Houston Defender: January 16, 2014

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ST. JOHN’S GUARD JUSTISE WISLOW PUTS UP FASCINATING NUMBERS P11

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FEATURE

Volume 83 | Number 11

Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Holiday Edition

P6

What

Dr. King

OPINION BEN CHAVIS reflects on Dr. King’s legacy

P8

really believed H PAGE 1B-8B

CHAG’S PLACE

Alvia Wardlaw and State Rep. Sylvester Turner at elected officials’ reception

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Usher comes to town

Mike Davis coaches TSU

Grammy Award-winning recording artist and “The Voice” judge Usher will perform for the first time at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Find out when he will entertain the audience. Read about the other big-name artists and groups coming to Reliant Park.

The Texas Southern University Tigers won the SWAC regular season basketball crown last season and coach Mike Davis hopes to have another successful year. See how Davis prepares his team to play. Learn about the player receiving national attention.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 16 | 2014

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newstalk

The Southmore Station post office at 4110 Almeda is being considered for closure or relocation.

Wilson will take office as trustee Defender News Services

Controversial candidate Dave Wilson can take his seat as District 2 trustee with Houston Community College.

HCC special counsel Gene Locke said Wilson has been elected and taken the oath of office, clearing the way to join the other board members.

“From the perspective of Houston Community College, there is no legal basis at this time to deny him the opportunity to sit as a trustee,” Locke said.

The day before Locke’s announcement, a judge said Wilson was barred from taking the oath of office until questions about his residency can be resolved.

State District Judge Mike Englehart said he needed more information about the issue, and a restraining order keeping Wilson out of office would remain in effect for another two weeks.

Wilson claims to live in an apartment above a commercial warehouse building he owns, but the county attorney said he doesn’t and filed in district court questioning whether Wilson was a resident of District 2 at the time he was elected.

His attorney argued that the issue is moot because Wilson has already taken the oath.

Residents fight to save post office

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

C

oncerned citizens and community leaders are rallying to save the Southmore Station post office located at 4110 Almeda.

The facility is one of six post offices in Houston being considered for closure or relocation. Supporters contend that closing it would inconvenience residents, especially the elderly and the disabled. The post office also has historical significance and was the site of Houston’s first sit-in in 1960.

Wayne Mitchell, the Houston USPS district manager, said the proposed changes are due to financial difficulty.

“We have to be able to have financials in order to support our operations,” he said. “We cannot tell our people who have invested their lives and career into the organization that they no longer have jobs because we can’t make the bottom line.”

Sandra Rybicki, a real estate specialist for USPS facilities, said the post office will not be closing in entirety. If chosen, the current location would consolidate some daily operations with another location and find replacement facilities for the remaining retail presence.

“The bottom line would be right-sizing the operation,” she said. “It’s not economical to maintain that facility with all that excess space.”

Post office employees offered their own solutions to keeping the building open. Brady D. Randall, a 35-year postal service employee, recommended expanding hours of operation.

Some supporters also expressed concern about lack of communication between Houston City Council and residents. Until a City Council meeting last month, many residents were unaware of the possible changes being made to the Southmore station.

“We expect our elected officials to fight for us,” said Kofi Taharka, national chairperson for the National Black United Front. “A business that has

the ability to touch every household in our community and you mean to tell me that we couldn’t find out about the potential of it being closed? We have a trust issue here.”

Congressman Sheila Jackson Lee, who organized a town hall meeting to address the issue, wants the facility to stay open.

“I think the tragedy is that the Postal Service itself didn’t do the research it needed to do,” Jackson Lee said.

Congressman Al Green sent a letter to the postmaster general asking that the facility remain open.

“I understand that the Postal Service has difficult decisions ahead of it due to financial problems that they continue to face,” Green said.

“However, I ask that the historic importance of this post office, where the first sit-in demonstration in Houston occurred in 1960, be considered to a greater extent along with other factors before any decision to close or relocate this post office is carried out.”

localbriefs MORE THAN 118,500 TEXANS enrolled in the Health Insurance Marketplace through Dec. 28 of last year according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Texas had the second-highest enrollment among states using the marketplace, which can be found at HealthCare.gov.

Of Texans who used the marketplace, 74 percent selected a plan with financial assistance…….. HISD WILL HOLD COMMUNITY MEETINGS to discuss proposed designs for a district building project of a new early childhood center in the North Forest community. The meetings will be held Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Fonwood

Early Childhood Center, 10719 Seneca Street.

Concerned citizens are asked to share their feedback on proposed designs for the school, including parking and traffic flow. For information call 713556-6394…….A COURT ORDER is being sought to ban members of the Crips and the Bloods gangs from entering or committing crimes in a north Harris County community. Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan is asking a judge for an injunction forbidding certain gang members from being present in the East Aldine Safety Zone. The zone is to the east of Highway 59 and south of Bush Intercontinental Airport. It contains two schools,

Francis Elementary and A&W Academic Academy.

“The members of these street gangs regularly engage in criminal activity in this community, putting residents in danger and harming their quality of life. This type of injunction is a proven way to remove dangerous criminals from a community,” Ryan said………HARRIS COUNTY PROPERTY TAXES are due by Jan. 31. Failure to pay by the end of the month will result in a 7 percent penalty and interest. Taxes can be paid by mail, phone (713-368- 2273), online at hctax.net, in person at any of the 16 county tax offices, or by a QR code on smart phones.

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national

U.S.briefs THE NAACP IS APPLAUDING new federal guidelines that improve school discipline policies.

Lorraine C. Miller, NAACP interim president and CEO, said the guidelines are a “giant step in improving the disciplinary policies that impede the educational growth and development of students across the country, particularly in communities of color.” The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice recently released guidelines to assist states, districts and schools with strategies to enhance school climate, and ensure policies comply with federal law. Each year, significant numbers of students miss class due to suspensions and expulsions, and students of color and with disabilities are disproportionately impacted……..

WASHINGTON, D.C. COUNCILMEMBERS are taking a major step toward decreasing marijuana possession arrests. Members of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety will vote on legislation to eliminate criminal penalties under D.C. law for the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana for personal use.

The five councilmembers are expected to approve the measure. The bill would next go before all 13 councilmembers for final consideration. Most of the drug arrests in D.C. are for simple possession of marijuana and the majority of those arrested are African-American……..ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC., recently chartered its first chapter in South Africa. The chapter, Psi Tau Omega, embraces Pretoria and Soweto. Its 15 members include business executives, attorneys, foundation leaders, educators and financial agents. Tracy Whitfield, an entrepreneur from Johannesburg, is the chapter’s first president. The idea of chartering the inaugural chapter began three years ago when women of note expressed a desire to establish an AKA presence to fill a service void. Carolyn House Stewart, AKA’s international president, said the chapter would give life to the late Nelson Mandela’s “call to action” by creating programs to assist the poor, the illiterate and the sick.

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Tobacco plan excludes Black community

By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Editor-in-Chief

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devalue African-Americans by ignoring the Black media when it is being forced to atone what a federal judge determined was a deliberate effort to deceive the American public.”

Peter S. Hamm, director of communications for the Tobacco-Free Kids Action, said the media outlets were selected by Judge Kessler and disclosed in an order issued Aug. 17, 2006. Hamm said he did not know how Kessler determined what media outlets would be utilized to carry the newspaper ads and television commercials.

