CHELSEY CALDWELL SETS PACE FOR BARBERS HILL SOFTBALL, P11
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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
Volume 83 | Number 30
MAY 29, 2014 |FREE
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OPINION OVIDE DUNCANTELL should be commended
SHARP KIDS
P4 NATIONAL MAYA ANGELOU dead at age 86
KEEP THEM MENTALLY ACTIVE
P3 FEATURE
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JULIÁN CASTRO chosen as HUD secretary
P9 SPORTS RYAN CLARK discusses double standard
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M.L. King III witnesses unveiling
President Obama outlines plan
Martin Luther King III traveled to Houston to witness the unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statue and Memorial Plaza. Read what Dr. King’s eldest son had to say about the statue. See the Houstonians who turned out for the unprecedented event.
President Barack Obama announced plans to pull out the last combat troops from Afghanistan. What is the timetable for withdrawing military personnel? How will America’s relationship with Afghanistan be defined? What has the United States accomplished so far?
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DEFENDER | MAY 29 | 2014
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MLK STATUE unveiled in MacGregor Park
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Defender News Services
undreds of Houstonians gathered in MacGregor Park to witness the recent unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. Statue and Memorial Plaza. The statue now stands in the main gathering area of MacGregor Park and, according to organizers, will turn the park into a city and tourist attraction. The 8-foot-tall statue cast in silicon bronze was sculpted by Ken Washington of Greensboro, N.C., and is located on the corners of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Old Spanish Trail. Ovide Duncantell, the founder of the Black Heritage Society who spearheaded the structure, said witnessing the unveiling was a proud moment after 40 years of persistence and civil rights work. “I am like a proud father watching his baby being born,” he said. “The baby has been delivered.” Special guest Martin Luther King III said the statue, which shows his father with a Bible to his heart, was a good representation of his life and work. He reminded the crowd that the civil rights leader’s dream is not complete until there is equality for all humankind. “It’s not about the statue,” King said. “We need to be recommitted, determined, focused and have a strategic plan to bring about change.” “The community is excited about this historic event,” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “The memorial plaza and statue of Dr. King will provide a historic destination point for the city of Houston and the historic 18th Congressional District.” District D Councilman Dwight Boykins said everyone in Houston cannot travel to see the national memorial in Washington or travel to significant landmarks of the Civil Rights Movement. However, now they will be able to celebrate the civil rights leader right here in Houston. “Allow children to come up and touch the statue, spend time around it, play around it and understand the history,” Boykins said.
Ovide Duncantell sees his dream of a statue honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. come true.
Community leaders including Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressman Al Green joined others at the unveiling.
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Martin Luther King III, the oldest son of Dr. King, addressed the crowd.
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MAY 29 | 2014 | DEFENDER
national
nationalbriefs MORE THAN 200 African-American men, ranging from a taxi driver to university professors, recently sent a letter to President Obama urging him to expand his Black male initiative to include Black girls and women, saying they were “surprised and disappointed” that the president had sought to include only half of the race to tackle community-wide issues. Obama announced his My Brother’s Keeper Initiative in February. “As AfricanAmericans, and as a nation, we have to be as concerned about the experiences of single Black women who raise their kids on subpoverty wages as we are about the disproportionate number of Black men who are incarcerated,” the letter said. Among those signing the letter were Vassar College professor Luke C. Harris, poet Saeed Jones, taxi driver David Melton, filmmaker Byron Hurt and former NFL player Wade Davis Jr…….. MORE THAN 60 PERCENT of Black students could receive greater financial aid for college through the Pell grant program if they were enrolled full-time, according to a new report by the National Urban League. The report found that 62 percent of Black students receive funding for college through the Pell grant program, but many more would qualify if they didn’t have to work supporting themselves, their families or young children…….. TWO CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS are unveiling legislation that would restart the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s gun violence research efforts. Since 1996, when a small CDC-funded study on the risks of owning a firearm ignited opposition from Republicans, the CDC’s budget for research on firearms injuries has shrunk to zero. As a result, many basic questions about gun violence remain unanswered. The legislation will be introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) It would give the CDC $10 million a year for research on firearms safety and gun violence prevention.
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Obama outlines plan to leave Afghanistan
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Defender News Services
resident Obama announced that he plans to withdraw the last combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2016, and said “it’s time to turn the page” on more than a decade of military engagement triggered by the Sept. 11 attacks. All but 9,800 troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by the end of the year, and the rest will be pulled out by the end of Following a surprise trip to Afghanistan to visit U.S. military personnel (above), President Obama outlined a plan to withdraw combat troops. 2016. “The United States support. did not seek this fight,” Obama said. “We went into “Now, even as our troops come home, the interAfghanistan out of necessity, after our nation was national community will continue to support Afghans attacked by al Qaeda on September 11th, 2001. We as they build their country for years to come,” he went to war against al Qaeda and its extremist allies said. “But our relationship will not be defined by war with the strong support of the American people… – it will be shaped by our financial and development “We have now been in Afghanistan longer than assistance, as well as our diplomatic support.” many Americans expected. But make no mistake – Obama made the announcement from the White thanks to the skill and sacrifice of our troops, diploHouse two days after a surprise Memorial Day weekmats, and intelligence professionals, we have struck end visit to U.S. troops in Afghanistan. significant blows against al Qaeda’s leadership, we “I’m here on a single mission, and that is to have eliminated Osama bin Laden, and we have prethank you for your extraordinary service,” Obama vented Afghanistan from being used to launch attacks told a rally of American service members. He also against our homeland.” received a briefing from military commanders and Obama said the country will still receive allied visited wounded troops at a base hospital.
