Houston Defender: January 22, 2015

NATIONAL

REV. BERNICE KING ASKS AMERICA TO CHOOSE NONVIOLENCE P3 defendernetwork.com

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Volume 84 | Number 7 JANUARY 22, 2015 |FREE

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NEWSTALK RHONDA SKILLERNJONES named HISD board president

P2 NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA gives State of the Union

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KEVIN HART

HS ZONE JORDAN LEWIS scores for Dawson

Hardest-working man in Hollywood H PAGE 5

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James Douglas

Russell Wilson

Dr. James M. Douglas of Texas Southern University was recently sworn in as president of the Houston NAACP Houston Branch.

Read what he has to say about working as a unit, getting more young people involved and helping soldiers returning home.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and team won the NFL championship last year and hope to repeat this year. Find out what to expect when Seattle plays New England in Super Bowl XLIX (49) on Feb. 1. Hear what the teams’ coaches and players have to say.

leads NAACP

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TOP EVENTS

wants repeat

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Lloyd Gite, Kandi Eastman and J. Anthony Brown at art expo

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 22 | 2015

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Skillern-Jones named HISD board president The HISD Board of Education voted to name Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones as its new president. Skillern-Jones has served on the board since 2012. She is replacing outgoing Board President Juliet Stipeche, who has served on the board since 2010.

Other new board officers are Manuel Rodriguez, first vice president; Wanda Adams, second vice president; Paula Harris, secretary, and Stipeche, assistant secretary.

“I’m honored to be given this responsibility and distinction by my colleagues and take it very seriously,” Skillern-Jones said. “I look forward to a year of increased

student achievement and accountability.”

Skillern-Jones served as board secretary in 2012 and 2013 and first vice president in 2014. She also serves as a board member for the Texas Association of School Boards.

A native Houstonian, Skillern-Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in clinical sociology from Texas Southern University.

Trustees lauded Stipeche for her service as board president. “She always kept the children at the forefront, in leadership and in wanting to move district forward,” Rodriguez said.

Rhonda Skillern-Jones

Douglas takes charge as NAACP president TSU site of

By LaGLORIA WHEATFALL Defender

About James M. Douglas

Dr. James M. Douglas is best known for his long association with Texas Hometown Southern University and the Thurgood Onalaska, Texas Marshall School of Law. He now wears a Education: different hat as president of the NAACP B.A., Mathematics, Texas Southern Houston Branch.

University Douglas, who was recently sworn J.D., TSU Thurgood Marshall in along with other officers and executive School of Law (TMSL) committee members, previously served as J.S.M., Stanford University the organization’s first vice president, and Current position: succeeds Rev. Reginald Lillie. He looks Distinguished professor of law, TMSL forward to working with others to provide Background: service to the community.

TSU president (1995-1999) and “In order for the movement to be executive vice president successful you have to have different peoInterim dean, Florida A&M University ple doing different things,” Douglas said.

College of Law for a person to be successful in this environment?

“I often say as a football team, everybody Dean, professor of law, TMSL We’ve got things going on with our Veterans doesn’t have the same responsibilities, Professor, Northeastern University Affairs Committee. Returning soldiers don’t get but everybody on the team understands School of Law the kind of services that they need. And a substanthat if they do not work together as a unit, Assistant professor, associate dean, tial portion of those returning soldiers are Africanthey’re not going to be very successful.”

Syracuse University College of Law American.

Here, he talks about his goals as Involvement: We know that in order to address most of president and the importance of getting Minority Affairs Committee, Law the issues, we have to put people in office who other community members involved.

Admissions Council understand our needs and are willing to support Defender: What are your goals as Former American Bar Association our needs. president, long-term and short-term? education chair, Committee of Science Defender: What is your strategy to get Douglas: All of my goals are long& Technology more youth involved in the organization? term. One is the problem is the criminal Family: Douglas: We have a radio show called justice system. There have been a lot of Married to Tanya Smith Douglas, “NAACP Today (9 a.m. Tuesdays on killings of unarmed African-American three children mjwjtalkradio.com).” We recently had a young men by law enforcements officials. And man on the show who works with the Urban there is also a tremendous incarceration League, and we talked about doing joint projects with them to get rate of young African-American men for possession of small amounts of marijuana. I think that alone explains a great deal why there has been the youth involved. We understand that if we don’t get the young people involved, we’re not going to be very successful in what a destruction of the African-American family. we’re trying to do.

There are also some problems with HISD and some of the surDefender: Why is it important for the community to get rounding school districts. One of the biggest problems is that students involved with the NAACP? in some of the minority schools are not allowed to take books home Douglas: It’s important because everything out there that has and they are not given homework. So the question becomes if I’m not a negative effect on African Americans we can’t resolve…without allowed to take books home and I’m not given homework, how can I the numbers. We have to energize the masses of the community. ever develop independent learning skills that are so important in order l

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Black male conference Texas Southern University will co-host a conference on crime and violence titled “Black Men Rise” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27 in Sawyer Auditorium on campus.

The community is invited.

