Letters To The Editor

Ebony, Nov, 1999

CHRIS ROCK

Thank you for the wonderful article, "Chris Rock On Fame, Controversy And The Challenge of Being No. 1" (Oct. 1999). Chris is a comical genius who knows how to reach the hearts of all people. I'm so happy that he is finally getting the recognition that he truly deserves. I wish Chris all the success that life has to offer because he is a very unique artist for a unique society that we live in today.

JOE BELL

Laurelton, N.Y.

WHITNEY HOUSTON

Thanks, EBONY, for your cover story, "Whitney On Tour With New Style, New Attitude" (Sept. 1999). I saw her at the fabulous Fox in Atlanta, Ga. Her performance was off the charts. As a fan of Whitney, Bobby and love, I would like to share this: I had third-row seats and I watched Bobby on the side of the stage as I watched Whitney. I don't care what the media prints about Bobby--he loves his wife. I saw this man look, not at, but through his beloved as she performed. Anyone who knows love, true love, can see the passion between the two of them.

Whitney and Bobby's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, took the cake while she performed on stage with her mother. Before she could finish her performance, she reached for her daddy to come on stage. Although her mom was right there, she wanted her daddy. I remember what I was doing and where I was when a DJ announced over the radio that the two were engaged. I was happy then and happier now that they're still loving each other.

PAULA PARKER

Atlanta, Ga.

May I take a moment and say, "two thumbs up" for the cover story on Whitney. The article was simply smashing. Sheer sensation. Whitney Houston is indeed elegant and a diva. She is divine, graceful and dresses with class and style. I've been a Whitney fan since February 1985, and I will never stop. There will never be another Whitney Houston Brown. The greatest singer in the universe. I salute you, EBONY, Whitney and Clive Davis, CEO of Arista Records.

MAXINE MORGAN

Dayton, Ohio

CHANTE MOORE

Which Brother would not want to be associated with a Black woman who strongly has faith in the Black man? I admire Sisters like Chante Moore ("Chante's Got A Man At Home And A Baby, Too," Sept. 1999) who believes that there are good Black men out there. The title song says it all ("Chante's Got A Man"), and when I heard the words and melodious tunes, I realized how important it is that a song of this nature must be produced by our prominent African-American singers and songwriters, instead of negative and humiliating songs that talk about the irresponsibility of Black men. What purpose do songs that demoralize Black men serve, since the Black man has been oppressed and suppressed through mental slavery? How are we as a people supposed to have BLACK UNITY in relationships if this ongoing saga continues with so many songs that are negative about Black men?

I give Chante Moore all the kudos for writing and producing a much-needed song that definitely needed to be heard. I hope that other songwriters and singers will follow suit.

ABBY JACKSON

Toronto, Canada

After reading your article on Chante Moore, I must say that I think it's wonderful that Chante has such a positive attitude and a good man. I can't help but wonder, however, why this perfect couple has not yet made their way down the aisle to exchange wedding vows. For a woman who places God and Christian values as top priorities in her life, it seems a contradiction for her to continue to cohabitate with a man as if they were husband and wife. She could serve both her young daughter and other African-American women who seek her advice more effectively if they became a strong committed Black family as opposed to shacking up and making babies out of wedlock.

Yes, it's always nice to have a man at home who loves his baby and his baby's mother, but let's celebrate a few more husbands at home who are loving their wives and children as well.

DANINE DIEW

Oakland, Calif.

ERIQ LASALLE

When I read the article, "ER Star Eriq LaSalle Tells Why He Balked At Interracial TV Love Affair" (August 1999), I was compelled to write. I just want to commend him for standing firm and telling the truth. He is absolutely right. He is also the only male actor that I know of who has expressed this dilemma so honestly. I have always been of the same opinion that Hollywood writers don't want to deal with writing scripts for Blacks that show love and affection. For some reason they have a problem showing us in positive, loving relationships. I consider that to be racist. It's also not just about having a Black show or Black character, but a show and character with substance. Sometimes I honestly believe the writers do not write for a Black show to succeed. Why does it have be a script for White and a script for Black? When will they realize that all of us face the same problems and experiences in our lives, such as good and bad relationships, death, problems with family, problems on the job, infidelity, religious differences, etc.? I hope more actors continue to stand their ground.