Houston Defender: February 26, 2015

NATIONAL

GROUPS UNIFY TO COMMEMORATE SELMA’S ‘BLOODY SUNDAY’ ON MARCH 8 P3 defendernetwork.com

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Volume 84 | Number 12

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NEWSTALK LYNN WHITFIELD speaks at legislative summit

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MARY MARY back to reality

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NATIONAL MALCOLM X remembered 50 years later

P3 SPORTS MIKE DAVIS seeks title for TSU

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TOP EVENTS

Sylvester Turner

Jesse Jackson

State Rep. Sylvester Turner announced his candidacy for mayor during a meeting with the Black Press. Read about the kind of city he wants to help build. Hear what he says about experience, wisdom and campaign costs.

Discover his priorities if elected.

Rev. Jesse Jackson is critical of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani for comments he made questioning President Obama’s patriotism. See why Jackson calls Giuliani’s remarks “poison.” Learn what he thinks about Republicans, hysteria and hatred.

runs for mayor

Ralph Cooper and Claude Cummings at Kashmere Former Athletes Assn. gala

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blasts Giuliani

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 26 | 2015

newstalk

Black legislators host summit

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

The Texas Legislative Black Caucus will host the 2015 African American Legislative Summit from Sunday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 3 in Austin. Highlights include a gala, scholarship banquet, community breakfast and sessions on such topics as health, the criminal justice system and higher education.

State Rep. Sylvester Turner, the Caucus chair, said the summit will focus on issues impacting the Black community.

“With new leadership at the helm in Texas, it is imperative that Black Texans Willie Brown stay connected to events that affect them in the Texas Legislature,” Turner said.

“Currently, our juvenile justice system is in peril, while our pension funds for teachers and state retirees are underfunded and the public school system desperately needs additional funding.

All of these are major issues that will be addressed.”

Turner also shared his expectations of the summit.

“We hope those in attendance will help members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus develop viable recommendations that can be utilized and acted upon in the Texas Legislature, in addition to having a true sense of ownerLynn Whitfield ship and involvement in the environment which is truly the ‘people’s house,’ ” he said.

Turner said summit attendees should be pleased.

“Those in attendance can expect to attend provocative and thought-provoking panel discussions, have unprecedented access to members of the Texas legislature, and have the ability to attend stunning events, receptions, and entertainment all at no charge with the exception of individuals’ travel and lodging

costs,” he said.

The summit schedule includes: Sunday, March 1 – The Chairman’s Awards Gala is at 7 p.m. at the J.W. Marriott Downtown. The honoree is Dr. Kneeland Youngblood of Dallas and guest performer is Yolanda Adams. An opening night reception is at 10 p.m.

Monday, March 2 – Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the State Capitol, followed by the welcome and opening session at 8:30 a.m. Concurrent breakout sessions begin at 10 a.m. Topics are curriculum and testing, health disparities among Black men, emerging leaders and Black officers/police interaction. Lunch is at noon.

Breakout sessions continue at 2 p.m. and move to the Marriott. Topics are new school leaders, equity in higher education, business opportunities in telecommunications, Alzheimer’s care and school choice.

The scholarship banquet begins at 7 p.m. Guest speaker is native Texan Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco and speaker of the California State Assembly. Guest performer is Earnest Pugh. An 8 p.m. evening reception is at Speakeasy’s.

Tuesday, March 3 – The awards breakfast is 8 a.m. at the Marriott (tickets are required). Guest speaker is Lynn Whitfield, Emmy Award-winning and Image Award-winning actress. Pugh also performs.

For more information visit www.texaslegislativeblackcaucus.com.

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Turner running for mayor State Rep. Sylvester Turner announced his candidacy for mayor of Houston during a meeting with members of the Black Press. During the dialogue, Turner, a state legislator for 26 years, stated, “I’m assuming very few people know me and I need to introduce myself.”

“This is the last office I will seek,” he said. “I want to use all of my experience and wisdom…

I’m looking to help build a city that everyone can be proud of.”

When asked what the campaign would cost, Turner said $3 million for the first round and $1 Rep. Sylvester Turner million for the second round.

During the conversation, Turner talked about a number of topics including voting trends, attracting young voters, jobs and the Black community and the relationship with the police department.

He said his priorities as mayor would include helping young people become more employable, improving roads and making neighborhoods safer.

See video at defendernetwork.com/ news/2015/feb/23/turner-meetsblack-press-about-candidacy/

Fire Dept. captain dies Members of the Houston Fire Department are mourning the loss of Captain Dwight Bazile, who died on Feb. 21, two days after collapsing outside a fire in South Houston.

A public memorial service will be held Friday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. at The Church Without Walls, The late Dwight Bazile 5725 Queenston. Bazile was a 37-year veteran of HFD and a founder of the Houston Black Firefighters Association.

“This is gut-wrenching,” said Gaylon Davenport, head of the Black firefighters. “This will be a tough one to get over.”

Survivors include his wife Pamela, son Dwight II and mother Charlotte Felder.

localbriefs STATE REP. GARNET COLEMAN filed House Bill 1627, a bill that would repeal Texas’ standyour-ground law. The current law allows Texans to use deadly force based on their perception of a person or situation as dangerous. Coleman said his legislation rightly returns Texas law to a commonsense standard while maintaining the ability of homeowners to use deadly force in their home.

