Houston Defender: February 12, 2015

NATIONAL

CBC URGES SUPREME COURT TO ADDRESS VOTER ID ISSUE P4 defendernetwork.com

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OPINION MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN says invest in children

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SPORTS SPENCER TILLMAN speaks at HCC gala

P14 HS ZONE MADDISEN TURNER earns praise at Westside

WANTED:

RACIAL EQUALITY in the criminal justice system H PAGES 8-9

P15 TOP EVENTS

Marsai Martin

Josh Smith

Ten-year-old actress Marsai Martin from Plano plays a twin on the award-winning ABC sitcom “Black-ish.” See what award nomination she recently received. Read about her amazing journey to Hollywood. Learn how she hopes to inspire other girls.

Houston Rocket Josh Smith is one of the team members stepping up with the absence of All-Star Dwight Howard due to injury. Find out what makes Smith a versatile and gifted player. Hear what he says about his role on the team and strategy on the court.

stars on ‘Black-ish’

Don Samuels, Larry Jones and J.J. Williams at NAACP Image Awards viewing party

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shows versatility

H PAGE 6

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 12 | 2015

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La Marque ISD fights closure Supporters of La Marque ISD are determined to appeal for survival after receiving notice that the Texas Education Agency plans to revoke its accreditation and close the district in July.

Michael Williams, commissioner of education, said that he will assign a conservator to oversee the financial management of the district.

La Marque ISD has faced academic and financial struggles and a decrease in enrollment. Superintendent Terri Watkins, however, said the district has improved and needs more time.

“This is the start of the process, not the end of the process,” she said.

The district serves 2,500 students, of which 67 percent are African-American and 20 percent are Hispanic.

Legislative committee members named

Members of the Texas House and Senate recently received committee assignments for the 84th Legislature. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appointed Senate members of committees and Texas House Speaker Joe Straus appointed members of House committees.

Following are the committee assignments for local African-American lawmakers:

State Sen. Rodney Ellis State Affairs (vice chair), Transportation, Business and Commerce

State Rep. Borris Miles

Appropriations, Licensing and Administrative Procedures, State and Federal Power and Responsibility

State Rep. Alma Allen Public Education (vice chair), Corrections, House Administration

State Rep. Ron Reynolds Environmental Regulation, Elections (also named House Democratic whip)

State Rep. Garnet Coleman

County Affairs (chair), Public Health

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson Local and Consent

Calendar (chair), Redistricting, Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence, Licensing and Administrative Procedures

State Rep. Harold Dutton Juvenile Justice and Family Issues (chair), Public Education, Sunset Advisory Commission

State Rep. Sylvester Turner Appropriations (vice chair), State Affairs

Teen accused of slayings returned Isaac Tiharihondi , the 19-year-old man accused of killing his parents and younger brother, is back in Houston after being arrested in Mississippi on Feb. 4. He was taken into custody two days after the bodies of his family were found in their west Houston apartment by a maintenance man.

Dead are his parents, Israel and Dorcus Ahimbisibwe, and his 5-year-old brother Israel Jr. Tiharihondi allegedly used a lamp, baseball bat and a hammer to kill his parents, and stabbed his brother with a kitchen knife.

He left their Memorial City apartment and traveled to New Orleans and then to Jackson, Miss. He used his father’s credit card to pay for a motel room.

localbriefs HISD AWARDED $21.9 million in bonuses to 5,771 educators whose students made the largest academic gains during the 2013-2014 school year. The bonuses were distributed as part of the ASPIRE Award Program, which recognizes the impact of teachers, administrators and other campus-based employees who are accelerating students’ progress and helping them improve significantly. The bulk of the money is going to educators who teach core subjects, such as math, science, social studies and language arts. HISD’s Teacher Performance Pay Program was first launched during the 2005-2006 school year and evolved into ASPIRE. Administrators are looking at revising the program to offer additional

incentives at the district’s lowest-performing schools……..LOCAL STUDENTS and parents are invited to a free Paying for College Workshop sponsored

by Congressman Gene Green. It will be held Monday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Mac Arthur Senior High School, 4400 Aldine Mail Route. Representatives from the Sallie Mae Fund will present information about how to apply for scholarships and financial aid. Representatives from U.S. service academies and local colleges will also be present, including the University of Houston, UH Downtown, Texas Southern University, Houston Community College Northeast, San Jacinto College North and Lone Star College. For information visit www.

green.house.gov........TEXAS WILL NO LONGER ISSUE vehicle inspection stickers and will move to a “Two Steps, One Sticker” program beginning March 1.

Under the new system, Texas vehicle owners will need to pass inspection prior to renewing their registration. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles registration sticker will serve as proof of both inspection and registration.

When vehicle owners renew their registration, the system will verify whether the vehicle has a valid inspection.

During the second year of the program, beginning March 1, 2016, vehicles’ inspection and registration expiration dates will align to the date that is on the registration sticker.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 12 | 2015

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national

U.S.briefs

Supreme Court urged to address voter ID The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) recently filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court urging justices to hear a case filed by the Advancement Project against Wisconsin’s restrictive voter ID law. The CBC said it is an issue of national priority.

In 2011, Wisconsin passed a state voter ID law that required voters to provide identification at the polls. A federal judge later ruled the law as unconstitutional on the grounds that it disproportionately affected AfricanAmerican and Hispanic residents.

Over the following two years, Advancement Project challenged the discriminatory law on behalf of AfricanAmerican and Latino plaintiffs under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. In 2014, the Supreme Court blocked the Wisconsin law after the state failed to show that it was able to implement the law and properly issue IDs to thousands of voters in time for Election Day. However, the law will take effect for future elections and will have national repercussions unless the Supreme Court accepts the case.

“Photo voter ID laws significantly impact all voters but especially place burdens on African Americans, Latino Americans, young voters, seniors, women and individuals with disabilities,” said CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield speaking on behalf of the 46-member caucus.

“Many of us led the fight to end the practice of voter disenfranchisement 50 years ago, and we cannot afford to standby and do nothing while historical advancements in equality and fairness are reversed with laws such as Wisconsin’s discriminatory voting practice.

“If allowed, it will open the floodgates across the country to silence many American voices by making it increasingly harder for all citizens to vote and have a say in America’s democratic process,” Butterfield said.

Members of the CBC were joined in the effort by 13 groups, including the National Council of La Raza, Hispanic National Bar Association, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, League of Women Voters, American Association of Persons with Disabilities, Color of Change and Civil Rights Clinic at Howard University Law School.

