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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Remembered in TV One Special ‘Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement’ Airing Jan. 18

TV One shines a light on Stevie Wonder and Gil Scott-Heron’s work to rally support to establish a holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr. in the two-hour, two-part special Unsung Presents:…

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TV One shines a light on Stevie Wonder and Gil Scott-Heron’s work to rally support to establish a holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr. in the two-hour, two-part special Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement airing Monday, January 18, 2021 at 8 p.m. ET/7C.

In the documentary that provides a timeline denoting how music from Black artists served as the soundtrack to the Black experience in America, civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton describes the impact of Wonder’s 1980 MLK tribute “Happy Birthday,” tour featuring Scott-Heron, and historic rally at the Washington DC monument in 1981.

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Sharpton recalls former President Ronald Regan initially opposing creating a holiday in honor of King and Wonder and Scott-Heron helping to bring more attention to the cause. “The president at that time was saying, ‘That’s absurd we’re not going to do that,’” Sharpton says in the television special. “In fact, Ronald Regan had called Dr. King at some time a communist at some point in his life. As those of us in the King movement started to petition, Mrs. King was out front. All of a sudden there was a rhythm set to that movement, Stevie Wonder, Gil Scott-Heron, and the movement blew up, and it became a cultural phenomenon to accompany the political aspirations.”

In November 1983, three years after the release of Wonder’s King tribute, President Regan signed a bill to make Martin Luther King, Jr. Day an American federal holiday.

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King received the support of numerous Black musicians, including Aretha Franklin, says Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement Co-Executive Producer P. Frank Williams. “People think of her as the greatest singer ever, but Aretha’s a very political woman,” Williams says. “And she actually funded part of Martin Luther Kings’ marches. She was always a part of it.” Williams, an Emmy and 8-time NAACP Image Award-winning producer, has also produced shows like American Gangster on BET and Who Killed Tupac on A&E. She is the former Executive Editor of The Source Magazine. Her company, Prophet From It Entertainment, recently produced an upcoming Black History Month social justice series and a hip-hop game show for Viacom.

Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement tells the stories of dozens of Black musicians including Billie Holiday, Curtis Mayfield, Public Enemy, and Beyonce, their music, and the impact they have had in fighting for equality and justice. 

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The post Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Remembered in TV One Special ‘Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement’ Airing Jan. 18 appeared first on The Source.

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Artist Spotlight

SZA’s Cheeky Take on Drake’s Kissing Skills Sparks Buzz

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SZA knows how to keep her fans engaged through her heartfelt music or the rare insights into her personal life. This week, the R&B star sparked many conversations during an interview when she was asked a surprising question: Is Drake a good kisser? This question comes as people are again curious about their brief relationship from 2009.

Fans have often assumed about SZA and Drake’s connection, but she has usually stayed quiet about their past. So, when SZA was asked about Drake’s kissing skills during her interview, everyone was eager to hear her answer. With her usual calm and playful style, she smiled and replied, “Good kisser? Let’s say… Drake’s passionate about everything he does.” Her response left fans guessing what she meant.

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As expected, social media lit up within hours, with fans analyzing every word. Was she teasing him? Complimenting him? Or just skillfully avoiding the question? Regardless of the interpretation, her answer was intriguing. SZA’s reply also shows her professionalism. She clarified that she has no intention of saying anything bad about an old friend. As for Drake, he probably won’t respond directly to her comment. He might choose to address the situation in a future song instead.

Fans of both artists are hopeful for a renewal of their friendship, either in the music studio or personally. Despite the ups and downs in their relationship over the years, their ability to create amazing music together is undeniable. Songs like “Slime You Out” and “Rich Baby Daddy” showcase their incredible chemistry, no matter the status of their friendship. Overall, SZA’s response is a great example of how to handle tricky questions with style and humor.

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Artist Spotlight

When Words Cut Deep, Flo and Amara La Negra Clash Over Colorism on Love & Hip-Hop Miami

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The latest episode of Love & Hip-Hop Miami stirred up a lot of drama as Flo and Amara La Negra got into a heated argument over accusations of colorism. This intense confrontation quickly grabbed viewers’ attention and sparked discussions on social media about an important social issue. This particular clash resonated with viewers in a way that went beyond just reality TV. The fight started when Flo made comments that Amara perceived as rooted in colorism.

Amara La Negra, who identifies as Afro-Latina and speaks against racism, wasn’t afraid to defend herself. For her, this situation was personal, as she has long advocated for darker-skinned women facing discrimination. On the other hand, Flo, known for her straightforward approach and strong personality, tried to explain her perspective but received backlash both during the episode and from fans. Some viewers felt her comments were dismissive, while others thought the argument was blown out of proportion.

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This confrontation sparked a response on social media, with clips of the argument going viral. People shared their opinions, with some praising Amara for standing her ground and others criticizing the show for seemingly sensationalizing a serious topic. The clash has allowed people to discuss the ongoing inequalities in society. It serves as a reminder of reality TV’s influence in bringing attention to cultural issues.

After the episode aired, Flo and Amara stayed active on social media. Amara continued to emphasize her commitment to fighting colorism. On the other hand, Flo hinted at her perspective, promising more details in upcoming episodes. While Love & Hip-Hop Miami thrives on drama, situations like this highlight the delicate balance between entertainment and meaningful conversation.

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As the season progresses, fans wonder whether this intense moment will lead to understanding between the two or create more division. The argument will continue well beyond the TV screens, adding depth to the cultural conversations surrounding Love & Hip-Hop Miami.

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