Houston Defender: March 21, 2019

FEATURE

UNCF DELIVERS FIRST STATE OF HBCU’S ADDRESS P12

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 88 | Number 21 MARCH 21 |2019 |FREE

www.defendernetwork.com

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

NEWSTALK SANDRA BLAND act helps provide police data

P2 NATIONAL DARREN SEALS among several deceased Ferguson activists

P5

SOLANGE Celebrates Houston with new album

HS SPORTS DAVID PEAVY coaches Duncanville to state title

H PAGE 7

Shawn Thierry

fighting maternal mortality One Houston state lawmaker is addressing the high Black maternal mortality rate and has filed several bills to help combat the health issue.

Approximately 14 Black women die for every 100,000 live births. Thierry is fighting to change that.

H PAGE 8

Gary Blackston

named SWAC MVP For the first time in 21 years, the PVAMU Panthers are SWAC tournament champions.

It also marks the first time in the history of the school's program that they’ve won both the regular season and tournament championship in the same year.

H PAGE 14

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 88 years

P15 TOP EVENTS

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and County Judge Lina Hidalgo at Hidalgo’s Civic Saturday.

P16

2

DEFENDER | MARCH 21 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

newstalk

Sandra Bland Act sheds light on police stops “This data will also allow further analysis of profiling African American and Latinos in traffic New statewide police data is stops,” Coleman said, adding that the providing a clearer picture of how data will help prove there is racial Texas law enforcement agencies discrimination in some of the stops. dealt with drivers during traffic “It helps us to know patterns, which stops in 2018. allows the public and others to look The agencies were required at police and the use of force in an to file the data by March 1 as part arrest.” of the Sandra Bland Act, enacted Five Houston-area law enforcein 2017. The bill is named in ment agencies were among the top 20 honor of Sandra Bland, a Black, who used force the most frequently 28-year-old Illinois woman who during traffic stops in 2018, includwas found dead in the Waller ing Houston police and Sugar Land County Jail days after being Sandra Bland died in a Waller County jail cell in police, according to the data. arrested during a routine traffic July 2015, three days after being arrested during a traffic stop. Her death was ruled a suicide.

Charley Wilkison, executive stop. director for the Combined Law EnThe data will add several forcement Associations of Texas, said police officers only elements to existing racial profiling data, including the use force when they believe their lives are at risk. contraband recovered in traffic stop searches, arrests and “There are just so many external variables that they citations issued during a traffic stop, and whether an officer just can't know," Wilkison said. "Maybe the officer's intent used force during the stop. is to give a warning, and then it escalates."

“I’m happy to see that the data aspects are revealing He added that a large portion of Texas police officer info we didn’t have before about the use of force in traffic deaths occur during a traffic stop. stops by police departments,” said State Rep. Garnet ColeHouston Police Officer's Union President Joe Gamaldi man, who introduced the bill. echoed those statements, saying traffic stops are "one of the The data includes information from 4.6 million traffic most dangerous things we do." stops among 38 of the largest Texas jurisdictions, accord"A lot of what we do is we take cues from the person ing to criminal justice blog Grits for Breakfast. we're interacting with," he said. "Once again we always tell The blog, run by criminal justice policy expert Scott people, always comply with an officer out on that scene."

Henson, used the new data to calculate rates of use of we're interacting with," he said. "Once again we always force, class C misdemeanor arrests and warrant arrests durtell people, always comply with an officer out on that scene." ing traffic stops in Texas.

Defender News Services

EVERY SATURDAY

10 A.M. Join Defender Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley every Saturday morning at 10 a.m., for NewsWrap, the Defender's new digital newscast.

Re RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Tune-in @ DefenderNetwork.com Sign-up @ DefenderNetwork.com/subscribe

You cannot get this collection of Black news in a quick, easy and convenient format anywhere else.

PEOPLE on the MOVE Defender News Services

Jodie Jiles named UT regent

Houstonian Jodie Jiles was among four Texans recently appointed to the University of Texas System Board of Regents for a term set to expire on Feb. 1, 2025. Gov. Greg Abbott made the appointment of Jiles, along with Christina Melton Crain, Kelcy Warren and Nolan Perez, M.D. Jiles is the director of business development for Transwestern. He is a member of the UT Austin Development Board, the UT Health Development Board and former board member of the Texas Southern University Foundation. He served as chairman of the Texas Business Leadership Council and is a former chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership and a lifetime director.

Jodie Jiles Additionally, he is a former gubernatorial appointee to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and a former director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas-Houston Branch.

Jiles is a trustee of Texas Children’s Hospital and the Baylor College of Medicine where he serves on both Executive Committees. He is also chairman of Loving Kids and a former board member of KIPP Academy. He received an accounting degree from TSU and a Master of Professional Accountancy from UT Austin.

He is married to Defender Publisher Sonny Messiah Jiles and is the father of two sons, Jodie B. and Clyde.

Shannon LaNier joins CW39

Veteran television host, social media influencer and author Shannon LaNier is the new morning anchor at CW39. LaNier previously co-hosted “Arise Entertainment 360,” a daily culture and entertainment series that aired on Centric. He is also known for his work as a correspondent and senior producer on Black Enterprise’s nationallysyndicated shows “Black Enterprise Business Report” and “Our World With Black Enterprise.”

The Cincinnati native is also a writer and co-authored the book “Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family,” which follows his journey to uncover the history behind his heritage as a ninth-genShannon LaNier eration direct descendent of Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings.

LaNier is a sought-after speaker who talks on everything from his presidential lineage and genealogy/family research to racial equality and his career in media.

The father of three founded #DaddyDuty365. It’s a digital initiative that provides a support system and promotes positive images of dads who are on duty 365 days of the year. LaNier is an active member of his church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the National Association of Black Journalists.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 88 years

defendernetwork.com

MARCH 21 | 2019 | DEFENDER

3

LEARN MORE. DO MORE. SHARE MORE.

INTERNET ESSENTIALS FROM COMCAST SM

AFFORDABLE, HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

Internet Essentials gives you access to affordable, highspeed Internet. You may qualify if you have at least one child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program, receive HUD housing assistance, or are a low-income veteran who receives state and/or federal assistance.

