Houston Defender: January 5, 2012

NEWSTALK

HANK’S ICE CREAM OWNER HANK WIGGINS PASSES AT AGE 74 P2

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source Volume 81 | Number 9

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WEEK OF JANUARY 5, 2012 | FREE

NEWSTALK

GENE LOCKE discusses redistricting

Tense times ahead P2 OPINIONUP WHAT’S

ARETHA FRANKLIN gets engaged

P5 SPORTS BRIEF

Supreme Court rulings impact minorities H Page 6

ROBERT GRIFFIN III turning pro

P11 CHAG’S PLACE

Laura Gilmore and Vanessa Gilmore at holiday exchange.

P12

Queen Latifah stars in film

Multi-talented Queen Latifah has enjoyed success in music, television and film. Her latest movie is “Joyful Noise,” a musical comedy co-starring Dolly Parton. She says that its timely, uplifting story was perfect for her, and she’s pleased with its inspirational message. She also recalls her transition from rapper to actress.

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Kyle Lowry

plays for Rockets The Houston Rockets are loaded with inexperienced yet talented young players. Additionally, they have a new coach, Kevin McHale. The team has high hopes for point guard Kyle Lowry, who will see more playing time this season. GM Daryl Morey says Lowry needs to go one notch higher, “but I absolutely think he has that ability.”

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JANUARY 5 | 2012

newstalk

Justice Department

approves county map

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved Harris County’s redistricting map for commissioner precincts, clearing the way for three upcoming county commissioner elections for Precincts 1, 3, and 4.

The county map had been the focus of a lawsuit led by Latino activists who contended that the map weakened voting power. However, the DOJ’s recent Gene Locke approval means that of their choice.” the body has determined the The issue of pre-clearance court’s plan complies with is the sticking point with the Section 5 of the Voting Rights statewide redistricting maps, Act and has thus received and the case that will be heard “pre-clearance.” before the U.S. Supreme Court “The DOJ determined on Jan. 9. However, Locke that the Harris County maps says residents should not mix protected Precinct 1 under up the two separate redistrictthe parameters of the Voting ing map cases.

Rights Act,” said attorney “The redistricting map Gene Locke, who advised the that will appear before the county on its map. “Thus, U.S. Supreme Court deals with pre-clearance, in Harris with statewide maps handling County Precinct 1, Blacks can state representatives. The elect the county commissioner Harris County plan recently

pre-cleared by the U.S. Department of justice only deals with Harris County, and directly affects the three county commissioner seats up for election – Precinct 1, held by El Franco Lee; Precinct 3, held by Steve Raddack; and Precinct 4, held by recent appointee Jack Cagle,” said Locke.

Locke said the Supreme Court ruling on the statewide maps will have little or no effect on Houston because Harris County’s redistricting map has received pre-clearance with the DOJ ruling, meaning the map was deemed to protect minority voting rights.

“Harris County’s plan came under criticism, but the commissioners were always careful to take all legal and policy considerations into account to craft a plan that meets federal law and allows Harris County to deliver a high level of service to its citizens,” said Locke.

“Obviously I am pleased that the Department of Justice

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Hank’s Ice Cream owner dead at 74 Defender News Services

Hank Wiggins, known for serving tasty, homemade ice cream with a smile, died Dec. 31 at the age of 74. He had been hospitalized after suffering a spinal cord injury earlier in 2011.

Wiggins and his wife, Okemah, opened Hank’s Ice Cream on South Main in 1985. Customers from all over the Houston area flocked to the ice cream shop, where butter pecan was the most popular flavor.

A native of Caldwell, Wiggins attended Prairie View A&M University. He operated a successful taxi cab company, but closed it in the ’80s after the economy slowed down. He enjoyed making ice cream for his family, and decided to go into the business. recognized the legality of Harris County’s plan and precleared it.”

Still, the lawsuit filed by Latino activists, which alleges the county’s plan illegally dilutes Hispanic voting power in the southeast commissioner precinct, 2, is ongoing under a section of the act intended to protect minority voting clout.

In connection with the activists’ lawsuit, an interim redistricting map was configured in December by U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore to be used for the 2012 elections. Barring further action by the federal courts, the Gilmore-produced interim map will still be used for the upcoming 2012 elections, according to Locke.

“The report from the DOJ

is vindication of the work done by the Commissioners Court in August,” Cagle said.

“Because Judge Gilmore’s map is still the binding law, it is important to remember that the precincts we will use in the coming election are those set forth by her court order.”

Even with the DOJ’s ruling, uncertainty still reigns on one county issue. The commissioners originally designated March 1 as the start of the county’s fiscal year, to begin administering services based on the new precinct lines.

However, according to Assistant County Attorney Doug Ray, it is not clear which lines will be used come March 1 – the lines designed by the interim map or those produced by the Commissioner’s Court.

localbriefs HOUSTON HOMICIDES decreased in 2011. The Houston Police Department recorded 196 murders last year, the lowest count in almost 50 years.

