Houston Defender: May 30, 2013 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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Volume 82 | Number 31

MAY 30, 2013 |FREE

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Legislative update

Impact on Blacks H Page 6

LOCAL EDNA FORTÉ hopeful about NFISD

P2 NATIONAL OPINION

TRAYVON MARTIN could be portrayed negatively

P3 BUSINESS CHERYL PEARSONMcNEIL explores endless options

Larry Green

explains code

There are questions surrounding the city development code known as Chapter 42, and City Councilmembers Larry Green and Jerry Davis are providing answers. Discover Chapter 42’s impact on predominantly Black neighborhoods. See why homeowners should learn the facts.

H PAGE 2

Tyler Perry debuts series He already has hit shows on the air, and Tyler Perry hopes to find success with the new drama “The Haves and the Have Nots.” Read about the show’s patriarch and matriarch. Meet the members of its ensemble cast. Find out about political ambitions, dark secrets and bizarre coincidences. H Page 4

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P9 SPORTS JIM CRANE speaking at MLB summit

P10

DEFENDER | MAY 30 | 2013

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Understanding Chapter 42 By ASWAD WALKER Defender

he balancing act between needed development and allowing neighborhoods to protect their historic character is at the heart of recent amendments to Chapter 42, the city’s development code. Houston City Council recently approved the amendments, which will allow developers to create additional housing using smaller lots. The Planning and Development Department is currently holding community meetings so homeowners can understand and participate in the process (for information visit houstonplanning.com or call 713-837City Councilmember Jerry Davis shows how development unchecked can change the character of a neighborhood, with a condo built next 7701). door to a traditional home. Councilmember Larry Green (District K) encourages residents to take out, as well as many renters. advantage of tools in place to protect Please understand; land owners had every right to sell their City Councilmember themselves, or “they can be at risk of land. But it wasn’t very beneficial to many African-Americans. developers coming in, buying a couple Larry Green Blacks in Acres Homes and Northeast Houston didn’t want this to of lots and putting six to eight town happen. homes next to them in their neighborhoods,” he said. A lot of neighborhoods in District B don’t have those deed The Defender spoke with Green and Councilmember Jerry restrictions, but can protect themselves by the amendment put into Davis (District B), to get their take on Chapter 42. Chapter 42. Neighborhoods can, through petition, set their own Defender: What is Chapter 42? minimum lot size. Green: Chapter 42 addresses special minimum lot size, and Defender: Is that impact positive or negative? extends the rules that exist within the 610 loop to the whole city Davis: Here’s the bad thing; areas like Acres Home and Fifth allowing for higher density development citywide – similar to the Ward have a lot of absentee landlords, making it challenging to construction on Washington Avenue and Midtown, with smaller lot get the needed 55 percent of the owners’ signatures. Initially 67 sizes, and high rises on top of each other. percent was needed, but underDefender: How does it standing that it’s going to be an impact Houston’s predominantly issue getting signatures from Black neighborhoods? for FAQS on Chapter 42 absentee landlords, City Council Green: Provisions within lowered this percentage. Chapter 42 provide communities We’re not against developers. They are essential to growth. with tools to protect neighborhoods from increased density. Neigh- In the end, neighborhoods want a nice, gradual blend (of new borhoods can say they don’t want such development and develop development into the existing order) instead of a takeover, and their own minimum lot sizes or rely on deed restrictions. that developers have community buy-in. Most of these deed restrictions in my district’s neighborhoods Defender: Did you vote “yes” or “no” on changes to don’t have minimum lot size requirements. Thus, these neighChapter 42? borhoods must apply for the Chapter 42 program to protect the Green: I voted “yes” because Houston will have 1 million character of their neighborhoods. new residents in the next 10 years, and we lack the adequate infraInvolvement in the program is a three-step process. First, for structure to house them. At present, the city’s tax base is eroding. a neighborhood to apply they must secure 10 percent of resident We are losing residents to Pearland, Katy and Sugarland. This signatures. Second, they must meet with members of the commumeans less money for roads and other things critical to increased nity, sharing information about the upcoming vote. Third, the baldevelopment. lots regarding the neighborhood-created minimum lot size are sent For example, District K, my district, has the most underdeout to the community, and 55 percent of all residents are needed to veloped land in the city. We have homeowners and developers just enact the neighborhood’s requirements. waiting to build new homes and bring in new economic developDavis: In District B, they saw what happened in Fourth Ward ment to the area, which means more money in taxes and more jobs. and they weren’t happy with it. Once those developers did what Davis: I voted “yes” on the 55 percent amendment, because I they did, the property values went up, and the older individuals knew it was going to pass, but I voted “no” on Chapter 42 because who owned those lots couldn’t afford the taxes and had to move members of my district didn’t want it.