Black schoolgirls more likely to be suspended A new study released by the African American Policy Forum and the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies at Columbia University shows that Black girls in New York schools are six times more likely to be suspended than white girls.

According to the study, 12 percent of Black girls were suspended, compared to 2 percent for white girls.

“No white girls were expelled, and thus, no ratio can be calculated,” the study stated. “But the magnitude of the disparity can be captured by simply imagining that one white girl had been expelled. Were that the case, the ratio

would be 53:1.”

A comparative report studying Black boys and white boys found Black boys were suspended three times as much and expelled 10 times as much in New York.

“This data reveal that in some cases, race may be a more significant factor for females than it is for males,” the report stated.

“The particular disparities facing Black girls are largely unrecognized in the mainstream discourse about punitive policies in public education.

Consequently, efforts to confront the challenge of ensuring equitable and fair opportunities for Black girls in school remain underdeveloped.”

FOR THE FIRST TIME in its company’s history, Apple will include African-American and Latino-owned financial services firms in its debt offering. Apple recently sold $6.5 billion in bonds, and tapped Williams Capital and Ramirez and Co. to participate in the syndicate. Both companies are headquartered in New York.

“Apple is making a major statement with the inclusion of minority financial services firms in this transaction and it is a major breakthrough for the business of diversity,” said Rev. Jesse Jackson. “Williams Capital and Ramirez and Co. are experienced, top-flight firms with proven track records.” Jackson and his Rainbow PUSH Coalition have been pressing Apple and other technology companies to increase diversity……..

THE NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA) recently launched a Because Our Lives Matter Initiative to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS. The NMA will incorporate the CDC campaign titled “HIV Treatment Works.”

Implementation of the organization’s plan begins with the dissemination of new best practices for HIV/AIDS treatment developed by NMA physicians. The best practices will be reinforced through training programs designed for physicians and the community throughout the organization’s network of state and local societies. NMA represents the interests of more than 50,000 African-American physicians and the patients they serve……..CHILDREN LIVING in low-income or predominantly minority neighborhoods are less likely to have clean, safe, and attractive places to play, which puts them at a higher risk for obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Active Living Research, a program funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, revealed some of the barriers to physical activity facing kids in marginalized communities, ranging from uneven sidewalks to higher crime rates. According to the program, 70 percent of African-American neighborhoods and 81 percent of Hispanic neighborhoods lack adequate recreational facilities. Sidewalks in African-American neighborhoods are 38 times more likely to be of low quality.

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 11 FEBRUARY 12, 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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Black history calendar of events

PRESIDENTS’ DAY

Friday, Feb. 13

The Houston Public Library African American Library at the Gregory School will be the site of the Houston Ebony Opera Guild Robert A. Henry Lecture on the Art and Craft of the African American Composer. It will be held at 2 p.m. at 1300 Victor Street. Led by Dr. John L. Cornelius, the discussion will focus on primary aspects of the artistic impulse. Nathaniel Dett’s “The Ordering of Moses” and Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts will be examined. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or 832-3931313.

Tuesday, Feb. 17

The Houston Public Library sponsors a Houston Grand Opera presentation of “First Songs: Peace, Hope, Dreams” at12:30 p.m. at Kendall Neighborhood Library, 609 N. Eldridge Parkway.

Featured will be songs adapted from children’s books “All the Colors of the Earth” and “Sleep,” as well as AfricanAmerican spirituals. Contact: www. houstonlibrary.org or 832-393-1313.

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Thursday, Feb. 19 The Houston Public Library sponsors The Changing Face of Houston’s African-American Community: Findings from 33 Years of Houston Surveys, at 6 p.m. at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, 5300 Caroline. Dr. Stephen L. Klineberg, founding director of Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research will report on central findings with responses from community leaders including Dr. Rod Paige, former U.S. secretary of education. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or 832-393-1313.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 12 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

entertainment

Marsai Martin

10-year-old Texan co-stars on ‘Black-ish’

N

ative Texan Marsai Martin, one of the stars of the hit ABC sitcom “Blackish,” is still riding high from the show’s recent wins at the 46th annual NAACP Image Awards.

The show won five Image Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series.

In addition, 10-year-old Marsai is excited to be recognized by her peers with a nomination from the Young Artists Awards. She’s nominated for Best Performance in a TV series, Supporting Actress, for her role as the smart and sassy twin on “Black-ish.” The awards will be held March 5 in Studio City, Calif.

Focused on her future, Marsai feels especially proud to celebrate Marsai Martin portrays Diane Johnson on “Black-ish.” Her co-stars are (standing, l. to such honors during Black History r.) Marcus Scribner, Tracee Ellis Ross, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne and Yara Month because she wants to blaze her Shahidi. Miles Brown portrays her twin brother. own trail in Hollywood. included several Los Angeles agents. At the seminar she “I admired Madam C.J. Walker secured representation. when I learned she was the first Black woman millionMarsai relocated to Los Angeles in late 2013 and in aire,” she said. “I want to be a legend one day so I can also a little more than 100 days accomplished more than most inspire young girls to follow their dreams no matter how struggling actors can dream of, including securing a major old they are just like I’m doing.” national commercial campaign with Meineke.

Born in Plano, Texas, Marsai began acting before she That meteoric whirlwind included being cast as a cocould talk. Noticing her natural desire for the spotlight, star in “Black-ish.”

Marsai plays Diane Johnson alongside her parents took her to the Kim Dawson Agency in Dallas an all-star cast that includes Anthony Anderson, Tracee where they immediately signed her at the age of 5.

Ellis Ross and Lawrence Fishburne.

She soon landed her first national commercial with In addition to acting, she loves singing, dancing, playthe agency, appearing in a hotel ad. As a student at Cathryn ing with her dog and going to the movies.

Sullivan Acting for Film, she attended a seminar that

what’sup OPRAH WINFREY, OCTAVIA SPENCER, LUPITA NYONG’O and ZOE SALDANA will be among the presenters at the 87th Oscars, which will be televised on ABC on Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. Winfrey is nominated for Best Picture as one of the producers of “Selma.” She was previously nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “The Color Purple” in 1986 ………THANDIE NEWTON portrays a doctor on “The Slap,” a new mini-series which airs on NBC Thursdays at 7 p.m. Newton recently wrapped up the second season of “Rogue,” the first original series for DirecTV. She was also seen in Tyler Perry’s “Good Deeds” and starred

in “Half of a Yellow Sun” opposite CHIWETEL EJIOFOR……..KANYE WEST didn’t win a Grammy but he managed to steal the spotlight.