A telephone call requesting comment from the Justice Department was not returned.

The story of the agreement was first disclosed by Target Market News, published by Ken Smikle. The Chicago-based publication said an advertising source placed the value of the total buy at $30 million to $45

he U.S. Justice Department and the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund have reached an agreement with the four major tobacco companies that requires them to spend more than $30 million advertising with the three major television networks and run full-page ads in 35 white and Hispan- Cloves C. Campbell ic newspapers as well as purchasing space on their respective websites, but not make a single purchase from a Black print or broadcast media company.

The 24-page proposed consent agreement goes before U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for final approval.

“We are shocked and deeply Jim Winston disappointed that the Justice Department, the Tobacco-Free Action Fund and the million. tobacco industry would all agree to sign off The advertising campaign, which won’t go an advertising plan that totally disrespects the into effect until all appeals have been exhausted Black community,” said Cloves C. Campbell, by the tobacco companies, was agreed to as part chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers of a settlement that found tobacco companies Association (NNPA), a federation of nearly 200 mislead the public about the dangers of smoking.

Black newspapers.

The four defendants are: Altria, R.J. Reynolds “The industry’s past efforts to target AfriTobacco, Lorillard and Philip Morris USA. can-American consumers have been thoroughly The U.S. Justice Department filed suit documented. It is sad that an industry that against the cigarette manufacturers in 1999 sought to exploit our community with a product charging that they had violated the Racketeer that is harmful to our health now seeks to further Influenced and Corruption Organizations Act Continued on Page 9

VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 11 JANUARY 16, 2014 Publisher Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Art Director Advertising/Client Relations Tony Fernandez-Davila Selma Dodson Tyler People Editor Strategic Alliance Manager Yvette Chargois Clyde Jiles Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Contributing Writer ReShonda Billingsley Cierra Duncan 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).

Black unemployment rate falls to 11.9% NNPA News Service

The unemployment rate for Blacks dipped to 11.9 percent in December, largely because workers who are discouraged after months of searching for jobs with little prospects have simply stopped looking.

According to the Labor Department, the unemployment rate for Black men dipped from 12.1 percent in November to 11.5 percent in December and the jobless rate for white men fell at half that rate, from 5.9 percent in November to 5.6 percent in December.

The unemployment rate for Black women was 11.1 percent in November and 10.4 percent in December. The jobless rate for white women remained at 5.3 percent.

“The unemployment rate gives a false impression,” said Valerie Wilson, an economist and vice president of research at the National Urban League Policy Institute. “People have left the labor force.”

Steven Pitts, an economist at the University of California at Berkeley, Calif., agreed.

“A good portion of the drop in the unemployment rate came from people dropping out of the labor force,” he said.

The labor force participation rate, the measure of workers who are employed and actively looking for work, was 62.8 percent in December, the lowest rate since 1978.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 16 | 2014

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Harris Health System to offer same-day clinics Defender News Services

The Harris Health System, previously known as the Harris County Hospital District, will soon offer a new kind of healthcare option for patients needing immediate care for minor illness and minor injuries – but not in need of emergency care – with the Jan. 27 launch of a collaborative in Southwest Houston.

The Sareen Clinic at India House, located at 8888 W. Bellfort, is the first of six same-day facilities Harris Health will open in 2014. Each will take walk-in visits similar to miniclinics in grocery and drug stores.

When all six Harris Health sameday clinics open, officials expect to treat about 90,000 patient visits a year.

“We want to ensure people in our community receive the most appropriate care in the most appropriate loca“We want tions,” says Dr. to ensure Ericka Brown, senior vice people president and in our administrator, community Harris Health Ambulatory receive Care Services. the most “Harris Health’s introappropriate duction of our care in same-day clinics will go a long the most to making appropriate way medical care quick and easy locations.” for patients.”

The new 7,500-square-foot facility will have six exam rooms and serve patients 18-months and older. Ailments that will be treated include allergies, bladder and urinary infections, colds, migraines, insect bites, joint pain, sinus infect ions, upper respiratory infections, minor burns and sprains and strains.

The goal of the clinic and future same-day facilities is to provide a more appropriate and convenient care setting for minor illnesses and injuries.

The clinic will operate 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays.

Additionally, the clinic will house a gymnasium for physical and occupational therapy as part of medical referrals made across Harris Health System.

Several medical insurance, CHIP

and Medicaid plans are accepted. People with no proof of insurance will pay a down payment of $0-$76 based on a financial screening. Patients who do not follow through with completing applications for financial assistance will be

IF YOU

HAVE

responsible for the balance of their bill.

Harris Health’s clinic expansion is part of the Texas’ 1115 Medicaid Waiver, a program that funds innovative efforts to expand and increase healthcare to more people in the community.

Dr. Ericka Brown

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JANUARY 16 | 2014 | DEFENDER

entertainment

5

RodeoHouston

features star-studded line-up

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ome of the biggest names in music will entertain local audiences during RodeoHouston, which takes place March 4-23 at Reliant Park.

“The range of talented artists illustrates the show’s diversity,” said Joel Cowley, rodeo president.

“We are welcoming new, upcoming artists as well as celebrat-ing timeless legends.”

Eight-time Grammy Award-winner Usher will perform for the first time on the rodeo stage during Black Heritage Day on Friday, March 7.

The Dallas native is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, and has gained new fans as a judge on the popular reality show “The Voice.”

Other stars scheduled to perform are: Brad Paisley, March 4 Eli Young Band, March 5 Reba McEntire, March 6 Chris Young, March 8 Selena Gomez, March 9 REO Speedwagon, March 10 Jason Aldean, March 11 Jake Owen, March 12 Maroon 5, March 13 Keith Urban, March 14 Hunter Hayes, March 15 Pesado, Banda MS, March 16 Luke Bryan, March 17 Robin Thicke, March 18 Florida Georgia Line, March 19 Blake Shelton, March 20 Easton Corbin, March 21 The Band Perry, March 22 Zac Brown Band, March 23 Tickets go on sale Saturday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m., at rodeohouston.com, all Ticketmaster locations (excluding the Reliant Park Box office until Jan. 20) and by phone at 1.800.726.1313.

Usher

Selena Gomez

Robin Thicke

Reba McEntire

what’sup BEYONCÉ threw a 60th birthday bash for her mother TINA KNOWLES at a New Orleans restaurant. About a hundred people attended, including friends from Hollywood and Houston. Celebrities in attendance included JAY-Z, JENNIFER HUDSON, KELLY ROWLAND, GAYLE KING and Tina’s date, actor RICHARD LAWSON……..

Multi-talented writer and activist AMIRI BARAKA, formerly known as LeRoi Jones, died Jan. 2 at the age of 79. Baraka wrote poems, novels, plays, short stories, essays, musical and cultural criticism and jazz operas. His best-known works include the book “Blues People,” the play “Dutchman” and poetry collection “The Dead Lecturer.” Baraka was born in Newark.

He earned a B.A. in English from Rutgers University and served in the Air Force. He later moved to Manhattan where he joined a

circle of Greenwich Village artists, musicians and writers. Jones enjoyed a long academic career and taught at Yale, Rutgers, San Francisco State and other universities……..The late Zydeco star CLIFTON CHENIER will receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at a special ceremony the day before the Jan. 26 live broadcast of the awards show. The honor will be presented to his son, musician C.J. CHENIER. Hailed as the “King of Zydeco” and a Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Clifton Chenier is recognized as one of the most influential Creole musicians of his time. He was known for his signature blues melodies that he played on the accordion. His 1983 album “I’m Here” earned a Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording. Chenier died in 1987 at the age of 62. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards will go to five other artists/acts,

including the BEATLES and ISLEY BROTHERS……..

