On June 13, 1970, Don Cornelius entered serious negotiations to syndicate Soul Train nationally. Originally a local Chicago program, the show had already proven successful with Black audiences and performers. Cornelius envisioned Soul Train as a national platform for Black music, dance, and culture—and June 13 marks the day the expansion began to take shape. The show would go on to revolutionize American television, becoming the longest-running nationally syndicated show in history. It offered visibility and validation for Black talent during a time of widespread exclusion from mainstream media. The syndication talks that began on June 13 paved the way for an enduring cultural legacy.
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