Houston Defender: March 28, 2013

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Volume 82 | Number 22

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ENTERTAINMENT JURNEE SMOLLETT-BELL discusses her new movie

P4 OBITUARY OPINION

RICK ROBERTS leaves radio legacy

Why Blacks should support

Immigration reform H Page 6

P4 HS ZONE SKYLAR ROSSRANSOM has high hopes

P9 CHAG’S PLACE

Twins Royce Smith and Joyce Smith celebrate 80th birthday

P11

Charles Dupre leads district

President Obama

The Fort Bend Independent School District approved Charles Dupre as the lone finalist for superintendent, and he starts to work in June. Hear what he says about district diversity.

See why he’s anxious to hear what community members think. Read his thoughts on vision and values.

President Barack Obama recently marked the third anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, a hallmark of his administration. Discover its impact on African-Americans. Find out why there’s still work to be done.

Learn what he has to say about “hardworking, middle-class families.”

supports law

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DEFENDER | MARCH 28 | 2013

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Reynolds maintains his innocence

they had information that Reynolds delivered cash to Valdez in exchange for cliState Rep. Ron Reynolds ent referrals. said he will fight to prove his “This warrant and ininnocence after arrest warquiry comes on the heels of rants were issued for him and my clearance from barratry seven other Houston-area charges in Harris County, lawyers. and my office is fully coopThey are charged with erating with investigators rebarratry – often called ambugarding this matter as well,” lance chasing – and accused State Rep. Ron Reynolds Reynolds said. “I will fight of paying kickbacks to the diligently to prove my innocence.” alleged ringleader of the operation, Valdez is currently in jail on doRobert Valdez. mestic violence charges. Reynolds’ lawBarratry is a third-degree felony yers said Valdez’ criminal history was punishable by up to 10 years in prison unknown to the state representative. a $10,000 fine. Reynolds faced the Reynolds is confident he will oversame charge last year, but the case was come. dropped after the lead investigator en“I have faith in God and in the countered personal legal problems. criminal justice system and believe Phil Grant, first assistant Montjustice will prevail,” he said. gomery County district attorney, said Defender News Services

Fort Bend ISD names new superintendent economical differences, to our ethnic and cultural differences, to our learning differences, to our political The Fort Bend ISD Board of differences,” Dupre said.

Trustees unanimously approved a “The most important thing I lone finalist for superintendent , and is want everyone in this organization expected to vote to finalize the decision to understand is that I’m here to be at a special meeting on April 12. a superintendent for every single Charles Dupre will officially student and every single member of assume the duties of superintendent this community.” before June 1. He formerly served as Dupre said he plans to address superintendent of Pflugerville ISD for Charles Dupre the district’s issues after he speaks seven years. with the community to find out what When asked about his vision for the district, matters most to them.

Dupre said, “It’s hard to cast a vision until I really “I’m not coming in with a preconceived get familiar with the organization. My initial vision notion about anything,” Dupre said. “I think what I is that I will get here, have a lot of conversations really need to do is hear from the community and get with a lot of people to really understand where the an understanding of what they perceive the major district is today. issues to be…

“Through all those discussions I’ll begin “It all starts with setting a mission, a vision, deworking with the board, the staff and the comtermining what our values are, our priorities, then we munity to develop a strategic plan for the future,” can start addressing some of these issues,” he said. he said.

Dupre was born in Casablanca, Morocco, and Currently, the district serves nearly 70,000 reared near Springfield, Mo. He served as associstudents, with African-American students making ate superintendent and chief financial officer for up just under 30 percent.

Fort Bend ISD before serving as superintendent of “Fort Bend is exceptionally diverse, from our Pflugerville ISD.

By TIFFANY L. WILLIAMS Defender

Former Texas Gov. Mark White (l.) and one of Duane Buck’s attorneys, Kathryn Kase (r.), deliver a statement to County District Attorney Mike Anderson in support of a new sentencing hearing for Buck. Photo by Rev. Susan Buchanan

Death penalty bias cited in case Defender News Services

Concerns about racial bias in Harris County death penalty cases are surfacing in the case of a Black man sentenced to death for murder.

Former Texas Gov. Mark White recently delivered a statement to County District Attorney Mike Anderson signed by more than 100 prominent leaders. It calls for a new sentencing for Texas death row inmate Duane Buck. “…The statement is signed by dozens of elected officials, civil rights leaders, former prosecutors and judges, past and present American Bar Association presidents, and clergy representing seven faith denominations, who all agree that the State of Texas cannot condone any form of racial discrimination in the courtroom,” White said.

During Buck’s 1997 Harris County capital sentencing hearing, the trial prosecutor elicited and relied on testimony from a psychologist indicating that Buck posed a future danger to society because he is Black.

Buck recently filed an appeal in 208th Criminal District Court, citing a new study that found racial bias in a disproportionate number of African-American death penalty

cases in Harris County.

“The research found that during that period of time when Duane’s case was tried, the District Attorney’s office was three times more likely to seek the death penalty against Black defendants than against similarly situated whites,” said attorney Kate Black.

“The diverse chorus of voices calling for a new, fair sentencing hearing for Duane Buck reflect how Texas’s disturbing appeal to racial bias fundamentally undermines the integrity of the entire criminal justice system and makes each of us less safe,” said Sherrilyn Ifill of the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, which represents Buck, along with the Texas Defender Service and Black.

Buck was sentenced to death for the 1995 fatal shootings of Debra Gardner and Kenneth Butler.

In September 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court halted Buck’s execution just hours before he was scheduled to die. The high court said it needed to look further into Buck’s request. The case is now back in the hands of state officials.

“The way to determine punishment in this country is with a fair trial and sentencing, and Mr. Buck did not receive that,” White said.

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Health care law takes hold

O

Defender News Services

n the third anniversary of the Affordable Care Act becoming law, President Barack Obama said significant changes have taken place, but there is still work to be done.

“Three years ago, I signed into law the principle that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one should go broke just because they get sick,” Obama said.

“The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will give hard-working, middle class families the health care security they deserve and protect every American from the worst insurance company abuses.”

Obama said millions of Americans of all ages have benefited from the ACA. “Most importantly, for the sake of our fiscal future, the growth of health care costs is beginning to slow,” he said. “In fact, last year, Medicaid costs fell for the first time in decades.”

Some of biggest provisions, however, including the Health Insurance Marketplace that allows people to buy quality insurance programs that cater to their needs, haven’t been implemented yet. That program rolls out on Oct. 1.

For the last three years, the ACA has redefined how the government handles health care. Yet, according to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study, millions of the people it was put in place to help don’t know how it will affect them.

The study found that not only do 40 per-

Health care changes

Since the Affordable Care Act became law on March 22, 2010, numerous changes have occurred. They include: • About 71 million Americans received access to free preventative care treatments such as wellness visits, mammograms, and flu shots.

• More than 3.1 million uninsured young adults were able to stay on their parents insurance until they turn 26.

• In excess of 6 million seniors and people with disabilities have saved billions on prescription drugs as a result of expanded Medicare coverage.

cent of Americans report holding an unfavorable view of the law, 57 percent say they don’t understand its impact.

In addition, 67 percent of the uninsured and 68 percent of those with incomes below $40,000 do not understand how the law will affect them.

Regardless of what Americans know and how they feel, Anton Gunn, a director at the Department of Health and Human Services, says the groundbreaking health care reform law will affect the poor and uninsured.

“The first thing they need to know is that they’ll get better access to care and they’ll be able to get coverage,” Gunn says.

He notes that many African-Americans who don’t currently have insurance will benefit from the reform, including single males who don’t qualify for Medicaid and can’t afford private insurance.

“Because of the Affordable Care Act, they’ll be able to buy insurance and in some states they’ll be able to get on a Medicaid program,” Gunn said. “The most important fact is people will have options.”

Those impending options mean that 3.8 million uninsured members of the African-American community will gain coverage by 2016.

Few Blacks becoming teachers VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 22 - MARCH 28, 2013 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager Clyde Jiles Multimedia Manager Tiffany Williams Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker

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 2013 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

NNPA News Service As the pool of students in American schools grows more diverse, those studying to be teachers remain mostly white.

According to a new report by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, 82 percent of people who earned bachelor’s degrees in education in 2009-2010 school year were white.

Yet, of the 29 million students enrolled in public schools in 2010, 15 percent were Black and 23 percent were Hispanic.