STEVE McQUEEN is set to become one of the industry’s hottest directors after “12 Years a Slave” won the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture. McQueen, who was born near London, is developing a BBC drama focused on the Black experience in Britain. “I don’t think there has been a serious drama series in Britain with Black people from all walks of life as the main protagonists,” he said…….THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE presents a new play titled “The Meeting.” It depicts the hypothetical meeting of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, with factual words spoken by both men woven into the script. Previews are Jan. 25, 26 and 29. The show runs Jan. 30 through Feb. 23. For ticket information visit EnsembleHouston. com or call 713-520-0055.

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OWN schedules four new series for 2014 Defender News Services

discussing everything from her emotional recovery process to her exhausting run-ins with the he Oprah Winfrey paparazzi.

Network announced The show “Love in the City” four new original premieres April 12. It tells the story series debuting in of Kiyah, Bershan, Chenoa and 2014.

Tiffany. They have known each Sports analyst and former other for more than 10 years, and pro athlete Deion Sanders brings are sources of inspiration, support, his real life story to television on competition and companionship to “Deion’s Family Playbook,” which one another. premieres March 1.

Two of the women are married Sanders is the only pro athlete and two are single, and according to ever play in both a Super Bowl to the network, “all are strong and and a World Series. Nicknamed fiercely independent women who “Prime Time,” he is a single father believe in living out their dreams and with five children, and is helping to not letting anyone or anything get in rear four other children who live with their way.” him, including the twins his mother Client: Allstate Bleed: NA Region: US Campaign: Insurance/AA Trim: 9.5” x 6.5” Language: English The “Single Moms Club” cares for, his niece and nephew and a Agency Job #: 610-ALAAMNP4001 Live: NA Notes: None AD #/AD ID: AHAA0422 premieres in the fall. It centers on student in need who he recently took Date Modified: 01/9/14 2:54 PM Keyline Scale: 1”= 1” a group of single mothers brought into his home.

CR: and his girlfriend Tracey Edmonds can be seen Output 100% Deion Sanders inat:“Deion’s Family Playbook.”

AD Round: Page: 1 of 1 together by an incident at their In addition, he is co-founder and children’s school. The women come football coach of Prime Prep Academy, 9, and follows actress Lindsay Lohan on her journey NOT TO BE USED FOR COLOR APPROVAL from different walks of life, and create a support group a charter school with campuses in Dallas and Fort Worth. through recovery following a very public period of crisis.

AD: S. Block P: E. Garber AM: J. Norman BM: M. Reynolds that helps them find humor and strength while overcoming Sanders receives a helping hand from his girlfriend Cameras follow Lohan as she returns to New York, personal challenges.

Tracey Edmonds, a Hollywood producer with two sons reunites with friends and family, and attempts to build a The drama is the network’s fourth weekly scripted series, of her own. Sanders and Edmonds are two of the show’s new life. and is based on the forthcoming feature film of the same executive producers.

As she works to stay on track amid the demands name. It is written, produced and directed by Tyler Perry.

The documentary series “Lindsay” premieres March and pitfalls of fame, Lohan opens up as never before,

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Washington, D.C.

Let’s #GiveItUpForGood This #MLKDay

SOMETIMES IT’S GOOD TO GO OFF SCRIPT. The words “I have a dream” were never in Dr. King’s speech notes because sometimes the words on the page can’t match the words in your heart. Join Allstate in celebrating the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Share the good in the heart of your community. Let’s #GiveItUpForGood

See good. Share good. Allstate.com/giveitupforgood © 2014 Allstate Insurance Co.

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By ZACHARY LESTER AFRO Staff Writer

W

hen Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 at age 35, he was the youngest person to ever be presented the prestigious honor.

He was the third Black recipient and the second African-American, following Ralph Bunche, the famed political scientist and diplomat who was honored for his mediation work in Palestine.

Besides the personal honor, though, historians said the award gave credence to his approach of meeting violence with peaceful resistance.

In a 1964 AFRO article, King called the award “vindication” for his work. King was interviewed in an Atlanta hospital where he had checked in for a physical and rest.

“This has given me new courage to carry on and I am convinced that is more than an honor to me personally, but a great tribute to the colored people,” King said.

King received the prize in a ceremony at Oslo University in Norway. He was selected “for championing the principle of non-violence in the struggle to achieve racial equality.” King was presented a diploma, a gold medal and a check for $54,600.

In his acceptance speech, King called the award “profound recognition that non-violence is the answer to the crucial political and moral question of our time – the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression.”

King was a young preacher and father in 1955 when he became the leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

The success of the boycott, which ended with city leaders desegregating the city’s public buses after Blacks refused to ride them for a year, solidified for King that peaceful protest was the most effective way to forge change.

As the Civil Rights Movement progressed, violence against Blacks became bloody and frequent in the South. Blacks who attempted to register to vote – and those who attempted to help them – were beaten, jailed, threatened with violence and sometimes killed.

Marchers participating in peaceful protests against segregation, unequal education and discrimination in jobs watched as police officers used attack dogs and hoses against them.

As some Blacks questioned the sense of allowing racists to constantly victimize them for standing up for right, King urged them to continue to be peaceful.

Even in bloody 1963, when racists committed 10 murders and at least 35 bombings, King urged Blacks and their supporters to remain committed to non-violence.

The year’s atrocities included the fatal ambush attack on NAACP Mississippi field secretary Medgar Evers in the driveway of his Jackson home in June, and the savage bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham in September, where four little girls were killed.

As the violence escalated, King stayed the course.

His “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” drew hundreds of thousands in August 1963 who were motivated by his dream of freedom. His appearances at churches were filled to capacity. His message was always the same – fight hate with love, violence with peace.

By the time he was assassinated in 1968, King’s place in history was solidified as the American who had fought hardest against oppression using no weapons.

Though he was proud of the achievement of winning the Nobel Peace Prize, King told the AFRO that it signaled that there was more work to be done.

“The prize makes me want to do a better job,” King said.

“It leaves me with a great sense of humility. It arouses in me the feeling that in spite of this type of tribute, there is much more to be done.”

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2B DEFENDER | JANUARY 16 | 2014

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Coretta Scott King:

The woman behind MLK

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R E K R AP E S I N N A R O YA M s the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King stood beside her husband throughout his leadership of the Civil Rights Movement. Yet when she married Dr. King in 1953, neither of them knew that he would one day change the world.

“My husband was a man who hoped to be a Baptist preacher to a large, Southern, urban congregation,” Mrs. King once said. “By the time he died in 1968, he had led millions of people into shattering forever the Southern system of segregation of the races.”

Coretta Scott was born in 1927 in Marion, Ala. She attended Lincoln High school, graduating at the top of her class in 1945. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and education from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

She earned a second degree in voice and violin from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

While attending school in Boston she met her future husband. After marrying, they moved to Montgomery, Ala., where Dr. King became pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.

Mrs. King took on the responsibilities of being a pastor’s wife. She and King had four children: Yolanda (who died in 2007), Martin Luther III, Dexter and Bernice.

