>But over time the off spring within that society lose a bit
>of that heritage with each new generation.

exactly why we need to cultivate positive values, keep a strong culture and make an effort to preserve it. and when i say keep a strong culture this goes for african americans, west indians, africans. just because one person is african american and one person is jamaican doesn't mean they have to emalgamate their cultures to survive in the melting pot. diversity is always necessary, even within the black community.
believing that assimilation is the key to survival frightening to me. adapting is necessary but you always have to know who you are, how u got to where u are and understand the benefits ofindividuality.