Houston Defender: February 14, 2019

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Volume 88 | Number 16 FEBRUARY 14 |2019 |FREE

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NEWSTALK KIM OGG loses fight for more prosecutors

P2 NATIONAL JUSTIN FAIRFAX refuses to step down after sexual assault allegations

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TARAJI P. HENSON

talks about ‘What Men Want’ H PAGE 5

Harold Dutton

Byron Smith

The Texas Legislative Black Caucus is preparing for its 2019 legislative Summit Feb. 24-26.

Lawmakers are hoping to not only discuss major issues that affect the African American community, but come up with a plan of action to implement solutions.

Smith’s Panthers have been dominant in conference play, rolling off nine consecutive wins before losing for the first time recently against Texas Southern University 95-90. The Panthers hold a two-game lead over second-place TSU in SWAC. Read more in Pro Sports.

fighting for Blacks

H PAGE 8

leads at PVAMU

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FEATURE CHAMILLIONAIRE giving away $10k to Black start-up

P7 TOP EVENTS

Mayor Sylvester Turner, Scott McClelland and Armando Jasso at H-E-B MacGregor groundbreaking.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2019

newstalk

County votes against more prosecutors Defender News Service

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg will have to find another way to deal with her office’s backlog after county commissioners rejected her request for a $20 million budget increase to hire more prosecutors.

Under Ogg’s proposal, 102 prosecutors would Commissioner Rodney Ellis have been hired, an increase of roughly 40 percent. Ogg had hoped to reduce the county’s backlog of around 40,000 cases, which had been exacerbated after the Harris County Criminal Justice Center was flooded during Hurricane Harvey.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted his support for the DA’s request, calling the shortage of prosecutors a perfect storm of potential crime.

The three Democratic members of Commissioners Court – Commissioners Rodney Ellis and AdrianGarcia and County Judge Lina Hidalgo – supported increasing the district attorney’s budget by seven percent, which they say is in line with increases for other county department budgets.

“This is not the only way, and certainly not the most cost-effective way to decrease prosecutor caseloads,” Hidalgo said.

Several prosecutors talked about how they had unrealistic caseloads that leave them overextended, unable to properly serve defendants, find witnesses and protect victims. Heather Marshall, a junior felony prosecutor, described working 70 hours weekly and said her caseload has more than doubled since moving to Houston from the district attorney’s office in Queens County, N.Y. Ellis said voting yes would signal a commitment

to doubling down on the system’s over- reliance on arrest, prosecution and incarceration for low-level, nonviolent offenses related to poverty, homelessness, mental health, prostitution and substance use.

“Given the county’s finite resources, we should be investing in reforms like pre-arrest/ District Attorney Kim Ogg pre-charge diversion programs that, unlike pre-trial diversion programs, will divert the person before they enter or re-enter the criminal justice system to services and treatments that can better address the root causes of these types of cases,” he said.

Some progressive groups, such as the Texas Organizing Project and the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, also spoke out against the proposal, accusing Ogg of violating her campaign pledge to reform the criminal justice system. The groups said that more prosecutors would lead to more people being jailed.

But Ogg and those who supported the proposal said the aim wasn’t to jail more people, but rather to speed up the criminal justice process.

“It’s not compassionate to make an innocent individual languish in jail while waiting to get their justice because there’s not enough prosecutors to manage the file,” said Commissioner Jack Cagle, who voted in favor of the proposal.

“My intention is to support a staged and stepped increase in the number of trial prosecutors to assist the DA in eliminating this bottleneck in the justice system, so that we can be compassionate and caring for those that need to be out of the jail and either back into society or into the state prison system.”

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Newly elected Harris County judge dies Defender News Services

Cassandra Holleman, an African-American female judge who was part of the historic wave of Black women candidates who swept into office last year, died Feb. 11 at age 57.

One colleague said she died after a struggle with “health issues.”

Holleman was one of 17 women in the “Black Girl Magic” group of candidates who won seats in Harris County courtrooms in 2018.

“We have lost a promising judge, who had plenty of life experience, and had just realized her dream,” said Harris County District Attorney’s Office Chief of Staff Vivian King.

“She was dedi- Cassandra Holleman cated to using her new position on the bench to protecting crime victims and ensuring all defendants are treated fairly,” Holleman, who practiced criminal law for more than two decades, was assigned to Harris County Criminal Court of Law 12. She came to the bench focused on doing her part to reform the criminal justice system in Texas’ largest county, which includes Houston.

Commissioners Court was expected to begin the process of appointing a replacement for Holleman’s seat on the bench. Since Democrats account for a majority on the court, it’s all but guaranteed that her seat will remain in the party’s hands.

Holleman’s survivors include a son, daughter and granddaughter.

localbriefs THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL wants to show more consideration for inmates’ kids. The county Sheriff’s Office and Texas Children’s Hospital partnered to win a grant from the National Institute of Corrections to make the jail more child-friendly. Experts visited the jail to make suggestions on enhancing the inmate visitation experience for children and training staff on how to positively interact with visiting children. The Sheriff’s Office conducted a needs assessment on children with incarcerated parents with Texas Children’s, Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Medical Branch. It found that 7 percent of all Harris County children have a parent who spends time in the

jail each year. Half of jail inmates have at least one child under the age of 18 and 61 percent provided all or most of the financial support for their children before being jailed……..THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON has been selected for a national effort to increase diversity among faculty in STEM disciplines. The Aspire Alliance will build upon efforts already underway at UH. A 2015 National Science Foundation analysis found that minority faculty made up just 8 percent of associate and full professorships in STEM fields at four-year institutions. Data suggest as much as half of the course achievement gaps between minority and majority students are eliminated when underrepresented

students are taught by diverse faculty members……..

