Houston Defender: March 20, 2014

NATIONAL

NEW PLAN DESIGNED TO EXPAND OVERTIME PAY RULES, P3 defendernetwork.com

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 83 | Number 20

MARCH 20, 2014 |FREE

www.defendernetwork.com

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

SWAC champs

ENTERTAINMENT RUSSELL SIMMONS promotes music, meditation

P5 HEALTH DR. JOHN HUGHES discusses colorectal cancer

P9 HS ZONE

TSU men, PV women win H Page 10

ERICA DAVIS sprints for success

P11

Condoleezza Rice seeks inclusion

Dr. George Wright reaches milestone

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice recently had a lot to say to a gathering of California Republicans. Find out what she said about inclusion. Discover the advice she gave to members of the GOP. Hear why she’s concerned about “the poorest of kids.”

Prairie View A&M University President Dr. George Wright has been at the helm for 10 years.

What does he consider to be his top accomplishments? What challenges lie ahead for PV and other predominantly Black colleges? What does he want students and alumni to know?

CHAG’S PLACE

Gerald and Anita Smith at Port City Links gala

H Page 3

H Page 6

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

P12

2

DEFENDER | MARCH 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

newstalk

‘Obamacare’ events scheduled Defender News Services

The Texas League of Young Voters, an organization that empowers young people to participate in political change, hosts a series of local Affordable Care Act education and enrollment events through March 27.

The league is urging Black Houstonians to sign up for health insurance under the ACA – nicknamed “Obamacare” – before the March 31 deadline.

“Not only is having health insurance the law, it’s an affordable and responsible way to care [families] for generations to come,” said Christina Sanders, state director of the league’s education fund.

“We are particularly targeting AfricanAmericans who are disproportionately impacted by poor health due to discrimination, cultural barriers, and a lack of access to health care,” Sanders said. Events include: Saturday, March 22 –“Get Covered Day” is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 80 participating locations in partnership with the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, the NAACP Collegiate Chapters of Texas Southern University and the University of Houston. Volunteers are needed.

Thursday, March 27 – An ACA Online Twitter Town Hall in partnership with the Young Invincibles is 6-8 p.m. at Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, 3100 Cleburne.

Visit texasyoungvoter.org for details.

Participants in the MBDA center ribbon-cutting were (l. to r.) Claudia Rojas, Dr. Maya Durnovo, Roger Harris, Candace Shiver, Clarence “Doc” Holliday and State Rep. Ron Reynolds.

MBDA Business Center opens

L

Defender News Services

ocal MWBEs seeking to grow their firms and branch out into new markets have a new resource. The Houston Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center recently opened at 2302 Fannin, Suite 165.

Funded by the Department of Commerce’s MBDA, the center is operated by Houston Community College. The grand opening coincided with the 45th anniversary of MBDA. A ribbon- cutting event and a roundtable discussion with local business leaders and stakeholders were held at the new office.

Those in attendance were able to meet Candace C. Shiver, special advisor to the MBDA acting national director and Houston center Project Director

Roger Harris.

“We are proud to be able to help minority businesses access procurement opportunities, markets and capital to create jobs,” Harris said.

The MBDA centers help entrepreneurs with access to capital, competing for contracts, identifying growth opportunities and becoming export-ready.

Business advisors are available to share their practical business expertise and experience with clients.

All business centers are located in areas with the largest concentration of minority populations and the largest number of minority businesses. Business referral services are provided free of charge. However, the network generally charges nominal fees for specific management and technical assistance services.

For more information visit hccs.edu/mbda.

localbriefs JONES HIGH SCHOOL will have a new look. During a tension-filled HISD school board meeting, trustees voted to repurpose Jones and close Dodson Elementary School. Jones will become a specialty vocational school that will allow students to earn associate degrees while earning their high school diploma. Students currently zoned to Jones would be given priority admission.

Those who are not admitted into the academy will be rezoned to Sterling or Worthing High School.

The new vocational school will not have athletic programs. Most Dodson students will be rezoned to Blackshear Elementary, Lantrip Elementary or the Rusk School……..A THIRD PERSON has died

from injuries sustained during a deadly car crash at the South by Southwest music and film festival in Austin. Police arrested 21-year-old Rashad Owens from Killeen, who was intoxicated and driving a stolen car when he plowed into a crowd of festival-goers. Twenty-two people were injured. “As a result of this person’s reckless and willful disregard for the safety of the people, we have individuals who are now dead,” said Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo…….RESIDENTS recently gathered for the unveiling of the flag of Acres Homes. The flag is designed to serve as a unifying symbol for the community and will be displayed in schools, businesses and

homes……..CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN applauded the U.S. Senate for bipartisan passage of flood insurance reform legislation. Green previously voted for passage of the legislation in the House of Representatives. “This legislation provides vital protections from dramatic rate hikes in flood insurance premiums and relief for many homeowners in flood-prone areas,” Green said. “Without the protections included in this legislation, rate increases in flood insurance premiums could have had an adverse effect on a number of first-time home-buyers and impacted our economic growth by preventing many middle class families from selling their homes.”

