Houston Defender: January 15, 2015

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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 84 | Number 6

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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOLIDAY EDITION

P9 SPORTS CRAIG BIGGIO celebrates honor at rally

P10 HS ZONE JORDAN HOSEY leads Manvel girls

P11 TOP EVENTS

DR. KING ON BLACK LIVES MATTER H PAGE 4B

President Obama

John Legend

President Obama said every American should have a right to a quality higher education. Find out how his new community college proposal is designed to help. Learn what students, community colleges and the federal government must do for the plan to work.

Award-winning singer and songwriter John Legend made his last Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo appearance in 2012. He’s coming back this year for a repeat performance. See when Legend will appear on stage. Find out about other stars performing at the annual event.

details proposal

Howard Jefferson, Congressman Al Green and Calvin Murphy at NAACP ceremony

P12

returns to rodeo

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 15 | 2015

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Obamacare enrollment ends Feb. 15

H

oustonians are reminded that “Its timing is perfect as we need enrollment in the Affordable to convince the uninsured to take steps Care Act (ACA or Obamto enroll now to avoid missing the acare) health insurance February 15 deadline.” marketplace ends Feb. 15.

In addition to the billboards, ConIn an effort to spread the word, State gressman Gene Green invites residents Sen. Rodney Ellis recently announced the to a healthcare enrollment forum on unveiling of billboards across the commuSaturday, Jan. 24 at the M.O. Campnity aimed at increasing the number of inbell Educational Center, 1865 Aldine sured Houstonians. Thousands of uninsured Bender, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Houstonians will view the billboards prior During the free forum attendees to the enrollment deadline, creating 10.2 will be able to ask questions, learn million market impressions over the course about different healthcare options and of the display. enroll in an insurance plan. Healthcare A billboard encourages area residents to enroll in affordable health insurance options.

“Our state does better when all Texans professionals will administer free have access to quality, affordable health health screenings, including glucose “Investing in your healthcare is one of the best things you care,” Ellis said. “That is why I am co-sponsoring this public can do for yourself and your family. Become empowered and blood pressure exams. service outreach effort to ensure all eligible Houstonians “Our district is one of the most historically underinand get covered.” receive the information and assistance they need to select a sured areas in the nation, and we want to help change that,” “The billboard campaign gives a boost to our collaboraquality health plan that works for them and their families.”

Green said. tive’s efforts to educate the many uninsured people of our “I’d like to join Senator Ellis in encouraging the com“Last year, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, nearly area about the benefits of enrolling in a low-cost ACA health munity to enroll and get covered,” said Judson Robinson, 20,000 of our friends and neighbors gained quality, affordplan,” said Stephen Williams, director, Houston Department President and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League. able coverage through the marketplace.” of Health and Human Services.

Commentary

MWBEs underrepresented in state procurement that of whites.

But it’s not just the Black Press that is under$16,382,802,474 represented when it comes to state procurement and Non HUB After conducting a disparity study in 2009, contracting. the Texas Comptroller’s office concluded special According to the 2014 annual HUB report, Asian programs to secure procurement for Historically $15,113,071,094 was awarded to non-HUBs, com0% Underutilized Businesses are still necessary. pared to $2,060,862,969 awarded to HUBs. Asian It went on to affirm its commitment to ensure 6% Pacific, Black, Hispanic, Native American, womanBlack state agencies make a concerted effort to utilize owned and service-disabled veterans constitute 0% HUBs for contracts in construction, professional HUBs. Hispanic and consulting services and commodities purchases.

3% Just to provide a few examples of the inequality 89% All state agencies, medical and health facilities, and that exists, the University of Texas Health and Science 1% Native institutions of higher learning were included in the Center’s 2013 report listed 42 out of 559 bids/proposAmerican study.

1% als that were awarded to HUBs, 25 of which went Women The more than 200 state agencies and instituto women. In fiscal year 2013, the Department of tions of higher education have a cumulative multiTransportation contracted a paltry 4.82 percent of its billion dollar annual budget. A great source of that Serviceconstruction contracts with HUBs. revenue is generated from 60 different taxes and Disabled Vet These are just two examples but the pattern fees. is consistent among the majority of agencies and For the fiscal year of 2013, the comptroller’s name a few. institutions. office collected close to $48 billion in taxes alone. So what In essence, these agencies and institutions belong to the The issue at hand is not about set-asides, diversity is the connection and what does this have to do with state communities and should in kind serve those communities. or even affirmative action; albeit groups that have been agencies?

So when the Department of Health and Human Services ad- historically excluded should receive special consideration.

If you drive a car, buy alcohol, smoke cigarettes, own vertises in the medical journals and fails to do so in African Any procurement HUBs receive from state agencies property or patronize hotels, you are contributing to that American newspapers, it is a great disservice. are not only deserved but also earned. We are not talking whopping $48 billion the state collects to fund various state It is the Black Press that is the pipeline of communiabout handouts or charitable contributions. Suffice it to say agencies and institutions like Sam Houston State University, cation into the African- American community where the HUBs are clearly not receiving their fair slice of the pie.

Texas A&M University and the University of Texas just to prevalence of diseases such as diabetes and strokes are twice Not by a long shot.

By NICOLE JAMES SCOTT Texas Publishers Association

Total Dollars Awarded Fiscal Year 2014

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national

U.S.briefs ARIZONA’S BLACK COMMUNITY is launching an anti-racism campaign to coincide with the Super Bowl, which will be played Feb. 1 in Glendale, Ariz. The campaign’s theme is “Black Lives Matter: Addressing the Violence of Systemic Racism in America and Arizona.” Activists in Phoenix have organized to monitor and document police misconduct and brutality across the country.

“We are counting down to the Super Bowl, but who’s counting down to the next police killing?” said Cloves Campbell, a member of the campaign’s steering committee and chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Organizers said their ultimate goal is to bring about justice-centered solutions and reconciliation between people of every color……..THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES surrounding an explosive device detonated at the building housing the Colorado Springs NAACP in Colorado. The FBI released a composite sketch of the man who could be involved. Authorities are also offering a $10,000 reward for information that could lead to him. “We at the NAACP are extremely thankful that no one was injured during this callous effort to distract the hard-working members of our association from the important civil rights issues of day,” said NAACP President & CEO Cornell William Brooks……... CONGRESSMAN G. K. BUTTERFIELD of North Carolina was recently sworn in as the 24th chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. The swearing-in ceremony marked the induction of the largest class in the CBC’s 44-year history, which includes five new members, 20 of which are women. Butterfield said the CBC’s focus for the 114th Congress will include criminal justice reform, reducing poverty, strengthening HBCUs and restoring Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. “We are ready for these fights,” Butterfield said. “The fight for the future is not a Black fight, a Democratic or Republican fight. It is a fight that all fair-minded Americans should promote.”

