The actor-director-writer-producer quadruple hyphenate, best known for flicks like Madea's Family Reunion, has created a vast library of hits, which he owns, geared to a loyal black audience.

FORBES: Lacey Rose On Hollywood

But in a strange conjunction of events, it may have been this same black dog - together with the intervention of a loyal friend during a few fateful days in early May 1940 - that enabled Churchill to achieve the position from which he could alter the course of history.

BBC: A Point of View: Churchill, chance and the 'black dog'

African-Americans make up the most loyal voting bloc for the Democrats, although there are signs that the socially liberal agenda is alienating some black voters.

CNN: Commentary: Why Democrats give GOP hope