Houston Defender: May 22, 2014

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Volume 83 | Number 29

MAY 22, 2014 |FREE

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MICHELLE WILLIAMS DESTINY’S CHILD MEMBER DEBUTS NEW MUSIC H PAGE 4

REP. SHEILA JACKSON LEE applauds post office decision

P2 HS ZONE BREANNA TAYLOR benefits from volleyball

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CHAG’S PLACE

Cornell Brooks leads NAACP

Dr. Robert Bullard analyzes climate

Lawyer and civil rights leader Cornell William Brooks is the new president and CEO of the NAACP, and will become the 18th person to oversee the 105-year-old organization. Read about Brooks’ qualifications. See how he plans to advance justice and equality for all.

Texas Southern University environmental justice expert Dr. Robert Bullard says AfricanAmericans should be concerned about climate change. Learn why communities of color are vulnerable. Discover the connection to hurricanes and other disasters.

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Janice Brown and Yvette “Ms. Chag” Chargois at Top Ladies of Distinction observance

P12 ONLINE ANDRE JOHNSON frustrated with Texans

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DEFENDER | MAY 22 | 2014

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newstalk

HISD hosts bond progress meetings Defender News Services

HISD is hosting another series of community meetings to discuss the progress being made within the 2012 bond program, which will renovate or rebuild 40 schools.

The meetings will be held for selected schools in the first two groups of campuses slated for construction. The goal is to present the work done so far in the design process and to share site plans, exterior drawings and, in the case of some schools, final blueprints and construction schedules.

“These meetings offer a great opportunity to learn about the work that’s being done and to share feedback and ask questions,” said Leo Bobadilla, HISD’s chief operating officer. “Our goal is to ensure all of these facilities meet the needs of each community so it’s important we hear from people.”

Input from the meetings is used to guide the work of groups of teachers, staff, administrators, students and community members, known as Project Advisory Teams. All meetings will be held from 6:307:30 p.m. at the following schools: June 3 – North Forest Early Childhood Center, 10719 Seneca June 5 – High School for Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice, 4701 Dickson June 10 – Condit Elementary School, 7000 South Third, Bellaire June 17 – Dowling Middle School, 14000 Stancliff June 19 – Eastwood Academy, 1315 Dumble; Mandarin Chinese Language Immersion School, 6300 Avenue B June 24 – Bellaire High School, 5100 Maple, Bellaire June 30 – North Houston Early College High School, 8001 Fulton; South Early College High School, 1990 Airport (HCC South campus) July 1 – Lamar High School, 3325 Westheimer; Milby High School, 2500 Broadway (Deady Middle School) July 8 – Yates High School, 3703 Sampson; Waltrip High School, 1900 West 34th July 15 – Davis High School, 1101 Quitman July 22 – Relief Elementary School, 10502 Briar Forest Drive (Revere Middle School Aug. 5 – Washington High School, 119 E. 39th For information visit houstonisd.org/bondcalendar.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, other community leaders and residents applaud the decision to keep the Southmore post office open.

Southmore post office stays open

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

After strong opposition from the surrounding community, the United States Postal Service has stopped its plan to close the Southmore Station post office, located at 4110 Almeda.

The post office stands at the site of Houston’s first sit-in demonstration and was one of six Houston stations considered for closure or relocation. Supporters applauded the decision to keep the facility open during a recent press conference.

“Every community needs to have a post office,” said Jacqueline Bostic, a retired U.S. postmaster. “We cannot afford to sit back and allow people to tear up our communities and take away the important things that we need.”

Local government officials and community leaders appealed to the U.S. postmaster general and Tom Samra, the USPS vice president of facilities, to keep the post office open.

“The Postal Service received several requests to review that decision,” Samra wrote in his decision notice. “Some of those

requests provided additional information indicating anticipated growth in the number of postal customers due to expected new businesses and new housing developments in the Southmore P.O. area…

“After further review, based on our supplemental analysis of the business and population growth information, and other factors, the USPS has changed its strategy for the Southmore Station and will now retain its customer retail services at its current location.”

“This is really a victory for a new way of treating our neighborhoods and a new way of treating the process that the U.S. Postal Service has to go through [to close a post office],” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “We looked at this process and knew it was not geared toward the voices of the people.”

“This is a collective victory,” said Kofi Taharka, chairman of the National Black United Front. “What we did pales in comparison to what the [sit-in] students accomplished when they surrounded that flagpole, marched down the street, not knowing if they would lose their lives.”

localbriefs THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. STATUE and Memorial Plaza will be unveiled Saturday, May 24, at MacGregor Park, located at MLK Blvd. and Old Spanish Trail. A parade and victory march begins at 9 a.m., the official unveiling is at 11 a.m. and a victory festival is at 1 p.m. For information contact the Black Heritage Society at 713-236-1700 or blackheritagesociety.org……..THE PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION is Tuesday, May 27. Races to watch in the Democratic primary include David Alameel vs.

