New gospel magazine for the hip-hop generation launches Oct. 1
By Meliqueica Meadows
Of the St. Louis American
October 1 is the launch date of St. Louis’ newest publication, 4:11 magazine. Published by The Good News Herald Publishing Group, 4:11 will cover urban Christian music, health and fashion.
“In the first issue there will be a fashion section. It’s kind of a surprise, so I want people to see it when it comes out,” said the Rev. Vinnis L. Bryant Jr., editor-in-chief of 4:11. “There will also be interviews with local gospel artists, and there will be a national artist on the cover. There will be an advice column as well. There’s quite a bit of information in it.”
The launch party with be held October 1 from 2-8 p.m. inside the entrance of Northwest Plaza and feature performances by J.R., Missouri INO Family, Chosen and others, as well as spoken word and hip hop praise dance.
“The purpose of 4:11 magazine is to promote positive images and bring resources to the youth and young adults in St. Louis,” Bryant said.
“Most of the images in the media are ‘worldly,’ meaning they promote promiscuity, addiction and other negative things. We want to promote constructive and positive things. All of our models will have all their clothes on, and there will be no advertisements for nicotine or alcohol.”
The magazine has been a labor of love for Bryant and his partners at his church, New Seraphim M.B., and Blood Shed Enterprises founding member Daronn Williams.
Blood Shed Enterprises is part of the St. Louis Christian Music Association, which is how Bryant and Williams came in contact with The Good News Herald Publishing Group, which publishes several Christian-based magazines in the St. Louis area. The publishing company was looking for a way to reach the urban Christian music market, and Blood Shed Enterprises had already created the idea of a youth-oriented urban gospel magazine.
The first name of the magazine was Young Saints. However, after a discussion with the publisher they felt that they needed a catchier name for the publication. They decided on 4:11.
“It’s catchy and has a double meaning, which fits well with what we’re trying to do. It’s 411 as in information and then it is a reference to scripture, I Timothy 4:11,” Bryant said.
That scripture reads, “Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
“We want to appeal to non-Christians and Christians as well,” Bryant said. “We hope to be in schools, clinics and even nightclubs. We want to reach all people.”
Bryant is the assistant pastor at New Seraphim Missionary Baptist Church, 4208 W. Florissant, where Eugene Jeffrey is the pastor. He has been a part of New Seraphim for 10 years and in the ministry for nine. For more information about 4:11 magazine, call (314) 481-7337.