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BET and sister network BET Jazz are delivering a diverse menu of special programming for Black History Month.
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 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, 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 “Cousin Jeff” Johnson makes its series debut during Black History Month on Monday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT. Called “urban America’s newest voice of social and political consciousness,” Cousin Jeff will address the subject “The Bridge is Over the Gap Between the Civil Rights and Hip Hop Generations” in the debut.
BOOK OF LOVE: THE DEFINITIVE REASON WHY MEN ARE DOGS, a new original made-for-television “mock-u-mentary,” features an all-star ensemble cast in a comic 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.
THE JACKSONS: AN AMERICAN DREAM. This three-part ’92 mini-series follows the borthers 5 through success, trouble and turmoil. February 21, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
On BET Jazz 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 studio CD, 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. 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 stirring “Float.” Schedule: February 20, 24 @ 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 10 p.m.; & February 27 @ 1 p.m., 6 p.m., 12 a.m.
