TV ONE Celebrates The Galvanizing Power Of Black Music In New Documentary Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement Tonight AT 8 P.M. ET/7C

Two-part documentary special UNSUNG PRESENTS: MUSIC & THE MOVEMENT –remembering the artists and songs that have provided the soundtrack to the fight for justice and equality – airs tonight, at 8 P.M. ET/7C immediately followed by part two at 9 P.M. ET/8C.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day special incorporates first-hand accounts, interviews with artists and media, coupled with archival footage from memorable speeches, soul-stirring vocal performances, and more. Included in the documentary includes Negro spirituals, like “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” which provided both a distraction from the harsh conditions of slavery and communication tools for the enslaved as they plotted their escape to freedom. Soul and funk anthems such as “Respect” by Aretha Franklin & “People Get Ready” by Curtis Mayfield which demanded an immediate change to the political landscape and that civil rights be upheld. To the heart-wrenching viral music videos by young, contemporary artists such as Keedron Bryant’s captivating single “I Just Want to Live” which became the rallying mixtape for the current Black Lives Matter movement.

“Music is the heart and soul of Black culture – giving life to our experiences, voice to our stories and growing power out of our pain.“Every melody, lyric and rhythm artfully depicts the layers of Black diversity, scope of black creativity, and depths of the complexity of our people. TV One’s Music & the Movement special pays homage to the music and music makers whose talents created a soundtrack of Black music during moments of political and social unrest throughout our history. It is another opportunity for us to spotlight Black content.”

Cathy Hughes, Chairwoman, Urban One, Inc.