Black History Month
February 2010
Download the TCA Black History Programming Guide
BACKGROUND
February is Black History Month, an annual observance of the important people and events in the history of African Americans. The remembrance originated in 1926 by
historian Carter G. Woodson as "Negro History Week."
The second week of February was chosen for the commemoration because it marked the birthdays of former President Abraham Lincoln, who issued the Emancipation Proclamation (Feb. 12), and abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14). Both men were Americans who had a tremendous impact on the lives of African Americans and their future course through history.
Woodson, the son of former slaves himself, had a notable influence on African American history. In addition to starting what became Black History Month, he also co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History) and was the second black person to receive a degree from Harvard University. He devoted much of his life to educating African Americans about their cultural background and instilling in them a sense of pride in their race.
FACTS
• Thomas L. Jennings (1791-1859) was the first African American to receive a patent in 1821, for a dry-cleaning process. He used the money earned from the patent to purchase relatives out of slavery and support abolitionist causes.
• Judy W. Reed was the first African American woman to receive a patent in 1884 for a hand-operated machine used to knead and roll dough.
• Jack Johnson became the first African-American man to hold the World Heavyweight Champion boxing title in 1908. He held on to the belt until 1915.
• Black History Month began as "Negro History Week" in 1926.
• Track and field star Jesse Owens (1913-1980) broke many records at the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin, including becoming the first athlete to win four gold medals in one Olympiad.
• Thurgood Marshall was the first African American appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1967. He served until 1991.
• Shirley Chisholm in 1968 was the first African American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1972, she was the first major party African-American candidate and the first female candidate for president of the United States.
• In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to go into space aboard the space shuttle Endeavor.
• On February 12, 2009, the NAACP marked its 100th anniversary. The organization was founded on the centennial anniversary of the birth of former president Abraham Lincoln.
• Music composer and producer Quincy Jones is the most Grammy-nominated artist in the history of the awards with 76 nominations and 26 awards.
More facts:
History Channel
Biography
ON THE WEB
Biography
The interactive Web site explores key places, people and movements such as the Harlem Renaissance, Rosa Parks and the Apollo Theater. The site includes an interactive timeline, videos and quizzes.
History
Among the offerings on the interactive Web site are a timeline, facts, videos and profiles of 65 African American icons.
Save Our History: Voices of Civil Rights
The Voices of Civil Rights Project is a collaboration between AARP, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the Library of Congress and The History Channel. It features audio and video clips, a timeline, primary sources, and a classroom study guide that explore the voice of ordinary citizens from the Civil Rights movement.
TV One
The network is holding a “Way Back When” photo contest – share your most memorable moments from the 1970s and ‘80s.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Comcast Houston Region Honors Local Heroes During Black History Month
The Comcast Houston Region will be paying tribute to local heroes during Black History Month through the production and airing of Public Service Announcements. Among those honored include President and Chief Executive Officer of Communities in Schools ,Cynthia Briggs; and President and Founder of Change Happens, the Rev. Leslie Smith. The public service announcements will run throughout the month of February.
Comcast Newsmakers Spotlights Non-Profits Serving the Community During Black History Month
Throughout the month of February Comcast Newsmakers will focus on non-profits devoted to improving the lives of those less fortunate. Featured organizations include the Houston Area Urban League; Fifth Ward Enrichment Program; Change Happens (formerly known as FUUSA); Jazz Education Inc.; the Museum of Cultural Arts, Houston; Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce; the Buffalo Soldiers Museum and the African American Library at the Gregory School. Each organization will share their vision and purpose during the five minute interview. Comcast Newsmakers can be seen on HLN- Comcast channel 27, or Comcast On Demand, throughout the Houston service area.
Comcast Sponsors the Jazz and Poetry Series in Houston Area Schools
More than 20,000 Houston Area elementary school children will learn an important American history lesson and be uplifted and inspired with an “I CAN” message when Bubbha Thomas and the Comcast Jazz & Poetry Series visits their schools during February, Black History Month. Communicated in a warm and friendly way, the award winning presentation is a much-in-demand program that explores a rich part of America’s musical heritage featuring music by Louie Armstrong and Duke Ellington. There is lots of audience participation, with children learning how the Jazz beat came about, and what happens when Mr. Saxophone meets Ms. Piano.
This is the third year that Comcast has been a major sponsor. “We salute Jazz Education Inc. and their aims to educate and inspire elementary school children helping them develop an early appreciation for music,” said Tony Speller, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston Region. “We’re proud to be a partner in the Jazz & Poetry Series as remembrance of the important people and events in African-American history.”