Singer BECK was about to accept the Album of the Year Award when West briefly walked onstage and then left. There was concern that West would repeat a 2009 MTV Video Music Awards incident when he interrupted TAYLOR SWIFT during her acceptance speech and said BEYONCÉ – not Swift – should have won Female Video of the Year. Though West didn’t interrupt Beck he expressed his displeasure with the Grammys afterward. “I just know that the Grammys, if they want real artists to keep coming

back, they need to stop playing with us. And Beck needs to respect artistry and he should’ve given his award to Beyoncé,” West said. Beyoncé didn’t go home empty-handed however, and won three Grammys, including two for “Drunk in Love.” Other winners included PHARRELL WILLIAMS, native Houstonian ROBERT GLASPER, TONI BRAXTON, BABYFACE, KENDRICK LAMAR, SMOKIE NORFUL, JOHN LEGEND and ZIGGY MARLEY……..

KEVIN HART will serve as “roast master” in the upcoming Comedy Central roast of JUSTIN BIEBER. The roast will tape on March 14 and premieres March 30.

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Four ‘champions’ recognized during February

I

n order to shine a spotla.org for more information. light on the heartwarmLydell Henry, Baltimore ing stories and acts of – Lydell Henry founded Beat good that take place the Streets-Baltimore, a nonwithin our local comprofit program that uses wresmunities every day, Allstate tling to get students involved in named four leaders from academics through tutoring and across the country as Champimentoring programs. Henry ons For Good. leads a group of volunteer Each Champion received coaches who partner with local a national award recognizing university graduate students to their commitment and leadertutor high school wrestling athship during a surprise presenletes after school on a weekly tation in their communities. basis. Visit www.facebook.

Surrounded by colleagues, com/BeattheStreetsBaltimore. family, and fellow volunteers, Lamont Robinson, Chithey were celebrated for their cago – In addition to serving achievements. as an Allstate agent for the Lamont Robinson LaRita Francois-Flotte The Champions also atChicago community, Lamont tended the 2014 Allstate Tom Robinson serves as a mentor Joyner Family Reunion in for young men in grades 9-12 thony Delgado’s life has truly come serving as guardian to her younger Orlando, Fla., where they partnered through the Kappa Leadership Institute full circle. To give back to the combrother, LaRita Francois-Flotte said with Allstate to conduct a live Twitof Chicago.

As a mentor, he provides munity where he knows it is most that she grew up faster than most ter chat to celebrate stories of good youth with college readiness, tutorneeded, Delgado founded I Care kids. helping Client: Allstate Bleed: NA She now gives back by Region: US and encourage others to give back ing and study skills, and leadership Campaign: 2015 BHM Newspaper Print Trim:youth NA Language: English Atlanta, which provides resources who are facing similar condiAgency Job #: 610-ALAAMNP4004 Live: 9.5” x 6” Notes: None and “Give It Up For Good.” development programs to help them and emergency assistance to the tions. She founded Take the Lead AD #/AD ID: AHAA0606 Date Modified: Allstate is proud to feature the achieve their goals.

Visit www.KapKeyline Scale: 1”= 1” working poor and homeless in metro Foundation, an organization focused CR: Output at: 100% four individuals as role models this paLeagueChicago.org.

AD Round:and surrounding communiAtlanta on1 ofproviding enhanced motivaPage: 1 Black History Month.

Share your stories using ties. Visit ICareAtlanta.org for more tion and educational programs to Anthony Delgado, Atlanta – #GiveItUpForGood to inspire the NOT TO BE USED FOR COLOR APPROVAL information. youth in New Orleans. Her nonprofit From living on the streets to starting good in others.

Also, visit Allstate.

ECD: C. Wickman CD: S. Block Jr.AD: S. Michel focuses AM: J. Norman BM: C. Novotny P: D. Varichak LaRita Francois-Flotte, New on building self-esteem, a nonprofit organization devoted to com/GiveItUpForGood and follow @ Orleans – Spending her teenage promoting leadership and enhancing ending homelessness, veteran AnGiveItUpForGood on Twitter. years in a homeless shelter and communication skills. Visit TLFNo-

Give it up for @ICareAtlanta #GiveItUpForGood

SometimeS GooD FeeDS moRe tHAN tHe SoUL. Anthony Delgado founded I Care Atlanta, an organization that partners with grocers to fight hunger and break the cycle of poverty among the city’s poor and homeless.

Celebrate inspirational people like Anthony and let their stories of good inspire you this Black History Month.

Visit Allstate.com/giveitupforgood.

© 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 12 | 2015

WANTED:

RACIAL EQUALITY in the criminal justice system

B

NNPA

lacks and Latino higher rates in p minor crimes, ac Matter: Elimina Justice System” nonprofit group that advocates Researchers said disparit over minor violations. Consid uproar.

Eric Garner, 43, was stop cused of selling untaxed cigar demeanor, before Officer Dan choked him to death on a side Staten Island neighborhood. O ren Wilson stopped 19-year-ol resident Michael Brown for ja before a disputed confrontatio Wilson fatally shooting Brown Racial disparities exist at in the criminal justice system, noted. That helps explain why and Latinos account for about of the United States populatio percent of the incarcerated pop Nationally, Blacks and H are three times as likely to be police during traffic stops. Bla twice as likely as whites to be during a traffic stop.

“These patterns hold eve a lower ‘contraband hit rate’ w drivers,” stated the report.

The ACLU found that B be arrested for marijuana poss Sentencing Project report.

“This disparity expands a system so that 57 percent of p are people of color, even thoug

Four proven steps toward reforming According to the Sentencing Project, jurisdictions around the country have implemented reforms to address sources of inequality in the criminal justice system. Here are four steps that should be taken to help solve the problem and also examples of reforms that have produced results.

1

Revise policies and laws with disparate racial impact.

Through data collection and analysis of racial disparities, police departments, prosecutor’s offices, courts and lawmakers have been able to identify and address sources of racial bias. In Seattle, some precincts have implemented a pre-booking strategy.

The program gives police the option of transferring individuals arrested on drug and prostitution charges to social services rather than sending them deeper into the criminal justice system.

2

Address implicit racial bias among criminal justice professionals.

Education efforts aimed at raising awareness about racial bias can help “debias” law enforcement. Proven strategies include providing exposure to counter-stereotypic imagery and increasing interracial contact and diversity. There is growing

interest in body cameras worn by off excessive use of force and increase a Connecticut, Maryland and Wisconsi requiring special prosecutors to hand misconduct in order to address the p interest when local district attorneys enforcement officials with whom the

3

Reallocate resources to crea field.

