Houston Defender: January 10, 2019

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CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS SWEARS IN LARGEST CLASS IN HISTORY P4

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Volume 88 | Number 11 JANUARY 10, 2019 FREE

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NEWSTALK SHAUN KING helps Houston capture girl’s killer

TIME’S UP

P2 CENTERFOLD TARANA BURKE fights for women with #MeToo

R. Kelly?

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P6 H.S. SPORTS KEVIN BAKER playmaker at Sam Houston

Cardi B

James Harden

The “Bodak Yellow” superstar is all set to headline Black Heritage Day at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The Grammynominated rapper, social media personality and former reality star, will perform Friday, March 1. See the complete Rodeo lineup.

The Rockets may have gotten off to a slow start, but they’re back in the game. Harden is leading the team as they moved from the 14th slot in the Western Conference to fifth and first place in the Southwest division.

Harden has literally put the Rockets on his back and willed them back into contention.

coming to Houston

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on a mission

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P11 TOP EVENTS

Donald Morgan and Bobby Wilmore at the Kappa Alpha Psi Founder’s Day celebration.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 10 | 2019

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newstalk

Houston praised for handling of shooting Associated Press

Activists praised Houston area law enforcement for pursuing a tip that led to the arrest of an AfricanAmerican man in the fatal drive-by shooting of a 7-year-old Black girl.

The turn in the case suggests the attack was not a hate crime as asserted by the girl’s family and some in the community.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said that prosecutors had arrested and charged 20-year-old Eric Black Jr. with capital murder in the Larry D. Woodruffe death of Jazmine Barnes on Dec. 30.

Investigators later filed a capital murder charge against the second suspect, Larry D. Woodruffe, 24.The tip that sent the case in a new direction came from social activist and writer Shaun King. Before that tip, police had issued a sketch of a white man based on a description of the shooter provided by Jazmine’s family, and had circulated surveillance video of a red pickup truck he was apparently driving.

The sheriff said there was, in fact, a red pickup truck driven by a white man seen at a stoplight just before the shooting, but the driver did not appear to have been involved. Gonzalez said it was dark, the shooting happened quickly, and the red truck was probably the last thing seen by Jazmine’s family.

King acknowledged on social media his role in providing the tip. The New York-based civil rights activist and former senior justice writer at the New York Daily News highlights racial issues on social media and in his writing. King’s website says he currently uses his platform as a columnist for The Intercept and writer for the Harvard Law School’s Fair Punishment Project “to unearth the truth beyond local media.”

A $100,000 reward, raised in part by King, was offered for information in the Jazmine Barnes case.

Deric Muhammad, an organizer of a rally on Saturday in Houston to demand “Justice for Jazmine,” commended Gonzalez for working with the community to collect evidence leading to the arrest.

“We are still heartbroken at the thought of a 7-year-old innocent child losing her life in such a violent way,” Muhammad said.

Eric Black Jr. charged with murder of Jazmine Barnes

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez

Deric Muhammad

“We are no less heartbroken that those person(s) currently charged with this homicide are Black; not white.”

Gonzalez cautioned that authorities were still investigating, but said: “At this point, it does not appear it was related to race.”

Chris Sevilla, Jazmine’s father, said that he was feeling “a bit of relief right now” after the arrest.

The shooting took place while Jazmine, her mother and three sisters were on their way to the grocery store.

Gonzalez said the shooting appears to have been a case of mistaken identity. The killers thought the vehicle was someone else’s they had seen earlier that

Shaun King

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

night. Prosecutors did not say why the killers opened fire.

Court records did not list an attorney for Black, who was arrested during a traffic stop. Prosecutors said the 9 mm handgun they believe was used in the shooting had been recovered from Black’s home.

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said the community came together to help solve the case.

“It’s wonderful to have a sheriff who’s willing to engage in a dialogue about violence, about hate, about guns and we have that along with the [police chief] and the mayor of our city,” Lee said.

localbriefs STATE REP. RON REYNOLDS WAS RELEASED from the Montgomery County Jail after serving nearly four months of his yearlong sentence – just days before the 86th Legislature kicks off in Austin. The Missouri City Democrat, who won an unopposed re-election campaign in November, had been in jail since turning himself in.

Reynolds, a personal injury lawyer, was convicted in 2015 on misdemeanor charges for illegally soliciting clients, a practice sometimes called “ambulance chasing.”

Reynolds said at the time that he “voluntarily revoked his appeal bond so that he could be prepared to start the 86th Legislative Session on time.” State law does not

prohibit individuals convicted on misdemeanor charges from serving in the Legislature, meaning Reynolds could have served his term from jail……..TEXAS GOV. GREG ABBOTT BLASTED HISD’s leadership as “a disaster” that deserves to be replaced as punishment for failing children. The rare condemnation from Abbott follows months of criticism heaped on the Houston district’s school board, which has endured embarrassing displays of personal acrimony and a secretive effort to oust Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan. Abbott had not spoken publicly about Houston’s turmoil until his 43-word tweet.

