Well I didn't watch the BET special either (
) but I don't think "gospel plays" are the ministrel show of the new milieneum. I think popular rap videos of the late 90s/early 2000's have earned that title. The mess most of them do in front of a camera for a dollar is shameful.
When it comes to acting, I don't think it's a matter of training but really a matter of principle. Regardless if you were trained at NYU or if you were discovered working in the gift shop at Universal Studios, when offered acting projects you have to ask yourself how much are you willing to sacrifice for a role.