Investing in alternatives to in limiting the financial outlays defendants can help to reduce the d income people of color in the crimin New Jersey reformed its bail system now release lower-risk indigent indiv afford bail. In Berks County, Penn. of the number of youth in secure deten alternatives such as shelters for thos

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

erfold

A News Service

os are incarcerated at disproportionately part because police target them for ccording a report titled, “Black Lives ating Racial Inequity in the Criminal ” by the Sentencing Project, a national, s for criminal justice issues. ties are punitive and can turn deadly der two cases which caused a national

pped and acrettes, a misniel Pantaleo ewalk of a Officer Darold Ferguson aywalking, on led to wn. t every step , the report y Blacks t 30 percent on, but 56 opulation.

Hispanics searched by acks are also e arrested

drug users, and are likely a similar proportion of sellers.”

The report continued: “Once arrested, people of color are also likely to be charged more harshly than whites; once charged, they are more likely to be convicted; and once convicted, they are more likely to face stiff sentences – all after accounting for relevant legal differences such as crime severity and criminal history.”

According to the report, these trends are driven by race-neutral laws that still have a significant racial impact, criminal justice professionals influenced by racial bias, an underfunded criminal justice system, and policies that impose strict “collateral consequences” that make it harder for ex-offenders to return home after prison.

If current incarceration trends hold, one in three Black teenage boys can anticipate going to prison in his lifetime, compared to one in 17 white boys. One in 18 Black women face the prospects of incarceration, compared to 1 in 111 white women.

“Federal prosecutors, for example, are twice as likely to charge AfricanAmericans with offenses that carry mandatory minimum sentences than otherwise-similar Whites,” the report said. “State prosecutors are also more likely to charge Black rather than similar White defendants under habitual offender laws.”

The report said that defense attorneys might show signs of racial bias in how they prioritize their caseloads, and all-White juries spend less time deliberating in cases than racially diverse ones. All-White juries are also more likely to seek the death penalty in capital trials.

“Because the criminal justice system is an institution that primarily reacts to – rather than prevents – crime, it is ill-equipped to address many of the underlying causes of crime,” stated the report.

“But mass incarceration’s hold on vast public resources and the obstacles erected for people with criminal records further erode the economic and social buffers that prevent crime.”

“Once arrested, people of color are also likely to be charged more harshly than whites.”

en though police officers generally have when they search Black versus White

Blacks were 3.7 times more likely to session than whites in 2010, stated the

at later stages of the criminal justice people in state prisons for drug offenses ugh whites comprise over two-thirds of

g inequality

ficers to reduce accountability. in passed laws dle cases of police potential conflict of s prosecute the law ey work daily.

ate a fair playing

ncarceration and required from disadvantage of lownal justice system. and judges can viduals who cannot fficials reduced ntion by adopting se who cannot

safely return home but did not require locked detention, evening reporting centers and electronic monitoring.

defendernetwork.com

HPD chief, D.A. address local concerns

C

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

oncerned residents recently gathered at Texas Southern University with members of the Houston Police Department to discuss improving community relations.

HPD Chief Charles McClelland and Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson led the discussion in Sawyer Auditorium on various topics, including police body cameras, how to engage with civilians with mental health conditions, and officer training procedures.

The meeting came weeks after a Houston police officer was not indicted for fatally shooting Jordan Baker – an unarmed Black man – outside a strip mall in 2014.

Moments after the meeting began three protesters walked down the aisle chanting “Hands up, don’t shoot” but were quickly escorted out by officers in attendance.

“We are accountable to you,” McClelland told those in attendance. “HPD is not broken. We’re not perfect but this is not the same department as 30, 40, 50 years ago.”

“We are not Ferguson, Missouri here,” Anderson added, noting the $1.9 million her office allocated to HPD for body cameras.

Anderson also said she wanted to see changes made to the way local grand juries are chosen to promote more diversity.

“Our grand juries need to look like Harris County looks,” she said, and supports efforts by the state Legislature to abolish the current system.

During the meeting, McClelland referred to HPD statistics that show crime rates, including theft and home invasions, have dropped significantly during his tenure as police chief. Violent crimes have increased slightly but are the lowest of the last decade.

Citizen complaints decreased in 2014.

McClelland said the improvements were due to “increased transparency” from the department. Despite such statistics, residents still voiced concern about how police interact with the Black community.

“My concern is the safety of all the community,” said 85-yearold activist Jean Dember. “They won’t stop me but I know they will stop a Black man on the street.”

“I have yet to see police in white neighborhoods accosting white youth in the same manner,” said Sandra Hines of Sunnyside.

Noah Rattler, an advocate for homelessness awareness, said police officers should remember that they are “representatives of [Houston] assigned to protect” its residents.

4

Revise policies that worsen socioeconomic inequalities and redirect public spending toward crime prevention and drug treatment.

While the criminal justice system is not wellpositioned to address the socioeconomic inequality that contributes to differential crime rates, it should not aggravate these conditions. Advocates have had success in downsizing and redirecting criminal justice spending, and increasing utilization of existing resources. California voters approved a proposition that reclassifies a number of low-level offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, allowing 10,000 incarcerated individuals to petition to have their sentences reduced. A portion of projected state prison savings will be allocated for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

he Houston area for over 80 years

Police Chief Charles McClelland and District Attorney Devon Anderson spoke at TSU.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 12 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

Small business optimism highest in seven years

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“With the economy improving every day, many business owners are seeing stronger revenues and are feeling a renewed sense of confidence and expecting an even better year ahead.”

T:4.79”

rate current conditions for their businesses — continues to climb, increasing to +28 in January, up from +21 last quarter and up from +16 a year ago.

The survey shows that business owner perceptions of their present situation continues to improve each year, having increased 30 points since January 2013, and 57 points from its lowest point (-29) in the first quarter 2010.A promising year ahead In addition to reporting an improved present situation, business owners are feeling confident about the year ahead. The positive outlook is reflected in the future expectations score, which increased to +43 in January, up from +37 in November 2014 and +29 a year ago.

Key findings that contribute to the future expectations score include: • Revenues – Fifty-five percent of business owners anticipate that their revenues will increase a little or a lot, compared to 48 percent in January 2014.

• Financial situation – Seventy-three percent of small business owners think their company’s financial situation will be very good or somewhat good 12 months from now, an increase of 7 percentage points from January 2014.

• Cash flow – Sixty-five percent of business owners believe their company cash flow will be very or somewhat good over the next 12 months, up from 57 percent in January 2014.

