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Grammy Award-winning gospel music icon and visionary leader Bishop Hezekiah Walker is expanding his global impact in a monumental way. Fresh off a transformative trip to South Africa, Bishop Walker has officially announced the upcoming launch of The Hezekiah Walker Performing Arts Center for Gospel Music of South Africa.

The groundbreaking announcement is the culmination of a two-decade-long spiritual partnership. Taking to social media to share his awe and gratitude, Walker reflected on the enduring bond he shares with South African ministry leader Bishop Manny Niekerk.

“Almost 20 years ago, I made a covenant with Bishop Manny Niekerk,” Walker shared. “Many said it wouldn’t last. Many doubted the strength of what we were building, but today, I stand as a witness that covenant—when it is God-ordained—is not seasonal, it is sustainable.”

What began as a small, faithful gathering has since blossomed into the Covenant Keepers International Alliance (CKIA), a massive, globe-spanning network of churches and ministries. Walker noted that the alliance stands as “living proof that when you make covenant—and keep covenant—God honors it.”

Now, that honored covenant is taking physical shape. The newly acquired property in South Africa will house The Hezekiah Walker Performing Arts Center for Gospel Music, a facility dedicated to nurturing the next generation of gospel artists and ministry leaders.

According to Bishop Walker, the center will be “a place where creativity, ministry, and excellence will meet and impact communities and generations to come.”

For decades, Hezekiah Walker has been a towering figure in gospel music, known for his choir anthems that have become staples in churches worldwide. With this new performing arts center, his legacy of musical excellence and ministry will have a permanent home on the African continent, providing resources, training, and a platform for South African creatives to shine for the Kingdom.

“Thank you God for giving us this property,” Walker declared in his announcement. “I promise to use it for your Glory!”

As construction and development plans move forward, the global gospel community eagerly anticipates the doors opening to this historic center.

Stay tuned to iPraiseRadio.com, powered by Gospel Newsroom, for more updates on this developing story and all your latest gospel music news!

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February 23, 2026

Love Wins: A New Chapter for Gospel Legend After 16 Years

In a joyful announcement that has inspired the gospel community worldwide, BET Award-winning gospel artist and pastor Marvin Sapp revealed his engagement to Dr. La’Boris Cole on February 23, 2026. The heartfelt proposal marks a beautiful new chapter for the beloved singer, 16 years after the passing of his late wife, MaLinda Prince Sapp.

A Family Affair: Children Orchestrate Surprise Proposal

The engagement celebration was a touching family moment, orchestrated by Sapp’s adult children who planned an elaborate surprise. What appeared to be a birthday party transformed into an unforgettable proposal when Sapp dropped to one knee, surrounded by both families, and presented Dr. Cole with a stunning diamond engagement ring.

“In 2026, God has given Marvin Sapp the desire of his heart!” the announcement proclaimed.

The moment was both intimate and celebratory, with family members and close friends witnessing the emotional milestone that represents not just a union of two hearts, but the blending of two purpose-driven lives committed to ministry and service.

From Friendship to Forever: A Decade-Long Journey

Sapp and Dr. Cole’s relationship is rooted in a deep friendship that spans more than 10 years. The couple intentionally kept their romantic courtship private, choosing to move forward only when they were confident about their relationship’s direction. This deliberate approach reflects the wisdom and maturity both bring to their union, having walked through significant life experiences that have shaped their faith and character.

Meet Dr. La’Boris Cole: A Visionary Leader in Ministry and Mental Health

Dr. La’Boris Cole is far more than just the future Mrs. Sapp—she is an accomplished clinician, ministry leader, and visionary in her own right. A Mississippi native, Dr. Cole holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Mississippi College and a doctoral degree in Clinical Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University.

Her professional accomplishments include:

• Founder and Executive Director of the Born 2 Danz Worship Arts Conference, an internationally recognized ministry and arts platform
• Founder and CEO of Cole Associates & Counselors of Texas, a multi-site behavioral health practice
• Respected therapist and visionary leader whose work bridges ministry, mental health, leadership, and the arts

Dr. Cole’s mission centers on helping people recognize their worth, heal completely, and live fully in their purpose—a calling that beautifully aligns with Sapp’s own ministry.

A Journey of Faith: Honoring the Past While Embracing the Future

Marvin Sapp has been remarkably transparent about his journey as a widower following the 2010 passing of his wife, MaLinda Prince Sapp, who died after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Together, they shared three children—Madisson, Mikaila, and Marvin Jr.

For 16 years, Sapp devoted himself to single parenthood, dedicating his energy to raising his children while balancing an extraordinary career in ministry and music. He has been open about his desire to love again, especially as his children reached adulthood, married, and began families of their own.

Today, Sapp’s two eldest children are married with children of their own, and friends say he only began dating seriously again once his family reached stability. This patience and prioritization of his children demonstrates the depth of character that has defined Sapp’s life and ministry.

A Legacy That Continues to Grow

Marvin Sapp remains one of gospel music’s most influential voices and respected spiritual leaders. The voice behind the crossover gospel anthem “Never Would Have Made It,” Sapp serves as senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel Church in Fort Worth, Texas. His musical legacy includes:

• 16 studio albums with over a billion streams
• BET Awards recognition
• Induction into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame
• A 2022 TV One biopic inspired by the impact of “Never Would Have Made It”
• Radio show host and author

Beyond music, Sapp describes himself first and foremost as “a preacher gifted to sing” rather than a singer who preaches—a distinction that reveals where his heart truly lies.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Joy and Purpose

While no wedding date has been announced yet, the gospel community is already celebrating this beautiful union. The engagement represents more than a personal milestone—it’s a testament to the power of faith, patience, and God’s perfect timing.

