Houston Defender: May 13, 2015

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Volume 84 | Number 24

MAY 14, 2015 |FREE NEWSTALK

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MAYOR IVY TAYLOR in San Antonio runoff

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

HIP-HOP’S RICHEST STARS

P2 NATIONAL REV. JESSE JACKSON pressures Silicon Valley

P4 OPINION

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REP. RON REYNOLDS cites missed opportunities

P13

Michelle Obama speaks her mind

Ne-Yo headlines rail celebration

First Lady Michelle Obama recently gave a candid and personal commencement address at historically Black Tuskegee University. Discover the words of encouragement she gave students. Read about the pressing issues that are important to her.

Grammy Award-winner Ne-Yo will perform a free concert in Houston on May 23 celebrating two new Metro rail lines. See what other activities are planned. Hear what Third Ward community members have to say about rail in their neighborhood.

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Defender honors six local personalities at reception

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DEFENDER | MAY 14 | 2015

newstalk

Families demand justice from Harris County

By LAGLORIA WHEATFALL Defender

Activist Quanell X lent his support to family members of two mentally ill inmates who were reportedly “treated like animals” while in custody at the Harris County Jail. One of the men died.

Norman Hicks Sr., 72, died in 2011from complications of a heart attack after suffering serious head injuries during an alleged fight with a jailer. The investigation is pending. In 2013, another inmate, Terry Goodwin, was left in a dirty cell with trash, insects and his own feces for weeks.

Quanell X has been critical of Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, who resigned as sheriff to run for mayor of Houston.

Quanell X joined family members and supporters of “tortured” inmates in “Houston has to get mobilized and get more front of the county jail. more people to [provide] support. Houston is slacking; it seems involved in human rights violations inside the jails involving Harris County law enforcement agencies,” Quanell X like Houston and Harris County don’t care.”

Quanell X said Garcia’s response to both incidents is a said. “This is the greatest ‘diversified city’ in the country, but yet result of his lack of jail experithe abuse of young minority men ence. is at an all-time high.”

Defendernetwork.com “You take a man from Mashell Lambert, GoodSee message to Adrian Garcia at city council and you put him win’s mother, agreed that there is http://bit.do/messagetosheriffgarcia over the third largest jail in a system of mistreatment inside America,” he said. “This man the jail. had no jail training, he had “I need the citizens of Houston to understand that this is no jail experience, and so what was going on in these jails, he systematic,” Lambert said. “There is no way you can tell me didn’t know how after three different shifts, all of these majors and lieutenants to handle it.” knew about this and no one did anything.”

Garcia, a former HPD officer, insisted that as sheriff, his Marie Fields-Hicks, Hicks’ daughter, also shared her sentiadministration “has been dedicated to the highest level of ments in efforts to gain support and unity in Houston. transparency and accountability.”

“We haven’t had any justice,” Field-Hicks said. “We need

FBISD names Principals of the Year

Thomas Graham, principal at Crockett Middle School, was named Fort Bend ISD Secondary Principal of the Year. Lavanta Williams, principal at Ridgegate Elementary School, was named the district’s Elementary Principal of the Year.

Both men were selected for the honor by their peers based on leadership, service and dedication to students, faculty and staff. They will be honored June 8 at Region 4 Principals Recognition in Houston.

Graham said he was “truly humbled and honored” to receive the recognition.

Graham joined FBISD in 2007 as an assistant principal at Elkins High School. He also worked Thomas Graham as an associate principal at Travis High School before being named principal at Crockett, where he has served for the past four years.

Williams has 18 years of experience in education, seven of which have been spent in FBISD. He worked as an assistant principal at Ridgemont and Blue Ridge Elementary Schools before being Lavanta Williams named principal at Ridgegate, where he has led faculty and staff for the past four years.

“I humbly accept this recognition and will continue to strive and give nothing short of my best to represent my peers and meet the expectations that are set forth in FBISD in regard to leadership and increasing student achievement,” Williams said.

Corrections: In the May 7 article on the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, the graduation date is Sunday, May 31. Also, the photo shown is of 8th graders on a Dallas college tour.

Women in runoff for San Antonio mayor Incumbent San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor and former State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte are headed for a June 13 runoff for mayor. During a recent city election, Van de Putte received 30 percent of the vote and Taylor received 28 percent.

The two women led a large field of candidates, including former County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson and State Rep. Mike Villarreal.

San Antonio has never elected a Black or Hispanic female mayor before. Taylor was appointed to the position in 2014 after Julián Castro became secretary of Housing and Urban Development. She previously served five years on City Council.

Mayor Ivy Taylor

Leticia Van de Putte

Taylor said if she is elected, the city will continue to enjoy low taxes, a strong economy, healthy housing market and opportunity for economic mobility.

Referring to the runoff, Taylor said, “I feel wonderful, excited and energized. I’m grateful to all of the supporters who helped me to get this far and I know that with their support, we’ll prevail in June.”

Van de Putte, a pharmacist, ran for lieutenant governor last year and lost to Republican Dan Patrick. Her platform includes an emphasis on city infrastructure, parks, public safety, the arts, and veteran and military families.

“We’re going to go and reach every supporter, every vote,” she said. “We’re going to have an aggressive ground team [to reach] all sections of the community and use social media as we’ve always done.”

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MAY 14 | 2015 | DEFENDER

localbriefs HOUSTON’S NEW INTERIM SHERIFF was recently sworn in at Commissioners Court. Ron Hickman previously served as Precinct 4 constable. He was selected to replace Sheriff Adrian Garcia, who resigned to run for mayor of Houston. Hickman takes charge at a time when the department is under fire for inhumane treatment of two mentally ill inmates. Hickman began his career as a cadet with HPD in 1971 and moved to the Constable’s Office in 1983. He was elected constable in 2000 and was twice named National Constable of the Year. Hickman said he plans to run for sheriff in 2016.

HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE broke ground on the Acres Homes Academic Building. It was the sixth in a series of 14 groundbreakings that celebrate significant capital improvements of campuses across the district. The 25,120 square foot academic facility will be equipped with an electronic resource center library, on-site advising, registration, and admissions, as well as classrooms, a lounge area for students and offices for teaching faculty. The plans include 89 new parking spaces and a landscaped courtyard, which are designed to facilitate future campus expansion.

