THE MECCA OF COMEDY

Themeccaofcomedy.com

Dave Chappelle! Martin Lawrence! Wanda Sykes! and Tommy Davidson!... have two major commonalities. They are four of the highest grossing comedians with an amassed wealth of over $200 Million Dollars.... And oh, yeah, in case you have not heard, these behemoths in entertainment also hail from our nation’s capital... Washington, D.C. 

By the late 1980s, America was in the midst of an unprecedented boom in Stand-Up comedy. Over 300 clubs opened between 1978-1988 as thousands of young comics from Eddie Murphy to Rosie O’Donnell got behind the mic for the first time. This wealth of comedians continued to emerge across the U.S. in the early ‘90s, and D.C. was no exception. Washington DC and the DMV area as a whole has born and bred many of the most famous comedians in the world! Is this a coincidence or a comedic contagion in the DC air? For a while, humorous and historical accounts of DC’s talent was overlooked, yet this was an extraordinarily fertile breeding ground for producing the nation’s top comedic talent – and why few actually realize it! 

Without a doubt, the DMV is the mecca for comedy! Comedians that blossom from the DMV area, unlike larger cities like New York City or Los Angeles, many of whom are transplants... continue to conquer stages, film, radio, television, nationally and internationally. 

THE MECCA OF COMEDY is a 90-minute documentary that explores the rise of Black comedy and comedians from the mid 1980’s to the present within the DMV area. The film takes a trip around the DMV to learn about some of the earlier comedy clubs and rooms that allowed Black comedians to perform and examines the challenges many of them faced. As time progressed, more and more of these hometown comedic legends who were rooted within the DMV, transcended to glorious heights of fame... many of them are still soaring. But let’s face it, these paths traveled did not occur over night. There is no testimony without a test! Thus, this documentary probes into the lives of these comedians, understanding how their upbringing and environment impacted their comedy, delving into their highs and lows within their career and life, learning about their current activities, and future aspirations. 

"THE SCROLL: Evidence of Life Unseen" is a feature length film created to help inspire everyday people through real life parables and narrations from recognizable spiritual figureheads. Presented as a trilogy of short vignettes recorded in an intimate, close-cropped setting to engage the viewer as if he or she is soul seeking wisdom at the foot of a sage. Weaving the journey and anecdotes of some of the most prolific high profile ministers, evangelists and church leaders of the 21st Century, The Scroll took three years to complete, interviewing over 50 of the countries most progressive and revered Spiritual Leaders. It was licensed to by Aspire, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Tubi, and many international networks. The Scroll also received a publishing deal by Kensington Books Publishing and authored by Parrish Smith. 

Featuring: T.D. Jakes, A.R. Bernard, Al Sharpton Jr., Alyn E. Waller, Bernice A. King, Beverly Crawford, Calvin O. Butts III, Charles E. Blake, Dale C. Bronner, DeForest T. B. Soaries Jr., Della Reese Lett, Don Johnson, Donald Hilliard Jr., E. Dewey Smith Jr., Eddie L. Long, Floyd H. Flake, Frederick K.C. Price, Gardner C. Taylor, Hezekiah Walker, Jamal Bryant, Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., John K. Jenkins Sr., John L. McCoy, Johnny Ray Youngblood, Joseph Garlington, Keith W. Reed Sr., Kenneth Ulmer, Lawrence Powell, Mark Tyler, Marvin L. Sapp, Noel Jones, Paul S. Morton, Perry Simmons Jr., Shirley Caesar, Stanley Dumornay, Stephen Hurd, Tudor Bismark, Vashti M. McKenzie, Wess Morgan, David Jefferson Sr.

The stories shared in "Victory Eternal: The Scroll the Last Chapter" are personal stories and views on the world today. This makes it a tremendous follow-up and companion to "The Scroll: Evidence of Life Unseen" which explored trials and tribulations and dealing with difficult life situations. "The Scroll: Evidence of Life Unseen" explored these issues through parables, where "Victory Eternal" is exploring these topics through personal experience of the spiritual leaders. Both have a true power in their ability to teach, and both are used effectively in their respective films. Additionally, "The Scroll: Evidence of Life Unseen" explores the various trials and tribulations we can find ourselves in living in the world but not of the world, which "Victory Eternal" brings those teachings to a conclusion and shows us powerful examples of how to achieve victory in our own lives over the challenges the world presents our faith. Adversity comes to us all, and "Victory Eternal: The Scroll the Last Chapter" is a powerful reminder and lesson in finding the triumph over adversity in our own lives, which can only be brought about through the true power of faith.

Featuring: T.D. Jakes, Al Sharpton Jr., Bill Winston, A.R. Bernard, Jesse Jackson Sr., Tony Evans, Frederick D. Haynes III, Walter Thomas, Jamal Bryant, Joseph Walker III, Jeffrey Johnson Sr., James Meeks, Jasmin Sculark, Edgar Vann, Lance Watson, Victor Curry, Larry Macon Sr., Corey Brooks, Charles Ellis III, R.A. Vernon, Elaine Flake, Sheryl Brady, David Evans, Alfred Owens, Rosie O’Neal, Michael Walrond, George Searight.

Regardless of the situation that we are faced with, the storms in life come, but the sun always rises in the morning. “THE SCROLL: Breakthroughs” is a series of insightful stories from prominent spiritual leaders who share their personal trials and their breakthrough moments that allowed them to overcome the odds. Their personal testimonies serve as confirmation of divine providence. Everyone in life who has achieved and transcended has endured challenges. In fact, the higher the climb, the tougher the conditions, but the reward is always sweeter.

Featuring: Tony Evans, Frederick D. Haynes III, Bill S. Winston, Jeffrey A. Johnson, Joseph W. Walker III, T.D. Jakes, R.A. Vernon, David G. Evans, Walter S. Thomas Sr., Michael A. Walrond Jr., Jasmin Sculark, Lance D. Watson, and Alfred A. Owens Jr.

Through sincere stories narrated by prominent spiritual leaders, “THE SCROLL: Relationships” shares valuable insight and exposes various points of relationships on a deeper level - family, death, love, and the taboo matter of divorce.

With the average divorce rate of over 50% across America, the covenant that is marriage has suffered. “THE SCROLL: Relationships” delves into the key to a successful relationship including; respect for one another, meeting each other’s needs, and the importance of sacrifice. This volume is intended to assist those who seek a deeper understanding of marriage and longevity shared through invaluable life-lessons.

Featuring: Hezekiah Walker, Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., Rosie S. O’Neal, Jeffrey A. Johnson, Noel Jones, T.D. Jakes, Sheryl Brady, Corey B. Brooks, George C. Searight, Kenneth C. Ulmer, Larry L. Macon, Sr., Vashti M. McKenzie, Bill Winston, and Alyn E. Waller.

Gather the whole family for this hilarious evening of comedy! Hosted by funnyman Rickey Smiley, syndicated radio host, former host of BET’s Comic View, and star of the hilarious sitcom on TV ONE, “The Rickey Smiley Show”, this show offers clean comedy with a cutting edge.

You’re sure to recognize the fast-rising talents of Dean Edwards (Saturday Night Live, Def Comedy Jam), Marc Theobald (Chappelle’s Show), Rick Younger (Last Comic Standing) and Todd Lynn (My Wife and Kids).

Ranging from sidesplitting celebrity impressions to outrageous physical humor and sharp social observations, this laugh-out-loud evening has something for everyone!