Houston Defender: May 28, 2015 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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KINGWOOD’S MYLES MARSHALL WINS THIRD STRAIGHT STATE GOLD MEDAL P15 defendernetwork.com

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Volume 84 | Number 26

MAY 28, 2015 |FREE NEWSTALK

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CARLOTTA BROWN recognized by “Ellen”

P2 NATIONAL MAYOR FRANK JACKSON approves Cleveland reforms

FIXING BROKEN

SPORTS TRAY WALKER drafted by Baltimore Ravens

RELATIONSHIPS

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Houstonians grade Supt. Terry Grier

Kenny Smith on reality TV

The Defender is giving readers an opportunity to grade HISD Superintendent Terry Grier through June 8. Learn how you can rate Grier’s performance in areas ranging from academics to minority contracts. Find out what the report card will accomplish.

Former Houston Rocket Kenny Smith is the latest personality to land a reality TV series, and stars with his wife and children on “Meet the Smiths.” See why Smith finally decided to let cameras into his living room. Read about his blended family.

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Jasmine Burrell and her mother Tiphany Burrell at Lemonade Day awards ceremony

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DEFENDER | MAY 28 | 2015

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Report card grading Grier Houstonians are invited to grade HISD Superintendent Terry Grier’s performance in such areas as academics, school safety and relations with the Black community. Online grading ends Monday, June 8. The Defender’s Report Card initiative returns after more than a 20-year absence. Readers previously graded Mayor Kathy Whitmire, who received an overall grade of “C” prior to her defeat in 1991. “The impetus for the

reinstatement of this initiative is the multitude of stories covered by the Defender reporting the serious challenges facing the educational system, and the recent events in Ferguson and Baltimore which show a direct correlation between education and criminal justice,” said CEO & Publisher Sonny Messiah Jiles. “This year’s Report Card offers the community an opportunity to hold our leadership accountable and give them constructive feedback – both

REPORT CARD GRADE

HISD

Supt. Terry Grier

Post Your Grades Now ONLY TWELVE QUESTIONS

Begins Thurs. May 7th - Ends Mon. June 8th

http://bit.do/gradeHISDSupt positive and negative.” Messiah Jiles encourages the entire Houston community to participate in this initiative. “We invite students, parents, teachers, administrators and

concerned citizens to grade Dr. Grier,” she said. “In addition, we want Houstonians of all ethnicities to participate.” To access the Report Card log on to http://bit.do/gradeHISDSupt.

Houston principal recognized by DeGeneres show

Peck Elementary School Principal Carlotta Brown received a $10,000 check and a $100,000 check coordinated by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

A KHOU-TV Channel 11 news report that aired on HISD’s Peck Elementary School resulted in a big surprise for the campus and its principal and some very public recognition on a popular TV show. Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres heard about the district’s Homeless Outreach Center there through the broadcast, and her staff reached out to Principal Carlotta Brown to see if they could feature the school on the show. During the segment that aired, Brown was surprised with a $100,000 check to support campus programs and a $10,000 check for herself. “I was elated,” Brown said. “At first, I thought somebody was ‘punking’ me. I thought I was in a dream. It was like Publisher’s Clearinghouse. Ellen herself was on the monitor [via Skype] and I just started

crying. It was surreal, like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I haven’t had one bit of sleep since then. I never expected that in my wildest dreams. It’s overwhelming.” Brown said that DeGeneres praised her and her campus for the work they were doing to serve children, noting that theirs was one of the largest gifts she had ever awarded in the history of the show. The gift was coordinated through Target’s Thanks a Billion teacher appreciation initiative. “My mantra is to always help somebody and bless somebody, because someday your blessings will come back to you,” she said. Brown plans to purchase iPads and laptops for her students with the campus donation. She will use her own windfall to offset her husband’s medical expenses and to pay for a family trip to Hawaii.

localbriefs SEVERE WEATHER, including tornadoes, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and flooding, caused problems across Texas and left 15 people dead. Harris County was declared a disaster area and Houston received 11 inches or rainfall in less than six hours. The Houston Fire Department received more than 900 calls, and more than 500 were water-related. Most were for citizens stranded in their vehicles. Numerous schools closed and Metro shut down various transit services……..PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY was named one the nation’s top HBCUs by College Choice, a publication which helps students select the best educational choices. PVAMU,

the only Texas school in the top 25, was named No. 14 on the list, and was recognized for its multiple research centers that “lead students in innovative areas such as nanotechnology, cybersecurity, communication systems, radiation systems and wavelet based applications.” Tuskegee University was No. 1 on the list……..CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN spoke at the Houston National Cemetery in honor of fallen veterans and their families on Memorial Day. “As we honor the fallen, we must not only speak to their accomplishments, but actively reaffirm our appreciation and commitment to the veterans among us. Throughout our nation’s history, veterans

have contributed to the strength and resiliency of our great democracy,” Green said……..HOWARD JEFFERSON, president of the Houston Branch of the NAACP, is working to make a difference on the National Board of the NAACP. His involvement includes serving as chairman of the Veteran Affairs Task Force and vice chairman of the Education Committee…….. TEXAS HAS ADDED an estimated 287,000 seasonally adjusted jobs over the past year. The state has experienced job gains in three of the first four months of 2015. The state unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2 percent in April, down a full percentage point from 5.2 percent a year ago.

