[diggernet]

I understand your point about being asked to perform. (The railroad scene of Blazing Saddles comes to mind here.)

But he was asked to perform a rap HE wrote. Because he was the author, not because he was black. While obviously blacks should not be considered only good for entertainment, does that really mean society needs to avoid offering recognition of an individual's demonstrated creative abilities just because they happen to be black?

Also, as another commenter already documented, he was far from the only black in the office.

All that said, your final point is spot on! And not only for blacks...