Black History Month 2009: Day 27

What up peeps. Hello again to the countdown that is Luke's favorite Black TV characters/personalities. It's been a fun ride so far and with just 2 picks to go, I don't see it ending with a thud. In fact, I have nothing but high hopes. I correctly predicted Bill Cosby in the top 3 but tonight's pick is not one that I was completely sure about. In fact, if not for the hint Luke gave, I probably would have been blindsided. In the end, I did correctly choose this pick. And well, let's just say, I'm a happy camper.

February 27, 2o09
#2 - Donald Faison as "Christopher Turk" - "Scrubs"

Read Luke's full post here (more like watch great videos)

Luke's Take: A great aspect of Turk's character is how he constantly embraces his blackness, always in a light-hearted and comical manner. It's what makes Scrubs such a unique show. It is seemingly always bringing up common stereotypes, and instead of poking fun at each other, they poke fun at the actual stereotype instead. Throw in the black-white combo of Turk and JD, and well, you have a terrific show.

My Take: Well, I didn't see this one coming. I love Scrubs and I know Luke did too. But to have Turk make it all the way to #2, well, that's a surprise. After reading Luke's post, I completely understand though. Yeah, Turk is a great guy. He is true to himself. He has a great sense of humor. He is spontaneous, willing to do whatever. And of course, he is very intelligent, as seen by his profession and how he handles some of the most pressing situations.

But as Luke states in his post, the reason I think Turk is so high in this countdown is the relationship he has with J.D. That relationship is (scary) close to the one I share with Luke. No, we don't do nearly the amount of things J.D. and Turk do, but we have a rapport that is similar. And the video that Luke found...well, that's pretty much me to a T.

I have always been a fan of "Scrubs" and a fan of Turk. He's always been the wingman to J.D. and he's always been loyal to Carla and his occupation. But above all, he stayed true to himself. When I first met Donald Faison, he was just some dumb rich Black guy in the movie "Clueless" but thanks to Scrubs, I think he earns a spot among one of the more influential Black characters in comedies. In the show, he continuously proves stereotypes wrong and while being funny, is also quite serious about the tight relationship he has with his best friend J.D. So, with all that said, I'm glad Luke put him this high.

B.H.M. Quote Of The Day: "I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving up." ~Rosa Parks

Black History Month 2009: Day 26

And then there were three. That's right, we are down to the final three people in Luke's favorite Black TV characters/personalities. I think I know 2 of the top 3, considering the two would be tops on my list. In fact, his choice today is one of those 2. If you've been missing picks, it's never too late to head to the archives and catch up before the big reveal of the #1 pick (which I think is pretty easy to guess). If you don't wanna go the archive route, I'll have a recap with all the picks soon after Black History Month is over. But enough from me. Luke is the star of this show.

February 26, 2009
#3 - Bill Cosby as "Cliff Huxtable" - "The Cosby Show"

Read Luke's full post here (come on, it is Bill Cosby)

Luke's Take: Bill Cosby has done enough Jello pudding commercials that one might think he is turning into Fat Albert himself. He also came into the entertainment business as a stand-up comedian, but make no mistake, his role as Cliff Huxtable is what he will be remembered as. It's funny, even though I could name all five Cosby kids in order, (Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa, and Rudy), it took me a couple extra seconds to remember Bill's characters' name. By now, those two are almost synonymous.

My Take: First off, what a great picture. Well, there was no doubt Bill Cosby had to make this list. As the patriarch of the best TV family ever, he could've easily been #1 on a lot of lists if not for his age I presume. Bill Cosby is a pioneer. What he did for TV was amazing. What he did for America through "The Cosby Show" though cannot never be measured.

The show had it all. It aimed to defy every stereotype given to Blacks. It was funny, thanks to Cosby's great writing (in most cases). The stories were wholesome so the entire family could watch. And he opened the eyes of a nation to a Black culture, bringing in numerous Black poets, authors, singers and celebrities as guests. And furthermore, the mark of a good show is one that you can watch over and over and still enjoy. And that is how I feel about "The Cosby Show". And just think, while shows like "The Hughleys" and "My Wife and Kids" have tried to replicate the show, they simply couldn't because they were missing a key ingredient: Bill Cosby.

I was lucky enough to see Bill Cosby when he did a comedy show at OU. As expected, he was hilarious. And while I love and respect his comedy, I love and respect the man so much more. I hate to think where Blacks would be without Bill Cosby. Like Luke said in his post, this list could be dedicated to him because besides Redd Foxx, none of the other names may have never been respected on TV. Well done Luke (if you didn't have him though, this list would have been considered a joke).

B.H.M. Quote Of The Day: There is hope for the future because God has a sense of humor and we are funny to God. ~Bill Cosby

Black History Month 2009: Day 25

Well boys and girls, we are smack dab in the Top 5. I'm sorry for the delay in getting this post up but I've had a whirlwind day. But this always makes me feel better. Finding out the next selection by Luke is his countdown of his favorite Black TV characters/personalities. I still am in disbelief that that I made the list. But now that I have, I'm really excited to see who beat me for the top spot. So who did Luke choose for the fourth position? You may not have heard of him...

