Houston Defender: April 04, 2013

NATIONAL

DEBATE OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE DIVIDES AFRICAN-AMERICANS P3

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Volume 82 | Number 23

APRIL 4, 2013 |FREE

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Payday loan crisis

LOCAL MICHAEL WILLIAMS stands

by NFISD decision

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P2 ENTERTAINMENT OPINION

TRAVARIS SPEARS has bright future ahead

P7 SPORTS D.J. AUGUSTIN scores with Pacers

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Mayor Parker

Improve nutrition

Mayor Annise Parker recently kicked off a different kind of campaign.

It’s aimed at those who text and drive, and it’s designed to save lives.

Read surprising statistics on traffic fatalities. Find out what citizens can do to help. See what well-known rapper has joined the campaign.

When it comes to children’s nutrition, parents are faced with a variety of products that claim to be healthy, but that isn’t always the case. Discover why the juice your kids drink might not be a healthy choice. Learn about vitamin supplements. Read about balanced diets and picky eaters.

says it can wait

H Page 6

CHAG’S PLACE

for your children

H Page 10

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Councilmember Jerry Davis, Juanita Jackson, Errol Allen II and Stephen Ford at Zeta Phi Beta event

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DEFENDER | APRIL 4 | 2013

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newstalk

North Forest supporters won’t back down

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

T

he Texas Education Agency is standing by its decision to close North Forest ISD on July 1 and merge it with HISD. North Forest supporters, however, refuse to give up hope.

NFISD attorney Chris Tritico said he is appealing the TEA decision with the State Office of Administrative Hearings, a neutral, independent forum where Texas agencies, other entities and private citizens can resolve legal disputes.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said she will take the fight to Washington and is considering a federal lawsuit.

“I am prepared to raise this issue as a civil rights issue,” Jackson Lee said. “I will be going back to Washington and looking to join North Forest in the national opposition of closing schools.”

The TEA upheld the decision to annex NFISD despite a proposal by the non-profit PHILO to create a partnership between the district and three high-performing charter schools, KIPP, YES and Harmony.

Supporters of the PHILO proposal included Dr. Rod Paige, former secretary of education and former HISD superintendent.

“We really truly believed that the charter school proposal set up by the PHILO organization was the best proposal for the children,” said NFISD spokesperson Sue Davis.

TEA however, disagreed, saying that the “lack of specificity and the limited time

to implement did not support withdrawal” of TEA Commissioner Michael Williams’ closure order.

In a statement, TEA said that its Chief Deputy Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds, who was designated in 2012 as the agency’s final decision-maker in the North Forest matter, conducted a record review on March 15.

“In her decision, Reynolds affirmed the district had failed to sufficiently improve the completion rate at North Forest High School,” the statement said.

“The district also failed to improve student performance district-wide on statewide assessments. Both were established in 2012 as conditions for withdrawing the closure and annexation order.”

Commissioner Williams said the education of NFISD students is the main concern.

“Throughout this process, the priority has been the students of North Forest and assuring they each receive the quality education they deserve,” Williams said. “My hope is that today’s decision marks the next step toward making that goal a reality.”

NFISD Superintendent Edna Forté said the district is “disappointed” by the TEA’s decision.

“Because we truly believe partnering with the charter schools that make up PHILO is the best option for the children of North Forest, we will appeal this decision to the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

“Regardless of the outcome, the faculty and staff will continue to move forward with the transformative work we are doing at North Forest ISD to complete a successful year,” Forté said.

North Forest ISD Superintendent Edna Forté said the district is “disappointed” by the Texas Education Agency’s decision to move forward with annexation to HISD.

HISD committed to smooth transition Defender News Services

If the order to close North Forest ISD stands, HISD will have three months to finalize preparations in order to assume the responsibility of educating nearly 7,000 students from the community.

HISD Superintendent Terry Grier said the district wants the best for the new students.

“We know this has been a trying ordeal for the North Forest community, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for the students and their families,” Grier said.

NFISD students and parents are invited to explore their options by attending the HISD School Choice Fair from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, April 27 at district headquarters, 4400 W. 18th Street.

The fair will include information on HISD’s magnet programs, vanguard programs, preschool programs and transportation services.

Plans for increasing the level of academic rigor in NFISD schools are already underway. Earlier this year, the HISD board agreed to seek a federal grant to open middle and high school magnet campuses in North Forest that will focus on science, technology, engineering and math education.

HISD will soon schedule a North Forest community meeting to gather input for the transition plan, and to address questions about the annexation. Updated information about the annexation will be posted regularly on www.houstonisd.org.

Visit defendernetwork.com

for more on what supporters are doing to save NFISD ..

localbriefs COMMUNITY MEMBERS in Northwest Houston recently held an anti-violence rally at Antoine and Gulf Bank. The rally was led by Bishop James Dixon, pastor of Community of Faith, in response to a shooting last month at an apartment complex in the 5300 block of Gulf Bank. A man, his fiancée and their 8-month-old son were ambushed after returning home. The father was fatally injured and managed to return fire, killing one of the suspects. Police were investigating the shooting…….. APRIL IS FAIR HOUSING MONTH, and Houstonians are reminded that it is illegal to discriminate in housing based on race, national origin, religion, gender, familial status or disability. President

Lyndon B. Johnson signed the landmark Fair Housing Act into law on April 11, 1968, a week after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Those who feel they may be victims of housing discrimination can contact the Greater Houston Fair Housing Center at 713.641.3247 or houstonfairhousing@swbell.net........ FREE TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE is available to eligible families and individuals at 15 locations throughout the greater Houston area. It is provided by Neighborhood Tax Centers in partnership with the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods and United Way of Greater Houston. Assistance is provided by volunteers who are tested and certified by the IRS. Families

earning up to $70,000 and single individuals earning up to $50,000 are eligible for the free services. For information call 877.541.7905 or visit www.FreeTaxCenters.org........A FREE JOB SEARCH SKILLS WORKSHOP takes place Monday, April 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Finnigan Park Community Center, 4900 Providence. It is sponsored by Harris County Precinct One, Workforce Solutions, the City of Houston and the Houston Public Library. Topics covered include creating a resume, completing an application, interviewing and job-searching. Reservations are required.

RSVP by calling 713-678-7385 or emailing workshop@cp1. hctx.net.

