly grateful. My album title really spoke truth to power – I’m here to stay,” said Lattimore. “I want to thank all the radio stations, streaming media, and fans who have supported me on this journey to “TAKE A DOSE” reaching #1.” Lattimore added. “When my friend Chico Benymon heard the song, he immediately had a concept idea that I loved and since my song is about the healing power of love, it was showing women in a spa-like galaxy, called “The Cure,” where they can select “The Lattimore Experience,” which allows them to overcome the feelings of fear, rejection, loneliness, etc.,” mentions Kenny. “I instantly knew this was it,” he laughs. 

“TAKE A DOSE” was written by Kenny Lattimore, Drakkar “Madicin” Wesley, Ivan Latimore, Leigh Elliot, Lucas Firming, and David Anyepong Duodu. Produced by Drakkar “Madicin” Wesley, Lee Major, Caz, and KND. The Billboard and Mediabase #1 “Take A Dose” is Kenny’s latest song lifted from his recently released and criticallyacclaimed 10th studio album, “HERE TO STAY”. The album is available now, via The SRG/ILS Group in partnership with the SincereSoul Records label imprint.

Jonathan McReynolds Releases New Album, “My Truth,” Announces Spring Tour

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(NASHVILLE, TN) – February 20, 2023 – Today, MNRK Music Group celebrates the release of the brand-new full-length album, MY TRUTH, from GRAMMY®, Stellar Award and DOVE Award winner, Jonathan McReynolds. MY TRUTH marks the fifth album release from the current 54th NAACP Image Award nominee. In celebration of MY TRUTH, McReynolds will embark on an 11-city tour, kicking off in Orlando, FL on April 13th. The MY TRUTH TOUR is in partnership with Compassion International. The 12-track album, MY TRUTH, is available wherever music is sold and streamed now.

McReynolds is excited about the impact of MY TRUTH, which is inspired by the concept of life and seeds. Some seeds make their way and grow without much opposition. Others are thrown on the ground and trampled or thrown amongst thorns and weeds. McReynolds relates the seed to challenges and life struggles which can create anxiety and make people feel like they are being choked. In a truly transparent moment, McReynolds acknowledges that there have been times in which the anxieties of life have been overwhelming. Through My Truth, Reynolds reminds us that “life is filled with opportunities to select paths that allow us to experience it in the best way.” His choices are impacted and reaffirmed by faith and personal experiences. The spiritual strength for which McReynolds is known required him to start at ground zero and rebuild based on more simple, basic, essential, and intimate truths.

MY TRUTH was preceded by the Billboard #1 single, “Your World” – which spent 5 weeks at #1 on Billboard Gospel, “Your World” reminds the listener of God’s sovereignty – a bop, intentionally upbeat, and happy. The song was written to help people lift the weights that hold them down. Known for bridging the gap between contemporary church music and the music of the past, Jonathan has included African American spiritual texts and the influences of Marvin Gaye. “Your World” will have listeners up moving and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. Jonathan McReynolds shares, “This song reflects my evolution and growth. I am not the same person I was when I wrote my first album. Now, I am secure enough to take more risks and remove any limits to my creativity. It’s God’s World, and we are just living in it!”

Jonathan has released four full length studio albums and one EP, plus an EP with Mali Music – which earned them both a GRAMMY® Award. McReynolds holds a master’s in theology from Moody Theological Seminary and is currently an adjunct member of the Columbia College faculty. He is also the founder of Elihu Nation, a nonprofit organization that promotes wisdom and recently awarded $30k in scholarships. He is also a member of Mensa, an international high IQ society. Jonathan starred as a judge on BET’s hit series “Sunday Best” for two seasons (2019, 2020) and in 2021, starred in his first movie “Favorite Son” a BET+ original film.

As an author, McReynolds’ first book, “Make Room: Finding Where Faith Fits,” draws on testimonies in scripture and from personal experiences to invite readers to make room for God in every area of life. McReynolds emphasizes that readers make room for God in public and private, mentally and spiritually in order to experience the fullness that can come only through an authentic relationship with God. “Make Room: Finding Where Faith Fits” is available now on Amazon.com

MY TRUTH is available now wherever music is shared and streamed. Follow Jonathan McReynolds on social media using the handle @JonathanMcReynolds.

WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “DETAIL” BY JONATHAN MCREYNOLDS