NY1’s Errol Louis Receives Communications Award from Diocese of Brooklyn

NY1’s Errol Louis Receives Communications Award from Diocese of Brooklyn

WINDSOR TERRACE — Calling him a “true leader in journalism,” Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio presented the St. Francis de Sales Distinguished Communicator Award to local journalist Errol Louis.

Bishop DiMarzio bestowed the award, which recognizes an individual who has made exemplary contributions in the communications field, during a virtual event on May 26.

DeSales Media Group, the parent company of The Tablet and NET-TV, celebrated the 54th Annual World Communications Day (WCD) on Wednesday, May 26. Last year’s event was canceled due to the pandemic.

“World Communications Day [was] established by the Holy See to annually shine light on calls to action found in our gospel — which are to support our fellow citizens in need, protect the Earth that God has created and given us, and to love and respect our neighbors,” Bishop DiMarzio said. “Erroll Louis always has continued to speak out on such issues [and] I applaud him for his contributions that have advanced this message.”

Louis is the political anchor of Spectrum News NY1, where he hosts “Inside City Hall,” a nightly prime-time show that focuses on New York politics, and has reported on various humanitarian issues that face those living in the Diocese of Brooklyn and across New York City.

Upon accepting the award, Louis noted that the media, as well as parish pastors and academy principals attending the virtual event, have a big communications task ahead of them.

“We’ve had a very tough time coming out of this pandemic — the tragic loss of life, lost jobs, lost hope, lost dignity,” Louis said. “I think it’s incumbent on all of us to use our skills to the best of our ability to help show people some of the paths as we move forward.”

The keynote speaker was Sherry Weddell, co-founder of the Catherine of Siena Institute and best-selling author of “Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus.” She explored ways in which deep listening and faith conversations can change the course of people’s lives.

“You and I,” Weddell said, “can go out there and be instruments of building trust and helping open them to faith and to God.”

The diocesan observance of WCD followed Pope Francis’ Jan. 23 announcement of this year’s theme for the event: “Come and See’ — Communicating by Encountering People Where and as They Are.” The Holy See explained that “Come and See” comes from Jesus’ invitation to St. Philip in the Gospel of John.

William Maier, chief executive officer at DeSales Media, said this year’s theme describes the mission of ministry at DeSales, which is done through its content, media outlets, and communications platforms as well as through technology tools used by schools and parishes.

“At DeSales, the purpose of all of our content and media reach is to inspire people to take the next steps in their formation. But, that’s only the first step,” Maier said. “The real renewal happens where the rubber hits the road. And that’s with all of you.”

Currents News anchor Christine Persichette spoke about how DeSales Media’s outlets share important news and stories happening in the Diocese of Brooklyn. She also welcomed and encouraged attendees to reach out with ideas for DeSales Media’s reporters.

“I interview people from dioceses all over the country, even the world, and oftentimes they’ll comment on how great it is that the Diocese of Brooklyn has this news station. But DeSales isn’t just Current News — we keep people informed via all platforms,” Persichette said. “Let us tell ‘your’ good news.”

Hero award for 14-year-old Wolverhampton fundraiser Louis

Louis Johnson from Wolverhampton has received one of 100 heroes awards from Birmingham Children’s Hospital

Louis Johnson was declared one of BCH’s “100 Heroes” in a virtual presentation on Sunday and on Wednesday he received a trophy.

The 14-year-old from Tettenhall Wood has raised more than £13,000 for the hospital and collectively more than £35,000 for 18 different charities through a series of events over the past decade.

Louis, who is an ambassador for BCH, was also honoured in April with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Award for Outstanding Youth Citizen.

“He likes receiving the awards but to Louis it is about raising awareness of the charities,” said his mum Teresa, 48.

“He has been fundraising for 10 years - he was just four when he started supporting Compton Hospice because they looked after his nan there.

“He began with a Memory Walk (for Alzheimer’s).

“We thought it would be a one-off thing, but ten years later he is still going.

“We are really proud of him.”

Pandemic impact

Miranda Williams, head of public fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Louis regularly features on our annual 100 Heroes honour roll and that’s due to his passion, tenacity and commitment to raise money for our sick kids, year after year.

“Even the pandemic couldn’t stop him.

“Despite the difficulties of this past year, Louis still managed to raise over an incredible £3,000 for us.

“We are forever grateful for everything he does for us.”

Teresa said the family would like to thank all of the organisations and individuals who support Louis.

He is sponsored by the Mount Hotel Tettenhall and the Mander Centre backs him as do the fans at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

Health issue

The Smestow School pupil has health conditions himself including Pectus Excavatum - which is seeing his ribcage collapse inwards - and he has recently been diagnosed with Scoliosis.

But he continues undeterred in his efforts to promote a range of charities including The Steve Bull Foundation and Midlands Air Ambulance.

On Saturday Louis will be walking the 16 miles from Mount Hotel Country Manor Tettenhall to Birmingham Children’s Hospital to raise money for BCH.

Teresa will be walking with him and Louis’s dad, Stuart, will be driving the support car.

“He did the walk two years ago and had planned to do it last year but it was cancelled due to Covid.

“He wanted to walk again in memory of his friend Isabella Lyttle (who died two years ago after a brave battle against cancer).”

Anyone wishing to support Louis in his walk is asked to visit his fundraising page at justgiving.com/Louis-Johnson-BCyA4.

‘Foundation’s Leah Harvey Joins Julia Louis-Dreyfus In A24’s ‘Tuesday’

EXCLUSIVE: Leah Harvey is set to join A24’s Tuesday starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The film is the directing debut of Daina O. Pusic. Lola Petticrew will play Louis-Dreyfus’ daughter, with Arinzé Kene rounding out the ensemble. A24 had no comment on the casting.

Ivana MacKinnon will produce through her Wild Swim Films along with Helen Gladders of Gingerbread Pictures and Oliver Roskill of Record Player Films alongside A24.

The story is being described as a mother-daughter fairytale, the plot is being kept under wraps.

The project was developed with BBC Film, BFI, and Gingerbread Pictures. BBC Film joins A24 as co-financing partners, alongside BFI awarding funds from the National Lottery, and Cinereach.

Harvey recently wrapped shooting the first season as the lead of the new Skydance / Apple TV+ series Foundation. She was previously seen as the lead role in the National Theater’s production of Small Island, directed by Rufus Norris. She can previously be seen in Stephen Merchant’s feature, Fighting With My Family, as well as the BBC One miniseries Les Miserables for director Tom Shankland. She is repped by UTA and Curtis Brown Group.