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North Forest annexation on hold Defender News Services The annexation of North Forest ISD into HISD is on hold pending a review by the U.S. Department of Justice. The DOJ will not rule on NFISD’s closure or annexation until the Texas Education Agency’s or HISD’s plan regarding future changes related to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 are presented. In a letter to TEA, the DOJ said: “We understand that the territory currently comprising the North Forest Independent School District has not been designated to one or more of the single-member districts used for electing trustees to the board of education for the Houston Independent School District. “As a result, it is not possible to determine the effect of the instant changes on voters in the North Forest Independent School District without an understanding of where they will be placed within the Houston Independent School Edna Forté District.” In response, NFISD supporters held a prayer vigil. Minister Robert Muhammad said TEA is not to be trusted. “TEA is the agent of privatization, the large corporate charter school and voucher lobby in dismantling of public education in Texas,” he said. Supporters remained hopeful despite a recent setback. The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) ruled against the district in its appeal of the closure order from TEA. NFISD Superintendent Edna Forté said the district is “optimistic” it will receive an affirmative response from the DOJ. “Although the district was unsuccessful in its appeal to [SOHA], we continue to hope for a positive outcome,” she said.

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MAY 30 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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U.S.briefs POOR FAMILIES who rely on the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could be at risk. The U.S. House and Senate passed bills that would reduce funding of SNAP, formerly called food stamps. The extent of the cuts will not become known until negotiators from both chambers agree to a compromise measure. As part of a five-year House farm bill, SNAP was reduced by $2 billon, slightly more than 3 percent. A similar farm bill passed by the Senate would reduce SNAP funding by $400 million a year, about half of 1 percent. Whites Americans make up roughly 36 percent of people who use SNAP. Blacks account for 22 percent……..TAVIS SMILEY, a frequent critic of President Barack Obama, claims that the White House is quietly wrecking his initiatives by pressuring corporate sponsors to drop their support for his projects. “This administration does not like to be criticized,” he told Associated Press. “And the irony of it is, there’s nothing I have tried to hold the president accountable on that my white progressive colleagues have not.” He added that he does not have an anti-Obama agenda. “My job is to raise questions of accountability,” he said. The White House had no comment about Smiley’s allegations........BLACK SMOKERS are being encouraged to talk with their doctors about quitting smoking. The National African American Tobacco Prevention Network (NAATPN), in conjunction with the CDC, has kicked off a campaign titled “Talk with Your Doctor.” Physicians play an important role in helping smokers quit, and advice from a physician can more than double the chances a smoker will quit successfully. In addition, NAATPN is working with the National Medical Association and other health professionals to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. For more information on quitting smoking call 1.800. QUIT.NOW or visit cdc.gov/tips.

George Zimmerman (center) and his legal team seek evidence that could show Trayvon Martin in a negative light.

Zimmerman plans to discredit Trayvon

By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Editor-in-Chief

hether George Zimmerman goes on trial as scheduled June 10 for killing Trayvon Martin or he gets the sixweek delay requested by his lawyer, it is clear from court filings that part of the defense strategy involves depicting the 17-year-old dead Black youth as a troublemaker and pot head. Martin, unarmed, was shot to death in Feb. 2012 by Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood

watchman, in Sanford, Fla. Martin, a Miami native, was visiting the area in central Florida with his father at the time and was returning to a residence after walking to a nearby convenience store. Zimmerman, 29, has tried to portray Martin as the aggressor, despite ignoring instructions from a police dispatcher that he not follow the youth in the rain. He has pleaded not guilty to seconddegree murder. Mark M. O’Mara, co-counsel for Zimmerman, recently filed a motion seeking court sanctions against the State Attorney’s office for not turning Continued on Page 5

Black teen birth rate falls 60 percent VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 31 - MAY 30, 2013 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager Clyde Jiles Multimedia Manager Tiffany Williams Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker

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 2013 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

NNPA News Service

A new report by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention shows that the teen birth rate for African-Americans has declined by 60 percent between 1991 and 2011 – a rate 10 percent greater than the overall dip in teen birth rates. Overall, the national rate has declined from 61 out of every 1,000 girls ages 15-19 giving birth in 1991, to 31 out of every 1,000 girls giving birth in 2011. Dr. Howard Koh, assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services, attributes the declines to stronger teen pregnancy prevention education, higher rates of contraception use among teens and the fact that many teens are delaying

sex altogether. Earlier this year, a Guttmacher Institute report suggested that the decline in birth rate could be attributed to the abortion rate among teens. According to the report, African-American teens had an abortion rate of 41 out of 1000 in 2008. Bill Albert, spokesperson for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, disputes the report’s findings. “A common misunderstanding is that people think the teen birth rate is going down because the abortion rate is going up,” Albert said. “The good news is all three rates – teen pregnancy, teen abortion, and teen birth rates – are going down at the same time.”

