Because I write so often about diversity and media I'm often asked: Why this is so important?

For example, comic and actress Mo'Nique is about to notch a historic first Monday evening.

She'll be the first black woman to host a late-night talk show when her program for Black Entertainment Television debuts.

She'll also be the leading edge of an effort to bring more diversity to that area, with late-night shows hosted by George Lopez and Wanda Sykes coming in November.

I wrote a column for Monday's newspaper trying to explain how  these hosts can turn their groundbreaking status into success -- basically, they need to reflect their culture in a way that is compelling and unique for all viewers.

.

Check out the story here.