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

defendernetwork.com

MARCH 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs REV. BEN CHAVIS, president and CEO of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, and Mel Watt, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, are among those being honored by the National Newspaper Publishers Association during Black Press Week in Washington, D.C. Others being recognized include the parents of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, who was fatally shot in a Chicago park in 2013, and the parents of 17-year-old Jordan Davis, who was shot to death in 2012 in Jacksonville after an argument over loud music. Black Press Week is held each year in March to commemorate the founding of the nation’s first Black newspaper, Freedom’s Journal……..FORMER VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE Paul Ryan agreed to meet with members of the Congressional Black Caucus after making “offensive” remarks about the inner city. Ryan, a Republican congressman from Wisconsin and Mitt Romney’s running mate in the last election, made the remarks on a radio talk show.

He said there is a “tailspin of culture, in our inner cities in particular, of men not working and just generations of men not even thinking about working or learning the value of work.”

California Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a member of CBC, called Ryan’s comments “a thinly veiled racial attack.” She added that instead of blaming Black men, Ryan should “step up” and produce legitimate proposals on tackling poverty and racial discrimination…….THE NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK (NAN), founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, will host its annual national convention April 9-12 in New York City. The convention will address civil rights and social justice issues, including economic justice, gun control reform, education and health.

President Barack Obama will be the headlined speaker. Other guests include U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, talk show host Wendy Williams, journalist Susan Taylor and actor Malik Yoba.

For information visit nationalactionnetwork.net.

3

Rice wants more inclusiveness in GOP

F

Defender News Services

ormer U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called on the Republican Party to become more inclusive on issues such as immigration.

She made the comments at a gathering of Republicans in suburban San Francisco.

Condoleezza Rice

An estimated 2.5 million of the nation’s 11 million undocumented immigrants live in California, and immigration is a major political issue in the state.

“We have to continue to be a place where people who want be a part of [the American] dream can come and be welcomed within our laws, but also within our values,” Rice said.

She added that the nation has a responsibility to those who do not have the liberties and rights other Americans enjoy.

“We cannot abandon them,” she said. “We were once them.”

The speech by Rice was a highlight of the gathering. The GOP hopes to improve its chances in California, where Democrats control statewide elected office and the legislature.

“We are a party in the state of California that needs some rebuilding, but we are also a country, the United States of America, that needs some rebuilding,” she said.

Rice, who is currently a professor of political science and political economy at Stanford University, also threw her support behind school choice.

“We’re failing the poorest of our kids,” she said. “The greatest civil rights issue of our time is a high-quality education for every child, and if a parent cannot afford a house in Palo Alto or in Fairfax County, and a parent cannot afford a private school education, don’t condemn that parent and that child to a substandard education. Give that child a voucher, a charter school, a way out.”

Rice served as secretary of state from 2005 to 2009 in the George W. Bush administration, and was the second woman and first Black woman to hold the post.

New plan designed to expand overtime pay VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 20 MARCH 20, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles People Editor Advertising/Client Relations Yvette Chargois Selma Dodson Tyler Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Local Editor ReShonda Billingsley LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Contributing Writer Tony Fernandez-Davila Cierra Duncan The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

Defender News Services

President Barack Obama recently signed a presidential memorandum directing Secretary of Labor Tom Perez to update and modernize America’s overtime pay system so that millions of salaried workers will have financial protections. A proposed rule is expected this fall.

The memorandum is aimed at workers who make more than $455 a week (or around $23,600 a year), the current salary-per-week limit separating those who get overtime and those who don’t, and those who are ineligible for overtime because they are designated as management even though their supervisory duties are minimal.

“Today, millions of Americans aren’t getting the extra pay they deserve,” Obama said.

“That’s because an exception that was originally meant for high-paid, white-collar employees now covers workers earning as little as $23,660 a year. So if you’re making $23,000, typically, you’re not high in management.

“If your salary is even a dollar above the current threshold, you may not be guaranteed overtime,” Obama said. “It doesn’t matter if what you do is mostly physical work like stocking shelves, it doesn’t matter if you’re working 50 or 60 or 70 hours a week – your employer doesn’t have to pay you a single extra dime.”

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

4

DEFENDER | MARCH 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

In memoriam:

Errol Brooks dead at age 69 Defender News Services

Services were recently held for Errol Brooks, a retired human resources professional and the husband of Sylvia Brooks, former CEO of the Houston Area Urban League. He died March 11 at the age of 69.

Brooks’ human resources career spanned more than 40 years. He was director of personnel at Texas Akylls, an employment trainer with Aramark and employment services representative at the Texas Employment Commission.

After retiring from TEC, Brooks served in an administrative position with the Harris County Justice of the Peace Court. He was also a voting precinct volunteer and a volunteer with the Emergency Aid Coalition.

Brooks was an active member of Pil-

grim Congregational Church, where he served as Sunday school superintendent and member of the board of trustees and Christian education board. In 2005 he joined South Main Baptist Church, where he served as an usher and deacon.

He was known for his “cooking ministry,” and served Sunday dinner to friends, family and church members for 30 years.

Brooks was born in LaCeiba, Honduras in 1944. His family later moved to New York

City and New Bedford, Mass. Brooks earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and worked as associate director of personnel at the University of Massachusetts. It was there that he met his future wife, Sylvia K. Mitchell. The couple married in 1976 and moved to Houston.

In addition to his wife, Brooks is survived by his sons, Leland, Christopher and Donald, three grandchildren, one sister and three brothers.