The comments come as Houston faces potentially major

sanctions – either a state takeover of its locally elected school board or forced campus closures – if four chronically low-performing schools do not all meet state academic standards this year……..A DOZEN BOY SCOUTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED the rank of Eagle Scout at the Court of Honor ceremony recently for Troop 242 at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Organizers said that this marked the largest Eagle Scout Court for Troop 242, which was among the first chartered for African-American Boy Scouts in Houston. It was the largest Eagle Scout class in its 54-year history. The Eagle Scout Award is the Boy Scouts of America’s highest advancement award.

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John Chase Jr. dead at 65 Services were recently held for John Chase Jr., who died Jan. 2 at age 65. He was administration manager for Security and Emergency Preparedness at Hobby Airport and an adjunct professor at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was the son of the late John Chase Sr., the first African-American licensed to practice architecture in the state of Texas.

He began his professional career in banking, but his interest in politics led to his involvement in the mayoral campaigns of Fred Hofheinz and Kathy Whitmire. He served in both administrations. He also operated a private law practice and served as a municipal judge for the City of Houston.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Peters-Chase; mother, Drucie Chase; stepdaughter, Christina Martin; brother, Anthony Chase and sister, Saundria Chase Gray.

Cyntoia Brown will soon be released from prison.

Woman sentenced to life receives clemency Associated Press

A woman who says she was a 16-year-old sex trafficking victim when she killed a man in 2004 was recently granted clemency by Tennessee’s governor and soon will be released from prison.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam granted clemency to Cyntoia Brown, who had been serving a life sentence but who will be released on parole on Aug. 7 – exactly 15 years from the date she was first arrested.

“Cyntoia Brown committed, by her own admission, a horrific crime at the age of 16. Yet, imposing a life sentence on a juvenile that would require her to serve at least 51 years before even being eligible for parole consideration is too harsh, especially in light of the extraordinary steps Ms. Brown has taken to rebuild her life,” Haslam said in his statement.

Brown, 30, will remain on parole supervision for 10 years on the condition she does not violate any state or federal laws, holds a job, and participates in regular counseling sessions.

Brown’s case has attracted national attention from criminal justice reform advocates, and the attention amped up as Haslam’s second and final term entered its final weeks. While law enforcement officials had opposed clemency – arguing Brown was not justified in killing Johnny Allen – celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and singer Rihanna spoke out for Brown.

The governor’s office was inundated with thousands of phone calls and emails from supporters.

Brown was convicted in 2006 of murdering 43-year-old Nashville real estate agent Allen two years before. Police said she shot Allen in the back of the head at close range with a loaded gun she brought to rob him after he picked her up at a drive-in theater in Nashville to have sex with her.

However, according to her lawyers, Brown was a victim of sex trafficking who not only feared for her life but also lacked the mental state to be culpable in the slaying because she was impaired by her mother’s alcohol use while she was in the womb.

Brown expressed thanks in a statement released by her legal team.

“I am thankful for all the support, prayers, and encouragement I have received. We truly serve a God of second chances and new beginnings. The Lord has held my hand this whole time and I would have never made it without him,” Brown said. “Let today be a testament to His saving grace.”

During her time in prison, Brown completed her GED and took college classes. She is currently one course away from finishing a bachelor’s degree at Lipscomb University.

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U.S.briefs

The CBC welcomed 55 members from the House and Senate.

Congressional Black Caucus has largest class Defender News Services

The blue wave of Black politicians has led to the largest number of Congressional Black Caucus members in history. A total of 55 representatives were recently sworn in for the 116th Congress. This year’s CBC surpasses its previous record of 49 House and Senate members in the 115th Congress.

“With the largest caucus in history…the CBC is poised to play a leading role in standing up to the Trump Administration and pressing forward on key issues like protecting voting rights and the Affordable Care Act,” said Executive Director Kevin Harris.

There are several history makers among the incoming class of CBC members: Ayanna Pressley, the first Black congresswoman of Massachusetts, and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who is one of the first Muslim women in Congress – along with Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) – as well as the first Somali-

American in the body.

Pressley plans to work out of Shirley Chisholm’s former office in Congress. Chisholm, a Democratic representative from New York, was the first Black congresswoman in U.S. history.

“Chisholm has been a shero of mine since I was a girl,” Pressley said of occupying the historic office. “Her commitment to fighting injustice and lifting up the voices of the disenfranchised is an inspiration and an example I hope to follow.”

Omar wore her hijab for the recent swearing-in – a first for Congress. Headwear was not previously allowed, but is now under new Democratic House rules.

Established in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus states as its mission “to ensure African Americans have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.” Its legislative priorities include reforming the criminal justice system and combating voter suppression.

Shutdown could impact millions Defender News Services

As the government shutdown drags on with no end in sight, it’s impact is being felt by millions.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development is one of the agencies most directly affected by the standoff between President Donald Trump, who is demanding $5 billion in border wall funding, and congressional Democrats, who want to reopen the government without it. Since Dec. 22, the vast majority of federal housing employees have been forced to stay home without pay — prohibited from doing any work, including responding to emails.

