LIVE in Atlanta

featuring the soul-stirring voice of Grammy Award-winning powerhouse vocalist and national Gospel recording artist, Leandria Johnson.

Atlanta, Georgia | July 7, 2017. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | JULY 1, 2017. Shawn Joyner Presents and Hannon Entertainment is proud to announce its upcoming concert with gospel music recording artist and pioneer ‘RICKY DILLARD & New G: LIVE IN ATLANTA’. This LIVE concert will be held at The dREAM Center Church (2600 H.F Shepherd Drive, Decatur, GA 30034) on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 7:00pm. This LIVE event will also feature the soul-stirring voice of Grammy Award winning powerhouse vocalist and national gospel recording artist, Leandria Johnson.

Attendee’s interested in being apart of this event, can secure tickets at: EVENTBRITE
General: $25
VIP: $35
*Includes admittance into First 1-3 Rows, VIP Giftbag, Private Meet and Greet, and all other special amenities.

VENDOR AND SPONSORSHIP
The live event will boast 50-125 VIP and Special Guest
VIP and Special Guest Red Carpet
VIP Private Meet and Greet Lounge
Social Media Product Placement and Engagement

To become a vendor or sponsor, contact:
The Bentley Didier Firm
Email | info@thebentleydidierfirm.com
ATTN: SPONSORSHIP/VENDOR
Deadline: August 20, 2017

MEDIA RELATIONS ATTN: SPONSORSHIP/VENDOR
Media Outlets interested in securing interviews, email:
The Bentley Didier Firm, ATTN: Ricky Dillard Media Request
Email | TaraYoungblood@TheBentleyDidierFirm.com

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ABOUT RICKY DILLARD
Ricky Dillard is an American gospel musician. He started his music career, in 1991, with the release of, Promise, by Muscle Shoals Records. His second album, A Holy Ghost Take-Over, was released in 1993 by Malaco Records. The next album, Hallelujah, was released by them in 1995. Crystal Spring Records released, 1996’s Work It Out, 2000’s No Limit, and Unplugged in 2004. With EMI Gospel, he released, 7th Episode, that came out in 2007. He released, Keep Living, with Light Records in 2011. His next release, Amazing, came out in 2014 with Entertainment One Music.
All of his albums charted on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. His No Limit album charted on the Christian Albums chart, and the album Unplugged charted on the Independent Albums chart along with the releases Keep Living, and Amazing that also charted on The Billboard 200. He was nominated at the Grammy Awards twice, the first time in the Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album category at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards for Promise, and the second time would come at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in the category Best Gospel Album for Amazing.

ABOUT LEANDRIA JOHNSON
Le’Andria Johnson is an American gospel musician, singer-songwriter, and the season three winner of the BET gospel singing competition show Sunday Best.
Johnson’s Sunday Best coronation song, “I Shall Leap into My Destiny”, co-written by Johnson, entered the Billboard Gospel chart at number 1. Johnson’s post-Sunday The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson was released on August 23, 2011,[2] Music World Entertainment Gospel and Music World Music. The album debuted at number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Gospel Albums, number 3 on the U.S. Billboard Independent Albums, and number 24 on the Billboard 200. Johnsons’ second major-label album The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson, which included seven new songs was released on February 14, 2012. Johnson is the first Sunday Best contestant to receive a Grammy Award, which she won in 2012 for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.

ABOUT SHAWN JOYNER PRESENTS
“Shawn Joyner presents…” is the latest venture of visionary businessman and event promoter, Shawn Joyner. For over 20 years and across several platforms, Shawn’s entrepreneurial endeavors are marked with a high level of quality and have developed a faithful following. From party promotions in Dallas and Atlanta to a successful, long-standing real estate practice to his nationally recognized FALLTACULAR Retreat, Shawn understands and responds to the high standards of the discerning consumer.
Having presented artists such as N’Dambi, Kimberly Nichole, Avery Sunshine, B-Slade and Tweet, “Shawn Joyner presents…” has rushed onto the scene and is poised to make its mark by being a leader in providing quality music entertainment.

ABOUT THE dREAM CENTER CHURCH OF ATLANTA
For more information about The dReam Center Church of Atlanta, please visit http://www.thedreamcenterchurch.org/ .
Follow The dReam Center Church of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @dReamCenterATL.

We Speak Entertainment

Wendy Stuart Honored with Activism Award at Catskills Pride Awards Night

Published

1 month ago

June 11, 2026

Jimmy Star

Acclaimed performer, advocate, television host, and community leader Wendy Stuart, also known to many as Wendy Darling, was honored with the Activism Award at the 2026 Catskills Pride Awards Night held at The Eldred Preserve in New York.

The event celebrated individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, leadership, artistic achievement, and public service. Among a distinguished group of honorees, Stuart was recognized for decades of unwavering commitment to visibility, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ+ causes.

For many in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Wendy Stuart has long been a familiar and respected voice in the LGBTQ+ community. Her activism dates back decades, including participation in the historic New York City Pride March and service as an original board member of Triversity, The Pride Center serving communities throughout the tri-state region.

Beyond her advocacy work, Stuart has used her talents in entertainment and media to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. As host of Triversity Talk and co-host of If These Walls Could Talk, she has provided a platform for activists, artists, community leaders, and changemakers whose stories might otherwise go unheard.

During the awards ceremony, attendees celebrated Stuart’s remarkable ability to combine entertainment with purpose. Her efforts as a member of the Imperial Court of New York have also helped raise awareness and funding for countless LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives over the years.

Standing before an audience of supporters, fellow honorees, and community leaders, Stuart accepted the recognition with the same passion that has defined her career. The honor reflects not only her decades of activism but also her continuing commitment to education, advocacy, and community engagement.

The Activism Award serves as a fitting tribute to a woman whose influence extends far beyond the stage and television screen. Through her work as a performer, advocate, and media personality, Wendy Stuart has consistently demonstrated that visibility matters and that one voice can inspire meaningful change.

Her personal mission remains as powerful today as it has throughout her career:

“I advocate, I educate, I entertain. I’m blessed to do so.”

As Catskills Pride recognized its 2026 honorees, Wendy Stuart’s award stood as a celebration of a lifetime devoted to uplifting others, strengthening communities, and ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices continue to be heard, respected, and celebrated.

Other honorees at the event included actress Melissa Gilbert, community leader Paula Campbell, artists Barry Becker and Tony Coscia, and artistic achievement recipient Nonna Hall, making the evening a memorable celebration of leadership, service, and pride throughout the region.

Watch Wendy Stuart’s speech at the Catskills Pride Awards on Youtube here: