Houston Defender: April 12, 2012

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NEWSTALK

HISD BUS DRIVERS protest unruly school kids

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WHAT’S UP OPINION

JENNIFER HUDSON expected to attend trial

P8 SPORTS BRIEFS

CYNTHIA COOPER-DYKE will coach TSU women

P11 CHAG’S PLACE

Lora and Dr. John Clemmons at UH Music Society celebration

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HOUSTON ROCKETS SHOOTING FOR NBA PLAYOFFS P10

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Volume 81 | Number 24 WEEK OF APRIL 12, 2012 | FREE

Former County housing CEO

Guy Rankin His side of the story H Page 6

Beverly Johnson tries reality TV

Original supermodel Beverly Johnson has found success as a businesswoman, actress and author.

She is also the mother of successful plus-size model, Anansa Sims Patterson. Their complex relationship is explored in the new series “Beverly’s Full House,” which recently debuted on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

H Page

G. Zimmerman

charged with murder Trayvon Martin’s killer is behind bars and charged with second-degree murder. George Zimmerman, who had not been seen since the Feb. 26 shooting, turned himself in to Florida police and was held without bond in an undisclosed location. Florida prosecutor Angela Corey made the anticipated announcement.

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She was sentenced to 24 years in prison for her role in a crack cocaine ring led by her abusive drugdealer boyfriend. Now, Kemba Smith shares the story of turning her ordeal into a positive message for others. Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story.

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Be part of an important dialogue on the higher education opportunities in our community.

Houston Community College plays a vital role in providing access to quality education and in significantly impacting our region’s economy. HCC leadership will present its Long-Range Facilities and Finance Plan to enhance programs and services. The following HCC leaders will be in attendance: Trustees, Chancellor, Deputy Chancellor and COO, Presidents and Master Planner. We welcome your input on the plan for our community as we work together to fulfill our vision for the future.

Plan to attend one of the following Community Forums to be held throughout the HCC District:

Monday, April 16, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Southeast Learning HUB 6815 Rustic, Houston, TX 77087

Tuesday, April 17, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Missouri City Campus 5855 Sienna Springs Way, Missouri City, TX 77459

Wednesday, April 25, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

West Loop Campus 5601 West Loop South, Houston, TX 7708

Thursday, April 26, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

South Campus 1990 Airport Blvd., Houston, TX, 77051

Friday, April 27, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Alief Campus 2811 Hayes Rd., Houston, TX 77082

Tuesday, May 1, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Central Learning HUB 1300 Holman Street, Houston, TX 77004

Thursday, May 3, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Northline Campus 8001 Fulton, Houston, TX 77022

Tuesday, May 8, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Midtown/Medical Center Area Third Ward Multi-Service Center 3611 Ennis, Houston, TX 77004

• 5609 Uvalde Road • 3111 Woodridge Drive • 12035 Antoine • 2121 FM 2920 • 24224 Northwest Freeway • 5225 A Buffalo Speedway • 6102 Scott Street • 1701 W. Alabama Street • 22618 Aldine Westfield Road • 10100 Beechnut Street • 11815 Westheimer Road • 14498 Bellaire Boulevard • 8900 Highway 6 • 4724 Highway 6 • 12680 West Lake Houston Pkwy.

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Visit hccs.edu/forums to learn about our Long-Range Plan and provide input.

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WEEK OF APRIL 12 | 2012 | DEFENDER

newstalk

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HISD bus drivers protest unruly kids

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Attorney Joe Jamail (left) joins TSU President Dr. John Rudley and Dannye Holley, dean of TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

Jamail gives TSU law school $3M collection Defender News Services

Renowned local lawyer Joe Jamail recently donated his law library to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.

The collection includes more than 1,000 volumes valued at approximately $3 million.

Jamail noted that his relationship with TSU dates back to the days when he hired the city’s first African-American law graduate. “My relationship also includes having lectured at Texas Southern many times,” he said.

“Joe is known for breaking down barriers,” said TSU President Dr. John Rudley.

On hand to accept the

generous gift were Rudley, State Sen. Rodney Ellis, law school Dean Dannye Holley, TSU Student Bar Association President Nana Asare and other students.

“Our Thurgood Marshall School of Law has long been recognized as the country’s most diverse law school, and as such, this gift will go far in helping to expand the diversity of the legal profession in Texas and the nation,” Rudley said.

“This gift will further enhance the reputation of our highly regarded law library, and serve to greatly benefit our faculty, alumni, as well as current and future students…,” added Holley.

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

chool bus drivers rallied outside of the HISD administrative building recently and demanded that district officials institute harsher punishments to student riders who are out of control.

According to drivers who participated in the protest, they are subjected to students who constantly fight, smoke marijuana, curse the drivers and each other, and even jump out of the rear exit of moving buses.

Though bus drivers requested stiffer penalties for unruly student riders, they are asking that the district start by enforcing rules already on the books.

“We want HISD to enforce the discipline policy on the school buses,” union president Wretha Thomas said. “We want our community to be aware of what’s going on and we want our students to be safe.”

The HISD Student Code of Conduct states that “students are expected to exhibit appropriate classroom conduct at all times when riding transportation.” A statement released by HISD reiterated its commitment to student and employee safety and listed steps the district has taken toward that end.

According to the statement, “Student and employee safety is the top priority of the Houston Independent School District. HISD’s efforts to protect students and staff include a comprehensive school bus safety and student discipline strategy. HISD officials are aware of the student discipline concerns raised by the Houston Educational Support Personnel union and the district takes these concerns seriously.

