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Volume 81 | Number 19 WEEK OF MARCH 8, 2012 | FREE
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Voting = Power
National Urban League State of Black America Report H Page 6
NEWSTALK
Rodney Ellis discusses redistricting
P8 WHAT’S UP OPINION
BOBBI KRISTINA BROWN talks to Oprah
P5 SPORTS
DeANDRE JORDAN Houstonian emerges as NBA star
Houston declared unsafe for women Local activists have declared a state of emergency in Houston, citing the city as unsafe for women. The declaration is due to more than 6,000 untested rape kits in the possession of the Houston Police Department and a series of sexual assaults near Metro bus stops. Since January, four women have been assaulted while using bus services. H Page
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P10
LL Cool J
scores big on TV Rapper-turned-actor LL Cool J is one movie star who made a successful transition to television. He portrays an agent and former Navy SEAL on the hit “NCIS Los Angeles.” Other stars are finding similar success on TV, such as Taraji P. Henson, who plays a detective on “Person of Interest.” Meanwhile, Don Cheadle stars in “House of Lies.” H Page 5
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 8 | 2012
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Defender/ Facebook Dialogue Why did Roland get suspended but Rush gets to stay? www.facebook.com/ defendernetwork.
Book TALK Ensnared by a deep-rooted bitterness challenging her faith day by day, Candace Johnson is determined to seek justice after her best friend’s murder. In her debut novel “When Rain Falls,” Christian fiction author Tyora Moody weaves a captivating tale of suspense and mystery without dismantling the all-important Christian based elements.
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Prison for sleeping in the bed with your child? Find out why one prosecutor thinks it’s a good idea. At www. defendernetwork. com.
Roland Martin
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Like us on Facebook It’s Women’s History Month. Find out some facts about Black women you might not know on www.facebook.com/defendernetwork. Condoleezza Rice
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WEEK OF MARCH 8 | 2012 | DEFENDER
Activists declare
Houston unsafe for women
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By ASWAD WALKER Defender
n response to the Houston Police Department’s 6,000-plus untested rape kits and multiple crimes recently perpetrated against females, members of the Millions More Movement Ministry of Justice have declared a state of emergency in Houston, citing the city as unsafe for women. “I don’t see Houston as a city that places the value that should be placed on the protection of women,” said community activist Deric Muhammad. “It seems as if every single evening I am seeing a news report about a female being sexually assaulted, abducted, stripped naked, raped and/ or killed.” He also expressed concern over women who have been victimized at bus stops. “Over the past two months, four women have been raped while using Metro bus services,” he said. “And it is estimated that around four sexual assaults take place in this city every day and only about 42 percent result in arrests.” Muhammad pointed to the reported 6,663 untested rape kits in possession of HPD as evidence of a lack of concern for women’s safety. “This kind of apathetic leadership toward the issue of rape emboldens the rapists. They know there is a good chance that they will not be brought to justice here. Houston is on its way to becoming a rapist’s paradise and a victim’s worst nightmare,” added Muhammad. Attorney Sadiyah Evangelista concurred with Muhammad’s assessment.
newstalk
“There are thousands of women who chose to seek justice for rape, reported the rape and sought medical attention. A rape kit was compiled so that evidence could be preserved and tested against DNA of possible perpetrators. “However, these kits sit in a property room as the violator continues to walk the street seeking their next victim,” Evangelista said. “This does not protect the sanctity and safety of the women the City of Houston and HPD purports to represent.” Muhammad hopes the declared state of emergency will wake up city officials and residents alike to take action. “We must face the reality that proactive measures must be taken to protect our women and girls. We cannot depend on the police departments to do it,” said Muhammad who issued a call during a recent press conference for “strong, responsible and God-fearing men” to be on the look-out for those who would seek to harm women. He added that their safety must be a priority. “Lack of resources is not a humane excuse for 6,663 untested rape kits sitting at HPD. It is simply uncivilized, inhumane and outright negligent. Reprioritization dictates that they find the money to properly deal with these rape cases. We find money to do other things that are of less consequence,” he said. Evangelista advocates empowering women with information while putting perpetrators on notice. “We want to be able to educate the public and specifically our women and girls on how to be vigilant in their daily lives to protect themselves from
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Deric Muhammad
See safety tips for women at www.defendernetwork.com
becoming a victim of rape and/or assault crimes. We are sending a message to those who rape and to those who would even think about victimizing our women to think twice,” Evangelista said. Evangelista also wants the city to set aside funds specifically for rape kit testing. During a recent press conference Muhammad provided tips on how to better protect women from crime. He also urged citizens to contact the mayor’s office to demand the rape kits be tested, and for women to recognize serious crimes don’t just happen to other people. “Our women must know that this is something that could happen to them. The more we are educated about the nature of the crime of rape and informed about protective measures, the harder we make it for the rapists to function in our midst,” he said.
