For their significant roles in bringing California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) to the City of Carson, former Carson Mayor Gilbert “Gil” Smith will receive and former California Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown will be honored posthumously with the Founders' Award during the university's Founders' Dinner on Oct. 8. The Founders' Dinner is part the university's year-long 50th Anniversary Watts Rebellion Commemoration. It will recognize the rebellion by highlighting the university's role as a catalyst for change in its aftermath, and by honoring those who have made an impact in the ... Read More
Watts
WLCAC to receive ‘Community Impact Award’ during Founders’ Dinner
Timothy Watkins' love for Watts and its people is in his blood, and has flowed through the veins of his family for decades. Watkins is fourth president and CEO of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC). The organization “sprang to life” in 1965 in the wake of the Watts Rebellion from the compassion and drive of his father Ted Watkins, Sr. to improve the quality of life in the area through community service, job training, youth and seniors services, housing initiatives, and a variety of other programs. “My father was a remarkable man. He was a genius in many ways, and he taught me the lessons I know about leadership–first and foremost, 'If something needs to be done, just do ... Read More
Pablo Portillo to receive ‘Student Civic Engagement Award’ at Founders’ Dinner
“It never hurts to lend a helping hand,” or get your hands dirty when it comes to assisting others, according to Pablo Portillo, a human services major at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). Portillo, a senior who plans to graduate with his bachelor's degree in spring 2016, is driven by his desire to help others, particularly those from underserved communities. One such opportunity presented itself during the recent “2015 CSUDH Day of Service” in Watts, which was organized by CSUDH's Center for Service Learning, Internships and Civic Engagement (SLICE). “I hadn't done that [landscaping] since I was 9 years old, but I told her [SLICE Director Cheryl McKnight] I could ... Read More
‘Sweet Alice’ Harris to be honored with ‘Community Leadership Award’
“Do you want to be part of the building crew or the wrecking crew?” When an uncooperative parent, city official or school administrator hears that trademark question, he or she knows it's time to get back in the good graces of “Sweet” Alice Harris, a celebrated and much-loved humanitarian and activist for the residents of Watts. Well-known for her vision, leadership, compassion and generosity, Harris has dedicated her life to mentoring youth and providing assistance to people who are disadvantaged or underserved. She is also a well-respected community organizer who works closely with elected officials and often serves as a liaison between parents and their children's schools. Born ... Read More
Danny Bakewell to be honored with Community Builder Award at Founders’ Dinner
For his prowess in combining activism and civic-focused entrepreneurship that for five decades has brought diverse groups together to benefit the underserved communities of South Los Angeles, Danny Bakewell, Sr. will be honored with the Community Builder Award during California State University, Dominguez Hills' (CSUDH) Founders' Dinner on Oct. 8. The Community Builder Award is presented to a local business owner who demonstrates exemplary citizenship, commitment to the community, and has made contributions that significantly and positively impact the quality of life in the region. The Founders' Dinner is part the university's year-long 50th Anniversary Watts Rebellion Commemoration. ... Read More