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MAY 28 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Cleveland deals with protests, police reform

national

hree days after protests broke out in Cleveland in wake of the Michael Brelo verdict, the Department of Justice and the City of Cleveland announced that they entered into an agreement to address the DOJ’s findings concerning the city’s police department. Brelo, a white Cleveland police officer, was found not guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the 2012 shooting deaths of two unarmed Black people, Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams. Russell and Williams led police vehicles on a chase across Cleveland. When Russell’s car finally came to a stop, 13 officers opened fire, shooting at least 137 rounds into the vehicle. Prosecutors said Brelo was the only one who continued to shoot after the threat was over. After the Brelo verdict was announced, protests erupted in Members of Cleveland’s clergy called for justice following the acquittal of a police officer for his part in a 2012 shooting of two unarmed Black suspects. downtown Cleveland, and 71 (Photo by James W. Wade III, Call & Post). demonstrators were arrested. The dedication of the entire Cleveland community, and done it right,’ “ Jackson said. charges included felonious assault, looks to address serious concerns, rebuild trust, and Local protesters included members of Cleveland aggravated rioting, unlawful congregation and failure to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and Clergy Alliance. The alliance chair, Rev. Lorenzo disperse. integrity.” Norris, said community policing is important to According to the DOJ, the Cleveland Division of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said the agreement rebuilding the trust between the community and the Police (CDP) historically engaged in a pattern of excessive took five months to work out and will take years to put police department following the Brelo verdict. force and civil rights violations. in place. He said it offers a chance to set an example for “We know that all policemen are not bad but “The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring other cities. because of the decision there is a lot of distrust right that every American benefits from a police force that now,” Norris said. “I think we as a community need to “As we move forward, it is my strong belief that as protects and serves all members of the community,” said stay vigilant, need to stay connected and need to engage other cities across this country address and look at their Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. because this will be a long-term effort to reform the police issues in their communities, they will be able “The agreement we have reached with the city to say, ‘Let’s look at Cleveland because Cleveland has police department.” of Cleveland is the result of the hard work and

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 26 MAY 28, 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).

Baltimore’s 100th homicide prompts concern NNPA News Services

Activists in Baltimore recently rallied for nonviolence after the city recorded its 100th homicide. At the same time last year, 71 people had been killed. “You cannot have growth or development with these levels of violence,” said Councilman William Welch. “We’ve been through this before and thought we had a handle on it. The community needs to come back and take back their neighborhoods.” Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake also addressed the problem. “It’s extremely frustrating,” she said. “It is

disheartening, but I am still resolved to continue to reduce violent crime in our city.” There has a been a spike in homicides since the death of Freddie Gray in police custody and the uprising and protest that followed. During a news conference, Police Commissioner Anthony Batts noted that when officers go to investigate crimes in the west part of the city they are often surrounded by people with cell phones and cameras. “It makes it very difficult for us to follow up on violence that takes place there,” Batts said. “If you have 50 or 60 people, it makes it difficult to get eye witnesses, it makes it difficult to get information.”

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MAY 28 | 2015 | DEFENDER

entertainment

About Kenny Smith

Kenny and Gwendolyn Smith spend time with four of their five children.

Smith and family star on TBS

ormer Houston Rocket Kenny Smith can add reality TV star to his résumé. Smith, his wife Gwendolyn Osborne-Smith and their blended family of five children star in “Meet the Smiths,” which airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on TBS. Smith, an analyst on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” said he had been asked about featuring his family on TV for years but was reluctant to do so. He changed his mind when the production company Good Clean Fun approached him about the idea because they were accommodating and collaborative. “I just thought also to see a family having fun on television would be fun, just the same way we approach

our ‘Inside the NBA’ show,” Smith said. “We’re not curing the world’s problems, but we’re having fun, and we’re doing it in a way that everyone can relate to.” Smith and his wife, a “Price is Right” model, were married in 2006. Smith had two children, K.J. and Kayla, and Gwen had a daughter, Monique. Together they have two children, Malloy and London. The children range in age from 2 to 21. Each week, Kenny and Gwen must manage a household that has many moving parts in order to accomplish their ultimate goal: keeping their large family of big personalities happy, healthy and going strong – together.

• Born in 1965 in Queens, N.Y. • Played college basketball at University of North Carolina. • Upon graduation, held UNC record for assists (768), steals (195) and assists in the NCAA Tournament (86) in a career. • Drafted in first round by Sacramento Kings. • 6-foot-3 guard for Kings (19871990), Houston Rockets (19901996) and Denver Nuggets (19961997). • Played for the Rockets during their 1994 and 1995 title seasons. • Joined TNT as analyst in 1998. • Served as commentator for New York Knick games and NCAA basketball tournament.