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 6 JANUARY 15, 2015

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall

Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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Free community college:

How Obama’s plan works

P

resident Obama recently unveiled a new proposal to make two years of community college free for responsible students across America. Obama said a quality education cannot be a privilege that is reserved for a few, and should be a right for every American who is willing to work for it.

“I want to underscore that last clause – everybody who’s working hard for it,” Obama said. “There are no free rides in America.

You would have to earn it.

Students would have to do their part by keeping their grades up.

“This isn’t a blank check,” he said. “It’s not a free lunch. But for those willing to do the work, and for states and local communities that want to be a part of this, it can be a game-changer.”

According to the White House, if all 50 states choose to implement the president’s proposal, it could save a full-time community college student $3,800 in tuition per year on average, and benefit roughly 9 million students each year.

What students must do: Students must attend community college at least half-time, maintain a 2.5 GPA and make steady progress toward completing their program.

What community colleges must do: Community colleges will be expected to offer programs that are either academic programs that fully trans-

fer credits to local public four-year colleges and universities, or occupational training programs with high graduation rates and lead to in-demand degrees and certificates. Community colleges must also adopt promising and evidence-based institutional reforms to improve student outcomes.

What the federal government must do: Federal funding will cover three-quarters of the average cost of community college. Participating states will be expected to contribute the remaining funds necessary to eliminate the tuition for eligible students.

“In a few weeks, I’m going to send to Congress my plan,” Obama said. “I hope that Congress will come together to support it, because opening the doors of higher education shouldn’t be a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. This is an American issue.”

Black unemployment headed for single digits NNPA News Service

After three consecutive months of the economy adding more than 25,000 jobs, the Black unemployment rate could soon dip below 10 percent if current trends continue, says Valerie Wilson, an economist and director at the Economic Policy Institute.

When Wilson analyzed the labor force participation rate, which includes people that currently hold jobs or are looking for work and the employment-population ratio for all workers, she found that Blacks had the biggest increase in both measures from December 2013 to December 2014.

“If the same trends in the labor force participation rate and the decline in the unemployment rate that we saw in 2014 continue into 2015, the Black unemployment rate should get down to the single digits by the middle of this year,” said Wilson.

The Black unemployment rate decreased from 11 percent in November to 10.4 percent in December, and the jobless rate for white workers ticked down 0.1 percent to 4.8 percent in December according to the Labor Department.

The unemployment rate for Black men ticked down from 11.2 percent to 11 percent in December.

The unemployment rate for Black women slid from 9.5 percent to 8.2 percent.

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entertainment

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Rodeo features star-studded line-up Twenty-one of today’s most popular entertainers from a variety of genres will perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo from March 3-22 at NRG Park.

“The fact that we have 16 entertainers returning to the rotating stage is evidence that the RodeoHouston experience is not only in the stands, but on the stage as well,” said Joel Cowley, president and CEO of the Livestock Show and Rodeo.

“The best of the best in entertainment, top flight rodeo athletes and great fans combine for an experience like no other.”

Nine-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend will return to the rodeo stage during Black Heritage Day on Friday, March 6. Legend and Common recently won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for”Glory” from the “Selma” soundtrack.

Tickets will go on sale Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. via rodeohouston.com. In addition to Legend, other stars scheduled to perform are: • Eric Church, March 3 • Hunter Hayes, March 4 • Miranda Lambert, March 5 • Alan Jackson, March 7 • Fall Out Boy, March 8 • Justin Moore, March 9 • Tim McGraw, March 10 • Brantley Gilbert, March 11 • Zac Brown Band, March 12 • Pitbull, March 13 • Billy Currington, March 14 • La Arrolladora Banda El Limón/ La Maquinaria Norteña, March 15 • Dierks Bentley, March 16 • Ariana Grande, March 17 • Florida Georgia Line, March 18 • Blake Shelton, March 19 • The Band Perry, March 20 • Brad Paisley, March 21 • Luke Bryan, March 22 Blake Shelton

John Legend Pitbull

Miranda Lambert

what’sup USHER is engaged to be married according to multiple sources. Grace Miguel, Usher’s longtime girlfriend and business partner, is wearing a huge engagement ring. “I have an incredible partner and manager,” he said of his fiancée. “She has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life and my career. She’s someone who’s been able to support and understand all of who I am. Not just as a dancer or as a performer or as a singer, but as a humanitarian and a business man and as a person.” The two have been together since 2009 following Usher’s split from his ex-wife Tameka. Usher, 36, won primary custody

of their two sons ……..JENNIFER HUDSON will make her Broadway debut in “The Color Purple.”

She will play Shug Avery in a revival of the musical that is set to premiere this fall and is co-produced by OPRAH WINFREY, who starred in the 1985 film adaptation of ALICE WALKER’S best-seller. Hudson, a Grammy and Oscar winner, is following in the footsteps of two former “American Idol” contestants who competed against her during the same season.

FANTASIA BARRINO played Celie on Broadway and LATOYA LONDON played Nettie during a national tour of the musical……..Rock star LENNY

KRAVITZ will join KATY PERRY when she headlines the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 1.

Kravitz has sold over 38 million albums and won four consecutive Grammy Awards, setting a record for the most wins in the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance category……..TV One announced that “News One Now,” the first morning program to focus on news and analysis of politics, entertainment, sports and culture from an African-American perspective, finished 2014 as the No. 1 cable news show in its time slot among all-African American viewers. The show is hosted by native Houstonian ROLAND MARTIN.

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After the earthquake

Haiti’s recovery bittersweet five years later Five years after a devastating of the all the victims who died five years earthquake left more than 300,000 ago.” dead and displaced more than 1.5 mil“There have certainly been improvelion people, the Caribbean country of ments [since the earthquake],” said Brian Haiti is still a work in progress.

Concannon of the Institute for Justice On the positive side, Haiti has and Democracy in Haiti. “The rubble is received more than 80 percent of about off the streets. Haiti’s back more or less $12 billion pledged by more than 50 to normal. But there have not been the countries and multilateral agencies improvements there should have been, since the disaster, which struck on Jan. given the resources.”

12, 2010.

According to the CDC, there is good New roads and hotels have been news in the effort to rebuild Haiti’s public built, security and health statistics have health system. improved and more than 1,000 orphans Working with the Haitian governhave been adopted in the U.S. The ment, the CDC and other partners have number of residents in tent camps has made progress toward the reconstruction dropped from around 1.5 million after of the public health sector to establish the quake to around 80,000. disease surveillance systems, enhance However, Haiti remains a poor laboratory capacity and develop public country facing many of the same chalhealth leadership. lenges as before the disaster. AccordThe CDC said Haiti has more disease Members of a Haitian family are surveyed to see if they have been vaccinated against cholera. ing to the World Bank, more than 6 detectives to quickly detect outbreaks and million of its 10 million inhabitants live effectively respond, more than 250 water broiled in a political showdown since 2011. under the national poverty line of $2.44 and sanitation technicians to help rural areas Opposition protesters have clashed with police per day. improve drinking water and more vaccinated children.