The event is being coordinated by the TSU Collegiate 100 group and supported by the founder of Black Men Rise, Bishop James Dixon. The purpose of the town hall-type event is to: • Inform young Black men of the individual and cultural consequences of crime • Challenge and inspire Black men to take responsibility for leading their generation to end the pattern of self-annihilation • Ignite a movement of unity among Black men to de-populate jails and prisons and re-populate schools and universities Participants will include comedian and radio personality Marcus Wiley and Se7en the Poet. Several young men, including ex-offenders, will offer their insight.

There will be special appearances by TSU President Dr. John Rudley, Police Chief Charles McClelland, various elected officials and others.

For information call 713443-0416 or visit www.blackmenrisetogether.com.

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JANUARY 22 | 2015 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs PRESIDENT OBAMA will be in Selma, Ala., on March 7 for the 50 th anniversary of the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. He will be joined by Georgia Congressman John Lewis, who was one of the marchers attacked by officers with billy clubs and tear gas on the Edmund Pettus Bridge 50 years ago.

The event became known as “Bloody Sunday” and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Interest in the march has been renewed due to the popularity of the movie “Selma” and recent police brutality protests……..THREE CITY COUNCIL INCUMBENTS in Ferguson, Mo. decided not to seek re-election.

Three of Ferguson’s six council seats are up for election on April 7, the date of the first municipal election since the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown sparked protests and exposed the city’s racial divide. Ferguson has a Black population of nearly 70 percent yet six of seven council members are white, and at the time of Brown’s shooting, only three of 53 police officers were Black. Mayor James Knowles, who plans to run again, said two of three council incumbents decided before Brown’s death not to seek re-election……..REV. AL SHARPTON blasted the lack of diversity in the recently released Oscar nominations.

All 20 of this year’s acting contenders are white and there were no women nominated in the writing or directing categories. “The lack of diversity in [the] Oscar nominations is appalling and while it is good that ‘Selma’ was nominated for Best Picture, it’s ironic that they nominated a story about the racial shutout around voting while there is a racial shutout around the Oscar nominations,” he said. Sharpton added that he has called a meeting of the National Action Network task force on the movie industry to discuss the nominations.

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 7 JANUARY 22, 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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Opinions divided over community college plan

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NNPA News Service

lack college educators and supporters are split over whether President Obama’s proposal to offer a free two-year community college education to students making progress toward earning an associate or bachelor’s degree would hurt or harm HBCUs. Lezli Baskerville, president and CEO of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, said that for students who have a gap in funding or choose to go to a two-year institution and don’t have adequate funding, America’s College Promise would create another opportunity for them.

“We are trying to make sure that students that want to go and get a technical certification or some training to get their foot in the door, can do that,” Baskerville said. “We also want to incentivize and facilitate students who want to get a four-year degree doing that, especially low-income students for whom options are very, very limited.”

Baskerville said that the jury is still out on whether a student would opt to go to a two-year college for free instead of going to an HBCU. However, Lester C. Newman, president of Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, believes HBCUs will pay a price.

“They are going to suffer,” he said. “Not too

many schools can operate with just the third and fourth level, especially four-year institutions that don’t have graduate programs. You don’t get the research dollars that can help sustain you. You rely on students being there from their freshman to their senior year.

“But if you are going to lose a great portion of those students for the first two years, you really will have to change your model, your business plan.”

Johnny Taylor, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, agreed.

“My fear is a real one and that this is going to significantly, negatively impact private HBCUs and I think it’s going to have some negative impact on public HBCUs,” he said. “Mama and Daddy are going to say, ‘If you can go to community college for free, that’s where you are going the first two years.’ ”

Bernice King asks U.S. to choose nonviolence Speaking to a crowd in Atlanta on the King Holiday, the daughter of Rev. Martin Luther King urged a new generation of activists to fight discrimination while heeding her father’s message of nonviolence.

“I challenge you to work with us as we help this nation choose nonviolence,” Rev. Bernice King said.

“We cannot act unless we understand what Dr. King taught us. He taught us that we still have a choice to make: nonviolent coexistence or violent co-annihilation.”

King, who serves as CEO of the King Center, also referenced the recent police killings that have

resulted in a new Civil Rights Movement.

“I cannot help but remember many women and men who have been gunned down, not by a bad police force but by some bad actors in a police force,” she said.

During observances in Atlanta, the King Center presented former President Bill Clinton with the Salute to Greatness Award for his humanitarian work with the Clinton Foundation.

Clinton talked about Dr. King’s legacy and the importance of encouraging young people.

Tributes and rallies were held around the U.S. on the King Holiday to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 22 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

Alcohol-medication interactions pose risk

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new study from the National the journal’s website.

Institutes of Health shows “Our findings show that a substantial that nearly 42 percent of U.S. percentage of people who drink regularly, adults who drink also report particularly older adults, could be at risk using medications known to interact with of harmful alcohol and medication interalcohol, increasing the risks for health actions,” Breslow said. problems.

