UB Extended Preview: ‘BET Black Men’s Summit’ | Tonight on BET

BET Media Group will premiere the “BET Black Men’s Summit,” hosted by comedian, actor, and radio host D.L. Hughley.

The “BET Black Men’s Summit” is a one-hour primetime special airing tonight at 10 PM ET/9 PM CT. The summit gathers prominent Black men across entertainment, politics, civil rights, and business to engage in honest dialogue about the issues impacting Black men ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

There is a heightened focus on Black men as a crucial demographic in this presidential election. The “BET Black Men’s Summit” invites viewers to reflect on the layered complexities Black men encounter while also celebrating their contributions and strength. From persistent economic disparities and the effects of inflation to reproductive rights and the ongoing fight against misinformation targeting Black voters, this candid conversation creates a space for vulnerability and challenges false narratives in mainstream media.

Host: D.L. Hughley – Comedian, Actor, Radio Host

Special Guests:
Michael Ealy – Actor
Jermaine Dupri – Award-Winning Music Producer and Songwriter
Ben Crump – Civil Rights Attorney
Derrick Johnson – NAACP President & CEO
Marc Morial – National Urban League President & CEO
Vic Mensa – Rapper, Philanthropist, Celebrity Correspondent
Quentin James – Founder & President, The Collective PAC
Kenny Burns – Lifestyle Expert, Celebrity Correspondent
Justin J. Pearson – Tennessee State Representative
Dr. Wes Bellamy – Virginia State University Political Science Dept. Chair
Khalil Thompson – Executive Director, Win With Black Men
Steven Horsford – Nevada Representative
Keith Boykin – Author and Political Commentator
Ryan Wilson – The Gathering Spot CEO & Co-Founder

TOPICS COVERED:
• Economic Challenges and Impact of Inflation
• Reproductive rights
• Misinformation targeting Black voters
• Political disenfranchisement
• Immigration

“BET Black Men’s Summit” underscores the BET commitment to provide a platform for Black men to reclaim their voices, challenge misinformation, and engage in a political process that directly impacts their futures. Through these intimate and honest conversations, the summit not only informs, but inspires action, encouraging Black men to vote and to make their voices heard in the 2024 election.

“According to our Black Male Voter Study conducted by BET Consumer Insights, 89% of Black men we spoke with intend to vote, but we cannot overlook the unrepresented 11% whose voices we risk losing,” states Tiyale Hayes, Executive Vice President, Multiplatform Analytics and Insights and Co-lead of Social Impact at BET. “Nearly 20% of Black men feel ignored in the political process, and the ‘BET Black Men’s Summit’ is an opportunity to address these concerns and ensure Black men feel heard as part of the broader movement toward civic engagement and change.”

Check Out The UB Previews!

In this clip, Vic Mensa speaks passionately about the importance of protecting Black women, emphasizing that Black men’s responsibility begins with listening to women about what makes them feel safe. He points out the connection between maternal mortality rates and abortion bans, while urging Black men to support reproductive rights, framing it as a crucial issue in the fight for justice and equality.

In this clip, host D.L Hughley and panelists discuss the damaging effects of hyper-masculinity and patriarchy on leadership, highlighting how American society has often equated strength with dominance. D.L. Hughley emphasizes the importance of not letting mainstream polls define Black men’s political views. At the same time, civil rights attorney Ben Crump underscores how Black men’s votes are more coveted than ever in today’s political climate.