We buy fresh produce by the truckload.

MAYOR ANNISE PARKER unveiled a $5.1 billion proposed total city budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. It will be the last budget of Parker’s administration, and will guide spending in the final six months of her term and for the first six months of the next mayor’s administration that begins in January after the fall election cycle. “Putting a budget together always requires hard choices, but we have come so far from that first year in office when 776 City employees had to be laid off,” Parker said. “Today, we are leaner and more efficient.”

A JOB FAIR hosted by City Councilmember Dwight Boykins and the District D office will be held Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. at Texas Southern University. Partners include Associated Builders & Contractors of Greater Houston, United Airlines, City of Houston Housing and Community Development, and City of Houston Human Resources. For information call 832.393.3001.

So you save by the cartload.

A VETERANS FORUM hosted by Congressman Gene Green is Thursday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion, Post 499, 1601 16th St. The forum will feature an update on current issues and legislation, as well as the opportunity for veterans to ask Green questions and voice concerns in person. For information call 713-330-0761.

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Ron Hickman was sworn in as Harris County sheriff.

©2015 HEB, 15-4435

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DEFENDER | MAY 14 | 2015

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national

Michelle Obama speaks her mind at Tuskegee First Lady Michelle Obama delivered assumptions and questions about her personality a candid commencement address at historic before becoming first lady.

Tuskegee University, founded by Booker T. “At the end of the day, by staying true to the Washington in 1881. me I have always known, I have found that this Obama encouraged graduates not to be journey is incredibly freeing,” she said. intimidated by the legacy of their predecessors, She said she could only have faith in God’s or the expectations of others, and to remain plan for her life, block out the noise of others, and strong in the face of those who “will make asdo the work that she truly cares about. She advised sumptions about who they think you are based the graduates to do the same. on their limited notion of the world.”

“I want you all to stay true to the most real, She also reflected on the difficulties she most sincere, most authentic parts of yourselves,” faced as the nation’s first Black first lady.

Obama said. “I want you to act with both your She said in addition, she received mind, but also your heart. No matter what path you criticism for championing issues that were choose, I want you to make sure it’s you choosing it important to her, such as children’s health and and not someone else.” support of military families.

“Some folks criticized my choices for not being bold enough,” she said. “But these were my choices, my issues. And I decided to tackle them in the way that felt most authentic to me, in a way that was both substantive and strategic, but also fun and, hopefully, inspiring.”

Drawing from her personal experiences and Tuskegee history, Obama shared stories about how she and other African-Americans overcame stereotypes and adversity. She stressed the importance of being a person who First Lady Michelle Obama expressed herself at Tuskegee rises above misconceptions such as the Tuske- University gee Airmen.

Airmen and other trailblazers linked to the “When they hit the ground, folks treated them like they were nobody. Those Airmen could have eas- university. She charged the Class of 2015 with taking up the cause of advancing the ily let that experience clip their wings,” she said. “But as progress of African-Americans. you all know, instead of being defined by the discrimina“We need you to channel the magic tion and the doubts of those around them, they became one of Tuskegee toward the challenges of of the most successful pursuit squadrons in our military.”

Mrs. Obama rece ived an honora ry degree at Tu today,” she said.

Obama said that generations of Tuskegee’s students skegee.

Obama added that she faced many misplaced have shown they have the same tenacity and “grit” as the

Jackson renews calls for high-tech diversity Rev. Jesse Jackson continued to urge the technology industry to make diversity a priority.

Jackson spoke to a Silicon Valley gathering of activists and corporate executives at the RainbowPUSH Coalition’s PUSHTech2020 Summit in San Francisco.

Jackson, who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., paid homage to the late civil rights leader.

“I wish Dr. King could be here with us today,” Jackson said. “[He] never used a cell phone, never searched the Internet, but he was the ultimate disruptor, innovator, change agent.

He would be proud of us today.”

Jackson said there is an “unbroken line”

from Selma to Silicon Valley.

“We broke down old walls of separation and built new bridges of hope of opportunity,” he said. “But there are cracks in the bridges; new walls of reaction and resistance being erected.

From Trayvon Martin to Oscar Grant to Eric Garner and now Freddie Gray in Baltimore… there are cracks.”

Jackson said education can help solve many socioeconomic problems.

“Let’s teach STEM in inner-city high schools...let’s set up tech labs in every church and every community center,” he said. “Let’s hire our youth, not lock them up and shoot them down. “

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 24 MAY 14, 2015

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall

Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

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

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MAY 14 | 2015 | DEFENDER

U.S.briefs ABOLITIONIST HARRIET TUBMAN (1822-1913) is the woman “voters” want to see on the $20 bill. She won an online poll asking which woman should be featured on the currency as part of a movement to push President Obama to support the idea. More than 600,000 people voted, and Tubman won with 33 percent of the vote. A grassroots campaign called Women on 20s started an online petition to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Tubman received more votes than the other three finalists, civil rights heroine Rosa Parks, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller. The campaign’s goal is to replace Jackson with a woman by 2020, the 100th anniversary of passage of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote.

You deserve freshly cut meat...

THE BLACK UNEMPLOYMENT RATE fell to single digits (9.6 percent) in April, for the first time since President Obama was elected in 2008. Despite the improvement, the Black jobless rate is still double the unemployment rate of white workers, which has remained flat since February at 4.7 percent. Valerie Wilson, the director of the Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy at the Economic Policy Institute, said a renewed focus on targeted jobs programs and infrastructure investments would enable the economy to get closer to full employment, but cuts to public sector employment, especially at the state and local levels, may prolong the sluggish recovery.

NEW DATA RELEASED by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research finds wide disparities across states and among racial/ethnic groups when it comes to women’s health and safety. The best 10 states for women’s health are all in the Western, Northeastern, or Midwestern parts of the country, with Minnesota, Hawaii, and North Dakota receiving top marks on the health and well-being index. Four of the bottom five states on the index – Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas – are in the South. Since 2004, women’s overall mortality rates from heart disease, lung cancer, and breast cancer have declined, and the incidence of AIDS among women has decreased 44 percent. Black women, however, are more than twice as likely to die from heart disease, and nearly three times as likely to die from breast cancer, as Asian/Pacific Islander women, the group with the lowest rates.

