Ivy V. Pittman Montclair, New Jersey Americans of African descent have never not been a powerful creative and influential presence in American culture. Tthe description of the new black-arts movement served as an accurate depiction of the rich culture that exists today. I believe too often there has been an emphasis on the problems that are deeply rooted within black society. The time has come to recognize the abundance of artistic ability thriving in the African-American community. As a black, I took offense at your condescending article.
Art is art.
Good is good, and bad still remains bad. Blacks do not need to be patronized. To deign to give recognition is to assume a prior inferiority. The black renaissance has been in full swing for several years. What a shame that the problems of crime and poverty have grabbed the headlines, when there are so many gifted African Americans and Latinos in the arts.