Houston Defender: May 09, 2013

NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS DIPS SLIGHTLY P3

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Volume 82 | Number 28

MAY 9, 2013 |FREE

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NEWSTALK PASTOR KIRBYJON CALDWELL

named to top 20

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BUSINESS OPINION

STATE OF TEXAS doing business with Blacks

What’s next for

SHAPE Center?

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P6 HS ZONE TIFFANY TERRY runs for Clear Springs

P13 CHAG’S PLACE

Craig Robinson lands new role

Dr. Bernard Harris, Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah-Jiles and John Lucas at UH African-American Studies banquet

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Johnetta Hayes-Perry coaches Lady Tigers

Many TV viewers know Craig Robinson as one of the employees on NBC’s “The Office.” That show is ending, and Robinson is co-starring in the new film, “The Peeples.” Find out what he thinks about Tyler Perry. See what he has to say about having the same name as Michelle Obama’s brother.

Texas Southern University’s women’s basketball team has a new coach, Johnetta Hayes-Perry. Read about her Houston roots and basketball background. Hear what she says about her predecessor, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke.

Discover her thoughts on maintaining the team’s level of success.

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DEFENDER | MAY 9 | 2013

newstalk

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HISD offers career help to NFISD employees HISD is reaching out to North Forest ISD employees who are interested in applying for positions.

NFISD, which is being annexed by HISD effective July 1, employed more than 1,000 teachers, administrators, professionals, paraprofessionals and support staff members.

HISD is sponsoring a job fair for specific non-instructional NFISD personnel on Saturday, May 18 from 9

a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Food Services Administration, 6801 Bennington.

Participants can interview with representatives from construction, facilities services & maintenance, food service department, police department, transportation and warehouses.

The deadlines to apply for HISD teacher positions are May 22 and June 10. NFISD teacher candidates are

Caldwell named one of top 20 preachers Defender News Services Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell of Windsor Village United Methodist Church has been named one of America’s top 20 preachers by the online news source The Root.

“These clergy members have distinguished themselves

Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell

within their denominations,” the report said. “Some of them lead churches steeped in civil rights history. Others started their congregations from scratch…Whatever their accomplishments, these 20 Christian ministers are at the top of their field.”

When Caldwell was appointed senior pastor of Windsor Village in 1982, the congregation numbered 25. Today, it is the largest United Methodist Church in the nation with more than 17,000 members, and is known for its groundbreaking ministries and life-changing non-profit organizations.

Caldwell said his tenure as pastor has been an “absolute joy.”

“There have been ups and downs for sure but the ups have been a whole lot higher than the downs have been low. I am extremely grateful both to GOD and the church family for allowing me to do what I love to do with the people I love so much,” he said.

The other ministers named to the list include Rev. Calvin O. Butts III, pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem; Rev. Floyd H. Flake, pastor of Greater Allen AME Cathedral in Jamaica, N.Y. and a former congressman, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas.

encouraged to apply online as soon as possible to be considered for future, invitation-only, employment events in May and June.

Only those candidates who have successfully passed HISD’s teacher screening process will be invited to attend the events.

For more information call 713-556-7373 or visit Houstonisd.org/careers or TalentAcquisition@houstonisd.org.

New TSU regent appointed Gov. Rick Perry appointed Sarah MontyArnoni of Houston as the newest member of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents. She is partner at Monty and Ramirez LLP. Monty-Arnoni received a bachelor’s degree and bilingual teaching certificate from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a law degree from TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, American Bar Association, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Sarah Monty-Arnoni and National Hispanic Bar Association. She is a co-founder and board member of Protectors of the Dream Inc. of Houston, and a volunteer attorney for Neighborhood Centers Inc. and the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Regents Glenn O. Lewis and Eric Salwen were both reappointed to the board. The appointments are subject to Texas Senate confirmation.

