California

Legendary blues singer Etta James dies in Calif.

Etta James’ performance of the enduring classic “At Last” was the embodiment of refined soul: Angelic-sounding strings harkened the arrival of her passionate yet measured vocals as she sang tenderly about a love finally realized after a long and patient wait.
In real life, little about James was as genteel as that song. The platinum blonde’s [...]

Black Entrepreneurs Gain a Foothold in Silicon Valley

When Chris Bennett moved to Silicon Valley from Miami in 2010 to jump-start his Web business, his first goal was to join a community of fellow black entrepreneurs. “Then I realized there was no community,” said Bennett, the CEO of website builder Central.ly. Bennett is now a leader of the group Black Founders, which works [...]

Racism dries up in the desert heat

When Henry Hearns moved to Lancaster in the 1960s, the city’s reputation for racism compelled him to go door to door, warning neighbors that he was black.
“I wanted them to know I love my wife, I love my children and I don’t want any problem,” he said.
But the prejudice he anticipated faded as the years [...]

Church of Scientology Community Center in South L.A. welcomed by City Officials at Inaugural Open House

City, State and Federal officials joined community leaders, residents and guests in celebrating the Church of Scientology Community Center’s inaugural open house Saturday November 12. The 28,000-square-foot Community Center is located on 81st and Vermont Blvd. in South Los Angeles. L.A. City Council Member Bernard Parks welcomed the Center to his district, presenting a commendation [...]

Rappers take to mic in Oakland Occupy protest

Hip hop heavyweights known as much for their fiery political lyrics as for their bass-pounding beats have been among the thousands marching, tweeting and sharing dinner with protestors in the Occupy Oakland protests in recent weeks.
MC Hammer, Raymond “Boots” Riley of hip hop group The Coup, and local rapper Mistah FAB have become a regular [...]

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