Poet and activist Maya Angelou dead at 86 VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 30 MAY 29, 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).
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Renowned poet, writer and activist Maya Angelou died at her Winston-Salem, N.C. home on May 28. She was 86. Angelou was also an actress, historian and filmmaker. Though she never attended college, she served as a professor at Wake Forest University and received more than 50 honorary degrees. “I created myself,” she once said. “I have taught myself so much.” Angelou was born in 1928 in St. Louis and raised in Stamps, Ark., where she experienced the brutality of racial discrimination. As a teen-
ager, she won a scholarship to study dance and drama in San Francisco. She dropped out but later finished high school, giving birth to her son, Guy, a few weeks after graduation. In the 1950s Angelou danced with Alvin Ailey, recorded her first album and joined the Harlem Writers Guild in New York. In the ‘60s she worked with the Civil Rights Movement. In 1970 her best-seller “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” was published. In 1993, she composed and recited the poem “On the Pulse of the Morning” for President Bill Clinton’s inauguration. In recent years, Angelou developed a close friendship with Oprah Winfrey.
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DEFENDER | MAY 29 | 2014
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opinion Dishonoring our vets By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist
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emorial Day was designed to honor those who died in service to our country. It is tragically ironic that as we recently honored and remembered the dead, we are learning about deficiencies in the Department of Veteran’s Affairs that negatively affects the quality of life for those who were injured during their term of service. Allegations that many veteran’s hospitals and medical centers do not assist those veterans needing medical care within the mandated 30 days are troubling. Some say that the lengthy waits may have been a factor in the deaths of as many as 40 veterans. The access problem is compounded by poor record-keeping at some veteran’s hospitals, making it impossible to verify how many veterans waited for medical attention and the length of their wait. The controversy has led to calls for Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki to resign, but it is unclear whether his resignation will serve any but a symbolic purpose if the medical treatment of veterans does not change substantially. In this highly partisan environment, it makes no sense for the White House to offer Shinseki’s head on a platter to satisfy the hyper partisanship of growling Republicans. Veterans, and those who represent them in Congress, come from all parts of the political spectrum. It ought to be in everyone’s interest to improve access to health care for veterans.
There are other issues regarding fair and compassionate treatment for veterans that must be considered. The recent killings at Fort Hood suggest that there is insufficient focus on mental health issues for our military, with the rate of Army suicides doubling between 2004 and 2009. Many veterans say that one of their stressors is the
inaccuracy involved in evaluating their disabilities that have come from their service. Missing limbs, impaired mobility, extreme stress and insomnia are all factors included when a monthly disability check is calculated. Many take issue with the evaluation, and challenging an evaluation may take several months (or years).
Even inaccurate claims are difficult to obtain for some veterans. More than 611,000 claims were backlogged (which means veterans had waited for more than four months for their claims to be processed.) The recent exposure of long waits for medical treatment just scratches the surface of the way that veterans are welcomed back into our society. Military skills are not easily converted to civilian labor force skills, unemployment rates for recent veterans (those serving since 2001) are often high – 9 percent for veterans, compared to 6.3 for the entire population. President Obama has urged private sector employers to give priority to hiring veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, but unemployment rates, though falling, remain high. Minority and women veterans had even higher unemployment rates, and often greater challenges. More than 58,000 veterans are homeless, representing about 12 percent of the homeless population. More than half have disabilities or mental health problems. As many as 70 percent have substance abuse problems. There would be fewer homeless vets if the mental and physical health needs of veterans were addressed when these soldiers leave the military. When our soldiers return from fighting for our country, they face a new fight – a fight to be treated fairly. That means shorter waits for medical attention, more focus on mental health issues, more assistance in reentering the job market, and more counseling to help families adjust to new household dynamics. Veterans should not have to fight for this kind of assistance. Haven’t they fought enough?