LOW-INCOME SENIORS, VETERANS AND DISABLED PERSONS can get a will and other documents prepared during the 2019 Will-A-Thon, sponsored by the Houston Volunteer Lawyers in partnership with the Houston Bar Association Elder Law Committee and the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods. Those interested must be prescreened and schedule an appointment by phone at 713-228-0735, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The application deadline is March 22 but space is limited. For details visit www. makejusticehappen.org.

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2019 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs ARIZONA HOPES TO ALLOW ELECTRONIC MONITORING and other technology aimed at deterring abuse following the rape of an incapacitated Phoenix woman who later gave birth. Cameras are most commonly used, but they pose privacy issues, and advocates and experts disagree about their effectiveness. The Arizona Legislature is considering a measure that would let certain facilities install video surveillance in common areas. Details were not known about the security system at the Phoenix facility, where a licensed nurse is charged with sexually assaulting a 29-year-old woman who had a baby boy Dec. 29……..A BLACK ALABAMA SENATOR IS PUSHING A BILL TO end racial profiling.

Democratic Sen. Rodger Smitherman first introduced a profiling bill 15 years ago, saying a key component of his legislation would require officers to document every detail of a traffic stop, including the race of the driver and why they were pulled over in the first place. Even if there’s not an arrest or a ticket issued as a result of the stop, Smitherman wants to see it all documented. The state’s law enforcement lobby opposed the bill, arguing it would require the police to keep even more records……..A POLICE OFFICER HAS BEEN cleared of wrongdoing in the killing of an armed Black man he mistook for the gunman in a Thanksgiving Day shooting at an Alabama mall. The unnamed officer gunned down Army veteran Emantic “E.J.” Bradford Jr. after mistakenly believing Bradford had fired the earlier shots inside the mall. The officer reportedly saw Bradford rushing toward the scene with a gun “in a ready position” and thought he was the shooter.

Bradford was killed with three shots from behind, according to the autopsy and video evidence. Bradford’s family said he drew his weapon to protect himself and others during the shooting.

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Clamor for ouster of top Democrats slows in Virginia elected Democrats developed, it became increasingly clear that it could look bad for the party if Fairfax were summarily pushed out and the two white men managed The clamor for the resignation of Virginia's top two to stay in power. politicians has seemed to die down, with some Black com"The sort of irony that makes your head spin is munity leaders forgiving Gov. Ralph Northam over the that Herring and Northam are in trouble for behavior blackface furor and calling for a fair hearing for Lt. Gov. related to Virginia's racial past. And yet it may be the Justin Fairfax on the sexual assault allegations against him. only African-American statewide officeholder who, at Over the past several days, practically the entire Demthe end of the day, gets ocratic establishment in trouble," said Quentin rose up to demand Kidd, a political science fellow Democrats professor at Virginia's Northam and Fairfax Christopher Newport immediately step University. down. But the tone If Northam stepped changed markedly down, Fairfax would after the weekend. become Virginia's secA Democratic ond African-American state lawmaker who governor in history. had threatened to If all three Democrats begin impeachment resigned, a Republican proceedings against could become governor.

Fairfax, Virginia's GOP House Speaker highest-ranking Kirk Cox is next in the Black politician, set Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax denies sexual assault allegations. line of succession. the idea aside after Fairfax repeated denials of sexual assault allegarunning into resistance. tions by Meredith Watson and Vanessa Tyson. FairAt the same time, several Black clergy and fax said he has never sexually assaulted anyone and civic leaders made clear they are willing to give both deserves a chance to defend himself.

Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring a second Watson said Fairfax raped her while they were stuchance, while urging due process for Fairfax. Herring, dents at Duke University in 2000. Tyson, a California like Northam, has admitted putting on blackface in the college professor, has accused Fairfax of forcing her to 1980s. perform oral sex on him at a Boston hotel in 2004.

As the scandals engulfing Virginia's top three Associated Press

Harris takes on questions about 'Blackness' Defender News Services

VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 16 FEBRUARY 14, 2019 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers

Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Max Edison Jodie B. Jiles Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For digital subscriptions, visit www.DefenderNetwork.com/ subscribe. No paper subscriptions are available. All material covered by 2019 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris is directly confronting critics who have questioned her Black heritage, her record incarcerating minorities as a prosecutor and her decision to marry a white man.

In an interview with the Breakfast Club hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God, the show's hosts asked the California Democrat how she responds to people who question "the legitimacy of your Blackness."

"I'm Black, and I'm proud of being U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris Black," she said. "I was born Black. I will die Black, and I'm not going to make excuses for anybody because they don't understand."

Harris, a former California state attorney general,

said she makes no apologies for pursuing violent criminals to keep communities safe, but added that she wished she could have done more to affect change "from the inside."

"I regret not having done enough," said Harris, who was elected district attorney of San Francisco before becoming California's attorney general. "If I had been there longer, if I had had more in terms of bandwidth, I would have done more around creating initiatives, for example, in the juvenile justice system."

Concerning her interracial marriage, Harris said, "Look, I love my husband, and he happened to be the one that I chose to marry, because I love him – and that was that moment in time, and that's it. And he loves me.”

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2019 defendernetwork.com

Franchesca Ramsey

J.J. Kirkpatrick

Aldis Hodge

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The New Renaissance The history of arts and entertainment has evolved, keeping the integrity and passion of the past weaved into today’s work.

