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