Ovide Duncantell should be commended Houston is a better place because of Ovide Duncantell. The 77-year-old executive director of the Black Heritage Society (BHS) has worked hard for justice and equality, while honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With the recent unveiling of the King Statue and Memorial Plaza at MacGregor Park, one of Duncantell’s dreams has come true after numerous challenges and delays. Duncantell has lobbied for the memorial for some 30 years. In 2012, he chained himself to a tree that had been planted across the street from the park. The tree, which was planted in King’s honor, was going to
be moved to make way for the Metro rail project. Duncantell said he did not trust Metro or the City of Houston’s verbal agreement to move the tree into the park, thus his protest. “I want it in writing,” he said. “I would go to prison for this tree. I can feel Trayvon Martin’s spirit in this tree. I can feel Martin Luther King’s spirit in this tree. It’s going to be a fight.” Metro transplanted the tree and built infrastructure for the plaza honoring King. Duncantell has a long history of community involvement. In 1969 the Natchitoches, La. native went to work for the Houston Community Action As-
sociation, an anti-poverty program. He later created his own organization titled the Central Committee for the Protection of Poor People. He also worked to get local Blacks elected to office. In 1974 he established the BHS and became a driving force behind the renaming of South Park Blvd. to MLK Jr. Blvd. Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. was so impressed that he made a personal appearance at the name-changing event and served as first grand marshal of BHS’ MLK Parade in 1978. We are impressed by Duncantell’s perseverance and his willingness to fight for the community’s best interests.
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MAY 29 | 2014 | DEFENDER
entertainment
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Amma Asante
directs movie ‘Belle’
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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender
ondon-born writer/director Amma Asante made an unusual entry into films. As a child, she attended the Barbara Speake stage school in London, where she trained as a student in dance and drama. She began a television career as a child actress, appearing as a regular in the popular British school drama “Grange Hill.” In her late teens, Asante made the move to screenwriting with a development deal. Two series of the urban drama “Brothers and Sisters” followed, which she wrote and produced for the BBC. Asante made her feature film directorial debut in 2004 with “A Way of Life,” which won 17 international awards. Here, she talks about her new film “Belle,” a historical drama starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the daughter of an African slave and a British ship captain who was raised in England as an aristocrat. KW: Where did you find this story and what motivated you to turn it into a movie? AA: The story comes from the painting that emerges at the end of the film. My producer [Damian Jones] sent me a postcard of the picture. I knew immediately that this was an unusual painting and that there was something very special about it, because I had recently been to an art exhibition in Amsterdam that was looking at the history of people of color in art from the 14th Century.
What I learned from the show, without knowing that this postcard was ever going to fall into my lap, was that people of color were generally used as accessories in paintings…But in this postcard, everything was the opposite. There was Dido Belle staring out at the painter, positioned slightly higher than Elizabeth [her white cousin] whose arm was reaching out to Dido, and thereby drawing your eyes toward Dido. So, I saw an opportunity to create a story that would be a combination of race, politics, art and history. And it went from there, with lots and lots of research. KW: How do you feel about the compliment that the movie has a woman’s touch and is a woman’s movie? AA: I like that compliment. And I thank whoever gave it. What I wanted to do was put a woman of color, front and center, in this movie combining a lot of themes that were relevant to both men and women… KW: What excites you? AA: Sitting in the back row of a full audience watching one of my movies, and hearing them cry and hearing them laugh in the right moments, particularly when they laugh at a line I’ve stolen from one of my family members and put in the film. That excites me a great deal. KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? AA: A child. I’ve been trying for a child with my husband for a long time, for over eight years. And if I could have one wish instantly granted, it would be to be pregnant with a healthy baby.
Amma Asante
what’sup WHITNEY HOUSTON’S family members are displeased with a new Lifetime movie chronicling her life. “Whitney is certainly worthy of more than a television movie,” said Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and former manager. “If Whitney were here today, this would not be happening.” ANGELA BASSETT, who starred in “Waiting to Exhale” with Houston, is scheduled to make her directorial debut with the movie, scheduled for a 2015. It will chronicle Houston’s relationship with BOBBY BROWN. “I have such regard for both Whitney’s and Bobby’s amazing talents and accomplishments,” Bassett said of the project. “I feel a responsibility in the telling of their story. I’m beyond excited to have this opportunity to go behind the camera and into their world.” According to TMZ, the Houston family is considering a lawsuit to stop the movie……..The
recent marriage of KANYE WEST to KIM KARDASHIAN is being called the wedding of the year. The lavish ceremony was held in a Florence, Italy castle in front of 200 family members and friends. Guests included JOHN LEGEND and his wife CHRISSY TEIGEN, COMMON, LALA ANTHONY, SERENA WILLIAMS, JADEN SMITH and director STEVE McQUEEN. West blasted the media during a 20-minute wedding speech. “They feel like it’s okay to put you on the tabloid covers to sell your image, to use you in a ‘SNL’ spoof. We don’t negotiate. We’re not like that. We’re not stupid,” he said……..The recently concluded third season of the reality show “Mary Mary” posted significant double digit increases over season two. The show delivered more than 1.1 million total viewers, up 46 percent over the previous season. It chronicles the lives of
gospel stars ERICA & TINA CAMPBELL…….. Gospel artist KIERRA SHEARD has released the first single, “2nd Win,” from her upcoming album, “Graceland.” Sheard, once known by her nickname KiKi, has a busy schedule. She replaced CECE WINANS as a judge on BET’s “Sunday Best,” and will judge alongside DONNIE McCLURKIIN and YOLANDA ADAMS. She also stars on the BET reality show “The Sheards.” She is the daughter of KAREN CLARK SHEARD of the legendary CLARK SISTERS…….. A spokesperson for TINA TURNER said there’s no truth to the rumors that the 74-year-old entertainer suffered a stroke and is on the road to recovery. Several German and Dutch publications reported the news, but Turner’s rep said, “Tina is in great health.” Turner lives in Switzerland with her husband, a German music executive.
