Stay Awake To Win Big: Don't Sleep Bet

Don't sleep on it is a phrase that has evolved over time. While it once meant taking the time to consider a decision carefully, it now suggests the opposite: to ignore or underestimate something. The phrase is often used to describe a person or situation that should not be underestimated, especially when their abilities, conduct, or intelligence might be overlooked. This idiom has also been used in marketing to create a sense of urgency and encourage consumers to take action.

Host T.J. Holmes

Loutelious "T. J." Holmes Jr. is an American journalist and national television personality. In 2011, Holmes left CNN and signed a multi-platform talent deal with BET Networks, which included hosting a new show called 'Don't Sleep'. The show premiered on October 1, 2012, and aired Monday through Thursday from 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.

'Don't Sleep' was a late-night TV talk show that provided smart, biting social commentary on significant issues important to the Black community. With an acute mix of politics, social commentary, and entertainment, the show aimed to deliver a unique perspective on current events affecting the Black community. During the "Sleep Talkers" segment of the show, Holmes would welcome panelists to discuss topics relevant to the Black community. He also provided insights and broke down current events through a segment called "The Number".

However, the show faced challenges in finding its identity and connecting with its target audience. Initially, the series drew high viewership, with a series-high of 1 million viewers for its debut episode. However, the ratings subsequently declined, averaging below 400,000 viewers. As a result, BET demoted the program to airing only once a week.

In 2013, BET officially cancelled 'Don't Sleep', and Holmes parted ways with the network. Despite the cancellation, Holmes expressed that he did not regret his experience with the show, stating that his "heart was in the right place" and that he wanted to do something different for the Black community.

Black community issues

Don't Sleep! is a late-night TV show hosted by award-winning journalist and TV anchor T.J. Holmes. The show aims to shed light on current events that pertain to the Black community, with an acute mix of politics, social commentary, and entertainment.

Now, here are some paragraphs discussing issues within the Black community:

The Impact of COVID-19

Several cities in the United States with large Black populations experienced a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases. For instance, in Kansas City, Black residents made up 50% of COVID-19 cases, despite only constituting 30% of the city's population. Similar trends were observed in Chicago, New Orleans, and Milwaukee, where COVID-19 cases accounted for 70% of cases, while the Black community comprised 30% or less of the population. Health disparities, front-line jobs, and chronic illnesses were among the contributing factors to these disproportionate infection rates.

Police Brutality and Racial Injustice

There have been several instances of police brutality and racial injustice against the Black community. One instance involved Mississippi deputies who were accused of attempting to sexually assault two Black men during an interrogation. Another incident involved the choking death of Jordan Neely, where a public defender stated that the police would have swiftly arrested an individual if they were 'black, brown, or poor'. These incidents highlight the ongoing issues of racial inequality and injustice within the criminal justice system.

Supporting Black-Owned Businesses

Supporting Black-owned businesses is crucial for the economic empowerment of the Black community. This includes actively choosing to support local Black-owned businesses, such as coffee shops, clothing brands, or online marketplaces. Apps like Official Black Wall Street can help individuals locate Black-owned businesses in their area. By dedicating a portion of their budget to buying from Black-owned businesses, individuals can contribute to building generational wealth and strengthening the economic foundation of the Black community.

Mental Health in the Black Community

Normalizing rest and self-care, as well as prioritizing mental health, is essential for the Black community. Breaking down stigmas and encouraging open conversations about mental well-being can help individuals seek support when needed. Joining a Black mental health support group or setting aside time for mindfulness and meditation are positive steps towards improving mental health.

Celebrating Black Art and Creativity

Black creatives have been shaping culture profoundly through literature, film, music, and visual arts. It is important to continue amplifying and celebrating their work. This can be done by attending Black art exhibits, watching independent films by Black directors, or purchasing artwork directly from Black creators. By doing so, we recognize the immense talent and contributions of Black artists and ensure their representation in various creative industries.

Current affairs

Award-winning journalist and TV anchor T.J. Holmes hosts Don't Sleep!, a late-night TV show on BET that puts the 'new' in news. With a mix of politics, social commentary, and entertainment, the show sheds light on current events that pertain to the Black community.

The show premiered on October 1, 2012, with Holmes welcoming his first set of panelists for the Sleep Talkers segment, where they discussed topics directly affecting the Black community. Holmes also breaks down current events from his unique perspective and shares his insights and humour.

Don't Sleep! is more than just a late-night show; it's a platform for relevant discussions and a source of information and entertainment for its viewers. By addressing issues pertinent to the Black community, the show fills a unique niche in the late-night TV landscape.

The show's format includes the Sleep Talkers segment, where panelists discuss pressing issues, and The Number, where Holmes provides additional insights. The combination of serious discussions and lighthearted humour makes Don't Sleep! an engaging and accessible way to stay informed about current affairs.

Sleep Talkers segment

The Sleep Talkers segment of 'Don't Sleep!' hosted by T.J. Holmes, is a panel discussion focusing on topics that directly affect the Black community. The show premiered on BET on October 1, 2012, at 11 PM/10C.

Award-winning journalist and TV anchor T.J. Holmes uses his unique perspective and humour to shed light on current events pertaining to the Black community. The show promises an acute mix of politics, social commentary, and entertainment, offering a fresh take on late-night TV.

During the Sleep Talkers segment, Holmes welcomes a set of panelists to engage in discussions centred around issues of importance to the Black community. This segment aims to provide a platform for relevant and impactful conversations, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of the Black community are represented and amplified.

The topics covered in the Sleep Talkers segment vary, addressing a range of social, political, and cultural issues that are relevant to the lives of Black individuals. By inviting panelists with diverse backgrounds and expertise, the show facilitates insightful exchanges of ideas and fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges and aspirations within the community.

The Sleep Talkers segment is a cornerstone of 'Don't Sleep!'. It serves as a dedicated space for meaningful dialogue, where the host and panelists collectively delve into the issues that resonate with Black audiences. This segment not only informs and engages viewers but also contributes to representation and awareness, making it a significant aspect of the show's overall appeal and impact.

Black entertainment

One of BET's flagship shows is "Don't Sleep!", a late-night TV experience that combines politics, social commentary, and entertainment with a focus on current events pertaining to the Black community. Hosted by award-winning journalist and TV anchor T.J. Holmes, the show features a mix of humour and insight to shed light on issues that directly affect the Black community.

In addition to "Don't Sleep!", BET offers a range of other programmes that showcase Black entertainment and talent. These include "Disrupt & Dismantle", a series hosted by Soledad O'Brien that explores various inequalities faced by Black communities and the actions needed to achieve lasting change in the US. The show covers topics such as environmental racism, police brutality, and the school-to-prison pipeline.

BET also features a variety of digital originals, such as "Tyler Perry's Sistas", "House of Payne", and "Assisted Living". The network showcases Black talent in its "BET Talks" series, with guests including Dave East & AraabMuzik, Akon, and Ferg, discussing their creative processes, cultural impact, and journeys to success.

Beyond entertainment, BET also covers important news and current affairs within the Black community. This includes coverage of the 55th NAACP Image Awards, celebrating Black excellence across various industries, and special reports on relevant social issues, such as period poverty and the work of groups like the Pan-African Sisterhood Health Initiative to address it.

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