9

$

95

NO CONTRACT

per month + tax

ACCESS TO 40 1-HOUR SESSIONS OF XFINITY WiFi HOTSPOTS OUTSIDE THE HOME EVERY 30 DAYS

NO CREDIT CHECK NO INSTALLATION FEE IN-HOME WiFi INCLUDED

APPLY NOW

InternetEssentials.com 1-855-8-INTERNET Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Limited to Internet Essentials service for new residential customers meeting certain eligibility criteria. Advertised price applies to a single outlet. Actual speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. After initial participation in the Internet Essentials program, if a customer is determined to be no longer eligible for the program and elects a different Xfinity Internet service, regular rates will apply to the selected Internet service. Subject to Internet Essentials program terms and conditions. WiFi Hotspots: Available in select locations. Requires compatible WiFi-enabled laptop or mobile device. Limited to forty 60-minute sessions per 30-day period per person/account. If session is terminated before 60 mins. remaining time expires. Unused time does not carry over to subsequent sessions or 30-day periods. Not responsible for lost data resulting from terminated Internet session or any other reason. A maximum of up to 10 devices may be registered to a single Xfinity WiFi On Demand account. May not be combined with other offers. Call 1-855-846-8376 for restrictions and complete details, or visit InternetEssentials.com. Š 2019 Comcast. All rights reserved.

CIE_ConsumerAd_VetEng_9.75x13.indd 1

3/13/19 5:12 PM

4

DEFENDER | MARCH 21 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

national

U.S.briefs

Lynne Patton (far right) was stuck in an elevator while staying in New York City public housing. The HUD official and former Trump family employee has no housing experience.

NYC tenants unimpressed with Trump appointee

S

Defender News Services

ince taking over as President Donald Trump’s top housing official in the New York City area, Lynne Patton has been criticized for bringing a reality TV approach to what’s traditionally been a bureaucratic job.

Patton, who serves as regional US Housing and Urban Development director, has feuded with journalists, calling one White House reporter, April Ryan, “Miss Piggy.” On Twitter, she tosses barbs at liberal politicians and lavishes praise on the Trump family, which she worked for as an aide before being installed in 2017 at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Patton, 46, even sought guidance from HUD last fall as to whether she could take time off to appear in a TV “docuseries” about Black Republicans.

So, when Patton announced she’d be living in New York City’s decaying public housing system for four weeks to get a sense of what it was like for tenants, there was skepticism. Was she there to learn and come up with policy solutions? Or was it a stunt?

As the experiment winds down, several tenants at Brooklyn’s Fenimore-Lefferts Houses who met her said they were impressed by her passionate advocacy.

“Listen, she’s the messenger. I think she deserves a chance,” said Leilani Smith-Simon, a longtime tenant who attended a town hall with Patton at the Queensbridge Houses in Queens. “I have to hope things can change and things can get better. She seems trustworthy and she wants us to hold her accountable. There’s something to be said for that.”

Some were more skeptical.

“This is all a show,” Queensbridge tenant Tracy Harris said. “I don’t believe one word that’s coming out of her mouth. She’s saying all the right things, but they’re empty promises. Just like the last person who came up in here, and the person before that. She’s all for show.”

After delays caused in part by the 35-day government shutdown, Patton launched her tour on Feb. 11, toting an air mattress into the Patterson Houses in the Bronx. She went on to stay with other host families in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.

Patton has said her goal is to shine a spotlight on public housing ills such as chronic heat and hot water outages.

“It hit me like a ton of bricks that this is no longer okay,” she said in November when she first floated the sleepover idea.

Along the way she joined a Zumba class, watched “The Wendy Williams Show” with her Queensbridge host, April Simpson, and got stuck in an overcrowded elevator.

The New York City Housing Authority, which has more than 400,000 residents in 328 separate complexes and has long been plagued by problems such as vermin and leaky roofs, was hit with a new scandal in 2017 when investigators accused it of falsifying reports about inspections for lead paint. The Justice Department sued the city, accusing it of neglecting tenants.

Threatened with a complete federal takeover, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an agreement in January with Patton’s boss, Housing Secretary Ben Carson, to put the authority under the eye of a federal monitor. Bart Schwartz, a former federal prosecutor and the chairman of the investigations firm Guidepost Solutions, was named to the position last month. Patton said she will brief the monitor on her stays.

DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE KAMALA HARRIS wants a federal moratorium on executions. The senator from California made the announcement a day after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of California granted reprieves to 737 death row inmates and signed an executive order placing a moratorium on executions. As California’s attorney general, Harris defended the state’s use of the death penalty. But in a recent statement, she said it is “immoral, discriminatory, ineffective, and a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars.”..….TAXPAYERS IN LOUISIANA FOUND SOME EXTRA MONEY after receiving double payments of their tax refunds. According to New Orleans City Business, about 66,700 taxpayers received an over-payment of their state refund.

This mistake cost the state $26 million. The double payment was made because of a computer error. The refunds were issued via direct deposit and the state has already began reversing payments. If the funds aren’t there, the taxpayer will be contacted so the extra monies can be recovered. Financial institutions have also been providing assistance……..

MORE AND MORE BLACKS ARE LEAVING the Windy City in what’s being described as “a reverse migration” This great exodus is happening as Chicago is set to have a Black woman as mayor for the first time in history. Attorney Lori Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will be in a runoff election on April 2. Chicago’s Black population is on track to shrink to 665,000 by 2030 – down from a peak of about 1.2 million, according to the Urban Institute. Some argue that Chicago’s crime rate is driving people away, but many natives would agree that the main factor is cost of living. Black Chicagoans are simply opting to move to areas that are cheaper, such as Southern cities like Atlanta, which is expected to become the nation’s sixth largest city within 20 years.

VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 21 MARCH 21, 2019 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers

Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Editors ReShonda Tate Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Max Edison Jodie B. Jiles Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For digital subscriptions, visit www.DefenderNetwork.com/ subscribe. No paper subscriptions are available. All material covered by 2019 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 88 years

defendernetwork.com

MARCH 21 | 2019 | DEFENDER

5

Puzzling number of men tied to protests died body was found inside a burning car in September 2016.

Two young men were found dead Four others also inside torched cars. Three others died of died, three of them ruled apparent suicides. Another collapsed on suicides. a bus, his death ruled an overdose.

• MarShawn McSix deaths, all involving men with Carrel of Columbus, connections to protests in Ferguson, Ohio, shot himself in Mo., drew attention on social media and February 2016 outside speculation in the activist community the front door of the Ohio that something sinister was at play.

Statehouse, police said.

