BET Networks and ICON MANN today announced a partnership to celebrate the positive impact that Black men are making domestically and across the globe with the launch of ICON MANNâ„¢ “28 Men of Change.” â„¢ This special Black History Month initiative will share the journeys of 28 contemporary trailblazers whose formula for success includes empowering others, and who credit their personal and professional advancement to their continued investment in philanthropy. Each day, beginning February 1, 2014, BET Networks will feature the personal story of one of the “28 Men of Change” â„¢ with 2:00 minute vignettes on BETÂ and Centric. BET.com will offer viewers original videos, photographs and editorial features on these inspirational figures, providing a personal and in-depth interview detailing how they have combined their passion with their purpose.
The diverse list of celebrants recognizes men from multiple countries and a wide array of industries spanning entertainment, business, art, law, finance, medicine, science, politics, education and professional sports. Each individual selected continues to inspire many different generations with his vision, ability, commitment and success in creating positive changes throughout the world. The group of honorees selected for the inaugural ICON MANNâ„¢”28 Men of Change” â„¢ include (in alphabetical order):1.
Lonnie Bunch III, Founding Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture2. Nick Cannon, TV Host, Writer, Director, Executive Producer and Philanthropist3. Lee Daniels, Film Producer and Oscar-Nominated Director4.
Kasseem’Swizz Beatz’ Dean, Grammy Award-Winning Record Producer, Composer and Philanthropist5. Dr. Courtney Hollowell, Cook County Hospital Chairman of the Division of Urology6.
Nyjah Huston, Professional Street Skateboarder7. Charles Jenkins, Pastor of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church8. Ron Kirk, Sr.
Council of Gibson Dunn and Former U.S. Trade Representative9. Edward Lewis, Co-founder of Essence Magazine and Latina Magazine10.
Ndaba Mandela, Chairman, Africa Rising Foundation11. Leland Melvin, NASA Astronaut12. Dr.
Steve Perry, Founder and Principal, Capital Preparatory Magnet School13. Nile Rodgers, Musician, Producer, Composer and Philanthropist14. Dr.
Robert Ross, President and CEO, The California Endowment15. Marcus Samuelsson, Chef and UNICEF Ambassador16. Gary Simmons, Artist17.
Forest Whitaker, Actor, Producer and DirectorThe remaining honorees will be revealed each day during the month of February 2014. Founding Partner of ICON MANNâ„¢ Tamara N. Houston comments, “There is so much wealth and inspiration within our Black Diaspora, of good men, great men being leaders within the community, the home, across the nation and around the globe.
It is time we start to shine the spotlight on them and focus on what is possible. We are thrilled beyond measure with the support that Louis Carr and the entire bet family have provided ICON MANNâ„¢.”