Black Achievers With True Grit

Hawthorne Plaza marked Black History Month in February with the transformation of a 10-ton sand sculpture to portray seven prominent Southern Californians. The remolded sculpture was unveiled Friday in a ceremony that also honored student winners of art and essay contests commemorating Black History Month. Those depicted in the giant sculpture are activist Maggie Hathaway, who helped open golf and acting to African-Americans; former U.S. Rep. Augustus (Gus) Hawkins; Lakers guard Magic Johnson; Inglewood schools Supt. George McKenna; Dr. Cecil L. Murray, pastor of the 6,200-member First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles; Norma Merrick Sklarek, the first African-American woman registered as an architect in the United States, and musician Stevie Wonder.