This Black History Month, Xfinity is celebrating the current wave of heavy hitters, from Franchesca Ramsey keeping it real online, to Aldis Hodge capturing our eyes on the big screen and J.J. Kirkpatrick playing to our souls. They’re paving a path for the next generation of creators to find their own voices. Just say “Black Film & TV”, into your X1 Voice Remote to immerse yourself into powerful Black stories or watch on-the-go with the Xfinity Stream App. Xfinity, where Black History is always on.

Visit xfinity.com/discovermore

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity TV with On Demand required. ©2019 Comcast. All rights reserved.

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FEBRUARY 14| 2018 | DEFENDER

entertainment

In “What Men Want,” Taraji P. Henson hears what men are thinking.

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Erykah Badu plays a psychic in the movie, which is now in theaters.

Taraji P. Henson on ‘What Men Want’

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Defender News Services

araji P. Henson is back on the big screen in “What Men Want.” Henson plays Ali Davis, a sports agent working in a traditionally all-male world of sports as an agent, showing viewers what it’s like to hear voices that no one else hears.

Singer Erykah Badu plays a psychic named Sister and Tracy Morgan stars as Joe “Dolla” Barry. There are also appearances by Grant Hill, Shaquille O’Neal and Lisa Leslie in the Will Packer-produced flick.

“What Men Want,” is a remake of the 2000 film “What Women Want” starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt, which had a mostly white cast outside of Loretta Devine.

Here, Henson talks about on the movie and how much fun she had filming.

Defender: How is this different from the original film?

Taraji P. Henson: Well, Mel [Gibson, in the original]

was trying to take a woman’s job, so he was using his powers to get ahead. And it’s the same with Ali – she hates it at first; she doesn’t want it. But then when she goes back to Erykah [Badu]’s character, Sister, she says, “You’ve got to use that to your advantage, honey.” Then the light goes on in her head. She was never going to use it; someone had to tell her to use this to her advantage after getting passed over for a promotion. But of course, whenever you try to take a shortcut, like with anything in life, it blows up in your face, doesn’t it?

Defender: Did this project come to you, or did you have a hand in developing it?

Henson: It came to me. Brian Robbins, when he was president of Paramount Players [he is now President of Nickelodeon], called me because I’d auditioned for him for “Norbit.”

I remember that audition like it was yesterday because he was cracking up; he was so into me. But as luck would have it, Thandie Newton got it, but Brian remembered me years later.

So, years later, we’re both doing our thing, I’m doing Cookie and movies, and he called me and said “We want you to do this.” And that’s because he remembered me and how funny I was. And you have to remember, I’ve been doing dramatic

roles.

Defender: This is a really physical comedy. Did you enjoy that?

Henson: I come from theater, so when I came into the film industry, the note was always “Can you make it a little smaller?” I grew up watching Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, “Solid Gold,” Flip Wilson. Back then, we had a 13-inch, blackand-white tube television, so you had to get up on that thing. I was so intrigued with comedy…I just loved to laugh and loved comedy; it was an escape for me.

Defender: How do you choose films when you’re not doing “Empire?”

Henson: I’m always looking for what I’m going to be doing on my hiatus. I’ve been waiting my entire career to get things cracking like this, and finally it’s cracking. And I can’t sit down, which is why I don’t have a wedding date yet [she is engaged to former NFL player Kelvin Hayden]. The phone is ringing, baby. I love characters and character work, so if I get a script and I feel like it’s something I’ve never done before, I want to do it. If the script scares the sh*t out of me, I have to do it.

what’sup Director SPIKE LEE said he will no longer wear Gucci or Prada until the brands hire some Black designers following a pair of blackface fashion fails from the major Italian fashion houses. Lee’s personal boycott in the midst of movie awards season was a powerful message to luxury fashion houses that are already suffering backlashes for designs evoking racist images. Gucci recently apologized for a high-neck black wool sweater that featured bright red lips when pulled over the face, while Prada apologized for a monkey bag charm resembling blackface in December. Both brands withdrew the offending pieces from sale

on websites and in stores……..“Power” show creator COURTNEY KEMP is bringing her talent of writing gritty crime dramas to HBO with a new show called “Dirty Thirty.” The story will dramatize the exploits of a team of real-life New York City cops that committed a slew of crimes in the 1990s out of Harlem’s 30th Precinct. 50 CENT, who works with Kemp on “Power” as executive producer, also congratulated her on his Instagram page..…..HBO announced that it will debut the controversial MICHAEL JACKSON documentary “Leaving Neverland” next month. The two-part project will hit the network on March 3

with the second installment premiering on March 4.

The documentary explores the separate but parallel experiences of two young boys, James “Jimmy” Safechuck, at age 10, and Wade Robson, at age 7, both of whom were befriended by Jackson. Through interviews with Safechuck, now 37, and Robson, now 41, as well as their mothers, wives and siblings, “Leaving Neverland” crafts a portrait of sustained abuse, exploring the complicated feelings that led both men to confront their experiences after both had a young son of their own. Several outlets have reported years of inconsistent accounts from both accusers featured in the documentary.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2019 defendernetwork.com

The Grammy stage was shared by Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith, host Alicia Keys, former First Lady Michelle Obama and Jennifer Lopez.

Rap artists, women take center stage at Grammys Associated Press

Rap artists and women have felt shunned by the Grammy Awards in recent years. But this year, they both took center stage.

Childish Gambino's disturbing look at race relations, "This is America," won record and song of the year at this year’s ceremony.

