"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1
On Sept. 28, 2004, "BV Buzz" made its debut at AOL Black Voices and the lead feature was an interview with Tevin Campbell, who really wanted to clear up the many rumors that surrounded his 1999 arrest.
That column set a tone for the many that were to follow and as "BV Buzz" became immensely popular with Black Voices readers, more and more celebrities and high profile personalities came to us when it was time to set the record straight.
In this space I also broke some major news stories and reported countless exclusives. "BV Buzz" was the first to report that Jennifer Hudson was a frontrunner for the role of Effie White in 'Dreamgirls' on May 2, 2005. On Nov. 16, 2005, I was also given the exclusive that she had actually landed the role.
In June of 2006, Star Jones gave "BV Buzz" the only print/online interview surrounding her controversial departure from 'The View;' and in 2007, Sherri Shepherd told "BV Buzz" first that would be joining 'The View' as a new co-host.
Scoops and exclusives aside, in this space we've reported about celebrity hookups (Usher and Tameka Foster), breakups (Usher and Tameka Foster) and those involved in scandals and near-death experiences (Usher and Tameka Foster).
"BV Buzz" also championed Black cinema; helped lobby to save the show 'The Game;' introduced Karrine "Superhead" Steffans to the masses; offered 'Where Are They Now' features on everyone from Ja'Net Dubois ('Good Times') to LaTavia Roberson of Destiny's Child; filed destination features from places like Japan to London and all throughout the Caribbean; and made sure gospel music got its mainstream shine!
There have been a lot of highs (way too many to name) and even a few lows (despite what you heard, I'm not a fan of celebrity feuds though having experienced several-the most infamous ones being with Brandy Norwood and Usher's ex-wife); but like Frank Sinatra sang, 'I Did It My Way.'
For six and a half years this column (which later evolved into a blog) was a labor of love! For six and half years "BV Buzz" was Black Voices' top franchise and the only franchise that has been in place since AOL acquired Black Voices.
Though there was an opportunity for me at the new Black Voices following the Huffington Post merger with AOL, I've decided to close this chapter of my life and explore some other things. As my friend (and technically my boss for five years) Karu F. Daniels always says: "When its time to go, its time to go!"
Thank you the reader for being on this journey with me! Thanks for allowing me to be ME and for coming along for the ride! God bless you all!"
If you're interested, keep up with me on Twitter (@JawnMurray), check me out on Facebook (Facebook.com/JawnMurrayVIP), and keep listening to me on the nationally syndicated 'Tom Joyner Morning Show.'