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Supporters would like to see Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. ©2015 HEB, 15-4435

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DEFENDER | MAY 14 | 2015

entertainment

Wealthiest hip-hop artists revealed

Forbes released its annual Hip-Hop’s Wealthiest list, and Sean “Diddy” Combs recaptured the title. Combs was replaced

by Dr. Dre last year because of his sale of Beats headphones to Apple. Dr. Dre came in second this year.

Combs held the No. 1 spot on the Forbes list in 2012, 2013 and 2014. His business portfolio includes Sean John Apparel, Ciroc Vodka, DeLeon Tequila and the music cable network Revolt.

He is currently busy promoting his new fragrance, 3AM. He released a steamy video promoting the fragrance, which includes nudity and simulated sex scenes with his girlfriend, entertainer and model Cassie.

“The concept for the video represents one of the things that 3 a.m. is for me,” Cobs said. “It’s a very one-on-one time. It’s a time to have fun and push the envelope a little bit. It’s definitely an hour where you would find yourself with a young lady. Anything can happen at 3 a.m., and in the video, you see a fantasy that’s in my head of what happened that night.”

Combs said he is determined to be successful in all of his endeavors.

“I did the research and did the work to make sure that I was a master in whatever category I went into, too,” he said.

“If I went into apparel, I wanted to know everything about that. I went into spirits, so I knew everything about that.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs is the richest man in hip-hop.

ve s, fi p o t The dy” Comb

“Did 1 . Sean ion ill $735 m , $700 million re 2. Dr. D $550 million , n 3. Jay Z t, $155 millio en n 4 . 5 0 C n , $1 5 0 m i l l i o ma 5. Bird

Dr. Dre is second richest and was No. 1 last year.

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SHAPE Center hosts festival SHAPE Community Center will hold its 36th annual Pan-African Cultural Festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 23, at 3815 Live Oak. The theme is “Celebrating Our Past, Embracing Our Present, Shaping Our Future.” Houstonians are invited to celebrate the cultural contributions of AfricanAmericans through music, hip-hop, dance and spoken word presentations.

The event will open with a drum call featuring Cecil Shaw 20 drummers.

R&B singer Cecil Shaw will headline the festival. Other performers include Jawad, Khalila K. Nice, Sam Dinkins, D&T Rappers, Second Gen Dance Co. and Urban Soul Wazobia.

Activities for children will include a petting zoo, face-painting and arts and crafts. A children’s film festival is from 2-5 p.m.

For more information visit www. shape.org or call 713-521-0629.

Peete family lands show on OWN

The family of actress Holly Robinson Peete and former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete will star in a reality TV show on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. The air date is yet to be announced.

The series will follow the Peetes as they juggle careers with a bustling family life. Family members include Holly’s widowed mom, Dolores, and the couple’s four children: twins R.J. and Ryan Elizabeth (17), son Robinson (13) and son Roman (10).

“This new series gives an entertaining and honest look at a modern family that just happens to live in the celebrity spotlight,” said Sheri Salata, president of OWN. Holly made her TV debut at the age of 4 on “Sesame Street” alongside her father, Matt Robinson, who played Gordon on the show. After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College, she landed a part on “21 Jump Street.” She later starred on “Hangin’ with Mr.

Cooper,” “For Your Love” and “Mike and Molly.” She was an original co-host on “The Talk.”

A star athlete at USC, Peete was drafted three times by Major League Baseball while there, but instead pursued a successful career in the NFL. His career spanned 16 years and six teams, including the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers. Following retirement, Peete joined “The Best Damn Sports Show Period” on Fox for four seasons.

The Peetes are known for their philanthropic work and in 1997 founded the HollyRod foundation, a non-profit which provides care to those living with autism and Parkinson’s disease.

“Rodney and I couldn’t be more thrilled to call OWN our new TV home,” she said. “We are excited to share our family’s chaotic bliss and zany journeys with OWN’s loyal and authentic audience.”

Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete will give viewers a peek into their family’s life.

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MAY 14 | 2015 | DEFENDER

what’sup SNOOP DOGG and PHARRELL WILLIAMS have a new joint project. Williams produced Snoop’s album “Bush,” which includes the recently released single “California Roll” and appearances by KENDRICK LAMAR, T.I., RICK ROSS, STEVIE WONDER and GWEN STEFANI. “This is a funk experience album, which takes you in and out of the galaxy of funk,” Snoop said. “From a perspective of great music, vocals at a high level, great arrangement and production, it’s just a musical experience for the ages. One to enjoy.” He said the album was inspired by the ‘70s but with a modern twist.

As a caterer, Roy is picky about what he serves.

“American Idol,” which launched the careers of such stars as JENNIFER HUDSON and FANTASIA, will end in 2016. Its ratings have declined in recent years, despite former judges such as MARIAH CAREY and NICKI MINAJ. “Idol” was a breakout hit for Fox when it launched in the summer of 2002. In season two, it ranked as TV’s No. 1 show, a position it held for an unprecedented eight years.

Two of the biggest names in comedy, STEVE HARVEY and ELLEN DEGENERES, have teamed up to showcase some of the smallest talent in “Little Big Shots” (working title), a new comedy/variety series for NBC featuring the world’s most talented and extraordinary kids. The network has ordered eight hour-long episodes of the show, hosted by Harvey. In “Little Big Shots,” Harvey will showcase young musicians, singers, dancers and other performers, and go toe to toe with them in conversations and interviews, with hilarious results.

Roy

Former heavyweight boxing champion MIKE TYSON officially joined the cast of the Chinese martial arts sequel “Ip Man 3” during a press conference in Shanghai. Tyson will portray a property developer who also happens to be a street fighter. He will have intense fight scenes in the film.

PRINCE performed at a Rally 4 Peace show in Baltimore. Prior to the show, he introduced his new track “Baltimore,” inspired by the death of Freddie Gray and the ensuing riots in the city. During the hour-long show, which included multiple encores, Prince performed alternate versions of “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Little Red Corvette.” He ended with “Purple Rain.”

