Houston Defender: March 28, 2019

FEATURE

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WHY ARE BLACK MILLENNIALS LEAVING THE CHURCH? P12

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NEWSTALK GRENITA LATHAN stays put after TEA orders halt to HISD superintendent search

P2 FEATURE JUSSIE SMOLLETT charges dropped in Chicago criminal case

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H.S. ZONE DEVON ACHANE breaking records at Ft. Bend Marshall

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VISIONARY WOMEN IN HOUSTON H PAGE 8

Jordan Peele

P.J. Tucker

The critically acclaimed director is back with ‘Us,’ his horror film that opened to a stunning $70 million in North America.

Lupita Nyong’o delivers a performance that has movie-goers raving.

The talented forward is carving his own space on the Rockets, performing a variety of functions. The former University of Texas standout, now in his second season with the Rockets, provides the grit and blue-collar work ethic that drives the teams tenacious, switching defense.

proves power of 'Us' TOP EVENTS

Dr. James Dixon, Courtney Johnson Rose and Congressman Al Green at the Imani School gala.

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provides variety

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HISD ordered to halt search for superintendent Associated Press

A state-appointed conservator has ordered HISD trustees to suspend their search for a permanent superintendent, an unprecedented intervention in the state’s largest school district.

In a letter sent to HISD trustees, Texas Education Agency leaders said the conservator overseeing the district is employing her legally-authorized power to “direct an action to be taken” by a school board. HISD trustees were days away from naming a lone finalist for the district’s superintendent position, with a final round of candidate interviews scheduled for early in the week.

The conservator, Doris Delaney, said she is ordering the search suspended “until the agency has completed its special accreditation investigation” into potential violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act by five HISD trustees.

The investigation has been ongoing since January.

“One of my gut feelings is that if they decide to take over the board it's going to open the door to more privatization. That's what's been happening across the state," said Dr. Sergio Lira, HISD board member.

Community leaders said the concern should not be on who is in that position, rather what that person has been doing for the district.

“I think what people tend to hear is do you support Dr. Lathan or not?

The question is do we support the progress that is being made,” said Dr. James Dixon II, of the Kingdom Builders Global Fellowship.

The move is a potentially ominous sign for HISD’s school board, which could be replaced by the state later this year due to chronically low performance at a few campuses or potential findings of malfeasance by trustees. If officials replace HISD trustees, the state would have the legal responsibility of choosing the district’s superintendent, with no obligation to keep the school board’s choice.

HISD has been without a permanent superintendent since March 2017, when Richard Carranza abruptly left the district to become chancellor of New York City public schools. Trustees then elevated the district’s chief academic officer, Grenita Lathan, to interim superintendent and she remains in the position, though five trustees voted to replace her in October 2017. The board later rescinded the vote and reinstated Lathan.

“I commend [TEA] for stepping in to take drastic, but necessary measures regarding [HISD’s] superintendent search and for putting the students' interests first,” added Houston State Sen. Borris Miles.

Presidential candidate and U.S. Sen Kamala Harris made her first major swing through Texas.

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris campaigns in Houston Defender News Services

The signs greeted U.S. Sen Kamala Harris, D-California, with a vocal message: “This is Harris County!” The bevy of colorful signs lined the crowded auditorium at Texas Southern University. When Harris began to speak during the biggest event of her first major swing through Texas, she was implicitly communicating much the same message: There may be two Texas Democrats vying for support in this state nearly a year ahead of Super Tuesday, but she isn’t ceding any ground to the state’s native sons.

“I love being in Harris County!” she declared by way of greeting, enjoying raucous applause and, apparently, the alignment between her surname and the name of Texas’ largest county and one of its most diverse.

In unveiling a major pitch for raising teachers’ salaries – a proposal her campaign has described as “the largest federal investment in teacher pay in history” – Harris made sure to nod to the last Texas Democrat to occupy the office she seeks.

“[Lyndon B. Johnson] was the last president that made a meaningful investment in public education.” One of his reasons, she said, was “to bridge the gap between helplessness and hope.”

The TSU stop was Harris’ second public campaign event in Texas after a visit to the Tarrant County Democrats.

In Houston, she attracted a crowd of some 2,400, including influential area Democrats like U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Sylvia Garcia, as well as State Sen. Carol Alvarado and State Rep. Ron Reynolds.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, a crusader for criminal justice reform, praised Harris as a “career prosecutor, but… a thoughtful prosecutor,” defending Harris against criticisms of her record. When he introduced her, he declared, “I’m endorsing her right now!”

With scores of delegates up for grabs in a state expected to be competitive in the general election for the first time in decades, Harris’ swing looks like a tactical play to capture prized supporters, as well as backing from Texas’ growing communities of color.

localbriefs THE TEXAS SENATE UNANIMOUSLY PASSED a trio of Hurricane Harvey recovery bills co-authored by State Sen. Borris Miles. The bills are designed to help communities still struggling to recover and prepare for the next natural disaster by utilizing $1.8 million from the state Rainy Day Fund. Senate Bill (SB) 6 seeks to keep county and city leaders informed on the best practices for disaster response. SB 7 would create a special fund to pay for flood mitigation projects, hurricane recovery and provide matching funds from federal dollars. SB 8 is aimed at creating the first statewide flood plan……..MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER accelerated the progress of his