Whether they’re trying to one-up each other with anniversary gifts, haggling over when and how to renovate a bathroom, figuring out how to teach their kids an important lesson, or challenging each other to a foot race, Kenny and Gwen strive to do everything with “love” and “friendly competition.” In addition to the Smith family, “Meet the Smiths” features appearances by many of the people in Kenny and Gwen’s lives, including Kenny’s “Inside the NBA” colleagues Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal. The show is shot in Los Angeles and Atlanta, and Smith is one of the executive producers.

what’sup LOUIS JOHNSON, a member of the funk duo THE BROTHERS JOHNSON, died May 21 at age 60. The cause of death was not revealed. Louis and his brother GEORGE JOHNSON received their start backing up QUINCY JONES. They released their debut album “Look Out for No. 1” in 1976. Their hit singles included “I’ll Be Good to You,” “Strawberry Letter 23,” and the 1980 smash “Stomp!” Johnson was an accomplished bassist who appeared on MICHAEL JACKSON’S “Billie Jean” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” He also worked with ARETHA FRANKLIN, STEVIE WONDER and GEORGE

BENSON……..NICK CANNON has returned as host of “America’s Got Talent,” the top-rated summer series where performers from across the country compete for the nation’s vote. Former Spice Girl MEL B returned as one of the judges. It airs Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on NBC…….. “House of Payne” actor LANCE GROSS recently married his longtime girlfriend REBECCA HARRIS. The couple, who welcomed their daughter Berkeley in November, tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony in Beverly Hills. Gross said his new wife is beyond his best friend. “She’s such a cool individual who isn’t afraid to march to the beat of her own drum. I

find a lot of inspiration in that,” he said. Wedding guests included KELLY ROWLAND and actor TERRENCE J……..“Nina,” the controversial biopic about singer and civil rights activist NINA SIMONE, should be in theaters by the end of the year. The film, completed in 2013, stars ZOE SALDANA in the title role. Saldana was criticized for taking the role because she lacked little resemblance to Simone and reportedly wore dark make-up in the film. Saldana said the criticism was disappointing but understandable, and those involved with the project, “came together out of love for Nina. The film also stars DAVID OYELOWO and MIKE EPPS.

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Members of the National Honor Society at Victory Prep participate in a ceremony.

Victory Prep stresses success, encouragement

offers courses in graphic arts and Photoshop. With our business program, we focus on entrepreneurship, marketing and banking skills.” Candace Ford’s Project Beautiful Me is a girls mentoring program that is implemented on both campuses for the junior and senior students. Around prom season, the program provides girls with dresses and matching accessories along with an opportunity to get their hair styled and makeup applied for free.

By AMBER VERNON Defender Intern

orn out of a passion to see children succeed, Victory Preparatory Academy was founded to help students realize their potential according to Superintendent Lisa Berry Dockery. Dockery is one of the founders who came together to create a school that welcomes students into an environment where they are accepted and encouraged to be successful. “We believed the best way to do that was through education,” Dockery said. “We’ve seen young people arrive at Victory Prep who are unsure about who they want to become and as time goes on we begin to see their passions grow and develop. We see them start to realize their dreams and become who they want to become.” As an open enrollment public charter, Dockery said Victory Prep accepts everyone that comes through the door. “We don’t discriminate,” she said. “We give young people an opportunity who may not have received one somewhere else. Some of our students have come to Victory Prep because they needed to be in a place that will nurture and develop them not just academically, but also with their character. “Sometimes young people just need to be encouraged and know that someone is there to support and love them,” she said. The academy is divided in two schools, the north campus on Jensen Drive and south campus on West Orem. Victory Prep South Principal Letha Gilmore said the academy offers programs that enable students to get a hands-on-learning experience that would not be available at a traditional school.

Campus curriculum

The south campus serves high school students in grades 9–12. Students at the location have an accelerated curriculum and earn credits every nine weeks, not once every semester. Staggered class times are also available.

‘True community’

Dora Rivas is the school’s salutatorian and Boaz Williams is the valedictorian.

“I wish more people knew about our partnerships with Shell, Frost Bank, and NASA,” said Gilmore. “Frost Bank comes in and does an eight-month program in which they bring their own teachers and show kids how to track stocks. “It’s been a tremendous addition because they train them in every fashion about banking. At the end of the program, they offer scholarships and this is the first year that we’ve also implemented internships with them.” The north campus serves students in grades K–12, and includes an accelerated curriculum, college readiness programs, exposure to basic business knowledge and a media program. “Our multimedia program has really taken off in helping students get into things like film and video editing,” said Victory Prep North Principal David Edgerson. “The program also

Dockery said the two campuses are a true community. “When you come into either one of our locations and you encounter our students and they tell you their stories, you see their growth, development, and passion,” she said. “You see the love and respect they have for each other and the staff has for them. The same love and respect we all have for the parents and the parents have for us.” Teddy Wheeler, the parent of four, said he was referred to the school by a friend. He said he impressed by how passionate the teachers are. “They seem like they’re really trying to reach those kids on a more intimate level than someone who’s just punching the clock,” Wheeler said. “The environment is different because the class sizes are smaller and the teachers are more hands-on. Sometimes the curriculum in public schools can be dated, but with charter schools they have the option to create a more modern curriculum.” Seventy students are graduating from the school this year and four seniors have received full scholarships. Twenty-five students are members of the National Honor Society and the north campus is home to an award-winning band. As the campus grows, Dockery said the school has plans to expand and hopes to build a new facility. “Victory Prep is contagious,” she said. “I want people to know that it is a great place, filled with great students and a wonderful faculty.”

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DEFENDER | MAY 28 | 2015

Develop healthy relationships with mates, family, friends By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender Intern

ay is Mental Health Month, a time to focus on psychological and emotional well-being. Mental health includes the quality of your relationships, and your ability to manage your feelings and deal with difficulties. Here, local experts give advice dealing with unhealthy relationships and four mental health issues – anxiety/ depression in children, obsessivecompulsive disorder in intimate relationships, bipolar disorder in families, and depression and friendships.

