Letters To The Editor

Ebony, July, 2001

100 MOST INFLUENTIAL

Editor's Note: In the recent listing of the "100 Most Influential Black Americans" (May 2001), the president of the National Dental Association was inadvertently indentified as Dr. Franklyn Scott, the immediate past president. Dr. Edward Scott should have been listed as the current president of the organization. We regret the error.

A SUPREME GOES TO COLLEGE

Thank you so much for the wonderful article, "A Supreme Goes To College" (April 2001), about my college degree. You did such a fine job. I am very pleased with the way the article turned out.

I have received so many positive messages, letters and e-mails from my fans about the article. The fans always enjoy getting a glimpse of what I do when I am not on stage. I think they enjoyed the article and photos even more than I did! And, hopefully, reading the article will inspire other adults to return to school. If I could earn my degree while maintaining my hectic schedule, then anyone can!

MARY WILSON New York, N.Y.

THE 10 BIGGEST LIES

Your article, "The 10 Biggest Lies About Black History" (May 2001), was masterful. I commend you for enlightening the minds of Americans. You pulled no punches on what needed to be said. Americans should know the truth, even demand the truth. Sadly, it is American (read: White) society that has force-fed us these lies. To everyone, be your own puppet master not the puppet of a master.

SOLOMON CHAMBERS Houston, Texas

I really appreciate your article, "10 Biggest Lies About Black History." I'm glad to see someone like Lerone Bennett Jr., an African-American who refuses to believe just anything told to him about his people. I thought I was the only one. He carefully and richly outlined each topic so that any reader can understand where he's coming from. We as a royal-blooded people need to know just how royal we are and that we were in fact the origin of civilization, not the source of barbarianism. Young African-Americans need to know that it was their ancestors who set the high standards for the U.S.; we made this nation the prosperous nation it is today. We need to reach out and take what's ours (high status and respect) and do it as proud Black people.

Thank you so very much, EBONY magazine and Lerone Bennett Jr., for that insight. I'm sure that you're happy to know that a young, 16-year-old, African-American girl such as myself can embrace information like this in spite of what I'm taught and what I see.

L.E.W. Camden, New Jersey

SHAGGY

I'm writing to you about your article, "Hot Shot: Shaggy Stages Super Comeback" (May 2001). Well, your article was very inspirational and about my friend and fellow Marine, Mr. Orville R. Burrell (a.k.a. Shaggy). I first met him in a hole-in-the-wall club in North Carolina, away from the base. He impressed me with his cool, quiet demeanor. I just want to let Shaggy know that I, for one, am still keeping it real by keeping up with his climb to fame.

Keep up the good work, Shaggy. Thanks to you, EBONY, for helping our Jamaican artists on a whole. Big respect!

WAYNE A. MONCRIEFFE Perry, Fla.

MAN-SHARING

I am married, but was single for a number of years. As a woman, single and married, I have always had enough respect for myself to seek my own man. I would never contemplate sharing someone else's husband ("Why Some Women Settle For Man-Sharing And the Dangerous Consequences," April 2001).

Most women will not share underwear nor drink from the same cup, yet will share a person's body. Any self-respecting female would distance herself from a man who's trying to degrade her by "keeping" her and remaining with his wife.

Think about it, ladies. If he cheats on the main woman in his life, what makes you think that he won't cheat on No. 2 or No. 3? If he cheats once, you are most likely not the showstopper. You are being used!

No amount of money or cars or jewelry or whatever else can compensate for the sin you are committing in God's eyes, and the bad reputation and danger you are putting yourselves in. Love yourselves more than that.

TERI STEWART Beaumont, Texas

ARKANSAS BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

The article, "Publisher John H. Johnson Inducted Into Arkansas Business Hall of Fame" (May 2001), was both touching and heartwarming. He spearheaded his business from a time when Blacks did not have much to go on but faith and the will to overcome poverty and welfare. His efforts gave birth to one of the leading magazines in the country. He epitomizes the strength and power a man can accomplish when he has the determination to succeed.

My admiration and appreciation go to John H. Johnson, who has been an inspiration and motivation to all races.

JOHN S. FOULKS Washington, D.C.

SINGLE SISTERS BUYING HOUSES

What an excellent article, "Why So Many Single Sisters Are Buying Houses And Condos" (April 2001), for Black single women to read about in regard to buying homes. EBONY, you do an excellent job of keeping African-Americans informed about investment opportunities. I recently purchased a home in Sacramento, Calif., and I must say I feel incredibly blessed with the opportunity to be a homeowner at the age of 33. I've wanted a home for my three daughters for the last three years. Every day I'm encouraging all of my girlfriends to buy homes in areas that are affordable.