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DEFENDER | MAY 30 | 2013

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entertainment

Perry’s latest show debuts on OWN

Defender News Service

yler Perry hopes to have another hit on his hands with the new TV drama “The Haves and the Have Nots,” which recently premiered on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN. The show follows the complicated dynamic between the rich and powerful Cryer family and the hired help who work in their opulent Savannah, Ga., mansion. Perry is the show’s creator, writer, director and executive director. It stars Crystal Fox, Tyler Lepley, Tika Sympter, John Schneider, Renee “The Haves and the Have Nots” is a drama revolving around two Georgia families. Lawless, Aaron O’Connell and Jaclyn Betham. Other risk. His wife, Katheryn (Lawless), is the characters are portrayed by Eva Tamargo, Angela Robultimate matriarch willing to do anything to inson, Peter Parros and Gavin Houston. protect her family’s status. Family patriarch Jim Cryer (Schneider) is a powerTheir son, Wyatt (O’Connell), is a ful judge whose double life, including affairs with high- troubled, angry jock who is in and out of priced escorts, puts his family and political ambitions at rehab. His sister, Amanda (Betham), is

a struggling law student trying to live up to her parents’ expectations. Hanna Young (Fox) is the Cryers’ maid and matriarch of her family. She prides herself on her son, Benny (Lepley), the glue who helps keep the family together. Hanna has one dark secret; her estranged daughter, Candace (Sumpter), is a manipulative opportunist. In a bizarre coincidence, Candace is shocked to find out that her newfound friend Amanda’s father is Jim Cryer, the very man who has been paying her for sex and who also employs Candace’s mother as his family’s maid. Armed with this knowledge, the stage is set for what will be, in Candace’s eyes, the opportunity of a lifetime.

Tyler Perry has teamed up with Oprah Winfrey to present the new series.

what’sup Screenings for KANYE WEST’S music video “New Slaves” were shut down in Houston and San Antonio after police said organizers hadn’t secured the proper permits. In recent weeks, West has been screening the video for his new album “Yeezus,” and screenings are usually projected on walls in public places. In Houston, a screening on the side of Rothko Chapel was called off by police. Technical issues caused cancellations at two backup spots. In San Antonio, a screening on the side of the Alamo was shut down…… The new film “Fast & Furious 6” ruled the box office, earning $120 million its first four days in theaters. Its stars include VIN DIESEL, DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON, TYRESE GIBSON and LUDACRIS. In the film, Diesel and his crew are summoned to London to take on a team of mercenary drivers who have caused

havoc across a dozen countries…….. JENNIFER HUDSON will be the first “American Idol” contestant to sit at the judge’s table. According to E!News, the season three finalist will join the singing competition in January. Though Hudson didn’t win “Idol,” she went on to win an Academy Award and Grammy Award. Two or three other “Idol” alums are expected to follow suit as judges next season. Original judge RANDY JACKSON has already decided to leave the show. There is no official word on the status of NICKI MINAJ, MARIAH CAREY and KEITH URBAN. The show’s ratings have steadily declined and the recent season finale saw viewership drop 34 percent from the year before.…….. “Zulu,” a film starring Academy Award-winner FOREST WHITAKER, premiered at the close of the famed Cannes Film Festival in France.

Whitaker plays a Cape Town policeman searching for the murderer of a white teenager. The film’s portrayal of South African gang life is described as “violent” and “shocking.” Whitaker immersed himself in the role. “I met the actual gang members from the different communities: the Zulu gang leaders, and the different members out of the prisons. I find that it helps to find the source of the character,” Whitaker said…….. DISCOVERY GREEN, located across from the George R. Brown Convention Center, is celebrating Houston’s international communities through a new series of performances and music. “Celebrating Africa” is Sunday, June 16, from 4 to 10 p.m. It will include performances by various African musical groups and a fashion show. For more information visit discoverygreen.com.