Parent-child relationships Issue:

Children are more than likely to show signs of anxiety and depression when their parents are overbearing and use high levels of guidance or give little to no freedom for their children to develop independent thoughts or actions. As a result, children can be left feeling incompetent and handicapped, says life coach, Dr. Marion Montgomery of Within You Coaching. Montgomery offered a solution to fixing this relationship by first identifying the impact (symptoms) of anxiety and depression in children.

Impact/symptoms

• Fear • Anxiety • Insecurity • Low self-esteem • Depression • Feeling of incompetence • Lack of interpersonal skills “Unless there is someone else, maybe another adult who can point out the actions of the parents, most overbearing parents will not recognize what they are doing because they are already set in their ways,” Montgomery said. Because of this, Montgomery said it is important that the child, when he or she becomes older, does not hold this against their parents by resenting them. “Just because we are born into a situation, it does not make us into the person someone else tried to mold us to be….we are the ultimate authors of our lives,” Montgomery said. She added that some kids, when they leave the nest from overbearing parents, can become unruly or involved in negative behavior. That is why it is important to seek counseling to work through your issues and to talk to your parents and forgive them.

Solutions

• Seek counseling to help you break away and retrain your mindset (to know you are capable).

• Accept that whatever that happened were out of your control and don’t blame yourself. Forgive your parents. • Take some time out for yourself to find who you are. • Start journaling your thoughts. • Give yourself positive talks. Also try posting sticky-note affirmations on your bathroom mirror. When dealing with the aftermath of an overbearing parent, Montgomery stressed that you must look ahead. “[Tell yourself that] today is a brand new day and now I am the creator of how things are going to look from this day forward!”

Intimate relationships

FIXING B

RELATIO

Issue:

Although most intimate relationships have their ups and downs, being with someone with obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD) could prove to be a challenging, emotional rollercoaster ride. “The actual nature of OCD is passed down, meaning it is hereditary or either caused by traumatic events,” said Dr. D. Ivan Young, a certified relationship coach. “That is why it is so important to seek professional help from typically a psychotherapist and or a life coach with a background in psychology.” He added that symptoms could cause your partner to become annoyed and very uncomfortable.

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Impact/symptoms

• Unreasonable fears • Irrational thoughts • Snooping (disrespecting partners privacy) • Anxiety • Stress • Feelings of self-consciousness • Repetitive(addictive) compulsive acts (like locking doors, washing hands, and asking same questions over and over)

Solutions

• Communicate. Let your partner know of your issue at the very beginning. • Practice relaxation skills and don’t get offended if

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partner is trying to help. Trust that they mean well. • “While OCD is more than likely not going to fully go away, you can control it…or control what triggers it through professional help,” Young reiterated.

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“M in d in g Y o u r H e a lt h ,” th is ye a th e m e fo r r’s M e nta l H e re g u la r ex a lt h M o nth c a ll s atte n e rc is e, e n o , ti o n to str u g h s le e p, s ense of se ate g ie s a n a p p ro a c h e a lf-wo rt h , d d s th at c a n eve lo p m e n o f co p in g s k il h e lp eve ry a c h ieve w t ls th at p ro one e ll n e ss a n re s il ie n cy, m o te d good me a n d ove ra e m o n ti ta o ll h e a lt h . n a l awa re n l co n n e cti o e ss , a n d n s to fa m il “We ll n e ss y, fr ie n d s a is e ss e nti a th e co m m u n l to li v in g fu ll a n d p ro nd ity. a d u cti ve li fe “Ro u g h ly ,” s a id S u s Fo rd ice, p 1 in 5 A m e an re s id e nt a ri c a n s h av a tre ata b le nd CEO of M e nta l H e e m e nta l h e a lt h A m e ri a lt a h co n d it io n d ju st a s w c a o f G re a H o u sto n . “A n e check ou te r n d w h il e w p re ss u re a r b lo o d e m ay h av d if fe re nt id n d g e t e c a n ce r s c re eas about it ’s a g o o d e n in g s , w h at we ll n m e a n s , it e id e a to ta k e ss ss e nti a ll y e p e ri o d ic s to ck of our e invo lve s a s et o f s k il ls m o ti o n a l w a n d strate Fo rd ice s a e ll -b e in g ,” g ie s u s e d to p reve nt id . th e o n s et “O n e re ce nt o r le ss e n th d u rati o n o stu d y s a id e f il ln e ss a n s h o u ld g et eve ryo n e d to p ro m re cove ry.” th e ir m e nta o te l c h h e e a lt h c ke d a s o ft Fo rd ice s a e n a s th ey id ove ra ll w p hys ic a l. M g e ta “i s ti e d to e ll -b e in g a ny d o cto th e b a la n c rs a re ro u ti s c re e n in g e th at ex is b etwe e n o n e ly p ati e nts fo r ts u r e m o ti o n g e n e ra l m e nta l h e a l, p hys ic a s p ir it u a l a a lt h by a s k in l, n d m e nta l g a s e ri e s o f q u e sti o h e a lt h .” In a d d it io n n s a b o u t li to ro u ti n e fe s a ty le, e ati n n d d ri n k in g h h e a lt h c h e c ku p s , g a b it s a n d a few p ra c w m e nta l e ll n e ss .” ti c a l ti p s to p e o p le o f get e ve Fo r m o re in we ll n e ss in ry a g e o n th e p ath to fo rm ati o n c lu d e a b a m v is it w h a h o u sto n .o rg la n ce d d ie t, o r ca ll 7 13 -5 ww. 8 9 63 . 23-

ONSHIPS

ssue:

Dealing with bipolar disorder can be difficult, and not just for the erson with the illness. Family members can experience various emotions when it comes to dealing with a loved one who is suffering with bipolar isorder. “It is not just someone being happy one moment and sad the next,” aid psychotherapist Lola Clay. “There are many dimensions to bipolar isorder.”

mpact/symptoms

Mood instability Psychosis Extreme anger Emotional responses that don’t match what is actually happening Irritability Difficulty maintaining social relationships While it may be hard caring for a loved one who is suffering from ipolar disorder, “it’s really important for the person who is caring for the oved one to take care of themselves too,” Clay said. Because the person with the disorder becomes the centralized focus or everything, family members often tend to forget about their own needs while caring for their loved one. This could be a heavy burden and could ead to anger and resentment.

