E! AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER STEPHEN CURRY HONOR BLACK EXCELLENCE AS THE TWO-NIGHT SPECIAL EVENT ‘BLACK POP: CELEBRATING THE POWER OF BLACK CULTURE’ BEGINS MONDAY, JUNE 19.
Four-Part Special Narrated by La La Anthony Focuses on the Pivotal Contributions of Black Culture Across Music, Television, Sports and Film with Back-to-Back Episodes
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E!, in partnership with NBC News Studios and Unanimous Media, explore how the influence of Black culture is more than a trend as perseverance, excellence and the undeniable impact through music, television, sports and film changed the culture forever. Executive produced by Stephen Curry and narrated by La La Anthony, the two-night special event “Black Pop: Celebrating the Power of Black Culture,” is set to premiere June 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT with back-to-back episodes.
“We’re honored to have joined forces with E! and NBC News Studios to create ‘Black Pop’ to honor and celebrate the power of Black culture in sports and entertainment,” said Erick Peyton and Stephen Curry of Unanimous Media. “This special is a testament to the strength and impact of our community, and we’re grateful to all the voices who joined us in sharing their fondest memories and inspirations from years of Black excellence in pop culture history.”
“We take pride in being able to share these important cultural milestones and conversations that have influenced pop culture,” said Rod Aissa, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal television and streaming. “Our collaborative partnership with E!, NBC News Studios, Stephen Curry and Unanimous Media has brought a creative perspective to this powerful special that our viewers will enjoy.”
The special event will cover all genres of pop culture and entertainment – celebrating music from the gospel roots of Mahalia Jackson to the Motown sound, the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Black culture’s undisputable impact on fashion, television trailblazers from Diahann Carroll to Oprah Winfrey, sports legends like Sugar Ray Leonard and Laila Ali, the evolution of Black films and the pivotal talents that paved the way – all creating a cultural legacy that set the tone.
“Black Pop” features an array of celebrities such as Erika Alexander, Laila Ali, Jabari Banks, Da Brat, Tamar Braxton, Erica Campbell, Nick Cannon, Misty Copeland, Laverne Cox, Stephen Curry, Victor Cruz, Dapper Dan, Dominique Dawes, D-Nice, Cedric the Entertainer, Scott Evans, Vivica A. Fox, Charlamagne Tha God, Tamron Hall, Kevin Hart, H.E.R., Luke James, Coco Jones, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marsai Martin, Ne-Yo, Will Packer, Nina Parker, Billy Porter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Amber Ruffin, Stephen A. Smith, Justin Sylvester, Blair Underwood, Tank and moreas theyshare their stories of achievements in music, television, sports and film, canonizing these moments as the some of the greatest in pop culture history.
UPCOMING EPISODES OF “BLACK POP”
“Black Pop: Music” Premieres June 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
Black music has always been the heartbeat of America. However, its significance extends beyond dope beats and fun rhymes as it links to a rich history and tells a story of freedom. From the soulful era of Motown to the artistry of pop star royalty and more than 50 years of hip-hop, this episode explores how Black music shapes culture globally and tells the entire story of Black America’s hope, triumphs and unity.
“Black Pop: Television” Premieres June 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Although the impact of the Black experience on TV is undeniable, it took a beat to get there. This episode looks at that journey through the comedy gold in classics such as “Good Times” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” the brilliance of “Living Single,” “Scandal,” “Insecure,” “Pose” and the modern-day laughs of “Abbott Elementary.” It’s a joyful celebration of Black America’s unapologetic presence on the small screen and the road to authentic representation.
“Black Pop: Sports” Premieres June 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
The ability of the Black athlete to impress and impact pop culture is unmatched, leaving no doubt as to why the likes of Stephen Curry, Sugar Ray Leonard, Laila Ali, and Allyson Felix have been crowned with GOAT status. From breaking barriers to setting trends and negotiating deals, this episode delves into how Black athletes not only shape culture for all of America, but how they shift it too.
“Black Pop: Film” Premieres June 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
From the start, Black people have helped shape American cinema. Although it wasn’t always easy, cinematic giants like Will Packer, cult classics such as “Waiting to Exhale,” “Set it Off,” “Friday” and even daring films like “Get Out” have found a way to make audiences laugh and think. This episode examines how Black excellence on the big screen has become a dominant force in pop culture, leaving an indisputable impact.
“Black Pop” is produced by NBC News Studios and Unanimous Media with Stephen Curry, Erick Peyton, and Melissa Haizlip serving as executive producers. Charlise Holmes and Reniqua Allen-Lamphere serve as co-executive producers.
