Don Cornelius And David Peaston: Let's Not Let Their Living Be In Vain

February 1, 2012 marked the beginning of another Black History Month in America, but it also marked the end of an era of great prestige.  The original conductor of the "Soul Train" that has swept into our homes for almost four decades passed away; apparently the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.  Don Cornelius, had been a part of the music industry since he first became a disc jockey in the 1960s.  In 1970, he debut the first episode of Soul Train and began a revolutionary movement at the way that black music was visualized, interpreted, and received in households all across America.

His bold announcement of "Love, Peace, and Soul" became the embodiment of hope and was echoed by countless Americans who could finally identify with positive, talented images of themselves in a world that was still very impartial and segregated.  If the 1960s marked a civil revolution, then Don Cornelius was the band leader who marched in the musical revolution that helped to bring about unity and solidarity during the uneasy healing process of post-Panther, King, and X-movements.

Later that same day, we found out that David Peaston had succumb to the effects of diabetes and lost his battle with this crippling disease.  Peaston was largely known as the velvet-voiced gospel singer who remade the Eddie Kendrick's hit, "Can I?" and skyrocketed to the peak of his fame by performing in stage plays opposite Cheryl Pepsi Riley.  Peaston, at the relatively young age of 54, had battled with the disease valiantly.  Even after having both legs removed, he was said to have adjusted to life with his prosthetic limbs rather well.   

Is there a lesson to be learned from the death of these two great men?

As we mourn their loss, pray for their families, and remember their contributions to the musical tapestry that holds together the memories of our yester-years, we must look at the examples that they leave with us.  As a man of color, I know that we battle mental illnesses and the impact of diabetes silently.  We often look at asking for help as a sign of weakness.  In their cases, their silent sufferings may overshadow the many accomplishments of their lives.

It is time to have conversations within our families and delve into the medical histories that were not "proper conversation" when we were children.  We must begin to seek assistance whenever signs of mental derailment or bodily ills appear.  We must no longer define our strength by our ability to hide our weaknesses.  I pray that they are both at rest now, but I also hope that their silent struggles are not repeated again and again in homes across America.

Now, in the immortal words of both men, we should find the time to sit with the afflicted within our own circle of influence and quietly ask, "Can I have a talk with you?"  With just a few words, we could easily prevent a medical illness from being a terminal situation.  Do this in the name of love, peace, and soul... 

But, again, this is just ONE Man's Opinion... What is yours?