Police say there is no evidence the He had been active in deaths have anything to do with the Ferguson. protests stemming from a white police • Edward Crawofficer’s fatal shooting of 18-year-old ford Jr., 27, a Ferguson Michael Brown, and that only two were protester, fatally shot homicides with no known link to the himself in May 2017 afprotests. ter telling acquaintances But some activists say their concerns Protests in Ferguson, Mo., erupted in August 2014 following the police killing of Michael Brown. Six deaths involving men with he had been distraught about a possible connection arise out of connection to protests are raising questions. over personal issues. a culture of fear that persists in Ferguson confrontation. Brown was unarmed, but Wilson said he • In October, 24-yearfour and a half years after Brown’s death, fired in self-defense. A grand jury declined to charge Wilold Danye Jones was found hanging from a tree in the citing threats – mostly anonymous – that protest leaders son in November 2014, prompting one of the most violent yard of his north St. Louis County home. His mother, continue to receive. nights of demonstrations, and one of the first activist Melissa McKinnies, was active in Ferguson and posted on Rev. Darryl Gray said he found a box inside his car. deaths.

Facebook after her son’s death, “They lynched my baby.”

When the bomb squad arrived, no explosives were found Deandre Joshua’s body was found inside a burned • Bassem Masri, a 31-year-old who frequently but a 6-foot python was inside. car blocks from the protest. The 20-year-old was shot in livestreamed video of Ferguson demonstrations, was “Everybody is on pins and needles,” Gray said of his the head before the car was torched. found unresponsive on a bus in November. Toxicology refellow activists.

Darren Seals, 29, was shown on video comfortsults released in February showed he died of an overdose Ferguson erupted in protests in August 2014 after ing Brown’s mother that same night. His bullet-riddled of fentanyl. officer Darren Wilson fatally shot Brown during a street Associated Press

MEMBER FDIC

The key element in every personal loan?

The person.

Unmatched service. Multiple loan options.

And a trusted partner to help you find the right one.

Talk to a Frost banker at (800) 51-FROST or visit your nearest financial center.

6

DEFENDER | MARCH 21 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

Library provides prom formal wear for local teens Defender News Services

New East End investments break ground Defender News Services

Houston’s East End District will soon welcome new shops, cafes and restaurants, and other mixed-use developments to its area thanks to the multiple multi-million-dollar developments currently underway. The spur of growth is designed to drive value and generate jobs while the area maintains its small-town charm and unique character, and includes: East River – The 150-acre complex will be situated across the historic Hill Street Bridge on Jensen Drive. East River will be home to a state-of-the-art residential and business community, nestled along a mile-long area of Buffalo Bayou designed with European-style plazas which will integrate three miles of walking and biking trails. The waterway and green spaces surrounding the complex will support outdoor events.

The planning and development to transform the area will

be completed in phases with plans for final completion by 2029.

Phase one is already underway.

East Village and The Block – East Village, located at 2118 Lamar, has phase I completed. Designs and permits for phases II and III are being finalized. Multiple tenants have already opened doors.

The construction of the facility which began in 2016, occupies a 100,000-square foot area and is within walking distance to Toyota Center and BBVA Compass Stadium.

The Block, which is currently under construction, will offer business residents 44,000 square feet of shared office space and experiential retail, covering a wide area between Canal Street and Commerce Street.

The Navigation Place – The building is under development and is located a block away from the Navigation Esplanade and adjacent to Houston Fire Station 17. Future tenants include Allegiance Bank.

Students across the Houston area are looking forward to proms near the end of the school year, but some students will be unable to attend because they don’t have the proper attire.

The Houston Public Library (HPL) wants to make sure that all teens have that once-in-a-lifetime prom experience and is asking for help.

HPL is collecting new and gently-used formal dresses and tuxedos in all sizes, along with shoes and accessories. The donation will not only help a teen, but also their families who may be struggling to make ends meet.

A Prom Extravaganza will be held Saturday, April 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lakewood Neighborhood Library, temporarily located at Northeast Multi-Service Center, 9720 Spaulding.

Teens girls are invited to visit the library to browse, try on and select that perfect formal dress for their prom and will be able to keep the attire they’ve selected.

Teen boys will complete a form requesting a donated tuxedo and will go for measurements, fitting and tailoring at a later time.

In addition, there will be arts and crafts, make-up lessons and more.

The event is free and open to the public. Visit houstonlibrary.org or call 832-393-2450.

defendernetwork.com

MARCH 21 | 2019 | DEFENDER

entertainment

7

Solange draws from Houston, Black nostalgia

S

together to put it together,” noting that he used his number to convey authenticity.

“I wanted to let my fans know I was coming to their city, olange Knowles makes no secret of her love for her and they could call me if anything went wrong,” Jones said. hometown, and her new album is letting the world “When I Get Home" follows 2016’s critically acclaimed know how great she thinks the Bayou City really “A Seat At The Table,” and is a compilation of repetitive is.“When I Get Home" combines the nuances of lyrics, samples from viral videos and highly produced beats Houston while paying homage to Black nostalgia.

Knowles timed the release of the album with an with cosmic sounds and a Houston flair.

The artist later announced that an accompanying film announcement that she was bringing back the social networking would be released exclusively on Apple Music. The film is website BlackPlanet. set in Houston and features a cast of Black actors dressed in On her customized BlackPlanet page, which included lyric excerpts, a collection of images, a lineup of tour dates and a news- uniforms of simple solid colors moving in unison and pattern.

The film also shows illusions of a letter sign-up, Solange described her holy figure, Black cowboys and fourth studio album as “an exploraonline sensation Zola, who moved tion of origin,” asking the question the internet in 2015 with her recol“How much of ourselves do we leave lection of an experience with an at home and how much do we carry exotic dancer and pimp on Twitter. with us forever?”

Knowles also released tickets Knowle’s new BlackPlanet page on BlackPlanet for fans to view became the talk of social media, with the film at various locations in many wondering if the social site was Houston, including Unity National remerging. BlackPlanet launched in Bank, the only Black-owned bank 1999 as a social networking site for in the city.