Working with her husband, Mrs. King participated in many of the Civil Rights Movement’s boycotts and protests, speaking before church, college, civil, fraternal and peace groups. She organized a series of freedom concerts as a fundraiser for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Following Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, Mrs. King continued her work in civil rights, and established the Martin Luther King,

Jr. Center for Nonviolent Change in Atlanta.

As the founding president, chair and CEO, she led the organization in providing local, national and international programs that taught thousands of people her late husband’s philosophies and methods.

Mrs. King later led the educational and lobbying campaign to establish Dr. King’s birthday as a national holiday, which became a reality in 1983.

She received honorary doctorates from more than 60 colleges and universities, authored a nationally syndicated newspaper column and three books, and helped establish such organizations as the Black Leadership Forum and the National Black Coalition for Voter Participation.

Mrs. King died on Jan. 30, 2006 at the age of 78.

Sources: Defender files, the King Center, Encyclopedia Britannica, biography.com

Special Admission

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, January 20 at Noon Brought to you by State Rep. Garnet Coleman Join us for all-day activities and a peace rally!

cmhouston.org/king-day

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JANUARY 16 | 2014 | DEFENDER

3B

Calendar of

events

A GREAT MAN

Friday, Jan. 17

ONCE HAD

The MLK Grande Parade sponsors a step show competition at 7 p.m. at the University of Houston Recreation and Wellness Center, 4500 University Blvd. Contact: mlkgrandeparade.org or 713-953-1633.

A DREAM.

Saturday, Jan. 18

The Black Heritage Society Children’s March begins at 10 a.m. at Minute Maid Park.

Contact: blackheritagesociety.org or 713 2361700.

The MLK Grande Parade Youth Parade begins at noon at San Jacinto and Elgin. Checkin time is 10 a.m. A Battle of the Bands competition is 4 p.m. at Butler Stadium, 13755 S. Main.

Check-in time is 2 p.m. Contact: mlkgrandeparade.org or 713-953-1633.

LET’S CONTINUE

TO MAKE IT

A REALITY.

Sunday, Jan. 19 The Black Heritage Society Feed the Hungry food drive is 11 a.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church Cathedral Hall, 2019 Crawford. The BHS Memorial Project VIP Reception is at 4 p.m. at CWA Hall, 1730 Jefferson. Contact: blackheritagesociety.org or 713 236-1700.

The MLK Grande Parade Community Festival is at 1 p.m. at Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy. Contact: mlkgrandeparade.org or 713-953-1633.

J O I N I N T H E

Monday, Jan. 20

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C E L E B R AT I N G L I F E , A N D

The North Houston Frontiers Club Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast is 8:15 a.m. at the Hilton Americas-Houston Downtown. Keynote speaker will be Willie Iles, director of government and community relations with the Boy Scouts of America. Contact: nhfrontiers.com or 713.331.0440.

The Black Heritage Society Original MLK Parade is 10 a.m. at Minute Maid Park.

The BHS Community Festival is 11 a.m. at Discovery Green. The BHS MLK Statue Unveiling Preview is 2 p.m. at Discovery Green. Contact: blackheritagesociety.org or 713 236-1700.

The MLK Grande Parade begins at 10 a.m. at San Jacinto and Elgin. Check-in time is 8 a.m. Contact: mlkgrandeparade.org or 713-9531633.

Houston AmeriCorps Alums and the Houston Department of Health and Human Services sponsor a clean-up project to help create safer routes to school for students at Sterling High School and Thomas Middle School. It starts at 11 a.m. Volunteers should arrive at Sterling, 11625 Martindale, by 10:30 a.m. to receive safety vests, supplies and instructions. Contact: 832-393-4999.

The Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz, commemorates the King Holiday with a variety of events beginning at 10 a.m.

Activities include a speech recital, a noon peace Houston area offor over years rally, a rendition the “I Have 80 a Dream” speech and a performance by the Young Harmonies of Houston Choir. Admission is $5 per person and free for museum members and children under 1.

Contact: cmhouston.org or (713) 522-1138.

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Dr. King supported President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society but later opposed the Vietnam War.

War & peace

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ccording to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Dr. King considered “militarism” to be one of the triple evils, along with racism and poverty.

King discussed war in his book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” He said, “A true revolution of values will lay hands on the world and say of war, ‘This way of settling differences is not just.’

“This way of burning human beings with napalm, of filling our nation’s homes with orphans and widows, of injecting poisonous drugs of hate into the veins of peoples normally humane, of sending men home from dark and bloody battlefields physically handicapped psychologically deranged, cannot be reconciled with wisdom, justice and love.”

In the late ‘60s, King voiced his opposition to the Vietnam War. According to history.com, King had been a supporter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and his Great Society, but he became increasingly concerned about U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

As King’s concerns became more public, his relationship with the Johnson administration deteriorated.

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Philosophy goes beyond ‘I Have a Dream’ R E K R AP E S I N N A R O YA M

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

In April 1967, King delivered a speech titled “Beyond Vietnam” at Riverside Church in New York City. He proposed that the U.S. stop the bombing of North and South Vietnam, declare a unilateral truce in the hope that it would lead to peace talks, and set a date for withdrawal of troops from Vietnam.

“We still have a choice today: nonviolent coexistence or violent co-annihilation,” King said during his speech. We must move past indecision to action. We must find new ways to speak for peace in Vietnam and justice throughout the developing world, a world that borders on our doors.

“If we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark, and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight.”

King believed the war diverted attention and money from domestic programs designed to aid poor Blacks, while devastating the Black community in other ways.

“We were taking the Black young men who had been crippled by our society and sending them 8,000 miles away to guarantee liberties in Southeast Asia which they had not found in Southwest Georgia and East Harlem,’” he said.

As the nation celebrates what would have been the 85th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there will be a lot of focus on his “I Have a Dream Speech” and his desire for all of God’s children to be “free at last.”

Though King dreamed of a nation where his children would be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin, his beliefs go much deeper.

Dr. King delivered countless sermons and speeches with such titles as “Eulogy for the Martyred Children” and “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution.” He wrote five books, and addressed topics ranging from the Catholic church to the Ku Klux Klan to the Nation of Islam.

Here are Dr. King’s thoughts on three areas: war and peace, socioeconomics and the church.

The church

D Dr. King considered a career in medicine or law before accepting his calling to become a minister.

r. King was the son and grandson of Baptist preachers, yet when he entered Morehouse College in 1944, he did not plan to become a minister. He majored in sociology and had an interest in law and medicine.

Morehouse President Dr. Benjamin E. Mays influenced King’s spiritual development, and encouraged him to view Christianity as a force for progressive social change. King was ordained his final year at Morehouse and named assistant pastor of his father’s church.

King went on to graduate from Crozer Theological Seminary in Upland, Penn., and later enrolled in Boston University as a philosophy student.

After graduation, he received offers of employment from two Northern churches and two Southern churches.

He leaned toward Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala.

In 1954, King preached a trial sermon at Dexter. His sermon was titled “The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life,” and focused on the love of God, self and neighbors.

After accepting the call to pastor at Dexter, King became president of the Montgomery Improvement Association, and led his congregation and the community during the Montgomery bus boycott.

In his book “What Manner of Man,” Lerone Bennett Jr., notes that the Montgomery association held large mass meetings which rotated from church to church, and included “hand-clapping, shouting, and testifying.”

