[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 123 (Friday, August 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF EDNA ALIEWINE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2011

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, it is my sad duty to rise today to 
inform the House of the death of Ms. Edna Aliewine. Founder of the 
Watts/Willowbrook Christmas Parade and co-creator of the Watts Walk of 
Fame, Edna, a longtime Watts resident, devoted her life to instilling 
civic pride into residents of her community. Edna Aliewine passed away 
at her home on Tuesday at the age of 90 due to complications from 
lymphoma.
  Ms. Aliewine was born in Los Angeles on January 1, 1921 and later 
went on to attend Los Angeles City College and Cal State LA. Upon 
graduation, Edna worked as a real estate agent and later as a private 
nurse, but many knew that Edna's real passion lay in community service 
and local politics. Ms. Aliewine was well known throughout the 
community for her many accomplishments and was held in high regard by 
those closest to her.
  Among her proudest achievements, Ms. Aliewine founded the Watts/
Willowbrook Christmas Parade. Inspired by the glitz and glamour of the 
Hollywood Christmas Parade, Ms. Aliewine sought to bring her own 
version to the community of Watts. In 1964, Ms. Aliewine started the 
Watts/Willowbrook Christmas Parade by scraping together as much money 
and as many volunteers as she could. The parade has since turned into 
an annual event, which has spanned over 46 years and included many 
celebrities, such as Sammy Davis Jr. and the Jackson 5.
  In 1988, along with Dr. James Mays, Ms. Aliewine decided to create 
the Watts Walk of Fame, a monument to community heroes. The Promenade 
of Prominence, as it is called, was placed along the edge of what is 
now Ted Watkins Memorial Park at 103rd and Success streets. Edna also 
served as President of the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, 
founded the Watts-Willowbrook Chamber of Commerce, and the Watts 
Community Beautiful Corp.
  Edna's community involvement and selfless attitude were a powerful 
example for her three children: Paula Aliewine, Marsha Feaster and 
Wilnora Ewell. She will always be remembered by Watts-Willowbrook 
residents for her wonderful spirit and dedication to community 
improvement. I ask all Members to join me in a moment of silence to 
honor the memory of the late Edna Aliewine.

                          ____________________