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Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams united on Snoop’s new album. ©2015 HEB, 15-4435

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DEFENDER| MAY | MAY1414| 2015 | 2015 DEFENDER

health

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A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

Man up and be screened for prostate cancer • Blood in the urine.

• The need to urinate frequently, especially at night. cientists don’t know why yet, • Weak or interrupted urine but African-American men flow. have higher rates of getting, • Pain or burning feeling while and dying from, prostate cancer than urinating. men of other racial or ethnic groups • The inability to urinate. in the United States. In his lifetime, • Constant pain in lower back, an African-American man has about pelvis or upper thighs. a 1-in-5 chance of being diagnosed If you have any of these with prostate cancer and a 1-in-20 symptoms, see your doctor as chance of dying from it. quickly as possible. Keep in mind Besides race and ethnicity, other that these symptoms may also be factors that can increase risk are: Victor Simms, M.D., M.P.H. caused by other problems common • Family history. Men with a father, brother or son who has had prostate cancer to older men such as an infection or an enlarged prostate. are at greater risk for developing it themselves.

• Age. The older a man is, the greater his risk Regular screenings important for getting prostate cancer.

Regular screening is the key to catching Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in a prostate cancer early when treatment may be more man’s prostate – a small, walnut-shaped gland – and typically, but not always, grows slowly. Some effective.The main screening tools for prostate cancer are the digital rectal examination (DRE) types are aggressive and can spread quickly. and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. NeiMany men with prostate cancer have no ther test can tell if you have cancer; they can only symptoms. If symptoms appear, they can include:

By VICTOR SIMMS, M.D., M.P.H.

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suggest the need for further tests.

The American Cancer Society, the American Urological Association and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic recommend that all men 55 and older discuss prostate screening with their primary care physician. In some cases, younger men who run a higher risk of developing the disease (African-American men and those who have a family history of prostate cancer) should be encouraged to discuss being tested regularly beginning at age 40.

You can reduce your risk of prostate cancer by choosing a healthy diet. Avoid high-fat foods and instead focus on choosing a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Exercise daily and maintain a healthy weight.

Dr. Simms is chief of the Internal Medicine Department at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.

Board-certified in Internal Medicine, his clinical interests include at-risk conditions among African-Americans. To schedule an appointment with a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic physician, call 713-442-0000.

C A N C E R

Exceptional Cancer Care Just Got Even Better In our beautiful new facility, everything is under one roof – from our connected team of experts to state-of-the-art technology for radiation therapy.

Kelsey-Seybold’s nationally accredited Cancer Center is focused on not only treating patients, but on providing personal, coordinated care that encourages healing.

Now, with state-of-the-art technology for radiation therapy and our beautiful and spacious facilities, we’re better equipped than ever to help our patients be victorious over cancer. It’s just one more way our exceptional cancer care has gotten even better.

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DEFENDER | MAY 14 | 2015

Metro rolls out East End, Southeast Lines was a strong desire to connect TSU and UH and make it easier for people to utilize the education there.

Defender: How will the new rail lines impact businesses in the surrounding community?

Garcia: Because of construction and everything else it was a nuisance and it was difficult. We set up a business assistance fund of $5 million for small businesses that were negatively impacted.

We might be the first of any entity that’s ever done that and we’re real proud of that. Initially there were bumps. I think now businesses are going to start bearing the fruit as they start to see increased traffic.

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Defender: How will the new lines aid in eliminating traffic congestion?

Garcia: You make transit work by making it reliable, safe and cost-effective. By making it attractive, people will

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ransportation in Houston will have a new look when two new Metro light rail lines debut on Saturday, May 23. The Purple Line (Southeast Line) Gilbert Garcia will run 6.6 miles traveling southeast, connecting downtown with the University of Houston Central Campus, Texas Southern University and Palm Center.

The 3.3 mile Green Line (East End Line) will travel along Harrisburg from the Magnolia Park Transit Center through the East End to a variety of downtown entertainment and business destinations.

Both new routes will cross the existing Main Street CENTRAL 59 STATION THEATER Red Line.

DISTRICT MINUTE MAID SOUTHEAST LINE PARK In an interview with MAIN CONVENTION DISTRICT STREET SQUARE the Defender, Metro ChairEaDo/STADIUM DISCOVERY BELL BBVA GREEN man Gilbert Garcia shed COMPASS STADIUM TOYOTA CENTER light on the new lines.

DOWNTOWN TRANSIT CENTER COFFEE PLANT/ Defender: Why was SECOND WARD rail built where it is and who is it designed to benefit?

Garcia: It goes back to LEELAND/THIRD WARD the 2003 referendum and I think a lot of thought process was trying to connect neighborhoods with the Red Line, and connecting Downtown with the sports ELGIN/THIRD WARD 45 venues. Now that you had the nucleus, which was the UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON Red Line, the key was to TEXAS SOUTHERN ROBERTSON STADIUM/UH/TSU UNIVERSITY get people from the neighborhoods into those areas UH SOUTH/ UNIVERSITY OAKS so people can go to work, can go to medical facilities and all of those things.

MACGREGOR PARK 90 The next step was the MACGREGOR PARK/ MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Northline extension and then of course the Southeast Line and the Harris90 burg [East End] Line. Two other things I would note.

One is the historical nature PALM CENTER related to Harrisburg. With PALM CENTER TRANSIT CENTER the Southeast Line there

FA N

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

SGT

10

MAGNOLIA PARK TRANSIT CENTER

ride the system, and that’s taking their cars off the streets. For those who are willing to use mass transit, it makes their ride easy and comfortable. For those who choose not to it will still benefit them because it will take the other people’s cars off the road.

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

erfold

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Celebration inc ludes free M

11

rides, concert

etro will celebrate the launch of its ex rail service with va panded rious activities on Saturday, May 23. They include free rail rides all da y and a free concert featuring Grammy Award-w inning singer, songwriter and pr oducer Ne-Yo. Mayor Annise Park er said, “The star service to the vibr t of rail ant, diverse, histor ic east and southeast commun ities marks a maj or milestone in Metro’s commitm ent to expanding transportation options for Ho ustonians,” she sa id. Festivities include: • 3-4:30 p.m. – In augural rides and community celebrations begi n, including ribbo n-cuttings at Palm Center (5 330 Griggs), East End (4516 Harrisburg) and th e Theater District (800 Babgy.