Solutions

Get educated about bipolar disorder. Seek counseling for both the mentally ill and the family members.

he Houston area for over 80 years

Maintain go od mental hea lth

BROKEN

Family relationships

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• Join bipolar disorder support groups “Most family members feel angry and cheated out of a normal life,” Clay said. “That is why it is so important to educate yourself about the disease while maintaining an active life that is not centralized around your mentally ill family member.”

Friendships

Issue:

Depression could be very devastating…not only to the affected individual, but for those who are friends of the depressed individual. Depression often times effects how the individual communicates and socializes with others, which could alter friendships. Texas Southern University psychology professor, Dr. William Clay III, gives insight into what depression is and its symptoms while offering solutions to keep depression from ruining your friendships.

Impact/symptoms

• Gloomy mood for most of the day • Feelings of hopelessness • Diminished interest in pleasurable activities • Weight loss or in some cases weight gain • Loss of energy • Sleep disturbance • Unable to focus or concentrate • Decreased self-worth and confidence • Thoughts of death and suicide

“Usually if someone is depressed, they tend to isolate and withdraw from friends and family,” Clay said. “They no longer seek fun, and they don’t want to be around others because they believe others cannot identify with what they’re going through. But the worst thing a depressed person can do is be alone.” Depression could possibly ruin your friendship if you don’t let your friends know what’s going on and how you’re feeling. It’s also important not to turn away when friends are trying to reach out. Clay advised depressed individuals to seek help ASAP, specifically from a psychiatrist, so that it doesn’t ruin your relationships. He also noted that waiting to seek help will only make those depressed feelings deeper and harder to maintain.

Solutions

• Communicate. Let friends know what you’re going through. • Have positive self-talks with yourself every day. • Engage in regular exercise. •Treat yourself. Have that burger you’ve been craving or buy those new shoes you wanted. • Take hot bubble baths instead of showers while listening to your favorite music. • Plan your day around things YOU want to do. • Hang out at your favorite places with friends Clay also stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with those who love you and understand what you’re going through for emotional support.

DEFENDER | MAY 28 | 2015

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opinion

‘Stupid’ infrastructure neglect By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist

hen Amtrak Northeast Regional Train No. 188 recently derailed, federal budget observers wondered if the underfunding of our nation’s fraying infrastructure was at least partly responsible for the deaths of eight people and the injuries to more than 200. Despite these questions, House Republicans voted to reduce President Obama’s request for Amtrak funding from $2.45 billion to $1.14 billion. The Republican proposal not only reduces the current level of funding for Amtrak, which is $1.4 billion, it also delays or eliminates needed capital for improvements. Legislators who represent areas served by the Northeast corridor trains have voiced objection to the plan to underfund Amtrak. Still, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), as characteristically myopic as the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand, lost his cool when a reporter asked about funding for Amtrak. When Ginger Gibson, a political reporter for the International Business Times, queried Boehner about Democratic criticisms of Amtrak funding, he called her question “stupid.” He then embarked on a partisan rant that ignored the fact that eight people died because of the derailment. What does money have to do with it? Everything. If budgets allowed for more than one engineer on a train, then Brandon Bostian, the

engineer who claims not remember why the train sped up, might have had some backup. Further, with more funding, would the positive train control safety system (which slows speeding trains) have been functioning properly? Trains aren’t the only parts of our infrastructure that need attention. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) issues a report card on our nation’s infrastructure every four years. The most recent report, released in 2013, gives the U.S. a grade of D+ when 16 areas (including rail, bridges, aviation, roads and waste disposal) are considered. We get the highest grade, B-, in solid waste disposal because we are both producing less trash per capita, and recycling more of it. We earn D- grades for the status of our levees and waterways. ASCE says that $3.6 trillion dollars are

needed to bring our infrastructure up to the level of good, or B, level by 2020. They say the gap between what is funded and what is needed is about $1.6 trillion, or $201 billion a year. Our Congress is so focused on cutting spending that they refuse to invest in infrastructure. Other parts of our infrastructure are even more substandard. One in eight of our nation’s bridges are structurally deficient, and more than 200 million trips are made across these deficient bridges in our 102 largest metropolitan areas each year. Many of these bridges have been poorly maintained and still handle heavy traffic. A strong infrastructure is an essential part of a sound economy. It makes it easier and more efficient to move both people and products. It provides jobs and other economic opportunities. On the other hand, allowing infrastructure to erode costs money. For example, ASCE reports that 42 percent of our nation’s highways are congested, costing $101 billion in wasted time and fuel each year. Whether we examine roads, planes, trains, waterways, bridges, dams or energy, ASCE finds our infrastructure pathetically inadequate. These deficiencies are costly drains on our economy, while investments in infrastructure generate sizeable returns. The Amtrak derailment should be a warning about the status of our infrastructure. It ought to force us to think about ways we can avoid accidents and to operate more efficiently. It ought to motivate the kinds of investments that ASCE and others say are necessary. To ignore this reality is, to quote John Boehner, “stupid.”

