Slavery

Julianne Malveaux  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Jan 17 2013

Counting the Cost

One hundred and fifty years ago, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

It was a flawed document that freed enslaved people in Confederate areas that he did not control. At the same time, it was a progressive document because it initiated discussion about the “freedom” 13th, 14th and 15th amendments.

Jan 10 2013

Jan. 1 marked 150th anniversary

President Barack Obama views the Emancipation Proclamation with a small group of African American seniors, their grandchildren and some children from the Washington, D.C. area, in the Oval Office. Jan.

Harry C. Alford  |   OW Guest Contributor
Dec 20 2012

Beyond the Rhetoric

My family went to the movies to see “Lincoln,” the much advertised and critically acclaimed new film by Steven Spielberg. The plot centered on one particular phase of the president’s legacy, the abolition of slavery and how he got it done. All of us were taught the Emancipation Proclamation was the vehicle that abolished slavery in America. That just is not true, and Spielberg brilliantly showed us the real story. That’s right, it was not the Emancipation Proclamation!

Gail Choice  |   OW Contributor
Nov 29 2012

Hollywood by Choice

“Lincoln” is an excellent film, superbly acted and thoroughly engrossing, as it depicts the last four month’s of the 16th president’s life. From riveting dialogue to humorous moments “Lincoln” is a must-see film this holiday season.

It seems that this president, more than most others, will forever remain a source of interest and debate.

Jennifer Thompson  |   OW College Intern
Oct 18 2012

Ow recommendation: Yes

Proposition 35 expands the definition of human trafficking and imposes tougher penalties on those convicted. According to the state’s official voter’s guide, this measure defines crimes related to the creation and distribution of obscene materials depicting minors as a form of human trafficking.

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.”