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:
Soul music singer Avery*Sunshine/Former NFL Player Dorsey Levens
ASPiRE TV Producers: Walter D, Jabar Lasley, Mr. Sho’Nuff, and Tim Nunez Sr.
For Better or Worse actors Kiki Haynes and Kent Faulcon/RC with author and moderator Pearl Cleage
702 singer Meelah Williams/actress and producer Terri J. Vaughn
Exhale host Rene Syler and her family
Exhale writer Rhonda Baraka and family
Film and stage actor E. Roger Mitchell/RC with electronic violinist Ken Ford
Exhale host Malinda Williams with former Destiny’s Child’s singer LaTavia Roberson
Acting couple Brad James and Jasmine Burke
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
