Why African-American Voices Matter: A Birthday Reflection from Ronald Bunn
🎥 Watch My Birthday Message Below! 🎥
As I celebrate another year, I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and recognition from friends, colleagues, and well-wishers across Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Your kind words remind me of the journey I’ve taken—not just as Ronald Bunn, but as a chronicler of African-American culture through ROUTES, A Guide to African-American Culture.
At 81 years old, I find myself reflecting on the cultural impact of our voices—those who came before me, those who stand beside me today, and those who will carry the torch into the future. African-Americans have shaped literature, music, art, activism, and every facet of American life, yet too often, our contributions are overlooked. That is why our stories must not only be told but preserved and celebrated.
The Urgency of Black Storytelling
In my video, I discuss something that weighs heavily on my mind:
📌 There are too few African-American publishers today.
📌 The need to control our narratives has never been greater.
Through ROUTES, I have had the privilege of documenting the brilliance of countless Black artists, thinkers, and changemakers. This work is not about nostalgia—it is about ensuring that our cultural legacy remains visible and valued. If we don’t tell our stories, who will?
Why Watch This Video?
✅ If you care about preserving Black history and culture, this message is for you.
✅ If you believe in the power of storytelling to shape history, I invite you to listen.
✅ If you wonder why I continue this work with passion and dedication, you’ll find the answer here.
Every stage of life brings new responsibilities. Today, my role is that of both a storyteller and a torchbearer—not just reflecting on history, but actively shaping it for generations to come.
📺 Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments! Let’s continue uplifting one another and ensuring that African-American voices are never silenced.
With gratitude,
Ronald Bunn
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Congratulations, Ron, on being a torch bearer of African American culture and contributions and for entreating us all to join you in preserving and promoting our history. ROUTES remains a innovative platform of inspiration and now that it’s online, it has an immediate global reach. BRAVO! BRAVO! And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAY OF YOUR BIRTH, Today and Always 😉
Ron, hello. It’s me Daniel— we met two years ago. I plan to be in your area hopefully this year and would be honored to share time with you again. Thank you for gracing us with great conversation, insight, and a look into your world. Moruna says hello and we deeply wish to see you soon. Happy (much later birthday) We meant to send you this much sooner.