- The Potter’s House First Lady Serita Jakes and T.D. Jakes Films’ EVP Derrick Williams
In conjunction with Sony and T.D. Jakes Films, The Potter’s House first lady Serita Jakes joined a gathering of powerful Atlanta businesswomen, community leaders, media professionals and clergy at the Ritz-Carlton to promote the upcoming film Sparkle, starring the late Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks.
The keynote speaker, Mrs. Jakes opened by thanking attendees and the day’s sponsors for granting the opportunity to “present the Gospel in a new and living way” with the remake of the legendary film Sparkle.
“How many of you realize that so many people that we come into contact with from day to day will come into a sanctuary because they have decided that it’s not their way of living? …We want to reach those that feel they are unlovable and often unreachable. My husband being the pioneer that he is has decided to use every venue and every method that is available to him to take a word of hope and inspiration, and allow people who are dreamless to dream again,” offers Jakes on Pastor T.D. Jakes’ motivation for his latest foray in filmmaking.
“Thus, we have Sparkle; it’s an inspirational film that a lot of people think because we are unapologetically Christian there should be a redemptive message in it. Our message, through Sparkle, is to those women who feel disenfranchised, have given up on life and hope, to those single moms who are struggling to raise young girls [and] also to mention that domestic violence is real and is very prevalent. It behooves us as ministers, civic leaders, political leaders, and those with media access to open up your minds and start reaching a broader audience.”
Mrs. Jakes also notes that in this movie, Houston performed her last recording, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” “I really do believe that is a mantra for her life.”
Attendees included Rev. Dr. Bernice King, Xernona Clayton, Atlanta Business League president Leona Barr Davenport, Judge Glenda Hatchett, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women immediate past president Cynthia Williams, Gospel Today magazine founder Dr. Teresa Hairston, TD Jakes Films’ EVP Derrick Williams and so many others.
Imara Canady had the honor to serve as the day’s emcee. Caitlyn Renee, Atlanta winner of the Sparkle Singing Challenge, a national singing competition, sung a cover of the late singer Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey’s “When You Believe” from the Prince of Egypt soundtrack and an awe-inspiring rendition of “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” –yvette caslin