HB 1627 maintains the ability of homeowners to use deadly force with no duty to retreat, and still allows Texans to use deadly force for self-defense purposes or to prevent a serious crime, but only when necessary. The bill also clarifies under which

circumstances deadly force can be reasonably used in defense of a third person……..ANTI-DEATH PENALTY ACTIVISTS participated in a caravan from Houston to Austin where they joined a statewide rally demanding a stay of execution and a new trial for Rodney Reed. Supporters said Reed is facing wrongful execution on March 5 for the 1996 murder of Stacey Stites in Bastrop, Texas. Reed has been on Texas’ death row since 1998……..TEXANS WITH OUTSTANDING WARRANTS are encouraged to resolve their court matters as soon as possible. The City of Houston’s Municipal Courts Department and Houston Police Department are participating in the

2015 Great Texas Warrant Round-Up, which begins Saturday, March 7. Law enforcement agencies will aggressively target defendants on the warrant list.

Arrests can take place at any location, including the defendant’s home, school or workplace. For information about warrants visit www.houstontx.gov/ courts or call 3-1-1. Call 713-837-0311 if outside of Houston……..A RETIREMENT DAY will be held at all Wells Fargo banking locations on Saturday, Feb. 28. Customers are invited to visit a location and have a personal conversation about how they are doing on their journey to retirement or how to get started on saving for retirement.

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FEBRUARY 26 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Groups unify for Selma march

national

NNPA News Service

Avery public conflict between the Bridge Crossing Jubilee, Inc., the local group that has been commemorating the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery March for more than four decades, and the largely white-run the Faith & Politics Institute, which organized competing marches in Selma and Montgomery on the weekend commemorating the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” has been resolved .

Both groups agreed to participate in a single march in Selma, Ala. a coalition of organizations has announced.

“The organizations in the unified committee will sponsor one march, the sacred Bloody Sunday re-enactment march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Sunday, March 8, 2015,” the 10 A re-enactment march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge is Sunday, March 8, in Selma, Ala. major organizations said in a joint press ish the sacred Bloody Sunday March and Commemoration and release. change history.”

“No organizations in the unified committee will sponsor After publication of Sanders’ letter, representatives from and or participate in any other march.”

10 organizations – including the Bridge Crossing Jubilee, the The Faith & Politics Institute had announced plans to hold Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Rainbow PUSH, the a march led by President Obama in Selma on Saturday, the day National Action Network, the Faith in Politics Institute, and the before the big march, and a separate march and rally on Sunday National Voting Rights Museum in Selma – came together to in Montgomery that would have competed directly with the anresolve the conflict. nual bridge-crossing ceremonies.

The end result is that President Obama will speak in Selma Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who was brutally beaten on on Saturday, March 7, the actual anniversary of the Bloody “Bloody Sunday,” is closely affiliated with the Faith & Politics Sunday, but there will be no march in Selma that Saturday or in Institute.

Montgomery on Sunday.

In an open letter to the group, Alabama State Sen. Hank Event organizers said Bernard Lafayette, board chairman Sanders of Selma wrote, “It appears to me that Faith and Politics of SCLC and an early organizer in Selma, played a key role in has set out to not only diminish but to destroy Bloody Sunday.

You not only scheduled another march on Saturday in Selma but brokering an agreement between the sparring groups. Lafayette, you scheduled a march and rally in Montgomery on Sunday dur- an ordained minister and longtime civil rights activist, has credibility in both camps and conducts conflict resolution training ing the afternoon when the sacred Bloody Sunday March takes around the world. place in Selma.

With a truce now in place, march organizers are looking to It would have been so simple to hold your events in Montthe future with activities to pay tribute to a defining moment in gomery on Saturday and join the events in Selma on Sunday.

However, the arrogance of power has caused you to try to dimin- Black history.

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 13 FEBRUARY 26, 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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Scheduled events In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” organizers are holding activities that will span five days, from Thursday, March 5, through Monday, March 9 in Selma, Ala. • Thursday’s activities include a play about Jimmie Lee Jackson, whose death was the impetus for the Selma-Montgomery March, and a memorial for the martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement.

• Friday’s activities will include a session on women in the Civil Rights Movement, an educational summit, a session on organizing tactics, and a mock trial.

• Saturday’s highlights include a parade, a voting rights workshop, various breakout sessions, a film festival and an old school blues show and dance.

• The Sunday schedule begins with a Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King Unity Breakfast, a premarch rally at Brown Chapel AME Church with the bridge crossing at 2:30 pm, followed by a rally and salute to the movement’s foot soldiers.

• The march from Selma to Montgomery will take place on Monday, ending with a rally at the Alabama State Capitol.

A complete listing of events is posted on www.selmajubilee.com.

Malcolm X remembered 50 years after death Some 300 people recently gathered in New York City to honor civil rights leader Malcolm X at the site where he was assassinated on February 21, 1965.

They included activists, elected officials and actors.

The ceremony was held at Harlem’s Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, formerly known as the Audubon Ballroom.

Speakers included Ilyasah Shabazz, one of Malcolm X’s six daughters.

“He was just a young man who gave all that he possibly could,” Shabazz said.

“One of the great things about Malcolm is that he redefined the Civil Rights Movement to include a human rights agenda. So while we are focusing on

integrating schools, integrating housing and all these other things, Malcolm said that we demand our human rights ‘by any means necessary.’ ” Malcolm X, whose full name was El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was a charismatic speaker who won thousands of converts. The Muslim leader had toned down his message of Black separatism but remained an advocate of Black unity, self-respect and selfreliance.