“District officials are reviewing the Student Code of Conduct to determine whether revisions are necessary. This review will include an evaluation of the

union’s request to include a more specific mechanism for suspending bus riding privileges for students with ongoing disciplinary issues.”

The statement went on to specify that all bus drivers this year received four hours of student management training; every HISD bus is equipped with at least two security video cameras; and HISD transportation administrators conduct monthly roundtable discussions with employees at each bus terminal to hear employees’ concerns and address them.

Drivers contend these steps are not deterring negative behavior from student riders.

“They’re not afraid of nobody doing anything to them because they know it’s not going to last long,” said bus driver Velma Allen. “We need help.”

HISD officials said Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier met with Thomas on the day of the rally, with the two agreeing to review the student code of conduct to determine if stronger language needs to be added to facilitate faster and more effective disciplinary action.

The current code of conduct allows drivers to restrict bus privileges to students with repeated violation of classroom or transportation rules. If the situation is escalated to a second level, students can have their bus privileges removed or other disciplinary action can be taken.

Persistent disruptive behavior on a school bus could result in placement in a disciplinary alternative education program.

“When you get on the buses and you tell the kids to stop, they are either going to give you the finger or curse you out,” said Deborah Powell, yet another bus driver seeking more accountability for misbehaving students. “The street language on the buses is worse than the streets.”

localbriefs A JUDGE IS IN TROUBLE because of inappropriate remarks he made in his chamber. Harris County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace J. Kent Adams received a public condemnation from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. In one incident, Adams asked an African-American mother “if she was on welfare and expected the government to pay her fine.” In another, he asked a Hispanic parent if she had “six or seven kids.”

Local attorney Henry Nguyen, who filed a complaint against Adams, also had a bad experience. Nguyen asked to see school records for a client charged with disorderly conduct in Adams’ court. “[Adams] said, ‘Boy these records are none of your g------ business,”

Nguyen said.……..MORE THAN 1 MILLION TEXAS CHILDREN do not have private or public health insurance, which results in a serious wellness gap. A survey by the Center for Public Policy Priorities found that 90 percent of insured kids are healthy, while only 58 percent of kids without insurance are considered healthy. In addition, nearly 40 percent of Texas mothers receive little or no prenatal care………

SOME TEXAS COUNTIES RECEIVED GOOD NEWS in the area of employment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment increased in 22 of the state’s largest counties from September 2010 to September 2011. Montgomery County was

No. 1 in the state with a 4.8 percent gain, and tied for the second fastest growth in the nation. Fort Bend County made the top 10 nationally as well……..FREE TAX PREPARATION HELP is available through April 17 at 15 local Neighborhood Tax Centers. The service, offered by Neighborhood Centers, is available to families with earnings up to $70,000 annually, and singles earning up to $40,000. Services include free e-filing and direct deposit for faster refunds. There is also help for those who are self-employed and those without Social Security numbers. For locations and hours, call the Texas/United Way Helpline at 2-1-1 or visit www.FreeTaxCenters.org.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 12 | 2012

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national

U.S.briefs

Benjamin Crump, the Martin family attorney, said Zimmerman “had to be arrested.”

Special prosecutor Angela Corey announced that George Zimmerman was charged with second-degree

George Zimmerman charged

with Trayvon’s murder Defender News Services

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eighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman is in custody and facing a second-degree murder charge for shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin to death on Feb. 26.

During a televised news conference, special prosecutor Angela Corey outlined the charges in the case and said

Zimmerman was in custody of Florida police at an undisclosed location.

Trayvon’s death sparked an outcry in the African-American community. Protests were held across the country, as demonstrators demanded justice and an end to racial profiling.

The killing also put Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” law in the spotlight.

Corey said the uproar had

nothing to do with the decision to charge Zimmerman.

“I can tell you we did not come to this decision lightly,” she said. “We do not prosecute by public pressure.”

Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon’s mother, thanked the Lord for Zimmerman’s arrest.

“First of all, I want to say ‘Thank God.’ We simply wanted an arrest,” she told reporters in Washington, D.C. “We wanted Continued on Page 9

PRESIDENT OBAMA’S BATTLE with Mitt Romney for the presidency became closer to reality with the recent withdrawal of Rick Santorum from the Republican race. “We made a decision that while this presidential race is over for me, and we will suspend our campaign effective today, we are not done fighting,” Santorum said. He added that the GOP is committed to winning the White House. “We are going to continue to go out there and fight to make sure that we defeat President Barack Obama,” he said……..THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR announced the availability of $1.8 million in grants through the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations program. Eligible applicants include consortia that comprise a community-based organization, a local workforce investment area and a registered apprenticeship program sponsor. The grants will support innovative projects that improve the recruitment, hiring, training, employment and retention of women in industries such as advanced manufacturing, transportation and construction. Applicants must place at least 50 participants annually. More information is available by visiting http://www.doleta.gov/ grants/find_grants.cfm........ THE NAACP CONGRATULATED the Connecticut state Senate for voting to end the death penalty by a 20 to 16 vote. The heavily Democratic state House of Representatives is expected to follow with approval within weeks.

Democratic Gov. Dan Malloy vowed to sign the same bill vetoed by his Republican predecessor. “This historic moment is a victory for Connecticut, a victory for justice, and a victory for Troy Davis,” said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “This bill allows Connecticut to abandon the misguided ‘tough-on-crime’ approach to justice, and adopt a ‘smart-oncrime’ approach that is moral, just, and costeffective for its citizens. We are confident Connecticut will be the first of many states to bring an end to the death penalty.”