February 25, 2009
#4 - Gervase Peterson - "Survivor: Borneo"

Read Luke's full post here (especially if you don't know him)

Luke's Take: As I saw the cast of characters the first time through, I quickly picked Gervase to be my horse. Yes, he was the only black guy, which not going to lie, somehow appealed to me. But, he was also a YMCA basketball coach, and seemed to be the guy I would want to hang out with the most from the bunch. I figured he would be athletic, in shape, and be able to handle the load physically. Mentally, well, since I picked him from day one, I had no idea.

My Take: Well, those of you who know me well know that I love Survivor. It's right behind The Amazing Race for my favorite TV show. And it's hard for me to believe that my love for this show began all the way back in 2000, and one of the reasons was Gervase. Like Luke said, he just seemed like a regular guy who had no business being out in the jungle but also had a good shot to win because of his athletic build and great personality. Well, that was not to be.

Instead, Gervase was fairly weak while out on the island. He didn't win any individual challenges. And while his personality helped him make friends, he wasn't smart enough to get an alliance, which led to his demise. To this day, Gervase still is one of my favorite survivors because he was the first one I liked. It's like that first toy you get as a kid that you always have that connection with. That's kind of how I feel with Gervase. Now in its 18th season, Gervase has been forgotten by many Survivor fans, but not by me. And not by Luke. Great pick.

B.H.M. Quote Of The Day: "Question everything. Every stripe, every star, every word spoken. Everything." ~Ernest Gaines

Black History Month 2009: Day 24

What's good everyone? Hope you're enjoying your final week of Black History Month. From a Presidential Address to the return of Tiger Woods, there is plenty to be excited for. But what's more exciting than either of those two things is that we are down the top 5 in Luke's countdown of his favorite Black TV characters/personalities. He threw me for a loop with #6 so there's no telling what he'll have coming in the Top 5. So enough from me. Luke, the floor is yours...

February 24, 2009
#5 - LeVar Burton - "Reading Rainbow"

Read Luke's full post here (go on, re-live your childhood)

Luke's Take: Yes, we all know Burton from his time on Star Trek, but that's not why he is on this list. It is solely for his performance on Reading Rainbow. As the host, he took us along on adventures, always visiting interesting places along the way. What I loved best about Burton was his child-like wonder. He reflected my thoughts and feelings as if I was actually right there beside him. In a sense, he kind of became part of our family, at least in my head.

My Take: I mean, what is there to say here? Like Luke, I grew up watching Reading Rainbow. Everyday, I would turn on PBS and watch and listen as LeVar Burton led us on another adventure, introduced us to another book and above all, entertained me for a solid-half hour. I actually enjoyed books then. I read every Goosebumps novel. I actually used my library card. I guess in the end, LeVar Burton and "Reading Rainbow" had an influence on me.

These days, I don't read often if at all. But that's at no fault of "Reading Rainbow". but what does concern me is that while I grew up with Burton and this amazing show, the kids today are missing out. They are watching mindless shows like "Spongebob" and "Hannah Montana". What Burton did is open the eyes of tons of youngsters like me and without him, who knows where I would be. And like the theme song says (one my faves too), "I can go anywhere...I can do anything". Another great choice L-Flo.

B.H.M. Quote Of The Day: "If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die." ~Maya Angelou

Black History Month 2009: Day 23

Hello again everyone, or should I say "What Up?". You'll understand that as you continue this post. In case you are wondering, yes, this post is a day late but again, does it matter? No. Just like the Civil Rights Movement, better late than never right? We're coming onto the #6 pick from Luke. In case you've been living under a rock, the countdown is all about his favorite Black TV characters/personalities. It's been a good list so far and no doubt, will continue to be as we get near the top 10. But who did Luke choose today? Well, be prepared.

February 23, 2009
#6 - Alex Adeyanju/Matt Barnes - "Gridiron Glory"

Read Luke's full post here (if you dare)

Luke's Take: Maybe I am a little biased. Okay, I am probably a lot biased, but these two guys are my all-time favorite sporting television hosts. For three consecutive years, Matt Barnes and Alex Adeyanju entertained Southeast Ohio, in particular Southeast Ohio football fans. For three years, these two hosted the Emmy-award winning Gridiron Glory. Even though Barnes and Adeyanju have left WOUB and are now onto bigger and better things, their performance for those three years will never be forgotten. They both are pioneers in the sense, as they were the first two black hosts of Gridiron Glory. So, in a weird way, you could say they were the Jackie Robinson/Larry Doby of Southeast Ohio.

My Take: First off, I did not mandate this pick. In fact, I thought I was exempt from this list completely but apparently not. As far as my selection, I am honored to make the list. To have me above the likes of Michael Wilbon, Bernie Mac and Dave Chappelle is truly humbling. So thank you Luke.

As for Alex Adeyanju, what can I say? He's a great guy. He's had my back as long as I have known him. From my freshman year when I was the only other Black guy to my senior year when he was alreadyin Vegas, he's always been looking out for me. While working for "GG", I looked up to him. I never envisioned myself replacing him as the host but somehow I did. He was great on "GG" but he's even better now, completely in his element working for the Las Vegas Sun. I have nothing but respect for the guy and I am glad Luke acknowledged him as well.

