Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Pastor of the Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia and multi-Grammy and Stellar award-winning Gospel artist Donald Lawrence joined me on HUR@Home on Easter Sunday. In our IG Live conversations, Pastor Wesley announced Alfred Street’s initiative to donate to organizations making a difference in the fight against COVID-19. Donald Lawrence gave insight into his production of the music for The Clark Sisters biopic movie that premiered on Lifetime April 10th.

Rev. Howard John-Wesley went on sabbatical in December but cut it short to return to Alfred Street to lead his church through the coronavirus crisis. Through his “Tithe the Tithe” initiative, Alfred Street will donate to organizations that supply iPads to students in need; health care organizations; free COVID-19 testing support; and efforts to smaller churches make it through the pandemic.  For more information write to deacons@alfredstreet.org.

Pastor Wesley represents the fourth generation of Baptist preachers in his family and is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Under his leadership, the Alfred Street Baptist Church donated $1 million to support the capital campaign of the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and donated $100,000 to pay of the debts of Howard University Students.

Gospel artist, writer and producer Donald Lawrence let us know that he was behind the superb musical arrangements and singing in The Clark Sisters movie on Lifetime. Donald says the actresses did the singing and that most of the compelling storyline is true. Donald has worked for many years with The Clark Sisters and really knows their story. Donald also gave insight into the challenges Clark Sisters’ mother Mattie Moss Clark faced managing her girls as an administrator in the Church of God In Christ. C.O.G.I.C. had strict rules around performance.

Donald Lawrence also gave background on his work supporting Gospel singer Le’Andria Johnson. It was Donald who talked with Iyanla Vanzant about helping Le’Andria with her alcohol addiction. As a result, Le’Andria received help and is doing much better. Donald and Le’Andria recorded the hit song, “Deliver Me (This Is My Exodus).”
Donald Lawrence will celebrate his birthday May 4th and is working with the Hawkins family to preserve the legacy and music of Walter and Edwin Hawkins.

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