Tavis Smiley Presents...The Covenant

By Peggy Oliver

Based on the essay collections, The Covenant With Black America, the author/radio & television host has stirred and shocked audiences during his tenure at both PBS (Public Broadcasting System) and NPR (National Public Radio) with The Tavis Smiley Show. His monologues sketch out how the urban community can achieve as leaders and individuals in making America a better place to live. The Covenant is not only a best-seller on The New York Times List, but also is the first best-seller from a black publisher. The soundtrack consists of many Verity Records hit-making gospelteers.

Several observations are interjected throughout by Smiley, including a sad thought that Black America, according to many in the community, died when Martin Luther King was assassinated. But as Smiley quotes the late Barbara Jordan, (the first black woman from the South to serve the U.S. Congress), “They want America as good as its promise”. The ten subject matters from The Covenant are introduced represented by one song each.

Health and Well-Being: The funky and upbeat,“Healed (from I Speak Life) courtesy of Donald Lawrence, lends way to keep our spiritual bones refreshed: “Where the spirit is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Youth’s Potential: With co-production by Percy Bady (Chicago Mass Choir, etc.) Pastor Donnie McClurkin exhorts the next generation for Yes You Can (from Again). A children’s choir rejoices right aback about their future on the last chorus go-round.

Justice and Triumph: All Things Are Working (from Pages of Life: Chapters 1 & 2), a sweet but potent ballad by Fred Hammond, knows there is a just God “working for our good” (Psalm 138:8).

Community and Togetherness: Deitrick Haddon sings about U.N.I.T.Y. (from Crossroads), a jubilant and danceable piece, where “love has overcome what hate had done”.

Prosperity: From the live joint, Family Affair II: Live At Radio City Music Hall, Hezekiah Walker, The Love Fellowship Choir, and special guest Pastor John P. Kee soak in the mid-tempo thumper, I’ll Make It, declaring Jesus will be the ultimate best friend anytime, anyplace.