Sura Khan, Creator of “The Chambers – In God We Trust,” Appears on Hit Podcast “Black Men Can’t Jump [In Hollywood]”

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Posted on September 17, 2022 by Sura Khan

The comedic podcast reviews films with lead actors of color and analyzes the context of race and Hollywood’s diversity issues.

NEW YORK, New York, Friday, Sept. 16, 2022: Sura Khan, a visionary African American television show creator, director, producer, and writer, recently appeared on the popular podcast “Black Men Can’t Jump [In Hollywood]” to break down the 1972 Golden Globe-winning Billie Holiday biopic “Lady Sings the Blues,” starring Diana Ross.

Khan joined actor and comedian Jonathan Braylockknown for “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Astronomy Club” on Netflix, Jerriah Milligan, also known for “Astronomy Club,” and James III, also known for “Astronomy Club” for the podcast, each offering nuanced perspectives on how Black women were portrayed in film in the 1970s.

“Lady Sings the Blues” follows the iconic jazz singer’s life from childhood into her controversial music career and eventual drug addiction. The film is co-written by Suzanne de Passe and stars Diana Ross, Richard Pryor, Billy Dee Williams, and Virginia Capers. Khan also has a project in the works about Virginia Capers.

“Lady Sings the Blues” is Diana Ross’s first film, following her time as Motown’s most successful 1960s lead signer of the group the Supremes and a successful solo career.

Listen to “Black Men Can’t Jump [In Hollywood] here or on your chosen podcast platform.

Schedule an interview with Sura Khan by emailing Sara Fruman at sara@soulevolutionmedia.com.

Podcast Episode #5 -Al Sharpton 2019 Triumph Awards NYC.

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Posted on October 31, 2019 by Sura Khan

Al Sharpton – National Action Network 2019 Awards!

Sura Khan go behind the scene and shares his experience with listeners. On October 21, 2019, the World-Famous Apollo Theater opened its doors to the National Action Network 2019 Triumph Awards celebrating Rev. Al Sharpton’s 65^th Birthday and over 50 years of activism. The evening honorees are Patrisse Cullors – Co. founder of “Black Lives Matter”, Alicia Garza- Co. Founder of “Black Lives Matter”, Van Jones- CNN News Commentator & Author, Ivy McGregor – CEO of IVY Inc. & Social Responsibility/Beygood, Dominque Morisseau- Play Wright & Director, Naturi Naughton –Actor & Singer “Power TV Series” and Isiah Thomas- NBA Hall of Fame.

Join me as I share my experience attending the event. Audio Player is below..

https://nationalactionnetwork.net/ https://blacklivesmatter.com/

More about Sura Khan: https://surakhan.net/testimonials-cast-crew/producer

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Al Sharpton’s 2019 NAN Triumph Awards, An Experience for All!

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Posted on October 23, 2019 by Sura Khan

AWARDS SHOW

Photo by: NAN-(c) 2019

Al Sharpton’s 2019 NAN Triumph Awards Was An Experience!

Story By: Sura Khan

On October 21, 2019, the world-famous Apollo Theater opened its doors to the National Action Network 2019 Triumph Awards celebrating Rev. Al Sharpton’s 65^th birthday and over 50 years of activism. The program was host by TV/News Anchor from NY1 Cheryl Wills and The Rev. Al Sharpton. The evening honorees were Patrisse Cullors – Co. founder of “Black Lives Matter”, Alicia Garza- Co. Founder of “Black Lives Matter”, Van Jones- News Commentator & Author, Ivy McGregor – CEO of IVY Inc. & Social Responsibility/Beygood, Dominque Morisseau- Play Wright & Director, Naturi Naughton –Actor & Singer “Power TV Series” and Isiah Thomas- NBA Hall of Fame. It was an honor to be in the company of such great contributors to the African American community and the world.

The evening started with some acknowledgments and a wonderful and moving performance by the “Grace Baptist Church Choir” that set the tone for the rest of the evenings’ celebration. Their performance was moving and had the audience engaged in the spirit. Next up was the singing of a rendition of the Stevie Wonder hit song “Happy Birthday” to Rev. Sharpton by the entire auditorium. A cake with burning candles was rolled out on to the stage followed by Al Sharpton, supporters, and loved ones.

The evening events were more than an award show and birthday celebration; it was indeed an experience. A well-organized event that hardily kept audience members in their seats. A video collage played on a giant screen on stage recapturing the life and times of Al Sharpton. It was entertaining and educational for onlookers. I learned a great deal about Rev. Sharpton and the NAN that evening. President Obama appeared on the screen wishing the Reverend a happy birthday. The former President also spoke very highly of Sharpton and his great accomplishments and contributions, with some little joke that kept the audience laughing. Video footage and photos appeared on the screen giving visual of a 7-year-old Al preaching in the church too the 1980’s heavyset Al with his famous processed hairstyle. The audience loved it.

Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson- Chairman of the board, National Action Network was also in attendance presenting the Chairman’s Award to NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas. Richardson also appeared in the video presentation speaking highly of the NAN and Sharpton. Sharpton refused to allow the awards evening to be dampened with talks of President Donald Trump or currents events. It was his night and happiness was the order of the day. Sharpton also had at his side his two lovely daughters, grandson, and son-in-law among others. He also sang the praises of one of the central park 5 who is now employed by NAN and working behind the scene to support the work of NAN. The audience applauded the young man as he thanked everyone and held his fist high in the air (Victory).

Honoree Dominique Morisseau gave an inspiring speech and brought along with her the cast members from her Tony-Winning Musical show now on Broadway at the Imperial Theater “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. The 5 siging actor’s-dancers hit the stage with a rendition of some of the Temptations’ greatest hits including “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” among many others. The audience was dancing in their seats to the memorable sounds of Motown.

A spectacular performance by the “Greater Allen AME Cathedral Ensemble moves the audience even more with their powerful voices. Honoree Van Jones –Attorney and Organizer sang the praises of Sharpton, calling him his mentor. Jones was almost moved to tears recapping his journey. Jones also brought with him two young gentlemen, former prisoners whom Jones and his organization lead the way to their freedom. Thousands of others also benefit from his efforts as he led the charge on passing the FIRST STEP ACT. a bipartisan Federal bill that the NY Times calls the most substantial breakthrough in criminal justice in a generation.

After all the wonderful award presentations and speeches by all the honorees, the evening came to a close as Gospel recording artist Le’Andria Johnson BET (Sunday’s Best) took to the stage singing her inspirational music from her album “Bigger Than Me”. Johnson leads the Apollo audience straight to church as she filled the room with a spirit emerging from deep within her soul. The Reverend Al Sharpton then lead the audience in prayer as the program came to a close.

In conclusion, the evening was inspiring, entertaining and educational on many levels. I thank Al Sharpton, the National Action Network and its board of directors and members for all the great work they’ve done over the years. It was indeed an eye-opener for me. Congratulations to all the honorees for the great work each of them does to better our community and the world over. Happy birthday Brother Al Sharpton and may you be blessed to continue on the front line for social justice and reform for all.

Note: Listen to my Podcast Covering this Event.. NOW AVAILABLE!

(Podcast Link)

The story behind the story in entertainment.

Whispers of Wisdom -Host SURA KHAN

https://surakhan.net/podcast-episode-5-al-sharpton-2019-triumph-awards-nyc

At: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-whispers-of-wisdom-podcast-31158360/

iTunes:: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whispers-wisdom-podcast-sura-khan-media-group-company/id1455720520

https://nationalactionnetwork.net/

https://blacklivesmatter.com/

https://vanjones.net/

https://twitter.com/isaiahthomas

https://www.ainttooproudmusical.com/

https://surakhan.net/testimonials-cast-crew/producer

Sura Khan Podcast Page: https://surakhan.net/

Supremes Reunion 2017- “IN THE NAME OF LOVE” A Book of Effort By: Sura Khan

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Sura Khan

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Supremes Story!

Details of the journey inscribed are magical, joyful, and sometimes painful not only for the author/filmmaker but also for all those who traveled with him to send this message. In the Name of Love is where Sura Khan shares the events in his childhood, connecting himself to the Supremes, the undertaking, and getting the film to the superstars through an ingenious process. It gives the readers a view from the inside of one of the most non-talked about events in the entertainment industry. The book is one of the best options as an uplifting, inspirational, and educational tool for filmmakers, actors, writers and all of those seeking to jump out of the box and make a huge difference.

IN THE NAME OF LOVE is a first-hand account of one man’s journey to inspire Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong formally Diana Ross & the Supremes, to heed the call of fans all over the world and give a reunion performance another chance.

Throughout his life, Sura Khan has always felt a connection to the Supremes and never really understood why and then the pieces started coming together. Sura Khan took on the challenge to do what most would have liked to had done when he committed to write and produce a cinematic letter to Ross, Wilson, and Birdsong of the legendary Motown group. His hopes were to inspire the ladies back to the forefront, one more time. In his book “In the Name of Love” Sura Khan details the story behind the noble effort to inspire peace unity and reconciliation.

Th present day

Almost 12 years have now passed and a reunion has never taken place. “I use to question myself sometimes,” says Sura Khan, “Did I do the right thing I would ask myself”. Twelve years later and Sura Khan has no regrets. The doors have opened for many involved in the project and have taken their careers to new heights. “I’m happy to be somewhat responsible for that,” says Sura Khan. “Sometimes things are not what they appear to be and there’s always a story behind the story that can either push us forward or hold us back. Ms. Ross, Ms. Wilson and Ms. Birdsong are not exempt from that.” “We all did our best and we did it In the name of Love.