It was the first time a rap-based song won both of those awards, considered – with album of the year – the recording industry's most prestigious.

Kacey Musgraves won top album and matched Childish Gambino with four Grammys total. A year after many women felt left out of the Grammy telecast, they delivered the night's most memorable performances.

Childish Gambino, the stage name of actor Donald Glover, and another prominent rap nominee, Kendrick Lamar, both declined invitations to perform or attend. Some rap artists feel the Grammys have been slow to recognize how the genre now dominates popular music.

Cardi B became the first solo woman to win best rap album, although Lauryn Hill was the lead singer of the Fugees, which won the same award at the 1997 Grammys. Cardi B was so nervous accepting the award that she joked, "Maybe I need to start smoking weed."

She looked anything but rattled earlier, when her rendition of "Money" was among the night's performance highlights. Janelle Monae delivered a smoking version of her hit "Make Me Feel,” St. Vincent and Dua Lipa's duet on "Masseduction" was steamy, H.E.R. turned heads with "Hard Place" and Carlile sang an inspired version of her hit "The Joke."

When she was onstage, Lipa was one of a handful of winners who paid special tribute to fellow artists. Another was Drake, whose appearance to accept the Grammy when "God's Plan" won best rap song was a surprise because he's not big on award shows.

Yolanda Adams, Fantasia and Andra Day paid tribute to Aretha Franklin and diva Diana Ross wowed the crowd.

The Grammys took some online blowback by having Jennifer Lopez deliver a tribute to Motown, once the nation's preeminent label for Black artists. Despite her hustle, Lopez was outshone by show host Alicia Keys and Smokey Robinson delivering one verse of "Tracks of My Tears" acapella.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama appeared on the show's opening with Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Lopez and Jada Pinkett Smith to describe the role music had played in their lives – seemingly a pointed reference to last year's controversy over women artists.

"Music has always helped me tell my story," Obama said.

"Whether we like country or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves. It allows us to hear one another."

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2019 | DEFENDER

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BLACK HISTORY. PASS IT ON. Chamillionaire

Houston rapper to invest in Black startup Defender News Service

Pass on your stories, your knowledge and your love.

AARP celebrates Black History Month.

Learn more at aarp.org/blackcommunity.

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For the Houston rapper Chamillionaire, Black History Month is all about giving back.

The “Ridin'” creator is vowing to put a substantial amount of money in a Black-owned startup.

“Lately in my circle of peers, we’ve been having a lot of conversations about better ways that we can support Black founders and entrepreneurs and ways we can invest more money back into our communities,” he said. “And since it’s Black History Month, I want to kick things off by investing $10,000 in a Black founder’s company.

“Out of all the money being raised out there, companies with Black founders make up less than 1 percent of the total, and companies with Black women founders make up 0.2 percent, so we gotta do better,” he added. “And just to be clear, this is not charity. I’m investing $10,000 in a company that deserves it.”

The 39-year-old said those interested would need to download his Convoz app, head to the profile page and send him a 15-second pitch video of the company. Plus, he promised to respond to every single applicant, so people shouldn’t send any more than two clips. The app is available only on iOS. The rapper will eventually post some of his favorite pitches to his Instagram page and select a winner on March 1 of this year. But made it clear he’ll also pitch in to help the winner’s business flourish.

Chamillionaire is just the latest rapper to make headlines for investing in a startup. Last month Nas‘ Queensbridge Venture Partners made a nice chunk of change after Viacom purchased the streaming service Pluto TV for $340 million. Queensbridge Venture Partners were early investors in Pluto TV. Other rappers who’ve invested in startups include Jay-Z, who’s company Roc Nation invested in Promise last year, a company that helps those who are arrested and can’t afford bail.

Snoop Dogg‘s venture capital fund Casa Verde Capital invested in a string of cannabis related companies in recent years, like Green Tank Technologies that designs vaporizers.

The Black Eyed Peas’ Will.i.am‘s I.am+ invested in Honest Dollar, a company that helps small businesses offer retirement plans to employees. Honest Dollar was purchased by Goldman Sachs in 2016.

Chamillionaire was born Hakeem Seriki. He is known as the “Mixtape Messiah.” He and fellow Houston rapper Paul Wall were members of the hip hop group Color Changin' Click and his song "Ridin'" won a 2007 Grammy Award.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2019

‘The Fierce Urgency of Now:

State of Black lives in Texas’

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By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLY Defender

hen the Texas Legislative Black Caucus (TXLBC) gathers for its 2019 African-American Legislative Summit Feb. 24-26, lawmakers are hoping to not only discuss major issues that affect the AfricanAmerican community, but come up with a plan of action to implement solutions.

The Texas Legislature meets in session every two years. Nearly 6,000 bills are introduced during that time and about a fourth of those will pass.

Almost all of them will have some impact on the African-American community, which is why Houston State Rep. Harold Dutton, chair of the TXLBC, said it’s imperative that the 19 members of the TXLBC come together.

“The Urgency of Now is a reflection of all the things that seem to be going on that are trying to take us back to not 2019, but 1919. So, we need to all come together to address the issues that we face, just like we did to get to where we are,” Dutton said.

Themed “The Fierce Urgency of Now: State of Black lives in Texas,” the summit will consist of informative panel discussions which will address a wide range of critical issues including the access and quality of public education, entrepreneurship, human rights, and leadership, among other things.

Dutton said while the summit is designed to ensure attendees have a great time, the core of their purpose revolves around the issues – particularly in the areas of criminal justice, education and health care.