Most of HUD’s routine enforcement activities have been suspended, including mandatory health and safety inspections of housing for low-income families, the elderly and people with disabilities. Public housing officials say they don’t know how long rental assistance payments will keep coming from the government, and a suspension could put millions of tenants at risk if the shutdown drags on into February.

There was concern that food stamps would be affected, but the Department of Agriculture, which runs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, announced that the 44 million recipients could count on their benefits at least through February Outside the nation’s capital, national parks have had to close and security lines are also backing up at airports hampered by record numbers of Transportation Safety Authority employees calling in sick.

Averting a massive outcry, the Trump administration announced that tax refunds would be issued even if the shutdown lasts into the filing season, which this year begins Jan. 28.

Still, federal employees are scheduled to begin missing paychecks this week, prompting House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) to say of the closure, “In another context we would call that an act of kidnapping or terrorism. … This is devastating to morale and devastating to efficiency.’’

A JUDGE AGREED THAT A NASHVILLE POLICEMAN’S criminal homicide case should go to a grand jury. Attorneys for Andrew Delke said the white officer was “following his training” when he gunned down Daniel Hambrick, who was Black, in the back during a foot chase last July. Surveillance video showed 25-year-old Delke chasing Hambrick, then opening fire and hitting Hambrick twice in the back. Prosecutors said Delke could’ve taken cover or called for assistance. This prosecution comes against the backdrop of Black activists successfully passing Amendment 1 in the November midterm elections. It authorizes the creation of a police oversight panel in Nashville to end the department’s long history of racially biased policing…….AN ALABAMA CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE WITHDREW an award for longtime radical political activist Angela Davis. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s board of directors had chosen Davis to receive its “Fred Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award” at its annual gala next month.

The institute decided to withdraw the award and cancel the annual gala at which Davis, a Birmingham native, would have been honored, after “supporters and other concerned individuals and organizations, began to make requests that we reconsider our decision,” the institute’s board said. Many believe the cancellation came because Davis has been sharply critical of Israeli policies toward Palestinians and backs the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement… …..U.S. EMPLOYERS WENT ON A HIRING SPREE in December, adding 312,000 jobs and providing a dose of reassurance about the economy after a turbulent few months on Wall Street. The job gains by the Labor Department came despite a trade war with China, a global slowdown and a partial government shutdown.

The nation’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9 percent last month, but that, too, was considered a positive sign, reflecting an increase in Americans beginning to look for work.

VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 11 JANUARY 10, 2019 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers

Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Max Edison Jodie B. Jiles Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For digital subscriptions, visit www.DefenderNetwork.com/ subscribe. No paper subscriptions are available. All material covered by 2019 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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JANUARY 10 | 2019 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Black stars shine at Golden Globe Awards Defender News Services

Hollywood’s Black star power was on prime time for the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards. In one of the awards show’s most diverse ceremonies, a handful of Black actors, actresses, directors, producers and movies received their just due and then some.

Among the big-time winners was Regina King, who took home the award for Best Supporting actress for her role in the motion picture adaptation of James Baldwin’s novel, “If Beale Street Could Talk.” During her acceptance speech, King became emotional while vowing to make all of her future cinematic productions at least 50 percent female.

Another noteworthy victory was by Mahershala Ali, who won Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for “Green Book.”

At the end of the day, the awards show’s Blackest films – “Black Panther,” “BlacKkKlansman” and “If Beale Street Could Talk” – all lost in the Best Picture-Drama category to “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

“All the Stars” – from “Black Panther” – lost for Best Original Song, but the film’s stars were still out in full force and even took the stage to do their signature “Wakanda Forever” hand signal.

Black Hollywood royalty was in the house too, as John David Washington brought his parents, Denzel and Pauletta Washington, to the awards show. The younger Washington was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Drama for “BlacKkKlansman,” but he lost. However, the nomination bodes well for his future in Hollywood.

But of the large number of Black people and projects nominated, many of them ended up losing, including Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Barry Jenkins and Spike Lee.

Mahershala Ali wo n for his role in “Gree n Book.”

and Michael a Nyong'o urira, Lupit G ai an D , ozeman Regina King won for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

Chadwick B ther” stars “Black Pan e presenters. er B. Jordan w

Cardi B among performers at 2019 Rodeo

Cardi B will perform March 1

This year, the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will run Feb. 25 to March 17 at NRG Park. The entertainment line-up features a mix of genres, including hip-hop, country, rock, pop and electronic dance music. More than half of the artists will make their Rodeo debut in 2019.

Cardi B, the Grammy-nominated rapper, social media personality and former reality star, will perform Friday, March 1 on Black Heritage Day. Her debut single “Bodak Yellow” surged to the top of the music charts in 2017. She previously appeared on VH1’s reality show “Love & Hip Hop: New York” and left the show to pursue music full-time.