African-Americans but has since Knowles streamed her film to fallen out of the mainstream. a sold-out audience while simulIts founder, Omar Wasow, an astaneously streaming the follow-up sistant politics professor at Princeton discussion on BlackPlanet. She University, said the social network was created to use the internet as a Native Houstonian Solange has a new album out titled reviewed the project and told the “When I Get Home.” audience it was extremely imporplace not only of information, but tant for her to tell the familiar story of Houston, and also of community. BlackPlanet gave African-Americans tools to especially of the Black experience. Knowles revealed “make friends, find jobs, date and even get married.” the film was intended to highlight a “culture that was Knowles accessed another piece of Houston nostalgia by so enriching for me. It’s not just an aesthetic, this is tapping Houston rapper Mike Jones to introduce another throwsomething that we actually live.” back. Knowles surprised fans by posting a video encouraging Throughout the 2000s, BlackPlanet’s influence her 3.7 million followers to call “281-330-8004” for a “special was everywhere. Even former President Barack announcement.” The number is familiar to many music fans, Obama created a profile on the site after announcing particularly those in Houston. his presidency. “It wasn’t obvious then how powerful Jones included the number – then his personal cellphone social networking would be. And in particular, that number – in his hit song “Back Then,” which peaked on the it would be so powerful for the Black community,” Billboard charts at No. 15. He said that Knowles approached Wasow said. him to collaborate with the hotline tactic and “they worked Defender news Service

what’sup The family of MICHAEL JACKSON has publicly denied the allegations of sexual abuse against the pop star for years. With the recent release of the HBO “Leaving Neverland” documentary they’ve been even more vocal and diligent about protecting M.J.’s legacy. TAJ and BRANDI JACKSON, Michael’s niece and nephew, call it “propaganda,” because the film is extremely “one-sided,” and urges people to check their facts. “If you can watch a four-hour documentary you can Google and look up these guys,” Taj said. Brandi dated one of the accusers, Wade Robson, when they were preteens in the ‘90s. According to the Jacksons, the

Robson family is known for being untruthful and “opportunists.” They also feel that the interview that OPRAH WINFREY conducted with the accusers was the “ultimate betrayal,” suggesting that she too is an opportunist…….This time when R. KELLY heads to trial, cameras will be there to document it all. A judge ruled that cameras will be allowed in the courtroom during Kelly’s abuse trial and pretrial hearings. Photos and videos of the accusers won’t be shown without their consent.

Two accusers have refused to give their consent so far. Kelly is facing 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse………Plans for a “Black Panther” sequel are

already underway, and while the storyline is being kept under wraps, news about the returning cast has been revealed. ANGELA BASSETT seemed to confirm that the entire cast would return for the sequel, saying, “I would assume so,” before her husband, actor COURTNEY B. VANCE, chimed in to add: “Yes, just go ahead and say it, yes! Everyone will be there, including MICHAEL B. JORDAN.” Jordan’s Erik Killmonger character sustained what seemed to be fatal injuries during his battle scene with CHADWICK BOSEMAN in “Black Panther,” leaving many fans wondering if he would return for the second installment.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 88 years

8

DEFENDER | MARCH 21 | 2019

Pregnancy-related deaths

Black maternal mortality rate addressed general practice, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology physicians.

The bias training, Thierry said, hen Jaymie is crucial to correct inaccurate beliefs Rivera-Clemente among the medical community that reflects on her Black women have “thicker skin” or four pregnancies, can tolerate more pain than their white there’s a comcounterparts, which can lead to mismon thread running through them – her takes being made when these women healthcare providers failed to properly are receiving any kind of treatment, not communicate with her each time. just maternal healthcare.

“I ended up crowning my first “I've heard people say that child on the toilet simply because the African-Americans’ blood coagulates nurse didn't feel the need to make the faster,” Thierry said. “This is systemdifference in the type of pressure that I atic decades and decades of misinforState Rep. Shawn Thierry was feeling,” Rivera-Clemente said. mation and misinformation. That's how That was just one of Rivera-Cleit's affecting people. I want when you mente’s poor experiences with doctors say implicit bias, say racism.” and nurses while giving birth, and she’s Despite knowing otherwise, some not alone. Black women often struggle Black women may end up being afraid to be heard in those crucial settings, to speak up, Thierry said.

Rivera-Clemente said, and it can have “There's a fear because of stedisastrous consequences. reotypes as a Black woman that if you In Texas, where maternal mortalwere to actually speak and advocate ity is already high, Black women are for yourself, even when you're in crisis, more than twice as likely to die as the that you may be retaliated against,” result of their pregnancy than white Thierry said. women, according to a 2018 report Implicit bias, as well as the diffrom the Department of State Health ficulties in getting healthcare profesServices. The report also said that of sionals to listen in times of need, can Dr. Michele Rountree, Ph.D. the 118 deaths studied, all of which destroy faith in doctors, said Riverahappened in 2012, eight out of every 10 were reasonably Clemente, who also now works as a doula – a person preventable. trained to provide information, emotional support, and Overall in Texas, approximately 14 Black women physical comfort to a mother before, during and just after die for every 100,000 live births. For white women, the childbirth – helping women get through their pregnancy rate is less than half that. as smoothly as possible.

Rivera-Clemente, who now works for the advocacy (Doulas are often paid for out of pocket and are not group the Black Mamas Community Collective, Houston covered under Medicaid, making them inaccessible to State Rep. Shawn Thierry and experts met recently during many low-income women). the Texas Black Legislative Caucus Summit to discuss “You're not listening to us [during childbirth], and how to address the high Black maternal mortality rate. then we come into the office after we have a baby…I Thierry, D-Houston, has filed several bills this don't trust you, and I don't trust you to listen to me now,” legislative session to expand Medicaid coverage for Rivera-Clemente said. maternal health and to mandate implicit bias and cultural Thierry is also working on bills to establish August competency training for medical students and current as Maternal Health Awareness Month and create an online

By CHASE KARACOSTAS Defender

W

This story was produced by a partnership with the University of Texas at Austin and HustonTillotson University.

Chase is a student at UT, who covered maternal mortality at the Texas Legislative Black Caucus Summit.

Pending legislation House Bill 411 – Would expand Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women to 12 months postpartum compared to just 60 days.

House Bill 606 – Would allow for automatic enrollment in the Healthy Texas Women program for anyone previously covered under CHIP or Children’s Medicaid as soon as they reach 18.

database to track maternal mortality and morbidity across the state.

Beyond legislative action, Dr. Michele Rountree, Ph.D., an associate professor at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin, said there also needs to be a focus on diversifying medical schools and the medical field as a whole.

Rountree said this would go a long way toward improving trust between the Black community and the healthcare field, where just 7 percent are Black, though Blacks comprise nearly 12 percent of the state’s overall population.

“There is a grave underrepresentation in health care in Texas,” Rountree said.

bias train how unde often discr lives and p “African-American wom affected by multiple sexual an tions compared with other rac suggests that racism is an und condition,” Rountree said.

