"Soul Train" creator brought new sound to divided America
Black History Month began this year with sobering news — Don Cornelius' tragic passing on Wednesday. His death came as a major surprise to most, but it was even more saddening to realize how great a loss had just afflicted the nation. To most, Cornelius was a writer, producer and host of "Soul Train" in the late 1960s; however, Cornelius was also one of the first African-Americans to realize how censored and discarded soul music had become in the media.
He became disappointed that one of the most influential and heartfelt genres of music that he and numerous other Americans grew up listening to was being ignored and stifled. But instead of offering up complaints, Cornelius bypassed obstacles in the media and society and began his own show intended to popularize the same music everyone had been bobbing their heads to for years. Cornelius was wildly successful and introduced the world to artists such as James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson, who are all celebrated to this day.
Cornelius also provided a platform for African-Americans to represent themselves in a time when civil rights and the Vietnam War were touchy subjects.
It may sound silly to admit that a television show could have any kind of influence over how people interact with each other or how they see each other, but in retrospect, "Soul Train" and Cornelius changed everything. They gave the African-American community a voice to express how vital their presence is to this nation. As a young man, not much older than a college student, Cornelius was able to develop a monumental idea that — against all odds — created something this nation never knew it was missing.
As Americans, we are a melting pot of races, cultures and identities that all contribute equally to our collective well-being. The fact that Cornelius acknowledged this before anybody else and was able to develop something positive to highlight this attribute of America really brings to mind the ever-present cliché that "anything is possible." Even though Cornelius' passing really put a damper on the beginning of this month, it also reiterates the importance of Black History Month as not only a time to commemorate the work of African-American intellectuals, but also to prove there is no end to improving our communities.
If Cornelius was able to make "Soul Train" a headliner during civil rights unrest, what is stopping us from making waves as young innovators in today's news? We are better equipped in today's society; the door has been opened as wide as possible by trailblazers like Cornelius for people who want to make improvements to this world. Take this month to celebrate, memorialize and contribute to a culture that has enriched our world and continues to achieve success for ages to come.