The Black Informant

Missed opportunity

(nydailynews.com) I should have taken a stand. I didn’t.

It was the year 2000. I was interviewing for what I then considered to be the most important job of my life: Miss America 2001.

I had spent the past three years dreaming about and preparing for the opportunity. I studied world news and politics. I became a voracious reader of current events, and subscribed to several newspapers and myriad periodicals. I discussed social issues, such as the relationship between poverty and violence, with my political science professors and local judges. I wanted to be a great representative for America, and to speak out on the issues of our time.

After preparing, studying, and praying, my moment finally arrived. As I stood before the panel of Miss America judges ready to tackle the nation’s most pressing problems, I was asked: “What is your opinion on rap music?”

Rap music? Teenage pregnancy - I was ready to address it. Adult illiteracy - I could discuss that for hours. High school dropouts - I’d spoken at alternative schools already. But rap music at my Miss America interview? I hesitated, and finally said something about “Christian rap,” then moved on quickly to what I thought were more important subjects. (more…)

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This reminds me of Oprah when she also regretted not spotlighting this issue before the Imus mess. She said something to the effect that she did not want to be the only one.