Bay Area remembers 'Soul Train' creator at Black History Month event

People in the Bay Area celebrating Black History Month Wednesday night remembered Don Cornelius as a pioneer for the African-American community.

An event at Scottish Rite Auditorium in Oakland found hundreds in attendance paying tribute to a man who made his mark in bringing black culture to the American audience.
 
The iconic television program "Soul Train" hosted on Saturdays mornings by Cornelius was a part of American culture for decades starting in 1971.    

Actress Holly Robinson-Peete opened the celebration by paying homage to Cornelius as a pioneer.

"He was our Dick Clark," said Robinson-Peete. "He was the first African-American owner of a syndicated television show." 

One man said he and his co-workers formed the famous "Soul Train" line when they learned of Cornelius' death.

Douglas Phenix fondly recalled watching the show every week.

"One of my earliest memories of 'Soul Train' is sitting there with my mom eating celery and peanut butter on the couch and watching 'Soul Train' and being able to see black people in a positive way," said Phenix.

Dee Spencer said the "Soul Train" theme song was something she played as a teenager.  Now she is the chair of San Francisco State's School of Music And Dance.

She said the same way the show "American Idol" inspires young singers today, Cornelius inspired a generation of young people by showcasing black artists not seen elsewhere on television.

"African-Americans on television were very very rare thing, to see anyone of color," recalled Spencer.

The hip hop artist known as Common hosted the event. He urged young people to follow in the footsteps of African-American pioneers.

"We are the history creators right now for ourselves and for our future," said Common. 

While saddened by the passing of Cornelius, fans said the famous Soul Train dance line will forever be a staple in American celebrations.