Houston Defender: February 02, 2012

WHAT’S UP ‘SOUL TRAIN’ CREATOR DON CORNELIUS DEAD FROM APPARENT SUICIDE P5

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

NATIONAL

FINGER-POINTING disrespectful to President Obama

P4 OPINION ENTERTAINMENT

RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY

nominated for NAACP Image Award

P5

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 81 | Number 14 WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2, 2012 | FREE

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African-American History Month

Black numbers Census Bureau compiles profile

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SPORTS

JERRY REESE guides Giants as GM

P14 CHAG’S PLACE

Deborah Anderson and Joseph Hopkins at Power Center open house.

P16

Cymphonique Miller stars in new show

Deric Muhammad criticizes police

Local activist Deric Muhammad says that police misconduct is a serious, ongoing problem in Northeast Houston and beyond. A day after he organized a community meeting on the subject two more Black Houstonians stepped forward with allegations of police brutality.

Muhammad says the “negative culture of abuse” has gone on for decades.

H Page

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Teen actress and singer Cymphonique Miller stars as Kacey Simon on Nickelodeon’s new TV series “How to Rock.” Prior to landing her own sitcom, Miller made guest appearances on several other Nick series. Though she is the daughter of Percy (Master P) Miller and sister of Romeo, she is determined to make it based on her own talent.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 | 2012

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Defender presents new and improved social network It’s estimated that more than half of all Americans utilize some form of social media.

That’s why the Defender Network is forging new ground with its new and improved social media platform.

The Defender Media Group has revamped its Facebook and Twitter pages to include controversial, informative and entertaining content that will create discussion and spark interest among readers.

Longtime Defender staffer ReShonda Tate Billingsley will head up the online platform, moving the Defender completely into the digital age.

“I am so excited about this new endeavor,” Billingsley said. “Facebook and Twitter are powerful mediums to convey our message as more and more people are turning to social networking outlets to get their news and information.”

Billingsley said the Defender’s social media outlets on Facebook and Twitter will give readers a place to not just read the news, but a venue to talk about it.

Social media stats 65% of adults who are online use social media 83 % of users are 18-29 years old Blacks use Twitter more than whites Source: Pew Center for Research

“The DefenderNetwork will offer something for everyone,” Billingsley said. “Our website (DefenderNetwork.com) will continue to be a source of news and information relevant to the Black community. But our Facebook page will be a place where people can come to talk about news – weighing in on everything from politics to religion to entertainment.

“And we’ll utilize our Twitter page as an avenue for the dissemination of information. It’s a multi-pronged approach to make sure our readers stay abreast of news and information – in a format that best fits their ever-changing needs.”

In addition to discussing relevant topics,

visitors to the Defender’s Facebook and Twitter pages will also stay abreast of community news and upcoming events.

“We’re hoping to become the go-to source when people are looking for activities for the weekend, want to showcase their organization’s events and other opportunities to highlight things that are going on in the African-American community,” Billingsley said.

Over the next month, the Defender will host a number of promotions to re-introduce people to the New and Improved DefenderNetwork Facebook and Twitter pages.

Readers who ‘Like’ our Facebook page by Wednesday, Feb. 8 will be entered to win tickets to see Cedric the Entertainer perform at Reliant Arena on Saturday, Feb. 11. A number of other promotions will also follow.

/DefenderNetwork

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newstalk Residents outcry

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seeks to end police misconduct brought attention to what Fifth Ward residents label resh off the heels HPD officers gone wild. of a community Organized by Muhammeeting dealing mad and former Houston with reported police City Councilman Jarvis misconduct in Fifth Ward, a Johnson, a “map session” local couple reported being was conducted to devise maliciously beaten and arreststrategies for stopping future ed without cause by Houston abuses. During the gatherPolice Department officers. ing individuals shared perThe allegations made sonal tales of HPD harassby Annika Lewis and her ment. husband Sebastian Prevot are One testimony came an example of ongoing strife from Kenneth Bell, 18, debetween the Black commuscribed by Muhammad as a nity and HPD. preppy college student.

A spokesman from HPD “When the white ofdeclined to comment on the ficers couldn’t find a reason incident, but did say that to arrest him they told him HPD takes claims of inapprohe needed to buy some jeans priate behavior seriously, and that hung off of his behind that once a formal complaint Annika Lewis and her husband Sebastian Prevot (left) because he was wearing ‘too is filed it would become an is- charge police brutality at a press conference called by much Ralph Lauren to be a N-Deric Muhammad (right). sue for internal affairs.

--r,’ ” Muhammad said.

“HPD Internal Affairs is a joke,” said community Another resident, Chris Latson, was reportactivist Deric Muhammad. “However, you must file edly arrested and given a citation for walking in the a report with them before you can take it to the FBI, street – in a neighborhood with no sidewalks. which they will do.”

Muhammad, who was born and raised in In the case of Lewis, on Jan. 27 at around 2:30 Northeast Houston, and said such cases are all too a.m., she reported seeing her husband being beaten familiar. by several white officers. Lewis said she went “There is a systemic culture [of abuse in HPD], outside and began recording the incident on her because the same kind of disrespect, negligence and phone, until an officer forcibly took it away. criminal conduct has been in effect since I was a Lewis claims several police officers punched child. It hasn’t gotten better. It’s worse.” her in the face, and snatched her phone’s memory Muhammad said he has received numerous card. Prevot was taken into custody and charged calls about Northeast HPD officers robbing, beating with resisting arrest. and threatening to kill suspects.

Less than 24 hours before Lewis’s and He also said residents are trying to eradicate Prevot’s incident, the community meeting which a negative culture of abuse in HPD that stretches took place at the Phoenix Youth Outreach Center back decades. He and Johnson called for a citizen’s

By Aswad Walker Defender

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review board with subpoena power.

Johnson says he fell victim to the same “overzealous and disingenuous policing in Fifth Ward” while a member of City Council.

“Had it not been me, [pulled over and surrounded by 10 squad cars] I wonder what might have happened,” said Johnson.

Muhammad believes the existing culture of abuse has two culprits.

“When officers see the minimal value that we place on Black life, they follow suit. They will never respect us until we start respecting ourselves.

That’s our problem. Their problem is that [certain whites] sign up for night shifts in Black communities so that they can earn their stripes in the dark,” said Muhammad.

“Officers have to understand there are consequences to their actions, because right now, unless it’s caught on tape, it’s open season,” said Johnson.

“Some examples have to be made,” added Muhammad. “Currently, this is not happening.

We need strong and just leadership and we do not have it. Truth is, a Black police chief can’t control white officers on the ground any more than a Black president can control white Republicans in the Congress.”

The recent meeting was about more than past abuses; it was also about stopping future incidents.

“We encouraged residents to get rid of fear and ignorance, know their rights, report all incidents to HPD Internal Affairs and to follow up with the FBI, and ride with recording devices and start recording immediately if pulled over by HPD,” said Muhammad.

“Last but not least, we told our people to clean up their activities and strive to obey the law.”

In addition, meeting organizers made demands of HPD Chief Charles McClelland, including putting more Black officers on the night shift.

A follow-up community meeting is scheduled for March 1.

localbriefs TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY will break ground on a new state-of-the-art science and technology building at 9 a.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9, on the campus. “The completion of this facility will make our programs truly competitive,” said Dr. Lei Yu, dean of the College of Science and Technology. “This building is the latest effort

by TSU to enhance science, technology, engineering and math education and make the college a most attractive place for study and research.” The facility will boast a full-motion flight simulation lab, a vehicle emission testing lab, an air traffic control

lab and a high performance computing center, among other things……... METRO RETAINED THREE ROUTES originally proposed for discontinuation – the 30 Clinton, 48 Navigation (Pleasantville branch) and 49 Chimney Rock. Other service changes, which will take effect Feb. 26, include the discontinuation of consistently lowperforming routes – the 35 Fairview, 39 Parker Road, 59 Aldine Mail Crosstown, 60 Hardy, 286 West Little York/UptownGreenway and 313 Allen Parkway ……..

