I must start this entry by saying that the intentions of my blog are to inform and to create an awareness about issues within the African-American community. I would also love to celebrate the accomplishments and progressions of my community (congratulations again to President Obama for his Nobel Peace Prize). I don't intend to dwell on negative aspects, but some things need to be brought to the light in order for change to occur. Now that I have that off my chest, I can proceed to discuss the original topic for this posting--the new face (or at least new to me) of black programming.
Right now, I am watching Luther Vandross & Cheryl Lynn sing one of the best love songs over "If This World Were Mine" on Centric (formerly BETJ), an African-American entertainment channel. I have to admit I have tears in my eyes, and for more than one reason. First of all, it's still hard to believe Luther is no longer with us. Another reason is that I'm listening to the sweet sounds of what true love songs used to sound like (but I digress). Perhaps, the main reason is I feel touched there is still positive black programming out there; praise Jesus!
It wasn't until I moved to Chicago two years ago that I discovered some of cable's best-kept secrets: BETJ (now Centric) and TVOne. TVOne is another urban TV channel, but its programming features more television shows and movies, and Centric is the music channel. For a long time, all we had was BET (and for some throughout the country, like my mom in Mississippi that's still all they have to watch). I'm not slamming BET because back in the day, that channel was the bomb (Video Soul and Teen Summit--need I say more? BET Nightly News--can I get a witness?). My question is--what happened to these shows? And other programming like it? I support my community, but I have to say BET has dropped the ball a bit in many of its choices in programming. I still tune in every once and a while to 106 & Park for the latest "hits" and watch "The Game" reruns, but for the most part I stick to the other two channels for my entertainment.
I have to commend Centric (BETJ) and TVOne for a job-well done for their programming and for just existing. The old and new movies, the television shows (dramas and comedies), the music videos, etc. truly make my heart smile and make me proud again of black televsion. You picked up where others (unfortunately) dropped the ball.
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