Houston Defender: May 02, 2019

COACH CYNTHIA COOPER-DYKE RETURNS TO TEXAS SOUTHERN P9

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Volume 88 | Number 27

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NEWSTALK SHEILA JACKSON LEE helping 5th Ward residents fight contamination

REMEMBERING DIRECTOR

JOHN SINGLETON H PAGE 4

P2 ENTERTAINMENT DELTA SIGMA THETA brings Authors on Tour

P5 H.S. SPORTS TIANNA RANDLE lighting up the track for Summer Creek

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Tytus Howard

Sehba Ali leads KIPP

drafted by Texans

The charter school has grown into the nation’s largest network of charter schools. Ali, CEO of KIPP Texas Public Schools, is focused on the future as the school approaches the quarter-century mark.

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The NFL draft has come and gone and the Texans braintrust feels they have addressed some apparent needs and replenished the ranks with quality young talent, especially with the 23rd selection of the first round, of Howard, a 6-foot5, 322-pound offensive tackle from Alabama State University.

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TOP EVENTS

Dr. Austin Lane, Loren Lane and Mayor Sylvester Turner at the TSU Maroon & Gray Affair.

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DEFENDER | MAY 2 | 2019

newstalk

5th Ward residents fight neighborhood contamination Defender News Service

Residents of a Kashmere Gardens and Fifth Ward neighborhood may finally get some help in dealing with a contamination issues from a chemical used to treat railroad tracks after the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) decided to step in.

Union Pacific owns the railroad.

TCEQ is requesting that the company conduct tests on air quality in the residential area because of a plume of contamination below the ground. Officials now believe the contamination is affecting more homes than the company had previously indicated.

There is a high concentration of cancer deaths in the area and residents believe it’s because of contamination from groundwater beneath their homes.

Both that water, and the air is believed to have been contaminated by creosote, a dangerous cancer-causing chemical used in wood treatment operations for railroad ties.

About 100 residents attended a recent meeting at the Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center organized by U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee to question the Union Pacific and

state officials.

“These are people who felt left out,” said Jackson Lee. “They felt they were watching relatives die and being diagnosed with cancer.”

Jackson Lee called on the state and the company to take action to address the contamination, including completing the health study and establishing a company liaison to the community.

“We now have a cancer cluster assessment,” she said.

“That is powerful.

It’s not a perfect solution, we haven’t cleaned up the area, but people have hope.”

Officials say they will continue to test and Union Pacific, which initially denied creosote was contaminating the area, said it will do all it can to address the problem.

“We’ve been neighbors for a long time. We want to be good neighbors,” said Brenda Mainwaring, an assistant vice president of Union Pacific.

“Union Pacific is not trying to get out of our obligation. The way we did business a long time ago is not how we do business now.”

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Rep. Thompson files mental health school safety bill Defender News Service

Texas House Public Health Committee Chairwoman Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston), a former public school teacher, has filed legislation to make Texas schools safer by improving the mental and behavioral health of Texas children. Her proposal, HB 10, calls for the creation of the Texas Mental & Behavioral Health Research Institute to be funded with voter approved bonds. It is modeled in part after the Cancer Research Institute of Texas (CRIT).

The Texas Mental & Behavioral Health Research Institute (TMBHRI) will focus on increasing the number of mental and behavioral health care providers for children, rapid delivery of such care, and mental and behavioral health focused research.

“The program’s research would be administered statewide through the state’s medical schools, other health-related institutions, and their public-private partners to tackle one of the most important assets of our state’s future – our children,” said Thompson.

Her legislation calls for three main reforms: A) increasing the number of child and adolescent psychiatrists and specialized nurses across the state; B) creating a telemedicine program to rapidly connect pediatricians and school health providers with trained mental health providers; and C) creating a state- Chairwoman Senfronia Thompson funded TMBHRI to develop cures and treatments. program to rapidly connect pediatricians and school health providers with trained mental health providers; and C)creating a state-funded Texas Mental and Behavioral Health Care Research Institute to develop cures and treatments.

“This legislation will place Texas on the leading edge in school safety through mental and behavioral health research,” Thompson added.

To fund the program, Thompson has also filed HJR 5 calling for statewide voter approval of a multi-billion dollar bond fund which can draw down matching federal dollars.

“Texans are all too familiar with the tragedies of mental and behavioral health illness,” she added. “From school shootings, to homelessness, to some of our own family members and friends who struggle with addiction and mental illness. Much like CRIT is bringing success to Texas in fighting cancer, the Texas Mental & Behavior Health Research Institute will do the same with making a healthier state of mind and safer schools for our children. It deserves to be our top priority.”

localbriefs THE 911 CALL MADE BY AN OFF-DUTY DALLAS POLICE OFFICER who shot and killed a man in his own home last year has been made public. WFAA published the audio of Amber Guyger’s frantic phone conversation with an emergency services operator in moments after she shot and killed Botham Shem Jean back in September. The call provided a glimpse into what Guyger may have been thinking after she purportedly mistook Jean for a burglar in her apartment, which was actually located one floor below. On the call, Guyger can be heard breathing heavily and cursing

in between telling the operator what she had done.