Tulsa tries to make sense of shootings Defender News Services

Residents of Tulsa, Okla., continue to seek answers in the terrifying killing of three Black people during a random shooting spree by two white men on April 6.

Jake England, 19, and Alvin Watts, 33, were arrested after surrendering to police. Bond was later set at $9.1 million each.

England and Watts shot a total of five Black people. Three men and a woman were shot on the street within a mile of each other before dawn, and the body

of a fifth victim was discovered outside a nearby funeral home that same morning.

The shootings left residents on edge and prompted an intensive manhunt.

According to England’s Facebook posting, a Black man shot his father to death nearly two years to the day of the shootings by him and Watts.

There is no evidence the suspects knew any of the victims. England told police that he shot three of the victims and Watts said he shot the other

two.

Police identified the deceased as Bobby Clark, William Allen and Dannaer Fields. A victim who survived the attack described the shooter as a white male in a white pick-up truck, a detail which helped lead to the suspects’ arrest.

They each face charges that include three counts of firstdegree murder and two counts of shooting with intent to kill. A first-degree murder conviction in Oklahoma can result in the death penalty.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 24 WEEK OF APRIL 12, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Associate Editors Reshonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Columnist Yvette Chargois Sport Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Photographer Bob Levey

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender audited By Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 12 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Guy Rankin:

cover

His side of the story

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Defender Exclusive

he last few months have been challenging for Guy Rankin. He was recently removed from his position as CEO of the Harris County Housing Authority amid allegations of mismanagement.

A series of articles by the Houston Chronicle alleged that under Rankin’s leadership, HCHA doled out thousands of dollars in questionable spending, provided overblown salaries and bonuses, and authorized payments to friends and relatives of employees.

After buying out Rankin’s contract, HCHA declined to pay him $137,000 in severance pay, saying it did not have enough cash on hand to cut a check.

Rankin said the accusations leveled against him are not true.

“The financial management attacks are malicious and were meant to defame, cause doubt, pause and undermine my management and the organization as a whole,” he said.

“A coordinated, political attack is the source of the attacks.”

In an exclusive interview with the Defender, Rankin gives his side of the story and tells what the future holds for him.

Defender: You have been accused of allegedly mismanaging money as the leader of the Harris County Housing Authority. What is your explanation regarding the specific accusations related to high salaries, questionable purchasing, etc.?

Rankin: The accusation is 100 percent false. We were awarded best practices in financial management at HCHA and received HUD’s highest rating during a 2009 confirmatory review that studied all of our financial policies and procedures. Our financial operations were considered a model for the region and the nation.

The following are the facts: HCHA experienced unprecedented growth from 2004 to 2011. Net assets went from $642,000 in 2004 to $45.2million in 2011 – constituting a 6,940 percent increase in net assets. HCHA has grown from 12 employees in 2004 to more than 35 full-time employees.

HCHA programs have gone from serving fewer than

About Guy Rankin

Rankin: I had the unique experience of training and developing some of the best in our field. I enjoyed being a part of the team. I Hometown gave everything I had; 18 hour days, Durham, N.C. Sundays, Mother’s Day and more to the Agency – but I wasn’t the only Education one; others have given that and more.

B.A., Political Science, The Harris County Housing North Carolina Central University Authority received more than 50 Experience different awards and accommodations for service during my eight years • Community development manager, at HCHA. We were audited more Harris County Community Development than 28 times and received clean • Planning and development director, audits every time. We led America’s City of La Porte greatest emergency housing operation • Small business owner, from the Houston Astrodome. We were selected by the US Department Summer Plans Developments of Housing and Urban Development • CEO, Harris County to work in 41 states around the nation Housing Authority as the leader in disaster housing assistance. We built eight new affordable mixed-use developments 2,500 people to now serving nearly 68,000 people —a with more than 1,000 affordable housing units. We 3,577 percent increase. The responsibilities and duties tripled the size of our Housing Choice Voucher carried out by our employees in 2004 have increased program and completed an emergency triage and about 36-fold. Today HCHA assists 4,089 families damage assessment program that brought millions of alone through the current HCV program in a time when dollars to Harris County. congress were cutting budgets, we were able to help I would put my record up against anyone else in three times as many families and bring in an additional the field. I am proud of the accomplishments of my 300 million dollars for property owners over 20 years in team at HCHA. Harris County through rental payments.

Defender: How do you explain the hiring In response to the high salaries story, again this of family members and other nepotism allegedly story was false. A comparison of salaries with the State practiced at the agency? of Texas shows that HCHA employees were paid less Rankin: The accusation is misleading. There were than state employees in 18 of 22 categories and the other four cases the other newspaper citied and they knew salaries were within a 4 percent margin of prevailing they were false. HCHA has the exact same employment wages. policy as Harris County. Our policies and procedures In comparison to Harris County, HCHA employees were followed and nothing improper was done. The were paid less than Harris County employees in 20 of examples the other newspaper used involved four 22 categories and the other two positions were paid instances out of 1,600 people. within a 2 percent margin of prevailing wages.

• For example, we have a part-time deputy who has a All salaries were approved in public sessions by second job at the front desk at HCHA and works a few the Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners and hours on Thursdays and Fridays. He asked whether in accordance with sound business principles. his son – 17 years old – could obtain some work Defender: How would you describe your work experience as an intern and I agreed. performance as head of the Harris County Housing • In the second case, we hired a retired person as a Authority and what are some of your greatest case manager, his wife worked with a contractor on the accomplishments?