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DEFENDER | MAY 29 | 2014
cover
The United Way of Greater Houston sponsors a Digital Game Design summer program for youth.
Learning should never stop
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tudents across the Houston area are breaking for summer, but academic experts and educators say learning never should stop. For years, researchers have given close attention to what is called summer slide, the term used to describe a regression in learning experienced by mentally inactive children. This is especially detrimental for children from low-income families. According to the National Summer Learning Association, summer learning loss accounts for about two-thirds of the ninth grade achievement gap in reading. What’s more, studies show skills lost over the summer months have a cumulative and long-term impact.
Why we should care
“Parents should be concerned about kids’ mental fitness in the summer months for a variety of reasons,” said Dr. Kristi Santi, an associate professor in the University of Houston College of Education. “The first and foremost reason is that students tend to lose an average of two academic months during this time.” Preventing summer slide is a major concern for Amanda Hartley, Title 1 coordinator for the Fort Bend Independent School District. “Students are less mentally prepared or focused to receive new information because the building blocks are less secure,” Hartley said of students who return to school following a summer void of mental stimulation. “The regression in learning makes it necessary to move back the starting line for curriculum and instruction. “There is an obvious decrease in standardized test scores between tests given at the end of the school year and those same tests
given at the end of the summer.” Niki Wesley, an elementary teacher for Channelview public schools, said it’s easy to spot students whose minds have idled during the hot weather months. “I can usually tell when students have not engaged academically in the summer,” Wesley says. “There always seem to be a need for review.” This means teachers such as Wesley must spend limited instructional hours refreshing students. At times, the 20-year teaching veteran says she has dedicated up to a month helping students regain content and skills they had mastered just before summer break. Eventually, the class must move on, which puts struggling students at even greater risk for falling and staying behind.
Getting kids on board
It’s clear that children should be mentally active during the summer, but some parents are at a loss for exactly what they should be doing. Activities that focus on reading, writing and science – even skills related to critical thinking, leadership and technology – should be among those parents consider, educators and experts agree. But, convincing children that they must participate in summer learning is not always an easy sell. In that case, Wesley said parents must play a key role in establishing expectations. “Some kids can especially tune out over the summer, in which case, they will definitely need a nudge or two from the adults in their lives,” Wesley said. For starters, Hartley said parents can focus on making learning during the summer look and feel different from that taking place during the regular school year.
SHARP KIDS KEEP THEM MENTALLY ACTIVE By KYSA DANIELS Defender
“Learning should not always be sit and get,” she said. Instead, Hartley suggested that parents might consider embracing educational activities as a fun experience for the entire family. That way, students are simultaneously nurtured and educated. She also emphasized that children need social interactions with their peers too. Hartley advised incorporating a structured learning activity that fosters positive interactions when children are spending time with their friends. Perhaps one of Hartley’s biggest recommendations is that parents allow children to help determine their summer enrichment activities. “Be sure students have some input on learning activities that interest them,” she added. A study led by a pair of researchers from the University of Tennessee concluded that, when students are given a choice about what books to read, they’re much more likely to do so.
The payoff
Last summer, the United Way of Greater Houston provided funding for pilot programs to
address the critic “Over the su gets to go to the access to books biggest camps,” senior manager o continue their le income peer is s One of the m programs was th operated at 75 lo girls and boys in program will exp The Digital root last summer and parents. Prog reinforces a numb science, engineer solving, among o United Way these programs b with schools and exams with thos
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cal issue of summer slide. ummer, the middle-income child museum or the zoo; they have and to the library, not to mention the said Najah Callander, United Way of community investments. “They earning journey, while their lower stagnant.” most popular United Way supported he Summer Book Club, which ocations and attracted about 750 n fourth-eighth grades. This year, the pand to 100 sites. Game Design program also took r amid rave reviews from students gram managers said it introduces and ber of skills correlating with computer ring, systems thinking and problem others. y will gauge the effectiveness of beginning this year, by partnering d comparing spring benchmark se taken this fall.