B.H.M. Quote Of The Day: "We all do 'do, re, mi,' but you have got to find the other notes yourself." ~Louis Armstrong

Black History Month 2009: Day 22

Alright this is it. The final week of Black History Month. 21 days down but 7 days to go in the countdown. So far, we've seen the likes of sports analysts, animated characters, reality show stars, and yes, even a smoke monster. But what does Luke have in store for us in this exciting final week? You'll just have to find out by checking the blog each week. And again, I hope you've been checking out his posts. On a scale of 1-10, my blog entries are around a 2.5. Luke's range from 8.5 to 10. (Russian judge has been giving him 6 and 7, but she's tough). So if you've missed the last 21, don't miss the final 7. You won't regret it.

February 22, 2009
#7 - Dave Chappelle/Wayne Brady - "Chappelle's Show"

Read Luke's full post here (re-live the show)

Luke's Take: Okay, this spot is more for the genius of Dave Chappelle, but I wanted a way to include Wayne Brady as well. The skit (couldn't find the entire bit online) has Dave and Wayne driving around the city is my favorite from The Chappelle Show, by far. Wayne Brady was made fun of by Dave on an earlier episode during a Q&A session. The question was asked, "why do white people love Wayne Brady so much?" The reply was, "white people love Wayne Brady, because Wayne Brady makes Bryant Gumbel look like Malcolm X." Doesn't get too much better than that. Well, I thought so too, until this skit aired. Enjoy.

My Take: Well, you know I love the pick. I mean, who doesn't? What Dave Chappelle did with his show was comic genius. He pushed the envelope in so many ways but it was so damn funny that you almost forgot he was making fun of Whites and Blacks. The skits were so funny too, they were memorable. I remember in high school, hearing my friends talking about the show all the time. I was a late bloomer so I had no clue what they were talking about. But once I caught up, I saw what I had been missing. Pure comic gold.

The inclusion of Wayne Brady is important because that skit may have been the best (tough to pick one though - racial draft is up there for me). Seeing Wayne Brady so out of his "character" was hilarious. It is a shame that Chappelle stopped doing the show because I am convinced it was only going to get better. In just two years, he was turning into the most popular Black comedian of our generation. In fact, he still may be. While my parents grew up with the likes of Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx and Bill Cosby, my generation hasn't been as lucky. I mean, Nick Cannon and Kenan Thompson have tried but only Dave Chappelle had a following. And that's because he deserved it.

B.H.M. Quote Of The Day: "It is a blessing to die for a cause, because you can so easily die for nothing." ~Andrew Young

Black History Month 2009: Day 21

Hello Ladies and Gents. If you do the math, you will now that this post represents the 3/4 mark. In other words, we are pretty much coming down the homestretch. This post is a bit later than it should be but who cares? It's here! Luke has done an amazing job with this list, in fact, far exceeded my expectations. But before I gush about the great job he has done, he still has 8 picks to go. And like I've said in previous posts, he has assured me that the final picks are truly the best of the bunch. We shall see...

February 21, 2009
#8 - Larry Wilmore - "The Daily Show"

Read Luke's full post here (best yet I think)

Luke's Take: Wilmore is the first purely racial comic on my list, but he is far from the first-ever racial comic. What stands Wilmore apart from the others is his distinct style. Wilmore has a way of delivering his jokes in a matter-of-fact style. He comes off as cool, hip, and any other fresh adjective you can think of.

My Take: Normally in this section, I go on and on about how I approve or disapprove of the pick. Well, this time, there's no need for me to write much because I am a HUGE fan of this pick. And if you want to know why, just go to Luke's blog and watch the videos. Larry Wilmore says exactly what all Black people want to say. And because it is done on a comedy show, he can get away with it. Seriously, watch the videos. You'll be glad you did. Great pick Luke.

B.H.M Quote Of The Day: "The strong man is the man who can stand up for his rights and not hit back." ~Martin Luther King Jr.

Black History Month 2009: Day 20

Well boys and girls, we are moving right along in the countdown and we are in the top ten. Luke assured me the top ten would be amazing and yesterday's pick definitely got it off to a good start. And speaking of good starts, I'm glad to hear Tiger Woods is due to make his first start since the 2008 U.S. Open next week, during Black History Month! There's no better way to cap off a great B.H.M than with the game's best (and only) Black golfer making his triumphant return. Alright, let's move to Luke's #9 pick.

February 20, 2009
#9 - Michael Wilbon - "PTI"

Read Luke's full post here (you know you wanna)

Luke's Take: But, without question, the biggest reason I love Wilbon is his relationship with Tony Kornheiser. There is little doubt that these two enjoy working with each other, which is why PTI has been so successful. They have outstanding chemistry. They play off each other like John Stockton and Karl Malone. They poke fun at each other like an Abbott and Costello routine, and together they have a winning formula similar to MJ and Scottie Pippen. This is why whenever Wilbon or TK is not on the show, I don't watch, because even though the name hasn't changed, the show just isn't the same.

My Take: I remember the first day PTI came on. I just happened to be watching ESPN that day. What I remember from the show is just how funny and informed these two guys were. So I tuned in all week. After Friday's show, I was hooked. PTI is the perfect format for sports talk. You only get so long to argue about a certain thing and then, you must move on. And like Luke said, the rapport Wilbon and TK have is what makes the show so great.

Like Like, I don't watch the show when Wilbon or TK is gone. It just isn't the same. Wilbon brings a lot to the show too. He brings a hip flavor to it that TK could never bring. He also is good for a rant or two each week that are on point. And because he is Black, he can always bring a unique perspective to the show that TK can not bring. And while many think Stuart (I'm full of myself) Scott is the most important or popular Black TV personality on ESPN, I beg to differ. ESPN would not be the same without Wilbon and neither would this historic list by Luke.

