“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star Andre Braugher filmed a personal message to introduce “Glory,” which airs on the cable channel on Saturday as the next pick in USA Network’s Characters Unite Film Series.
The 1989 film also commemorates Black History Month.
“It was an incredible honor to be involved in ‘Glory’ and work amongst a tremendous cast to highlight some of our nation’s first black military heroes,” said Braugher, who noted the film was his first acting role. “The film pays tribute to the brave soldiers and inspires us to defy adversity when all odds are against us, while paying tribute to those who selflessly fought to preserve the union during the American Civil War.”
Directed by Edward Zwick, “Glory” follows Col. Robert Shaw (Matthew Broderick) as he leads the Union Army’s first all-black regiment with Private Silas Trip (Denzel Washington) and Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman).
“‘Glory’ pays tribute to honorable men who faced unimaginable discrimination even as they fought to preserve basic human rights,” said Bonnie Hammer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment chairman. “Sadly, racist attitudes depicted in the film are still with us today, and it’s our hope that this special telecast will contribute to the kind of dialogue that leads to change.”
The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Washington.
Braugher joins a list of accomplished individuals chosen to introduce films chosen for the series, such as Whoopi Goldberg for “The Color Purple,” Emmy-award winner Neil Patrick Harris for “Milk,” Bill Clinton for “Philadelphia,” director Steven Spielberg for “Schindler’s List,” music icon Quincy Jones for “In the Heat of the Night,” ABC’s “The View” co-host Rosie Perez for “Do the Right Thing” and President Barack Obama for “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Launched in April 2012, “Glory” is the eighth film added to the series promoting greater tolerance, respect and acceptance.
“Glory” will air Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.