The drop in murders mirrors a national trend. FBI December statistics showed a decrease in violent crime, which includes murder, robbery, rape and aggravated assault…….. METRO is holding community meetings to obtain input into changes in routes, including the elimination of the 49 Chimney Rock and the 35 Fairview. Meetings are: Jan. 11, 6:30 p.m., Holland Middle School; Jan. 18, 7 p.m., Westbury High School, and Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m., Ellis Memorial Church of God in Christ……..

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE called for an official apology from Texas Congressman and Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul for “racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic” newsletter quotes made in the 1980s and ‘90s. “The language found in these newsletters, without an apology and an explanation, makes him a questionable candidate for the presidency of the United States,” Lee said. She cited among other things, a 1992 edition of the newsletter that labeled former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan a “victimologist” whose race and gender protected her from criticism. Paul has responded by calling

the newsletter statements “terrible” and insisting that he wasn’t the one who wrote them……..

STATE REP. SYLVESTER TURNER voiced his displeasure with Verizon Wireless’ announcement that it would begin charging customers a $2 fee for making single bill payments online or by telephone.

“Instituting such a practice amidst a period in our economy in which many individuals and families are struggling financially and attempting to save every penny is simply unfair,” said Turner. Verizon later abandoned plans to hit subscribers with the additional fee after customers rallied against the carrier.

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WEEK OF JANUARY 5 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Millionaires make up 47% of Congress Special to the NNPA from the Florida Courier

A

10 Richest Texas

Members of Congress

bout 47 percent of According to the Center for Responsive Congress, Politics, here are the top 10 richest members of or 250 Congress from Texas, their overall ranking on current the list and their average net worth for 2010. members of Congress, are millionaires, accord#2 Michael McCaul (R) $448,125,017 ing to a new study by #17 Kenny Marchant (R) $49,340,275 the Center for Respon#32 Blake Farenthold (R) $26,654,549 sive Politics of lawmak#55 Lloyd Doggett (D) $15,008,544 ers’ personal financial disclosure forms cover#64 Randy Neubebauer (R) $11,553,036 ing calendar year 2010. #81 William Flores (R) $7,924,008 The Center’s analy#120 Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R) $5,243,540 sis is based on the me#121 Mike Conaway (R) $5,080,558 dian values of lawmakers’ disclosed assets and $4,532,505 #133 Al Green (D) liabilities. #136 Pete Sessions (R) $4,420,525 That lofty financial status is enjoyed by only about one percent of Americans.

“The vast majority of members of Congress are quite comfortable, financially, while many of their own constituents suffer from economic hardships,” said Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the center.

“It’s no surprise that so many people grumble about lawmakers being out-of-touch,” Krumholz continued. “Few Americans enjoy the same financial cushion maintained by most members of Congress U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa is the richest member of Congress.

– or the same access to market-altering informa- U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings is the poorest tion that could yield per- member of Congress. sonal financial gains.”

On the whole, elected officials in the U.S. Senate enjoy cushier bank accounts and portfolios than their counterparts in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In 2010, the year of the most recently released financial data,

national

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U.S.briefs

the estimated median net worth of a current U.S. senator stood at an average of $2.63 million, according to the Center’s research.

Party doesn’t matter

Fully 37 Senate Democrats and 30 Senate Republicans reported an average net worth in excess of $1 million in 2010, according to the Center’s analysis. The same was true of 110 House Republicans and 73 House Democrats.

The median estimated net worth among Senate Republicans was $2.43 million, and the median net worth among members of the Democratic caucus in the Senate was $2.69 million.

Meanwhile, in the House, the median estiContinued on Page 5

FAMU committee being formed to study hazing issue Six weeks after the death of drum major Robert Champion, Florida A&M University’s board of trustees approved a plan to establish an independent committee to study hazing. The board also approved a scholarship in the name of Champion, who died after a hazing ritual. His death was ruled a homicide. The five-member committee will not investigate Champion’s death. Champion’s family members, who responded through their attorney, were not impressed.

“We hope that the FAMU administration focuses its time and resources on developing substantive strategies that protect its band members from hazing; that is the legacy Robert would have wanted,” they said.

Black female military participation keeps growing Black women have become a critical source of Army and Air Force recruits, according to a recent analysis of Defense Department data. The military enlistment rate for Black woman far exceeds that of white or Hispanic women. Black women now account for nearly a third of all females in the nation’s armed forces, a Pew Research Center study has concluded.

Overall, the female ranks of the military have gone from 2 to 14 percent of the enlisted ranks and from 4 to 16 percent of the officer corps over nearly four decades. And 31 percent of the military’s 167,000 enlisted women are Black women.

Unlike whites, Black kids form identity through race Black children in the same age group tend to form their identity more strongly by the color of their skin than a shared language, while the opposite is true for white children. A study published in Developmental Science and conducted by University of Chicago researchers Katherine Kinzler and Jacelyn Dautel presented some preliminary findings regarding how young children identify with others. The experiments asked the question, “Which adult does this child grow up to be?” In experiments using white children, the youngsters picked the adult that spoke the same language. In experiments using Black kids, the children picked the adult that was a racial match.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 9 WEEK OF JANUARY 5, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Associate Editors Reshonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JANUARY 5 | 2012

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Queen Latifah makes a ‘Joyful Noise’

By Kam Williams Defender

Born Dana Elaine Owens in Newark on March 18, 1970, multi-talented Queen Latifah is an award-winning actress, rapper, singer, author and entrepreneur.

