This year Minister Brandon Hollis, 23, served as the master of ceremony and was able to have the new school flavor but took everyone in the Q back to old school Gospel music.
By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter
With thousands of believers, more than 200 houses of worship and various community leaders, Praisefest unites the city’s faith-based community to cooperatively sound the clarion call to address social ills and inspire faithful service in daily life.
The 2012 Praisefest VI event continues as a non-denominational, multicultural praise, prayer and worship service.
The Praise VI service was a success this year as they partnered with the second annual Cleveland Classic game. The theme for the service was “Images of Excellence.” With the partnership with the 2012 Cleveland Classic, Praise VI champions the cause ofCleveland’s renewal and educational opportunities for each child in Greater Cleveland.
Praise VI took place at the Quicken Loans Arena and the program started at 6 p.m. with help from Dr. James Moore, associate Provost of The Ohio State University.
This year Praisefest had a different structure with a great presence of preachers and some really spiritual individuals that made it more appealing to connect with. Pastor Carmen Cox left the stage to the sound of a standing ovation and applauds for sharing her story about once being on drugs.
“Praisefest remains a vibrant symbol for our region because the greatest gift we can pass on to the next generation is our shared humanity, our heritage, and our joy at serving the creator. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Quicken Loans, PNC, and communities of faith from every corner of our city remain committed to spiritual renewal, hope, and a better future for our children. For their belief in all of us, we are thankful,” said Min. M. Delon Gould, Dir. National Ministries.
The line up of speakers/enetertainment included:
Justice Yvette McGee Brown (Ohio Supreme Court Justice)
Sen. Nina Turner (25th DistrictOhio)
Romona Robinson (WOIO/UAB Anchor)
Judge Pinkey Carr (ClevelandMunicipal Court)
Shakrya Diaz (Policy Director ACLU)
Jamila Chambers (PNC Bank)
Minister Brandon Hollis (Soloist, Youth Artist)
BaldwinWallaceUniversityVoices of Praise Choir
Walker Brothers (Praise Team)
Pastor Carmen Cox (St.Mark/St. Timothy Church)
Rev and Dr. Hurst (Clergy Leadership)
Mariana Whyte (Singer/Star Spangled Banner)
Pat Harris (Lift Every Voice and Sing)
Michael Head (Comedian)
Over the years, this Praisefest celebration has been committed to the community and has remained a free event. With hopes of building upon each year, the Praisefest team is making every effort to create a service all ages can enjoy.
This year Minister Brandon Hollis, 23, served as the master of ceremony and was able to have the new school flavor but took everyone in the Q back to old school Gospel music. Hollis was excellent and is probably someone you should be on the look out for. His ministry was awesome and he can sing!Praisefest VI is produced by a coalition of community, faith, corporate and civic leaders, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Praisefest Planning Group.