For Sapp, who has ministered to millions about overcoming life’s challenges through faith, this season represents the fulfillment of a deeply personal prayer. His journey from grief to joy, from single parenthood to this new partnership, offers hope to countless others walking similar paths.

Dr. Cole and Bishop Sapp’s union brings together two powerful ministries—gospel music and worship arts, pastoral leadership and mental health counseling, preaching and therapeutic healing. Their combined influence promises to impact lives in profound ways, both within the Church and in the broader community.

Community Response

The announcement has generated an outpouring of love and congratulations from the gospel music community and beyond. Social media platforms have been flooded with well-wishes, with many celebrating not just the engagement, but the inspiring example of faith, patience, and God’s restoration.

Gospel Music Association, TV One, and numerous gospel radio stations have featured the announcement, with the broader faith community rejoicing in this testimony of hope.

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Family Announces Extended Memorial Services

By Gospel Newsroom, Powered by iPraiseRadio.com

In a decision citing historical precedent, House Speaker Mike Johnson has denied a request for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. to lie in honor at the United States Capitol Rotunda, a designation typically reserved for former presidents, select military officials, and government leaders .

The civil rights icon and Baptist minister passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 84, after a prolonged battle with progressive supranuclear palsy and Parkinson’s disease . His family, along with several House Democrats, had submitted a formal request for Jackson to be memorialized at the Capitol—an honor bestowed on only a select few private citizens in American history.

A Decision Based on Precedent

Sources familiar with the matter told CNN that Speaker Johnson’s office received the request from the Jackson family but denied it in keeping with established protocols. The decision was described as “not political” and consistent with how recent requests for conservative activist Charlie Kirk and former Vice President Dick Cheney were also denied .

“The general practice is for presidents, select military officials, and select government officials to lie in honor,” a source explained, noting that the honor was most recently extended to former President Jimmy Carter .

While there is no specific written rule about who qualifies for the honor—a decision controlled by concurrence from both the House and Senate—precedent has established that private citizens rarely receive this distinction. Notable exceptions include civil rights icon Rosa Parks in 2005 and evangelist Rev. Billy Graham in 2018 .

Family Responds with Grace

Santita Jackson, Rev. Jackson’s eldest daughter, responded to Speaker Johnson’s decision with grace and understanding during an interview with ABC7 Chicago.

“Other people had that idea, and the Speaker has authority over that branch of government and over the Capitol,” Santita said. “I think that the Speaker has his decision. He has rendered it. What we want is for the people to get a chance to be with him” .

The family is now exploring alternative locations in Washington, D.C., including Howard University, the Washington National Cathedral, or the National Museum of African American History and Culture . There is also discussion about whether Jackson could lie in honor in another part of the Capitol, such as National Statuary Hall, which was used for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk last year.

A Legacy That Cannot Be Contained

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s impact on American society and the church extends far beyond the walls of any single building. A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson rose to national prominence in the 1960s as a close aide to the civil rights leader and was with King when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968 .

Jackson went on to become a transformative figure in his own right—a fiery orator whose Rainbow Coalition brought together Blacks, Whites, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and LGBTQ people to reshape the Democratic Party. He twice ran for president, in 1984 and 1988, inspiring Black America and stunning political observers with his ability to attract voters across racial lines .

For more than six decades, Jackson stood at the intersection of faith and politics, founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and using his platform to champion voting rights, education, economic justice, and international human rights .

Extended Memorial Services Announced

The Jackson family, in consultation with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, has announced an extensive schedule of memorial services that will allow the public to pay their respects across multiple cities +1:

Chicago Services:

• Wednesday-Thursday, February 25-26: Rev. Jackson will lie in state at Rainbow PUSH headquarters (930 E. 50th Street, Chicago). Doors open at 10 a.m. both days.
• Friday, February 27: “People’s Celebration” at House of Hope (752 E. 114th Street, Chicago), a 10,000-seat church. Doors open at 9 a.m.
• Saturday, February 28: Public homegoing services at Rainbow PUSH. Doors open at 9 a.m.

Additional Services:

• Sunday, March 1: Formal services in Greenville, South Carolina (Jackson’s hometown). Time and location to be announced.
• Wednesday, March 4: Formal services in Washington, D.C. Time and location to be announced.
• Saturday, March 7: Private homegoing service at Rainbow PUSH, Chicago. This service will be livestreamed to the public .

Jackson will also be the first African American to lie in honor at the South Carolina State Capitol, a historic recognition in his home state .

“His Spirit Charges Us to Continue”

At a news conference outside the family home on Wednesday, Jackson’s children gathered to honor their father’s memory and vow to continue his work.

“Although his body is absent from us, his spirit suffuses and infuses us, and it charges us to continue with the work,” Santita Jackson said .

The family described their father as a “servant leader—not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.” They added: “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by” .

A Man of Faith and Action

As the body of Christ mourns the loss of one of its most prophetic voices, we are reminded that Rev. Jesse Jackson’s true memorial is not found in marble halls or government buildings—it is written in the lives he touched, the justice he pursued, and the Gospel he preached through both word and deed.

His was a ministry that called the church to be the church: to comfort the afflicted, afflict the comfortable, and never forget that faith without works is dead.

As the Scripture says in Hebrews 13:7: “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”

Registration information for the public memorial services will be made available in the coming days through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition website.

Rest in power, Rev. Jackson. The work continues.