“For Black women, it's a lives with our foot on the acce experience of discriminat

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

Rountree said the implicit and cultural competency ning has the chance to improve w the medical community erstands Black women, who n face some of the hardest rimination throughout their s, which can affect their mental physical well-being. men are disproportionately nd reproductive health condices and ethnicities, and research derlying determinant of social

Maternal mortality rates IN TEXAS

die per • 13.9 Black women pa com red to six 100,000 live births, for white women. aths studied • Eight out of 10 de onably preventwere considered reas ges to healthcare able with minor chan treatment. rdless of • Black women, rega ar and m ital status, income, education k compared to are at the greatest ris any other race. rtment of State Source: Texas Depa Health Services

IN THE U.S.

the preg• During 2011-2014, ra ity tios were 40 nancy-related mortal live biths for Black deaths per 100,000 to 12.4 deaths for women, compared .8 for women of white women and 17 other races. causes of • The most common re we : Cardiovasdeath by percentage percent; non-carcular diseases, 15.2 , 14.7; infection diovascular diseases orrhage, 11.5; or sepsis, 12.8; hem .3; thrombotic cardiomyopathy, 10 m, 9.1; cerebropulmonary embolis 7.4; hypertensive vascular accidents, ncy, 6.8; unknown, disorders of pregna embolism, 5.5; 6.5; amniotic fluid tions, 0.3. anesthesia complica r Disease Control Source: Centers fo

as though we are living our elerator constantly with the tion or anticipation.”

he Houston area for over 88 years

defendernetwork.com

9

Wellness tips for w omen

Getting regular health car e can help cause pregnancy-related identify conditions that death. can cause serious • Protect yourself from problems for pregnant wo infections. Talk men. to your provider about vac If you’re planning pregn cinations (like ancy, get a the flu shot) that can hel preconception checkup, p protect you from tell your provider cer tain diseases. Wash your about any medicines yo hands with u take, protect soap and water after usi yourself from infections ng the bathroom and get to a or blowing your nose. Sta healthy weight by eating y away from healthy foods and peo ple who have infections. being active.

Don’t eat raw meat, fish or eggs. Us Also, make sure your pre e a condom to gnancy health protect yourself from STIs. If yo provider, such as an obste u have a trician/gynecolo- cat , do no gist, is right for you. As t clean its litter box. Co ntact with k friends, family infected cat feces can cau members, neighbors or se toxoplasmosis, coworkers if they a parasite infection. have a doctor they like.

Use your first visit • Eat healthy foods and as a litmus test. Your pro do something vider should: act ive every day.

• Treat you with respect.

• Don’t smoke, drink alc • Listen to your opinion ohol or use s and concerns. harmf ul drugs. Tell your provid • Show an interest in get er if you ting to know need help quitting. you.

• Welcome your question s and answer them in ways that you can understand AFTER PREGNANCY • Tell your provider right away if you hav e you have any signs or sym DURING PREGNANCY ptoms of conditions that can cau • Go for your first prenat se pregnancyal care visit as related death. These can includ soon as you think you’r e chest pain, e pregnant. tro ub le breathing, dizziness and • Go to all your prenatal swelling in care checkthe legs, hands or face. ups, even if you’re feelin g fine.

• If you’re worried about • Tell your provider abo anything or ut any medisomething doesn’t seem cines you take. right, call your provider.

• If you’re at risk for pre eclampsia, • If you’re having a medic talk to your provider abo al emerut taking low-dose gen cy, call 911. aspirin to help reduce yo ur risk. PreSource: March of Dimes, eclampsia is a serious con Defender dition that can News Services

10 DEFENDER | MARCH 21 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

Hester House will celebrate 75th anniversary Defender News Services

One of the most historically significant cultural institutions in Houston’s Fifth Ward community is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a community jubilee festival on Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2020 Solo Street.

Since the 1940s, Julia C. Hester House has been a fixture in Fifth Ward by enhancing the quality of life through programs and services promoting selfempowerment.

In honor of the milestone, Discovery Green has partnered with Hester House to offer a performance by the worldrenowned Cirque Zuma Zuma – a family-friendly, high-energy show with pulsing African music performed by young acrobats from African nations, which will be free to the community and begin at noon.

“Discovery Green is excited about bringing world-class entertainment to the Fifth Ward community for this momentous occasion,” said Barry Mandel, Discovery Green president and park director.

Texas Trailblazer cared for young people

“I never intended to become a run-ofthe-mill person.”

In observance of Women’s History Month in March, the Defender presents condensed profiles of African-American women who made a difference in countless lives. They are featured in-depth in the Texas Trailblazer Series edited by Patricia Smith Prather and the late Bob Lee.

JULIA C. HESTER (1881-1940)

CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA JORDAN

M AY O R S Y LV E S T E R T U R N E R

#CelebrateHoustonWomen #LiftEveryVoice

Pol. adv. Sylvester Turner Campaign

Please join me in celebrating Women’s History Month —and the strong, inspirational, path-breaking women who built this city, state and nation.

Congresswoman Barbara Jordan was called home more than 22 years ago, yet her legacy, like her bold, impassioned voice, continues to shake the halls of power and inspires us to create a more perfect union.

The partnership with Hester House is the first event that is part of Discovery Green’s initiative to expand programming outside its downtown location.

Led by Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis, which partners with Hester House to provide youth, adult, and senior programming and social services that include life skills, financial literacy, and employment and educational assistance, is also sponsoring the jubilee.

“Hester House and Harris County Precinct One appreciate Discovery Green’s gracious sponsorship of Cirque Zuma Zuma for the jubilee,” Ellis said. “Seventy-five years marks an important milestone for Hester House and it’s a privilege to celebrate it with our Fifth Ward community and local partners.”

Her legacy to young people still lives nearly 80 years after her death and thousands have benefited from her vision. Although she had no children of her own, Julia C. Hester was a teacher and when she was not at school, she opened her beautiful Victorian home to neighborhood youth. There they were safe from the dangers of the street and under the able hands of one who helped encourage them in their education.

Julia and her husband, A. Z. Hester, moved to Houston as young adults. She taught at the Chaneyville School and he was a cotton classer.

The Hesters lived just north of downtown Houston in Fifth Ward. They settled on a street where other well-to-do African-American professionals lived.

The Hesters were pioneer members of Payne Chapel African Methodist Church, which was founded in 1886 and located near their home. A.Z. Hester was among the early trustees of the church.

Julia C. Hester was active in many aspects of her community in both the city and the state of Texas. She was an active member of the Heroines of Jericho, a statewide fraternal organization founded in 1884.

Julia C. Hester had a lot to share with her students and her community. She was more fortunate than many of her race in that she received a higher education at Spelman Seminary in Atlanta (now Spelman College). Hester was born into a prominent and religious family in Dublin, Georgia and she and A. Z. Hester were married by her uncle, the pastor of their church.