He was 39 when he was gunned down at the Audubon Ballroom. Three men – Talmadge Hayer, Norman 3X Butler and Thomas 15X Johnson – were convicted of first-degree murder in the case. All three served time in prison and were later paroled.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 26 | 2015

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opinion

The perils of poisonous politics

By REV. JESSE L. JACKSON SR. NNPA Columnist

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y doubling down on his vile slur on President Obama’s love for his country, ex-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani created the media frenzy that he craved.

He also set up an easy test of decency for Republican presidential contenders: Who has the sense to disavow Giuliani’s poison? Jeb Bush, Rand Paul and Marco Rubio passed the admittedly low bar.

Governors Scott Walker and Bobby Jindal failed ignominiously. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry pretzeled his way through it.

If Republicans wonder why 95 percent of African-Americans and 70 percent of Latinos will likely end up voting for Democrats in 2016, they should look in the mirror. Virtually every African-American will see this attack on President Obama as racist, something that would not occur if Obama was white.

Giuliani’s rant echoes the new hysteria that Republicans are trying to stoke: that Obama is “withdrawing” from the world, and thereby weakening America. A parade of horrors – Russia in Ukraine, ISIS in Syria and Iraq, negotiations over nukes with Iran, terrorist violence in Paris – is summoned up and blamed on the president.

Recently, Obama made the simple and common-sense observation that we are not at war with Islam, but with terrorist extremists who want to hijack the religion for their own ends. His statement was similar to that repeated frequently by George W. Bush when he was president.

Any future president from either party will make similar statements – both to reflect reality and to keep the fear-mongers from fanning hatred here at home. Yet the president’s comments sparked hysterical comments from across the right-wing noise machine as if common sense were somehow heresy.

We are fighting wars in Afghanistan, providing troops and arms and bombs against ISIS, running drone attacks in nearly a dozen countries, dispatching special forces to 120 countries. And somehow this is scorned as withdrawal from the world.

Missing in the hysteria and the vile attacks on patriotism is a sensible policy debate – and a sen-

sible reckoning of how we got to where we are. The reality is that excessive belief in military force has done more than anything to cause this mess.

The catastrophic invasion of Iraq is the worst foreign policy debacle since Vietnam.

The decision not simply to go after Bin Laden and al Qaeda, but to wage a counterinsurgency war in Afghanistan and “rebuild” that nation has led to the longest war in our history that shows no sign of ending.

Meanwhile we’ve only begun to pay the $3 trillion tab for Bush’s Iraq war, even as our own roads, rail, sewage and water systems grow ever more dangerous for lack of investment.

Those who mindlessly call the president weak, impugn his patriotism, and accuse him of withdrawing from the world ought to be called to account.

Enough with the rhetoric, the posturing, and the poison. What is the policy that they want? Let us hear them explain how they will drive a confrontation with Russia in Ukraine, while fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and elsewhere.

The only way Americans will accept this nonsense is if they are scared out of their wits.

Sadly, that seems to be the intent of the fear mongers, who need to be challenged before they frighten us into yet another costly debacle.

Go to Austin

Get involved in Black Caucus summit The Texas Legislature is currently in session, and bills that are passed – or killed –will impact many different aspects of our lives.

We should know what’s going on at the State Capitol, which is why we urge community members to participate in the 2015 African American Legislative Summit held March 1-3 in Austin.

This session, lawmakers are tackling some tough issues. Public school financing continues to be a problem and college students are going into

debt to pay tuition. An estimated 1 million Texans are missing out on adequate health coverage because the state refuses to expand Medicaid under Obamacare.

In the area of criminal justice, there are calls for the establishment of a civilian review board, a repeal of the stand-your-ground-law, the right to openly carry guns in public and the overhaul of the jury selection process.

The summit, which is hosted by the Texas Leg-

islative Black Caucus, will give attendees valuable insight into pressing issues and access to the 20 African Americans from nine different cities who represent them in Austin.

They will explore health, education, business, leadership and criminal justice, and discuss ways to improve all of our lives.

It’s time for us to raise our level of consciousness and take action. So go to Austin, get involved and participate in the process.

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FEBRUARY 26 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Mary Mary

entertainment

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return to reality TV

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isters Erica and Tina Campbell – better known as gospel duo Mary Mary – are back for a fourth season of drama on their self-titled reality TV show. “Mary Mary” returns to WE tv on Thursday, March 5 at 8 p.m.

This time, Erica and Tina attempt to reunite as they are drawn in two different directions, with their duo on hiatus and without a manager.

In the premiere episode, their former manager Mitchell Solarek makes a surprise visit to Erica and Tina to try and make amends. Solarek previously filed a lawsuit against the duo for allegedly withholding $75,000 in managerial commissions. Tina is ready to forgive and move on but it’s not so easy for Erica to follow suit.

Also this season, Tina and her husband Teddy continue to work through the heartbreak of his past infidelities with the hope of emerging stronger as a couple.

In addition, Erica’s solo career has taken off and continues to thrive, however she realizes that being a solo artist is more difficult than she anticipated. As Erica attempts to balance her personal life with her career, Tina is embarking on her own solo project.

However, their record label has other plans for Mary Mary and Tina’s quest for artistic independence is met with resistance.

Despite their differences, the Campbell sisters comprise one of gospel music’s most successful groups. As Mary Mary, they have won 17 Stellar Awards, four Grammy Awards, seven Dove Awards, three BET Awards and two Image Awards. Their hits include “Go Get It,” “God in Me,” “Get Up” and “Heaven.”

