100 Greatest Power Moves
For those that have TV One, they are showing a program tomorrow (11/09/08) called The Blacklist: 100 Greatest Power Moves on the greatest cultural achievements of blacks in America. If it is good, it may be worth purchasing. Check local listings. Here in Northern Virginia (Cox Cable) it is Channel 240. Put it on your schedule
The press release is below:
Beginning Sunday, Nov. 9, TV One will premiere an original, five-hour special chronicling the unforgettable moments, cultural movements and personal achievement that have advanced the black race and helped change the course of American history over the past century in The Blacklist: 100 Greatest Power Moves. Arsenio Hall, the groundbreaking television host who literally changed the face of late-night
television, will host the special, which will air over five consecutive nights, covering 20 Power Moves each night, culminating with the top 20 — and the #1 moment — on Thursday, November 13.
The Blacklist will encompass Power Moves from a wide cultural and historic perspective, from unwavering civil rights leaders to Nobel Prize-winning literary giants to independent-thinking film directors to a pop star who “Beat It.” The special will highlight African-American pioneers and awe-inspiring moments such as: the 1968 Olympic Medalists proudly raising their fists in the air in support of Black Power; Thurgood Marshall’s induction into the Supreme Court; the birth of Motown records; Bill Cosby becoming the knowledgeable, advice-giving father figure for the American television audience; Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” becoming one of the top selling albums of all time; the emergence of Rap music as a voice of the inner city; Malcolm X’s stance of self-preservation “By Any Means Necessary”; the steadfast determination of the
Little Rock Nine as they helped to desegregate the school system; and, of course, Barack Obama’s historic bid for the Presidency.
With a unique blend of reverence, “tell it like it is” attitude and a little bit of humor, this highly entertaining series promises to give a historical perspective, as well as an inspirational walk through of the best and most celebrated moments of the African-American experience.
The Power Moves will be presented with a fast-paced display of memorable imagery, the most-up-to-date graphic technology and soulful music, transporting the viewer to times and places that should never be forgotten.
Through in-depth interviews, viewers will hear firsthand accounts of many of these Power Moves from those who witnessed or took part in these moments or personal achievements, lived to talk about it and reflect on their impact on the American culture. The special will include commentary from scholars Michael Eric Dyson, Dr. Molefi Kete Asante and William Jelani Cobb; cultural critics Chuck D, Michaela Angela Davis and Emil Wilbekin, Hip Hop pioneer
Russell Simmons, rising politician Kevin Powell; and a host of celebrities and comedians for a lighter and somewhat irreverent view of the Power Moves.
“Viewers love list shows, and at TV One we wanted to create one that would not only capture attention, but would provoke discussion online and around the water cooler about the events, people and moments that have truly impacted American culture and even shaped our world, society and identity,” said TV One President and CEO Johnathan Rodgers.
A popular stand-up comedian, Arsenio Hall hosted Fox’s The Late Show in 1987 and the syndicated late-night series, The Arsenio Hall Show, from 1989-1994. Changing the face of late night television by capturing young, multi-ethnic viewers across the country, the show provided a forum for cutting edge comedy, politics and the television debut of such pop superstars as Mariah Carey, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Boyz II Men, and countless others. Although
entertainment was a priority for Hall, he also conceived of his show as a space where audiences, especially youth, could be educated.
Filed under: Changing World, Race
It’s a good concept and could make for interesting tv. But when are yall going to stop putting all your guests in the same “scholar” category and stop watering down the mix? I mean you got Michaela Angela Davis in the same category as Russell Simmons, Chuck D and Eric Dyson? That aint right. Michaela is a mess of a sister and sounds drugged up all the time. Hasn’t had an intelligent thing to say in a long minute! Two words yall. ASHA BANDELE. She comes with it every time.
I watched The Blacklist: 100 Greatest Power Moves, and there were more than just scholars featured/interviewed. There were comedians, entertainers, activists, journalists and more! But to your point… yes, Asha Bandele is amazing, and would have definitely contributed well to the piece. Check out http://www.darkcardVIP.com and give the show’s Producer your thoughts. They need to know!!!
I watched as well. So far, so good. I do not particularly care for the host (Arsenio Hall) and some of the commentators, but it is pretty good so far. I will probably buy it and add it to my collection
Thanks for the link Trina! I just posted on it.
Greetings,
My question is: why hasn’t Prince Hall been listed in this piece. Here’s a Black man who founded the first Black fraternal organization as well as, moreover, the first BLACK inter-state organization, period, in 1784…ain’t that a power move?
I would definitely say so!! Again… the Show Producer needs to know this!!! Post this thought (and any others) on http://www.darkcardVIP.com!
I didn’t know so many people were hip to Asha Bandele. We are progressing.
I thought 100 Black Power Moves was FANTASTIC! Unfortunately, I missed Monday night from 60-80. So I was wondering would you list the “Powerful 100″ on the website? I AM CRAVING for it. It’s really sad that our English or History teachers don’t have the curriculum to have our children in America to be empowered by our “giants” in history. Maybe, just maybe, some could be saved.
@ Terry
If I get a list I will post it. I thought that overall it was pretty good, but it certainly could have been much better. I did not like all of the commentators.
Also, the press release said that it was about black “power moves” in American history, then they make Nelson Mandela’s release from jail the #3 moment of all time. That shows me that the methodology in making the list was a little shoddy. This is taking nothing away from Nelson Mandela, but are we talking about people and events in America or worldwide events?
a positive show, but for gangsta rap to be ranked? what about the black reconstruction politicians? was NFL quarterback Doug Williams mentioned? if they were, then I missed it.
@ Tariq
Although I didn’t watch the show, would gather they added the release of Mandela due to the “power move” of Blackamericans in pushing for divestment of South Africa
@ Abu Usamah
It would have made sense had it been framed that way, but they did not.
They are showing it again this weekend on Sunday starting @ 12pm EST. I guess I finally get to watch it. I hope they have Reginald Lewis on the list or this list of “power moves” is lacking.
Terry, I agree wholeheartedly. We need to teach our children their history, and instill pride in them. As Muslims we cannot rely on nonMuslims to educate us about Islam, so why as black Americans should we rely on others to teach our history to us?
Blacks have contributed more to America and the world than we realize or care to acknowledge from traffic lights to mobile phones (yes it was a BLACK MAN in 1971!)
We are living a life of comfort because of black men and women.
I think if they left out Shirley Chicium ( the first black female to run for president or Harold Washington the first black to win Chicago Mayor. I think they need to recheck power moves
It was great to see how overtime how much we’ve achieved. It’s been a slow, long and hard climb, and yes we have so much more to achieve. This is a great piece that was put together, and we all can use it to help inform and educate our children and our community. I loved it! it is a start, it gives us something to work with, and to add too. Do you know if this can be purchased?
“Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” becoming one of the top selling albums of all time” It’s not one of the best selling albums of all time it’s THE best selling album of all time.
Uhh, has anyone ever heard of Byron Ruston, one of THE major organizers behind Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? Talk about “power mover(s).”
Wow,
I actually went to their site to inform them about an African-American figure , Prince Hall, who was left out of the listing…and they removed all of my entries!!!
WASHINGTON — Barack Obama’s election as president probably does not herald a new liberal era at the Supreme Court, since none of the conservative justices — who are in the majority — is expected to retire in the next four years. But if