Time Warner Cable South Texas Broadcasts Largest People's March in the Country
Time Warner Cable’s broadcast of San Antonio’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, said to be the largest people's march in the country honoring the civil rights leader, will begin airing Feb. 10 on the cable system’s San Antonio On Demand Channel 988.
PROGRAMMING
BET
The Great Debaters – The blockbuster hit starring Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker is a drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship. Feb. 6.
The Loretta Claiborne Story (premiere) – The inspiring fact-based saga of a mentally and physically handicapped young woman who fulfilled her dream to excel at track and field. Feb. 14.
The Family Crews – This new series will give viewers an unprecedented glimpse at the life and family of TV father and funnyman Terry Crews of Everybody Hates Chris. Debuts Feb. 21.
TEN9EIGHT – Directed by award-winning filmmaker Mary Mazzio, the documentary tells the inspirational stories of several inner city teens from Harlem to Compton and all points in between, as they compete in an annual business plan competition run by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). Feb. 7.
The BET Honors – The third annual BET Honors celebrates the best and brightest in African American culture: entrepreneurs, corporate citizens, public servants and entertainers are lauded with moving musical tributes. Hosted by Gabrielle Union, this year's honorees include Whitney Houston, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Queen Latifah, Dr. Keith Black and Ruth Simmons. Feb. 1.
A Mother's Courage: Mary Thomas Story – Starring Alfre Woodard, this is the story of Mary Thomas, the mother of basketball star Isaiah Thomas, and how she fought to keep her family together and her sons out of trouble despite the surroundings of poverty, drugs, crime and violence of their ghetto neighborhood. Feb. 28.
Halle Berry – First African-American to win the Oscar for Best Actress. Jan. 31, Feb. 1.
Queen Latifah – Grammy Award-winning rapper, singer, model and actress. Feb. 1, 2.
Barack Obama – Profiles the current U.S. President from his childhood in Honolulu to his historic presidential win. Feb. 2.
Tyler Perry – Actor. Feb. 2.
Bernie Mac – Comedian and actor. Feb. 2, 3.
LL Cool J – Hip-hop pioneer, Grammy Award-winner, actor, author and designer. Feb. 3
Richard Pryor – Stand up comic and actor. Feb. 3, 4.
Frederick Douglass – Abolitionist leader. Feb. 9
Bill Cosby – Comedian, actor and producer who has played a major role in the development of a more positive portrayal of blacks on television. Feb. 10.
A Look Back – A retrospective of the phenomenally popular 1984-1992 situation comedy. Feb. 10.
Justice for All – This episode focuses on Marshall’s role in Brown v. The Board of Education. Feb 16.
Freedom’s Road: Slavery and the Opposition – This program examines slavery and its role in the Civil War, including all the forms of opposition to slavery. Feb 23.
ESPN Classic
During the month of February, ESPN Classic will show classic games, programs and films featuring black athletes that left their mark on their respective sports.
The NAACP Image Awards – The Image Awards honors top performers in music, movies and television. Feb. 26.
HBO
The Black List: Volume 3 – Some of today’s most dynamic African Americans will be profiled, from the childhood inspirations that shaped their ambitions to the evolving American landscape they helped define. Subjects will include Oscar-winning actress and TV host Whoopi Goldberg, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend, United Negro College Fund President Dr. Michael Lomax, actor Hill Harper, fashion model Beverly Johnson, CEO of BET Debra L. Lee, actor LaTanya Richardson and director-producer Lee Daniels. Feb. 8.
History
Save Our History: Voices of Civil Rights – This documentary presents the moving oral histories of every day people who lived through the tumultuous years of the Civil Rights Movement. Feb. 1
Honor Deferred – This documentary profiles seven African American veterans who recently received a long-awaited Medal of Honor for their valor during World War II. Feb 8.
Slave Catchers, Slave Resisters – Featured are stories about slave catchers who used brutal methods to enforce the system of slavery, and of the slaves who vied for their freedom at every turn. It covers the period from the colonial era through the Civil War and its aftermath. Feb. 11.
USS Constellation: Battling for Freedom – In the mid-19th century, the USS Constellation was the flagship Navy vessel charged with apprehending slave ships off the coast of Africa. This special tells the story of the trans-Atlantic slave trade by exploring the Constellation’s activities and the slave ships it attempted to capture. Feb. 16.
Deep Sea Detectives: Slave Ship Uncovered! – The remains of the Henrietta Marie, an 18th century slave ship, are examined by deep sea divers and scientists in this program, revealing the intricate routes the ship travelled and new insights into the lives of the slaves held captive on board. Feb. 16.
King – This unforgettable documentary, with never before seen footage of Dr. King, brings the story of the amazing Civil Rights leader to a new generation of viewers. Feb. 18.