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MAY 30 | 2013 | DEFENDER

Zimmerman.... Continued from page 3

over evidence that he said might help Zimmerman’s defense. According to the motion, the State of Florida had ignored previous defense filings seeking any evidence that might reflect favorably on Zimmerman or negatively on Martin in preparation for going to trial. In his petition, O’Mara said: “The State was fully aware at that time that there was information resident on Trayvon Martin’s cell phone, including pictures of Trayvon Martin in possession of at least one weapon, pictures of marijuana plants, pictures of Trayvon Martin smoking marijuana, pictures of marijuana blunts, and texts discussing, securing or purchasing firearms, and bragging about being involved in fights, etc.” According to documents released by defense attorneys, prosecutors recovered a photo of an AfricanAmerican holding a Smith & Wesson handgun from Martin’s cell phone. It was not immediately clear whether the person holding the weapon was Martin. A second photo shows the handgun and a clip on top of a soiled mattress. The defense is also seeking to introduce a photograph of Martin, dressed in a white undershirt, giving two extended middle finders to the camera. In addition to other photos of marijuana, the defense also wants to introduce certain text messages recovered from Trayvon Martin’s cell phone. Some of the texts are related to Martin being suspended from school for fighting and his mother’s decision to kick him out of the house. “My mom just told me I gotta mov wit my dad,” said a message sent in Nov. 2011. “She just kicked me out:(.” A text message from his father said, “Show them that you a good kid and you want positive things around you. Be a big brother and not a DONKEY…LOVE DAD.” Prosecutors are asking Circuit Judge Debra Nelson to forbid the defense from introducing the texts. But O’Mara, Zimmerman’s lawyer, said: “If they had suggested that Trayvon is nonviolent and that George is the aggressor, I think that makes evidence of the fighting he has been involved with in the past relevant.” Attorneys for Martin’s parents, who are divorced, said in a statement: “Is the defense trying to prove Trayvon deserved to be killed by George Zimmerman because (of) the way he looked?” they said. “If so, this stereotypical and closed-minded thinking is the same mindset that caused George Zimmerman to get out of his car and pursue Trayvon, an unarmed kid who he didn’t know.”

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Lawmakers review session By ASWAD WALKER Defender

he state’s 83rd Legislative Session began with a list of key priorities, including the budget, business and economic development, criminal justice and public safety, health, education and transportation. The session ended with numerous bills passed and a call by Gov. Rick Perry for a special session, giving legislators 30 more days to deal with approving new voting maps. In addition to redistricting, some conservatives are asking for legislation on abortion limits, progun bills and school choice. Several local lawmakers weighed in on how the session, thus far, has impacted Houston’s Black and Latino communities.

Education

State Sen. Rodney Ellis

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson

Legislat

Aycock (Austin), as a legislative victory. HB 5 addresses public school accountability and curriculum requirements for high school graduation. “Passage of legislation that will reduce the amount of end-of-course high stakes exams and provide additional reliable options for solid middle-class careers such as plumbers, electricians, and welders will help students across the state of Texas to have more opportunities for stable well-paying careers that will be in demand in the near future,” Turner said. “This bill was significant because of the desire to limit testing for African-American students,” added State Rep. Ron Reynolds. “Although the rigor of testing still needs to be there, the burden was lessened.” Senate Bill 376 by State Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. (Brownsville) could positively impact local Black and Latino students. It requires schools and districts where more than 80 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals to offer a free breakfast to all students, thereby reducing the stigma attached to the program that dissuaded many eligible students from taking advantage of it.

The news with potentially the greatest impact is that a deal on a Texas budget was passed that will restore nearly $4 billion to public schools of the $5.4 billion cut last legislative session. The budget State Rep. SylvesterTurner also grants state employees a three percent raise. “Our public schools will receive $3.93 million dollars above the appropriation for student enrollment for the next two years,” said Houston State Rep. Sylvester Turner, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. “This will provide more money per student and reduce the pressure on local districts to Healthcare State Rep. Borris Miles close neighborhood schools.” Miles believes the LegRepublican lawmakers were islature dropped the ball in willing to give in to Democratic determs of strengthening healthmands to restore school funding in care access due to its failure order to garner support to use Rainy to expand Medicaid under the Day funds to pay for putting more Affordable Care Act (Obamwater in the state’s pipeline amid acare). a historic drought and skyrocket“If Texas expanded Meding population growth, in essence, icaid, two million more Texans creating a new $2 billion state water State Rep. Ron Reynolds would have had health care plan. with the federal government Before the compromise was reached, footing 90 percent of the bill. It is shameHouston Rep. Borris Miles said that conful that the state’s leadership put partisan tinuing to underfund public schools would politics over providing health care to two have done irreparable harm to the state, million more Texans,” Miles said. leading to an increase in poverty and the In addition, “A bill to direct billions prison population. of federal dollars toward private-market Turner also pointed to House Bill (HB) insurance for the state’s poorest residents 5, authored by State Rep. Jimmie Don — dubbed the ‘Texas solution’ to Medic-

Im on

aid expansion — [did] not receive a vote on the House floor and is dead,” said Rep. John Zerwas, author of the bill. Perry and other GOP members have repeatedly called Medicaid “broken” because so many providers are unwilling to participate in the program. Democrats called on Perry to drop his opposition to expanding Medicaid in the state, which has the nation’s highest percentage of uninsured people. About 24 percent of Texans are uninsured.

Criminal justice

The Texas House passed SB 1611, the Michael Morton Act, considered landmark legislation strengthening Texas’ discovery statute for the first time since 1965. The reform legislation now goes to the governor’s desk.

