`NAACP Image Awards' Pace Tv One's Black History Month Lineup

TV One's coverage Friday of the NAACP Image Awards will launch the network’s lineup of original programming commemorating Black History Month.

The 46th annual Awards, hosted by Anthony Anderson, celebrate the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in motion pictures, television, recording and literature. The network will air a one-hour live from the red carpet pre-show hosted by TV personalities Kevin Frazier and Shaun Robinson, said network officials.

Immediately after the telecast, the network will offer a sneak preview of its original romantic comedy series Born Again Virgin, which explores the dating experiences of three 30-something best friends.

The next night, TV One will launch its monthly original movies lineup Feb. 7 with the premiere of White Water, starring Larenz Tate and chronicling a seven-year-old black child’s obsession with drinking from a “whites only” drinking fountain.

On Feb. 21, the network will air the 23rd annual Trumpet Awards, which will honor the accomplishments of Jamie Foxx, the Isley Brothers, Janelle Monae, Dr. Valarie Montgomery Rice, Lou Brock, Tommy Hilfiger, Guy Vickers, Franklyn R. Wilson, and Arnold Donald.

Also on the docket for Black History Month are the return of TV One docu-reality series Unsung Hollywood (Feb. 11) and R&B Divas LA (Feb. 11), said network officials.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.