According to TheBelleReport.com
Clark Sisters’ 2nd Annual Conference A Huge Success
By Steve Marshall
St. Petersburg – Excitement and melodies filled the air as thousands over a three day period poured into the Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ to attend Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole’s 2nd Annual Health Fair and Regional Singers and Musicians Conference presented by the United Urban Outreach. Wal-Mart was one of the lead sponsors and lead the charge to assist in making this historic event successful and memorable. This 3 day event was held this past weekend and St. Petersburg will never be the same! The night commenced honoring the birthday of the Clark Sister’s matriarch Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, which ironically happened to be that Friday March 26th.
To celebrate her mother’s contribution, a $500.00 scholarship was awarded to Tanya Anderson, who is a matriculant of Gibbs High School. The scholarship award was coordinated by Dr. Cody Clark. Tanya was chosen based on her academic and music abilities. This tribute and scholarship segment was enhanced with a testimonial and musical tribute by Jody Harris of Detroit Michigan who served under the auspices of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Later that night, the new artist showcase was held where over 20 soloist, groups, choirs, rappers, instrumentalist, and poets from around the country assembled to showcase their talents in front of the legendary Clark Sisters, Gospel great Troy Sneed, rising music executive J. Drew Sheard, and other experts in the gospel arena. The overall winner received $500 from the national conference that was matched by the United Urban Outreach to be used toward expenses to attend the National Singers and Musicians Conference that will be held in Detroit Michigan September 22-25, 2010. The eventual winner of the New Artist Showcase was a up and coming female group from Tampa named Diversity.
Saturday morning started with a big bang. Registrants from around the country included Michigan, Texas, Georgia, New York, Illinois, and all parts of Florida. This session opened with morning prayer followed by a health fair that featured speakers from the Pinellas County health department, the black nurses guild, and the Florida Blood Bank. There were free H1N1 shots administered by the health department along with a plethora of information and items for give away. This was followed with various workshops dealing with various aspects of musical workshops that highlighted The Clark Sisters, and wrap up being done by the founder of the Conference. The conference choir had its first rehearsal on Thursday night conducted by Evangelist Jackie Clark Chisholm and her daughter Angel Chisholm.
There was a VIP luncheon held Saturday afternoon at Bethel Metropolitan church. Sponsors and executive staff were honored and treated to succulent food prepared by Pastor Deondrick Douglas and The Empowerment Christian Center’s culinary department. Sponsors who attended were Wal-mart, The Weekly Challenger, The New Praise 1590 WRXB, Tampa Bay and Company, and partner Blue Cross Blue Shield. The crowds began lining up as early as 6:00 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. program. Immediately following the luncheon, the Clark Sisters made an appearance at Wal-Mart for a CD and picture signing. Hundreds of Wal-Mart customers participated in this exciting event. Electricity filled the sanctuary as groups, choir, and soloist from around the country and state sang. The highlight of the night was powerful performance by national recording artist Jai Reed of New Orleans, Louisiana. The crowd remained on their feet as Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole ministered along with classic songs by her sisters featuring Twinkie Clark on the organ.
Sunday featured a presentation to host pastor Superintendent Clarence Welch and first lady Welch. The pinnacle of the evening was prophetic word administered by Prophet Andre Cook of Queens, New York. The conference closed with parting words and encouragement by the Founder Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole. The conference was coordinated by Steve Marshall owner and CEO of OMJ Consulting and Planning.
