BHM 2022: The Most Blackity-Black Black History Month Calendar
Black History is 365 days, but in February we honor the rich contributions made by Black people throughout the generations.
This year, the federally recognized celebration has been sincerely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis that continues to affect our people and keep many socially distanced at home.
Thankfully, we didn’t get the memo that anything like an Omicron would keep Black people apart and created this binge-watching guide of film and TV shows that you can enjoy for yourself or as a watch party with friends and family.
Now, that it is the first day of Black History Month, you have 27 days to absorb as much cultural content as you possibly can. BET.com is the perfect place to help you navigate all the offerings to make sure you don't get your Black card revoke come summertime.
From freshly-baked premieres, introspective documentaries, virtual events, and more — we got you covered.
Read below for BET.com's Blackity-Black Binge Guide for Black History Month.
For Those Celebrating Our History:
One Thousand Years of Slavery - The Untold Story
What: Produced by Black Hollywood power couple Angela Bassett and Courtney B.Vance’s Bassett Vance Productions and MTV, the four-part limited series plans to uncover the truth of a 1,000 year story of slavery all around the world. From Africa to the Caribbean and New Orleans to Istanbul, the series explores the kind of long-lasting impact that slavery has had on individuals and society.
Where to Watch: Smithsonian Channel
When: Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. ET
Clotilda: Last American Slave Ship
What: The documentary special directed by Lisa Feit looks at the most intact slave shipwreck found to date. The journey follows the voyage and the story of its passengers and their descendants in Alabama’s Africatown.
Where to Watch: National Geographic and Hulu
When: Feb. 7 at 10 p.m. ET and Feb. 8
Profiled: The Black Man
What: Hoping to show the difficulties Black men have faced in the past and during present-day, this four-part series is executive produced by Tina Knowles-Lawson. Profiled: The Black Men will also celebrate and highlight the triumphs and resilience of Black men through commentary, real-life testimony and historical footage.
Where to Watch: Discovery+
When: Feb. 12 - March. 5
Fannie Lou Hamer’s America: An America Reframed Special
What: This expressive look at the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, the daughter of Mississippi sharecroppers who once called out police brutality, economic inequality and voting rights in America on the national stage, is now coming to light. Directed by Joy Davenport, the film is originated by Hamer’s family, including her great-niece Monica Land, and tells Hamer’s story in her own words with never-before-seen photos and rare footage.
Where to Watch: PBS and WORLD Channel
When: Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. ET (PBS) and Feb. 24 (WORLD Channel)
The Loyola Project
What: Directed by Patrick Creadon, The Loyola Project, follows the historic 1963 basketball season of Loyola University’s Chicago Ramblers. The Ramblers broke through racial barriers and changed the dynamic of college basketball at the height of the civil rights movement.
Where to Watch: CBS Sports Network
When: Feb. 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET
Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back
What: Executive-produced by Debbie Allen and Charles Randolph-Wright, the film gives you an insider’s glimpse into the Broadway star’s early life tap dancing with his younger brother, the late Gregory Hines. The 92-minute documentary produced by the husband and wife team of Tracy E. Hopkins and John Carluccio poignantly chronicles Maurice’s life and legacy. It features stories including Black dance pioneers like Carmen de Lavallade and the Nicholas Brothers.
Where to Watch: Starz
When: Feb. 1 on the Starz app; Premieres on Feb. 8 at 8 PM (EST) on the Starz channel.
Everyday Watch Party + Streamies
Raising Dion: Season 2
What: This Michael B. Jordan-produced coming-of-age Netflix series is based on the 2015 comic book and short film by Dennis Liu. As Dion (Ja’Siah Young) continues to learn how to control his superpowers after defeating the mysterious villain, The Crooked Man. Now, under the watch of BIONA, and his new trainer and mentor, Tevin (Rome Flynn), Dion and the Triangle of Justice must face a challenge never fathomed before.