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tips for summer
Keeping children mentally active during summer is just as important as keep them physically active. The following are fun, engaging tips. Read daily. Plan trips to the public library or local bookstore for story-telling events. Activities are typically free and provide students an opportunity to check out books of interest to them. Play board games, which require thought, strategy and interaction with others. Attend sporting events and talk to your kids about what is taking place on the field. Asking questions k about the strategy of the game provides opportunities to engage in critical thinking and reasoning skills. Practice math by involving kids in meal preparation, which includes measurements and quantities. Another activity to enhance math skills is grocery-shopping, which teaches kids concepts such as rounding, addition, subtraction and percentages. Embrace science and history. The Houston zoo has reduced rates for kids and local museums have a day set aside where families can visit free of charge during certain hours. These opportunities can be great for learning science, geography and history. Create a calendar. Help your child feel in control of their summer by laying out a calendar and asking them to fill it in with certain
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educational activities. For example, “When I get up in the morning, after breakfast, that’s when I’m going to start my reading for the day.” Play mental games with your child, such as rhyming, letter sounds and color-naming. Get a big map and ask questions about geography, play spelling games in the car or talk about science as you walk to the park. Volunteer together. Summer is a perfect time to pick a local charity where families can volunteer together. This can be educational while building character. Engage your child in thoughtful conversation each day, even if it’s about what TV shows they are watching or what’s happening on Instagram. Contact United Way of Greater Houston. Call 2-1-1 to ask about free and low- cost enrichment camps and programs.
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Educational websites can help There are dozens of free educational websites that can help keep students of all ages mentally active when school is out. Here are 10 of them: bartleby.com – gives access to reference books, literature and nonfiction coolmath.com – provides “cool” and “fun” math games, lessons and activities funbrain.com– provides educational games in math, grammar, science, spelling and history howstuffworks.com – breaks down subjects such as science, technology, money, culture and entertainment; provides games, quizzes and videos khanacademy.org – gives access to thousands of video tutorials that explain algebra,
he Houston area for over 80 years
geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, finance, physics, economics and more kids.nationalgeographic.com – provides facts, photos, videos and more about countries around the world makemegenius.com – includes brain games and kid-friendly videos covering a variety of subjects neok12.com – provides videos, lessons, quizzes and games in subjects such as science, math, health, social studies and English pbskids.org – includes favorite PBS characters, each with learning games for kids to play smithsonianeducation.org – helps kids explore, science, nature, places and people, including famous African-Americans
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DEFENDER | MAY 29 | 2014
Senior health report ranks Texas 41st
Nutrition assistance available for seniors The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) helps 252,000 adults 60 and over in Texas pay for nutritious food to stay healthy. Yet, 448,000 Texas seniors who may be eligible for SNAP are not participating in the program, leaving behind an estimated $419 million in benefits each year, according to the latest data available. Nationwide, senior hunger, often called America’s “hidden hunger,” is rising at an alarming pace. Since 2001, the number of food-insecure seniors has more than doubled from 2.3 million to 4.8 million. In response to the growing need, the National Council on aging (NCOA) is leading a nationwide effort to increase enrollment by low-income seniors in SNAP. NCOA’s free online service, BenefitsCheckUp, screens older adults for SNAP and other benefits and provides instructions and forms to apply. Since 2001, the service has helped more than 1 million people find over $1.1 billion in SNAP benefits. “Too many older adults have to make impossible choices every day – should they pay for food, medicine, or rent,” said Lura Barber, senior program manager of hunger initiatives at NCOA. “No older American should have to make that choice. SNAP helps struggling seniors stay healthy and financially secure and BenefitsCheckUp makes it easy to apply.” Many older adults don’t know about the SNAP program or are discouraged by myths about how it works and who qualifies. Isolated seniors also face barriers related to geography, technology and mobility. To learn more visit BenefitsCheckUp. org/SNAP.
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A recent report shows that Texas ranks 41st in the nation for senior health. The annual report compiled by the United Health Foundation offers a comprehensive analysis of older adults’ well-being at both the national and state level. According to America’s Health Ranking Senior Report for 2014, Texas has its share of strengths and challenges for seniors. Strengths include the ready availability of home health care workers, the high usage of hospice care and low prevalence of teeth extractions. The challenges include a high percentage of seniors living in poverty, low percentage of quality nursing home beds, and a high prevalence of food insecurity. “The [report] is a valuable tool for measuring and understanding the key challenges and opportunities facing Texas’s senior population,” said Harvey Balthaser, MD, market medical director of UnitedHealthcare South Texas. “With the senior population expected to double in size in the
next 25 years, it is important that we develop effective programs and solutions that address seniors’ health needs in Texas and nationwide.”’ Findings include: • In Texas, 59.1 percent of seniors with an income greater than $75,000 report their health is very good or excellent compared to only 23.4 percent of seniors with an income less than $25,000. • In the past year, smoking increased by 10 percent, worsening Texas’ smoking rank from 17th to 34th. • The prevalence of chronic
drinking decreased from 4 percent of adults aged 65 and older to 3.2 percent. • Texas ranks in the top five for home health care workers with 179 workers per 1,000 adults aged 75 and older. • In the past year, use of hospice care among seniors increased by 24 percent and the percentage of seniors dying in hospitals decreased by 20 percent. • For the second consecutive year, Texas has one of the highest rates of seniors living in poverty at 11.3 percent of adults aged 65 and older.