In 1943, when the Houston Community Chest (now United Way) supported the first community center in an African-American neighborhood, Fifth Ward was chosen. When board members considered an appropriate name for the center, they chose Julia C. Hester because of her service to the youth of the community.

defendernetwork.com

MARCH 21 | 2019 | DEFENDER

health

A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

11

Breastfeeding benefits newborns

BY CHANELLE CLARK, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

W

hether to breastfeed or not is a personal choice for a mom, but it’s considered the gold standard for infant nutrition – and it has benefits for mom’s health, too!

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive CHANELLE CLARK, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. breastfeeding for the first six months after birth and breastfeeding in combination with solid foods until at least age 1.

Numerous benefits

Breast milk has everything needed to sustain an infant and help promote lifelong health. Nurturing a newborn with a mother’s milk offers baby rich nutrients with proven benefits for mother and baby.

Money saved from not purchasing formula is a bonus.

The health benefits of breastfeeding for baby include decreasing the risk of common childhood illnesses, such as upper respiratory infections, ear infections, and asthma. It also provides long-term benefits for lowering

risks for developing obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Mothers benefit from breastfeeding by generally getting back to pre-pregnancy weight sooner (breastfeeding burns up to 500 calories per day), as well as decreasing the risk of diabetes and breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers.

Breastfeeding is an especially important health issue in the African-American community, which is disproportionately impacted by prematurity, low birth weight, and infant mortality. Although breastfeeding can’t prevent prematurity or low birth weight, it has strong potential to reduce poor outcomes and help prevent infant mortality by supporting infant health, neurodevelopment, and immune system development.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), increased breastfeeding among black women could decrease infant mortality by as much as 50 percent.

While the benefits for mother and baby are numerous, some new mothers will face challenges.

Barriers such as low availability and access to breastfeeding support, lack of family and community support, unaccommodating workplace and childcare environments, and aggressive marketing of infant

formula make breastfeeding difficult for many mothers to have a successful experience breastfeeding.

A slow start is OK

If breastfeeding is tougher than you expected, try not to get discouraged. Feeding a newborn every few hours can be tiring, and it’s OK to have a slow start.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Friends who’ve successfully breastfed might be a good source of information, but it is even better to take a breastfeeding class before you deliver, either online or in person.

Lactation consultants are available at the birthing hospital. Kelsey-Seybold offers breastfeeding consultations with a breastfeeding medicine specialist.

Your baby’s pediatrician can also provide support and guidance. If your baby’s doctor is concerned your baby isn’t receiving adequate nutrition or hydration, he or she might suggest pumping and supplementing with expressed breast milk or, if medically needed, formula.

If you’re considering formula feeding, do your research so you can make an informed decision. Then focus on nourishing and nurturing your baby.

Dr. Clark is an OB/GYN specialist currently accepting new patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Pearland Clinic.

To schedule an appointment, call 713-442-0000.

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, you have an entire healthcare team that 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

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

n

24-Hour Nurse Hotline. Speak with a Kelsey-Seybold nurse after 5 p.m. and on holidays and weekends.

n

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

n

Appointments today! Book a Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics appointment online at kelsey-seybold.com/NOW.

24-Hour Appointment Scheduling: 713-442-0000 | kelsey-seybold.com

12 DEFENDER | MARCH 21 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

During the State of HBCUs Address Black college officials listen to master of ceremonies Bakari Sellers, an attorney, CNN political analyst and former elected official.

UNCF delivers first State of HBCUs Address

N

schools have had. historic all-girls’ school’s accreditation.

HBCUs represent 17 percent of Lomax promised that the fight isn’t over. He also laid out the African-Americans with a bachelor’s top priorities for HBCUs, noting that the country should invest ana-Ama BrookTexas HBCUs degree and 24 percent of Africanmore heavily in those institutions. man, a senior at • Huston-Tillotson University (UNCF), Austin • Jarvis Christian College (UNCF), Hawkins Americans with a bachelor’s degree Among the priorities: Virginia Union, • Paul Quinn College, Dallas in the STEM field.

• A White House Initiative that should implement policies that said she wouldn’t • Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View HBUCs meet the needs of lowincrease the federal investment in HBCUs. be on the cusp of • Southwest Christian College, Terrell income, first-generation students • Fully funded Title III HBCU Programs that would include graduating with honors and with • St. Philip’s College, San Antonio with 70 percent of enrollees consid$85 million in annual mandatory funding which would enable a degree in mass communications • Texas College (UNCF), Tyler ered low-income versus 39 percent at HBCUs to prepare more minority students for the workforce and and criminal justice, if it weren’t • Texas Southern University, Houston all other colleges. economy. for the United Negro College • Wiley College (UNCF), Marshall Fifty-five percent of African• Annual discretionary funding for the strengthening of Fund.

American graduates of HBCUs report HBCU programs should increase from fiscal year 2019 levels of When she started college, more support and higher engagement $282 million to $375 million, the authorized level.

Brookman worked three jobs as – a figure that’s two times more than • Endowment Challenge Grants which would help HBCUs she struggled to pay rising tuition African-American graduates of other colleges. increase their self-sufficiency and build endowments that, today, and other costs. After receiving a scholarship from the UNCF, Just as important, HBCUs are half the typical size of non-HBCU Brookman was able to focus more on her education and a little less generate a $14.8 billion economic endowments. on the side jobs. And, it’s paid off as she now sports a 4.0 grade impact annually, producing 134,900 • Reform Federal Student Aid. point average. jobs each year and $130 billion in • Invest in HBCU facilities and Brookman was among the attendees at a Capitol Hill lun• Together, Texas’ HBCUs generate infrastructure to the tune of a $1 trilcheon where the UNCF issued its first “State of HBCUs Address.” lifetime earnings. $1.3 billion in total economic im“The forerunner to good legislion national infrastructure program The organization, which for 75 years has championed the pact. This estimate includes direct lation is good education,” said South that should include grants, no or cause that “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” also launched its spending by HBCUs on faculty, Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott, low-interest loans, and tax incentives HBCU Congressional Honor Roll. employees, academic programs and who spoke at the luncheon. through a national infrastructure During the event, UNCF president and CEO Dr. Michael L. operations and by students attendVirginia Democratic Sen. Tim bank and, or, the U.S. Department Lomax outlined a comprehensive legislative agenda for Congresing the institutions, as well as the Kaine said HBCUs have “persisted of Agriculture, Commerce, Educasional members that he said should help level the playing field for follow-on effects of that spending. and thrived because your mission tion, Interior, and Treasury programs the nation’s HBCUs. • For each job created on an HBCU is right.” to renovate and construct HBCU A number of lawmakers and a host of HBCU presidents campus in Texas, another 1.4 public “It’s not easy running an facilities. attended the event where Lomax called on federal policymakand private-sector jobs are created HBCU, there are challenges,” Kaine • Fund new HBCU Centers of ers to make significant investments in HBCU infrastructure and off campus because of HBCU-relatsaid, noting that his children’s teachInnovation for National Needs. innovation, reform financial aid and evaluate regional accreditors’ ed spending. ers were products of HBCUs and • Repeal and reform burdentreatment of HBCUs. • Texas’ HBCUs generate 11,490 jobs they’ve become successful in part some higher education regulations.