She landed an Oscar nomination in 2003 for Best Supporting Actress, as well as Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award nominations for her performance as Mama Morton in “Chicago.”

In 2008, Latifah received rave reviews and won a Golden Globe, SAG and an NAACP Image Award for her powerful portrayal of a mother who overcomes an addiction to crack and becomes a positive role model and AIDS activist in the Black community in HBO’s “Life Support.”

In addition to her film and television accolades, she earned a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rap Performance in 1994, and was nominated for Best Female Rap Solo Performance for “Go Head” in 2004.

Latifah made her screen debut in Spike Lee’s 1991 film “Jungle Fever,” and her other film credits include “The Bone Collector,” “The Last Holiday,” “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Just Wright.”

Here, she talks about her latest movie, “Joyful Noise,” a musical comedy co-starring Dolly Parton.

Kam Williams: What interested you in Joyful Noise?

Latifah: I felt that its timely, uplifting story was perfect for me, given what’s going on in the world right now. And I already loved the studio, Alcon Entertainment. They’ve made a lot of nice movies in the past [“The Blind Side,” “Dolphin Tale,” etc.], and they really do a great job of marketing their films. And I liked the idea of working with Dolly Parton and Keke [Palmer].

KW: What message do you think people will take away from “Joyful Noise?”

Latifah: I would say that overall, the movie offers an inspirational message of hope, love, camaraderie, joy and overcoming challenges in difficult times.

All that good stuff.

KW: What’s your favorite song in Joyful Noise?

Latifah: For me, it was “Fix me, Jesus.”

KW: How hard was it to make the switch from hiphop to acting?

Latifah: Developing my skills and getting really good at acting was actually more challenging than making the switch. As a rapper, you sort of act in music videos and in the persona you adopt onstage. You kinda have to put yourself out there and be courageous even to be a rapper.

So, to step into acting was not that difficult a transition to make. What was difficult was the work and the practice that went into becoming good at it, because I hadn’t had any training.

KW: Is there a classic film that you’d like to

Queen Latifah

star in a remake of?

Latifah: The James Earl Jones and Diahann Carroll film “Claudine.” Or maybe “Taps,” the military story starring Tom Cruise and Sean Penn. But that one’s all boys so I probably couldn’t do that one anyway.

KW: You did such a great duet with Tony Bennett.

Who else would you like to do a duet with?

LATIFAH: Gee, there are a whole bunch of people I’d like to duets with…Harry Connick Jr. would be nice.

KW: What advice do you have for women interested in founding a record company or breaking the glass ceiling in the music business?

Latifah: Try to network with others, and don’t take no for an answer. It will be a challenge. You just have to connect with people who believe in your vision and who will work with you and advance your cause. And don’t give up.

KW: Are you involved with the community in your hometown of Newark, and how do you feel about the city’s future?

Latifah: I’m as involved as I can be. Whenever I’m asked to do something, I always tend to show up. Lately, I’ve been trying to do some land development for affordable housing. I feel very positive about Newark’s future, but I know we need a lot of help. I think that starts with the education of our kids and making the streets safer.

KW: Which charities are you choosing to support, given that lots of non-profits have suffered the last few years because of the bad economy?

Latifah: We have our own charity called the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation which has awarded partial scholarships in and around Newark for the past 15 years. I support many organizations that I feel are doing the right thing, like Alonzo Mourning’s foundation, Alicia Keys’ foundation, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and other well-established foundations.

I kick out a lot of time and money wherever I can.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

Latifah: I see this 5-foot-10 Black lady.

She’s sexy! Who is that girl? Me? Oh, snap!

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Millionaires... Continued from page 3

ARETHA FRANKLIN started off the New Year with an engagement announcement. The Queen of Soul became engaged to her longtime friend William “Willie” Wilkerson. She said they are considering a summer wedding and listed Miami as a possible site. She wants to hold her reception on a private yacht. Aretha, who is 69, also demonstrated her sense of humor. “No, I’m not pregnant,” she said…….. USHER is involved in a custody battle with his ex-wife Tameka. He asked a judge to reject Tameka’s request for full custody of their two children, after she claimed that Usher was not a reliable parent. He said her allegations are false. A trial date has been set for the end of February……..

DIANA ROSS and the late GIL SCOTT-HERON will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards at a special Grammy Awards presentation on Feb. 11. The actual awards ceremony will be held the following day and a formal acknowledgement of the honorees will be shown during the telecast.

According to EUR Web, the achievement marks Ross’ first Grammy Award. The former Supremes star previously received 12 nominations with zero wins over the course of nearly five decades. Scott-Heron, who will receive the award posthumously, died last May at the age of 62……..

