Viola Davis Shares Her Favorite TV Shows and Books for Black History Month

Stacey Morris As an African American, I cannot discuss Black history without mentioning the direct influence it has on the fabric of my existence. As a Black female barber-stylist, by profession, I reflect on the history of Black barbers and barbershops, as well as my progenitors that pioneered a historical pathway.Amidst many social changes that transpired in the 19th century, Black-owned and operated barbershops catered most to white patrons.

man’s now-deleted Instagram account, but was re-shared Tuesday to the left-leaning watchdog account Patriot Takes, where it’s amassed over 66,000 views.In the shocking footage, captioned “distrubing,” right-wing rabble-rouser Ethan Schmidt can be seen berating a clerk at the discount store Five Below, where they appear to be selling clothing emblazoned with BHM slogans.“This is like very disturbing to me … Like, the Black History and then the LGBT stuff,” Schmidt says to the bewildered female employee, who’s folding clothes at the counter. “Like, why don’t they have like white history month and like why don’t they celebrate straight pride?” He adds, “Why aren’t they more inclusive?”“It’s disturbing, man.

Kerry Washington pays tribute to Rosa Parks for Black History Month in a unique way. The actress transformed herself into some trailblazing figures in history, including Rosa Parks, Olympian Wilma Rudolph, and supermodel Beverly Johnson.“Back with some more #BlackHERstory! This time celebrating THE Rosa Parks,” the star wrote, alongside a picture of her dressed as Parks. “A lot of people think that Rosa’s activism started with her refusing to give up her seat on the bus.

Ryan Michelle Bathé Black History Month, pioneered by Dr. Carter G.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment tweeted a Black History Month tribute today “spotlighting some of our favorite DC characters” including Will Smith’s Deadshot, Jurnee Smollett’s Black Canary and Idris Elba’s Bloodsport. Fans began responding with photos of Ray Fisher as Cyborg in Warner Bros. Justice League and sent #IStandWithRayFisher trending on Twitter.

Showtime is on a bit of a roll lately. Obviously, the network has series such as “Billions,” which is consistently lauded as one of the best shows on TV.

is in the upcoming Showtime series The First Lady.The 10-episode follows Michelle Obama, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Betty Ford as they navigate life in the White House and the spotlight. In addition to Davis, who is also an executive producer on the series, The First Lady stars and as the women of The White House.

Three of America’s most influential first ladies are at the center of Showtime’s historical drama, “The First Lady.” The trailer for the first season, directed and executive produced by Susanne Bier, sees Viola Davis as Michelle Obama, Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford and Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt.

Black History Month, a crucial time to learn about different Black lives and stories that have left a significant mark on our society.MORE: 10 inspiring Black History Month books that kids will loveAs the month progresses, various stars such as Kerry Washington and Tracee Ellis Ross are taking to Instagram to share all the different ways in which they commemorate the significance of the month. From photo recreations to special music videos and more, here are how different celebrities are honoring Black history.WATCH: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle commemorate Black History MonthRihanna kicked it off with news that sent fans wild. Just two days after the singer announced her pregnancy alongside A$ap Rocky with stunning photos in the streets of New York, she shared with her followers an intimate photo of her growing baby bump.The star shared a picture from her bathroom where she was lifting an orange sports jersey to show her belly.

WASHINGTON -- The six Black members of President Joe Biden's Cabinet on Thursday celebrated Black History Month by discussing their roles, some of which are historic firsts.Actor Taraji P. Henson and athletes Sloane Stephens and Nneka Ogwumike also took part in a separate discussion on the importance of mental health and wellness among Blacks.Cedric Richmond, a former congressman who also is Black and is a top adviser to the president, moderated a conversation about Black leadership with the Cabinet members who advise Biden on everything from the military to foreign affairs to the economy.Michael Regan, the first Black man to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said during the livestreamed event that Black leadership is “extremely important.”“Diverse leadership is extremely important because this is a democracy and, in order for a democracy to work, its leadership should reflect the people that it represents,” he said.Other participants included Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the first Black person in the post; Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge; U.S.

Tilane Jones Guest ColumnistFor me, Black History Month is best illustrated by my 92-year-old grandmother Ella Queen Johnson’s recall of our family stories. She shares these stories knowing that the wider world lacks a true and full recognition of the African American family legacy. For most of her long life, she has known that she should not look for depth and dimension in film and television as it relates to families like ours.

Kanye West has made the argument that Black History Month – an annual commemoration of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora, celebrated every February in North America – is no longer relevant, instead declaring in a new video that February will henceforth be known as “Black Future Month”.The video shows West – who is legally known as Ye – standing in the centre of a hooded group and delivering a powerful speech on his upbringing and struggles as a Black man in modern America.“The system has been separating families in every way that they can, for years” he said, noting that he was separated from his mother (the first female head of the English department at Chicago State University) and his father (a Black Panther) at a young age, leading to a fractured relationship between West and the latter.He continued: “America is made to enslave us. What they ever gave us? We’d improve.

Ariana DeBose I’ve always had difficulty understanding where I fit in Black History Month. What do I represent? What communities do I belong to? And are they reflected in the narrative of the celebration? I think about the many unsung Black women who’ve paved the way throughout history, like Pauli Murray who spoke up for civil rights and the rights of Black queer women specifically.

Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy” (Feb. 4 on Prime Video)A documentary that tells the story of an all-black night, created by Guy Torry, and held at The Comedy Store in LA from 1995-2005. Interviews include Anthony Anderson, Tiffany Haddish, Steve Harvey, Regina King and Nick Cannon — who recount performing on The Comedy Store stage or who were in the audience.“Howard High” (Feb.

Michelle Obama is sharing stories of individuals who are making a difference in communities across the country. She shared a black and white photo by Chicago based photographer Antonio Dickey and wrote, “This is a month of celebration—a time to not only reflect on the heroes in our history books, but to honor the Black people who are quietly working every day to improve and enrich our communities right here and now.” “Today, I’m starting with Antonio Dickey,” she continued.The photo Michelle shared was taken by Dickey when she spoke with students at a school resource event in 1991. “Back then, I was just Michelle Robinson, an assistant to Mayor Daley at City Hall,” she wrote.

Trayvon Martin in Florida also get attention.The post-George Floyd onset of racial reckoning and the subsequent backlash have coincided with the growth of streaming and its voracious need for content, a two-fold incentive for TV to pay heed to the sweep and nuance of Black experience.With broadcast networks and cable channels trying to keep pace with flush streaming services, there’s an impressive field of documentaries, profiles and more ahead. Among the highlights (all times are Eastern):—“One Thousand Years of Slavery,” Smithsonian Channel, Feb. 7-28.