Whereas, the African-American community has struggled for centuries to obtain freedom and equality in America. Whereas, civil rights have been a constant struggle to maintain, given the current political climate in America. Whereas, leaders such as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Medgar Evers and other civil rights pioneers have given their lives so that other African-Americans may live a better life. Whereas, Black Entertainment Television (BET), founded in 1980, is a voice for the African-American community, with award winning documentaries and news that affects the black community. Whereas, BET has experienced a decline of quality programming over the last 10 years, including the decision to drop news and public affaris programming for the sake of the almighty dollar. Whereas, BET\'s corporate parent, Viacom has continued to make a profit by showing degrading rap videos with no educational or moral value to our black youth. Whereas, BET\'s total lack of acknowledgement of the funerals of Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King by showing regular programming instead of showing the events live. Therefore, be it resolved that we demand Black Entertainment Television (BET) start taking a more active role in the African-American community by providing more public affairs programming and news that affects African-Americans. BET needs to continue to pursue news about the good that\'s happening in our urban communities and not emphasize negative stereotypes that have been displayed on music videos every night. The African-American community needs and deserves a better cable network that will inform and inspire and not degrade and insult!

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