THE HOUSTON CITIZENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE announced its newly

elected board officers for 2012. They are: William Traylor, chairman; Vernita Harris, first vice chair; Sherman Lewis, second vice chairman; Kimberly Williams, secretary; Francis Cook, Treasurer; James Donatto Sr., parliamentarian, and Wayne Luckett, historian……..THE SPEED LIMIT WILL INCREASE to 75 mph on some highways in Texas. The new limit was approved by the Texas Transportation Commission, and covers more than 1,500 miles of interstate highway, including a large part of I-45 between Houston and Dallas and all of I-10 between Katy and San Antonio.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 | 2012

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national

U.S.briefs

Disrespecting Pres. Obama

10 worst incidents why would it happen to the leader of our own country? Could a hockey goalie have executed a quiet noshow for a White House invitation honoring his team? See Facebook for the answer on that one.

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The birther fiasco (2009-2011).

No evidence. No proof. No documentation. But the story t starts with the Superiority traveled on for years. Yes, Hawaii is Syndrome: People acting as if part of the United States of America. they’re more important than a “You lie” (Sept.

U.S. President — when they 2009). That any clearly are individual — no less not. To fingers a member of Congress in the face. To watching a U.S. President people questionduring a joint session on ing his already live national television — is established and so lacking in self control proven citizenthat this moment was ship. made possible is incredThe ible — even in an age of incidents of incivility. Remember this disrespect happened only nine months towards Presiinto Obama’s presidency dent Obama and is another “we can’t continue. remember that ever When happening ever before” people criticize moment. Close your eyes Administration and pretend Rep. Maxine Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer disrespected President Obama with finger-pointing. policy, that’s Waters was Wilson doing just politics. But several incidents It wasn’t the end of the world this to President Bush and image the directed at this President appear to when Speaker John Boehner refused reaction. find new lows. Of course, people can the President’s date to speak to a Signs of the Tea Party (July disagree with the President. But, why joint session on jobs in September 2010) and Naked Racism can’t people respect the Office of the 2011. And yes, the White House (April 2011). Anyone rememPresidency? picked that date to steal attention ber California GOP official Marilyn The very public nature of from a GOP debate. But like so Davenport’s racist e-mail? Did she disrespect towards President Obama many moments of disrespect towards ever resign for that? I remember all is noteworthy. Did Gov. Jan Brewer the 44th President: No one can find the criticism of the NAACP – par(R-AZ) have to conduct business another example in American history ticularly from Black Republicans with the President in front of reportwhere a U.S. President requested a — for their “Tea Party resolution” ers? date to address Congress and was of 2010.

Wasn’t there a better time and refused. Can anyone find another Donald “unchecked ego” place? Would a visiting leader from a incident like the Brewer one? That Trump inflames birther foreign country be greeted with a fin- the list below can even be compiled fiasco, media assists (April ger in his face by a Governor? If not, is telling.

Continued on Page 6

By Lauren Victoria Burke Special to the NNPA from the Washington Informer

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There’s a market for disrespect of Obama

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has one hell of a nerve.

In an image that has gone viral, she put her finger in President Barack Obama’s face, apparently lecturing him about something or other, making her the pure picture of arrogant disrespect.

Apparently, she has learned from the best of the marketers. Before

her finger-wagging diatribe, her book “Scorpions for Breakfast” was ranked 285,568 on the Amazon list.

By the time she finished promoting and defending her disrespect, with appearances on Fox News and other networks, the book rose from its lowly perch to be ranked at 15.

I almost bit by buying the book myself, figuring that I ought to read about something I’m going to talk about. But Kindle lets you “sample”

and the sample was not impressive.

And Amazon lets you browse parts of the book. Also unimpressive.

At the end of the day, I refuse to enrich a woman who lacks such basic disrespect that she has to finger wag and still does not have the good sense to apologize. Shame on her and shame on Arizona!

She is not the first, though, and she won’t be the last to disrespect President Obama and the first family.

Continued on Page 7

BLACK GOP CONGRESSMAN ALLEN WEST of Florida defended his “get the hell out of America” remarks directed toward President Barack Obama and other Democratic leaders.

At a dinner event in Florida, West said, “We need to let President Obama, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, and my dear friend chairman of the Democratic National Committee — we need to let them know that Florida ain’t on the table. Take your message of equality of achievement, take your message of economic dependency…Get the hell out of the United States of America.” Later, in an interview with CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, West said she should have listened to his entire speech. West insisted he was attempting to draw attention to the decline of a country that let a man born in the inner city of Atlanta – such as himself – become a member of Congress……..

ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER said the Justice Department opened more than 100 new investigations into possible voting rights discrimination across the country last year, a record number. “The reality is that — in jurisdictions across the country — both overt and subtle forms of discrimination remain all too common — and have not yet been relegated to the pages of history,” Holder told an audience at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati……..FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE HERMAN CAIN announced he was supporting Newt Gingrich for the highest office in the land.

Cain, a Tea Party favorite, endorsed Gingrich at a Republican fundraiser. Cain said Gingrich was a “patriot” who was not afraid of bold ideas. “I know that Speaker Gingrich is running for president and going through this sausage grinder,” Cain said. “I know what this sausage grinder is all about.” Cain dropped out of the race amid allegations of unwanted sexual advances toward several women and an extramarital affair.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 14 WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Associate Editors Reshonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Columnist Yvette Chargois Sport Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Webmaster Corneleon Block

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender 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 2011 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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entertainment

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TV’s Cymphonique Miller is a teen of many talents

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By Kam Williams Defender

orn in New Orleans in 1996, Cymphonique Miller stars as Kacey Simon on the Nickelodeon’s new TV series “How to Rock.”

Prior to landing her own sitcom, Miller made guest appearances on several Nick series, including “Big Time Rush,” “True Jackson VP,” “Just Jordan” and “The Troop.” Her big screen credits include the feature films “Scarecrow Joe” and “Opposite Day.” Besides acting, Cymphonique is an accomplished singer who sings the theme song and provides the voices of Nova and Krystal on the Nickelodeon animated series “Winx.”

The daughter of music’s Percy (Master P) Miller and sister of Romeo Miller, Cymphonique has built a diverse fan base online, enjoying over 20 million web views and counting.

When she is not busy working and upholding her honors student status, she is committed to her passion for helping others and giving back to her community.

She has created a book series to empower young girls called “Fabulous Girls” and has founded a charity to help kids with cancer.

She is the founder and president of Fabulous Girls clothing and spokesperson for BYOU (Be Your Own You).

Here, she talks about “How to Rock,” which premieres on Nickelodeon on Saturday, Feb. 4.

KW: What interested you in “How to Rock?”

Cymphonique: I loved the message and the music.

KW: Tell me a little about your character, Kacey Simon?

Cymphonique: Kacey was the most popular girl in school, but then got braces and glasses and her friends disowned her. She learned that through just being yourself that’s where your true friends come from.

KW: What messages do you think people will take away from the show?

Cymphonique: That it’s okay not to be perfect, to follow your dreams and to be yourself.

KW: You are multi-talented: singing, acting and dancing. Which one is your favorite?

Cymphonique: I really can’t choose between the three… I love them all equally.

KW: Are you ever afraid?

Cymphonique: No. My family has taught me to trust in God and stay grounded. Although, I am afraid of spiders!