“Unfortunately, we’re seeing a smaller number of racial and ethnic minorities in front of classrooms for a

number of reasons,” said Anthony Graham, department chair of elementary education at North Carolina A&T State University.

“Salaries, for one, are an issue. Also, a lot of students are not interested, based on their own experiences. There are a lot of things that play into this.”

The average starting teacher salary is $30,377 according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Computer engineers make about $70,000 coming out of school.

“We have to a better job of a pipeline approach,” Graham said. “By introducing the career at an earlier age we can better showcase the benefits of returning to a community and uplifting it through teaching.”

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DEFENDER | MARCH 28 | 2013

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entertainment

Jurnee Smollett-Bell

discusses Tyler Perry and more

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

B

orn in New York City in 1986, Jurnee Smollett-Bell is an awardwinning actress and activist of rare talent and conviction. She recently starred in the Emmy Award-winning series “Friday Night Lights.” She’s also been seen on “The Defenders” as Lisa, an attorney.

Jurnee starred in “The Great Debaters” with Forest Whitaker and Denzel Washington. She received rave reviews and won the NAACP’s Best Lead Actress Image Award for her performance.

She landed her breakthrough role at the age of 11, when she starred in “Eve’s Bayou” opposite Samuel L. Jackson. Her other film credits include “Roll Bounce,” “Gridiron Gang” and “Beautiful Joe,” as well as made-for-TV films such as “Ruby’s Bucket of Blood” opposite Angela Bassett.

She is the youngest board member of Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA), a nonprofit dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV, advancing human rights, and to educating and empowering AIDS orphans and other at-risk youth.

Here, she talks about starring as Judith opposite Vanessa Williams, Kim Kardashian and Brandy in Tyler Perry’s latest film, “Temptation.”

KW: What interested you in Temptation?

JS: The challenge of the role. It’s kind of what you look for as an actor. Something that you haven’t done before… something that can really make you stretch… and honestly, I’d always wanted to work with Tyler.

KW: How did that come about?

JS: I was awakened by a call early one morning from an Atlanta number. When I answered my cell phone, the person said, “Hello, this is Tyler Perry. May I speak with Jurnee?” And I said, “Shut up, there ain’t no way this is Tyler Perry.”

I thought it was one of my brothers doing a prank call on me. Tyler just laughed, apologized for waking me, and then asked me to call him back after I got up.

When I hung up, my husband turned over and asked, “Baby, do you think that maybe that really was Tyler Perry? You might want to call back and see.” Lo and behold, it was Tyler, and he said he had been following my career and that he had written this script with me in mind.

KW: What was it like having him as a writer and director?

JS: It was such a great experience. He’s so down-to-earth…he’s a fun guy…and he keeps a great set. Everything’s on time. He’s the first one to show up, the last one to leave, and he’s really open to suggestions and collaboration.

KW: Has the transition from child to adult actress been a smooth one for you?

JS: I’ve been blessed that it has been a smooth one, not without its challenges, of course.

But for the most part, I’ve always been able to work. I’m very picky about the kind of work that I do, and I’m fortunate to have been able to work with great directors and great actors who’ve helped me grow as an artist.

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

JS: I see this young woman that I pray God can use for a bigger reason.

Radio legend Roberts dead Defender News Services

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T:3.25”

versity’s radio station KTSU-FM, first as program director and later Legendary radio announcer and as general manager. During his executive Rick Roberts died March career, Roberts formed relation21 at the age of 71. Family members ships with record producers and friends said he died from injuries and recording artists across the sustained after burglars beat him in country. his home. Police are investigating his Roberts was one of the first death and awaiting the results of an African-Americans in the nation autopsy. to do live play-by-play sports Roberts, a native Houstonian, broadcasts, and was the voice of The late Rick Roberts was a graduate of Worthing High TSU Tiger football. He was acSchool. He began his broadcast career at KYOK- tive in the community, and served as a mentor to AM. As program director in the ‘70s, he was a numerous local radio personalities. part of the first radio station on wheels.

Survivors include his wife, Mable, four He later worked for Texas Southern Unichildren and two grandchildren.

T:4.79”

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Lee Elliott Brown dead at age 74 Lee Elliott Brown, who served as affirmative action director for the City of Houston from 1984 to 1994, died March 25 at the age of 74. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, April 3, at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Brown, who served under former Mayors Kathy Whitmire and Bob Lanier, designed and implemented the first discrimination investigation process for the city workforce. She also monitored the increase in the participation of minorities and women in city contracts.

