Martin Luther King

Stanley O. Williford  |   OW Editor
Jul 21 2011

Welcoming the oldest civil rights organization

It may have been fate that brought the Somerville Hotel into existence just in time to house attendees to the first West Coast convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1928. The hotel was completed in June of that year. The 19th annual convention was held that same month.

David L. Horne, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Jul 14 2011

Practical Politics

On August 28, 2011, a day chosen to celebrate the 48th anniversary of Dr. King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech on the Washington Mall, another major milestone will occur. For the first time in American history, a centerpiece construction of a permanent stone and bronze monument will be erected in the nation’s capital for an African American who was not a former American president.

May 26 2011

Evaluating efforts of the upper and middle classes to uplift the race

“Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.” —Martin Luther King.

Many would agree the Black middle and upper classes have contributed greatly to the success of the American society over the last century, but questions still linger as to whether or not they are doing enough for the rest of Black America.

David L. Horne, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Feb 10 2011

Practical Politics

This is either year two or year one of the Decade of the African Diaspora (DOAD), depending on how you are counting. For yours truly, and the Sixth Region Diaspora Caucus (SRDC) organization, which jointly declared the decade, it is year one. Last year, was the period of announcement and dissemination of information regarding the DOAD. Work not already begun, begins now.

Jan 13 2011

Celebrations around Los Angeles

January 14
Commemoration. Assemblyman Mike Davis hosts a Martin Luther King celebration from 6-9pm at the California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., L.A. The event will include an award ceremony honoring of new California State Attorney General, Kamala Harris. Free. Info: (213) 744-2111.

Give Life. The city of Lancaster is asking, residents to donate blood at the Antelope Valley Hospital, 8am to 1pm. For those in the Palmdale area, American Red Cross is also taking donors today from 1 to 7 pm.

January 15

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.
California
Yvette Hollingsworth was recently named chief compliance officer for Wells Fargo & Co. Hollingsworth, who most recently served as managing director and global head of operations compliance and financial crimes compliance & risk management for Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank, will begin her new role on June 1, 2012. Hollingsworth will be based in San Francisco, and will report to Caryl Athanasiu, executive vice president and chief operational risk officer in the corporate risk group. As chief compliance officer, Hollingsworth will be responsible for ensuring that all areas of the company meet compliance management responsibilities and abide by all applicable laws and regulations. Her team will continue to provide independent oversight of business-based compliance management activities.
District of Columbia
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Los Angeles attorney Paul Watford to serve on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals: “It is great news that the Senate has confirmed Paul Watford, an exceptionally talented attorney, to serve on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has a breadth of experience as a former prosecutor and a top appellate litigator and will make an excellent addition to the federal bench. However, I am very disappointed that more of my Republican colleagues did not join us in backing this highly qualified nominee.” When Watford is sworn in, he will be only the second African American serving on the Ninth Circuit.