FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 31st, 2013

COMCAST SPORTSNET AND THE COMCAST NETWORK CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

PHILADELPHIA-(January 31, 2013) – Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia and The Comcast Network celebrate Black History Month with feature profiles of prominent members of our sports community discussing the impact race has had on sports, plus the personal struggles of local sports heroes. Toyota is the proud sponsor of Comcast SportsNet’s Black History Month programming.

Throughout Black History Month, viewers will get to know local athletes including former Philadelphia Eagles Ike Reese, Mike Quick, Leonard Weaver and Brian Dawkins, and 76ers Thaddeus Young and Aaron McKie as they discuss the men and women who have made a difference in their lives. In addition, Comcast SportsNet’s on-air personalities and sports celebrities will share their personal stories of inspiration through a series of vignettes that will air throughout the month.

Every Friday during “Daily News Live,” the panel will explore the connection between sports and race. Topics will range from areas of progress to areas needing improvements, plus players and coaches as role models. Throughout the month on “SportsNite,” Comcast SportsNet will profile local and national stories that promote the spirit of Black History Month including four special features that will run each Friday at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Friday, February 1: Chester High School’s Championship Boys’ basketball program

Friday, February 8: Bobby “Boogaloo” Watts, a retired boxer from Philadelphia who is still helping neighborhood kids

Friday, February 15:  Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, the only female to pitch in the Negro Leagues

Friday, February 22: A look back on the life and impact of boxer Joe Frazier, one year after his death

Neil Hartman sits down with former 76er Charles Barkley as “Sir Charles” reflects on his life as he turns 50. Hartman is joined by Barkley’s former coach and current CSN analyst, Jim Lynam, as Barkley reminisces about his life and his hopes of returning to the NBA.  “Barkley at 50” debuts Wednesday, February 20 at 7 p.m.

On The Comcast Network, “Art Fennell Reports” will air three programs celebrating Black History Month, including “100 Black Men,” airing on Sunday, February 3 at 9 p.m. and replaying Thursday, February 7 at 5:30 p.m. In this program, Art is joined by members of 100 Black Men Incorporated, a national organization designed to mentor at-risk youth. The organization annually helps more than 100,000 children in Philadelphia and across the country.

On Sunday, February 10 at 9 p.m., Fennel sits down with Kenny Gamble, as they discuss the Philadelphia music legend’s work transforming sections of Philadelphia through education and housing development.

On Sunday, February 17 at 9 p.m., Fennel hosts a special one-hour program “Tulsa Race Riots Revisited,” looking back at the Tulsa Race Riots, which caused 16 hours of violence and 39 deaths, as well as the destruction of 1,200 residences that left more than 10,000 people homeless.

This Sunday, February 3 at 8:30 p.m., Lynn Doyle is joined by Sheryl Lee Ralph, the dynamic actress known for starring in the original Dreamgirls on Broadway, shares her struggles and successes with “It’s Your Call” viewers as she discusses her book…”REDEFINING DIVA, Life Lessons from the Original Dreamgirl.” Sheryl Lee also discusses breaking color barriers to aging in Hollywood.  “It’s Your Call” will replay on Monday, February 4 at 5:30 p.m.