B.H.M. Quote Of The Day: "It isn't where you came from, it's where you're going that counts." ~Ella Fitzgerald

Black History Month 2009: Day 19

Time for the TOP TEN! No, it's no David Letterman list, it's better than that. It's the top ten Black TV characters/personalities as chosen by my friend Luke. It really is hard to believe that we are down to the final 10 days in Black History Month. In some ways, this is very depressing as that means the time is ticking before I am subject to criticism and insults again. But I am also very excited because I wanna see this top ten. I talked to Luke earlier and he said the top ten really stood apart from the rest. Let's do it to it.

February 19, 2009
#10 - Leslie David Baker as "Stanley Hudson" - "The Office"

Read Luke's full post here (Office clips galore)

Luke's Take: Stanley is the product of having worked so long under Michael Scott. Stanley is apathetic, stern, typically above all the humor or craziness that is surrounding him (clearly focused on his cross-words), and loves pretzels. Which is why I love Stanley. Just when you think you have his character cornered, he surprises us. He appears to have an uncaring attitude, but had plenty in the tank to yell at Ryan for getting too close to his daughter. Those random Stanley moments often act as the lifeblood for The Office.

My Take: I couldn't agree more with what Luke said about Stanley. I've slowly become a rabid "Office' fan and every time Stanley says something, I laugh. It's because no matter the moment, he has a one-liner ready and waiting to employ. In most cases, it is so simple, it's hilarious. And in a show with such an amazing ensemble cast, he is one of the few that stands out because while he should be more in the background, his hidden sense of humor comes to the foreground, making him an audience favorite.

I don't know what else can be said about Stanley so I'm going to stop there. All I know is that this is start of the top 10. And that excites me because Stanley is a strong character, especially right now in television. When it comes to token black guys on comedies, he might take the cake, or maybe more fitting in this case, the pretzel.

B.H.M. Quote Of The Day: "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." ~Muhammad Ali

Black History Month 2009: Day 18

Hard to believe but we are on the verge of Luke's top 10 best Black TV characters/personalities. Black History Month is flying by and since it's only 28 days, it flies by a lot faster than most months. You ever wonder why they chose February of all the months? I mean, not like Valentines Day or President's Day really makes one think Black History Month. Conspirators can look at the 28 days for the reason but I try not to. I'm just glad we have a month in general. So who did Luke choose today?

February 18, 2009
#11 - Bernie Mac - "The Bernie Mac Show"

Read Luke's full post here (seriously, do it)

Luke's Take: There is just something about Bernie that is hard to put spell out. He is unique in almost every meaning of the word. He has his own style, his own charisma, his own mannerisms, and without question, his own flavor. Bernie is quick to yell at his kids (actually his sister's kids in the show, but not important), but deep down is a softy who loves his children dearly. Bernie always seems to have a trick up his sleeve, or a plan to hatch. Whether it is going to Vegas for the weekend, or just out with the guys to a basketball game ... and like clockwork, something always goes wrong.

My Take: When I heard Bernie Mac died last year, my heart sank. At just 50 years old, he had so much life to live. But more importantly, he had so many more laughs to give. I watch The Bernie Mac Show everyday before I go to work and everyday, I laugh. There's something so real about Bernie Mac. His humor is really based off of real life. He doesn't twist it. He just tells it like it is. Things have changed since he grew up (and his childhood was not easy) and he's not afraid to point those differences out.

I really wish The Bernie Mac Show got more credit than it did. First off, it was on FOX so it didn't get much publicity. Also, its time slot moved multiple times, causing it to lose ratings. But if one watches this show, you'll see it's just as funny and heart-warming as The Cosby Show was. He truly will be missed. Luke had a hunch that I would love this pick. Well, he's right. You can't go wrong with the Mac Attack.

B.H.M. Quote Of The Day: Whatever success I've had, I always like to top it. ~Bernie Mac

Black History Month 2009: Day 17

Hello again and welcome to the countdown of Luke's favorite Black TV characters/personalities of all-time. I hope this countdown is taking your mind off of the terrible financial times we are in here in the United States. These are tough times I know but we will get through this. Just think. 50 some years ago, Blacks and Whites in Augusta, GA weren't exactly always getting along. But now, things are much better. So Hakuna Matata peeps. Things will get better. But enough of my pep talk. We have a countdown to continue.

February 17, 2009
#12 - Victor Williams as "Deacon Palmer" - "The King Of Queens"

Read Luke's full post here (do yourself a favor)

Luke's Take: Without trying to get too wordy, Deacon has a cool name, usually remains cool during ridiculous situations, and well ... is just a cool guy. He is a guy that I would want to hang out with, go to the bar and grab a drink. Or go to a basketball game, play some cards, basically any other guy situation. I also love how he throws in the "black card" from time-to-time, but it usually is in a humorous manner. But, at the end of the day, he comes off as a guy I would love to have as a friend.

My Take: If I were to compare this pick to an Alex Rodriguez at-bat, I'd say this is a homerun (post-Steroids). As Luke so eloquently said, Deacon is just a cool guy. In some ways, he reminds me of well, me. No, not saying that I am cool (far from it) but in the way he interacts with Doug reminds me a bit of myself. The random "race card" being played. The way he always goes with Doug's crazy antics. And just how chill he is when Doug gets all worked up.

