Soul of a Nation

Releases

Soul of a Nation: Lead Sheet

“Soul of a Nation” was the first weekly broadcast network newsmagazine that aimed to put Black life in America front and center, presenting viewers with a unique window into authentic realities of Black life and diving deeper into this critical moment of racial awakening. Today, the series aims to amplify and celebrate diverse communities and voices of color, with specials during Black History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and more. Episodes can be streamed on Hulu. ABC News Media Relations Anna Negrón (860) 256-1757 anna.m.negron@abc.com Photography/video available at www.dgepress.com. For more information, follow ABC News PR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Press Release - Series

May 19, 2023

ABC News Studios’ ‘Soul of a Nation’ Presents One-Hour Primetime Special Delving Into the Rise of Asians in Hollywood, in Honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

ABC News’ Emmy®-Award winning “Soul of a Nation” returns with a special presentation, “The New Face of Hollywood,” in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The one-hour primetime special delves into the rise of Asians in Hollywood, following the historic Oscars® sweep of “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the blockbuster multiverse film about the struggles of a Chinese American immigrant family. “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang sits down with trailblazing star Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian woman in history to win an Oscar® for Best Actress, and Ke Huy Quan, the former child star who won Best Supporting Actor after a 20-year hiatus from acting. Chang’s intimate interviews with Yeoh and Quan detail their personal journeys, their experiences through the highs and lows of fame, the setbacks often faced by Asian actors in Hollywood, and how their triumphant Oscar wins reverberated throughout the Asian American community and beyond. The special w

Media: Photos

Press Release - Series

January 26, 2023

ABC News Announces Special Month-Long Programming Dedicated to Black History Month

ABC News announces special programming for Black History Month across its programs and platforms throughout the month of February, including the return of Emmy Award-winning “Soul of a Nation” with a one-hour special, “Black in Vegas,” exploring the history of Black entertainers in Las Vegas and celebrating those who are now ruling the historic strip. The ABC News Studios primetime special details the countless household names who have made Las Vegas their home ― from Usher, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson to Boyz II Men, Lionel Richie and Smokey Robinson, joining top comedians Marsha Warfield, George Wallace, Eddie Griffin and other top artists. “Black in Vegas” looks at the timeline of historical events that paved the way for today’s generation, like the 1971 federal consent decree that forced hotels and casinos to give Black workers the opportunity to be in front-of-the-house positions. Near the same time, entertainers like Frank Sinatra helped kick down barriers for Black performer

Press Release - Specials

September 13, 2022

ABC News’ Emmy®-Nominated ‘Soul of a Nation’ Returns With One-Hour Special Honoring Three Influential Figures in the Hispanic and Latin American Community

In celebration of Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, ABC News’ Emmy-nominated “Soul of a Nation” will present the one-hour primetime special “Mi Gente: Groundbreakers and Changemakers,” spotlighting three key figures in the Hispanic and Latin American community. ABC News contributor María Elena Salinas sits down with music icon Gloria Estefan to discuss the singer and actress’s legendary and trailblazing career and how she’s now making music with her children and grandchildren, continuing her legacy in the industry. Salinas and Estefan also sit down with Estefan’s grandson as well as her daughter Emily, who talks about her experience of coming out to her family. Correspondent John Quiñones has an in-depth interview with actor Diego Luna, star of Disney+’s “Andor,” a Star Wars original series, and the first Latino to have a leading role in the Star Wars Galaxy. The actor tells Quiñones about starring in and producing the series and his rise to fame. The special will also debut

Press Release - Series

June 14, 2022

ABC News’ ‘Soul of a Nation’ Presents ‘Sound of Freedom – A Juneteenth Celebration’ in Honor of Juneteenth and Black Music Month

Sponsored by GEICO, the Special Features Live Performances and Interviews with Iconic Musicians Including Ciara, Jimmie Allen, Patti LaBelle, Jon Batiste, Marvin Sapp and More Primetime Special Airs Friday, June 17, at 8 p.m. EST on ABC, Next Day on Hulu In recognition of both Juneteenth and Black Music Month, ABC News’ groundbreaking “Soul of a Nation” series will air “Sound of Freedom – A Juneteenth Celebration,” a one-hour primetime special on Friday, June 17. Sponsored by GEICO and hosted by country music star Jimmie Allen, “Sound of Freedom – A Juneteenth Celebration” brings together a mix of live performances and conversations with some of music’s biggest stars to highlight the contributions of Black Americans through jazz, gospel, hip-hop and more. ABC News anchor Linsey Davis sits down with GRAMMY®-winning artist Lizzo to discuss her career and the inspiration behind her chart-topping music. ABC News anchor Janai Norman explores the importance of ownership in music through con

Press Release - Series

June 6, 2022

ABC News Announces ‘Soul of a Nation’ Pride Month Special, Exploring the LGBTQ+ Experience

ABC News’ “Soul of a Nation” will present a one-hour primetime special, “PRIDE: To Be Seen,” documenting the LGBTQ+ experience and examining what it means to be seen in the current moment as a member of the community. The special, hosted by actress and model Cara Delevingne with a special show open composed and performed by artist Alok, explores the meaning of Pride and celebrates and honors the past while looking ahead to the future. “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts also explores the intersectionality of faith and queerness through a revealing conversation with pastor Michael Walrond Jr. of the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. The special will also celebrate trans joy, with “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang sitting down with activist Diamond Stylz at the historic Stonewall Inn in New York City. Senior national correspondent Steve Osunsami highlights a group of teenagers devoted to creating an LGBTQ+-affirming learning environment as anti-LGBTQ+ legisl