localbriefs HOUSTON’S METROPOLITAN AREA IS THE MOST ETHNICALLY DIVERSE in the country. The finding comes from a report compiled by Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research and the Hobby Center for the Study of Texas. The report is based on an analysis of U.S. Census data from 1990, 2000 and 2010. It also found that the city of Houston is more segregated than other areas of the region, and that Pearland and Missouri City have surpassed Houston as the most diverse area……... TWO FORMER TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY basketball players – one male and one female – have been charged with theft after the home of TSU men’s basketball
coach Tony Harvey was robbed. Warrants were issued for the arrests of 23-year-old Whitworth Treasure and 22-year-old Jasmine Payne. They allegedly stole more than $534,000 worth of goods from Harvey’s home and tried to sell $90,000 worth of jewelry to a jewelry store…….. A NEW HEALTH FACILITY is serving Southeast Houston residents. The El Centro de Corazón medical clinic recently opened in MHMRA of Harris County’s Southeast Mental Health Outpatient Clinic at Long Drive and 610. The two clinics in one location will give patients access to primary health services in addition to mental health care. People with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
or depression die approximately 30 years earlier than the general population, yet health care is out of reach for many of them……..HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS CAN APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS awarded by the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to minority students planning to enroll in four-year educational institutions. The deadline to apply is March 26. Winners will be announced at the Chamber’s 36th annual Educational Achievement Awards Luncheon on April 26 at 11 a.m. at the Power Center. For information or an application, visit www.hccoc.org or http://www.tfaforms. com/234837.
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national
Blacks families overrepresented
among homeless
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other hand, were 40.7% of the general population but 11.9% of the shelter new study population. reveals In New York City that in and St. Louis, twice as 2010, one many Black families out of were found in shelters every 141 Black fam(55.9% and 95%, respecily members stayed in a tively) compared to their homeless shelter, a rate share of the general city seven times higher than population (25.2% versus members of white families. 49.5%). The report, titled “In“Prejudice and actergenerational Disparities cess barriers experienced Experienced by Homeby Black Americans lead less Black Families,” was to higher rates of povreleased by the Institute Blacks in the U.S. are much more likely to experience homelessness. erty and unemployment, for Children, Poverty, and lower educational atHomelessness (ICPH). make up 12.1% of the U.S. family tainment, and ultimately homeless“The unfortunate fact is that population, but represented 38.8% ness,” said ICPH Principal Policy Black families in the United States of sheltered persons in families in Analyst Matthew Adams. are much more likely to experience 2010. “This report highlights how poverty than their white counterIn comparison, 65.8% of from coast to coast, these enparts, and are overwhelmingly persons in families in the general trenched problems lead Black represented in homeless shelters population are white, while white families to be overrepresented in throughout the country,” said family members only occupied homeless shelters across the counICPH president and CEO Ralph 28.6% of family shelter beds in try,” Adams said. da Costa Nunez. “This report 2010. ICPH is an independent nonraises the question of how family The stark overrepresentation profit research organization based homelessness has moved beyond of Black families in homeless in New York City. simply a poverty issue and become shelters was seen throughout the It studies the impact of a racial one.” country. poverty on family and child wellIn 2010, 23.3% of Black In Houston, Blacks were being and generates research that families lived in poverty, three 18.4% of the general population will enhance public policies and times the rate of white families but an alarming 67.7% of the programs. (7.1%). Black persons in families shelter population. Whites, on the Defender News Services
Churches work to register 1 million voters by Easter Defender News Services
A coalition of AfricanAmerican clergy announced the launch of a new faith-based voting initiative titled the Empowerment Movement. One of its goals is to register 1million voters on April 8 – Easter Sunday – by challenging every Black church in the U.S. to register 20 people on that day. The group said there are an estimated 500,000 Black
churches in America, and more than 5 million unregistered voters within those churches. Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor of the Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, is president of the organization. The Empowerment Movement plans to use Christian principles to help strengthen the Black community in the areas of politics, education and economics. The group formed after representatives of various
Black Christian organizations held a closed door summit to strategize on a collective effort for preparing for the November elections. Supporters include the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the AME Zion Church, the Church of God in Christ, Church of God, Bible Way Churches, Gospel Music Workshop of America, the NAACP and members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
U.S.briefs NEW JERSEY CONGRESSMAN DONALD PAYNE DIED March 6 after a brief battle with colon cancer. He was 77. Payne, a native of Newark, became the state’s first African American elected to Congress in 1988. A Democrat, he was serving his 12th term. Payne served as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and was past chairman of the CBC. He served as a member of the Democratic Whip Organization and the House Democratic Leadership Advisory Group. Throughout his tenure in Congress, he was a leading advocate of education and working families. Payne was also a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where he served as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights. A widower, he is survived by three children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild…….. BP WILL PAY $7.8 BILLION to settle class-action lawsuits brought against it by Gulf Coast residents and businesses in the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. The company said it had already paid out more than $8 billion to claimants, and had spent some $14 billion in responding to the spill. The disaster caused more than 200 million gallons of oil to spew into the Gulf of Mexico, wreaking havoc on local communities. The compensation includes $2.3 billion for the seafood industry……..AFRICANS WERE THE FIRST AMERICANS says author and academic Dr. David Imhotep. His book, “The First Americans Were Africans,” contradicts what has traditionally been taught from grade school textbooks. Imhotep, who has a Ph.D. with a specialization in ancient African history, says that Africans arrived 51,000 years prior to the Mongolians. “Africans not only came before Columbus, but were in the Americas long before any other group, at least 56,000 years ago,” he says. Imhotep’s book contains more than 700 footnotes and provides insight into historic remnants of architecture, writings and artifacts.
VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 19 WEEK OF MARCH 8, 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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WEEK OF MARCH 8 | 2012 | DEFENDER
entertainment
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Movie stars score big in
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Defender News Services
ach new television season, some of Hollywood’s biggest names make the transition to the small screen. Most recently, they have included Laurence Fishburne in “CSI,” Alfre Woodard in “Memphis Beat,” Jada Pinkett Smith in “HawthoRNe” and Terrence Howard in “Law and Order: Los Angeles.” Though those stars are no longer in prime time, others can still be seen each week.
LL Cool J, ‘NCIS Los Angeles,’ CBS
Rapper-turned-actor LL Cool J has found new success as Sam Hannah, a former Navy SEAL working as a senior agent in the hit “NCIS Los Angeles.” He has appeared in more than 30 films, including “S.W.A.T.,” “Any Given Sunday,” “Deliver us from Eva” and “Kingdom Come.” LL is a two-time Grammy Award winner and NAACP Image Award winner. He portrayed a former pro football player in the 1990s sitcom “In the House.” He admits his current TV character is a mystery and he doesn’t mind. “I kind of enjoy the fact that we don’t know a lot about Sam,” he told the Daily Actor. “For me, it’s just bringing this role to life. I get to play a former Navy SEAL, have fun, you know, busting my guns, jump over cars, explode, blow stuff up. So, I’m good with that.”
Taraji P. Henson, ‘Person of Interest,’ CBS
Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson co-stars as Detective Carter in the new hit “Person of Interest,” a show about a former CIA agent who teams with a mysterious billionaire to prevent crimes.
Henson earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her performance in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” opposite Brad Pitt. Her other film credits include “Karate Kid,” “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” “Talk to Me” and “Hustle & Flow.” Henson is no stranger to TV and was a regular on “Boston Legal.” She knows the value of an acting job. “Every actor – I don’t care how long they’ve been in the business – worries,” Henson told the Huffington Post. “That fear of ‘When is the phone going to stop ringing?’ But I don’t suspect it will ever stop ringing. I’m going to be like Betty White. I’m going to work for as long as I want to.”
Don Cheadle, ‘House of Lies,’ Showtime
Acclaimed actor Don Cheadle stars as unscrupulous management consultant Marty Kaan in the Showtime hit “House of Lies.” Cheadle received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in “Rwanda” and was named Best Supporting Actor by the Los Angeles Film Critics for “Devil in a Blue Dress.” He has appeared in such box office hits as “Iron Man 2,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Ocean’s Twelve,” “Ocean’s Thirteen” and “Traffic.” Cheadle played a district attorney on the series “Picket Fences.” During an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Cheadle was asked if he thought he was done with TV once his film career took off. “Throughout my career – I’ve only started using that word recently – there’s been very few of us actors who just have it made and know what they’re going to be doing for the next five years,” he said. “For 99.9 percent of us, every time you’re done with a job you think, ‘I hope I work again.’ ”
Right, Taraji P. Henson is a detective in “Person of Interest.”
Top, LL Cool J stars in “NCIS Los Angeles” with (from left) Eric Christian Olsen, Daniela Ruah and Chris O’Donnell.
Don Cheadle portrays a consultant in “House of Lies.”
what’sup GLADYS KNIGHT is the oldest contestant on Season 14 of “Dancing with the Stars.” Knight, who is 67, will show viewers her dance moves when the program premieres March 19 on ABC. An eight-time Grammy winner, Knight has recorded more than 38 albums over the years. This spring, she will release her newest album featuring the single “I Who Have Nothing.” Most recently, she appeared in the Tyler Perry film “I Can Do Bad All by Myself.” Other celebrities vying for the “Dancing with the Stars” mirror ball trophy include: SHERRI SHEPHERD, actress, comedienne and co-host of “The View;” JALEEL WHITE, actor and screenwriter best known for his character Steve Urkel on “Family Matters,” and DONALD DRIVER, Super Bowl champion and
the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading receiver…….. CUBA GOODING JR. will star in a Fox legal drama pilot, “Guilty.” The Oscar-winning actor will portray a defense lawyer unjustly convicted of fraud and stripped of his license……..WILL SMITH & JADA PICKETT SMITH will work behind the scenes through their production company, Overbrook Entertainment. ABC bought the rights to their untitled sitcom starring popular Latin singer ROMEO SANTOS. The show will center around a young man from New York trying to please his immigrant father while dealing with life in America........ OPRAPH WINFREY’S anticipated interview with 19-year-old BOBBI KRISTINA BROWN is scheduled to air March 11 on the OWN network. The late
WHITNEY HOUSTON’S only child said she granted the interview because she trusts Oprah. Houston’s brother Gary and sister-in-law/manager Patricia also talk to Oprah on camera.…….. BEYONCÉ is winning praise from breastfeeding advocates after the new mother was spotted nursing her infant daughter Blue Ivy while dining at a New York City restaurant with husband Jay-Z. Advocates say role models are needed to help young women see the benefits of breastfeeding. “Beyoncé appears as a beautiful, loving new mother,” said Dr. Ruth Lawrence, professor of pediatrics and obstetricsgynecology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. “She has dressed to carry and feed her baby when needed. She makes a model image.”
