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HBO'S 2004 Black History Month Celebration Pays Tribute to African American Women

Thursday January 8, 11:14 am ET

- Campaign to center around documentary, 'Beah: A Black Woman Speaks,' and contest created to honor the accomplishments of black women in local communities -


NEW YORK, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- HBO's 2004 Black History Month celebration will highlight significant contributions made by African American women with key programming that spotlights their remarkable lives, the difficulties they faced and the positive changes their efforts have made. The campaign, "Hearing Her Voice, Telling Her Story," includes an essay contest that will honor everyday women. Additionally, HBO has joined forces with Essence Magazine to present special screenings of "Beah: A Black Woman Speaks," featuring discussions with actress and director of the documentary, LisaGay Hamilton, that will focus on the unique challenges black women face today.



The exclusive HBO documentary "Beah: A Black Woman Speaks," which debuts on Feb. 25 and celebrates the life of acclaimed actress, poet and activist Beah Richards.



"Paying tribute to the African American experience has been a long-standing commitment of HBO's," said Olivia Smashum, senior vice president, marketing & business development. "While we're focusing on the efforts and accomplishments of prominent black women, we wanted to open the doors to others on a community level who embody the same strengths and character. It is these women, who serve as daily role models, that need to be heard today."

Also premiering during Black History Month is the documentary "Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks" (Feb. 11) and a children's special about diversity, "Happy to be Nappy And Other Stories of Me" (Feb. 24). In addition, HBO will present encores of HBO Films' award winning "Miss Evers' Boys" (Feb. 9), the original documentaries "Lalee's Kin" (Feb. 7), "Unchained Memories: Readings From The Slave Narratives" (Feb. 16) and the critically acclaimed theatrical release "Antwone Fisher (Feb. 21). HBO Films' "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge" (Feb. 9), "Boycott" (Feb. 10) and "The Josephine Baker Story" (Feb. 11) and will be presented on HBO2.