• 5 p.m. – Comm Ne-Yo unity rally finale an d daytime firewor Compass Stadium ks, BBVA , 2200 Texas Ave. (Doors open at 4: • 5:30 p.m. – Co 30 ncert begins at BB p.m.).

VA with Ernest W Havikoro Dancers alker Band, Zenten and Herman Char o Spirit, Mario les Dancers • 7 p.m. – Frankie J performs • 8 p.m. – Ne-Yo performs • 8:45 p.m. – Fire works finale Though admissio n is free, tickets ar e required. For de tails visit www.ride metro.org.

May 23

RAIL LINES Defender: What are your projections for ridership along the rail lines?

Garcia: The current rail system has logged more than 126 million boardings and surpassed the 100 million boarding projections four years ahead of schedule. When we opened the Red Line extension in December 2013 actual ridership for that line almost doubled the early projections. Right now we average about 6,000 boardings per weekday on the extension. We currently average between 45,000 and 50,000 weekday boardings on the entire Red Line. These two new lines will generate several thousand additional boardings each day.

Defender: How are you going to attract riders?

Garcia: The first thing is to make them aware of it. You’re going to see a big push from us both on the rail side – where to use rail, how to use rail – and as we are revamping our bus system.

We are going to connect the bus system into the rail and you’ll see a lot of dialogue, a lot of outreach as well.

We’re going to find pockets of people to partner with and give discounts to their workers. We’ve been successful doing that with many of the companies downtown and successful with the Medical Center, and we’re going to try and expand that with these new lines. You’re going to see a pretty big effort to entice people to try the system. We think if they try it they’re going to really love it and come back.

Defender: How will opening these new rail lines affect bus ridership?

Garcia: They are going to enhance bus ridership. Where there were bus routes on the rail lines a lot of riders now will have enhanced service because it will be much more frequent and they will be able to use rail. The buses that were there will be redeployed elsewhere and make our system broader.

he Houston area for over 80 years

Artwork of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is at a Purple Line station.

Third Ward ready for rail

By AMBER VERNON Defender Intern

Members of Houston’s Third Ward community are awaiting the launch of the Southeast Purple Line.

Brook’s Family BBQ is one of many businesses off Scott Street located across from the new rail line. Restaurant owner Marlon Brooks said he thinks the rail location will bring him more business.

“It’s going to give us a lot more visibility,” Brooks said. “Hopefully, people will see us and come in to taste what we have.”

Texas Southern University student Darrell Thomas said he can’t wait for the rail to be in service.

“Having the rail is going to be heaven’s gift to a broke college student,” Thomas said. “Not all of us have cars

and it’s going to make it so much easier on me getting from one side of town to the other. When football season comes again, all I’ll have to do is walk across Scott Street and catch the Metro train to BBVA.” University of Houston student Andrea Cruz also looks forward to the opening of the rail.

“I know many people who drive on campus get confused because of the rails, but I think everyone would like to ride it when it opens,” Cruz said. “I live on campus and I would like to use it to go downtown sometime.”

Antoine Bryant, a stakeholder affairs representative for the Southeast Line, is enthusiastic about its debut.

“I think it’s a great benefit for both UH and TSU,” Bryant said. “It also gives people another avenue to reach businesses in the area.”

12

DEFENDER | MAY 14 | 2015

health

Protect your skin from the sun It’s natural to want to get out in the sun when the days get longer and the temperature gets warmer. It’s also a good time to remember to protect your skin from damage.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can be a primary cause of skin cancer. Too much exposure can also cause sunburn, eye damage and premature wrinkles.

According to the National Institutes of Health, darker skin needs protection, too. The incidence of skin cancer in AfricanAmericans is lower than in Caucasians due to the additional melanin, but dark skin is not a guarantee against skin cancer.

Here are some tips from the American Cancer Society.

• Cover up when you are out in the sun. Wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UV light.

• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30.

Be sure to reapply at least every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating.

• Seek shade and limit your direct

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REPORT CARD

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Supt. Terry Grier Post YOUR grades online for the HISD Superintendent

Begins Thurs. May 7th - Ends Thurs. May 28th

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

Grade the HISD Supt. and share your comments and suggestions about his performance. exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

Baylor, Texas Children’s tackle TB in Swaziland With the highest incidence of tuberculosis in the world, the African country of Swaziland has lacked dedicated resources to tackle the disease burden resulting from TB, which is amplified in children as a result of diagnosis difficulties, limited screening, weakened immune systems and high infection risks.

Global health experts from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital hope to make a meaningful difference in the fight with the recent opening of a new, state-of-the-art facility dedicated to improving identification, treatment and outcomes of children affected by TB. “Our goal is zero TB deaths among Swazi children,” said Dr. Anna Mandalakas, associate professor of pediatrics and director of the Global Tuberculosis Program at Texas Children’s and Baylor.

Tuberculous is a disease of the lungs caused by a germ that is usually spread in the air by coughing or sneezing. In Swaziland, childhood TB is common, but finding children with the disease and treating them remains difficult.

To address the problem, the Global TB team joined forces with the World Health Organization’s Stop TB Partnership. The project has resulted in a 38 percent increase in the detection of TB in Swaziland.

How would you grade Supt. Grier in these areas or subjects?

• Student Academics • Student/ School Safety • Teacher Relations • Black Community Relations • Minority Contracts A Defender community service

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

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MAY 14 | 2015 | DEFENDER

opinion

13

Texas missed opportunities

for election reform

By STATE REP. RON REYNOLDS

I

n First Lady Michelle Obama’s commencement speech to Tuskegee University graduates, she said: “I want you to act with both your mind, but also your heart. No matter what path you choose, I want you to make sure it’s you choosing it and not someone else.”

Here’s the answer: not much. As Judge Haynes correctly pointed out, several bills were filed this session, by Democrats and Republicans, that would improve some of the harmful effects of Texas’ photo voter ID law.

Bills were filed to allow the use of student IDs, federal government IDs, state government IDs, tribal IDs, IDs that are expired for elderly voters who no longer drive, and to include a photo on the voter registration card.