KW: What was the best business decision you ever made?

Cymphonique: Attending an audition alone without anyone knowing my family connection to my father or brother and getting the job on my own merits.

It meant everything to me that it was based on my own talent and ability.

KW: What is your earliest childhood memory?

Cymphonique: Watching Shirley Temple movies with my grandmother. That inspired me because I realized she was only a child but already acting with the adults at a very early age.

ReShonda Tate Billingsley nominated for Image Award

ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Best-selling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the Outstanding Literary Work-Fiction category for her novel, “Say Amen, Again.”

In the novel, the spirited Houston congregation featured in Billingsley’s “Let the Church Say Amen” and “Everybody Say Amen” has a major scandal unfolding, and the outspoken Rachel Jackson Adams is at the heart of the drama.

Billingsley, a Defender associate editor, has written eight adult novels, eight teen novels, one non-fiction, three anthologies and one

poetry book.

“Let the Church Say Amen” is being made into a movie of which she is executive producer and actress Regina King is the director.

The star-studded Image Awards will be televised on NBC on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. Presented annually, it is the nation’s premier event celebrating the achievements and performances of people of color in the arts as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice.

The movie “The Help” leads the award contenders with eight nominations.

what’sup DON CORNELIUS, creator of “Soul Train,” was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Feb. 1.

Sources said he apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and there was no sign of foul play.

He was 75. Cornelius hosted the music/dance show from 1971-93. Born in Chicago, he started out in insurance before enrolling in broadcasting school and becoming a DJ. With his deep, distinctive voice, Cornelius introduced countless Black entertainers to a wider audience……..AL GREEN should thank President Barack Obama. A week after Obama sang his brief version of Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” at an Apollo Theater fundraiser, downloads of the song took off. According to Billboard magazine, the

video of Obama singing the first line of the 1972 hit boosted sales by 490 percent. The YouTube video of Obama singing has been viewed more than 4 million times…….. THE EX-WIVES OF EDDIE MURPHY & WILL SMITH will reportedly co-star in a reality show titled “Ex-List.” Murphy‘s ex-wife Nicole and Smith‘s ex-wife Sheree are scheduled to begin filming in March. Nicole is engaged to NFL commentator and former pro football star Michael Strahan. Sheree is now a pastor’s wife…….

FILMMAKER AVA DUVERNAY became the first Black woman to win the Best Director award at the Sundance Film Festival for her movie “Middle of Nowhere.” The film tells the story of a woman

named Ruby who is forced to change her life after her husband is given a prison sentence……..

BEYONCE fans Marcus Mitchell and Steve White of Houston have launched an effort to erect a monument honoring the hometown superstar. They are currently looking for a location and private donors for the project……..MARTIN LAWRENCE could be returning to TV. CBS is developing a pair of comedy plots for Lawrence, with the goal of shooting one of them as a pilot. In one script, Lawrence would portray a single man who, along with his sister, becomes a foster parent to several children. Lawrence starred in the hit Fox comedy “Martin” from 1992 to 1997.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

The 10 Worst... Continued from page 4 2011). The mouth of Donald Trump is a powerful thing when joined with a 24-hour cable news cycle desperate for viewers. That news organizations invited Trump on the air unchallenged with zero proof of what he was saying speaks volumes on the state of journalism. That Trump was completely comfortable demanding that a U.S. President “show him his papers” displays a superiority complex that exists among those who can’t accept someone they view as “lesser” in a position of power over them.

4 (tie). Deadbeat dad and probable one-termer thinks his presence before the President actually matters and needs to tell everyone (Sept 2011). The disrespect isn’t that probable one term Congressman Joe Walsh (R-IL) wouldn’t attend the President’s Sept. 8 speech. The disrespect is that Rep. Walsh actually believed that everyone knowing he wasn’t attending was important. That he needed to announce he would not attend on national television, as if anyone cared, was yet another delusional superiority episode. That proudly showing public disrespect towards the President is a winning strategy in some political circles reveals a lot.

Newt Gingrich’s “Kenyan anti-colonial behavior” comment (Sept 2010). Even Washington Post columnist and conservative thinker George Will slammed this attempt to define the President as “foreign.” Never mind the facts: President Obama wasn’t reared by his father in Kenya with whom he spent only a month of his 50 years on this earth. The strategy to define the President as a “foreign” or “alien” being was started by Sarah Palin in 2008.

for this conversation? Brewer said she felt “a little threatened” by President Obama. Please.

GOP House, prompted by Tea Party — refuses to raise debt ceiling (Aug 2011). Sounds like this was just hardball politics right? Let’s review the facts: The debt ceiling had been raised 69 times since 1962 without incident. Seven times during Bush II and 18 times during Reagan. Suddenly, with President Obama, a shiny new precedent is set with regard to raising the debt ceiling. Another never before seen incident is born.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) Publicly Announces His Top Political Priority (Dec 2010). McConnell wants the President out of office? No news there, but, wait, there’s more to it. “Our top political priority over the next two years should be to deny President Obama a second term,” Sen. McConnell told the Heritage Foundation. Of course the Senate Republican Leader doesn’t want the President to be re-elected. But what’s with the public announcement? In July 2010 McConnell acknowledged his single most important political goal: President Obama being a one-term President. Again: In public and on national television.

Speaker Boehner refuses speech date request (September 2011). No it is not the end of the world. Of course, the White House intentionally wanted to step on a GOP debate that same night. But, this is yet another first in American history. Once again, no one can find another instance where a President of the United States requested a date to address Congress and was refused.

8 “Jan Brewer is disrespectful to President Obama, her book sales rise and she becomes a conservative heroine.”

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One of the underlying premises of disrespect towards the President is that he can be ordered around and dictated to like he’s Tipi the laundry boy. The presumption that a U.S. President can be ordered around is a new phenomenon that appears to have gotten underway around January 2009. From big mouth Congressmen to millionaires with nothing to do, you name it — they all inherently believe they can order President Obama around.

At least Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is an actual leader of something.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer puts her finger in the President’s face (January 2012). The photo speaks for itself. Of course there are strong political disagreements between President Obama and Gov. Brewer.

But is it just possible there was a better time and place

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Disrespect of Obama... Continued from page 4

Disrespected again

Similarly, South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson shouted “You Lie” when the president was speaking and went on to raise money in the wake of his disrespect.

Kansas House Speaker Mike O’Neal, a Republican, circulated an email describing our First Lady Mrs. Yo-Mama, then clumsily apologized that he didn’t read the whole

email.

While most decent people consider children hands off – that was the case for Amy Carter and Chelsea Clinton – the Obama girls have also been the subjects of sickly racist jokes. The Obamas have been stoic in the face of crazy racism, but Brewer says our president is thinskinned.

He didn’t write a book replete with whining complaints about the response to her racist SB 1070 that not only attempted to close borders, but also charged law enforcement officials with stopping people who “look” like illegal residents of our country. If you can’t take the heat, Mrs. Brewer, then stay out of the legislation. And keep your finger out of people’s faces.

Rudeness, however, seems to be a marketing ploy these days, and disrespecting the President seems to be even a better ploy still for the Republicans who implicitly play the race card. And it does not cut both ways.

