BET Networks Helps Viewers Find Greatness Through Inspiration

BET Networks Helps Viewers Find Greatness Through Inspiration

Black History Month Vignettes Feature an All-Star Lineup of Entertainers Paying Tribute To Legends Who Paved The Way And Inspired Us All

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- BET Networks, the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture on a global basis, pays tribute to historical figures in Black history with the single theme, "Be Inspired," resonating through BET, BET J and BET.com and extending from on-air vignettes into print and online campaigns.

Each on-air vignette has a contemporary all-black setting that draws the viewer in and focuses on celebrities who tell how historical legends in Black history inspired and paved the way for others. Shot in Los Angeles at the Miahaus Studios, the sleek, simple concept features an all-star lineup of contemporary entertainers paying tribute to legends in music, entertainment, human rights, and art. BET Executive Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Kelli Lawson, created the concept and her Creative Services team executed the production under the Direction of Creative Director and Executive Producer Ava Hall-Mattison, and Director, Bernard Dixon.

"At BET, where we celebrate Black culture and achievements every day, we felt that the 'Be Inspired' theme connects viewers and motivates them to create their own history to inspire others," said Kelli Lawson, Executive Vice President of Corporate Marketing.

Featured in these vignettes are R&B singer Omarion; actor and star of THE WIRE, Wood Harris; gospel singers Erica Campbell and Tonex; R&B singer Mario, American Idol winner Fantasia; R&B singer and actor Chris Brown; and Academy Award winning actor, Cuba Gooding Jr. who each pay tribute to a host of Black legends including the Nicholas Brothers, Coretta Scott King, James Brown, and James Van Der Zee among others.

Coinciding with the "Be Inspired" theme of Black History Month is a lineup of BET and BET J programming and online content on BET.com this February that connects with the Black experience on a number of levels from powerful gospel to human inspiration and triumph to unapologetic examinations into the people, music and events currently shaping popular culture.

The following is a look at more special programming for February's Black History Month schedule on BET Networks:

BET PROGRAMS & SPECIALS:

CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL -- This year's event features stirring performances and moving renditions by some of today's hottest and most talented artists from the worlds of gospel and R&B. Hosted by Steve Harvey. Special tribute honoree: Tyler Perry. Also featuring: Kirk Franklin, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Fantasia, Coko (SWV), Lil Mo, Dr. Bobby Jones, Yolanda Adams, Smokie Norful, Fred Hammond, Blair Underwood, Louis Gossett Jr., Kelly Price, and Tonex. Saturday, February 3 at 9:00 p.m.; Wednesday, February 7 at 9:00 p.m.; Sunday, February 18 at 10:00 a.m. ET/PT.

THE TOP 25 EVENTS THAT (MIS)SHAPED BLACK AMERICA -- BET is at it again with another sure-to-cause-conflict, Top 25 special not to be missed. Join the "King of Controversy" Paul Mooney as he profiles the TOP 25 EVENTS THAT (MIS) SHAPED BLACK AMERICA. Brace yourselves -- BET is about to publicly air out dirty laundry with topics and issues people are afraid to discuss. BET's TOP 25 EVENTS THAT (MIS) SHAPED BLACK AMERICA features comical insight from pop culture critics Margeaux Watson, Toure, Emil Wilbekin, and Lola Oguinnaike; actresses Megan Goode and Debbie Allen; entertainment lawyer Londell McMillian; celebrity publicist Marvet Britto; New York radio personality Miss Info; R&B crooner Mario, and many others. Tuesday, February 20 at 10:00 p.m.; Thursday, February 22 at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, February 25 at 12:00 p.m.; Tuesday, February 27 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

ONE NIGHT ONLY MARATHON -- Catch up on all 5 episodes leading up to the suspense-filled series finale in this inspiring reality docu-soap. Follow six high school kids and their drama teacher in New Orleans' McDonogh 35 High School as they race to mount the "Dreamgirls" play in the aftermath and the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. This series features guest appearances from recent Golden Globe Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated star of the hit movie, Jennifer Hudson, actor Blair Underwood, celebrity couple Dwayne Martin and Tisha Campbell Martin, American Idol finalist Paris Bennett, Tony Award- winning choreographer George Faison and TLC host and celebrity makeup artist Damone Roberts. Saturday, February 24 from 7:30 p.m. - 11: 00 p.m. ET/PT.

