Page 8 ~ THE VILLAGER/November 22, 2019 THE DISPATCH www.theaustinvillager.com Available Gospel Music Trailblazer, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, data Celebrates His 60th Birthday with Release of New Music provides By Naomi Richard | VILLAGER Entertainment Editor no clear explanation for the increase in hate crimes (VILLAGER) - Gos- across the pel Music Trailblazer Donnie McClurkin, born state of November 9, 1959 in Amityville, New York, is Texas showing no sign of slow- ing down! McClurkin CONTINUED FROM continues to raise the PAGE 1 bar in Gospel music as he adds grace, style and directed against the spiritual anointing to transgender individuals. his craft as a singer, pro- Anti-Hispanic hate ducer, director and pas- crimes increased 14 per- tor. cent, the third straight With his latest re- year of increased report- lease, McClurkin delivers ing. While religion-based a number of songs ap- hate crimes decreased Donnie McClurkin receives award presented by RCA Inspiration. Photo by Naomi Richard. propriate for worship by eight percent from and audience sing-a- 2017, nearly 60 percent longs. His latest project, of hate crime attacks A Different Song, contin- were targeted against ues his focus on praise Jews and Jewish institu- with such radio hits as tions in 2018. “All the Glory of God,” In Texas, there “Pour My Praise On were 455 reported hate You,” “I Will Call Upon crimes in 2018 com- the Lord” and “Not Yet.” pared to 190 reported He himself explained incidents in 2017. Of the how much of his latest 455 reported hate release was birthed out crimes in 2018 in Texas, of personal life experi- the FBI documented 314 ences. crimes based on race/ McClurkin fre- ethnicity/national ori- quently makes reference gin, 59 based on religion, to his struggles with de- 50 based on sexual ori- pression and loneliness. entation, 16 based on In an interview with Sister disability, 15 based on Circle (TV One), he de- gender-identity and 3 scribes falling to an all- based on gender. The CeCe Winans (top Left), Erica Campbell time low, considering data reflects that 52 (left), and Kierra Sheard (above) perform somehow that the earth more agencies submit- during McClurkin’s 60th Birthday would be better without ted incident reports to Celebration. Photos by Naomi Richard. him. But at that moment, the FBI in 2018 than in he felt an assurance from Bishop Marvin Winans McClurkin has sold more 2017, a 5% increase in God declaring, “Not Yet.” from Detroit, Michigan than 10 million albums, one year. While McClurkin in his also joined in with the achieved 210 million all- “We are disturbed “human-ness” may grow festivities. time artist streams and to learn that the number weary, his community of Jonathan has enjoyed a digital ra- of reported hate crimes followers seeks more and the November 17 Birth- Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, McReynolds, eOne Gos- dio airplay audience of in Texas more than more from the three-time day Party held for him at Kierra Sheard, Jonathan pel Artist, spoke so 3.7 billion! The metrics doubled between 2017 Grammy Award-winning the historic Greater Allen McReynolds, Jason fondly of his hero, saying were verified by Nielsen and 2018,” said Rachel artist. A.M.E. Cathedral in Ja- Nelson and Motown to McClurkin, “You lifted Media Research. Bresner, ADL Jean and To his fans and mu- maica City, New York. The Gospel Recording hus- the entire genre. There The Villager News- Jerry Moore Southwest sical co-laborers, there sanctuary was packed to band-and-wife duo are places I can go be- paper was invited to the Civil Rights Counsel. was never a doubt about capacity with an addi- Jerard & Jovaun. Sur- cause you were there birthday celebration and “The available data does his impact within and tional 200 enthusiasts prise visits were made before. You were set up we wish him the best in not provide a clear ex- upon the Gospel music standing around the block by Cissy Houston, to fail but you didn’t, you this season with new planation for the in- industry, his span of influ- waiting for a glimpse of mother of the late won!” music, turning 60 and crease. However, we do ence or his trailblazing their ideal icon! Whitney Houston; and Finally, McClurkin’s also as he returns to Ni- know that it can be at- moves. This includes his The well-deserved television cast members record Label, RCA Inspi- geria in December to a tributed in part to the long-running participa- 60th birthday celebration Judge Mablean Ephriam ration, presented the sold-out and confirmed increase in law enforce- tion as a sage judge on the drew such Gospel roy- and Evelyn Braxton. honoree with a plaque crowd of 750,000 who ment agencies reporting Gospel singing competi- alty as Kirk Franklin to Maurette Brown Clark, representing 3 outstand- will join in as Pastor hate crime incidents in tion, “Sunday Best” (BET). host, with artists CeCe Tramaine Hawkins and ing and mind-blowing Donnie McClurkin leads the state. This demon- But one need only look at Winans, Erica Campbell, the incomparable achievements. worship! strates that awareness surrounding hate crimes and incidents has in- Huston Tillotson volleyball faces creased throughout Texas; more law enforce- ment officers are identi- Texas Wesleyan in NAIA Tournament fying and reporting hate vances to the champion- crime incidents and ship rounds Dec. 3-7 in more victims and wit- Sioux City, Iowa. nesses are coming for- Huston Tillotson ward to report such in- didn’t lose a set in a 3-0 cidents to law enforce- victory over Texas ment. We are encour- By John Harris Jr. Wesleyan (26-24, 25-19, aged by the heightened VILLAGER Sports 25-18) in East Austin at public awareness yet Columnist Mary E. Branch Gymna- know there is a lot of (VILLAGER) - sium on Sept. 1. work to do. We remain Huston Tillotson faces a “We have a lot of committed to fight familiar opponent in the respect for Texas against hate with our school’s first-ever ap- Wesleyan,” Huston coalition and other civil pearance in the NAIA Tillotson coach Daniel rights, education, and national volleyball tour- Behnke said. “They’re a interfaith partners and nament. The Lady Rams tough team and well law enforcement (26-5) visit Texas coached. We’re thrilled through enforcement, Wesleyan (24-8) Satur- about our previous ac- lenge.” on Nov. 9, defeating Our to the NAIA national training, victim support day, Nov. 23 in Fort complishments, but it’s The Lady Rams won Lady of the Lake in five tournament. and improved report- Worth in the opening a new week and we’re their first-ever Red River sets and receiving the Huston Tillotson has ing.” round. The winner ad- ready for the next chal- Athletic Conference title league’s automatic bid won nine straight games..