By Latrisha McDuffie
NDG Staff Writer
The beautiful Gabrielle Union and sexy R&B singer Luke James delighted the audience at The Verses and Flow Live event at eM The Venue in Dallas last week.
The celebrated TV One series Verses & Flow hosted a special event sponsored by Lexus as the show gears up for a second season. The show placed a national spotlight on renowned spoken word artists and neo-soul/new school vocalists. Lexus has hosted “The Lexus Listening Lounge” in Dallas, Atlanta, and Los Angeles to showcase regional musicians, vocalists, and poets.
The always stylish Ebony Steele from 97.9 The Beat emceed the event. Ebony Steele is a co-host for the Rickey Smiley Morning Show as well as a Survivor Ambassador for General Mills’ Pink Together Campaign and a Susan G. Komen for the Cure Circle of Promise Ambassador.
Award-winning spoken word artist Prentice Powell who was featured on Verses & Flow’s first season recited Not Your Average Black Man encouraging Black men to embrace stereotypes linked to strength and creativity. The 2011 Grand Slam Champion Don Juan Hutchinson and local Dallas spoken word artist T. Odis also took the stage with powerful pieces.
Actress and star of upcoming movie, Think Like a Man, Gabrielle Union was presented with the Lexus Pursuit of Perfection Award for her philanthropic work. The actress was emotional as she watched video remarks from Dewayne Wade and Hill Harper. A visibly moved Union began her acceptance speech speaking about the murder of Trayvon Martin. Union paused before stating that she has had trouble sleeping and forgetting Trayvon’s cries. Union is an champion for many worthy causes including Susan G. Koman. The actress also passionately speaks out in particular about violence against women. She accepted the award for “those who continue to fight.”
The night ended with a soul-stirring performance by rising R&B star Luke James. A very handsome James sang a string of R&B classics. He oozed old school sexiness from all of his pores as he moved around the stage belting out hits like Sexual Healing, Love You Down, and Mint Condition’s Pretty Brown Eyes. As promised, James also sang his hit single I Want You.
Check out video of Luke James singing Hurt Me on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/NorthDallasGazette.
