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BLACKS URGED TO RAMP UP INTERNET INVOLVEMENT P4 defendernetwork.com
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Volume 84 | Number 10 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 |FREE
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NEWSTALK
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
SEN. RODNEY ELLIS introduces sales tax legislation
TRACING YOUR ROOTS
P2 ENTERTAINMENT LEE DANIELS builds ‘Empire’ on television
P5 H.S. ZONE NICK HERNANDEZ excels on court, in class
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Morgan Freeman
Dr. George Wright
Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman can be seen on PBS during the network’s Black History Month programming. Read about his Shakespeare connection. See what other celebrities appear on public television. Find out about playwrights and photographers.
Prairie View A&M University President Dr. George Wright was among the participants at an unprecedented campus groundbreaking. Discover the facts about PVAMU’s forthcoming football stadium and athletic complex. Read about its impact on the future.
stars on PBS
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TOP EVENTS
breaks ground
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Tom Joyner speaks at North Houston Frontiers Club breakfast
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 5 | 2015
newstalk
Yates High students suspended after walkout By LAGLORIA WHEATFALL Defender
The administration at Jack Yates High School suspended a group of students who staged a walkout. Each student received a three-day suspension and 20 hours of community service, and one student received an additional five-day suspension. According to the students, the protest was to take action against gang violence and crime within the school as well as demand a safe environment for learning. Officials at Yates would not comment on the incident. A spokesperson for HISD said that the district has a strong monitoring system and that they are working Protesters at Yates High School call for change and a safer environment. diligently to ensure the students’ safety. The students demanded two additional dents, said she is at the beginning stages of an investipolice officers on campus for the remainder of the gation. “I am involved in this because I want to make year. Student demonstrators also want to change the sure the children were treated fairly,” she said. school uniform, so that it does not include gang colors. “These kids have a right to a learning environProtesters also requested a new administration and ment that’s free of violence and intimidation. And they said the current one has allowed the continuation of have a right to have it from fellow students, teachers crime and gang violence. and administration at the school and also from HISD,” Gerry Monroe, parent of a student protester, said Jones said. that the community needs to get more involved to adKofi Taharka, National Black United Front leader dress the students’ concerns. and activist, commended the students. “The community can be a major factor in this by “I felt very proud that young people organized becoming more visible at the school. Sitting back and themselves to take a stand and speak up for issues allowing the violence to trickle out of the school to that they believe are important. But at the same time, slide into the community is not a good thing,” Monroe in this instance, I felt like we as a community, we as said. adults, it’s sad that they had to do that alone,” Taharka Attorney Jolanda Jones, who represents the stusaid. “I feel like we are not on our job.”
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Local lawmakers file legislation Three Houston-area lawmakers recently filed bills during the legislative session. State Sen. Rodney Ellis joined Houston State Sen. Dwayne Bohac in filing companion legislation to expand Texas’ sales tax holiday. The bipartisan bills will increase the sales tax holiday’s purchase limit amount for clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies from $100 to $200. In addition, the bills will add certain electronic devices to the list of items tax-free items, including e-readers, personal computers and tablets. “It’s time to bring the sales tax holiday into the 21st century,” Ellis said. “Texas needs to increase the sales tax holiday amount and add the electronic devices that our students regularly use to succeed in the classroom.” State Rep. Ron Reynolds filed HB 880, creating a disadvantaged business assistance program to be operated by the Texas Department of Transportation. The bill would allow TxDOT to establish a fund to provide financing to stimulate the development of businesses that are identified as disadvantaged. “I believe we should have programs crafted to remove barriers in state agency contracting as well as develop disadvantaged businesses so they can compete successfully in the marketplace,” Reynolds said. State Rep. Sylvester Turner announced an effort to free up millions of dollars for medical trauma centers in the Houston area. Turner plans to file legislation to ensure that money collected in two state accounts that are designated to fund medical trauma centers is dispersed to those facilities. Little of the money collected over the past few years has been spent, with the Legislature keeping those funds to balance the budget. Under Turner’s proposed legislation, local hospitals will receive millions of dollars over the next two years.
localbriefs NEARLY 300 STUDENTS in the Dallas-Fort Worth area must find a new school after Prime Prep Academy, co-founded by NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, recently closed. “After reviewing the financial information discovered over the past week, I agree with the Prime Prep board of managers’ decision to cease operation immediately,” said Texas Education Agency Commissioner Michael Williams. Prime Prep had $60,000 in its bank accounts but was more than $700,000 in debt. The school reportedly didn’t have enough money left to make its January payroll obligations. Sanders, who was in Arizona for the Super Bowl, tweeted
thanks to the TEA for working with Prime Prep… …...A SHOOTING near the Prairie View A&M University campus on Feb. 3 left one person dead and another injured.Leroy Mitchell was identified as a person of interest in the case. The shooting occurred at an apartment complex providing off-campus student housing……..WITH THE POOL OF PROSPECTIVE JURORS near depletion, Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniel launched a new jury wheel and created a list designed to meet the needs of local trial courts for about four years. The launching of a new wheel means that those who performed jury service dur-
ing the past four years may be called again. In Harris County, the names of people to be called for jury service used to be pulled from a large rotating wheel or barrel. The county now uses an electronic system but the process is still referred to as the jury wheel……..TEXAS FAMILIES seeking to lock in the cost of undergraduate tuition and required fees at Texas public colleges and universities are urged to enroll their children in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund prior to the close of the current enrollment period, which ends on Feb. 28. For details visit www.TuitionPromise.org or call 1-800-445-GRAD.
