GMWA 2025: Gospel Icons Receive Posthumous Honors
– 3 min read
The Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals honored thirteen late gospel legends during its first-ever Chairman Honors Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony, held at the 58th Annual GMWA Convention.
The Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals, an auxiliary of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, held its annual sessions during the National Convention in Montgomery, AL, July 13-18. Convention attendees had memorable moments and experienced the MOVE OF GOD at this year’s convention. While the GMWA workshops were powerful, the Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals truly had a moment in time that will live forever in their hearts. Alliance National Chairman, Dr. Earl Bynum, recaps the event, which included the Alliance's inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony, the Al "The Bishop" Hobbs Legacy Award, engaging music business panels, and dynamic artist performances.
This year's National Alliance session was a history-making event! Some of the notables in attendance included Crystal Aikin, Melvin Crispell, Maurette Brown Clark, Lemmie Battles, Jim Vierra, Royce Mosley, Luther Barnes, and Monique Walker. The Alliance launched its inaugural Hall of Fame to honor posthumous inductees: Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, Mama Zadella Curtis, Quincy Fielding, Jr., Edna Tatum, John and Vermya Phillips, Bill “The Mailman” Martin, Norma Jean Pender, Melvin Tucker, Donna Creer, Delores "Sugar" Poindexter, Peppi Hendrix, and Kenny Taylor. These individuals remain pillars of Gospel music heritage and are now forever honored in the Alliance Hall of Fame.
The Alliance also presented the inaugural Al "The Bishop" Hobbs Legacy Award to Gospel music industry leader Mrs. Telisa Stinson for her many years of work in the genre as a record label executive, promoter, and artist manager. “I’m truly honored to receive the inaugural Al Hobbs Award at the 1st Chairman’s Honors Banquet," says Stinson. "Thank you for the support and trust. This moment means the world to me.”
Beyond his duties as chairman of The Alliance, Bynum received an invitation from GMWA Chairman, Bishop Albert L. Jamison, Sr., to serve as the lecturer for one of "The Daily Bread" ministry moments during this year’s 2025 GMWA National Convention. Bynum delivered a powerful message, "Songs of Hope That Heal," derived from Psalms 137:1–4. His message was a heartfelt reminder of how music, even in our lowest moments, can restore, uplift, and bring healing to the soul.
"What a blessing it was to share with so many passionate leaders, musicians, and believers. Thank you, Bishop Jamison, for the opportunity to pour into this incredible gathering," says Bynum.
The Alliance works to raise proficiency and quality in the Gospel music industry, emphasizing the promotion and advocacy of religious broadcasting globally. The recent revamping of The Alliance has prioritized focusing on Renewing its vision, Resetting its foundation, and Resurging to create mass visibility and a positive organizational brand.
"This year was only the beginning, and our momentum is real," Bynum states. "Our next stop is South Carolina for our annual board meeting in the spring, and then it's on to Greensboro, NC, in July 2026 for another life-changing National Convention. I'm inviting everyone to stay connected and get involved by bringing your gifts and talents to the table — because WE are the Alliance, and together we will lift Gospel music higher!"
Alliance Board of Directors and Leadership Team:
Dr. Earl Bynum - Alliance National Chairman
Johnny Sanders - Director of Alliance Leaders
Ann Lewis & Dr. Susie Jones - Sisterhood Division Co-Chairs of the Alliance
Linda Greenwood - First Vice Chair
Dr. Carol Crawford - Second Vice Chair
Mama Sue Roseberry - Secretary
Dr. Sybil Sloan - Treasurer
Elder Darrin Freeman - Director of Radio
Harold Brooker - Director of Media
Adrian Lewis Freeman - Director of Worship
Ron Briggs - Executive Assistant
Carmina Barnett - Director of Communications
Cynthia Beckwith - Flow of Room
Michael Eggington - Registration for Alliance
Fitzgerald Davis - Director of Greeters & Hospitality
Elder Ron Jones - National Board of Directors / National Liaison
Written by
Victor Flavius (Tobias), Publisher and Creative Director, leading brand direction, design, and editorial execution to create cohesive, culture-driven experiences, while also covering Travel, Health, and Wellness.