Explaining their success, Erica said, “It’s about making music that touches both adults and young people.”

Tina added that, “It’s about spreading good news for the world but doing it in the Mary Mary way – banging beats and melodies, intertwined voices and messages of hope.”

Erica hesitates to put a label on their music.

“People ask us all the time whether we’re gospel, inspirational or trying to go pop,” she said. “Tina and

I are artists whose music fits in so many other places.

That’s always been the leading force behind each of our albums. Knowing who we are, we know each album can be different from the next.”

Mary Mary first gained fame in 2000 with their chart-topping, crossover hit “Shackles” from the album “Thankful.” The album was certified platinum, and their next album, “Incredible,” went gold.

Erica and Tina were born in Inglewood, Calif and grew up singing in church choirs with their six siblings. Their father Eddie Atkins was a youth minister and their mother Thomasina was an evangelist and choir director.

After a stint studying vocal performance at El Camino College, Erica and Tina joined a lineup of traveling gospel shows and toured as backup singers for several R&B acts before hitting it big.

Ironically, Erica and Tina married men with the same last names. Tina wed Teddy Campbell, a drummer for “American Idol,” in 2000. They have two daughters and two sons.

Erica married record producer Warryn Campbell in 2001. They have two daughters and one son.

The two sisters reiterated the importance of hope in their music.

“It’s not just about musical achievements, awards, charts and sales,” Erica said. “That’s not our guiding light. It’s about connecting with people and offering them real hope… hope that, ultimately, changes lives.”

“We’re committed to our message and purpose,” Tina added.

“Years later, we’re still here, our fans are still with us and our audience is still growing. We’re just so grateful to have this opportunity.”

what’sup JOHN LEGEND and COMMON showed their concern for injustice and inequality while accepting Oscars for their song “Glory” from the film “Selma.” Common recalled performing the song on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. “The spirit of this bridge transcends race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and social status,” he said. “The spirit of this bridge connects the kid from the South side of Chicago, dreaming of a better life to those in France standing up for their freedom of expression to the people in Hong Kong protesting for democracy.” Legend addressed the U.S. criminal justice system. “There are more Black men under

correctional control today than there were under slavery in 1850,” he said……..The TOUGALOO COLLEGE CONCERT CHOIR from Tougaloo, Miss. will visit Houston as part of their spring tour.

The choir will perform Saturday, March 7, at 6 p.m. at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave. The choir will also perform Sunday, March 8, at 10:30 a.m. at McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 2025 Highway 6 South……..Six-time Tony Award-winner AUDRA McDONALD will be the first performer in the University of Houston Moores School of Music’s Madison Artist Series.

McDonald will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March

10 at the Wortham Theater Center’s Cullen Theater, 500 Texas Ave. (For ticket information call 713222-5400). McDonald will also visit the UH campus to share her insights on performing with students during a private master class........WESLEY SNIPES will star in a pilot for NBC titled “Endgame.” He will play a Las Vegas pit boss. If picked up, the series would become Snipes’ first regular TV gig. Last season, he was in negotiations to star in Fox’s “Empire,” but the role eventually went to TERRENCE HOWARD. Snipes served nearly three years in prison for tax evasion. He has since co-starred in “The Expendables 3.”

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 26 | 2015

BLACK HIST

ELECTED OFFICIALS MADE

TEXAS BLACK HISTORY

D

By U.S. REP. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

United States Congress r. Carter G. where as a member of the Woodson, the Harvard House Judiciary Committrained histee during the Watergate torian who Hearings she articulated brilliantly principles of American birthed the idea that led to Democracy in a manner the celebration of Black that captivated a national History month, believed that television audience. all people regardless of their Many credit Congressrace, color or national origin woman Jordan, the first should study and embrace African-American woman the history of Black people to deliver a keynote address at the Democratic in the United States.

The history of Black Party’s national political elected officials in Texas, convention, with having The late Congresswoman Barbara for instance, is an example helped to prevent President Jordan of the wisdom of Dr. WoodRichard M. Nixon from son’s thinking. While reprecircumventing the U.S. senting primarily minority Constitution and destroyconstituencies, many of the ing the credibility of our Black men and women who nation. have served as elected ofOne of the pivotal orficials in Texas have passed ganizations in Texas state laws and established policies politics has been the Texas that have benefited people of Legislative Black Caucus. all colors.

It was born in 1972 when Representative Joseph the largest number of Lockridge, elected in 1966, African-American legislabecame the first Africantors in history was elected American to represent Dallas to the Texas Legislature. in the Texas Legislature The group’s founding since Reconstruction. After members included Houston his death in a plane crash State Reps. Anthony Hall, The late Congressman Mickey Leland in 1968, he was succeeded Mickey Leland, Senfroby the legendary pastor/orator nia Thompson and Craig Rev. Zan Holmes.

Washington. Those elected Dr. Emmett Conrad, a dentist, was the from the Dallas area were Sam Hudson III, first African-American elected to the Dallas Paul Ragsdale and myself. The group’s first Independent School Board in 1967. Ron chairman was G.J. Sutton from San AntoKirk, a lawyer, became the first Africannio.

American elected mayor of Dallas in 1995.

As a body, we identified our priorities.