Guyger repeatedly says that she’s probably going to lose her job over this, apparently showing more concern for her career than the innocent Black man she is accused of executing……HARRIS COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS WHO BELIEVE THERE IS AN error in the market value set by the appraisal district have until Wednesday, May 15 to protest the value of their property. Some property owners may not have received their value notice yet. If that is the case, they will still have 30 days to file their protest, and that later protest deadline will be

printed on their value notice. A Notice of Protest form may be downloaded from the district’s web site at www.hcad.org under the FORMS heading. For questions call 713.957.7800....TEXAS LT. GOV. DAN PATRICK SAYS THE SENATE won’t pass a bill to lower penalties for marijuana. The Texas House gave preliminary approval to the bill, which would’ve reduced the criminal penalties for Texans found to possess small amounts of marijuana. The bill would’ve lowered possession of 1 ounce or less from a Class B to a Class C misdemeanor, which is the same classification as a traffic ticket.

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MAY 2 | 2019 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs CHICAGO’S TOP PROSECUTOR HAS BEEN SUBPOENAED to appear in court by a retired appellate judge who’s pushing for a special prosecutor to investigate the handling of the case against actor Jussie Smollett. Kim Foxx was harshly criticized when her office announced it was dropping charges against Smollett that accused the Black, gay actor of staging a racist and antigay attack on himself in downtown Chicago in January. Foxx defended the decision to drop the charges and said she welcomes an independent investigation……..A PAIR OF FLORIDA DEPUTIES seen on video pepperspraying, tackling, and punching a Black teen in a violent takedown earlier this month faced louder calls for their prosecution at a recent rally where the teen’s mom spoke. The deputies in question have been suspended with pay amid growing demands that they are fired. Meanwhile, all charges against 15-yearold DeLucca Rolle, who suffered a broken nose during his violent encounter with police, have been dropped. The teen was initially charged with assaulting an officer and resisting arrest without violence. The incident unfolded April 18 as several students gathered outside the local McDonald’s in Tamarac, Fla., to see a fight. Video from the incident showed the officers using brutal force against Rolle, a ninth-grader, forcing him to the ground before striking him several times in the head. At least one deputy was seen slamming his face into the pavement……..ATLANTA MAYOR KEISHA LANCE BOTTOMS has launched ATL Counts Census 2020, a year-long effort to educate and mobilize Atlanta residents for the upcoming census. The citywide campaign has an aggressive mission to reach, teach and count every person living in the city, she said.

Georgia Congressman John Lewis will join Bottoms by serving as co-chair of ATL Counts and helping lead a diverse group of partners who will serve on the Atlanta Complete Count Committee.

Rare conviction of officer in shooting causes concern Associated Press

After three weeks of testimony, a jury needed little more than a day to convict a Black Minneapolis police officer of murder in the fatal shooting of an unarmed white woman who had called 911 to report a possible crime, delivering a guilty verdict that immediately sparked questions about whether race played a role.

Mohamed Noor was also convicted of manslaughter in the July 2017 death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond , a 40-year-old dual citizen of the U.S. and Australia whose death bewildered and angered people in both countries.

Noor, 33, testified that he and Mohamed Noor (center), a former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted in his partner heard a loud bang on the death of an unarmed white woman. their squad car that startled them, and woman in the state of Minnesota,” said John that he fired “to stop the threat” after he saw a Thompson, an activist and friend of Philando woman appear at his partner’s window raising Castile, a Black man who was killed in 2016 by her arm. Prosecutors questioned whether the a Latino suburban police officer who was acquitbang happened and attacked Noor for not seeing ted. a weapon or Damond’s hands before he fired.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman It’s rare for police officers to be convicted dismissed the idea that race played a role in the after asserting they fired in a life-or-death situcase. ation, but some Minnesota community members Noor faces up to 15 years on the third-degree said they saw it coming for Noor because he is murder conviction and nearly five years on the Somali American. manslaughter conviction, although judges aren’t “Officer Noor was going to jail no matter bound by state sentencing guidelines and can what because he’s a Black man who shot a white impose much lower sentences.

Black woman named Biden senior adviser of color are the backbone of the Democratic Party,” Brazile said.

Sanders describes herself as Former Vice Presia champion for women, strategist dent Joe Biden has hired a and communications consultant. prominent Black political She is principal of the 360 Group strategist as senior adviser to LLC, where she provides guidhis presidential campaign. ance to organizations, businesses, Symone Sanders served as individuals, campaigns and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sandcandidates. ers’ press secretary during his Biden, 76, announced 2016 presidential campaign his candidacy in a video after and later became a CNN Joe Biden Symone Sanders months of speculation. His video political analyst. centered around the 2017 white supremacist protest in CharlottesThe move by Biden adds more youth and diversity to his ville, Va., and President Donald Trump’s response that there were team of top advisers, which has been dominated by older white “very fine people on both sides.” men. Biden’s campaign announced Sanders’ hiring hours after he “In that moment, I knew the threat to this nation was unlike officially launched his White House run. any I had ever seen in my lifetime,” Biden said.

