Pam Morris hosts music benefit for Ghana church

As we continue to give love on Christmas Day and beyond, author and Gospel Festival Manager, Pam Morris, is still smiling after “An Evening of Music” featuring Andrea and John Morris, held recently at Room 43 on the South Side. The concert was a benefit for the Old Testament Ministry Church in Kpando, Ghana. Pam Morris presented her daughter-in-law and son singing standard Christmas carols, patriotic songs and hymns. In February, Pam visited Ghana for nearly 3 weeks.

“I hope to return and bless the people of Ghana and do some missionary work,” she said. The WVON radio personality indicated the church stayed in her heart after meeting, “A very special family and a dear friend in Chicago. I feel it’s what you do for others that count…that’s what makes the difference in life. When we open the mic and play music, we are trying to reach out and inspire…giving people a dose of inspiration and hope. We are blessing this church family that has benches with no backs, and this benefit will provide comfortable chairs for the sanctuary and help paint the sanctuary,” Pam Morris said of the benefit concert.

The popular author of "Lessons Learned From Aunt Mable" shares the blessings of giving in her book, which is available to read on her Web site www.pammorrisspeaks.com.

She especially loves Chapter 7, “Holidays are Special” because “one of my favorite is Christmas.” The book is also available on Amazon.com or at area bookstores.

Chicago philanthropist, Dr. Willie Wilson, is telling his story of giving on the popular show, Perspectives, hosted by Monique Carradine on My Chicago Channel 50. Wilson will share his story of growing up in Louisiana as the son of sharecroppers and how he overcame obstacles to amass a financial empire. Perspectives will air Sunday at 9 a.m.

By the way, Wilson’s autobiography, "What Shall I Do Next..?," has sold more than 10,000 copies since being released in August.

Grammy-nominated Chicago Mass Choir is wrapping up their tour in Switzerland.

According to the choir’s president, Dr. Feranda Williams Nero, the four-time Stellar Award nominated choir just finished a 10-city tour and is headed to Thessanoki, Greece for five days before coming back to the states. “This is our fourth tour of Switzerland and first time going to Greece,” Nero said. “Of course we are excited about our four Stellar Award nominations!”

Gospel legend, Rev Dr. Maceo Woods of Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church will be the recipient of the 2009 CMA Lifetime Achievement Award. The 28th Annual Chicago Music Awards will also pay homage to President-elect Barack Obama.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage, on the eve of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and two days before the presidential inauguration. Shekinah Glory and Lemmie Battles are also among this year’s nominees.

Voting can be done at www.chicagomusicawards.org. Deadline for voting is Dec. 31. This year’s awards will be dedicated to health awareness to bring attention to the lack of health care in the entertainment industry. Also, some of the proceeds will benefit The Bernie Mac Foundation for sarcoidosis. For more information, call Martin’s International Culture at 312-427-0266.

Condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Bishop Willie Jordan of St. Mark M.B. Church Cathedral and to Billie Barrett Greenbey and family in loss of her husband, James Greenbey. Also, prayers and sympathy to the Fairchild and Greater Faith Church Baptist Church family in loss of Mother Nora Crawford. She was the mother of the late Rev C. L. Fairchild.

Happy bday blessings to Pam Morris and belated bday to Joyce Bailey.

Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanza!!”

Effie Rolfe is a radio personality and the religion entertainment columnist for the Chicago Defender. Email her at effie@theinspirationalcafe.com.