When the Dixie

classified

very blessed and highly man of restraint. Don’t might meet you toe to Chicks were critical of B:4.79” else, favored to have chosen try it anywhere toe instead of choosing President Bush, their sales to wag your finger at a because the next person to walk away. plummeted and they were disinvited to a number of concert opportunities. Jan These Texas Lottery Commission Brewer is disrespectful to Scratch-Off games will be closing soon: President Obama, her book Official Close End GAME # GAME NAME / ODDS $ of Game Validations Date sales rise and she becomes a conservative heroine. She 1300 20X The Money - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.61 $10 02/03/12 08/01/12 attempted to do what so 1329 Scorching 7’s - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.42 $7 02/03/12 08/01/12 many conservatives have 1368 Merry Millionaire - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.07 $20 02/06/12 08/04/12 also attempted to do – put 1375 Merry Crossword - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.36 $3 03/03/12 08/30/12 President Obama in his 1028 Super Set For Life II - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.08 $20 04/04/12 10/01/12 place. But here’s the deal.

He is in his place. His place 1297 Red Hot Cherries - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.46 $1 04/04/12 10/01/12 is in the White House!

1321 Veterans Cash - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.29 $2 04/04/12 10/01/12 Write, call, email 1353 9’s In A Line - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.93 $1 04/04/12 10/01/12 Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.

1365 Haunted Halloween - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.15 $2 04/04/12 10/01/12 If you make discretion1367 Black Onyx 7’s - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.84 $5 04/04/12 10/01/12 ary decisions on meeting places, consider what sup1369 Happy Holidays! - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.45 $1 04/04/12 10/01/12 port of Arizona says to this For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or callT:4.79” 1-800-37LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas Education. © 2012 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved. disrespectful governor and the people she represents.

TX4944_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_0202.indd 1 1/26/12 6:50 PM Jan Brewer needs to know that while some people are grabbing up her book, others see through TX4944_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_0202.indd her 1 as a disrespectful citizen who would stoop to fingerPrinted At from Tommy Salazar’s MacBook Pro 17”

by Tommy Salazar / Tommy Saved at 1-26-2012 6:50 PM pointing theater to take her mediocre book from the Job info Approvals Fonts & Images bottom pile to None Job of # Amazon Creative Dir Fonts TX4944 None Client Art Director Helvetica Neue LT Std (65 Medium, 85 TX LOTTERY the top.

Benjamin Todd Jealous None Headline/Tag FEBRUARY EOG Copywriter Heavy), Helvetica (Black), Helvetica Neue I can’t say4.79” it x 3.25” NAACP57 CEO ALVARO CIFUENTES (77 Bold Condensed, Trim Account Mgr Condensed), Times enough None Bleed– shame Proofreader (Regular) Noneon you Live Noneare Jan Brewer.

You

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206 E. 9th Street • Austin, TX 78701

512.479.6200 ADVERTISEMENT Tel FOR BIDSFax 512.479.6024

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HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Caroline, Dallas, and Crawford Streetscape IMPROVEMENTS

Ruby Dee Activist

The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for Caroline, Dallas, and Crawford Streetscape Improvements, located along Caroline between Polk and Dallas, Dallas between Caroline and Crawford, and Crawford between Polk and Lamar in downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 9:00 AM, local time on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, by the Director of Construction, Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and read at 9:05 AM on the same day in the Downtown District Conference Room.

Beginning Monay, February 6, 2012, Bid Documents may be purchased for $50 per set from the Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010, by a cashier's check, certified check or money order, payable to the Houston Downtown Management District. The cost for up to two sets will be refunded to Bidders who submit a valid bid for this Project. Addenda are free of charge and will be distributed to those who purchase Bid Documents. Bid Documents may be examined at plan rooms of the Associated General Contractors of Houston, the F. W. Dodge Corporation, the Minority Business Development Center, and Amtek Information and Plan Room.

A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held at 9:00 AM on Thursday, February 16, 2012, in the Downtown District Conference Room, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. All bidders (general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers) are invited to attend. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from someone who did not attend the pre-bid conference.

Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95-336 (March 29, 1995) and Exec. Order No. 1 2 (June 14, 1995), and City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Procedures (June 1995). The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/WBE participation goal of 17 percent.

Mary J. Blige Performing Artist

T:8.5”

Indeed, from the time President Obama was nominated the disrespect has been replete, and it has had a racial component that only an ostrich would deny.

Brewer played the race card, with body language that screamed “boy.” Then she said President Obama was “disrespectful” when he walked away from her mid-conversation.

She is lucky that President Obama has such amazing self-restraint. I can imagine quite a few folks, failing to relish the experience of a leader so undisciplined as to resort to finger wagging, who might have responded very differently than President Obama did.

Later, Gov. Brewer said she felt “threatened”

by President Obama. Give me a break! This is classic “Birth of A Nation,” with the fragile white woman so threatened by brutish Black man that she runs off a cliff. If anyone should have felt threatened by the conversation, it was President Obama, which is perhaps why he walked away.

Look at the picture.

Who looks contained, and who looks out of control?

Brewer’s invocation of racial stereotypes sent her pathetic book rising to the charts, just like Limbaugh’s racial attacks on President Obama keep his ratings up.

The insults to the Obamas have been too numerous to detail, but I was appalled when Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) dared discuss the First’ Lady’s posterior, and even more appalled when legions of people did not rise and call him on it.

There are those who give back not just during the month of February, but every month. McDonald’s Annual 365Black® Awards honors them.

Those who, every day, continue to make a difference in the community.

Because no matter how much they have achieved, they still find the time to give back. Read more about our honorees at . ©2012 McDonald’s

8

DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Black numbers

cover

Census Bureau compiles profile What is the population of Black America? How much money do Black Americans make? Which state has the largest number of Black-owned businesses? Here is a look at Black America by the numbers, as compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau.

popul Black

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65%

T the 20 from origin turno

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Inc & In

$32,0

T incom holds of 3.2

Georgia (32 percent), Maryland (31 percent), South Carolina (29 percent) and Alabama (27 percent).

Source: The Black Population: 2010 www.census.gov/prod/ cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf

Source 2010 In Health the Un census archive 157.htm

52%

Percent of the total population in the District of Columbia that was Black in 2010.

Source: The Black Population: 2010 www. census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf

27.4%

2.2 million

Population 42 million

The number of people who identified as Black, either alone or in combination with one or more other races, in the 2010 Census. They made up 13.6 percent of the total U.S. population. The Black population grew by 15.4 percent from 2000 to 2010.

Source: The Black Population: 2010 www.census.gov/prod/ cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf

65.7 million

The projected Black population of the United States (including those of more than one race) for July 1, 2050. On that date, according to the projection, Blacks would constitute 15 percent of the nation’s total population.

Source: Population projections http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/population/cb08-123.html

3.3 million

The Black population in New York, which led all states in 2010. The other nine states in the top 10 were Florida, Texas, Georgia, California, North Carolina, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia and Ohio.

Source: The Black Population: 2010 www.census.gov/prod/ cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf

38%

Percent of Mississippi’s total population that was Black in 2010. Mississippi led the nation in this category followed by Louisiana (33 percent),

People who identified as Black in New York City, which led all places with populations of 100,000 or more. It was followed by Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Houston, Memphis, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Washington and Dallas.

P

http://factfinder2.census.gov

1.5 million

Source: The Black Population: 2010 www.census.gov/prod/ cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf

Among Blacks 25 and older, the number who had an advanced degree in 2010.

84.3%

Source: 2010 American Community Survey http://factfinder2. census.gov

Percent of the total population in Detroit, who identified as Black, which is the highest percentage nationally among places with populations of 100,000 or more. It was followed by Jackson, Miss. (80.1 percent), Miami Gardens, Fla. (77.9 percent), Birmingham, Ala. (74.0 percent), Baltimore, (65.1 percent), Memphis, Tenn. (64.1 percent), New Orleans (61.2 percent), Flint, Mich.

(59.5), Montgomery, Ala. (57.4 percent) and Savannah, Ga. (56.7 percent).