About the Author

Sura Khan, a versatile author, filmmaker, and director is also a motivational speaker in the field of entertainment and spirituality. This year (2017) he produced several television shows including a talk Variety show “Set Life Cali” with actor/singer Keith Robinson of Saints & Sinners and the film Dreamgirls. Actor Mac John Jefferies of Power Series and as a child actor playing Isaiah alongside Halley Berry in the film Losing Isaiah was also featured on the program. Sura Khan also scripted the historical and much-anticipated life story of Brooklyn’s notorious drug lord, Calvin Bacote aka Calvin Klein. The series now in development is titled The Brooklyn Don. The series tells stories about the real-life happenings between Klein and many of his associates that includes hip-hop powerhouse Jay Z among many other notables. Sura Khan has written, produces and directed several new television series and currently working on his memoirs in entertainment, slated to be released in 2018.

In the making of In the Name of Love, Sura Khan aims to re-write a history of worlds famous icons grappling with assorted personality conflicts and to hopefully facilitate “peace talks” between the duo/trio while bringing about a concert reunion of three of the earliest surviving members of the group. Now 12 years later (2017) and the ladies are in there 70’s (Age) and still wowing them. “I was delighted to see Diana Ross & Mary Wilson together in support of Berry Gordy’s (Motown Founder) Motown the Musical on Broadway,” says Sura Khan.

Dreams don’t die people just stop dreaming (Mary Wilson) – Sura Khan’s oft-spoken mantra, which is clearly made manifest in his cinematic piece, In the Name of Love.

Excerpt

“IN THE NAME OF LOVE” ”
Delivering the Goods”
I had this all planned out well, Diana Mary and Cindy were supposed to all receive the film around the same time but things don’t always go according to plan. The moment the lid came off the pot things start going wrong.

On January 23, 2008, three packages were sent out. One to Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Cindy Birdsong. Mary’s was delivered first. After that, about two weeks later Cindy’s was delivered. It was some problem with the delivery for Cindy and it was about to be returned. Then delivery was confirmed. Diana Ross package was returned to me weeks later marked undeliverable at that address. Mary and Cindy had a copy of the film and Diana Ross was about to hear it through the grapevine. This was not looking good at all. Word was spreading fast across America and the United Kingdom regarding the existence of this film titled “In The Name of Love” about a reunion of Diana Ross and the Supremes. Shortly after this I had received an e-mail from Ro’ with an attachment of a message that was posted on Cindy MySpace page allegedly written by Cindy, The part of this message that got me was these words Cindy allegedly posted: “I speak with Diana and Mary from time to time and there has been some talk of a possible forthcoming event involving the three of us”………..

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In the Name of Love is available online for purchase at www.Surakhan.net (Holiday Special low price and autographed copy see above) or www.buybooksontheweb.com (ONLINE )

In the Name of Love* VSE Publishing Company Date: December 4^th, 2009 Trade paperback: $14.95 USD. 175 pages: ISBN: 978-0741457011

Support: The Diana Ross Charitable Foundation
1880-Century Park E., Ste. 200
Los Angeles, CA 90067

Mary Wilson (WebSIte) https://www.marywilson.com/

The Supremes/Motown Links https://www.motownmuseum.org

(Motown Musical) Rehearsal

http://www.motownthemusical.com https://youtu.be/ofR4_1usAEw

________________________________________________

Contact for more information: Info@surakhan.net

BOOK REVIEW: IN THE NAME OF LOVE

http://novellabooksllc.blogspot.com/2012/06/in-name-of-love-by-surakhan.html

About The author Sura Khan: https://surakhan.net/testimonials/producer

“Three talented ladies that I adore, who came along and did a superb job on helping bring this vision and labor of love to life”!! Sura Khan-Director/Writer

RO’BLACK KIM AUSTIN DEBORAH GREEN

Writing & Directing Talk-Television

Posted on October 3, 2017 by Sura Khan

SURA KHAN

Writing & Directing Talk-Television

Veteran writer, director and producer Sura Khan is appointed to write and direct new television talk show “Candid with Terri P” Executive Produced and host by Terri Patterson. Patterson brought Sura Khan the talented writer & director onto the show to help take it to another level. Multiple episodes of the new show were taped in Brooklyn New York at BRIC Media & Arts Center on September 18, 19, 20. 2017. The program featured special guest appearances by

