Music Icon Stevie Wonder's Upcoming Documentary on How the Martin Luther King Holiday Came to Be

 We all love Stevie Wonder, his legendary contribution to the Motown sound and his driven,humanitarian and artistic approach to voicing concerns about social ills using his music. He is a visionary artist who has had a tremendous impact upon our culture throughout the years and has spread huge doses of peace, love  and great music along the way.

Wonder who played an instrumental role in the struggle to make Martin Luther King Jr. holiday a reality with the help of activist attorney Theresa Cropper has a development deal on track for a documentary that tells the story on the screen. His iconic hit "Happy Birthday to You" which was written and composed  to promote the King holiday has become over the decades a standard birthday song celebrating birthdays internationally  across various cultures and musical genres.

 For more information about the documentary check out Time magazine's article and take a listen to an excerpt from one of my podcast audios with brief mention of the back story below:

 

 

Cynthia,

 

Remembering Malcolm Jamal Warner

Malcolm Jamal Warner's recent and surprising death at the age of 54 was as much a shock as it was very saddening to many who grew up with the positive images of a successful professional and stable black family portrayed on the Cosby Show that was viewed by millions worldwide. Images of his endearing portrayal of the lovable adolescent son of the iconic Bill Cosby, prominent physician Dr. Cliff Huxtable and his mother Phylicia Rashad, the ever clever attorney mom Claire Huxtable was a real psychological boost for black audiences. The Cosby show was a triumph and laid the foundation for future Black family oriented sitcoms and dramas alike. Flashbacks of the show quickly came to mind as I heard the news broadcasting over the radio. One scene came to mind almost immediately. The scene where Cosby goes into Theo's room and they go back and forth about spending money and budgeting.

 

Warner was one of the cast who made the transition from a child star to a successful adult actor, landing television sitcom roles and serious dramatic roles along the way. While his role as the formative years Theo remains in the psyche and consciousness of many Blacks, he had his hand in a number of cultural activities as he grew into adulthood, including movies and being a member of a band that was involved in a music project that won a Grammy along with Laylah Hathaway for their version of Stevie Wonder's " Jesus Children of America". See Stevie's thoughtful reflection about his passing captured by  TMZ.

He was also a podcast host and involved in efforts to portray positive images of Blacks in the media. He struck gold for sure in his role as AJ in the Resident.

 

Of all the roles that I viewed him playing throughout the years, I really was impressed, almost transfixed by his intensely eccentric portrayal of  acclaimed and in demand Neuro-surgeon Dr. AJ Austin on the network television show that became a Netflix series, "The Resident". I binged on all the episodes in that series and particularly enjoyed  those that involved him dealing with the pressures of being a premiere class surgeon juggling his personal life with the professional one. It was a great show. I was hoping to see it being revived.

Rest in peace and power Malcolm. Prayers of comfort,healing and love go out to your family and friends.

 

 Blessings,

Cynthia Wilson 

Shall the Meek Inherit? Part 2

 

Pepfar Exempted from Big Beautiful Bill Budget Cuts

 Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought told reporters after meeting with Senate Republicans Tuesday that the White House is on board with a substitute amendment to the rescissions package that would exempt PEPFAR, the global anti-AIDS initiative from cuts.

This development today will certainly inspire hope along with much needed financial fire power to continue the fight against AIDS in Africa, especially  in light of the weakening of the federal USAID agency. The Trump administration has agreed in cooperation with the Senate to reverse or exempt the earlier cuts made to the Pepfar program. The cuts were made last week in the Big Beautiful Bill. The special program to combat AIDS was initiated  two decades ago by Republican President George Bush. Thumbs up to the President on this one. I'm sure former President Bush is pleased along with the millions of children and adults who have dire need for the medical treatments and medicines that will save their lives as a result of the restored funding due to the exemption.

In the meanwhile, keep hope alive and pray that those in need of vital services discontinued due to cut backs to USAID will have their needs met in some miraculous way or manner. We know God is able and in control.

See related blog articles on Pepfar, the AIDS crisis and what some notable celebrities like Alicia Keys, Bono and Oprah have done  to raise funds and awareness in helping out in the past and continuing on today. Check out the related blog articles at the links below:

https://cynthiadwilson2.blogspot.com/2025/06/bless-and-save-children.html?m=1&zx=dcf4355389400d4c

https://cynthiadwilson2.blogspot.com/2007/05/aids-crisis-in-africa-what-next.html?m=1

Peace,

Cynthia Wilson