For the last five centuries, people of many ethnic groups have immigrated to America. Many came through Ellis Island. They came from Europe with a plan to start their lives anew. Many came to work and pay off their debts. Many came because of famine in their homeland. Many came simply for the opportunity to provide their children a better life than they had back home.

Some Europeans chose to change the spelling of their last names to prevent ethnic discrimination. Some congregated in neighborhoods where people spoke the same language and followed familiar customs. But each generation became more American and less German, Irish or Polish. Now, their children and grandchildren call themselves American, not Polish-American, not German-American, not European-American. Most of America has embraced them as a part of the fabric that is uniquely American.

During those same centuries, other groups of people without as romantic a relationship with the history of America have also fought to be included in the American fabric. Typically, American industries and individuals brought Africans, Central Americans and Asians to America. They came as slaves, migrant workers or personal servants to the rich. Nevertheless, the children of these immigrants have rightfully earned the status of full American. This status is granted by the laws of this land. If you were born here, you are American. No other qualifications are required.

Leaders of the civil rights movement knew that if America acknowledged "colored people" as full Americans, all other rights, privileges and responsibilities would follow.

But sometime along the way, we lost sight of this goal. After achieving the rights many thought would be impossible, we minorities chose -- yes, chose -- to identify ourselves only as part Americans.

We prefix our Americanism with our ethnic heritage and separate it with a dash: African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American.

Is that why we fought the battles for civil rights? Is this how we celebrate the achievements of our ancestors? Do you really believe this shows honor and respect for our heritage? Do you identify only partially with the American way of life? Do you describe some of your aspirations as African dreams and some as American dreams?

Let me answer these questions for you: No? No... No...No and, oh yeah, No.

"Drop the Dash" is my plea to my fellow citizens to remove the adjective and just be an American.

If you ask for my ethnic heritage, I will tell you proudly, "I am an American with African and European ancestry." To ignore my great-grandfather's European ethnicity is just as bad as ignoring my other great-grandfather's African ethnicity.

I share the same American dream as my neighbors, co-workers and friends.

I work hard to make a life as good -- preferably better -- for my children than what I had as a child.

We now have the choice to be half American or full American. I believe we all have an obligation and a responsibility to call ourselves "American." Many peoples, many cultures. One dream, one America.

I believe now is the time to "Drop the Dash."