DON CHEADLE is starring in a new TV series on Showtime. It’s titled “House of Lies,” and it’s described as a dark comedy. Cheadle plays Marty Kaan, a brilliant and charismatic management consultant. Armed with sharp suits, laptops and PowerPoint slides, he and his team crisscross the country doling out expensive advice to corporate CEOs who may or may not need it. Complicating matters for Marty are a cross-dressing son, a cantankerous father (Glynn Turman), and a pillpopping ex-wife who works for the competition.

It is set to premiere on Jan. 8, and Showtime is offering the premiere episode for free online……..

LIL WAYNE is branching out with a new clothing line for skate-boarders called “Trukfit.” The apparel will debut in New York on Jan. 23 at the Agenda Trade Show, which features established clothing companies as well as upstart lines……..ETTA JAMES is breathing on her own after being taken off a respirator. The legendary blues singer was hospitalized in Southern California on Dec. 21 because she was having trouble breathing. James, 73, has been diagnosed with terminal leukemia and is suffering from dementia. She is best known for her hit “At Last.”

mated net worth of a GOP House member was $834,250 in 2010, according to the Center’s research, compared to a median net worth of $635,500 among House Democrats.

The median estimated net worth among House members, overall, stood at $756,765 in 2010.

That’s up about 17 percent compared to the median net worth of $645,500 among House members in 2008, but down about 1 percent compared to 2009, when House members posted a median estimated net worth of $765,010, according to the Center’s analysis.

Broad ranges When members of Congress file these annual reports, they are allowed to list the value of their assets and liabilities in broad ranges.

The Center for Responsive Politics determines the minimum and maximum possible values for each asset and liability for every member of Congress and then calculates each lawmaker’s average estimated net worth.

Sometimes millions of dollars separate a lawmaker’s minimum estimated worth from his or her maximum estimated wealth.

That said, members of Congress might be more financially well off than they seem.

Issa on top Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) ranks as the wealthiest member of the 112th Congress, according to the Center’s analysis of 2010 financial disclosures. Issa’s minimum estimated net worth in 2010 was $195 million, while his maximum estimated net worth was more than $700 million. That gives Issa an average net worth of $448 million.

Meanwhile, Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) ranks as the wealthiest House Democrat.

his campaigns since 2007, has an average estimated net worth of $143 million.

“Few Americans enjoy the same financial cushion maintained by most members of Congress – or the same access to market-altering information that could yield personal financial gains.”

-Sheila Krumholz Polis, who has spent about $7 million of his own money on

Hastings at bottom Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.), whose minimum estimated net worth is $7.3 million in debt and whose maximum estimated net worth is $2.1 million in debt, ranks as the poorest member of Congress.

None of the 43 Congressional Black Caucus legislators appear in the top 100 wealthiest federal lawmakers. The richest, Rep. Al Green of Texas, has an average net worth of approximately $4.5 million.

The average net worth of CBC members is $411,179 – well below the congressional average of $7.4 million.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JANUARY 5 | 2012

coverpage

Tense times ahead:

Supreme Court rulings will impact minorities in the United States.

Now, it’s under SCOTUS’ review.

But — wait — there’s more.

By Charles D. Ellison Special to the NNPA from the Philadelphia Tribune

WASHINGTON — With many preoccupied by the recent holiday season, making ends meet and the clowning of the endless Republican primary debates, few are paying close attention to what’s been happening on the Supreme Court lately.

As if the Court is brewing up a 21st-century remake of the Civil War, the august body of forlife judges has decided to review three of the most volatile cases you could pick to review during a presidential election year.

It started with the announcement that the High Court (also known affectionately as SCOTUS) would review the AffordMembers of the Supreme Court will hear volatile race-related cases in 2012. able Care Act, a lightning rod law of political animus and controversy since the heated Health Care Reform Wars that, literally, cost Democrats their House majority in 2010.

Derisively picked on by Republicans as “Obamacare” — one of the GOP’s most widely used talking points — the law has been repeatedly poked at by everyone from conservative think tanks and legal experts to state’s attorneys general and political candidates looking for an election year base booster.

Many states scoffed at the constitutionality of the individual mandate inserted in the law, accusing the Obama Administration and the federal government of overstepping bounds. The Administration barked back and Republican Governor Jan Brewer’s masterpiece of now, after much political wrangling and changing of the questionable and virtually unenforceable immigration deguard on Capitol Hill, it’s up to the SCOTUS to cast final tainment became the cause of a Latino community already judgment. under siege from increased deportations.

Redistricting in Texas

Going further down south in the big state of Texas is where current Republican Governor Rick Perry, R-Texas, also a fledgling GOP primary candidate, pushed an appeal against a lower court which refused to let the state use state and congressional legislative maps drawn by an even lower court.

While that court found the new Census-driven maps suspiciously drawn to diminish the influence of Black and Latino voters in the Lone Star State, Perry argued that the judges should have kicked it to the state legislature which is, incidentally, dominated by Republicans.

Observers worry that the High Court is taking on politically and emotionally charged cases during an election year that promises to be as hot as the previous presidential cycle in 2008. Healthcare, immigration and redistricting also touch on sensitive issues of access, race, and more race.

