Donating Money does not make you a leader. JayZ don't inspire no one nor do he rules or guides or others.

How did Jay-z make the list his a woman beater, who is he inflience to be positive in his lyrics to the point he would be consider a leader. A leader of what? How did ya define his leadership?

absolutely correct AMD, whites did have WHITES only lists like this and then laws were made!!!!! Stop it already!!!!

Wow! It really is sad to put out a list like this. The media LOVES to separate don't they? I bet if a white magazine were to put out a list of the most important leaders it WOULD include the Obamas'. Oh wait a second...their could never be a "white" magazine. Got news for everyone....the media IS the ROOT of the problem.

I think that "AmericanEquity's" comments were ridiculous.

For 1.) I hope he/she realizes that this is a black website. 2.)For decades, whites have made these types of lists always managing to exclude blacks in the process so, when we make OWN list and you wanna cry discrimination? lol Please. 3.) I'm sure other ethnic groups (i.e. Latino, Asians, etc.) have their own list of the 100 Most Influential...

Was it necessary to include Jay-Z to this list? Why not Alicia Keys, Will Smith, or Mos Def even? Jay-Z's primary artistical expression has been one of subjugating women, selling poison to all comers and being willing to shoot if his market was threatened. He has not displayed any remorse for his past misdeeds and seem content to keep "niggas" beneath him.

You sound like a very educated and respectful individual. Your responses to some of Vince’s more abrasive generalizations/comments were quite valid and eloquently stated.

I would, however, like to comment on two statements that you made in both your first and your second post that I couldn't help but be taken back by:

#1. “Latinos and African-Americans have strikingly similar histories in this country, and face many of the same stereotypes and prejudices by larger society, the government, and the media. I guess I don't understand why there isn't a stronger voice from the African-American community in the immigration debate”

Which portion of the individual African and Latin-American struggles resonates as analogous to you?? To illuminate the distinction: Africans were initially brought to America against their will. ...THEN we became African-Americans, robbed of our true families, identities, values and culture—all in the name of the white (I mean, right) way. And it’s been down-hill (in the eyes of every other culture, including our own) ever since then, unfortunately. If given the choice, I am sure Africans would have stayed put. And THEN, and only then--by their own choosing--would have immigrated to the ‘freedoms’ of the U.S. at their leisure, like every other culture has had the option of doing.

Latinos, on the other hand, have always had the ability to CHOOSE the terms and conditions of their migration to the US, whether based on personal/familial/economical/or political circumstances. The terms and conditions in which they sought new-found freedom and opportunities in the U.S. NEVER included slavery, giving up of basic human rights, hangings, beatings, centuries-long and government-tolerated racism and discrimination, house/church burnings, and country-wide social and personal degradation. Latino families immigrate to the US and stick together as families and as communities, by their free will. They are commended, and at times frowned upon, for that. African-Americans, however, were never given that luxury.

The children of our ancestors were separated from their parents and families, sold off to various plantations in various states, ..never to hear from their loved ones again. (And we all wonder why a large percentage of black people, even still today, struggle with the notion of a strong, unified, and dignified communal identity. We have no history of it!). Of course, I in no way commend or excuse the young, troubled, black men/women-- in today’s predominantly poor black neighborhoods--for their destructive and disrespectful actions/behavior/and lack of self respect. I believe in the sayings: ‘No one has the power to change you except for YOU,’ 'There are no free handouts,' and 'Stop whining and do something about it already!!' There is a deep-seeded, ominous and contagious ‘virus’ saturating and blinding our poorer communities that HAS to be healed. But that’s an entirely different topic that I have no room for in this poor blog.

So, to get back to my question about your comment about the weak African-American voice in the issue of Immigration: Immigration does not concern us in the same way it concerns Latin Americans. We are not considered “immigrants.” Yes, we may share the status of being minorities, but so does about 60%, if not more, of the US population (and that includes every other ethnic group). African-Americans are burried under their own list of social injustices, assults, concerns and issues, that we struggle with daily to overcome. ...Be sympathetic.

#2: “I think it's pretty well established that ALL cultures from all corners of the world--including, since we're "being frank," African-Americans--tend to associate beauty with lighter skin color.”

I couldn’t disagree with you more. The fact that you added the word “ALL” in such a statement is horrifying, and grossly inaccurate. I would have to say that Africans (in Africa) could already count as one major culture who does not believe that. In many tribes and provinces in Africa, darker skin is a direct reflection on higher status and beauty. Outside of Africa, I would like to alert you to the fact that many black people also consider darker skin to be more beautiful. I personally think that there are some onyx-black women and men (common people on the street as well as models) who by far surpass any white or Latino person in beauty and grace, ..by the sheer uniqueness of their complexions. So, please, take your own advice and do not generalize and make blanket statements about cultural perceptions of beauty.

It is not the level of pigmentation in one’s skin that deems them beautiful or not. Rather it is their individual ability to present themselves with true inner grace, dignity, elegance, and self confidence.

Unfortunately, the truth is (in my opinion), most black people are scarcely added to the category of beauty NOT because of their skin color, but because of the way the perceive themselves, and the way they choose to project themselves to others. It goes hand in hand with demographics, poor education, weak upbringings and lack of cultural opportunities. THAT is what paints someone “ugly.” Not their skin color.

It doesn’t take money, “good hair” or fair skin to be considered beautiful, or to able to respect one’s self. All it takes is a bit of self confidence and a less bitter/jaded/victimized view of everything and everyone around you.

I did not know of such a thing as the Root until it became a subject on M.S.N.
The idea of 100 leaders is great and brings more awareness to a culture already divided by what is black enough and who is worthy of being on the list. you know there are millions of black Men and Women and they cant all be on the FIRST list. cut the organizers some slack. you may make the list as being compassionate. i

I think the reason the 3 big O's are not present, Barack Obama Michelle Obama, and Oprah Winfrey. they are already in the elite circle of being influential. this list is to shed light on those we MAY not have known about. and believe me i did not know about many of the nominees. about 90% for two reasons. one i don't watch network news and as awful as this is i am Caucasian. which in some peoples eyes makes me a lesser person to comment on such issues.

In one of the earlier posts there was some debate about being black enough and not realizing some of the nominees were indeed black came as a shock to the reader. now i want to throw in a wrench and see if this makes any one think, of all the things the first 100 have accomplished. do you think they would be as likely to be on the list if gay was thrown into the blender. you know there are gay men and women of color and yet they are even more disenfranchised than than a man of color in the middle of an all white circle of company. Yes black on black violence occurs but at what rate? is it more than white on white?

If you are in one of the states that is voting on the initiative to legalize same sex Unions, please vote for it. if you read your history. white Gay and Lesbian brothers and sisters were there to help you. during your fight for equality. Please return the favor.

Peace to all,
Miahdij

It appears that it is now ok to discriminate against White, Latino, Oriental, Mong, Mexican.
If this article and award was listed only Whites the Blacks/Africans would be screaming prejudice.
I think it is time to stop all the pregudice and I for one will be the first to file a predjudicial lawsuit agains tthis type of racial dicrimination.
What happed to the Jesse jacsons who always demand equality but now the shoe is on the other foot how aboput some equality Jesse!

This list loses all credibility because the big PRES. B.O. is missing... thats a shame