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APRIL 4 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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national

U.S.briefs A STRICT VOTER ID bill has been signed into law in Virginia. The law, which was blasted by the NAACP, removes all forms of non-photo identification such as utility bills and bank statements. “With this law, Virginia is taking several steps backward,” said Jotaka Eaddy, senior director of Voting Rights at the NAACP. “The Democracy of all citizens has been eroded by enactment of the strict photo ID law.”

Because Virginia is covered under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act the new law will have to be pre-cleared before it is enacted in 2014……...

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR announced the availability of $26 million in grants to improve the labor market prospects of youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

The “Face Forward” grants are designed to give youth a chance by offering support services, training and skills development that can help them obtain employment and overcome the stigma of a juvenile record. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status eligible for grants under Workforce Investment Act Section 166 can visit www.grants.gov........AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN BOYS-ONLY charter school in Chicago is celebrating a milestone.

For the first time, 100 percent of the graduating seniors from Urban Prep’s Englewood campus and the inaugural graduating class from its West campus have been accepted to a four-year college or university, school leaders announced at a special assembly.……..THIRTY-FIVE ATLANTA public schools educators and administrators were recently indicted on charges of racketeering and corruption. Among those indicted was Beverly Hall, a former superintendent who gained national recognition for turning around Atlanta’s school system. The indictment followed an investigation that was launched after reports by the Atlanta JournalConstitution found large, unexplained gains in test scores in some schools. A state review discovered that some cheating occurred in more than half of the district’s middle and elementary schools.

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Rev. Amos Brown of San Francisco (speaking) and Rev. Al Sharpton were among ministers announcing their support for the civil marriage of gay couples during a news conference in Washington, D.C.

Blacks divided on gay marriage Rev. Amos Brown, pastor of the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco, and Rev. Anthony Evans, president of the National Black Church Initiative in Washington, D.C., are brothers of the cloth.

Though they share a love for Christ and the Bible, they do not share the same views on samesex marriage, an issue now before the U.S. Supreme Court.

“I’m not going to ever believe that gay mar-

riage is right,” says Rev. Evans. “It contradicts our tradition within the Black church. We take the Bible very literally when it comes to marriage.”

Rev. Brown, on the other hand, says: “You can’t use the Bible to support your position on this – Jesus didn’t say one word about gays. The Bible also says if your child disobeys you, you should kill them and that women who are menstruating should not be allowed in church.

“These are low-case words and actions of Continue on Page 5

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 23 - APRIL 4, 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).

Budget issues lead to less incarceration NNPA News Service

Dwindling state budgets have had an unintended positive effect – prompting states to reduce the number of juveniles arrested and detained, according to a new report by the Justice Policy Institute (JPI).

JPI, a nonprofit group that advocates for criminal justice reform, identified five states that achieved more than 50 percent reduction in youth confinement: Connecticut (down 57.2 percent), Tennessee (55.0 percent), Louisiana (52.7 percent), Minnesota (50.6 percent) and Arizona (50.2 percent).

The confinement population includes those held at youth detention centers and those awaiting court proceedings.

“If you take a look at the list of states, they don’t have a lot in common geographically or culturally,” said Spike Bradford, a senior research associate at JPI. “This change in juvenile confinement can happen anywhere.”

The study described how states have worked to reform their juvenile justice systems with varying levels of success.

Some states achieved a reduction in their youth incarceration numbers by changing the “fiscal architecture” of the system where some locales spend as much as $240 per day, per youth; others placed a greater emphasis on treatment and some closed facilities.

Bradford said that the key to steering youth away from prisons is to treat them as young people, not as adults.

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DEFENDER | APRIL 4 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

Obamas take stand against violence

P

Defender News Service

resident Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are both addressing the violence against youth that continues to plague America.

The president will travel to Connecticut – the state where the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre occurred – to promote his gun control plan.

The first lady, meanwhile, will journey to Chicago to visit with a coalition committed to protecting youth in that city.

Prior to leaving for Connecticut, the president urged Congress to support tougher gun laws and not forget the heartbreak of Newtown, Conn.

“Shame on us if we’ve forgotten,” Obama said, standing at the White House amid 21 mothers who have lost children to shootings. “I haven’t forgotten those kids.”

Obama talked about the grief that comes with tragedy and loss.

“As any of the families and

friends who are here today can tell you, the grief doesn’t ever go away. That loss, that pain sticks with you,” he said.

Obama said parents want to keep their children from harm.

“That’s why, in January, Joe Biden, leading a task force, came up with, and I put forward, a series of common-sense proposals to reduce the epidemic of gun violence and keep our kids safe,” he said.

“In my State of the Union address, I called on Congress to give these proposals a vote. And in just a couple of weeks, they will.”

Michelle Obama will join Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a coalition from Chicago’s business and philanthropic communities to support community-based programs that serve at-risk youth.

“There are proven and successful programs that are creating a brighter future for some of our most vulnerable children in every neighborhood, and people from all corners of our city are stepping up to invest in them,” Emanuel said.

“We are honored to have the First Lady’s support in this effort.”

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama want America’s youth to be safe.

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APRIL 4 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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Gay marriage....

Continued from page 3 men; they have nothing to do with the highcase word of God and Jesus in terms of love and beauty,” Brown said.

Like Brown and Evans, the Black community is sharply divided on same-sex marriage.

Religious beliefs are often at the forefront of opposition to same-sex marriage.

Among African-Americans in particular, it’s the common denominator among those who are more firmly against the issue.

Among Blacks who attend church on a regular basis, 60 percent are opposed to same-sex marriage. For those who attend less than weekly only about 43 percent are against, and 42 percent have taken a prostance.

Kevin Reid, a 55-year-old Chicagoan and regular churchgoer, considers himself among those opposed.

“I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman,” he says.

The most quoted Bible verse on the issue is Leviticus 18:22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.”

Supporters of same-sex marriage argue that the majority of the Bible’s mentions of homosexuality are in the Old Testament, the period during which things like not standing in front of elders, cutting your hair, and not mixing fabrics were also prohibited.

The issue of same-sex marriage extends beyond the pulpits to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is expected to rule on the issue in late June or early July.

The court will rule in two cases, one involving federal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other involving California’s Proposition 8, the state constitutional amendment enacted by voters in 2008 limiting marriage to one man and one woman.

DOMA, passed in 1996 under President Bill Clinton, restricts same-sex couples from interstate recognition and federal benefits such as tax returns and Social Security survivors’ benefits. The constitutionality of DOMA was argued in front of the Supreme Court on March 27.

If the Supreme Court declares a ban on same-sex marriage in California unconstitutional, that decision could have an effect on all states, something Evans says he’s not worried about.