Complete Communities initiative by announcing the establishment of a fund to receive private donations and pledges for neighborhood improvements with an initial $25 million fundraising goal. The Complete Communities Improvement Fund already has $10 million in contributions and commitments, including a $500,000 donation from Cadence Bank. “We are pleased to be part of this organization. Its plans are thoughtful and detailed, and we salute Mayor Turner for his leadership,” said Paul Murphy, Jr., Cadence chairman and CEO. Complete Communities is a public-private collaboration leveraging government, non-profit and private sector

funds to develop under-resourced neighborhoods with the guidance of their residents. Local residents participated in community engagement meetings after Harvey to develop action plans for Acres Homes, Gulfton, Near Northside, Second Ward and Third Ward. Turner will soon announce the next four neighborhoods to come under the initiative… ….“KING” ARTHUR PRAYTHER, a Houston journalist and publisher, died March 19 at age 66. Prayther founded a King-Size View Newspaper in 1998. Services will be held Saturday, March 30, at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 944 Reverend B.J. Lewis Drive. Visitation is at 9 a.m. and the funeral will be at 11 a.m.

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Atlanta child murders back under microscope Defender News Services

Authorities will take another look at the decades-old Atlanta child murders, re-examining evidence in the hopes that technological breakthroughs might point to a definite killer in the cases, most of which were never solved, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said.

The point is not to vindicate convicted murderer Wayne Williams, who was implicated as the prime suspect in the slayings, but to provide closure to the families of victims who have long sought answers about their children's killers, said Bottoms.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Convicted killer Wayne Williams The case – which included – to the victims' families."

29 killings, mostly of Black chilThe city, Fulton County and the Georgia Bureau dren between 1979 and 1981 – terrified parents and of Investigation will be examining never-before-anachildren in Atlanta, which pre-1996 Olympics and a lyzed evidence and re-examining other evidence in the major airport expansion, was not the megalopolis it is case, though officials did not promise any outcomes today. Interest also abounded nationally. that would change the 40-year-old narrative.

The mayor was 9 when the murders began and "We don't know what we'll find," Shields said, now has four children of her own. Though there were but the city feels an obligation to do everything it can adult victims – two of whose killings led a jury to to provide answers and will look through every box of convict Williams of murder, putting him away for life evidence to see if something warrants closer analysis.

– at least two dozen were children between the ages "As we stand, there are some heavy hearts that of 7 and 17. still exist in our community," said Fulton County DisBottoms recently spoke to Atlanta Police Chief trict Attorney Paul Howard, explaining the case would Erika Shields, to see if there is any evidence that be the first task for his office's newly formed conviccould be re-examined "that may give some peace – to tion integrity unit. the extent that peace can be had in a situation like this

EFFORTS TO DIVERSIFY NEW YORK CITY’S MOST specialized public schools appear to be falling flat, with fewer Black and Hispanic students offered acceptance letters this year while offers to white students rose.

Just 4 percent – or 190 students – of the 4,800 students invited to attend the city’s eight most selective schools this fall are Black. That amount is down from 207 Black students admitted last year out of more than 5,000 offers. All eight of the specialized schools use a single test score from the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) to determine a student’s eligibility.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has advocated for abolishing the test, which he’s called a “roadblock to justice.”……KWAME KILPATRICK HAS ONCE AGAIN HIT a snag in his quest to have his 28-year prison sentence renounced. U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds rejected the appeal from the former mayor of Detroit, who is in his eighth year in prison. Kilpatrick’s motion argued the court made errors during his trial. Among the issues he alleged were incorrect jury instructions, impermissible hearsay and his defense lawyer having a conflict of interest……..VIRGINIA GOV. RALPH NORTHAM, WHO HAS ADMITTED TO wearing blackface, gave his approval for the creation of an AfricanAmerican advisory board while doubts remain about his commitment to a racial reconciliation tour. Northam signed legislation to establish the board that will focus on issues impacting Black residents, but the jury is still out on whether Northam plans to make a serious effort at racial reconciliation. The Democrat declined to resign from office after a racist photo from his medical school yearbook surfaced in February and he later admitted to wearing blackface. Instead of stepping down, he vowed to make amends through a reconciliation tour in which he would try to remove barriers that prevent equal opportunities for Black Virginians.

White cop cleared in killing of Black teen Associated Press

A jury acquitted a white former police officer in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black teenager as he was fleeing a high-stakes traffic stop outside Pittsburgh, a confrontation that was captured on video and led to weeks of unrest.

Former East Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Rosfeld was charged with homicide for killing Antwon Rose II last June. Rose was riding in an unlicensed taxi that had been involved in a drive-by shooting minutes earlier when Rosfeld

pulled the car over and shot the 17-year-old in the back, arm and side of the face as he ran away.

The panel of seven men and five women – including three Black jurors – saw video of the fatal confrontation, which showed Rose falling to the ground after being hit. The acquittal came after fewer than four hours of deliberations on the fourth day of the trial.

The family's attorney, S. Lee Merritt, had urged a murder conviction, saying before closing arguments that it's "pretty obvious" Rose was not a threat to Rosfeld.

VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 22 MARCH 28, 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

Antwon Rose

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).

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Prosecutors abandon Smollett criminal case Donna Brazile joins Fox News Associated Press

In an astonishing reversal, prosecutors have abruptly dropped all charges against Jussie Smollett, abandoning the case barely five weeks after the "Empire" actor was accused of lying to police about being the target of a racist, antigay attack in downtown Chicago.