Former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna He called Trump a president who assigns a moral equivaBrazile said the recruitment of Sanders was one of the best moves lence between those spreading hate and those with the courage to Biden could make. stand against it.

“She understands how to build a coalition, and that women Defender News Services

VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 27 MAY 2, 2019 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers

Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

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

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

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DEFENDER | MAY 2| 2019

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Director John Singleton dead at age 51 off the streets.

The film featured the acting debuts of Ice Cube and Morris Chestnut, and also starred King, Cuba Gooding Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Nia Long and Angela Bassett. It earned more than $50 million at the box office. Singleton received an Academy Award nomination for Best Director, and was the first African-American and youngest person (age 24) nominated for the award.

His other film projects included “Higher Learning,” “Shaft,” “Baby Boy,” “Four Brothers” and “Hustle & Flow.”

Survivors include his mother, father and seven children.

Defender News Services

John Singleton, the director, screenwriter and producer best known for the 1991 film “Boyz n the Hood,” died April 29 at age 51. He had been in a coma since suffering a stroke on April 17. His family made the “agonizing decision” to remove him from life support.

“John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends,” his family said in a statement. “We want to thank the amazing doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital for their expert care and kindness and we again want to thank all of John’s fans, friends and colleagues for all of the love and support they showed him during this difficult time.”

Actress Regina King, who starred with Janet Jackson, Tupac Shakur and Joe Torry in Singleton’s 1993 film “Poetic Justice,” was among those who mourned his passing.

“Rest In Power, my friend,” King tweeted. “One of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you GOD for blessing us with this gift better known as John Singleton. Having trouble finding enough words to share just what you mean to me. Will always love you John! Your spirit will forever shine bright.”

Singleton worked in a variety of genres, directing action films such as “2 Fast 2 Furious” and TV shows such as “Empire.” He co-created the recent FX series “Snowfall” about the crack cocaine epidemic and executive-produced the 2017 TV documentary “L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later.”

Singleton, a Los Angeles native, was a cinema student at USC when he wrote “Boyz n the Hood.” Columbia Pictures bought the script and budgeted it at $7 million. Singleton said that much of the story came from his own experiences in South Central L.A. and credited his parents with keeping him

John Singleton, shown accepting an NAACP Image Award, was a groundbreaking filmmaker.

Singleton directed the 2011 action thriller “Abduction” starring Taylor Laudner.

Singleton wrote and directed “Boyz n the Hood,” which starred Morris Chestnut, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ice Cube.

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MAY 2 | 2019 | DEFENDER

entertainment

LaJill Hunt

Sheryl M. Johnson

Angie Stubbs

Brenda A. White

Delta Authors on Tour comes to Houston Joneses, The Best I Have to Offer, The Final Offer.

She is also a contributor to The Ex Chronicles anthology with Brown Girls Books.

Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Dr. Annetra Piper – Author of two novInc., remain committed to the arts, and one of els – When You Think of Me and Living with No their signature literary programs is coming to Regrets.

Houston.

Angelia Stubbs – Author of Cupcake and The Houston Alumnae Chapter will present Noodles Go to Kenya. The Houston native and Delta Authors on Tour on Saturday, May 4 at the attorney conceived the Cupcake and Noodles Houston Public Library downtown. series to highlight the adventures she had with her “Attendees can expect to see Africanfamily as they roam the world together.

American women writers,” said Tina Marie Other authors featured include: Jones-Green, president of the Houston Alumnae LaJill Hunt - Author of My Mama’s Drama Chapter. “We want to celebrate these women and several other novels and anthologies. The and what they can offer the community.” memorable characters she created, and the Delta Authors on Tour Attendees will have the opportunity to entertaining stories she tells draws best-selling Saturday, May 4, 2019, 3 to 6 p.m. success and a following of fans, young and old. listen to the authors – all of whom are members Houston Public Library of Delta Sigma Theta – network with others, and Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook – Honorary Julia Ideson Building of course, purchase books.

Member, Author of Soul Sisters: Devotions for 550 McKinney St “We want our community to rally around and from African American, Latina, and Asian Houston, TX 77002 these women and with the literacy campaign that Women. Her work includes inspirational stories Delta has underneath our thrust, we are attemptfrom women of all backgrounds who have overcome life’s obstacles ing to get kids to embrace the need to read and read more. We miss and become even stronger because of their struggles. out on so much because we’re not informed. We’re hoping people Dr. Karen V. Senior – Author of Beautiful You Are. A Speech can relate to the things these authors have written that we have gone Language Pathologist, Senior explores how she allowed others to through.” “look” at her, and her perception of how she looked. What did they This is the final stop of the Delta Authors on Tour and Jonestruly see when they looked in her eyes?

Green says they are hoping to wrap the tour on a grand level.

Sheryl Mallory-Johnson – Author of The Hand She Played.