“We suggest that Among those over “Our findings show people talk to their doctor or 65 years of age who drink pharmacist about whether that a substantial alcohol, nearly 78 percent they should avoid alcohol percentage of report using alcohol-interwhile taking their prescribed people who active medications. Such medications.” medications are widely Older adults are at drink regularly, used, and are prescribed particular risk of experiparticularly older for common conditions encing alcohol-medication adults, could such as depression, interactions. Not only are be at risk of diabetes and high blood they more likely to be taking pressure. medications in general, but harmful alcohol “Combining alcohol certain alcohol-interactive and medication with medications often medications, such as interactions.” carries the potential for diazepam (Valium), are serious health risks,” metabolized more slowly said Dr. George Koob, director of the as one ages, creating a larger window for National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and potential interactions.

Alcoholism “Based on this study, many The researchers analyzed data from individuals may be mixing alcohol with more than 26,000 adults ages 20 and interactive medications and they should older. The main types of alcohol-interacbe aware of the possible harms.” tive medications reported in the survey The resulting health effects can were blood pressure medications, sleeping range from mild (nausea, headaches pills, pain medications, muscle relaxers, or loss of coordination) to severe diabetes and cholesterol medications, (internal bleeding, heart problems or antidepressants and antipsychotics. difficulty breathing).

Based on recent estimates, about 71 The study, led by Dr. Rosalind percent of U.S. adults drink alcohol.

Breslow, Ph.D., appears in the FebruFor more information on alcoholary issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and medication interactions visit Experimental Research, now online at www.niaaa.nih.gov.

Blood test gauges heart attack risk The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new blood test that can help determine a person’s future odds for heart attack and other heart problems. The test, designed for people with no history of heart disease, appears to be particularly useful for women, especially Black women.

“A cardiac test that helps better predict future coronary heart disease risk in women, and especially Black women, may help health-care professionals identify these patients before they experience a serious event, like a heart attack,” said Alberto Gutierrez, director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Heart disease is the leading killer of all Americans with nearly twothirds of women and half of men who die suddenly displaying no previous symptoms of the disease.

The new test tracks the activity of Lp-PLA2, a biological signal of vascular inflammation, which is strongly associated with the buildup of plaques in arteries. As plaque accumulates, arteries narrow and the likelihood of a cardiovascular event rises.

“Patients with test results that show Lp-PLA2 activity greater than 225 nanomoles per minute per milliliter are at increased risk for a [heart disease] event,” according to the FDA. Nearly 4,600 people aged 45 to 92 with no prior history of heart disease took part in a study. Participants were followed for an average of five years.

In subgroup analyses, the test seemed particularly sensitive for Black women because they experienced a “higher jump” in the rate of heart attack and other heart disease events when their blood levels of LpPLA2 exceeded a certain level.

Underserved students get health care Embracing the idea that success in school starts with healthy learners, Memorial Hermann Health Centers for Schools has added three new health centers and a third mobile dental van to its growing roster of clinics where uninsured and underinsured children can access medical, mental health, nutritional and dental care.

New for the 2014-2015 school year are clinics on the shared campuses of Hastings and Elsik High Schools in Alief ISD, at Kruse Elementary in Pasadena ISD and at Dunn Elementary in Aldine ISD. Launched in 1996, the program now has 10 school clinics in five districts, including Houston and Lamar Consolidated ISDs. With school feeder patterns served, the clinics are available to more than 65,000 students at nearly 70 schools.

The Health Centers for Schools program is designed to serve as a medical home for uninsured children and a secondary access point for insured children with the primary goal of providing increased

access to health care.

Clinic services include well-child and sports physicals, immunizations, care for chronic diseases like asthma, obesity and high cholesterol, illness and injury visits, mental health therapy and social service referrals, nutritional guidance, as well as specific care to meet student needs.

The mobile dental vans offer periodic oral examinations, diagnostic X-rays, fluoride treatments, oral hygiene instructions, sealants, composite fillings, extractions, crowns and other services.

“The idea behind the program is to break down barriers to health care,” said Deborah Ganelin, director of Community Benefit Corporation for Memorial Hermann Health System.

“Barriers to health care for many of the students who access our clinics include low income, lack of knowledge about available health care, lack of transportation and parents’ inability to take time away from low-paying hourly jobs.”

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JANUARY 22 | 2015 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Kevin Hart

stars in ‘The Wedding Ringer’

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

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evin Hart might be the hardest working man in Hollywood.

Just last year, he starred in a trio of feature films, “Ride Along,” “About Last Night” and “Think like a Man Too,” and enjoyed supporting roles in “Top Five” and “School Dance.”

Meanwhile, he has his hit TV show, “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” for which he won a NAACP Image Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series Award.

In 2014, the NAACP named Hart the Entertainer of the Year.

Kevin Hart and Josh Gad learn a lesson about friendship in “The Wedding Ringer.”

The irrepressible comedian shows no sign of letting up. He’s KH: I thought it would be a good vehicle for already wrapped up work on “Ride Along 2,” and me, and would show me in a different light. It’s a has “The Secret Life of Pets,” “Central Intellifilm where I could display some versatility. That’s gence” and “Captain Underpants” in production. why I said I wanted to do it. It was different from Hart made time in his hectic schedule to get any movie I’d ever done before. engaged to his fiancée, model Eniko Parrish.