Where to Watch: Netflix
When: Feb. 1
Phat Tuesdays
What: The three-episode docu-series created by comedian Guy Torry celebrates the famed Phat Tuesdays comedy shows at L.A.’s legendary The Comedy Store that was established after the 1992 L.A. riots. The influential comedy showcase helped catapult some of the most famous Black comedians in the industry including Kym Whitley, JB Smoove, Anthony Anderson, Steve Harvey, Nick Cannon and more.
The series will feature exclusive interviews with those who were there first-hand to witness the greatness of Phat Tuesday nights.
Where to Watch: Prime Video
When: Feb. 4
Bel-Air
What: Starring newcomer Jabari Banks, the sitcom will lean into the original premise of the classic series that formerly starred Will Smith. Viewers will follow Banks as Will, in modern-day America, as they witness the roller-coaster of a journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions in Bel-Air, California. It is a unique experience that will have Black Twitter talking when it premieres after the 2022 Super Bowl.
Where to Watch: NBC Peacock
When: Feb. 13
All American: Homecoming
What: The CW’s All American: Homecoming is a spin-off that follows tennis star Simone Hicks played by Geffri Maya as she pursues her collegiate career at an HBCU. Maya will be joined by Peyton Alex Smith who will play Damon Sims, a standout college baseball player who will each navigate the highs and lows of college life and college sports.
Where to Watch: The CW
When: Feb. 21
Snowfall
What: The drama series co-created by the late John Singleton is making its Season 5 return. Set in the summer of 1986, the series follows the saga of drug kingpin Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) who left fans with one jaw-dropping season finale in 2021. With the stakes raised higher for the Saint family and the streets, the government looks to close in on those involved in the crack cocaine epidemic that’s sweeping through L.A.
Where to Watch: FX
When: Feb. 23
Proud Family: Louder And Prouder
What: Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt) is back for a new iteration of the acclaimed Disney Channel series, The Proud Family. Set in the 2020s, the 14-year-old goes through her own set of adventures and misadventures alongside her family and friends. The returning voice cast of Tommy Davidson, Paula Jai Parker, Cedric The Entertainer, and newcomer Keke Palmer will have fans ramping up the nostalgic meter when they tune in to the show’s return on near the end of Black History Month.
Where to Watch: Disney+
When: Feb. 23
Tyler Perry’s A Madea Homecoming
What: After Tyler Perry retired his beloved Madea character, America’s favorite gangsta grandma is back like she never left. The new film will follow Madea as she gets ready to welcome the whole gang to town to celebrate her great-grandson’s graduation from college. In true Madea fashion, there will be a ton of laughs and even more drama.
Where to Watch: Netflix
When: Feb. 25
Power to the Podcast Playlists
Into the Depths
What: National Geographic Explorer Tara Roberts uncovers the deep history of the transatlantic slave trade. Roberts teams with a group of Black divers who are committed to finding and helping the shipwrecks in a new six-part podcast series.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Castbox, Amazon Music
When: Available now. Listen here
Seizing Freedom Season 2
What: In the second season of Seizing Freedom a look at the struggles of Black Americans throughout the era of Jim Crow will be highlighted. From W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, Oscar Micheaux, Maud Gray, and Ida B. Wells, the show’s eight-episode series will use letters, diaries, newspapers and autobiographies to provide context and insight.
Dr. Kidada Williams will also be heard interviewing artists, activists, thinkers and historians who will provide present-day themes on the future of Black America.
Where to listen: All audio streaming platforms. (Listen to the trailer here.)
When: Feb. 1
The Song’s That Shook The Planet
What: Public Enemy’s Chuck D will guide listeners through a curated episode off of Audible's Word + Music series. Songs That Shook the Planet will showcase songs that had an impact on the artist which also gained a social and political influence. Hits from Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday and Stevie Wonder are to be included.