The mayor and police chief blasted the decision and stood by the investigation that concluded Smollett staged a hoax. A visibility angry Mayor Rahm Emmanuel called it "a whitewash of justice" and lashed out at Jussie Smollett’s case has been dismissed by Cook County prosecutors Smollett. He asked, "Is there It was not immediately clear what prompted no decency in this man?" the decision to dismiss the case. In a statement, the Smollett's attorneys said his record had "been Cook County prosecutors' office offered no detailed wiped clean" of the 16 felony counts related to explanation. The city will keep the $10,000 in bail making a false report that he was assaulted by two money that Smollett paid to get out of jail after his men. The actor insisted that he had "been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one." arrest.

Among the unanswered questions was whether "I would not be my mother's son if I was capable of one drop of what I was being accused of," he prosecutors still believe Smollett concocted the attack or whether new evidence emerged that altered told reporters after a court hearing. He thanked the their view of events. state of Illinois "for attempting to do what's right."

NNPA Newswire Donna Brazile said there’s no way she’s selling out and her core values will always remain intact despite her controversial decision to sign with Fox News.

“I’m not changing my values. Nobody would ever make me change my values,” Brazile told NNPA Newswire in an exclusive interview.

The former Democratic National Committee chairwoman previously had been a contributor for CNN and ABC News.

Donna Brazile Her signing with Fox comes as the network has faced growing criticism and mounting allegations of racism against hosts like Jeanine Pirro and Tucker Carlson.

Fox has openly been aligned with President Donald Trump and many observers have criticized the network and the president for their alleged pro-white supremacy views.

Brazile said the importance of the 2020 presidential election was a primary reason she decided to join Fox News.

“In order to win, we have to expand the electorate and we can’t just talk to people who agree with us.

We have to talk to people who may not agree with us because they don’t hear us,” she said.

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entertainment

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Jordan Peele reveals the power of ‘Us’ Hispanics (21 percent).

“Us” also enticed a younger demographic, with 47 percent It has been two years since Jordan Peele of moviegoers under the age wowed the world with his directorial debut in “Get of 25.

Out,” and now the critically acclaimed director is It was screened for back with “Us,” which has already exceeded all African-American influencexpectations by opening to a stunning $70 million ers and press in Atlanta, Los in North America.

Angeles and New York as That’s the third-biggest horror debut of all part of Universal's #USFirst time behind 2017's “It” ($123.4 million), based on campaign, a larger screening the Stephen King novel, and last year's “Hallowprogram and initiative created een” update ($76.2 million). It also secured the top to give audiences of color an launch ever for an original R-rated movie. opportunity to see the film.

“There’s no doubt that the goodwill from When “Get Out” ‘Get Out’ paved the way for initial interest,” said opened in February 2017, Jim Orr, Universal’s president of domestic distribuPeele, now 40, was best known for the Comedy The stars of “Us” are Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright “Central sketch comedy Joseph, Evan Alex and Lupita Nyong’o series “Key and Peele, which he co-created and co-starred tion. “He’s just a tremendous talent, and in with Keegan-Michael people recognize it. They could not wait Key. The movie, made on to see what he’s going to do next.” a tiny $4.5 million budget, From a script by Peele, the film changed all that when it tells the story of Adelaide Wilson (Lupita opened to $33.4 million Nyong'o), an African-American woman Jordan Peele domestically on its way to who returns to her beachside childhood Nyong’o plays the double role of Red (above) wrote, directed grossing a whopping $176 and Adelaide. home with her two children and husband and coproduced “Us.” million in North America.

(Winston Duke). Soon, they come up It became part of the against terrifying and uncanny opponents – cultural conversation, earning four Oscar nominations their doppelgangers. and a win for Peele's original screenplay.

Much like “Get Out,” Peele kept the premise of “Us” Peele’s victory is noteworthy not just because of shrouded in mystery. Most knew Nyong’o plays the herothe box office sales, or the fact that it only cost $20 ine and the villain (in what is being heralded as an amazing million to produce. He is sending a message to Holperformance), but beyond that, moviegoers didn’t know what to lywood about the diversity of Black filmmakers. expect. But that’s all part of Peele’s plan.

Peele hasn’t announced his next movie. He’s The stellar start for “Us” proves just how much audiences trust the filmmaker, not to just deliver on the scares, but to craft a producing a sequel to “Candyman” due out in 2020. On the TV front, he’s rebooting “Twilight Zone” for CBS message in a meaningful way.

All Access and executive producing Amazon’s “The The opening weekend of “Us” pulled in diverse crowds.

Hunt,” a series inspired by real events about a group of The biggest turnout came from Caucasian audiences (36 Nazi hunters. percent), followed by African-Americans (30 percent), and Defender News Services

what’sup The government of Dubai is denying a claim by R&B singer R. KELLY that the artist had planned concerts in the sheikhdom after he had sought permission from an Illinois judge to travel there despite facing sexual abuse charges in the U.S. In a rare statement, the government’s Dubai Media Office said Kelly “has not been invited by the Dubai royal family for a performance.” Kelly was charged in February with 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse for allegedly assaulting three girls and one adult woman, coming after the release of the documentary “Surviving R. Kelly.” He has denied ever abusing anyone……..Music mogul DR.