Kesha Rogers for U.S. senator, and Richard “Kinky” Friedman vs. Jim Hogan for agricultural commissioner. In two high-profile Republican primary races,

David Dewhurst and Dan Patrick are vying for the lieutenant governor’s seat, while Dan Branch and Ken Paxton are the candidates for attorney general. For information visit harrisvotes.com or call 713-7556965……..TEXAS’ UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FELL to 5.2 percent in April, down from 5.5 percent in March and 6.4 percent a year ago. Texas employers also expanded their payrolls by 64,100 new jobs.

“April was a robust month for Texas job growth; the unemployment rate continues to fall and we posted the highest monthly job growth in well over three years,” said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Andres Alcantar. Over the month, eight of the

11 major industries in Texas experienced positive growth.…….. HELP IS STILL AVAILABLE for homeowners with Hurricane Ike damage as part of the Disaster Recovery Program of the Houston-Galveston Area Council. The program has already repaired or replaced more than 100 homes that suffered damage in the September 2008 hurricane. Homeowners must have owned their homes at the time of the storm, must meet specific income requirements and must show that repairs or replacement are still needed and not covered by insurance or other financial assistance programs. For more information call 877-442-2777 or visit h-gacikehousing.com.

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MAY 22 | 2014 | DEFENDER

national

nationalbriefs THE NEW HAMPSHIRE police commissioner who called President Barack Obama the n-word resigned. Robert Copeland, 82, admitted he used the racial slur and said at first he wouldn’t resign. “I believe I did use the ‘N’ word in reference to the current occupant of the White House,” Copeland wrote before resigning. “For this, I do not apologize – he meets and exceeds my criteria for such.” Copeland was overheard using the racial slur at a restaurant……..VOTING RIGHTS continues to be the most pressing issue facing the Congressional Black Caucus, whose members have ramped up efforts to craft legislation that would restore key components of a 1965 bill which the Supreme Court struck down last year. CBC Chair Marcia Fudge met with leaders from the NAACP and ACLU to discuss strategies to push new legislation forward. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi also attended the summit in which officials discussed legislation to require any state with past voting violations be subject to federal approval before being allowed a change in its election laws. The CBC has urged Republicans to help craft and pass a satisfactory bill before the congressional legislative session ends next month……..

THE SAME FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS laws that apply to other public schools must apply equally to public charter schools according to the U.S. Department of Education. The department’s Office for Civil Rights recently issued the new guidance. “Charter schools play an important role in the educational landscape and are serving more and more students all over the country,” said Catherine E. Lhamon, assistant secretary for civil rights. “Since our last guidance on the topic in 2000, thousands of new charter schools have opened.” The new guidance highlights critical subjects that have arisen in charter schools, including the schools’ obligations to avoid discrimination in admissions practices and the administration of discipline.

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NAACP names Brooks new president and CEO

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Defender News Services

he incoming president and CEO of the NAACP said he looks forward to continuing the organization’s “important” work.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead this historic organization,” said attorney Cornell William Brooks.

“In our fight to ensure voting rights, economic equality, health equity, and an end to racial discrimination for all people, there is much work to do. I look forward to working with the dynamic board and staff, and continuing the important work of the association in advancing racial and social justice and equality for all.”

Brooks is the 18th person to oversee New NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks is welcomed by Roslyn M. operations at the nation’s oldest and largest Brock, chair of the organization’s board of directors. civil rights organization in its 105-year hisresponsible citizens. tory.

He successfully pushed for state legislation to reduce “Mr. Brooks is a pioneering lawyer and civil rights the effects of widespread foreclosures. He also worked to leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to develop investing tools to employ more people in higher the association,” said Roslyn M. Brock, chair of the NAACP wage work. board.

Brooks served as senior counsel for the Federal Com“We look forward to leveraging his legal prowess, munications Commission, executive director of the Fair vision and leadership as we tackle the pressing civil rights Housing Council of Greater Washington and as trial attorney issues of the 21st century.” with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Brooks, a longtime human rights activist, is president He also campaigned as an advocate for public educaand CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice based tion, affordable healthcare and fiscal responsibility. in Newark.

Brooks earned a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State A fourth-generation ordained minister, Brooks has University, a Master of Divinity from Boston University worked to pass legislation enabling previously incarcerated School of Theology and a juris doctorate from Yale Law men and women to rebuild their lives as productive and School.

College-educated Blacks have harder time VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 28 MAY 22, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles People Editor Advertising/Client Relations Yvette Chargois Selma Dodson Tyler Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Local Editor ReShonda Billingsley LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Contributing Writer Tony Fernandez-Davila Cierra Duncan 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).

NNPA News Service

Blacks with college degrees continue to fare worse than college-educated whites in the labor market, according to a new report by the Economic Policy Institute.

The report looked at job prospects for high school and college graduates during the recession and the current economic recovery.

“Unemployment of young graduates is extremely high today, not because of something unique about the Great Recession and its aftermath…,” stated the report.

“Rather, it is high because young workers always experience disproportionate increases in unemployment during periods of labor market weakness.”