Errol Brooks

Seniors can receive free lunch Defender News Services

Harris County residents age 60 and older can receive a free, hot lunch three days a week provided by Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM).

The 60+Café is located in NAM’s main building at 15555 Kuykendahl Road, and serves lunch to seniors regardless of their income. In addition to providing a nutritious meal, the café serves as a gathering place.

It also offers occasional guest speakers, live music, holiday celebrations and monthly birthday parties. Past speakers have covered topics including crime prevention, gardening, and home organization, as well as a variety of health-related topics.

“This is a great opportunity for seniors to get out of the house and have some fun,” said Carole Little, president & CEO of NAM. “Who doesn’t like a free lunch? And while you’re here, you can check out the fabulous variety of classes, trips, and other activities offered to seniors through our Fifty Plus program.”

NAM is a non-profit, communitybased social service agency that provides assistance in areas such as food, shelter, health, education, safety, and financial education. In fiscal year 2012-2013, NAM touched the lives of more than 138,000 people.

The café is open from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There is no charge, but reservations are required two business days in advance.

Transportation is available.

For reservations or more information call 281-885-4619 or visit namonline.org.

Taking control of

DIABETES takes an extra hand

TM

See a trained pharmacist for your FREE private consultation

defendernetwork.com

MARCH 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

entertainment

5

Russell Simmons

promotes music, meditation

E

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

ntrepreneur and visionary Russell Simmons has influenced virtually all aspects of business and media.

In music, he co-founded the immensely successful Def Jam Recordings.

In the fashion industry, he developed Phat Pharm, Baby Phat, Run Athletics, and Def Jam University clothing lines. In television, he gave viewers “HBO’s Def Comedy Jam” and “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry.”

Here, he talks about his new book, “Success through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple.”

In addition, Simmons traveled to Austin for the South by Southwest music and film festival, where he announced All Def Digital’s partnership with Samsung. “We’re building a platform to put a song out every week for 52 weeks called ADD52,” he said.

KW: Why did you start All Def Digital?

RS: To give all this Black talent a chance by exposing them to Hollywood, which is very segregated.

Hollywood is full of very liberal people, but it still has an infrastructure that needs to be broken. So, my idea is to integrate Black stars into mainstream stars.

It hasn’t been explored properly. That’s what I’m doing in Hollywood. And that’s what All Def Digital is doing. I’m probably going to shoot 10 pilots this year.

KW: Let’s talk about your new book. How has practicing meditation helped you?

RS: Sitting in stillness has got to be the greatest asset I have in terms of attaining happiness. Nothing increases happiness like quiet time. The truth is, the only moments that make you laugh or happy are seconds of stillness. At the shock of a joke, everything disappears but the present moment.

When you read a book, and it’s really, really

Russell Simmons

defendernetwork.com

Read Russell Simmons’ thoughts on the music industry beautiful, you’re so engaged you forget to breathe. If you’re in a car accident, and everything moves slowly, you can be shocked into the present. The past and the future disappear.

Here’s another great example. If you play basketball, you get into the zone. You can’t miss. That’s the expansive mindset we’re all seeking. But that only comes when the mind is quiet and separate from the noise. And the greatest tool to eliminate the noise is meditation.

KW: If you could focus all of your resources to solve one problem in our society, what would it be?

RS: At the core of everything that is hurtful to humanity is a lack of consciousness. Unconscious behavior is at the core. Think of the 40 billion animals we abuse and eat who are born into suffering. It’s a karmic disaster. An animal products diet is like smoking 20 cigarettes a day. What I would do to change this planet is have everyone meditate and look inside.

Then we’d have a happier, more service-oriented, less-needy world.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

RS: Different reflections at different times. I really, really try to be a good servant. It makes me happy when I’m a good giver without expectations.

what’sup Native Houstonian JENNIFER HOLLIDAY stars in the musical “The Color Purple,” which comes to the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts for four performances. Shows will be Friday, March 28, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 30 at 3:30 p.m. The musical is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker, which won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction and was made into the hit movie. For ticket information visit thehobbycenter.org or call 713-315-2525……..

CHRIS BROWN has been ordered to stay in jail for another month by a Los Angeles judge. The singer was locked up on a probation violation warrant after he was dismissed from a court-ordered drug rehab program. Brown was receiving treatment for anger management, substance abuse and issues

related to bipolar disorder. The judge who ordered him to remain in jail said rehab officials told him that during a group session, Brown said, “I am good at using guns and knives.” Brown has been under court supervision since pleading guilty to the felony assault of RIHANNA in 2009……..

TAYE DIGGS will portray a homicide detective in “Murder in the First,” a crime drama coming to TNT this summer. TNT has ordered 10 episodes of the series. Rather than focusing on a different case each episode, the show will have Diggs and his partner working on one particular case all season. ANNEMARIE JOHNSON will play Diggs’ terminally ill wife………KEKE PALMER is joining the cast of the Showtime drama “Masters of Sex.” Palmer will guest star as the nanny hired by the Masters

– the real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality – to care for their new baby. In addition to her acting career, Palmer has been working in the studio recording her next album. Later this year she can be seen in the horror film, “Animal,” and in the film “Brotherly Love” produced by QUEEN LATIFAH……..DIDDY is shopping for a new residence in New York City where he can throw parties without disturbing his neighbors. He’s selling his current New York apartment for $7.9 million.