• Capital spending – When asked about capital spending, 31 percent of business owners expect to increase the amount they allocate a little or a lot, up from 27 percent in January 2014, and matching numbers from January 2008 (also 31 percent).

Dhani Jones Sports Honoree (not shown)

Iyanla Vanzant Inspirational Honoree

Kevin Liles Entertainment Honoree Henry Coaxum McDonald’s Owner/Operator Honoree

Gabrielle Williams Community Choice Youth Honoree

Al Sharpton Humanitarian Honoree

Will Packer Arts & Entertainment Honoree

Skyler Grey Community Choice Youth Honoree

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LOVIN’ BY EXAMPLE. Here’s to the leaders that don’t talk about dedication, they show it. To the people who constantly perform selfless acts as they reach out, reach back and bring others along. We show our gratitude during Black History Month, but we applaud you everyday. Let’s all be inspired to stay deeply rooted in spreading the love, 365 days a year.

Find your motivation at 365Black.com.

©2015 McDonald’s

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mall business owners report they are the most optimistic in seven years, according to the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index, with stronger revenues, improved cash flow, and increased hiring contributing to the improvement.

In the latest quarterly small business survey, conducted in January, the overall Index score, which measures small business owner optimism, jumped to positive 71 (+71), significantly up from +58 in November 2014 and up from +45 in January 2014.

While the score is still below pre-recession levels, it is the highest it has been since January 2008 when the Index score was +83.

Several factors contributed to the rise in optimism this quarter, including: • Improved revenue – In the January survey, 49 percent of small business owners reported that their revenues increased a little or a lot over the past 12 months, up from 37 percent a year ago. This represents the highest reading on this measure since 2007, when 52 percent of small business owners reported increased revenues.

• Better cash flow – Business owners’ cash flow improved over the past 12 months, with 54 percent rating their company cash flow as very good or somewhat good, compared to 52 percent in the first quarter of 2014.

• Hiring is up – More business owners increased the number of jobs at their company over the past 12 months (19 percent). Just 11 percent reported a decrease in jobs, compared to 16 percent in last quarter’s survey.

• Access to credit – The ability to obtain credit also improved with more than a third (34 percent) of survey respondents reporting that it was somewhat or very easy to obtain credit over the past 12 months, up from 30 percent in November 2014, and 28 percent a year ago.

“The overall index score speaks to the general improvements that many small businesses experienced in 2014,” said Lisa Stevens, Wells Fargo head of Small Business “With the economy improving every day, many business owners are seeing stronger revenues and are feeling a renewed sense of confidence and expecting an even better year ahead.”

Incremental increases in how small business owners feel about their current conditions and the future helped drive the rise in optimism this quarter. The present situation score — how business owners

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FEBRUARY 12 | 2015 | DEFENDER

health

A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

11 7

10 heart attack signs women should not ignore

By BERNICE ADU-GYAMFI, M.D.

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heart attack. As a result, they delay seeking treatment.

ore women die of heart disease Don’t ignore subtle than any other cause. It is the symptoms No. 1 killer of women in the Heart attack symptoms women United States. One in four women dies of should watch for include: heart disease and for African-American • Shortness of breath. women, the risk is especially high.

• Weakness.

Heart disease is more prevalent • Extreme fatigue for no reason. among black women than white women as • Cold sweats. well as the factors that increase the risk of • Dizziness or lightheadedness. developing it: high blood pressure, obesity • Pain or pressure in the back, high and diabetes. But every year, hundreds of chest, neck, jaw or one or both arms. thousands of women die of heart attacks • Discomfort in the chest that may for the simple reason they didn’t recognize Dr. Bernice Adu-Gyamfi be described as pressure, ache or the symptoms and get help in time. tightness that may come and go.

Heart-attack sufferers tend to have better outcomes • Nausea that may be similar to flu symptoms. when they get to the hospital within an hour after • Indigestion. symptoms start. Unfortunately, some wait days before • Heartburn. seeking care.

Keep in mind that not all symptoms have to be With most heart attacks, victims do have some present for a woman to be experiencing a heart attack. warning, but symptoms for women tend to be more subtle than for men. For instance, women don’t Immediate action is needed usually experience the type of crippling chest pains If you think you may be experiencing a heart often considered the most common indicator for a attack, don’t ignore it or feel embarrassed to call for

help. Call 911 for emergency medical care immediately.

Don’t drive yourself to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call an ambulance so that medical professionals can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital.

Of course, the best course of action regarding heart attacks is to prevent one from happening in the first place. Among the lifestyle changes women can make to help reduce their risk of heart disease are: • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Don’t smoke.

• Eat a diet that’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.

• Take medication as prescribed to control high blood pressure.

I can’t stress enough the importance of having regular doctor exams that include blood pressure and cholesterol checks, a review of family history and discussions about lifestyle. It could save your life one day.

Dr. Adu-Gyamfi is an Internal Medicine physician at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Spring Medical and Diagnostic Center. To schedule an appointment, call 713-442-0000.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 12 | 2015

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opinion Time to invest in children

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By MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN NNPA Columnist

he president’s recently released budget proposes billions in critical new federal investments for 2016 and beyond to improve the life chances of millions of poor children.

It also would prevent more harmful budget cuts in cost effective child investments while providing essential new investments to decrease the morally indefensible number of poor children (14.7 million, 6.5 million of them extremely poor) desperately in need of hope and help.

So many children have lost ground due to the trumped-up fear of excessive debt that has been used by some in Congress to cut safety net programs we know work. For example, the indiscriminate and unjust sequestration guillotine cut 57,000 children from Head Start and 100,000 low-income households from critical rent assistance.

Yet, Congress did nothing to curb hugely unfair tax loopholes disproportionately benefitting powerful and wealthy corporations and individuals.

Members of Congress in both parties must now join the president to help our nation move forward by protecting and investing in America’s neediest children.

The president’s budget proposal includes major increased investments in the critical early childhood years of rapid brain development that help prevent poverty. The most significant of the president’s new child investments would add $80 billion over 10 years for the Child Care and Development Fund to guarantee child care assistance to all low-income working

parents with children under 4.

Currently, only 1 in 4 eligible children under 5 receives this crucial assistance. New investments in voluntary home visiting, Early Head Start/Child Care Partnerships, Head Start, and Pre-School for All grants (totaling $75 billion over 10 years) for low income 4-year-olds will all bolster child readiness for school.

It is hard to find a better investment. Society reaps

an $8 return for each dollar invested in high-quality early childhood programs and we cannot afford not to help children and decrease current and future costs.

Members of Congress should put politics aside and build on the important 2014 bipartisan reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant to help ensure states implement the quality improvements that legislation requires and enable more children to benefit.