In 2007, the jobless rate for young college-educated Blacks was 8.1 percent, but by 2010, a year after the official end of the recession, that rate ballooned to 20 percent. The report said that the jobless rate for this group of workers has improved to 13.1 percent.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for white college graduates never reached double digits, even during the recession.

“Among young, white non-Hispanic college graduates, the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in 2007, rose to 8.6 percent in 2011, and improved to 8.0 percent,” stated the report.

The report’s recommendations include restarting long-term emergency unemployment benefits and instituting work sharing programs to avoid layoffs.

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DEFENDER | MAY 22 | 2014

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entertainment Michelle Williams

debuts new music

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Defender News Services

rammy-winning singer, songwriter and actress Michelle Williams recently premiered the new video for “Fire,” the hit song off her upcoming inspirational album “Journey to Freedom.” Williams is also debuting a new website, IAmMichelle.com.

Along with debuting more music from her upcoming album, Williams continues a slate of upcoming projects in theater, music performances and television.

She will portray Mary Magdalene in the acclaimed musical “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which comes to Houston’s Toyota Center on June 21. It is loosely based on the Gospels’ account of the last days of Jesus’ life.

“I am so excited to be part of such a legendary production alongside an amazing cast. I am truly looking forward to this,” she said.

Williams performs at the Essence Festival in New Orleans on July 5. She will serve as a mentor to other artists on the new TV series “Fix My Choir” on Oxygen. It is described as an “uplifting, music-driven series” that will give struggling choirs much needed mentoring.

Though Williams first became known to music fans as a member of Destiny’s Child with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, she performed gospel music for much of her early life. “I love gospel music because that is my founda-

tion,” she said.

Williams was still with Destiny’s Child when she returned to her goespel roots in 2002 and recorded the solo album “Heart to Yours.” It topped the U.S. gospel album chart and became one of the best-selling gospel releases. The album won Williams a Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Award for Best Gospel Act and Billboard ranked Williams as the fifth Top Gospel Artist of 2002.

She released another gospel album in 2004 titled “Do You Know.”

Williams was born in 1980 in Rockford, Ill. and first sang in her church choir. In 1999 she became a backup singer for R&B artist Monica. She joined Destiny’s Child the following year, recording such hits as “Survivor” and “Bootylicious.”

She said the group always found time to worship the Lord, even on tour.

“One of my favorite memories is being on the tour bus,” she said. “We couldn’t go to church so Ms. Tina [Knowles] would literally call us on Sundays to make sure we were having Bible study and prayer.”

One of her favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

Destiny’s Child reigned as the world’s top-selling female vocal group. They broke up in 2005, and Williams continued to pursue a range of creative endeavors. She starred in a national tour of the Broadway hit “The Color Purple” in 2007. She returned to the Broadway stage in 2010, playing the role of Roxie Hart in the musical “Chicago.”

In 2013 Williams reunited with Beyoncé and Rowland during the Super Bowl halftime show. She also recorded a new track with Destiny’s Child, “Nuclear,” for a compilation album titled “Love Songs.”

what’sup HALLE BERRY said she’s learned “never to say never.”

During a recent appearance on the ELLEN DeGENERES show, Berry talked about marrying her third husband, actor OLIVIER MARTINEZ, and giving birth to their son, MACEO, at age 47. “I didn’t think it was possible to have another baby and I thought for sure I had a need never to get married again,” she said. Berry was previously married to pro baseball player DAVID JUSTICE and singer/musician ERIC BENET. She has a 6-year-old daughter, NAHLA, by model GABRIEL AUBREY, and said her daughter prayed for a sibling. “Only her prayers could have done this,” Berry said…….Actor MICHAEL JACE, 51, has been charged with the May 19 murder of his wife. April Jace, 40, was found dead in the couple’s Los

Angeles home after police responded to a report of shots fired. “At this moment the motive of the murder is believed to be domestic violence,” police said in a statement. TMZ reported that the couple’s two young children witnessed the shooting. Jace is best known for his regular role on the FX police drama “The Shield.” He was held in lieu of $1 million bail……..Former “Law and Order: Criminal Intent” star COURTNEY B. VANCE has joined the season two cast of the Showtime drama series “Masters of Sex.” He will have a recurring role as Dr. Hendricks, the head of an African-American hospital in St. Louis whose goal is to racially integrate the facility. Vance won a 2013 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in “Lucky Guy.” He has recently been seen as a FBI agent

in TV’s “Graceland.” Vance is married to ANGELA BASSETT…….. Former “Scandal” star COLUMBUS SHORT pleaded not guilty to felony battery for a fight that seriously injured a man earlier this year at a West Hollywood restaurant. Short allegedly knocked the man unconscious and fractured his left eye socket. He was ordered to return to court on June 5 to set a date for a preliminary hearing……..ROBIN THICKE continues to profess love for his estranged wife PAULA PATTON. While accepting a Billboard Music Award for Best R&B Single, Thicke said, “Most importantly, I’d like to thank my wife for her love and support, and for putting up with me for all these years.”

Thicke won three other awards for his hit “Blurred Lines,” which featured T.I. and PHARRELL WILLIAMS.

