The annual Southern Heritage Classic Cultural Celebration is amongst us and I thought it would be fitting to have the founder, Fred Jones Jr. sit down with me for a live podcast at the historic Cossitt Library. Growing up in the Cleaborn Homes housing community in the Memphis area, Fred attended Booker T. Washington High School active in baseball, basketball, track and band.  A severe football injury derailed his hopes of receiving a scholarship to college which led him to taking on jobs such as caddying for the Memphis Country Club and working at a florist on Vance. Fred had a gift for numbers which led him to receiving a job in the auditing department at Union Planters Bank and where he began their management program ultimately receiving BBA from Memphis State in 1971. At this point Fred made a transition and started working for Issac Hayes with Stax Records handling his finances. Having discovered a knack for putting together entertainers with large audiences in the most attractive venues, he started working with a plethora of first class talent including The Isley Brothers, Prince, Bill Cosby, The Commodores, Stevie Wonder, Parliament-Funkadelic, Luther Vandross, LL Cool J, Count Basie, Tyler Perry, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The O’Jays, Usher, and hundreds more.  As a result, the Southern Heritage Classic began in 1990 in Memphis, TN with HBCU's TSU vs. JSU.  

Fast forward to 2023, we are now entering the 34th Southern Heritage Classic Cultural Celebration with a new HBCU headliner, UAPB. Take a listen as Fred shares many stories throughout his journey which includes how the SHC came to fruition and his recollection when he received the news that JSU would no longer participate in the SHC. Fred and his team are laser focused on their strong commitment to continuing the traditional festivities in the Memphis community consisting of a parade, a fashion show, concerts, a golf tournament, tailgate parties, a coaches luncheon, a battle of the bands, and more. He hopes to see you this year at the Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis, TN the weekend of September 7-9 with UAPB vs. TSU.

FRED JONES JR. "SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC 2023" | LIVE AT COSSITT LIBRARY EPISODE 266

What's up every one!

This is the 10th episode of Amythe7th! Director, writer and actor Matthew Reed graces my stage. 

Matthew is all about keeping God first, even while giving your enemy a plate to go! He's directed and written 15 plays in the last 6 years and now has a movie on the horizon! 

A real definition of a go-getter from the westside of Chicago. He says he created the life he wanted from years of going without! Matthew speaks life into those needing a purpose with all the theatrics!

His newest stage play, "The Front Door" premiers in Chicago Sept. 16th. It's also set to hit theaters sometime in October! He's also on tour! Check out Matthew Reed on Eventbrite for tickets in your area!

You can keep up with him on IG or TIK TOK @officialMatthewReed. Or, follow him on FB at Matthew Reed. 

As always, Amythe7th drops each and every Monday at 7PM. Please like, follow and subscribe on Youtube, SoundCloud, Spotify and Apple. Keep up with me on IG or FB @Amythe7th!

Owning the Stage!

UAPB - Bukked Nekkid

Amythe7th is an inspirational podcast that brings Grace Talk with stories of redemption and reflection. The podcast sole mission is helping those heal through trauma by finding God-purpose. There’s also a mix of community news and practical real talk to help us discover our best selves in the 7th dimension.

New tracks tagged #UAPB