KW: Did you worry that the premise was so Here, he talks about “The Wedding Ringer,” a farfetched that it might be hard to pull off? comedy currently in theaters and co-starring Josh KH: No, because it was grounded. Reading Gad and Kelly Cuoco-Sweeting. the script, as crazy and unbelievable as the premKW: What interested you in “The Wedding ise was, the characters were actually grounded.

Ringer?”

The road to friendship between Jimmy [played KH: It was the great script. I got it about five

by Hart] and Doug [played by Gad] was what I or six months before we started shooting. And thought was really unique about the picture. It it had been sitting around for quite some time. made it so much more than just a movie about a You’re talking eight to 10 years. wedding.

KW: What gave you the confidence to pull It’s really about a guy who told a lie, and the trigger? his lie spirals out of control to the point that he

hires somebody to kind of make that lie a reality.

And along those lines, the two of them actually end up liking each other and realizing that their bond was necessary, because it’s something that people need. These are two people who avoided friendship for so long because they thought they didn’t need it.

KW: What is the message you want people to take away from the film?

KH: That friendship is important, regardless of who you are, how tough you are, or how much of a loner you might be. The thought of not having companionship is not a good thing. It’s something that we, as humans, need. And I feel that once you get a dose of it, and it’s genuine, it’s something you want for a long time.

KW: You’re the busiest brother in show biz. How do you keep up the pace?

KH: I’m focused. I have goals I’m trying to accomplish, and the best way to accomplish those goals is to work hard, keep my eyes on the prize and understand what’s at stake. And now that I see what the possibilities are, it just makes me grind and work harder.

KW: How do you want to be remembered?

KH: As a great father, as a guy who was dedicated to his craft, and as a great example and role model to young kids, to show them that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to.

what’sup SNOOP DOGG is a grandfather. The rapper recently welcomed his first grandchild, Zion Kalvin Broadus, and posted photos of the little one on Instagram. The newborn’s father is Snoop’s eldest son, Corde Broadus. Snoop and his wife Shante have two other children, Cordell and Cori……..

Oscar-winner OCTAVIA SPENCER teams up with Oscar-winner KEVIN COSTNER in the drama “Black and White,” which opens in theaters on Jan. 30. In the film, Spencer and Costner are drawn into a legal battle when both seek custody of their bi-racial granddaughter, portrayed by JILLIAN ESTELL. ANTHONY MACKIE plays Spencer’s

brother……..STEVIE WONDER is preparing for the special “Songs in the Key of Life: An All-Star Grammy Salute,” which tapes Feb. 10 (two days after the Grammy Awards) and airs Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. on CBS. The special will pay homage to Wonder’s iconic career with performances that celebrate his incomparable songbook. Performers include USHER, JANELLE MONÁE and WILLIE NELSON. Wonder, 64, began his career at age 11 at Motown and has won 25 Grammys. Wonder will also serve as an executive producer of the NBC miniseries titled “Freedom Run,” which is in development. The miniseries is based on the acclaimed non-fiction book

“Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad.” It tells the story of men and women who fought for love during slavery……..CHRIS BROWN’S next court date is March 20. Brown recently had his probation revoked in connection to his appearance at a nightclub where five people were shot on Jan. 11. Brown wasn’t involved in the incident but by performing in San Jose, Calif. he violated a provision in his probation forbidding him from leaving Los Angeles County. Brown also has 200 hours of community service to complete. He is on probation for his 2009 attack on RIHANNA, his girlfriend at the time.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 22 | 2015

OBAMA GIVES STATE OF THE UNION

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uring his sixth State of the Union speech, President Obama said the U.S. is ready to “turn the page” from years of financial hardship.

“The shadow of crisis has passed,” he said, “and the State of the Union is strong.”

Obama used the speech to promote an ambitious program of middle class economics. His priorities include tax breaks for child care, a tax hike on the wealthy, lower interest rates on mortgage insurance, new requirements for paid sick leave and two free years of community college.

Obama also referred to the unrest in Ferguson and other parts of the country.

“We may have different takes on the events of Ferguson and New York. But surely we can understand a father who fears his son can’t walk home without being harassed,” he said. “Surely we can understand the wife who won’t rest until the police officer she married walks through the front door at the end of his shift,” he said.

Here are some of the other issues Obama addressed:

Middle-class economics

Under Obama’s plan, tax hikes on the wealthy would help finance tax breaks for middleincome Americans, including a tripling of the child care tax credit. He said middle-class economics means “helping working families feel more secure in a world of constant change. That means helping folks afford childcare, college, health care, a home, retirement. And my budget will address each of these issues, lowering the taxes of working families and putting thousands of dollars back into their pockets each year.”

Higher education

Obama referred to his plan announced earlier to make two years of community college free for responsible students. “By the end of this decade, two in three job openings will require some

EXAMINE

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higher education,” he said. “And yet, we still live in a country where too many bright, striving Americans are priced out of the education they need. It’s not fair to them, and it’s sure not smart for our future. That’s why I’m sending this Congress a bold new plan to lower the cost of community college – to zero.