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MAY 22 | 2014 | DEFENDER

THANK YOU HOUSTON FOR SHARING YOUR HOPES! Every day, MSNBC addresses the issues that matter to you. Now it’s your turn.

In Houston

Tell us your hopes for change in your community. msnbc.com/growinghope

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DEFENDER | MAY 22 | 2014

centerfold

WILDFIRE

TSU expert Bullard says Blacks more vulnerable

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humans, plants, and animals. These variable conditions s one of the world’s leading authorities on already stress communities and cause billions of dollars environmental issues and their impact on in damage…” people of color, Dr. Robert Bullard said there are numerous reasons why African-Americans should Climate change will worsen the air pollution be concerned about climate change. problem in cities. African-Americans are more “Climate change is probably the number one concentrated in cities where air quality is out of global environmental justice issue of the 21st century,” compliance with the EPA ambient air quality standards. said Bullard, dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey More than 72 percent of African-Americans live in Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern counties that violate federal air pollution standards, University. compared to 58 percent of whites. Black households “Climate change amplifies existing inequalities. with incomes between $50,000 and $60,000 live in Ironically, communities that contribute least to climate neighborhoods that are more polluted than the average change in the U.S. and around the world neighborhood in which white housefeel the negative impacts first, worst, holds with incomes below $10,000 live. and longest.

Climate change will increase “heat “African-Americans will suffer islands” in cities. According to a the earliest and most damage because 2013 study by researchers at UC of where we live, limited income and Berkeley, African-Americans were economic means, and lack of access to 52 percent more likely than whites to health care,” he said. live in “urban heat islands,” which it Bullard has written dozens of redescribes as “microclimates that can get ports and 17 books on the urban experian extra 5 to 10 degrees warmer durence and environmental injustice. Here, ing heat waves, while Asians were 32 he shares key things African-Americans percent more likely and Latinos were should know.

21 percent more likely. A 2008 EJCC Dr. Robert Bullard Climate change is predicted to study found heat-related deaths among increase sea level rise, heat waves and droughts, African-Americans occur at a 150 to 200 percent extreme weather events, ground-level ozone, and greater rate than for non-Hispanic whites. increased asthma and other respiratory illnesses in our Coal-fired power plants are the leading global major cities and metropolitan regions. African-Ameriwarming culprit in the U.S., accounting for more cans account for 13 percent of the U.S. population, but than 30 percent of carbon dioxide emissions.

26 percent of asthma deaths.

They also are one of the nation’s largest sources of air Zip code is still the most potent predictor of pollutants that damage cardiovascular and respirahealth and social vulnerability in the U.S. More tory health and threaten healthy child development. than 55 percent of African-Americans live in the African-Americans are more likely to live near dirty Southern U.S., which historically has had more than its coal power plants. fair share of weather-related disasters. The region has According to a 2002 Black Leadership Forum reseen intense hurricanes, drought, flooding, and other port, 68 percent of African-Americans live within climate-sensitive hazards that have outnumbered simi30 miles of a power plant, the distance within lar events in other areas of the U.S. annually in both which the maximum effects of the smokestack plumes scale and magnitude by a ratio of almost 4 to 1 during are expected to occur, compared with 56 percent of the past 10 years. whites and 39 percent of Latinos.

Long before Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf A 2013 NAACP report found that African-AmerCoast and the levee breach drowned 80 percent of icans, Latinos, Native Americans and low-income New Orleans, African-Americans knew, “waiting Americans most often face potential health for the government can be hazardous to their health.” threats caused by the environment and facilities in their Climate vulnerability “hot-spots” map closely with neighborhoods and tend to spend the largest share of race and class. In the Gulf Coast and South Atlantic their incomes on energy, but are underrepresented in Region, Jim Crow segregation, white racism and disthe energy industry workforce. criminatory land-use planning all played a major role People most affected by environmental probin distributing environmental risks and social vulnerlems, including climate change, must “speak ability to climate-related challenges. for themselves” and organize as a collecThe Third National Climate Assessment predicts tive to “do for themselves” to make change happen.

Texas will experience “multiple climate and Bullard said there is clearly a need for more collaboraweather hazards, including floods, droughts, setion across multi-generations, disciplines and sectors, vere storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter storms. including university-based centers, environmental and In much of the Great Plains (which includes Texas), conservation groups, legal groups, faith-based groups, too little precipitation falls to replace that needed by labor, and youth organizations.

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CLIM CHA

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WHY BLACK BE CONC

By MARILY Def

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WINTER STORM

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he Earth’s climate is changing, and African-Americans have every reason to be concerned. The results of climate change pose a major threat to the environment, from natural disasters to crop damage to air and water pollution.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, climate change is defined as any significant change in the measures of climate

lasting for an extended climate is changing bec greenhouse gases to the house gases act like a b trapping energy in the a it to warm.

Using electricity, d ing away garbage all le emission, which can be simple measures such a down electronics and u

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NAACP increases awareness

DROUGHT

MATE NGE

KS SHOULD CERNED

YN MARSHALL fender

The NAACP is working to inShe said African-Americans are crease understanding of environmen- also disproportionately vulnerable tal issues through its Climate Justice to extreme weather brought on by Initiative. climate change.

