Soulful Christmas hits 10-year mark as veterans and librarians share stories

A Soulful Christmas, an off-Broadway musical revue inspired by the 1970s television show Soul Train, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this holiday season. The production has remained a fixture of New York City theater for the past decade, combining soul music, dance, and holiday themes.

Kendrell Bowman, the show's co-creator and director, joins the WABC-TV program Here and Now with Sandra Bookman to discuss the new lineup. Bowman speaks about how the show has changed over ten years while keeping its core appeal intact.

The program also features Melissa Del Valle Ortiz, a U.S. Army veteran and Community Engagement Officer for the Dorie Miller American Legion. Ortiz works to help women of color access military benefits and resources. She discusses the specific challenges women veterans face in finding the support they earned through service.

Ortiz appears on the show ahead of Veterans Day, which the nation observes on November 11. Her role focuses on community engagement and ensuring that veterans, particularly women, can navigate the system to claim their benefits.

Ola Akinmowo, founder of the Free Black Women's Library in Brooklyn, is the third guest on the episode. The organization provides free access to Black literature and functions as a Black feminist social art initiative. It also operates a community pantry and hosts public programs for local residents.

Akinmowo explains the vision behind the project at a time when public libraries face budget cuts. The library serves as a cultural hub for education and creativity in Brooklyn.

Here and Now with Sandra Bookman airs on Sundays at noon on Channel 7, WABC-TV in New York City.