As we mark the beginning of a month-long celebration of black history in our country, I am proud to be part of a culture and history that has made great contributions to not just to this country but all parts of the world.
The demise in succession of three African American figures of colossal stature on the eve of the new decade caused me to wonder anew about this designation, "black royalty."
In 1911, Samuel Battle became the "first black officer to join" the NYPD. Today, nearly 100 years later, the intersection at West 135th Street and Le...