The director of the initiative is “We are more likely to have Jacqui Patterson, an environmental homes located in flood plains,” she justice leader with master’s degrees said. “Because of the wealth differin public health and social ential those are the homes work. we can afford. When a “The African-American hurricane comes through community is disproporwe’re more likely to be in a tionately impacted by the house that can’t withstand drivers of climate change, the impact.” whether it’s polluting Patterson gave exfacilities like coal plants amples of how the NAACP or incinerators or other is addressing climate toxic facilities that both change. emit greenhouse gases,” “We are working on Patterson said. protection and defense of “There are also a the Clean Air Act, because Jacqui Patterson range of other pollutants you have gases in the that are damaging the health and air that are responsible for driving well-being of the community.” climate change,” she said. “We are Patterson said African-Americans making sure our elected officials are disproportionately exposed to understand the importance of having roadway air pollution. a strong legislative and regulatory “We tend to be near highways base to protect the atmosphere from and are more likely to be located pollution. next to a bus depot,” she said.

“We are also addressing pollu“Whether it’s caused by trucks, bustion from coal fire power plants,” she es or cars, we’re the ones [at risk of said. “There are hundreds of them ingesting] the pollution that comes in the country and they are [often] out of those tailpipes.” located in communities of color.”

HBCUs tackle issue FLOOD

period of time. The cause people are adding e atmosphere. Greenblanket around Earth, atmosphere and causing

driving a car and throwead to greenhouse gas e reduced through as recycling, powering using less water.

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The Obama administration recently released a detailed assessment of the issue.

“Climate change is not some far-off problem in the future,” President Obama said. “It’s happening now. It’s causing hardship now.

It’s affecting every sector of our economy and our society – more severe floods, more violent wildfires. It’s already costing cities and states and families and businesses money.”

Here, two environmental experts tell what African-Americans should know.

he Houston area for over 80 years

Black colleges and universities are addressing climate change and the challenges it presents.

Last June, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation awarded a grant to TSU’s Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs to support planning of the Climate Education Community University Partnership (CECUP).

Dr. Robert Bullard leads the partnership, which is a consortium of HBCUs and vulnerable communities located on the Gulf Coast and South Atlantic Region of the U.S. Efforts are concentrated in the District of Columbia and 10 states, including Texas.

“This target area was selected because of its concentration of African-Americans’ residents or constituents, the location HBCUs, socio-historical legacy of unequal protection and environmental injustice, health disparities, heightened racial inequality, and spatial and racial segregation in coastal and low-lying areas that increase vulnerability to natural and human-made disasters, including climate change,” Bullard said.

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DEFENDER | MAY 22 | 2014

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Jodie Jiles dies at age 88 Houstonian Jodie Jiles, 88, passed away peacefully on May 20.

He was the father of business and community leader Jodie Lee Jiles and father-in-law of Defender CEO & Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles.

Jiles was born in 1925 to Minnie Jenkins and Rose Jiles in Huntsville.

He retired from Gulf Supply as a truck driver of 18-wheelers. He

was preceded in death by his wife Roberta Jiles, daughter Sherry Elizabeth and seven siblings.

His survivors include his daughters Joycelyn Fay Martin (Flenzy Martin Jr.) and Diane Jiles Bradshaw. In addition, he has 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.

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Services will be held Tuesday, May 27 at Windsor Village United Methodist Church, 6000 Heatherbrook. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and the funeral service is at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Julia C. Hester House Senior Program, 2020 Solo Street, Houston, TX 77020.

classified LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Neighborhood Centers Inc., a non-profit human services organization, announces a Request for Proposal (RFP) #14-07 for General and HVAC Contractors. A mandatory Vendor’s Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at 3838 Aberdeen Way, Houston, Texas 77025. Interested vendors must submit a proposal for RFP #14-07 by the deadline, Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. To receive RFP #14-07, e-mail Marlo Y. Dobbins, Assistant Director, Procurement and Contract Administration at mdobbins1@neighrborhood-centers.org.

Neighborhood Centers Inc. (AGENCY), a non-profit human services organization, announces a Request for Proposal (RFP) #14-09 for National School Lunch Program & School Breakfast Program Catering Service. A “Highly Recommended” Vendors Conference is scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2014 at 10:00 AM (CST) at 3838 Aberdeen Way, Houston, TX 77025. Interested Vendors can submit a proposal for National School Lunch Program & School Breakfast Program Catering Service. The deadline for submitting a proposal is Friday, June 27, 2014 by 2:00 PM (CST). To receive RFP #1409, e-mail Ashia Brown, Supply Chain Manager at abrown@neighborhood-centers.org.

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MAY 22 | 2014 | DEFENDER defendernetwork.com

health

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A Defender and Kelsey-SeyboldA Clinic Alliance Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

Women have minimally invasive surgical options

By ERIC PETERSON, M.D.

incisions, special tools are used to allow the surgeon to see and work within small spaces inside the body.