Only a few – regarding tribal IDs, free birth certificates for voters seeking an EIC (which only helps voters born in Texas) and to allowing voters over 70 to use an expired ID – have been scheduled for a hearing in committee.

At this point in the session, bills that have not received a hearing are dead, as are bills that are not voted out of committee very soon. The Texas Legislature had an opportunity to address issues that have led our law to be called the most stringent in the

nation and the leadership has chosen to ignore those opportunities.

Correcting problems with the photo voter ID law is not the only opportunity the Texas Legislature has missed this session. Bills that would have modernized our election administration process have also gotten short shrift.

Online voter registration, a concept that has been embraced by 20 other states and that passed out of the Texas Senate and out of the House Elec-

tions committee in 2013, finally received a committee hearing in the House on April 27.

In spite of the fact that the bill has 76 co-authors of both parties (enough to ensure passage on the House floor), it appears that the bill will not advance because of opposition from a few members of the Elections Committee. This is a huge mistake for our state.

Online registration has been proven to be more secure, more accurate, and more cost effective than paper registration.

Other bills that would modernize our election process, such as automatic registration and same day registration, didn’t even receive a hearing in either chamber. It’s time for Texas to stop trying to make it difficult for our citizens to vote and start enacting policies that encourage civic participation. Maybe then we wouldn’t be ranked one of the worst states in the country when it comes to voting.

Ron Reynolds represents Texas House District 27 in Fort Bend County. He is Democratic Whip of the Texas House Democratic Caucus and a member of the House Committees on Elections and Environmental Regulations.

First Lady Michelle Obama deserves applause In First Lady Michelle Obama’s commencement speech to Tuskegee University graduates, she said: “I want you to act with both your mind, but also your heart. No matter what path you choose, I want you to make sure it’s you choosing it and not someone else.”

Mrs. Obama shared a fundamental lesson all of us should learn. Many of us are guilty of paying too much attention to other people’s opinions

of us. When we focus on what others think about us or say about us, we let them shape our lives and leave us vulnerable.

If we could only stop listening to “the noise” we could lead more positive, productive lives and we would be able to practice the principles of self-determination.

During her speech, Mrs. Obama exposed her inner struggles with her historic role and the ex-

pectations of others. She said she was criticized for issues she decided to focus on, such as childhood obesity, support of military families and an initiative encouraging students to consider higher education.

Our first lady deserves a round of applause for her tenacity, transparency and down-to-earth nature which expressed the importance of being true to yourself.

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DEFENDER | MAY 14 | 2015

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business

Female entrepreneurs should know the basics Family Features

In today’s technology driven age, the successful small business owner is a savvy individual with a passion for their product.

To help women at every stage of business operations, Web.com and the National Association of Women Business Owners offer these points for improving your business bottom line and laying the groundwork for long-term success.

Ensure customers can find your business. With more than 1 billion websites now in existence, having a website has not only become essential, but effectively promoting its existence and value has become critical to your ability to gain new customers. If you don’t have a website (particularly one optimized for the mobile experience), you need to either build one yourself or have one built for you by working with one of the many website hosting or development companies available today.

Learn and apply search engine optimization

(SEO), email marketing, online advertising and other online marketing services that will lead new customers to discover your business online.

Connect and engage with customers on their terms. The personal touch and excellent customer service that encourage people to patronize small businesses can extend to social media platforms, where small business owners can connect and engage directly with both potential new and existing customers.

Set-up a LinkedIn page for your business to serve as a networking channel. Build a customer fan base on Facebook through promoting specific products, promotions and services and engaging directly with the customer. Let social media channels drive customers to your business.

Take advantage of new resources. If you’re overwhelmed with the everyday demands that starting and running a business requires, find an expert to guide you through the process or even manage all these details on your behalf. Consider the arrangement as a partnership that’s critical to your ability to meet or exceed your business goals.

classified MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY will be accepting proposals for the following:

AGENCY WIDE PEST CONTROL SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Scope: Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County (MHMRA) is seeking a contractor experienced in providing Pest Control Services at 7011 Southwest Freeway and outlying facilities. The work will involve monthly treatment at each site for the following pests: roaches, ants, fire ants, mice, rats, fleas, silverfish, mosquitoes, crickets, spiders, ticks and annual termite treatments.

Specifications may be secured from MHMRA of Harris County, Purchasing Department, 1st floor, located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074, telephone (713) 970-7300 and/or via MHMRA website http://www.mhmraharris.org, or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us beginning Tuesday, May 19, 2015. Mandatory Site Visits are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, June 1st and 2nd 2015. Monday June 1, 2015 site visits we began @ 10:00 a.m. 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015 site visits will began @ 10:00 a.m., 5901 Long Drive 77087. Deadline for prospective contractors to submit questions to this RFP is Tuesday, June 9, 2015 by 5:00 p.m.

Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 7011 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 18, 2015 in a sealed enveloped marked "PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015, PEST CONTROL SERVICES FOR MHMRA OF HARRIS COUNTY.”. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Marguarette C. Washington, Senior Buyer, via fax at (713) 970-7682 or E-mail questions to Marguarette.washington@mhmraharris.org cc: Sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTOR Let us pick you up!

Introducing personalized, door-to-destination bus service that comes direct to you! The new METRO Community Connector bus service operates exclusively within a “zone,” offering expanded service from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week!

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Learn more about the new METRO Community Connector at RideMETRO.org, or call 713-695-4570 to make your reservation.

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DEFENDER | MAY 14 | 2015

sports

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Texans’ rookies go to work

P

By MAX EDISON Defender

Hilliard will rely on the experience of his teammate.

“When I got to LSU, [Blue] was kind of my mentor,” Hilliard recalled. “He helped me out through LSU and now he is going to try to steer me the way here, too.”

Hilliard understands how the rookie mini-camp will ultimately benefit him.

“We are pros now, so they expect us to be on time and handle ourselves accordingly. I really didn’t know how the draft was going to shake out, but I’m happy to be a Texan and it’s time to get ready.”

reparing for the first day on a new job can produce anxiety and prompt questions.

How difficult will the commute be? Will I like my co-workers? Will my new boss be fair and easy to please?