“The Supreme Court can say they have a right to marry, but that doesn’t mean we have to respect that,” Evans says. “It doesn’t mean we have to marry them either.”

Brown of San Francisco does not perform same-sex marriages, but that hasn’t dampened his support for them.

“This nation is not a theocracy, it’s a democracy,” Brown said. “I think that Black people must also remember that we got our rights based on that 14th Amendment, I think that it’s wrong for any Black preacher to do to others what has been done to them.

“We ought to just let people be different and be who they are. If we get to that point, the better this nation will be, the better the family will be, and the better this church will be.”

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DEFENDER | APRIL 4 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

No texting while driving campaign launched Defender News Services

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ayor Annise Parker utilized the start of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month to kick off “It Can Wait, Houston,” a local anti-texting while driving public awareness campaign.

The campaign will utilize social media, broad-based community activism and broadcast media to get its message out.

“Not only can we commit to putting the phone down while we drive, we can encourage everybody around us to do the same,” Parker aid. “I refuse to put my life and the lives of others at risk.

Please join me in taking the It Can Wait pledge and make a lifelong commitment to never text while driving.”

In 2011, 13 percent of the over 3,000 traffic fatalities in Texas were due to texting while driving. New research released

by AT&T indicates that 43 percent of commuters admit to a “habit” of texting while driving despite the risks.

The Houston campaign is an extension of AT&T’s national Texting and Driving-It Can Wait movement. The local effort will be guided by a task force consisting of representatives of law enforcement, government, education, faith-based organizations and other entities.

The Texans, Dynamo, Rockets, Comcast and AT&T Uverse have agreed to broadcast a public service announcement featuring Parker and rapper Bun B. In addition, the Mayor’s Youth Council is working on a competitive video project to get the message to young area drivers.

The legislature is currently considering a bill that would ban texting and driving statewide.

The bill won approval two years ago but was vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry. The mayor urged Houstonians to utilize Twitter and Facebook to voice their support for It Can Wait, Houston and for a different outcome in Austin this year. Use the hash tag #itcanwaithou.

If the effort to enact a statewide law fails again, Parker will move to put in place a local ban on texting while driving.

Kicking off the “It Can Wait, Houston” campaign are (l. to r.)

William Wu, Christian Dunn, and Elizabeth Lippman of the Mayor’s Youth Council, Mayor Annise Parker and rapper Bun B.

APRIL 4 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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entertainment

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Travaris Spears headed for stardom at age 12

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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

nown to many as “Varis” or simply as “V,” Travaris Spears hails from Rochester, NY, where, at an early age, he displayed a charm that was engaging and magnetic.

After seeing his performance in a school play, the director and audience members expressed to his mother that he had something very, very special. With a desire for the best for her son, his mother, Tanika, moved to Brooklyn in 2007.

His repertoire includes enrollment at the American Tap Dance Foundation, weekly guitar lessons, as well as voice and acting coaching.

While maintaining excellent grades in school, he has appeared in a music video, print ads and several indie films.

Here, he talks about his new movie, “Admission,” a romantic comedy starring Tina Fey and Paul Rudd, where he plays Rudd’s adopted son, Nelson.

KW: What interested you in “Admission?”

TS: I think the thing that made me most interested in this role was playing a kid that had a life totally different from mine. Nelson is adopted… He travels the world with his father… no stability… no mother. It was interesting preparing myself mentally for this role.

KW: Were you at all nervous acting around big stars like Paul Rudd and Tina Fey?

TS: Yes, I was nervous at first. I actually auditioned with Tina Fey before I was offered the role, and she made me feel really comfortable. We connected

Travaris Spears

immediately. I was also able to meet Paul Rudd before I came on set to discuss some of the scenes, and he was very friendly and cool to work with. After the initial meeting, I was no longer nervous.

KW: How would you describe your character?

TS: Nelson is an outgoing kid, very caring and outspoken. He loves to socialize like myself. Nelson is a kid who wants stability, a normal life, a mom and the same friends and the same school, instead of traveling the world with his father. Nelson hates traveling.

KW: Are you anything like him in real-life?

TS: Yes, Nelson and I are outgoing, caring, not shy and we like stability. I couldn’t imagine traveling the world being taken away from my friends and family constantly.

KW: What was it like to see yourself up on the big screen for the first time?

TS: It was amazing to see myself on the big screen. I was so excited, I remember thinking what will I look like, and hoping I did a good job and that people would like my character. The one thing I was shocked about was everything I worked on was not in the movie.

KW: What do you like to do to unwind?

TS: Once I finish work, I like to play video games or listen to music.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be?

TS: My only wish is to become a successful actor, and to be able to take care of my family and to help others in need.

what’sup ARETHA FRANKLIN returns to her gospel roots during a special performance in May. She will sing at the McDonald’s Gospelfest in Newark, NJ, and joins headliners DONNIE MCCLURKIN, HEZEKIAH WALKER and CISSY HOUSTON. Guest speaker will be BISHOP T.D. JAKES. Franklin grew up singing in the Detroit church pastored by her father, the late Rev. C.L. Franklin. Her 1972 live album “Amazing Grace” has sold more than 2 million copies and is the best-selling gospel album of all time……..

Rapper RICK ROSS says the uproar over a line in his single “U.O.E.N.O.” is a “misunderstanding.” In the song, Ross raps, “Put Molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it. I took her home and I enjoyed that. She ain’t even know it.” Molly is slang for a form of MDMA, often considered a date rape drug.

Some women’s rights activists are calling on Reebok to drop Ross as a spokesman because of the lyrics.

Ross said critics have the wrong impression. “Women are the most precious gift known to mankind. It was a misunderstanding with a lyric, a misinterpretation.

The term ‘rape’ wasn’t used. I would never use the term rape,” he said…….. SEAN “DIDDY” COMBS ranks No. 1 on this year’s Forbes Five, the magazine’s list of hip-hop’s richest artists, with an estimated net worth of $580 million. The No. 2 spot goes to SHAWN “JAY-Z” CARTER, with a net worth of $475 million.

ANDRE “DR. DRE” YOUNG ranks third with $350 million. BRYAN “BIRDMAN” WILLIAMS owns the No. 4 spot. Rounding out the list is CURTIS “50 CENT” JACKSON at $125 million……..