If you need your gallbladder removed, there’s a good chance it will be done laparoLaparoscopic surgery involves a thin, scopically – through tiny incisions using a fiberoptic tube with a tiny video camera at its miniature video camera and special surgical tip. The laparoscope is inserted through a small instruments. The same technique is among incision and guided to the problem area. This the minimally invasive options now used for enables the surgeon to check the organ and surgynecological operations that once required a rounding tissues by looking at images displayed large abdominal incision, including hysteron a monitor. The surgeon then inserts tiny ectomy.

Eric Peterson, M.D. surgical instruments through other small inciWhen medication and noninvasive prosions to perform a procedure. Uterine fibroids, cedures are unable to help relieve gynecologic symptoms, surgery a common condition among African-American women, may is an effective treatment for a range of gynecologic conditions – be surgically removed through laparoscopic surgery and other from fibroids to endometriosis. conditions treated, including heavy menstrual bleeding, ovarBenefits of minimally invasive surgery ian cysts, benign tumors, endometriosis and ectopic pregnancy.

The main goal of minimally invasive surgery is to provide Hysteroscopy is performed using a thin telescope that maximum benefit to the patient while avoiding a large abdominal is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. It is attached incision. This has several benefits, including: to a video camera so the doctor can see as he or she works.

Faster and easier recovery time.

Used for both diagnostic and operative purposes, some types Less pain and blood loss. of hysteroscopes are designed so that tiny instruments can be Decreased scar tissue formation. placed inside the scope to remove tissue samples for biopsies or remove fibroids or tumors from within the uterus without Minimally invasive surgical options cutting through the muscles of the abdomen or uterus.

Because minimally invasive surgery relies on several tiny l l l

Minimally invasive surgical options for women needing hysterectomies include vaginal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy. With vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed through the vagina, a technique that is less invasive than an “open” or “traditional” hysterectomy where a 4-inch incision is made to the abdomen. With laparoscopic hysterectomy, specialized tools are inserted through fingernail-size incisions in the abdomen.

Robotic-assisted surgery

While there is no substitute for the experienced hands of a highly trained surgeon, advanced robotics complement and expand the surgeon’s access to key areas targeted for treatment, allowing a surgeon to move around organs easily and accurately. This means that minimally invasive procedures may be done with greater precision. The precision, maneuverability and control of the robot in the guiding hands of a skilled surgeon can be a less invasive option for women.

Dr. Eric Peterson is a board-certified Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist who performs minimally invasive surgery, including robotic-assisted procedures. He cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Peterson, call Kelsey-Seybold’s 24-hour Contact Center at 713-442-0000.

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DEFENDER | MAY 22 | 2014

sports

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Bo and Stacey Porter started the SELF Foundation to benefit urban youth.

Porters encourage urban youth with foundation

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By MAX EDISON Defender

stros manager Bo Porter and wife Stacey recently hosted youth from Key Middle School and the Yellowstone Academy for a day at Minute Maid Park as part of their SELF Foundation. SELF stands for Sports, Education, Life skills and Faith, and was founded by the Porters in 2011 to help underprivileged kids.

The youth received the full VIP treatment, including lunch and an opportunity to watch batting practice on the field and the game against the White Sox. In addition, they received words of encouragement from catcher Carlos Corporan and outfielders Dexter Fowler and L.J. Hoes on the importance of education and sports as a path to success.

Bo Porter hopes the opportunity to expose the young people to his work environment will have the same effect on them that a similar encounter had on him.

“When I was 11 years old, my Little League baseball coach took our entire team to Yankee Stadium,” recalled Porter, a Newark, N.J. native. “I was in complete awe, sitting there watching Dave Winfield, Willie Randolph, Don Mattingly.

“It was that day at Yankee Stadium I told myself I wanted to play Major League Baseball. The impact that game had on my life, I can’t even describe it. It made me focus that much harder on being a better player and taking care of my schoolwork,” he said.

Stacey Porter talked about the foundation’s importance.

“We’re here to show them they can use all of their skills to be successful,” she explained. “Use all of what God gave you to make something of your life. We want to see these kids grow, thrive and prosper. The only way to do that is to nurture the community, fulfill some of the need and see if we can help. We know that it’s possible and we want to get that message over to them.

“It warms my heart to see the excitement on the kid’s faces,” she continued. “One of the students told the teacher they couldn’t sleep the night before because they were so excited to come to the ball park. That means a lot to us.”

Key Middle School principal Jeannine Porter is pleased that her school was chosen to participate in the program.

“We are the pilot campus for the SELF Foundation,” Jeannine Porter said. “It has been a phenomenal experience for our students…I think Bo and Stacey connect to them and want to see a better future for all of these kids. With their busy schedules, for them to give of their time to create a foundation that focuses on inner-city kids and securing their future and making them better people and citizens, is a great thing.”

“When I was 11 years old, my Little League baseball coach took our entire team to Yankee Stadium.

I was in complete awe.”

