Most Powerful Women in DC

Elle Magazine named Susan Rice and Sheila Johnson among the 10 most powerful women in Washington.

Susan Rice
­Susan Rice, America’s ambassador to the United ­Nations, is a ­famously tough, ­forthright, and passionate advocate who, at 47, is ­already ­a ­veteran of nearly 20 years of foreign-policy and ­diplomatic ­service dating back to the first Clinton administration.

http://www.elle.com/Life-Love/Society-Career-Power/Capital-Dames-10-Powerful-Women-in-DC/Susan-Rice-10-Powerful-Women-in-DC-ELLE.com
More about Susan: http://www.biography.com/people/susan-e-rice-391616
http://experiencinghistory.blogspot.com/2009/03/black-women-leading.html

Sheila Johnson 

For this 63-year-old entrepreneur—CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, cofounder of BET—philanthropy is about “connecting the dots…combining it with whatever I’m doing”

http://www.elle.com/Life-Love/Society-Career-Power/Capital-Dames-10-Powerful-Women-in-DC/Sheila-Johnson-10-Powerful-Women-in-DC-ELLE.com
More about Sheila: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheila_Johnson 

A Voice for Black Entertainment

On January 25 in Black History...

In 1980, BET begins broadcasting.  After stepping down as a lobbyist for the cable industry, Freeport, Illinois, native Robert L. Johnson decided to launch his own cable television network. Johnson would soon acquire a loan for $15,000, and earned a $500,000 investment from John Malone to start the network.[3] BET began broadcasting on January 25, 1980. Initially, the network lineup consisted of music videos and reruns of popular black sitcoms.  Black Entertainment Television (BET, part of BET Networks) is a currently a Viacom-owned cable network based in Washington, D.C.. Currently viewed in more than 90 million homes worldwide, it is the most prominent television network targeting young Black-American audiences and is the leading provider of Black-American cultural and entertainment-based programming. The network was launched on January 25, 1980, by its founder, Robert L. Johnson. Most programming of the network comprises mainstream rap and R&B music videos and urban-oriented movies and series. 
Its urban music programming includes 106 & Park, a show taped before a live audience counting down the top videos requested by viewers and inviting rap and R&B artists to promote their music. The Deal is BET's flagship program for hip hop music. BET has been the target of criticism and protests for broadcasting videos and programs accused of promoting immorality and stereotypes.[1][2] Additionally, the channel shows syndicated television series, original programs, and some public affairs programs. On Sunday mornings, BET broadcasts a lineup of network-produced Christian programming and gospel music; other, non-affiliated Christian programs are also shown during the early morning hours daily.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Entertainment_Television



What else happened today in Black History?

Well We're Moving On Up!

On January 18 in Black History...

In 1975, "The Jeffersons" premiered on television, one of the first sitcoms about an African-American family. Formerly neighbors of the Bunkers on "All in the Family," the Jeffersons moved to Manhattan's East Side. The Jeffersons was broadcast on CBS from January 18, 1975, through June 25, 1985, lasting 11 seasons (and 2 Lionel's) and a total of 253 episodes. The Jeffersons is the longest-running comedy (or series of any genre) with a predominantly African American castin the history of American television.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jeffersons
Check out this episode with Sammy Davis, Jr.

The Jeffersons Theme Song, "Movin' Up" was co-written and sung by Janey Du'Bois, who played the sassy Willona Woods on Good Times.

^{Moving Up}

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4600866/the_jeffersons_theme_song/

Well we're movin on up,

To the east side.

To a deluxe apartment in the sky.

Movin on up

To the east side.

We finally got a piece of the pie.

Fish don't fry in the kitchen;

Beans don't burn on the grill.

Took a whole lotta tryin'

Just to get up that hill.

Now we're up in the big leagues

Gettin' our turn at bat.

As long as we live, it's you and me baby

There ain't nothin wrong with that.

Well we're movin on up,

To the east side.

To a deluxe apartment in the sky.

Movin on up

To the east side.

We finally got a piece of the pie.

Sanford and Son Debuts

On January 14 in Black History...

In 1972 "Sansford and Son" premeired on NBC.  This sitcom gained immediate popularity depicting an African-American Father and son engaged in the junkyard business. Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin developed the comedy series based on the British "Steptoe and Son." The name Sanford came from John Sanford, the real name of comedian Redd Foxx, who played Fred Sanford. His son, Lamont, was played by Demond Wilson.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanford_and_son