Beginning February 1, a series of vignettes paying tribute to Chicago area African American physicians will air on ABC 7 throughout the month.
The following ABC 7 programs will be featured during Black History Month:
AMERICAN LEGACY, will kick off ABC 7 Chicago's celebration of Black History Month on Sunday, February 3rd, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This documentary highlights the globalization of golf into a worldwide game and the impact of African Americans, Latinos, Asians and women in the sport beginning with John Shippen's historic round at the U.S. Open in 1896. The documentary will follow such events as the founding of the United States Colored Golfers Association and the Negro National Open in the 1920's; the story of World Champion Boxer Joe Louis, the most famous Black golfer of the 1930's and 40's; the rise of star golfers Teddy Rhodes, Bill Spiller, Howard Wheeler and Charlie Sifford; the founding of the LPGA and the great women golfers of color. Also showcased are golf legends Chi Chi Rodriguez, Lee Trevino, Lee Elder and Calvin Peete among others.
ABC 7's anchor Cheryl Burton and reporter Charles Thomas will join Harry Porterfield on PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS--CIVIL RIGHTS: THEN AND NOW, to talk with Jesse Jackson Sr., Father Michael Pfleger and Timuel Black about their activist roles in the movement and where we as a society stand on civil rights issues today, Saturday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. An encore presentation of this program will air Sunday, February 24 at 12:30 p.m.
ReNEW ORLEANS: Hosted by Louis Gossett Jr., this special examines the importance of restoring New Orleans to its pre-Hurricane Katrina vitality and how ReNew Orleans, a philanthropic campaign, works to join corporations and individuals in an effort to give back to a community in need. During the course of the hour, the Hispanic, Cajun, White, Black, Creole and Asian cultures of "The Big Easy" are featured as they try to put the destruction and chaos behind them and rejuvenate their neighborhoods. This special airs Sunday, February 17 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.
THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW -- THE DREAM LIVES: A MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY SPECIAL -- It's an Oprah special event. Forty-five years ago, one man had a dream. Today, the dream comes to life in a special Martin Luther King Day tribute. Dr. King's vision for America comes alive before viewers' eyes. This special tribute airs Sunday, February 17 from 3:00-4:00 p.m.
REDISCOVERING A BLACK PIONEER'S DREAM , hosted by Janet Davies and Hosea Sanders, delves into the courageous and unheralded accomplishments of former slave, "Free Frank" McWorter. He purchased his freedom and became the first African-American to legally establish a bi-racial town in the United States. McWorter named this town, located in Pike County, Illinois, New Philadelphia, after the city of brotherly love. This special will be broadcast on Sunday, February 24th at Noon.