Porter, manager of the Astros, greets SELF youth at Minute Maid Park. (Photos Courtesy Houston Astros)

The Yellowstone Acade“Our eighth-grade boys defendernetwork.com will participate in the program. my is a non-profit organization formed in 2001 for the purpose Our young boys come from Is Texans receiver Andre Johnson ready to go? of establishing a high quality neighborhoods where you faith-based private school for have poverty. Some of the nurlow-income students. turing that they need to successfully make that transition Board member Earl Cummings is pleased that the does not come naturally. The SELF program helps our academy was selected to participate in the SELF proyoung men with things like discipline, time management, gram. respect for one another and respect for cultural differ“It’s a tremendous opportunity for us. We have pre-K ences. through eighth grade students. Bo’s program specifically “We’re looking forward to starting the program in targets eighth-grade students who are in transition from August. It’s going to be great for our young men. Our middle school to high school,” Cummings said. boys are extremely excited to be participating.”

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MAY 22 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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Volleyball skills earn Taylor scholarship

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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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About Breanna Taylor

reanna Taylor and 10 of her classmates Birth date: April 1, 1996 agreed to a pact during their freshman Birth sign: Aries year at Alief Taylor High School.

Favorite color: Pink The 11 female student-athletes Favorite subject in school: had a common goal and the talent Math to play numerous sports over a four-year span Favorite meal: Shrimp with a graduation date set for the spring of Alfredo 2014.

World problem to solve: “We all had the same mindset that we Homelessness were going to use sports, whether it was Favorite pro athlete: basketball, track, soccer or volleyball, along Destiny Hooker with academics as a means to get into college,” Taylor said. “We’ve been Breanna Taylor of Alief Taylor High School earned a volleyball scholarship together since our freshman year and to Missouri State University. we learned how to communicate with one another. That carried over to sports.”

“Volleyball is such an emotional game Alief Taylor head volleyball coach and you have to want to win along with giving Mandi Thomas organized a the effort to leave your heart out recent signing day ceremony in there on the court every game,” the school gymnasium where all defendernetwork.com Taylor said. “Everybody has to 11 student-athletes were honored. contribute and it’s not just about Other Alief Taylor female The highlight of the ceremony one person – the setter, the libero, scholarship winners featured Taylor signing a full the outside hitter, everybody. scholarship to play volleyball at “I understand how my reacMissouri State University in West Plains, Mo. tions affect my teammates,” Taylor said. “If the leader of the “From the first time I saw Breanna in ninth-grade tryouts team gets down and has an attitude, then the team will be down.

I knew she would become a threat in volleyball,” Thomas said.

But if I remain positive and enthusiastic, the team will reflect “We continued to work with her and instill in her that she would that. I had to always keep that in mind.” become a great player.

Taylor said her parents, Michael and Brenda Taylor, and her “She always worked hard both off and on the court. She brother Chris are her heroes. played basketball, ran track and played club volleyball all at the “I probably wouldn’t still be playing volleyball if it wasn’t same time,” Thomas said. “Breanna brought passion and a love for my mom,” Taylor said. “There were a lot of times that I for the game. She taught her teammates to love the game and to wanted to quit and she helped me get through those times. have fun with the game. I knew that she would get a scholarship “My dad tells me what I need to hear and not what I want one day and I told her that day would come. Here it is.” to hear and my brother always has my back,” Taylor said.

A 5-foot-11 outside “Breanna put in a lot hitter who earned allof hard work and we’re district and academic allproud of her,” Michael district honors, Taylor Taylor said. was the cornerstone and “She’s sacrificed to be vocal leader for a Lady playing volleyball in colLions squad that shared lege,” said Brenda Taylor. a co-district volleyball “Hopefully, she can go on championship with Elsik to achieve her other goals High School. Thomas of one day playing on the confirmed the accomOlympic team and playing plishment as a first in professionally overseas.” school history.

Taylor understood Taylor is congratulated by her parents and the importance of her coaches. role on the team.

Deer Park to battle Bellaire Deer Park has advanced to its third consecutive Region III-5A championship round. Bellaire is making its first appearance in the regional final following four straight trips to the region semifinals.

Deer Park disposed of Seven Lakes 2-0 in a best-ofthree semifinal series and Bellaire did the same to Pearland. Deer Park won the Class 5A state softball title in 2012 and has won the last two Region III-5A crowns. The Lady Deer are 23-1 in the postseason the past three years. “They’re playing like champions,” said Deer Park coach Carrie Austgen. “They don’t let things faze them.” Bellaire head coach Brien Tuffy knows the Deer Park matchup will be a tough one. Yet he is looking forward to the challenge. “It’s great for our program to finally push through and reach the regional final,” he said.

Cy-Fair coach to retire Cy-Fair head baseball coach Woody Champagne is retiring following this season after 40 years in coaching, including the last 34 with the Bobcats.

Champagne has posted over 600 career victories and led Cy-Fair to the 2007 Class 5A state championship. After dropping the first game of a best-ofthree Region III-5A quarterfinal series with district rival Cypress Ranch (5-3), Cy-Fair stormed back to win the final two games by scores of 2-1 and 4-0.