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Voting =
National Urban League Stat Figure 1: 2012 Equality Index 100%
Figure 1: 2012 Equality Index 100%
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Figure 2: Change in Equality Index, 2011-2012 120% 100% 80% Figure 2: Change in Equality Index, 2011-2012 60% 120% 40% 100% 20% 80%
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For the eighth year, the organization has used an equality index to help determine the status of minorities. The 2012 index shows that equality remains an issue. “This year the Black index is 71.5 percent,” said Dr. Valerie Rawlston Wilson, vice president of research at the Urban League. “If you think about equality as a pie, the fact that the index for Black America is 71 percent means that African Americans are missing almost 30 percent of that pie compared
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n its 2012 State of Black America report, the National Urban League cites some good news, such as steadily declining unemployment numbers and passage of an extension of the payroll tax cut and jobless benefits. The bad news is that the economic recovery still lags in urban America. Marc H. Morial, Urban League president and CEO, said that exercising the right to vote is crucial to helping solve the problems plaguing African Americans. “Our purpose is to say to people that we must vote, we must turn out, we must participate if we want the kind of employment and education policies that we believe in to become a reality in this nation,” Morial said. In conjunction with the report’s release, the Urban League is launching a yearlong campaign titled “Occupy the Vote to Educate, Employ & Empower.” “We’ve chosen the theme ‘Occupy the Vote’ because this is an election year, and a year where 30-something states have introduced or passed restrictive new voting laws,” Morial said. The State of Black America report includes an equality index providing a statistical diagnosis of the status of Blacks, Hispanic and whites. It also features essays by political, business and community leaders offering prescriptions for the
employment and education crisis facing the nation. In addition, the report incorporates an 8-point plan for education and workforce development. Morial said that in order for the report’s recommendations to become actualized, “It’s important to impress on our constituents the need to vote and participate in the democratic process.” He added that the threat to voting rights is serious. “There is an organized, orchestrated, very intentional effort underway by forces in this country to make it more difficult for people to vote,” Morial said.
To ta l
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By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
To ta l
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The National Urban League equa tus of Blacks and Hispanics in th An index of 100 means Blacks an as well. An index less than 100 m than Blacks. An index greater tha ing better than whites. The who ity or an index of 100. The Black they are less than 100, represent between each of these groups an whole pie, Blacks only have 71.5% 76.1% of a pie.
8-point plan to educate, employ & empower The State of Black America incorporates the National Urban League’s 8-point plan for education and workforce development.
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Fair and equitable school funding for all Federal and state funding must adequately support high-quality traditional and charter schools, allowing for effective intervention strategies and innovation in the classroom.
Marc Morial
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Robust early childhood education for each child Early interventions for the youngest learners will help to promote and
ensure the economic health of future leaders. Strengthen high schools and re-engage students to prevent dropouts High school graduation and collegecompletion rates of students of color must be raised to the level of white students by 2020 to add $310 billion to the U.S. economy.
of the classroom connecting them to STEM careers.
pre-apprenticeship programs.
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Robust STEM-focused curriculum and programs Classrooms must adopt a STEM curriculum aligned with college and career-ready standards. Students must be exposed to hands-on learning outside
Qualified, effective and diverse teachers The important role of teachers must be redefined by addressing the quality of the profession as well as the effectiveness of existing and future teachers.
Strategic workforce development: targeting Americans most in need Requirements include public/private investments and partnerships, direct federal funding to national communitybased organizations and access to
New job training models coupled with job placement Training programs must provide skills that match the needs of employers and provide placement assistance to successfully trained job-seekers.
Improving and integrating current data systems An effective youth-to-adulthood education, job training and job placement structure requires the collection of data that is necessary for efficient resource allocation.
defendernetwork.com • Serving th
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te of Black America report 71.5%
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ality index measures the stahe U.S. relative to whites. nd whites are doing equally means whites are doing better an 100 means Blacks are doole pie represents total equaland Hispanic pies, because t the degree of inequality nd whites. If whites have a % of a pie and Hispanics have
to their white counterparts for whom there would be a whole pie. “There is very little change compared to last year’s index, which was 71.4 percent,” Wilson said. For Latinos, there was decline from 76.7% in 2011 to 76.1% in 2012, which means that Latinos are missing nearly onefourth of the pie. Morial said joblessness continues to be a concern for minorities as well. “While overall unemployment has fallen to 8.3 percent, the January unemployment rate for African Americans is still unacceptably high at 13.6 percent,” he said. “The rate for Hispanics, also at doubledigits, now stands at 10.7 percent. Clearly, more must be done to ensure that our economy’s rising tide lifts all boats. “That is why we are issuing a call for immediate national action around the education and job-training steps necessary to bring jobs back to communities most in need,” Morial said. “Any serious discussion of job creation and economic opportunity must offer solutions for the obvious shortcomings of our current national approach to education, from early childhood education to adulthood and beyond. “A broken national system of education and job training will continue to yield a broken economy,” he said.
Losing ground
The report’s equality index documented reduced minority voter registration and voter participation in the 2010 mid-term elections. “This lost ground in civic engagement offset modest gains in education and health,” stated the report. Other “obstructions” remain for minorities. For Black America, despite an education index of nearly 80%, the economic index hovers around 56%. For Hispanic America, the education index is about 76% while the economic index is only 61%. Based on such outcomes and the high cost of a college education, the report features a special section that asks the question, “Should I Go to College?” The other side of the education equation – employment and entrepreneurship – is explored in three report essays. The authors discuss technical education, investments in entrepreneurship and efforts to sustain more Black-owned businesses. In the State of Black America, the Urban League notes that the widening wealth gap and system of privilege that benefits the richest 1% of Americans at the expense of the other 99% made headlines with the Occupy Wall Street movement. “Yet, more than the economy, more than jobs, more than an excellent education for all children, the single issue that arguably stands to have the greatest impact on the future of Black America in 2012 is the vote.”
