Rest in Legendary Peace, Lena Horne.

This morning I woke up to the news that Lena Horne passed away . The chord of my soul was struck. I immediately thought about legacy, the passing of the torch. And sadly came to a conclusion that we're not producing torch bearers as my African-American ancestors once have in the past.

I thought about the sense of responsibility to our future, and how over the years it has become "my future." I thought about how there are babies being born to teenagers, and how those babies will grow up to continue this socially crippling cycle. I thought about how these children will learn about the Civil Rights Movement of the last century, as more of a lesson to get a grade in school, rather than their legacy. We are slipping further away from our DNA, our path, faster than the actual years which passed.

Another trailblazer is no longer with us. And I hurt because I know that a less worthy figure will unceromoniously be handed the torch. Someone will step up and give their condolences, say how much Lena inspired them (yet you hear or see no similarities), and people, mainly media will try to create a story to meet its 24/7 news requirements.

All that I want to hear is that there will never be another Lena Horne; that she will never be replaced. People say that you can't change what is destined. Well legacy is off the table as well. If the torch bearer hasn't named a predecesor, that light is their own, to shine forevermore.

The Race to Nowhere: Is This Lebron's Apology for his Sore Loser'ness?

Dear Mr. James:

I'm not sure if you had anything to do with the clearance of this commercial. I'm not sure whether that even matters now. Maybe Nike saw it in their best interests to throw you a life preserver for how you acted after the Orlando Magic sent your team home for the summer.

Luckily, you live in a country with citizens that have more to worry about than your lack of sportsmanship. The next NBA season won't start 4 to 5 months. By that time, many of your fans would be looking forward to your appearance in 2010's Slam Dunk Contest during All Star Weekend in Dallas. But I won't forget.

I won't forget how many team pictures you took, in fun, while you were on winning streaks. I won't forget your 'baby powder' rainbow before you hit the court. I won't forget your effortless springs towards the basket or the half to full court shots you heave to impress home and away crowds. I won't forget that you would want us to 'witness' your greatness. It's just that I'll never forget how you deserted your team and your colleagues when it was YOU that should have been first to congratulate your opponent and make your press engagement.

In my book, you're on the long road to recovering your good name. And since we all deserve a second chance, I'll be open to giving you the opportunity of showing that you're better than what you've showed yourself to be that night.