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FEBRUARY 5 | 2015 | DEFENDER
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 5 | 2015
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U.S.briefs
Blacks urged to ramp up Internet involvement
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By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Editor-in-Chief
lacks need to become more involved in what might appear to be arcane debates over “net neutrality” – having an open Internet – because the fast-evolving Internet will have a major impact on their lives, including how they consult with medical providers in the future, says Kim M. Keenan, president and CEO of the Multicultural Media & Telecom Council (MMTC). “The next wave is going to be telemedicine,” she said, referring to the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications – including smart phones, email and video – to improve a patient’s clinical health status. “The day is going to come when better care is going to come through telemedicine and if our grandparents don’t have access to broadband – fast broadband – they are going to be left out.” Keenan, who recently assumed her new position after serving as general counsel and secretary of the NAACP, made her comments in an address to publishers attending the mid-winter conference of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in Nassau, Bahamas. Keenan said African-Americans should be concerned about the elderly, young students and everyone in between, all of whom are affected by a digital divide. According to a study by John B. Horrigan, there is an economic divide that parallels the racial divide. It found that compared to more affluent students, 12.3 percent of all low-income students either lack access to the highest speed tier or were overrepresented in the bottom tier. It also found that “13.8 percent of all African American students who, compared to whites, either lack access to the highest speed tier or are overrepresented in the lowest tier.” Although there is universal agreement that
the Internet should be open to all, there is sharp disagreement on how that should be implemented. MMTC favors placing consumer broadcast services under the jurisdiction of Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, but others – including President Obama – believe it should be covered by Title II of the act, an older section that initially covered telephones and other utilities. In its filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a coalition representing more than 40 major racial and ethnic civil rights organizations, including MMTC, said: “The National Minority Organizations recognize that access to broadband, adoption, and digital literacy are critical civil rights issues broadband is essential to living a life of equal opportunity in the 21st century. “Without broadband access, low-income and middle-class Americans – and particularly people of color – cannot gain new skills, secure good jobs, obtain a quality education, participate in our civic dialogue, or obtain greater access to healthcare through tele-health technologies…” Because major Internet service providers, such as Comcast and AT&T, also favor coverage under Section 706, the civil rights coalition has come under blistering criticism. Keenan was still brisling at such criticism when she addressed NNPA publishers. “People have basically said, ‘They bought y’all out. That’s why y’all have this position.’ ” Kennan said. “It’s so insulting that people think that as Black people, we can be bought or that we don’t care about who will make it right for our community – that we won’t do what’s right like normal people do.” Keenan praised Rev. Jesse Jackson’s push to diversify Silicon Valley. “Much has been said about Rev. Jackson, but if I were to look back over his lifetime and say, ‘What is the most significant thing that he’s done,’ I would point to this,” she said. She also praised Black publishers, saying, “When you tell our story, it gets told in our voice.”
HOUSE REPUBLICANS continued their efforts to dismantle Obamacare by voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act for the first time since the new Congress took office. The bill passed 239 to 186. It is the fourth time the House has passed a full repeal of the bill. The Senate is expected to vote on a repeal bill as well. President Obama pledged to veto any attempt to kill the ACA. “Why is it that this would be at the top of their agenda, making sure that folks who don’t have health care aren’t able to get it?” Obama said……..THE ROSA PARKS COLLECTION recently opened at the Library of Congress. The artifacts include Parks’ Presidential Medal of Freedom, a postcard written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., personal papers, notes, letters from presidents and photographs. A foundation headed by the son of billionaire Warren Buffet bought hundreds of items that belonged to Parks at auction for $4.5 million dollars. The collection is on loan to the library for 10 years. Parks, who died in 2005 at age 92, is often called the first lady of civil rights……..THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR said it wants to break the cycle where more than 9 million people are released from more than 3,000 county jails nationwide each year, many with few job skills and little prospect for employment. The Labor Department’s new $5 million funding opportunity will provide employment services to inmates prior to release and support as they transition back to their communities. The grant will support a pilot project that places specialized job centers inside county, municipal or regional jails and correctional facilities. The department plans to award approximately 10 grants of up to $500,000 each. Grantees must be local workforce investment boards with demonstrated partnerships. Information is available at www.grants.gov.
VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 10 FEBRUARY 5, 2015
Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Print Editor Marilyn Marshall
Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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FEBRUARY 5 | 2015 | DEFENDER
entertainment
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Lee Daniels
builds television ‘Empire’
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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender
ee Daniels, a successful feature film director and producer, is now turning his attention to television. His feature film credits include “The Butler,” “Monster’s Ball” and “Precious.” Here, he talks about directing “Empire,” the new nighttime soap opera that stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. KW: What was the source of inspiration for Empire? LD: My partner, Danny Strong, came to me with this idea of telling a story about my life, and merging that with music and the hip-hop world. He wrote “The Butler” and originally wanted to do “Empire” also as a movie. KW: Why TV, as opposed to the big screen? LD: What happened was we decided that’s enough with movies, let’s do it for television so that we could bring this to life for America on a weekly basis. It picks up, historically, where “The Butler” left off, and deals with race relations. It’s a little bit like my family, a little like some friends of mine with money, their world, and a little like some of my friends without money, their world. I think it’s the African-American experience. KW: Which character are you? LD: I’m Lucious, I’m Jamal, I’m all of the characters. My sister and my cousins are Cookie. KW: Did you consider other actors or did you always envision Taraji and Terrence for the lead roles? LD: I always con-
sidered Taraji. Even though Terrence and I are very good friends and had worked together on “The Butler” and were thinking about doing the Marvin Gaye story I didn’t know if he’d do TV. I was thinking of Wesley Snipes for the role, but word on the street was that Taraji wasn’t feeling it anymore. Then she told me, “I’ll do it, but only if Terrence does it.” I went, “Girl, you ain’t even got the job yet.” And I was like, “Terrence ain’t going to do TV.” But then he said he would, and
there you go. KW: Most writers avoid dealing with homosexuality within the Black community. What made you choose that path? Unlike your counterpart, Shonda Rhimes, who has depicted white males in a passionate relationship, perhaps to target a whiter audience, you’ve put two males of color in a gay relationship. Why did you choose to do so? LD: I did it because I think it’s time to destroy a myth in the Black community about gay men. When I was doing research for “Precious,” I went to the Gay Men’s Health Crisis here in New York City, because the movie dealt with AIDS. What I expected to see was gay men, but what I found were African-American women and children who’d been infected with HIV by Black men on the down-low. They were on the d-l because their pastor says, because their minister says, because their neighbor says, and their homeboy says, “You can’t be gay.” Black men on the d-l are killing our women... KW: You are working on a Richard Pryor biopic. What does he mean to you? LD: The more research I do, the more I uncover not only his brilliance, but how much of a pioneer he was at a time that was harder on African-Americans than it is right now, if that’s imaginable. His experience as a Black American was very similar to mine. We both come from troubled backgrounds. He was very open about his sexuality, and what he did, and he spoke the truth. And he fought for the truth for everybody. And because he was so tormented, he was a drug addict, and so was I. Our similarities are strangely connected. So, he speaks to me.
what’sup The family of BOBBI KRISTINA BROWN remains by her side as she fights for life. She was hospitalized after her partner, Nick Gordon, and a friend found her face down in the tub on Jan. 31. Her mother, WHITNEY HOUSTON, died almost three years ago in a similar fashion. Her father, BOBBY BROWN, asked for privacy. “Please allow for my family to deal with this matter and give my daughter the love and support she needs at this time,” he said…….. Former rap mogul SUGE KNIGHT was rushed to the hospital complaining of chest pains after appearing in a Los Angeles County courtroom.