Over the past four years, cholera has struck more in the capital of Port-au-Prince as they call for the In addition, 87 percent of HIV-positive pregpresident’s departure. than 700,000 Haitians and killed almost 9,000. The nant women in Haiti receive treatment to prevent the “Enough is enough,” Martelly recently told country is in political turmoil and President Michel transmission of HIV to their babies, one of the highest protesters. “Give the country a chance, in the name Martelly and opposition lawmakers have been emrates in the developing world.

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MLK SPECIAL

1B

David Oyelowo

portrays King in ‘Selma’

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

D

avid Oyelowo (pronounced “oh-yellow-oh”) is a classicallytrained British stage actor who is working successfully and simultaneously in film, television and theater, and has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents.

He is winning acclaim for his stirring performance as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights drama “Selma.

Directed by Ava DuVernay and produced by Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt’s Plan B, the film follows the fight for the right to register to vote culminating in the march from Selma to Montgomery and in President Lyndon Johnson’s signing of the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965.

He co-starred in “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” and in 2012 he was seen in Steven Spielberg’s drama “Lincoln.” He also starred in the independent drama “Middle of Nowhere” and in Daniels’ “The Paperboy.” Other screen

David Oyelowo

credits include “Red Tails,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Help” and The Last King of Scotland.”

Here he talks about his role in “Selma,” which also stars Winfrey, Carmen Ejogo, Tim Roth, Cuba Gooding Jr., Common and Wendell Pierce.

KW: You have had a very successful and varied career but your role portraying Martin Luther King in Selma must have been an extraordinary experience. How emotional an experience was portraying Dr. King for you?

DO: It was a deeply emotional experience for numerous reasons, not the least of it being that the film had been very hard to get off the ground. So, there were several times when I had to pinch myself about the fact that we were actually getting it made. When you reflect upon the significance of Dr. King to this nation, it’s criminal that he hasn’t had a feature film that was centered around him until now.

That, in and of itself, was emotional.

But when you’re doing scenes on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, with people

The road to Selma:

5 things to know

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

The 1965 march from Selma, Ala. to Montgomery, Ala. has gained renewed interest due to the critically-acclaimed movie “Selma.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the historic march, which played an important role during the Civil Rights Movement. Here are five things to know it.

On March 7, 1965, activists John Lewis (now a U.S. congressman) and Hosea Williams led about 600 people from Selma to Montgomery to protest voter registration discrimination. As marchers crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge they were attacked by officers with billy clubs and tear gas and pushed back across the bridge. The incident became known as “Bloody Sunday” and made headlines across the country.

On March 9, civil rights leaders organized a second protest called “Turnaround Tuesday.” King, who was unable to attend the first march, led 1,500 demonstrators across the Pettus Bridge for prayer before turning around to avoid a repeat of Bloody Sunday.

In the aftermath of the violence in Selma, on March 15 President Lyndon B. Johnson called on Congress to Continued on Page 2B support new voting rights legislation. The bill was introduced in the House on March 17 and in the Senate on March 18.

On March 21, King and marchers gathered in Selma for a third time to march to Montgomery under the protection of federal troops. A core group walked 54 miles over four days and slept in fields along the highway. On March 25 they were joined by thousands more outside of Montgomery.

Some 25,000 people completed the march to Montgomery where King delivered his landmark “How Long, Not Long” speech.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed by the Senate on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta May 26. The House passed its verScott King marched in Selma, Ala. sion of the bill on July 9. The House and Senate versions were reconciled and adopted by both bodies. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law on Aug. 6, 1965.

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Source: Library of Congress

2B DEFENDER | JANUARY 15 | 2015

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MLK SPECIAL

David Oyelowo Continued from Page 1B still living in Selma and now in their 60s and 70s who had actually marched, who were there that original Bloody Sunday, that’s humbling… that’s deeply moving. You’re no longer acting at that stage, you’re just reacting, because it takes the filmmaking process to another dimension. So, yes it was an intensely emotional shoot, but also an intensely joyful shoot, since we really felt we were paying honor and doing service to these great men and women who had participated.

KW: How did you prepare for your definitive performance as the iconic Dr. King?

DO: Even though the journey toward doing it was long and at times frustrating, one of the good by-products of its taking a while was that I had time to really study King, to study his movements. I also had the God-given opportunity to be in films like “Lincoln,” “The Help,” “The Butler” and “Red Tails,” films that look at the Black experience in this country over the past 150 years.

So, I had this historical education going on before stepping into this role. All of those things, combined with talking to Dr. King’s children, and spending a lot of time with Andrew Young who, of course, knew him intimately, were all elements that helped me immeasurably get to where I got.

KW: Was there anything that surprised you, something new that you discovered about Dr. King, while studying for the role?

DO: I think what a lot of people don’t realize is how much being the leader of this movement

David Oyelowo says portraying Dr. King was a “deeply emotional experience.”

weighed upon him. After all, he was only 39 years old when he was assassinated, and only 36 during the Selma campaign. He always seemed older than he actually was, and I believe part of that had to do with just how much life he had to live in order to lead this movement. He was away from home

28 days of any given month. He was a voice for the voiceless and had so many people relying upon him. As a result, that made for a man who, to be perfectly frank, had lived two lifetimes by the time he was killed. I don’t think I could have done what he did. That was quite extraordinary.

When values are shared, they are lived.

BB&T is proud to be part of a community where knowledge guides us, history inspires us and strong values define us.

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3B

Calendar of events Friday, Jan. 16

The African American Library at the Gregory School, 1300 Victor Street, presents the exhibit Organized Love: Ideas of NonViolence through Feb. 21. Contact: www. houstonlibrary.org or 832-393-1313.

The Black Heritage Society Mountain Top Gala Awards & Reception is 6:30 p.m. at the CWA Hall, 1730 Jefferson. Contact: blackheritagesociety.org or 713-236-1700.

“ There is a spiriT,

and a need, and a persOn aT The BeGinninG OF eVerY

GreaT hUMan adVanCe.

Saturday, Jan. 17

The Black Heritage Society MLK Children’s March is 10 a.m. at Hamilton and Texas. The BHS Community Health Festival & Health Fair is 11 a.m. at MacGregor Park. Contact: blackheritagesociety.org or 713-236-1700.