Brown was a native of Manhattan. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of New Rochelle in New York and a master’s in public administration from Long Island University in New York. She earned a doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Houston Law Center.

She began her career at the College of New Rochelle, and eventually became an academic counselor and director. She later held several positions at the University of Houston, including director of undergraduate and graduate admissions.

After leaving the City of Houston, she worked as a consultant and as director of human resources at Windsor Village United Methodist Church. She received numerous honors during her career and was a member of various civic and professional organizations.

She is survived by a daughter and two grandchildren.

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DEFENDER | MARCH 28 | 2013

cover

Why Blacks sho

During the launch of the Campaign for Citizenship in Harris County, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressman Al Green listen as Rev. Reginald Lillie, President of the NAACP Houston Branch, speaks. The campaign promotes immigration reform with a path to citizenship.

Immigra refo

Jackson Lee, Green speak out

I

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

mmigration reform is one of the major issues debated by today’s gridlocked Congress, and it also produces mixed feelings among Black Americans.

Some view the issue as a bridge to a Black/Latino political and economic coalition, while others view such legislation as a vehicle for increasing the number of competitors for jobs that are already hard to come by.

Recently, the Defender spoke with U.S. Congress members Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green regarding their positions on comprehensive immigration reform and how it impacts the Black community.

Defender: Why should African-Americans support immigration reform?

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee: More and more Blacks are inter-marrying with other races, particularly individuals from Central and South America, from the islands, from various countries in Africa.

Thus, immigration laws threaten to break up these Black families as they seek and are denied visas for their spouses or relatives of their spouses. Additionally, the children who had no say in the matter should not have to suffer.

Moreover, many Blacks do business with people from other countries, especially individuals from countries in Africa. These U.S. Black business owners also have loyal customers from other countries – customers and business partners who would be

adversely impacted, making current immigration laws bad for business for Blacks. So, immigration reform is both a family issue and a business issue, but it is also a human rights issue.

Blacks, who have such a stellar civil rights legacy, must be on board with this issue of ending discrimination against the least of these. We who have been victimized for generations by such actions cannot stand idly by while others are subject to that same mistreatment, and are singled out because of the group of which they are part – a group which is often a people of color.

Congressman Al Green: We should support comprehensive immigration reform because it will help create jobs by providing a $1.5 trillion boost over 10 years in Gross Domestic Product, and by providing $66 billion over 10 years in federal tax revenue, as well as strengthen Social Security for future senior citizens.

However, I have a more lofty and noble ideal in mind. I believe people of good should support reform because Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was right when he proclaimed that on some positions “Cowardice asks is it safe?” (With strong opposition this is not a safe position.) “Expediency asks is it politic?” (Clearly, the politics are not the best on this issue.) “Vanity asks is it popular.” (Supporting this issue will not make us popular with everyone.) “However, conscience asks the ultimate question: Is it right?”

Paraphrasing Dr. King, “There comes a time when one must take a stand that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, simply because it is right.” Hence,

Immigration by the nu

• The 2010 Census shows the U.S. imm or 13 percent of the total population of account for about 29 percent.

• In 2009, African immigrants numbere percent of all immigrants.

• The majority of Hispanics in the U.S. a people who identify themselves as Hisp • California (37 percent) and Texas (21 p Mexican immigrants.

• The estimated number of illegal U.S. i

people of good will should stand for comprehensive immigration reform because it is the right thing to do.

Defender: How do you respond to African-Americans who fear that immigrants, particularly Hispanics, are taking jobs from them?

Green: One of the aims of comprehensive immigration reform is to improve worker and wage protections for citizens and immigrants alike. Too often, employers exploit the notion that undocumented immigrants, living in fear and desperate for work, are willing to work for lower wages. By ensuring that all workers receive fair wages, we are removing this means of suppressing wages, which will help all workers.

Jackson Lee: The real crux of the problem is the fact that we have unemployment over 5 percent. We need legislation that is creating jobs in the health, energy and high-tech fields. We must also put an end to discrimina-

tory policies no matter w have yet to bring to an en affect people of color an These must be deal legislation that will help This issue is not about H tion. It is about enacting great nation produce mo to work; legislation that discrimination.