Knight pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder and hit-and-run charges. Authorities allege Knight killed a man and injured another with his pickup truck and fled the scene. The collision followed a fight involving Knight and at least one of the men……..EDDIE MURPHY returns to “Saturday Night Live” for the first time in 30 years when he appears on the show’s 40th anniversary special on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. on NBC. When Murphy left in 1984 he declined offers to return and host the show. “It’s just timing. It just never worked out where the timing was right for me to do it,” he said recently……..
OPRAH WINFREY and award-winning filmmaker AVA DUVERNAY (“Selma”) have joined together to create a new original drama series for OWN. Inspired by the novel “Queen Sugar,” DuVernay is set to write, direct and executive produce the project, marking her first television drama series. Winfrey will executive produce and appear in multiple episodes in a recurring role. The series will chronicle a spirited woman who leaves her upscale Los Angeles lifestyle behind to claim an inheritance from her recently departed father – an 800-acre sugar cane farm in the heart of Louisiana.
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 5 | 2015 defendernetwork.com
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
PBS presents Black history
I
programming
n honor of African-American History Month, PBS presents programming designed to enrich viewers’ understanding of history and culture (check local listings for updates). Programs, which can also be viewed online, include: “The Taming of the Shrew with Morgan Freeman,” Friday, Feb. 6, 9 p.m. In 1990, Morgan Freeman starred in a Wild West version of “The Taming of the Shrew” for Shakespeare in the Park in New York. Here he sets out to understand how and why the play, one of the William Shakespeare’s first works, was written. Interviewees include Tracey Ullman, Sinead Cusack and Julia Stiles. “Othello with David Harewood,” Friday, Feb. 6, 10 p.m. In 1997, David Harewood was the first Black actor to play Othello on stage at the National Theatre in London. In this episode, he unravels the complex issues of prejudice and jealousy that are threaded throughout the play, and returns to the National to meet Adrian Lester, the most recent actor to take on the role at the theatre. Interviewees include Simon Russell Beale, Ian McKellen, Julia Stiles and Patrick Stewart. “Antiques Roadshow: Celebrating Black Americana,” Monday, Feb. 9, 8 p.m. “Antiques Roadshow,” described as part adventure, part history lesson and part treasure hunt, presents a special that features items seen together for the first time. Highlights include an 1821 U.S. citizenship certificate for George Barker, a free man of color; an African-American beauty book written by Madame C.J. Walker, the first American female millionaire; and a trip to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Mo. “St. Louis – Union Station,” Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, 7 p.m. At St. Louis’ historic Union Station, a team of genealogists uncovers fascinating family stories from across Missouri. A musician hopes to find connections to a famous St. Louis jazz composer. Two sisters explore links to a survivor of the legendary Donner Party. A woman finds out if she is related to royalty. A schoolteacher who has all the answers for her students has very few about her own past. “Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers & the Emergence of a People,” Monday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m. A documentary tells the story of pioneering African-American photographers – men and women, celebrated and anonymous – who have recorded the lives and aspirations of generations, from slavery to the present. “Philadelphia – Historical Society of Pennsylvania,” Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. A team of genealogists uncovers fascinating family histories at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. One woman’s ancestor may have sparked historic labor laws. A pastor may have an outlaw in her family tree. A woman learns about slave genealogy and, with the help of DNA testing, gets the answer she has waited for. “August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand,” Friday, Feb. 20, 9 p.m. Explore the life and legacy of the late playwright August Wilson (19452005), from his roots as an activist and poet to his
indelible mark on Broadway. Film and theater luminaries including Viola Davis, Charles Dutton, Laurence Fishburne, James Earl Jones, Suzan-Lori Parks and Phylicia Rashad share their stories of the career-changing experience of bringing Wilson’s rich theatrical voice to the stage. Unprecedented access to Wilson’s theatrical archives, rarely seen interviews and new dramatic readings bring to life his plays, including the Tony and Pulitzerwinning “Fences” and Pulitzerwinning “The Piano Lesson.” “American Denial,” Monday, Feb. 23, 9 p.m. “American Denial” uses the story of Gunnar Myrdal’s 1944 investigation of Jim Crow racism as a springboard to explore the power of unconscious biases and how the ideals of liberty, equality and justice still affect notions of race and class today. Morgan Freeman
August Wilson
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FEBRUARY 5 | 2015 | DEFENDER
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Calendar of events
The University of Houston African American Studies (AAS) presents a booksigning and discussion at 5:30 p.m. at Agnes Arnold Hall 628. It features Dr. Malachi Crawford, AAS assistant director and author of “Black Muslims and the Law: Civil Liberties from Elijah Muhammad to Muhammad Ali.” Contact: www.uh.edu/class/ aas/ or 713-743-2811.
Friday, Feb. 6
The Houston Museum of African American Culture co-sponsors a Houston African Film Festival at 4807 Caroline. An opening night reception is Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m., and includes a dance performance and the film “Horizon Beautiful.” The festival continues at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 and features various films and a community dialogue. More films will be shown Sunday, Feb. 8 beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Contact: www. houstonafricanfilmfestival.org or 713-526-1015.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
The UH AAS Department hosts an African-American Entrepreneur Expo Panel Discussion featuring local business owners at 1 p.m. at Agnes Hall 210. Contact: www.uh.edu/class/aas/ or 713743-2811.
Saturday, Feb. 7
Macy’s Galleria presents perforGeorgia Congressman John Lewis, an early civil rights leader, comes to Houston on Feb. 8. mances by the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, Ensemble Theatre, Princeton Miles, long struggle for civil rights. Contact: the Young Harmonics of Houston and saxowww.houstonlibrary.org or 832-393-1313. phonist Chris Mitchell at noon at 5135 W. Alabama. There will be an exhibit and a live painting presentation from Tuesday, Feb. 10 Houston artist Shawn Artis. Contact: 832-667-4200. The Houston Public Library sponsors a Houston Grand Opera presentation of “First Songs: Peace, Hope, Sunday, Feb. 8 Dreams” at noon at Morris Frank Library, 10103 Fondren. The Houston Public Library sponsors an appearance Featured will be songs adapted from children’s books “All by Georgia Congressman John Lewis and co-author the Colors of the Earth” and “Sleep,” as well as AfricanAndrew Aydin at 6:30 p.m. at Wortham Center’s Cullen American spirituals. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or Theater, 500 Texas Ave. They will discuss Lewis’ novel 832-393-1313. “March: Book One,” a first-hand account of Lewis’ life-
Thursday, Feb. 12
The Houston Public Library presents Darryl Littleton: A Cultural History of Black Comedians at 6 p.m. at the Julia Ideson Building Auditorium, 550 McKinney. Littleton, an author and comedian also known as “D’Militant,” will share a unique and witty history lesson. Contact: www. houstonlibrary.org or 832-393-1313. The UH AAS Department presents a panel discussion on Ferguson: The Aftermath at 6 p.m. at University Center South, Suite B12. Panelists include AAS faculty members and visiting scholars. Contact: www.uh.edu/ class/aas/ or 713-743-2811.