Equal pay, higher wages

“Nothing helps families make ends meet like higher wages,” Obama said. “That’s why this Congress still needs to pass a law that makes sure a woman is paid the same as a man for doing the same work. We still need to make sure employees get the overtime they’ve earned. And to everyone in this Congress who still refuses to raise the minimum wage, I say this: If you truly believe you could work full-time and support a family on less than $15,000 a year, try it. If not, vote to give millions of the hardest-working people in America a raise.”

Foreign policy

Obama asked Congress to formally authorize the use of force against the terror group known as ISIS or ISIL. “In Iraq and Syria, American leadership – including our military power – is stopping ISIL’s advance. Instead of getting dragged into another ground war in the Middle East, we are leading a broad coalition, including Arab nations, to degrade and ultimately destroy this terrorist group…This effort will take time. It will require focus. But we will succeed.”

Cybersecurity

Obama also asked Congress to approve legislation that would allow businesses and government to work together more closely to stop online attacks. “No foreign nation, no hacker, should be able to shut down our networks, steal our trade secrets, or invade the privacy of American families, especially our kids,” Obama said. “I urge this Congress to finally pass the legislation we need to better meet the evolving threat of cyber-attacks, combat identity theft, and protect our children’s information.”

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 22 | 2015

defendernetwork.com

opinion World indifferent to

missing Nigerian girls

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist

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Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune

ne could not help but be impressed by the millions that turned out in Paris to stand against the Islamist terrorists who killed workers at the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and four others at a kosher grocery store.

Two law enforcement officers were also killed, bringing the total to 17.

About 40 heads of state and more than a million others crowded into Republique Square; even more rallied around France.

In total, it is estimated that 3.7 million rallied for freedom. They wore shirts and carried signs that said, “I am Charlie.” Some said, “I am Muslim and Charlie” or “I am Jewish and Charlie.” Those crowds transcended race, religious and political lines.

President Obama got mixed reaction for not attending the solidarity rally. Ambassador to France Jane Hartley, someone with much less status, represented the United States. Critics said the president could at least have sent Vice President Joe Biden; Attorney General Eric H. Holder was in Paris and could have attended. The president may be doing something much more substantive by convening a summit on world terrorism at the White House in February.

I wonder if these gatherings will address terror in Nigeria, where the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram abducted 276 girls, and still holds 219. A hashtag campaign, #BringBackOurGirls was joined by First Lady Michelle Obama, former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, British Prime Minister David Cameron and others. Today, the abducted girls have all but disappeared from the headlines and from the public consciousness.

The girls were abducted on April 14, 2014.

Since then, our attention has been riveted by

other news from the African continent, as the Ebola virus killed thousands (we in the U.S. were mostly focused on our handful of casualties), and as ISIS has escalated its activity around the globe.

While some have forgotten about the Nigerian girls, many have not. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Nigerian government official who is now vice president of the World Bank’s Africa Division, has been among those continuing to focus attention on the girls.

People fear that Boko Haram may have sold the schoolgirls into slavery, forced some into marriage or killed others. Given the fact that Amnesty International, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the UN Security Council have decried the Islamist militant terrorist group, it is alarming that the world community has been so indifferent to the plight of the abducted young girls.

Some of the indifference does not start with the world, but in Nigeria. Will Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian president who is running for reelection, mention the girls at all before February, when voting takes place? Or, has the fate of 219 kidnapped girls been forgotten?

Demonstrations have taken place daily in

Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, despite the fact that the police have ordered these demonstrations to stop. Meanwhile, Boko Haram continues its terrorist plundering in Nigeria, destroying villages and towns in the northeast part of the country and killing thousands.

It is estimated that they have destroyed more than 3,700 structures – homes, churches, and public spaces. Tens of thousands of Nigerians have fled to bordering Chad because they fear for their lives.

I don’t know if it would be effective for world leaders to rally in Abuja to pressure Boko Haram to return the girls. I don’t know if T-shirts or signs saying, “We Are the Nigerian Girls” would do much more than direct attention back to these young students whose hopes and dreams have been stomped on by irrational terrorists.

I don’t know if it would make a difference if Nigerians all over the world came together to demand return of the girls. I don’t know the efforts of feminists around the world would make a difference.

I do know that about 219 Nigerian girls are gone, and a terrorist group is responsible for taking them. I know that they are reputed to be affiliated with Al-Qaeda and with ISIS. I know that while the world has rallied to show solidarity in the fight against terrorism in France, there has been no such gathering to show solidarity in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

The war against terrorism has been embraced in Paris, with millions there, and thousands in the rest of the world, taking it to the streets to express their outrage. Where is the outrage for the more than 200 Nigerian girls? Nine months after they have been snatched from their school, who remembers? Who cares?

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JANUARY 22 | 2015 | DEFENDER

business

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Know the five pillars of business success

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hether you’re already in business or preparing to start a business, it takes hard work, tenacity and drive to achieve a high level of success. So how can an entrepreneur overcome common pitfalls and develop a thriving business?

Here are five pillars that make a company successful from the Small Business Administration.