Yet again, I noticed how Luke has picked another person that has a black-white relationship. I think a trend is sort of showing up. In some ways, these characters resemble the friendship Luke and I have (which is a damn good one). But another thing to notice is that while Deacon is the token Black guy in the show, he seems to bring out the best in Doug, even more so than his wife. I like to think I do that for Luke too, but that's debateable. Anyways, great pick Luke. Deacon is definitely an underrated Black TV character of our generation.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: Do the right thing. ~Spike Lee

Black History Month 2009: Day 16

Well, it's been an eventful day to say the least for me. It started with me not getting out of bed for a good 3 hrs because I just didn't feel like it. Then, I did a story about an upstart women's flag football league. Later, I went to a girls high school basketball game that had aq combined 7 points scored in the first quarter. And then participated in a 90-minute conference call about fantasy baseball. Yeah. But now comes the best part of every day in February. Time to reveal the next person in Luke's favorite Black TV characters/personalities.

February 16, 2009
#13 - Adewele Akinnuoye-Agbaje as "Mr. Eko" - "LOST"

Read Luke's full post here (good LOST videos)

Luke's Take: Mr. Eko is in ever definition of the word ... memorable. He chooses his words carefully. He always seems to know what is going on. He remains loyal to his brother, to his faith, and to his new friends on the island. When Mr. Eko made his appearance in Season Two, I instantly became a fan. He soon became my second favorite character on LOST. His run on the show was much too short, but he will never be forgotten.

My Take: I didn't get into LOST until September 2008 but one reason I am glad I did is because of Mr. Eko. He is exactly what many of us strive to be. Thoughtful of other people's feelings. Have a strong faith in God (or something). Incredibly knowledgeable and aware of his surroundings. Also, he was devoted to his family. So much so, he killed a man to save his brother.

Unfortunately, Mr. Eko didn't stay on LOST long enough. But he will forever go down as the best Black character on the show, though the competition for that spot is not exactly tough. I hope he does emerge once again in TV because I think he really is a great actor and is just another example of a Black man who isn't always getting into trouble. Great choice Luke, though I saw it coming since the Black Smoke Monster post.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: "We should emphasize not Negro History, but the Negro in history. What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice." ~Carter Woodson

Black History Month 2009: Day 15

Well peeps, we are down to the final 14. The first half has been quite the collection of characters but I know the best has yet to come. Some of my favorite Black TV characters/personalities have not been chosen yet and I have the utmost faith in Luke to have them on his list. He's done a great job of having nice diversity in characters too and I hope that continues. So who did Luke pick to start the second half of our countdown. Let's do work and find out.

February 15, 2009
#14 - Dwayne " The Rock" Johnson - WWE

Read Luke's full post here (amazing videos too)

Luke's Take: I've never seen another entertainer captivate an audience the way Dwayne Johnson did during his years with professional wrestling. He was super quick with the microphone, witty, funny, creative and sharp. In other words, he was awesome to watch. Whether he had the crowd on his side, or even after he turned heel and the crowd would boo him, The Rock was an experience to itself.

My Take: What a great choice, and I absolutely mean that. I used to be a fan of professional wrestling but like many things, I grew out of it. And by time The Rock came around, I had already lost my interest in WWE. But when he started getting popular, I started to sneak a peek every now and then. And let me tell ya, boy was I entertained.

I remember trying to do the eyebrow in front of the mirror. I remember watching his long tirades in the ring, just waiting for his signature line. Man, those were the days. Now I can't stand the WWE or its wrestlers. As for the Rock, he continues to amaze me in the movie world. He's not a great actor, but he knows that. So he takes roles that make him look dumb and hilarious and does a great job. I'm glad Luke found the room to put him on the list.

B.H.M Quote of the Day: Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. ~Booker T. Washington

Black History Month 2009: Day 14

Well, a belated Happy Valentines Day to everyone. I know this post is late but such is life, and that life is called the weekend. Hope you all had a wonderful one. This post will officially mark the halfway mark as well as be the 100th post to this blog. I'm very proud of both achievements. Enough about that though, let's get back to the countdown of Luke's favorite Black TV characters/personalities. Let's hope he recovers from a lackluster #16.

February 14, 2009
#15 - Christopher "Big Black" Boykin - "Rob & Big"

Read Luke's full post here

Luke's Take: I've stated in previous posts, and you will hear it again in future ones, how much I love the black-white relationships. The fact that he and Rob are best friends (or at the very least, appear to be on the show) helped his rating for this list tremendously.

Thanks to Big Black, my vocabulary has shown significant signs of growth. His "do work" phrase is one I repeat every time I get the opportunity. Not to mention his love of using "son," which has become a favorite of mine as well. But it's not just his dialect that I am a fan of. It his is "no drama" approach to life, his willingness to make a fool of himself in almost any situation, and the way he interacts with Rob.

My Take: I've only seen a few episodes of Rob & Big, but of the ones I have seen, I have enjoyed it. And like Luke, I am a big fan of the interaction between Rob and Big Black. The two just have a great chemistry and if they aren't really best friends, they sure do a good job acting like it.