The legislation by Sen. Rod Houston), Sen. Robert Duncan ( Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-H vide for a reliable justice system all relevant evidence that speaks innocence or guilt is revealed, cr statutory “open file” criminal dis the state of Texas. “The Michael Morton Act important step in creating a mo criminal justice system,” said T will improve the reliability of c tions and ensure that we have a system where all relevant evide brought to light, and allow for resolutions to criminal proceed

defendernetwork.com • Serving the

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tive update

mpact Blacks

dney Ellis (D(R-Lubbock) and Houston) will prom by ensuring that s to a defendant’s reating a uniform, scovery policy for

is an incredibly ore just Texas Thompson. “It criminal convica quality justice ence and facts are more efficient dings.”

Impacts at a glance Restores nearly $4 billion of the $5.4 billion cut last legislative session to public schools. Grants state employees a 3 percent raise. Otherwise known as the 2014-2015 budget for the state of Texas (Senate Bill 1). Provides for a reliable justice system by ensuring that all relevant evidence that speaks to a defendant’s innocence or guilt is revealed. Creates a uniform, statutory “open file” criminal discovery policy for the state of Texas (Senate Bill 1611). Addresses public school accountability and curriculum requirements for high school graduation (House Bill 5).

e Houston area for over 80 years

Calls for drug screening or testing for unemployment compensation for certain individuals (Senate Bill 21). Increases funding for basic civil legal services for those who cannot otherwise afford it. Known as the Chief Justice Jack Pope Act (House Bill 1445).

Special session: What’s next the public to provide adequate testimony on the interim maps,” he said. In announcing the State “Even if this Legislature’s special session, were enough time, Gov. Rick Perry said, “there the narrowness of the is still work to be done on governor’s call means that behalf of the citizens of publicly requested changes Texas.” could not be adopted, The session will focus on effectively shutting out the approving redistricting maps opinions of Texas citizens.” drawn for the 2012 election Coleman discussed his by federal judges, after State Rep. Garnet Coleman plans for the special session. minority groups challenged “The San Antonio three-judge panel the maps passed by the Legislature in has previously shown with plan H302 2011. that they are able to draw maps that Houston State Rep. Garnet adhere to Sections 2 and 5 of the Voting Coleman said minority legislators will Rights Act and allow for adequate once again face an uphill battle. minority representation,” he said. “Based on the narrowness of “I am going to file this plan as a the governor’s call, no alternative demonstration that an alternative plan plans may be considered.,” Coleman can be drawn that satisfies the Voting said. “The interim maps were clearly Rights Act. I shall file an additional plan intended to be only temporary so that the state of Texas could hold elections; that will also accomplish these goals.” Coleman summed up what lies they were not intended to address all of the Legislature’s failures in adhering to ahead. “During the first call of the special the Voting Rights Act under Sections 2 session of the Legislature, members and 5. of color will once again demonstrate Coleman was critical of the fact that the Texas Legislature is pursuing a that House Committee Hearings on course to deny effective representation the interim maps would be held only a of racial and ethnic minorities and week after the regular session ended, communities of interest,” he said. “which is not enough notice to allow Defender News Services

“This is an incredible day for justice in Texas,” added Ellis. “We must weigh all relevant evidence and ensure we bring all the relevant facts to light to safeguard the innocent, convict only the guilty, and provide justice the people of Texas can have faith in… “Passage of SB 1611 will increase transparency and accountability in criminal cases at a stage when we can still prevent wrongful convictions like Mr. Morton’s,” Ellis said. Morton was exonerated by DNA evidence in 2011 after spending almost 25 years behind bars for the 1986 murder of his wife. Among evidence withheld was a record of Morton’s son saying his father wasn’t the “monster” who murdered his mother.

Offers free breakfast to all students in schools and districts where more than 80 percent of students are already eligible for free or reduced-price meals, thereby reducing the stigma attached to the program (Senate Bill 376).

DEFENDER | MAY 30 | 2013

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Applicants sought for business centers Defender News Services

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The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting applications from prospective candidates to operate six new business centers in Houston, Baltimore, New York City, San Francisco, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. The successful applicants will join a network of more than 30 MBDA Business Centers across the United States and Puerto Rico. Grant amounts will range from David Hinson $300,000 to $500,000 per year for a three-year to capital, and access to markets,” cycle. said David A. Hinson, MBDA “The MBDA Business Center national director. program is critical to furthering “It is our goal to ensure the the agency’s mission in assistcontinued success of minoritying minority-owned businesses in owned firms who, in turn, gaining access to contracts, access strengthen the economy and create

American jobs.” ships, partnerships, limited liabilThe primary objective of the ity companies and corporations), business centers is to provide stra- non-profit organizations, state and tegic consulting services to minor- local government entities, Ameriity-owned firms that will result in can Indian tribes and educational the creation and retention of jobs institutions are eligible to apply to for Americans through business operate a business center. growth. Applications must be submitFor-profit entities (including B:4.79”ted electronically by June 22. Visit but not limited to sole-proprietormbda.gov for more information.

