Rev. Ira Acree launched a new weekly TV show this past week.
Acree’s show – All Hands On Deck – premiered 5 p.m. July 11 on CAN-TV’s Channel 21. The half-hour show will be a broadcast live every Friday from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Viewers are encouraged to call into the broadcast.
Acree and his guests will discuss ways to level the playing field in Chicago and how everyone can play a role in addressing the issues affecting the city.
For Acree, pastor at Greater St. John Bible Church, leveling the playing field means finding ways to help the West and South sides of Chicago, which he said lack the economical and educational opportunities afforded other parts of the city.
“We believe that society will work much better if we can level the playing field for all and not just for the precious privileged few,” he said.
Acree said the show is a way for people to really plug into the issues going on in their communities.
“There’s a lot of people who are frustrated with life as it is in Chicago and would like to do their part and turn it around,” he said. “That’s what we’re talking about with All Hands On Deck. That everyone can help out and should help out, and everyone does indeed have a role to play.”
The first show featured Sonny Parker, former NBA player for the Golden State Warriors and founder of the Sonny Parker Youth Foundation.
Acree said Parker does great work in the community, helping keep a lot of young boys out of trouble. Parker’s son Jabari was just selected as the NBA’s No. 2 draft pick and will be playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Acree said Parker appeared on the first show to talk about the work he does and give parenting tips.
“It’s important to showcase a man who’s doing it the right way and mentoring others,” he said.
The pastor’s daughter, Nicole Acree, will be working as one of the show’s producers and possibly a future guest as a member of the R&B group InDcent Xposure.
Nicole Acree, a 21-year-old mass communications major at Clark Atlanta University, said the show is a good idea because people can showcase different topics and actually give their feedback, whether it’s positive or negative. She added that her father has always been very passionate about the community.
“[The show] is just another great opportunity to use the name he’s created to bring attention to what’s going on in our city,” she said.
Nicole Acree said she’s become involved with the show because she wants to be a mentor and a role model to the young kids in her community.
“I hate that people don’t see that Chicago is a beautiful city; I hate that they only see the negative side of things,” she said. “I feel like I need to be one of the people that changes the perspectives that people see.”
Prince Roc, a 21-year-old North Lawndale resident, will be another assistant with the show. Roc is finishing up his bachelor’s degree from Central State University in Ohio.
As a mass communications major, Roc said he thought the show would be great experience for him, but he also thinks it will serve a great purpose.
“This is the type of show our community needs,” he said. “We need a show where people can call in and give their opinions on what’s happening around Chicago.”
Rev. Acree said the list of confirmed guests who will be appearing on the show include Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.