Houston Area Urban League continues fight for rights Since 1968, the Houston Area Urban League has undertaken a mission to assist local residents in securing economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. The agency has served thousands of clients through its education, housing and workforce development programs. Judson W. Robinson III, HAUL’S president and CEO, said the organization is also committed to the voting rights campaign launched by the National Urban League. Robinson, a former Houston City Councilmember, said current threats to voting rights must be stopped. “We will not quietly accept the baseless
he Houston area for over 80 years
need for voter ID laws,” he said. “Voter ID is a smoke screen of unproven voter fraud claims intended to marginalize some voters and lose close elections communities of color might otherwise win. “We will hit the airwaves and the streets to inform, educate and register folks to make their voices heard at the ballot box,” he said. “We will work with the National Urban League on online get-out-the-vote and petition projects against voter suppression.” Robinson added that agencies such as the Urban League have a big job to do. “Programs that help the poor and those on the verge of becoming poor make up less
than 15 percent of the U.S. budget and have taken a hit the last couple years,” he said. “If we don’t fight to save these programs it will only exacerbate the problems – more homeless, more unemployed, foreclosures, more gangs and dropouts at a time when our communities are already suffering. “The most vulnerable citizens should not bear the brunt of the cuts,” Robinson said. “We should share the burden, rich and poor alike. Now is the time to ‘Occupy the Vote to Educate, Employ and Empower’ for the future of our community.” – MARILYN MARSHALL
Judson W. Robinson III
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 8 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com
Interim maps get mixed reviews by Aswad Walker Defender
The new maps for the state’s congressional districts and state House released by federal judges in San Antonio have elicited mixed reviews from Black lawmakers. Rejecting demands by some plaintiffs to draw drastically different interim maps, the San Antonio court only modified the legislatively enacted plan in response to alleged Voting Rights Act violations while leaving nearly all other districts identical to those drawn by the Legislature. The court’s ruling occurred in time for the state to hold its delayed political primaries on May 29, barring any appeals and requests for a stay. Some wonder if such a late primary will affect the Black vote. “My concern is that an odd date that has been in flux for so long will decrease turnout in our minority communities,” said State Sen. Rodney Ellis. “With so many races turning on such a small margin, even slightly decreased turnout could absolutely impact the results.” State Rep. Sylvester Turner has other concerns. “The lateness of the primary will make all of these races more costly and it will be difficult to capture and maintain people’s interest when their kids are graduating
from high school and college and preparing for the summer,” said Turner. Across the state of Texas, two new congressional districts were created in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area which could possibly elect minority candidates. Turner said on the congressional map, Houston’s 18th District had historical communities of interest restored including portions of South Park, while the 9th District also had areas reconnected including the Medical Center and Sunnyside. “The maps should have gone much further in reflecting the astounding minority population growth that Texas has experienced,” said Ellis. “In the last decade, 89 percent of both Texas’ and Harris County population growth has been due to minority growth, yet the interim maps fail to fully account for this growth, and in state legislative races we gained no new seats in House and Senate. “Texas is now 54.1 percent minority – and growing – yet only one-third of Texas legislative seats are minority opportunity districts. The math doesn’t add up.” “This map is an interim map good for the 2012 elections,” said Rep. Garnet Coleman who is hopeful that once the permanent redistricting maps are drawn up, additional Black and Latino districts will be created.
Jones High School wins Black history bowl Students from Jones High School recently defeated their peers at Yates High School in the Harambee Black History Knowledge Bowl sponsored by S.H.A.P.E. Community Center and the New Black Panther Party. The, which tests teams on their knowledge of African and African-American history, returned after a 10-year hiatus. It was held at S.H.A.P.E., and executive director Deloyd Parker (above, far right) presented laptops to members of the winning team. Representatives from grassroots organizations served as competition judges.
For more than 135 years, CenterPoint Energy has served communities throughout the Houston area by building relationships between our employees and our customers. As a public utility, we touch the lives of our customers each and every day by delivering safe, reliable electricity and natural gas. But, that’s not all we do. Through our education and community outreach efforts, we work to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.
EVERY DAY BECAUSE YOU ARE AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING WE DO
Strengthening our neighborhoods Community involvement is at the core of our corporate culture and is exemplified by our employees and retirees who are committed volunteers in our service areas. Volunteering has long been central to CenterPoint Energy’s culture. We work to enhance the quality of life in our communities by reaching out as a caring neighbor to support education, community development and health and human services. Each year our employees, family members and retirees provide tens of thousands of hours in our schools – making them better places to learn, and in our neighborhoods – making them safer places to live. Investing in education In addition to volunteer activities, we promote specific company-sponsored activities, including natural gas and electric safety education programs designed to keep students safe and to inspire them to learn. Education opens doors and provides young people options, and our employees are eager to share their personal experiences with students. Encouraging employees to make a difference CenterPoint Energy is a company of people who care about our businesses, our customers and our communities, and we understand that we can’t be successful if our communities are not healthy and strong. Our goal is to make a difference every day by helping to make our communities better places to live, to work and to conduct business. For more information, log on to CenterPointEnergy.com/community. 2011 Volunteer Participation 2011 total volunteer hours: Volunteer participation rate:
235,847 41.26%
Total value of volunteer hours:* $5,037,692 * Based on the Independent Sector’s $21.36 estimate of the value of a volunteer hour. For 2010, the national average for volunteering in America was 26.5 percent.
