Black History Month shows complemented online

Black History Month is being given special focus by several networks, many with an exciting online component.

PBS is bringing out a new slate of films as well as an ‘online cultural centre’ that enables viewers to explore award-winning programmes, special online events, chats with film makers, discussions about featured topics and more. It’s all going on at:  http://www.pbs.org/black-culture/home/. Be sure to click through to The Independent Lens blog, which is loaded with educational resources.

Then tune in for some of the many TV specials this month, including:

• The Power Broker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights — Premiering February 18, at 11pm on PBS / PBS HD:

Dubbed the civil rights movement’s ‘inside man,’ Whitney Young, Jr. took the fight for equal rights into the boardrooms of big corporations and the Oval offices of three Presidents. The show tells the story of Young’s journey from the segregated South to his national campaign for equal rights in America.

• Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Godmother of Rock and Roll — Premieres February 22, at 10pm on PBS / PBS HD:

Find out more about one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Though not a household name, Tharpe (1915 – 1973), was among the first performers and recording artists to play the electric guitar. Known for her brilliant showmanship, she brought the spiritual passion of her background in gospel music into the heart of rock and roll.

Meantime, over at BET, there is plenty more to discover, and once again, the online resources are bringing a new level of depth and excitement to the experience.

Visit http://www.bet.com/news/features/black-history-month.html and explore topics ranging from the celebration of black inventors, to notables discussing the importance of Black History Month.

• Tonight, step back into the present with this special presentation: BET Honors 2013 — Wednesday, February 13 at 11pm on BET (re-airs Saturday February 16 at 9pm):

Tune in for this celebration of modern-day history-makers including entrepreneurs, corporate citizens, educators, public servants and entertainers.  Hailed by The Washington Post as an event that “favoured achievement with honour over gaudy success,” this year’s show is hosted by Gabrielle Union with honorees including Halle Berry, Lisa Leslie, Chaka Khan, Clarance Avant, and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

• Roots —  Parts One and Two — airing back to back starting at 4pm on Saturday, February 16 on BET:

Based on the best-selling novel by author Alex Haley, the now classic “Roots” traces the history of Haley’s own family through several generations, starting with the kidnapping of an African warrior by American slave traders, and ending with post-Civil War freedom. The six-part “Roots” miniseries is one of the highest-rated television programmes in broadcasting history. 

Next, when you’re ready for some laughs, here are a few other upcoming shows you might want to see:

• Upload with Shaquille O’Neal  — premieres Thursday, February 21, at 11:30pm on TruTV”:

This new half-hour series is being touted by the network as a “totally new take on a clip show.” Join basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, and his co-hosts, comedians Gary Owen and Godfrey as they spoof and deconstruct the wacky clips they find on the web. Expect plenty of comedy sketches and pranks with guest comedians.

• Spontaneous Construction — new series premieres Friday, February 15, at 9pm on HGTV:

Bridging the gap between television and social media, “Spontaneous Construction” sets out each week to help a homeowner struggling with a renovation project by tapping into the power of email, Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist and others. HGTV’s general manager, Kathleen Finch, describes it this way: “Spontaneous Construction is the first time choreographed flash mobs have played a role in helping homeowners complete their dream renovations.” Intrigued? So am I.

Happy viewing!

Shavonne Jeffries is Customer Services Manager, for Bermuda CableVision.