“These areas critically impact the Black community and all the issues related to them,” Dutton said. “We have to come together to do something about it. One of the things we want to do is talk to and listen to one another, which is something we don’t do often enough. This gives us an opportunity to do that and make sure we’re listening to people that have those concerns.”

Over 3,500 leaders, students and people of note will attend the three-day event in Austin, with free food and entertainment. In addition, scholarships will be awarded to residents from across Texas at the scholarship banquet and galas. Texans who have made outstanding contributions to the state will also be honored.

“We have an event that’s called the Outstanding Texans award ceremony. Each of the members of the Caucus are permitted to choose two members in our district, who make contributions to the community

Legislati

BLA SUM

Feb. 24-26 Houston State Rep. Harold Dutton, Texas Legislative Black Caucus chair

About the TXLBC The Texas Legislative Black Caucus is an organization that is comprised of all of the African-American lawmakers in Texas. The purpose of the organization is to bring the law-makers together so that we can work as a group to make sure that the needs of our community, at-large, get met.

The TXLBC was formed in 1973 and consisted of eight members. These founding members were: State Reps.

Anthony Hall (Houston), Mickey Leland (Houston), Senfronia Thompson (Houston), Craig Washington (Houston), Sam Hudson (Dallas), Eddie Bernice Johnson (Dallas), Paul Ragsdale (Dallas) and G.J. Sutton (San Antonio).

The Caucus is currently comprised of 17 members of the Texas House of Representatives and two members of the Texas Senate committed to addressing the issues African-Americans face across the state. that sometimes go unnoticed by that same community.

These are people on whose shoulders we stand. We are honoring them, along with our members that were the founders of the Caucus 45 years ago,” Dutton added.

For more information visit, http://txlbc.org/ african-american-legislative-summit/.

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Summit panel descriptions The State of Texas HBCUs -- A discussion with presidents and officials of Texas Historically Black Colleges and Universities regarding funding, retention rates, research developments, and success rates, and how the Black community can reinvest in its institutions of high education.

Criminal Justice Reform (Ron Reynolds & Nicole Collier) – A discussion with Texas Leaders who are taking the charge in criminal justice reform such as Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg regarding bail reform, decriminalization of marijuana, finding alternatives to jail and incarceration for low level offenders suffering from addiction and mental illness, and reentry programs.

Pipeline: Juvenile Justice Reform (Harold Dutton) – An in-depth discussion with juvenile defenders and program coordinator to find ways to improve the juvenile justice system, such as raising the age for being tried as an adult, recidivism prevention practices and parental engagement to stop Black boys and girls from becoming trapped in the criminal justice pipeline.

The Silent Killer: Mental Health and Maternal Mortality Rate in the Black Community (Toni Rose & Shawn Thierry) – A discussion with health professionals and public health advocates regarding two of the most ignored issues in the Black community, mental health and maternal mortality. It will explore why mental issues and maternal mortality are taboos in the Black community, how to get and advocate for proper coverage for mental health, adequate research and solutions for maternal

mortality, and the public funding for health issues.

The Black Dollar and Community Development (Jarvis Johnson, Royce West & Barbara Gervin-Hawkins) – Roundtable Discussion with TXLBC Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce Members focusing on accountability and monitoring of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) participation in contracts. Ensuring that all public agencies and contracts are actually using MBEs and HUBs. Public Education (Dr. Alma Allen) – A discussion to explore discretionary suspensions, performance rates regarding Black boys and girls, and closing the gaps in success for Black boys.

2020 Census/Redistricting (Senfronia Thompson) – A discussion preparing constituents and members of the black community for the upcoming 2020 Census to ensure everyone is properly accounted, and the legal steps and legislations to prevent gerrymandering.

Power of Now! Young Professional Panel – An in-depth conversation on millennial engagement, leadership development and civic participation.

The conversation will address a variety of issues and discuss best practices on engaging the millennial community. The panel will be comprised of young professionals from a variety of professions who are leading efforts to center younger voices and encourage more participation in the civic and political process.

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Missouri City rated one of safest Texas cities Defender News Services

Missouri City has once again been ranked among the top safest municipalities in Texas by the Home Security Advisor, an online resource website.

The “Show Me City” was listed as No. 5 among cities with a population of 50,000 or more and No. 42 among all cities rated in the report. Other Fort Bend cities on the list are Sugar Land (rated No. 43 overall and No. 6 among cities with a population of 50,000-plus) and Rosenberg (ranked No. 50).

In its “2019 List of Texas Top 50 Safest Cities” report, HSA noted that Missouri City and all of the Lone Star cities featured “have done an outstanding job keeping crime rates down and communities safe.”

Data for the rankings was compiled utilizing statistics from the 2017 FBI Uniform Crime Report for towns and cities with 10,000 residents or more, who recorded their crime data.

“This latest recognition is another nod to our first-rate police officers who work tirelessly to serve the citizens and businesses in our safe, scenic city that is rated one of America’s best places to live, work and play,” said City Manager Anthony J. Snipes.

“Public safety is a top priority for City Council and staff and we will continue to go above and beyond in assuring there are effective measures in place to protect our residents.”

H-E-B breaks ground on MacGregor Market Defender News Services

H-E-B broke ground on its new MacGregor Market located at the intersection of N. MacGregor Way and SH 288. The new, 90,000-square foot store located in the Third Ward/ Riverside community will feature expansive shopping options and added services for convenience, quality selection and freshness.

“We are thankful to the community for supporting our expansion in this important, historic area of Houston,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B’s group VP for Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. “We are excited to build a store with the best that H-E-B has to offer.”

