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Kentucky native announces a scholarship fund to help aspiring artists

ERICKA NICOLE MALONE ENTERTAINMENT WILL AWARD FOUR SCHOLARSHIPS TO KENTUCKY STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE ARTS

(Los Angeles, California) Louisville, native and 2023 NAACP Image Award winner Ericka Nicole Malone of Ericka Nicole Malone Entertainment, LLC, announces the creation of the Ericka Nicole Malone Essay Writing Mentorship which includes four scholarships ranging from $250 to $5000. The scholarships are for high school seniors and current college level students majoring and/or minoring in arts in a Kentucky accredited school.

Ericka Nicole Malone says “I am excited to announce this opportunity. It is important that I give back to my hometown and the first people to believe in my writing ability which has given me so many chances to create produce and direct films you can see today.  Kentucky has a lot of hidden gems and I honestly believe that there is so many creative writers in the community that just need a chance.  With these scholarships, someone wanting to follow their dreams will now have a chance to fulfill them and that is what made me create this initiative so I can follow them along their career.” 

The Ericka Nicole Malone Scholarship can be used for tuition, school fees, books, housing, and food. To be eligible for the scholarship individuals must reside in Kentucky, have at least a 2.5 grade point average, (GPA), on a 4.0 grading scale, already enrolled in the College of Arts and/or accepted into an accredited college institution, performing arts school, trade or vocational school that has an arts program.

As part of the consideration process. You need to submit an essay, (up to one thousand words) on what you want to pursue in the arts and why this scholarship is important. Submit your essay to info@vippcommunications.com. Your deadline is August 4, 2023. Recipients will be announced on August 22, 2023.

Malone attended the Youth Performing Arts School, (YPAS), graduate of Manual High, a JCPS school is a successful writer, director, and executive producer. He latest award-winning project is “Remember ME: The Mahalia Jackson Story” starring Ledisi, Columbus Short, Janet Hubert, Keith David, Wendy Raquel Robinson, and Keith Robinson.

ERICKA NICOLE MALONE ENTERTAINMENT is a production company focused on the development, production/co-production and distribution of film, television, and animated projects nationwide. 

To setup an interview via phone and/or zoom, contact Sherlene Shanklin at VIPP Communications at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502.341-7306.  To read learn more on the Ericka Nicole Malone Entertainment go to www.erickanicolemalone.com.      

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Unveiling of the William J. Simmons Portrait at the Heritage Center

Unveiling of the William J. Simmons Portrait at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage

The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (Heritage Center), in partnership with Simmons College of Kentucky, invites the press and public to the unveiling of the William J. Simmons portrait on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 10 a.m. at 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, Kentucky. Simmons’ portrait will be a permanent installation joining other life-sized portraits in the Heritage Center’s Brown-Forman Great Hall Gallery, depicting African American leaders in the arts, civil rights, education, innovation, media, military, and sports. 

Dr. Rev. William J. Simmons (June 29, 1849 – October 30, 1890) went from enslavement to becoming Simmons College of Kentucky’s second president from 1880–1890, for whom the school was eventually named. Simmons College was the first school for higher education established for African Americans in Kentucky. The college was the vision of 12 formerly enslaved Africans who were members of the General Association of Baptists within the state. Their tenacity was fueled by their understanding of the importance of education for the sons and daughters who were formerly enslaved. 

Simmons developed multiple programs, including the teacher education program and one of the few Black medical schools at a Black college. Additionally, Simmons produced Kentucky’s first black medical doctor, Artishia Gilbert. In addition, he was a writer, journalist, and educator. In 1886 he became President of the American National Baptist Convention, one of the organizations that would merge to form the National Baptist Convention, USA. He was elected President of the Colored Press Association for his work as editor of the American Baptist, a newspaper in Louisville, Kentucky.

Simmons is best known for his 1887 work, Men of Mark: Eminent, Progressive, and Rising. The book compiled brief biographies of one hundred seventy-seven prominent African American men across the United States. Men of Mark was a best seller and the most extensive collection of African American biographies.

