Annual Gala

Tracey Farley-Artis is a renowned CEO, music executive, speaker, philanthropist, and published author. Tracey is known as a “heavy hitter” in the gospel music industry specializing in marketing, brand consulting, and radio promotions since 1996.​ Artis entered the music business through Byron Cage, an emerging Gospel artist, after studying Mass Communications at Ohio University and moving to Atlanta. In 1996, she became National Marketing Director at AIR Gospel and later joined Gospo Centric Records under Vicki Mack Lataillade's mentorship. She was promoted to Vice President of Gospel Promotions before Gospo Centric merged with Verity Records (Sony BMG) in 2004.

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After leaving Verity Records, Artis founded her promotions and marketing firm, I Hear Music, Inc., in 2010. The firm has driven the success of numerous Gospel artists, with over 50 #1 singles and multiple Gold and Platinum certifications under her watch and visionary marketing & promotion strategies. Its signature event, the Annual I Hear Music In The Air Conference, has been running for over 23 years in Cincinnati, every summer in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. ​

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Tracey has received numerous accolades, including the John F. Barrett 2022 Entrepreneur Vision Award, recognition as a 2023 Fifth Third Bank Black History Month Honoree, and induction into the 2023 African American Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame. In 2024, she will be honored as one of the YWCA Career Women of Achievement and recognized by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce as a “We Are Making Black History” honoree.

Tracey is serving on many national/local organization committees and boards including:

o Executive Director/Organizer, The Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion
o Member, The Cincinnati NAACP
o Member, Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce
o Chair, The American Heart Association -Circle of Red Women
o Chairperson, The Princeton High School Alumni Association
o Exec. Board Member(Arts Facet Chair), Cincinnati (OH) Chapter of The Links, Inc.
o Board Member, LHOI
o Voting Member, The Recording Academy
o Grammy U Mentor, The Recording Academy
o Member, The Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA)
o Member, National Association of Gospel Radio
o The Collective Empowerment Group (CEG)
o Co- Chair, Guiding Light Mentoring Program (2023, 2024)

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www.ihearmusicintheair.com 

 

 

 

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Vernon Jackson, a compassionate hairstylist from Cincinnati, OH, has transformed the lives of children with special needs through his Gifted Event, which offers personalized haircuts in a safe and comfortable environment. His dedication has inspired inclusivity in the industry, earning him recognition and viral acclaim with over 30 million views. As the owner of Noble Barbershop and Salon, Vernon continues to pioneer this initiative, while also sharing his insights on major platforms like Good Morning America and NBC Nightly News. With over 500k followers, he stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment in the special needs community, demonstrating the profound impact one individual can have.

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Courtis Fuller is a Hall of Fame broadcast journalist with a career spanning nearly 44 years, most of which he spent as a news anchor for WLWT-TV in Cincinnati. In 2023, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the WLWT Hall of Fame and is a multi-Emmy award winner. In 2021, he was honored with induction into the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle for his contributions to the industry and community over 25 years. He has also been recognized by various professional organizations and inducted into several journalism Hall of Fame.

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Fuller’s community leadership has extended beyond journalism. In 2001, he stepped away from broadcasting to run for mayor of Cincinnati, winning the primary election and receiving 45% of the general election vote. His activism includes leading efforts to honor Jackie Robinson's Major League Baseball anniversary and renaming a city street in memory of a high school honor student. Additionally, he created and produced an eight-day Cincinnati Jazz and Heritage Festival. He returned to WLWT-TV in 2003 and continues to host major civic and cultural events.

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Fuller serves on advisory boards for the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation and the Cincinnati Opera, with prior board positions including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the National Association of Black Journalists. A scholarship was established in his name in 2010 to support aspiring young journalists. His dedication to the community has been recognized by numerous awards, including a Cincinnati City Council resolution and the YMCA Legend Award.

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With over 25 years of experience, this multi-talented Neo Soul artist is a skilled singer, songwriter, musician, producer, composer, and engineer. His expertise spans audio and video engineering, studio production, and live performances. A versatile vocalist, his range covers baritone to alto and falsetto, performing as a soloist, in duets, groups, and harmonies. Influenced by Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, and trained under Joe Lewis at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, he is also proficient in piano.

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Throughout his career, he has been a regular performer in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, playing at venues, festivals, weddings, corporate events, and more. His repertoire includes collaborations for music videos and projects like a Saks Fifth Avenue spread. Notable performances include the Cincinnati Music Festival, Washington Park's Friday Flow, and opening acts for artists like Stephanie Mills and Jeffrey Osborne. He has also been featured in events such as the MLB All-Star Game, Black Family Reunion, and the GE Gala.

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In addition to his live performances, he has been nominated for the CityBeat Cincinnati Entertainer Awards and contributed to televised segments like NSX TV. Known for his technical and equipment knowledge, he continues to make an impact in the Neo Soul genre.

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A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Gala Supporters​

 

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We are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who made our Gala an incredible success. Your presence and generosity truly made the evening unforgettable and impactful. From the moment the doors opened, the energy in the room was electric, and it was all thanks to you!

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Each guest brought their unique spirit, helping to create an atmosphere filled with joy, connection, and purpose. We are immensely grateful to our sponsors whose incredible support made this event possible. Your commitment to our mission not only enhances our initiatives but also inspires us to reach even greater heights.

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To all our attendees, thank you for believing in our cause and for joining us in this celebration. Your support is invaluable and fuels our passion for the work we do. Together, we created amazing memories and made a significant impact that will resonate in our community for a long time.

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As we reflect on this wonderful evening, we look forward to continuing our journey together. Here’s to the incredible moments we shared and to many more opportunities to connect and collaborate in the future! ​Stay connected with us for updates on our upcoming events and initiatives. Your support is what drives us forward! Thank you once again for being such an integral part of our mission.

 

 

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