DRE deleted a social media post which bragged about his daughter’s “legitimate” acceptance into the University of Southern California (USC), a swipe at other wealthy parents who are caught up in the college admissions scandal. The post quickly went south because of his connection to USC. In 2013, Dre, 54, and record producer JIMMY IOVINE donated $70 million to the university to create an arts school……...Rapper JAY-Z’s album “The Blueprint” has been inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, making it the 10th hip-hop recording to join the collection. The project – which was

the rapper’s sixth studio album – was released in 2001……..Papa John’s Pizza has a new pitchman, SHAQUILLE O’NEAL, who will appear on TV commercials, join the company’s board of directors and invest in nine of its restaurants. Papa John’s is trying to revive its image after the company’s founder JOHN SCHNATTER, reportedly used a racial slur during a training session. Schnatter, who was the face of the company, apologized for the slur but stepped down as a board member and face of the franchise. O’Neal will pocket more than $8 million in cash and company stock for a three-year endorsement deal.

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Visionary women in Houston

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By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

his March, as Women’s History Month comes to a close, the Defender celebrates some visionary women to watch. They are making a difference in Houston and beyond and succeeding in various walks of life.

From the boardroom to the courtroom, they see where they want to be in the future and are taking the necessary steps to get there. They inspire others to achieve a common goal and have a knack for developing strong relationships.

They are focused, disciplined, creative, resilient, persistent and positive. They know the importance of family and care about their communities. They make “bold, boss moves” on a regular basis, another reason why they are women of vision.

CARLA BRAILEY

Occupation: Assistant professor of sociology & vice chair, Texas Democratic Party Education: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Doctorate of philosophy Motto/philosophy: Be kind anyway!

Public service is not an option. It’s a way of life. It’s what I do. It’s who I am. I am a public servant leader in all that I am.

What makes her visionary: I’m a change strategist and advocate with a keen focus on women and children. I have been trained to critically think, empathetically feel and strategically act beyond the present to push forward.

Words of wisdom: Love yourself enough to forgive yourself 70 times over and whatever you do let time heal your hurt, loss and mishaps.

ADDIE HEYLIGER

Occupation: Technology operations manager Education: B.S. Computer Science, North Carolina A&T State University; MBA, Texas Women’s University Motto/philosophy: Be unapologetically your authentic self.

What makes her visionary: My ability to take the now and envision and implement the impossible.

Bold, boss moves: Pursuing a MBA and PMP Certification at the same time while working full time or either running a county-wide campaign to serve on the Fort Bend ISD School Board are some of my boldest moves.

Words of Wisdom: Free yourself from the clutter of the unnecessary so you can live your best life. .

L’SHERYL D. HUDSON

Occupation: Chief financial officer Education: BBA and MBA, University of Texas at Austin Motto/philosophy: Live your life with no regrets.

What makes her visionary: I have excelled in a male-dominated industry in a field that is challenging and exciting to me, while staying true to my core beliefs.

Bold, boss moves: I moved to New York to gain finance experience on Wall Street. That helped me garner the skills to manage funding investments and financial reporting. I manage the operations of the South Central Region of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. as Regional Director, with over 1,500 mothers and families, along with a high school senior and all of her activities.

Words of Wisdom: Success is not a bad word. Dare to dream it and achieve it.

SHARON WATKINS JONES

Occupation: Political director, ACLU of Texas Education: B.A., Sociology, UT Austin Motto/philosophy: The world is run by those who show up.

What makes her visionary: I am not afraid to reinvent myself whenever I need to, in order to make things happen. My career choices, from elementary school teacher to civil rights activist, have all been an attempt to positively touch the future.

Bold, boss moves: I have always sought opportunities that are just a tiny stretch beyond what I think I’m capable or qualified for, then work like crazy to live up to the hype.

Words of wisdom: Be a thermostat, not a thermometer.

Don’t reflect the temperature of your environment – regulate it.

CARLA K.

Occupation: Preside Woman's Work, Inc. Education: Accounti Degree, University o Houston Motto/Philosophy: care of the people an bottom line will grow What makes her vis I combined my love business and numbe with my background philanthropy, spiritua and love for people, have built a platform a village of empowe ment, employment a small family-owned a sophomore at UH) began the process o 2010, I noticed a tren ployment of women born to address thos Bold, boss moves: T edge my gifts and tr your intuition or you the outcome, you wi Words of wisdom: R today, is exactly whe where you have to st

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* Read more about these women, how they balance it all, their daily schedules, dream jobs and more * Meet more visionary women

LANE

ent & CEO LaneStaffing, Inc.; founder, This . ting of

Take nd the w. sionary: for ers d of ality and m for erand education. In 1993, I went to work for a staffing company as a payroll clerk (while ). By 2007 I [had] purchased the firm and of rebuilding the brand and the business. In nd of chronic underemployment and unemn in my community…This Woman's Work was se needs.

To embrace my own ability and to acknowlrust them…Trusting yourself means following ur gut feelings and knowing that no matter ill survive.

Remember you are enough; where you are ere you should be. But it doesn’t mean that is stay.

VALERIE MADISON

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Public Relations and Advertising with minor in Organizational Communication, Texas Southern University Occupation: Communications specialist and event coordinator; founder, Ladies Love and HER at TSU Motto/ philosophy: Life is so much better when you work hard, are kind to others and spread love.

What makes her visionary: I use my creativity, kind heart and connections to help better the lives of and connect others of all backgrounds, ages and situations. From women empowerment to voter engagement and entertainment to philanthropy, I love to create and coordinate events that truly make the lives of others better by connecting, inspiring, educating and truly enjoying life.

