The Exclusive Press is thrilled to present our viewers with our new special story segment, ‘This is for the Culture. ‘ This new monthly feature will highlight a significant story that stood out to the Exclusive Press as a celebration and reflection of the achievements of the black culture. It’s a reminder of the black excellence in our community and a call to continue fostering greatness in all aspects of our lives. This segment will be a significant part of our journey, and we’re excited to share this exciting news with our readers.
February’s “This is for the Culture” moment is dedicated to the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration. On February 5th, the Exclusive Press had a chance to grace the red carpet at the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration during Super Week in New Orleans.
BACKGROUND
Founded by Atlanta-based marketing consultant Melanie Few-Harrison, the event is 26 years in the making. It celebrates football in an uplifting manner, while intertwining with gospel, music, and faith. Few-Harrison has played a crucial role in leveraging her marketing expertise to transform her vision from a humble gospel brunch (Super Bowl Gospel Celebration) during Super Bowl XXXIII weekend into an expansive celebration of music, faith, and football on a grander scale. Artists who have graced this NFL-sanctioned event in the past include Patti LaBelle, Eric Campbell, Robin Thicke, Snoop Dogg, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Pharrell Williams, Fantasia, Gladys Knight, Earth Wind & Fire, and Yo-Yo. The NFL player’s choir is also a regular, who has been the cornerstone of the event, performing for the Super Bowl-sanctioned event since the 2000s.
Red Carpet appearance at the 26th Annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, February 5, 2025: L-R: Holdin Court Podcast hosts, Big Court and his daughter, Rachel Renee; Gospel Artist, Yolanda Adams and her daughter, Taylor Ayanna Crawford; and Singer, Ronald Isley and his wife, Kandy Johnson Isley; Photo Credit: Getty Images
This year’s 26th annual Soulful Celebration honored the vibrant music of New Orleans, featuring Master P, Big Freedia, Trombone Shorty, and Lucky Daye. The event also showcased thrilling performances from other artists in the lineup, including the legendary Isley Brothers, Muni Long, Tori Kelly, Yolanda Adams, Jonathan McReynolds, and the NFL players’ choirs.
THE UNITY OF BLACK MUSIC
The event, typically held during Black History Month, serves as an ideal connection to Black History, celebrating the vibrant music, faith, sports, and entertainment heritage that shapes Black America. Music fosters a feeling of connection, particularly within the Black community. Music has acted as a profound connector, guiding us through both joyous and challenging moments—whether during the era of slavery with gospel music in rural southern churches, the empowering anthem of James Brown’s “I’m Black and I’m Proud,” family cookouts, or the evolution of hip-hop, leading us to perform on larger platforms like the Soulful Celebration.
THE EXCLUSIVE MUSIC INFLUENCE
On February 3rd, a virtual interview featured co-hosts of the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, Bill Bellamy, Executive Producer Valarie Benning-Thompson, and Tully Banta Cain of the NFL Players Choir as they discussed the positive influence of music on Black culture. Their insights and experiences highlight the significant impact of music on the Black community, instilling a sense of pride and upliftment in us all.
From life experience, Benning-Thompson, shared with the Exclusive that her upbringing was filled with entertainment itself, with the introduction of the Motown sound and listening to artists like Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder blasting in front of her parent’s storefront. The well-known executive producer shared with the EP that her parents, who owned a popular, boutique, New Breed Fashion Boutique, known for selling dashiki in the 1960s and 1970s, were surrounded by influential Black entertainers as youth. Aretha Franklin was a friend of the family, and frequent wearer of her parent’s dashiki designer wear.
L-R: Executive Producer, Valarie Benning-Thompson, NFL Players Choir Member, Tully Banta Cain, and 26th Annual Soulful Super Bowl Co-Host, Bill Bellamy; Photo Credit: Getty Images
Banta Cain, a two-time Super Bowl champion who played for the New England Patriots, shared with the Exclusive how music greatly influenced him as a youth, growing up in the 1990s in California, up to music inspiring him in the locker room as a motivational factor with his game performance on the football field.
Bellamy, who hosted the show alongside former 106 R&B Park host Rocsi Diaz, also shared how Black music has greatly influenced his career as a comedian, and his upbringing in Newark, New Jersey. Bellamy expressed the magnitude of black power and excellence produced through our talent and self-expression in music and entertainment.
REFLECTION
Black music and entertainment are part of our culture, as we express ourselves from the inner city with hip-hop to the rural community with gospel and blues music. We owe a special debt of gratitude to Few-Harrison’s vision, which carries on the rich legacy of celebrating the culture while incorporating football and faith. It is this faith that unites the culture in both good and bad times, transforming a love for culture into a thriving legacy.
Viewers can still watch rerun coverage of the 26th Soulful Celebration, which is now playing and will premiere on FS1, FOX Sports, VOD, FOX Soul, and Tubi.
Santa Clara, California, will host the 27th annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration. To stay connected, be sure to follow Super Bowl Soulful Celebration on all social media platforms.
Tune in for next month’s “This is for the Culture” segment, where we’ll highlight more monthly inspiring stories and exciting updates on Black culture, music, and community events.