Market shoppers will enjoy traditional selections of local favorites as well as fresh produce, dairy, H-E-B Organics, full-service scratch bakery department with artisan breads and self-serve pastry items and an expansive deli featuring in-house roasted meats, a full-service seafood department and wine department.

There will also be a full-service meat market, an in-house pharmacy with pick-up and drop-off counters as well as a drive-thru window, and one of the newest features, a curbside pick-up area.

“I am confident this store will serve as the catalyst for more economic development and revitalization in the Third Ward/Riverside community and will be heralded as a national model for public/private partnerships,” said City Councilmember Dwight Boykins of District D. Construction will begin soon with completion scheduled for late 2019.

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2019 | DEFENDER

11

Bennett raises funds to keep accreditation

By STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire

In a dramatic announcement, Bennett College President Phyllis Worthy Dawkins said she was confident that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges would restore the historically Black college’s accreditation.

“We’ve raised enough to produce additional resources. That’s what we did – and more,” Dawkins said in announcing that the all-women’s school had raised $8.2 million, or $3.2 million more than the $5 million needed to save the accreditation.

Students, alumnae and supporters cheered the news knowing that the college had met its Feb. 1 deadline to raise the funds.

Fundraising efforts ended at midnight on Friday, Feb. 1 and officials tallied up the donations.

Hopes ran high after High Point University President Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins

said, “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”

“Bennett College has an outstanding tradition of academic excellence for African- American women,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade organization that represents 215 African American owned newspapers and media companies around the country with more than 21 million weekly subscribers.

“The college is funded by the Presbyterian Church and my greatgreat-great grandfather, the Rev. Bennett College is an all-women’s HBCU in Greensboro, N.C. John Chavis, was the first ordained African-American Presbyterian announced that it was donating $1 million to minister in the United States and so I appeal to all PresBennett, a total that at the time pulled the colbyterians, to all Episcopalians, to all Methodists, to all lege to within a couple of hundred thousand Baptists, and to those of all faiths, to help save Bennett dollars of the $5 million goal.

College,” Chavis said prior to the end of the fundraising High Point President Nido Qubein noted effort. that High Point and Bennett are located near Bennett was founded in 1873 and became a colone another and both have roots in the United lege for women in 1926. Recent past presidents include Methodist Church. former Spelman College President Johnnetta Cole and He said the gift was inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who once author, commentator and columnist Julianne Malveaux.

12 DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2019

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NAACP addresses ‘State of Black America’ of so many people,” Johnson continued. “This nation has still not dealt with race and its appeal to the lowest common dominator of us as a community. We really need to take a step back and focus on what’s important, particularly in this era.”

Moderating the discussion, Brazile gave reference to Trump’s statement that we as a nation “could choose

“We need to strengthen free public education, so that in the global economy, our children won’t get left behind.

We need to examine the issue of healthcare and how Following President Donald Trump’s State of the many individuals are using a substantial amount of their Union address, NAACP President Derrick Johnson and income on healthcare, and we need to be a nation that is political strategist Donna Brazile took part in a special of one nation and not allow for individuals to divide us.”

“State of Black America” forum in search of the answer Closing out the session, Brazile posed the question, to, “Where do we go from here?”

“What role do women Held at Howard still play within the University, the event NAACP organization?” gave an opportunity “Women have a to give his rebuttal to huge role,” Johnson what some deemed a said. “Women, just “contentious presidential like the church, make address” and issued a up the backbone of the call to action. organization. We’ve “It’s unfortunate had six Black female that [Trump’s State of presidents before the Union speech] was a consolidating titles distraction from Stacey and roles, so perhaps Abrams’ ‘State of the it’s time now [that] Union,’ that served as we have a first female a reality for Africanpresident and CEO.” Americans who weren’t Howard Univeraccepting the fact that sity President Wayne the current president A.I. Frederick also has been one of the best gave remarks during galvanizing forces to the meeting. turn out the Black vote,” “This is a very Johnson said interesting time in Recalling the 2008 NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson joined political strategist Donna Brazile for a discussion on race in America. our nation’s history,” presidential elections greatness” but in doing so, would also need to choose his Johnson said. “And the event tonight, continuing Black and the nostalgia that it left behind, Johnson went on ideals and values.

History Month ‘Where Do We Go from Here,’ is a very to reference the wakeup call that all Americans were appropriate topic.”

Following this statement, Brazile posed the queshanded – post former President Barack Obama – during tion to Johnson, “How would you, choose greatness for “I recently did an interview for CNN,” he continued, the Trump era.

America in the 21st century?” “and one of the things that I pointed out to them was that “If you remember in 2008, we celebrated what we “Greatness in this county is when we ensure that we I don’t believe there is a monolithic Black vote. If these thought was impossible,” Johnson continued. “Comtake care of our elderly people,” Johnson said. “That we people came on my campus and polled all of the stumentators then began to talk about a post-racial society, prepare our young people so that they can have a brighter dents on a variety of topics, they would get a variety of and here we are some 11 years later, recognizing that the opinions…That is an example of why discussions such as occupant of the White House gives us a daily reminder of future. That we protect the rights of the disadvantaged, why we as a people must stick together and stay together. however we place the label. That is what makes a healthy these are so important. We need a clear idea as to where we are and where we should be going.”

“What the president has done has opened up the eyes society. That is what makes us great.

NNPA Newswire

CBC chair tells ‘State of Black Women’ Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (D-CA) said despite challenges that exist, African-American women are resilient and have a powerful voice in the voting booth. Bass delivered remarks about the status of Black women at the Democratic Women’s Working Group’s State of our Union press conference.

