Brittney M. Walker
OW Staff Writer
Apr 24 2009

Temporary situation led local business owner to create a permanent solution

Finding a decent job and living alone is not such a complicated matter for most people, but for those with disabilities, life can be more than a hassle. Although the United States government has the Americans with Disabilities Act which prohibits employers and housing providers from discriminating against people with disabilities, according to advocates, prejudice continues to challenge the independence of disabled persons.

Apr 23 2009

Revitalization continues through recession

 Los Angeles, CA -- In 2008, the Mayor’s Office issued a five-year strategic plan to revitalize South Los Angeles. From housing to education, L.A. is getting a face-lift.

The plan proposes that hundreds of jobs will be created, the physical appearance of South L.A. will be improved, and the quality of life in neighborhoods will be better. So far, the plan is on track as new housing units are in the works and shopping center renovations are being done. But the current financial status of the nation has stagnated some initiative plans.
 

Apr 17 2009

Social networking website has 16.5 million users

Radio One Inc., one of the nation’s leading broadcasting companies targeting African Americans, has purchased a popular social networking company, Community Connect Inc. (CCI) for $38 million.

CCI is known for its social networking sites targeting ethnic Americans online such as BlackPlanet.com—which ranks the fourth in Hitwise’s 2007 “Top US Social Networking Sites—MiGente.com and AsianAve.com.

Mar 26 2009

Councilwoman, Los Angeles City Controller-elect

 Los Angeles, CA -- A native of the San Fernando Valley, Councilwoman Wendy Greuel knows what it means to serve her community. Her leadership experience started when she became student body president at Kennedy High School, along with an internship in the Office of Mayor Tom Bradley. After graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles, Greuel became Mayor Bradley’s liaison to the City Council and community on public policy issues.

Mar 12 2009

Founder and President, Legacy Ladies Inc.

 Los Angeles, CA -- Jaqueline Castillo, philanthropist, founder and president of Legacy Ladies Inc., was born in Stockton Calif. The sparsely populated town was too small for her big dreams, so upon graduating from high school, the young visionary moved to San Francisco where she would begin her career. Though she received many accolades in the corporate world working with NBC, CBS, and FOX, Castillo was not satisfied.

Jan 29 2009

Scholarship can fuel the future

 Los Angeles, CA - College isn’t cheap, but it’s important for youth to get a college degree. According to Collegeboard.com, the average price for a private education at a four-year institution is $25,143 per year, which was 5.9% higher in 2008 than the previous year.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.

California
San Diego college students and volunteers will carry out their sixth home restoration project on Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14. as part of the “Healing our Heroes’ Homes” (H3) program created by the nonprofit Embrace. The five-day effort will take place at the home of medically retired Marine Corps Capt. Sarah Bettencourt. Bettencourt served with many different units across the country during the Global War on Terrorism and developed a rare neurological disorder in 2008. With a focus to restore the homes of disabled veteran homeowners, H3 falls in line with Embrace’s mission to mobilize college-student volunteers and community members to serve less fortunate members of civilian and veteran communities. The project for the Bettencourts’ home includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling, building ADA-compliant disability ramps, widening their driveway to ADA standards, widening doorways and landscaping.
 
District of Columbia
The 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will showcase its five-year community research project on African American identity with the program “The Will to Adorn: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity.” This multicity collaboration examines the history and culture of the aesthetics of African Americans. The festival will be held June 26-30 and July 3-7, outdoors on the National Mall between Seventh and 14th streets. “Whether we realize it or not, we are all dress artists. The way we compose our look is a creative expression of our ideas about who we are and who we aspire to be,” said Diana N’Diaye, program curator. “This program explores the diversity of African American traditions of style, but also teaches young people the importance of documenting their own culture and saving that information for themselves and future generations.”