The MLK Parade Foundation Youth Parade originates at San Jacinto Street and Elgin at noon. Contact: www.mlkgrandeparade.org or 713-953-1633.

eVerY One OF These MUsT Be riGhT

FOr ThaT parTiCULar MOMenT OF hisTOrY

Or nOThinG happens. “ - Coretta Scott King

Sunday, Jan. 18

The Black Heritage Society Feed the Hungry Food Drive is 10 a.m. at St. Johns United Methodist Church Cathedral Hall, 2019 Crawford. The BHS Gospel Fest is 3 p.m. at Jones Plaza, 610 Louisiana. Contact: blackheritagesociety.org or 713-236-1700.

The Community Music Center of Houston hosts its annual Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 4 p.m. at Latter Day Deliverance Revival Church, 4036 Lyons Ave. Contact: www.cmchouston.org or 713-523-9343.

The MLK Parade Foundation Battle of the Bands competition is 4 p.m. at Rice Stadium. Contact: www.mlkgrandeparade.org or 713-953-1633.

J o i n t h e

M a c y ’ s l i f e ,

i n

c e l e b r at i n g

l e g a c y,

a n d

l o v e

of

dr. Martin luther King, Jr.

Monday, Jan. 19

The North Houston Frontiers Club hosts its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast at 8:15 a.m. at the Hilton Americas-Houston Downtown. Guest speaker is radio personality Tom Joyner. Contact: nhfrontiers.com or 713-331-0440.

The Black Heritage Society Original MLK Birthday Parade is 10 a.m. at Minute Maid Park. Contact: blackheritagesociety.org or 713-236-1700.

The MLK Parade Foundation MLK Grande Parade is 10 a.m. at San Jacinto and Elgin.

Contact: www.mlkgrandeparade.org or 713953-1633.

The Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz, hosts a MLK Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A peace rally will be held at noon, and medical pioneer Dr. Edith Irby Jones will be honored with the museum’s Caryakid Award. Other activities include an oratory speech recital, a rendition of “I Have a Dream” and a performance by Young Harmonies of Houston. Admission is $5 and free for children under 1 and museum members.

Contact: www.cmhouston.org or 713-522-1138.

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4B DEFENDER | JANUARY 15 | 2015

MLK SP

DR. KING ON

Black lives matter

YESTERDAY & TODAY T

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

he outcry over police killings of unarmed Black men such as Michael Brown in Ferguson and Eric Garner in New York City thrust America into a new Civil Rights Movement.

Operating under the theme of “Black lives matter,” protesters have taken to the streets from coast to coast calling for justice and equality. The demonstrations brought back memories of the 1960s, when Dr. Martin Luther led marches for freedom and civil rights.

Today, some 50 years later, King’s message is more relevant than ever, whether the subject is police brutality or the need for protests. Two local activists from different generations spoke with the Defender about the movement yesterday and today.

Dr. James M. Douglas, a distinguished professor of law at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, was recently sworn in as president of the Houston Branch of the NAACP. Durrel Douglas, co-founder of the new Houston Justice Coalition, is a former correctional officer with an extensive background in political and community activism.

Both men said the need for today’s movement never went away.

“Racism has continued to be alive in America since this country was founded,” James Douglas said. “We didn’t eradicate racism with the Civil Rights Movement of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

At the most we suppressed it for a very short period of time.”

He added that the problem of police brutality King spoke about is actually worse than it was 50 years ago.

James M. Douglas Dr. Martin Luther King led marches across the country and was also arrested for his beliefs.

Durrel Douglas

“The problem today isn’t just the killing of young Black men but the killing of unarmed young Black men,” James Douglas said. “ During the time Dr. King was alive police brutality was basically limited to beating up individuals, not killing unarmed men. Now rather than beating unarmed people they just shoot them.”

Durrel Douglas agreed, and noted

the “I am a man” phrase that was plastered across posters during the Memphis sanitation strike of 1968. King was assassinated while in Memphis supporting the strikers.

“That same phrase could be used to demonstrate the systemic problem that still exists today in America,” he said.

He also referred to the case of Jordan Baker, the 26-year-old Black, unarmed Houston man who was shot by an off-duty police officer in January, 2014.

“Jordan Baker shouldn’t have been seen as a suspect to be called over from his bicycle and eventually shot fatally by a police officer,” Durrel Douglas said. “Black men are just that – men. Dr. King’s message still rings true today.

“We don’t need to tell our young men to act a certain way to be accepted by police; instead, we need to train our law enforcement officers not to assume that every Black man wearing a hoodie is a suspect.”

Power of protest

Dr. King led marches across America, from Selma to Chicago to Washington, D.C. “I think the protests going on around the country today are excellent,” James Douglas said. “My

hope is that they continue. One of things effectiveness of the movement in the ‘5 was that it was a continual movement. S time we’ve had a lot of instantaneous m that have died in two or three weeks.

“Without protests we’d still be ridi back of the bus,” he said. “Without pro never would have had the Civil Rights 1964 and we never would have integra accommodations. Nothing is going to without protests, because people in po give up power without a struggle.”

defendernetwork.com • Serving t

PECIAL

s about the 50s and ‘60s Since that movements

ing on the otests we s Act of ated public change today ower don’t

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5B

King’s words ring true today “The Negro has many pent-up resentments and latent frustrations, and he must release them. So let him march; let him make prayer pilgrimages to the city hall; let him go on freedom rides – and try to understand why he must do so. If his repressed emotions are not released in nonviolent ways, they will seek expression through violence; this is not a threat but a fact of history. So I have not said to my people: “Get rid of your discontent.” Rather, I have tried to say that this normal and healthy discontent can be channeled into the creative outlet of nonviolent direct action.”

“I have stood in a meeting with hundreds of youngsters and joined in while they sang “Ain’’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round.” It is not just a song; it is a resolve. A few minutes later, I have seen those same youngsters refuse to turn around from the crush of a police dog, refuse to turn around before a pugnacious Bull Connor in command of men armed with power hoses.

These songs bind us together, give us courage together, help us to march together.”

“We are on the move now. The burning of our churches will not deter us. The bombing of our homes will not dissuade us. We are on the move now. The beating and killing of our clergymen and young people will not divert us.

We are on the move now. The wanton release of their known murderers would not discourage us.

We are on the move now. Like an idea whose time has come, not even the marching of mighty armies can halt us. We are moving to the land of freedom.”

“If we don’t protest and make people feel uncomfortable, we get nowhere,” Durrel Douglas said. “As we did 50 years ago, we must continue to demonstrate, but also to strategize and understand what it is we’re asking for.”

He said his organization is asking for three things: the passage of legislation requiring officers to wear body cameras while on duty, a community policing model and citizens’ review board, and increased diversity on local grand juries.

Durrel Douglas added that just as King fought for voting rights, Blacks should fight for political

the Houston area for over 80 years

involvement across the board and be involved in the decision-making process “When we elect a mayor and city council, we send them to city hall with a grocery list,” he said. “If the community has decided they want a cake, it’s the mayor and council’s job to make sure they get flour, milk, eggs, sugar, etc. If the elected official comes back with a pair of shoes and a pack of gum, they shouldn’t get to go shopping anymore since that’s not what we asked for.”