The healthcare debate is immersed in a murky mix of Constitutional arguments and spicy political hand-to-hand, a key issue Republicans plan to use against Democrats, specifically President Obama, in 2012. How the Court decides on the Affordable Care Act could tip the electoral scales in dramatic fashion.

As could the immigration issue and redistricting. The Arizona immigration law on one hand placed an uncomfortable law enforcement spotlight on the problem of illegal immigration in the southwest United States. But, it also galvanized the awakening of a sleeping Latino political giant that could prove lethal for Republicans — especially depending on which way the legal winds blow on the SCOTUS case.

“Healthcare, immigration and redistricting also touch on sensitive issues of access and race.”

But, they didn’t stop there

Along comes the infamous Arizona state immigration law, technically known as “S.B. 1070” for its state legislature designation.

The law caused a national firestorm over how far authorities could go in seizing illegal immigrants and whether police identification by race was even legal.

After many boycotts, national outrage and Brewer’s face on dart boards, Arizona suffered a huge economic setback from S.B. 1070 and became the poster kid for racism

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The Texas redistricting case, one of the few to come before the Court in quite some time, could have the effect of deciding the fate of Black and Latino political power, particularly as populations of color move southward.

SCOTUS’ review of the case is already causing anxiety among civil rights advocates, lawyers and many African-American politicos worried that this is just one new chance, next to the increasing presence of voter ID laws, for Republicans to undermine minority votes typically leaning Democratic.

Explosive cases

All three cases are volatile. All three have the potential of stirring up conservative and mostly South-based Republican constituencies in 2012, in red state ways detrimental to President Obama’s re-election. And all three appear to exacerbate boiling North versus South electoral tensions that could radically alter the political landscape beyond the elections.

Marvin King, a political science professor at the University of Mississippi, said the North/ South divide is always just beneath the surface in American politics.

“The problem, from the North’s perspective, is the ascension of the South,” King said.

“It’s growing at a much faster clip and growing in political clout too.

“The congressional seats lost by Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York invariably end up in Georgia, Texas or North Carolina. Texas is gaining four new seats, and while that will make it harder for Democrats to retake the House, it shouldn’t affect the presidential contest.”

King argues that while the tensions are there they may not be decisive. Obama could lose the 55 Electoral College votes he won in Florida, North Carolina and Virginia and still win the election.

What will be decisive are national issues like the economy, health care reform, and immigration. For instance, while Americans want a strong border they don’t prefer the antics of Sheriff Joe Arpaio or the explicit discrimination of Alabama’s anti-immigration efforts.

And whatever the Supreme Court ruling, it’s a national issue, not a sectional one, argues King.

“If the perilous economy and the ponderously improving unemployment and numerous foreign policy concerns weren’t enough, two potential decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court could heavily impact next year’s presidential election,” says Peter Groff, the first Black president of the Colorado State Senate.

“The Court decrees on the Affordable Care Act and Arizona’s immigration law makes the Court a player in 2012 in a way that should make the Court, which claims to be uncolored by society and politics, very uncomfortable.

Some think the discomfort of the Court will result in Republican pleasure in 2012.

“However, the GOP better be careful what it hopes for because I think the president wins either way politically…”

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JANUARY 5 | 2012

health

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A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance

Sugar for breakfast?

S

ome children’s cereals pack more sugar in a single serving than a Twinkie or in three cookies, according to a recent report by the Environmental Working Group. The group analyzed the nutrition in 84 popular cereals marketed towards children and came to some startling conclusions about the amount of sugar many American kids may be consuming first thing in the morning.

Although some cereals may seem to promote health with “whole grain” or “great source of Vitamin D” on the box, these sugary cereals can be more detrimental to children’s health rather than a good source of nutrition and energy.

Most cereals marketed for children have more sugar than some desserts.

The rate of obesity in children has nearly tripled in the last 30 years and of advertising and colorful packaging of poor one out of five children are now overweight. At quality foods and beverages on television alone Texas Children’s Hospital, we help children and could reduce childhood obesity by 18 percent, teens on a regular basis who are struggling with or approximately 2.8 million children. extreme obesity. Although sugar is not the sole reason for the rise in obesity, it is certainly a What can parents do? big contributor.

Choose cereals with less sugar and more “It is very important that the first meal of fiber. Remember sugar appears on the label in the day for both children and adults be nutritious many forms including malt syrup, corn sweetener, and a good source of energy,” said Roberta brown sugar, sucrose and honey. Choose cereals Anding, a registered dietitian and director of that contain about five grams of fiber and add it sports nutrition at Texas Children’s Hospital. gradually into the child’s diet to avoid tummy “Eating too much sugar in the mornings will troubles in the beginning. significantly affect a child’s overall health, Set limits for your child including what foods behavior and learning ability and will not you will and will not buy at the store. If sugared provide them the nutrition that is required for cereals are on your grocery list, consider serving a their daily performance.” small amount as a treat or dessert rather than Although there are many factors that drive for breakfast. the pediatric obesity crisis, food marketing Set the example. Parents are powerful role plays a substantial role by affecting children’s models whether you want to be or not. It is important food choices and overall diet, as well as that you set the rules of the household and follow the influencing purchasing decisions of parents. rules yourself with your own eating habits.

A recent study indicated that the elimination

healthnotes Meningitis vaccine required for all college students A new legislative bill went into effect on Jan. 1, 2012 that requires all new, transfer and returning students at Texas colleges and universities to be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes for the spinal cord and brain and can result in severe brain damage and possible death within 24 hours.

“Teenagers and college students are at an increased risk for meningitis,” said Dr. Carol Baker, infectious disease specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital. “One in seven college students who get meningitis die and another 11 to 19 percent suffer life-long conditions including deafness, mental retardation, seizures, strokes, severe skin scarring and loss of limbs or digits. These tragedies can be prevented by a simple vaccine.”

Since adolescents ages 16 to 21 have the highest rates of meningitis, it is important that young people receive the vaccines before going to college. According to the Centers for Disease Control, meningitis is spread from person to person through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions, which can occur through coughing, kissing and sneezing. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and mental awareness changes.

The meningitis vaccine or booster is required for entering students under the age of 30 living both on and off campus at Texas public and private colleges.

Texas will be the first state to require universal vaccination as a prerequisite for college enrollment.

The act is named partly in honor of Nicolis Williams, a 20-year-old Texas A&M student who died of bacterial meningitis in February 2010. His father, Greg Williams, said his son was a “healthy young man who went from being a very vibrant individual to brain-dead within three hours.”

“Meningitis is a notable disease because it attacks healthy people,” continued Baker. “Prevention is the key to not contracting meningococcal disease and the vaccine is safe and it is easy to get.”

For more information, visit texaschildrens.org/vaccine.

A common skin problem in children Parents should be aware of a common skin rash that can spread easily among children.

Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious viral skin infection that mostly affects children and can spread through physical contact.

Molluscum are small dome-shaped bumps that are prone to appear in friction areas such as the armpits, creases at the elbows and behind the knees. The bumps are generally not painful or harmful, but they can be itchy and may become irritated or inflamed from scratching or picking.

The virus spreads through direct person-toperson contact or through shared items such as

clothing or towels.

Without treatment, molluscum usually resolves spontaneously within a few months, although occasionally it may last up to two to three years. While there is no single guaranteed cure for molluscum, there are a variety of treatments that may be helpful including physical removal of the lesions, cantharidin treatments or prescription cream. Ask your pediatrician for more information on these treatment options.

“Although molluscum can certainly be uncomfortable and unattractive, it does not

usually cause serious problems in otherwise healthy children,” said Dr. Teresa Wright, pediatric dermatologist at Texas Children’s Hospital. “It is important to keep in mind that treatments are not always rapidly curative and that the lesions nearly always resolve spontaneously over time.”

Dr. Wright recommends that children who may have molluscum contagiosum should not share clothes, bathe or sleep together with other siblings while the rash is present.

If your child may have molluscum contagiosum, consult your pediatrician.

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1st year Rocket Coach Kevin McHale will be tasked with leading the team to the playoffs.

Rockets 2012 squad:

Young, talented and largely unproven

By MAX EDISON Defender

One thing you can say about Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey is that he never stops trying.

Morey has made a number of deals over the last two years, but not the BIG deal that would bring the team a franchise player. Last season the Rockets were unsuccessful trying to sign free agent Chris Bosh and were unsuccessful in an attempt to make a trade for Carmelo Anthony.

This season the NBA blocked a proposed three-way trade with the Lakers and Hornets that would have brought center Pau Gasol to Houston and sent Kevin Martin and Luis Scola to New Orleans.

So with a stable of young talent and a brand new head coach in Kevin McHale, the Rockets are forced to simply go with what they have.

With the recent trend of multiple superstars electing to play together in major cities, Morey still views Houston as a desirable destination.

“I think the trend of players seeking out better cities is just a great trend for us,” Morey said. “I think Houston is a city players love to play for, love to play in.

This trend, people are on it and I understand why they’re on that issue because is it hasn’t helped us yet, but it’s ultimately going to help us, not hurt us.

“We might be behind a couple cities as a destination but we’re definitely way high up there in NBA players’ minds in terms of where they want to play and it’s only a matter of time before we’re able to take advantage of that.”

The Rockets, as they are presently composed, are a team loaded with inexperienced yet talented young players. If they can’t lure All-Star players to join the team, either in trade or free agency, the Rockets will have to create them from within. Morey believes that list of players begins with point guard Kyle Lowry “I would say Kyle needs to get one more notch higher, and every notch gets harder, but I absolutely think he has that ability,” the GM said. “We need him, for all 30 to 35 minutes that he’s going to play per game this year, to play at the level he used

to be able to play at during the 15 to 20-minute per game stints he had two years ago.

“It is a very loaded position at the point guard spot in the league right now. We don’t even necessarily need him to make the AllStar game. We just need him to take one more step forward and I think he can do that.”

Morey assessed other personnel on his

2012 team.