“We want our institutions to be vibrant, vital and strong,” in total for their local and regional because of it.

“HBCUs are the engines that Lomax said. economies. Of this total, 4,872 are Bennett College President help power and deliver much-needed “We want our partners, federal and otherwise, to invest at a on-campus jobs, and 6,618 are offDr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins also economic and workforce diversity,” level that is not simply about surviving, but thriving,” he said. campus jobs. praised the UNCF for its role in Lomax said. “By that standard alone, During the luncheon where attorney and CNN political anaSource: UNCF our institutions are worth the federal lyst Bakari Sellers served as master of ceremonies, UNCF officials helping raise $9.5 million over a 60day period in a bid to help save the investment we are asking for.” and others outlined the benefits of HBCUs and the impact those NNPA Newswire

Economic impact

defendernetwork.com

MARCH 21 | 2019 | DEFENDER

13

Football, track star Johnny ‘Lam’ Jones dead Texas state track meet, when he took the baton

Defender News Services

Johnny “Lam” Jones, one of the most celebrated athletes in Texas history, died March 15 after a long battle with cancer. He was 60 years old. Jones, a two-sport star at the University of Texas and an Olympic gold medalist, was the second pick in the 1980 draft by the New York Jets. He played wide receiver for the Jets for five years.

Jones was diagnosed with multiple myeloma – a cancer of the plasma and bone marrow – in 2005.

He was given the nickname “Lam” because of his hometown, Lampasas, to differentiate him from UT teammate Johnny "Ham" Jones, who was from Hamlin, Texas.

Jones’ track exploits at Lampasas High School were legendary. He was known for his performance as the anchor leg on the 4x400meter relay at the 1976 UIL

in last place and passed everyone on a dramatic final lap. The win also clinched the state team title for Lampasas.

Jones was a member of the U.S. Olympic track team in the 1976 Montreal Games before his freshman year at UT. He won a gold medal

as the second leg of the 4x100m relay team and joined Harvey Glance, Millard Hampton and Steve Riddick in setting a world record.

At UT, he lettered in football from 1976-79 and in track from 1977-78. He was the football team's Most Valuable Player in 1978 and earned All-America honors in 1978 and 1979.

The two-time All-Southwest Conference performer scored eight touchdowns of 45 yards or more during his college career.

He was a member of the Longhorn Hall of Honor and the Texas High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Jones shared some of his memories in a book about UT players titled “What It Means to Be a Longhorn.”

“People ask me, ‘Hey, what was it like to win a gold medal in the Olympics?’ They look at me like I'm crazy when I say, ‘It's almost as exciting as running in the state meet in Texas.’ Winning our team championship was probably my most special moment,” he said.

The late Johnny “Lam” Jones was a speedy receiver for the University of Texas in the 1970s.

got goals?

Tickets On-Sale Now!

Register now for Summer 2019!

Classes begin June 3.

For more information visit LoneStar.edu/Register

APRIL 17-21

LSC-North Harris

LSC-Greenspoint Center

LSC-Victory Center

2700 W.W. Thorne Drive

250 N. Sam Houston Parkway E.

4141 Victory Drive

Houston, TX 77073

Houston, TX 77060

Houston, TX 77088

281.618.5400

281.260.3500

281.810.5602

GGSU19_Defender_4.79x6.5.indd 1

2/28/19 3:02 PM

14

DEFENDER | MARCH 21 | 2019

sports

defendernetwork.com

March Madness

Area schools ready to dance

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

hree area universities are preparing for the Big Dance, better known as March Madness.

Prairie View A&M University, Rice University and the University of Houston have all received their invitations.

For the first time in 21 years, the PVAMU Panthers are SWAC tournament champions. It also marks the first time in the history of the school's program that they’ve won both the regular season and tournament championship in the same year.

The Panthers were literally unstoppable once SWAC competition began. They finished with an impressive 17-1 record and blew through the SWAC tournament like a runaway train.

PVAMU was able to avenge their only conference loss in the tournament championship game by defeating arch-rival Texas Southern University 92-86.

Panthers Dennis Jones, Devonte Patterson and Gary Blackston were all named to the All-Tournament team.

Blackston was named the tourney MVP. Members of the Prairie View A&M men’s basketball team celebrate their SWAC championship and March Second-year head coach Madness.

Byron Smith was understandably emotional as the Panthers cut down the nets.

“This was truly a remarkable night and I am so proud of this team and the accomplishment we made tonight,” Smith said. “All I can do is thank the Man upstairs for making this happen. We had a rough but the ending is a fairy tale within itself.”

Fred Washington, PVAMU vice president and athletic director, echoed the sentiments of his head coach.

“I can't put into words PVAMU’s Gary Blackston was named SWAC Tournament MVP. The Rice University women’s basketball team earned its third NCAA Tournament berth. just how proud and happy I am for our student athletes nament finals 69-57. The loss was a mere speed bump tion. Mulkey was named the C-USA Championship and our coaching staff,” Washington said. “They were for the Cougars who will enter the dance as a No. 3 seed MVP after averaging 18 points and 5.7 blocked shots. special tonight and part of an amazing game to watch...” Teammate junior guard and C-USA Player of the Year in the Midwest regional. It’s the second straight season The No. 24-ranked Rice Owl women capped off a and the 21st time in school history, the University of Erica Ogwumike was also named an All-Tournament perfect Conference USA season (16-0, 28-3 overall) in Houston Men's Basketball has been selected to comperformer. route to a 69-54 victory over Middle Tennessee in the “We're really proud to do this for Rice,” head coach pete in the NCAA Tournament.