KERRY WASHINGTON, CHRIS ROCK and

ZOE SALDANA are among the presenters for the MTV Movie Awards, which take place Sunday, April 14, at 8 p.m. Fans can participate by casting their votes at movieawards.mtv.com by April 13. “Django Unchained” is up for Movie of the Year, and JAMIE FOXX is nominated for Best Male Performance for his role in the movie….…USHER and JENNIFER HUDSON are among the stars appearing at the 28th Annual Rock and Rock Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which tapes April 18 in Los Angeles. Usher performs in honor of QUINCY JONES, who will receive a lifetime achievement award. Hudson performs in honor of the late DONNA SUMMER, one of the inductees. SPIKE LEE and HARRY BELAFONTE will pay tribute to inductee Public Enemy. Inductees also include the late blues guitarist ALBERT KING.

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DEFENDER | APRIL 4 | 2013

Consumers often drowning in debt because residents’ hardships are being exploited,” said Houston City Councilmember Wanda Adams.

“Residents who receive a $300 loan owe over hen economic times are tight $1,000 after renewal and interest fees are applied,” and job wages low, workingAdams said. “According to the Office of Conclass families can often find sumer Credit Commissioner, only 19.3 percent of themselves in a financial crisis. consumers repay their loans on time and this has Despite resulted in over $37 million in refifull-time employment, many faminance fees in Harris County alone.” lies still struggle when it comes to Adams said there is also a paying their bills, and once their lack of transparency regarding paycheck is gone, it’s gone until such loans. Some consumers who the next one. obtain loans do not realize the fiUnless, that is, you turn to paynancial repercussions of extensions day lenders. Touted as quick and because that is not communicated easy ways to get money, payday to them at the beginning of the loan businesses are becoming more process. popular each day. Those interested Currently, the Houston City in using their car titles as leverage Council is taking action to fight this for advance cash loans can do it predatory practice. too.

“An ordinance has been But the popularity of some brought before the Housing and predatory lenders is costing cashHouston City Councilmember Sustainable Growth Committee Wanda Adams crunched consumers a high price. meeting,” Adams said. “And the High interest rates get a lot of ordinance will go into effect in the people – especially low-income event that the State of Texas does people and minorities – in trouble. not pass a bill regarding this issue.”

Research shows that nationThe office of Councilmember wide, payday stores tend to be clusAdams has also been communicattered in minority communities and ing with the office of Dallas State in states with significant AfricanSen. John Carona, chair of the American populations.

Senate Committee on Business and “Payday lenders have made Commerce, to provide any astheir product in such a way that it sistance in moving this ordinance is very difficult for anyone already forward on the state level. struggling to make ends meet and Dallas State Rep. Eric Johnpay the high interest rates,” said son said that multiple pieces of Ginna Green, a spokeswoman for legislation have been filed in both Dallas State Rep. Eric Johnson the Center for Responsible Lendthe Senate and the House that aim ing, a non-profit headquartered in Durham, N.C. to improve conditions for borrowers by limiting the “They just can’t afford to pay it back.” ability of lenders to prey upon the needs of lowThough many payday lenders claim that their income citizens. products are short-term, customers often end up “These bills propose limitations on the length taking out several loans back-to-back. of loan terms, the number of times refinancing may It’s a devastating cycle that can cost a person occur, and the amount of the loan by ensuring that thousands of dollars in the long run. it corresponds to the borrower’s income level or “Anyone who needs to borrow $300 right vehicle value,” Johnson said. away is probably not someone who can afford to “They also mandate the use of extended paypay it back right away,” Green said. “But from our ment plans to give the borrower an opportunity perspective, even if you could afford to pay it back, to repay the loan without accumulating excessive paying it back at a 400 percent annual percentage fees,” he added. rate? That is not acceptable.”

Minorities at risk In addition to the Center for Responsible Because many payday loan businesses are Lending, local and state elected officials are workfound in areas with a large concentration of minoriing on ways to better regulate payday lending and ties, African-Americans are a large customer decar title loan practices. mographic for these companies. That fact concerns A local concern Adams.

“This is a concern for the city of Houston “If our community is in debt, then we are not

By ELESKA AUBESPIN Defender

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Payday l

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creating wealth for ourselves or those who are coming behind us,” Adams said. “With regulations and with financial education, we can put ourselves in a better position for the future.”

Johnson agreed, adding that metropolitan cities such as Houston and Dallas have large minority and low-income communities whose limited assets are targeted by lenders setting up shop in their neighborhoods.

“The increased financial hardship faced by a borrower stuck within a cycle of debt creates a burden not only on themselves and their families but also on their local communities,” Johnson said.

“Money that they could have spent on local goods and services goes instead to large payday lending organizations, inhibiting the growth these communities could experience.”

In addition, cities such as Houston and Dallas must ensure that their low-income communities are not left susceptible to predatory practices such as payday lending if they are to continue to grow as first-class urban areas.

“The money that is being paid to these lenders in the form of fees and interest rates is money that is not being invested in the growth of the community or in opportunities and education for future generations,” Johnson said.

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defendernetwork.com • Serving th

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rpage

loan crisis

How payday loans work

A borrower writes a personal check payable to the lender for the amount the person wants to borrow, plus the fee they must pay for borrowing.

The person gets money in the amount of the check, minus the fee. The company holds the check until the loan is due, usually the borrower’s next pay day.

Or, with the borrower’s permission, the company deposits the amount borrowed – minus the fee – into the borrower’s checking account electronically. The loan amount is due to be debited the next payday.

Fees on the loans can be a percentage of the face value of the check or they can be based on increments of money borrowed, such as for every $50 or $100 borrowed. The borrower is charged new fees each time the same loan is extended or “rolled over.”

Lenders must, however, disclose the cost of the loan and give borrowers the finance charge in dollar amounts and the annual percentage rate.

Source: Federal Trade Commission

Visit defendernetwork.com

to learn how to get out of a payday loan.

5 facts about payday loans

ayday lending drains over $2.5 million from economy each day.

Each year 12 million Americans become enpped in payday loans, taking out an average nine loans per year. ifty-eight percent of payday loan borrowers e trouble meeting monthly expenses at least f of the time.

Only 14 percent of borwers can afford enough of their monthly buds to repay an average day loan. he choice to use payloans is largely driven unrealistic expectans and by desperation.

Payday loans do not minate overdraft risk, d for 27 percent of the rowers, they directly se checking account overdrafts. orty-one percent of borrowers have needed ash infusion to pay off a payday loan.

With more than 22,000 locations, there are re than two payday stores for every Starks coffee store.

Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee,

he Houston area for over 80 years

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and South Carolina have the highest number of payday stores per 10,000 residents.

10. Five states charging the greatest amount of payday loan interest are California, Texas, Florida, Mississippi and Illinois.

11. The average car-title loan of $951 winds up costing the typical borrower $2,142 in interest.

12. Nationwide, 7,730 car-title lenders in 21 states reap $3.6 billion in interest on loans valued at only $1.6 billion.

13. A typical customer renews his or her loan eight times.

14. Most states with car-title loan laws either have no interest rate caps, or authorize triple digit interest.

15. One in six consumers are charged expensive repossession fees when borrowers can no longer keep up with interest payments.

Sources: Pew Charitable Trusts, Center for Re sponsible Lending, Insight Center for Community Economic Development

Before you borrow…

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, asks borrowers to consider alternatives before taking out payday loans: • Consider a small loan from your credit union or a small loan company.

• Shop for the credit offer with the lowest cost.

• Contact your creditors or loan servicer as quickly as possible if you are having trouble with your payments, and ask for more time.

• Contact your local consumer credit counseling service for guidance on debt repayment or developing a budget. You may want to check with your employer, credit union, or housing authority for no- or low-cost credit counseling programs.

• Make a realistic budget, including your monthly and daily expenditures, and plan, plan, plan. Try to avoid unnecessary purchases; the costs of small, every-day items like a cup of coffee add up.

• Find out if you have – or if your bank will offer you – overdraft protection on your checking account.

10

DEFENDER | APRIL4 | 2013

health

defendernetwork.com

A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance

healthnotes

Helping improve

nutrition for children

E

veryone knows that eating right is important. However, many times it is hard for families to know where to start making changes. Going into a grocery store, parents are faced with a variety of products that claim to be healthy but in actuality may not be the best option.

For instance, many parents are surprised to learn how much sugar is in juice. While one serving of whole fruit a day can be replaced with 6 to 8 ounces of 100 percent fruit juice, children should be limited to one serving of juice per day, as a single serving can have 20 grams of sugar or more. Juice also digests very quickly, lacking any sort of satiety, and possibly contributing to excess calories at the end of the day.

“The best alternative is to eat the fruit as opposed to drinking the juice,” says Lauren Scott, a pediatric clinical dietitian at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. “Not only will it help limit the amount of calories and added sugar your child takes in, but eating the fruit provides fiber as well to help keep your child full and energized until their next meal.”

A balanced diet is essential for all children and young adults especially because there are a variety of vitamins and minerals that children need and they can get those directly from the food they’re eating. For these children vitamins and other supplements are not necessary. If a multivitamin is suggested

for a child, for example a picky eater who isn’t getting the necessary levels of vitamins and nutrients, parents should enforce the fact that vitamins are not candy to avoid overconsumption and vitamin toxicity.

Vitamin supplements can start as young as infancy depending on the situation. For example, iron supplementation is recommended after two weeks of life for low birth weight and premature infants receiving breast milk. By six months of age, most babies should be incorporating iron fortified foods into their diet.

However, some breastfed babies with insufficient intake may require supplementation.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends breastfed infants should have a minimum intake of 400 international units of supplemental Vitamin D per day, within the first days of life. Beyond the age of 1, the hope is that most children maintain a well-balanced diet and do not necessarily need vitamin supplementation. Although, for various reasons, vitamin supplements may be recommended and should be done so under the supervision of a doctor or dietitian.

Exercise, a great tool for children’s health Everyone knows that exercising is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

However, many times it is hard to know where to start. Finding time to exercise may be hard for a family’s busy schedule and, even when there is time, knowing what the best workout will be is difficult.

According to Brian Scully, a pediatric physical therapist at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, any type of physical activity is great. “The more time children can spend exercising, playing outside or participating in sports will help to promote a healthier lifestyle,” Scully says.

In fact, there are a number of activities children and young adults can engage in that can help in other areas as well.

For instance, taking a walk outside can provide an opportunity for the family to do something together and allows everyone to take advantage of an important source of vitamin D. Another great example is playing ball (any type). This not only gets kids moving but can help improve their coordination and motor skills as well.

Parents should remember that stretching is a fantastic tool to help with the growth and development phase that all young people go through. When the growth plates are wide open the bones grow longer and at a faster pace than the corresponding muscles, therefore the muscles need the added stretching to help them keep up with the bone development. The growth of bones and muscles go hand-in-hand. If muscle growth is ignored there is an increased chance of injury. Stretching also helps improve flexibility, relaxes and lengthens the muscles and can help in sports coordination as well. One important note is that stretching is most advantageous after a light warm up.

“You should never stretch ‘cold’ muscles as it increases the risk for injury,” Scully adds.

Pelvic pain in adolescent girls Pelvic pain is a common symptom experienced by prepubertal and adolescent girls. When girls experience pain, it is important to note the location of the pain, timing, any inciting events and things that alleviate the pain or exacerbate the pain response.

It can be a difficult, partly due to the fact that many organs in the pelvic region are in close proximity to one another. In addition, these organs frequently share a similar nerve supply; therefore, specifically localizing the pain to a certain area can be difficult.

Acute pain may result from trauma, new exercise activities, ovulation, infection (i.e., appendicitis or

bladder infection) or adnexal problems, such as ovarian torsion or ruptured ovarian cyst. This type of pain usually is sudden in onset, but factors which alleviate the pain may be different. For instance, acute pain resulting from injury may improve with over-thecounter, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines, whereas acute pain resulting from a twisted ovary will not improve with any pain medications, but rather requires surgery for pain relief.

“Common reasons why young girls experience chronic pain include both gynecologic and nongynecologic reasons,” said Dr. Jennifer Dietrich,

chief of pediatric and adolescent gynecology at Texas Children’s Hospital. “Gynecologic causes may be related to menstrual cramps, onset of endometriosis, prior history of surgery with adhesive disease or prior history of pelvic inflammatory disease, to name a few. Non-gynecologic causes may be related to chronic bladder spasms, constipation or even musculoskeletal pain.”

When pain occurs acutely, or chronic pelvic pain persists, and does not improve with over-thecounter measures, an evaluation by your provider is necessary.

Mark A. Wallace

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

Dr. Jennifer Dietrich

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APRIL 4 | 2013 | DEFENDER

11

Texas Children’s Health Plan covers children from newborns to teenagers. We even cover adults and pregnant moms through STAR Medicaid. Families with children who qualify for CHIP pay $50 or less a year. Those who qualify for Medicaid pay nothing. CHIP and STAR Medicaid offer a wide range of benefits including checkups and shots, dental services, medications, and more.