HISD’s accountability: Let your voice be heard If you are concerned about public education in Houston, here’s a chance to let your voice be heard. Now through Monday, June 8, you can grade HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier using the Defender’s online report card, which is a community service project. In addition to giving Grier a letter grade, you can post a comment or suggestion. We will share these grades and comments (if given permission) with the superintendent and our readers. Here are some more facts about our report card: 1. This is not going to be a hatchet job. The district has made some progress under Grier’s

leadership and we hope that graders will point out some of that progress such as the increase in graduation rates, the decrease in dropouts and programs to connect children with healthcare. 2. On the other hand, Black students in general are performing poorly, neighborhood Black schools are being closed and minority contractors are complaining they are not getting their fair share of taxpayer dollars. Therefore, we hope that graders will point to problems that exist in HISD. 3. Why grade Grier and HISD? It is the seventh largest school district in the country and the largest school district in Texas with

283 schools. In addition, the majority of HISD students are “minorities.” Of the district’s 215,000 students, 62.1 percent are Hispanic, 24.9 percent are African-American, 3.6 percent are Asian and 8 percent are Anglo. An estimated 75-80 percent of students are economically disadvantaged. The quality of education our children receive determines the foundation they will build their future lives on, including their career choices, income capacity and access to resources and opportunities. Grade Terry Grier today and let HISD know where you stand: http://bit.do/gradeHISDSupt.

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MAY 28 | 2015 | DEFENDER

REPORT CARD GRADE

HISD

Supt. Terry Grier Post YOUR grades online for the HISD Superintendent Begins Thurs. May 7th - Ends Mon. June 8th

LET YOUR VOICE

BE HEARD

Grade the HISD Supt. and share your comments and suggestions about his performance.

How would you grade Supt. Grier in these areas or subjects? • Student Academics • Student/School Safety • Teacher Relations • Black Community Relations • Minority Contracts

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

POST YOUR GRADES

TODAY ONLY TWELVE QUESTIONS

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PVAMU co-sponsors construction academy The Prairie View A&M University Office of Continuing Education along with TxDOT, the Texas Transportation Commission and the Office of Civil Rights have joined forces to offer the Texas Construction Career Academy. The goal of the academy is to train participants in the field of highway construction, along with offering the support and soft skills necessary to secure employment. There will be two sessions at the PVAMU’s Northwest Houston Center at 9449 Grant Road in Houston. Session 1 will be held from June 15 to June 26 and session 2 from July 6 to July 17. All classes will be held from

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program also includes a job fair on July 22 and graduation program on July 25. During the two-week sessions,

participants will receive practical, hands-on training that includes: an introduction to the highway construction industry, heavy equipment training, job application and

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interview techniques and personal finance and money management skills. Participants will also benefit from ongoing mentoring from individuals in the highway construction industry. “This is our third year administering the academy. It’s proven to be an invaluable resource for people interested in breaking into the highway construction field,” said Rebecca Faison, director of the PVAMU Office of Continuing Education. “The growth of our area and state demonstrates the need for capable workers in this field. We are pleased to have the opportunity to link our participants with the skills and mentoring they need to be a part of that growth.” Participants must have their own transportation and complete a short application process to be considered for the program. Organizers expect slots for the program to fill quickly, so those interested should visit www.pvamu.edu/ continuingeducation or call (936)261-2127 for more information as soon as possible.

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Resources can help youngsters manage money The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recently launched Money Smart for Young People, a series of lesson plans for teachers and new resources for parents to help them teach children about managing money. The free resources are designed to improve financial education and decision-making skills among young people from pre-K through age 20. The FDIC worked in partnership with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to develop the educational tools. The new series features four curricula tailored for different age groups and abilities – grades Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Each curriculum consists of multiple lessons that offer instructors ideas on how to integrate financial education instruction into subjects such as math, English, and social studies. Teachers can access the curriculum and videos at www.fdic.gov/ teachers. The parent/caregiver guides offer exercises, activities and conversation-starters on different topics, such as saving, setting financial goals, prioritizing spending decisions and staying safe online. The guides are available through www. consumerfinance.gov/parents.

classified Request for Proposals (RFP) For Bus Shelter Trash Collection

Notice of Invitation: The Greater Southeast Mgmt District (GSMD) requests proposals from qualified individuals, firms, or organizations interested in performing trash removal services for 25 bus shelters within GSMD. Deadline: The RFP can be obtained from the GSMD website (http://greatersoutheastonline.com/gs-management-district/notices/). Proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. (CST) on Monday, June 15, 2015.