There’s much other good news for children in the president’s budget that all Americans and all members of Congress should strongly support: • Four more years of funding for the successful bipartisan Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to ensure 8 million children in working families will continue to have access to high-quality, affordable, and effective child health coverage. If Congress takes no action, CHIP funding will run out this fall.

• A $1 billion boost for Title I education funding for poor children – a critical program children living in areas of concentrated poverty desperately need.

• Funding to make permanent key improvements in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) scheduled to expire at the end of 2017. These two tax credits lifted 5 million children out of poverty in 2013.

• New help for abused and neglected children and children in foster care including $1.4 billion over 10 years in new guaranteed funding for preventive services to help keep children safely in families and out of costlier foster care and promote family-based care for children with behavioral and mental health needs.

• An additional $1.8 billion for rental assistance for low-income families and youths aging out of foster care, including $512 million for restoring 67,000 housing choice vouchers lost from sequestration.

As Congress considers budget legislation in the coming weeks, I hope they will stop hurting and start helping our most vulnerable children. The president’s proposed new measures are giant steps towards cutting child poverty.

How to celebrate Black history 365 days of the year Each year for 28 days in February, we celebrate the history of African-Americans. We are eternally grateful to Dr. Carter G. Woodson for possessing the vision to initiate Negro History Week, which evolved into Black History Month after his death.

Woodson also founded what is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

According to the ASALH, Woodson never viewed Black history as a one-week affair. “He pressed for schools to use Negro History Week to demonstrate what students learned all year,” states the ASALH. “In the same vein, he established a Black studies extension program to reach adults throughout the year. It was

in this sense that Blacks would learn of their past on a daily basis that he looked forward to the time when an annual celebration would no longer be necessary.”

There are many ways to celebrate Black history yearround. They include: Learn on your own. Dust off that history book or Black biography on your bookshelf and read it. Visit your neighborhood library or a reputable Internet site. Watch a historical TV show or movie. Read a Black newspaper or magazine.

Immerse yourself in Black culture. Take a trip to a museum. Enjoy a play. Try a new (and preferably healthy) soul food recipe. Listen to Black music. Join a Black organization.

Research your roots. Find out about your ancestors.

Online databases now make it easier than ever to trace your family history.

Visit Black historical sites. The Houston area is rich with Black history. Harris County has hundreds of historical markers, which can be found at communities, schools, churches, homes, parks and other structures and facilities (visit thc.state.tx.us for info).

Share your knowledge. Educate your kids or grandkids with oral and written history. Make it fun with quizzes and other activities.

Woodson believed that Black history was too important to be limited to a specific time frame. That’s why we should celebrate it every day of the year.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

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FEBRUARY 12 | 2015 | DEFENDER

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Contractors’ college participants graduate The Construction Contractors’ College recently wrapped up its inaugural class. Eleven individuals who successfully completed the first session graduated at the Kingdom Builders’ Center (KBC).

Sponsored by Capital One Bank and the KBC, the Construction Contractors’ College (CCC) is a comprehensive, nine-month development program.

It’s designed to equip and prepare qualified owners of small and mid-sized businesses in construction fields with the knowledge and guidance they need to bid and win major contracts and then thrive after acquiring them.

Sessions include developing and implementing business plans, understanding and preparing financial reports, creating an internal support area, bond readiness, successful bidding and marketing.

Each small business receives one-on-one mentoring. Those mentors continue to make themselves available to the contractors for continued support following completion of the course.

Graduates who qualify also have access to more than $750,000 in funding to assist in expanding their businesses.

“Capital One Bank is pleased to support the [CCC],” said Laurie Vignaud, senior vice president/ senior director of Community Development Banking for Capital One. “Through an integrated approach that we call ‘Investing for Good,’ Capital One Bank orchestrates the delivery of core banking services along with specialized community development, philanthropic and volunteer support to generate lasting, local community impact and valuable business results.”

The program is the brainchild of Windsor Village Church Senior Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell.

“During their nine-month commitment to The CCC program, the graduates still had to effectively maintain their businesses and sustain their families, Caldwell said.

“Thus, they have already achieved good success, which makes the forecast for their greater triumph as entrepreneurs extremely favorable – now

Graduates of the Construction Contractors’ College are joined by executives from Capital One Bank.

and for generations to come.”

“This program has changed the trajectory of my business,” said graduate Larry Jackson, owner of Jackson Engineering & Technology, which successfully secured a contract. “I would not have been in a position to bid on, much less, win a contract without the exposure and information we learned.”

Virginia Myers, owner of Signature Electric Services, LLC, successfully secured two contracts.

“Because of the hard work and determination of those involved in this program, doors have opened for our company that could have taken months, years

SBA expands lending through credit unions SBA Administrator Maria ContrerasSweet and National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board Chairman Debbie Matz recently signed a memorandum of understanding to expand the accessibility of small dollar SBA loans from credit unions.

“A unique aspect of the SBA and NCUA partnership is that SBA small dollar loans do not count against credit unions’ business loan cap, so they are well suited to expanding access to these loans,” Contreras-Sweet said.

“This provides flexibility to credit unions to distribute small dollar loans, increasing access to capital to local economies and enriching the entrepreneurial communities which credit unions serve.

“Since 2011, the outstanding balance of SBA loans by credit unions has seen nearly a 50 percent increase – from $810 million to $1.2 billion. This signals a growing demand for SBA loan programs,” she said.

“Millions of Americans have used their credit union to finance their car, home or children’s education. We want to empower credit unions to finance small business start-ups, too,” Contreras-Sweet said.

The partnership establishes a commitment to credit unions by helping them unlock their capacity to deliver SBA-guaranteed loans. The SBA is making small dollar loans a top priority in efforts to increase business lending and reach out to underserved borrowers.

An additional benefit of the partnership is that it expands access to capital to encore entrepreneurs, individuals planning to start a business after earlier career endeavors.

The average age of credit union members is 47 and the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs consists of men and women age 50 and above, spurred by the low cost of starting a successful small business in the Internet age.

or never at all,” Myers said.

The CCC’s in-depth curriculum was developed by the KBC, Capital One and some 30 local partners, including other banks, educational institutions, city departments, elected officials, professional organizations and various companies.

The next session will begin in May. To qualify, candidates need to have been in business at least one year and have operated a construction related company.

For more information call 713-726-2519 or email construction.college@thekbc.com.

classified MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY will be accepting proposals for the following services:

Roof Replacements at MHMRA of Harris County Facilities: Southmore, Pasadena Cottages A & B and 9401 Southwest Freeway.