©2012 CenterPoint Energy 120545
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 8 | 2012
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Houston native & Clippers center
DeAndre Jordan emerging NBA star
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By MAX EDISON Defender
t’s not a bad life for Houston native DeAndre Jordan. In his third NBA season, the former Texas A&M standout is the starting center for the L.A. Clippers. The Clippers have the third best record in the Western Conference. Jordan is playing between dunker extraordinaire Blake Griffin and point guard deluxe Chris Paul. Right before the season he signed a new contract worth a reported $43 million for four years. Yep, it’s great being Jordan right about now. Jordan is currently averaging just less than eight points (7.8), nine rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. He has emerged as a solid defensive presence in the paint for the Clippers. Jordan and the Clippers were in town recently for a bout with the Rockets and for Jordan it was a chance to come home. “It’s always good to come back and play in front of my family, even though they watch me on TV every chance they get,” he said. “I have lots of friends and fans at the game, but I can’t let that be a distraction. I still got to come out and do my job. The most important thing is us getting a win here.” Jordan (6-feet-11, 265 pounds) was selected by the Clippers in the second round of the 2008 draft, the 35th pick overall. While the former Christian Life Academy (Humble) star was waiting to hear his name called by Commissioner David Stern, his hometown team was selecting twice. The Rockets selected Nicolas Batum with the 25th pick. Batum was traded to Portland and the Rockets acquired Donte Green, the 28th pick from Memphis. Green was later part of Kevin Martin deal.
The Rockets then selected undersized center/power forward Joey Dorsey with the 33rd pick. Dorsey is no longer in the league and Jordan has emerged as one of the top young big men in the NBA. Being passed over twice by his hometown team provides extra motivation for Jordan when he plays at Toyota Center. “It’s always extra motivation, like
a chip on my shoulder when I come here,” Jordan said. “It’s always something I think about in the back of my mind…especially in your hometown where they had a chance to see you play in high school and in college so they obviously know who you are. At the same time it was their decision and I’m very happy where I am.” At Texas A&M, Jordan played one season. He started 21 of 35 games averaging 7.9 points (61.7 from the field), six rebounds and 1.3 blocks. He was a member of the Big 12 All-Rookie team. Most thought Jordan needed one more year of collegiate seasoning, but he opted for the NBA, a decision that in hindsight has served him well. “When I came out I had a lot of doubters, but you can’t worry about that. You’ve got to look toward your future and stay positive and be optimistic,” Jordan said. “When I got to the Clippers I knew I had to work on my game and work on my body. We had great veteran leadership that taught me how to be a pro and I accepted it. I’m still working hard to get even better.” Even though he only played one year at A&M and the coaching staff has changed Jordan still keeps a watchful eye on the young Aggies. “I love the new coaching staff. It’s been a tough year, but we’re rebuilding. We got off to a rocky start, but we’ve got some great young players. I keep up with them a lot and hopefully we’ll be better next year.” Just like the Clippers, Jordan is continuing to evolve and believes his best basketball is yet to come. “We have a great young team. We’re growing together and making tremendous strides and hopefully we can make a big run when we get to the playoffs,” he said.
Houston’s DeAndre Jordan was selected by L.A.’s other basketball team in 2008.
MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY will be accepting Request for Proposal for the following: Fax Solution Services Specifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Department located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Houston, Texas 77074, telephone number (713) 970-7300, and/or via MHMRA website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Monday, March 12, 2012. The Request for Proposal (RFP) must be submitted to Purchasing Department, Suite 100, 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in a sealed envelope marked "RFP- DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 – “FAX SOLUTION SERVICES”. Any questions pertaining to this RFP should be addressed in writing to Joycie Sheba, Buyer II / Sharon Brauner, Buyer III via fax (713) 970-7682 or email questions to joycie.sheba@mhmraharris.org, cc: sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves the rights to reject any and/or all offers it deems to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.
