WASHINGTON (BET/ www.bet.com) - As
Black History Month unfolds for 2005 and the country honors the historic contributions of African Americans, both BET and its sister network BET Jazz: The Jazz Channel are delivering a diverse menu of special programming. Both networks have infused their lineups with an enlightening and entertaining mix for a month-long salute that viewers will enjoy.
Anchoring BET's Black History Month fare is the annual CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL, back for its fifth year celebrating both the traditional and contemporary art form as sung by some of the biggest names in gospel music along side secular artists with gospel roots. Performers for this spiritual salute include Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, BeBe Winans, Angie Stone, Smokie Norful, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Pastor Shirley Caesar, J. Moss, BET's own Dr. Bobby Jones, The Clark Sisters, Kiki Sheard, Tye Tribbett and others. CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL V premieres on Thursday, February 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
THE COUSIN JEFF CHRONICLES, a new, in-depth quarterly forum and talk show featuring BET's own "Cousin Jeff" Johnson, makes its series debut during Black History Month on Monday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT. Quickly earning a reputation as urban America's newest voice of social and political consciousness, Cousin Jeff will engage viewers with his unique ability to stimulate dialogue and examine differing perspectives in an effort to frame and explore social ills. For its debut installment, THE COUSIN JEFF CHRONICLES will address the subject "The Bridge is Over - The Gap Between the Civil Rights and Hip Hop Generations."
Produced by BET Pictures in association with Strange Fruit Films, a new original made-for-television movie Book of Love - THE DEFINITIVE REASON WHY MEN ARE DOGS will add some special spice to BET in Black History Month. This "mock-u-mentary" features an all-star ensemble cast and delivers comical insight to a tale of unrequited love and male/female relationships gone bad.
Written by Jeffrey W. Byrd and Eric K. George, the film stars Robin Givens (Head of State, Boomerang), Salli Richardson Whitfield (Biker Boyz, Antwone Fisher), Richard T. Jones (Twisted, Judging Amy), Anthony "Treach" Criss (Playas Ball, Jason's Lyric), Mari Morrow (National Security, How To Be A Player) and Eric K. George (NYPD Blue, The Practice). BOOK OF LOVE premieres on Monday, February 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Also highlighting the BET Black History Month slate is a special mini-series event THE JACKSONS: AN AMERICAN DREAM. It all began with a working-class family from Gary, Indiana. But when their extraordinary gift for singing is discovered, the music world is set on fire by some talented youngsters who would become the world famous Jackson 5. This three-part journey through success, trouble and turmoil televises February 21, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
BET Jazz: The 24-Hour Jazz Channel will satisfy a range of musical tastes with its Black History Month sampling of compelling performances from the worlds of jazz and R&B. The special programming includes (all times ET):
* SEAL: LIVE FROM THE 2004 BERMUDA MUSIC FESTIVAL - Set against the lush backdrop of Bermuda where the water is blue and the stage sits in the ocean, pop sensation Seal gives a strong performance as he sings hits ranging from an acoustic version of "Kiss From A Rose" to "Don't Cry," and selections from his most recent CD titled Seal IV. Hosted by Maxine Williams. Schedule: February 6, 10 & 17 @ at 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 10 p.m.
* THE JAZZ FOUNDATION OF AMERICA PRESENTS "A GREAT NIGHT IN HARLEM" - Go behind the scenes of this annual fundraiser event at New York's famed Apollo Theater. The Jazz Foundation of America, which aids musicians in their later years, pays tribute to the late great Ray Charles.
Attendees include Taylor Hackford (director of the Academy Award-nominated film Ray), Angela Workman (an original Raylette), The Chico O'Farrill Afro-Cuban Orchestra directed by Arturo O'Farrill, Brian Blade, Sweet Georgia Brown, a taped statement by Quincy Jones, actor Danny Aiello and many others. Hosted by actor Hill Harper (CSI: NY).
Schedule: February 8 @ 12 p.m., 8 p.m., 12 a.m.; February 13 @ 12 p.m., 8 p.m., 11 p.m.; February 22 @ 12 p.m. 8 p.m., 12 a.m.; February 27 @ 12 p.m., 8 p.m., 11 p.m.
* ANGIE STONE: THE STONE LOVE TOUR - Angie Stone takes viewers on a soulful journey as she sings hit after hit from her Stone Love CD such as "I Wanna Thank Ya" and "Stay For A While"(duet with Anthony Hamilton), as well as her hit single "Brotha" from her previous album, Mahogany Soul. This concert showcases why Angie Stone will be one of the long-lasting R&B divas of our time. Schedule: February 13, 16 & 21 @ 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 10 p.m.
* ANTHONY HAMILTON: "COMIN' FROM WHERE I'M FROM" - Anthony Hamilton gives a rousing performance from his tour stop in Atlanta based on his CD Comin' From Where I'm From. Songs include the 2004 hit "Charlene", "Cornbread Fish & Collard Greens" and the soul stirring "Float." He gives his all during this live performance and viewers definitely come away as fans of his engaging style.
Schedule: February 20, 24 @ 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 10 p.m.; & February 27 @ 1 p.m., 6 p.m., 12 a.m.