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If you want good health care for your kids, turn to CHIP/Children’s Medicaid. Your children will be covered for dental, glasses, prescriptions, and doctor visits. $50 or less covers all of your children for one year. To see if you qualify, visit CHIPmedicaid.org. It’s the good health address for your family. Apply online or call anytime. CHIPmedicaid.org 2-1-1

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TSU’s Walker a Baltimore Raven

By MAX EDISON Defender

“We all wear the same helmets, same shoulder pads. I don’t buy that idea that ‘He came from a SWAC school, so he might not be able to play up to their standards.’ If you can play you can play. Mr. Newsome and his scouts saw that in me and they liked my integrity and attitude so I’m going to give them what they saw,” Walker said. “It’s all about the opportunity and making the most of it when you get it…That’s what I did at TSU and that’s my plan with the Ravens.” Walker is proud to represent TSU and be the top draft pick among the nations HBCUs. “It’s an honor, it makes me feel good, coming from TSU to be able to represent that way,” Walker said. “I’m proud to be from TSU. They were the only school to give me a chance coming out of high school.” Walker said former TSU defensive coordinator Kevin Ramsey saw something in his game. “The coaches took me under their wings and taught me a lot,” he said. “I had a chance to leave in 2012 [because of NCAA sanctions] but I chose to stay. The school had been loyal to me and I wanted to stand by the program when things were tough.”

t has been several weeks since the recent NFL draft and former Texas Southern University cornerback Tray Walker still has a big smile on his face. The Miami native was the fourth-round draft selection (136th overall) for the Baltimore Ravens. He was the highest draft choice of any of the areas colleges, and is the first Tiger to be drafted since receiver Joey Jamison in 2000. Walker is able to recall the scenario like it was yesterday. “I was home watching TV,” he said. “My agent had been telling me [he could be drafted] potentially anywhere between the third and fifth round. “I was a little nervous. When the phone rang I thought, this might be that call. I hesitated and answered it. It was [Ravens GM] Ozzie Newsome. I could barely speak. I was fighting back tears of joy.” At 6-foot-2, 191 pounds, Walker has consistently been one of the SWAC’s most dominant defensive players the past four years, but it was his performance at the College Gridiron All-Star game that caught the Ravens’ eye. “Our scouts that were there came back and were raving about his PBUs [pass breakups] every day, interceptions in practice, his size, his length,” said Ravens Director of College Scouting Joe Hortiz said. “So, we had an opportunity to send Matt [Weiss] out there to work him out in a private workout.” “And again, the reviews coming back were just outstanding…He’s a raw athlete, and when you watch the workout – watch it on tape – you see all the skills plus the size, length and speed are the things that really intrigue you,” Hortiz said. Walker is fully aware of the Ravens’ legacy as two-time Super Bowl champs and Newsome’s skills as a talent evaluator. “It’s great to be recognized by such a quality organization as the Ravens,” Walker said. “Mr. Newsome knows talent when he sees it, even though I came from a small school. I’m proud to be a part of the Ravens Nation. It’s a tremendous feeling.” Coming from a smaller school, Walker knows there will be questions about his ability to play on the sport’s largest scale. After participating in the Ravens’ two-day mini-camp recently, he discussed the transition. “Basically football is football,” he said. Read about Serena Williams’ latest “The only difference between BCS and FCS is quest the financial aspect, larger crowds, more media and a little more depth with the talent.

Tray Walker

Walker, a cornerback from TSU, looks forward to his pro career with Baltimore.

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h.s.zone Kingwood’s Marshall completes rare triple week and the following week you don’t feel nearly as bad. “This year I worked on making my second lap AUSTIN – Myles Marshall completed his in the 800 stronger. Today I was able to kick and high school track and field career with a rare run downhill in the backstretch to bring it home accomplishment. and it worked out for the best.” The Kingwood High School senior standout Marshall said he has been able to avoid won his third consecutive state meet gold medal complacency during his three-year prep in the large-school classification (Class 6A) domination by running in big meets during the 800-meter run in a time of one minute, 52.84 summer. “That’s where I usually get beat a lot,” he seconds before a crowd of 22,954 at Mike A. said. Myers Stadium. “Coming back into the season, there’s always “It’s definitely tough and I don’t think anybody somebody out there faster than you. Texas is a really has done it before,” said Marshall, who also ran a good state track wise, but I’m looking past Texas leg on Kingwood’s goldmeets,” Marshall said. medal winning mile relay Last summer (3:12.44) for the second Marshall competed year in a row and notched See how state meet turned into a in China against an fifth place in the 400 ‘gold rush’ international field that If he hadn’t suffered included runners from a hip injury during Uganda and Ethiopia. his freshman year, he might have had an He won his first international gold opportunity to win four straight 800 titles. medal in the 800 meters. Marshall was able to work his way back “I have races this summer on the Mustangs’ 1,600-meter relay that against national-caliber finished fifth at state his freshman year. competition and those guys “Once I won my sophomore year don’t care what you did in Texas,” against good competition and again last year I Marshall said. “You have to make learned how to prepare for the race,” Marshall sure you stay focused, stay in training said. “Half of the race is mental and it helps to When the summer is over Marshall have good coaching and a dad who ran will attend Harvard University where the race.” he will run track collegiately. Both of Marshall’s An opportunity to compete parents were world-class at the upcoming U.S. athletes. John Marshall Track and Field ran the 800 at the Olympic team 1984 Los Angeles trials is another Olympics. Debbie possibility. Grant competed “Once I in four Olympic got accepted trials. Yet Myles to Harvard, gravitated to I realized track on his own this was an in the seventh opportunity grade after that I couldn’t exploring several pass up,” he other sports. said. “It’s a really “Track is fun and good fit for me and you can physically see I hope to do some yourself getting faster good things in track. and faster each year,” But if I don’t, I’ll still he said. “You might feel have that Harvard degree and awful after a workout one I’ll take that any day.” By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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MAY 28 | 2015 DEFENDER

sportsbriefs Countdown for Correa The AL West leading Houston Astros are the surprise of this year’s season. As well as the team has been playing they could receive a bonus soon. Shortstop Carlos Correa, the team’s No. 1 minor league prospect, was recently promoted to Triple A Fresno (California). Correa’s promotion comes after an outstanding Double A performance in Corpus Christi. “I’m excited, man, very excited,” he said. “I’m one step closer to making it to the big leagues, and I’m really excited to get that call to go out there to Fresno.” In 29 games this season with Corpus Christi, Correa batted .385 with seven home runs, 32 RBI’s and 15 stolen bases. With current starting shortstop Jed Lowrie on the disabled list with a bad thumb, we could see Correa at Minute Maid sometime in June.

