Don Cornelius, American icon

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Don Cornelius was not only an American music icon, his drive to enhance Urban music enabled him to across racial barriers. Erika Jimenez said "He was an cultural icon to a lot of African American." Like civil right activists who use the podium to promote equality, Cornelius used the microphone as a means to promote equality.

His ability to cross barriers also allowed him to enter thousands of homes each Saturday morning which open the door for various cultures to find a commonality. Music is art form that everyone can relate to, knowing this he was able to impact people from across the world.

Soyinka Rinki said "Mr. Cornelius had no idea the impact he would have in American society, beyond America he has gone to other country, what he has brought to this society a more full flavored Africa-American."