She noted that Black women’s paychecks are unequal, their health is “not well” and their freedom is under attack by the incarceration rate.

“According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black women in the United States are typically paid 61 cents for every dollar paid to a white man,” Bass said.

“But instead of creating job programs or investing in raising wages, what does the Trump administration

do about it? Trump signs a tax scam guaranteed to benefit only the richest Americans with a recycled promise of trickledown that we’ve been waiting on since the 1980s.”

In the area of health, Bass said Black women are more likely to experience pregnancy-related deaths, heart disease and diabetes.

“But instead of investing in our health, what does the Trump administration do about it? Not only does he push a bill to take away health coverage from millions of Americans, he continues to try to sabotage the Affordable Care Act via death by a million cuts.

Bass said the good news is that, “Whenever we are faced with attacks, we know, we will rise.”

Congresswoman Karen Bass

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2019 | DEFENDER

13

Baseball pioneer Frank Robinson dead at 83 took home World Series MVP honors in 1966 and the All-Star Game MVP Award in 1971. He ranks 10th on the career home runs list with 586.

Robinson retired from playing after the 1976 season as his managerial career was just beginning. He was aware of the challenges he would face.

"I knew there was going to be an awful lot of pressure, a lot of expectations and a lot of unhappy people because when things went right, fine, but when things went wrong, it was going to be doubly bad because of me being the first Black manager," he said.

Defender News Services

Frank Robinson, the first AfricanAmerican manager in Major League Baseball and the only player to win MVP in both leagues, died Feb. 7 at age 83. Robinson, an outfielder and first baseman, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.

Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. said Robinson was a trailblazer in every sense.

“He was one of the greatest players in the history of our game, but that was just the beginning of a multifaceted baseball career,” Manfred said.

“Known for his fierce competitive will, Frank made history as the first MVP of both the National and American Leagues, earned the 1966 AL Triple Crown and World Series MVP honors, and was a centerpiece of two world championship Baltimore Orioles' teams.”

Robinson made history when he became manager of the Cleveland Indians in 1975.

He represented four franchises as a manager, most recently when baseball returned to Washington, D.C. with the Nationals in 2005.

Robinson also held a variety of positions with the Commissioner's Office, overseeing on-field discipline and other areas of baseball operations before transitioning to a senior role in baseball development and youth-focused initiatives.

In 2005, Robinson was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award.

Robinson was born in Beaumont and grew up in Oakland. In high school he was captain of a state championship basketball team and Bill Russell – the Boston Celtics great who became the NBA’s first black head coach – was his teammate.

Robinson broke into the National League as a 20-year-old in 1956 with the Cincinnati Reds and tied a rookie record with 38 home runs en route to NL Rookie of the Year honors. Over the next decade and a half, he was one of the most feared hitters in the game. A 12-time All-Star, he

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14

DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2019

sports

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PVAMU leads conference, TSU second

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

he Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) men’s basketball race is entering the second half of play. With eight games to play on the conference schedule, schools are jostling for position and seeding in the upcoming conference tournament.

At the top of the hill thus far in the standings are the Prairie View A&M University Panthers. Selected to finish fourth in preseason polls, coach Byron Smith’s Panthers have been dominant in conference play, rolling off nine consecutive wins before losing for the first time recently against Texas Southern University 95-90.

The Panthers hold a two-game lead over second-place TSU in SWAC. PVAMU guard Gary Blackston shows his Grambling, Jackson State and skills. (PVAMU photos by Christian Flowers) Alabama State are all knotted in third place, three games not only for success this season, but back. hopes to lay a foundation for a thrivThe way the Panthers ing program for years to come. have performed to date one “It’s been a lot of hard work, a has to wonder how they could lot of hard practices, lifting, one day have been overlooked by the at a time,” Smith continued. “We’re forecasters. Smith offered an not looking at what we’re doing explanation. this year as a Vanilla Ice, a one-hit “You don’t measure wonder. We’re looking to be solid for teams in October,” he said. the years to come. That’s the goal for “We went through a very Prairie View men’s basketball.” difficult non-conference TSU head coach Johnny Jones schedule. I expected us to is pleased with way his team rallied move the needle quickly and against PVAMU. Texas Southern coach Johnny Jones admires his team’s to be able to do some things “Our guys were down about 20 competitiveness. in a positive way. I didn’t know points and they continued to fight in the we would be as dominant as we second half,” Jones said. “A win like have been, but I knew we would be more than just an average team this gives them the mindset that regardless to what game we’re in, in the league.” you have to continue to play the game.

Being No. 1 means playing every game with a bullseye on “It also is the first game of the second half of conference your back. The Panthers squandered a 20-point lead to TSU on the against a very tough opponent in Prairie View who happens to be road. the top team in our conference,” Jones said. “It draws us a little bit “We lost our focus, let it get away from us, started celebrating closer in conference play.” a little too soon, thought the game was over,” Smith said. “It’s a As the Tigers head into the second half of the season, Jones great learning experience. It shows that no lead is ever safe. I think acknowledged areas in which his club needs to improve. we’ll learn that you have to learn how to deal with success. If I “We have to do a much better job on the defensive end of the know my team like I think I do, they’ll use it in a positive way and floor,” he said. “We gave up 50 something points to Prairie View come back and get ready for a very tough road trip against Jackson in the first half. We have to hold our opponents under 50 percent State and Grambling.” shooting. We also need to do a better job executing our offense and In his second season as the Panthers top cat, Smith is playing being poised under pressure.”