Where to listen: Audible
When: Feb. 3
Respect the DJ Booth
Mary J. Blige, Good Morning Gorgeous
What: Ms. Mary J. Blige is releasing a 13-track project with features from Usher, Anderson .Paak and Fivio Foreign. In Jan. 2022, the R&B crooner released the third track off of her 15th studio album “Rent Money” featuring Dave East that samples The Notorious B.I.G’s “F**k You Tonight.” Last year, she released “Amazing” featuring DJ Khaled.
Where to listen: Apple Music and Spotify
When: Feb. 11
Tank, R&B Money
What: Venerable R&B singer-songwriter, Tank, has been a fixture in our homes and on the charts for the better part of two decades. His 10th studio album, 'R&B Money,' will be his last project due to his debilitating hearing and marks the end of an are for this still-cherished artist.
Where to listen: Apple Music and Spotify
When: Feb. 4
Robert Glasper, Black Radio III
What: Robert Glasper's contributions to music and culture spans over two decades, but now is no time for the award-winning pianist to slow down. 'Black Radio III,' the third installment of his era-defining project, marks his solo return and features guest appearances by H.E.R., Ledisi, Killer Mike, BJ The Chicago Kid and more.
Where to listen: Apple Music and Spotify
When: Feb. 25
Let's Take It Higher: Skip Marley Documentary
What: Just in time for Bob Marley’s 77th birthday and Reggae Month, this documentary about the King of Reggae’s grandson, features exclusive acoustic performances and interviews about the Marley legacy with Skip, H.E.R., Rick Ross, D Smoke, Damian Marley, and Skip’s mother Cedella Marley. The half-hour doc was directed by Reshma B, who produced the acclaimed documentary Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes. “Bob Marley always wanted his music to reach a Black American audience,” says the director. “Skip fulfilled that dream by collaborating with top stars of rap and R&B.”
Where to watch: Tidal
When: Feb. 1 - Feb. 7 for free.
Events, Exhibits And Experiences:
NEW YORK
First Sundays: Seneca Village
What: Learn about the lives of Seneca Village's residents, the largest community of African-American landowners during pre-Civil War New York.
Where: Central Park
When: Feb. 5 at 11 am
To register, click here.
Black History Month: Art by Basquiat
What: At the Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Long Island, NY, attendees will have their own opportunity to create their own self-portraits inspired by the paintings by the late Jean-Michel Basquiat.
When: Feb. 19 (1:30 p.m. ET - 3:00 p.m. ET)
Where: Connetquot River State Park Preserve (Long Island)
Reservations are required. Space is limited.
To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure
LOS ANGELES
The Power of Truth: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
What: This local event invites the community to interact with speakers, performances from local artists and musicians to further immerse themselves in the Black experience.
When: Feb. 3 - Feb. 5 (6:00 p.m. PST to 6:00 p.m. PST)
Where: Expo Arts Center, Long Beach
To register, click here.
WASHINGTON, DC
Black History Month Sneaker Exhibition By Sole Wash Sneaker Laundry
What: Check out this exhibit that highlights footwear and other collectibles inspired by African American achievements in all industries including music, fashion, sports, and more.
When: Feb. 19, 5 p.m. ET to Feb. 20, 8 p.m. ET
To buy tickets, click here.
The Colors and Forms of History
What: A Black History Month exhibit featuring artists Doba Afolabi, Sheryll Cashin, Bernie Houston and Chris Malone.
When: Feb. 4, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. ET
Sign up here.
ATLANTA
Black & Proud | Art Show
What: BrightRing and rap group Nappy Roots have partnered to celebrate Black History Month at Atlantucky Brewery with the "Black and Proud" Art Exhibit.
When: Feb. 19, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. ET
Sign up here.
Black History Through Food
What: Heritage Supper Club celebrates Black History through the food and music of Black and Brown People that has shaped and influenced American food and culture.
When: Feb. 27, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. ET
Sign up here.
Don’t forget to head over to BET.com to find other engaging content during Black History month by searching for #BlackHistoryMonthBET.
