Arsenio Hall to host original TV One five-hour special, 'The Blacklist'

(August 13, 2008) Beginning Sunday, Nov. 9, TV One will premiere an original, five-hour special chronicling the unforgettable moments, cultural movements and personal achievement that have advanced the black race and helped change the course of American history over the past century in The Blacklist: 100 Greatest Power Moves.

Arsenio Hall, the groundbreaking television host who literally changed the face of late-night television, will host the special, which will air over five consecutive nights, covering 20 Power Moves each night, culminating with the top 20 -- and the No.1 moment -- on Thursday, November 13.

The Blacklist will encompass Power Moves from a wide cultural and historic perspective, from unwavering civil rights leaders to Nobel Prize-winning literary giants to independent-thinking film directors to a pop star who "Beat It." The special will highlight African-American pioneers and awe-inspiring moments.

Among the featured events are the 1968 Olympic Medalists John Carlos and Tommie Smith proudly raising their fists in the air in support of Black Power; Thurgood Marshall's induction into the Supreme Court; the birth of Motown Records; Michael Jackson's "Thriller" becoming one of the top selling albums of all time; the emergence of rap music as a voice of the inner city; Malcolm X's stance of self-preservation "By Any Means Necessary"; the steadfast determination of the Little Rock Nine as they helped to desegregate the school system; and, of course, Barack Obama's historic bid for the Presidency.

With a unique blend of reverence, "tell it like it is" attitude and a little bit of humor, this highly entertaining series promises to give a historical perspective, as well as an inspirational walk through of the best and most celebrated moments of the African-American experience. The Power Moves will be presented with a fast-paced display of memorable imagery, the most-up-to-date graphic technology and soulful music, transporting the viewer to times and places that should never be forgotten.

"Viewers love list shows," said TV One President and CEO Johnathan Rodgers. “We wanted to create one that would not only capture attention, but would provoke discussion online and around the water cooler about the events, people and moments that have truly impacted American culture and even shaped our world, society and identity,"

Through in-depth interviews, viewers will hear firsthand accounts of many of these Power Moves from those who witnessed or took part in these moments or personal achievements, lived to talk about it and reflect on their impact on the American culture. The special will include commentary from scholars Michael Eric Dyson, Dr. Molefi Kete Asante and William Jelani Cobb; cultural critics Chuck D, Michaela Angela Davis and Emil Wilbekin, Hip Hop pioneer Russell Simmons, rising politician Kevin Powell; and a host of celebrities and comedians for a lighter and somewhat irreverent view of the Power Moves.

A popular stand-up comedian, Arsenio Hall hosted Fox's The Late Show in 1987 and the syndicated late-night series, The Arsenio Hall Show, from 1989-1994. Changing the face of late night television by capturing young, multi-ethnic viewers across the country, the show provided a forum for cutting edge comedy, politics and the television debut of such pop superstars as Mariah Carey, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Boyz II Men, and countless others. Although entertainment was a priority for Hall, he also conceived of his show as a space where audiences, especially youth, could be educated.

The Blacklist: 100 Greatest Power Moves is produced for TV One by Dark Matter Entertainment. Executive producers are Jason Bolling and P.J. McSwain.


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