BET has partnered with the Canadian public broadcaster CBC, to present its first miniseries. The Book of Negroes will air tonight at 7 p.m. CST.
Based on the award-winning novel by Lawrence Hill, The Book of Negroes tells the story of Aminata Diallo after her capture and the pain she endured as part of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Hill, also co-wrote the teleplay with director Clement Virgo which stars Aunjanue Ellis, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr.
“It’s told from the female perspective with a sense of empowerment,” Gooding told Deadline.com. Through Aminata’s journey we see the strength of her character. I didn’t know anything about ‘The Book Of Negroes,’ or the slaves participation with the British and upon hearing this, it always upsets me when I hear about something I don’t know: Like The Tuskegee Airmen, ‘The Book Of Negroes’ is another upsetting moment for African Americans, when we have made a positive impact on the building of America, but our history hasn’t been told. Hearing this tale of strength moved me.”
The Book of Negroes will premiere tonight at 7 p.m. CST on BET. Check local listings for channels and visit www.bet.com for more information on the series.