Now, will he forever be remembered as a titan of Black TV? Of course not, but that's okay. Because in all honesty, all Black TV character that isn't doing drugs or going to jail is a portrayal that needs to be seen more often. And yes, that includes Big Black, a faithful friend, always down to do anything with or for his friend and have the occasional heart to heart talk.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying. ~Michael Jordan

Black History Month 2009: Day 13

Friday the 13th is normally an unlucky day. But when it's Black History Month, there are only lucky days. I know, corny intro but I'm running out of ideas and it's a lot later than I normally do these things. But despite my fatigue tonight, I'm not too tired to share another selection in our countdown of best Black TV characters/personalities according to my friend Luke. He's done great so far picking characters that truly deserve to be recognized during this important month. How about tonight?

February 13, 2009
#16 - "Chef" - South Park

Read Luke's full post here

Luke's Take: Chef was arguably the smartest adult helping out the four South Park youngsters (Eric, Kenny, Stan, and Kyle). He cooked them their lunches, but more importantly, he guided them through awkward situations in his own unique style, which typically involved singing. Why does a cartoon chef sing? Well because he was voiced by the late - and great - Issac Hayes. For the early seasons of South Park, his voice would be my first association with this hilarious animated show.

My Take: I hate this show. I don't find it funny at all. And in all honesty, unlike Family Guy, I actually think this show is trying to offend people instead of being comedic.

As for Chef, the only good thing I can and will say about him is that he was voiced by Isaac Hayes, who I'm a big fan of. He actually left the show because the show made fun of scientology, which offended Hayes. But yeah, other than that, in my book, this is a swing and a miss. But it's not my list. Just my reaction.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. ~Abraham Lincoln

Black History Month 2009: Day 12

We're moving right along in our countdown and celebration of Black History Month. I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am, though I find that hard to believe. Again, I urge you to find a way to celebrate this month in your own way. There are still 16 days to get in the act so don't delay. Anyways, Luke's hint on his blog all but gave away today's selection but in case you have a terrible memory of the best shows on television, here it is.

February 12, 2009
#17 - Alfonso Ribiero as "Carlton Banks" - "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"

Read Luke's full post here (with great Fresh Prince videos)

Luke's Take: Has there even been another character who has evolved during a show's run more than Carlton Banks? He started as a rich, snobby kid. One who held on to his political beliefs, scoffed at other people's opinions and was the definition of a "preppy." But somewhere during the six years Fresh Prince aired, Carlton morphed into a fun-loving guy with a much better wardrobe. How did this happen? Well, life happened. It was obvious that Carlton lived a sheltered life until Will came along. That evolution is something we all go through at some point, even if we don't have a cool cousin come and live at our house.

My Take: There was no doubt in my mind Carlton was making this list. And I suspect this is not the only character from "Fresh Prince" that will make this list. It's because it was such a quality show. Sort of an updated version of the Cosbys but more emphasis on the kids life and less on the parenting. Like Luke, I can watch Fresh Prince any day and laugh, even though I know exactly what's going to happen.

Carlton was hilarious though. As Luke so eloquently wrote, he went from a sheltered snob to a fun-loving adult. But no matter how old he got, he still loved Tom Jones and that dance. As great as Will was, without Carlton, Will's character would have been terrible. They were like yin and yang. They challenged each other but also stood up for each other. And by time college came, they were truly best friends. I could go on and on with reasons why Carlton deserves to be on this list but I doubt anyone reading this is arguing with the selection.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: "Prejudice doesn't make me mad. It just — I guess 'pisses me off' is the word." ~Chuck Berry

Black History Month 2009: Day 11

We're nearing the halfway point of our journey and man oh man, has it been fun so far. Luke has been picking some solid Black TV characters and providing some great videos to supplement his choice. If you haven't been checking his post out, do it today. You'll be happy you did. So who did Luke pick today? Time to find out.

February 11, 2009
#18 - Tracy Morgan - "SNL" and "30 Rock"

Read Luke's full post here

Luke's Take: Tracy Morgan gets a bad rap at times, mainly because he has been in some movies/television shows that have flopped ... badly. The Tracy Morgan Show lasted a mere five episodes, and shouldn't have made it that far before getting canceled. Anyone remember Totally Awesome? I hope not. What this tells us is that Morgan is best served in the supporting role. There's nothing wrong with that, in fact, it was good enough for him to make this list, so he must be doing something right.

My Take: Well to start, I wasn't a fan of Tracy Morgan on SNL. He was too over the top for me and in turn, not that funny. As for 30 Rock, well, I've never seen an episode of 30 Rock. It's on Thursday night, which in college meant I was not watching TV and now means, well, the same thing. So I really can't qualify Luke's statements about Tracy Morgan on those shows.

But when he's not on those two shows, he's pretty damn hilarious too. I found two examples that Luke does not have in his blog. I saw both of these Morgan moments and these two things alone make him more than worthy of making this prestigious list.

First, his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes...



And then, talking about his relationship with Oprah on Letterman...



So all in all, not a bad pick. Maybe a bit high but ay, Luke's choice, not mine. And considering the lack of Blacks in TV these days, I think Tracy is doing his part.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Black History Month 2009: Day 10

Wow, we are already 10 days into this wonderful month. Time really does fly by when you're educating and entertaining yourself in Black history. I've been nothing but impressed with Luke's list so far and I know as this goes on, that trend will continue. I just hope you respect and enjoy his list as much as I do. It's no easy task, trust me. So who's next on the best Black TV character/personalities countdown?

