ABC News has announced that throughout the month of February, it will be airing special “Black History Month” programming across all of its programs and platforms, including the return of the Emmy Award–winning series “Soul of a Nation” with a one–hour special, “Black in Vegas,” that will examine the history of Black entertainers in Las Vegas and celebrate the current crop of Black entertainers who are dominating the historic strip.
Countless famous people, such as Usher, Mariah Carey, and Janet Jackson, as well as Boyz II Men, Lionel Richie, and Smokey Robinson, and renowned comedians Marsha Warfield, George Wallace, and Eddie Griffin, have made Las Vegas their home, as detailed in an ABC News Studios primetime special. The documentary “Black in Vegas” explores the events of the past that set the way for the current generation, such as the federal consent decree of 1971 that mandated that hotels and casinos provide equal employment opportunities for people of color. Frank Sinatra, who demanded that his bandleader Quincy Jones and fellow performer Sammy Davis Jr. stay at the same hotel as him, helped break down barriers for Black performers in Las Vegas at the same time.
Many popular Las Vegas shows, such as “Mad Apple” by Cirque du Soleil, “Magic Mike Live,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and “Chippendales,” feature or are led by Black performers.
Smokey Robinson, George Wallace, Luenell, Usher, Ne-Yo, Anna Bailey (the first Black showgirl to appear in Sin City), and Florence LaRue from the Fifth Dimension will all be included in “Black in Vegas,” along with rare footage and an interview with Sammy Davis Jr. on his time spent in the city. Some of the artists who will perform on the strip this year share their thoughts on what it means to be “Black in Vegas” and the program features commentary from cultural pundits and hotel and theater industry leaders on what it’s like to make a livelihood there.
Catherine McKenzie is the executive producer for “Black in Vegas.”
“Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas” airs Wednesday, February 1 (10:00-11:00PM EST) on ABC, next day on Hulu.
ABC News’ Black History Month coverage also includes dedicated programming and segments throughout the month, including:
“Good Morning America” will celebrate Black History Month throughout February with dedicated profiles, segments and series. The planned coverage includes a three-part series highlighting HBCUs, segments honoring a Black healthcare community hero, an artist pushing for social change, Black influencers and trendsetters, Black women in sports, the Harlem Renaissance, and more. “Deals and Steals” will include products from Black-owned businesses.
“World News Tonight with David Muir” will dedicate the month of February to Black History Month, celebrating those across the country who are making a difference in their communities within its “America Strong” and “Made in America” segments.
“Nightline” will air special content and features surrounding Black History Month throughout February.
“This Week with George Stephanopoulos” will celebrate Black History Month with interviews featuring prominent political Black leaders and dedicated segments focused on issues that directly impact the Black community.
“GMA3: What You Need to Know” will highlight Black stories throughout the month, notably profiling WGPR, the first Black-owned and operated television station in America.
On February 1, “The View” will kick off a month-long celebration of Black History Month on-air and across its social platforms. The program will honor unknown African American pioneers, trailblazers, innovators and thought leaders. The show will spotlight these hidden figures who have made a significant impact on American life in politics, social justice, the arts, science, sports, and business with its “Black History Month FYI” series airing several days each week in February.
ABC News Live will go beyond the headlines to find unique content to bring to viewers during Black History Month. Every Wednesday, the new series “Culture Conversations” will bring viewers into the discussion between two greats. Additionally, dayside programming will have two live segments each week featuring Black stories, and “Prime with Linsey Davis” will air impactful interviews and segments in accordance with Black History Month. Topics will be wide-ranging and include conversations with prominent black leaders in industries such as dance, food, sports, music, and more.
ABC News’ flagship daily news podcast “Start Here” will run a series of segments examining how, more than a year after backlash to Black History swept through schools, these policies are affecting students at the elementary, high school, and college levels. ABC Audio’s “Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson,” its podcast focused on LGBTQ+ issues, will kick off Black History Month with a special episode featuring journalist and author Jemele Hill as its guest. ABC News Radio will include special reports during its hourly newscasts and will also have weekly segments on its newsmagazine “Perspective.” ABC Audio’s entertainment division will provide weekly written, audio, and video content on all platforms for distribution to radio station affiliates, including “This Day in Black History” pieces.