Defender: Is there table that you currently Green: I have supp port the DREAM Act w because it allows person young children to have a current comprehensive l

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It isn’t just a Latino issue

ould support

A

ation orm

Defender News Services

migrant population to be almost 40 million, f 309.3 million. Mexican-born immigrants

ed about 1.5 million and comprised nearly 4

are native-born citizens. Of the 50.7 million spanic, 37 percent are immigrants. percent) have the largest proportion of

immigrants is 11 million.

immigration legislation on the y support? ported and will continue to supwhen it is introduced in Congress, ns brought to our country while a pathway to legalization. As to legislative efforts, before we can

s lawmakers and special interests groups paint immigration reform as a critical component in shaping the future of Latinos living in the United States, Black leaders say that there is too much at stake, economically and politically, for Blacks to allow the debate to be framed in narrow terms.

Despite many reports, the pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals is just one ingredient in the multi-layered immigration policy, yet to be written, that will have far-reaching impacts for Blacks and African descendants in the United States and abroad.

“This is a very controversial issue on the ground in the Black community,” said Ron Daniels, president of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century.

Daniels hears the grumbling voices opposing immigration and the misconception that “illegals” flood the job market crowding out American-born workers, driving down wages and contributing to high rates of unemployment, nationally and in the Black community.

It’s not just disgruntled, out-of-work Blacks that feel that way.

According to a recent Angus Reid Public Opinion poll, more than half of Americans oppose immigration and say that illegal immigrants “take jobs from American workers.”

Daniels said opposition to immigration and the misconception that immigrants are to blame for depressing wages and taking jobs could hinder progress and support for any immigration bill that is crafted by Congress.

Daniels and the Institute partnered with a number of groups from the African diaspora to form the Pan-African Unity Dialogue (PAUD) to develop an immigration agenda tailored to meet the needs of those of African descent in the U.S. and abroad.

“Immigration affects us all, immigration is local, national and international,” said Waldaba Stewart, economic advisor for Southern Caucus of Non-Governmental Organizations for Sustainable Development. “Immigration involves economics and political power.”

Although Daniels said that he looks forward to working with leading Latino and Asian groups to address immigration reform, it is important for Blacks and African descendants to develop their own agenda first, so that all parties can benefit from a future coalition.

An immigrant’s journey

umbers

who comes to this country. We end to policies that adversely nd women. lt with, along with enacting p create jobs and employ workers.

Hispanics but about discriminag legislation that will help this ore qualified individuals ready brings about the elimination of

NNPA News Services

have a comprehensive legislative bill we must have a comprehensive legislative deal. We are currently working on a deal, which will lead to a legislative bill to provide a pathway to legalization.

Jackson Lee: Regarding current legislation, the Black, Asian Pacific and Hispanic caucuses are meeting daily to solve the terrible reality of 11 million undocumented workers, and the problem of families getting broken up. Moreover, I support the Supporting Diversity Visa which has a tremendous impact upon Africa.

Between April and June of this year there should be legislation introduced, taken through the process, and voted upon. This issue has a devastating impact upon our families and communities. And it has already been proven that immigrant communities help produce jobs.

Thus, by supporting immigration reform, we will be helping our own communities.

he Houston area for over 80 years

What’s it like being an immigrant in America? Hernan Trujillo was among the Houstonians who shared his experiences during a town hall meeting sponsored by Congressman Al Green, and attended by fellow U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Luis Gutierrez of Illinois.

Trujillo, a native of Mexico, talked about pursuing the American dream and revealed the obstacles he has faced. He said despite the difficulties, he is proud to call America home.

Trujillo came here 10 years ago to help pay for his mother’s medical expenses.

“Coming to this country as an immigrant is tough,” he said. “We suffer from all kinds of abuses, insults and threats. In my case I almost have to work 18 hours a day just to try and earn some money.”

He said immigration reform is vital.

“There are so many things that need to be fixed,” he said. “First of all we have to reunify families. We also need to make sure people stop losing their lives trying to get to this country.”

Hernan Trujillo

Trujillo, who is active in the janitors’ movement, said that immigrants are not “third-class” citizens.

“We are asking for respect and appreciation,” he said. “We are honest. We are not thieves. We are not criminals. We are just looking for the opportunity to provide for our families through hard work.”