In 1966, Houstonian Barbara Jordan We decided that we would work closely became the first African-American female with the state NAACP, and that our agenda elected to the Texas State Senate where her would include fighting for increased fundknowledge of the law, and her eloquence ing for historically disadvantaged colleges. set new political standards for elected ofWe agreed that we would take a very ficials throughout the state. hard look at the state’s penal system, and Six years later she was elected to the that we would address numerous problems

that affected African Americans, Hispanics and poor whites wherever they were found in Texas. We supported and passed legislation that reflected our concerns.

Some of the individuals from that group have made notable conCongresswoman Eddie Bernice tributions to our state, and to the Johnson world. Rep. Mickey Leland, who later an airplane crash became a member of Congress, was Ethiopia in 1989. a global leader in the effort to eradicate hunHis seat in Co ger and malnutrition. In fact, he was killed in

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

TORY MONTH

Former State Rep. Zan Holmes

while on a hunger mission to

ongress was taken by our col-

league Craig Washington, who was known for his knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. Rep. Senfronia Thompson remains in the Texas Legislature.

She is one of the most influential legislators in the state of Texas.

These and many others too numerous to mention in this editorial have made substantial contributions to our state. They have made Black history, and their service has enriched the lives of all Texans.

U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Dallas represents Texas’ 30th Congressional District.

he Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

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Texas Trailblazers leave legacies African-Americans have a rich history in the Lone Star State, and a number of pioneers are included in the Texas Trailblazer Series sponsored by the Houston Place Preservation Association and edited by Patricia Smith Prather and Bob Lee. Here are profiles of three trailblazers who were active in politics.

Richard Allen (1826-1911) was elected to the Texas State Legislature over 125 years ago to represent Harris and Montgomery Counties. He joined 10 other African-American legislators plus two senators who became the first of their race to help formulate Texas laws.

Allen was a former slave. After emancipation, he was employed by the Freedmen’s Bureau, a federal agency created to help with the transition from slavery to freedom. He thus began his involvement in political, business, civic, religious and fraternal affairs.

As a legislator, Allen chaired the Committee on Roads and Bridges. He also worked diligently for the passage of the first comprehensive Free School Bill.

Allen formed R. A. Allen and Co. and built one of the first bridges across Buffalo Bayou in Houston. He also designed and built Houston’s historic Antioch Baptist Church. In 1872 he helped raise money to purchase 10 acres of land for Emancipation Park.

Allen was a delegate to every Republican convention in Texas between 1869 and 1896 and a delegate to five National Republican Conventions.

R. L. Andrews Sr. (1865-1933) was among the most successful African-American businessmen in Texas during his lifetime. He was coowner of the A.A. Allen Construction Co. with Richard Allen, who was his father-in-law.

As an early supporter of the NAACP, he hosted meetings in his grocery store. He was a co-founder of the Houston Observer Newspaper, edited by C. F. Richardson. Active in Republican politics for many years, Andrews was a delegate to at least one Republican National Convention.

Andrew’s first wife was Modestia Allen. About 1902 he married, Annie Belle Fox. Their home was at 816 Cleveland Street, not far from his business.

Andrews used his wealth and influence to further many causes in Houston.

For all his success, when he tried to purchase a home in an area restricted to Anglo Houstonians, he was told he would be lynched if he moved in. After that, he and Annie Belle Andrews moved to California for several years. When they returned Andrews assumed his roles of leadership in Houston serving as president of the NAACP in 1931.

Nat Q. Henderson (1865-1949) was so active in civic, community and educational affairs that he was known as “The Mayor of Fifth Ward.”

Henderson was the principal of Bruce Elementary School in Houston for more than 30 years. He took a leadership role in all aspects of the community. He helped establish the first public library for African-Americans in Houston, the city’s first Negro day nursery, a home for delinquent females and a farm for delinquent youth.

Before moving to Houston, Henderson had a distinguished political career. He served as deputy revenue collector in the Third District of Texas (Galveston) and was appointed by President William McKinley. At least once, he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention.

Henderson was a graduate of what is now Prairie View A&M University.

The Nat Q. Henderson Elementary School is located not far from where he lived and worked in the heart of Houston.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 26 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

HISD could lose millions in aid

HISD could lose millions of dollars in federal aid under a bill that would shift Title I funds for disadvantaged students from the nation’s poorest inner-city schools to more affluent schools and neighborhoods.

The bill, known as the Student Success Act, would result in a $17 million decrease to HISD’s Title I grant, according to the White House. The drop in funding would impact 262 HISD campuses, the majority of which have student populations that are at least 75 percent economically disadvantaged.

After making it through the U.S. Education and Workforce Committee, the bill will go before the House of Representatives. If it

The good health address: CHIPmedicaid.org

UH grads among top earners ship Program, the Cullen College of Engineering and the

If you want good health care for your kids, turn to CHIP/Children’s Medicaid. Your children will be covered for dental, glasses, prescriptions, and doctor visits.

proximity to oil and energy companies’ headquarters.

$50 or less covers all of your children for one year.

To see if you qualify, visit CHIPmedicaid.org.

It’s the good health address for your family.

classifieds

Apply online or call anytime.

CHIPmedicaid.org 2-1-1 T:4.79”

SpawGlass Construction Corporation, Design-Build Contractor,

On behalf of the Texas A&M University System, is soliciting for subcontractor and supplier bids from qualified companies including Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) for the following project: Project:

TAMU Corps Dorm Renovation Phase 1A (ERP #1) Texas A&M University College Station, Texas

Proposal Date/Time:

Thursday, March 5, 2015 - 2:00pm No proposals will be accepted after 2:00pm

Proposals Submitted To:

SpawGlass Construction Corp.