He’s also searching for a mansion in Beverly Hills.

According to TMZ, Diddy is looking at a $12 million home that was custom built by KEYSHAWN JOHNSON in 2003. Diddy has been asking the local homeowner’s association about its party policies in case he and his friends want to have a good time.

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

6

DEFENDER | MARCH 20 | 2014

Dr. George C. Wright

Celebrates a decade at PV

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

O

n any given day, Prairie View A&M University President Dr. George C. Wright can be found promoting his beloved institution, the second oldest public institution of higher education in Texas.

It’s a job Wright takes seriously, and one that he’s held since 2003.

“I want Prairie View to be known as a place that provides opportunities, whether you graduated number one in your class, or you just graduated,” Wright said. “We want to provide access and opportunities coming in because it means when you exit the institution, you’ll be in a position to benefit society.”

Though Wright is optimistic about PV’s future, he realizes some HBCUs are struggling to keep their doors open.

“Many of those schools are faced with their students relying on financial aid, so that’s a huge problem,” Wright said. “Four or five years ago, all of us had to make cuts. All of us are in competition with students, so consequently I can imagine, some top students are also admitted to predominately white universities that have deeper resources, which may be attractive to them.”

In a Q&A, Wright reflects on his hopes for PV and the challenges that lie ahead.

Defender: How do you feel about the progress you’ve made over the past 10 years?

Wright: I feel real good about the things that have been accomplished. I don’t want to take credit for them myself, but you have to have various goals, whether it’s improvements in academics or improvements in athletics. And so I feel very good about what has been accomplished over the years.

From day one, I said I wanted to enhance a Prairie View degree. Already, when I came here, a PV degree was worth something, but I wanted to make that degree, whatever discipline you’re in, worth even more. The quality of a degree should increase over time. It shouldn’t just have a value when you received it. Ten years later it should be worth more because that school has gotten better.

I want Prairie View to be successful in programs that clearly benefit society. We have educational programs, which means we train teachers at all levels. We have agricultural and through those programs, there are a variety of things that we do that help people nationally, internationally. We have juvenile justice programs, which means that we’re involved in looking at ways to prevent criminal activity among young people.

We train people in health-related fields through college of nursing. Our school of business helps people become entrepreneurs. We’re very concerned about having programs that will benefit society.

Defender: Going forward, what are your main plans for the university?

Wright: One of the main things that we really want to do is continue to increase our enrollment. Enrollment is down across the board because of rising college costs, financial aid, unemployment, but PV has managed to still stay at the top. Currently, our enrollment is 6,557. We can continue that trend by making sure we recruit much more aggressively than we’ve done by spending time in the public schools and communities and even in churches because so many people work with their churches on scholarships and things like that.

I want to get students and alumni to realize that education is not just a college degree, it also an appreciation of culture … a knowledge and appreciation of those who came before us. In the case of Prairie View, I want them to know it’s their university, and they need to help us move it to the next level.

Defender: What opportunities for growth do you see?

Wright: Prairie View has the opportunity to grow in the area of research. Working with the A&M system, we’re in the process of hiring. There clearly are research dollars available that Prairie View needs to compete for. In mathematics, engineering, science and chemistry, we’re very excited about being in a position to recruit new faculty in those areas.

Defender: You seem to always be working to make sure Prairie View is seen in a positive light. Is improving external attitudes part of your plan to ensure the university’s success?

Wright: I’m definitely pleased with how others see us now, in terms of those crucial agencies that work with us like the state legislature and the Texas A& M system. Most often when people interact with me, they say how pleased they are with the progress the university has made. We constantly have to make sure that people understand the really good things about this university. If we make a mistake, we have a responsibility to acknowledge that mistake but there are times when I’ve had to encourage alumni to remind and reinforce to focus on all the positives that have happened at Prairie View and not the one negative thing. That has been one of our biggest challenges.

Defender: What are some of the challenges facing PV? Wright: One of the challenges we always face is whether our students can afford an education. So many of our students rely on scholarships and financial aid. In some instances, it’s becoming much more difficult to receive financial aid and so consequently that’s a challenge and one that we have to work

cente

defendernetwork.com

Find out what George Wright has to say about alumni and community involvement

Dr. George Wright took charge at Prairie View 10 years ago.

with them on.

Another challenge is that we’ve got to improve on the performance issues that the state uses when it looks at formula funding related to certain things – graduation rate, retention rate, licensing passage rate, how it takes to complete a degree.

defendernetwork.com • Serving th defendernetwork.com • Serving t

erfold

defendernetwork.com

7

Wright works to make students feel empowered at Prairie View.

Wright’s top accomplishments About

Dr. George C. Wright Hometown Lexington, Kentucky Education Bachelor and Master of Arts in history, University of Kentucky Doctorate, Duke University Honorary doctorate, University of Kentucky Background University of Texas, Arlington – Executive vice-president for academic affairs, provost, vice president for academic affairs Duke University – Vice provost for university programs, director Afro-American Studies program University of Texas at Austin – Professor, vice provost for undergraduate education University of Kentucky – Assistant professor Involvement Board of directors, the City of Arlington Chamber Foundations; Medical Center of Arlington Board of editors, Journal of Southern History Editorial board, Southern Biography Series at Louisiana State University Southern Historical Association Program Committee Family Married to Valerie Ellison Wright; son, Benjamin

While we have truly outstanding students, we also have some provisional admits and they have to take certain classes to get caught up to the college level. Doing that almost always means you’re not going to graduate in four years. Working with those students, that remains a challenge.

he Houston area for over 80 years the Houston area for over 80 years

Dr. George Wright is proud of the work he’s done in his 10 years at Prairie View A&M University. Here are some of his accomplishments.