The Bobcats advance to the regional semifinal round to face Pearland.

Softball coach resigns Barbers Hill softball coach Perri Smith resigned after being charged with violating the district communication policy regarding students. Unbeaten Barbers Hill will face Pearland Dawson in the Region III-4A title round.

Is Johnson ready to go?

Like a freight train rumbling down the track, you could see this coming from a distance. Texan Andre Johnson has had enough. After 11 seasons, only two playoff appearances and coming off a 2-14 season, Johnson apparently feels the window to play for a championship is rapidly closing. He recently stopped short of demanding a trade, but openly questioned if Houston was the right place for him.

The Texans are going through yet another rebuilding mode, with a new head coach, a new offensive scheme and a new quarterback. Johnson, easily the best player in the 12 year history of the franchise, didn’t attend a recent voluntary mini-camp and indicated that he doesn’t plan on attending either the organized team meetings or the mandatory camp in June.

Serena dominates in Rome Serena Williams continues to dominate women’s tennis by dispatching of 10th-seeded Sara Errant 6-3, 6-0 to win the Italian Open for the third time.

Williams won there last year en route to capturing the French Open. She won her first Italian Open in 2002. It was the 60th title of her illustrious career.

At 32, Williams has continued to be the game’s No. 1 player despite her “advanced” age. “I’m like a fine wine, I guess – at least my tennis is,”’ Williams said.

“My game gets better with age.” Next up for Serena will be the defense of her French Open crown later this summer and then Wimbledon.

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12

DEFENDER | MAY 22 | 2014

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chag’splace

TOP LADIES OF DISTINCTION…..The Houstine Randle-Forest, luncheon chair Mary Catherine ton Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD) Hamilton, chapter members DiAnn Robinson, Rose hosted their 49th Founders Day Observance by honoring Mary McGowan, Anna Mirksey, Marcele Brooks, four exemplary servant-leaders of the Houston comShantel Lofton-Young, Leslie Griggs Vickia Gibbs, munity. The honorees are State Rep. Chericka Johnson and all commitBorris Miles, Janice Brown, owner tee members for a wonderful event.

Join Yvette Chargois of On the Grow, Maxine Blakes, Continued success!.....DIAMONDS Events of the Week service coordinator/Anna Dupree AND PEARLS…..Yvette Adams, More photos on defendernetwork.com Terrace Apts. and Ms. Chag, people president of Extraordinary Events See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads editor/Defender Media Group. SevCatering LLC established the Diawith Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. eral graduating seniors were awarded monds and Pearls Mother’s Day gala scholarships ranging from $500 to in 2007 to recognize the invaluable $2,500 to assist them in furthering their contribution mothers make to the fueducation. The Houston chapter continuously strive to ture success and happiness of children and society. The enhance and enrich the lives of youth and adults through organization is an inter-faith, non-political event, whose community based programs and projects. Several Top mission is to empower women and children through reTeens of America (TTA) were part of the day’s activisources and strategic partnerships. This year’s honorees ties and included Ja’Tavia Stoot, Samaria Wilson, are Suzani Asmlash Grant, entrepreneur; CleRenda TTA speech choir and a musical selection by Taylor McGrady, host/producer, Thryv360/IN-TV Network; Holloway Harris. Special thanks goes to the national Stacey Porter, artist; Maria Rios, owner of Nation president Audrie Lawton, chapter president ErnesWaste, Inc.; Roanyela Espinsosa, marketing profes-

Chapter president Ernestine Randle-Forest, chair Mary Catherine Hamilton and national president Audrie Lawton

Roneshia Ray, Yvette Adams and Jazmine Worsham

Atherton Elementary School Students

Former national presidents Faye B. Bryant and Bobbie Wooten Moorehead

sional/United Healthcare Community Plan and Merele Yarborough, philanthropist. Isiah Carey, general assignment reporter for FOX 26 News served as master of ceremony and State Rep. Alma Allen delivered the keynote address. Congratulations!.....ATHERTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PEP RALLY…..Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee hosted a special pep rally and celebration for the students of HISD’s Atherton Elementary School. Fifty students were recently selected to perform at the Annual BOOST Conference in Palm Springs, CA. This is the first time in history for the school to be a part of this national conference. BOOST is the nation’s largest conference for after school and out-ofschool time educations, convening all levels of key stakeholders to imitate change and inspire successful programming. Participants during the pep rally included principal Dr. Albert Lemons, HISD trustees Wanda Adams and Rhonda Skillern Jones, Jeana Nellons, Houston Rockets mascot CLUTCH, Rockets power dancers, and community leaders. Keep up the good work!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Honorees State Rep. Boris Miles, Maxine Blakes, Janice Brown and Ms. Chag

Honorees Merele Yarborough, Stacey Porter, Suzani Asmlash Grant and CleRenda McGrady

The Rocket’s power dancers, CLUTCH and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Wanda Adams and Dr. Alma Allen

Dr. Albert Lemons, Bobbie Reagie and Jeana Nellons

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