February 10, 2009
#19 - Charles Barkley - "Inside The NBA"

Read Luke's full post here (complete with great Barkley videos)

Luke's Take: Inside the NBA is one of my favorite current television shows. The chemistry between Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Chuck is unrivaled. Don't be fooled though, Charles Barkley is the key ingredient in this mixture. Whether it be Ernie and Kenny poking fun at Chuck, Barkley saying something off-the-cuff, or even insightful NBA analysis, the round mound of rebound is at the center of its' success.

My Take: There aren't really words to describe my absolute satisfaction with this pick. As Luke said, Barkley is the reason behind the success of Inside The NBA. I know I only watch to hear what he has to say. And what's so great about him is that he says the first thing that comes to his mind. In this day of politically correctness on TV, it's refreshing to have someone like Barkley who is not afraid to speak his mind and say it like it is.

Of course, these are not the best of times for Barkley. He's on a leave of absence from TNT because of a DUI arrest. And this is not his first run-in with the law either. He won't be back for the All-Star Game, which is a shame, but he will be back soon after. And when he does, the NBA and TV will be much better for it. He has already made a great impact for what he did on the basketball floor. But he may be making a greater (and funnier) impact as a broadcaster, and I know every sports fan is grateful for that. Great pick Luke.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks. ~Harper Lee

Black History Month 2009: Day 9

Well folks, we are down to the top 20 picks by Luke for best Black TV character/personality. There have been some great ones so far so I can't wait to see what comes next. Lately, I've been getting some grief from people who feel that I have been overdoing it this Black History Month. I disagree though. In fact, I think I am doing what I should be doing, calling attention to the month. And since no one else will, I have no problem carrying the flag. So don't complain to me. Complain to the rest of America for not making this month much more important. Enough lecturing from me though. We have a countdown to get to.

February 9, 2009
#20 - Malcolm-Jamal Warner as "Theo Huxtable" - "The Cosby Show"

Read Luke's full post here

Luke's Take: Theo was the perfect compliment to Bill. You got the sense that they had a strong Father-Son bond, similarly to Sanford and Son. Whenever Theo got in trouble, which happened from time to time, Heathcliff would be right there to set him straight. Theo was outgoing, loved sports, and always had girls on his mind. As a young kid watching, this made quite the impression on me. It became quite common for me to try and mimic his personality.

My Take: Another day, another solid pick. I had no doubt in my mind "The Cosby Show" would make the list and for good reason. It is one of the best, if not the best comedy ever. And one of the reasons for that is because of Theo Huxtable. Theo was the typical teenage kid in those days and despite having 4 sisters, loved his family. Honestly, he was an inspiration for me and I just had one sister!

To me, there's nothing really that stands out about Theo but in the end, I think that it was made him so great. He was just another teenager. He didn't seem like a character on TV. He got in trouble. He dated girls and said dumb things to them. He had his problems in school but in the end, did enough to graduate. Seems like in TV these days, ordinary is boring but when it came to "The Cosby Show" and Theo, ordinary was extraordinary.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: The past is a ghost, the future a dream. All we ever have is now. -- Bill Cosby

Black History Month 2009: Day 8

We're into Week 2 of the shortest but most inspirational month of the year and I don't know about you, but I'm enjoying every second of it. So far, most of my friends have adhered to "can't make fun of me" rule during the month. My employer and many other stations I have seen have been airing tributes for the month. And most of all, Luke has come through each and every day with a great pick for the top 28 Black TV characters/personalities. Black History Month is turning into Christmas for me every day. So what is today's present?

February 8, 2009
#21 - Black Smoke Monster - "LOST"

Read Luke's full post here (especially if you like LOST)

Luke's Take: Why put the black smoke monster on my list? Well, for starters, LOST is my all-time favorite television show, so it only makes sense it has at least one character represented. Secondly, it is not your typical run-of-the-mill monster. Yes, it has killed people in the past, three to date thus far, but it also seems to track down people and take some sort of memory-picture. It's not just a killer. Lastly, as I mentioned previously, it is the biggest on-going mystery of LOST. We learn a little bit more about each season, which only causes my interest in it to grow each season as well.

My Take: Interesting choice Luke. I'll say this, very unexpected but I gotta say, I'm a fan of it. Yeah, this really doesn't have anything to do with Black History really but you know, just how some Black people consider Bill Clinton the first Black president, I will say this pick works. The Black Smoke plays a huge role in the show even though it will never be found on imdb. If and when the origin of it is revealed, it will be a big moment in the show.

But I do have one big beef with this pick. The Black Smoke killed Mr. Eko, a prominent Black character on the show. I don't know if any person that is regarded as a Black American hero or positive figure has committed a crime, let alone a Black-on-Black crime. So yes, while I am a fan of the pick because it proves Luke is thinking outside of the box and really cares about this list, I also want to make sure those who read this know I do not condone killing, especially when it's our Black brethren.

B.H.M. Quote of the Week: Racism isn't born, folks, it's taught. I have a two-year-old son. You know what he hates? Naps! End of list. ~Denis Leary

Black History Month 2009: Day 7

As you know, the month of February is only 28 days (29 in those special years). So here we are at Day 7, which means we have reached the quarter-mark of our countdown. As depressing as that is for many of you, that also means we are getting that much closer to the top Black TV character/personality as picked by my friend Luke. As of now, I have no idea who he is going to choose. But instead of speculating on that, I'm gonna enjoy each and every day left in this wonderful month. Because as you know, it is the best month of the year (for Black people at least!)