Modern Marvels: George Washington Carver Tech – This program explores the life and inventions of George Washington Carver, one of the most important scientists of the 19th century. Feb. 18.
Dogfights: Tuskegee Airmen – This is the gripping story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the renowned all-black fighter unit, also known as the 99th Fighter Group, which was one of the most accomplished units in World War II. Feb. 19.
PBS
In Performance at The White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement – Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Seal, Smokey Robinson and the Blind Boys of Alabama will be performing. Feb. 11
An Evening With Smokey Robinson – Gwen Ifill will interview the Motown legend about his life and career. The program will include musical tributes from several Grammy-nominated artists. Check local listings.
African American Lives 2 – Harvard scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. guides a group – including poet Maya Angelou, actors Don Cheadle and Morgan Freeman, radio host Tom Joyner, comedian Chris Rock and rock 'n' roll legend Tina Turner – on a journey to discover their ancestry. The four-part series draws on DNA analysis, genealogical research and family oral tradition to trace the lineages of the participants down through U.S. history and back to Africa. Check local listings.
AMERICAN MASTERS "Marvin Gaye: What's Going On" – The story of Marvin Gaye – the Motown star who challenged and changed the face of black music – includes performance footage and insight from Mary Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Mos Def and others. Jan. 11.
An Evening With Eartha Kitt – In this lively and playful interview, Gwen Ifill talks with late performer Eartha Kitt about her stage, dance and film career. The program features a live performance by the legendary Kitt of three musical numbers. Check local listings.
Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story Of Black New Orleans – Arguably the oldest black neighborhood in America and the birthplace of jazz, Faubourg Treme was home to the largest community of free black people in the Deep South during slavery and a hotbed of political ferment. Feb. 26.
INDEPENDENT LENS "Banished" – The story of three counties that forcefully banished African-American families from their towns 100 years ago. Check local listings.
INDEPENDENT LENS "February One: The Story of the Greensboro Four" – On Feb. 1, 1960, four college students staged a sit-in at a Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement. Check local listings.
Sisters Of Selma: Bearing Witness For Change – This program is an unabashedly spiritual take on the Selma, Alabama, voting rights marches of 1965 from some of its unsung foot soldiers – Catholic nuns. Check local listings.
TV One
Each week TV One will take a historical view of various entertainment genres: sitcoms, music movies, comedy and Blaxploitation films.
Lords Of Comedy Week: Feb 1-5
The Flip Wilson Show – Five landmark episodes of the hit variety show that featured the comedian at his best as well as musical acts like The Jackson Five, The Supremes and Donny Hathaway.
The Richard Pryor Show – The legendary comedian’s controversial show only lasted four episodes and was never seen again – until now.
Lords Of Comedy Panel – Between episodes, watch as Tommy Davidson explores the impact of Pryor and Wilson’s shows with Mark Curry (Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper), comedian Doug Williams and Richard Pryor’s daughter, Rain Pryor.
Soul Soundtracks Week: Feb 8-12 Cooley High – The music you can’t forget acts as background to the teen classic you love to remember. Feb. 8.
Krush Groove – Witness the birth of the first hip-hop label in this 1980’s cult classic. Feb. 9.
Claudine – “On and On” goes the love between Diahann Caroll and James Earl Jones in this love story. Feb. 10.
Crooklyn – “We be doin’ it up Brooklyn style!” in Spike Lee’s touching portrait of a young girl growing up in 1970’s New York City. Feb. 11.
Juice – “Let’s see if you know the ledge” is sound advice for a young Tupac and Omar Epps in this gritty coming of age tale from the 1990’s. Feb. 12.
Soul Soundtracks Panel – During the films, Kid “Chris” Reid (House Party) is sitting down to discuss movies and music with rapper Kurtis Blow, Brian McKnight, Warrington Hudlin and El DeBarge.
Color TV Week: Feb 15-19
What’s Happening – Feb. 15.
Good Times – Feb. 16.
Sanford & Son – Feb. 17.
The Jeffersons – Feb. 18
A Different World – Feb. 19.
Color TV Panel – A 30-minute panel discussion each night with the cornerstones of classic Black TV.
Black Power Cinema Week: Feb 22-27
The Mack – Feb. 22
Cleopatra Jones – Feb. 23
Sweet Jesus Preacher Man – Feb. 24
Foxy Brown – Feb. 25
Three the Hard Way – Feb. 26
Black Power Cinema Panel – During each movie, the ‘father of Black Exploitation,’ Melvin Van Peebles will be on hand to offer an inside look at what it took to create these iconic films, and how they changed the perspectives of black audiences and Hollywood.
VH1
Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America – The documentary will look back at 40 years of this classic television show. Feb. 5.