SCOPE OF WORK: MHMRA plans to replace the Roofs at MHMRA of Harris County Facilities: Southmore, Pasadena Cottages A & B and 9401 Southwest Freeway. Contractor is to remove existing roofs and install new roofing for each individual site.

All Specifications and Drawings may be secured from MHMRA, Purchasing Services, 1st floor, located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone, or via MHMRA website http://www.mhmraharris.org and/or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Tuesday, February 17 th 2015. A Site Visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 beginning at 9401 SW Freeway and then to 2505 Southmore and then to 2122 Wichita (Pasadena Cottages). Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Department by 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 17th, 2015, at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 in a sealed envelope marked “REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL - TUESDAY, MARCH 17th, 2015 for Roof Replacements at MHMRA of Harris County Facilities: “Southmore, Pasadena Cottages A & B, and 9401 Southwest Freeway”. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Thelma Bannister, Buyer II, via fax at (713) 970-7682 or E-mail questions to thelma.bannister@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.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 12 | 2015 work.com

sports

defendernet-

Rockets step up in Howard’s absence “Collectively, as a unit, we have to do a better job of making up the stuff he does.

“It’s a great opportunity for guys…to be ready to t’s the classic good news, bad news scenario. First step up. It’s going to be a great challenge for us, but we the bad news: All-Star center Dwight Howard have so many weapons on this team that we should be will be sidelined for four weeks. Howard recently alright. Hopefully guys can take advantage of it.” received a bone marrow aspirate injection in his Signed in the offseason for his second tour of duty right knee and will begin rehabilitation immedias a Rocket, Dorsey is aware of the opportunity that has ately. been presented to him.

This is the second extended absence for the tal“I look at this as an opportunity to contribute to ented center. Earlier this season he missed 11 games due the success of our team,” Dorsey said. “I’m healthy to issues with the same knee. now. Losing Replacing Howard’s production Dwight is big, of 16 points per game (second but now is the on the team) and 11 rebounds time for me and North Carolina coach (leads the team), along with his some of the other Dean Smith remembered defensive skills as a rim protecguys to step our tor, will be easier said than done. game up to fill in The good news is that the Rockets collectively the void. I for one am anxious to contribute.” have rallied to take up the slack. Head coach Kevin Recent free agent acquisition Smith, who is HowMcHale said it will take a joint effort to offset the abard’s former AAU teammate, will play a major role in sence of Howard.

McHale’s game plan.

“Our four bigs – Donatas Motiejunas, Terrence “I’m just trying to step up, be a professional and Jones, Josh Smith and Joey Dorsey – are going to have lead as my team needs me to lead,” Smith said. to hold down the fort,” McHale said. “They’re all power Smith is a versatile, gifted player who has blended forwards so putting them in at center they will be a little in well with the offensive scheme the Rockets employ. overmatched.

He has excelled as an outstanding passer from the post, “They will have to rebound, defend and be more setting up easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. physical. We’ll have to get the majority of our low post In addition, his defensive presence has been invaluable. scoring from D-Mo [Motiejunas], Josh and T.J [Jones].

“I know guys are going to try and double team We’ll have to do better as a team to get by the stretch James, so when I get the ball I’m always looking to see until Dwight comes back.” where the open man is,” Smith continued. “I think the Team leader James Harden said Howard’s absence guys are looking for the pass. They’re running with me gives some seldom used players a chance to step up and in transition. show out.

“It’s really all about playing together, getting to “Dwight brings a lot to our team, especially on know each other and figuring it out together,” Smith the defensive end, blocking shots and rebounding the said. “If we can continue growing we’ll be okay during basketball, and we’re going to miss him,” Harden said.

Dwight’s absence and even better when he returns.”

I

By MAX EDISON Defender

Josh Smith wants to help fill the void left by Dwight Howard.

defendernetwork.com

Terrence Jones is expected to be more physical on the court.

Tillman speaker at HCC gala

Spencer Tillman

Spencer Tillman, a nationally known sportscaster and former NFL running back, is the keynote speaker for the 2015 Houston Community College Black History Scholarship Gala.

The gala takes place at 6 p.m., Saturday, February 21, at Hotel ZaZa, 5701 Main Street, and raises funds for student scholarships to HCC. “We are thrilled that a person of such high character and concern for improving access to higher education will be joining us for this im-

portant fundraising event,” says Dr. William W. Harmon, president of HCC Central and chair of the HCC Black History Committee.

Tillman joined CBS Sports in 1999 as lead studio analyst for “College Football Today,” the CBS pre-game studio show. He spent 10 years as a sports anchor for KPRC-TV in Houston. He played for the Oilers from 1987-88 before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers (1989-91).

For information visit www.hccs.edu/ blackhistory.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone Westside’s Turner earns praise

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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estside High School senior standout Maddisen Turner has a penchant for earning accolades.

Just ask head coach Troy Gillespie.

In a district championship clinching victory over rival Bellaire, Turner helped the Lady Wolves erase a two-point halftime deficit by scoring 15 of her 20 points in the third quarter en route to a 62-44 win at Butler Fieldhouse.

Sentreal Gregory led the way for Westside with 24 points. Janae Smith and Kirbee Celestine made their usual significant contributions. Yet Gillespie believed the difference was the insertion in the lineup of another Westside player.

“We had a different level of Westside High School basketball standout energy in the second half and we went Maddisen Turner (center) is surrounded by with Kori Seals in the middle and that her teammates. allowed Maddisen to play defensively McDonald’s All-America Game. against their guards,” Gillespie said.

“She’s very deserving of it and good “Maddisen was disruptive on the front enough to play in the game,” Gillespie end of our defense and Kori solidified Birth date - July 4, 1997 said. “A&M-Corpus Christi got a prized the back end.”

Birth sign - Cancer player in Maddisen.”

Turner, who said her mother was Favorite subject Science Meanwhile, Westside is not only a basketball coach who inspired her World problem to solve raising eyebrows in the greater Houston to play, agreed with her coach. “We area, but has garnered statewide attention played way better defensively in the Hunger as well.

The Lady Wolves were ranked second half against Bellaire. We were Favorite color - Purple No. 13 in a recent Texas Association of actually rotating and getting steals that What she does to relax Basketball Coaches (TABC) Class 6A led to layups on the other end,” she Watch TV girls’ state poll. said.

“This is the first time during the “Maddisen is the most amazing Favorite food four years that I’ve been here that we athlete that I’ve ever been around,” Macaroni and cheese were state-ranked in the preseason Gillespie said. “She’s 6-foot-1 and Favorite hero and during the regular season,” Turner faster than most 5-2 girls that run Neil Armstrong said.