WALGREENS CELEBRATES
Black History Month and American Heart Month
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 5 | 2015
BLACK HIST
TRACING YOUR ROOTS
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By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender
frican-American History Month serves as an important reminder of the link between the past and present. Genealogy consistently ranks as one of the nation’s most popular hobbies as more and people take it upon themselves to trace their roots and find out more about their past. One of those people is Houston historical researcher and genealogist Debra Blacklock-Sloan, who has been tracing her roots for the past 25 years. “I want to know who my ancestors are and what they contributed to this country,” Blacklock-Sloan said. If you share Blacklock-Sloan’s thirst for knowledge, it’s now easier to go digging into your past, thanks to the Internet, online records and genealogy groups. But Blacklock-Sloan said it’s more than a piqued curiosity that’s driving many researchers. “You have a lot of people who just want to know for the sake of knowing, but there are so many other reasons to trace your roots,” she said. “For starters, look at the causes of death for some of the people in your past. “A lot of those causes are things we’re suffering from now. You want to see what the medical history is so you can be proactive. Also, I don’t want my sons marrying their cousins. We need to know our history and who were related to and what our medical challenges are. Most people don’t understand how important that is.”
Where to start
cemeteries.” The Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library’s local history and archives special collection, is also a good resource. Even though sites like Ancestry.com have doubled their subscriber base since 2009 and adds about two million records (voter lists, passport applications, birth and death certificates) every day, it’s not all encompassing. Historians say good old-fashioned legwork is crucial. “People think they can just plug in their grandfather’s name and go,” said Corey Oiesen, a communications officer for the Association of Professional Genealogists. “But it will save you a ton of time if you gather a few identifying details before you get online.” Another reason to start off-line? Many recent documents aren’t yet publicly available, since the National Archives and Records Administration keeps data private for 72 years. Oiesen said the best starting point of all may be your next family reunion. “Sit down with an older relative and create a spreadsheet with an entry for each member of the family that you two can name,” Oiesen said. “Include the most vital stats: full name (including maiden), dates (birth, death, marriage), places (birth, residence, marriage, death). Go back as far as you can. Even if you have just one slot filled for some people, every clue helps.”
“The Clayton Library is the best in world, They have a great staff that will help. People who are ready to get started searching their roots should make sure they pay a visit to the library.”
The first inclination for many beginning to trace their roots is to head to the Internet. Blacklock-Sloan says while that’s a great start, the real information is beyond the web. “Look up marriage records. Decide which side of the family you will do first, then start at the 1940 census and work your way backward,” she said. One of the best places to start is right here in Houston. The Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research is an international research collection containing materials for all 50 states and many foreign countries. The collection contains approximately 100,000 books, 3,000 periodical titles, 70,000 reels of microfilm and a microfiche and microcard collection as well as numerous electronic databases. The library boasts a large collection of material related to Texas and the Houston area specifically, including local, county and state records, funeral home records and other archival materials available on microfilm that cover early Texas history. “The Clayton Library is the best in world,” Blacklock-Sloan said. “They have a great staff that will help. People who are ready to get started searching their roots should make sure they pay a visit to the library. “After a while, you can’t do any more on the Internet. The library has information from books, courthouses, microfilms,
Online research
When you do go online, there are various places to gather supporting information. Blacklock-Sloan’s own www. EbonyAncestry.com offers extensive research using censuses, city directories, newspapers, photographs, maps, oral histories birth, death, school, cemetery, marriage and military records. “In some instances I am able to acquire copies of wills, slave inventories, probate records,” Blacklock-Sloan said. FamilySearch.org is a website sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and has been keeping meticulous records for people of all religions worldwide for more than 100 years. The site is free to use and easy to navigate, and it allows you to search for a person by location, life event (for example, birth or marriage), or relationship (like spouse or parents). You can also build your tree online and even get personal assistance. Another move may be to join a site like Ancestry, Geni.com, WikiTree.com or MyHeritage.com, which all feature both searchable databases and online communities – possibly connecting you to far-flung relatives who are doing their own research. They may be able to help if you have a common last name and are having trouble tracking your branch, or if you want to learn more about your ancestors. Users can also upload personal mementos, like photos and diary entries. Even census records can be tricky. “For most, we cannot determine who gave the information,”
said Oiesen. “It could have been a landlord or a ne Oiesen said you should try to compare these ments with more official pieces of evidence, like v records, tax lists, or military records, or at least tr the information in several places. Blacklock-Sloan said expect to hit some obs A marriage record might lead you to a land deed, leads you to a will, which leads you to more relat is when beginners start to love it or hate it. If you find yourself stuck, newspapers can b source of information, including birth and weddi nouncements, society columns, and news stories your great-uncle’s barn fire or your fifth cousin’s pickles).
DNA testing
In recent decades, DNA tests were mainly us prove paternity. But since 2000, a handful of com have commercialized tests that connect a wider a relatives, sometimes going back centuries to find ancestors. As recently as 2007, such tests cost as much $1,000. Today, they generally run between $100
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Places to trace your roots Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, 5300 Caroline Street, Houston. The Clayton Library is one of the nation’s most extensive for family research, and also has information for every state, along with 100,000 books and 70,000 rolls of microfilm. Contact: houstonlibrary.org/clayton or 832-393-2600. Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. This Mormon Church-sponsored research facility is the world’s largest with records from 110 countries. The staff is in the process of digitizing all the records, but often the best way to get family information is to visit. Contact: familysearch.org/locations/saltlakecity-library or 866-406-1830. National Archives, Washington, D.C. The federal government’s extensive files provide a motherlode of information for family research. From military to maritime, to land and pension
documents, they all can help piece together a family tree. It’s also one of the best places for Native American family information. Contact: archives.gov/research/genealogy/ or 866-2726272. Ellis Island, New York. Many families trace their history to Ellis Island, the first stop in the country for more than 20 million Americans. Because of damage from Hurricane Sandy, the park and museum are open on a limited basis, so check before visiting. Contact: nps.gov/elis or 212-363-3200. Heritage Library Foundation, Hilton Head, S.C. The center focuses on local history and culture, including African- American research materials that date from before the Civil War. The library contains resources such as plantation and smugglers’ records. Contact: 843686-6560 or heritagelib.org.
