Black History: Telling Stories Of Cultural, Artistic Greats

DETROIT  -- WWJ is celebrating Black History Month by recognizing those individuals, entities and organizations in Metro Detroit who are helping to keep history ALIVE!

Newsradio 950's Stephanie Davis has more on a TV program that's telling the stories of African American greats in a different way.

On Pulsebeat.TV you'll hear and learn more about the greats and entertainment arts and culture like Leontyne Price, Sammy Davis Jr., the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, even Big Sean -- Emmy nominated host Greg Dunmore says they aim to make Plusebeat.TV engaging, insightful and entertaining.

"Detroit is the mecca of that -- when you think of the greats that have come out of this city -- be it jazz, be it music, dance, the dramatic arts. Detroit can claim a very special positioning so we wanted to cover this very rich history - because Detroit being a city for so many years that has been predominantly black, certainly, the richness of this wonderful tradition of arts entertainment and culture comes out of a black experience and so we are telling that story," said Dunmore.

Plusebeat.TV is in its fifth year and airs on Sunday mornings on TV20.

Dunmore with its team executive producer and photojournalist - Joel Boykin and Michelle Parison, field producer - all take pride in shining the light and telling the stories.

"I'm very privileged to be part of this team  because Joel and Greg are extraordinary storytellers and custodians of our story ... Plusebeat.TV is intelligent television," says Parison.

Dunmore loves the work and it shows; Plusebeat can be found on air and online.

"There is a special love I have that is reflected in my heritage as a black," says Dunmore, "when you talk about the contributions of black Americans you are talking about something that is indeed universal."

WWJ celebrates Black History month this year by highlighting local outstanding African Americans who inspire others. Tune in for the reports throughout the day at: 6:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 5:20 p.m. and 10:20 p.m.