Wake Up Stacey Dash...American Legacy Founder Responds

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. - Jan. 23, 2016 - PRLog -- Well, I’ve been thinking for the past few days how to respond to Stacey Dash’s comments regarding Black History Month and the elimination of several black oriented award shows and cable networks.  For the past 20 plus years the American Legacy Brand has celebrated our rich and noble history in a multitude of ways, including a magazine, board game, mobile truck exhibit and black history curriculum, so I may be a little biased. But I know firsthand how important it is to celebrate, preserve and share African-American history, not just with the African-American community, but with all of America.  By doing so we can work toward bridging the culture gap.

Although history is made every day, Black History Month is a time when the entire country can focus on the contributions of African-Americans.  I know there have been many discussions regarding the fact that the major focus of black history is during the month of February.  However, it’s up to us to expand our celebrations and programs beyond February. To me, February just provides a starting point.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having a month dedicated to black history. I don’t find anything wrong with Hispanic Heritage Month, not to mention all of the various annual culture parades and festivals that take place across the country. I believe all cultures should take time to educate each other.  And every culture should have pride in itself. Our diversity is what makes our country great!

So should we eliminate Black History Month, black oriented television, black award shows, black museums or black colleges? I think not.  We cannot depend on anyone else to preserve our history, honor our contributions and recognize our greatness.  All we have to do is look at the most recent Academy Award nominations that sparked this debate. And the movie industry is not the only industry where this lack of recognition exists. But that’s a conversation for another time. Wake up Stacey Dash…this is the America we live in!

Rodney J. Reynolds, Founder & Publisher, American Legacy