Attn: Garett Wheaton, Project Executive 13800 West Road Houston, Texas 77041 Phone: 281-970-5300 Fax: 281-517-8282

HHSC-0459_HoustonDefender_ENG_4n79x3n25_V2.indd 1

LEGAL NOTICE

2/11/15 7:38 PM

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4/29/15

10/26/15

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According to two recent rankings, students emerge from the University of Houston ready for the workforce with skills to help them earn strong salaries.

The Princeton Review and Business Insider listed UH in recent rankings recognizing institutions for producing well-educated alumni that are among top mid-career earners.

The Princeton Review lists UH in its book “Colleges That Pay You Back: The 200 Best Value Colleges and What It Takes to Get In.” Colleges selected for the book shared criteria that included a median starting salary of $48,700 for graduates and a mid-career salary of $91,300.

UH is also listed in Business Insider’s “50 Most Underrated Colleges in America,” and ranks fourth on the list of institutions with alums with sound mid-career salaries.

Based on Business Insider’s research, UH graduates’ mid-career salary is $82,500.

In its profile of the university, Business Insider cited such strengths as the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Entrepreneur-

passes, it will go before the Senate in March.

“This bill would drastically impact our district’s ability to provide a quality public education to our neediest students by taking away supplemental programs and resources that many of them depend on,” HISD Superintendent Terry Grier said.

Title I funds are distributed to schools that have large populations of students from low-income families. The additional funding is designed to help schools ensure all children are academically successful and can meet challenging state academic standards. HISD currently receives $93 million in federal Title I funding.

Scope of Work: The Work of this project comprises the general construction and renovation of nine Corps Dorms, construction of new Leadership Learning Centers (LLCs) and site renovations and improvements.

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education. © 2015 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

At this time SpawGlass will be taking bids on 4 scope packages that will start in advance of the remainder of the project. The work in these packages includes hazardous material abatement, demolition, select concrete foundations, structural concrete pour-backs, and erosion protection and control. Additional bid packages for all remaining scope will be competitively bid in mid May of this year.

* For those who earn less than $58,000/year

Contract Documents, Plans, Specifications, Bonding and Insurance requirements are available for review at the SpawGlass office plan Learn how the Affordable Care Act can affect your taxes, how room and thru the iSqFt website. In addition, documents have been your Health Insurance, how the Ryan White Health Insurance distributed to the Brazos Valley Contractors Assoc. (BVCA) Plan Assistance Program can help with your health insurance costs Room.

2-16-2015 9:18 AM tsalazar-MB15R from

by Tommy Salazar / Eddie Jacobson saved at

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W41191_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_0226.indd

Direct all inquiries to Garett Wheaton at 281-970-5300 or fax 281-517job info 8282 and/or email garett.wheaton@spawglass.com.

and printed at have a tax professional file your taxes (no appointment needed). approvals

Light refreshments willcreative be dirserved.

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job # W41191 client TEXAS LOTTERY The Owner and/or Design-Build Contractor mayheadline/tag require additional MAR EOG AD information deemed necessary to determine the ability trim of the proposer 4.79” x 3.25” to perform the work. The proposer shall provide bleedall information None live None requested for evaluation. The Owner and/or Design-Build Contractor color setup submitted BW reserves the right to reject any proposals if the information vendor/pub that HOUSTON fails to satisfy the Owner and/or Design-Build Contractor the DEFENDER media type NEWSPAPER proposer can perform the obligations of this work. die cut None

For more information:

art director copywriter account mgr OUNCIL proofreader

RYAN WHITE PLANNING C OFFICE OF SUPPORT 713 572 572--372 37244 notes

SpawGlass is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all qualified companies including Texas Certified Historically Underutilized Businesses to submit proposals on this project. Please submit your HUB certification with your bid.

206 east ninth street • austin, tx 78701 t 512.479.6200 f 512.479.6024

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Event Sponsors:

Prepared by LatinWorks Marketing, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved.

None None SAM KRAFT None

DUE: 02/19 PUB: 02/26 Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Houston Area HIV Services Ryan White Planning Council www.rwpcHouston.org

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Fonts Saturday Helvetica Neue LT Std (95 Black, 77 Bold Conden densed), Helvetica Neue (Medium, Bold), Arial (R March 14, 2015 Images- 12:00 pm 10:00 am None

Ripley House 4410 Navigation Blvd.

Room 208 Houston, TX 77011 Inks Black

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Exhale! This is the redesigned 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Unexpectedly beautiful and …Inhale! …technologically “green.”

The Toyota hybrids are only a part of our commitment to better living. Working with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, The Toyota Green Initiative finds and shares ideas to help us all breathe a little easier.

#toyotagreen Options shown. ©2014 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 26 | 2015

sports

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SWAC basketball comes down to home stretch his Panthers in an all too familiar position. The Panthers sit at the No. 4 position in the he SWAC basketball regular seastandings, but are playson is down to its final week and ing their best ball of the races for the title are still too the season, winning close to call. Everything is on the five of their last line as teams jockey for seeding six contests. for the postseason tournament, which takes For the place March 10-14 at the Toyota Center.