Enrollment growth

While college enrollment is down across the board nationwide because of challenges with financial aid, unemployment and rising costs of college, Prairie View’s enrollment has grown despite the tough times. Currently, enrollment is at 6,757, which is far above the national average. PV has been able to accomplish that by: • Creating a pipeline of provisional students and providing supplemental programs • Starting an undergraduate medical academy • Starting an honor’s college which attracts high achievers • Increasing the number of scholarships by raising scholarship money • Increasing the number of paid internships in various disciplines • Increasing visits to high schools for recruiting

Alumni relationships

The relationship with alumni is a critical one, and Wright has developed positive relationship with alumni, who are excited to now support the university. Wright has done that by: • Visiting cities where alumni associations exist • Seeking input from alumni • Setting up personal meetings with alumni returning to campus

Student/Staff relationship

At Prairie View, students and staff know that they can get one-on-one time with Wright, who works to make students and staff feel empowered and that their input is important. He

has been able to maintain a positive student-staff relationship by: • Creating a staff association, which allows staff to have a voice and input • Regular meetings with general students as opposed to just student leaders • Personally reinforcing student initiatives, ie., voting polls on campus

Financial stability

The university is in good shape financially. By the standards Texas uses, they look at reserve amount (three months worth of operating costs in reserves is standard). Prairie View has the highest reserve level in the entire A&M system. Wright believes they have been able to maintain financial stability by: • Emphasizing conservative budgeting • Hiring experienced CFO’s • Making staff return to classroom to ease budgeting woes

Improved athletics

Wright is extremely proud of the impact PV has had when it comes to athletics. Some of the accomplishments include: • Winning SWAC Championship in football, baseball, women’s basketball • Winning Commissioner’s Cup, which symbolizes the best overall athletic program

Raising the intellectual climate

Wright has implemented a number of measures to raise the intellectual climate at PV. • Developed a reading list • Returned to the classroom • Approved programs to allow students to travel (i.e, inau guration trip to D.C.)

Founders’ Day is March 26 Prairie View A&M will salute the best and brightest students and staff during its annual Founders’ Day and Honors Recognition Convocation at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, in the William J. “Billy” Nicks Building. The theme is “Expanding Possibilities through Academic Excellence.” The speaker will be Arleas Upton Kea, director of the FDIC’s Division of Administration.

For information visit pvamu.edu.

8

DEFENDER | MARCH 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

Father could face murder charges Defender News Services

A

Houston father who was jailed for tampering with evidence could face murder charges linked to the death of his daughter and her girlfriend.

James Larry Cosby, 46, is being held in the Galveston County Jail on a $500,000 bond while the investigation into the murders of Britney Cosby and Crystal Jackson, both 24, continues.

Cosby’s fingerprints were found on a piece of paper on the bodies and pools of blood were found inside Cosby’s Houston home.

Britney Cosby and her grandmother let her father move in after he was released from serving two years for not following the registration rules allocated for sex offenders.

James Larry Cosby Officials also found a copy Loranda McDonald, mother of Britney of the Koran opened, with a Cosby, told authorities that the suspect did page marked by Cosby, which talks about not approve of their daughter’s lifestyle. homosexuality as a sin.

WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS CAN HELP YOU PREPARE FOR HIGH-SKILL, HIGH-GROWTH CAREERS Did you know you could earn an average of $23.23 per hour as an Industrial Machinery Mechanic?

Or that Plumbers and Pipefitters earn an average of $23.53 per hour?

Several careers requiring physical labor as well as math and English skills rank among the fastest-growing high-skill, high-growth occupations. Anyone trained for these careers will have more employment options available.

Careers like those of electricians, machinists, plumbers, pipefitters and welders are identified as high-skill, high-growth occupations, and all are projected to experience significant growth over the next 10 years.

Workforce Solutions provides job hunters with up-to-date information about high-skill, high-growth jobs in the Gulf Coast region.

Details about the hottest careers are easily accessible in our career offices and on our website.

In fact, our website offers extensive and current details about the region’s four major industries — education, specialty construction, energy and health care.

The section titled “High-Skill, High-Growth Jobs in the Gulf Coast Region” provides current data on all these careers, along with the number of jobs anticipated in each field by 2020.

We want to help you make the best effort possible in the pursuit of your career goals.

For quick access to our career planning resources, visit: wrksolutions.com/jobs/careerplanning.aspx

Workforce Solutions is an equal opportunity employer/ program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Relay Texas Numbers: 1-800-735-2989 (TDD) 1-800-735-2988 (voice) or 711

LMI-HouDefender-Ad-4.79x6.5-D.indd 1

3/13/14 3:45 PM

“He said it to me a few times that he did not like the idea of her being gay,” McDonald said. “But, like I told him, there’s nothing we could do about that. That’s who she is. We can’t change her lifestyle.”

