Black History Month 2012: Facts, TV Specials, Videos

Black History Month is during the month of February, here is a list of 2012 T.V. Specials that will be featured in honor of African American History.

Black History Month, also known as National African American History Month, is a month-long celebration of the achievements and roles of African Americans throughout the United States History. Black History Month has been celebrated since 1976, and recognized by every President. 

Black History Month Facts

• The month actually came out of "Negro Week" that historian Carter G. Woodson started in 1926.
• Woodson chose February to honor Abraham Lincoln.
• Dr. Maulana Karenga invented the first African American holiday, Kwanzaa, in 1966.
• In 1976, it became an official month-long reflection of African American History.
• The 24th Amendment of the Constitution enforced a "poll tax" that made it difficult for poor black men to vote durign elections. The amendment was abolished in January of 1964.
• The first black lawyer was admitted to practice by the supreme court in 1865.
• Tyra Banks was the first African American model on the covers of GQ and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

Black History Month 2012 Television Specials (all times in EST)

• February 2nd, 5:00 p.m., ESPN, The Rise of the Black Quarterback, documentary with interviews. Repeats Feb. 5, 18, 19.
• February 2nd, 8:30 p.m., Showtime, Brooklyn Boheme, documentary of the black arts movement in the 80's and 90's in Fort Greene.
• February 2nd, 10:00 p.m., PBS, Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock
• February 5th, 5:00, 9:00 p.m., BET, “Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters.” Two North Carolina women who each lived to be over 100 look back on their lives and all they faced.
• February 6, 10:00 p.m., PBS. “Underground Railroad: The William Still Story." Documentary on a free black man who helped slaves escape. 
• February 9, 10:00 p.m., PBS, “The Black Power Mixtape, 1967-1975.” 
• February 12, 11:00 a.m., BET, Dr. Maya Angelou and Common - An uncommon dialogue between the scholar and the rapper/actor.
• February 12, 9:00 p.m., Smithsonian, “MLK: The Assassination Tapes.” Material from the days around Dr. Martin Luther King’s death, some not heard since the late 1960s.
• February 13, 9:00 p.m., BET, BET Honors. Hosted by Gabrielle Union.
• February 13, 9:00 p.m. PBS, “Slavery by Another Name”, documentary on the treatment of blacks after the Civil War.
• February 14, 9:00 p.m., PBS, “The Interrupters.” Community workers and former gang members who intervene to head off violent confrontations and situations in Chicago.
• February 14, 9:00 p.m., HBO, “The Loving Story.” Documentary on a couple who challenged a ban on interracial marriage.
• February 17, 8:00 p.m., NBC, The NAACP Image Awards.
• February 17, 10:00 p.m., BET, “BET Takes Hollywood.” Focuses on black Oscar nominees.
• February 23, 8:30 p.m., Showtime, “Phunny Business.” The rise and fall of All Jokes Aside, a Chicago club that was one of the few to welcome and encourage black comedians like Steve Harvey.
• February 24, 9:00 p.m., PBS, “Memphis.” The hit Broadway show heavy on 1950s-inspired R&B, set against the backdrop of a forbidden interracial love story.
• February 26, 11:00 p.m., Centric, “The Life of Heavy D.” Documentary on the influential rapper who died young.
• February 27, 10:00 p.m., PBS, “Cab Calloway: Sketches.” Portrait of a fine musician who was also one of the great showmen of the 20th century.

Videos on Black History Month

Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream Speech
 

Morgan Freeman on Black History Month, PBS 60 Minutes
 

Black History Month between Democrats and Conservative Republicans
 

Paul Burgett (African American Music Scholar) on Black History Month
 

Malcolm X, City Desk in Chicago