Since its founding in 2004, the colorful covers of Our Weekly newspapers have been designed to provoke thought for its readers. Last year’s editions featured an in depth portrait of philanthropist and humanitarian John Hope Bryant, the founder of Operation Hope. We also remembered the late entertainer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte, as well as a review of how the ban on affirmative action may affect prospective Black college students. As OW celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024, please enjoy this recap of some of our top cover stories of 2023.
Celebrating the business of empowerment - Our Weekly
In his opening remarks, former Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas reminded hundreds of attendees of the purpose of the 31st Annual Empowerment Congress (EC) held on Jan.7 at the […]
Our Weekly LLC
The push for reparations: Let the healing begin
Reparations: The act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury; something done or given as amends or satisfaction; the payment of damages; more specifically compensation
Our Weekly Staff
A rich, female legacy: NCNW in its 88th year
No recognition of Women’s History Month would be complete without a look at women-led nonprofit organizations.
Lisa Fitch
Harry Belafonte: A pivotal voice of Black America
It was 1968, a year fraught with turbulence at home and abroad. Early that year, Johnny Carson took the week off and turned the reins of “The Tonight Show” over to Harry Belafonte.
Merdies Hayes
Cecily Myart-Cruz and a common sense approach to public education
President of United Teachers Los Angeles “The Struggle is Real… Fists Up!” —imprint on the Cecily Myart-Cruz email. It’s 2020 and Cecily Myart-Cruz makes history as the first Afro-Latina elected to helm United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), the high powered labor union representing the second largest school district in
Gregg Reese
Jim Brown: Transforming sports, movies, activism
NFL Hall of Famer dies at age 87 “If ever there was someone I tried to imitate it was The Great Jim Brown.” —Former Heavyweight Champion George Foreman “…what he did socially was his true greatness.” —LeBron James Once upon a time, in a forgotten urban neighborhood in the middle
Gregg Reese
Dot Todman advocates empowerment through acceptance and self-love
“Singing will force you to love the parts of yourself that you want to hide from the world.” —Dot Todman Like many Los Angeles expatriates, Dorothy “Dot” Todman’s path to success had its own wayward twists and turns. A renowned voice coach and teacher whose students have performed with
Gregg Reese
Biggest opera voices emerge from African-American community
A look back at world-renowned stars African-American women have excelled in all forms of the musical arts. Be it blues, jazz, pop, soul, rock or hip-hop, some of the greatest names have defined these musical genres for the world. Opera and classical music are no exceptions. The biggest voices have
Merdies Hayes
Encouraging more Black kids into baseball is a difficult task
No longer ‘national pastime’ in inner-city It was Sept. 1, 1971. The Pittsburgh Pirates had by far the best team in the major leagues. They’d need only want a few weeks to hoist the franchises’ fourth World Series trophy. What was different about this game against Philadelphia at Three
Merdies Hayes
How ban on affirmative action impacts future college students
An uncertain pathway to higher education With the recent trial between SFFA vs. Harvard and SFFA vs. UNC, the United States Supreme Court decided to end the term of affirmative action( A.A.) in the college admissions process. With the end of this long-standing policy, many college applicants fear being
Caleb Pugh
Doomsday Clock ticks forward in a time of increasing threats
How close to nuclear armageddon? As the anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki approaches and the recent release of the motion picture “Oppenheimer” hits the big screen, citizens worldwide are reminded of the ever-looming threat of worldwide destruction from nuclear weapons. Several conversations have sparked as a result
Erin Herriford
‘Catch One’ documentary sheds light on many LGBTQ+ victories
Meet Jewel Thais-Williams Although Pride Month is just in our rearview mirror, nostalgia has set in as the 50th anniversary of the grand opening of Catch One reminds all people alike of the power of one influential woman; Jewel Thais-Williams. “Jewel’s Catch One” is a tribute in documentary form
Erin Herriford
Stigma of ADHD is felt across all racial lines
A commonly misdiagnosed disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a diagnosis that often contributes to a societal stigma for those affected by it as well as family members who must confront the issue on a daily basis. While prevalent among all ethnicities, within the Black community there are several
Erin Herriford
Black women’s hair products can often be harmful to health
Be watchful of how you style your ‘do’ Black hair has been a deeply-rooted and sensitive topic of discussion for many centuries. Dating back as far as slavery, Black hair was expected to be managed with head wraps and or tools that would alter the appearance of the “wooly,” “nappy”
Erin Herriford
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