For most of the 59 teams that competed, the hours of studying in preparation for the 2015 Academic Decathlon in the Los Angeles Unified School District are done for the moment.
Author Archives: Cynthia E. Griffin
Posted inCovers
Celebration of Black History strikes chord
When Harvard-educated historian, author and journalist Carter G. Woodson and the organization he founded—the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH)—conceived of the idea of Negro History Week in 1925, the goal was simply to raise awareness of African American contributions to civilization in order to begin to eliminate prejudice. The event was first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. According to an article by Howard University Professor Daryl Michael Scott, the response, at the time, was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and progressive Whites—not simply White scholars and philanthropists—stepped forward to endorse the effort.
Posted inHealth
AIDS/HIV awareness efforts continue
With African Americans accounting for almost half (44 percent) of all people living wth HIV/AIDS in the United States and Black males ages 13-24 representing the highest percentages of new HIV infections (38 percent), National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, held Feb. 7, took on even more importance.
Posted inLocal
Knight High awarded most improved
Despite having only six members when most of the squads had nine, William J. Pete Knight High School finished 43rd in the Academic Decathlon. But more importantly, the 2015 team collected 11,357 more points this year than in 2014 which enabled the youngsters to earn the most improved award in the competition held by the Los Angeles County of Education (LACOE).
Posted inFeature
Eighth District candidates talk economics
With a scant three weeks left before the March 3 election, the four candidates seeking to fill the Eighth District City Council seat being vacated by a termed-out Bernard Parks, met at a forum Tuesday night hosted by the Empowerment Congress Southeast Area and the one thing that all the prospects agreed on was that the area has been woefully ignored and underresourced.
Posted inNews, News-OW
Local group marches in Oakland
In an effort to educate the community about how oil drilling practices, particularly fracking, impact climate and the local environment, a number of organizations have been holding a series of events including a March for Real Climate Leadership, Saturday in Oakland.
Posted inNews, News-OW
Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program accepting nominations
Youth ages six to 18 years who have made a positive impact on their communities can be nominated until March 13 to potentially win nearly $400,000 in scholarships and prizes from the Kohl’s Cares® Scholarship Program.
Posted inBusiness-OW
Thompson retires from McDonalds
As Black History Month kicks off, comes the news that Don Thompson, one of only six African American CEOs at a Fortune 500 firm, will retire from his spot as head of the global restaurant chain.
Posted inEducation
Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program accepting nominations
Youth ages six to 18 years who have made a positive impact on their communities can be nominated until March 13 to potentially win nearly $400,000 in scholarships and prizes from the Kohl’s Cares® Scholarship Program.
Posted inEducation
Candidate forums set for LAUSD
United Way of Greater Los Angeles will co-host next month a series of candidate forums to help residents get to know those campaigning for the school board. Those interested in the District 3 race, which encompasses schools in Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Northridge, Winnetka, Reseda, Lake Balboa, Sherman Oaks, West Hills, Van Nuys, Studio City, and North Hollywood will be held Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at North Hollywood High School, 5231 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood.