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DEFENDER | MARCH 28 | 2013

sports

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Astros Foundation unveils park renovations

Meg Vaillancourt

Central Sportz Youth Baseball League, were the happy recipients of the first group of he Astros begin the 2013 brand new fields. Halliburton season in just a few Foundation will invest $1.5 mildays. With a brand new lion in the four fields and youth manager and a roster full programs at Diez, and Schlumof young talent, most berger will invest $1.5 million experts don’t expect much out of in two fields at Sunnyside. the team in their debut season in the Representatives from both American League. leagues were elated to be on the Regardless of their record on receiving end of this corporate the diamond the Astros have already generosity. proven to be winners in the com“I was glad to see the Asmunity with their Astros Community tros, a local team, come out and Leaders program. donate the time and money, and As we first wrote this sumgive us a chance to show that mer, the program is the brainchild there is baseball in the inner of Astros Owner and Chairman Jim city, and it’s alive and well,” Crane. It is a collaboration with the said Cravon Rogers, president City of Houston, eight Houston-based of South Central league. “They corporations and the Astros Foundafeel it’s important, and I apMembers of South Central Sportz League join former Astros legends Bob Watson (l.) and Jose Cruz (c.), Astros mascot tion, the official team charity. The preciate that.”

Orbit and Crayvon Rogers (r.), league representative. five-year, $18 million program “The kids are beyond exis designed to revitalize youth cited,” said Shorty Sanchez, president of baseball and softball fields in parks.

East End Little League. “I’m so apprecia“This is Jim’s vision. He came up tive of the Astros to pick us as the first with this on his own,” Astros Foundation park done.”

Executive VP Meg Vaillancourt explained.

With eight fields completed Vaillan“Baseball to him was very important. He court said there will be additional efforts never forgot where he came from and how completed throughout the baseball season. important the sport was to his development “On April 6th we’ll be celebrating the and its connection to community and team opening of two fields at Moody Park. The made to him as he was growing up. partner there is Calpine. We also have four “Baseball’s not just a game. There are more renovated fields scheduled to open in a lot of life’s lessons taught,” Vaillancourt May or June.” continued. “Respect for others, teamwork, “What [Crane is] doing is harnessaspirations of making it all the way. Even ing the passion that fans here in greater the language of the game – leaving home Houston have for baseball and sport and and coming back home safe – are the types he’s putting it to work in the community,” of things you learn through baseball. We Vaillancourt said. want to make sure that kids everywhere can “He’s putting it to work in a way afford to play and have their field of dreams, that everyone can enjoy, without buying a just like kids that come from more affluent ticket or being a member of a club. These neighborhoods.” are city parks that are open and we are so Recently, Astros Community Leaders proud to have the Astros and our CommuSchlumberger, Halliburton and Calpine celnity Leader be a part of them.” ebrated the completion of the first phase of the program with the opening of eight newly revitalized fields.

East End Little League members Diez Park, home of the East End Little and dads gather with Jose Cruz.

League and Sunnyside Park, site of the South

By MAX EDISON Defender

T

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Skylar Ross-Ransom

loves the process

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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he process is right on schedule.

When Skylar Ross-Ransom won the state gold medal in the girls’ 100-meter hurdles last May, the Langham Creek junior predicted she would use the occasion as a steppingstone and not an end.

“I want to continue improving and make myself a better hurdler,” she said.

“I don’t want this to be a final destination. I have other goals to fulfill.”

Among those goals is to qualify for the University Interscholastic League (UIL) high school state meet in Austin for the third year in a row and possibly win backto-back gold medals to cap off her senior year.

“The process is going well,” she said. “I’ve come back and run faster times indoors at all the meets that I ran well in last year, including UH, Texas A&M and the Brooks Invitational out in Seattle, Washington where I ran my personal best of 8.33 seconds to the 8.50 seconds I ran at the same meet a year earlier.

“That was a big improvement and has set the foundation how I hope my outdoor season is going to go,” said RossRansom, who recently committed to the University of Fort Bend Travis boys win the 2013 Region III-5A basketball title.

Florida. “Fortunately the strength, power and speed have carried over to this year so by state time everything should be pretty good. I enjoy performing on that stage.”

Ross-Ransom says the biggest adjustment from the indoor season to the outdoor season is preparing to jump over five additional hurdles.