AARP names Jenkins new CEO Defender News Services
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) board of directors recently selected Jo Ann Jenkins as the organization’s new CEO. She will succeed A. Barry Rand in September. Jenkins currently serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer of AARP. She has streamlined the organization’s strategic planning, technology and digital operations to enable AARP to devote greater resources to its core mission. “I am grateful for the trust that the AARP board has given me to lead this amazing organization,”
Jo Ann Jenkins
Jenkins said. “I truly believe that for every member of our society, age and experience can expand your
possibilities in life. “I feel a great deal of responsibility for ensuring that AARP is here as a trusted ally for people 50-plus and their families and that we protect the most vulnerable among us.” Jenkins previously served as president of the AARP Foundation. She came to the foundation from the Library of Congress, where she served as chief operating officer. A native of Mobile, Ala., Jenkins earned a bachelor’s degree from Spring Hill College. She is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership of nearly 38 million.
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classified 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. ENCOURAGES SMALL AND HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES TO APPLY.
HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18 th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1.
RFP Project #14-05-04 – Cardboard Boxes & Packaging Materials with a deadline of 2:00 p.m., June 11, 2014. The Pre-Proposal Conference for this project will be in Room #3C12 at the abovestated address on June 4, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.
Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District. The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSurplus.com.
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MAY 29 | 2014 | DEFENDER
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San Antonio mayor chosen to lead HUD Defender News Services
San Antonio mayor Julián Castro has been nominated as the next secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by President Obama. If confirmed, Castro would replace Shaun Donovan, who has been nominated as director of the White House Office of Management and Budget. Castro, a 39-year-old San Anto-
nio native, is the youngest mayor of a top 50 American city. He was first elected mayor in 2009. Obama said Castro has the credentials to be “outstanding” in the HUD role. “As mayor, Julián has focused on revitalizing one of our most wonderful cities – planning thousands of housing units downtown, attracting hundreds of millions of dollars of investment,” Obama said.
“He’s built relationships with mayors all across the country. He’s become a leader in housing and economic development.” Castro earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and law degree from Harvard Law School. In 2001 at the age of 26, he became the youngest elected city councilman in San Antonio history. His brother, Joaquin, is a San Antonio congressman.
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STEM career info offered
tuition, fees and other expenses for 206 east ninth street • austin, tx 78701 t 512.479.6200 f 512.479.6024 select programs at Northeast College for those who qualify. The program may cover training for technical occupations that include process technology, petroleum engineering technology, electronics engineering technology, diesel engine mechanics, logistics and global supply chain management and other in-demand career fields. Many of the programs offered at Northeast College can lead to employment with entry-level salaries ranging from $25,000 to $60,000. Texas needs to fill 758,000 STEM jobs by 2018. To register for the orientation call 713-718-8382. To learn more about college programs visit northeast.hccs.edu.
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DUE: 05/22 PUB: 05/29
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We’re proud to introduce Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E., PMP,
Prepared by LatinWorks Marketing, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved.
Houston Community College Northeast in partnership with Capital IDEA invites persons interested in pursuing careers in science, engineering technology and math (STEM) to attend an orientation session. The sessions will be held at the Northeast campus, 555 Community College Drive, on Tuesday, June 3 at 7 p.m.; Thursday, June 5 at noon, and Saturday, June 7 at 10 a.m. Prospective students will learn about career training opportunities offered at the college as well as options for financial aid and other forms of assistance. Capital IDEA will share information about a program that can cover costs for
$
1566 What’s Your Number? - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.52 $1 7/30/14 1/26/15 batteries, weather radios, flashlights, bottled water, 1565 Veterans Cash - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.44 $2 7/30/14 1/26/15 non-perishable food, clothing, bedding, personal hygiene prod1578 10X The Cash - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.15 $2 7/30/14 1/26/15 ucts, medications and copies of 1454 Bonus Break The Bank - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.81 $5 7/30/14 1/26/15 prescriptions, special products for babies and elderly family 1553 Cash Extravaganza - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.86 $5 7/30/14 1/26/15 members, cash and credit cards, 1573 Red Diamond 7’s - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.70 $5 7/30/14 1/26/15 important documents and pet supplies. 1575 Cash Club - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.20 $5 7/30/14 1/26/15 Residents that live in an 1277 Casino Action - Overall Odds are 1 in 2.47 $50 7/30/14 1/26/15 area threatened by storm surge should discuss evacuation plans For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37-LOTTO. with their families. If transMust be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education. © 2014 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved. portation or help evacuating is needed, call 2-1-1 to register. City officials also urge families to stay informed by monitoring the news media. Local news will provide information about current conditions, N ew c haN c e llo r evacuations and re-entry 1 routes. TX8105_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_0529.indd Dr. Cesar MalDonaDo To find out if your residence None printed at 5-19-2014 11:31 AM tsalazar-MB15R from by Tommy Salazar / Eddie Jacobson saved at is in an evacuation zone visit hcoem.org. For additional hurjob info approvals fonts & images ricane preparedness tipsjobvisit creative dir None # TX8105 Fonts art director None client TEXAS LOTTERY Helvetica Neue LT Std (95 Black, 77 Bold Conden readyharris.org. copywriter densed), Helvetica Neue (Medium, Bold), Arial (R None headline/tag JUNE EOG AD trim bleed live color setup vendor/pub media type die cut
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T:3.25”
Hurricane season begins June 1, and the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) urge families and individuals to get ready for the upcoming storm season. “By preparing now, residents can protect themselves and their families from the damaging impacts of a storm,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “Area residents can prepare by developing a personalized plan, creating a disaster supply kit and staying informed.” Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30. Officials encourage residents to take some simple steps to be equipped, by preparing an emergency kit for families and pets. Emergency supply kits should include: cell phones,
T:4.79” Mayor Julián Castro
as the new Chancellor of Houston Community College. Dr. Maldonado brings 30 years of business experience, a strong academic pedigree, and the leadership skills to take us where our community needs us to be, both today and into the future. Welcome to a new day at HCC.
