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Impact Network has set the launch date for its new free SVOD platform as well as its first scripted original series. Variety has learned that Impact TV+ will debut on April 10 with the premiere of the scripted series “Highly Favored.”

“Impact TV+ is more than just a new streaming platform—it’s the next evolution of Impact’s commitment to delivering compelling, culturally rich content for Black families,” said Royal W. Jackson, executive vice president of Impact Network and co-executive producer on “Highly Favored.” “With ‘Highly Favored’ leading the way, we’re building a destination that gives our audience more access to premium, values-based entertainment whenever and wherever they want.”

Impact Network fans will now be able to watch the network’s programming, including the six-episode series “Highly Favored,” across digital platforms. “Highly Favored” was first reported to be in the works at Impact Network in November 2024. New episodes will...

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ (Habitat LA) recently hosted its 19th annual Power Women, Power Tools build event at Isabel Villas — Habitat LA’s newest affordable housing development in South Los Angeles.

Celebrity supporters and women executives from corporations and organizations throughout LA County gathered to help build 8 homes alongside future homebuyers. Habitat LA and presenting sponsor City National Bank hosted this legendary build day to spotlight underinvested communities and celebrate heroic women leaders of diverse backgrounds.

This years’ theme “Powered by Purpose” rings true as Habitat LA celebrates the efforts of power women who use their voices to build strength, stability, and self-reliance in their industries, creating a ripple effect within local communities. From installing insulation to landscaping and painting, more than 150 participants picked up a power tool to help Habitat LA revitalize the Willowbrook Neighborhood by building much-needed new affordable homes.

Celebrity volunteer builders included Kelly Jenrette...

The Los Angeles Builders Ball celebrated the donors and partners of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA), as well as its counterparts in the building, real estate and related industries, who are all helping to transform the landscape of Los Angeles.

Morris Day and the Time perform together at the Habitat of Humanity Los Angeles Builders Ball

Credit/Copyright: Timothy Plant / Shutterstock

It was an evening to raise awareness and funds to help empower families and build strength and stability in our communities through homeownership.

The event took place on March 9 at the Beverly Hilton, and was attended by Jonathan Scott (TV Personality), Sibley Scoles (entertainment host), Ethan Cutkosky (actor), Ross McCall (actor), Byron Scott (NBA Legend), Tina Knowles Lawson (mother of Beyonce), Morris Day and The Time (Musical group), Angela Lewis (actress), Taja V. Simpson (actress), Bim Fernandez (heiress and singer), KiKi Shepard (TV host), Kate Linder...

It's showtime! Steve Harvey will host a re-imagined two-hour Showtime at the Apollo TV show special on Fox, Monday, December 5, 2016 at 8:00pm Et/Pt. He will also host a second, one-hour special to air in early 2017. Could this be a trial balloon for a Fox series revival? The original variety show ran in syndication from 1987 until it ended in 2008. The Apollo Live reboot ran for three seasons on Bet.For the first couple of seasons, various celebrities hosted Showtime at the Apollo, with co-host Kiki Shepard (1987-2002) Sinbad took the role of regular host from 1989 to 1991. After his departure, the show reverted to revolving guest hosts until 1993, when Steve Harvey -- who began his stand-up career at the famed...

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union hosted a private Art Basel dinner for Hublot and Haute Living in Miami on Friday. The couple, who tied the knot in August 2014, shared a series of sweet moments throughout the night, adding to their long list of cute photos together. Gabrielle also took to Instagram to document the fun night, writing, "With Blackula at the 1st #artbasel event we have hosted in our home... Loved my @rosie_assoulin dress... Felt like Kiki Shepard #TheHostessWithTheMostest," along with a couple of other inspirational messages. Most recently, Gabrielle showed off her holiday spirit by giving us a behind-the-scenes glimpse at her new film A Meyers Christmas on social media. Keep reading to see more of Dwyane and Gabrielle, and then place your vote for cutest couple of 2015!

Kiki Shepard will once again host her annual Celebrity Charity Bowling Tournament this week.

The event is held every year to raise money for Kiki’s K.I.S. Foundation, a very special charity established by the TV personality to inform and educate the public and raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease through community outreach programs and educational scholarships.

This year’s tournament is expected to attract a plethora of famous faces, including Quinton Aaron, Wayne Brady, James Picken Jr., Dawnn Lewis, LisaRaye McCoy, Omar Gooding, Chico Benymon and many others.

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KiKi Shepard, Angell Conwell and Aldis Hodge attend KiKi Shepard's 2010 K.I.S. foundation gift giveaway and holiday party.Photo copyright Koi Sojer / PR Photos. Joe Torry attends KiKi Shepard's 2010 K.I.S. foundation gift giveaway and holiday party.Photo copyright Koi Sojer / PR Photos. Vanessa Bell Calloway, KiKi Shepard and Angell Conwell attend KiKi Shepard's 2010 K.I.S. foundation gift giveaway and holiday party.Photo copyright Koi Sojer / PR Photos. Edwin Hodge and Porscha Coleman attend KiKi Shepard's 2010 K.I.S. foundation gift giveaway and holiday party.Photo copyright Koi Sojer / PR Photos. KiKi Shepard's attends 2010 K.I.S. foundation gift giveaway and holiday party.Photo copyright Koi Sojer / PR Photos. 12/23/2010 - Angell Conwell - KiKi Shepard's 2010...

Kiki Shepard has spent the past 17 years helping to raise awareness for sickle cell disease.

A carrier of the sickle cell trait herself, Shepard hosted the 7th annual celebrity bowling challenge last week to benefit the programs of The K.I.S. Foundation and The Dorothy H. Shepard Scholarship Fund. The event took place at the Pinz Entertainment Center in Studio City, California.

Many of Shepard’s long time supporters and friends came out to participate in the bowling challenge – including Dawn Lewis (formerly of A Different World) and Obba Babatundé (Board Members), James Pickens, Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy), Jacké Harry (Sister, Sister), Vanessa Bell Calloway (The District), and Rocky Caroll (NCIS: Los Angeles). Some new faces included Wayne Brady, Quinton Aaron (The Blind Side), Sara Ramirez and Jesse Williams (both cast members of Grey’s Anatomy).

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Kiki Shepard will once again host a group of her celebrity friends for a very special bowling challenge to raise awareness of Sickle Cell Disease this week.

The Celebrity Bowling Challenge takes place on Friday, September 17, and will feature Vivica Fox, Wayne Brady, Quinton Aaron, Victoria Rowell and many more.

The CBC, hosted by Kiki Shepard, will benefit the programs of The K.I.S. Foundation, an organization established by Kiki Shepard to inform and educate the public and raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease through community outreach programs and educational scholarships.

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