TV to celebrate Black History Month
Advertiser News Services
Black History Month is getting heavy attention on cable and network TV.
It peaks Feb. 24, with two major movies — Angela Bassett starring in "The Rosa Parks Story" on CBS, and Andre Braugher as A. Philip Randolph in the Showtime movie "10,000 Black Men Named George." From movies to specials, there will be something for all ages. Here's a sampling of what's to come:
- Disney's "The Proud Family" (7 p.m. today) will feature an episode called "I Had a Dream," in which one character goes back to the 1950s and educates her friends and teacher about civil rights.
- A&E's "Biography" will include a series of profiles of prominent African Americans, such as a Gladys Knight episode that airs Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. Feb. 7.
- HBO will show "The Middle Passage" (10:05 p.m. Feb. 9), a documentary about the slave trade, and at 10 p.m. Feb. 16 will air "Lumumba," a film about the rise to power and assassination of the controversial leader who freed the Congo from Belgium.
- PBS will air "A Huey P. Newton Story" (9 p.m. Feb. 13), a docudrama directed by Spike Lee, about the co-founder of the Black Panther Party.
- The History Channel has scheduled several documentaries throughout the month, among them: "A Fragile Freedom: African American Historic Sites" (8 p.m. Feb. 13).
- Showtime will air three original films celebrating Black History Month, including "The Red Sneakers" (8 p.m. Feb. 10), about a boy whose life is transformed by a pair of red sneakers. Gregory Hines directed the film and stars.
- AMC's Soul Cinema (Feb. 23, check local listings) will air "Backstory: Carmen Jones," a behind-the-scenes look at the 1954 film starring Dorothy Dandridge.
- CBS will air "The Rosa Parks Story" (8 p.m. Feb. 24), starring Angela Bassett and Cicely Tyson, based on the life of social activist Rosa Parks.
- HGTV will telecast "Homes of the Underground Railroad" (9 p.m. Feb. 24), an hourlong special.
- At 10 p.m. each Monday, Comedy Central will air shows examining contemporary African American comedians, including Chris Rock and Whoopi Goldberg.