1. People. If you want your small business to succeed, you need a fantastic team. Russell Simmons, founder or Def Jam Recordings said, “Surround yourself with people that are smarter than you.” A company can accomplish amazing things when it has leadership and a team who is inspired, hardworking and believes in the company’s mission.

2. Plan. “Quality is the best business plan, period,” said John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Pixar and Disney. Just about everyone in the business world agrees that having a plan is important. And that doesn’t mean the big formal business plan document you fear like a term paper.

It starts small and may grow in time.

Implementation is everything. It’s essential to establish responsibilities, set goals and track performance. You will also need to answer key questions, such as: Have you identified your target customers? What problems are you trying to solve for them? What will be the most effective marketing and promotional strategies?

3. Process. The late scholar and statistician Dr. W. Edwards Deming said, “85 percent of the reasons for failure to meet customer expectations are related to deficiencies in systems and processes rather than the employee.” It’s crucial that you have a full and clear understanding of your company’s processes and have the right systems in place.

4. Product. Does your product solve a problem? Is there something

Free filing software for taxpayers The Internal Revenue Service announced the launch of Free File, which makes brandname tax software products and electronic filing available to most taxpayers at no charge.

The software can help with tax preparation, including the health care law that will affect almost everyone. It is available only at IRS.gov/FreeFile, thanks to a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a consortium of 14 tax software companies that make their branded products available for free.

Since 2003, more than 43 million people have used Free File, saving an estimated $1.3 billion.

“You don’t have to be an expert on taxes or the new health care law,” said John A. Koskinen, IRS commissioner. “Free File software can help walk you through the rules and

help you get it right. The real winner in this partnership has been the nation’s taxpayers.”

If you earned $60,000 or less last year, you are eligible to choose from among 14 software products. If you earned more, you are still eligible for Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms.

More than 70 percent of all taxpayers – 100 million people – are eligible for the software products. Each of the 14 companies has its own special offers, generally based on age, income or state residency. Taxpayers can review each company offer or they can use a “Help Me” tool that will find the software for which they are eligible.

Taxpayers have the option to prepare their return at any time and schedule a tax payment as late as the April 15 deadline.

that is out there that your product does in a different way? Is there a demand for it? Success in business requires doing something you’re passionate about that fills a need in the marketplace.

Debbi Fields, Founder of Mrs. Fields Bakeries said, “Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it.”

5. Profit. When it comes to measuring a successful business, profitability is probably the first thing that comes to mind. “If you want to be successful in

N OW

business, you need to be able to read and understand your financial dashboard,” said Dawn Fotopulos, associate professor of Business at the King’s College in New York.

A small business owner should never stop learning, innovating planning and growing. “Leaders spend 5 percent of their time on the problem and 95 percent of their time on the solution,” said noted life coach Tony Robbins. “Get over it & crush it!”

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR

Project LEAP 2015

Project LEAP (Learning, Empowerment, Advocacy, Participation) is a free comprehensive 17 week advocacy training program for HIV affected or infected individuals. The purpose of Project LEAP is to train people to become active participants on local HIV/AIDS planning bodies.

Classes are on Wednesdays  March through July 10:00 am - 2:00 pm -or- 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm A brief application & interview are required Application Deadline: Monday, February 2nd at 5:00 p.m.

If you have questions about the program or would like to request an application please contact Diane Beck at 713 572-3724 or diane.beck@hctx.net Or apply online: www.surveymonkey.com/S/PLEAP2015 RYAN WHITE PLANNING COUNCIL OFFICE OF SUPPORT

2223 West Loop South, Suite 240; Houston, TX 77027 Phone 713 572-3724 Fax 713 572-3724 TTY 713-572-2813 www.rwpcHouston.org

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 22 | 2015

sports

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New England, Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX

A

By MAX EDISON Defender

Earl Thomas of Orange (University of Texas).

The Patriots punched their ticket to appear in their sixth Super Bowl by demolishing the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 in the AFC championship game. They feature two men who are frequently mentioned as the greatest of all time, Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.

The Patriots stress the team above individuals, a philosophy expressed by their low-key coach.

“This is really a good group, it’s a hardworking group,” Belichick said. “They work with each other, they try to help each other get better and I couldn’t be happier for this group of guys. This has really been a good team to coach and guys deserve their success…”

Offensively, with Brady at the helm, there is nothing the Patriots can’t do. They can grind opponents up with a running game that features LeGarrette Blount and Jonas Gray. If that doesn’t work Brady can surgically dissect a defense with a plethora of weapons. Tight end Ron Gronkowski is a match-up nightmare, wide-out Brandon LaFell is a big, tough physical receiver and Julian Edeleman and Danny Amendola make clutch receptions.

The defense is a suffocating unit anchored by All-Pro nose tackle Vince Wilfork. Rob Ninkovich, Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower are a stout unit up front. Ross Browner, formerly of the Seahawks is a huge cornerback and Darelle Revis is arguably the best cornerback in the NFL. Notable Houston-area Patriots include LaFell (Lamar High School), offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (University of Houston) and defensive back Dax Swanson (Sam Houston State), who is on the practice squad.

fter 20 weeks of hard-hitting action, it comes down to this – the Seattle Seahawks vs. the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX (49) in Glendale, Ariz. The game will be played on Feb. 1 at the University of Phoenix Stadium, and will be broadcast on NBC at 5:30 p.m.

