WS Chronicle

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Union Baptist Church will host its first College Internship Benefit coupled with a 50th Birthday Gala Celebration for Bishop Sir Walter L. Mack Jr. 7 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the Grand Pavilion Ballroom at the Embassy Suites in downtown Winston Salem.

Not only will the life and ministry of Bishop Mack be celebrated, but a portion of the collected proceeds will benefit the new college internship program.

The event will include performances by comedian Marcus Wiley and national gospel recording artist Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, with a guest appearance by Caleb Serrano, from the television show, Steve Harvey’s “Little Big Shots.”   Local musicians will perform jazz.  Judge Denise Hartsfield will be the host for the evening.

Tickets for the gala can be purchased on the church’s website: www.unionbaptistwsnc.org or by calling the church office at 336-724-9306. Contributions are also being accepted for the col-lege internship program. For more information, you may call the church office or email: events@union-baptistwsnc.org.

The inaugural college internship program will provide professional and leadership development, along with life skills to help students deal effectively with the demands of every-day life that are not found in text books.   Summer employment opportunities will be offered to college sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students will gain valuable industry experience, strengthen their resumes, make contacts with professionals in various fields, and have personal growth experiences. Sponsorship packages are available to organizations and individuals who would like to contribute to this meaningful and unique ministry program.

The event will feature Christian scene-stealer Marcus D. Wiley, who has taken clean comedy to the upper echelon of entertainment. Wiley’s widespread appeal is contemporary enough to entice the fashion-savvy and culturally conscious Generation Xs, Ys, and Zs, but traditional enough to melt the matriarchs as he recounts Mama’s mandates. His rapidly growing acclaim was bolstered after securing a coveted spot on Yolanda Adams’ nationally syndicated Morning Show airing in 35 of the country’s most popular cities. Flaunting his gift of gab is his wildly popular alter ego “Bishop Secular” who soars on sensible satire of the spiritual prosperity movement.

Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson echoes the spirit of timeless favorites founded by Phil Johnson, Keith’s father who started his singing career at the age of 6. He adds a new flavor that has, without debate, transformed the quartet music genre forever. From the release of his first project with then World-Wide Records in 1998 titled, “Through The Storm.” He has bridged the gap in the family of music listeners, gaining notoriety among the young and the seasoned music lovers. In 1999, with the release of his sophomore project “Live and Alive,” came the gospel anthem, “I Just Want To Be Right.” Johnson has been nominated for one Grammy Award, one Gospel Music Academy Dove Award, 12 Stellar Awards nominations, winning three Stellar Awards, two Soul Train Award nominations, and many other awards.