Our Voice

C. Alexander Haywood   |   OW Staff Writer
May 6 2010

Nothing but a re-run

Pressure groups, including Reverend Al Sharpton, have shown no fear of marching the streets in Arizona to protest the state’s new immigration law. The law requires police to ask for the identification of persons, who they suspect are in the country illegally. Set to take effect in late July or early August, activists claim that outrage over the law has “awakened a sleeping giant,” as rallies demanding federal immigration reform continue to sprout in cities across the country.

May 6 2010

College void of scholarly thinking

I do not feel at home on a college campus, or at least that’s the way I have felt for some time now. My dreams of going to college started, when I was a little boy. I have always anticipated the day, when I could go off to some campus and learn everything there was to learn in the world.

May 6 2010

A Black Woman’s Journey

She’s traversed on our history’s road with stoic, regal pride
The blood of ancient fathers still coursing warm inside
The past was choked with bitter, but her victories tasted sweet
Survival was predestined, tilling earth on weary feet
For masters and for heroes, she bathed and loved and nursed
Giving care to honored elders, with a plan so well rehearsed
She toiled from the beginning so others could stand tall
Providing hope for many, standing strong against the fall

Apr 29 2010

CYD’s Black Caucus forms in a weekend

The California Young Democrats (CYD) is the official youth sector of the California Democratic Party, comprised of progressive people ages 14-35. The California Young Democrats are committed to creating a unit of young voters who will continue to elect Democrats for years to come. By campaigning with one another, the Young Democrats have made momentous differences in races all over California.

Apr 29 2010

French filmmakers tickle Americans

The film capital is at our backdoor, and the beauty of that scenery is that it’s not limited to works by and about Americans.
City of Lights-City of Angels (COL-COA), which celebrated the 14th annual Week of French Film Premieres in Hollywood is a case in point. With 28 new feature films and 20 new shorts in the competition, this year’s  COL-COA showcases French cinema’s ability to constantly reinvent itself. 

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.”