It’s a matchup made in football heaven. The youthful exuberance of the defending champion Seahawks led by third-year quarterback and heartthrob Russell Wilson is pitted against the Patriots and future Hall of Fame QB Tom Brady, already a three-time winner.

The Seahawks needed a miraculous fourth quarter rally to defeat the Green Bay Packers in overtime 28-22 in the NFC Championship game. They are trying to become the first backto-back champions since the Patriots in 2004 and 2005.

“To have a chance to go back to the Super Bowl is extraordinarily fun for us, and I hope everybody else, too,” said Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. “We’re going to do everything we can to go get it done when the time comes.”

The Seahawks offense will be led by the talented Wilson.

They are a ball control offense that features the violent rushing style of running back Marshawn Lynch. Their receivers Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse and Luke Willson are not household names with Pro Bowl resumes, but they make plays in pressure situations over and over again.

Defensively, the Seahawks are extremely fast and very aggressive. They feature Pro Bowl linebackers Bobby Wagner and 2014 Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith. Their secondary, known collectively as the Legion of Boom, is the best in the game. Safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas, combined with cornerbacks Byron Maxwell and Richard Sherman give opposing offensive coordinators nightmares.

“No matter what you do to us, no matter how hard the pressure gets, no matter what you throw at us — no matter what happens — we bend, but we don’t break,” Chancellor said.

The Seahawks are loaded with starters with ties to the greater Houston area, such as defensive standout Michael Bennett (Alief Taylor, Texas A&M), offensive tackle Russell Okung (Ft. Bend Bush, Oklahoma State), Luke Willson (Rice) and Tom Brady of New England remains one of the best QBs.

Russell Wilson, Seattle’s quarterback, hopes to win again.

Earl Thom as of is a star sa Orange fety Seahawk for the s.

Vince Wilfork of the Patriots is an All-Pro nose tackle.

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h.s.zone Pearland Dawson’s Lewis is big winner brigade comes in with a similar mindset and effort.

“We try to impress on our guys not to panic if awson guard Jordan Lewis draws we fall behind,” Barre said. “We tell them to get high praise from head coach Mark one possession. Let’s get one stop and score one Barre. time. Our motto is to win today.

“We’re talking about a four“That’s our motto during the game,” Barre year varsity guy who has won 102 said. “We can’t control the last possession if we basketball games,” Barre said. “That’s an average turned it over. We can’t control the next possession of 25 wins per season. That doesn’t just happen because we don’t know what’s going to happen. anywhere. He’s the school’s career leader in that Let’s just win this possession. If the coaches start category and we still have seven district games panicking then the kids get tight and can’t play.” and possibly a playoff run left.”

Lewis says his father got him excited about Dawson rallied from playing basketball at a a seven-point halftime very young age. He beroad deficit to defeat lieves his main contriDawson guard C.J. Simmons South Houston 46-42 butions to the team are makes transition to basketball and close out the first being able to communihalf of District 22-6A cate and bring together competition with a 7-1 his teammates along mark. Although Barre rotated 10 or more with the ability to put the ball in the players throughout the game, Lewis basket. Stephen Curry is his favorite played a significant role in the Eagles’ professional basketball player. turnaround.

“We were hoping to go undefeatA three-pointer and a steal near the ed through the first round of district end of the third quarter gave Dawson a play,” Lewis said. “But we slipped brief lead. Then Lewis converted freeup [to Manvel] and we’ll have to throw attempts down the stretch to sework with 7-1 and move forward.” cure the win. “I told the team at halftime Manvel defeated Dawson 50-38 that we needed to work together and bring on the Eagles’ home floor. The rematch more energy,” Lewis said. is set for Feb. 3 at Manvel.

“Coach wanted us to step up and “We have to bring more energy the score and I knew if we met or next time and execute better,” Lewis surpassed their energy, everysaid. “If we do that we can thing would come through be very good and follow for us,” Lewis said. through with a win.”

“We had to buckle Meanwhile, Barre down and get a win. knows the clock is That’s what it comes winding down on the down to. We have high school career of a to get wins.” perennial winner.

The 6-foot-2 “Jordan is a combination guard coach’s’ dream,” is interchangeable Barre said. “You can with C.J. Simget on him and be mons. Other key tough with him and players include all he says is either Daniel Walters, ‘yes sir or no sir.’

Paul Taulton He’s fun to coach and Randy and I’m going Dobbs. The to miss that kid Dawson bench when he leaves.”