Source: The Black Population: 2010 www.census.gov/prod/ cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf

Education 82%

2.9 million

Number of Blacks enrolled in college in 2010, a 1.7 million increase since 1990.

Source: 2010 Current Population Survey http://www.census. gov/hhes/school/data/cps/historical/index.html

Voting 11.1 million

The number of Blacks who voted in the 2010 congressional election, an increase from 11 percent of the total electorate in 2006 to 12 percent in 2010.

Among Blacks 25 and older, the percentage with a high school diploma or higher in 2010.

Source: Voting and Registration in the Election of 2010 http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/voting/cb11-164.html

18%

55%

Source: 2010 American Community Survey http://factfinder2. census.gov

Percentage of Blacks 25 and older who had a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2010.

Source: 2010 American Community Survey

Turnout rate in the 2008 presidential election for the 18- to 24-year-old citizen Black

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defendernetwork.com • Serving th

9

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lation, an 8 percentage point increase from 2004. ks had the highest turnout rate in this age group.

e: Voting and Registration in the Election of 2008 http://www.census. wsroom/releases/archives/voting/cb09-110.html

%

Turnout rate among Black citizens regardless of age in 008 presidential election, up about 5 percentage points 2004. Looking at voter turnout by race and Hispanic n, non-Hispanic whites and Blacks had the highest out levels.

: Voting and Registration in the Election of 2008 http://www.census.gov/ oom/releases/archives/voting/cb09-110.html

come, Poverty Insurance

068

The annual median me of Black houses in 2010, a decline 2 percent from 2009.

e: U.S. Census Bureau ncome, Poverty and h Insurance Coverage in nited States http://www. s.gov/newsroom/releases/ es/income_wealth/cb11ml

%

Poverty rate in 2010 for Blacks.

e: U.S. Census Bureau, Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Covin the United States: 2010 http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/ 39.pdf

%

Percentage of Blacks that were covered by health ance during all or part of 2010.

e: U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Income, Poverty and Health Insurance age in the United States http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/cpsta32011/health/h01_006.htm

milies, Children Homeownership

5%

Among households with a Black householder, the entage that contained a family. There were 9.4 million k family houses.

e: 2011 Current Populaurvey, Families and Living gements, Table F1 and HH-2

4%

Among families Black householdhe percentage that married couples.

Source: 2011 Famiand Living Arranges, Table F1

he Houston area for over 80 years

1.3 million

Number of Black grandparents who lived with their own grandchildren younger than 18. Of this number, 47.6 percent were also responsible for their care.

Source: 2010 American Community Survey http://factfinder. census.gov

44.2%

Nationally, the percentage of households with a householder who was Black who lived in owneroccupied homes.

Source: 2010 American Community Survey http://factfinder. census.gov

2.4 million

Number of Black military veterans in the United States in 2010.

Source: 2010 American Community Survey http://factfinder2. census.gov.

Employment/Businesses 28.4%

The percentage of Blacks 16 and older who worked in management, business, science and arts occupations.

Source: 2010 American Community Survey http://factfinder. census.gov

$135.7 billion

Receipts for Black-owned businesses in 2007, up 53.1 percent from 2002. The number of Black-owned businesses totaled 1.9 million in 2007, up 60.5 percent.

Source: 2007 Survey of Business Owners http://factfinder2.census.gov

37.7%

Percentage of Black-owned businesses in 2007 in health care and social assistance, repair and maintenance and personal and laundry services.

Source: 2007 Survey of Business Owners http://factfinder2. census.gov

10.6%

Percentage of businesses in New York in 2007 that were Black-owned, which led all states or state-equivalents. Georgia and Florida followed, at 9.6 percent and 9.4 percent, respectively.

Source: 2007 Survey of Business Owners http://factfinder2. census.gov

10

DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 | 2012

health

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A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance

Congenital heart disease in kids

M

ost people understand that heart disease is a threat to middle-aged men and women, but few realize that heart disease is a serious problem in babies, young children and teens.

Some surprising facts

• Congenital heart defects begin in the womb even before a woman knows she is pregnant.

• Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect and are the number one cause of death from birth defects during the first year of life.

• Nearly twice as many children die from congenital heart disease in the U.S. each year as die from all forms of childhood cancers combined.

Congenital heart defects are structural problems with the heart that are present at birth. They result when a mishap occurs during heart development soon after conception and often before the mother is aware that she is pregnant. Defects range in severity from simple problems, such as “holes” between chambers of the heart, to very severe malformations, such as the complete absence of one or more chambers or valves.

Approximately 35,000 babies are born with a defect each year.

healthnotes

10 common signs of heart disease in infants

1

Appearing gray, pale, purple or blue. Blue or purple color, known as cyanosis, is visible inside the mouth (not just the lips) and over the core of the body and extremities.

Consistent, difficult or rapid breathing. (Babies often have “periodic breathing,” which is normal – they breathe quickly and then seem not to breathe at all.)

Noisy breathing (in babies with vascular rings and slings).

Sweating all over the body with feeding, while in a cool environment.

Poor feeding or refusal to eat on a consistent basis. Babies appear hungry, and then refuse to eat.

Poor weight gain and height growth in spite of adequate feeding.

Inconsolability. When the child cries continuously in spite of all efforts to console, comfort or feed, it is time to speak with your physician about checking the heart.

Recurrent respiratory infections or asthma symptoms.

For older children, a decrease in activity, recurrent respiratory infections or asthma, and poor growth or color may signal heart trouble.

For children of any age, fainting due to exertion is worrisome. Chest pain is an unreliable symptom of heart trouble in children.

2

10

The most reliable indicator of heart disease is family history, including relatives who die before age 50, have cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) or require cardiac intervention at an early age.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Babies born with congenital heart defects usually need heart surgery.

Tobacco dependence and the teenager

Tobacco dependence is a severe chronic illness. It reduces sports performance, stains fingers and teeth, increases cough, increases asthma, and decreases senses of taste and smell. Over the long term it causes cancer, heart disease, strokes, impotence, premature aging and early death. It harms not just the health of the smoker, but everyone around them.

Unfortunately, tobacco is actively promoted to adolescents and young adults. Smoking in movies, tobacco displays in supermarkets, drug stores and convenience stores, tobacco sponsorship of sports events and concerts all increase smoking rates in children.

Dr. Harold Farber, a pediatric pulmonologist at Texas Children’s Hospital, suggests these tips to help decrease smoking rates in adolescent.

As a parent, the most important thing that you can do for your child is to be a nonsmoker yourself. Although it is difficult, try to avoid bringing your child to movies where the characters are smoking and try to avoid bringing your child to businesses where tobacco products are prominently displayed.

It is important to talk with your child about the hazards of smoking and the importance of being a non-smoker.

If your teenager is tobacco dependent, free help can be obtained by calling the National Smoker’s Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. You can advocate for effective public policies to reduce smoking in children by supporting the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

Houston mascots join Texas Children’s in motivating kids to get fit Over the past three decades childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America is overweight or obese (letsmove.gov). The numbers are even higher in African American and Hispanic communities where nearly 40 percent of children are overweight or obese.

For children born in 2000 or later, one third will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives and others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure and asthma.

“Physical activity and eating proper foods are essential components of a healthy lifestyle,”

said Dr. Albert Hergenroeder, chief of the Sports Medicine Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital. “Once people begin improving their physical health, their mental and emotional health starts to improve, and they almost immediately begin to feel better about themselves.”

Texas Children’s provides these tips for exercising during the winter months: • Make exercise a family event, and set a good example by demonstrating the importance of exercise to your children.

