Its not often that I talk about BET especially not in a positive light.  Out of all their programming I’ll admit my guilty pleasure is their critically acclaimed docu-drama American Gangster.  Currently in its 3rd season, the series of one-hour episodes narrated by Ving Rhames, dissects the life and times of Black America’s most ruthless criminals. Each episode features interviews and personal accounts from citizens, community leaders, law enforcement officials, social historians, crime victims and those affected by their criminal actions.

In the past the series has featured New York’s Robin Hood, Larry Davis, Crip Gang Founder, Stanley “Tookie” Williams and Drug kingpin Frank Lucas.  But coming up on Thursday, November 20 at 10:00 p.m., the series will throw viewers for a little twist as they take an in-depth look at former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence Program), a secret directive that both authorized and mandated illegal harassment and targeting of domestic groups and U.S. citizens deemed a racial or political threat by Hoover.

The FBI’s most feared and revered director, Hoover was always beefing with Black Civil Rights leader of the 1960′s and conducted what some believe was a counter-revolution against the civil rights movement.  Some believe Hoover was directly responsible for the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King and other leaders during the time making him a prime candidate for the American Gangster series.

It should be a good watch.  One thing I like about the series other than its obvious graphic and gratuitous detail is that I always learn something.  My knowledge of Hoover has always been limited to what limited information the history books would allow however it’ll be interesting to see given the fact we’re almost 50 years removed from his reign how deep BET chooses to get into digging up the past.  

Press Release