Black visionaries have left an indelible mark on the history and culture of our nation through their creativity, self-expression, and storytelling. Their ingenuity knows no bounds, pushing the frontiers of possibility and shaping the future of technology, business, art, community investment, and more.
With an extensive network and unique content, Comcast NBCUniversal provides an unparalleled platform to showcase these contributions throughout the year. During Black History Month, we proudly celebrate and amplify the voices of Black entrepreneurs, entertainers, civic leaders, and advocates who are actively building a more equitable tomorrow.
Xfinity’s “Black is the New Black” Editorial Collection embodies the timeless and enduring nature of the color black, symbolizing elegance, sophistication, authority, and power. This theme permeates the curated and free programming available to Xfinity and Xumo customers on The Black Experience on Xfinity (BEX).
BEX, a first-of-its-kind destination for Black entertainment, offers movies, TV shows, news, and more. It features high-quality content from Xfinity’s network partners and original works from Black creatives and filmmakers, including exclusive content like the films and docuseries Black Girls, Black Boys, I Am My Brother’s Keeper, and In Our DNA: Hip House. Endorsed by the African American Film Critics Association, BEX is accessible at home on Xfinity X1 and Flex, on-the-go with the Xfinity Stream app, and by voice command through the Xfinity Voice Remote. Non-Xfinity customers can also view content on Xumo Play.
To breathe life into “Black is the New Black,” Xfinity has enlisted guest editors such as Gil Robertson, President of the African American Film Critics Association, MeKai Curtis from Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and B. Monet, director of Black Girls. Comcast Project UP partners, including 1863 Ventures, Echoing Green, The Hidden Genius Project, and the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, are also contributing to the collection.
Curated collections for Black History Month on Black Experience on Xfinity include “Shadows of Affection: A Symphony of Black Love,” “AfroRefined: Celebrating the Pinnacle of Black Elegance,” “Resilient Spirits: The Tenacious Journey of Black Men,” “Strong-Willed and Determined Black Characters,” and “Cuisine Noir Chronicles.”
Comcast is offering free access to premium Black networks and streaming services through the “Free This Week” program. Customers with Xfinity X1, Xfinity Flex, Stream, and Xumo TV can enjoy week-long access to networks like kweliTV, Qwest TV, Aspire TV, REVOLT, TV One, Black & Sexy TV, Brown Sugar, The Africa Channel, Afro, Cleo TV, and the Impact Network throughout February.
Comcast Newsmakers will release five interviews in February, focusing on entrepreneurship, economic mobility, and equity for Black communities. The interviews feature leaders from the National Council of Negro Women, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and Black-led business accelerator 1863 Ventures.
In May, a three-part docuseries from Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs and Comcast RISE will showcase the stories of nine underrepresented founders and business owners. Hosted by Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition Prize, the series explores the challenges, triumphs, and innovative spirit of a generation of entrepreneurs.
Comcast continues to invest in leaders and organizations supporting the Black community through Project UP, promoting digital equity and unlimited possibilities. Initiatives include supporting changemakers like Melissa Bradley of 1863 Ventures and empowering the next generation through organizations like The Hidden Genius Project.
Comcast employees nationwide are engaging in Black History Month celebrations, exploring the richness of Black history through events focused on economic development, art, education, professional development, allyship, and more. The DE&I Speaker Series features Michele Norris, acclaimed journalist and author of “Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity.”
The Connection through Creation program highlights content creators using art and the Internet to build community, honor culture, and spark positive change. Throughout the month, inspirational artwork from creators like Korey Edmonson, Leeya Jackson, Rochelle Dickerson, and Shakerra Monét will be showcased across Comcast’s social media and Xfinity platforms.