• Make sure your child warms up by walking for two to three minutes before running. After

Toro, the official Houston Texans mascot, plus other local mascots, all participated in the movement by joining the students in the games and activities.

warming up, stretching is important and each stretch should be held for at least 20 seconds

and repeated two to three times after the workout.

• Be sure when training in the winter time your child is dressed accordingly. Layering allows kids to adjust to changes in weather, as well as changes in body heat generated. The deepest layer should allow sweat evaporation and the outer layer should be water/wind resistant.

Middle layers should be designed for warmth and insulation.

• The best running shoe is the one that fits well, feels comfortable and is built to support the differences in people’s feet.

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defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 | 2012 | DEFENDER

MPR385_PMH_Defender Ad_Layout 2 2/24/11 5:14 PM Page 1

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12 DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 | 2012

| defendernetwork.com

Black history calendar of events involving drums and various percussive instruments of Africa. Contact: www.houstonlibrary. org or 832-393-1313.

A “Preserving a Legacy: A Tribute to Houston’s Blues” harmonica lecture and demonstration by Sonny Boy Terry is 6 p.m. at Smith Neighborhood Library, 3624 Scott St. The event is designed for teen audiences. Contact: www.spahouston.org or 713.227.4772.

The University of Houston Urban Experience Program sponsors a mentorship series featuring former astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris at 6 p.m. at the University Center, Underground World Affairs Lounge, Area 50. He will be introduced by Linda Lorelle. RSVP to the Urban Experience Program Office at 713-743-6032 or uep@mail.uh.edu.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

The University of Houston-Clear Lake presents a month-long Black History display through Feb. 29 at the Bayou Building, Atrium I, Level I, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. It honors the national 2012 theme of “Black Women in American History and Culture.”

Contact: 281-283-2578 or smithj@uhcl.edu.

Lauren Anderson will discuss the challenges she faced becoming the first AfricanAmerican principal dancer with the Houston Ballet at 3:30 p.m. at Stimley-Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library, 7007 W. Fuqua. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or 832-3931313.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

A film screening and Q&A with filmmaker Jon Schwartz is at noon at Central Library, 500 McKinney. Schwartz’ film, “This Is Our Home, It Is Not for Sale,” is the 60-year history of Houston’s Riverside neighborhood. Refreshments will be served.

Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or 832393-1313.

The Society for the Performing Arts presents a month-long project, “Preserving a Legacy: A Tribute to Houston’s Blues.” A performance by High School for the Performing and Visual Arts students is 2 p.m. at the African American Library at the Gregory School, 1300 Victor St. Contact: www. spahouston.org or 713.227.4772.

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

Library staff from the Genealogy and Local History Department at Fort Bend County

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

Lauren Anderson will give a presentation on “Sleeping Beauty” at 10:30 a.m. at Collier Regional Library, 6200 Pinemont. Contact: houstonlibrary.org or 832-393-1313.

Former astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris speaks on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at UH.

Libraries will present an introductory program, “African-American Genealogy 101,” at 10 a.m. in the computer lab at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Register online at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call 281-341-2608.

“Baba Alafia and the Magical Storytime” takes place at 10:30 a.m. at Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library, 4100 Montrose.

The program incorporates stories and games

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

A “Preserving a Legacy: A Tribute to Houston’s Blues” performance by the Peterson Brothers with Rebecca Laird is 6 p.m. at McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library, 5411 Pardee St. Contact: www.spahouston.org or 713.227.4772.

The Cy-Fair College Branch Library presents a screening of the documentary “Thunder Soul” at 6:30 p.m. at Main Stage Theater, Cy-Fair College, 9191 Cypress Barker Road. It will be followed by a Q&A with and performance by the Kashmere High School Reunion Stage Band. Contact: www. hcpl.net or 281-290-3210.

Bishop among speakers at PV Minister’s Conference Defender News Services

B

ishop J. Drew Sheard of Detroit will be the convocation speaker at the Minister’s Conference at Prairie View A&M University on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m. in the Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium.

Sheard is senior pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional COGIC and national chairman of the Auxiliaries in Ministry Convention of the Churches of God in

Christ, Inc. This is the 54th year of the conference, presented by the Johnson-Phillip All Faiths Chapel. Ministers from various denominations from across the country gather at the conference to address Christian leadership and development. The two-day event begins on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Other speakers include: Bishop L. F. Thuston, Boone Tabernacle Church of God in Christ Kansas City, Mo.; Dr. A. Louis Patterson, Mt. Corinth Missionary

Baptist Church, Houston; Rev. Kenneth L. Hollingshed, North Park Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Dallas; and Dr. Joseph A. Hooper, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, New Haven, Conn.

Sheard is married to Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Karen Clark-Sheard, and the father of gospel star Kierra “Kiki” Sheard and music producer J.Drew Sheard II. For conference information call 936-2613590.

Bishop J. Drew Sheard is shown with his wife, noted gospel singer Karen Clark-Sheard.

defendernetwork.com

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 | 2012 | DEFENDER

opinion Lies pollute Republican presidential debates

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist ow can you tell when politicians are lying? Answer: When they move their lips. Until now, that had been considered a joke.

Today, however, that seems especially true when listening to Republicans seeking their party’s presidential nomination.

Thanks to FactCheck.org, sponsored by the Annenberg Public Policy Center the University of Pennsylvania; PolitiFact, the PulitzerPrize winning site operated by the Tampa Bay Times and the Washington Post’s The Fact Checker blog, it’s easier to catch politicians in lies. Here are some notable examples: “We’re only inches away from no longer being a free economy.”

– Mitt Romney, Republican debate Jan. 7 in Manchester, N.H. PolitiFact: “…There’s strong evidence undercutting Romney’s claim that comes from, of all places, the conservative Heritage Foundation. Heritage published an economic freedom index for 2011 – an international ranking of nations using a combination of 10 types of statistics, covering business freedom, trade freedom, fiscal freedom, government spending, monetary freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom, property rights, freedom from corruption and labor freedom…The U.S. ranked ninth out of 179 nations on the list, with a score that placed it near the top of the ‘mostly free’ category. The only nations to be considered more ‘free’ than the U.S. were, in descending order, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, Ireland, and Denmark.

“If the results of this study – which, we’ll remind readers, was produced by a staunchly conservative think tank – suggest that the U.S. is on the verge of socialism, then Lenin must be partying in his mausoleum.”

“I was talking to a state official the other day in Iowa that told me that the state of Iowa

Attribution Brian Fairrington, Cagle Cartoons

H

13

is being fined because they’re not signing up enough people on to the Medicaid program.”

— Rick Santorum, CNN debate Jan. 19 in Charleston, S.C. The FactChecker: “Santorum has made this puzzling comment before. ABC News investigated and found there was little to it. ‘Iowa, like other states, receives federal reimbursement for the money it disburses in Medicaid fees,’ Huma Khan reported. ‘There is no quota system or target that the state has to meet in order to be eligible for federal money. The amount of money that each state receives is dependent on its economy.’ She quoted a state official as saying that any reduction in payments ‘is not a punishment. This is a recognition that Iowa’s economy is improving relative to other states.’”

“Under Jimmy Carter, we had the wrong laws, the wrong regulations, the wrong leadership, and we killed jobs. We had inflation. We went to 10.8 percent unemployment.”

— Newt Gingrich, Charleston debate

The Fact Checker: “Actually, unemployment reached 10.8 percent during the term of Gingrich’s hero, Ronald Reagan. The unemployment rate did not get higher than 7.8 percent under Carter.”

“I could have stayed in Detroit like [Romney’s father] and gotten pulled up in a car company. I went off on my own. I didn’t inherit money from my parents. What I have I earned, I worked hard, the American way.”

