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Our Features

Feb 2 2012

From mayor to the movies

By the 1970s, the racial strife and turmoil of the 1960s had transformed into a social revolution by virtue of the burgeoning feminist, gay liberation, Black power, grey power movements, the Jesus freaks and an overwhelming rejection of the Vietnam War. The 1970s also saw a relaxing of aggressions (a détente of sorts) between Blacks and Whites in forging a unified path to more intrapersonal cooperation and interpersonal communication.

Jan 26 2012

A royal pain in the air

The contribution of Black pilots from the Caribbean during the Second World War bears strong similarity to that of the now legendary Tuskegee Airmen, according to World War II Pasadena historian and aviation buff, Herman James.

Stanley O. Williford  |   OW Editor
Jan 20 2012

Gifted singer troubled by her past, men and drugs

Etta James, the big-voiced singer with the rowdy persona, has died after a long battle with leukemia. She was 73.

With her dyed blond hair piled high, eyes cat-shaped by mascara and big hoop earrings, she cultivated a whorish look and a loud, blustery attitude that made her seem tough, but by her own admission she was mushy inside and often confused and fearful.

Stanley O. Williford  |   OW Editor
Jan 19 2012

Like parents, like daughter

Jan Perry’s passion for building comes naturally. In the Cleveland, Ohio, area where she was born, her father, Samuel, an attorney, fought for fair housing, as did her mother, Betty.

After she left home as a teen to attend USC in 1974, she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s in public administration. In 1990, she “was offered a position as planning deputy” in the office of then-Councilman Mike Woo.

Jan 12 2012

This is a partial listing of upcoming events that will commemorate the life of Dr. King. The government in a number of cities such as Palmdale, Lynwood, Compton and Carson will close down for the holiday. In Inglewood and Torrance, the libraries will close for the observance.

January 12
The Los Angeles Press Club will host a panel discussion on the subject: “What If Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Had Tweeted the Civil Rights Movement?” Panelists include Former U.S. Congresswoman Diane Watson, former L.A. City Councilman and Freedom Rider Robert Farrell, SCLC-LA chairman and union organizer the Rev. William Smart Jr., pastor and community organizer the Rev. Dr. Lewis E. Logan II, journalist/bloggers Charlene Muhammad and Jasmyne Cannick.

Across Black America

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

Arkansas
Walmart Stores Inc. recently announced the promotion of Rosalind G. Brewer, 49, to president and CEO of Sam’s Club. She will replace current Sam’s Club President and CEO Brian Cornell, who informed the company that he would move back to the Northeast for family reasons. Brewer was most recently president of the Walmart U.S. east business unit, where she was responsible for more than $100 billion in annual revenue, representing almost 1,600 stores and more than 500,000 associates. Brewer was also the first chairperson of the Walmart President’s Council of Global Women Leaders. “Roz came to us with an outstanding background in consumer packaged goods more than five years ago,” said Mike Duke, Walmart president and CEO. “During that time I have seen her develop into a talented merchant and retailer. She has strong strategic, analytical and operational skills and has successfully managed a large and complex business. I’ve also been struck by Roz’s servant leadership when I have visited stores with her. She always lets her team do the talking, with her focus being on how to better support their needs.”
 

California
Essence magazine recently announced the fifth annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon honoring the industry’s most exciting African American talent, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes in Hollywood. The event will take place on Feb. 23 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Essence will celebrate five extraordinary women who have left an indelible impression with their work within the film and television industries: Kerry Washington (Vanguard Award), Octavia Spencer (Breakthrough Performance), Pam Grier (Legend Award), Paula Patton (Shining Star Award) and Shonda Rhimes (Visionary Award). This star-studded event commemorates Essence magazine’s annual Hollywood issue and in honor of the fifth anniversary, Essence.com is giving fans exclusive access to all the red-carpet interviews via live stream from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and re-airing that evening at 9 p.m. EST.