Aggies get a bonus Kevin Sumlin’s Texas A&M University football squad just received a bonus when OU running back Keith Ford decided to transfer to Aggieland. Ford was Oklahoma’s top rusher and among their top receivers last year before he broke his right leg against Tennessee, missing the next five games. Ford was suspended in March for academic and team rules violations. The 5-foot-11, 202-pound back will have two years of eligibility remaining, in addition to a redshirt season, after sitting out next season due to the transfer. “Come next spring I’m going to have to compete for my spot just like everyone else,” Keith said. “I have a lot of opportunities because of how the offense is set up.”

Schools compile records Here’s a look at high school track and field by the numbers. Houston Westbury (girls) and Forest Brook (now North Forest boys) are two of only 10 schools in Texas to win four consecutive UIL state track and field championships. The former Forest Brook accomplished it from 1998 to 2001. Westbury’s run began in 1997 and continued through 2000. The Lancaster girls won eight consecutive titles from 2001 through 2008. Lancaster ranks first all-time with 11 girls state championships. Westbury is tied for fourth best with five. Refugio has the most boys’ team titles with 10. Galveston Ball is tied for sixth with five boys’ championships. There are 10 boys and girls teams from the same school that won a state championship in the same year. Forest Brook made it happen in 1999. There are 20 former UIL state track and field champions from Texas that have gone on to win Olympic medals: Brigetta Barrett of Duncanville (high jump), Derrick Brew of Klein Forest (400 meters, mile relay) and Carlette Guidry of Houston Sterling (4x100 relay).

Brazoswood girls advance Brazoswood, Cypress Ranch, Alvin and Katy advanced to the Region III-6A final four in high school softball. Brazoswood, led by senior pitcher Kennedi Fisher, knocked off defending state champion Deer Park in a best two-of-three area-round series (2-1, 1-8, 5-3). Then the Lady Bucs eliminated highly-ranked Pearland 6-5 in a one-game region quarterfinal matchup.

Myles Marshall

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

topevents

WATER GALA CHARITY AUCTION……..The As One Foundation held its this intimate dinner in Houston at the Davis Street Restaurant. Two guests were fifth annual Water Gala Charity Auction at the Classic Chevrolet, Sugar Land in fans who won a social media contest to have a meet and greet with Quad. Other order to fund the organization’s scholarships and programs. As One was founded guests included vice president of BET Eric Thomas, Joshua Johnson, makeup by former NFL player Devard Darling in memory of his identical twin brother designer Kim Roxie, Bernard Sims, Marveale, Adrian Wells and Arnaecia DeVaughn Darling, after he lost his life due to exhaustion during college football Alridge……..ENTREPRENEURIAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS……..The practice. Darling’s vision is to help underprivileged youth get Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards, presented by Lemonade more opportunities through athletic endeavors, educational Day, honored leading entrepreneurs and the youth who aspire Defender TOP EVENTS programming and spiritual enrichment. Those in attendance to follow in their footsteps. Lemonade Day Houston is a free, More photos on defendernetwork.com included Tomia Austin, Andrea McLemore, Dennis community wide program designed to teach the youth to start, See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. Darling, Jammy Kiggundu, Wendy Darling-Hunter, own and operate their own business, a lemonade stand. Awards Ritchie Johnson, Georgia Keating and Karla McLemore. were given to participants for best lemonade stand, marketing Guests enjoyed Jamaican cuisine provided by Cool Runnings and the overall Lemonade Day champion. John Beddow Jamaican Grill……..REALITY STAR CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY…….. emceed the event and the keynote speakers included Jack and Suzy Welch. Other guests included Michael Hopkins, Tony Sanchez III, Daniel Gilbane, Jasmine Quad Webb-Lunceford is a star on the hit Bravo series, “Married to Medicine.” She is recognized for her tips on how to keep the romance alive in relationships, Burrell, Colleen McCauley, Lucy Bremond, Alani Simmons, Jillian “JJ” purveyor of quick and healthy meals for the busy wife, expert on pet products and Simmons, Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, Marshell Warren, Jadezia Rollins and a host of future entrepreneurs and supporters. Congrats! tips on decorating on the dime. Celebrity event planner Brian Keith organized

Jammy Kiggundu, Devard Darling and Dennis Darling

Kim Roxie and Quad

Jack Welch and Lucy Bremond

Andrea Mclemore and Karla McLemore

Quad and chef Javani King

Ritchie Johnson and Wendy Darling-Hunter

Quad, Arnaecia Alridge and Eric Thomas

Alani Simmons and Jillian “JJ” Simmons

Lemonade Day champ Jasmine Burrell and mother Tiphany Burrell

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