Bold, boss moves: Being bold at only 20 years old, I was able to inspire 183 students to walk miles from TSU to participate in a march to the polls where they practiced their right to.

Words of wisdom: Don’t buy into the concept that women don’t play well together. Don’t allow society to create a fight where a fight does not exist. Stop allowing people to use your conflicts for their entertainment. Embrace the strength of character you possess, rise above the fray and rule the world! The world is already full of critics and negativity; love and take care of yourself more than anyone else!

he Houston area for over 88 years

RONIQUE BASTINE ROBINSON

Occupation: Board-certified family law attorney Education: B.A., Howard University; J.D, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University; LL.M., Bates Law Center, UH Motto/Philosophy: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

What makes her visionary: I want to establish a minority, female-owned family law firm that leaves a legacy long after I’m gone.

So many minority firms are lost after the principals retire or expire. I want to train young lawyers who love the concept of family and who are willing to zealously advocate for families in need.

Bold, boss moves: I’ve always been in awe of authors because they disseminate information, shape our culture and paint our views. I wanted to have that kind of impact so I wrote a book on divorce, called from “Divorce to Deliverance.” It allowed me to mix the most important aspects of my life, my Lord, my work as a judge, the law and my love for families.

Words of wisdom: Pray on it, then act on it!

TONI M. WALLACE

Occupation: Judge, Fort Bend County Court at Law Number 4 Education: Bachelor of Journalism, UT Austin; J.D., South Texas College of Law Motto/Philosophy: “…And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” (From “Our Deepest Fear” by Marianne Williamson) What makes her visionary: I am courageous, but not because I am unafraid. Nelson Mandela said courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. I know that my reward, my triumph is always on the other side of my fear, so I have to push through it. I have not relied on the traditional definition of success. I believe that my success should be determined on my own terms. I was the first African-American Female ever appointed to be a judge of a County Court in Fort Bend County in 2016.

And in 2018, I was one of five who became the first African-American judges ever elected to the bench in Fort Bend County.

Bold, boss moves: I dared to believe that I could win an election…Fort Bend County has been in existence since the 1830s and has never elected a Black judge at the County Court level. I ran a campaign based on my knowledge and experience as a former judge and won.

Words of wisdom: Surround yourself with women who will laugh with you, cry with you, pray for you, encourage you and challenge you…

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Andrew Gillum plans to register 1 million Florida voters.

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Stacey Abrams wants more voter participation in Georgia.

Gillum, Abrams promote voter mobilization Associated Press

Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum said he will not run for president and is instead launching a huge voter mobilization campaign to help Democrats secure his home state in the 2020 race. He’ll join Stacey Abrams in the fight to bring more voters to the poll.

Gillum, the former mayor of Tallahassee, said he plans to register at least a million Florida voters before the 2020 election with his voter outreach organization, “Bring it Home Florida.”

“It requires that we get out there, and that we organize, and that we activate and that we produce a voter who is going to show up not just on Election Day, but the day after, they’re gonna be there to hold you accountable,” Gillum said.

Democrats said they have identified millions of Florida residents who are not registered to vote despite being eligible. Gillum

is optimistic about voter engagement, citing Florida’s historic move in November’s election to get rid of a Jim Crow-era policy and restore voting rights to people with felony records.

“Because we turned out and we voted like our lives depended on it, 1.4 million people now have the ability to register to vote here in the state of Florida,” Gillum said. “That is a big deal.”

Abrams, a former Georgia gubernatorial candidate and state legislator, was angry after her loss for Georgia governor to thenSecretary of State Brian Kemp (R) in an election mired in a voter suppression controversy.

“I’m like Bruce Banner: I’m always angry right now,” Abrams joked, referring to the superhero character the Hulk. “I’m angry and sad, but I don’t know how to be still anymore. I believe we can fix what is broken.

“I know we can demand a fair fight,” she added, saying that since the election she had started the group Fair Fight Georgia,

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which works to promote fair elections and voter participation.

The group’s mission echoes much of her previous work on voting rights. Abrams founded the New Georgia Project in 2014, an organization that has registered over 300,000 Black people to vote in the state.

“Voter suppression, it works by convincing people in practice that they don’t count,” Abrams said. “It is designed to silence those voices, say that there are people that do not count.”

“Voter suppression happens in every election, in every state.

I need you all to talk about voter suppression all the time,” she added. “We need to talk about voter suppression the way we talk about the Kardashians…with such insistence that people have to respond.”

Gillum was seen as a possible 2020 contender after he lost the bid for Florida governor by less than half a percentage point to Ron DeSantis in November.

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The Jackson, Miss. home of Medgar Evers is now a national monument.

Medgar Evers’ home becomes national monument Defender News Services

The Mississippi home of civil rights leaders Medgar and Myrlie Evers is now a national monument, as part of a bipartisan public lands bill signed by President Donald Trump.

Medgar Evers, a World War II veteran who became the Mississippi NAACP’s first field secretary in 1954, was a major part of the Civil Rights Movement. He led voter registration drives and boycotts in the South and also aided in desegregating the University of Mississippi.

On June 12, 1963, he was assassinated in the driveway of his Jackson, Miss., home by white supremacist and Klansman Byron De La Beckwith.

Years after Evers’ murder, his wife, Myrlie, continued her late husband’s work and became national chairwoman of the NAACP in 1995, serving in the role for the next three years.