About Debra Blacklock-Sloan • Sixth generation Texan and native Houstonian who spent formative years in the Frenchtown community. • Member of Harris County Historical Commission and Texas State Historical Association, vice-president of Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society (Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter), former member Houston Archaeological & Historical Commission • Avid preservationist responsible for 12 City of Houston Protected Landmark designations and more than 20 state and county
and offer users more information. In May, Ancestry.com started selling a DNA test that identifies relatives up to and including fifth cousins. Regardless of how you choose to begin tracing your roots, just do it. Blacklock-Sloan said you’ll be glad you did. “I’ve traced my paternal side back to six generations with ancestral roots in Rusk County [East Texas], Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and South Carolina. It all has given me such a strong sense of pride,” she said. Blacklock-Sloan said it’s also possible for Blacks to trace their roots beyond the U.S. “I believe African-Americans can trace their ancestry back to Africa with the appropriate use of DNA testing,” she said. “I used a company which traced my autosomnal [a type of chromosome] roots to the west coast of Africa. My results revealed a 91 percent African genome. However, more mitochondrial (maternal) and y-dna (paternal) testing is required on my part,” Blacklock-Sloan said. “As more continental Africans are tested and more projects such as the African-American DNA Roots Project at the University of Massachusetts Lowell are conducted, myself and other African-Americans will be to trace their roots to a specific country as well,” she said.
he Houston area for over 80 years
historical markers including Bethel Baptist Church, Phillis Wheatley High School, Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce and Playhouse Theatre. • Recipient of 2007 MVP Harris County Historical Commission Award, 2010 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Lullelia Walker Harrison Dove Award, 2011 YMCA Minority Achiever Award, 2012 Married Ladies Social Art & Charity Club Pioneer Lady of Distinction Award, 2014 Phillis Wheatley Legacy Torchbearer Award.
Debra Blacklock-Sloan encourages Houstonians to discover their roots.
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 5 | 2015
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opinion
The legacy of Carter G. Woodson By BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS JR. NNPA Columnist
T
he best way to celebrate Black History Month is to make more Black history. We are grateful for the visionary leadership of noted historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson for being the founder of what was known as Negro History Week in 1926 that 44 years later evolved into Black History Month. It is also important to note that this year marks the centennial celebration of Woodson’s founding of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The mission of ASALH is to “promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.” Established in 1915, the association has no peer in the preservation of our rich history. ASALH continues to extend the legacy Carter G. Woodson “speaking a fundamental truth to the world – that Africans and peoples of African descent are makers of history and co-workers in what W. E. B. Du Bois called, The Kingdom of Culture.” Yes, it is clearly of the greatest necessity for all of us to support and spread knowledge about the accomplishments of Woodson, which included his landmark, “The Mis-Education of the Negro.” Written in 1933, that book is as timely today as it was 82 years ago. We must not allow anyone or anything to diminish or to dismiss the uninterrupted relevance and importance of Black American history, culture and intellectual genius. Our history did not begin or end with the tragedy and holocaust of transatlantic slavery. The history of African people begins with God’s creation
of humanity. When I hear people today say that Black Americans have a challenge with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) academic courses and disciplines, I ask: Why? We are the originators of math and science. One of the reasons Black History Month is so important is because it forces us to remind ourselves that high achievement and excellent academic performance are a vital components of our historical evolution. In a real sense Black History Month is Black Achievement Month. We must do a better job in defining and controlling the narrative about Black
Americas in the past, currently and the future. The so-called “mainstream” media is still full of negative stereotypes and debilitating caricatures when it comes to reporting news, sports or about the cultural arts of people of African descent. Here are my five recommendations for properly celebrating this 2015 Black History Month: 1. #Black Lives Matter: We endorse the national social media campaign to assert the value of all Black American lives and to confront and stop raciallymotivated police brutality. 2. Let’s strengthen Black-owned businesses this month not only by buying Black, but by encouraging the mentorship and development of a new generation of young entrepreneurs. 3. Financially support HBCUs, whether to an individual college, or through the National Association for Equality Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), the UNCF or the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. 4. Subscribe to a Black-owned newspaper this month for yourself and for a relative. The National Newspaper Publishers Association celebrates its 75th anniversary throughout this year. 5. Let’s prepare to reassert our demand for the protection of the voting rights of all people and in particular for Black Americans as we approach in the next few weeks the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March. Let’s make more history together. Our future will be determined by what we do today. Let’s make this Black History Month a time of both reflection and action to advance the interests of Black America and all African people everywhere.
Police, Black community begin a dialogue Like countless American cities, Houston has long had a problem with conflict between the Black community and the police department. We don’t have to go to Ferguson, Mo. or New York City to see the distrust that exists – we only have to look in our own backyards. In recent years, Houston’s Black community has been angered by the 2008 shooting of Robbie Tolan, the 2010 videotaped beating of Chad Holley and the 2014 killing of Jordan Baker – all at the hands of local officers. One way to address the conflict is by establishing a dialogue between the police and community. Therefore, we urge residents to attend and participate in an HPD
town hall meeting hosted by Police Chief Charles McClelland. It will be held Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Granville M. Sawyer Auditorium at Texas Southern University. McClelland is inviting Houstonians to meet with him and top HPD commanders. Following McClelland’s address and a question-and-answer period, residents will be able to break into smaller groups to meet with HPD patrol captains who oversee their neighborhoods. If you have a concern about police matters where you live, show up and voice your concerns, whether you reside in Third Ward, Fifth Ward, Fourth Ward, Sunnyside, Fondren Southwest, Alief, the Galleria area,
Astrodome area, North Forest, downtown or any other neighborhood patrolled by HPD. Most police officers abide by the laws they are sworn to uphold and all of us need their protection when it comes to combatting the criminal elements that threaten our safety. We must commend HPD when the department does a good job and demand justice and accountability when it doesn’t. As citizens, we can either be part of the problem or part of the solution. Attend the town hall meeting on Feb. 7 and join in the dialogue that is urgently needed. But keep in mind this is a beginning and the outcome will be measured in action, not words.