D

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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JANUARY 22 | 2015 DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Sam Houston starts fast The Sam Houston High School boys’ varsity basketball team won 18 of its first 20 games this season, including the HISD and Conroe tournament titles. It was the first time the Tigers claimed the HISD tournament since 1988 when Sam Houston went on to win the only state large-school classification championship (Class 5A) in school history. That was also the first year of the three-point shot in Texas. Larry Pitre was the Tigers’ coach and Kethus Hanks, Jodie Arthur and Gerry Holmes were the top players. Twenty-seven years later, Ralph Barreras is Sam Houston’s head coach. Top players include Kennard Robinson, twin brother Lennard Robinson and Ja’Qualin Greene. Sam Houston defeated Yates 74-70 in the finals of the Conroe Christmas Classic. The Tigers also beat three-time defending District 20-6A champion Westside in the HISD tournament. “These kids really get after it on defense,” Barreras said.

Atascocita, Westside rank State-ranked Houston area high school basketball squads include the Atascocita High School boys and Westside High girls’ teams.

Atascocita rolled out of the starting blocks by winning 20 of its first 21 contests. The precedent was set last season when the Eagles won their first district (16-6A) championship and first playoff game. Now Atascocita has loftier goals and is ranked No. 2 in Texas among Class 6A schools. Top players include Carsen Edwards, Greg Shead and Paris Marquez. The Westside girls are ranked No. 16 in the state after claiming the HISD girls’ tournament with Maddison Turner, Sentreal Gregory and Janae Smith leading the charge.

Harden Player of Month Rockets guard James “The Beard” Harden was named Western Conference Player of the Month by the NBA for games played in December, 2014. It marks the first time Harden has won the award and only the 12th time in Rockets franchise history an individual has won Western Conference Player of the Month honors. It’s the first time a Houston Rocket has won the award since Yao Ming received the honor in January, 2008. Harden averaged 30.6 points, 7.1 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game in leading Houston to a 9-5 month.

Astros extend Carter The Astros recently agreed to terms with infielder/outfielder Chris Carter on a oneyear contract for the 2015 season. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Carter, 28, hit 37 homers last year, which ranked tied for second in the Major Leagues and marked the most by an Astros player since 2006, when Lance Berkman hit 45. Carter’s seven multihomer games led the Majors and set an Astros franchise record, while his 88 RBI marked the most by a Houston player since 2011 (Carlos Lee). The right-handed hitter was named the American League Player of the Week for the week of Aug. 11-17, and over the past two seasons his 66 homers rank fifth in the Major Leagues. The 2014 season marked Carter’s second with the Astros, as he was acquired from the A’s in a five-player deal in 2013.

Jordan Lewis

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 22 | 2015

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

topevents

ROTHKO SONGS OF FREEDOM……..The Rothko Chapel presented Songs celebration took place after BHS volunteers and members of the community of Freedom featuring acclaimed singer Rutha Mae Harris. The event upheld marched during the organization’s children’s parade. Health vendors and the chapel’s mission to inspire people to action in reverence for the highest representatives from the Houston Food Bank supplied registrants with free aspirations of humanity and to provide a forum for global concerns. Harris was food, toiletries and health educational information. In attendance were Marco an original member of the Freedom Singers, a group formed in the 1960s to Spoon, Sandra Massie Hines, Courtney Hill, Elizabeth Humphrey, Alesia educate communities about civil rights issues. Numerous civil rights leaders Crawford, Jeleasa Crawford, Alia Crawford, Pastor Brian and Kelly Gowan, considered Harris’ voice invaluable to the success of the movement. “Without Milton Thomas, James Williams, Faustine Martin, the Thurgood Marshall the songs of the movement, personally I believe that there Elementary cheerleaders and a host of others…….. J. ANTHONY wouldn’t have been a movement,” Harris said. Guests in Defender TOP EVENTS BROWN ART EXPO……..Comedian and actor J. Anthony attendance included Mayor Annise D. Parker, Rothko Brown in partnership with the Lloyd Gite’s the Gite Gallery More photos on defendernetwork.com Chapel Board Chair Christopher Rothko, SHAPE Center hosted an art expo to debut and sell some of Brown’s artwork See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Executive Director Deloyd Parker, Claudia Horwitz, and gourmet sauces. The reception was an intimate event with Michelle Ashton, Ashley Clemmer Hoffman, Paula live music provided by Parrish B. Early. Several of Brown’s Wilder, Yma Luis, Thuy M. Tran, David Benson Dr. Mtangulizi Sanyika celebrity friends and supporters came out to view his artwork such as reality star and many more…….. BHS COMMUNITY HEALTH FESTIVAL…….. and entertainer Tammie Roman, Ghetto Boyz rapper Willie G, Chef Lindsey The Black Heritage Society (BHS) hosted a community health festival and fair G., Jean Lloyd, Kandi Eastman, Amber Shaw and Marguerite Siebenhoven.

The event was a huge success. Congrats. at MacGregor Park in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Day. The

Rutha Mae Harris and Paula Wilder

Dr. Mtangulizi Sanyika, Christopher Rothko and David Benson

Alesia Crawford, Jeleasa Crawford and Alia Crawford

Lloyd Gite, Kandi Eastman and J. Anthony Brown

Courtney Hill and Elizabeth Humphrey

Marguerite Siebenhoven and Chef Lindsey G.

Mayor Annise Parker and Rutha Mae Harris

Marco Spoon, Sandra Massie Hines and E&J

Ben Hall, Saundra Hall and Lloyd Gite

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