The federal government will take over the ranch-style home from Tougaloo College, which has maintained the Evers home since 1993, when the property was donated to the Jackson HBCU by the Evers family. The home was designated a national historic landmark in 2016 and is open by appointment for tours.

Medgar Evers served as a mentor for Tougaloo students, who participated in civil rights demonstrations in Jackson. One of his mentees, Minnie White Watson, has served as the curator of the Medgar Evers House Museum since 1997. She said she is “pleased” that the home has been designated a national monument.

“Medgar was very forceful in what he was doing and what he was saying,” Watson said. “Sure, you were risking your life, but you think about it. When I think about it, if you were not considered quote-unquote free, then it wasn’t your life anyway.

“You were born here in this country, so you had the right to whatever this country had to offer,” she said, describing his philosophy. “So, he was saying simply ask for it, and then if they didn’t give it to you, take it.”

Evers, a civil rights leader, was 37 when he was assassinated in his driveway in 1963.

MARCH 28 | 2019 | DEFENDER

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12 DEFENDER | MARCH 28 | 2019

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Black millennials leaving church?

Defender News Services

Protestant adults aged 23 through 30, Religious News Service reported. The new March 13 analysis mainly focused on the

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race of the survey participants rather than the racial makeup of the church they may have attended.

Despite the dip in young adult Mark Croston churchgoers, Lifeculture, we’re really, Way Resources really tied to what we official Mark Croswould call our home ton said millennials, church, the church you Black millennials, in grew up in,” said Crosparticular, continue to feel a connection to the ton, a former pastor who works for the publishing church they previously division of the Southern attended.

Baptist Convention.

“Very often in “And so for many African-American

of our students, as they would move away to college, they would in their minds still be holding onto their relationship with their church back where they grew up.”

For Croston, the survey data showed that churches with active young adult ministries are instrumental in attracting millennials in search of a church home, and keeping them there.

T:4.79” Frost Bank, San Antonio, Tx, will file an application on or about March 28, 2019 with the Commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking and the Federal Reserve Board for permission to establish a branch at 3500 Little York Road, Suite B1, Houston, TX 77093.

The Federal Reserve considers a number of factors in deciding whether to approve the application including the record of performance of applicant banks in helping to meet local credit needs. You are invited to submit comments in writing on this application to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, P. O. Box 655906, Dallas, Texas 752655906. The comment period will not end before April 12, 2019. The Board's procedures for processing applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. Part 262. Procedures for processing protested applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. 262.25. To obtain a copy of the Federal Reserve Board's procedures, or if you need more information about how to submit your comments on the application, contact Karen Smith, Director - Applications, at (214) 922-6786. The Federal Reserve will consider your comments and any request for a public meeting or formal hearing on the application if they are received in writing by the Reserve Bank on or before the last day of the comment period.

You may also file a written comment, either for or against this application, with the Texas Department of Banking, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4294 on or before the 14th day after the date of this publication. Such comments will be made a part of the record before and considered by the banking commissioner. Any person wishing to formally protest and oppose the new branch application and participate in the application process may do so by filing a written notice of protest with the Texas Department of Banking on or before the 14th calendar day after the date of this publication accompanied by a protest filing fee of $2,500. The protest fee may be reduced or waived by the banking commissioner upon a showing of substantial hardship.

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T:3.25”

Black young adults are more likely to drop out of Protestant churches during their early adult years compared to their white counterparts, according to a new study. However, equal percentages of Black and white millennials said they now regularly attend church.

The new data came from the Nashvillebased LifeWay Resources and found that 66 percent of American young adults who regularly attended a Protestant church for at least a year in high school also stopped going for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22.

Of those young adult worshipers, 74 percent were AfricanAmerican while 65 percent of whites said they also halted their regular churchgoing. According to the survey, 44 percent of Black and white young adults who regularly attended Protestant church for more than a year in high school currently attend church at least twice a month.

About 43 percent of Black young adults and 53 percent of white young adults cited college attendance and a move far from their home church as key reasons for their “dropping out” of church.

For both groups, disagreements with a church’s position on social and/or political issues, a lack of connection to people in the church and no longer believing in God/ wanting to identify as Christian were among other reasons for the early-adult drop off.

“The good news for Christian leaders is that churches don’t seem to be losing more students than they were 10 years ago,” Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay

Research, said. “However, the difference in the dropout rate now and then is not large enough statistically to say it has actually improved.

“The reality is that Protestant churches continue to see the new generation walk away as young adults,” he added. “Regardless of any external factors, the Protestant church is slowly shrinking from within.”

According to the survey, 19 percent of Black millennials said they currently don’t attend church, compared to 25 percent of their white peers. The survey data also shows that 44 percent of both white and Black young adults who attended church regularly for more than a year now attend church at least twice a month.

As part of its research, LifeWay in 2017 surveyed the views of 2,002 U.S.

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MARCH 28 | 2019 | DEFENDER

13

UH reaches Sweet 16 for first time in 35 years Associated Press

Houston's fans chanted "Sweet 16" in the final minute of the Cougars' NCAA Tournament win over Ohio State.

The celebration was long overdue – it has been 35 years since the Cougars have made this trip.

"I saw a lot of proud Cougars up there behind us tonight," Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said, "and the ones I was happiest for were the guys that's been supporting this program since those days."

Corey Davis scored 21 points to help Houston beat the Buckeyes 74-59 in a second-round Midwest Region game. It marked the Cougars' 33rd win of the season Coach Kelvin Sampson led UH to a victory over Ohio State.

