Letters To The Editor - Letter to the Editor

Ebony, Nov, 2001

TINA & MATHEW KNOWLES

I am writing to comment on the article, "The Untold Story Of How Tina & Mathew Knowles Created The Destiny's Child Gold Mine" (Sept. 2001). It was indeed a pleasure to know that a group as successful as Destiny's Child was constructed on the basis of family unity.

It is especially pleasing to know that there are actual Black families like the Knowleses who are working together to prosper together. It is a sociological fact that the [deteriorating] family institution is one of the many leading causes of the social imbalance of America.

My hat goes off to Mathew, Tina and the talented young Black women of Destiny's Child. Amen to their present and future success.

JULIUS N. LEE JR.
Augusta, Ga.

Thanks a million for the article on Destiny's Child and Tina and Mathew Knowles. The story clears up a lot of misconceptions and wrong thoughts.

Many of us owe Mr. and Mrs. Knowles an apology. I, better than anyone, should know that hard work and dedication are the only ways to reap the rewards.

D. RICE
Inman, S.C.

EVE AND MISSY ELLIOTT

Your article, "Eve and Missy Elliott Taking Rap To A New Level," showed the positive side of hip-hop. When the word rap comes to mind, people usually think of thugs, cursing, drugs, fast cars and women groupies.

I have met Eve in Philadelphia for an autograph session for her CD Scorpion. She seemed so calm after meeting thousands of fans, and she wasn't stuck up. I think that Eve and Missy hold it down for female artists. They are classy and real.

I'm 13 and I look up to Eve and Missy because they are great performers, and they are all about business.

JULIANA P.
Philadelphia, Pa.

BLACK COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Thank you for the special section on Black colleges and universities (Sept. 2001). As I begin my journey as a doctoral candidate, it was a tremendous inspiration to turn page after page and see so many African-Americans who hold the prestigious and well-deserved title of doctor.

This special section has inspired and motivated me beyond measure, and it has re-enforced my commitment to reach back and pull someone else up.

SHERYL J. OLIVER ALFORD
New Castle, Del.

CHRONICLES OF BLACK HISTORY

I was inspired as I read the article, "Chronicles of Black Courage" (Aug. 2001), which was written about William Hastie, a former Black civilian aide to the Secretary of War. Hastie defiantly resigned while holding one of the most prestigious positions in America, in order to protest the racism against Blacks--particularly within the military. His act of protest demonstrated the need for people to stand firm in their beliefs in the midst of adverse situations. His resignation helped to end segregation in the military. And for that, I exuberantly exclaim: Go 'head, Brother!

KIA ROBERTS
Richmond, Calif.

HIP-HOP AT THE CROSSROADS

The article, "Hip-Hop At The Crossroads: Will Lyrics And Perceptions Change?" (Sept. 2001), has some positive solutions and a good sense of direction, but the problems associated with the "hip-hop" culture need to be redirected toward the communities (urban) from which it comes.

If the artist only raps about what he or she knows, then it's time to change the environment in which they learned it. That's being responsible. These leaders must be willing to roll up their sleeves and get more involved in the fields (urban communities).

JOSEPH A. BROWN
Washington, D.C.

THE AIDS EPIDEMIC

I'm writing about the article, "The Shocking Truth About The AIDS Epidemic In Black America" (June 2001). I currently reside in Oakland, Calif.

Thanks for doing an article that can help me to make decisions that I make about partners daily. And one that shows how important it is to be aware of what is going on around me. That's why it is so important to read.

Once a year, I recycle all of my EBONY magazines. But this article I will copy and take it with me to work, home and church.

PATRICIA WOODS
Oakland, Calif.

TRIBUTE TO EXCELLENCE

I want to say thank you for writing the article, "An EBONY Tribute To Excellence: Top Women In Marketing And Communications Honored" (July 2001), about successful women in marketing and communications.

This article was such an inspiration. I am currently a marketing major at Monmouth University. It was so pleasing to see positive, successful Black women at the top of the marketing industry!

DANIELLE L. WOODALL
Salem, N.J.

RICKEY HENDERSON

I enjoyed reading your article, "How Rickey Henderson Just Keeps Going And Going And ..." (Aug. 2001). After 20-plus years in the Major Leagues (playing with teams that include the Oakland A's and the New York Yankees), he will go down as the greatest leadoff hitter ever.

Rickey is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He made it cool to steal bases, and his all-time and single-season stolen base records will never be broken.

ROY L. BUFORD, JR.
Fresno, Calif.

$68 BILLION SCHOLARSHIP PIE

Editor's note: The article, "How To Get Your Piece Of The $68 Billion Scholarship Pie" (Oct. 2001), inadvertently omitted the twenty (20) $1,000 awards offered by the Chevrolet Excellence in Education Scholarship. The awards are open to African-American students graduating from high school in 2002 with plans to attend an accredited four-year college or university as full-time students in the fall of 2002. A minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.2 is required to qualify. Selection criteria include academic success, work experience, extracurricular activities and community volunteerism. For additional information on this scholarship program and other scholarship programs, see "Scholarships for African-Americans" in the sixth edition of Guide to Historically Black Colleges and Universities by Chevrolet and EBONY.