With Texas Children’s Health Plan you also get: ■

Over 2,100 doctors.

■

A 24-hour nurse hotline.

■

Free transportation to doctor visits.

■

Pregnancy support program and classes.

■

Help losing weight through the Keep Fit Program.

■

Learn how to play soccer from the Houston Dynamo coaches.

■

Fun, free member events!

For more information, to receive an application, or to find an event in your

MK-1208-007

area, visit us online or call today.

12

DEFENDER | APRIL 4 | 2013

business

defendernetwork.com

Entrepreneurs urged to apply for program

A

Defender News Services

pril 8 is the deadline for applying to Capital One Bank’s Getting Down to Business small business development program.

The free, seven-month program offers qualified business owners an opportunity to grow their companies by increasing their knowledge of credit, budgeting, marketing, business plans, financing, accounting best practices, networking, insurance and more.

The program includes a matched savings component up to $2,000 that business owners can use for operations, staffing or the purchase of supplies upon completion of the program.

In addition, participants are paired with professionals and volunteers who serve as mentors during the class sessions and will make themselves available for continued support following completion of the program.

Getting Down to Business debuted in Houston in 2009. One participant, Kimberly Moore, saw her business thrive after going through the program last year.

“I left every class with new information and ideas

that I could implement in my business the next day,” she said.

The program’s in-depth curriculum was developed

by Capital One bankers and local partners that include SCORE, Money Management International and Accion Texas.

“Through an integrated approach that we call ‘Investing for Good,’ Capital One Bank orchestrates the delivery of core banking services along with specialized community development, philanthropic and volunteer support to generate lasting, local impact and valuable business results,” said Laurie Vignaud, vice President, Capital One Bank Community Development Banking.

“The Getting Down to Business program is a great example of how we bring Investing for Good to life in Houston.”

Classes will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every other Thursday beginning May 2 at Capital One Bank’s Fulton Branch, 2804 Fulton St. The program is limited to 15 participants selected through an application and interview process. Applications are available at www.cybergrants.com/capitalone/GDTBHouston. For more information call 713-435-5317.

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APRIL 4 | 2013 | DEFENDER

13

Ben Jealous gives business students advice Last year the increase was 21 percent,” he said.

The NAACP’s donor base has increased from 16,000 individuals per year to more than 120,000.

The organization’s membership has increased three years in a row for the first time in more than 20 years.

By AYANA JONES Special to NNPA from the Philadelphia Tribune

Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the (NAACP, gave insight into building leadership skills when he spoke to a group of Wharton School of Business students recently.

Appointed in 2008 at the age of 35, Jealous is the youngest person to lead the civil rights organization. As president, he opened national programs on education, health and environmental justice.

He has increased the organization’s capacity to work on economic and voting rights issues.

He began his career as a young community organizer in Harlem in 1991 with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund while working his way through college.

During his lecture, Jealous highlighted how he utilizes his previous career experiences to lead the NAACP. “As an organizer, one of the things that you learn about leadership is you cannot lead unless you can listen. Your job as an organizer is ultimately to discern not just what the problems are, but what the people believe the problems to be – what they want to change,” Jealous said.

He addressed the importance of having courage in leadership.

“Leadership without courage is dead. You cannot lead a movement, you cannot lead a corporation [and] you certainly cannot lead a start-up without courage. You’ve got to be able to slow down and listen,” he said.

“If you want to

NAACP President Ben Jealous speaks to Wharton business students.

be a CEO, you have to know how to raise money. People give money to brands that are led by people they can believe in and they won’t believe in you unless you can listen to them.

“They won’t believe in you unless you have the courage of your conviction,

unless you really believe what you say and you can back it up with a plan to deliver what you promised them.”

Jealous said a combination of the skills he learned as an organizer, the ability to take risks and form partnerships helped boost the NAACP’s

revenue stream.

He took over the organization’s helm at a time when its revenue had fallen from $44 million to $20 million.

“We’ve been able to take this organization and increase its revenues by 10 percent or more, five years in a row.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at 1:00 p.m., to receive public comment about proposed service changes, and proposed service and fare equity policies. The proposed service changes include: Route Modifications to routes 52 and 70; discontinuation of route 352; schedule modifications to routes 4, 19, 68, 70, 163, 214, 217 and 265; adding the 49, 70 and 72 routes to the alternative vehicles program; and the addition of a new route, the 348 Houston Food Bank Shuttle.

Information will also be presented regarding proposed changes to METRO’s Service and Fare Equity Policies.

The public hearing will be held in the METRO Board Room on the 2nd floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, TX (served by METRO Routes 3, 9, 11, 15, 24, 30, 44, 52, 56, 60, 66, 77, 78, 79, 88, 102, 108, 137, 249, and METRORail). The meeting will also be streamed live on RideMETRO.org.

Copies of proposed timetables, maps, and the service and fare equity policies will be available Monday, April 1, 2013, for public review at the following locations: • Online - RideMETRO.org • METRO Administration Building - 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, and at our three METRO Outreach Offices located at: – Las Palmas Shopping Center at 6215 Harrisburg (served by Route 50) – Palm Center at 5330 Griggs, Suite A104 (served by Routes 5, 77) – 2613 Fulton (served by Routes 15, 78)

How to Comment about the Service Change You may attend the public meeting or write to us at METRO, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002.

Include “ATTN: June 2013 Service Changes” or “ATTN: Service and Fare Equity Policies” as appropriate. You may also fax your comments to 713-652-7956 with a subject line referencing the June 2013 Service Changes or the Service and Fare Equity Policies. Comments will also be taken on METRO’s Customer Service line at 713-635-4000 and METRO’s website at RideMETRO.org.

Comments should be received by METRO no later than the date and time of the Public Hearing.

Help for People with Disabilities For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Please call 713-750-4271 or 713-635-6993 (for persons with a hearing impairment) a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public hearing.

Language Interpretation Any person who requires language interpretation

or special communication accommodations is encouraged to contact METRO Community Outreach at 713-739-4018, or via email at na01@ridemetro.org. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your needs.

1. This Public Hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration’s Circular 9030.1D, published May 1, 2010, page IV-13.

