Hip-hop that helps kids stay out of trouble
By Gabe Ramirez, CNN
Los Angeles (CNN) - For a few hours a week in a community center in downtown's Rampart area, high school kids are learning to make music without any of the instruments in the typical school orchestra. Instead, they generate beats on computers and tunes they can use live shows at the center, or maybe on an album.
This is Sessions LA, an after-school activity guided by Patrick Huang, a 30-year-old Chinese-American man also known as DJ Phatrick.
Engage: First Lady responds to book, 'angry black woman' label
Engage with news and opinions from around the web about under-reported stories from undercovered communities.
Michelle Obama says some try to portray her as an "angry black woman" - CBS This Morning
Tucson school district votes to suspend Mexican-American studies - Arizona Daily Star
Cecilia Muñoz, former immigration advocate, named director of White House Domestic Policy Council - The Huffington Post
Study: Asian-Americans more likely than whites to die in a hospital after heart attack - HealthDay News
Women see signs of economic recovery - NBC Today
Opinion: Disability law should cover pregnant workers
Editor's note: Jeannette Cox is an associate professor of law at the University of Dayton who teaches employment discrimination. Her recent work analyzes the relationship between the Americans with Disabilities Act and traditional civil rights laws. She presented her paper "Pregnancy as 'Disability' and the Amended Americans with Disabilities Act" on January 5, at the American Association of Law Schools annual meeting in Washington.
By Jeannette Cox, Special to CNN
(CNN) - In most of the country, employers can force pregnant workers out of the workplace when their pregnancy interferes with their normal job duties.
Heather Wiseman, a retail sales associate, lost her job because consuming water while working, an activity necessary to maintain a healthy pregnancy, violated store policy.
Victoria Serednyj, a nursing home activity director, lost her job because her pregnancy interfered with her ability to lift heavy tables. Her employer terminated her employment even though lifting tables "took up a small part, roughly five to 10 minutes" of her day and her co-workers volunteered to perform this task.
The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 broadened the ADA to include many short-term and relatively minor physical conditions. Pregnant women who experience comparable physical limitations should also have the opportunity to receive accommodations that will enable them to continue working.
About In America
What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.
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