ONE NIGHT ONLY (SERIES FINALE) -- In the series finale, there are only a few hours left until curtain call. Everyone is arriving at the auditorium: the Mayor, the Governor, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, David Geffen, Bill Condon, BET executives and DreamWorks and Momentum Entertainment executives. Can the cast pull it off? Fame Comes and Goes, Stars Rise, but Dreams Live Forever! Tuesday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

HIP-HOP HISTORY WEEKEND: For more than two decades, BET has been the voice of hip-hop lifestyle and culture, which has become the dominant music and aesthetic of young America; driving almost every aspect of the world's popular culture. This February, BET explores the rap art form and hip-hop lifestyle with a series of documentary films. Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel. Friday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT; The MC: This is Why We Do It. Saturday, February 24 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT; Black & Blue: Legends of the Hip-Hop Cop. Sunday, February 25 at 1:00 p.m. ET/PT; The Art of 16 Bars. Sunday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m. ET/PT.

BET J PROGRAMS & SPECIALS:

MILES ELECTRIC: A DIFFERENT KIND OF BLUE -- This music special examines the dynamic life and sounds of legendary musician, Miles Davis. Directed by award-winning producer Murray Lerner, he sits down with several performers who have worked and played with the late artist, including Carlos Santana and Joni Mitchell, who describe the impact Miles Davis had on today's music. Sunday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT.

BLACK STORIES -- Don't miss the riveting and thought-provoking short film showcase spotlighting up-and-coming filmmakers and embracing the Black experience. Unflinching short stories and shocking tales will undoubtedly entertain viewers while evoking an array of emotions with this edgy short film series. Monday, February 5 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

MASTERS OF AMERICAN MUSIC SERIES -- Through historical footage highlighting performances and intimate accounts from their fellow musicians and family, this BET J favorite gives viewers an appreciation of these musical icons' contributions to Black music! Featured artist: Billy Holiday. Sunday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m.; Featured artist: Louis Armstrong. Sunday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m.; Featured Artist: John Coltrane. Sunday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT.

BET J HISTORY MAKERS -- Each half-hour program explores the dynamic lives of prominent individuals like Susan L. Taylor, Nikki Giovani, Angela Davis and Reverend Al Sharpton, who often overcame challenges to achieve their success. Viewers learn and appreciate the untold stories of our unsung Black American history makers who have persevered through success, faith and courage. A profile on various "history makers" SUCCESS: Tuesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.; A profile on various "history makers" FAITH: Tuesday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m.; A profile on various "history makers" COURAGE: Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT.

BET.COM CONTENT:

During the entire month of February, BET.com will feature results from a recent study on the best cities for Black Americans and profiles on cities critical to the Civil Rights Movement including Memphis, Birmingham and Atlanta. Visitors to the site can also test their knowledge of Black history with interactive quizzes and trivia games and view a calendar of Black History events around the county.

For complete details and programming listings for Black History Month, please visit http://www.bet.com/.

ABOUT BET

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B), is the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture on a global basis. The primary BET cable network reaches more than 84 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET Digital Networks -- BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop -- combine to serve a broader and more diverse audience than the core network. BET.com is a leading internet destination for the target audiences. BET Mobile delivers music, gaming, and video content to the target audiences on wireless devices across virtually all service providers. BET Event Productions is a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe. Finally, BET International delivers BET content to the consumers of Black culture around the world.

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Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Anne Williams of BET Networks, +1-202-608-2063,
anne.williams@bet.net

Web site: http://www.bet.com/

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