ALLISON SEMMES landed a role in MOTOWN THE MUSICAL on Broadway as Diana Ross u/s, which led her to her first lead role as Diana Ross on MOTOWN THE MUSIC Broadway (2016) and National Tour, which she is now touring. She has received an NAACP Theater Award nomination and won Chicago Broadway World Award for Best Female Lead Actress as Diana Ross for Motown. http://www.allisonsemmes.com/

Clip from the Motown Musical rehearsal https://youtu.be/ofR4_1usAEw

Also, appearing is this talented young man. You may remember Justiin Davis for his role in the hit series Boardwalk Empire. Justiin also played the role of Evan Ross, son of Diana Ross in a film written and directed by Sura Khan some years earlier (Get The Book https://surakhan.net/supremes-reunion-book-efforts-sura-khan) This appearance on Candid was the first time Khan and Davis have seen each other since 2008 at the premiere of the film In the Name of Love. Khan also wrote a book about the project under the same title, that Justiin Davis is holding in the photo with Khan above. “Having a diverse guest lineup was important to the show’s structure,” says Sura Khan. “We went from Broadway star to TV rising star and then to sports and politics.”

COLLETTE SMITH

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she’s a history maker who was the first female Defensive Coach for The New York Jets and has indeed left her imprint on the sports world. She was a perfect guest for the show.

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Moving into the world of politics gave the program a twist when Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams came on the program not only to discuss politics but also his health and struggles with diabetes.

http://www.brooklyn-usa.org/

SURA KHAN & TERRI PATTERSON (Host & Executive Producer)

2017 has been a busy year for the talented writer-director Sura Khan who has written and produced several projects including Set Life Cali, a talk Variety show filmed in Hollywood. Bull & Yaya, a movie review & comedy show in New York City. Khan also penned the screenplay for the long-awaited Calvin Klein Bacote story and several other TV scripts this year. 2018 is looking very bright for Mr. Khan, and we all look forward to the projects coming our way that he has put his hands to.

SEE MORE NEWS AND DEVELOPMENTS ON THIS SITE

(click link below) https://surakhan.net

Media Developments & News

Posted on May 21, 2017 by Sura Khan

SURA KHAN SCRIPTS HISTORIC BROOKLYN MINI- SERIES SCREENPLAY

THE BROOKLYN DON – Calvin Klein Bacote Story

Sura Khan & Calvin Klein Bacote join forces to bring this mini-television series to life. Enter the world of Brooklyn, through the boundless and in-depth mind of Calvin “Klein” Bacote. Klein is a mythological figure too most and an Iconic figure to others. From the child growing up in the late 60’s and 70’s to the larger than life character throughout the 80’s and 90’s. No stone is unturned! This series will walk you through places you just couldn’t go. Experience this journey through the eyes of a mother, gun of an enforcer and soul of a hustler. Calvin Klein is one of the last men standing.

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Directing a Film out of NYU

Director- Sura Khan Producer- David Quinones & DP- Felipe Vara de Re

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“ON SET MAKING IT HAPPEN”

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FULL CIRCLE – THE MINI-SERIES

In The Making -A New Mini-Series TV Screenplay by Sura Khan with Ayana Ellis

Carin Douglas is a fearless young girl, thrust into the role of a stickup kid alongside Brooklyn’s most notorious thugs. She learns to fight, to survive, and ultimately to shine through a series of events that take her from a young girl on the verge to a designer-clad diva with a hot car, an even hotter man, and a million deadly skeletons in her closet.
When Carin meets Monty, aka “Money Monty,” he sweeps her off her feet with one romantic gesture after another. Monty is a sexy, powerful man with that legendary Brooklyn swagger and more money than most of his peers in the street. Their urban fairytale soon erupts into passionate sex, bold power moves, and eventually, devastating physical violence between them. When things get explosive, Carin is reminded of the love she knows Monty feels for her and the lavish lifestyle he’s showered her with. But will that be enough to save them?
Carin and Monty’s love comes Full Circle in this epic story of love, loss, pain, and forgiveness. In Ayana Ellis’ second novel, she raises the bar, exposes some ugly truths, and shines a spotlight on the painful reality of domestic abuse. All that glitters isn’t gold in this new novel that is sure to have readers talking for years to come. Sura Khan writes the screenplay that is sure to have viewers remembering the 90’s like never before.

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BULL & YAYA “Quiet On The Set”

SURA KHAN – PRODUCER OF NEW FILM & TV REVIEW SHOW

This funny and adventurous new show that reviews past and present television shows and films is becoming the talk of the internet. The uncensored Bull & Yaya duo is something to marvel at. Its a fresh new prospective on how films and TV shows are reviewed. Surprise celebrity guest is one of the many highlights of the program that’s directed by Fades-2-Black’s director Ducatti Ambitious. Coming Soon to a Television Screen near you!