HCCs.edu
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DEFENDER | MAY 29 | 2014
sports
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Does NFL commissioner have a double standard? be on TV at the owners meetings, trying to bring a Super Bowl to Indianapolis after what he’s done? It shows the hypocrisy of the NFL and also Roger oger Goodell assumed his post as NFL Goodell in the way that he deals with players and commissioner NFL commissioner in 2006, sucthe way he deals for the people he works for,” Clark Roger Goodell ceeding Paul Tagliabue. His mission: said. has some uphold the NFL Shield, the image of players The commissioner’s stance at this point on the league that has made it a multi-billion dollar wondering if Irsay’s case is “until we have more information or he operates business entity. more facts, we will let it play out,” a position with under a double He took over at a time when the league had standard. which Clark clearly has a problem. experienced multiple public relations hits from a “So when has having enough information been string of incidents involving player off-the-field what Roger Goodell waits for to make these decimisconduct, from Chris Henry to Ben Roethlissions?” Clark asked. “When does a charge necessarberger, Adam “Pac-Man” Jones and of ily warrant the penalty? We’ve seen in so many course, Michael Vick, to name a few. cases where Roger Goodell [has been] judge Goodell’s authority was aband jury when it comes to players.” solute and his judgment swift, in “Here we have Jim Irsay, a guy, an many cases rendering punishment owner, who has history of substance without waiting on the legal sysabuse, who’s found in a car with over tem to run its course. Now there $29K and prescription drugs that weren’t are some among the player ranks in his name, pulled over for driving who are wondering if the comunder the influence, and now we’re missioner is operating under a saying we need more information?” double standard. Clark continued. The question is whether “What more information do there is one rule that applies we need than these aren’t your to players, while owners prescription pills? You’re and team executives obviously under the influoperate under a different ence. You have $29k. There standard when it comes would be no questions asked to upholding the image of if this was a player.” the shield. To be fair to Goodell, the That question has stance he has taken with Irsay never begged for clarihas been consistent with his pofication more than in the sition on two well-documented, current case of Indianapolis offseason player incidents. San Colts owner Jim Irsay. He Francisco 49er Pro Bowl defenwas arrested on March 17 in sive end Aldon Smith was rethe middle of the night, after cently arrested at LAX for making police observed him driving a false bomb threat in an airport. erratically in suburban IndiaSmith’s rap sheet also includes rk A la fter India Ryan C napolis. Authorities discovered analyst nstrate he neede napolis Colts ow N felony gun charges and an arrest P S E ne / o d more fa FL dem s safety cts before r Jim Irsay was a $29,029 in cash and numerous rr Redskin dell and the N for suspicion of DUI and marijuana e d st is e c d, Goode iplining h o ll said im. says Go sy.” bottles containing prescription possession over the last two years. ri c “hypo drugs in the vehicle. Baltimore Ravens running back Irsay was charged with operatthe Colts franchise as if the arrest never happened. Ray Rice was charged with one count ing a vehicle while intoxicated and four felony Recently on the ESPN show “First Take,” forof aggravated assault following an altercation in counts of possession of a controlled substance. He mer Steeler and now Redskins safety Ryan Clark February with his then fiancée, now wife, following a has a well-documented history of substance abuse. weighed in on what he views as a hypocritical night of partying at an Atlantic City casino. While the case winds its way through the judi- situation. To date Goodell has not taken any disciplinary cial system there have been no sanctions levied by “Right now, is Jim Irsay going to represent this action on either Smith or Rice’s case. Goodell on Irsay, who continues to be the face of league, represent the Indianapolis Colts, going to Is there a double standard? You be the judge.
