::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

THE RECORDING ACADEMY ™ HONORS DIANA ROSS AND HER LANDMARK  CAREER AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO MUSIC  WITH A SPECIAL 75TH DIAMOND DIANA BIRTHDAY PERFORMANCE ON THE 61ST ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS ® SANTA MONICA, CALIF.  — The Recording Academy ™  has announced a very special performance by Diana Ross during this year's 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards ® . In what is sure to be an unforgettable GRAMMY ® moment, the Recording Academy will honor the icon and celebrate the rich history of her greatest musical accomplishments. Live from STAPLES Center, and hosted by Alicia Keys, the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network , Sunday, Feb. 10 at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. One of the most influential artists and greatest entertainers of all time, Ms. Ross has without a doubt made a profound impact in the world of music. Considered a trailblazer in entertainment, she was the leader of the most successful female g...

By Mona Austin POTUS is headed to Gulfport for a roundtable on the First Step Act (aimed at lowering recidivism), Biloxi and Tupelo for Make America Great rallies in a two-for-one effort to both draw minority voters and placate conservatives. President Trump will once again campaign to motivate the Republican base ahead of  a tight mid-term runoff in a state where the Confederate Flag flies high-- Mississippi. The special senate run-off election takes place tomorrow between Trump-endorsed Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Mike Espy. Trump critics are alarmed by the optics of the trip in light of recent inflammatory comments from his candidate. A video recording of Hyde-Smith caught her saying she would attend a public hanging of her opponent -- who is black -- surfaced and she attempted to downplay the comment saying she was joking. Trump took her words at face value saying she is a "tremendous woman" who he thinks will win and the comment, “. . .was just sort of...

Black people have a savior in the form of a white man named Donald J. Trump. Last Wednesday, controversy erupted in the black community when black pastors met with Pres. Donald Trump to discuss prison reform. The gathering was deemed a useless photo-op. One of the issues, aside from the disappointment that Trump has insulted and marginalized blacks. Many people were not familiar with the participants. Here we provide a verbatim recap of the with the names of the ministries or organizations they represent. It is not clear which of the pastors, if any, conduct prison ministries. They president suggested that everyone at the table introduce themselves. Some of their intros were startling, such as the remarks of Pastor Daryl Scott a long-time Trump supporter said, "This is probably going to be the most pro-Black president we have ever had." Bishop Dale Bronner and Atlanta pastor praised Trump for making America great. Pastor John Gray, who led the opening prayer, w...

By Mona Austin CD REVIEW In observation of  Black Music Month, gospel jazz is a genre that definitely deserves attention, especially "Power," the new praise and worship instrumental jazz offering from saxophonist Cameron Ross.  Ross is somewhat a newcomer and I am happy to introduce him to those who have not had the pleasure of hearing "Our God," his latest single on the radio.  He has a high-quality product that I hope will reach as many ears as possible.   It's a shame that, outside of my own music collection and online listening, the only time I hear gospel instrumental music is when I am walking the aisles of a Christian-owned Hobby Lobby store.  There are just not enough terrestrial radio stations that will play this type of music.   "Power" intermingles two forms of music rooted in black culture with a spiritual passion. The collection of songs  are perfect for one-on-one time worshipping God or spending time with oneself for shee...