James Douglas said overall, the fight for rights is not getting easier.

“The movement is much more difficult today than it was in the ‘50s and ‘60s, because then, all African-Americans were hurting,” he said.” It didn’t matter who you were or how much money you had. If you were an African-American you couldn’t go to a white hotel to eat or stay. You couldn’t go to a downtown movie theater unless you sat in the balcony.

“Today, that’s not true. The powerful and financially well off African-Americans don’t hurt that bad. It’s hard to get them involved the way King was able to get African-Americans involved.”

“If you protest courageously and yet with dignity, when the history books are written in future generations the historians will have to pause and say, ‘There lived a great people – a Black people – who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization.’

This is our challenge and our overwhelming responsibility.”

“As I have walked among the desperate, rejected, and angry young men, I have told them that Molotov cocktails and rifles would not solve their problems. I have tried to offer them my deepest compassion while maintaining my conviction that social change comes most meaningfully through nonviolent action. But they ask – and rightly so – what about Vietnam?

They ask if our own nation wasn’t using massive doses of violence to solve its problems, to bring about the changes it wanted. Their questions hit home, and I knew that I could never again raise my voice against the violence of the oppressed in the ghettos without having first spoken clearly to the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today – my own government...”

6B DEFENDER | JANUARY 15 | 2015

defendernetwork.com

MLK SPECIAL

rev. dr. martin luther king, jr., m arch on washington, august 28, 1963:

Beyond the dream:

Analyzing King’s speech

By EVAN TAYLOR Defender

M

artin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech has become a part of our culture and its words remain timeless. The speech was delivered on Aug. 28, 1963 during the March on Washington.

Among other things, King said, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal.’ ” Today, more than 50 years later, has King’s dream been realized? And has his most famous speech been trivialized?

“While there has been some progress in certain areas, there is definitely still vast ground to cover,” said

Marcia Walker-McWilliams, a visiting scholar of African American Studies at the University of Houston.

Walker-McWilliams said King’s speech was aimed at societal norms and addressed a number of issues that intersect with race and class.

“While King did address portions of his speech to the African-American community…his challenge wasn’t just to African-Americans, but to all of American society,” she said.

Walker-McWilliams added that in order for American society to change, African- Americans couldn’t be in the movement alone.

“King urged Blacks to make allies with those who supported their struggle, for Blacks could not walk alone in demanding that the nation live up to its stated goals, principles and promise of democracy,” Walker-McWilliams said.

Continued on Page 7B

“ We cannot Walk alone…We cannot turn back.”

Please join me as we celebrate the life and legacy of the reverend doctor martin luther king, Jr. While much pro gress has been made in the last half century, the events of the past year teach us that dr. king’s wisdom, guidance and activism have urgency and relevance today. We are blessed that his dream is still alive.

As Houstonians, as americans, as human beings, let’s walk together and let’s walk forward in the unending quest for justice for all. Happy MLK Day!

Mayor Annise Parker Pol. adv. annise Parker CamPaign

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JANUARY 15 | 2015 | DEFENDER 1230911_13972 4.79x13 4c

“My story is not just a story. It’s a ref lection of the world today.”

Analyzing King’s speech

Continued from Page 6B

She noted that, “Too often, only the latter portion of the speech where King launches into ‘I have a dream’ and ‘let freedom ring’ is discussed.

So people often lack the context of the full speech and the reasons why King felt the need to talk about dreams of freedom.”

Walker-McWilliams stressed that while important, “I Have a Dream” is only one speech in the many works of Dr. King.

“I typically assign ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail’ [to students] because it is short and accessible, but also because it gives greater insight

into the civil rights struggle and the resistance and apathy to the movement that far too many Americans displayed.

She encourages readers of all ages to look at King’s entire collection of works.

“King had a vast repertoire of speeches and writings, including “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” “Beyond Vietnam” and “Why We Can’t Wait.” Each of these pieces offers greater insight into the struggle and into King as a civil rights activist and freedom fighter,” Walker-McWilliams said.

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This unique collection is made up of stories that provide an intimate look at what it means to be African American today. It features stories of achievement, hope, and joy straight from the hearts of the African American community.

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Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929-1963

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7B

8B DEFENDER | JANUARY 15 | 2015

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MLK SPECIAL

Men who walked with King

B

He continued to speak on the importance of equality until his death in 1987 at age 75.

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth

ehind each leader stands a group of supporters who serve as advisors and collaborators for a unified goal.

Such was the case with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who had a close group of men working with him as he led the Civil Rights Movement. Each man steadfastly supported the cause and even continued King’s message of non-violence after his death.

When Shuttlesworth, a Birmingham, Ala. pastor, invited King to join in the local Civil Rights Movement he said, “…as Birmingham goes, so goes the nation.”

At the time of their meeting in 1957, Shuttlesworth was leader of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights but would also become one of the SCLC founders. Shuttlesworth, King and Abernathy would later be known as the Civil Rights Movement’s “Big Three.”

After the successful Montgomery bus boycott, Shuttlesworth organized efforts in Birmingham to implement bus desegregation. His home was bombed on Christmas in an attempt to deter him od on the but he proceeded with his plans. rnathy sto King e b A h p al After the 1961 attacks on the Freedom and Rev. R phis the day before son (left) m ck e M Ja e in l ss Riders, Shuttlesworth convinced King to make Rev. Je ne Mote f the Lorrai balcony o ated there.

Birmingham a focal point of the movement and in was assass organized youth-driven marches and protests.

Shuttlesworth later established a church in Cincinnati. In the 1980s he founded Shuttlesworth Housing Foundation, which provided grants for home ownership. In 2001 he received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Bill Clinton.

Shuttlesworth died in 2011 at age 89.

Rev. Ralph Abernathy

Often considered King’s closest adviser and second in command, Abernathy was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala. when the two met.

In 1955, the duo founded the Montgomery Improvement Association and organized a yearlong bus boycott prompted by the arrest of Rosa Parks. In 1957, he and King helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), with King serving as president and Abernathy, eventually, as vice president.

Later that year, Abernathy and King moved their efforts to Atlanta where they continued to organize protests, sit-ins and marches. Abernathy was arrested with King 17 times and was at the hotel when the civil rights leader was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

After King’s death, Abernathy became president of SCLC. He also led the Poor People’s Campaign of 1968. He died in 1990 at age 64.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Andrew Young

Andrew Youn g was anothe r minister who rights. wor

A year after his college graduation, Jesse Jackson went to Selma to march with King. He would eventually become a worker in the SCLC, an ordained minister, and director of Operation Breadbasket, the economic sector of the SCLC. Jackson was with King when he was assassinated outside of a Memphis hotel room. He would later call the incident “a very gruesome scene.”

Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), which aimed to advocate black self-help and the National Rainbow Coalition.

In 1984 Jackson became the second AfricanAmerican to run for the U.S. presidency. He placed third in the Democratic primary voting and garnered a total of 3.5 million votes.

Today, Jackson, 72, continues to travel internationally championing civil rights causes.

ked with King

Bayard Rustin

in the fight fo

r

By the 1950s, Bayard Rustin was an expert civil protest organizer, having studied Mahatma Gandhi and worked with Black labor leader A. Phillip Randolph.

Rustin began working with King as an organizer and strategist in 1955. He mentored King on Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience and assisted with the 1956 Montgomery bus boycotts. Rustin was the primary organizer of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

In 1965, Rustin and Randolph co-founded the A. Philip Randolph Institute, a labor organization for African-American trade union members. Rustin continued his work within the civil rights and peace movements, and was a popular public speaker.

While a pastor in Georgia, Andrew Young became part of the Civil Rights Movement when he organized voter registration drives. Young was an active member in the SCLC and King trusted him to oversee the organization when protests meant that King had to spend time behind bars.

In 1964, Young became the SCLC’s executive director. While in this position, he helped draw up the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Following King’s death, Young became executive vice president of the SCLC. In 1972, Young was elected to the House of Representatives, becoming the first African-American to represent Georgia in Congress since Reconstruction.

During Jimmy Carter’s presidency, Young was appointed the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, where he advocated for human rights on a global scale.

In 1979, Young resigned his ambassadorship. He was elected Atlanta’s mayor in 1981.

Today, at age 82, Young works with his consulting firm, Good Works International, which supports development initiatives, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean.

Sources: The King Center, biography.com, history.com

Children’s Museum of Houston Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Monday, January 19 at Noon

Brought to you by State Rep. Garnet Coleman

Join us for our 19th Annual Peace March and all-day activities!

Special admission $5 ALL DAY.

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7

JANUARY 15 | 2015 | DEFENDER

health

A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

Migraine headaches impact 1 in 4 households

By DESIREE BOBINO THOMAS, M.D.

common. Classical migraines are usually preceded by symptoms called “auras” forecasting the migraine. Such auras may affect f you, like my mother, have migraines, vision by making individuals see zigzags or you know how debilitating they can lights. Common migraines are chronic and, be. For the approximately 36 milunlike classical, do not come with warning lion migraine sufferers in the United signs.

States, the debilitating impact of frequent, Migraines are different from other headbad headaches can extend well beyond aches in that the pain comes from spasms in the actual pain of a migraine attack. If left blood vessels of the head and neck that untreated, migraines can be disruptive, even supply blood to the brain. The arteries first disabling, making it impossible to particiDr. Desiree Bobino Thomas constrict, and then dilate, causing pain. pate in daily activities.

Women are affected three times more often than men.

Migraine headaches typically last from four to 72 hours.

This translates to nearly 21 million women. In the United They may occur as often as several times a week to only once States, migraine prevalence is highest in Caucasians, fola year. lowed by African-Americans and Asian-Americans. Approximately 80 percent of migraine sufferers have a family history Migraine triggers of migraine.

The exact causes remain something of a mystery. VariYet, half of all migraine sufferers are undiagnosed or ous triggers are thought to bring on migraine headaches: misdiagnosed. For example, a 2006 study found that African• Certain foods, especially chocolate, cheese, nuts, Americans are less likely to visit a doctor about their sympalcohol, coffee and monosodium glutamate (MSG) can toms and seek medical treatment. trigger migraines.

• Stress, tension and poor sleep are also risk factors.

Classical vs. common migraines • Environmental stimuli like weather or bright lights and certain odors also may be triggers.

There are two different types of migraines: classical and

I

Get a medical evaluation

Although migraine headaches are excruciating, they are seldom life-threatening. They are harmful to a person’s quality of life, though, and may cause depression and/or anxiety disorders. People who have a history of experiencing an aura phase also have been shown to be at an increased risk for stroke and heart attack.

Migraine sufferers should see a neurologist for a medical evaluation and to discuss strategies and treatment options.

Doctors conduct examinations and tests to help rule out truly life-threatening possibilities.

Currently, there’s no cure for migraines. Treatments are aimed at reducing headache frequency and stopping individual headaches when they occur. Certain prescription medications can significantly reduce the pain and duration of an acute attack if taken in the early stages of an evolving migraine. Botox®, a popular cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of chronic migraines. Many doctors prescribe it for patients with chronic migraines who meet specific criteria.

Dr. Thomas is a board-certified neurologist who cares for Kelsey-Seybold Clinic patients at two locations: Main Campus and Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center. To schedule an appointment, call 713-442-0000.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 15 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

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Rep. Green introduces legislation Congressman Al Green recently introduced H.R. 122, the Original Living American Wage (LAW) Act of 2015.

The act would link the minimum wage to 15 percent over the federal poverty threshold for a family of four ($23,850) and increases the minimum wage automatically every four years to ensure that inflation does not erode its purchasing power.

Under current poverty guidelines, the legislation would cause the national minimum wage to be increased from $7.25 to approximately $13.00.

“A living wage job is the poverty prevention program that makes dollars and sense,” Green said. “We have approximately 47 million Americans living in poverty, separated from Congressman Al Green the opportunities of this country because they lack a living wage.

“A full-time, minimum-wage worker caring for a family of four earns $7.25 an hour ($15,080 a year), well below the federal poverty threshold of $23,850 for a family of four,” Green said. “This means that a fulltime, minimum-wage worker cannot support their family above the poverty threshold without some assistance.”

Green introduced other legislation as well, including: • The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Alternative Credit Pilot Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 extends the statutory authority for the alternative credit pilot program.

• The FHA In-Person Servicing Improvement Act of 2015 authorizes a pilot program to provide in-person contact to FHA singlefamily borrowers who are more than 60 days delinquent on their loans.

• The Students Voicing Opinions in Today’s Elections (VOTE) Act expands high school students’ knowledge of the voter registration process and creates a pilot program through the Election Assistance Commission.

• The Transportation for Heroes Act of 2015 ensures that veterans will be eligible for discounted fares on public transportation.

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JANUARY 15 | 2015 | DEFENDER

9

Crouch leaves gospel music legacy Memorial services for legendary gospel singer and songwriter Andrae Crouch will be held Jan. 20 and 21 in Los Angeles. He died at age 72 on Jan. 8 after suffering a heart attack.

He had health issues in recent years, including diabetes and cancer.

Crouch and his sister, Sandra Crouch, also a singer, were pastors at the New Christ Memorial Church in the Los Angeles suburb of San Fernando.

“Today my twin brother, wombmate and best friend went home to be with the Lord,” said Sandra Crouch. “I tried to keep him here but God loved him best.”

