Exhale hosts: Angela Burt-Murray, Erin Jackson, Issa Rae, Rene Syler and Malinda Williams 

The Atlanta premiere of ASPiRE TV’s new talk show, Exhale  was held last night in the Rich Auditorium of The Woodruff Art Center. The evening began with a star–studded red carpet, followed by a VIP reception and a viewing of the show’s first episode.

Opening remarks were given by ASPiRE’s General Manager, Paul Butler as well as a special presentation from City of Atlanta Council Member, Keisha Lance Bottoms.  Bottoms presented Butler with a proclamation officially declaring June 27 as ASPiRE Day. After the screening, the audience was treated to a lively Q&A session moderated by noted author and playwright Pearl Cleage and featured the show’s five hosts and Exhale  producer Lynn Robinson of Black Robin Media.

As previously reported, Exhale  is ASPiRE’s newest original series and is hosted by former news anchor Rene Syler, comedian Erin Jackson, former ESSENCE magazine editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray, Awkward Black Girl’s  Issa Rae and actress Malinda Williams. Exhale  will attempt to cover a wide range of topics including family, relationships, career, money, and faith. For co-host, Angela Burt-Murray, the show represents a fresh perspective on life issues that other talk shows like The View  and The Talk  do not offer their Black female viewers.

“I think that Exhale  is completely different from anything else that’s out there. First and foremost, it’s hosted by five African-American women that are completely different. Secondly, we’re going to focus strictly on the issues and topics through the lens of what African-American women are thinking and feeling. I think for so long, what we are feeling personally has just been marginalized in the national conversation but on Exhale,  Black women are priority number one.”

Check out the photos below from last night’s premiere:

Avery SunshineDorsey Levens

 Soul music singer Avery*Sunshine/Former NFL Player Dorsey Levens

The Producers

ASPiRE TV Producers: Walter D, Jabar Lasley, Mr. Sho’Nuff, and Tim Nunez Sr.

Kiki Haynes and Kent FaulconRC with Pearl Cleage

For Better or Worse actors Kiki Haynes and Kent Faulcon/RC with author and moderator Pearl Cleage

Meelah, 702Terri J. Vaughn

702 singer Meelah Williams/actress and producer Terri J. Vaughn

Rene Syler and Family

Exhale  host Rene Syler and her family

Rhonda Baraka and Kids

Exhale  writer Rhonda Baraka and family

E. Roger MitchellRC with Ken Ford

Film and stage actor E. Roger Mitchell/RC with electronic violinist Ken Ford

Melinda Williams and LaTavia RobersonBrad and Jasmine Burke

Exhale  host Malinda Williams with former Destiny’s Child’s  singer LaTavia Roberson

Acting couple Brad James and Jasmine Burke

Host on the panel

Panel discussion with Exhale  hosts and producer Lynn Robinson and moderator Pearl Cleage

Exhale  premieres tonight at 8 p.m. EST on ASPiRE TV.

Photography Credit: Megan Alodie for RayCornelius.com

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