“I think Kevin Martin, with focus on defense, is another guy who could move up into All-Star caliber territory. Obviously among the young players I think Terrence Williams has a chance to take a big step forward.

“Chase [Budinger] has a chance to take a big step forward. Patrick Patterson and Jordan Hill can take a big step forward – then we might get some contributions from Marcus Morris or Chandler Parsons this season. Up and down the roster we’ve got ways for our team to take a step forward,” Morey said.

“Now obviously we’ve got to do it and we also could have people go the other way and have bad seasons.

But if we can get solid play from a lot of guys and then have one or two take a big step forward like Kyle did last year, then we’ll be a playoff team.”

When attending Rocket games in this abbreviated season, it’s imperative that you buy a program – there are that many new faces.

Gone are some of the old reliable fixtures such as Chuck Hayes and Shane Battier. Say hello to Samuel Dalembert and get reacquainted with Terrence Williams, Goran Dragic and Hasheem Thabeet.

Entering his third NBA season and his first as a starter, Chase Budinger sees the team’s talent level and believes they can compete for the playoffs.

“We have a very talented team, but we are a young team with a lot of new faces,” Budinger said. “We can be a playoff team, but the key is how quickly we adjust to each other and Coach McHale’s system.

“With training being abbrevi-

ated and this shortened season with limited practice, it will be challenging, but I think we’re up for the challenge,” Budinger said.

“We can be a good basketball team, a playoff team.”

Don’t expect Morey to become conservative in his efforts to rebuild this Rocket team. Rumors already abound that he could make a bid for extremely talented, yet immature Sacramento center DeMarcus Cousins (6-feet-11, 270 pounds), a player they coveted in the 2010 draft.

In the meantime sit back and enjoy these athletic young guys and welcome back NBA!

To make the playoffs, the Rockets will rely on (4) Luis Scola, (10) Chase Budinger and (1) Terrence Williams.

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WEEK OF JANUARY 5 | 2012 DEFENDER

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs Local players in 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl

Dekaney leaves

title in Houston’s stocking

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender ARLINGTON – Four Houston area high schools made the trek to Cowboys Stadium recently in search of a first state football championship. Thanks to a fourth-year varsity program, Houston’s holiday stocking didn’t come up empty.

Dekaney High School overcame a bad case of nerves that included four first-quarter false starts in five snaps and rallied from a seven-point deficit to defeat defending state champion Cibolo Steele 34-14 and keep the Houston area from making a blank trip.

Wildcats’ running back Trey Williams was named the game’s offensive Most Valuable Player after rushing for 203 yards on 25 carries and scoring three touchdowns.

The senior Texas A&M pledge finished the season with 3,890 yards and 48 rushing touchdowns.

“A lot of people doubted us, but we believed in ourselves,” said Williams, who helped stake Dekaney to a 20-7 halftime advantage with scoring runs of one and six yards in the second quarter.

Yet what seemed to turn the momentum in Dekaney’s favor was when quarterback D’juan Hines completed a 40yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Austin Garrett with eight minutes,

11

Hightower quarterback Bralon Addison will participate in the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Jan.7. Running back Trey Williams of Dekaney and offensive lineman Michael Matthews of Elkins are two other Houston area players selected for the game. The game will be telecast live on NBC at noon. Addison led the Hurricanes to the Class 5A Division I state title game against Southlake Carroll.

Aledo’s Gray sets national mark with touchdown It took Aledo running back Johnathan Gray nearly three-and-a-half quarters to score his only touchdown in the Bearcats’ 49-28 victory over Manvel in the Class 4A Division II state final. Yet that one TD, a 37-yard rushing score with six minutes, 49 seconds left in the fourth quarter, broke the all-time national career high school touchdown record with 205 from 2008-2011. Gray rushed for 247 yards on 30 carries against Manvel and led the Bearcats to their third consecutive state championship.

Yates claims 72nd Houston ISD boys’ hoops title

Dekaney Wildcats celebrate Class 5A Division II state championship.

55 seconds left in the second stanza that put the Wildcats on the scoreboard.

“That play settled us down and got the nerves under control,” said Dekaney head coach Willie Amendola. “After that, we knew that we could compete at this level.”

Dekaney’s 20-point second quarter was capped off by the first of Jarrett Irving’s two interceptions in the game. Irving returned the pick 61 yards to the Cibolo Steele 12-yard line. A personal foul during the return moved the ball to the Steele six-yard line.

On the next play, Williams ran a sweep to the left and scored.

Both teams struggled in the second half until it was time to seal the victory. Irving’s second interception with 1:10 left on the clock did the trick.

“The coaches wanted me to get two interceptions and I did,” said Irving, who was named the defensive MVP. “It was lovely.”

Hempstead began Houston’s parade to state championship week and fell short to Melissa (2815) in the Class 2A Division I championship Jarrett Irving

game.

Hightower and Manvel didn’t fare any better in their respective title games.