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

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7 Guy Rankin was HCHA CEO when he and other housing officials received congressional honors from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for building the nation’s first seniors’ LEED platinum development, the highest energy-efficient housing that can be built.

Robbie Tolan (right) appears with his parents, Bobby and Marian Tolan

Defender: How would you describe Guy disaster program. The wife was Rankin (personally, professionally, spiritually) brought on temporarily to close at this stage of your life? out the disaster housing assistance Rankin: I feel a sense of balance and program that ended March 31 and purpose like never before. I was in a position performed admirably. that we leveraged to help tens of thousands of • The third instance involved a people in need, it was truly the work of God retired HCHA employee who was that we were able to do so much with very little brought back after a three-year resources. Today, I am totally free to change the hiatus to help transition more than world and make it a better place for the poor, 500 families into a program. Her homeless, disenfranchised, seniors, veterans and brother was working in a completely the disabled. different division in a different Personally – I am at peace, professionally – capacity.

I have a vision that is exciting, and spiritually – I • Fourth and finally, there were am in Matthew 21:21(AMP) – “it will be done.” questions about my father-in-law It is time for me to give all of my talents to working as a contractor. The truth make the world a better place and over the next is my father-in-law was a 35-year Rankin assessed New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward after Hurricane Katrina. HCHA assisted six different public 90 days I believe in extraordinary, supernatural Exxon accountant and worked for housing authorities in the New Orleans area. transformation into a great life of service in the an outside accounting firm for 22 support of those in need. months before he worked on our jealousy, envy and old-fashioned politics started to Defender: What is your next move—to fight to get disaster program. He was a tremendous worker with present itself in very public ways to my detriment. your job back, work to repair what some may view as invaluable experience and skills.

Defender: What would you like the community a damaged reputation, or simply move on to your next Defender: Some have claimed that your firing stems to know about your leadership of the agency and its career move? less from job performance issues than it does with your accomplishments?

Rankin: I have no regrets. I have many fond inability or unwillingness to “play politics.” Do you Rankin: We were the best in America! We provided memories of HCHA. We were the best in America! We agree or disagree? superb housing to the needy. Some people in this Rankin: Politics were definitely at play here. I don’t community may not have liked our advocacy for the poor, helped hundreds of thousands of people and my heart is full of satisfaction. My reputation is the truth and I am do politics well. I thought my job was to help people disabled, seniors, veterans and minorities. Some occupy secure in knowing that God has more for me to achieve – not bow to the political elite. The HCHA Board of vaulted political stations. Their silence speaks volumes for the poor, homeless and needy. I will be about my Commissioners conscientiously set the vision for the when it comes to truly caring for the most vulnerable Father’s business. I am not looking back, for greater agency and I carried out their mission. We delivered among us. I encourage those who believe in equality, opportunities are ahead. I have already been offered jobs. every single time for the community and the people who peace and justice to join together and resist the forces of I will take my time to be guided to the next position. needed help. Unfortunately, an undercurrent of animosity, silence.

e Houston area for over 80 years

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 12 | 2012

entertainment

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Beverly Johnson turns to reality TV

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By Kam Williams Defender

everly Johnson is the first African-American supermodel, as well as an actress, author, activist, businesswoman and TV personality.

Johnson is also the mother of successful plus-size model, Anansa Sims Patterson. Her complex relationship with Anansa is explored in the new docuseries, “Beverly’s Full House,” which debuted on OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network) on March 31.

She has a niece with Down syndrome and is a spokesperson for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

Recently, Johnson launched a new beauty line – Model Logic by Beverly Johnson – which includes hair care products and Beverly Johnson Ponytails.

An avid golfer, Beverly can be found unwinding on the golf course when not working on or off camera. She lives in Rancho Mirage, Calif. with her two collies Flame and Hollywood. Here, she talks about all of the above.

KW: Tell me a little about your new TV series, “Beverly’s Full House.”

Beverly: I went up to Oprah and told her I had some shows I wanted to pitch to her. I had no idea she was going to like the reality series. It’s a constructive show about mother and daughter relationships. In addition, the cameras follow me around while I’m building my company.

We’re not going to have any buffoonery. You’ve got the wrong family, if that’s what you’re looking for. Oprah has a certain integrity about herself and she knows what image she wants for her network. So, I felt very comfortable working with her.

The show has lots of laughs and a few tears, and I do know that

people will take a lot away from the show KW: How do you manage to maintain your high level of beauty as you mature?

Beverly: I get that question a lot. Oprah did this show in which these scientists shared the secrets of the world’s oldest living people, people still functioning past 100 years old. They found that they exercised every day, they ate in proportion, that they had a social network of family and friends, and that they had some sort of faith. So, that’s what

I’m doing now, very consciously. Instead of working out three times a week, I do something physical, like a one-hour walk every day.

KW: Do you think it is easier for young women of color to get ahead today?

Beverly: When I went to Fashion Week, I was very disappointed by how few women of color were in those shows. I do speak to the younger girls, and I hear them when they say they’re not getting the big contracts or into

the big shows. So, to sum it up, it seems that whenever we take a couple of steps forward, we take a few more backwards.

KW: You are wearing many hats: model, actress and entrepreneur. Which one fits you best?