– breaking the school's season rescored 13 points to help make it happen. cord set by the 1983-84 team. That "When I went to bed last night, all I was thinking was the last Houston squad to reach the Sweet 16.

The win was especially significant for Galen Robin- about was winning just so we can do that, so I can see how it feels," he said. "It was exactly – to be going to son Jr., a senior who has played in a school-record 135 the Sweet 16, it feels amazing." games. He watched teams celebrate reaching the Sweet Houston (33-3) advanced to face Kentucky.

16 on social media and wanted his own moment. He

EVERY SATURDAY

C.J. Jackson scored 18 points, and Kaleb Wesson added 15 for Ohio State (20-15).

Ohio State started off hot from 3-point range, hitting seven of its first 12. But Houston burned the Buckeyes in transition to go on a 14-6 run and close the half with a 39-31 lead.

There was a brief skirmish right after the end of the first half. Ohio State's Keyshawn Woods and Houston's DeJon Jarreau were issued technical fouls after the teams jawed at midcourt. Houston's Fabian White was held back by teammates and coaches.

A dunk by Chris Harris put the Cougars up 52-44 with just over 10 minutes remaining. A floater in the lane by Armoni Brooks pushed Houston's lead to nine and led to a timeout by Ohio State. A transition layup by Davis pushed the advantage to 11, and the Cougars maintained control for good.

Kaleb Wesson scored 15 points, but the 6-foot-9, 270-pound forward struggled against Houston's Brison Gresham. Wesson only had seven field-goal attempts, and six of those were 3-pointers.

"That means we won that battle," Sampson said. "If we got him taking 3s, that's a good thing for us."

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.

14

DEFENDER | MARCH 28 | 2019

sports

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P.J. Tucker is Rockets Swiss Army knife

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

he Houston Rockets are surging at just the right time. With two weeks remaining in the regular season, the team has worked its way up to the No. 3-seeded team in the Western Conference. While it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of MVP James Harden, one can’t overlook the contributions of forward P.J. Tucker, the team’s Swiss Army knife.

In case you’re not familiar, a Swiss Army knife is a multi-tooled pocket knife capable of performing a variety of functions. That’s exactly what Tucker provides.

The former University of Texas standout, now in his second season with the Rockets, provides the grit and blue-collar work ethic that drives the teams tenacious, switching defense.

Tucker, a former second-round pick by the Toronto Raptors, spent the formative years of his professional career outside of the NBA. He enjoyed a decorated overseas career in Israel, the Ukraine, Greece, Italy and Germany. Having earned championships and MVP honors abroad, Tucker wasn’t particularly interested in returning to the NBA. “I wasn’t coming back to the NBA,” said Tucker, now 33. “I had no interest in it. I was successful there. I had established myself to the point where I was one of the best players in Europe at the time. These were million-dollar contracts.”

Texas ex Lance Blanks, who at the time was the Phoenix general manager, convinced Tucker to give the NBA one more shot. After Tucker’s stint with the Suns and a playoff run with the Raptors, Rockets GM Daryl Morey signed him to a four-year, Tucker, a veteran, multi-talented forward, signed with the Rockets in 2017. $32-million contract in 2017.

“P.J.’s basketball IQ is out the roof,” Paul said.

At 6-feet-6, 245 pounds, Tucker guards every “It starts with his defensive effort. When it comes to position on the court, from point guard to center. defense, he’s always a step ahead. There’s no question “P.J. can guard all five positions and he knows he should be first-team All-Defensive Team.” how to play,” head coach Mike D’Antoni said. “I can’t Tucker is averaging 7.5 points, six rebounds, tell you how important that is. If we’re going to do 1.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game this season. His anything, he’s got to be on the floor and playing well.” +1.5-defensive plus-minus leads any full-time rotation Point guard Chris Paul, who’s known Tucker player on the Rockets. Offensively he’s shooting 38 since they played AAU ball against each other in percent from 3-point land. They’re not eye-popping North Carolina, discussed what makes Tucker so valunumbers, but Paul recommends looking beyond the able. numbers.

P.J. Tucker

Tucker never backs down from a defensive assignment. The Raleigh, N.C. native played college ball at the University of Texas.

“I don’t know what the analytics say or what his plus or minus is, but if you watch basketball you realize how valuable P.J. is on both ends of the court,” Paul continued. “Diving for loose balls, offensive rebounds, hitting corner 3s at just the right time, the little things. His contributions often don’t show up in the box scores. If you actually watch the game you see his value.”

For Tucker, it’s all about being able to make a contribution.

“My role is much deeper than the naked eye for most fans or people who watch basketball who don’t understand,” he said. “They’re like, ‘Oh, you only had six points in 42 minutes.’ Yeah, but you didn’t see the eight 50-50 balls I got and that offensive-rebound-kick-out 3.”

“We have a talented squad led by the MVP James Harden and Chris [Paul],” Tucker said. “I understand my role and it starts on the defensive end. I take a great deal of pride in my defense. We’ve got to keep working hard at getting better as the playoffs approach.”

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MARCH 28 | 2019 | DEFENDER

HS sports

Devon Achane, Marshall’s star running back, captured a 200m-dash victory at Rice.

Fort Bend Marshall’s 4x100m team dominated the TSU Relays. (Photos by Jimmie Aggison)

Fort Bend Marshall breaks track records

gridiron and what it will take to win state.