“This is the close-out of this tour,” Jones said. “In each state, The Adjunct Professor teaches literature and humanities classes at they’ve had their own authors. There is a catalog produced by our the collegiate level. She is also the Founder of the “1619 National national headquarters, we go through that and make an offer to these Celebration of Black Women” movement. ladies to come to our city. We’ve been planning for half a year. Most “We try to be well-rounded with the type of writings these authors of the tours charge the public, but we have worked hard to get under- offer,” Jones-Green said. “We knew that we were looking for women writers to make this event free.” to speak on issues that we face, children’s authors…those are the Among those featured are three local authors: types of things we were looking for.” Register at https://form.jotform.

Brenda A. White – Author of Why Not Keep Up with the com/90994792015163.

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Houston hosts National Black Film Festival

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

Defender News Services

Following a successful inaugural year in 2018, the National Black Film Festival is returning to Houston through May 4 at the AMC Dine-In 8 theater.

Founder J.O. Malone, a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, started the conference in an effort to bring more film opportunities to Houston.

“Here in Houston, it’s all about oil and gas…I wanted to establish something, a community so we can support our families with our passion,” he said.

Malone also wants to guide African-American young people who might not consider film as a career. The festival will feature a schedule of nearly 60 features, documentaries and shorts that largely focus on life in the Black diaspora.

There will also be features workshops, panels, screening and more, led by film professionals from across the nation.

For more information, visit http://nationalblackfilmfestival.com/nbff-news.

what’sup WENDY WILLIAMS is looking to start anew after filing to divorce her estranged husband KEVIN HUNTER. To do that, she’s filling his newly vacated manager role with a famed TV producer. Williams has tapped BERNIE YOUNG to take over as her manager, a role that Hunter filled for years despite not having any experience. Young will reportedly now take the reins as executive producer of “The Wendy Williams Show”……...R. KELLY’s lawyers said the singer missed court because he can’t read. The embattled singer lost a civil lawsuit to one of his alleged victims who said she was sexually abused in the

late 1990s. Kelly did not respond to the lawsuit or attend court, resulting in the judgment. Kelly’s lawyers say he was “overwhelmed” when served and unable to read the court documents because of his learning disability…….

KANYE WEST has been holding Sunday service at his home and is now reportedly inspired to open his own church. According to someone close to West, his church wouldn’t take a traditional approach to ministry. Instead, it would be a way to point people to Jesus through the arts and through a community of people who love and care for each other………Grammy Award-winning singer PEABO

BRYSON, 68, was hospitalized after suffering a mild heart attack at his Georgia home. He’s listed in stable condition and is awake and responsive. “Both his medical team and family are optimistic for a speedy recovery,” said a statement. Over the course of a career that has spanned more than three decades, Bryson won two Grammys, one in 1992 for his performance of “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion, and a second for his 1993 duet, “A Whole New World,” with Regina Bell. Bryson’s other hits include “Feel the Fire,” “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” and “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.”

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DEFENDER | MAY 2 | 2019

KIPP TURNS 25 Anniversary has leaders eyeing the future

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By ASWAD WALKER Defender

KIPP strives to create an environment rooted in diversity.

ounded 25 years ago here in Houston, KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) has grown from a one-school experiment to a national network of free, open-enrollment, college preparatory schools operating in 22 U.S. states, predominantly in low-income communities.

As KIPP – now the nation’s largest network of charter schools – approaches the quarter-century mark, members of its local leadership team are focusing on the future.

More than anything, what has made KIPP so successful has been the college-bound culture that existed since day one.

“I am immensely proud of the dedication and tenacity our students exhibit each day,” said Sehba Ali, CEO of KIPP Texas Public Schools.

“They are developing the character and academic skills necessary to open many doors for their future including attending and graduating from college, and leading without knowmore schools in cities where they curRead more at choice-filled lives.” ing how to treat rently operate, and possibly in others.

DefenderNetwork.com “We seek to move our students people with Locally, KIPP Texas-Houston What makes KIPP different? to and through college,” added a KIPP respect does will open two new campuses this KIPP’s Black leaders Texas - Houston administrator. “We society little August – KIPP Journey Primary and KIPP’s frequenly asked questions want our students to have all doors good.

KIPP Journey Collegiate. KIPP Jouropen, and to be eligible for and attend KIPP has ney Primary will start off with grades four-year colleges. But we know some undergone some K-1 growing each year to eventually of them may not choose that route.” majorchanges since Mike Feinberg, offer PreK-3 through fifth-grade classes.

According to KIPP Texas Public along with Dave Levin, two Teach for KIPP Journey Collegiate will initially have fifth- and Schools some KIPP graduates will atAmerica corps members, founded KIPP sixth-graders. Together, the campuses that will be located tend two-year schools, join the military in 1994. on Houston’s Southwest side will become one contiguous or enroll in trade schools, and that’s pre-kinder through 12th grade campus with a primary (preK-3 okay. through fifth grade) and secondary (sixth grade through 12th Sehba Ali JOINING FORCES “We just want them to have the grade) school.

