Norfolk State’s Blazin’ Hot 91, PBS to host community conversations about Black churches, gospel music
Norfolk State University’s Blazin’ Hot 91 radio station is partnering with PBS (WHRO), and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to present a new series about Black churches and gospel music.
“The Black Church: This Is Our Story. This Is Our Song.” will air starting at 9 tonight on PBS. It’s a two-part, four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., that explores the 400-year-old story of the Black church in America. Part two will air at 9 p.m. Wednesday.
On Blazin’ Hot 91, Eric Claville, director of NSU’s Center for African American Public Policy, will interview religious leaders around Hampton Roads, including Bishop Courtney McBath, senior pastor of Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk; Melvin O. Marriner, senior pastor of Portsmouth’s Grove Church; and Chris Carter, senior pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Hampton. Barbara Hamm Lee, host of WHRO’s “Another View” will also be featured.
The radio station will broadcast the interviews at 1 p.m. Sunday.
In conjunction with Claville’s interviews, Jay Owens Haynes, host of the station’s gospel show “Gospel Glory,” will interview inspirational artists and discuss the evolution and impact of gospel music in the Black church. Among her guests are:
National recording artist and Norfolk State University alumna the Rev. Peggy Britt, who was a featured choir director and judge on the highly acclaimed Netflix series “Voices of Fire,” produced by Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams.
Minister Earl Bynum, international gospel recording artist, producer, radio host, and executive director of worship and arts at The Mount in Chesapeake.
Calvin Austin, founder and CEO of Austintouch Productions in Hampton. Austin is serving in his 16th year as minister of music at Mount Tabor Church of God in Christ in Smithfield.
Elder Dwayne Daniels, minister of music at St. Paul Church of God in Christ and the Berkley District in Norfolk. Elder Daniels also serves as the vice president of the Virginia Second Jurisdiction Choir under the leadership of Bishop Wilbert L. Daniels, Sr.
Latrese B. Carter, founder of Faithwalk Productions. She is a singer, actress, life coach, playwright, director, producer and vocal coach. Carter has also appeared in plays produced by Tyler Perry and David E. Talbert.
These interviews will air on Sunday at 8 and 11 a.m.
In celebration of Black History Month, Blazin’ Hot 91 is dedicating all of its public affairs programmings to “The Black Church series,” which also includes the “Spartan Life” radio show hosted by broadcast veteran Cheryl Wilkerson.
The Blazin’ Hot Morning Show, hosted by DJ INC and Cheryl Wilkerson, will wrap up “The Black Church” series with interviews with Andre Jefferson, senior pastor of Bethel AME Church in Hampton on Wednesday (9 a.m.) and Elder Shaun Lynch, Greater Works Church of Christ (Holiness) USA at 9 a.m. Feb. 24.
The replay from each discussion will be posted to the station’s YouTube page, WNSB Hot 91, and on the station’s website at wnsbonline.org.
Amy Poulter, 757-446-2705, amy.poulter@pilotonline.com
