BET Remembers George Floyd and Addresses the Systemic Injustice Plaguing Black Americans With Three Reflective and Empowering News Specials

Rhea-AI Summary

On the anniversary of George Floyd's death, BET will air three original primetime news specials as part of its Content For Change initiative, starting on May 25. The specials will feature influential voices from the Black community discussing racial justice, accountability, and societal progress since Floyd's murder. The series includes performances and commentary from artists like Jon Batiste and Nas, along with discussions hosted by Soledad O’Brien. BET aims to leverage media in the fight against systemic racism and promote social change.

Positive

• BET's initiative Content For Change supports the creation of impactful content aimed at addressing systemic racism.
• The specials feature high-profile guests that can expand audience engagement and drive conversations on racial justice.
• BET's commitment to continuous coverage of social justice issues can enhance its brand reputation and relevance.

Negative

• None.

Nearly a year has passed since the murder of George Floyd, whose life was senselessly taken by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Tuesday, May 25, marks the anniversary date of Floyd’s passing, and BET will engage audiences with three compelling original primetime news specials powered by its social impact initiative Content For Change. These primetime specials will feature a range of notable voices from the Black community who not only pay tribute to the life of George Floyd but reflect on society’s so-called racial reckoning. Has America made meaningful progress in the fight for racial justice and equality in the year since Floyd’ death? If not - what is the path forward? The three-night television event begins Tuesday, May 25 starting at 8 PM ET/PT on BET.

(Photo: Business Wire)

“In the year since we’ve lost George Floyd, we’ve all been tasked with examining difficult truths, while the Floyds and many other Black families have buried their loved ones. These tough times push our collective consciousness to challenge societal inequities and strive for safer futures,” said BET President Scott Mills. “A year later at BET, it is critical that we continuously join the effort honoring George Floyd’s life and building the world he deserved. Creating Content for Change is part of our contribution to the cooperative effort we all must make in the fight for accountability, justice and equity.”

In June 2020, BET launched Content for Change, an expansive campaign anchored in the principle that media plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving individuals’ and communities’ values, perceptions and actions. The groundbreaking initiative supports the creation of content that drives change needed to eliminate systemic racism and inequality in America, and its focus includes social justice, economic empowerment, education, civic engagement, health and wellness.

Through the social justice pillar of the initiative, BET has leveraged its platforms to provide quality and informative programming that focuses on key issues impacting our community.

“Bars and Ballads for George Floyd” will premiere on night one, Tuesday May 25 at 8 PM ET/PT, and will feature a powerful ensemble of musical and spoken word performances and commentary, including Oscar-winning composer Jon Batiste, Rap icon Nas, Ambassador Andrew Young, Grammy-award winning singer and activist Anthony Hamilton, Civil Rights leader and Color of Change President Rashad Robinson, actor Michael K. Williams, rapper/lecturer Bun B, rapper/activist Trae tha Truth and others, to pay tribute to George Floyd and the movement that exploded in reaction to his killing.

On night two, Wednesday May 26 at 8 PM ET/PT, we’ll premiere "Justice Now: Race & Reckoning,” hosted by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, features prominent voices in politics, law enforcement, corporate America, Hollywood and sports, such as Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, U.S. Representative Karen Bass, NBA Players Association Executive Director Michelle Roberts, NFL Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy, Ford Foundation president Darren Walker, and Academy-award winning director Travon Free, to address America’s racial reckoning and speak truth to those in power.

O’Brien will also host "Justice Now: The Way Forward," closing out the three-night series on Thursday May 27 at 8 PM ET/PT. Featuring interviews with Philonise Floyd (George Floyd’s brother), U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, Charlottesville Police Chief RaShall Brackney, New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah Jones, WNBA Owner and activist Renee Montgomery and others, this special examines the persistent barriers to change that have negatively impacted the Black community for generations and highlights meaningful solutions that can bring about true racial and economic justice in a “post-George Floyd” America.

“As our community demands accountability in the wake of the tragedies that occur entirely too often, BET will continue our frontline coverage that shines a light on those in positions to affect change. We will continue to use our platform in a way that makes it clear: that even as time passes, we will not be moved or discouraged. We will continue our charge forward in the fight for social justice,” said Jeanine Liburd, BET’s Chief Social Impact and Communications Officer.

For BET, Jason Samuels is the senior executive producer of these specials.

For more information visit www.bet.com. Follow us @bet across these social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter) and join the conversation using the hashtag #ContentForChange.

About BET

BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African American audience. The primary BET channel is in 125 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

About Content For Change

Content for Change is a $25 million initiative from BET and ViacomCBS Inc. anchored in the principle that media—storytelling, news, information and commercials—plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving individuals’ and communities’ values, perceptions and actions. Content for Change seeks to support the elimination of systemic racism and racial inequities in America through the creation, distribution, marketing and promotion of content that is specifically designed to positively impact perception, understanding and engagement. This expansive effort is designed to improve social outcomes for Black Americans, with areas of focus including racial justice, economic empowerment, education, health and civic participation.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005889/en/

FAQ

What is BET's plan for the anniversary of George Floyd's death?

BET will air three original primetime news specials starting May 25 as part of its Content For Change initiative.

What are the dates for BET's specials honoring George Floyd?

The specials will air on May 25, May 26, and May 27, all starting at 8 PM ET/PT.

Who will be featured in BET's series about racial justice?

The series features prominent figures including Jon Batiste, Nas, and Soledad O’Brien.

What is the focus of BET's <b>Content For Change</b> initiative?

The initiative focuses on eliminating systemic racism and inequality through media-driven social change.

How does BET plan to raise awareness about social justice?

BET aims to leverage its platform through original programming that discusses racial reckoning and accountability.