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas Education. © 2013 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

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business

Endless options equal buying power By CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL Nielsen

emember back in the day when you used to poke your mouth out and bug your parents (or whatever adult was in charge) about being bored? Well, today’s kids can’t use that tired, old excuse. Neither can we, as grown folks, for that matter. We’ve been spoiled rotten and have access to endless entertainment options at our fingertips, 24/7. So, I’m excited to share with you insights from Nielsen’s firstever Entertainment Consumer Report, which breaks down, in detail, the myriad of ways we are entertained – whether it’s game playing, watching movies or other video content, listening to music or reading a book. As entertainment consumers, we fall into three categories: high, moderate and low entertainment spenders. Although just one-third of the population qualifies as high entertainment spenders, they account for more than 70 percent of entertainment spending. This segment of spenders are more likely to be ethnically diverse and women with young children than moderate and low entertainment spenders. Makes perfect sense to me since moms are usually the ones charged with keeping the kids occupied. When it comes to how we listen to music, long gone are the days portrayed in the musicals “Cadillac Records” and “Dream Girls.” But wait. Though digital music leads overall music sales with 118 million digital albums and 1.3 billion tracks purchased last year, the sales of old-school vinyl LPs jumped nearly 18 percent over the last year. As the saying goes, “everything old is new again.” African-Americans index

You know how big companies sponsor concert tours and pay big bucks for an artist to endorse their product? It’s good business. Hitching to a star’s wagon has been shown to increase buy rates of a product by as much as 28 percent among the artists’ fans. on the lower end of the demographic spectrum of digital music buyers. We, however, index slightly higher than other consumer groups in purchasing physical CDs. And, although all age groups enjoy music across all platforms, young adults between 18 and 24 spend the most time listening to music, about six hours a week, which is an hour more than those 25 and up. You know how big com-

panies sponsor concert tours and pay big bucks for an artist to endorse their product? It’s good business. Hitching to a star’s wagon has been shown to increase buy rates of a product by as much as 28 percent among the artists’ fans. Switching gears to what and how we watch video content at home, well, the sky is pretty much the limit with multiple devices to choose from. Some examples of those are: DVR/Blu-Ray, video-ondemand, plus subscriber services like Netfilx and/or Hulu. There are also video game consoles, computers, tablets and/or mobile devices. What are some other forms of entertainment we have available to us? Well, I am glad you asked. Some, like me, still love the feel of a good book in your hands. But, I know some of you may also appreciate the convenience of e-readers. Turns out, there’s not much difference between print and eBook buyers. Among adults online surveyed in this report, both groups of readers are more likely females between the ages of 55 and 64. African-Americans index slightly higher with purchasing eBooks than print books. Can you guess at our favorite books from last year? If you guessed E.L. James’ “Fifty Shades” trilogy, followed by Suzanne Collin’s “Hunger Games” series, you were correct. And, when we like something, we want to enjoy the experience in all ways possible. Case in point: “The Hunger Games,” which was also a box office success, was the fourth best-selling print book of 2012, the top-selling music soundtrack and the third mostpurchased DVD. So now you see even how your various entertainment preferences matter. And even though there are many choices, every choice is important.

Quick facts • African-Americans comprise 12 percent of on-demand music streamers. • African-Americans index lower than other demographics in movie/TV DVD and streaming video purchases. • Females index higher than males in movie/TV DVD purchase, while men outrank women when it comes to buying streaming video. • 25-34 year olds are the biggest buyers of movie/TV DVDs and streaming video.

classified DENTURES $0 CO-PAY! $200 EYEWEAR ALLOWANCE! Must Have Medicare and Medicaid to Qualify. For Details Call 1-800-704-3307 24 hrs, for Free Report.

COMPETITIVE SEALED BID (CSB) Project 13-05-02SP The Houston Independent School District (HISD) will receive lump sum bids, including all forms, schedules and statements, from Contractors until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at the Board Services Office, 4400 West 18th Street, 1C, Houston, Texas 77092 for the Port Houston Elementary SPARK Park. The work will consist of adding an outdoor classroom and associated connecting paver clad walkways, resurfacing the existing pavilion floor prior to adding graphics, adding a concrete seat wall and new entry columns with the school’s mascot on top. Pre-Bid Conference attendance is MANDATORY. The Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Port Houston Elementary, 1800 McCarty St. Houston, Texas 77029-3797. Bid documents will be available on Monday, May 27, 2013, on the HISD web-site at http://www.houstonisd.org/ page/68148. For additional information contact William “Earl” Finley at (713) 556-9306.

