CHICAGO, January 26, 2007 — WGN-TV will celebrate Black History Month by airing special programming throughout the month of February including documentaries, specials, news reports and topics on “People to People.”

1/27 6 – 7 pm/ct Special: The Color of Change (2007) (Documentary)
Former Negro League player and manager Buck O’Neil and sports personality Bryan Burwell recount the trials and tribulations of the baseball league built by racism, and its ultimate demise.

1/27 10:30 pm – 1:30 am/ct Special: An Evening of Stars (taped)
The 28th annual fundraising event at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood benefiting the United Negro College Fund includes a tribute to singer Aretha Franklin.

1/28 3 – 4pm/ct Special: Rising From the Rails (2006) (Documentary)
The untold story of the Pullman Porter, the steward of luxury railroad, that began in the post civil war 1860s and lasted nearly 100 years. Adapted from Larry Tye’s publication “Rising From the Rails: Pullman Porters and the Making of the Black Middle Class,” the legacy is explored through candid interviews with the author, historians and surviving Pullman Porters. Hosted by WGN’s Allison Payne with additional narration by actor and political activist Sidney Poitier.

2/3 12 – 1 pm/ct Special: What About Your Friends: Graduation Blues (1995)
(Comedy/Drama) Lark Voorhies, Monica Calhoon, Malinda Williams
An exploration of growing up in urban America through the coming-of-age experiences of three best friends since grade school. They negotiate the pressures and pitfalls of adolescence, while struggling to maintain their close bond.

2/3 2 – 4:30 pm/ct Movie: Beloved (1998) (Drama)
Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise
Adaptation of Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel about a woman who made her way from slavery to freedom in Ohio and would do anything she could to protect her family. Produced by Oprah Winfrey

2/10 8 – 9 pm/ct Special: King: Man of Peace in a Time of War (2007) (Documentary)
This special honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. features exclusive interviews with such notables as Rev. Jesse Jackson; retired general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell; and legendary journalist Howard K. Smith, as well as rare archival footage of speeches and historical events.

2/17 7 – 9 pm/ct Special: Stellar Awards (taped)
Gospel music’s brightest stars gather together to celebrate the years best at the 22nd annual awards show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

WGN News will tell the stories of Chicago area residents who have made an outstanding commitment to their communities in a series of reports. The remarkable individuals will be profiled on WGN News throughout the month of February.

WGN-TV’s People to People (Saturdays 6:30am) will broadcast several special segments in February. The program, hosted by WGN-TV news anchors Allison Payne and Steve Sanders, will highlight Chicago’s most successful, influential and impactful African Americans in the Chicagoland area.