2. METRO does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities.

3. METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its transit services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

classified DENTURES $0 CO-PAY! $200 EYEWEAR ALLOWANCE! Must Have Medicare and Medicaid to Qualify. For Details Call 1-800-704-3307 24 hrs, for Free Report.

Non-Profit EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. is seeking an Executive Director for the National Office in Tuskegee, Alabama. The individual will have extensive experience at the Executive Director’s level with non-profit 501 C (3) responsibilities; will be responsible for implementing strategic goals and objectives of the organization within established guidelines. See job description at WWW.Tuskegeeairmen, org.

MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY Will be accepting Request for Proposal for the following: MHMRA’S LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS / INSPECTION SERVICES Specifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Department located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Houston, Texas 77074, Telephone number, 713-970-7300, and/or via MHMRA website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Monday, April 8, 2013. The Request for Proposal (RFP) must be submitted to Purchasing Department, Suite 100, 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by, Monday, May 06, 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.

MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY Will be accepting Request for Proposal for the following:

MHMRA’S MICROSOFT EXCHANGE 2010 UPGRADE 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 8, 2013. The Request for Proposal (RFP) must be submitted to Purchasing Department, Suite 100, 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by, Thursday, April 18, 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) 970-768 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.

14

DEFENDER | APRIL 4 | 2013

sports

defendernetwork.com

Green attended Gulf Shores Academy High School in Houston.

Local stars shine with Pacers

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

he Indiana Pacers were recently in town to tangle with the Rockets.

The Pacers currently sit atop the NBA’s Central division and rank as one of the top franchises in the Eastern Conference.

Two players who have been major contributors to the team’s success just happen to be former local high school hoop stars, Gerald Green and D. J. Augustin.

It’s been a rough journey for former Gulf Shores Academy high school All- American Green. The former first-round selection (2005, 18th overall, Celtics) has been with six teams, including a stint in Russia and China. Still, the high-flying swing-man has continued to battle his way back into the NBA. “It feels good, like all the hard work has paid off,” Green said. “I’ve been through a lot.

It’s what people got to go through, you overcome things. I’ve just tried to not give up and continue to work hard. Just being a part of this league and keep fulfilling my dream is really a blessing.”

Green has worked tirelessly to refine his game and thinks the greatest improvement has been on defense.

“I think going overseas really helped me,” Green said. “Being out of the league really helped because I tried to use that time to work on my game. My game now is night and day from when I first got drafted.

“I think this year my defense has been pretty good. Of course, with the make-up of our team, being able to play defense is key.”

Despite his journey to distant lands and subsequent return to the NBA, for Green, nothing beats playing back in his hometown.

“It’s great to be able to come home and play in front of family and friends. It’s even better when you can come home and get a win over a real tough Rocket team.”

Pacer point guard D. J. Augustin shares that sentiment. He arrived in the Houston area from New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. He was an

All-State performer in his single season at Fort Bend Hightower and an All-American at the University of Texas. He enjoys the opportunity to play in familiar surroundings.

“I live here in the summer so Houston is home for me and it’s always special when you can come home and play.”

A former No. 1 selection to the Charlotte Bobcats (2008, 9th overall), Augustin has received a reprieve of sorts moving from the hapless Bobcats to the playoff-bound Pacers.

“I had a few tough seasons in Charlotte with the losing, but I feel God does everything for a reason,”

Augustin attended Fort Bend Hightower after relocating from New Orleans.

Gerald Green

Augustin said. “I’m here in Indiana now with a very good team and a good organization.”

Moving to the Pacers, Augustin now finds himself coming off the bench instead of starting, but takes a very mature attitude about his role.

“You never know where you’re going to land and what role you’ll have,” he said. “You might be a starter or come off the bench.

Whatever my team needs me to do to win that’s what I’ll do. That’s just part of the NBA.” The Pacers are having major success this season despite a roster of players of which only hardcore NBA followers are aware. That lack of attention does not faze the team.

“We have a lot of humble guys and we have lots of talent at every position,” Augustin said. “We just need to continue to play together. That’s our motto – togetherness.”

With less than a month remaining in the regular season, Green likes the position the Indiana Pacers are in heading toward the playoffs.

“Our chances of performing well in the playoffs are very high,” Green said. “We’re the number one defense in the league. We’re jelling and getting everybody healthy at the right time. We’re right on track for where we need to be when the playoffs start.”

D. J. Augustin

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

APRIL 4 | 2013 | DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs The Woodlands joins elite

Wheatley’s Hinojosa

hungers for success

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

H

er coach says Jessica Hinojosa has the “H” factor.

Hinojosa began her prep softball career at Wheatley High School with a bang. She was named the district’s Most Valuable Player following her freshman year. Another all-district selection followed her sophomore campaign and she’s currently still producing at a high level as a junior.

In a recent game against Jeff Davis, Hinojosa went 2-for-3 with an RBI double and a stolen base. She was on base all three times after reaching on an error in her first at-bat.

Hinojosa played the entire game at catcher although she says third base is her favorite position. She can also shift over to shortstop if needed.

“Jessica is one of those natural athletes who recognizes the game and studies the game.

She’s hungry for success,” said Wheatley head softball coach Shanna Thomas. “When she plays, you see the hunger. She gives 110 percent every game.

“I couldn’t be more proud of her,” Thomas said. That “hunger factor” makes her a wonderful athlete to coach.”

While Wheatley is fighting for one of the last playoff berths in District 21-4A, Thomas believes the future is bright for Wheatley softball. For starters, she’ll have Hinojosa back for another season with some help in the form of newcomers.

“Moving into a new district like we did, we’re still getting a feel for our opponents,” Thomas said. “This game we hurt ourselves with errors.

Jessica had a great game even though she doesn’t think so. Just keep an eye on us next year.”

Meanwhile, Hinojosa bears watching right now.

When Barnett Stadium administraFort Bend Travis boys win the 2013 Region III-5A basketball title.

15

tors were asked about the best softball players they’ve seen this season, Hinojosa’s name was the first to come up. She swings a mean bat, is top-notch on defense and possesses a cannon for an arm.

She began playing softball at the age of four when her parents got her involved. It was her late uncle who served as her first teacher, trainer and tutor. She has played 13 consecutive years since then.

When Hinojosa realized she was good at the game, she set her sights on loftier goals. “I’m trying to earn a college scholarship and I’ve got my eyes on Texas A&M or Prairie View A&M,” she said.

Her favorite subject at school is English and she plans to major in physical therapy in college. When she needs to relax, she’ll work out or play some basketball.