Aukram Burton, Executive Director at the Heritage Center, says:

“The time is overdue for Dr. Rev. William J. Simmons’ portrait to be a permanent installation at the Heritage Center to ensure that visitors will learn about Simmons’ accomplishments as a transformational leader who built a rigorous and inclusive learning environment that promoted academic excellence during an era that denied African Americans the liberties they should have enjoyed as U.S. citizens.

For media inquiries contact VIPP Communications at info at vippcommunications dot com or by calling KCAAH at 502-583-4100. 

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CEO of Family & Children’s Place to Retire in 2024

Louisville, Ky. – Last week, Family & Children’s Place, one of the oldest nonprofits in the city of Louisville, announced their CEO and President Pam Darnall will retire in November 2024. The Board of Directors for the agency was told by Darnall back in November of 2022 of her retirement plan to allow the board plenty of time to find her successor.

“It has been my honor to serve in various roles with FCP since 1994. I am eternally grateful to my predecessors, who were patient and supportive role models as I learned what leadership is truly about,” Darnall said in an email to her staff after their team meeting, where Darnall announced her upcoming retirement.

Darnall began working at what was then called Family Place in 1994 as a program director and in 2001, she became the agency’s executive director. At a meeting with the CEO of Family & Children First Dan Fox, the two discussed the possibility of their organizations merging. In 2008, the two leaders created what is now known as Family & Children’s Place.

In 2016, Darnall was named an Enterprising Woman Making a Difference honoree. In 2021, she was listed as one of Business First’s Most Admired CEOs.

Celebrating their 140th anniversary in the community, Family & Children’s Place protects and heals family and children from child abuse and neglect. Their five programs (HANDS, Greater Louisville Head Start, Counseling, Child Advocacy Center, and School-Based Services) help establish healthy and safe environments for children and their families. Since 1994, Darnall has played a huge role in making the organization the staple it is in the community.

“For nearly 30 years, Pam has been a steadfast force at Family & Children’s Place, and she leaves big shoes to fill. We are grateful for her longtime dedication to the families and children who turn to Family & Children’s Place for the support and care they desperately need,” Family & Children’s Place Board of Directors Chair Richard Garner said in the same email sent to the staff following their team meeting.

The Board of Directors has formed a search committee and are working with Ashley|Rountree and Associates, a local firm specializing in nonprofit growth and sustainability, to determine the skills and abilities they are looking for in their next leader and identify high quality candidates.

If you wish to schedule an interview with Pam Darnall, please contact Allison Wiseman at awiseman@famchildplace.org or 502-645-5526.

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For more than 140 years, Family & Children’s Place has been a critical presence in Louisville, helping our most vulnerable citizens — children, that have experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect. We believe that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood free from abuse and that every family should have the tools and resources to maintain self-sufficiency.

Our mission: We protect and heal children and families.

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Roots 101 African American Museum gets rave reviews for music legend Static Major exhibit

(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.” 

To setup an interview contact VIPP Communications at  booking@vippcommunications.com. 

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CEO of Family & Children’s Place to Retire in 2024

Louisville, Ky. – This week Family & Children’s Place, one of the oldest nonprofits in the city of Louisville, announced their CEO and President Pam Darnall will retire in November 2024. The Board of Directors for the agency was told by Darnall back in November of 2022 of her retirement plan to allow the board plenty of time to find her successor.

“It has been my honor to serve in various roles with FCP since 1994. I am eternally grateful to my predecessors, who were patient and supportive role models as I learned what leadership is truly about,” Darnall said in an email to her staff after their team meeting, where Darnall announced her upcoming retirement.

Darnall began working at what was then called Family Place in 1994 as a program director and in 2001, she became the agency’s executive director. At a meeting with the CEO of Family & Children First Dan Fox, the two discussed the possibility of their organizations merging. In 2008, the two leaders created what is now known as Family & Children’s Place.

