TheTodayshow is celebratingBlack History Monthwith a moving special.
“I think it’s paramount that we celebrate Black joy,” says Melvin. “There’s so much of our culture that’s worthy of celebration.”
“It doesn’t just come in one month,” adds Jones. “It is day in, day out knowing that you are special and really believing that.”
Sheinelle Jones and Trymaine Lee.TODAY All Day

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“I think the idea of equality and justice and inclusion has been ramping up, and so I won’t say this is a culmination of it, but it’s a continuation,” he says. “My hope is that we recognize where we are and where we’ve been, because without that, you cannot possibly know where you’re headed.”
Adds Lee, “Nothing can stop us — even when the weight of the worst of our experiences feels heavy.”
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Throughout the course of the special, Jones and Lee will showcase the story and voices of individuals who have found new ways to honor their history and paved new paths a promising future.
“We’re taking a look at the incredible impact of the Black creative community, effective ways to find joy through mental and physical health, and advice for teaching young kids and families to take pride in who they are,” Lee says.
Those featured include Netflix content executive Jasmyn Lawson,Miss Juneteenthdirector and writer Channing Godfrey Peoples, Black Men in White Coats dounder Dr. Dale Okorodudu, Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium founder Dr. Ala Stanford, NPR correspondent andIt’s Been a Minutehost Sam Sanders, and University of Michigan School of Public Health Assistant Professor Dr. Riana Anderson.
Lift Every Voice: Celebrating Black Cultureairs Monday at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET on Peacock,Today.com, Roku and Xumo.
source: people.com