A volunteer, proprietor, community activist, mother and much more…
Edna Aliewine, a pillar of the South Los Angeles community, died last Tuesday evening. A native and life-long resident of Los Angeles, she is highly regarded as a visionary and a champion for her activism and commitment to the improvement of her community. Aliewine is the founder of the Watts-Willowbrook Chamber of Commerce, an original member of the Watts Community Beautiful Corporation which seeks to improve the appearance of Watts and encourage a sense of pride in residents.
Founder of the Promenade of Prominence Walk of Fame, a National Historic landmark located at the Ted Watkins Park in Watts, California. Aliewine fashioned the landmark after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this project pays tribute to a diverse group of notable citizens of the community as well as celebrities that have positively contributed to the lives of residents in South Los Angeles.
Aliewine has also been an advocate for issues concerning girls and women. She is a former Commissioner and past President of the Los Angeles County Commission for Women appointed by the late Honorable Kenneth Hahn, former Los Angeles County Supervisor, Second District. Additionally, as the organizer of the Miss Community Beautiful pageant, Aliewine has created an opportunity to showcase African-American girls in an elegant and sophisticated manner and promotes higher education by providing
scholarships to the winners.
For her trailblazing efforts, many awards and accolades have been bestowed upon Aliewine–ranging from recognition by Bernard Parks, the Board of Supervisors and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa being named one of California’s “Women of the Year.” In addition to her civic involvement, Aliewine raised three daughters and worked as a real estate broker, private duty nurse, dry cleaner, and florist shop owner. She is an inspiration and an illustration of the significant impact one person can have.
The Commission for Women salutes Mrs. Aliewine for all of her efforts to improve her community and commitment to civic pride, and offer condolences to her family in memory of the full life that she lived.
Funeral services are set for Monday, July 11, at 11:00 am at Praises of Zion Church, 8222 San Pedro Street, Los Angeles.