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FEBRUARY 5 | 2015 | DEFENDER
business
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Two free programs support small businesses
New board members were sworn in at the Greater Houston Black Chamber annual meeting.
Black chamber enters 80th year
More than 200 supporters of the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) met at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas-Houston Branch to celebrate the group’s 80th annual meeting and witness the installation of the chamber’s new board. Donald Bowers, assistant vice president of the Federal Reserve, served as host of the event. Judge Clarease Rankin
Yates administered the oath of office to the members of the board and the executive board of directors. Addressing GHBC’s goals for the future, Board Chair Vernita Harris cited the need for a permanent home for the chamber. She also discussed construction of a business development center made possible through the sale of lifetime memberships. T:9.75”
The City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity is partnering with several local organizations to support small businesses through two free programs. The first program, a Small Business Legal Academy, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 8 a.m. at the South Texas College of Law. It is cosponsored by the City, the Association of Pro Bono Counsel, Vinson & Elkins and other law firms and organizations. Participants can receive free consulting services, learn about starting and managing a business or nonprofit, and uncover solutions to certain legal challenges. The event will also offer workshops and oneon-one personal consultations on legal and financial topics of concern to small business owners. For information visit www.probono.net/ houston-sbla/. In addition, the Office of Business Opportunity is partnering with the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance, the Houston Technology Center and the Kauffman Foundation to bring Kauffman FastTrac Programs to Houston. The program consists of two courses: a business training program to help emerging entrepreneurs and a program that will teach existing businesses how to reshape their business models in order to meet the current economic challenges. The 10-week program is valued at $700 and is being offered at no cost. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 20 and can be found by visiting www.houstontx.gov/obo.
T:6.5”
IT’S A WINNING IDEA!
For information about state certification and Texas Lottery opportunities, contact our HUB Coordinator, Joyce Bertolacini at (512) 344-5293 or joyce.bertolacini@lottery.state.tx.us
To learn more about the State of Texas HUB Program, visit the Texas Procurement and Support Services web page at: http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/
© 2015 Texas Lottery Commission. All Rights Reserved.
The Texas Lottery Commission is committed to including Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) in its procurement opportunities.Your minority or woman-owned company may qualify to be certified as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) with the State of Texas.
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 5 | 2015 defendernetwork.com
Dealing with IRS: Know your taxpayer rights It’s tax season, and the IRS expects to receive about 150 million individual income tax returns this year. As a taxpayer, you have certain rights. “The Taxpayer Bill of Rights contains fundamental information to help taxpayers,” said IRS Commissioner John A. Koskinen. “These are core concepts about which taxpayers should be aware.” They include: 1. Taxpayers have the right to know what they need to do to comply with the tax laws. They are entitled to clear explanations of the laws and IRS procedures in all tax forms, instructions, publications, notices and correspondence. 2. Taxpayers have the right to receive prompt, courteous, and professional assistance in their dealings with the IRS. 3. Taxpayers have the right to pay only the amount of tax legally due, including interest and penalties, and to have the IRS apply all tax payments properly. 4. Taxpayers have the right to raise objections and provide additional documentation in response to formal IRS actions or proposed actions. 5. Taxpayers are entitled to a fair and impartial
administrative appeal of most IRS decisions, including many penalties, and have the right to receive a written response regarding the Office of Appeals’ decision. Taxpayers generally have the right to take their cases to court. 6. Taxpayers have the right to know the maximum amount of time they have to challenge the IRS’s position and the maximum amount of time
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the IRS has to audit a particular tax year or collect a tax debt. Taxpayers have the right to know when the IRS has finished an audit. 7. Taxpayers have the right to expect that any IRS inquiry, examination, or enforcement action will comply with the law and be no more intrusive than necessary. 8. Taxpayers have the right to expect that any information they provide to the IRS will not be disclosed unless authorized by the taxpayer or by law. 9. Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them in their dealings with the IRS. Taxpayers have the right to seek assistance from a low-income taxpayer clinic if they cannot afford representation. 10. Taxpayers have the right to expect the tax system to consider facts and circumstances that might affect their underlying liabilities, ability to pay, or ability to provide information timely. For more details visit irs.gov.
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HCC business technology chair honored Throughout her 44 years at Houston Community College, Willie Caldwell has challenged herself to never stop learning, keeping up with ever-evolving technology to make sure that her students possess the right skills to succeed. It’s one of the reasons why Caldwell, who serves as chair of the Business Technology Department at HCC Southwest, is receiving a prestigious honor. She was selected as a John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Awards recipient, a recognition given to community college professors who have made outstanding contributions to higher education. “This award means that my hard work, diligence, and love for serving others is recognized and appreciated,” said Caldwell. “I am grateful.” Caldwell started her career at HCC in 1971, which makes her the college system’s longest-tenured employee. She recalls a time when HCC used Houston ISD buildings for teaching facilities and only offered classes during evenings and weekends. “Our HCC family was small then and it was easier to make decisions about the college because we didn’t have a hundred different ideas. We just pulled together as a family,” said Caldwell. “It was great. It was a rewarding time to be involved in the inception of HCC.”
Caldwell is amazed how quickly HCC grew from a small operation founded by HISD to one of the largest community college systems in the country. “I have never in my life seen fast-paced growth as I have seen at Houston Community College,” she said. “We are still growing. We do that because of changes in technology and changes in the educational subjects we have to have to meet industry requirements. If you want to be part of such a growing entity, you have to be ready to move with it.” For Caldwell, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is to hear from former students who have graduated. “It makes you feel so good to watch them be successful and come back to thank you for what you’ve done,” said Caldwell. “Although they thought you were hard at the time, they realize you were not hard at all, you were just concerned. That is rewarding. I love that.” Caldwell also loves teaching non-traditional college students. “I don’t only teach the 18-year-olds, I teach the 88-year-olds,” she said. “It is a learning experience to teach, as I call them, the experienced or the seasoned customers. It is rewarding because they push you to do more so they can get more.”
HISD police test body cameras More than two dozen HISD police officers are patrolling campuses across the district with small cameras clipped to their lapels as part of a pilot program designed to provide an additional tool in boosting student and school safety. Twenty-five officers began testing the first cameras, wearing them while monitoring schools and responding to various incidents. The department aims to fully outfit the 210-officer department with cameras by the 2015-2016 school year. “As the largest district in the state, we have close to 300 schools, 215,000 students and 28,000 employees that we need to keep safe,” said HISD Police Chief Robert Mock. “These cameras will serve as a vital tool to better monitor school environments, evaluate school incidents, and ensure our officers are performing well.” The four-month pilot program comes after more than a year of research into the use and benefits provided by the cameras. Surrounding law enforcement agencies — including the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department — are also piloting body cameras. “We will be one of the largest districts to have them on hand,” Mock said. “As local law enforcement prepare to use this tool, it’s important that our officers are well-equipped, too, to ensure the safety of our district and the transparency of our department.” After purchasing the initial installment, the department is now seeking grant funding for the remaining cameras. They could potentially qualify for funding through President Barack Obama’s proposed $263 million investment package designed to increase the use of body cameras among police officers.