localbriefs STATE REP. BORRIS MILES is speaking out about a recent article in Money magazine that listed Sunnyside as the sixth most dangerous neighborhood in the country. Miles, who grew up in Sunnyside, said he agrees with some constituents and local officials who believe that the area does not deserve the ranking. Miles is also skeptical of the data used, since it was provided by a real estate company. “I believe that there are interests who would like to see the property values of Sunnyside driven down so that the neighborhood can be gentrified at a lower cost,” Miles said. “I have argued for years that because of Sunnyside’s proximity to downtown and the Medical

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Center, it is a diamond in the rough.” He added that though Sunnyside has its challenges, it is a vibrant, family-oriented neighborhood……..A STAFFING AGENCY with offices in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi has agreed to pay nearly $2 million in overtime back wages to workers following a U.S. Labor Department investigation. Hutco Inc., which has a Houston location, provides skilled and unskilled labor to clients……..

FIVE LOCAL PROGRAMS are among 16 in Texas awarded a total of $3.7 million by HUD to continue helping homeless persons and families in Houston. “We know these modest investments

in housing and services to our homeless neighbors not only saves money, but saves lives,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. The Houston programs are sponsored by Career & Recovery Resources, Covenant House, Santa Maria Hostel, Stop Turning Enter Prison and Wellsprings Village…….. LONAL XELA ROBINSON, second-generation publisher of the Houston Sun and a poet, died April 30 after a lengthy illness.

He was 33. Services will be held Friday, May 10 at 11 a.m. at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. He is survived by his mother, Dorris Ellis Robinson, one brother and two sisters.

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MAY 9 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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national

U.S.briefs THE TRIAL of Casey Anthony is back in the spotlight after recent comments by Florida Judge Belvin Perry, who presided over the much-publicized trial. Perry told the “Today” show that he believed there was enough evidence to convict Anthony, who was acquitted two years ago of murdering her 2-year-old daughter. Caylee Anthony’s remains were found in 2008, six months after she was reported missing, and the case received worldwide attention. Perry said he felt “surprise, shock, disbelief” when he read the jury’s verdict. He believes there was sufficient evidence for a firstdegree murder conviction, even though much of it was circumstantial. Perry, an Orlando native, received his law degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law……..CONGRESSMAN MEL WATT of North Carolina has been nominated as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency by President Barack Obama. If confirmed, Watt would oversee the government-backed mortgage financiers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Watt is a lawyer who has represented North Carolina in Congress for the last two decades. He is former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. “Mel understands as well as anybody what caused the housing crisis. He knows what it’s going to take to help responsible homeowners fully recover and he’s committed to helping [them],” Obama said……..VOTING RIGHTS ADVOCATES are praising the state of Maryland after Gov. Martin O’Malley signed two progressive bills into law. The bills will add early voting sites, extend early voting hours, expand absentee balloting and allow same-day voter registration.

“Democracy is stronger in Maryland today,” said Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP. “This will make voting possible for many voters who simply cannot wait in long lines or whose bosses will not permit them to miss work to vote. Maryland is now at the forefront of election reform.”

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 28 - MAY 9, 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).

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Unemployment declines for Blacks

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NNPA News Service

he unemployment rate for Black men and women dipped slightly in April, with females showing the greatest progress between the two groups, according to the Labor Department’s monthly report for April.

The unemployment rate for Black men over 20 years of age was 12.6 percent in April, barely down from 12.7 percent in March. The unemployment rate for white men over 20 years of age increased slightly, from 6.1 percent in March to 6.4 percent in April.

The unemployment rate for Black women fell from 12.2 percent in March to 11.6 percent in April, moving in the positive direction. More Black women joined the labor force in April, which helped boost the employment rate.

Overall, 165,000 jobs were created in April

and the overall unemployment rate dropped by one-tenth of a percent to 7.5 percent in April. The April numbers released by the Labor Department is yet another indication that the economy continues to recover at a slow place.

It is unclear what effect automatic across-theboard federal budget cuts, known as sequester, will have on future trends.

U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said even though there are clear signs our economy continues to rebound, 11.7 million Americans – 2.4 million of them Black – are still unemployed.

“Congress can either work to help or hinder our economic progress,” Fudge said. “Sequestration remains a serious threat, and without a budget plan to address our nation’s fiscal problems, uncertainty prevents employers from making decisions that will help put Americans back to work.”

