By Emira Woods

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the end of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the 175th anniversary of the first meeting of the New England Anti-Slavery Society.

This year also represents the 50th anniversary of independence for many African states, a credit to the visionary leaders of Ghana, Tanzania, Guinea, Cape Verde and Zaire who led decades-long movements to throw off the yoke of colonial slavery.

For details, see latimes.com/gatesabout.

The Gates Foundation invests heavily in sub-prime lenders and other businesses that undercut its good works.

By Charles Piller

Seattle — WHEN the cold call came from Ameriquest Mortgage Co., a top lender, Jeff and Cheryl Busby were intrigued.

They had been wanting to renovate the garage of their small bungalow, a stone's throw from picturesque Green Lake. The agent, they said, promised that refinancing would give them $20,000 in cash, yet lower the monthly payments.

By Jennifer O'Connor

THE UNSAVOURY In 2005, the International Labor Rights Fund (ILRF), a Washington, D.C.,-based advocacy organization, and an Alabama civil rights firm launched a class-action suit on behalf of children who were trafficked from Mali to Cote d'Ivoire to work in cocoa bean production. Over 40 percent of the world's cocoa beans are grown in Cote d'Ivoire, and Canada's cocoa imports from there have doubled over the past five years, according to Carol Off, author of Bitter Chocolate: Investigating the Dark Side of the World's Most Seductive Sweet.

On Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and throughout the year, suitors and
lovers buy cut flowers and diamond and gold jewelry for the objects of
their affection. Their purchases are in part a consequence of timely traditions maintained by aggressive marketing. Most buyers are unaware that in gifting their lovers with these aesthetically-beautiful symbols, they are supporting industries which damage the environment, utilize forced labor, cause serious health problems, and contribute to violent conflicts....