Born Becalis Almanzar, she grew up in the Bronx. Her stage name comes from the rum. “My sister’s name, her name is Hennessy, so everybody used to be like Bacardi to me...then I shortened it to Cardi B, and the ‘B’ stands for whatever...depending on the day,” she said.

For tickets and more information visit rodeohouston.com.

Entertainment line-up Feb. 25: Kacey Musgraves Feb. 26: Prince Royce Feb. 27: Brooks & Dunn Feb. 28: Luke Bryan March 1: Cardi B March 2: Turnpike Troubadours March 3: Panic!

At the Disco March 4: Old Dominion March 5: Camila Cabello March 6: Luke Combs March 7: Tim McGraw

March 8: Zedd March 9: Kane Brown March 10: Los Tigres del Norte March 11: Zac Brown Band March 12: Kings of Leon March 13: Santana March 14: Chris Stapleton March 15: Cody Johnson March 16: Brad Paisley March 17: George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 10 | 2019

Despite #

workplace sexual ha

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

I

n recent months we have seen sexual harassment in virtually every industry, as well as the creation and mobilization of a global social media movement that gives victims a voiceand exposes just how prevalent the problem is.

The #MeToo movement has led to women across the world coming forward with stories of sexual harassment. What was once an underground taboo subject is now front and center for everyone to see.

The #MeToo movement reports that more than 17 million women have been victims of sexual harassment since 1998.

Twitter confirmed that more than 1.7 million tweets have been made with the hashtag and its translations worldwide.

Those numbers are still continuing to grow, particularly in the workforce.

Of the estimated 5 million people who experience sexual harassment in the work-

Tarana Burke

place, 99.8 percent never file a complaint, according to a report by researchers at the Center for Employment Equity. Of the claims filed, 68 percent come with retaliation complaints, with Black women reporting the highest rates.

Black women, who comprise only 7 percent of the labor force, file 27 percent of sexual harassment claims. That’s just one of the troubling statistics that fuels the founder of the #MeToo movement, Tarana Burke’s, fire.

MOVEMENT GAINS MOMENTUM

It was the fall of 2017 when Burke skyrocketed to fame after her “Me Too” phrase went mainstream and became a uniting force for victims of sexual violence. Actress Alyssa Milano, responding to allegations that Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted numerous women in the film industry, tweeted and asked women who had been sexually assaulted to reply “me too.”

That tweet went viral. Days later, millions of people used the hashtag #MeToo across social media, with many crediting Milano with starting the “Me Too” movement. Several Black women spoke up to tell the actress that Burke had founded a “movement over a decade before, during a time when there were no hashtags.

Milano, who was unaware of the activist’s work, tweeted an apology.

She also publicly credited Burke, and reached out to ask Burke how she could help amplify her work. Burke welcomed the attention to the cause.

“It’s not about a viral campaign for me. It’s about a movement,” she said.

“On one side, it’s a bold declarative statement that ‘I’m not ashamed’ and ‘I’m not alone.’ On the other side, it’s a statement from survivor to survivor that says ‘I see you, I hear you, I understand you and I’m here for you or I get it.’”

Despite the success of “Me Too,” Burke said the movement had become unrecognizable at times, as people presented and interpreted it as a vindictive plot against men, instead

Supp

Nation 1-800of as a voice of support for survivors.

The backlash came after complaints that the movement has gone astray, putting men at risk of punishments that go too far; concern among human resources and other experts that women may have a harder time landing certain positions as some powerful men claim they are afraid to hold one-onone meetings with female colleagues; and women of color and those who earn low wages who have complained that the movement hasn’t adequately addressed their concerns.

Burke called to refocus the energy of the movement on survivors of sexual assault.

She also called to dismantle the building blocks of sexual violence: power and privilege and increase visibility for Black female survivors.

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PREVENT

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defendernetwork.com • Serving the

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#MeToo,

arassment persists

port Resources

nal Association of Working Women -522-0925

Employment Opportunity Commission -669-4000

nal Sexual Assault hotline -656-HOPE (4673)

ody was speaking healing into our comsaid Burke. “How can we heal something an’t name?”

TING WORKPLACE HARASSMENT

ased harassment includes sexual harassment, ncompasses other forms of behavior that humiliate someone on the basis of their sex,

e Houston area for over 88 years

such as sexist remarks, harassment during pregnancy and post birth and gender-based bullying.

Between 2010 and 2016, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received more than 28,000 harassment charges and companies paid $125 million in sexual harassment penalties.

The US Merit System Protection Board estimates that 40-70 percent of woman and 13-31 percent of men experience some form of sexual harassment in the workplace. One study even showed that sexual harassment costs companies $22,500 per (targeted) person in lost productivity alone. Yet despite the penalties paid, harassment behaviors still occur at an alarming rate.

According to University of Houston professor, Dr. Creshema Murray, two organizational conditions cre-

ate the perfect storm for sexual harassment: a climate of tolerance and a culture of silence.

“Most of the reasons we have destructive practices in the workforce is because of the culture. A climate of tolerance exists when the employees see that harassment is tolerated and that there is no consequence for harassment behavior,” she said.