The case began on March 7 on the Bolivar Peninsula when a delivery driver discovered the women’s bodies behind a convenience store. Police continue to look for a motive for the murders.

Britney Cosby was killed by blunt force trauma and Crystal Jackson died of a gunshot wound. Both took care of Jackson’s 5-year-old daughter.

McDonald believes that James Cosby was involved in the murders and hopes that she and Jackson’s family get justice.

“I think they should lock him up, don’t let him out,” McDonald said. “Give him the chair, I want him to suffer.”

classified How To Get Paid To Drive Your Own Car We are offering to pay you for driving your own vehicle. Drive 200 miles a month with our specially designed AD and get paid for it. If interested contact Philipjordan@live.com

defendernetwork.com

MARCH 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

health

A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

9

Colon cancer risks among African-Americans tal cancer. There may also be genetic factors that contribute to the higher incidence of colorectal cancer among some AfricanColorectal cancer is the most preAmericans. Diet, tobacco use and other ventable and treatable cancer, but 55,000 lifestyle factors may increase our risk of Americans a year are still dying from it. developing the disease.

Many are African-Americans. In fact, To help avoid advanced colon cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common it’s important to undergo screening prior to cancer among African-Americans with an the development of symptoms. There are estimated 14,100 cases per year. Of these, several screening tests available, but the an estimated 6,800 deaths will occur. But it gold standard of early detection and treatJohn I. Hughes, M.D., M.A.C.P., doesn’t have to be you. ment is the colonoscopy. The doctor uses a A.G.A.F. Colorectal cancer usually starts as a becolonoscope – a flexible tube with a camera nign tumor, or polyp, that changes and grows over time. This on the end – to visualize the colon and search for any polyps is where screening comes in. We can identify and remove or tumors. polyps while they are still precancerous, or find cancerous While the idea of this can be embarrassing, imagine the tumors while they are still treatable. The reason doctors rely ordeal of getting cancer – a cancer you might have preon screening is that most patients don’t have any signs and vented. During the colonoscopy, the doctor will remove any symptoms in the early stages. By the time there are symppolyps and check them for precancerous cells. The exam toms, the cancer is farther along and harder to treat. is usually done under conscious sedation, which is administered intravenously. Throughout the test, the endoscopy Have YOU been screened? nurse monitors blood pressure and oxygen level. There is Shockingly, some 30 percent of adults have never been minimal or no discomfort. screened. And there is evidence that African-Americans are While anyone can get colorectal cancer, the risk inless likely than Caucasians to have screening tests for colorecBy John I. Hughes, M.D., M.A.C.P., A.G.A.F.

creases with age. Nine out of 10 cases occur in people over 50. That is why it is crucial for people of all ages to discuss colorectal cancer with their doctors and those at risk or between ages 50 and 75 to get regular screenings. No matter your age, it is especially important to see your doctor immediately if you experience rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, stomach pain, weight loss without a known cause or a change in bowel habits including diarrhea or new onset constipation.

Tips for reducing risk

Besides screening, you can help reduce your risk of colon cancer by: • Eating a plant-based, high-fiber diet.

• Not smoking.

• Exercising for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.

• Maintaining a healthy weight.

Recent research also has shown that use of the following may reduce your risk of developing colon cancer: baby aspirin, vitamins, calcium supplements and antioxidants. To learn more about colorectal cancer, visit kelsey-seybold.com/CRC. Dr. John I. Hughes is a board-certified gastroenterology specialist who cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Main Campus. He also serves as Associate Medical Director of Clinical Academic Affairs and Affiliations.

Get KelseyConnected

SM

Healthcare that Revolves Around You. KelseyConnected is a smarter approach to your healthcare – because it revolves around you.

As a Kelsey-Seybold patient, your entire healthcare team can share your medical history through one Electronic Medical Record and collaborate on medical care that’s right for you.

Being KelseyConnected makes your experience with us easy and convenient with: n

n

20 locations close to home and work. Choose the location most convenient for you at kelsey-seybold.com/Locations.

24-Hour Nurse Hotline. Speak with a Kelsey-Seybold nurse, day or night, seven days a week.

n

MyKelseyOnline. Email your doctor’s office, make appointments, refill prescriptions, view test results and more.

n

Multiple specialties and diagnostics.

Comprehensive care under one roof.

n

Kelsey Pharmacy. Available onsite at many locations.

24-Hour Appointment Scheduling: 713-442-0000 | kelsey-seybold.com KS_Defender Pub Ad_1270-AK.indd 1

3/14/14 1:59 PM

10

DEFENDER | MARCH 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

sports

Texas Southern coach Mike Davis and players celebrated winning the SWAC men’s title.

TSU, PV win big at SWAC

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

he 2014 SWAC postseason basketball tournament came to Houston, and Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University made confer-

ence history.

It was the first time in the 32-year history of the league’s joint men and women’s tournament that the championship matchups featured teams from the same universities.

With a uniquely Lone Star State backdrop, both universities claimed bragging rights. The PV women defeated the TSU women 63-58, and the TSU men defeated the PV men 78-73. The Lady Panthers and Tigers both received automatic invitations to the NCAA tournament.