Over the past 25 years, KIPP has choices, the options to make their own “We are opening two new schools in Southwest Houston grown to serve nearly 90,000 students annually nationwide. decisions,” added a KIPP Texas administrator. this fall to meet the high demand from families on our waitThe new developments in Texas seek to increase those numSuch decisions are enhanced by the KIPP Through Collist,” Ali said. “The school leaders at KIPP Journey Primary bers even more. lege Program (KTC), which provides its high school students and KIPP Journey Collegiate have worked tirelessly over In July 2018,, KIPP Houston joined forces with the three the past two years to develop a nurturing and values-driven with help completing FAFSA forms and providing college other KIPP regions in the state (Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and learning environment where all students will feel valued and match services to find the best fit for each child.

San Antonio) to form KIPP Texas Public Schools.

“Stanford or Yale may accept a student, but if staying accepted.”

“We joined forces as KIPP Texas Public Schools to close to home for various family reasons is critical, we take KIPP Texas currently has a waiting list of over 12,000 accelerate our goal of servthat into consideration, students. ing more students across along with teacher-student “Parents want better educational options for their chilKIPP Annual Dinner the state given the current ratio, class size, culdren,” said one administrator.

Saturday, May 4, 6 p.m. demand on our waitlist each ture, costs, etc.,” stated Even after 25 years in existence some misconceptions year. We are focused on Hilton Americas Houston, 1600 Lamar another KIPP Texas staff still remain about KIPP, like the one that says they are a improving college graduakipphouston.org member.. private school. However, KIPP is a free public charter school tion rates and access to great open to all students. Though KIPP does run a lottery, any Additionally, KIPP first jobs for our students,” offers its graduates the child can apply, and the school is free. said Ali. services of the KIPP Alumni Counselors who provide support KIPP Texas leadership believes the big summer event KIPP Texas serves more than 27,000 students across the for graduates all the way through college, initially meeting and KIPP has in store for Houston will help shed light on who and state. KIPP Texas leadership believe this joining of statewide connecting with the students while in high school. what KIPP is definitively. forces has improved their teacher training and professional deAnother unique KIPP quality is its focus on character “We will be holding the KIPP Schools Summit in July velopment, aligned the KIPP curriculum statewide, increased education and social/emotional learning.According to school with over 30,000 students descending upon Houston and ofKIPP’s capacity to scale up successful programs and initiaofficials, the KIPP experience is 51 percent character and 49 ficially kicking of the school’s tives and facilitated more potential to grow – meaning opening percent academic, because academics without character and 25th anniversary,” a KIPP Texas administrator said.

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KIPP has the nation’s largest network of charter schools.

Things to kno w about KIPP

• KIPP’s first scho ol was launched in 48 students at HIS 1994 with durin D’s Garcia Elemen g weekends and su mmers. tary. In 1995, founders Mike Fe • Like other charte inberg and Dave Le academic achievem r schools, KIPP Te vin decided to open separate sc ent and conduct th xas Public reinfo Schools receive sta hools, with Feinbe at creates and te rces a culture of ac funds based on th rg operating a KIPP middle scho hievement and supp e average daily attendance of ol in Houston and ort.

2. stu St rength of charac dents (same as tra Levin opening one in the Bronx, ter – Success in lif ditional public schools). H N.Y. de pe e nd ow s on more than ac ever, they do not re By 1999, KIPP’s po ademics. “We help ceive funds stude from local tax reve sitive results were nt nu s foster character e and the majority national news. making strengths that are , including Texas charters, do for their own succ essential not receive state fa ess. We empower • KIPP has grown ci lit ie fu s nd in g. ou to 209 public scho r stu ex dents to pr es s their voice with po ols in 20 states and Was wer and to improv •KIPP believes th hington, D.C., educ w or e the ld ar ound them.” at it is only throug ating nearly 90,000 children. H h partnership and co ouston is KIPP’s la 3. lla H boration with tradi ighly-skilled teac rgest region and educates 14,5 tional public em hers and leaders schools that educat 00 students in 28 power our school – “We ional opportunity schools and serves an additiona teams and invest in for all children will truly ever exist l 2,300 alumni in le an ad d er tra ship in in ing.”

Houston. Hence, K college and beyond.

Texas-Houston pa IPP 4. rtn Sa er ed with Spring Br fe environments • Nearly 50 percen – Physical and anch ISD (SBISD) and YES t of KIPP Texas-H emotional safety is Prep to serve child ouston eighth-graders go needed for student ren in Spring Branch. The SKY on to graduate fro s to take risks and learn from thei Partnership (SBISD m college.

Comparatively, 10 r successes and th , KIPP and YES Prep) involv .6 percent of Harris ei r mistakes.

“O ur es sc K ho IPP and YES Prep ols provide a safe County’s low-income eighth , structured, and programs in two existing SB graders have grad nu rtu IS rin D g middle schools an environment so ou uated from college. d their r students love scho feeder high school and maximize thei , with college-pre ol r learning.”

• “KIPPsters” wor pa ra to pr ry og ra m s offered as an optio k hard by spending 5.

K IPP Through Col n to all. time on task than more lege – “Our counse • According to KIP many of their peer and advisors supp lors s. They are P, there are five fa in class from 7:25 ort students as they ctors that make a difference a.m. to 4:15 p.m. pr ep an ar e d fo se in r le th ct e lives of its stude (and 3 p.m. the right college an on Fridays) and ha nts. d path for them.

