Posted by | Ray Cornelius
BET is celebrating Black History Month in a major way with the highly anticipated return of the #1 new original drama series “Being Mary Jane,” the epic premiere of the miniseries “The Book of Negroes” and the superstar “The BET Honors” 2015 lineup.
The hit original series “Being Mary Jane,” starring Gabrielle Union, is back bigger than ever with 12, one-hour episodes beginning Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 10 PM ET/PT. Created and executive produced by Mara Brock Akil, this season of “Being Mary Jane” finds Mary Jane once again juggling more than she can handle between family drama, bold career choices and a budding new relationship – possibly involving a child of her own.
BET launches its first-ever event miniseries “The Book of Negroes,” a six-part historical drama in the tradition of Roots, based on Lawrence Hill’s award-winning, Oprah Winfrey-listed novel (known in the United States as Someone Knows My Name). The highly anticipated television event will run over the course of three consecutive nights in two-hour installments starting Monday, February 16, 2015 at 8 PM ET/PT. “The Book of Negroes” depicts the extraordinary life journey of Aminata Diallo, an indomitable African woman who cuts a swath through a world that is pre-disposed to underestimate her. Kidnapped by slave traders in West Africa and subsequently enslaved in South Carolina, Aminata must navigate her way through the American Revolution in New York, the isolated refuge of Nova Scotia and the treacherous jungles of Sierra Leone before ultimately securing her freedom in England at the dawn of the 19th century. The star-studded cast features lead actress Aunjanue Ellis, Oscar winners Cuba Gooding Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr., Lyriq Bent, Oscar nominee Jane Alexander, Ben Chaplin and Allan Hawco.
Rounding out the star studded month is the years can’t miss lineup for “The BET Honors” 2015. Dedicated to celebrating black excellence, this year’s show will recognize the achievements of five spectacular African Americans: Kanye West, Phylicia Rashad, Usher Raymond, Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole and John W. Thompson. Hosted by Wayne Brady, “The BET Honors” 2015 premieres on Monday, February 23, 2015 at 9PM ET/PT.
In other related BET news, the network has appointed Stephen Hill as President of Programming. In this newly created position, Hill will lead the Original Programming, Music Programming & Specials, and the BET News teams responsible for creating, developing, and producing programming across BET. Hill was most recently President of Music Programming & Specials at BET which was responsible for BET’s music shows and specials including, “BET Awards,” “BET Honors,” “Black Girls Rock,” “The Hip Hop Awards,” and “Celebration of Gospel.”
“I have worked with Stephen for over 15 years, and his passion for the BET Brand has been apparent from the very beginning. He has grown our music shows and specials into iconic and highly-rated programs beloved by our audience,” said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and CEO, BET Networks. “Over the past several years, he has expanded his role into scripted programming, launching our hit series ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood.’ He is well-qualified and ready for this new challenge and I am excited to have him in this new role.”
Congrats BET and Stephen Hill!
Source and Photo Credits: BET.com