Competitive Sealed Proposal Notice for A Roof Replacement at Foerster Elementary School Project Number: 12-02-05CS
Houston Independent School District The Houston Independent School District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for a Roof Replacement at Foerster Elementary School. The work includes but is not limited to the replacement of the existing roof, associated flashings and steel roof deck. Proposals are due no later than Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 2:00 PM at 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Houston, Texas 77092. The price proposals will be opened and the amounts read aloud. Foerster Elementary School is located at 14200 Fonmeadow, Houston, TX, 77035. The Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (RFCSP), which includes plans and specifications, will be available beginning Monday, March 5, 2012, and may be obtained from A&E The Graphics Complex, 4235 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77027 / Phone 713- 621-0022 / Fax 713-953-2515 upon refundable deposit of $150.00 for each set of plans and specifications. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from A&E on disk for a deposit of $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Any questions regarding bid documents are to be addressed to HERMES ARCHITECTS, INC., 1177 West Loop South, Suite 500, Houston, 77027, George Tracy or Jeff Powell, v.713-785-3644, f.713-953-2515, emails gtracy@hermesarchitects.com or jpowell@hermesarchitects.com. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process will be utilized as authorized in H.B. No. 628, Legislative Session 82 (R)-2011. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process enables HISD to select contractors on the basis of price and qualifications/methodology. M/WBE Forms, schedules and statements, as required by Section AB of the RFCSP and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance, will be received at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, March 29, 2012, at the Board Services Office, 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Houston, Texas 77092. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT M/WBE FORMS, PROPERLY COMPLETED, WILL BE CONSIDERED NOT RESPONSIVE. A pre-proposal conference will be held on 4:00 PM, Monday, March 19, 2012 at Foerster Elementary School 14200 Fonmeadow Drive, Houston, TX 77035. For additional information regarding this project, please contact Mr. Elvis Eaglin, at 713-556-9306, or eeaglin@houstonisd.org. Drawings and Specifications for the RFCSP may be reviewed at the Reed Construction Data Electronic Plan Room and the following Houston locations: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, (713) 843-3700 HISD Construction Services Office (Bond), 3200 Center, Houston, TX 77007, (713) 556-9250 McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, Texas 77098-4151, (832) 613-0201
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WEEK OF MARCH 8 | 2012 DEFENDER
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h.s.zone
sportsbriefs Dekaney girls’ basketball team falls in 5A final
Yates, Travis
advance to state tournament
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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
he boys’ Class 4A Region III championship game at the Merrell Center in Katy was an all-Houston Independent School District affair featuring top-ranked Yates versus upsetminded Jones. The boys’ Class 5A Region III title game at the Campbell Center was an allFort Bend ISD contest with state-ranked Travis facing underdog Hightower. It was a win-win situation for both school districts. Yates (32-5) shook off the lethargy of Kingwood Park’s slowdown efforts in the regional semifinals to race past Jones 113-83 and secure the school’s third state tournament berth in the past four years. Yates won state championships in 2009 and 2010. The Lions also won a consensus national prep title in 2010. Daymean Dotson scored a team-high 26 points, including a trio of three-pointers in the first two minutes of the game, that helped set the tone for the Lions’ dominance the remainder of the game. With the pace of the game played in the up-tempo manner that Yates prefers, the Lions led 32-15 at the end of the first quarter. “I think they were concentrating more on stopping Clyde [Santee] at the beginning of the game and left me open on the wing,” said Dotson, a senior forward. “They [Jones] were collapsing on Clyde and he was passing off to me and my shot was going in. The same thing happened in the Lamar Consolidated game.” Despite a huge scoring effort from Jones forward Broderick Harris, who finished with a game-high 35 points, the Falcons trailed 62-37 at halftime and the game’s outcome was all but decided. Yates’ halftime scoring output in the regional final nearly matched what the Lions produced in a 68-61 win over Kingwood Park in the regional semifinals. “I thought Jones would do some things to try and slow us
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Spring Dekaney came into the girls’ Class 5A state championship game having won 40 consecutive games after losing the season opener to North Shore. After only four seasons of varsity competition, Dekaney was poised to follow in the footsteps of the boys’ varsity football team that claimed the Class 5A Division II state title last December. Unfortunately for the Lady Wildcats (40-2) one of the state’s perennial powerhouses stood in the way. Duncanville (40-1) scored early and often to claim the school’s seventh state title in program history. Duncanville’s 69-31 victory over Dekaney at the Erwin Center was a rough ending to a dream season for the Lady Wildcats.
Beren Academy comes up second best at state
The Yates Lions are the 2012 Region III-4A boys’ basketball champs.
Aaron (left) and Andrew Harrison led Fort Bend Travis to its first state trip.
down, but they seemed to get caught up in the game and were just running up and down,” Dotson said. “That was fine with us. We just didn’t want that same feeling we had last year when we lost to La Marque.” Last season, Yates lost in the regional quarterfinals to the eventual regional champion (La Marque). Now the Lions will be returning to the Frank Erwin Center on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin to claim a third Class 4A title. Yates will play on the 3A level next season. “When Daymean made those first few shots, I pretty much knew the game was over,” said Yates head coach Greg Wise. “If we’re making the shots we normally make, then we’re going to be hard to beat.” Yates will face Denton Ryan on March 9 at 8:30 p.m. in one Class 4A state semifinal game. Dallas Kimball will take on Daymean Dotson scored 26 points for Yates.
San Antonio Alamo Heights in the other 4A semifinal. The winners play for the state title March 10 at 3:30 p.m. Fort Bend Travis (35-3) will be making its first trip to the state tournament after disposing of district rival Hightower 57-34. The Harrison twins, Aaron and Andrew, combined for 28 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists and three steals to lead the way. After three consecutive trips to the Region III-5A tournament, the Tigers advance to the state tournament where they will face Northside Warren (35-5) in a Class 5A state semifinal game March 9 at 3:30 p.m. Lewisville Marcus takes on Garland Naaman Forest in the other 5A state semifinal. The winners play for the state championship March 10 at 8:30 p.m. “This is definitely a nice step in the right direction,” said Travis coach Craig Brownson. “The first step was learning how to play together.” Travis advanced to the regional tournament in 2010 and lost a close game to Bellaire. Last year the Tigers lost to Hightower in the regional title game. This time Travis followed the lead of its talented twin tandem to the regional title. Hightower (28-8) was limited to 26 percent shooting from the field (11of-43) and was outrebounded 40-24. Danuel House, a University of Houston signee, led the Hurricanes with nine points. “Our core is to be a good defensive team,” Brownson said. “If we can contest shots and make it difficult for the other team, we’re going to be in any game with the guards that we have.”
