6 QUEENS, NY: VP RECORDS proudly hosted the second stop on the Sheribaby tour for Sharon Gordon’s debut novel, on Saturday, March 10. The event held at its flagship Queens location was organised by publicist Terrel Blackett of Supreme Dynasties Enterprise, and brought together authors, media professionals, Gordon’s Alpha sisters and community supporters in a celebration of resilience and creativity. The programmeopened with remarks from Blackett, who honored Gordon’s storytelling. Pastor Courtney Mention, known as The Gangsta Pastor, facilitated thought-provoking conversations and an engaging Q&A session. Fellow author Richie Innocent (Perseverance) was in attendance as was Marj Da Poet. Guests enjoyed networking and book signings as photographer Leonard “Loggy” MacKenzie captured key moments including Michael Yee’s purchase of eight copies of Sheribaby to gift to his family and friends. “My intention is to spread the word about Sheribaby,” he said. Peers and industry colleagues offered congratulations and support, reinforcing the communal spirit of the occasion. Gordon expressed gratitude to VP Records for hosting, to Miss. Pat, Edwin Howell, Leonard “Loggy” MacKenzie, Pastor Courtney Mention, and to all attendees. “This launch is a testament to the power of community,” she stated. Blackett added, “Today exemplifies how collaboration brings stories to life. For media inquiries and further information, persons may “contact Terrel Blackett at Terrel@terreltalksbusiness.com or visit www. iamsharongordon.com. VP Records hosts book launch Supporters of Sheribaby, Sharon Gordon’s acclaimed debut novel pose with the author (in green) at the VP Records Book Signing and Reading, the second stop on her book tour. LEONARD MCKENZIE Supporters celebrate Sharon Gordon’s new novel Sheribaby Aubrey Campbell/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK, NY: INDEPENDENT REGGAE artiste Minna LaFortune’s highly anticipated third album, an electrifying collection of songs that celebrate love, resilience, and global consciousness, is set for worldwide release on June 7, this year. Known for her vibrant sound and socially conscious lyrics, LaFortune blends reggae, Afrobeat, dancehall and Amapiano to deliver an album that speaks to the soul and moves the body. The compilation features tracks like Reggae Music is Love to Me; Baby, Baby I love you; Black Star Liner; Global Warming; and Cease Fire, and is produced by Lee Holness at The Art of Music Online Studio. “This album is a reflection of my journey as an artiste and as a person,” LaFortune said, “I wanted to create a project that uplifts, educates, and makes people dance. From social justice anthems to love songs and feel-good party vibes, this album is a fusion of everything that makes reggae and world music so powerful,” she offered with an air of satisfaction. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and now rooted in Brooklyn, NY, LaFortune is a singer-songwriter, cultural advocate and late-blooming recording artiste whose music weaves the soul of the Caribbean with universal themes of love, resilience, and empowerment. Additionally, her work celebrates her Jamaican roots while continuing to address themes from romance to social justice, earning her a growing audience eager for her inspiring songs and authenticity. Armed with a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts/communication and a master’s in public administration, her early career was defined by civic service and a career at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, NYC. Yet, music always pulsed in her heart, nurtured by her Jamaican upbringing. Her mother’s daily lullabies and her father’s jukebox adventures in rum bars where he taught her to dance to the rhythms of ska and rocksteady, laid the foundation for her artistic spirit. Formal training began at Ardenne High School under the legendary Noel Dexter, where she honed her soprano voice and earned a bronze medal at Jamaica’s 1975 National Music Competition for schools. Later, she lent her vocals to choirs like the Diocesan Festival Choir, directed by Dr. Hazel Lawson-Street, and The Methodist Chorale, blending sacred and classical traditions. Her artistry is inseparable from her advocacy. As co-founder and president of the Society for the Advancement of the Caribbean Diaspora (SACD), and founder of the African American Caribbean Singers, she amplifies Caribbean voices in the arts. A multifaceted creator, she’s also a chef for contributing Caribbean recipes to publications like NewsAmericaNow and WiredJa, and a visual artist specialising in batik fabric art and landscape painting. In 2022, a fateful meeting with producer Lee Holness (arranged by Ambassador Aloun Assamba and promoter Walter Elmore) sparked her recording career. When Holness challenged her to write and sing original music instead of covers, she embraced the call, unshackling a torrent of creativity. “Minna’s music is a light in the dark, a beacon of hope,” said Holness. “While too many artistes focus on doom and gloom, she offers a vision for a brighter future. Tracks like Dream Big and ‘Don’t Drink Your Sorrows prove that joy and resilience can be transformative.” Supported by her husband and community, LaFortune released her début EP Dance with Me: Volume 1 (2023), a blend of reggae, hiphop, dancehall, ska and soca influences. Dance with Me Volume 1, featuring 10 original tracks, along with several uplifting music videos that celebrate love, nature and dance, was released digitally and on compact disc. To be a part of the live audio release party at 7 p.m. on June 7, follow her on social media including Facebook. Meet Minna LaFortune, a voice bridging cultures Minna LaFortune, singer/songwriter and diaspora advocate, NY. CONTRIBUTED ADVERTORIAL Igniting joy and empowerment through music and community advocacy THE WEEKLY GLEANER | MAY 15 - JUNE 14, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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