Prairie View coach Byron Smith is laying the foundation for success.

TSU forward Jeremy Combs dunks during the recent game. (TSU photos by Mikol Kindle)

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2019 | DEFENDER

HS sports

15

Sterling playmakers

McKinney and Nickerson a tandem

By Jodie B. Jiles Defender

W

ith the high school basketball playoffs about to kick off this month, teams are battling for contention in what is expected to be an exciting playoff

round.

Recently, Sterling High School point guard Carlos McKinney and big man Corey Nickerson helped the Raiders pull off a playoff-clinching win against Waltrip, creating a separation of two games in the standings for the final spot in 5A Region, District III. Coach Andrea Young is pleased with the Sterling duo’s playmaking.

“Corey is our glue,” Young said. “He does so many things well with his size. He can handle the ball, he’s a good shot-blocker and he can shoot the ball and score. Carlos is a good shooter and we look for him to knock down big shots and get us off to a good start.”

The Defender spoke with McKinney and Nickerson after Sterling’s win over Waltrip.

Defender: What were the keys to success in the victory over Waltrip?

McKinney: Moving the ball, passing, getting to our spots and knocking down open shots. My teammates trusted me to knock down shots and I knocked [them down].

Defender: How do you intend to change the outcome in the rematch against Madison?

McKinney: In the last game we got out to a great start. So, we just need to keep up our tempo and limit the turnovers and we will be good.

Defender: What do you love about playing on the court?

McKinney: I love when my teammates are firing on all cylinders like tonight against Waltrip. We were getting hyped and just feeding into the crowd.

It is an incredible feeling.”

Defender: How did you get started playing basketball?

Nickerson: My fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Perry.

She is the one who started it off for me. Rest in peace.

Defender: When did you know that you can do something with the game of basketball?

Nickerson: It really took off my eighth-grade year. I had a big season and that is when I started getting ranked, noticed and recognized.

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See high school basketball highlights

Carlos McKinney makes an assist in the win against Waltrip.

About McKinney

College: Uncommitted Favorite subject: History Favorite food: Chicken strips Hobbies: Reading about current events, watching YouTube World problem he would solve: Poverty Shout-outs: “My mama and dad – RIP, Dad, I love you”

About Nickerson

Twitter: @coreydnickerson College: Uncommitted Offers considering: Blinn, Lamar Hobbies: Working out, “chilling” with brothers and sisters NBA players he studies: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ben Simmons Shout-outs: Mom, dad, brother Jarvis, Mrs. Perry, God

Corey Nickerson slam dunks. (Photos by Jimmie Aggison)

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16

DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2019

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

topevents

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY……..With their family members, coaches and friends Dwight Boykins, former Mayor Annise Parker, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, looking on, nearly 150 students signed letters of intent for collegiate athletic programs James Harris and others took part in the ceremony making way for the 90,000 squareacross the country at HISD’s National Signing Day. They included North Forest High foot store slated to open in nine months. Other attendees included Doug and Winell School’s Javonne Shepherd, one of the top offensive tackles in the state. He accepted a Herron, Kathy Griffin, Armando Jasso, Genora Boykins and more……..MAYOR’S scholarship to play at the University of Texas. The student athletes officially committed ANNUAL HISTORY MAKERS AWARDS……..Mayor Sylvester Turner teamed to participate in basketball, soccer, baseball, football, lacrosse, swimming, tennis, with Comcast to host the second Annual Mayor’s History Makers Awards, a Black History track and field, volleyball, water polo, golf, softball, cross Month event honoring 10 community volunteers. The luncheon held at the Defender TOP EVENTS country and wrestling. The guest speaker was former WNBA Houstonian Hotel paid tribute to the honorees’ difference-making efforts More photos on defendernetwork.com star and Olympic gold medalist Ruthie Bolton, who told the of volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy and civic engagement. Khambrel PHOTOS BY: Aswad Walker students to celebrate their success without forgetting their Marshall served as emcee. Comcast executives Steven A. White and purpose. Also attending were HISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Ray Purser, along with Turner, greeted each awardee – Sam Alix, Darryl Grenita Lathan, Athletic Director Andre Walker and Trustee Sergio Lira. Additional Blackburn, Donna Brownlow, Leonard Donaldson, LaShonda Johnson, Pastor Emeritus athletic commitments are expected after Signing Day……..H-E-B THIRD WARD William H. Lawson, Howard Middleton, Patrick Purnell, Tiffany Sanders and Patricia GROUNDBREAKING……..City leaders participated in the groundbreaking ceremony Smith Prather, winner of the Living Legend Award. Ashley Turner, Juana Collins, Laura for a new H-E-B located in Third Ward at Highway 288 and N. MacGregor Way. Scott Mayorga, Misha McClure, Ashley Small, Councilmember Martha Castex-Tatum, McClelland, president of H-E-B Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner, District D Councilman Chaun Vaughn and many others attended as well.

Jar’Michael Cooper (Yates football), Missouri Southern State University commit and family

Former Mayor Annise Parker, Councilmember Dwight Boykins

Pastor Emeritus William H. Lawson, Sonny MessiahJiles

Bobby Wolfe (Madison football), University of Arizona commit and family

Terry Williams, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Scott McClelland, Armando Jasso

Beverly Donaldson, Leonard Donaldson, Iris Jackson

Javonne Shepherd (North Forest football), University of Texas commit and family

Doug Herron, Winell Herron

Laura Mayorga, Misha McClure

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