In this episode of Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr., the host interviews the three leading actresses in The Ned's upcoming production of "Dreamgirls": Ebony Taylor (who is portraying Effie), Lonita McClellan-Dickerson (who is portraying Deena), and Shamaiya Flagg (who is portraying Lorrel).

This production of Dreamgirls is based off the book and lyrics by Tom Eyen, music by Henry Krieger, the original Broadway Production directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett and orchestrations by Harold Wheeler.

In this episode of Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr., the host interviewed Mulata Moba of Motema Ministries.

Moba spoke about the 11th Annual Taste of the Congo fundraiser, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022. The event will be held at West Jackson Baptist Church, located at 580 Oil Well Road in Jackson, Tennessee. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets are $30 for adults in advance, $35 at the door, $15 for ages 11-17 and free for children 10 and under. Tables reservations are $240 (8 seats).

Come enjoy the tastes and sounds of the Congo with a night of Congolese cuisine, music and fashion to benefit Motema Ministries’ work in the Congo.

Mottema Ministries is “a community of Christians wishing to share the Gospel through empowerment and education with good works and deeds in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Motema means “heart” in Lingala, one of the primary languages spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This simple word represents what drives this organization—a heart for God and a heart for people. In all we do, we at Motema Ministries try to use our hearts to serve people in the Congo.”

The non-profit organization teaches women and men in the Congo to sew and equips them with the skills and tools to become entrepreneurs.

According to the organization, “The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the largest countries in Africa. It is home to over 75 million people and more than 200 different ethnic groups. Yet, despite its size and diversity, Congo is one of the world’s most poor and broken countries. Years of war and a crumbling economy have ravaged the country, meaning that the average Congolese person must struggle to make a living. Motema seeks to step into these difficult circumstances and provide opportunities to help young entrepreneurs, families, and children. Currently, we operate a vocational sewing school in Masina, a district of Kinshasa, the nation’s capital.”

“At the school, people from the community take part in a multiple-month sewing course, learning how to sew from scratch, free of charge. In a country like Congo where trips to the tailor are a common occurrence, learning this critical vocational skill can provide a source of income and help in finding a job. In some cases, the training has provided young entrepreneurs the impetus needed to begin producing and selling their own products. Students are also mentored by Motema’s staff in Congo and learn about what it means to follow Christ.”

For more information, visit www.motemaministries.org