Discussion on CNN's Black in America 2 set to Wednesday, Thursday

We're less than a week away from the much-anticipated second year of CNN's highly-acclaimed Black in America documentary project.

Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23, the Time Warner-owned network's documentary unit will debut two two-hour treatments, which will be hosted by CNN's Soledad O'Brien.


Unlike the 2008 programs, which were criticized by some as being too heavily-focused on the problems of Black Americans and not enough on what's being done to solve them, the 2009 installments are mostly oriented to solutions, with particular emphasis on the next generation of leadership.

Subtitled, "Today's Pioneers," July 22nd installment will focus on community organizers across the country who are facilitating progress at a local level. These pioneers address health, education, and other critical needs of the black community.

Then on Thursday, July 23rd, viewers will see Tomorrow's Leaders" focuses on efforts to develop future African-American leaders.

But, what appears to be the common thread in both of these programs will be the forward-looking, solution-driven approach that they will take.

Early Reviews

Even though the documentaries don't debut until July 22, CNN has hosted a number of screenings of "Black in America 2" around the country.

One of the first reported screenings was at Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte where students participated in a town hall forum hosted by CNN Anchor Don Lemon. CNN Presents Executive Producer Jeff Reid also attended.

FULL Disclosure: Jeff Reid was my former executive producer at WXIA-TV in Atlanta, Ga.

Earlier this month, students and residents in Washington, D.C were a part of the screening that was reported on by THE HILLTOP, the student-daily at Howard University.

Yours Truly is a editor of THE HILLTOP 1991-92.

Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry attended the D.C. screening, which was hosted by CNN's Chris Lawrence.

More recently, CNN.com streamed a panel discussion and screeening from the New York area and a similar community event was held in the Nashville area and co-sponsored by the Nashville chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Gathering at University of Alabama

Here's a preview of what we hope to accomplish with our viewing party and discussion on the University of Alabama campus




Our viewing party and discussion will be held in Phifer Hall Room 323, which is accessible from the rear entrance of Phifer Hall. Take the elevator up to the third floor.