Panthers it’s all On the men’s side of the ledger Texas about momenSouthern University is locked in a virtual tum. Last year dead heat with Alabama State University at Rimm’s team the top spot. Southern University is a game was the talk of back in second place. the tournament, The race with the women is just as tight. toppling higher Texas Southern’s Lady Tigers hold a tenuous seeds and advancing one-game lead over Southern at the top spot. to the finals before Alabama State and Prairie View A&M Unilosing to TSU. The versity are lurking just off the pace, tied for Panthers are the team that third. nobody wants to see in their No men’s team has played better all bracket. season than Mike Davis’ TSU Tigers. The “We’re a very good team that is better than Tigers finished their pre-conference schedule our record indicates,” Rimm said. “We had with road wins over Michisome issues gan State and Kansas State. with immatuThey also lost to Auburn rity, egos and See the SWAC tournament and New Mexico State by so forth that entertainment line-up three points combined. slowed us town With the No. 1 seed on earlier in the the line Davis is seeking to season. We maintain the top spot. blew some games that we should have won as “You want to be the best you can be when a result.” tournament time rolls around and that means Rimm thinks his Panthers are poised for finishing the season strong,” Davis said. “Our another strong showing down the stretch. continuing challenge as a team is to put a full “We’ve got three starters from last year’s 40 minutes of quality play on the court. We team that made it to the finals,” he said. “We have struggled with our consistency in that know what we’re capable of regardless to area.” what our seed is. We won’t be awestruck by Much of that struggle has come from the the Toyota Center. We just need to go out and competitive quality of play in the conference. play up to our potential and take it a game at a Conference opponents were well aware of the time.”

Tigers success against larger D1 opponents so In just her second season at the helm they get every opponent’s “A” game.

Johnetta Hayes-Perry has TSU’s Lady Tigers “This is a very competitive conference, in first place. with some very well coached teams,” Davis “The final few games are vital for us,” continued. “There is no one consistent style Hayes-Perry said. “One of our goals at the of play, from zone to full court pressure. It beginning of the season was to be conference can make for some tough adjustments. We champions. That opportunity is available to want to be able to dictate the style of play of us. If we continue to work hard in practice and play and play at our pace, but it can be difplay consistent, meaning limit our turnovers, ficult.” play good defense, then we can be successful.”

PVAMU head coach Byron Rimm finds

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By MAX EDISON Defender

Mike Davis and the TSU Tigers seek the SWAC title.

Johnetta Hayes-Perry coaches the TSU Lady Tigers.

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Byron Rimm’s PVAMU team is poised for a strong showing.

The Lady Tigers’ next goal for 2015 is to win the SWAC tournament. TSU was defeated

by PVAMU in the championship game last season.

“Many of our players remember what it was like to play in that third game [for the championship] last season and come up short,” Hayes-Perry recalled. “That has left a hunger in us. We didn’t finish the way we should have. We know what it takes to go back and win, but we want to finish the regular season on the right note. We finish with Southern at home in the final game of the season.”

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FEBRUARY 26 | 2015 DEFENDER

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs TSU men No. 1 in track

North Shore’s Okoene on the rise

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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

defendernetwork.com Read how Madison broke Yates’ winning streak

lyssa Okoene had her own personal checklist coming into the 2014-15 fier Deer Park, Okoene dominated inside while high school basketball season.

Mack rested an injury.

The 6-foot-1 junior post wanted “We played good defense and my guards to make the varsity squad, were passing the ball well,” help her team go to the state Okoene said. “They were feedtournament, develop into a ing it to me up high and close good post player and get her to the goal. We did a good job name out there to possibly of running our plays. We were obtain a college scholarship. talking on defense and executBirth date – Sept. 6, 1998 She’s accomplished nearly ing the trap well.

Birth sign – Virgo all of her goals.

“We still have to keep talkFavorite subject in school - Math Okoene has started all ing and communicating and Possible college major season for one of the state’s in most of our games we’ve Mathematical Engineering high-profile girls’ basketball done that,” Okoene said. “This Favorite pastimes – Eating and programs at North Shore game was one of the better jobs sleeping High School. At last count we’ve done communicating Favorite meal – Spaghetti the Lady Mustangs were with each other all season.”

Favorite colors – Red and black 30-2 and ranked No. 2 in Port Arthur Memorial Last good book – “Confessions the state behind Cypress presented the only major chalon How to Get a College Woods (29-1), a team they lenge to North Shore in District Scholarship” are 1-1 against this season 21-6A. Campbell says that Last good movie – “Taken 3” and could meet again in the enabled her to get more playFavorite hero – Dr. Martin Luther Region III-6A semifinals. ing time for the reserves. “I’ve King Jr. North Shore head coach seen a major improvement in Allison Campbell recently my six through 10 players. guided her squad to its That’s going to be critical in the playeighth consecutive district championoffs,” she said. ship. The team is known for its fullOkoene said the challenge of becourt trapping press and run-and-gun coming a better post player was intrigustyle of play. While Chasity Patterson, ing to her. “We don’t have a lot of post Adriana Jackson, Shae Johnson and players so I wanted to be a leader in that Kayla Mack get their share of attencategory although I’m only a junior. tion, Okoene has been a pillar of “Teams are beginning to strength in the post. target me. I hear them say“Alyssa’s made herself ing ‘box her out, don’t let into a Division I [college] her get the ball,’” Okoene prospect,” Campbell said. “Sometimes they said. “A solid post preschallenge me, but most of ence is one of the areas the time I can still get the we needed to beef up. rebounds.”

