SHOWTIME's ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION TO INCLUDE DOCUMENTARIES & STAND-UP SPECIALS EACH THURSDAY & FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 26, 2012) - Each Thursday and Friday night in February, SHOWTIME(R) will honor Black History Month with its annual month-long programming initiative featuring revealing documentaries and stand-up specials spotlighting the Black experience. Highlights include a new documentary from noted historian Nelson George and a stand-up special from the legendary Paul Mooney.

Documentaries - Each Thursday:

Brooklyn Boheme Airs Thursday, February 2nd at 8:30 PM (ET/PT)

This intimate portrait from noted filmmaker, historian and author Nelson George explores the Black arts movement that exploded in the famed Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York in the mid-1980s-'90s and launched the careers of such acclaimed artists as filmmaker Spike Lee, comedian Chris Rock, musicians Branford Marsalis, Common, Erykah Badu and yasiin bey (formerly known as Mos Def), among many others.

On The Shoulders of Giants Airs Thursday, February 9th at 8:30 PM (ET/PT)

Produced by NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and narrated by Jamie Foxx, this documentary chronicles the rise of the Harlem Renaissance, the first all-Black pro-basketball team to win a national championship. Interview subjects include the Reverend Al Sharpton, Wynton Marsalis, Maya Angelou, Bob Costas, Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Julius 'Dr. J' Erving, Samuel L. Jackson and Spike Lee.

Heart of Stone Airs Thursday, February 16th at 8:30 PM (ET/PT)

Heart of Stone follows the inspiring story of African American high school principal, Ron Stone, who transformed one of the most violent schools in the country. With a vision and an unconventional plan, Principal Stone worked with the gangs and the community of Newark, NJ to establish the Weequahic High School as a "non-violence zone" and turn the school into one of academic excellence.

Phunny Business: A Black Comedy Airs Thursday, February 23rd at 8:30 PM (ET/PT)

This docu-comedy chronicles the rise and fall of Chicago's All Jokes Aside, one of the preeminent comedy clubs in the country which gave early exposure to some of the world's most talented comedians, including Steve Harvey, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, MoNique, Dave Chappelle, Cedric The Entertainer, Mike Epps and Bernie Mac, just to name a few.

Stand-Up Comedy Specials - Each Friday:

Paul Mooney: The Godfather of Comedy Airs Friday, February 3rd at 9:00PM (ET/PT)

The legendary Paul Mooney brings his signature acerbic wit and insightful racial commentary to the stage in this brand new stand-up comedy special shot at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

LAFFMOBB Presents Red Grant: Caught Red Handed Airs Friday, February 10th at 10:00 PM (ET/PT)

A hit on BET's "Comic View," Red Grant tells his hilarious stories of life in a celebrity entourage.

LAFFMOBB Presents Rudy Rush: From Harlem to Hollywood Airs Friday, February 17th at 10:00 PM (ET/PT)

As seen on "The Moth" tour and his Comedy Central special, Rudy Rush brilliantly dissects and finds the funny in race, relationships and family life.

LAFFMOBB Presents Roz G: Ain't Got Jokes, Got Problems Airs Friday, February 24th at 10:00 PM (ET/PT)

The irreverent comic Roz G finds humor in her struggles with her sexuality, weight and drug addictions.