Succumbs

Apr 19 2012

‘America’s oldest teenager’

 Dick Clark, the seemingly ageless television fixture who hosted “American Bandstand” and helped the nation celebrate New Year’s Eve for nearly 40 years, died today, April 18, in Santa Monica of a massive heart attack at age 82.

Affectionately known as “America’s oldest teenager” for his perennially youthful looks and enthusiastic attitude, Clark went to St. John’s Health Center last night for an “outpatient procedure,” but suffered a “massive heart attack,” publicist Paul Shefrin said.

Apr 12 2012

Complications from diabetes

Jamaa Fanaka, born Walter Gordon, on Sept. 6, 1942, was an American filmmaker best known for his 1979 film, “Penitentiary,” and one of the leading directors of the L.A. Rebellion film movement. Fanaka died April 1, from complication of diabetes. He was 69.

Feb 16 2012

Norma Merrick Sklarek broke barriers

Memorial services were being set for Norma Merrick Sklarek, a celebrated African American architect who accomplished numerous firsts in the field.

Sklarek died Monday at her home in Pacific Palisades. She was 85.

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.

Juliana D. Norwood  |   OW Staff Writer
Jan 19 2012

The world of Black music loses a pioneer

Rhythm & Blues pioneer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Johnny Otis—born John Veliotes—died Tuesday night in the Los Angeles area after a decade-long struggle with an undisclosed illness. He was 91.

Otis was born Dec. 28, 1921, in Vallejo, Calif. He dropped out of school to play with bands throughout the Midwest and settled in Los Angeles in 1943. He performed with Charlie Parker and Count Basie, but his main impact was in R&B.

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.