Bennett said King tended to look down on the “emotionalism” of the Negro church, but that changed with the mass meetings.

“Now [King] began to see that the Negro religious tradition contained enormous reservoirs of psychic and

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Dr. King

believed

ocial strength which had never been adequately tapped,” ennett said.

King, however, had problems with the white church. his “Letter From Birmingham Jail,” King said he ought the Montgomery bus boycott would be supported y white ministers, priests and rabbis.

Instead, he said, “some have been outright oppoents, refusing to understand the freedom movement and isrepresenting its leaders; all too many others have een more cautious than courageous…”

King was disappointed by the white church.

“I do not say this as one of those negative critics who an always find something wrong with the church,” he id. “I say this as a minister of the gospel, who loves e church; who was nurtured in its bosom; who has been ustained by its spiritual blessings and who remain true it and long as the cord of life shall lengthen.”

he Houston area for over 80 years

Dr. King marched in support of sanitation workers in Memphis, the site of his assassination.

Socioeconomics

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fter the signing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, Dr. King shifted his focus toward economic justice.

In January 1966, King moved into a Chicago tenement to attract attention to living conditions of the poor.

Six months later, he initiated a campaign to end discrimination in Chicago housing, employment and schools.

The following year, King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference announced a Poor People’s Campaign focusing on jobs and freedom for those living in poverty.

The campaign included an economic bill of rights, calling on the federal government to assist with an antipoverty package that included housing and a guaranteed annual income for all Americans.

Less than a month before his death, King delivered a speech titled “The Other America” in Grosse Pointe, Mich., in which he addressed economic injustice.

He said in one America, “millions of people have the milk of prosperity and the honey of equality flowing before them…In this America children grow up in the sunlight of opportunity. But there is another America,” he said.

“This other America has a daily ugliness about it that transforms the buoyancy of hope into the fatigue of despair.”

King discussed unemployment and underemployment in the Black community.

“The problem of unemployment is not the only problem,” King said. “There is a problem of underemployment, and there are thousands and thousands, I would say millions of people in the Negro community who are poverty-stricken – not because they are not working, but because they receive wages so low that they cannot begin to function in the main stream of the economic life of our nation.”

Dr. King’s concern for striking sanitation workers took him to Memphis in 1968.

Frustrated by neglect and abuse by the Memphis Department of Public Works, 1300 Black men from the department had gone on strike.

In his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech delivered the night before his death, King said, “The issue is injustice. The issue is the refusal of Memphis to be fair and honest in its dealings with its public servants, who happen to be sanitation workers.”

King promoted a march for equality during the speech.

“Now we’re going to march again, and we’ve got to march again,” he said, “in order to put the issue where it is supposed to be, and force everybody to see that there are 1300 of God’s children here suffering, sometimes going hungry, going through dark and dreary nights wondering how this thing is going to come out.”

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Following in

King’s footsteps

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By TIFFANY L. WILLIAMS Defender

R E K R A PLuther ESINNA RO YA M Dr. Martin King Jr. was a man who not only served, led, and fought for his own community, but who also worked to attain equality, justice, and peace among all people.

Today, a new generation of leaders is emerging and while they believe that aspects of King’s dream have been realized, there is still work to be done. The Defender sat down with a few of today’s young leaders to find out why they’ve committed themselves to carrying the torch that King and countless others lit all those years ago.

Samson Babalola Thirty-year-old development manager Samson Babalola believes leadership isn’t easy, but is necessary for achieving success.

“Being a leader is not convenient, serving is not convenient,” he said. “It’s a lifestyle. There are only a select few who can really do it.”

Babalola said Dr. King was the prime example of a leader because he understood the challenges ahead and decided to face them anyway.

“Dr. King was willing to lead knowing about opposition, knowing the risks involved,” he said. “He was willing to die for what he believed in. That kind of mindset is rare.”

Babalola is serving his second term as president of the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals (HAULYP), a service organization that helps communities of color

through economic, political and educational awareness.

He said his decision to lead wasn’t a choice; rather, it was a desire to serve his community and challenge himself personally.

“If you have time to give back – whether you’re in the financial position or have the time – the best way to give back is through service.

“I’ve always been inspired by Gandhi and Mandela and King – all of them were willing to sacrifice for a greater cause,” he said. “I don’t believe my efforts match the magnitude of those individuals, but I know that I’m participating in the long-term progression of our community.”

Babalola also volunteers for the African American Leadership Council for the Houston Symphony and works for the Galveston Housing Authority.

Tiffany Thomas leadership,” she said.

Community developer Thomas, who volunTiffany Thomas believes fulteers with several commufilling King’s legacy means nity organizations, serves not seeing the fruit of your on the Board of Trustees work now but taking necesfor Alief Independent sary steps so generations can School District, making benefit from your harvest her one of the youngest later. school board members in “A lot of times as a the Houston area. leader you’re just sowing the When asked why seed and you don’t see how all the dots connect,” she said. she decided to commit her life to service at such a “Everything King fought for – equality, justice, access, About Tiffany young age, she said, “We have one life and I want anti-poverty – he didn’t see Age: 32 to make it everything I’m come to fruition. He had no Hometown: Houston supposed to make it. idea [about] the election of a Education: Sam “Leaving your mark Black president or Black conHouston State doesn’t mean you’ll be gresswomen, but these things University, bachelor’s in on TV or the cover of happened because he made public relations; Prairie a magazine – maybe it the decision to lead.”

View A&M University, means having lunch with a Her own decisions master’s in community to lead and serve weren’t kindergartner every Friday development initially apparent, but 32-yearor coaching or mentorold Thomas said gradually, ing. No matter what we she began to realize the power of organizing. choose, at the end our lives we can say, ‘I “I was always concerned with getting used up every gift. Everything that God the work done and it always evolved into called me to do, I did.’ ” Continued on Page 7B

About Samson Age: 30 Hometown: Houston Education: Prairie View A&M University, bachelor’s in construction science; master’s in community development.

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Important events in the

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Defender News Services

ert Kennedy.

1962 – Arrested and jailed in Albany, Ga. 1929 – Born on Jan. 15 to Rev. Mar1963 – Arrested and tin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams jailed in Birmingham, Ala., King in Atlanta. where he wrote “Letter from 1944 – Graduated from Booker T. Birmingham Jail.” Delivered Washington High School. Began his his “I Have a Dream” speech studies at Morehouse College at age 15. at the March on Washington.

1948 – Ordained as a Baptist minis1964 – Named “Man of ter at age 19. Graduated from Morehouse the Year” by Time Magazine. and entered Crozer Theological Seminary Awarded the Nobel Peace in Upland, Penn.

Prize.

1951 – Entered Boston University for 1965 – Arrested in Selma, Dr. King was joined by Rev. Jesse Jackson graduate studies. at his last speech in 1968.

Ala., during a voting rights demonstra1953 – Married Coretta Scott. tion.

1954 – Became pastor of Dexter AvGandhi’s philosophy of 1966 – Moved to a Chicago slum to enue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala. nonviolence. Resigned call attention to poverty. Joined a March 1955 – Received Doctorate of Philosophy from Dexter. Moved to Against Fear through the South. in systematic theology from Boston University.

