Black History Month- Cultural Icons

Black History Month Cultural Icons is a look at different Black role models and leaders that deeply impacted American culture not only for Blacks but also Whites! These people are not your traditional Black leaders but still are very important to Black culture in America.

                                                       Cultural Icon Don Cornelius

Don Cornelius inventor and host of Soul Train. Soul Train the first nationally syndicated dance and music show were new Black artist could get national attention and have their careers lunch on to the national scene.

                                                                  Don Cornelius Bio

Don was born and rasied in Chicago on the south side. After graduated from high school Don joined the mariners and fought in the Korea War. After returning home from the war Don held many jobs from selling tires and cars also insurance. Don was also a police officer for the Chicago police department.

Don was married twice and had two sons by his 1st wife Tony and Raymond.

Don became frustrated with the string of low paying jobs, then quit his job and join broadcasting school for three (3) months. He then got a job with Chicago radio station WVON. Soon after Don joined Chicago television station WCIU as a anchorman, hosting "Blacks views of the news".

He then launched Soul Train as a daily local dance and music show on Chicago television station 1970. The show was a immediate hit and was moved to Los Angeles in 1971 as a nationally syndicated show.

Don was instrumental in launch mostly all the Black artist from 70s to the mid 90s. Soul Train is one of the longest running syndicated television show in American history! Don promoted the creative of young people from their dance styles and trends, to their clothes and hairstyles.

The promoting of hairstyle was a extremely profitable business for Don's sponsor George Johnson owner of Afro Sheen. In the late 70s Afro Sheen gross up to 40 billion annual!

Don was the first Black man to own and produce his own show! Don not only gave many Black artist a big break in their careers, but also many Blacks behind the scene, cameramen, sound check, editors and etc.

Don was the original suit guy before Steve Harvey and many others you see today! Don is largely responsible for launching the careers and record sells of all the Black artist over the last 30 years!!!

Don Cornelius, Thank you!