Star-Studded Event at The Prudential Center, Newark New Jersey
Gospel at its best was the story told by McDonald’s New York Metro Area Restaurants on Saturday, May 9, 2015. The 32nd Annual McDonald’s Gospelfest and Competition is a noteworthy gospel concert that returns every year to The Prudential Center located in heart of Newark, NJ, since 2008. Emmy Award Winning, A. Curtis Farrow, delivers spirit-filled inspiration and joy in One Night on One Stage for all, not just Mother’s. The McDonald’s Gospelfest originated in 1983 under the McDonald’s Corporation and the McDonald’s New York Metro Owner/Operator Association. The idea behind celebrating Gospel during Mother’s Day was in hopes to bring joy and encouragement to millions of Americans for allowing their contributions to life to emerge on stage based upon the theme of the “Black Churches”, according to Mr. Farrow.
Black Mother’s have endured different faces of motherhood over the years, however, the Black child was iconically known for their works and contributions rooted in hardship of the Black Mother. Health and Wellness of the Black community or other mothering has always been a Black Movement within the Church and a feminist activism for Social Change today. Noteworthy Gospel artist and competitors of all backgrounds, ages, and cultures competed and later flowed on stage as stars or becoming rising stars to include Soloists, Youth Choirs, Adult Choirs, Praise Dancers, Steppers, Singing Groups, Gospel Comedians, Gospel Poets and Gospel Rappers. The concert also featured Ricky Dillard, Bishop Hezekiah Walker & LFC, Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Mississippi Choir, The Thompson Community Reunion Choir, Cissy Houston, Donald Malloy, Greater Allen AME Cathedral Mass Choir, Vickie Winans, Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites, The Clark Sisters (by popular demand), with a special church rooted performance by R&B Diva Faith Evans who delivered a powerful message to the audience regarding her focus on the Black Church. Also hosting this gospel event was none other than Fox 5 Good Day NY, Greg Kelly, Radio 103.9 personality Toya Beasley and 107.5 WBLS and 1190 WLIB personality Liz Black. According to Angela Adderley, owner of McDonald’s restaurant in Plainfield, NJ, “This will be the Mother’s Day event of 2015.” McDonald’s is a global food service leader with more than 600 McDonald’s restaurants, owned by 100 franchisees, located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Tri-State area who continue to support educational opportunities through fundraising events such as these within local communities.