Atlanta to devote more 1967 – Announced a Poor People’s Elected president of the Montgomery Improvetime to the SCLC. Campaign focusing on jobs and freedom. ment Association. Became official spokesman 1960 – Became 1968 – Supported sanitation workfor the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted co-pastor at his father’s ers on strike in Memphis. Delivered his 381 days. church, Ebenezer Bap“I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech.

1957 – Elected president of the Southern Dr. King and Malcolm X met once in tist, in Atlanta. Arrested Washington, D.C., in 1964.

Assassinated on April 4 while standing on Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). during an Atlanta lunch the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Mem1958 – Published his first book, “Stride counter sit-in. Released after intervention by phis. James Earl Ray was sentenced to 99 years Toward Freedom.” presidential candidate John F. Kennedy and Rob- in prison for his murder.

1959 – Visited India to study Mohandas

Footsteps...Continued from page 6B

David Castillo fruits of equality we must continue to a volunteer with the Houston Astros UrKing’s dream for equality among help others realize their own capabiliban Youth Academy, the Houston Food all mankind has been realized in certain ties.

Bank and St. Luke Missionary Baptist areas, but 23-year-old Texas Southern “Success is a ladder,” he said.

Church, among others.

University student David Castillo be“When one has reached the final steps, “I want to be a model to my genlieves we must build upon that equality it’s the next leader’s turn to carry on the eration, and an inspiration,” he said. so it manifests into something greater.

“Dr. King fought for religious “No matter what we may expeprinciples, racial equality, sociorience or go through…I want economic equality, gender equalmy generation to know that our to see a photo gallery featuring more of Houston’s young, up-and-coming leaders. ity, you name it,” Castillo said. experiences make us not “He fought for justice and break us.” peace – two issues that we are Castillo has some advice still trying to alleviate in today’s world. torch and climb with fire and desire.” for other aspiring young leaders.

Although he’s experienced obstacles Such issues as the Trayvon Martin case “Understand that leadership takes and hardships, Castillo said he’s still are prime examples. This world isn’t time and isn’t developed in a day. And committed to making a difference in his always act successful even if you’re not about one race being more powerful than the other; it’s about peace and community. succeeding because failure is a part of equality among all mankind.”

He is president of the TSU Sport success. It’s not how you start, it’s how Castillo also said in order to use the Studies Leadership Association, and is you finish.”

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Blacks face retirement crisis in U.S. NNPA News Service

More than three-fifths of Black workingage households – 62 percent – have no assets in a retirement account, according to a new study by the National Institute of Retirement Security (NIRS), Working-age households are those with residents 25 to 64 years old. Even those Black households with assets trail similarly situated whites. Among the 38.3 percent of Black households age 55 to 64 who do own accounts, the average savings is $34,365. That’s a fraction of the $206,400 saved by their white counterparts.

The report, “Race and Retirement Security in the United States,” is a companion to a broader study of the retirement gap using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Federal Reserve.

“I think what the research shows is that the U.S. retirement crisis has really specific racial dimensions, specifically with access and savings,” says Nari Rhee, manager of research at NIRS and the report’s author.

“About 44 percent of Baby Boomers and Generation Xers won’t even have enough saved to meet their basic needs when they retire.”

In the report, Rhee describes the savings gap as “stark,” with the typical retirement account-owning household of color with a balance of $23,000, which is less than half the $50,500 median balance of white households with retirement accounts.

In addition to the gap in savings, a gap in access to retirement options persists, particularly for private-sector workers. The NIRS found that private sector retirement access is near its lowest point since 1979.

As of 2010, a little more than half of all Black workers have access to employer-sponsored retirement coverage (54.3 percent), and less than half of them actually take advantage of such plans (43 percent).

There are several causes for the lack of access to retirement plans among Black households. For starters, employers are not legally required to provide benefits or financial literacy courses to their employees.

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, incoming president of the Association of African American Financial Advisors, said: “Access to retirement plans is tied to industry, level of education, income level…people of color are still catching up to these opportunities.”

The retirement gap is also linked to the wealth gap. Braxton and Rhee point out that there are societal and historical factors at play.

Although African-Americans are well represented in the public-sector ranks where defined benefit pensions are still the norm, lagging generational wealth curtails this boost.

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opinion

Dr. King’s true legacy

By Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. NNPA Columnist

T

his month will mark the 85th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Across the nation and throughout the world community, millions of people will pay tribute and celebrate the birth of one our greatest freedom fighters and most effective leaders.

The legacy of Dr. King is more than a federal holiday, although we should never forget the protracted but successful struggle that was required to get that holiday recognition signed into law.

The legacy of Dr. King is more than a tall magnificent statue that now stands on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. King’s legacy is also more than a faint remembrance of the past sacrifices and victories of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

The living legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. should be a legacy of present-day continuing the good fight for freedom, justice, equality and economic empowerment in America, Africa and everywhere in the world. That is a big order and a tremendous challenge.

As a young, statewide youth organizer from 1963 to 1968 for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in my home state of North Carolina, I witnessed firsthand the incredible genius and courage of Dr. King.

I also remember his militant band of preachers, community organizers and student leaders who had become impatient with the status quo of systematic racial injustice in the United States. Golden Frinks, the N.C. state field secretary of SCLC, recruited and introduced me to Dr. King and SCLC. Working with Dr. King changed my life for the better.

Today, my purpose is simply to apply what I believe is the living legacy of Dr. King to some of the most pressing is-

sues that oppressed people face nationally and internationally.

When Dr. King spoke out against the atrocities of the Vietnam War in 1967, there were many in the African-American community who could not readily make the connection between the issues of racial and economic oppression in the United States and the issues of war and peace in southeast Asia.

It was only after Dr. King’s tragic assassination in 1968 that many shared his opposition to the Vietnam War. Dr. King would not have supported the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, or wars in other parts of the world.

There is just too much public silence about these and other global violent conflicts. Dr. King’s commitment to nonviolence was non-negotiable.

All people must strive to settle differences and disputes without engaging in self-destructive violence.

Gun violence is down somewhat now in Chicago, but it is still too high.

Gun violence is rising in Detroit, Washington, D.C. and in Philadelphia.

The SCLC, NAACP, National Urban League, National Rainbow Coalition, and the National Action Network should take on the National Rifle Association and its policies to proliferate gun sales in America.

Support of universal health care and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) should be viewed as a fundamental aspect of the living legacy of King. We are most affected by the absence of health care delivery to our families and communities. Yet, in too many of our communities there still appears to a slow response to the ACA. Dr. King knew the importance of education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities His legacy demands more financial support for all HBCUs. We must also meet the challenge of curbing drop-out rates and the failures of the secondary school systems of education with respect to our communities.

Lastly, Martin Luther King’s concept of “the Beloved Community” involved economic equality and development as a means of eliminating poverty.

We should be encouraging the rise and training of a new young generation of entrepreneurs. If we want more jobs, then we have to have more businesses and employers who emerge from the communities that live in and serve.

The King Holiday is about remembrance and celebration.

But it should also be about living the legacy of Dr. King everywhere people are crying out for a better life through freedom, justice, equality and economic empowerment.

Tobacco settlement disrespects Black community The parties involved in a proposed agreement that disrespects the Black community should be ashamed of themselves.

The Justice Department, the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund and four major tobacco companies have agreed to sign off on a $30 million-plus advertising plan that leaves out the Black print and broadcast media.

The ad money is instead going to 35 white and Hispanic newspapers and the three major TV networks.