In 2016, Darnall was named an Enterprising Woman Making a Difference honoree. In 2021, she was listed as one of Business First’s Most Admired CEOs.

Celebrating their 140th anniversary in the community, Family & Children’s Place protects and heals family and children from child abuse and neglect. Their five programs (HANDS, Greater Louisville Head Start, Counseling, Child Advocacy Center, and School-Based Services) help establish healthy and safe environments for children and their families. Since 1994, Darnall has played a huge role in making the organization the staple it is in the community.

“For nearly 30 years, Pam has been a steadfast force at Family & Children’s Place, and she leaves big shoes to fill. We are grateful for her longtime dedication to the families and children who turn to Family & Children’s Place for the support and care they desperately need,” Family & Children’s Place Board of Directors Chair Richard Garner said in the same email sent to the staff following their team meeting.

The Board of Directors has formed a search committee and are working with Ashley|Rountree and Associates, a local firm specializing in nonprofit growth and sustainability, to determine the skills and abilities they are looking for in their next leader and identify high quality candidates.

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For more than 140 years, Family & Children’s Place has been a critical presence in Louisville, helping our most vulnerable citizens — children, that have experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect. We believe that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood free from abuse and that every family should have the tools and resources to maintain self-sufficiency.

Our mission: We protect and heal children and families.

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The Palm Room welcomes Slutty Vegan to Louisville for a pop-up

Louisville, KY) Slutty Vegan, known as one of the top vegan restaurants in U.S. hits the road for a pop-up and Louisville is their next destination.

This Saturday, April 8th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the parking lot of The Palm Room located at 1821 W. Jefferson Street in Louisville, KY you will see the Slutty Vegan Food Truck. If you follow them on social, you know that lines will form to savor the plant-based food alternatives especially their signature burgers that the Slutty Vegan team will put together right here in West Louisville.

The Palm Room owner Donnie Adkins says, “Louisville has been wanting this opportunity and I’m so proud that our team was able to get this scheduled.  Entrepreneurs helping one another is how we survive. Helping Black-owned businesses is vital for growth.  Everyone can’t travel to Atlanta, so we are bringing Atlanta to Louisville.  Every city they have travelled to has had people standing in long lines just to try the food.  We are going to make this an event, an experience. I hope you come out and support. We are planning events throughout the year so stay tuned.”

Along with the Slutty Vegan Food Truck, The Palm Room will provide music with a DJ, our guest Slutty Vegan will also sell merchandise and The Palm Room will be open for guests to purchase drinks and take a tour of the live music restaurant and bar.

Again, they are expecting a large turnout and we would love for you to cover our event. We are introducing the residents to healthy alternatives to things they eat every day.

When you arrive, your point of contact will be Ebony Davis. Contact her via cell at 502.905.2176.

To learn more about Joe’s Palm Room and Slutty Vegan we have attached their websites.  https://www.joespalmroomlounge.com & http://sluttyveganatl.com/

If you get calls that there’s a large crowd on Jefferson Street on Saturday. Follow the people heading to The Palm Room and look for the yellow food truck. 

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About Slutty Vegan:

Founded by CEO and visionary Pinky Cole, Slutty Vegan is an Atlanta-based, nationally acclaimed burger joint offering bangin’ 100% vegan comfort food. Slutty Vegan’s crave-worthy, indulgent menus and joyful customer interactions draw locals and visitors to eagerly wait in now-famous lines down the block for a vegan burger, with sluttified fans including celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Taraji P. Henson, Tyler Perry, and Queen Latifah. Slutty Vegan has ten existing brick-and-mortar locations, including metro-Atlanta stores in the Edgewood, Jonesboro, Duluth and West View neighborhoods, on-campus at Georgia Tech, and inside Truist Park, plus outposts in Athens, Georgia, Birmingham, AL and Harlem and Brooklyn, New York. In addition, the brand’s “Big Ol’ Slut” food truck tours the country popping up in neighborhoods across the region.

VIPP Communications is a full-service public relation, 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 ranges from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see how we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.  www.vippcommunications.com

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Reckoning Inc. and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage partner to host a workshop on how to use Catholic church records to find enslaved ancestors

(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. will present Using Catholic Church Records to Find Ancestors on Saturday, April 8 at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This workshop will focus on how to use an online database of Catholic baptismal records recently created by local non-profit organization Reckoning, Inc. to find enslaved ancestors. This workshop will be conducted by Reckoning, Inc. Research Director Abby Posey. The workshop is free and open to the public.

To date, Reckoning, Inc. has digitized the records for over 2,100 enslaved children who were baptized at ten Louisville-area Catholic churches in three counties: Jefferson, Nelson, and Marion. This includes the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville and the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown. These records have been placed in a database that can be searched, both by children’s and enslaver’s names, and browsed by church and by county. It can be found at www.reckoningradio.org/enslaved-church-records-database. This is an ongoing project that, if funding permits, will eventually expand to include records from Catholic and Protestant churches across Kentucky.

For more information about the workshop, visit www.kcaah.org/events. To learn more about Reckoning, Inc., visit www.reckoninginc.org. If you would like to setup an interview with Reckoning, Inc. Research Director Abby Posey, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

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Rally to End Child Abuse hosted by Family & Children’s Place

Immediate Release 

Family & Children’s Place will hold a Rally to End Child Abuse on Thursday, March 30th at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot of our headquarters located at 525 Zane Street.

April is the designated start of Child Abuse Prevention Month but anyone who works and/or advocates for children understand it’s a 365 24/7 obligation. 

In 2022, the Child Fatality & Near Fatality Report says that 67% of all cases reviewed involved a child four years of age or younger. 

The report also says that one in seven Kentucky high school students reported having seriously considered suicide within a 12-month period.  One in five of Kentucky middle school students reported having seriously considered suicide at some point in their lives.

Pam Darnall, CEO of Family & Children’s Place says, “As you can see in the report, it affects all ages.  There’s not one targeted group that we need to focus on.  We need to help every child so that they do not become a statistic. We can do better. We must do better.”

Child Abuse Prevention Month brings awareness to those in the community unaware of how serious the problem is in Kentuckiana. According to the latest

national report of Child Maltreatment, Kentucky has dropped in the ranking from fifth, to sixth in the rate of child abuse/neglect.  Indiana remains at #11 with their rate of child abuse/neglect. 

The following have confirmed their participation as speakers for the March 30th rally:

  • Pam Darnall, President/CEO, Family & Children’s Place
  • Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman
  • Vic Maddox, Deputy Attorney General
  • Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
  • KY State Senator Julie Raque Adams
  • Roz Welch from the office of Keturah Herron, State Representative
  • Eric Friedlander, KY DCBS Secretary
  • Jeremy Mull, Clark County Prosecuting Attorney
  • Barry Dunn, Kosair Charities
  • Dr. Terry Brooks, KYA

We will also acknowledge a group of individuals who have supported our organization over the years.  The following have confirmed their attendance for the rally:

  • Tom Wine, Commonwealth Attorney
  • Mike O’Connell, County Attorney
  • Caroline Ruschell, KY CAC Executive Director
  • Emily Bonistall, Marsy’s Law
  • Barbara Sexton Smith, Louisville Deputy Mayor
  • Nicole George, Deputy Mayor of Public Health and Services
  • David James, Deputy Mayor of Emergency Services
  • Dana Mayton, Deputy Mayor of Operations and Budget 
  • Phillip Baker, City Councilman District 6

We hope you will cover our rally.  As you can see by our prestigious list of attendees, we have a lot of support and would like to have your cover our event to further educate your viewers about the staggering statistics in this community and things they can do to help stop child abuse. 

If you have any questions and/or would like to setup an interview, please contact us by calling 502-341-7306 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com. 

To learn more about Family & Children’s Place visit our site at www.familyandchildrensplace.org. 