Now imagine you’re a college football star and you’ve been waiting a lifetime to pursue your dream come true, a chance to play in the NFL. For new Texans recently participating in rookie mini-camp, it was their first day on the job as pro football players.

Just one short week removed from the draft, a group of 39 players participated in the two-day camp, from No. 1 draft pick Kevin Johnson to undrafted free agents like Kendall Lamm of Appalachian State.

The NFL Combine, college pro days, personal workouts and the draft are all a fading memory. The new players passed the first test and now comes the hard part – making the team’s 53-man roster.

Texan head coach Bill O’Brien explained the significance of the two-day workouts.

“When we talk to the rookies, the first thing we [say] is since the end of the college season, they’ve been like a man without a country…So, they need to realize that they’re back to being a part of a team and what it means to be a Houston Texan.

“They’re really here to learn our system, to learn how we do things, to get on our program,” O’Brien said. “This is the way we meet, this is the way we walk through, this is the way we practice and really they don’t have time for anything other than that.”

O’Brien said it’s important for rookies to know their roles.

“They’re not here on a field trip to Houston.

They’re here to be the best football player they can be, which will help our team,” he said.

For sixth-round draft pick Christian Covington (DT, Rice University) it’s all a learning experience.

“I’m just trying to get used to the change of the game,” Covington said. “You take that next step from college to the pros and you’re going to learn come first day how big the differences are and how big the changes are.

“I’m looking forward to getting used to the way this organization runs its football team,” Covington said. “I see this as a great opportunity.”

For linebacker Reshard Cliett (sixth round, South Florida) the transition has been surreal.

“I think along the way it’s going to start sinking in,” Cliett said. “It’s a great feeling and it’s a great opKenny Hilliard portunity. At first it wasn’t even real, so I had to come back down to earth. I actually got drafted by this great organization.”

Running back Kenny Hilliard (sevFormer NFL player cares about enth round) is the second back the team community has taken from LSU in consecutive years (the first was Alfred Blue). As in college,

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Coach Bill O’Brien

Christian Covington

Kevin Johnson

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MAY 14 | 2015 DEFENDER

h.s.zone

17

High School Sports Highlights

Hurdler Duckett makes up for lost time

I

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

defendernetwork.com Houston area-runner should win gold medals

t couldn’t have occurred at a worse time.

Duckett served notice that she is the best girls’ At least, that’s the way it seemed to Jessica hurdler in the Gulf Coast region in front of a full Duckett. The broken foot that sidelined house of admirers. the Cypress Lakes High School hurShe placed first in the girls’ dler was compounded by the fact that 100-meter hurdles in a time of it came during her junior year.

13.5 seconds. Duckett returned “I just wanted to get back later in the meet to earn a where I was and hit the same gold medal in the 300-meter times or get better,” Duckett said. hurdles with a clocking of “My confidence was gone and I 42.1 seconds. was scared that I wasn’t going to On top of that, Duckget back in time to get recruited ett ran a leg on the Cypress for college.”

Lakes 4x400 meter relay that “It was a hard time for me finished third for a bronze because everyone looks at your jumedal. nior year as the time to get noticed “The district meet was the by recruiters and all of a sudden thing that locked me in,” I was down with an injury. I she said. “Now that just prayed to God that I’ve reached the He would get me back goal of getting my and help me get back times back where in shape,” Duckett I want them, I’m said. still going up.”

After missIn preparaing summer tion for the state track with high school track the inand field meet in jury, the Cy Austin, Duckett Lakes senior has kept up a strict started on her regimen. “Stay road to recovhealthy, hydrate ery during the and work hard,” fall with the help she said. “Just push of a support group through and in one more week that included her I can get a break.”

Birth date – Jan. 22, 1997 school coaches, her summer When Duckett visits Mike track coaches and her immediBirth sign – Aquarius A. Myers Stadium on the ate family. campus of the University of Possible college major – Public When the 2015 high Texas to compete in the 100health or health & wellness school track and field season and 300-meter hurdles, she Favorite subjects – Math, science began Duckett experienced can be satisfied that one of her mixed results. “It wasn’t until Favorite snack – Popcorn goals has already been accomthe district meet that I realized plished.

Favorite meal – Spaghetti I was making progress and on Following her graduation Favorite celebrities – Gabby Dougthe way back,” she said. from Cypress Lakes later this las, Sonja Richards The next big step was the month, she will attend TuRegion III Class 6A meet at How she relaxes – Watch movies lane University on an athletic Alief ISD’s Crump Stadium. scholarship next fall.

World problem to solve – Hunger

Facts about Jessica Duckett

GIMME-A-MINUTE H.S. FINALE

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sportsbriefs Alvarez dominates fight A crowd of over 31,000 at Minute Maid Park recently witnessed in person what millions around the world were dying to see two weeks ago – an action-packed fight. Super welterweight sensation Canelo Alvarez of Mexico (45-1-1, 32 KOs) knocked out Texas’ James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) with a thunderous right hand in the middle of the third round, capping a sensational performance that saw the 24-year-old drop Kirkland in the first and deliver a number of huge shots before the eventual end of the fight.

“Canelo vs. Kirkland was the real Cinco de Mayo weekend fight that fans wanted,” said Oscar De La Hoya, founder and president of Golden Boy Promotions. “We promised them a war, we promised them action, and that is exactly what they got with this fight.”

Alcorn legend dies Legendary former Alcorn State University basketball coach Dave Whitney died May 10 at age 85.

Whitney coached the Braves nearly 30 years over two stints, from 1969 to 1989 and again from 1996 to 2003. He won 12 SWAC championships and led the Braves to a win over South Alabama in the first round of the 1980 NCAA tournament, which was the first tournament win for a historically Black university. Alcorn State also beat Mississippi State in the 1979 National Invitation Tournament. Whitney coached former Rocket player and assistant coach Larry Smith.

He was induced into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010, and inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Spring ISD hosts college readiness symposium The Spring ISD athletic department along with the Dekaney High School administrative team will host a free college readiness athletic symposium May 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Andy Dekaney High School, 22351 Imperial Valley Drive. Topics will include life skills preparation, college admissions techniques and financial aid advice. There will be panel discussions for parents and a motivational message from Dr. Virgil Wood.

