This publication is in no small part a reality because of the dreams of America's founding fathers. If it were not for their reverence for freedom, we might not have the Internet or access to it. We might not have computers nestled on countless desktops in homes, offices, classrooms and libraries. Even if we had these things, if it were not for our founding fathers, we might not have the freedom to publish our ideas and perspectives. In countless ways, the existence of this web site is a credit to the dreams of America's founding fathers.

But physical fathers are not perfect. Certainly, our founding fathers were not. They penned many noble ideas into law, but they were deeply conflicted as to who was entitled to liberty and protection under the law. Yes, they said it was self evident that all men were endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. But our founding fathers were unwilling to extend those rights to the indigenous people who inhabited this land, or to the Africans who provided the labor needed to build and maintain their burgeoning estates.

Our founding fathers' ideological conflict ultimately resulted in the bloodiest conflagration Americans have ever seen. It is difficult for present-day Americans to imagine the horror and carnage produced by that war. With the exception of a few reenactments, few Americans give thought to the enormity of the devastation caused by the Civil War. Yet it was the Civil War that helped transformed America into a more perfect union.

Unfortunately, America's legacy of racial division did not end with the Civil War. Despite Reconstruction's attempt to engineer a more inclusive society, the desire of some Americans to exercise racial domination and suppression ultimately prevailed. By the late 1890s, segregation was legal and institutionalized in much of America, and it continued through to the mid-1960s. 

Fortunately, the heroic efforts of men and women of both races brought legal segregation to an end in America in 1964, and out of the struggle came a new dream for America, a dream articulated by one of the fathers of the Civil Rights and Non-Violent Movement. Although Dr. Martin Luther King was not alone in advocating a society where men and women would be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin, he is celebrated for his ability to inspire our nobler spirits.

Dr. King challenged us to move past our comfort zones and to live up to the ideals of our founding fathers. He did not ignore our physical and cultural differences; instead he embraced them and challenged us to embrace one another despite our differences. Just before he died in 1968, he was working to create greater economic opportunities for striking Black sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee. His desire to create greater economic opportunities for disadvantaged individuals was an integral part of his commitment to social equality and justice.

At diversityinbusiness.com, we recognize that the struggle for economic and social equality is still a necessity in America. We intend to emulate Dr. King by championing individuals and organizations that work to promote opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups, and by highlighting opportunities for individuals, organizations, and communities to do more to achieve their greater potential.

I am delighted that on Father's Day 2001, we are recognizing the efforts of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation in its use of diversity in brand marketing. We also salute the joint efforts of the McDonald's Corporation and RJ Nelson Enterprises in creating a memorial to the Underground Railroad at a McDonald's restaurant in Illinois.

I am personally excited to draw attention to a wonderful new book entitled, Black Roots: A Beginner's Guide to Tracing the African American Family Tree. A close friend, Tony Burroughs, wrote this amazing guide. Tony is a highly regarded genealogist who makes ancestor hunting fun.

In this edition, we introduce you to a Haitian-American woman, Nicole Smith, who is proprietor of Chicago's leading Haitian art gallery. Our interview with Ms. Smith is the first in a series of interviews with entrepreneurs who are contributing to the economic vitality of their communities. In future editions, we will feature interviews with corporate leaders, politicians, and other individuals who continue to push for a more inclusive society.

Although our company, Genlight Por EL, is African American owned and operated, we are committed to bringing you news and information about many diverse communities. We intend to help build bridges between communities as we strive to promote stronger ties between corporations and minority entrepreneurs and small business owners. We are fortunate to be able to tap into the wisdom of Guy Summers, a respected Chicago area businessman, who is an expert on business relationships. Guy will be a regularly featured columnist on our web site, and will address a variety of topics pertaining to business relationships and more.

Before closing, I would like to thank you for your contribution to our efforts. In many respects, you are a co-partner in this venture. Your generous contributions in the form of comments, suggestions, news and information will enable us to have a profound and positive impact upon our society and beyond.

I am thankful for the support of my own father, Carlos Perkins, who has been more of a support to me than he can imagine. I also thank the Supreme Father for the many supporters of diversityinbusiness.com. Without His help and theirs, this undertaking would be a virtual impossibility. Thank you all for helping us make the dreams of our fathers a reality.

Sincerely,

Dan Perkins, Publisher