— Romney, Charleston debate The Fact Checker: “No one questions that Romney earned huge sums on his own – he is now worth an estimated $200 million or more – but he has been inconsistent in the past on the question of his inheritance. He has said he did inherit money but gave it away.

“In a 2006 interview with C-SPAN, he said that ‘I did inherit some funds from my dad. But I turned and gave that away to charity. In this case I gave it to a school which Brigham Young University established in

his honor, the George W. Romney School of Public Management.’

“More recently, in an interview with Reuters, he said: ‘What I got from my parents when they passed away I gave away to charity and to my kids.’ Moreover, The Boston Globe and the new book ‘The Real Romney’ have reported that he lived off stock investments as a college student and he received a loan from his father to buy his first house.”

“Any child born prematurely, according to the president, in his own words, can be killed.”

- Rick Santorum in a speech March 7 to the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition.

PolitiFact: “We researched Obama’s position on ‘born alive’ legislation extensively during the presidential campaign. Obama favors abortion rights generally, and he opposed the state version of Illinois’ ‘born alive’ measure as a state senator. But he never said that premature children, even those who survived an abortion, could be killed.”

“More people have been put on food stamps by Barack Obama than any president in American history.”

Newt Gingrich, Republican debate Jan. 11 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. FactCheck.org: “…Gingrich goes too far to say Obama has put more on the rolls than other presidents. We asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition service for month-by-month figures going back to January 2001. And they show that under President George W. Bush the number of recipients rose by nearly 14.7 million.

Nothing before comes close to that. And under Obama, the increase so far has been 14.2 million. To be exact, the program has so far grown by 444,574 fewer recipients during Obama’s time in office than during Bush’s.”

nextweekonlineopinions Tax refunds: Yours to keep

Charlene Crowell

Dept. of Education drunk with power

Harry C. Alford

Rescuing the American dream

Stop the lynching of democracy

Benjamin Chavis

Marian Wright Edelman

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14

DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 | 2012

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sports

Jerry Reese

Jerry Reese, New York Giants GM

Giants GM is architect of Super Bowl contender

By MAX EDISON Defender

W

hen they take the field for Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, the New York Giants will be attempting to win their second Super Bowl in the last

five years.

Although the roster has changed over the five years, two things are consistent: Tom Coughlin is still roaming the sideline as head coach and Jerry Reese is still the senior VP and general manager.

Reese has quietly emerged as one of the NFL’s top GM’s.

Hired on MLK Day (Jan. 16) in 2007, Reese at the time became the third AfricanAmerican to become GM in the history of the NFL. Reese spent the four previous seasons as the team’s director of player personnel, during which time he coordinated the Giants’ college scouting, was in charge of the team’s draft preparation and ran the draft rooms as the players were selected.

He is the second Black GM (Ravens Ozzie Newsome was the first) to win a Super Bowl title.

For Reese, a native of tiny Tiptonville, Tenn., having this level of success is beyond his

wildest dreams.

“Growing up in a small town in rural West Tennessee, I had no thoughts of New York or what New York was about or the New York Giants – it never crossed my mind. I really didn’t know that much about football,” Reese said. “I had never dreamed of this type of activity in my life.”

Reese’s skill as a talent evaluator was never more prominently on display than during the Super Bowl run of 2007 (XLII/2008). Reese drafted eight players during the 2007 NFL Draft. All eight made the team and played throughout the playoffs.

This year, who could have expected a slightly regarded second-year, undrafted free agent receiver from the University of Massachusetts (Victor Cruz) to explode and become one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive weapons?

Who would have guessed that an inexperienced young defensive end (Jason PierrePaul, first round, 2011) from a fledgling college program (South Florida) would become literally unblockable over the second half of this season?

All those who said Jerry Reese knew, step to the head of the class.

For all his success Reese defers personal Reese has quietly emerged as one of the NFL’s top GMs

accolades in favor of uplifting the team concept.

“It’s all about the team, that’s how we do things in New York,” Reese said. “Everybody is part of the team. From the members of the support staff all the way up to Tom Coughlin, we’re all a family.

“We all work hard and everybody’s job is important. We ask everybody to do their job as best they can, not extra, but the very best they can, then I think we’ll have a very good chance to win. It’s about our team, not my team.

“Most of the credit should go to our players, Coach Coughlin and our coaching staff,” Reese continued. “There have been a lot of peaks and valleys to our season this year and Tom kept everyone focused and we got momentum at the right time.”

From a late-round draft pick making the team and contributing, to an undrafted free agent or a key free agent signing, Reese explained how a simple personnel strategy has helped put the Giants in the Super Bowl again.

“It’s not science, but it’s not a crap shoot either. We focus on drafting the best player on the board, that’s first and foremost. We’ll make adjustments after the draft, but first we draft the best player. We strive to get more right than we get wrong, and of course, nobody bats a thousand,” Reese said.

“There’s a lot of thought that goes into every pick, even the late ones and the free agents.

Our scouts do a tremendous job for us. That’s how we come up with Ahmad Bradshaw [seventh-round pick, RB], Victor Cruz and Jacquian Williams [sixth-round pick, LB]…”

How the Giants execute this Sunday is anybody’s guess, but Coughlin will have them ready to play. One thing for certain – GM Jerry Reese has given him the type of quality players that can help them achieve their ultimate goal, winning another Super Bowl.

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h.s.zone L.J. Rose finds smooth sailing at Westbury Christian

said. “He’s fun to coach and fun to be around. Every year he’s added to his game and gotten better. The best thing about it is that he’s on our side now.” ynden Rose saw a Carr says the 2012 Westbury potential problem on the Christian team has a good senior group horizon and decided it with great leadership. “With so many was time for a change. new faces on the team, chemistry could His teenage son have been an issue and it hasn’t,” he L.J. Rose had already “L.J. has been a big part of that. developed into one of the nation’s He’s great with his peers and the top high school basketball recruits at people around him,” Carr said.

Houston’s Second Baptist High School.

Fitting in is nothing new for L.J. The problem was that the younger Rose Rose. was already receiving In May of 2009, the “superstar treatment” he was one of only and he hadn’t yet gradufive freshmen in the ated high school. country invited to Rose felt the situatry out for the USA tion called for immediate Basketball under-16 action. national team. Work“They were very ing out at the Olympic good to us at Second Training Center in Baptist and we’ll always Colorado Springs, be grateful,” said Rose, Colo., Rose became a Houston attorney. “Yet the youngest player L.J.’s mother [Marilyn] and lone Texan to and I thought it would make the squad. be best for him to finish Rose was just his high school career at coming off his fresha school where he could Basketball standout L.J. Rose (center) with dad Lynden and mom Marilyn. man season at Second just be one of the guys.

Baptist. “When we found out who Maybe a place where he could fit in made the team, we celebrated,” and not be catered to. We thought that Rose said. “The next morning we would be best for him in the long run.” Color: Red had our hardest practice yet. As a Oddly enough, the answer turned Book:“Last Shot” team we got closer and stronger.” out to be on the campus of Second Food: Cheeseburger L.J. and his USA teamBaptist’s longtime rival Westbury Subject: Math mates traveled to the 2009 FIBA Christian.

Possible college major: Americas U16 Championship “It was a little tough at first in Mendoza, Argentina. Four Political science or accounting transferring to your rival school,” runaway victories preceded a said L.J. Rose. “I had been at Second College minor: championship game against host Baptist for 14 years, but the transition Sports broadcasting Argentina in a hostile environhas been better than I expected. It’s Chill activity: Sleep ment. worked out real well.”