“Getting ranked was great for the track. It’s utterly amazing how she gets team and made us realize how good we her body in position to catch, turn and could be.

We’ve been working hard to shoot. That’s just on offense.” keep up with that.”

Gillespie said Turner is the best defensive player he has Turner said that winning a district championship and ever coached. qualifying early for the postseason gives the Westside girls “She’s taken seven charges in a game before and she’s another incentive. had over 10 blocked shots in a game,” he said. “Maddisen is as “We have to play hard every game and leave everything we good as she wants to be. When she have in us out on the floor,” turns it on, it is really hard to she said. “We can’t afford to stop her.” come up missing in a game.

Turner has committed to Texas Other area basketball teams If we can do that, we should A&M at Corpus Christi. She’s also state-ranked make it to state.” been nominated to play in the

Facts about Maddisen Turner

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FEBRUARY 12 | 2015 DEFENDER

15

sportsbriefs Golf legend Sifford dies The sports world is mourning the death of legendary golfer Charlie Sifford, who died Feb. 3 at the age of 92. Sifford, the first African-American to play on the PGA Tour, was known as the Jackie Robinson of golf.

A native of Charlotte, N.C., Sifford began his career as a caddie. He dominated the all-Black United Golfers Association, winning five straight national titles. He was unable to join the PGA because of its “Caucasianonly” clause. That clause was rescinded in 1961. Despite suffering tremendous indignities and injustice, Sifford made his mark in the PGA and was a member of its Hall of Fame. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland for his role as a pioneer. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

TSU women are No. 1 The Texas Southern University Lady Tigers are ruling the roost in SWAC basketball. Coach Johnetta Hayes-Perry’s group is No. 1 with a record of 9-1 (12-9 overall). They recently defeated Prairie View A&M University at home 70-55. The Lady Panthers are currently the third place team in the conference and were the 2014 tournament champions. The Lady Tigers have been led by top scorers Alexus Johnson (12.6 points per game), Brianna Sidney (11.9 ppg) and Diamonisha Sophus (9.9 ppg). With the SWAC post-season tournament a month away, (Toyota Center, March 10-14) the Lady Tigers would like nothing better than to come in as the tourney’s No. 1 seed.

The Lady Tigers hit the road for games at Grambling (Feb. 14) and Jackson State (Feb. 16).

Kashmere group hosts gala The Kashmere Former Athletes Association (KFAA) presents its second annual Grand Gala at Brady’s Landing, 8505 Cypress Street, on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

Guest speaker will be Houston sportscaster Ralph Cooper. Claude Cummings will serve as master of ceremony. This year’s theme is “Bridging the Gap” as the ceremony takes a look back at 58 years of Kashmere High School athletics. Tickets are $60 per person or $600 for a table of 10 that includes a free ad page in the souvenir booklet, and can be purchased from association members. KFAA’s mission is to engage former student-athletes to build lifelong friendships that support and encourage the future of Kashmere athletes. For information visit www. kashmerefaa.com.

HISD athletes sign up More than 90 student-athletes from HISD formally committed to play football at colleges and universities across the U.S. during the recent National Signing Day. The HISD ceremony was held at the Region IV Education Service Center. Kashmere High School graduate and former NFL player Antonio Armstrong served as the keynote speaker. Armstrong emphasized that sports isn’t everything and that student-athletes must take advantage of the collegiate education they will get in addition to playing football.

Lamar High School cornerback Holton Hill, a Rivals four-star recruit and ESPN’s No. 152-ranked prospect, committed to the University of Texas in Austin.

Sterling High School quarterback Cody Hayes-Tyler selected Oklahoma Panhandle University (NCAA Division II).

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 12 | 2015

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

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GHBC HEALTH CARE FORUM……..The Greater Houston Black Chamber at Bayway Lincoln. The attire was Hollywood glam and glitzy. Guests watched (GHBC) in partnership with the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council as some of the biggest names in show business turned out for the show, which hosted an Affordable Health Care compliance forum for small business owners. The presented awards for television, movies, music and literature. Viewing party guests intimate meeting gave small business owners the opportunity to ask expert panelists included Dr. James and Tayna Douglas, Cary and Judge Clarease Rankin Yates, questions on providing health care coverage for employees without breaking the Darryl and Linda Wishnewski, Andre and Yolanda Smith, Ben Hall, Teegan Hill, bank. In addition, the forum provided sign-up information and the chance for nonMoniesha Cole and radio personalities Larry Jones, Don Samuels, J. Mack and members and business owners to get one-on-one advice J.J. Williams……..MACY’S GALLERIA PRESENTS……..The from sales representatives from United Healthcare and Blue Black History Program at Macy’s allowed shoppers to be entertained Defender TOP EVENTS Cross Blue Shield. GHBC Vice Chair Courtney Johnsonas they stopped to enjoy the performances of some of Houston’s More photos on defendernetwork.com Rose was moderator for the event. Panelists included: most talented African-American musicians, including Houston See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Terrell Rogers, senior sales executive for Blue Cross, Blue Ebony Opera Guild, the Ensemble Theatre, Princeton Miles, the with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Shield; Tonnette Martin, director of small business sales Young Harmonics of Houston and saxophonist Chris Mitchell. for United Healthcare of Texas; GHBC President Vernita In addition, Shawn Artis did a live painting presentation while B. Harris; board members Carol Guess and Carl McGowan, and Marina Coryat, the performances were underway. Some of the folks dropping by for the afternoon David Johnson, Teresa Richard and Sharonda Murray……..NAACP IMAGE of art, culture and music were Kyle A. Mosley and his parents Kyle T. Mosely and AWARDS VIEWING PARTY………The Houston Branch of the NAACP held wife Andrea, Dorothy Sampson, Charotte Fitzpatrick Cauffin, Linda Johnson, a “Hollywood Comes to Houston” viewing party of the 46th annual Image Awards Fayetta Allen, Trena Weber, Ashton Barry and Willie Williams.

David Johnson, Teresa Richard

Carl McGowan, Courtney Johnson-Rose, Vernita B. Harris, Carol Guess

Cary and Judge Clarease Rankin Yates

Don Samuels, Larry Jones and J.J. Williams

Princeton Miles

Shawn Artis

Panel Speakers: Tonnette Martin, Terrell Rogers

Teegan Hill, Yolanda Smith, J. Mack and Moniesha Cole

Young Harmonics Tavien Dickson, Taleah Amora and Chrishard Moore

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