C-USA tourney championship. As a result, the Owls “For us to go from where we were five years ago Tina Langley said. “We're a nationally and universally earned their third NCAA Tournament berth and schoolto a No. 3 seed is monumental and rewarding,” Courespected university. We wanted to help the basketball record 21st straight win. gar head coach Kelvin Sampson said. program to be as respected as the university is, led by a Sophomore center and C-USA Defensive Player The Cougars are ranked in the top 25 in both great president.” of the Year Nancy Mulkey led the way with a gameoffensive and defensive efficiency and most sports The ninth-ranked Houston Cougars, American high 24 points on 9-of-20 shooting and broke the title experts believe this is the year Houston advances to Athletic Conference regular season champions (31-3 game record with eight blocks in 34 minutes of acthe Sweet 16. overall), were defeated by Cincinnati in the AAC tour-

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 88 years

defendernetwork.com

MARCH 21 | 2019 | DEFENDER

15

HS sports David & Micah Peavy

Duncanville state title a family affair

By JODIE B. JILES Defender

L

Micah Peavy drives the lane for a basket against North Shore in the semifinals.

The Peavys left Dekaney High School in Spring to move to Dallas.

ast season, Coach David Peavy and his son Micah, a highly recruited junior prospect, decided to switch from Dekaney High School in Spring to powerhouse Duncanville High School in Dallas. Since the move, the Peavys have dominated Texas 6A basketball, maintaining the No. 1 status in the state throughout their 33-7 regular season.

In the playoffs the Peavys didn’t miss a step, capping off the playoffs with a 73-69 victory in the state title game against Klein Forest. After the game, Micah was named MVP of the tournament, ending a fairy tale season for both father and son.

The Defender spoke with the duo about their transition to Dallas and lessons learned on their road to a state championship.

Defender: How would you describe your style of play?

Micah Peavy: I just like to do whatever it takes for my team to win the game.

A lot of people describe me as a positionless player. But I just have to rebound, get to the rim and do state championship? whatever my team needs me to win Coach Peavy: Rebounding. We did a great job on the Defender: You seemed to be doing some coaching of boards. We missed some assignments. We left some guys your own while in the game. How are you able to assist open that we weren’t supposed to and allowed them to the team? get to the rim too much, but we fought through. We have Micah Peavy: Since it is a big atmosphere [and] loud, been doing this for a while sneaking into games, having someone has to be on the court talking to my teamconfidence and knowing we can come back and win the mates because they can’t hear game. the coaches. So, I have to be Defender: What does it For game and crowd photos visit that someone to talk to. mean to share this with your IG: @DefenderHighSchoolSports Defender: Having gone son? to a new team and a new city Coach Peavy: It is unbea year ago, how was Duncanville able to pull off a state lievable. I am sure it will sink in [later] because I am so championship one year later? exhausted. But I am really proud of him. He stepped up Micah Peavy: I have great teammates and in practice throughout the whole playoffs and just refused to lose. He we just wanted to work hard. Then in games everyone matured so much and grew up and is a different person wants to give everyone the best shot they can get. now.

Defender: What does it feel like to win a championDefender: How were you able to successfully win ship with your dad? a state championship in your first year at Duncanville?

Micah Peavy: My dad has been coaching for a while Coach Peavy: Getting everybody to buy in. It took and I have been seeing his players go to the playoffs us a while, I would say about 15 games, but once we and I wanted to go there when I was little. So, to be clicked everyone was locked in. I can’t say it was easy here right now is just incredible. but it got a lot easier when guys believed in themselves Defender: What were the keys to victory in the and each other.

Duncanville basketball Coach David Peavy and his son Micah, tournament MVP, are proud of the team’s 6A title.

Coach Peavy disagrees with a referee during the state title game. (Photos by Jimmie Aggison)

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 88 years

16

DEFENDER | MARCH 21 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

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

topevents

MARCH 2nd TUESDAY WITH THE CHAMBER……..The most recent installment spoke briefly, but most of the talking was done by participants in workgroups designed to of the Greater Houston Black Chamber’s (GHBC) “2nd Tuesdays with the Chamber” identify solutions. Attendees included Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Marcia luncheon series, held at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, featured keynote speaker Johnson, Larry Brown, Matala Idi, Ana Yanez Correa, Deloyd Parker, Sybil Sybille, William Cunningham. GHBC Board Chair Carol Guess presided over the monthly Stephen Williams, LaTosha Selexman, DeVon Douglass, Yadira Castillo, Vivian King, gathering that provides members with business development opportunities and access to Sabella Reyes, Sharday Campbell, Tammie Lang Campbell and scores more…….. 2nd Houston-area business stakeholders. Attendees included presenters ANNUAL MARCH FOR BLACK WOMEN HOUSTON……..

Jimmie Jones (BB&T), Brandon Denton (Hire Houston Youth), For the second year, Black Lives Matter and Houston Rising hosted the Defender TOP EVENTS Tiffany Bourgeois (Ensemble Theatre) and Asheli Atkins (Texas March for Black Women, an event designed to recognize, support and More photos on defendernetwork.com A&M University) and Janette Cosley, Ellis Hubbard, John celebrate the contributions of Black women and Black womanhood.

PHOTOS BY: Aswad Walker Guess, Richard Chappell, Cynthia Garrison, Erica Hubbard, This year’s march was dedicated to Black girls and declared the Tyra Weaver, Cornell England, Niles Dillard and many “Year of Black Girl Magic.” Also celebrated was the support of Black women running for political office called for during the 2018 march that manifested into others…….. JUDGE LINA HIDALGO’S CIVIC SATURDAY……..Harris County record-setting political victories for Black women. Attendees included Kandile Webber, Judge Lina Hidalgo hosted Civic Saturday, an opportunity for participants to connect Judge Erica Hughes, Judge Tonya Jones, Naomi Long, Jessica Byrd, Deion Dorsett, with other county residents and community leaders around shared goals. This month’s Tarsha Jackson, Tiffany Adams, Beatrice Akpanumoh, Kim Edwards Williams, Sister event focused on criminal justice reform, an issue that impacts so many as evidenced by Mama Sonya, Rita Houston, Fredericka Phillips, Dr. Carla Brailey, HISD Trustee the packed house at the University of Houston Student Center. U.S. Congresswoman Rhonda Skillern-Jones and many others.

Sheila Jackson Lee, County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Mayor Sylvester Turner

Lauryn Cash, Carol Guess, Errol Allen II

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, County Judge Lina Hidalgo

Judge Erica Hughes, Judge Tonya Jones

Richard Chappell, Walter Broussard

County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Vivian King, Toni Middleton, Renetta Moss

Tiffany Adams, Alonzo, Beatrice Akpanumoh

Sydney Whitman, Cynthia Garrison, Tiffany Taylor-Hicks

Sabella Reyes, Rayven Forrest, Ronald Restrepo

Jazz Surratt, CC Surratt, Ruby Surratt

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 88 years