Posted by | Ray Cornelius

OWN is celebrating all things “Selma” the entire month of January. The network will air special programming beginning New Years Day (January 1) that recognizes civil rights legends and pioneers who paved the way as we approach the 50th anniversary of the historic Selma to Montgomery marches that changed the trajectory of America forever. Check out the programming below and mark your calendars:

Thursday, January 1 at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.

“Oprah: Where Are They Now”

Oprah interviews Ruby Bridges, a woman who, at 6 years old, became a hero and civil rights pioneer as one of the first black children to integrate into an all-white New Orleans elementary school in 1960. Then, Oprah takes a look back at the most historic moments on The Oprah Winfrey Show covering civil rights and race relations.

“Race on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ with Tamron Hall”

From Harpo Studios in Chicago, NBC national news correspondent Tamron Hall hosts a look back on the most memorable episodes in The Oprah Winfrey Show’s 25 years covering race. From Oprah’s venture into Forsyth County, Georgia, to the historic reunion of the Freedom Riders, these iconic moments were cultural lessons that elicited opportunities for great connection, empathy and healing.

Sunday, January 4 at  9 p.m. and 10 p.m.

“Oprah Prime: Celebrating Dr. King and The Selma Marches 50 Years Later”

Oprah sits down with acclaimed actor David Oyelowo, star of the upcoming feature film “Selma,” along with the film’s award-winning director Ava DuVernay, for a conversation about the Martin Luther King, Jr. biopic and that important time in the history of the civil rights movement. In the episode, David shares with Oprah his seven-year-journey to portraying Martin Luther King, Jr., and how he never lost sight of his vision that he would someday play the role of the civil rights leader. Oprah also discusses with Ava her own path to the film and what it means to be a female, African-American director in Hollywood whose film is garnering award season buzz and critical acclaim.

“Oprah’s Master Class: Civil Rights Special”

Oprah hosts this special edition of ‘Master Class,’ as iconic masters tell their firsthand accounts about what life was like during the civil rights era. Cicely Tyson, Dr. Maya Angelou, Lionel Richie, Diahann Carroll, and Berry Gordy, Jr. share their insights from deeply personal experiences with segregation, race, and racism. Each master opens up about their struggle to elevate humanity, and how it significantly shaped their careers and lives. Plus, more compelling stories about equality and how they strive to be the best they can be from: Condoleezza Rice, Morgan Freeman, Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz and Jay Z.

Selma inside photo

Oprah Winfrey with “Selma” actor David Oyelowo and director Ava DuVernay

Friday, January 9

“Selma” opens in theaters nationwide

Sunday, January 18  at 9 p.m.

“Oprah Winfrey Presents: Legends Who Paved the Way”

Oprah Winfrey hosts a gala of events celebrating the upcoming film “Selma” and honoring some of the legendary men and extraordinary women of civil rights, the arts and entertainment who made history and redefined what was possible for us all. The legends that were honored include Ambassador Andrew Young, Berry Gordy, Jr., Rev. C.T. Vivian, Diane Nash, Dick Gregory, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Congressman John Lewis, Rev. Joseph Lowery, Juanita Jones Abernathy, Julian Bond, Marian Wright Edelman, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte.

Monday, January 19  at 9 p.m.

“Light Girls”

From the creator and director of the critically acclaimed documentary “Dark Girls,” award-winning filmmaker Bill Duke continues the conversation on colorism with “Light Girls.” Sharing the untold stories and experiences of lighter-skinned women, “Light Girls” dives deep into the discussion of skin color, preference, privilege, pain and prejudice. The documentary features interviews with Russell Simmons, Soledad O’Brien, Diahann Carroll, India Arie, Iyanla Vanzant, Michaela Angela Davis, Kym Whitley, Salli Richardson-Whitfield and more. “Light Girls” is a Duke Media production, executive produced by Bill Duke.

Sunday, January 25 at 10 p.m.

“Sag Harbor”

Sag Harbor takes an unprecedented look inside one of America’s most exclusive and historically significant African-American beach communities, featuring its current homeowners, including popular restaurateur and lifestyle pioneer, B. Smith. Located in the heart of New York’s The Hamptons, this tight knit enclave was established as a refuge from racism in the early 20th century

[youtube id=”QNvbmTCavU0″ width=”600″ height=”350″]

Source

Photo Credits: OWN.com

Share