Willie Caldwell
classified MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY will be accepting Proposals for the following:
Mobile X-Ray Services for MHMRA of Harris County CPEP Services Specifications may be secured from MHMRA of Harris County, Purchasing Department located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Houston, Texas 77074 and/or via MHMRA website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Monday, February 09, 2015. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Department, Room 100, 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., March 02, 2015 in a sealed envelope. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Joycie Adeyemi, Buyer II / Sharon Brauner, Buyer III, via fax (713) 970-7682 or email questions to joycie.adeyemi@mhmraharris.org cc: sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves the rights to reject any and/or all proposals it deems to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids, in duplicate, addressed to OST /Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority will be received at 5445 Almeda Rd, #545, Houston, TX 77004, until 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 19 th, 2015. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 2:05 PM on Thursday, February 19 th 2015 for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals, as required, for the construction of reinforced concrete curb & gutter pavement, sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, driveways, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, waterlines, landscaping including bio-swales, rain gardens, sodding, tree planting & protection along Dowling Street from Elgin to McGowan in Houston, TX. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be examined at the following locations: (1) Amtek Plan Rm, 4001 Sherwood Ln, Houston, TX.; (2) ABC/ Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX; and (3) AGC, 2400 Augusta, #305, Houston, TX. The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be obtained at the offices of OST /Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority, 5445 Almeda Rd, #545, Houston, TX 77004 (713-522-5154) for a nonrefundable fee of $75.00 per set. Make checks payable to OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority. This project is funded in part with federal grants and will be subject to all mandated federal requirements (Davis Bacon and Related Act, MBE/SBE, and the Section 3 participation). A prebid conference will be held at OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority offices, 5445 Almeda Rd, #502, Houston, TX on Thursday, February 12th, 2014 at 2:00 pm. It is requested, but not mandatory, that each bidder be represented at the pre-bid conference.
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 5 | 2015
sports
PVAMU hosts stadium groundbreaking
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The 15,000-seat stadium has the capability of expansion to 30,000 seats.
By MAX EDISON Defender
historic event recently occurred on the campus of Prairie View A&M University. The Panthers conducted the official grounded breaking ceremony for their new $60 million football stadium and athletic complex. The complex will feature a 15,000-seat stadium, which has the capability of expanding to 30,000 seats. It also features an athletic field house adjacent to the stadium, which will house a strength and conditioning area, sports medicine suite, team meeting rooms, hall-of-fame viewing areas, academic support space and locker rooms. The new stadium is scheduled for completion for the beginning of the 2016 football campaign. It replaces the recently razed Blackshear Stadium. Athletic Director Ashley Robinson put the groundbreaking in perspective. “This moment signifies the culmination of years of planning to create a facility that is attractive to new recruits, provides our student-athletes with cutting-edge performance facilities and gives Panther fans an unparalleled sporting event experience,” Robinson said. Participants break ground on Prairie View A&M University’s $60 million stadium. Speaking before a group of passionate Panther alums and officials from PVAMU and Texas A&M University, PVAMU president Dr. George Wright acknowledged the positive connection academics and sports share. “Everyone here knows the strong link between academics and athletics at our universities,” Wright said. Perhaps no person on campus will benefit more from the construction of the new athletic complex than recently hired head football coach Willie Simmons. “Breaking ground on this facility now allows us to go out and truly sell Prairie View as the truly great institution that it is,” Simmons said. “This commitment is a standing testament to the progress that we’re making here and the commitment we’ve made from an athletic standpoint The Panthers’ new home is slated for completion in time for the 2016 football season. and from the university standpoint. It truly is a great day to be a Panther.” Coach Simmons emphasized the importance Stadium amenities include: • Premium seating and luxury seats top-flight facilities plays in the recruiting process. • A west side (home) grandstand capacity of 9,000 “This is truly a momentous occasion for the entire “For years it was tough for a football coach to go out and east side grandstand capacity of 6,000 Prairie View A&M University community,” Wright said. and convince prospective student athletes that you need • Artificial turf playing surface “Alumni, students, faculty and staff wanted a state-ofto come to ‘the Hill’ when they left first-class facilities to • Press level the-art, first- class facility that was worthy of our beloved play in a stadium that wasn’t on par with what they had • Covered concourse including concessions and Panthers and we all worked together to make the in high school,” he said. merchandising space dream come to fruition.”