1. High expectatio ve extra learning op A fte r hi gh ns – KIPP has clea school, we help K portunities defined and measu IPP alumni naviga rly the social, academ rable high expectat te ic, and financial ch ions for allenges they might encounter w hile in college and life.”

he Houston area for over 88 years

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DEFENDER | MAY 2 | 2019

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P RO M OT I N G PA R I T Y

Lawmakers, advocates urge racial equity in Texas schools

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By KATIE BALEVIC Defender

USTIN – While public education is being touted as a top priority in the Legislature this session, members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus want to make sure the voices of African- American children are represented.

“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu, and our children and our community have been on the menu for decades,” Dr. Kimberly McLeod said at the recent TLBC Summit.

McLeod, assistant superintendent at the Harris County Department of Education, said a Black child’s experience is unlike that of any other child.

“We don’t have enough of us telling our own stories, so our story is lost, and we try to attach the experience of the African-American child to any other demographic category in the public school system,” McLeod said.

“If we listen to how other people represent and how data represents the AfricanAmerican child, we would think that we’re not smart, that we’re not capable, that Dr. Kimberly McLeod we don’t know how to learn, that we don’t know how to behave…and part of the challenge is we haven’t told our story.”

Jamila Thomas, director of the Racial Equity Office at the Dallas Independent School District, said it’s important that everyone know what racial equity means, especially those in charge of running a school district.

“Many times, when we look at these policies across the country, they’re extremely platitudinal in nature, like ‘we believe in diversity,’” Thomas said. “Well you should, you’re a school system.

You shouldn’t have to state that.”

Thomas said it’s also important that there be equity along racial and socioeconomic lines.

“You can have the best principal, the best teacher, the wonderful superintendent, but if your children are still entering into systemic poverty and they’re bringing those experiences to the classroom, then perhaps there’s a disconnect,” Thomas said.

Public education funding is also a focus for the TLBC as well as the Legislature as a whole.

grade, you are on your way to prison.”

The Texas Senate has pushed efforts to give all fulltime teachers $5,000 raises, but Allen said she wants to make sure other staff members are included as well, such as cafeteria staff, bus drivers and counselors.

“Everybody in the Jamila Thomas State Rep. Alma Allen building is responsible for the learning and the education of the kids,” Allen said. “[The State Rep. Alma Allen, woman] in the cafeteria, I want D-Houston, was critical of This story is done in a her to have some money too. the Legislature’s previous partnership with The The bus drivers who drive successful efforts to defund University of Texas at our kids… I want them to public education spending.

Austin and Hustonhave some money… I think “[They said], ‘Oh we everybody ought to have a need to put some money in Tillotson University. Katie piece of pie, and so if [teachers] reading,’ and I’m thinking, Balevic is a student at UT. don’t get $5,000, it’s probably ‘Oh our kids can’t read because I said, ‘Let’s everybody by third grade? Well, you get some.’” took away the reading Allen said no matter what she or other development program, remember?’” Allen said. members of the Legislature propose, it is unknown Allen said the Legislature has also previously exactly what will be signed into law until the end reduced funding for staff development, which goes toward training teachers how to teach their students of the session. The most important thing, Allen said, is that educators and parents vote. to read. Now, lawmakers are trying to refund these “Elections make a difference,” Allen said. efforts.

“If children can’t read by third grade, that’s not “Do you really know what’s going on in the state of Texas? We have a tendency sometimes to look the child’s fault,” Allen said. “That’s our fault as at what’s going on in my house, my yard, my educators. I’m an educator, and that’s our fault… school…but [we] have to think about every child in Why is it important? Because with the pipelinethe state of Texas.” to-prison system, if you’re not reading by third

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MAY 2 | 2019 | DEFENDER

9

Coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke returns to TSU program has experienced.”

Prior to her first stint at Texas Southern, Cooper-Dyke coached two seasons at UNC– Wilmington, where she amassed a 44-22 record.

“I want to thank [TSU President] Dr. Austin Lane and Kevin Granger for their trust,” Cooper-Dyke said. “I look forward to exceeding their expectations.”

Cooper-Dyke began her professional

career overseas and played 10 seasons in Spain and Italy. She returned to the United States in 1997 to play with the Houston Comets of the newly-formed WNBA. She subsequently led the Comets to four consecutive WNBA championships and was named WNBA Finals MVP four times. CooperDyke was voted the league’s MVP in 1997 and 1998 and was a four-time WNBA All-Star before retiring in 2000.

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Division I coaching to her credit and has a record of 220-163 durTexas Southern Uniing that time. She began versity will have a familiar her collegiate coaching face patrolling the sidelines career at Prairie View in 2019-20, as TSU anA&M University, nounced that Cynthia where she coached for Cooper-Dyke will return to five seasons and led the coach the women’s basketLady Panthers into the ball team. postseason four times.

Cooper-Dyke, one of She had a 70-57 the most decorated profesrecord in four seasons sional basketball players at USC before stepping in the history of the sport, down in 2017. Cooperserved as TSU’s head coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke Dyke provided color commentary for Texas during the 2012-13 season before taking the Southern basketball home broadcasts on reins at her alma mater, Southern California.