Beverly: Business fits me best. The only reason I went into modeling originally was to help out my family, because I knew that money gave you freedom. I tried acting and all of the arts. I even put out a record album, but what I like the most is business, which is where I am now.

KW: How much responsibility must fashion models and designers take for the body images they present – inspiring young girls to the point of eating disorders?

Beverly: There’s 100 percent responsibility for the images that go out, since we can know what happens at the opposite end of the world in three seconds. I most certainly think we are influencing the way women think about themselves.

KW: How can we begin presenting more realistic and wholesome images?

Beverly: By promoting more plus-size models, like my daughter, who decided to embrace and celebrate who she was. She was a size 2 at one time, but she decided she didn’t want to be hungry anymore. I think that’s how you turn it around. Today, more and more designers are recognizing how lucrative that market is.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Beverly: Candy.

KW: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?

Beverly: Passion!

What’sup JENNIFER HUDSON is expected to attend the upcoming Chicago trial of William Balfour, who is accused of murdering her mother, brother and nephew. Hudson is on a 300-name list of potential witnesses, though it’s not certain if she will testify.

Balfour was estranged from Hudson’s sister at the time of the 2008 killings. He is accused of fatally shooting the entertainer’s mother, Darnell Donerson; brother, Jason Hudson, and seven-yearold nephew, Julian King. The bodies of Donerson and Hudson were found in the family home.

Julian’s body was found several days later in an SUV. If convicted, Balfour faces a maximum life sentence. Illinois abolished the death penalty earlier this year……..JOHN AMOS is joining the cast

of Martin Lawrence’s CBS comedy pilot. In the show, Lawrence portrays a widowed father of two who decides to become a rookie cop after losing his construction job. Amos will play Martin’s commanding officer. Amos, a former football player and amateur boxing champ, has acted for four decades. He is still remembered as no-nonsense husband and father James Evans in the 1970s sitcom “Good Times.” Dissatisfied with the show, Amos was fired after the third season……..BILL COSBY is speaking out on the Trayvon Martin case. The 74-year-old comedian told the Washington Times that neighborhood watch volunteers such as George Zimmerman shouldn’t be allowed to carry guns.

“We’ve got to get the gun out of the hands of people

who are supposed to be on neighborhood watch,” Cosby said. “When you carry a gun, you mean to harm somebody, kill somebody,” he added. Cosby can sympathize with the Martin family on their loss.

In 1997, his 27-year-old son Ennis was shot and killed on the side of a Los Angeles freeway while changing a tire. Mikhail Markhasev was convicted of first-degree murder and attempted robbery in the case and sentenced to life in prison……..KANYE WEST continues to be seen in the company of Kim Kardashian. Recently in New York, he had an entire floor of the toy store FAO Schwarz roped off so the two of them could get a private music lesson. They learned to play “Chopsticks” on the oversized piano made famous in the movie “Big.”

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Zimmerman... Continued from page 4 nothing more and nothing less, and we got it. And I say thank you. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Jesus.”

Trayvon’s parents were joined by Rev. Al Sharpton and family lawyer Benjamin Crump at their D.C. news conference. Crump said Zimmerman “had to be arrested, and this matter had to go before a judge and a jury.”

Sharpton said there should be no “highfiving” over the charge.

“There are no winners here,” Sharpton said.

“This is not about gloating. This is about pursuing justice. We have not won anything. All we have established is we have the right to redress.”

Corey revealed that she had spoken with Trayvon’s parents when she took over the case, and said “we told those sweet parents” that they would receive answers.

Earlier, Corey announced that she would not take Trayvon’s shooting death before a grand jury.

Under Florida law, only first-degree murder cases require the use of grand juries.

The unarmed youth was killed by a single bullet to the chest fired from Zimmerman’s handgun. Zimmerman claimed to be acting in self-defense. He was questioned by Sanford, Fla. police and released without being charged.

In another development, Zimmerman’s attorneys said they were dropping him as a client.

Hal Uhrig and Craig Sonner complained that they had lost contact with Zimmerman. They added that his emotional state was shaky and expressed concern for his mental and physical health.

Walgreens, NUL provide free health tests Defender News Services

Walgreens is sponsoring its Way to Well Health Tour in conjunction with the National Urban League. The tour provides free health resources to urban and minority residents who experience disproportionately higher rates of preventable disease.

The health tour bus will visit select Walgreens stores in Houston from April 20 through May 1. The program provides free tests, assessments, education and consulting services.

“The National Urban League is thrilled to partner with Walgreens for the Way to Well Health Tour for the sixth year in a row,” said Marc H. Morial, NUL president and CEO. “As many urban and minority communities in the United States are struggling to afford rising health care costs in an uneasy economy, the free tests provided by the [tour] are vital to disease detection and

prevention. ” “Way to Well reflects our commitment to disease prevention and to improving everyday health through education and early detection,” said John Gremer, Walgreens director of community affairs.

“With the NUL, the nationwide traveling health tour is one way we deliver on our pledge to improve lives by providing underserved communities greater access to the resources they need.”

Tests include total cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, body composition, skeletal muscle, resting metabolism, visceral fat, real body age and body weight.

The tests are valued at more than $100 and are administered to those 18 years and older by certified wellness staff. Participants consult with a pharmacist or wellness staff member about their results.

For tour information visit www.walgreens.com/waytowell.

For more than 135 years, CenterPoint Energy has served communities throughout the Houston area by building relationships between our employees and our customers. As a public utility, we touch the lives of our customers each and every day by delivering safe, reliable electricity and natural gas. But, that’s not all we do. Through our education and community outreach efforts, we work to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.