Hinojosa loves music too.

When the pubic-address announcer at Barnett Stadium cranked up a familiar tune by the Outcasts, Hinojosa did a few dance moves in between innings.

“It got me in the groove,” she said.

Over the past three years, opposing pitchers have had a hard time getting Hinojosa out of her groove. That translates into a stellar high school career with a shot at playing on the collegiate level.

“Somebody is going to get a really good player when she leaves here,” Thomas said.

“Right now, I’m excited about having her for another year.”

Jessica Hinojosa is a softball star at Wheatley.

The Woodlands varsity baseball team made the journey to Cary, N.C. for the National High School Invitational as the top-ranked high school baseball team in the country. Playing at the USA Baseball National Training Complex, The Woodlands entered the tournament with a 19-0 record and ranked No. 1 by Baseball America. The Highlanders defeated Jenks (Okla.) 2-1 and Milton (Ga.) 9-8 in 14 innings before succumbing to Mater Dei (Calif.) 11-2 in the tournament semifinals.

“Hopefully, this was a humbling and eye-opening experience,” said Highlanders head coach Ron Eastman. “Mater Dei is an outstanding team that came ready to play and we didn’t execute early in the game.” Mater Dei was the defending tournament champions.

Girls’ soccer playoffs start The Class 5A Region III Girls soccer playoffs are underway and once again Seven Lakes High School figures to be a factor. The Lady Spartans have strung together four consecutive trips to the regional final and opened the 2013 playoffs with a 4-1 first-round victory over Bellaire. Seven Lakes scored first and Bellaire answered for a 1-1 tie. In the final 10 minutes of the first half, Seven Lakes scored twice to take a 3-1 advantage and seized control of the game. “Coach [Amy] Davis preaches that if our opponent scores, we need to come back harder,” said senior forward Sarah Eads. “They’re a good team so it definitely was a match for us.” Seven Lakes advances to the second round of the playoffs and will face Cy-Fair.

Prairie View AD steps down Prairie View A&M University officials recently announced that athletic director Fred Washington has stepped down. Washington, who also serves as vice president of auxiliary services, will remain with the university in that capacity. Washington became AD in 2009 after serving in the role as interim for 11 months. During his tenure the department garnered 11 championships including a football championship in 2009, the first in 45 years. The overall success continued, and in 2012, SWAC championships by the baseball, women’s basketball and bowling teams led to Prairie View sweeping season-ending awards for 2011-12.

The Panthers captured the Sadie Magee/Barbara Jacket Award, the C.D. Henry Award, and the James Frank Award, which were presented at the spring meetings en route to claiming the overall Commissioner’s Cup.

Cougar Errol Nolan honored University of Houston track and field sprinter Errol Nolan was recently named Conference USA Male Track Athlete of the Year. The Rosenberg native claimed the award after winning a national title in the men’s 400-meter dash at the NCAA Division I Indoor Championships with a time of 45.75. In the preliminary round, he topped the competition by running a school-record breaking time of 45.72. At the conference meet, he took home gold in the men’s 200m and 400m for the third time in his career. The three-time All-American becomes the fifth athlete in program history to earn this accolade and the first since Ivan Diggs in 2008. Nolan won the award last year during the outdoor season.

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16

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DEFENDER | APRIL 4 | 2013

chag’splace

spotlighting Brazil was recently held at Tradicao AN EVENING OF BRILLIANT JEWELS…..

Brazilian Steakhouse in southwest Houston. The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Lambda Zeta Chapter, annual double weekend event will present global hit hosted their 16th annual “Evening of Brilliant Jewels” makers and musical legends including Bootsy Collins, honoring four individuals with the prestigious Lullelia Diogo Nogueira, The Wailers and Walker Harrison Dove Award. The Aaron Neville. The lineup will recipients included Errol Allen II, Join Yvette Chargois showcase a wide variety of South program integrator in the Office Events of the Week American entertainment with an of the CEO for NASA at Johnson More photos on defendernetwork.com emphasis on the featured country Space Center; Jerry Davis, city See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Brazil, as well as funk, reggae, councilman representing District B with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

R&B, jazz, zydeco, blues, Latin and entrepreneur; Stephen Ford, an rock, cumbia/salsa and much more. information technology professional It will also include five stages of and Juanita Jackson, executive music, dance, and cultural performances in addition assistant at the University of Houston. Each one to international cuisine, fine wine and beer. Attendees plays a unique and vital role in improving the quality at the launch party included Kayler Williams, Paul of life for our community. We commend chapter president Twylah Jenkins, gala chair Joyce Parker, Pettie, Ashley and Ryan Small, Victoria Bracken, co-chair Kathy Allen and the entire committee for an Crystal Cooper, Laneka and Lewis Holley, Tirsha outstanding event. Congratulations!.....HOUSTON Williams, Kaylen Williams, LaTonia Joubert, INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL…..A launch party Shanel Jackson and Heather Jackson, to name a announcing the 43rd Houston International Festival, few. Come out and join the fun!.....ANNIVERSARY

Honorees Jerry Davis, Juanita Jackson, Errol Allen II and Stephen Ford

Tirsha Williams, Kaylen Williams and LaTonia Joubert

Gala chairs Julie and Jay Rogers and CHT director Ronda Robinson

Gala chair Joyce Parker and co-chair Kathy Allen

Ashley and Ryan Small

Ronda Robinson and Yolanda Green

GALA RAISES OVER $900,000.....Approximately 630 generous supporters enjoyed the Covenant House Texas (CHT) 30th Anniversary Gala held at the Hilton American-Houston. Established in 1983, Covenant Houston Texas is a non-profit human services agency that offers crisis shelter, crisis intervention, outreach and prevention, medical care, transitional housing, educational/vocational training, pastoral care and community-based services to runaway and homeless youth under the age of 21. Executive director Rhonda Robinson has been with CHT since the doors opened in 1983, so the organization created the Rhonda G. Robinson Spirit Award and honored the first recipient of this award, Tonya Hamilton. Tonya was chosen because she demonstrates the same passion, dedication and commitment to young people that Rhonda has given CHT all these years. The gala also honored Texas Children’s Hospital. We salute gala chairs Julie and Jay Rogers and the entire gala committee for a very successful event. Continued success!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Denese Wolff Hilliard, Vanessa Turner and Kay Jones Rosebure

News anchor Ron Trevino and Brazilian dancers

CHT youth Davin DeGrate and honoree Tonya Hamilton

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