For information contact coach Anthony Williams at 281-891-7330 or awilli1@springisd.org.

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DEFENDER | MAY 14 | 2015

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Maggie

Noel

Defender hosts spring Faces reception

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

Summer Season

Houstonians recently gathered at the Hilton Americas Hotel Skyline Ballroom for a reception honoring six unique personalities featured in the spring season of Faces of Black Houston, the Defender’s multimedia series which debuted in 2013.

The six honorees are: Judge Vanessa Gilmore (May 13), who balances the scales of justice and life; G-Dash (May 20), the man behind a local rap empire; Justin “Lucky” Williams (May 27), who went from hustler to hero feeding the hungry; Dr. John Hughes (June 3), a Vietnam vet whose life was spared to save others; Tremond Bains (June 10), an entrepreneur who grants second chances and Velma Trayham (June 17), a full-time diva & CEO who builds bodacious brands.

“Faces of Black Houston gives ordinary people an opportunity to tell their stories,” said LaGloria Wheatfall, Defender multimedia coordinator and the project’s lead producer.

“Some of the stories show moments of struggle, heartache, resiliency and joy. At the Defender, we decided to explore some of these remarkable narratives and reveal them to our audience. With a six-week series airing every Wednesday, Faces of Black Houston gives real people a chance to tell real stories, so that the world can make real connections.”

Wheatfall said Houstonians profiled are chosen with care.

“When choosing candidates for Faces of Black Houston, we look for individuals who are making a difference in the community, and who overcame obstacles and used their life experiences as a catalyst to make a positive impact on others,” she said.

To receive FACES of Black Houston every week on your phone, tablet or computer just log on: http://defendernetwork. com/sign-up/faces/

Photo Gallery defendernetwork.com

Deric

Muhammad

“Each of us has a story to tell.”

Photos by: TWICE MEDIA PRODUCTIONS

Dr. Sonya

Sloan

July- August 2014

#defendereveryday

FACES of Black Houston honorees are (l to r): Dr. John Hughes, Tremond Bains, G-Dash, Velma Trayham, Judge Vanessa Gilmore and Justin “Lucky” Williams.

Warren

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HOUSTON’S LEADING BLACK INFORMATION SOURCE www.defendernetwork.com/facesofblackhouston Marcus Sullivan of Fox 26 and DJ Supastar, who provided the entertainment for the night.

Supastar

ABC-TV Ch13 news anchor and mistress of ceremonies Melanie Lawson

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Tammie Campbell and daughter Shar-day

Defender hostesses: Amber Horde, Jessica Webster and Christa Daniels

Hope Anderson, Kennea Anderson, Tremond Bains, Melanie Lawson and Sheree Thomas.

Defender interns from Texas Southern University Amber Vernon and Jasemine Knowles with publisher Sonny Messiah Jiles

Dr. Melanie Wilson-Lawson, Dr. Bobby Wilson and Malissa Wilson

FACES co-creator Tiffany Williams, publisher Messiah Jiles and Defender Multi-Media Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall

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Andrea Jiles and Jodie Jiles

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

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SOCIETY FOR PERFORMING ARTS FUNDRAISER……..The Society for Turner presented AAS department director Dr. James Conyers with a resolution. Also the Performing Arts (SPA) asked supporters to help become visionaries as they donate in attendance were Malachi Crawford, LaShonda Williams, Mary Sias, Irene Ray, to help shape a sustainable future for the organization and enhance the impact across Gwendolyn Alfred, Rohit Sridhar and award recipients Sheretta West, Sanford Routt, the greater Houston community. SPA’s mission is to bring the world’s best dancers, Charnele Brown, Rev. Dr. Marcus Cosby and Jerome Love………“CROWNS” musicians and multi-discipline artists to Houston as well as create opportunities for AT TSU……..The highly anticipated return of the national stage play “Crowns” at all Houstonians to experience. Those in attendance included speaker Nasha Thomas, Texas Southern University during Mother’s Day weekend was described as a theatrical Evelyn Williams, Sharone Henry, Keirra Washington, Jasmine and entertainment masterpiece. The play was produced by TSU’s Bennett, Kyra Coffey, Dr. Jacqueline Brown, Desrye Morgan, Defender TOP EVENTS Hats and Ties Committee. The gospel- infused musical, which Marlene Watts, Chad Peters and Samantha Gonzales…….. included Grammy nominee Dottie Peoples and some of Houston’s More photos on defendernetwork.com UH SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET……..The University of top vocalists, presented two soul-stirring performances that kept the See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Houston’s African American Studies (AAS) Department held its audience captivated and on their feet throughout. Supporters included with Melanie Lawson on Sunday Morning annual scholarship banquet at the university’s Hilton Hotel-Waldorf President John Rudley and Docia Rudley, Congresswoman Sheila Astoria.The AAS Department honored 14 graduates: Aaron Brown, Kryshawna Jackson Lee, Dr. James Ward and Eva Pickens. Other cast members included LaTonya Earl, Gwen Harris, TSU Student Government president Terrance Bolton, Takisha Charleston, Ashley Davis, Wesley Deason, Phillip Eckles, Berquisha Henry, Chelsey Johnson, Lauren Keith, Renee Richardson, Isaac Scott, Marcus Smith, Bendy and Manson Bracy Johnson. Others who helped make the production a success Kayla Stewart, Miceal Thomas and Courtney Wyatt. Magic 102’s KG Smooth included Cheveria Williams, Jasmine Carter, Charla Parker-Thompson, LaTanya Perry, Kimberly Edwards, Eric White and Tomeka Robinson. emceed the event as Harry Johnson Sr. gave the keynote address. State Rep. Sylvester

Kyra Coffey, Dr. Jacqueline Brown and Desrye Morgan

Evelyn Williams and Sharone Henry

Berquisha Henry, Lauren Keith and Kayla Stewart

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Dottie Peoples

Marlene Watts and Chad Peters

Dr. Malachi Crawford, Dr. James Conyers, State Rep. Sylvester Turner and KG Smooth

Cast members of “Crowns”

Keynote speaker Harry Johnson

Jackson Lee and Eva Pickens

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20 DEFENDER | MAY 14 | 2015

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