WHO:                   Family & Children’s Place

WHAT:                 Rally kicking off Child Abuse Prevention Month

WHEN:                 Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (In-person)

WHERE:               Family & Children’s Place, 525 Zane St, Louisville, KY 40203

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For more than 140 years, Family & Children’s Place has been a critical presence in Louisville, helping our most vulnerable citizens — children, that have experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect. We believe that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood free from abuse and that every family should have the tools and resources to maintain self-sufficiency.

Our Mission: We protect and heal children and families.

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Family & Children’s Place will hold a rally to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month

Immediate Release 

Updated: March 8, 2023

Family & Children’s Place will hold an in-person rally on Thursday, March 30th at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot of our headquarters located at 525 Zane Street.

April is the designated start of Child Abuse Prevention Month but anyone who works and/or advocates for children understand it’s a 365 24/7 obligation.  Educating children on their right for being safe in hopes of strengthen families across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.    The month also brings awareness to those in the community unaware of how serious the problem is in Kentuckiana.

According to the latest national report of Child Maltreatment, Kentucky has dropped in the ranking from fifth, to sixth in the rate of child abuse/neglect. That’s 14.7 victims per 1,000 children. Indiana remains at #11 with their rate of child abuse/neglect at 13.6 victims per 1,000 children.

In response to those startling statistics and to bring awareness, Family & Children’s Place will have dignitaries, community leaders and advocates talking about child abuse, violence, exploitation, neglect, prevention, intervention, and restoration efforts for children and families.

The following have confirmed their participation as speakers for the March 30th rally:

  • Pam Darnall, President/CEO, Family & Children’s Place
  • Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman
  • Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
  • KY State Senator Julie Raque Adams
  • Keturah Herron, State Representative
  • Eric Friedlander, KY DCBS Secretary
  • Barry Dunn, Kosair Charities
  • Dr. Terry Brooks, KYA

We have additional invited guests.  As they confirm their participation, we will update our release and social media platforms. 

We will also acknowledge a group of individuals who have supported our organization over the years.  The following have confirmed their attendance for the rally:

  • Louisville Deputy Mayor David James
  • Tom Wine, Commonwealth Attorney
  • Mike O’Connell, County Attorney
  • Jeremy Mull, Clark County Prosecuting Attorney
  • Caroline Ruschell, KY CAC Executive Director
  • Emily Bonistall, Marsy’s Law
  • Nicole George, Deputy Mayor
  • Dana Mayton, Deputy Mayor
  • Phillip Baker, City Councilman District 6

Please announce and/or post our event.  If you have any questions and/or would like to setup an interview, please contact us by calling 502-341-7306 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com. 

To learn more about Family & Children’s Place visit our site at www.familyandchildrensplace.org. 

WHO:                   Family & Children’s Place

WHAT:                 Rally kicking off Child Abuse Prevention Month

WHEN:                 Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (In-person)

WHERE:               Family & Children’s Place, 525 Zane St, Louisville, KY 40203

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For more than 140 years, Family & Children’s Place has been a critical presence in Louisville, helping our most vulnerable citizens — children, that have experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect. We believe that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood free from abuse and that every family should have the tools and resources to maintain self-sufficiency.

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Reckoning Inc. and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage partner to host a workshop to help people find their ancestors who were enslaved in the state of Kentucky  

Official news release

(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. will present Finding Enslaved Kentucky Ancestors workshop on Saturday, March 11th at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This workshop will focus on how someone can locate an enslaved Kentucky descendant by using free online resources created by Reckoning, Inc. The workshop will be conducted by Denyce Peyton, a professional genealogist with over 25 years of experience who is currently project director for Reckoning, Inc.’s Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project. The workshop is free and open to the public.

For more information about the workshop, visit www.kcaah.org/events. For more information about Reckoning, Inc., visit www.reckoninginc.org

If you would like to setup an interview with African American genealogist Denyce Peyton and/or schedule your church or organization for the free workshop, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

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