World War II

Cynthia E. Griffin  |   OW Managing Editor
Mar 15 2012

Retiree, 69, lives to fill needs

It’s quite typical to see nonprofit service organizations recognize donors who have contributed thousands of dollars to help underwrite programs.
The American Red Cross certainly does that. But the Los Angeles chapter of the 231-year-old help organization takes it a step further.
“We recognize people who give multiple gifts over many years; 11 years or more,” explained Dana Williamson, a gift planning officer for the L.A. Red Cross. “That says you really care and are not just responding to a disaster.”

Gail Choice  |   OW Contributor
Mar 8 2012

Hollywood by Choice

Every now and then someone submits a story to me that I feel compelled to share with the Our Weekly readership. This particular story involves the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) and filmmaker Julie Dash.

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.

Lisa Olivia Fitch  |   OW Contributor
Jan 26 2012

The movie rode a jet stream of national activism

Clapping and yelling at the sights of African American heroes on the screen, viewers on the opening night for “Red Tails” did not hesitate to voice pride in the movie at a local Baldwin Hills theater.

Gail Choice  |   OW Contributor
Jan 19 2012

Hollywood by Choice

Yes, indeed we are at war—with Hollywood. It’s our call to arms. Make history at the box office on opening day and/or weekend for “Red Tails.” A major email campaign has been on the way since December, and honestly, any and everywhere Black folks are gathered, including church, they should be asked to go to the theaters to see and support it.

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.