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

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Project 13-05-01 – RFP/LED Marquee Signs and Scoreboards – with a deadline of 10 A.M., June 12, 2013. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2C10 at the above stated address on June 5, 2013 at 10 AM.

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Project 13-05-04 – RFP/Flight Instructions- Sterling HS – with a deadline of 3 PM; June 26, 2013. A pre-proposal conference will be held on June 19, 2013 at 10:00 AM in room 2NE51 at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center

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Project 13-05-05 – RFP/HVAC Pumps and Electric Motor Rebuild – with a deadline of 2 P.M. June 26, 2013. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2C10 at the above stated address on June 11, 2013 at 9 A.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.PublicSuprlus.com.

DEFENDER | MAY 30 | 2013

sports

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Major League Baseball sponsors diversity summit

By Max Edison Defender

he success of the movie “42” has once again shone the spotlight on Jackie Robinson and his journey to successfully integrate Major League Baseball. The league continues to promote diversity and equality throughout the sport. To that end, the second MLB Diversity Business Summit comes to Houston Tuesday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 19. The sports employment and supplier diversity trade fair allows job seekers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet with MLB clubs at both the Major League and Minor League level as well as sponsorship partners. Wendy Lewis, MLB senior vice president of diversity & strategic alliances, said “opportunity” is the key word. “At its core, the MLB Diversity Business Wendy Lewis Jim Crane Summit is an event that signifies opportunity,” Lewis said. “It’s an opportunity for job seekers to find out how they can work with MLB or one of its affiliate organizations. “It’s an opportunity that allows Major League Baseball to connect with both the business and host community. It’s an opportunity for diverse suppliers to connect and do business with Major League Baseball.” The summit will feature owners and key executives from all 30 Major League clubs. In addition executives from Minor League Clubs, MLB Network, MLB Advanced Media, and MLB’s Central Office will be in attendance. Guest speakers include Allan H. (Bud) Selig, MLB commissioner; Jonathan Mariner, MLB executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Jim Crane, owner and chairman of the Houston Astros. “Some of the clubs will be looking to fill Bud Selig Jonathan Mariner intern positions; some will be looking to fill steadily declining for the past 20 years. They currently stand professional positions,” Lewis said. at 8.5 percent this season, the lowest since full integration “On the entrepreneurial side some of our clubs will in 1959. The summit is just one of the initiatives MLB has be looking for different businesses to represent the comaggressively embarked on to renew interest among Africanmodities and needs that they have. We’re using this in a real Americans. eventful way to hopefully change the game. “Commissioner Selig’s commitment to African-Ameri“This is an unprecedented opportunity to capture all of can diversity has been ongoing both on and off the field and this energy and talent with people from all over the country the summit is part of that,” Lewis said. in one place, Houston, Texas.” “One of the newest and most comprehensive initiatives African-American numbers on the field have been is the launching of the on-field diversity taskforce. The

About the Summit • Begins Tuesday, June 18, at the Hyatt Regency and Wednesday, June 19, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. • Early check-in starts at noon Tuesday. Events include a supply chain match-makers event and welcome reception. • Wednesday events include check-in and registration, ribbon-cutting, a job-seeker trade fair, business briefings, panel discussions, reception at Minute Maid Park and game featuring Astros vs. Brewers. • For more information visit mlb.com/diversitysummit.

taskforce is going to address what our presence historically has been on the field and in the front office. “It will take a real aggressive look at representation in all silos within our organizations and make sure there are more people in the pipeline that reflect where baseball has been and where we’re going.” The summit is a manifestation of diversity, which is the legacy of Robinson. “What the MLB Diversity Business Summit truly represents is Jackie Robinson, Lewis said. “It’s his fearless pursuit of capitalizing on opportunities and, in turn, opening those doors for others. “Like Jackie, Major League Baseball’s dedication to diversity is steadfast. Its goal of promoting diversity is not so much about race, color, or gender as it is a different way of viewing our world. “If not for Jackie Robinson, our national pastime, and the world for that matter, would not be the same. It’s his commitment to changing the status quo – to being an agent of social change and social responsibility – on which the MLB Diversity Summit truly stands.”

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MAY 30 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Turner headed to Notre Dame One of the top prep female basketball players in the nation has culminated a recruiting process that began in middle school. Brianna Turner, a 6-foot-3 post from Manvel High School and regarded as the top-rated player in the Class of 2014, has verbally committed to Notre Dame. Turner chose Notre Dame over Baylor, Duke, Connecticut and Stanford. The junior forward averaged 20.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 3.5 steals for the Mavericks this season as they advanced to the regional quarterfinals against Clear Springs. Turner was named All-American by MaxPreps.com, was the District 22-5A co-MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. She was just named to the USA Basketball Women’s Under-19 World Championship Team that will compete at the FIBA World Championships in July. Turner is already a two-time gold medalist for USA Basketball.