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h.s.zone Hernandez excels on court, in classroom into a recent game against Pasadena Memorial in a three-way tie for third place in District 22-6A along with Pearland and Pasadena Dobie. The Trojans held ick Hernandez has big dreams and even off Memorial 50-47 to improve to 6-4 in league play. bigger expectations. These expectations Hernandez finished with nine points, five assists and 13 are being fueled by a history of producing rebounds. results in both the classroom and on the Then the Trojans defeated Pearland (43-40) and basketball court. first-place Manvel (57-41) to improve to 8-4 and A junior at South Houston High School, Hernantighten their hold on back-to-back appearances I the dez possesses an astronomical 4.68 grade-point average postseason. and was a first-team all-district selection in basketball “We’re fighting for a playoff berth and it’s imporas a sophomore. tant for me not to settle for a perimeter game,” Hernan“They started me in AP classes when I was in the dez said. “I’ve got to attack the rim and either finish or sixth grade,” Hernandez said. “Since then I’ve excelled convert at the foul line.” academically.” McCoy said Hernandez has put together a pheIvy League schools have expressed interest in Her- nomenal stretch of games. “Nick is playing like a nandez. He recently spoke with representatives from returning first-team all-district player,” McCoy said. Brown University. “He’s a workhorse for us. His composure, scoring and “I began playing organized basketball in the City rebounding are some of the reasons we’ve been sucof Pasadena youth league when I was eight years old,” cessful. he said. “I had success right away “The Pasadena Memorial and I was bigger than most kids game was a great win for us. It’s my age. I always felt like I was a good to win a close game. It was step ahead of them.” good to be able to close out a South Houston head boys game. We’ve been on the bad side basketball coach Patrick McCoy of some close losses,” McCoy hesitates to categorize Hernandez said. Birth date – Oct. 22, 1997 as a guard, forward, wing or post “We need this to carry over player. Birth sign – Libra so that we can get in the postsea“He creates a lot of problems son and get ready for a first-round Favorite subject – Science for opposing defenses because playoff opponent,” McCoy said. Favorite NBA player – he’s big and strong,” McCoy said. “Nick is a matchup nightmare Kyrie Irving because at 6-foot-4 he can post-up Favorite book – smaller guys or go around bigger defenders. “Night” by Elie Wiesel “He can flat-out shoot the Favorite meal – basketball. Yet he doesn’t have to score a lot of points to have a posiTriple cheeseburger tive effect on the game,” McCoy Global problem to solve – said. World peace “Nick is among the team leaders in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, three-point shooting and freethrow shooting. His rebounding, hustle and court awareness epitomizes what we try to teach our players about developing a mentality to effect the game in all areas.” South Houston went
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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
Facts about Nick Hernandez
FEBRUARY 5 | 2015 DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs Manziel enters rehab Johnny Manziel, the former Texas A&M University Heisman Trophy winner and current Cleveland Brown back-up quarterback, has entered a rehab treatment facility. He is expected to be in rehab at least a few weeks, but the amount of time depends largely on what doctors recommend. The Browns organization anticipates Manziel will participate in training camp but is not placing any timetables on other offseason activities as he works through the treatment process. “We respect Johnny’s initiative in this decision and will fully support him throughout this process, Browns GM Ray Farmer said. “Our players’ health and wellbeing will always be of the utmost importance to the Cleveland Browns.”
NFL HOF class named The NFL recently introduced the 2015 Hall of Fame class. Running back Jerome Bettis, wide receiver/returner Tim Brown, defensive end/linebacker Charles Haley, contributor Bill Polian, linebacker Junior Seau, guard Will Shields, center Mick Tingelhoff and contributor Ron Wolf make up the distinguished class. Brown and Haley have Texas ties. Brown, a Dallas native, starred for 16 seasons with the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders and one final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He registered 1,094 career receptions for 14,934 yards and 100 TDs. He also added 4,555 yards and 4 TDs on punt and kickoff returns. Haley, the only player to earn win five Super Bowl rings, racked up 100.5 sacks during his 12-year career with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. Six times he posted double-digit sack totals in a season.
Scarborough making waves Last year the Scarborough High School boys’ varsity basketball team won 11 games. That was 11 more victories than the football team posted. The basketball team has been state-ranked this season and is currently in second place in District 22-4A behind Houston Sterling. The Spartans next win will be its 20th of the season and Scarborough is closing in on a playoff berth for the first time since 2005. Junior Hunter Janacek, a first-team all-district selection last year, leads the team in scoring with an average of nearly 19 points per game. Janacek is flashy, unselfish and reminds some of former NBA all-star Pete Maravich. “I can’t walk through the halls at school without somebody asking about us or complimenting us,” he said. “I don’t think that’s happened for any sport at Scarborough in a long time.” Head coach Martin Wall is in his second year at the school.
Hightower riding high Without four injured players, the Hightower girls all but clinched the District 23-6A championship with a 56-40 victory over second-place Alief Hastings. Ten Hightower players scored, led by Jasmine Harvey with 13 points and five rebounds. “The key for us all season has been that we play 14 or 15 kids,” said head coach Deborah Mize. “We don’t have a standout al-star who scores 20 points a night. Somebody different steps up every night.” Mize is hoping to have Unique Finley (concussion), Treazure Mouton (knee), Jordan Mullins (concussion) and Eneily Rodriguez (nose) back in time for the playoffs.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 5 | 2015
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
NORTH HOUSTON FRONTIERS BREAKFAST……..The North Houston 17 to 30 and five ex-offenders who served time and sought to change their lives. Frontiers Club, led by Donnell Cooper, held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Other participants included Rev. William A. Lawson, Virgil Wood, Rev. F.N. Jr. Memorial Breakfast at the Hilton Americas-Downtown. The organization is Williams, Rev. S.J. Gilbert Sr., Howard Jefferson and Lee P. Brown. There dedicated to providing educational and charitable assistance to minority students was a special performance by Se7en the Poet. Others in attendance included in Houston, and all proceeds from the breakfast are used to fund the scholarship TSU President Dr. John Rudley, Ricky Anderson, Police Chief Charles program. This year marks the 27th year of the event and NHFC has awarded McClelland, Congressman Al Green, Clyde Drexler, State Sen. Rodney Ellis over $1 million in scholarships. The keynote speaker was and State Reps. Garnet Coleman and Sylvester Turner …….. Tom Joyner, host, Radio One. Doug Abernethy, vice Defender TOP EVENTS ENSEMBLE PRODUCTION……..The Ensemble Theatre president of Radio One and Vanessa Reed, assistant vice kicked off the new year with a celebration of the lives for the More photos on defendernetwork.com president of Comerica Bank, were the honorary chairs. The Tuskegee Airmen in the premiere of “Fly.” The production See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. MLK Drum Major Award was presented to Dale Lockett, shows the determination of the young men who made historic director of creative services and community marketing contributions toward the desegregation of the American military at KHOU Channel 11……..BLACK MEN RISE TOWN HALL……..Texas and furthering of civil rights during World War II. Featured cast members include Kedrick Brown, Kendrick “KayB” Brown, Jason E. Carmichael, Southern University, in conjunction with Bishop James Dixon and Black Men Rise, hosted a town hall meeting at Sawyer Auditorium. The purpose of Brendon Lara, Rhett Martinez, Nkem Richard Nwankwe, Joe “JoeP” the event was to re-image young Black men and ignite a movement of unity Palmore and Taelon Stonecipher. The show was written by Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan and directed by Allie Woods. It runs through Feb. 22. through inspiration and awareness. Participants included five young men ages
Donnell Cooper, Shirley Williams and Tom Joyner
Bishop James Dixon and Dr. James Douglas
Wilma Evans and Vanessa Reed
Dr. John Rudley, Jodie Jiles and Ricky Anderson
Jason E. Carmichael, Kendrick “Kayb” Brown, Kedrick Brown, Joseph “JoeP” Palmore and Nkem Richard Nwankwo
John Chase Jr., Brenda Peters-Chase, Kathleen and Andrew Carter
Corrin Williams and Dale Lockett
Se7en The Poet
Brenda Peters-Chase and Micheal Helm
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