Her improvement has Okoene moved to been amazing.”

Texas from Hawaii when As the season she was in the 10th grade. progressed, Okoene Although her mother began noticing that played basketball growshe’s getting the ing up, Alyssa didn’t try attention of opout for a team until she posing teams. In a was in the ninth grade.

73-34 victory over Now she’ll have to postseason qualirevise her checklist.

Facts about Alyssa Okoene

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The Texas Southern University men recently captured the 2015 SWAC Indoor Track Championship in Birmingham. TSU ended the meet with a total of 128 points. Grambling University placed second with 124 points, while Prairie View A&M University finished third with 85 points. TSU’s Demetrious Williams was awarded the 2015 Men’s Most Outstanding Field Performer. He claimed two victories in long jump with a leap of 7.20m and in Triple Jump with a length of 15.21m. Tiger head coach Clyde Duncan was presented the 2015 Men’s Indoor Coach of the Year award. The title marks the TSU Flying Tigers men’s track and field teams’ first championship since 1994 under then head coach Dave Bethany.

Pitchers, catchers report With all the talk about the Rockets and the college basketball’s impending March Madness, we can’t forget that the Major League Baseball season is just around the corner. Astros pitchers and catchers recently reported to Kissimmee, Fla. to begin spring training. This year spring training will introduce a new manager in A.J. Hinch who replaces Bo Porter. “My job as the manager being new here is to get some face time with these guys and understand why they’re in camp and where I see them going in,” Hinch said. “I believe in direct communication so you know where you stand.”

After a series of key off-season moves, GM Jeff Luhnow believes 2015 can be a winning season. “I really do believe the roster we have right now going into 2015 is capable of returning the Astros to our winning ways,” Luhnow said.

Romo overcomes obstacles Elkins High School senior Fabian Romo recently signed a national letter-of-intent to play wheelchair basketball for the University of TexasArlington Movin’ Mavs. Although in a wheelchair as the result of a congenital defect that led to the amputation of his left leg, Romo discovered wheelchair basketball three years ago as a member of the TIRR Memorial Hermann Junior Hotwheels Team. The Fort Bend ISD product helped the team win a national championship his sophomore year and he was selected first-team all-tournament male. “I would not have found out about the basketball team had it not been for TIRR Memorial Hermann and Shriners Hospital,” Romo recalled. “They made my basketball experience a happy one and I thank them for bringing me into the program.” Romo plans to major in bio-medical engineering. “This is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time,” he said.

Screenings gain support Several Houston-area elected officials are supporting legislation that will allow electrocardiogram screenings (ECGs) as part of the University Interscholastic League pre-participation physical exam for student-athletes. Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of death among school-age athletes. A traditional physical does not sufficiently detect the underlying cardiac abnormalities that can lead to sudden cardiac death. An ECG provides for greater detection of cardiovascular diseases that predispose athletes to sudden cardiac death. The legislators have introduced House Bills 677, 767 and 779.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 26 | 2015

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

topevents

UH CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY……..The University of Houston’s support the future of Kashmere High School athletes. The theme was “Bridging African American Studies Department celebrated Black History Month with the Gap” and the event took a look at more than 50 years of Kashmere athletics. an appearance by humanitarian Khalilah Camacho Ali, the former wife of Claude Cummings served as master of ceremonies. Guest speaker was Houston Muhammad Ali. She spoke with students about the roles and influence of sportscaster Ralph Cooper. Guests in attendance included Roseleta Mitchell, Black women in history by sharing her story and experiences with overcoming Michael Smith, Sammy Johnson, Amber Williams, Gary Dunham, Josh obstacles and being married to the man often considered the greatest boxer of Gibson, Chris Ray, Floyd Gibson, Freddie Gibson, William Denson and all time. The students had the opportunity to ask questions Russell Charles. Endurance and Premier Productions provided and listen to a reenactment of one of Muhammad Ali’s Defender TOP EVENTS musical performances………URBAN LEAGUE GUILD More photos on defendernetwork.com speeches co-written by Camacho Ali. Attendees include MASKED BALL……..The Houston Area Urban League program manager LaShonda R. Williams, director of (HAUL) Guild held its annual Dance and Masquerade Ball. The See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. the African American Studies program Dr. James L. Guild is a volunteer auxiliary of HAUL and the masked ball is Conyers Jr., assistant director Dr. Malachi Crawford, its primary fundraiser. The fun and festive evening emulated Eric Muhammad, Minister Robert Muhammad, Shelton Brown and a host Mardi Gras, and featured Southern cuisine, carnival style music, dancing and entertainment. A best dressed costume contest was also held. Guild vice of students……..KASHMERE FORMER ATHLETES GALA……..The Kashmere Former Athletes Association (KFAA) presented its second annual president Schelda Williams gave the welcome. Among those enjoying the fun Grand Gala at Brady’s Landing. The event was in line with the organization’s were HAUL President and CEO Judson Robinson III, Clarence and Paula Miller, Helen George and Denise Kennedy. mission to engage former student-athletes to build lifelong friendships that

Dr. James Conyers Jr., Eric Muhammad and Minister Robert Muhammad

Khalilah Camacho Ali

Floyd Gibson and Freddie Gibson

Ralph Cooper and Claude Cummings

Winners of best costume and contest judges

Clarence and Paula Miller

LaShonda Williams and Shelton Brown

Katie Fields and Linda Strauss

Denise Kennedy, Helen George and Chief Whitehead

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