Trio named to training camp

Houston-area softball soars By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

he greater Houston area is guaranteed to have two schools in the “Final Four” of the 2013 high school girls’ Class 5A state softball tournament. Defending 5A champion Deer Park and perennial state powerhouse Brazoswood advanced to the Region III-5A championship series at the University of Houston to ensure one Houston-area school advancing to the state semifinals. The Woodlands and Kingwood squared off in the Region II-5A title series at Tomball for the right to have two Houston area schools in the “Final Four.” That last happened in 2011 when The Woodlands won the 5A state championship and Pearland also advanced to the state tournament. Deer Park was given up for dead back in February when The Deer lost three games over one weekend while playing in a Pearland tournament. It’s been nearly three months since that ugly setback and Deer Park is steamrolling its way back to Austin.

Ace pitcher Caitlin Plocheck hurt her ankle in the series-opening 5-2 victory over Brazoswood and still provided a spark with her bat. Plocheck went 3-for-3 and her RBI single to the right-center field wall in the bottom of the sixth inning added an insurance run that relief pitcher Payton McBride made stand up. After yielding a leadoff single in the top of the seventh, the freshman struck out three consecutive hitters to end the game. “It’s always good to win that first one because then you don’t have to fight to win two more after that,” Plocheck said. The last time Kingwood advanced to a region final was in 1999 when head coach Lauren Hendrix was playing shortstop and assistant coach Kristin Chavira was the right fielder. Kingwood fell 2-1 to Katy Taylor back then and never have advanced that far in the playoffs since. “This is an exciting time for Kingwood softball,” Hendrix said. “We’re very passionate about our school and since two of the three coaches also played here and grew up here and we’re back here starting families, it’s really exciting for

us and the players.” Kingwood was ousted from the playoffs in the first round last season. “We were really disappointed when we got knocked out last year and it made us work harder to be a better team, to be more connected and to develop a lot more chemistry as a whole,” senior first baseman Megan Graver said. Senior pitcher Cassie McClure, who is heading to Texas Tech after graduation, gives Kingwood one of the area’s best in the circle. McClure is 22-2 on the season with a 1.99 earned-run average and 124 strikeouts in 141 innings. The Mustangs boast one of the state’s top offenses with a .401 team batting average, 97 stolen bases and seven players hitting over .400. McClure is also the team’s cleanup hitter with eight home runs, 44 RBIs and a .462 batting average. Junior center fielder Anna Olejniczak is hitting .514 with 47 runs scored, 29 stolen bases and two home runs. “Our offense is what fuels us, and we have one of the best pitchers in the state,” Hendrix said.

Former Yates High School standout Damyean Dotson is one of three Houston-area products named to the USA Basketball Under-19 World Championship Team training camp. Dotson, who just completed his freshman year at the University of Oregon, will be joined by Duke University freshman Rasheed Sulaimon and St. John’s High School’s Justise Winslow, who was recently named the Gatorade Texas Player of the Year. The three will join 21 other under-19 standouts from around the country. The camp will be conducted June 14-19 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (USOTC) in Colorado Springs, Colo. to select a 12-member team to compete in the FIBA U19 World Championship, June 27-July 7 at Prague, Czech Republic.

Running back Sims Leaves UH University of Houston running back Charles Sims isn’t returning for his final year of eligibility this fall. “It is with regret and deep humbling that I am ending my playing career at the University of Houston,” Sims’ statement said. “I have a lot of great memories that I will carry with me forever. The former Westbury standout recently received his degree. With a year of eligibility remaining he could transfer to another D1 school and be eligible to play immediately or make himself available to the NFL in the supplemental draft. Sims totaled 851 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 142 attempts in 2012 along with 37 receptions for 373 yards and three touchdowns. He was a second-team All-C-USA performer in 2012.

Money for real If you think boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather chose the nickname “Money” because it sounds cute, guess again. “Money” May tops the Sports Illustrated’s Fortunate list for the second consecutive year. The list ranks the top 50 U.S. sports stars’ annual earnings based on salary, winnings, bonuses and endorsements. Mayweather tops the list. He is scheduled to make at minimum $90 million this year and that number could swell to $128 million based on proceeds from a scheduled title defense in September. Rounding out the top five are: No. 2, Lebron James ($56.5 mil); No. 3, Drew Brees ($47.8 mil); No. 4, Kobe Bryant ($46.8 mil) and No. 5, Tiger Woods ($40.8 mil).

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12 DEFENDER | MAY 30 | 2013

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