R
By MAX EDISON Defender
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MAY 29 | 2014 | DEFENDER
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Caldwell sets pace for Barbers Hill softball ground and beat it out,” Barnett said. “She’s a good, solid two-hole hitter for us. If my leadoff hitter gets on base, I have confidence that Chelsey is going to advance the runhelsey Caldwell is an indispensable member of ner and get on base herself.” a tremendous senior class that anchors the BarCaldwell says she was encouraged to play baseball bers Hill High School varsity softball squad. and later softball at an early age by her father and two older A former offensive Most Valuable Player brothers. “They have a love for the game and it just rubbed off in District 19-4A, Caldwell and three of her teammates on me,” she said. have committed to attend Texas State University in San Barnett says Caldwell’s enthusiasm for softball has a way Marcos on softball scholarships next fall. Two other of rubbing off on her teammates. Barbers Hill players are going to the University of North “Chelsey brings confidence to the table. Chelsey brings Texas, one to Galveston College and another to Texas patience to the table,” Barnett emphasized. “She’s a good A&M University. listener and always supporting her teammates 100 percent. You Yet Caldwell says she and her teammates have had can’t make it to the next level without having those qualities.” to set aside all personal accolades in order to achieve Barbers Hill has advanced through the playoffs with the ultimate team goal which is to win a state championvictories over Lumberton, Magnolia West, Magnolia, Santa ship in 2014. Unbeaten Barbers Hill (32-0) is state and Fe and Pearland Dawson. The Lady Eagles have earned a nationally-ranked and within two victories of securing a berth in the high school state softball tournament set for May state title. 30-31 in Austin. “This year I’ve really had to learn how to focus “We’ve been highly-ranked in the past and it didn’t result more on the team and less in a state title,” Caldwell said. “The on my numbers,” said rankings and praise are all good Caldwell, who is batting defendernetwork.com things. It’s wonderful and an honor over .400 from the No. 2 to receive those things, but that’s not Blacks are scarce in softball slot in the lineup. “I’ve why we’re here. won awards before but “What we do and what we what I don’t have is a state accomplish out here on the field is what it’s all about,” championship. My batting 1.000 doesn’t Caldwell said. “We want to be remembered for winning a guarantee a state title and right now it’s all state championship.” about us going to Austin.” In game one of a Region III-4A best-of-three championship series against Pearland Dawson at Goose Creek Memorial High School, Caldwell reached base three times and scored twice. “Chelsey knows her Birth date: role on the team and Sept. 1, 1995 that is to put the Birth sign: ball in play when Virgo she comes Favorite subjects: up to bat,” said Barbers History & English Hill coach Possible college major: Sharlene Business marketing Barnett. “She’s & mass communications got to move the Favorite color: runners and has the Purple speed to get on base. Favorite meal: Pizza Chelsey is phenomSolve any world problem: enal at being patient and Cure rape culture working the pitch count. Favorite athletes: “She’s real good at Brianna Turang & Lauren reading defenses and fast Chamberlain enough to put the ball on the
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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
About Chelsey Caldwell
Willis teacher wins award Willis High School teacher Tricia Matthews was named one of four recipients of the 2014 “Always There Award” given by the Russell Athletic Company and All Pro Dad national charity. The award was created to honor those unsung heroes who support high school athletic programs. Other recipients included Susan Gallian (Waynesboro, Tenn.), Ronnie Herrington (Laurel, Miss.) and Foster St. Andre (Oakdale, La.). All four recipients were honored at a recent breakfast hosted by former NFL head coach Tony Dungy in Tampa, Fla. Each winner received a Russell Athletic prize pack and a $1,000 athletic equipment grant for their respective schools. Matthews is an art teacher at Willis who devotes the rest of her day to student-athletes and coaches. A vital member of the Willis community, Matthews has been known to drive kids to practice and furnish meals for them.
Playoffs winding down Houston area high schools that qualified for regional softball championship rounds included Bellaire (5A), Deer Park (5A), The Woodlands (5A), Barbers Hill (4A), Pearland Dawson (4A), Columbia (3A), Huffman (3A) and East Bernard (2A). Baseball teams that advanced into the regional semifinals included Atascocita (5A), Klein Collins (5A), Cy-Fair (5A), Pearland (5A), Langham Creek (5A), Brazoswood (5A), Magnolia (4A), George Ranch (4A), Brenham (4A), Friendswood (4A), Huffman (3A), Danbury (2A) and East Bernard (2A). The girls’ state softball tournament is set for May 30-31 on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin. The state baseball tournament will be played June 6-7 at Dell Diamond in Round Rock.
Tigers headed to Bahamas The Texas Southern University Athletics Department announced that the football team’s game against Central State University has been moved to Nassau, Bahamas. The contest will be held Sept. 13 at 5 p.m. at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. “We’re extremely excited to announce our partnership to play in Nassau,” TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland said. “This game will give our fans the opportunity to watch exciting Tigers football in a city that is known as one of the premier tourist destinations in the world. This partnership will undoubtedly give us a great opportunity to showcase our brand of football as well as the electrifying Ocean of Soul Marching Band in a new region.” For information on travel packages for the game visit tsuball.com.
Astros offer free camp The Astros Urban Youth Academy will offer a series of four weekly summer baseball and softball camps for kids ages 7-17 beginning on Monday, June 9 and continuing through Friday, July 11. The Academy’s staff will instruct up to 100 campers each week in baseball and softball fundamentals and terminology the Astros academy is located at 2801 S. Victory Drive at Sylvester Turner Park. The camps will begin each day at 9 a.m., Monday-Friday, and end each day at noon. For more information on how to register for the camps and become a member of the Astros Urban Youth Academy, call 281-260-9166 or email uya@astros.com.
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