EVERY DAY BECAUSE YOU ARE AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING WE DO

Strengthening our neighborhoods Community involvement is at the core of our corporate culture and is exemplified by our employees and retirees who are committed volunteers in our service areas. Volunteering has long been central to CenterPoint Energy’s culture. We work to enhance the quality of life in our communities by reaching out as a caring neighbor to support education, community development and health and human services.

Each year our employees, family members and retirees provide tens of thousands of hours in our schools – making them better places to learn, and in our neighborhoods – making them safer places to live.

Investing in education In addition to volunteer activities, we promote specific company-sponsored activities, including natural gas and electric safety education programs designed to keep students safe and to inspire them to learn. Education opens doors and provides young people options, and our employees are eager to share their personal experiences with students.

Encouraging employees to make a difference CenterPoint Energy is a company of people who care about our businesses, our customers and our communities, and we understand that we can’t be successful if our communities are not healthy and strong. Our goal is to make a difference every day by helping to make our communities better places to live, to work and to conduct business.

For more information, log on to CenterPointEnergy.com/community.

2011 Volunteer Participation 2011 total volunteer hours: Volunteer participation rate:

235,847 41.26%

Total value of volunteer hours:* $5,037,692 * Based on the Independent Sector’s $21.36 estimate of the value of a volunteer hour. For 2010, the national average for volunteering in America was 26.5 percent.

©2012 CenterPoint Energy 120545

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 12 | 2012

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sports Rockets streaking toward the playoffs

By MAX EDISON Defender

In case you haven’t noticed, the Rockets are on track to make the NBA playoffs for the first time in three years. Rockets first-year head coach Kevin McHale proudly proclaimed at the beginning of training camp to anyone that would listen that the goal for this year’s squad was making the playoffs.

Without a legitimate superstar player, only die-hard Rockets fans felt they had a ghost of a chance. But give the players credit, the players believed.

With eight games left in a condensed, strike-shortened NBA season, the team is squarely in the hunt for a spot in the NBA playoff tourney. At press time the Rockets were the sixth seed in the NBA’s Western conference.

The amazing thing is the team has been able to stay in the thick of the playoff hunt despite the limited services of its two best players. Point guard Kyle Lowry and shooting guard Kevin Martin have both missed significant time due to injury, but a collection of young players have come off the bench and more than adequately filled the void.

The Rockets have received outstanding production from the replacement backcourt tandem of point guard Goran Dragic and 2 guard Courtney Lee. They have also gotten sizable contributions from rookie Chandler Parsons, Chase Budinger and Patrick Patterson.

The acquisition of center Marcus Camby at the trade deadline has also been valuable. Camby provides a consistent work ethic and much needed veteran playoff experience.

Camby and veteran Samuel Dalembert provide an effective inside boost, offensively and defensively.

It has been a total team effort on the court as well on the sidelines with the team’s coaches.

Despite the injuries, GM Daryl Morey is not totally surprised at how his youthful bunch has stepped up.

“I think with Goran, Courtney, Chase, Chandler – I mean our whole set of 1s, 2s and 3s – we Veteran center really felt like that was Marcus the strength and the Camby provides depth of our team veteran and its showing true,” leadership Morey said. and is a defensive “Feeling that presence way and having them in the actually do it is a middle. totally different thing.

Chase probably won a game for us recently and we’ve had games where

Courtney has won it, Chandler has won it, Goran has won it – so it’s been pretty exciting. And Kevin McHale doesn’t get nearly enough credit for the way he’s guided this team through what’s been a very unique season from day one.”

The Rockets are playing in a manner that one would expect from a team that’s played together for years, not one that has yet to finish a season together.

“We just go out there and we’re having fun,” rookie Parsons said. “We’re playing unselfish, we love playing with each other, we’re playing defense, we’re rebounding the ball.

We’re just really having fun out there and its showing. We’re winning games, moving the ball and clicking on all cylinders right now.”

The stellar play of Dragic at the point, taking over for an injured Lowry (who was having his career best as a pro), has been the key to the team’s success. The fourth-year player, from Slovenia is averaging 18 points and eight assists over a 16-game stretch as a starter. Those games include impressive wins on the road against Oklahoma City, the Chicago Bulls and the Lakers.

“He’s playing great. He’s a very good player,” veteran power forward Luis Scola said. “It’s not like he learned how to play in the last month. He had all of this. You don’t play like this if you don’t have it. You don’t develop this in a month. He was already this type of player; he just needed a place to show it.”

“He’s been unbelievable. We haven’t missed a beat with him,” Parsons said.

“He makes huge plays, he makes good passes, he makes good decisions and he really runs our team. He’s been a leader on the floor for us and he’s been huge and he’s really coming into his own. I’m stoked for him right now.”

Dragic’s (six-foot-3, 190 pounds) play has not gone unnoticed around the league. He was named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week for games played April 2-8.

“I would say we’re playing different basketball than we played one month ago because the ball is going around, everybody touches it,” Dragic explained.

“We are not taking the first shot. If you’re open you can take it sometimes, but we’d rather move the ball from one side of the floor to the other and just put some pressure on the defense.”

Baring an unlikely total team collapse, the Rockets are poised to enter the playoffs. With Kyle Lowry returning, a young team playing relaxed, brimming with confidence and a veteran inside presence, the Rockets will be a tough first-round matchup and could actually do some damage in the playoffs.