Among the barriers that victims face: Being told to prove that their experience was uncommon and significant; being expected to “trust the system” to resolve their issues; and facing severe consequences, such as a damaged reputation, when they challenged the system.

To end these damaging effects of silencing, Murray says, it is not only important to have channels for people to report harassment, it is also crucial to ensure that victims feel heard, their concerns validated, and their complaints taken seriously.

“Individuals can feel comfortable reporting harassment, in theory, but what is leadership actually saying/ doing?” she said. “Organizations should have multiple channels and be proactive about saying these are the specific channels for you to report sexual harassment. And they should have a safe space for victims to report.”

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TIME’S UP

R. Kelly continues to be a controversial figure due to allegations against him.

R. Kelly?

Superstar scrutinized Defender News Services

Since the Lifetime network aired “Surviving R. Kelly,” the troubling documentary has been the talk of the town.” But for many African-Americans, the six-part series was a wake-up call.

“There is no way of getting around the fact that African-Americans, particularly women, created R. Kelly, the superstar. We bought so many of his recordings that nearly everything he touched reached No. 1 on the music charts,” said journalist Dahleen Glanton.

“We couldn’t wait to ‘Step in the Name of Love’ on Saturday nights, then turn around and sing ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ in church on Sunday mornings.”

That love for Kelly has kept the king of R&B at the top of the charts for years – even after beating child pornography charges and battling rumors of a sex cult.

Kelly continues to deny the allegations made by numerous women in the series, which garnered Lifetime its highest ratings.

Some African-American women say the general public is just catching on to what they already know.

Oronike Odeleye and the other co-founders of #MuteRKelly, have held protests against Kelly for years, forcing canceled concerts and diminishing record sales.

After 30 years of rumors and legal allegations, producer Dream Hampton and her team were able to present compelling interviews and gut-wrenching stories of abuse, which led thousands of fans to rethink their support of the R&B artist.

When asked what she hoped would come of her exposé, Hampton said, “I think that social death is a real thing and a possible, just thing. So my hope is that we truly turn away from him. My wish was that it would’ve been 15 years ago.”

Despite over 20 years of allegations, standing trial for 14 counts of child pornography, and countless civil suits, Kelly is still signed to RCA Records.

Brandi Collins-Dexter, the senior campaign director at Color of Change, is urging the record label to drop him as a sign of support for the Black women and girls who have allegedly been abused by him.

“The testimonies of survivors of R. Kelly’s sexual abuse are a chilling reminder of the deep damage the rapper has inflicted and the machine of complicity that protects him from real accountability,” Collins-Dexter said.

“As details reemerge and new information is brought to light, R. Kelly’s longtime record label, RCA, has a choice: believe these women or continue to enable the abuse of Black women and girls for the sake of profit.”

Left to right, Lizzette Martinez, Andrea Kelly, Lisa Van Allen, Tarana Burke, Kitti Jones, Jerhonda Pace, Asante McGee and Gretchen Carlson attend a screening of Lifetime’s “Surviving R. Kelly.”

Kelly myths debunked Here are five myths the R. Kelly docuseries debunked: 1. He simply “likes” younger women. The documentary showed Kelly’s sex partners weren’t women – they were girls. His alleged sex tape victim was 12 when they first met. Other victims say they met him at ages 15, 16 and 17.

2. He only had sex with girls who wanted it. The documentary featured multiple accounts of women and girls who said Kelly emotionally and physically abused them, including his wife. He would allegedly hit them for talking back, starve them as punishment and made them sign false confessions.

3. People were unaware of what was really happening. The documentary featured former employees and security guards, who described how they saw girls

Kelly fights back

trafficked, held and abused. It was their job to keep them in line.

4. The girls should have just walked away. In one story, a young woman says Kelly’s staff dropped her in a remote part of Chicago and threatened her life after she demanded that they return her sister. The documentary also showed a mother trying to get her daughter Nikka to come home, and how scared she was to leave. Using psychologists and therapists, the documentary explained how abuse can manipulates victims into thinking they can’t leave.

5. The girls were just “fast.” Many girls were aspiring singers looking for a shot. Kelly promised them advice and parents let them have access, hoping they would become stars. Years later, they aren’t stars and many of their parents still haven’t seen them.

R. Kelly said he is disgusted by the docuseries and he is fighting back and plans to “sue everybody who had anything do with this.”

Kelly is using a website called SurvivingLies.com to target his victims (a Facebook page of the same name has been removed) and expose what the singer calls ‘blatant lies.’

The Facebook page “Surviving Lies” was removed after attacks were posted on two Kelly accusers, Faith Rodgers and Asante McGee, both of whom spoke out in the series.

Screenshots of the page showed a Pinocchio

cartoon as the main photo, as well as alleged text messages from Rodgers calling Kelly “daddy,” which she said he instructed her to do. Another photo highlighted McGee’s arrest record.

