BLACK IN AMERICA 2 on CNN STARTS TONIGHT 9PM ET

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In 2008, CNN launched a sweeping television and digital initiative, CNN Presents: Black in America reported by anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien. Breaking new ground in revealing the issues and challenges facing African-Americans, this landmark programming consisted of 3 documentaries andCNN & Essence: Reclaiming the Dream, a roundtable forum of experts and activists at work around the country inspiring local positive change to meet economic, health and educational disparities.

Nearly 16 million viewers saw this original series on television, and nearly 15 million unique users visited CNN.com’s Black in America special report.

CNN Presents: Black in America 2

Soledad O’Brien extends her enterprising reporting with Black in America 2. The 2009 initiative will focus on emerging leaders, innovative community programs and business ventures that are addressing the most persistent and pressing issues and disparities still facing African-Americans. Throughout July, special investigative reports examining the challenges and progress of African-Americans will appear across CNN’s TV and online networks.

On July 22, Black in America 2: Today’s Pioneers will examine how community organizers across the country are creating progress and improvements locally. From a Chicago barbershop where African-American men are encouraged to seek routine medical check-ups; to Tyler Perry, an actor, director and playwright, whose life’s journey has led him from homelessness to becoming a powerful filmmaker and television producer who is creating opportunities for others; to the Black Marriage Day project which works with couples in 300 cities to help develop strong, healthy families; these are the programs and progress of people working to make a difference.

On July 23, Black in America 2: Tomorrow’s Leaders will focus on solutions aimed at developing African-American leaders of tomorrow. John Rice’s Management Leadership for Tomorrow program has been instrumental in establishing black professionals in positions of power and influence in America’s largest companies. O’Brien also reports on programs aimed at creating opportunities for the next generation of youth leadership. Malaak Compton-Rock’s Journey for Change offers teenagers from inner-city schools the opportunity to see the world and develop self-confidence; and Steve Perry’s CapitalPreparatory Magnet School creates opportunities for leadership and academic excellence by preparing young, black students for college with “tough love.”

CNN and Essence Magazine will also co-produce a second dynamic issues forum, moderated by Soledad O’Brien and featuring CNN Contributor Roland Martin. Participants include Angela Burt-Murray (Essence editor-in-chief); Benjamin Jealous (president/CEO, NAACP); Sheryl Lee Ralph (actor/AIDS activist); Steve Harvey (actor, radio talk show host, author); Malaak Compton-Rock (humanitarian, founder, Angel Rock Project); Holly Robinson Peete(actor, radio talk show host); Judge Penny Brown Reynolds (TV personality); Steve Perry (principal, Capital Prepatory Magnet School); and Phill Wilson(founder, executive director, Black AIDS Institute), who are working at the crossroads of community innovation today at the 2009 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. CNN & Essence: Reclaiming the Dream will air on August 1 and 2.