Crouch won nine Grammy Awards, six Dove Awards and two Image Awards, and received an Academy Award nomination for mu-

sic from “The Color Purple.”

His songs such as “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)” and “I’ll Be Thinking of You” have been played in churches around the world and recorded by such artists as Elvis Presley and Paul Simon.

In 2004 he became the third gospel artist in history to have his star enshrined on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“A musical genius has left us,” said Bishop T.D. Jakes. “He will always be remembered by the gifts he left amongst us.”

Crouch was born in 1942 in L.A. He had his early musical formation in his parents’ church in Pacoima, Calif.

His first group was the Church

of God in Christ Singers in 1960, which included Billy Preston who later played organ for the Beatles and Eric Clapton. Crouch founded the Disciples in 1965 and began to record his compositions in 1969.

During a 20-year period, Crouch and the Disciples appeared on “The Tonight Show” starring Johnny Carson, performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall, and toured 68 countries.

Andrae Crouch

classified INVITATION TO BID Hellas Construction, Inc. is soliciting M/WBE subcontractor/suppliers for fencing, asphalt paving, aggregate/ stone, concrete work, surveying, dumpster rental, trucking/hauling, grass seeding and portable toilet rental for the following project: Houston ISD Furr HS, Bid Date January 22, 2015 @ 2:00 PM. Bids must be submitted to Ruth Hawley by January 21, 2015 at 2pm. For more information or to send your bid on this project contact Ruth Hawley, Hellas Construction, Inc. (512) 250-2910 or FAX: (512)368-2972. Hellas Construction, T:9.75” Inc. is an Equal Employment/Opportunity Employer.

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10

DEFENDER | JANUARY 15 | 2015

sports

Astros Youth Academy launches junior program

W

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Daryl Wade

By MAX EDISON Defender

ith the recent cold weather the last sport that comes to mind is baseball, but that hasn’t stopped the Astros.

Recently, the team, in conjunction with Astros Foundation, Urban Youth Academy (UYA), staff and Major League Baseball announced the expansion of the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program to include the first ever Astros JrRBI league, beginning in the spring of 2015.

The new JrRBI program will be directed by the Astros UYA staff. The program will provide an opportunity for boys and girls between the ages of 7-12 to continuously learn and competitively play the game of baseball/ softball.

Prior to this season the local JrRBI program was directed by the St. Monica JrRBI, an independent group.

Astros UYA director Daryl Wade discussed their involvement in the program.

“I played baseball as a youngster in the Registration for the JrRBI program takes place every Saturday through Feb. 7.

Santa Monica program so I’m very appreciative of what they’ve done over the years,” Wade said. baseball and softball instruction, three divisions. We want to start from 10 a.m. to noon at the Astros “They approached us about taking over the program life skills training and academic small with the JrRBI program and UYA facility at Sylvester Turner and thankfully we received the green light and were support to Houston area youth. gradually build it up,” Wade said.

Park, 2801 Victory Drive. The able to do so.”

“Last year in the RBI program Registration will take place cost to participate in the league is “One advantage of our running the program is we had a combined 18 teams with every Saturday through Feb. 7 $60 per child. that it will be more affordable for the participants,” Wade continued. “We’re able to cut cost and make things more affordable because we have our own facilities and equipment through the academy.”

The goals of the RBI and JrRBI programs are to increase participation and interest in baseball, help develop players’ self-esteem, motivate athletes to Astros fans recently gathered at In his 20 Major League seasons study more effectively, provide participants with a Union Station for a rally in honor of (1988-2007), Biggio was one of strong incentive to stay in school, provide communiCraig Biggio, who was elected into the the top players of his era, excelling ties with the opportunity to become actively involved National Baseball Hall of Fame as part at catcher, second base and in the with the kids and develop talented athletes for future of the Class of 2015. He will be the first outfield. participation in high school, college and perhaps player to go into the Hall of Fame as He is one of just 28 players in MLB beyond. an Astro. history to reach 3,000 hits, and is “Because we’ll be more affordable we hope to “Today I’m a lucky man for having also one of just 14 players to reach get more parents as well as youth involvement,” an opportunity to stay here,” Biggio both 1,000 extra-base hits and Wade said. “With our resources we’ll be able to train told the crowd. “I’ve had a lot of great 3,000 total hits, joining a list that parents that want to coach teams that their kids will people surround me my whole career, includes Hank Aaron, Stan Musial Craig Biggio be playing on. It’s a great opportunity for the entire and Nolan [Ryan] was here when I and Willie Mays. family.” started and that was the beginning of the jourOn the Astros all-time lists, Biggio is tops in RBI is a Major League Baseball program. Organey. You never know how it’s going to end up, games, at-bats, hits, runs, doubles, extra-base nized in 1989, RBI gives youngsters the opportunity but for me, all I wanted to do was to go out and hits and total bases, ranks second in RBI and to combine athletics and academics. The Astros UYA play the game of baseball.” stolen bases and third in home runs. is operated by the Astros Foundation and provides

Fans celebrate Biggio’s honor

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

JANUARY 15 | 2015 DEFENDER

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs Sports stars to be inducted

Hosey relishes new role for Manvel

W

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

defendernetwork.com Get more details from Manvel

coach Bryan Harris ith the departure of a senior class that helped produce the first state championship in school history, Jor- stepped up and for others it’s a maturation process. Hopefully, they learned from the graduating dan Hosey knew she had to take on seniors and will continue the tradition.” a new role for the Manvel Lady Mavericks.

Following an 88-18 victory over Pasadena Gone were the likes of McDonald’s AllSam Rayburn, Manvel is 18-7 on the season, American Brianna Turner, first-team allincluding 8-0 in District 22-6A. Hosey district selection Rangie Bessard along scored a game-high 24 points in the with key performers Jonee Jones and game.

Keyerra Fisher.

“Jordan is one of my all-time Hosey and Amieya Jackson favorite players,” Harris said. “She’s were the only returning players got a great personality and I enjoy bewith significant playing time from ing around her.

I enjoy how she treats a squad that went 38-2 and defeated everybody in the locker room and she two-time defending state champion treats me with the utmost respect and Duncanville 58-53 in the 2014 Class knows how to joke around and have fun.

5A state title game. Hosey, a University “She’s got great leadership ability,” of Texas commit, played all 32 minutes Harris said.

“When the ball goes up and finished with 14 points and to start a game, she knows that four rebounds in the contest. she’s one of the best players “I knew I had to put in the country. Yet in the the big pants on and locker room she’s an even become a better leader,” better teammate.”

Hosey said. “Last year Hosey took time off we had two or three during the holidays to other team leaders on relieve foot soreness. Now the squad. I had to she’s back and ready to finstep up and be the ish out the regular season senior captain for this and head into the playoffs. team.”

