This month-long Thursday tribute continues tonight, and starts with some very commendable and influential films starring African-Americans. At 8 p.m. ET, TCM presents 1974’s Claudine, a quiet romantic drama starring Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones. And at 10 p.m. ET, there’s 1976’s Sparkle, a drama with music about sisters who become a successful female singing group. Irene Cara has the title role – and a few years later, would demonstrate her singing ang acting talents by starring in Fame. And while it’s a less lofty effort, make sure to stay tuned, or set your DVRs, for the 1:30 a.m. ET showing of 1973’s Cleopatra Jones, an action-packed, boldly feminist blaxploitation film, starring Tamara Dobson (pictured) as the titular drug agent.