AT&T Sports Net Houston during the 2017She led the Lady Tigers to a 20-12 record 18 season. and a trip to the postseason Women’s NIT in “TSU is excited and thrilled to have her only season at TSU. “I’m thrilled to return to Houston and to [Cooper-Dyke] back to lead our women’s basketball program,” TSU’s Vice President Texas Southern, and to my Houston family,” of Athletics Kevin Granger said. “With her Cooper-Dyke said. “I’m thrilled to lead the coaching experience and background, we Lady Tigers and can’t wait to get started.”

Cooper-Dyke has 12 seasons of NCAA know she will continue the success that our Defender News Service

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President Donald Trump received a jersey from the Lady Bears.

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Trump hosts Baylor women’s basketball team

Prepared by LatinWorks Marketing, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved.

President Donald Trump recently hosted the Baylor University women’s basketball team in the Oval Office – the team’s third visit to the White House as national champions.

The Lady Bears, who beat Notre Dame 82-81 last month, are the first women’s basketball team to visit the Trump White House; the 2017 and 2018 women’s college basketball champions did not.

Coach Kim Mulkey and her team also met at the White House with President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama after their two previous national championships. The team finished this past season 37-1.

“It was a thrilling victory that people will be talking about for many, many more years to come,” Trump said. “You’ve left an enduring mark on college basketball history,” he added.

The team gave Trump a signed basketball, a national championship hat and a Baylor basketball jersey emblazoned with No. 1.

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DEFENDER | MAY 2 | 2019

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sports

Tytus Howard of Alabama State was selected by the Texans in the 2019 draft.

Texans draft Howard, replenish ranks

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

he NFL draft has come and gone and the Texans braintrust feels they have addressed some apparent needs and replenished the ranks with quality young talent.

The Texans allowed quarterback Deshaun Watson to be sacked a league-high 62 times in 2018. As a result, protecting the quarterback going into the 2019 draft was a high priority.

With the 23rd selection of the first round, the Texans selected Tytus Howard, a 6-foot-5, 322-pound offensive tackle from Alabama State University. Howard’s job will be to serve as Watson’s bodyguard.

We first introduced you to Howard several weeks ago in the Defender. Howard, an All-SWAC performer, was a three-year starter at Alabama State. His stock has rapidly risen after an outstanding week of practice at the Senior Bowl and a stellar NFL Scouting Combine performance.

Howard is the first SWAC athlete drafted in the first round since 2000 when Sylvester Morris and Rashard Anderson, both from Jackson State, were first-round selections.

Texan General Manager Brian Gaine explained what led to the selection of Howard.

“We felt like he passed each test in terms of the process of scouting with flying colors,” Gaine said. “What I mean by that is if you just think back to the fall season, how he played during the fall, had starts both on the left side and the right side, goes to the Senior Bowl and plays well, goes to the best All-Star game in the business and plays well. In fact, he started that game.” “[At the Combine, Howard] did

very well in the interview process, the private workout settings that we had with him, the Pro Day settings. I felt like with each interval, he was able to pass each segment with flying colors. He made a very favorable impression in terms of the intangible profile, the person. The character matched with the physical ability and the physical traits. We felt like he checked all the boxes.”

Howard was elated to go in the first round to the Texans.

“It’s just an unbelievable feeling right now,” he said. “I’m just blessed to be a part of the Houston Texans. I had a good feeling about the team when I did my visit and they decided to draft me. I promise you they didn’t make a mistake. I’m going to go out there and give them everything I have.”

Howard also understands what he represents as an HBCU player drafted in the first round.

“It’s just so special to me to represent the HBCU schools and the SWAC, [and] to show that you can have players come from HBCU and the SWAC and just be good players like they have in the SEC and ACC. I’m going to make the most out of it so guys in the future who are from the SWAC get a chance to get looked at like I did,” he said.

Texans draft picks ROUND

PLAYER

POSITION

SCHOOL

HEIGHT/ WEIGHT

1

Tytus Howard

Offensive tackle

Alabama State

6-5, 322

2

Lonnie Johnson

Cornerback

Kentucky

6-1, 213

Max Scharping

Offensive lineman

Northern Illinois

6-6, 327

3

Kahale Warring

Tight end

San Diego State

6-5, 252

4

No Pick

5

Charles Omenihu

Defensive end

Texas

6-5, 280

6

Xavier Crawford

Cornerback

Central Michigan

5-11, 187

7

Cullen Gillaspia

Fullback

Texas A&M

6-1, 235

Lonnie Johnson of Kentucky was one of two players the Texans chose in the second round.

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Howard, who excelled at the Senior Bowl, is proud to represent an HBCU.

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h.s. sports

MAY 2 | 2019 | DEFENDER

Summer Creek sprinter

Tiana Randle,

a firecracker on the track my dad pointed out, “She’s running up and down the court fast as I don’t know what. She needs to run track.” So, I got right into it. I started running off of ummer Creek High School sprinter talent and started training.

