‘Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising’ | Tomorrow on ABC
ABC News’ groundbreaking “Soul of a Nation” returns with the special “Screen Queens Rising,” exploring how Black actresses, a historically overlooked and undervalued group in Hollywood, have in recent years begun to ascend to the top echelons of entertainment and American culture.
“Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising” airs Tomorrow Thursday, February 3rd at 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST, on ABC.
The special will reveal the lead actresses cast in Warner Bros.’ film adaptation of the beloved musical “The Color Purple” and feature an exclusive clip of “The Color Purple” producer Oprah Winfrey delivering the casting news to one of the actresses. “ABC News Live Prime” anchor Linsey Davis is first to interview the actresses playing Celie and Sofia in the film.
“Screen Queens Rising” examines how Black actresses of Hollywood have become power brokers as well as the iconic moments and roles that have paved the way for them today. The special, hosted by Davis and ABC News senior national affairs correspondent Deborah Roberts, includes Roberts’ interview with actress Tessa Thompson and ABC News’ “GMA3: What You Need to Know” co-anchor T.J. Holmes’ interview with actress and director Halle Berry.
The hour also features interviews with actresses Debbie Allen, Jackée Harry, Marla Gibbs and Regina Hall; and entertainment reporters who look back at the first milestones for Black women in Hollywood, discussing the triumphs, the obstacles and those who blazed the trail. The special includes the return of the fan-favorite “In the Kitchen” discussion moderated by “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin.
Following “Screen Queens Rising, ”ABC News’ “Soul of a Nation Presents: X / o n e r a t e d – The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice” profiles Muhammad Abdul Aziz, a man who was wrongfully convicted of Malcolm X’s assassination. Conducted by ABC News “Nightline” co-anchor Byron Pitts, the special features the first TV interview with Aziz since his exoneration and retraces Malcolm X’s shocking 1965 assassination, Aziz’s decades behind bars and on parole, and the devastating impact on Aziz’s family.
The special also includes a cold open featuring Academy Award®-nominated trumpeter Terence Blanchard and actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, star of ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” spoken-word performance of the classic poem “Malcolm X” by Gwendolyn Brooks. “X / o n e r a t e d” airs Thursday, Februar 3rd at 9:00-10:00 p.m. EST, on ABC.
“Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising” and “Soul of a Nation Presents: X / o n e r a t e d – The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice” is produced by ABC News.
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