Trey Williams

classified 

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Yates head coach Greg Wise wanted to emphasize one point in particular following the Lions’ 99-72 victory over Wheatley in the championship game of the annual Houston ISD boys’ basketball tournament at Delmar Fieldhouse. Despite winning backto-back Class 4A state titles following the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Yates did not win the Houston ISD title either year. In 2009, Yates lost to Alief Elsik and the following season the Lions opted for a national tournament in Hawaii during the Christmas holidays instead of the Houston ISD event.

Sam Houston State seeks national championship The BearKats of Sam Houston State go after the daily double – an undefeated season and a national championship. The Kats (14-0) take on North Dakota State (13-1) Saturday for the NCAA Division I National Championship Game (formerly known as division IAA) at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. Sam Houston is the No. 1 ranked team in the nation and North Dakota is ranked No. 2. Sam Houston is led by second-year coach Willie Fritz. They are anchored by the Southland Conference Player of the Year, running back Tim Flanders (5-feet-9, 210 pounds), and Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year Darnell Taylor (DB, 6-feet, 195 pounds).

Baylor Heisman winner RGIII decides to go pro Sources close to the family have revealed that Heisman Trophy-winner, Baylor QB Robert Griffin III, has decided to forego his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft. Griffin completed his undergrad degree in political science in December 2010.

He directed Baylor to a 67-56 victory over Washington in the Valero Alamo Bowl. The Bears finished the season 10-3. He is the first Baylor recipient to receive the prestigious award given to the nation’s top collegiate performer. According to reports, his father Robert Griffin II insists it’s simply a question of when the announcement is made, not if.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JANUARY 5 | 2012

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For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi, Renee’ Logans, Shelly Adelusi-Adeluyi and Sonya Santee

Jackie Phillips, Eileen Morris, Brenda Chase, Trancie Shelton, Taylor Nelson and Janette Cosley

Joey Barner, Sharnha Reyes-Hew, Denton Hew, Renee’ Logans and Pam Lloyd

Vanessa Gilmore, Phyllis Williams, Le Roy Jones, Danette Isaac and Sharon Owens

Ms. Chag and Sonny Messiah-Jiles

Sandra Beridon, Gwen Brown, Alice Otchere, Phyllis Bailey and Craig Gay

Laura Gilmore and Vanessa Gilmore

Janice Griffin, Saundria Gray and Cyndal Porter

Evelyn Hill and Argentina James

Brenda Peters Chase, Tamacie Shelton, Taylor, Nelson, Pam HAPPY NEW YEAR.....We wish all of you a Happy New Lloyd, Roxann Lavan and Sonya Santee, to name a few.

Year filled with good health, happiness and many blessings.

Enjoyable event!.....THE TRADITION CONTINUES.....

Before we begin 2011, Ms. Chag must tell you about all of Each year during the holidays, Sharon Owens hosts a brunch the happenings in December, 2011, so here goes.....SANTA where friends celebrating their birthdays VISITS THE CHILDREN.....The from September to December fellowship Ensemble Theatre hosted its 11th Annual Join Yvette Chargois together and exchange gifts. This year Santa-at-the-Ensemble community service we celebrated at La Maison in Midtown event benefiting underserved youth. It Events of the Week and participants included Danette Isaac, was a day of entertainment and activities More photos on defendernetwork.com Le Roy Jones, Vanessa Gilmore, Gwen with toys and books provided to each See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Brown, Craig Gay, Phyllis Williams, child that came from a variety of school with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

Phyllis Bailey, Sandra Beridon, Sonceria programs and organizations offering Messiah Jiles and Alice Otchere. social support services, namely Woodson Fabulous brunch!.......HOLIDAY BOOK EXCHANGE K-8, CPS, Ser Ninos School/Mishka Helps, Kings Row, PARTY..........Another tradition during the holidays is a book DeChaumes Elementary School, Chinese Community Center, exchange party hosted by Vanessa Gilmore. Each guest brings Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Christian Academy/Families, a dish, a book they read, wanted to read or heard about and Mission of Yahweh and McGregor Elementary. Organizers and share their book stories. Then you eat, drink and be merry. volunteers included Renee’ Logans, Eileen Morris, Janette Attendees included Laura Gilmore, Argentina James, Cosley, Katishia Cosley, Paula Harris, Jackie Phillips,

Cindy Clifford, Brenda McCowan, Anne King, Allison Leland McKinney, Pauline Higgins, Linda Lattimore, Janice Griffin, Saundria Gray, Marsha West, Deborah Richard, Cyndal Porter, Andrea White and Valrae Lewis.

Fun evening!.....HOLIDAY PARTIES.......Mayor Annise Parker hosted a media party in her home.......African American Police Officers League held their annual awards gala…….. the Houston Association of Black Journalists held a night of holiday cheer and elected their new executive board..........

National Forum for Black Public Administrators hosted their annual Christmas Toy Drive....... Harris County Precinct One celebrated the season with their annual Wassail Tea Party.... Bay Area Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority celebrated the holidays with fine cuisine and jazz during its 5th Annual Holiday to Savor signature event.....and a young couple, Dethlyn Archambeau Scott and John Lee Gaston, celebrated their engagement and love story at the Ensemble Theatre’s play, “Cinderella”........From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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