For the Lady Panthers it was their fourth Prairie View A&M women’s coach Dawn Brown and players won the title again. consecutive tournament championship and first for first-year head coach Dawn Brown. our post season tournament,” Brown said. “We hit some rough “We wanted to come out and dominate in the tournament,” spots during conference play, but we knew our ultimate was to Brown said. “This is what we do in March. When it comes to come to the tournament playing our best ball. They’ve worked tournament time, I told my team before the championship game extremely hard all season. I think they’ve done a remarkable that we are 11-0 in tournament play [for the previous three job.” years] and we went out and made it 12-0.”

Brown is the latest Lady Panther head coach to have postDespite a less than stellar regular season record, the Lady season success. Cynthia Cooper-Dyke built a program on “the Panthers were 11-7 in conference play, preparing them for Hill” and Toyelle Wilson took it to higher heights. Brown, who another shot at the tournament crown. was Wilson’s top assistant, took the baton from Wilson and “We placed ourselves in tough situations with our prefinished the race with a title of her own. season schedule that allowed us to be prepared for the rigors of “I’m very blessed to be here. It’s been a wonderful experi-

TSU’s Aaric Murray was conference MVP and SWAC’s Player of the Year

ence being a part of this program,” Brown said. “I understood the legacy when I took this position. It’s been a learning experience, but I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from our administration and my athletic director.”

For the men of TSU, winning the tournament in front of their hometown fans was the culmination of a two-year ordeal. The Tigers were 16-2 last season, winning the regular season title, but because of NCAA sanctions were not eligible for post-season play. This year with the addition of conference Player of the Year Aaric Murray, the expectations were lofty.

Coach Mike Davis, who will be taking his third team to the big dance, was able to keep the Tigers focused.

“Last year was a struggle for us as a basketball team, Davis said. “We knew we couldn’t go to the tournament. I thought we had the best team last year, but [Southern coach Roman Banks] did a terrific job representing the SWAC in the NCAA tournament.This year I thought we had the best team in the league, but Banks did the best job coaching in the SWAC.” “I’m happy for our players,” Davis said. “They wanted this really, really bad. I could hear them in the locker room. I could see the way they walked off the bus.

“They have the opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament. A lot of players who go to college and play basketball never get that opportunity. It’s the big dance and like they say, it’s one shining moment, so they’ll have this memory for the rest of their lives.”

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

MARCH 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Davis motivated by fear factor help her team in the 4x400,” Killen said.

“Most of my relay teammates last year were seniors and since I had another year, I wanted them to go out well. ow athletes handle the “fear factor” can But we had a disappointing finish in the 4x100 relay that either catapult them to unbelievable heights day and it seemed to have a trickle-down effect on the or doom them to failure. rest of our events,” Davis said. “Now I want to put that Dawson High School senior sprinter experience behind me and try to go out on a high note.”

Erica Davis utilizes the “fear factor” as Davis said when Killen coached her older sister at motivation while she strives for a successful ending to her Pearland High School, she had no interest in track high school career. and field.

“When it comes to “Then one day my sistrack I have the jitters before ter said she thought I ought a meet,” said Davis, who Find out how the 200-meter dash became to try it because it runs in the favorite race of Erica Davis. competes in the open 200 the family,” Davis said. “I and occasionally the 400 tried it and I was good at it along with the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. “Everybody tells and that was surprising to me. me that I should be okay because I’ve done this for so “Now my life seems to be centered around track and long. That doesn’t matter. field. When I’m not on the track I’m doing something “It could be just three schools at the meet or dozens with track or I’m talking about track to coaches or other like regional and state, I’m going to be scared because athletes. that’s just me,” she said. “I feel like there’s always some“I have a niece who’s 4 years old and she wants one out there better than you or trying to get better than to run,” Davis said. “My sister is a track coach and I’m you because you beat them before.” always helping her with her girls. Track is my main focus The Davis “fear factor” list includes running the and is what I like to do.”

200-meter dash in 24 seconds or less because several colSounds like the “fear factor” has been conquered. leges have told her that’s the key to getting a college track and field scholarship.

She wants to join her father and become the second individual from her immediate family to attend college and graduate.

Davis also wants to lead her teammates back to the state track and field meet.

Birth date: Dec. 27, 1995 As a freshman and sophomore, Davis helped Dawson earn relay Birth sign: Capricorn medals at the state meet in Austin.

Favorite subject – English Her junior year was one she’d rather Favorite meal: Shrimp forget, except for one unselfish gesture on her part.

Possible college major: “I’ll never forget what Criminal justice Erica did for the good of the Possible career: team,” said Dawson head girls’ track and field Correctional officer coach Jerry Killen. or police officer “She’d qualified for the regional in the 4x100 relay and the 200-meter dash. Yet we needed her to run a leg on the 4x400 relay.

Erica Davis is a sprinter with “Her teamthe Dawson High School track mate was an alternate team. in the open 200. So Erica gave up her spot in the 200 to

H

11

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

defendernetwork.com

About Erica Davis

Jones athletes can transfer With the recent decision by the HISD school board to convert Jones High School for the 2014-2015 school year, student-athletes are free to transfer to other campuses. Worthing and Houston Sterling are the closest HISD high schools. Both are less than 15 minutes away from the Jones campus. Dwindling enrollment was the reason cited for the change at Jones. When the Jones boys’ varsity basketball team won a Class 4A state championship in 2004 led by former standout Daniel Gibson, the school enrollment was 1,342. Now the enrollment is down to 473. Jones has missed the playoffs in football, volleyball, boys’ basketball and girls’ basketball this season.

