Today is Martin Luther King Day. Many of us don’t even realize that the struggle Dr. King fought is still alive today. He fought for equality in all things. And through hardship and great trials, we as people (All People) have learned to respect and love one another as never before.

But today the struggle is still alive. Now we see that prejudice is more hidden and subtle. Some people still hate and fear one another. Some African Americans frown upon each other on how we talk, act and dress. Those that are more formal believe that this is what was fought for. The right for all the prestigious things that Caucasian people have. Including the right to speak and dress in a respective manner.  Others of the more urban side see themselves as the inheritors of the true culture of African Americans. The truth is that it’s all great. No one is really right or wrong. Now instead of fighting prejudice, it’s Black against Black. In music, writing, art, the media. African American culture has been turned against itself.

Comics books have always been an engrossing pass time for me. No matter the race of the hero it was just an awesome escapism. As I got older, I found myself more aware of how few Black (African American) super heroes there really were. That didn’t bother me. All the heroes that drew attention were great. Storm and Bishop from the X-Men. The Black Panther. Luke Cage. Blade.  The Falcon. Mr. Terrific from the Justice Society. These characters stood out. When Milestone Media dropped it was a new day for us. All these A.A heroes in their own comics. Great, right!?!  Wrong. In spite of the cool characters that were the carbon copies of so many DC and Marvel characters. It just didn’t seem to hit that perfect stride. Urban slang and the typical places for crimes, like crack houses and drug dens made it hard for Milestone Media.

Luke Cage began as a Pro Black character at Marvel Studios. He grew to become one of the more prominent A.A at Marvel. And his Black Power attitude has help to shape him into a hero the heroes love. The Falcon is a “side kick” to Captain America. For Black comic fans that made him cool. And my favorite the Black Panther, he’s more than amazing. For the past few years he is the most well written character of color out there. Appearing in Iron Man Armored Adventures and Avengers Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Tomorrow a DVD  of the Black Panther will be in stores. It’s not a cartoon. It’s a Motion Comic. Please…………………………some one is pulling my chain. I for one am NOT buying it. The Black Panther deserves the same respect as all the other heroes. He struggles with this so called DVD cartoon. And continues to fight his way to the big screen. No one can tell what the future holds for him. Now he is The New Man Without Fear. I’ll let you know how that turns out.

With so few African American super heroes among us, those that are present should be given a good and fair shot. Maybe that’s why Mr. Terrific has “Fair Play” written on his jacket. We all would like to see our favorite heroes in cartoons or in movies. but still it seems difficult for those of color to shine above the darkness. In 2011 I believe the struggle will give way to bigger and better things for African Americans in comics and all their media brothers.

Happy Martin Luther King Day. And Keep HOPE Alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Excelsior!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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