Head coach Kevin McHale and staff molded a young Rocket team into a playoff contender.

classified HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18 th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1



Project 12-03-01 – RFP – Supplemental Website Design and Hosting Services – with a deadline of 3 P.M. May 2, 2012. The pre -proposal conference for this project will be in HMW Board Auditorium at the above stated address on April 16, 2012 at 10 A.M.

Proposals are available www.houstonisd.org.

on

the

HISD

web-site

at

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com.

SBE/DBE

Subcontractors Requested Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas Contract Operation of METRO’s Northwest Bus Operating Facility

Bid Submittal Date: May 16, 2012 MV Transportation, Inc. is seeking proposals from SBE/DBE Subcontractors.

Submit proposals for the following: Office Supplies, Printing Services, Drug Testing Services, Staffing Services, Security Services, Vehicle Parts, Vehicle Cleaning, Painting and Body Work, Consumable Fluids (Oil, Lubricants), Tires, Custodial Services, Facilities Maintenance, Bus Washing Chemicals and Uniforms.

The RFP documents are available from our offices or from METRO directly. If you require additional advice and assistance in this process, obtaining necessary equipment, supplies, materials or related assistance or services; bonds, lines of credit, or insurance required by METRO or MV, please feel free to contact me at (707) 430-0368.

Interested firms please fax a letter of interest (include SBE/DBE certification information) by April 27, 2012.

All proposals will be fairly evaluated.

Joe Escobedo Vice President, Business Development MV Transportation, Inc. 4620 Westamerica Drive Fairfield, CA 94534

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h.s.zone Girls’ softball

going down to wire for good in the first inning on a two-run home run by catcher he girls’ high Tatiana Cortez. school softball Westside was at it regular season again in the second is winding inning, adding an down to its final stages insurance run on an with many schools still in RBI single by Hanplayoff contention. nah Vossen.

Wheatley rallied “Usually from a 5-3 deficit to when we get the defeat Worthing 15-5 and bats cracking and set up a showdown with we’re able to put District 22-4A rival Furr some runs on the this week for the top spot board, our defense in the district standings. falls into place after Wheatley’s Lady Wildcats set up a showdown with district rival Furr.

Earlier in the that,” said Westside week, Wheatley crushed head coach Naomi Sydney McKay caught the Yellow Kashmere 34-3 to remain McNeely-Cooper.

Jackets’ lead runner in a rundown for within the district’s top two playoff “It allowed my pitcher some the final out of the second inning after breathing room and be able to relax slots. fielding a bunt and faking a throw to In one of the most competitive in the first inning when she came first base. districts top-to-bottom in the state of out to the mound,” McNeely-Coo“That’s one thing we strive to Texas, Pearland forged a three-way per said. “Once she was able to go do well is play good defense,” Clark tie for first place in District 24-5A by through the lineup, that gave her the said. “We take a lot of pride in our disposing of Alvin 6-1 behind pitcher confidence to pitch the distance.” defense and we practice it a lot.

Haley Beam’s six-hitter.

Westside starting pitcher “The two kids that made those Beam pitched a complete game Sydney Mannen earned the win by plays are in my opinion, two of the while picking up two hits at the plate retiring 10 of the first 11 batters she best defensive players around,” with two RBIs and two runs scored. faced and allowing just three base Clark said. “Kristen is one of the “[Beam] kept her composure runners. most selfless kids I know in the like a great team leader does,” said “Sydney’s needed some game of softball.”

Pearland head coach Laneigh Clark, confidence and being able to throw Clark and Beam were both who has guided her team to the state a complete game is giving her the pleased to avenge a 7-3 loss to softball tournament for the past two confidence we need for her to carry Alvin on March 9. years, including a state title in 2010. us through the rest of our season,” “Alvin came out and they beat McNeely-Cooper said.

“Her presence means so much to us us pretty bad the first game,” Clark and she hit the ball as well.”

The only time Mannen was said. “It just shows that individuPearland, 21-3 overall and 7-2 challenged came during the bottom ally, we’ve grown and as a team in league play, scored all the runs of the fifth inning when three Westwe’ve grown. the Lady Oilers would need in the side errors enabled Lamar to post “I think we’ve still got some first inning. After Alvin scored its its only two runs. only run of the game in the top of the growing to do as the regular “We’re still young, so it seems season comes to an end,” Clark first, Beam knocked in leadoff hitter like we had that half-inning brain Kristen Cuyos before coming around said. “There are three teams in this cramp that we need to overcome. district that could end up at the state But these girls are really coming to score herself for a 2-1 advantage. tournament. We play in such a great around,” McNeely-Cooper said.

The Lady Oilers added two runs in the fourth and sixth innings to district that it prepares all of us for Westside improved to 14-8 the playoffs.” provide the final margin. on the season and 7-3 in District Meanwhile, Westside imYet it was Pearland’s sterling 20-5A. proved its playoff chances by dedefense that made a statement Lamar (7-8-1 and 5-3) starter throughout the contest. Cuyos made a feating District 20-5A rival Lamar Dani Allen struck out 10 in seven 5-2 at Butler Field. diving stop at shortstop to record the innings, but three costly errors The Lady Wolves took the lead hurt the Lady Redskins. final out of the third inning. Catcher

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

T

WEEK OF APRIL 12 | 2012 DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Hempstead coach fired for leaving students behind Hempstead school district officials fired head football coach and track coach Ricky Sargent this week after he decided to leave two student-athletes at a Giddings restaurant while teammates rode home on a school bus.

