Every February, TV Makes History

摘要

With roots going back to 1926, Black History Month was federally recognized 50 years later (occurring in February, when both ABRAHAM LINCOLN and FREDERICK DOUGLASS were born). Television networks began to use it as a programming wraparound in the late-'90s to showcase important moments and top stars in African-American history. By then, The NAACP Image Awards had already aired for several years on Fox via tape delay, then live during Black History Month for the first time in 2008. Comedian DL HUGH-LEY hosted the show, but Queen of Soul ARETHA FRANKLIN reigned, winning the Vanguard award and getting R-E-S-P-E-C-T for her groundbreaking work concerning racial issues. ABC's Ugly Betty, HBO's Life Support and African-American cable net TVOne all garnered gold.