Lynn Manning, founder of Watts Village Theater Company, dies at 60. | Photo provided by Watts Village Theater Company
Lynn Manning, co-founder and artistic director of Watts Village Theater Company, died of liver cancer Monday at 60.
Former domestic worker fights for labor rights
December 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Angela Alvarez is a former domestic worker who is now a lead organizer for the domestic workers movement at IDEPSCA | Sinduja Rangarajan
As a former live-in housekeeper, Angela Alvarez quietly worked 15- to 18-hour days. She ate her employer’s throwaway food. She stayed up late after parties to clean up the mess.
It was Alvarez’s first job in the United States and she thought the long hours were normal.
Once, Alvarez took a day off for being sick and her employer penalized her by paying 25 percent less for the entire week. Alvarez quit her job.
That was injustice, Alvarez said. “They never gave me money for taking care of their grandson; they never gave me money for cleaning their daughter’s house.” [Read more…]
Winner for 1st Annual S.M.A.R.T. Moms Award announced
May 31, 2013 By 1 Comment
In recognition of National Women’s Health Week, iDREAM for Racial Health Equity, a project of Community Partners, announced the winner for its First Annual S.M.A.R.T. Moms Award (Student Mothers Achieving Rightful Tribute) – Valerie Brookins.
First Annual S.M.A.R.T. Moms Award winner Valerie Brookins.
“I cried when I found out,” said Brookins, a master’s candidate at the University of Southern California. “I was overwhelmed to be recognized in such a manner because I’m just going to school. It made me reflect on what my mother always said. Someone is always watching you. For someone to watch me as I pressed forward to be an example for my children is very humbling.”
The award honors student mothers who embody strength and courage by balancing self-care, work and family life while pursuing higher education. The award also recognizes the sacrifices these women make for children in an effort to secure a better life. [Read more…]
