In celebration of Black History Month and the Black History Movement, this week my viewpoint is an open letter to Soul Train, its music and the amazing artists that have changed the world with their words.

Dear Soul Train,

If I had to summarize how you have changed my life, career and appreciation of music I would use the words of the our beloved Teddy Pendergrass and say, “You are my latest and greatest inspiration.”

Last week I had the opportunity to hop on board and attend the New York premiere of your biography–VH1’s Soul Train: The Hippest Trip In America. As I sat amongst my fellow music and culture enthusiasts I felt the nostalgia and pride in the room as we all took a train ride through a musical renaissance. Since your birth on-air on August 17th 1970, you have transformed households, television, cultures and the overall black experience. From the ubiquitous Soul Train Line to being the first television program to advertise and sponsor black products, your purpose will forever resonate in the black community. You gave us the moonwalk, Jeffrey Daniels, Shalamar, Hip-Hop’s first national exposure, and a lens into what’s hot in fashion, dance and hair, all while promoting love, peace and soul. After forty years since you made your mark on television, your influence on pop culture can still be seen.

I would be remiss if I did not give a special thank you to the first black man to not only host but own the brand and company we know as Soul Train–Mr. Don Cornelius. This message would be meaningless if I did not acknowledge the man that made it all possible. His vision for creating positive images of black youth on television has made a lasting impact on me, and the world. Without him our Saturday mornings wouldn’t have been so eventful and legendary artists such as Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass, Aretha Franklin, The Jackson 5, and Public Enemy would not have had the opportunity to let the mainstream world hear their voice.

If there is one song aboard the hippest trip of America that describes the movement you have lead it would be the sound of the unofficial national black anthem, “Aint No Stopping Us Now” by Mcfadden and Whitehead. Those lyrics are not only a reflection of the passion our people feel as a result of your influence, but it is also what I think of when I see the amazing strides our black artists and media professionals are making all because you–Soul Train paved the way. So with that, I thank you for being my latest and greatest inspiration.

Love, peace and soul.

– Rashana A. Hooks

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Rashana A. Hooks is a writer and soon-to-be authoress residing in New York City. She is also the publisher of the highly-acclaimed column style blog To Whom It May Concern at Rashanahooks.blogspot.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @rashanahooks and Facebook at To Whom It May Concern.