Morehouse sparks controversy Defender News Services

As Morehouse College in Atlanta prepares for its May 19 commencement featuring President Barack Obama as the speaker, its decision regarding another speaker has sparked controversy.

It all began after Rev. Kevin Johnson, a Philadelphia pastor who had been invited to deliver a baccalaureate address at Morehouse the day before Obama’s appearance, wrote an editorial criticizing Obama in the Philadelphia Tribune.

The headline read, “A President for Everyone.

Except Black People.”

After the editorial was published, Morehouse President John Silvanus Wilson Jr. informed Johnson that he was changing Johnson’s appearance into a “multi-speaker” event to broaden the views represented. Johnson declined the offer and said Wilson’s change of heart was because of the opinion piece.

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Continued on Page 10

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DEFENDER | MAY 9 | 2013

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entertainment Craig Robinson

talks about new film ‘The Peeples’

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

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orn in Chicago in 1971, Craig Robinson is currently appearing in the final season of “The Office” on NBC, where he portrays employee Darryl Philbin.

Before deciding to pursue a comedy career full-time, Robinson was a K-8 teacher in the Chicago public schools.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and a master’s in education from St. Xavier University. While studying education he discovered his love of acting and comedy and joined the famed Second City Theatre.

Robinson made his mark on the comedy circuit at the 1998 Montreal “Just For Laughs” Festival. He went on to perform his act on “The Jimmy Craig Robinson plays Kerry Washington’s boyfriend in “The Peeples.”

Kimmel Show” and “Real Time with from a family with so many secrets, and watching them Bill Maher.” unravel. So, she knew what she was talking about. And He later appeared in such films as “Knocked Up,” when she let me know that Kerry Washington was “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” and “Hot Tub Time playing the love interest, I went, “Okay, I’m in! Let’s Machine.” go ahead and do it.”

Here, he talks about his first leading man role as KW: How was it working with Tyler Perry?

Wade Walker in “Peeples,” a comedy about family CR: I worked with Tyler before on “Daddy’s secrets co-starring Kerry Washington and co-produced Little Girls.” He couldn’t be smarter or more laid back

by Tyler Perry. and cool…And he was shining his light on “Peeples” KW: What interested you in “Peeples?” too, lending his name to showcase Tina as a first-time CR: When I met with [director] Tina Gordon director, and me as a first-time lead. I’m humbled and Chism, I was impressed with her passion about the honored to work with him. project. She had lived this experience of dating someone

KW: What was it like on the set with actors such as Diahann Carroll and Melvin Van Peebles?

CR: Diahann Carroll delivered a very moving speech at the start of the whole project, and Melvin pulled me aside on the set and told me to, “Stay strong!” in a way that carried considerable heft.

These people are legends, and we couldn’t have been more thrilled about their participation in the movie and blessing it.

KW: Given that you are a singer, are you interested in recording an album one day?

CR: Yes I am. I have a sound. It’s called funk mixed with stank. That’s what I do.

KW: What’s it like having the same name as First Lady Michelle Obama’s brother?

CR: I was once dating a woman who got very upset after confusing the two of us when she found my picture next to his bio which indicated that he’s divorced with kids, and remarried. So, if you can imagine, that’s what it’s like.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

CR: I can bake the hell out of some chicken, my friend.

KW: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?

CR: Determination.

what’sup Grammy-winner LAURYN HILL will spend three months in federal prison for failing to pay taxes on more than $2 million in earnings during a five-year period. Hill, who lives in South Orange, N.J., was also sentenced to three months of home confinement with electronic monitoring after the prison term. In addition, she must serve a year of supervised release and pay a $60,000 fine along with her tax debt to the IRS. She said in court that her experience in the music business was similar to the slavery her ancestors endured. “I am a child of former slaves who had a system imposed on them,” Hill told the U.S. magistrate in Newark………

CHRIS KELLY, the rapper who found fame in the 1990s as one-half of the duo Kris Kross, is being buried in Atlanta. Kelly, also known as “Mac Daddy,”

died May 1 of a possible drug overdose. He was 34.