Just a few months removed from guiding the Bobcats to the Class 2A Division I state championship game against Melissa, Sargent regrets making the decision that happened following a recent track meet. Sargent wasn’t with the team on the bus at the time when he received a phone call and was told that athletes were misbehaving and were told they would not be allowed to eat. Darius Battles and Ronnie Jones got off the bus to eat and the two seniors refused to get back on. The bus pulled away around 1 p.m. Sargent met the two and waited until one of their parents arrived. The next day Sargent met with Battles and Jones along with their parents to apologize. “Those students should have never been left alone,” Sargent said. “That was a mistake on my part and I feel extremely bad for that.”

State oversight might be solution for TAPPS The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) is still under fire for initially refusing to move a basketball game involving the Beren Academy to a time when it would not conflict with the Jewish Sabbath.

State Sen. Rodney Ellis and an attorney who represented the school suggested recently that state oversight of TAPPS might be a solution if the organization doesn’t institute adequate reforms.

Former Comet Cooper-Dyke coming to TSU Hall of Fame basketball star Cynthia Cooper-Dyke is slated to become the next head coach of the Texas Southern women’s basketball program. “Cynthia Cooper-Dyke is the sole finalist for our women’s basketball position and she will be our next head coach pending final approval,” TSU AD Dr. Charles McClelland said in a statement. Cooper-Dyke was in her second season at University of North Carolina Wilmington with a record of 20-13 (11-7 conference). She was named Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year in her first season (2010-2011). She served as head coach at Prairie View A&M from 2005-2010, where she led the Lady Panthers to a SWAC tournament victory and their first ever NCAA tournament invite in her second year.

She will succeed Yolanda Wells-Broughton who recently resigned.

HBU names football coach for new team Houston Baptist University recently named Vic Shealy as their new head football coach. Shealy won a national championship while head coach at Azusa Pacific and most recently served as defensive coordinator and secondary coach the past two seasons at Kansas. “We are really excited to be starting our football program under the direction of someone as experienced and successful as coach Shealy,” AD Steve Moniaci said. “It is very special to be part of building a football program from the ground up, and we are confident we have the right guy for the job.” The Huskies will begin play in the Southland Conference in 2014.

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12

DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 12 | 2012

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For Event Coverage...visit

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Brunette and Henry Robertson

Chapter President Senora Webster-Sims and Pamela Levine

Daryl Thomas, Keith King and Kenneth Henry

Erika and Michael McClure

chag’splace

Jennifer Daniels, Vicki Byrd and April Fontenot

Sarah Villery, Tamara Johnson, Jackie Shepard, Natalie Beaudion and Cindy Moody

Lora and Dr. John Clemmons

MASQUERADE MIXER…..The Katy-Prairie committee and membership for a fabulous evening.

View Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. hosted Continued success!....... EASTER CELEBRATION….. their 2nd Annual Masquerade Mixer at Safari Texas To celebrate Easter, Sarah Villery and Daryl Thomas Ranch. This elegant evening featured a buffet dinner, opened their beautiful home to over 100 family members a silent auction, mixing and mingling with friends and and friends for an Easter celebration that included a entertainment. Funds raised will crawfish boil and Easter egg hunt.

Join Yvette Chargois benefit the Jack and Jill of America Friends Tamara Johnson, Jackie National Foundation and the Fort Shepard, Natalie Beaudion, Cindy Events of the Week Bend Women’s Center. About Moody, Warda Omar, Lisa Chargois More photos on defendernetwork.com 300 guests attended, many of them and Raquel Wheeler prepared a variety See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads wearing beautiful masks. They of other delicious dishes while Keith with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. included Macqueline Woods, King and Acynthia Villery were the Jacqueline Newton-Green, master chefs for the crawfish boil.

Everard and Ebony Taylor, Brunette and Henry Yummy! The children were entertained with a moon Robertson, April Fontenot, Teno Fontenot, Jennifer walk, face painting and a surprise visit from the Easter Daniels, Vicki Byrd, Lucy Summerlin, Wondy and bunny. Everyone had a great time and look forward to Bernard Weston and Kandi Eastman and Motion, to next year. Thanks!…….PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ….. name a few. Kudos to Senora Webster-Sims, chapter The 25th anniversary celebration for the University of president, Pamela Levine, event chair and the entire Houston Moores School of Music Society was held at

Lisa Chargois, Warda Omar, Acynthia Villery and Raquel Wheeler

Attorney Cornel Williams and Event Chair Phyllis Williams

the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts and the affair was truly glitzy. Attendees were treated to a cocktail reception, concert, dinner and dancing to the sounds of Grammy nominated singing sensation Mary Griffin. In the mix of all the excitement were Dr. Renu and Surush Khator, Attorney Cornell Williams, Lora and Dr. John Clemmons, Merele Yarborough, Erika and Michael McClure, Sharon and Doug Owens, Eric Andell and Diana and Chase Untermeyer. Chairs Phyllis Williams and Helen Shaffer did an outstanding job making this one of the most successful events. Congratulations!......

CONDOLENCES…..Our prayers are with the family of John S. Chase who recently celebrated his homegoing.

Think of it this way, John has a new position. He’s now your guardian angel appointed by God to look after you. He saw that the road was getting rough, the hills were hard to climb, so He gently closed his loving eyes and whispered, “Peace Be Thine.” God Bless!..... From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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