Media: Releases

Press Release - Series

June 1, 2022

ABC News Announces Special Programming in Celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month Beginning June 1, Including Primetime Special and Docu-Series

Throughout June, ABC News will celebrate and honor LGBTQ+ Pride Month with a primetime special, docu-series and dedicated coverage across programs and platforms. ABC News’ “Soul of a Nation” will present a one-hour primetime special, “PRIDE: To Be Seen,” documenting the LGBTQ+ experience and examining what it means to be seen in the current moment as a member of the community, airing Thursday, June 9 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. “Mormon No More,” an ABC News Studios docu-series, follows two married Mormon moms who fall in love and leave the faith. The series, streaming Friday, June 24 on Hulu, explores how the couple navigates telling their husbands, families, and the church, and what it’s like to co-parent their combined seven children with their ex-husbands. Their journey includes other Mormon and ex-Mormon LGBTQ+ allies who wrestle with the church’s prohibitive doctrine on same-sex relationships. Their powerful testimonies speak of shame, rejection, and ultimately hope. Througho

Media: Releases

Press Release - Series

May 24, 2022

ABC News Announces Primetime ‘Soul of a Nation’ Special Spotlighting Contributions and Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Communities, Hosted by Actor, Author and Activist George Takei

ABC News’ groundbreaking “Soul of a Nation” returns with a special presentation, “Together As One: Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage,” the network’s first-ever primetime program celebrating the diversity and recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of the vibrant Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The primetime presentation, hosted by actor, New York Times bestselling author and social justice activist George Takei, underscores the strength, beauty and resilience of the AANHPI community against a backdrop of ongoing hate attacks and a history of exclusion, marginalization and invisibility. Viewers will hear from AANHPI luminaries themselves, like pioneering stand-up comedian and actress Margaret Cho, who’ll share an original monologue; groundbreaking directors Daniel Kwan (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) and Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians”); and trailblazing actors such as the legendary James H

Press Release - Series

February 1, 2022

‘Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising’ Reveals Lead Actresses Cast in Warner Bros.’ Film Adaptation of Musical ‘The Color Purple’

ABC News’ groundbreaking “Soul of a Nation” returns with the special “Screen Queens Rising,” exploring how Black actresses, a historically overlooked and undervalued group in Hollywood, have in recent years begun to ascend to the top echelons of entertainment and American culture. The special will reveal the lead actresses cast in Warner Bros.’ film adaptation of the beloved musical “The Color Purple” and feature an exclusive clip of “The Color Purple” producer Oprah Winfrey delivering the casting news to one of the actresses. “ABC News Live Prime” anchor Linsey Davis is first to interview the actresses playing Celie and Sofia in the film. “Screen Queens Rising” examines how Black actresses of Hollywood have become power brokers as well as the iconic moments and roles that have paved the way for them today. The special, hosted by Davis and ABC News senior national affairs correspondent Deborah Roberts, includes Roberts’ interview with actress Tessa Thompson and ABC News’ “GMA3: What Y

Press Release - Series

January 27, 2022

ABC News Announces Two Primetime Specials and Network-Wide Coverage in Recognition of Black History Month

In recognition of Black History Month, ABC News presents two primetime specials and network-wide coverage featuring exclusive interviews, in-depth profiles and a celebration of Black culture. Coverage begins Tuesday, Feb. 1, on ABC. “While we remain dedicated to telling the impactful and important stories around the Black community all year long, ABC News will provide special coverage throughout February to salute Black excellence,” said Kim Godwin, president of ABC News. “We will celebrate and honor Black culture across all programs and platforms, taking an in-depth look at issues past and present while spotlighting those who have overcome significant obstacles and paved the way for a better future.” ABC News’ groundbreaking “Soul of a Nation” returns with the special “Screen Queens Rising,” exploring how Black actresses, a historically overlooked and under-valued group in Hollywood, have in recent years begun to ascend to the top echelons of entertainment and American culture. The s

Press Release - Series

Soul of a Nation

Releases

Soul of a Nation: Lead Sheet

ABC News Studios’ ‘Soul of a Nation’ Presents One-Hour Primetime Special Delving Into the Rise of Asians in Hollywood, in Honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

ABC News Announces Special Month-Long Programming Dedicated to Black History Month

ABC News’ Emmy®-Nominated ‘Soul of a Nation’ Returns With One-Hour Special Honoring Three Influential Figures in the Hispanic and Latin American Community

ABC News’ ‘Soul of a Nation’ Presents ‘Sound of Freedom – A Juneteenth Celebration’ in Honor of Juneteenth and Black Music Month

ABC News Announces ‘Soul of a Nation’ Pride Month Special, Exploring the LGBTQ+ Experience

ABC News Announces Special Programming in Celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month Beginning June 1, Including Primetime Special and Docu-Series

ABC News Announces Primetime ‘Soul of a Nation’ Special Spotlighting Contributions and Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Communities, Hosted by Actor, Author and Activist George Takei

‘Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising’ Reveals Lead Actresses Cast in Warner Bros.’ Film Adaptation of Musical ‘The Color Purple’

ABC News Announces Two Primetime Specials and Network-Wide Coverage in Recognition of Black History Month

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