Cox Sports to Air Original Documentary Film on Race and Basketball at Providence College

Providence College: Black and White Airs Thursday, December 1

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Nov 23, 2011, 01:39 ET

WEST WARWICK, R.I., Nov. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, December 1 at 9:30 p.m., Cox Sports will debut Providence College: Black and White, an original documentary film detailing the relationship between the civil rights movement in America and college basketball at Providence.

Cox Sports produced the film, and it will air throughout December on Cox channel 3 and 1003 in HD. It will also be available On DEMAND.

In an era when most major programs failed to integrate, the Providence College men's basketball team had black players dating back to the early 1930s, decades before the NIT and NCAA tournaments even allowed black athletes to compete. It was also in the 30s that Mal Brown, the trainer for whom Providence's first yearly scrimmage is still named, began his employment at the college.

The film focuses on Providence's pioneering role in integrating college athletics as it paralleled the civil rights movement in America. It also highlights the careers of prominent black graduates such as Lenny Wilkens and John Thompson.

"Cox Sports is truly the industry leader and this documentary is an example of the quality work they produce," Providence College Athletics Director Bob Driscoll said. "This documentary highlights many of the great student-athletes who played at Providence College while showcasing our rich tradition and history."

Emmy-winning producer Chris Ackerknecht developed the project over the course of the past year, which includes current interviews with Friar legends Lenny Wilkens and John Egan, as well as Providence Journal sportswriters Kevin McNamara and Bill Reynolds.

"We are very proud to produce and air such a thoughtful and informative film," said Doreen Studley, vice president of marketing at Cox New England. "Although the story of race and sports in America is a vast one, to be able to share a truly local piece of it with our customers is something very special."

Other documentary films produced by Cox Sports include Somehow, Someway: A Season with the URI Rams and Narragansett Special: The Story of Narragansett Park.

About Cox Sports

Cox Sports is an Emmy-award winning regional sports network that delivers exclusive, compelling, high profile professional, amateur and collegiate men's and women's sporting events to viewers in its coverage area of Rhode Island and Connecticut. Cox Sports features the Big East Conference, Providence College athletics, Pawtucket Red Sox, and more. The channel also features exclusive coverage of Rhode Island Interscholastic League Championships and other local high school games. In addition, Cox Sports features locally produced programs and syndicated sports programming. A complete schedule can be found at www.cox-sports.com.

About Cox Communications:

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves more than 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for six years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

SOURCE Cox Communications