BET Networks, in partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation, announced its plans to televise special programming to coincide with National HIV Testing Day on June 27. Recently nominated for five Cable Positive POP Awards and the 2007 POP winner for best network special programming, BET will air a lineup of shows and public service announcements (PSAs) that will touch on the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS in the Black community to help inform, as well as educate and raise HIV/AIDS awareness among BET viewers.
Kicking off the HIV-themed programming lineup on Sunday, June 24 at 12:00 p.m. ET/PT is REFLECTIONS, the winning short film from last year’s Scenarios USA/Rap-It-Up “What’s the REAL DEAL on Growing Up in the Age of AIDS?” national story and scriptwriting contest. Written by 18-year old Keyana Ray of Maywood, Illinois and directed by renowned director Gina Prince-Bythewood, REFLECTIONS follows three young women and the issues they face in a community where HIV infection and drug abuse run rampant. The women learn to lean on each other as they educate themselves about HIV, realizing how the disease can affect their everyday lives. Following REFLECTIONS at 12:30 p.m. will be a half-hour documentary that provides viewers with a special sneak peak of the making of the film with special behind-the-scenes footage.

BET’s sister network, BET J joins the effort with a special broadcast of its original show MY TWO CENTS, a program providing electrifying conversation and a rotating panel of prominent African-American celebrities, activists and social critics. In the special HIV-themed episode airing on Wednesday, June 27 (National HIV Testing Day) at 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., show hosts Keith Boykin, Ryan Smith and Jennifer Lewis-Hall, and panelists AIDS/HIV activist Rae Lewis Thorton and New York Aids Coalition Executive Director Marie Saint Cyr tackle the important issue of HIV/AIDS in the Black community and the social stigmas associated with the disease, including stereotypes and ignorance.

BET J follows up with the airing of THE BEST SHORTS, the poignant short film series that touches and embraces the Black experience. On Thursday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m., THE BEST SHORTS will air a block of short films illustrating HIV issues within the Black community. The films will include: “Tangy’s Song”, “I Promise Africa”, “Call Me On It”, “Proof Positive”, and “Spoonful of Sugar”.

BET Networks also plans to air a new PSA that features Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah and NBA players to promote HIV testing. The ads were developed by the NBA, HBO, the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GBC), and the Kaiser Family Foundation. The BET Network campaign website, www.rap-it-up.com, is also being re-launched with the latest information to inform viewers about HIV and prevention.