With the air quality slowly returning to normal as firefighters get a stronghold on the Sand Fire, an exciting weekend of fun is scheduled at the Palmdale Amphitheater.
Author Archives: Merdies Hayes
Dorothy Dandridge: ‘Star-crossed Venus’
When Dorothy Dandridge (1922-1965) departed Jefferson High School in the late 1930s, her first stop was the Cotton Club in Harlem. She and sister, Vivian, and friend, Etta Jones, performed with the Jimmy Lunceford Orchestra and Cab Calloway at the famous night spot, but it wasn’t long before Hollywood called.
Clinton makes history with nomination for president
Hillary Rodham Clinton is expected to make the biggest speech of her life this evening, when she accepts the Democratic Party nomination for president of the United States.
Trump gets GOP nomination
While the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland got off to a rocky start with a floor rebellion among “Never Trump” advocates, and accusations of plagiarism involving Melania Trump’s speech, Donald J. Trump on Tuesday triumphed in completing a stunning climb to become the party’s nominee for president.
Woody Strode: Hollywood mainstay
Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Strode (1914-1994) was one of the most prolific and reliable African American actors of a generation. Acting wasn’t his first passion, however, as football at Jefferson High School and UCLA brought him initial fame.
Ralph Bunche: ‘Mr. U.N.’
Dr. Ralphe J. Bunche (1903-1971) was one of the great world statesmen of the 20th century and left an indelible mark of courage and confidence on millions of African Americans who came of age during the Civil Rights Movement.
Controversy marks GOP convention; battles expected on floor and in street
It’s been one year since the Republican Party began in earnest its strategy to retake the White House. And while the presumptive nominee was not who most people believed would hoist the mantle of party leader, the GOP is set for, arguably, one of its most contentious and controversial conventions—on the floor and in the street—in modern times.
Climate change initiatives fast become models of conservation
The news cycle naturally waxes and wanes, but one constant within the flow of information is public health.
Famed aviator, educator Roscoe Brown Jr. dies
Roscoe Brown Jr., one of the Tuskegee Airmen who flew over Europe during World War II, died July 2 in the Bronx, NY at age 94. His granddaughter, Lisa Bodine, said Brown had broken his hip after a recent fall.
Independence Day celebrations are ingrained in the fabric of America
Independence Day marks the second of America’s beloved summer celebrations, each replete with backyard cookouts, beach parties, and family and friends who relish the long weekend and workday reprieve.