“It’s my senior year Manvel head and it has been fun becoach Bryan Harcause as coach says every game ris says his biggest concern is leading up to the last game of coming off a state championyour high school career,” Hosey ship season was making sure said. “I try to make the most of his two returnees were great Birth sign – Scorpio every game and help my teamleaders.

Favorite color – Pink mates as much as I can. I’m happy “We have a potential McDonald’s All-American Favorite meal – Fried shrimp with what we have right now, but we can be much better.”

[Hosey] and I was worried Favorite subject– English Hosey began playing basshe was going to try and do Favorite book – “To Kill a ketball when she attended her too much or get frustrated older sister’s games at Manvel when other players weren’t Mockingbird” High School.

“I’d shoot around stepping up,” he said. “But Favorite basketball players – while waiting for her after games she’s been the perfect team Candace Parker, Kevin Durant and I began to like it,” she said. leader.

“We had a basketball court in our “The other kids have to Favorite famous person – backyard and I started playing realize that it’s their team Tina Thompson with my sister.

After that my parnow. People have graduated World problem to solve – ents got me into YMCA ball and I and what do you want to was off and running.” do,” Harris said. “Some have Hunger

Facts about Jordan Hosey

11

Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame has announced its 19th class of inductees. The 2015 class includes: Mark Aguirre, basketball; Luther Booker (posthumous), coaching; Maulana Dotch, golf; Greg Ellis, football; Dwain Govan, basketball; Joe Greene, football; Homer Jones, football; Rod Jones, football; Raymond “R.A.” Johnson (posthumous), coaching, and Joe Washington Jr., football. The class represents three sports and coaching: five honorees in football, two in basketball, two in coaching and one in golf. The 11 inductees this year have collectively attained five Super Bowl rings, two NBA championships, one World Basketball championship, seven NCAA National Track & Field championships, three NBA All-Star appearances, 13 Pro Bowl appearances, one NFL Hall of Fame induction and one Texas state football championship. The class will be formally recognized at their induction luncheon on Feb. 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Crystal Terrace Dallas Music Hall in Dallas.

UH Cougars set records Junior hurdler Isaac Williams and sophomore thrower Damon Thompson set new school records at the University of Houston’s initial indoor track meet. Thompson got things started for the Cougars winning with a personal best, and new school record of 19.10m (62’, 8.0”) to win the men’s weight throw. Williams flirted with the 60m hurdles record, which he previously shared with Darius Pemberton and Andrew Carruthers (7.81), in the preliminaries and the semifinals racing a 7.83 and 7.82 respectively, before clocking a 7.72 in the finals to break the mark. The time by Williams gives him the second fastest time in the world.

HBU hosts showcase The Big League Football Association (BLFA) will host its initial youth football combine and showcase at Houston Baptist University’s Husky Field (7502 Fondren Road) on Jan. 17. Youth ages 8-18 can show off their skills in a series of tests, oneon-one competitions and seven-on-seven sessions.

The BLFA will host a Houston area spring football league beginning in March. More than 40 youth teams in Texas will be offered a program that teaches teamwork, leadership, discipline and personal skills in a safe environment. “This is a great opportunity for the young athletes to come out and be able to showcase their skills to coaches, media and their peers,” said Steve Jackson, former Houston Oiler and BLFA commissioner. On the sixth, seventh and eighth grade levels Houston teams will be partnered with leagues in Dallas and San Antonio to play bowl games and a state championship game.

For information call 734-341-6859.

Fort Bend holds signing day The Fort Bend ISD Athletic Department in conjunction with the Professional Football Player Mothers Association will host a National Signing Day ceremony on Feb 4. The event will be held at Wheeler Field House (16403 Lexington Blvd.) in Sugar Land from 8-9 a.m. and will recognize district high school football players that are signing national letters of intent to further their education and continue their football careers at the college/ university level. Representatives from all Fort Bend ISD high schools will be in attendance. For information call 281-634-1000.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 15 | 2015

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

topevents

ORATORY COMPETITION……..The Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP firm sponsored the Northeast Family YMCA and held at the Doubletree Hotel. All proceeds its 19th Annual MLK Jr. Preliminary Oratory Competition at Ruby L. Thompson from the event went to the YMCA’s 2015 fundraising goal of $50,000. Master of Elementary School. The contest encourages the development of research, writing ceremonies was Franklin Higgins and there were performances by United by Faith and oratory skills of elementary students in Dallas and Houston, who tackle how Dr. 5 and The Best Kept Secret. The keynote speaker was County Commissioner El King would address issues of today. Gardere’s event chair and partner Claude Treece Franco Lee. Rev. A. C. Cooper, Shanya Dean, Sheila Dansby Harvey, Demetta officiated the competition and the judges included Eunice Song, Stephen Moll, Scott Landry, Iris Allen, Councilmember Jerry Davis and Rev. Dewey Allen were Ellis, B.J. Shults, Vi Tran, and David Irvin. Fourth and fifth-graders from multiple among those in attendance……..NAACP SWEARING-IN CEREMONY…….. elementary schools participated in the competition. Students The Houston Branch of the NAACP honored new president Dr. included Mykel Morrison, Amaria Maldonado, Shakeira James Matthew Douglas during the swearing-in ceremony for Defender TOP EVENTS Hayes, Kevin Damien, Jada Fowler, Teresa Richardson, officers and executive committee members. Dr. Douglas will More photos on defendernetwork.com Valeria Martinez, Janiah Denton, Diamond Johnson, provide leadership for the next two years. Executive Director and See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Amerie Herrera, Jesse McBride, Emily Trevino, Barira mistress of ceremony Yolanda Smith officiated the event. Rev. with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Qureshi, Yasmine McCann, Jailan Routt, Chase Roberts, William A. Lawson gave the invocation and greetings came from Ayanna Breaux, Breanna Emerson, Jemima Pierre, Kyle Mayor Annise Parker, Dwight Boykins, Congresswoman Shelia Mosley, Jacovia Young, Isabel Serna, Cassidy White and Anthony Caston.

Jackson Lee, Carolyn P. Scantlebury and Howard E. Jefferson. Congressman Al Congrats!........ANNUAL MLK JR. BREAKFAST……..“Meeting the Challenge” Green conducted the installation oath. Natalie Foreman and Rev. Reginald Lillie was the theme of the 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast benefitting also showed their support.

Claude Treece, judges Eunice Song, Stephen Moll, Scott Ellis, B.J. Shults, Vi Tran and David Irvin

Rev. A.C. Cooper, Avery Cooper, Cynae Brown and Joshua Brown

Dr. James Douglas, Mayor Annise Parker

Oratory competition finalists

Kyle Mosley

Commissioner El Franco Lee

Iris Allen, Demetta Landry and Shelia Dansby Harvey

Howard E. Jefferson, Congressman Al Green and Calvin Murphy

Yolanda Smith

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