Pearland freshman commits Pearland High School freshman Brooke Botkin announced that she will play volleyball at the University of Southern California once her high school career is over. Botkin becomes the first member of the graduating class of 2017 to commit in the state of Texas. “This is a great fit for Brooke and will give her the opportunity to play for a national title,” said Pearland head volleyball coach John Turner. “USC head coach Mick Haley is a former USA Olympic volleyball coach. That should open doors for Brooke to make those dreams a possibility. This is a great day for the Pearland High School volleyball program.”

Powerhouse off to fast start The Pearland High School varsity baseball team is ranked among the top five Class 5A schools in Texas and the Oilers are off to a 17-1 start, including 2-0 in District 22-5A.

Foster cleared to play To date the Texans have lost more players than they’ve signed during this free agency period, but fans did receive a bit of good news recently. AllPro running back Arian Foster has been medically cleared. Foster had successful back surgery in November. His final action on the field was against the Kansas City Chiefs (week eight). Battling a nagging calf injury earlier in the season, Foster finished the season with 542 yards on 121 carries and one touchdown. Getting a clean bill of health on Foster is great news, but the team should still be looking for a running back in the draft or free agency because Ben Tate, Foster’s backup, recently signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns.

GMA’s Roberts to speak Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America” and a former college basketball star, will be the keynote speaker at the Major League Baseball Beacon Awards Luncheon on May 30 at noon at Hilton of the Americas. Maya Angelou, Berry Gordy and Jim Brown will be honored at the luncheon, part of the series of events for the 2014 Civil Rights Game co-hosted by the Houston Astros. Civil Rights Game events pay tribute to those who fought on and off the field for equal rights for all Americans.

Luncheon proceeds will go to charity.

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

12

DEFENDER | MARCH 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

For Event Coverage...visit

defendernetwork.com

chag’splace

Defender Media Group, served as mistress of ceremonies. We TOP LADIES OF DISTINCTION …..The Missouri City/ salute chapter president Helen Harvey, luncheon chair Jackie Houston Space City Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Pope, vice chair Willie Belle Boone, committee members and Inc. hosted its annual Status of Women luncheon by honoring all ladies and teens who worked unselfishly to make the event several mothers and their daughters. This year’s honorees a success. Congratulations!..... PORT included Sue Schechter and Lillie Join Yvette Chargois CITY CHAPTER OF THE LINKS…..

Schechter, Joyce J. Bethany and Dr. The organization held its annual “Stetsons Ramsi B. Taylor, Shawnell Holman Events of the Week & Stilettos” gala at Bentley Houston in the and Shirley Holman Rockett, Fannie More photos on defendernetwork.com newly renovated Rolls Royce showroom.

Davis and Carolyn Davis, Rhonda See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads It’s one of the oldest and largest volunteer Arnold and Almeta Crawford and with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. service organizations of women who Dr. Angi Williams, Amicha Williams are committed to enriching, sustaining and Mian Bryant. These women and ensuring the culture and economic survival of Africanwere honored because of their contributions and servant Americans and other persons of African ancestry. Some of leadership in their communities. After 32 years, the members the attendees included Rachal and Councilman Jerry Davis, of this organization still remain true to their commitment to Cora and Judson Robinson, Melanie and Cory Flowers, service. The event was held at Sage and attended by Yvonne Jimmy Brown, Maricela Kruseman, Mario Diaz, Alana Newman, Lenoria Walker, Earline Montgomery, State Smith, Licia Ellis, Dr. Kevin Smith and Anita and Gerald Rep. Senfronia Thompson and Darcy Mackey, to name a few. Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah-Jiles, publisher/CEO of the Smith. Kudos to event chair Rhonda Arnold and co-chair

Honoree Joyce Bethany, chapter president Helen Harvey and honoree Dr. Ramsi Taylor

Honorees Sue Schechter, Lillie Schechter, Rhonda Arnold and Almeta Crawford

Gerald and Anita Smith

Allison Smith for another successful gala. Continued success!.....DELTA EDUCATION AND CHARITABLE FOUNDATION…..The Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Education and Charitable Foundation hosted its Carnivale Mystique Scholarship gala at the Marriott Houston Westchase Hotel. Since 1992, the foundation has made a strong commitment to help improve and aid in all facets of the metropolitan community. It was organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, but not limited to endeavors in areas of economic and cultural development. It’s governed by a board of directors and currently Dave Moss serves as the foundation’s president and Shirley Johnson is the chapter president. Over 400 folks attended including Daphne Moss, Karen Jackson, Morgan Lunch, Patricia Allison, Shalandra Jones, Zhela LayneHarris, Muriel Jackson, Joan Graham, Junetta Slaughter, Cynthia Jones and Cynthia Humphrey. Congratulations and continued success to you also!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Co-chair Allison Smith and chair Rhonda Arnold

Terri Lynch, Fraulyn Baisey, Barbara Branch and Grace Macklin

Honorees Fannie Davis, Carolyn Davis, Shawnell Holman and Shirley Rockett

Dr. Ken and Kathy Wells and Regina and Kevin Jones

Jan Matthews, Sandra Finger, Demita Sweet and Sherri Daniels

Donna Scott, Dave Moss and Shirley Johnson

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