Bill Clinton is black. Well, not really.

However, just last month, on Oct. 19, former president Bill Clinton was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. However, only one point of interest was raised by this ceremony.

Bill Clinton is a white man. Regardless, his color did not seem to hinder the event organizers of the ceremony in Arkansas, and thus, it should not hinder anyone else. Bill Clinton has earned his coveted spot among the black hall of fame, once again breaking barriers and thinking innovatively in attempts to bring together communities. No one can criticize the sincere rapport Clinton has built with black constituents. And no one should criticize the decision made by the people of Arkansas to induct him into the state Black Hall of Fame. We should be happy to see someone who deserves to be recognized for their contributions in spite of color.

What Arkansas has done with the idea and perspective of a “black” hall of fame is expand a limited definition to include people who have made serious contributions to the black community, specifically in Arkansas, even if they are not black. “This honor makes a lot of sense. It is this community’s way of saying thank you to him for the work that he has done,” said Charles Stewart, the hall of fame’s chairman and founder. He further stated that black Arkansas residents and Clinton have had a long relationship of mutual admiration. If Bill Clinton has moved the hearts of those in Arkansas enough to grant him this honor, then perhaps they have set an example for how people should evaluate community leaders