Defender: What makes you so dominant right now? ort Bend Marshall broke the national high Devon Achane: We school record for the 4x100m boys relay compete every day and at the Texas Southern University Relays practice so that when we two weeks ago and then followed up by go on the track it is just a breaking their own record in the Victor different color uniform.

Lopez Classic Rice Relays the next week Defender: How does track help your play on with a 40.39 second time. the football field?

The record-breaking team consists of Bryson Achane: It definitely helps me with football parStubblefield, Devon Achane, Sylvester Labome and ticularly with the way you move on the track when Malik Hornsby. To kick things off, Stubblefield ignited running. the relay team with his speed that won the 100m dash at Malik Hornsby: When we get on the football Rice with a 10.79 second field we compete against finish. each other and when we Marshall’s 4x100m compete on the track, we relay team features two just compete with some* Highlights of TSU, Rice meets highly recruited football one else. So, in both we prospects in Achane just feel like nothing can * Spring’s Treyvon Mays wins gold and Hornsby. Third-leg beat us. sprinter Labome serves Defender: How are as the leader and glue that keeps the talented team you able to push each other to be the best? together.

Hornsby: We just compete every day and all At the TSU relays, Marshall track and field day. The moral of the story is competition. coach Lloyd Banks explained how the team has been Bryson Stubblefield: We have the best team in able to set and raise the bar over the last month. the nation so we can’t do anything but make each “I think it is the culture, from the old cats that other better. are there from before to the youngest ones right Sylvester Labome: It’s the little stuff like seeing now,” Banks said. “They really perform and embracif we can move the sticks faster and we just don’t ing it is just what Marshall’s track and field program worry about anybody; it is just us. is about.

Defender: What will it take to keep the record“They continue to push each other. The ultimate breaking streak going as you prepare for the playgoal is to win a state championship,” Banks said. offs and state?

The Defender spoke with 4x100m team members Labome: Just keep working and doing the same after their record-breaking performances, discussing thing that we have been doing in the regular season. how they were able to push themselves in practice, We all know we have to step up our game in district how track helps put together a better product on the and state so we just keep working.

F

By Jodie B. Jiles Defender

DefenderNetwork.com

Malik Hornsby, Marshall’s accomplished QB, finished with a national best time at TSU.

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DEFENDER | MARCH 28 | 2019

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

topevents

THE IMANI SCHOOL 30th ANNIVERSARY GALA……..The Imani School, welcomed a supportive crowd along with pageant judges Allure Anoma, Arinze founded by Pastor Kirbyjohn Caldwell and directed by Patricia Hogan Williams, Onyenezi awnd Makeda Blackwood. Contestants included Amenze Ewansiha, celebrated its 30th Anniversary “Portraits of Excellence” Gala at the Power Center.

Chinaecherem Eze, Trishna Loubani and Ariel Tucker and attendees Anjola The gala featured a portrayal of the school’s journey of excellence through Oyewusi, Amaka Egbe, Jaide Phillip, Dominique Johnson and more…….. recognition of students, teachers, parents, alumni and community friends and JULIA C. HESTER HOUSE 75th ANNIVERSARY……..One of the most visionaries. A Houston “Who’s Who” was on hand to watch historically significant cultural institutions in Houston’s Fifth the award presentations along with entertainment offered by Ward community, the Julia C. Hester House, celebrated its Defender TOP EVENTS current students and Imani alumni. Attendees included Dr. 75th anniversary with a community jubilee festival. In honor More photos on defendernetwork.com Marcus Cosby, Dr. James Dixon, Taylor Ferguson, Tori of the milestone, Discovery Green partnered with Hester PHOTOS BY: Aswad Walker Hicks, honorary chairs Cydonni and State Sen. Borris Miles, House to offer a performance by the world-renowned Cirque Anita and Gerald Smith, U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green, Marcus Zuma Zuma – a family-friendly, high-energy show with pulsing African music Davis, Tiffany Taylor, Randy Fuller and scores more……..UH INAUGURAL performed by young acrobats from African nations. Hester House director Daisy AFRO-CARIBBEAN PAGEANT ….. The University of Houston’s Caribbean Stiner and Discovery Green director Barry Mandel welcomed an enthusiastic Student Organization and Nigerian Students Association teamed up to host the crowd that enjoyed artwork and performances, food and fellowship. Attendees school’s first Miss Afro-Caribbean Pageant, a glorious affair celebrating the included Dorothy Turner Steele, Tia Bonham, Raegen Porter, Robin Porter, brains, beauty and tenacity of its contestants. Pageant directors Beulah Akpan, Ana Yanez Correa, Dorothy Edwards, Ronnie Jackson, Deputies Leo Pelumi Oloyede and Cristie Simeon, and MC Eziafa “Mr. Ezy” Achebe Zerangue and Jovanna Thomas, and many more.

Connie Williams, Patricia Williams, Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell

Amenze Ewansiha, Chinaecherem Eze, Trishna Loubani, Ariel Tucker

Daisy Stiner, Barry Mandel

Rasheedah Jones, Tiffany Taylor

Beulah Akpan, Amaka Egbe, Pelumi Oloyede

Dorothy Edwards, Ronnie Jackson

Dr. James Dixon, Courtney Johnson Rose, Congressman Al Green

Allure Anoma, Arinze Onyenezi, Makeda Blackwood

Raegen Porter, Robin Porter

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