Kelly and CHRIS “DADDY MAC” SMITH were discovered in 1990 by JERMAINE DUPRI. Their first album sold four million copies and included the hit single, “Jump.” Kelly’s mother told police her son became sick after using cocaine and heroin……...

STEVE HARVEY’S syndicated daytime talk show continues to grow in popularity. The show drew an average of 2.1 million viewers during the February ratings sweep, and is beginning to out-rate Katie Couric’s talk show among women 25 to 54. Harvey said his typical viewer is an adult woman who does not want to be played with. “She wants valuable information, she wants to be treated with respect, she loves to laugh and she would love if somebody

would defend her. Guys, you may not care for me sharing this information, but at the end of the day, you know I’m right,” Harvey said………Former Destiny’s Child member MICHELLE WILLIAMS has joined the cast of “Fela!” in Los Angeles. The musical is based on the life of Nigerian revolutionary and artist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Williams plays the part of Sandra Isadore, Fela’s love interest. Williams said she is honored to be in the show. “I learned about him about five years ago and have been a fan ever since,” she said. She also discussed acting vs. singing. “It’s crazy because right now I’m blessed to do both. This is my fourth Broadway show. Acting is definitely an amazing form of expression, and I really adore it and feel blessed to have the opportunity to do it.”

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Nominations recognize Black theater

MAY 9 | 2013 | DEFENDER

Celebrate mom with Lamik Cosmetics and a fabulous day of beauty!

Saturday, May 11 at 1pm at Macy’s Pearland What a beautiful way to say “thanks, mom”, with “A List” eyebrows, just like the stars! Join us as Kim Roxie, founder and creator of Lamik Cosmetics, spotlights Lamik’s popular Celebrity Brow Kit! Reserve your appointment by calling 713.280.2509 and let a Lamik specialist create a complimentary “Perfect Brow” for mom (or you)! They’ll even suggest lip color and powder to complete your fabulous new look, just in time for Mother’s Day!

By ZENITHA PRINCE Special to NNPA from Afro-American Newspaper

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frican-American theater received several nods in this year’s Tony nominations, which were recently announced in New York.

Veteran actress Cicely Tyson received a nod for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for her role in “The Trip to Bountiful,” a revival of Horton Foote’s beloved 1953 American classic.

The production, which costars Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams and Condola Rashad, marked Tyson’s return to Broadway after a three-decade Cicely Tyson hiatus. It also followed a recent trend, which casts Black actors in roles written and traditionally performed by whites.

The play is up for four honors in all, also including Rashad for Best Performance in a Featured Role in a Play, Best Sound Design of a Play and Best Revival of a Play.

Another Black production, “Motown: The Musical,” also received four nods, including Valisia LeKae for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Charl Brown for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, Best Sound Design of a Musical and Best Orchestrations.

Other nominations included George C. Wolfe as Best Director for his work in “Lucky Guy,” which stars Tom Hanks. Courtney B. Vance received a nod for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play in the same production.

The Tony Awards will take place June 9.

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Kim Roxie of Lamik Beauty is a graduate of The Workshop at Macy’s program.

The Workshop at Macy’s aims to nurture and grow the next generation of minority and women-owned retail business talent. For more information and how you can be a part of it, go to macysinc.com/workshop. See you in our Cosmetics Department!

Event subject to change or cancellation.

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DEFENDER | MAY 9 | 2013

business

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Doing business with the State of Texas

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

Part 2 The State of Texas spends billions of dollars on goods and services each year.

Though Blacks comprise 12 percent of the Texas population and represent 7 percent of its businesses, they were only awarded state contracts totaling 1.63 percent during the last biennium.

How can Blacks get a larger piece of the pie?

The Defender explores the issue in part two of a special print and online series.

Get a piece of the pie The state works with minority firms through its Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program. Paul Gibson, statewide HUB program manager with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, said there are ways Black entrepre-

neurs who have never worked with the state before can increase their chances of getting business.

“Manufacturers, suppliers, and other vendors wishing to furnish materials, equipment, supplies, and services to the state should register for the state’s Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) to receive bidding opportunities,” Gibson said.