Despite not watching the series, Kelly is allegedly “disgusted” by it and believes those who participated in it have a “vendetta” against him. He claims he didn’t know half the people who were interviewed and insists the other half hates him for personal and professional reasons.

He said there were various people who wanted to defend him but the producers wouldn’t allow it.

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JANUARY 10 | 2019 | DEFENDER

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Watson looks forward to next season Defender News Services

Deshaun Watson

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is looking forward to another chance next year after the team’s 21-7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in NRG Stadium. The Texans were the No. 3 AFC seed in the playoffs and finished the regular season with an 11-5 record and the AFC South title.

“Man, it was tough,” Watson said. “But I’m not going to walk off that field with my head down.

I’m going to keep my chin up, keep my heart light and warm. Just make sure I remember this moment, go to work this offseason. God willing, I’ll have another opportunity next year.”

Watson, who made his NFL playoff debut in the Wild Card game, wants to remain positive.

“This season was a lot of ups and downs,” he said. “We came through a lot of adversity. Started off 0-3, made a run, clinched the division, had an opportunity for this playoff run. It didn’t end the way we wanted it to end, but at

the end of the day looking at the full season, you should have some smiles, some more positivity than a lot of negative stuff looking back at the season. The organization, in the future, it’s bright for the future.

Hopefully I’m a part of it, for sure, for a long time.”

Head coach Bill O’Brien is aware that the team has a franchise quarterback in Watson, who spent last offseason recovering from ACL surgery. In 2018, he started all 16 games and led the team to a franchise-best nine-game winning streak.

“I don’t think [Watson] has a ceiling,” O’Brien said. “I think we’ve got to get together, work to figure out how to get him to the next level, because there is a next level.

But I know we have the right guy.”

O’Brien talked about what’s next after the loss.

“First of all, we’ve got to look in the mirror,” he said. “What can we do better from a schematic standpoint? What can we do better to get these guys, whoever the players are, to execute better? It always starts with coaching.”

HISD BELLAIRE HIGH SCHOOL REBUILD

Phase II & III New High School, Athletic Fields, Parking Garage 5100 MAPLE ST BELLAIRE, TX 77401 Turner Construction Company is the Construction Manager for the HISD Bellaire High School Rebuild Project. You are invited to submit your Lump Sum Proposal (LSP) for all labor, material, equipment, taxes, and other necessary items to complete the work in your trade for this project. The LSP’s are to be in strict accordance with the Plans and Project Manual prepared by PBK. The Phase II & III – New High School, On-Site Athletics, and Parking Garage Package Work for this Project is defined in the Contract Documents and consists but is not limited to the following: components to build new school, on-site athletics, and parking garage. All Work must be performed and coordinated through Turner in strict accordance with City of Bellaire and Houston Independent School District requirements, the Project Schedule, this RFP and the Contract Documents. In the event of a conflict, the most stringent requirement will prevail. This early release package requests just in time delivery based on Schedule provided in RFP, no storage will be provided for materials by Turner or HISD. This proposal shall be in strict accordance with the Packages contained herein, this RFP and the Contract Documents. However, cost saving suggestions are acceptable and encouraged and are to be submitted as voluntary alternates to the base plans and specifications. Proposals are to be in strict accordance with the Request For Proposal Manual and contract documents. Please refer to the Request For Proposal Manual for Instructions to Bidders, Insurance requirements, Proposal Forms, etc.

Proposal documents may be downloaded from BuildingConnected on 01.10.19. Contact Toni Cromer.

281-702-2033 tcromer@tcco.com for access to Turner’s Building Connected site. All Subcontractors must complete Turner Construction qualifications. Please reference RFP for Pre-Qual Instructions.

There will be one Pre-Proposal Meetings based on the scope of work we are bidding in this GMP Phase II & III. The Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held at the Turner Office.

• Phase II & III – New High School, On-Site Athletics, Parking Garage Package – January 16, 2019 / 2:00pm / Turner Office: 4263 Dacoma St, Houston, TX 77092 (Training Room) RFI’s must be submitted on the RFI Form located in the RFI folder (in BuildingConnected) on or before 4:00pm January 18, 2019.

Proposals are to be submitted to tcromer@tcco.com or through BuildingConnected before 2:00 PM Tuesday January 29, 2019. They may also be submitted Turner Construction Company, 4263 Dacoma St. Houston, TX 77092, Attention: Toni Cromer., or faxed to 713.840.8365.

got goals?

Turner Construction Company reserves the right to utilize the following evaluation criteria when reviewing the bids that are submitted: a) Subcontractor’s experience e) Price b) Manpower f) Ability to meet the construction schedule c) Equipment g) Project Approach d) Financial capability/performance h) Safety record history/litigation history i) MWBE Plan, refer to Section 16 in RFP The bid will be awarded to the subcontractor which is determined to be qualified under the evaluation criteria mentioned above and based upon the Scoring Criteria & Subcontractor Selection Sheet in Section 1 Instruction to Bidders. Turner Construction Company may have discussions with qualified subcontractors to clarify the bid that has been submitted and to assure full understanding of and responsiveness to the bid solicitation. Turner Construction Company may negotiate with subcontractors that have been determined to be qualified in order to obtain a final and best offer. However, negotiations shall not alter the original scope of work as defined in the contractor’s original bid documents as provided by Turner Construction Company.