“I’m kind of transitioning right now and you have to train for those extra hurdles, particularly the last three,” she said.

While competing against a field that included Alaysh’A Johnson of Spring High School, last year’s state silver medalist, at the Victor Lopez Classic at Rice University, Ross-Ransom appeared in mid-season form. She’s also running the 200-meter dash and two relays (4x100, 4x200) to build up her flat speed.

In the track and field world, RossRansom looks up to Olympic sprinter and 200-meter gold medalist Allyson Felix. “I like her because she has a good personality and a great reputation,” Ross-Ransom said.

“She speaks very well and people like her. She has accomplished what I eventually hope to accomplish. “She’s a good role model for not only me but for a lot of athletes who are females,” she said.

Ross-Ransom plans to major in mechanical engineering and says Skylar Ross-Ransom of Langham Creek has high hopes this track season.

the biggest misconception about her is that she is serious all the time.

“People see my expressions on the track and believe I’m that way all the time. Nothing could be further from the truth,” she said.

“I’m one of the goofiest individuals you’ll ever meet.”

One of her fondest memories from this past summer was participating in the New Balance Nationals in Greensboro, N.C. “That’s where I ran a 13.59, which is the fastest time I’ve ever run,” said Ross-Ransom.

“I had another good meet at the Great Southwest Meet in New Mexico. It was a chance to run to have fun as opposed to the seriousness of trying to qualify for state.”

classified LEGAL NOTICE Neighborhood Centers Inc. (AGENCY), a non-profit human services organization, announces a Request for Proposal (RFP) # 1303 for Plumbing Services. Interested Vendors can submit a proposal for Plumbing Services. The deadline for submitting a proposal is April 30, 2013 by 12:00 PM (CST)*. To receive RFP #1303, e-mail Ashia Brown, Supply Management Coordinator, at abrown@neighborhood-centers.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS INC. ENCOURAGES SMALL AND HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES TO APPLY.

MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY will be accepting Request for Proposal for the following: MHMRA’S FOREIGN LANGUAGE TRANSLATION Specifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Department located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Houston, Texas 77074, Telephone number, 713-970-7300, and/or via MHMRA website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Monday, April 1, 2013. The Request for Proposal (RFP) must be submitted to Purchasing Department, Suite 100, 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by, Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 10:00 am.

All responses, and any questions pertaining to this RFP should be addressed in writing to Joycie Sheba, Buyer II / Sharon Brauner, Senior Purchasing Coordinator via fax (713) 970 -7682 or email questions to joycie.sheba@mhmraharris.org, cc: sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves the rights to reject any and/or all offers it deems to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

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sportsbriefs Tomball streaking in high school baseball The Tomball High School varsity baseball team nearly picked the wrong time to be charitable. With the help of four basesloaded walks from the Tomball pitching staff, Ridge Point rallied from an 8-2 deficit to tie the game at 8-8 in the sixth inning.

However, a sacrifice fly by Anthony Lucas in the seventh salvaged a 9-8 win to keep Tomball’s perfect record intact at 17-0 overall and 5-0 in District 22-4A. Dillon Menville, Robert Dugger and Casey Smith led Tomball’s 14-hit attack with three hits apiece. Menville’s three-run home run in the fourth inning staked the Cougars to a six-run advantage. Stephen Bonnain picked up the victory after retiring Ridge Point in the top of the seventh and his sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the frame set up Lucas’ game-winning heroics.

Rogers runs nation’s best time in 800 Kinkaid High School junior phenom Raevyn Rogers is up to her old tricks. After establishing youth age-level records through-

out her career, Rogers has been ranked among the nation’s top high school 800and 400-meter runners. At the 31st annual Victor Lopez Classic, held on the campus of Rice University, Rogers easily outdistanced the field in the 800-meter run with a time of two minutes, 9.40 seconds. Moments later, the track announcer informed fans at the Ley track facility that Rogers’ effort was the best prep time recorded in the nation so far in 2013. The field included Meschelle Gills of Manvel High School, the defending state Class 4A champion in the 800 meters, who finished runner-up.

PV bowlers champs again in SWAC For the second consecutive year the Prairie View A&M Lady Panthers bowling team has captured the SWAC conference title. The team battled back through the elimination bracket to earn the right to defend their title after stumbling early. They came into the last day of competition in the same spot as they were in 2012, having to beat the top-seeded Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs twice. The star of the contest for the Lady Panthers was freshman Ashle Reid, who

calmly nailed a strike in the final frame of the winner-take- all game, despite nursing a sore knee.