February 7, 2009
#22 - Alton Williams - "Real World: Las Vegas", "Gauntlet"

Read Luke's full post here (includes a dig on me)

Luke's Take: "It is a show full of self-centered people who get drunk and make out with each other. It's nothing but mindless television, but Alton stands out amongst the crowd. You can get the sense that he is a fun-loving, humble guy with a laid back personality, who absolutely DESTROYS everyone in these ridiculous challenges. Believe me, if the Real World/Road Rule Challenge had a Hall of Fame, Alton would be the first inductee."

My Take: For the first time in this countdown, I have no idea who this guy is. Yep, that's right. No clue. I have never watched an episode of "Real World" until this season's Brooklyn edition. To go with that, I never watched an episode of the "Gauntlet" or the "Inferno" because I didn't know any of the people. But after reading Luke's post and watching the videos, I gotta admit, I'm impressed by this Alton guy.

Though he wouldn't stand a chance on a show like Survivor or American Gladiators (old), he obviously knew how to kick the butts of 20-something guys and girls with no goals in life but to be on MTV for as long as they let them. In terms of Black history, Alton probably deserves a spot in the reality TV section, especially considering there is the one or token Black people on each show and just like scary movies, they tend to leave early.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: The United States has been called the melting pot of the world. But it seems to me that the colored man either missed getting into the pot or he got melted down. ~Thurgood Marshall

Black History Month 2009: Day 6

Hello and welcome back to the countdown you've waited 11 months for. Well, maybe that's just me. Either way, it is another day in February and that means another TV character has been selected by my friend Luke. He's done a great job so far in my mind. Feel free to leave your thoughts on his picks in the comments section. Of course, this is all happening because it is Black History Month and I hope you have done something to celebrate the best month of the year. Enough talking though, it's time to continue the countdown. Who did Luke choose today?

February 6, 2009
#23 - Redd Foxx as "Fred Sanford" - "Sanford and Son"

Read Luke's full post here

Luke's Take: Watching re-runs on television from an early age, I became an instant fan of Redd Foxx. The timing of his humor was impeccable, his fearlessness of not being politically correct was cutting edge, and his one-liners will never be forgotten. Sanford and Son was well ahead of its time, and a big part of that came from Foxx's character, Fred Sanford. There has never been another show like it, and there never will be. Sanford and Son was a classic.

My Take: My initial reaction was "eh" because I'm actually not a big fan of "Sanford and Son". The reruns don't really make me laugh. But I am a fan of Redd Foxx. In a time when Black comedy wasn't exactly popular, he was one of the leaders. And for that, I am extremely happy that Luke went with this pick.

What this pick does make me wonder is what has happened to all the good Black comedies? I mean, there aren't any anymore besides the terrible, and I mean terrible, Tyler Perry comedies on TBS. It's just a sad sight because there are some funny Black people out there (not me) that deserve a shot but either they're not getting it or there aren't any good ideas. But maybe Luke's selection of Redd Foxx will get things going. Ay, a boy can dream right?

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: The African race is a rubber ball. The harder you dash it to the ground, the higher it will rise. ~African Proverb

Black History Month 2009: Day 5

Well, we are well on our way to the top Black TV character according to Luke and I don't know about you but I'm excited. I can't think of a better way to spend my Black History Month. I hope you haven't missed a day of this month-long celebration and countdown but if you have, no worries. Head to the archives and catch up. And don't forget to celebrate Black History Month in your way. The preferred way is to educate yourself on some kind of Black History but if you just manage to buy your best Black friend (which everyone should have a few of I hope) some lunch or a beverage, then you've done your part. Alright, enough babble. Let's get to today's selection.

February 5, 2009
#24 - Phil Moore - "Nick Arcade"

Read Luke's full post here (includes Joey Fatone sighting!)

Luke's Take: The staple of Nick Arcade was its' host, Phil Moore. He was boisterous, eccentric, and just seemed to love life. He had such a unique personality that it could only be described as ... well zany. But even though the games changed, Moore was the constant. He guided the contestants (who seemed to have zero skill playing the games) from "Mikey's World" to "The Video Zone." When I think of Nickelodeon shows, Phil Moore is right there at the top of the list.

My Take: First off, GREAT CHOICE. Almost disappointed Phil didn't make it any higher on this prestigious list. Nick Arcade was not a show, it was an experience. It was every kid's dream come true, to play video game and then, be in a video game, and win prizes. And like Luke says, Phil was the constant. He was full of energy and at the time, the only Black game show host on TV. In fact, he still may be to this day (think about it).

Nick Arcade's run was way too short and I'm still not really sure why. It was by far the most fun to watch and he was by far, the best host of any of the Nick game shows. Yes, even better than Mike O'Malley on GUTS. Phil hasn't resurfaced since his time on "Figure It Out" but as you can see, he has left a big impression on Luke and I. Hopefully, one day, he will be included in a book of influential Black entertainers. Ok, maybe not that far, but really, he was damn good.

B.H.M. Quote Of The Day: There is no Negro problem. The problem is whether the American people have loyalty enough, honor enough, patriotism enough, to live up to their own constitution. ~Frederick Douglass