Turner Construction Company will select the subcontractor which is determined to be the most advantageous to the successful completion of the Project based upon the evaluation criteria set forth in Section 1 Instruction to Bidders and need not necessarily accept the lowest subcontractor. The subcontractor whose proposal is determined to be the most advantages to the successful, timely and efficient completion of the Project, taking into account the evaluation factors, shall be selected. Upon selection of a subcontractor, the subcontractor will be required to sign the contractor’s standard subcontract agreement.

Come to Lone Star College-North Harris. We’ll help you achieve your goals, whether you’re looking for a college degree or skills training for a new career.

Spring classes begin January 14!

For more information visit LoneStar.edu/Register.

10

DEFENDER | JANUARY 10 | 2019

sports

defendernetwork.com

Rockets James Harden man on a mission

By MAX EDISON Defender

W

hen the Houston Rockets got off to a slow start to begin the 2018-19 season (11-9 through 21 games) many fans quickly forgot the previous season.

They forgot that the Rockets had a 65-win season last year, the NBA’s best. They forgot they took the Golden State Warriors to seven games in the Western Conference Finals, despite losing star point guard Chris Paul in game 5. Most importantly, they forgot that James Harden was the league MVP. Harden’s play during the month of December, however, should serve as a reminder of his greatness on the court.

The Rockets were 11-4 during the month of December and have moved from the 14th slot in the Western Conference to fifth and are in first place in the Southwest division. The reason for the turnaround is the play of Harden, who was recently named NBA Western Conference Player of the Month. Playing without backcourt mate Chris Paul, Harden Houston guard James Harden was named NBA Western Conference Player of the Month for December. has literally put the Rockets on his back and willed them back into contention.

Harden: December numbers Head coach Mike D’Antoni is Harden’s No. 1 advocate.

• Averaged 36.4 points, 7.9 assists, 5.9 rebounds “He’s just been really good,” and 1.80 steals.

D’Antoni said. “He does things • Scored 40-plus points six times in the month, that are just phenomenal. He’s unincluding each of the final four games, tying for guardable right now. Somebody the longest streak by any player since a fivesaid recently it’s bad he has to game span by Kobe Bryant in March of 2007. get 40 every night for us to win, • Averaged 40.8 points over the final 10 games but so what. He can get 40 every of the month night so that’s a good thing.”

• Joined Bryant and Michael Jordan as the only Harden’s confidence is sky players over the past 30 seasons to have scored The Rockets improved their record with the high, but he is quick to defer to at least 400 points over a span of 10 games. help of Harden’s outstanding play. his teammates for the team’s suc(Source: Elias Sports Bureau) cess during the month of December. have that con• Recorded at least 35 points and five assists in “My confidence is through the roof, but it’s been fidence. More each of the last eight games of December, the like that,” Harden said. “[I give] credit to my teammates times than not longest streak in NBA history. for making big shots and making big time defensive good things will • Had five double-doubles for the month, includHarden said it’s business as usual: “I take my plays. It’s been a total team effort. We’re doing everyhappen. We’re ing three triple-doubles. shots, I drive to the basket.” thing necessary for us to win. I just have to go out there doing everything • Posted NBA record fourth career 50-point and do my part at the highest level. necessary for us to win.” triple double against the Los Angeles Lakers on “We’re guarding as a team,” Harden continued.

Harden downplays his offensive productivity as Dec. 13 and closed out the year with 10th career “We’re helping each other out offensively. We’re making business as usual.

40-point triple-double vs. Memphis on New shots. We’re moving and we have to continue to do that.

“For me nothing changes. I take my shots, I drive to Year’s Eve. Even when we’re not making shots, we still have to be the basket, I take my step-backs with confidence and live aggressive offensively. We still have to take our shots and with the results,” he said.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 88 years

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JANUARY 10 | 2019 | DEFENDER

H.S. sports

11

Congrats

NORTH SHORE For the record: The Defender congratulates the North Shore High School football team for its outstanding state championship performance in the playoffs, earning national recognition. North Shore defeated Duncanville 41-36 in an exciting Class 6A Division I final at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium. As time expired, more than 42,000 spectators saw Dematrius Davis throw a 45-yard Hail Mary to A.J. Carter for the winning touchdown. “We practice it every Thursday at the end of practice,” said Davis. “We never thought we would do it, but we did it today and it happened. It worked.”

Davis was 19-of-28 for 333 yards and five touchdowns. Jordan Revels was named defensive MVP.

State-bound?

Sam Houston basketball team reloads

By JODIE B. JILES Defender

E

xpectations were high for Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center Coach Ralph Barreras and his Tigers, arguably one of the best teams in Houston last year, with possibly one of the best point guards in the state.