Judge Gladys Kessler of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia selected the media outlets that would benefit from the agreement. Shame on her too.

She should have done her homework on the marketplace

before deciding how to proceed.

The tobacco companies were found guilty of misleading the public about the dangers of smoking. Kessler ordered the companies to make “corrective statements” about the “lies” they told.

Many of those lies were told to the Black community.

As smoking declines among whites, tobacco companies have long targeted minority communities with intensive merchandising.

How dare the U.S. government ignore the fact that the tobacco companies disproportionately targeted Black consumers? We’re good enough for them to encourage us to smoke but we’re not good enough for them to admit

that they were wrong.

According to the American Lung Association, the Black population “suffers disproportionately from deadly and preventable diseases associated with smoking.”

Now that it’s time for them to come clean about their lies and educate consumers, the tobacco companies are excluding the Black community.

NNPA, the Black Press of America, will ask the Justice Department to include Black media in the tobacco companies’ ad campaigns. If that doesn’t work, NNPA will take other action.

The Defender supports NNPA’s plans. The disrespect has to end.

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Tobacco...Continued from page 3 tion of Black Owned Broadcasters, told Target Market News: “The health of the AfricanAmerican community has suffered disproportionately from the advertising campaigns of the tobacco companies, and Blackowned media has been demonstrated to be the best way to engage

....“The tobacco industry has gone to great lengths to target the AfricanAmerican community over the past 30 years.” advertising, the industry has successfully penetrated this population. The industry’s ‘investment’ in the African-American community has had a destructive impact: African Americans suffer the greatest burden of tobacco-related mortality of any ethnic or racial group in the

the African-American community.

“Yet, now that the tobacco companies are being required to educate the public about the harm that tobacco products have caused, the companies and the DOJ have no plan to direct any educational advertising to our communities.”

Winston and Campbell said they plan to contact the Justice Department and ask it to direct tobacco companies to include Black-owned print and broadcast media in their public education buys. If that fails, Campbell said, NNPA will take stronger action.

4

United States.”

The tobacco industry was among the first to make inroads into the Black community by contributing to Black causes and developing close personal relationships with Black leaders.

Jim Winston, executive director of the National Associa-

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(RICO). They were found guilty at the conclusion of a trial that lasted from 2004 to 2005.

Judge Kessler wrote a stinging opinion, and said the case “is about an industry, and in particular these Defendants, that survives, and profits, from selling a highly addictive product which causes diseases that lead to a staggering number of deaths per year, an immeasurable amount of human suffering and economic loss, and a profound burden on our national health care system…”

The judge prohibited the companies from committing similar acts going forward and ordered them to make “corrective statements” about the lies they had told about the dangers of smoking.

Under the agreement, each company will decide whether to place ads on CBS, ABC or NBC. For newspapers, the tobacco companies are required to purchase a full-page ad in the first section of the Sunday edition of each newspaper.

Under Judge Kessler’s 2006 order, ads will be placed in more than 30 newspapers across the country, including the Dallas Morning News, Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Houston Chronicle Que Onda MagazineHouston.

It is ironic that the tobacco industry is bypassing Black media while complying with a federal order to disclose its deception when in the past it used the Black media to target African-American consumers.

“The tobacco industry has gone to great lengths to target the African-American community over the past 30 years,” the Campaign for TobaccoFree Kids stated.

“Through market research and aggressive

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 16 | 2014

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sports

TSU coach Mike Davis deals with expectations

By MAX EDISON Defender

T

he Texas Southern University Tigers won the SWAC regular season basketball crown with a 16-2 record last season. In the process they ran off a 12game conference win streak but could not participate in post-season play because of NCAA sanctions.

Those sanctions are behind them now and the Tigers are on the prowl. With the majority of his key players returning and a talented newcomer on board, head coach Mike Davis must now manage the expectations of success at TSU Coach Mike Davis this season.

Davis is living a charmed coaching life with 6-foot-10 center Aaric Murray showing up at his doorstep this fall.

Murray, a West Virginia transfer, is one of the more talented big men in the nation.

His 48-point explosion in an upset Tiger win against Temple on the road has certified his pedigree.

Davis’ task is to prepare his team to play, both mentally and physically, each and every night they hit the court. The success they enjoyed last season and this season has put a target on their backs for SWAC opponents.

Davis said preparation is one key to a Center Aaric Murray is one of the nation’s most talented big men. successful season. in conference play. Guys shoot better “As a coach in this conference what in conference play. They’re used to the you normally do is score watch,” he said. “You Ray Penn conference and they feel better about who is follow all the scores. You check and see who a from Fort a 5-foot-9 guard they are as basketball players. Now we have to School. Bend Travis High conference opponent played, if the game was make the adjustment to step our game up.” close, how much they scored.

There’s no shortage of talent on the roster and Southern, Jackson State and TSU played Davis is quick to acknowledge that. a lot of people close, then we beat Temple at “I think we’re the most talented team in Temple and Aaric scored 48 points, the most this league when you go from Ray Penn to points scored by any player in the country this Aaric Murray, D’Angelo Scott, Jose Rodriguez, year. That gets everyone’s attention.”

Madarious Gibbs and Aaron Clayborn. With the Now that conference play has begun the best big man now our four-man, D’Angelo and Tigers will get everyone’s best effort.

Aaron have to step up.

“Our biggest mistake is coming out [and] “With Aaric being double and triple-teamed thinking it will be easy,” Davis said. “We played they have to get the ball and make a play. Our really poorly against Alcorn and won by 17. We defense has to step up. We want to play fast, but played just as poorly against Southern and lost. ol we want to play smart. We get Ray Penn back from h scho We played harder against Prairie View and won. ed hig y la p injury as we prepare to hit the road. We will play rd, “What we’ve got to learn is this is forwa cott, a s.

S better. We know the goals we’ve set.” lo e conference play. Opponents get confidence ng ele ng D’A Los A ball in

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h.s.zone Winslow puts up fascinating numbers

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

J

ustise Winslow is fascinated by numbers. The 6-foot-6 St. John’s High School senior guard is virtually guaranteed to record a double-double (double digits in points and rebounds) every time he steps on the basketball court.

If he wasn’t the primary scoring option for his team, Winslow possesses the skill set to put up triple-doubles (points/rebounds/assists) on a regular basis.

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the five-star Duke University signee says math is his favorite subject at school and he would like to pursue a career in a field that primarily deals with numbers.

“I haven’t decided on a college major yet and Duke doesn’t offer a business degree,” Winslow said. “I’m sure they’ll test me when I get there to see what I’m interested in and we’ll figure out which direction to go from there.

Winslow has devised his own theory on applying numbers to athletics.

“Numbers really relate to sports as well,” he said.

“Calculating things, percentages and things like that.

I’ve always had a liking for numbers.”

The numbers that Winslow generates on the Justise Winslow, a star guard at St. John’s High School, stands basketball court also shouldn’t come as a surprise. in front of a collage of Houston basketball legends, including his He’s the son of Robin Davis and former University of father Rickie Winslow.

Houston Phi Slama Jama legend Rickie Winslow.

Winslow may be having visions of his freshman At the recent Hall of Fame Games High School year at St. John’s when he scored 43 points in the Basketball Tournament at Fonde Recreation Center, Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) championship Winslow and his St. John’s Mavericks teammates took on game against Episcopal and his older brother Joshua hit Euless Trinity and 7-foot-5 star center Myles Turner in the the game-winning layup at the buzzer. Joshua Winslow Calvin Murphy Legends Game. is currently playing football at Dartmouth College.