Houston Texans land two Pro Bowlers Hats off to Texan GM Rick Smith and Pro Personnel Director Brian Gardner for finally jumping into the free agency season with two huge signings. After losing starters Glover Quin (Detroit Lions) and Connor Barwin and James Casey (Philadelphia Eagles), the Texans responded by signing safety Ed Reed from the Baltimore Ravens and punter Shane Lechler from the Oakland Raiders. Reed (34) is a nine-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro and the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Reed joins former University of Miami teammates Andre Johnson and Chris Myers. Lechler (36), was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2001, 2004 and from 2007-11. He was named first-team All-Pro in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and second-team All-Pro in 2001, 2007 and 2011. The Texans now have an all-Texas A&M kicking tandem with Lechler and kicker RandyBullock, a fifth-round draft pick in 2012.

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Denise Esquivel. The Quentin R. Mease 2013 Super MINORITY ACHIEVERS…..The YMCA of Greater Houston celebrated leadership in the minority Achiever award was presented to June Deadrick, director of government affairs for CenterPoint Energy. community at their 45th Anniversary Awards Gala We salute Priscilla Graham, community executive by honoring 40 accomplished Houstonians, 10 youth director for the Houston Texans achievers and one super achiever.

YMCA of Greater Houston and These awards are presented to Join Yvette Chargois gala coordinator; Sheldon Stovall, dedicated young men and women Events of the Week chairman emeritus, and the entire from diverse backgrounds and More photos on defendernetwork.com committee for a prestigious occasion. professions who have excelled See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Continued success!.....PARADE and achieved success in their with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

OF SALADS AND HATS…..The respective fields of endeavors.

Galena Park Houston Metroplex Some of the minority achievers Chapter of National Women of Achievement, Inc. held included Shar-Day Campbell, Kim Roxie, Lamont their annual parade of salads and hats fashion show at Perkins, Lolalisa King, Se7en, Bernice Dickey, The Crossing Community Church Family Life Center.

Melody Williams, Michael Rose, Vanessa Reed, The heart of their work is service to the elderly, Vernita Harris, Kim Roxie, Heather Brown and women and young people including scholarships to Kimberly Willis. The youth achievers receiving deserving college-bound students. Chapter president scholarships included Nardos Kotisso, Cynthia Jean Fowler along with Ella Hughes and Edith Okafor, Ginita Neopaney, Ferdaousara Mostafiz, Jones were all smiles at the success of the event. The Kelbie Rychlik, Erica Rodriquez, Aleja Newman, salads were delicious and the hats were all fabulous.

Kendra Johnson, Marlequa Muhammad and

Kelbie Rychlik, Nardos Kotisso, Erica Rodriquez, Denise Esquivel, Ginita Neopaney, Kendra Johnson and Aleja Newman

Achievers Edith Jones, Jean Fowler and Ella Hughes

Royce Ray Smith and Joyce Fay Smith

The afternoon was filled with fun and fellowship and was well-attended by many ladies and several men from the surrounding areas. Congrats!.....

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION…..”Eighty and Great, Let’s Celebrate” was the theme for twins Joyce Fay Smith and Royce Ray Smith as they celebrated their birthday together. The birthday party was held at Post Oak Grill and attended by over 80 family and friends and hosted by Judy Brown. Gifts were plentiful and greetings/proclamations were received from all levels of government including all living United States presidents and their wives. Happy B-DAY!.....

CONDOLENCES…..Our prayers are with the families of Ruth Drake and Andrew Thibodeaux who recently celebrated their homegoing. Think of it this way, they are now your guardian angels appointed by God to look after you. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being. God bless!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Lamont Perkins, Lolalisa King, Se7en, Bernice Dickey, Melody Williams and Michael Rose

Achievers Edith Jones and Galette Mason

Mignon Brown and Judy Brown

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Vanessa Reed, Kim Roxie, Vernita Harris, Char-Day Campbell and Dr. Heather Brown

Mistress of ceremonies Herma Lee

Chester Smith, Eleanor Dickens, Lucy Lott, Carla Fuller and Corey Fuller

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