Tianna Randle, a University of Las Defender: How would you describe your style Vegas commit, has been nothing short of when running a 100-meter race? spectacular this season. She was like a Randle: I would say it is a tunnel-vision race. sparkplug at the UIL regional meet, elec- It’s a quick race where you have to execute in trifying audiences the way she attacked the track on everything that you do – make sure you’re coming the last leg of the 4x100out of your drive phase, meter relay, and running make sure you push and an 11.32-second time in finish because everySee highlights of regional meet the 100-meter dash. thing counts.

Summer Creek track Defender: What coach Elton Ervin said will it take to get that gold medal at the state meet?

Randle is a committed athlete.

Randle: It takes heart…and I’m ready.

“Her philosophy is track is life,” Ervin said.

Defender: What advice do you have for “She loves track and has been running for a while. younger sprinters who hope to achieve the same She will tell you she eats, sleeps and drinks track. success you have in your events?

She is very goal-oriented and gets after it.”

Randle: Make sure that you stay focused.

The Defender spoke with Randle after her jawDon’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do somedropping performance at the regional meet. thing because you can. I’ve had so many doubtful Defender: How did you get into track and people in my life and I feel like that was motivation field? to go harder every day in practice so I could go hard Randle: I played volleyball and basketball and at the meet.

S

By JODIE B. JILES Defender

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Tiana Randle of Humble’s Summer Creek High School won the 100-meter dash at the UIL regional meet. (Photos by Jimmie Aggison)

About Randle

Twitter: @trandlethatsme Racer she studies: The late Florence “Flo-Jo” Griffith Joyner Favorite artists: Beyoncé, Migos, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B Favorite food: Pizza Favorite subject: Math World problem she would solve: Racism Shout-outs: “Family, friends and haters. I love them all.”

Randle was also impressive at the Texas Relays last month.

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11

12

DEFENDER | MAY 2 | 2019

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

topevents

STATE OF STEM EDUCATION STAKEHOLDER BREAKFAST……..C-STEM Nedra and Jon Jackson, Louise Sidne, Dr. Antonio Tillis, Gerald McElvy, Chef Shay held its 9th Annual State of STEM Education Stakeholder Breakfast recently honoring Atkins, Chef James Waterford, Chef Edwin Henderson and many more………TSU Renee Logans of Access Data Supply, Inc. (STEMing the Tide Award) and Ahmad MAROON & GRAY AFFAIR 2019……..Texas Southern University President Austin Shaheed of Boardwalk Pipeline (C-STEM Ambassador Award). Event proceeds fund Lane and First Lady Loren Lane hosted the TSU Maroon & Gray Affair 2019, the school’s C-STEM events and scholarships. Attendees included C-STEM president Dr. Reagan signature fundraising event. Held at the Marriot Marquis Downtown, the event raised over Flowers, Laolu Davies, Kidada Glibert-Lewis, Dr. Letitia Franklin, Angela Daniels, $1.2 million for student scholarships. MCs Syan Rhodes (KPRC) and TSU alum Billy Marc Newsome, Mark Thierry, Kindall Walker, Kim Williams, Miara Shaw, Melinda Sorrells presided while R&B trio SWV and DJ Kid Capri provided the entertainment.

Spaulding and scores more.……..ANNUAL NOSH HOUSTON TSU students Lashawn Hamb and Orlando Sutton Jr. were CULINARY SHOWCASE……..Houston’s Black Restaurant Defender TOP EVENTS recognized for their academic and civic accomplishments. TSU alumni Week LLC hosted the 4th Annual Nosh Culinary Showcase, Gerald Smith and Garland State Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers were More photos on defendernetwork.com featuring Houston-area Black caterers, chefs and bartenders. Held honored as well. Also acknowledged were the “Elite 8” newly elected at the George R. Brown Convention Center, the event offered Harris County judges and TSU alumnae Ronnisha Bowman, Sharon multiple tasting stations, a wine bar, music, cooking demonstrations and a Peoples’ Choice Burney, Linda Dunson, Toria Finch, Angela Graves-Harrington, Erica Hughes, Awards competition for participants to vote for their favorite chefs/booths. Attendees Germaine Tanner and LaShawn Williams. Other attendees included Mayor Sylvester included event founders Warren Luckett, Falayn Ferrelll and Derek Robinson along Turner, U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green, LaTanya Love, Suzanne with Chef Dee Dee, Melody Price, Jasmene Hosea, Erika Harrison, Faye Jackson, Goudeau, Tejuana Edmond, Tabitha Garcia, Lourel Jones and Lori LaBrie.

Renee Logans, Ahmad Shaheed

Dr. Reagan Flowers, Ruthie Lee Esene

Kidada Glibert-Lewis, Dr. Letitia Franklin, Angela Daniels

Gerald McElvy, Wayne Luckett, Dr. Antonio Tillis

Deja Owens, Chef Dee Dee, Chef Jeff

Dr. Austin Lane, Loren Lane, Mayor Sylvester Turner

Brian Perry, Valarie Perry, LaTanya Love, Terri Turner-Smith

Melody Price, Jasmene Hosea, Erika Harrison

Darria Benton, Suzanne Goudeau

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