Winslow finished with 34 points and 15 rebounds as “That was such an emotional experience because St. John’s slipped away with a 51-49 overtime victory. “If I had scored two points and we won, I would still be happy,” we were playing before a packed gym and the crowd stormed the court after we won and we were able to Winslow said. “I just want to put my team in the best raise that state banner for the first time in 35 years,” position to win.”

Justise Winslow said.

Turner, a senior who has yet to commit, had 16 St. John’s would repeat as SPC state champions points, seven rebounds and four assists. It was Winslow’s Winslow’s sophomore year with a victory over assignment to defend Turner for most of the contest.

Kinkaid. Last year Episcopal knocked off St. John’s in “I was hoping to the state title game. get a chance to talk with “I hope to wrap Myles, but not during the up my high school game,” Winslow said. career with another to learn more about Justise Winslow.

“Myles is a special player state title and to keep with his height and his having fun with my athleticism. teammates before we go our separate ways to college,” “I want to see if Duke was on his radar screen and what would be the prospects of him joining myself, Jahilil Winslow said. “I’ve been able to establish some great relationships at St. John’s. Those are some of the things Okafor (Chicago), Tyus Jones (Minnesota) and Grayson that you never forget.”

Allen (Florida) in the next freshman class at Duke.”

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sportsbriefs Freshman named All-American Brooke Botkin of Pearland High School was selected to the Maxpreps All-American volleyball team as a freshman and was also named “Newcomer of the Year” by lonestarvolleyball.com. The 6-foot-1 outside hitter helped lead the Oilers to a 34-10 record with 430 kills on 972 attacks, 95 percent serving, 46 blocks, 271 digs and 629 serve receptions.

Fort Bend hosts ceremony The Fort Bend Independent School District athletic department in conjunction with the Professional Football Player Mothers Association will host a National Signing Day ceremony on Feb. 5 from 8 to 9 a.m. in Wheeler Fieldhouse. The facility is located at 16403 Lexington Drive in Sugar Land. Any FBISD football player signing a national letter of intent to further their education and continue their football playing career will be recognized during the ceremony. There will be a similar ceremony in the spring to honor other athletes who have been rewarded with a scholarship.

Manvel girls ranked Manvel has gotten o≠ to a 22-2 start in girls’ high school basketball, including 5-0 in District 22-5A. The Lady Mavs are ranked No. 2 in Texas among Class 5A schools and No. 3 nationally. A two-time defending league champion, Manvel is the favorite to win the Region III-5A title and advanced to the state tournament in Austin for the first time in school history. One of the losses was to defending 5A state champion Duncanville (56-50) in the McDonald’s Invitational Tournament. Brianna Turner leads the team in scoring at 19.8 points per game.

Collins, Burrell in the news Hats o≠ to University of Houston sophomore sprinter Leshon Collins, who set a record in the Houston Indoor Opener recently. Collins’ time of 6.60 seconds in the 60-yard dash crushed the meet record, the UH school record and his own personal record of 6.67 set last year. On a related note, Cougar track coach Leroy Burrell was recently inducted to the Texas Track Hall of Fame. Burrell enters his 16th season as head coach at UH. A former world record holder in the 100- meters and Olympic gold medalist, Burrell is one of the nation’s premier coaches.

Say farewell to A-Rod An independent arbitrator has ruled that New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez be suspended for the entire 2014 season (162 games) as well as post-season play.

The move comes in the wake of A-Rod’s involvement in Major League Baseball’s Biogenesis scandal.

Rodriguez, 39, played just 44 games in 2013 after undergoing hip surgery. The arbitrator’s decision reduces the previous ban of 211 games previously handed down by MLB. The suspension is the culmination of a nearly year-long investigation into the Biogenesis Lab, performance enhancing drugs and Major League players. Twelve other players have been suspended as a result of the investigation, including former MVP Ryan Braun. One of MLB’s highest paid players, Rodriguez is set to make salaries of $21 million, $20 million and $20 million over the three remaining seasons on his contract.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 16 | 2014

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For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

POLITICAL LEADERS FROM HARRIS AND right, with a house party at his beautiful home. His FT. BEND COUNTIES…..State Rep. Sylvester hospitality and the fellowship among his friends Turner hosted elected officials from surrounding set the tone for the entire year. A lavish dinner was counties at the University Museum at Texas Southern served and live entertainment was provided. It was University. The reception standing room-only in the house, and Join Yvette Chargois provided a unique opportunity since the weather was nice and cool, for leaders to meet in a social folks just went outside and enjoyed Events of the Week setting. TSU leaders, local school the fabulous backyard. Guests More photos on defendernetwork.com and community college board included Judge Hilary Green, Judge See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads members, and city, county, state Zinetta Burney, Judge Vanessa with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. and federal representatives were Gilmore, Sharon and Doug Owens, in attendance. They included Jackie Pope, Walter Criner, Henry TSU president Dr. John Rudley, Congresswoman Brown, Michale Helm, Dr. Jeffery Guidry and Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressman Al Green, George Thomas. Thanks Dr. Ward!.....BLACK State Reps. Alma Allen and Ron Reynolds, Port MEDIA MIXER…..A gathering of Black media Commissioner Theldon Branch, City Controller colleagues from the 1970s to the present day met at Ronald Green and many others attended the event.

Ellen Ray’s Creole Restaurant for some good old Continued success to all of you!.....DR. JAMES reminiscing. There’s such a rich history among us WARD’S HOLIDAY PARTY……..You can count and this gathering provided a means for those who on Dr. James Ward to start the New Year off paved the way to share with up and coming media

Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, St. Rep. Sylvester Turner and Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz

Ft. Bend County JP Joel Clouser, Gloria Clouser, Atty. Ron Lewis and Judge Al Bennett

Harry Johnson Jr., Morgan Kenner and Christopher Hollins

Ethel Porter and Ernie Jackson

personalities in radio, television, print and public relations. Spotted at the event were Jew Don Boney, Defender Publisher and CEO Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles, Lorenza Butler, Thom Dickerson, Lloyd Gite, Michael Harris, Larry Johnson, Melanie Lawson, Jewell McGowan Maddox, James Penny, Ethel Porter, Ernie Jackson, Carole Pinkett, Don Rosette, Claudette Sims, J. Thomas Smith, John Smith, Sue Tarver, Jackie Willis, George Thomas, Terri Carter, Phyllis Bailey, Todd Smith, Kim Davis, Jeffrey Boney, Kris Gardner, Vickee Syes and Tamika White. This wonderful event was hosted by Linda K. Brown, president/CEO of Advantage Communications, and co-sponsored by Jerome Soloman, president of Houston Association of Black Journalist and Karen Carter, president/ CEO of the Forward Times. Future plans are to have a “Media Hall of Fame” for the Houston market media pioneers. Great event!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

City Controller Ron Green, Dr. John Rudley and Jodie Jiles

Dr. James Ward, Dr. John Rudley, Theldon Branch and Harry Johnson Sr.

June and Don Rosette, John Smith and Larry Johnson

2013 NFL Hall of Fame inductee Curley Culp and Walter Criner

Claudette Sims and James Penny

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