Yet after their season was cut short with a miracle shot by Alief Taylor with little time left in the game, the big question was, what’s next for Sam Houston?

When senior point guard T.J. Mingo was asked about how the team planned to rebuild after graduating their highly recruited backcourt, he said, “It’s tough losing Kendrick Davis and Henry Hampton but we know we are going to have to step it up…”

Sam Houston has rebounded well. If the playoffs started today, the team would maintain its supremacy in HISD, going 3-0 in district play with an overall record of 16-5.

The Defender talked with Barreras about the reloading process, the bright spots he has seen so far and the areas in need of improvement.

Defender: How have you been able to rebuild this year after grad-

Coach Ralph Barreras is joined by Earl Beal, Kevin Baker and Marlon Jackson.

Power forward Baker is one of the playmakers at Sam Houston MSTC.

Expectations are high for the Tigers this season.

(Photos by Jimmie Aggison)

uating a three-time All-State point guard in Kendrick Davis?

Barreras: This year we have a solid point guard, but we also have some pretty good players on the wings,

and some good players inside. So, I like our balance. I think if we continue to share the ball, and the ball keeps moving, we have a chance to be pretty good.

Defender: What should Sam Houston basketball fans be looking out for this season?

Barreras: We created a program that’s always expected to compete at a high level. We have a long way to go to be as good as we have been because we have a lot of kids that don’t have as much experience. But we do have a lot of potential with kids that have a lot of talent. I think if we can play well at our guard position and take care of the basketball then we will have an opportunity to be really good again.

Defender: With a current record of 16-5, what has been the keys to success so far?

Barreras: What I really love about this team is that they share the ball.

The ball moves and doesn’t stick. We are putting up a lot of points because we are moving the ball.

Defender: What areas do you need to improve on?

Barreras: Defensively we need to get a little bit tougher. At this point we are not as physical or competitive on the defensive end as I would like to be, but I think we are going to get there. We also need to take care of the basketball better. I think if we can take care of the ball and just execute better and play with confidence, we’ve got a chance to be pretty good.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 88 years

12

DEFENDER | JANUARY 10 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

topevents

MENTORING THE 100 WAY SPRING ORIENTATION……..The 100 grow since its inception. Attendees included Carol McCray, Aysia Davis, Black Men of Metropolitan Houston hosted the spring kickoff of the group’s Aaliyah Smith, Ashley Hoskins, Christa Stoneham, Rev. Gwenn Pierre, award-winning Saturday mentoring program for males in grades 6-12. The Myra Vorrice, Jacobi Ford, Lavera Prestage, Madeline Gilliard and event, Mentoring the 100 Way, included a brief history of the organization, others ……..J5 FOUNDERS’ DAY WEEKEND TAKEOVER…….. and previewed the spring mentoring program for students and its concurrent The Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity celebrated its parent mentoring sessions. Both new potential mentees and returning students annual Founders Day with a J5 Founders’ Day Weekend Takeover, which and parents attended the event held at the Mickey Leland College Preparatory included multiple events around the Houston area, including the gathering Academy in historic Fifth Ward. Attendees included at the Studio where attendees watched playoff football Kenneth Robinson Jr. (100 Black Men president), Ferrel while feasting on barbecue, fried fish and other delicacies Defender TOP EVENTS while washing it all down with their patented Nupe Bonner, Anthony Scott, James Stancil, Adraon Greene, More photos on defendernetwork.com Dr. Serge Madhere, Myles Kelly, Kobe Bridgeman, Juice. The crowd enjoyed DJs spinning old-school jams Joy Tarasai Fears, Chikosi Fears, Daejon Hawkins, while representing for several fraternities and sororities Shandai Sams and many more……..MY SISTER’S KEEPER’S ANNUAL gathered in solidarity to celebrate the original 10 founding Kappas.

VISION BOARD PARTY……..My Sister’s Keeper recently hosted its Attendees included event organizer Ron Lockett, Larry Sloan, Derrick Third Annual Vision Board event, Couture the Vision, at Ogun Art + Wine.

Williams, Shawntae Nix, LaShonda Johnson, Kedric Patterson, Millennial women leaders gathered together to set new dreams for 2019 Jarom Dorsey, Janelle Brown, Donna Glover, Alicia Yancy, Bridgette while encouraging each other amid food, fellowship, wine and art. Hosts Wilkins, Keiwana Green, Trishauna Garret, @PeppaTrillMcCoy and Loren McCray and Jeannae Sims facilitated the gathering that continues to many others.

Kenneth Robinson Jr, Ferrel Bonner

Loren McCray, Jeannae Sims

Donald Morgan, Bobby Wilmore

Justin Wickware, Channetta Wickware, Anthony Wickware

Jacobi Ford, Lavera Prestage, Myra Vorrice

Jarom Dorsey, Attendee, Kedric Patterson

Joy Tarasai Fears, Chikosi Fears

Aysia Davis, Aaliyah Smith

@PeppaTrillMcCoy, Divonn Sims

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 88 years