The Paley Center for Media announced today a special evening celebrating 70 years of groundbreaking and historic African American contributions in television in a wide array of genres – drama, comedy, news/talk, sports, and music – featuring iconic Hollywood talent across generations.

The Tribute commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act and recognizes the role that television played in its passing, and recognizes the importance of preserving, exploring, and interpreting this historic material through the Paley Archive and programs.

Presented by JPMorgan Chase & Co., the event will be held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills on Monday October 26. Among those scheduled to attend are Diahann Carroll, Don Cheadle, Ava DuVernay, Terrence Howard, Tyler Perry, Wesley Snipes, Keegan-Michael Key Tyra Banks and several others.

There will be a salute to BET’s 35th anniversary as well.

“The Paley Center for Media’s Hollywood Tribute to African American Achievements in Television reflects Paley’s overall mission to shine a light on the pivotal role media plays in shaping our society and culture,” said Maureen J. Reidy, president and CEO of The Paley Center for Media. “We’re so thrilled to have tremendous support from Paley’s Tribute Committee, Presenting Sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co., and the contributors and talent that are helping us lead the conversation about the significant achievements made by African-Americans in television over the last seventy years.” 

Paley Center events are usually videotaped and eventually uploaded to their YouTube channel. I suspect this will find its way there as well… eventually. And when/if it does, I’ll share here on S&A.