“As a parent, you have Rose is averaging 17 points, 10 to develop restraint watching assists and 7.5 rebounds per game teammates with similar ball-handling your kid playing in those situations this season. A national scouting service skills like Darin Minniefield (son of when the refs are making bad calls describes Rose as a 6-foot-4 pass former Houston Rockets guard Dirk and fans are throwing stuff on the first point guard who can score when Minniefield) and Julius Mitchell. court,” said the elder Rose, who was needed.

“They can take over when I need a co-captain on the great Phi Slama He was named MVP after leading a rest and we don’t lose a thing,” L.J. Jama University of Houston basketWestbury Christian to the title in the Rose said. ball teams in the early 1980s.

28th annual Bass Pro Tournament of Westbury Christian head boys basL.J.’s USA team eventually Champions. Washington Wizards guard ketball coach Russell Carr has known prevailed and he returned safely to John Wall won the same title three Houston with a gold medal. years ago before going to the University L.J. since he was in the eighth grade.

“He’s a phenomenal, hardHopefully, a few more gold of Kentucky. working kid with a great spirit,” Carr medals will follow.

A recent 81-48 victory over Pope

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

L

John XXIII improved Westbury Christian to 21-2 on the season. Among the victories is a 20-point blowout of Class 4A powerhouse Houston Yates.

“The season has been a lot of fun so far,” said L.J. Rose, who has already committed to Baylor University.

“We’ve played against some top teams and we’ve traveled to Hawaii, Missouri, Dallas and Louisiana. We’re working real hard to be the best we can.”

Rose, 18, isn’t the center of attention at Westbury Christian. He has

L.J. Rose’s Favorites

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 | 2012 DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Darling Dash coming up; benefits foundation The Darling Dash 5K and 1K races are set for 8 a.m. on Feb. 26 at the Sweet Water Country Club in Sugar Land. Devard Darling, a Fort Bend Austin High School graduate, who had a short stint with the Houston Texans last year, is bringing the 5K family fun run/walk to the Houston area. The event will raise funds for the As One Foundation, which Darling started in honor of his twin, Devaughn, to help youths realize their potential through athletics, education and spiritual enrichment. Devaughn died during spring football practice at Florida State, where both brothers played, in 2001. Discounted rates are available through Feb. 15 by registering online at asonefoundation.org/the-darling-dash. The fee is $25 for adults ($30 after Feb. 15) and $10 for children 12-and-under ($15 after Feb. 15). Donors, sponsors and volunteers can sign up online or by contacting Tomia Austin at tomia@ asonefoundation.org or by calling 832-308-9984.

John Hartfield loses battle with cancer Longtime Houston area track coach John Hartfield passed away recently after losing his battle with cancer. He was 67. Hartfield’s coaching ledger included stops at both Forest Brook and Booker T. Washington high schools.

He guided both schools to multiple district titles. A native of Denver, Hartfield was a two-time state high jump champion. He signed with Texas Southern University and became the first jumper in Texas to clear seven feet in an indoor meet and the first to clear the same height at the prestigious Texas Relays. Hartfield won three Southwestern Athletic Conference title and two NAIA championships. Hartfield went to the 1968 U.S. Olympic trials and narrowly missed making the team in the high jump, finishing fourth.

TSU Lady Tigers’ softball players acknowledged Five Texas Southern Lady Tigers – all from Texas – were named to the College Sports Madness.com Preseason All-Conference softball team. Pitcher Rebecca Villarreal (junior, Houston), infielder Yesenia Torres (senior, Edinburg), infielder Jessica Haynes (junior, Houston) and outfielder Monica Castillo (sophomore, Leander) were selected first team. Infielder Fitima Alvizo (sophomore, Sugar Land) was named to the second team. Torres was also honored as Field Player of the Year by the online sports publication. The Lady Tigers kick off the 2012 season on Feb. 11 against Huston-Tillotson in Austin.

UH QB Keenum competes in national challenge Cougar record-setting QB Case Keenum is scheduled to compete in the 14th annual All-Star Football Challenge, a competition featuring college football’s brightest stars.

The program is scheduled to air Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will have encore airings at 4:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 on ESPN. The AllStar Football Challenge is annually hosted in the Super Bowl city. Individual events in the challenge include: FRS Healthy Performance QB Scramble, U.S. Marines Obstacle Course, Wide Receiver Hands Competition and the Lineman Challenge. Keenum leaves Houston as the NCAA all-time leader in total offense, passing yards, touchdowns and completions. Keenum also holds the distinction of being the only quarterback in Division I FBS history to throw for more than 5,000 yards in three seasons.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 | 2012

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For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

HOUSTON’S BEST KEPT SECRET......The Power Center, Smith, Yolanda Smith, Gwen Jackson, Margarite Williams located on the corner of South Main and South Post Oak, and Dr. Joanie Hare, to name a few. Kudos to designers recently hosted an open house and appreciation reception Thomasine Johnson and Donna Page and chef Joseph to showcase the newly renovated facility, offering elegance, Hopkins. Fabulous facility!.....A FUN-FILLED SUNDAY excellence, and exquisite service for AFTERNOON.......The Galena Park Metroplex Chapter of National Women of any event you can dream of. Whether Join Yvette Chargois Achievement, Inc. held their Fifth Biennial you want an intimate affair for 10 or an extravagant reception for 1200, Parade of Salads and Hat Fashions at the Events of the Week their standard for high-quality service Oakton Place. The heart of their work is More photos on defendernetwork.com is unparalleled. Delectable signature service to the elderly, women and young See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads dishes, live entertainment and stunning people to include scholarships to deserving with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. theme rooms were all on display as folks college-bound students and much more. visited each area. Executive director Regional director Shirley Bell along with Deborah Anderson was spotted greeting guests who included chapter president Jean Fowler were all smiles at the success Kathy Taylor, Bridgett Joe, Kamren Cohen, Jewel Smith, of the event. The salads were delicious and the parade of hats Jamie Wilkes, Melissa Wilson, Sandra Kilgore, Vernitta were all fabulous. Attendees included Gladys Wyatt, Carol Gatlin, Edith Jones, Vivian Holland, Chris Pierre, Marva Harris, Brian Jackson, Laura Collins, Tina Foster, Rene Hightire, Keith Bynam, Tandelyn Weaver, Jacquelyn Moore, Lena Spivey, Audra Gladney, Gloria Whitfield,

Minnie Golden and Mary Nicholas. Continued success!.....

MARK YOUR CALENDAR......Friends of MHMRA of Harris County invites you to their 8th Annual Mardi Gras Gala being held at Bayou City Event Center, located at 9401 Knight Road on Feb. 8, 2012 from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

The organization was created to enhance and expand the services and support for Harris County residents with severe mental illnesses. To reserve your ticket call Marshenell Sells at 713-970-7398......The Eastern Vessels: Sandra Organ Dance Company presents its 14th Annual Black History Month concert at Barnevelder Movement Arts Complex on Feb. 17-19 and 24-26. This year’s production, “Mothers of the Movement: Matriarchs and Heroines of Black History,” focuses on the Civil Rights Movement and showcases contemporary dances about Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks. To purchase your ticket contact Arneita McKinney at 713-873-1967........From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Designers Donna Page and Thomasine Johnson

Tandelyn Weaver, Jacquetta Smith, Yolanda Smith and Dr. Joanie Hare

Michael Pearson, Erania Ellis and Alan Watkins

Exec. Dir. Deborah Anderson and Exec. Chef Joseph Hopkins

Gladys Wyatt, Carol Gatlin and Edith Jones

Vivian Holland, Chris Pierre, Marva Moore and Lena Spivey

Rene Hightire and Keith Bynam

Chapter President Jean Fowler and Regional Director Shirley Bell

Audra Gladney, Gloria Whitfield, Minnie Golden and Mary Nicholas

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