Two days after the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) amended the schedule to work around the Sabbath, the Beren Academy came out on the short end of a 46-42 decision to Abilene Christian in the TAPPS Class 2A state championship game. With the score tied at halftime (19-19), senior guard Daniel Austin scored all 14 of his points in the second half to help the Panthers pull away. All-tournament selections Zach Yoshor and Isaac Mirwis scored 15 points apiece for Beren Academy.
Woodlands Christian earns fourth 3A title The Woodlands Christian boys’ basketball team won the TAPPS Class 3A state championship with a 39-31 victory over Fort Worth Calvary to claim the school’s second consecutive title and fourth since 2008. James Bento led the Warriors with 18 points.
Got to give Rick Smith credit for paying Foster Let’s give props to Texan GM Rick Smith for successfully rewarding Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster with a new contract. Foster was the team’s offense after injuries to all-world receiver Andre Johnson and QB Matt Schaub last season. Foster, an undrafted free agent, showed his true value in the playoffs. He scored three TDs and rushed for 285 yards on 51 carries against the Bengals and Ravens. For good measure he also had eight receptions for 51 yards. The Texans had other financial options that would have paid Foster less in the short term, but they stepped up to the plate and avoided a potentially ugly situation. The deal is reportedly worth $43.5 million and includes a hard guarantee of $20.75 million. Foster will make $18 million this season and $30 million in first three years of the deal.
PV Lady Panthers are SWAC bowling champions Congratulations go out to the Prairie View A&M bowling team which recently captured its first SWAC championship. The Lady Panthers defeated nationally-ranked Alabama A&M. It was the team’s third straight bid for a title. “This is an unbelievable gratification,” coach Glenn White said. “We’ve gone through so much on and off the lanes in those last two years with different teams and teammates. To finally have it all come to fruition is just a great experience, and having to win twice against a great team to do it. It just doesn’t get much better than that.”
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 8 | 2012
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TABLE TALK…..The University of Houston Friends of the University of Houston and was attended by 500 guests. Women Studies held their 15th Annual Table Talk luncheon Special thanks to luncheon co-chairs Sharon Owens and at the Hilton Americas Hotel. Table Talk is a fascinating Beverly Robinson. Great event!.....SPARKLES OF combination of conversations over lunch, led by 50 dynamic LIFE…..Gayla and Dr. Donald Gardner opened their women of various cultures, professions beautiful home and hosted an informal and experience at each table. This year, but elegant evening to introduce new Join Yvette Chargois Ms. Chag was honored by being one friends and supporters of couples who are Events of the Week of the conversationalists along with struggling to conceive. Sparkles of Life, More photos on defendernetwork.com Mayor Annise Parker, Crystal BrownInc. was founded by Rhonda Nwosu after See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Tatum, Pastor Suzette Caldwell, Judge experiencing the emotional roller coaster with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. and the weight of infertility, miscarriages Vanessa Gilmore, Dr. Valerae Lewis and delayed parenting. Today, she and and Misty White, to name a few. The her husband are the proud parents of fourconversations are informal and each year-old twins. The organization gives a voice to women and conversationalist shares with their table guests some element families through strategic programming, education, emotional of their career. Of course, I had a blast talking about my last and spiritual and now financial support for those expecting 23 years as the people editor with the Defender and Chag’s Place. This event benefits Women’s Studies and the Carey birth, mourning the loss of an unborn child, enduring a highC. Shuart Women’s Archive and Research Collection at risk pregnancy, or planning to adopt or mentor. A national
Co-Chairs Beverly Robinson and Sharon Owens
Conversationalists Dr. Valerae Lewis and Board Member Dina Alsowayel
Olga Dragunsky, Rhonda Nwosu, Gayla Gardner and Dr. Donald Gardner
Wendi Johnson-Turner and Dr. Rhonda Dickey
Rhonda Nwosu, Dr. Jimmy Gill and Tamla Groce
Nelva Allen and Tommie Allen
fertility organization, Vivere Health of Tennessee, donated $50,000 to Sparkles of Life over a five-year-period and Olga Dragunsky presented Rhonda with a $10,000 check for the first installment. Others in attendance included Dr. Jimmy Gill, Tamla Groce, Vivian Clark, Valarie Williams, Paula Narcisse-Hooks, LaShonda Johnson and Dr. Dan Williams. Continued success!....BLACK MUSIC, DANCE & ART….The Defender along with Amegy Bank, Andrews Kurth Attorneys LLP and other corporate sponsors partnered with the Society for the Performing Arts and presented Preserving A Legacy: A Tribute to Houston’s Blues featuring Grady Gaines & The Texas Upsetters, Milton Hopkins, Texas Johnny Brown, Trudy Lynn, Ray Brown and the Kashmere Reunion Stage Band. They also sponsored the spectacular Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance that was seen by a packed audience. Both events were held at the Jones Hall. Fabulous entertainment!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!
Conversationalists Ms. Chag, Judge Vanessa Gilmore and Crystal Brown-Tatum
Vivian Clark, Valarie Williams and Paula Narcisse-Hooks
Legendary Blues Artist Grady Gaines
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