TVSquad

In honor of Black History Month, I've made a non-conclusive list of some programs and specials that are coming up to celebrate black history in America. I'll be adding more shows to future posts as information becomes available, probably as we get closer to February. If you know of any I've missed, let me know in the comments and I'll add them to my next post.

Comedian Steve Harvey will host Celebration of Gospel on BET on February 3 and February 7 at 9:00pm, and on February 18 at 10:00am.

On February 20 at 10pm, comedian Paul Mooney will host BET's The Top 25 News Events that (Mis) Shaped Black America, a look at black history featuring social critics and comedians.

BET also has several specials on tap as part of its "Hip-Hop History Weekend:"

• Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel on February 23 at 8:00pm
• The MC: This is Why We Do It on February 24 at 11:00pm
• Black & Blue: Legends of the Hip Hop Cop on February 25 at 1:00pm
• The Art of 16 Bars on February 25 at 3:00pm

The PBS series Independent Lens will feature two documentaries in February focused on black individuals and events: "Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life" tells the story of Duke Ellington's co-composer Billy Strayhorn, who was beloved for his music but also had to battle with the stigma of being a gay man in the '40s and '50s. "Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes" looks at the poetry and misogyny of hip-hop music and culture.

"Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life" airs February 6 at 10:00pm. "Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes" airs February 20 at 10:00pm. I'll have an "early look" at both of these specials before they air.

If you're looking for a little more levity, Comedy Central has a few programs for you as part of its "Hysterical Blackness" weekend, including:

• Friday Night Stand-Up on February 23 at 10:00pm
• A mini-movie marathon featuring The Ladies Man, Friday and Rush Hour will air starting at 4:00pm on February 24. This will be followed by Jamie Foxx's Laffapalooza comedian special, and another showing of Rush Hour.
• On February 25, two more movies: Boomerang at 5:30pm and Money Talks at 10:00pm.