BLACK HISTORY MONTH

As I anxiously awaited your magazine each Sunday during the month of February, I grew increasingly disappointed. For alas, your magazine decided to ignore Black History Month entirely except for an article on Malcolm X and another on black haircuts.

Amazingly, during this Black History Month we had the joy and privilege of seeing Nelson Mandela released from prison after 27 years. This wondrous event couldn’t even merit a cover.

The usually provocative and thoughtful Los Angeles Times Magazine instead chose to hail the fabulous ‘50s (“When We Were Very Young,” by Charles Perry, and “Mid-Century Memoirs,” by Karen Lansky), which most people know were not so fabulous for many African-Americans. My disappointment changed to disgust when I read the hedonistic article on plastic surgery aimed at white, middle- and not-so-middle-aged, vain, professional men.

I hope the magazine can once again find its former social consciousness--and quick.

MARY M. MILLER

Sylmar