“The CMBL is a master database used by State of Texas purchasing entities to develop a mailing list for vendors to receive bids based on the products or services they can provide to the State of Texas.

“Also, vendors are encouraged to monitor our online Economic Opportunity Forums Events Calendar. This site provides a schedule of various

EOFs held throughout the state. These EOFs are sponsored by state and local government agencies, as well as minority/women development centers and trade organizations.

Continued on Page 6

Congratulations!!

To the HISD Class of 2013 High School graduation is one of the first milestones in the life of a young adult It demonstrates

Dedication, Perseverance & Accomplishment!

SPONSORED BY

Join us as we celebrate and applaud the HISD Class of 2013 With a special yearbook edition – Thursday, May 23rd

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MAY 9 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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Business with the state...Continued from page 6 “The EOFs provide numerous opportunities to disseminate and share information about public and private sector procurement, as well as increase networking opportunities with Texas-based small, minority- and women-owned businesses,” Gibson said.

Charles O’Neal, president of the Dallas-based firm Strategique and a consultant with TAAACC, said the best way for a Black entrepreneur to get his or her “foot in the door” is with preparation.

“Say you’re a Black plumber in Texarkana and

you win a contract with the Texas Parks & Wildlife department to repair bathrooms at Big Bend state park out in west Texas,” O’Neal said.

“There’s no question you can do the work, but can you get a work crew out to Big Bend, house and feed them through completion of the job AND still make a profit?

“You won the bid but it may be the worst business decision you ever made. So it’s important that business owners research beyond just winning the award because there are other factors involved…”

When deciding which businesses to work with, Gibson said there are a number of things the state

How to keep a state contract If a Black-owned business gets a contract with the State of Texas, what must be done to keep it?

“Contracts may be one-time purchases, or they could extend over a period of time and have renewal clauses,” said Paul Gibson, statewide HUB program manager with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

“In order for a vendor to maintain their contract they must fulfill the requirements of the contract. Vendors should also ensure that they are in good standing with the state (i.e., franchise tax, current operating/professional licenses, etc.),” Gibson said.

Jim Wyatt, chairman of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC), offered some advice.

“The number one thing a successful bidder can do to keep

the contract is to meet all the specifications of the contract on time according to the agreed upon contract. Also, participate in all meetings and be proactive in communicating to said agency any and all change orders as appropriate.”

Charles O’Neal, a consultant with TAAACC, said a business that gets a contract must perform.

“It’s pretty clear that if a Black business is successful in winning a contract award, they are very good at dotting I’s and crossing T’s. Now the only issue is can you deliver?” O’Neal said.

“The extra burden on Black business owners is every time one of us fails to perform on a contract, it decreases the chances that another Black business owner will ever get an opportunity.

That’s an unfair burden, but it’s a reality.”

We’ve added 30,000 students in the last 5 years.

Expanded facilities help us keep growing to meet community needs.

LoneStar.edu/Bond2013

Bond Election May 11

No tax rate increase

takes into consideration.

They include the quality and reliability of the goods and services, delivery terms, past vendor performance, the vendor’s financial resources and ability to perform, the vendor’s experience or demonstrated capability and responsibility, and the vendor’s ability to provide reliable maintenance agreements and support.

In addition, the state looks at the cost of any employee training associated with a purchase, the effect of a purchase on agency productivity and the vendor’s anticipated economic impact to the state or a subdivision of the state, including potential tax revenue and employment.

Black business numbers • At last count, Houston was No. 3 on the list of cities with the largest number of Black businesses – 33,062. New York was No. 1 (154,929) and Chicago was No. 2 (58,631).

• There were 61,457 Black-owned businesses in the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown metropolitan statistical area.

• In Harris County, 12.7 percent of businesses were Black-owned.

• Texas was No. 2 on list of states with the largest number of minority-owned firms – 723,057.

California had 1.2 million.

• Nationally, Black businesses numbered 1.9 million and generated $137.5 billion in sales.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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DEFENDER | MAY 9 | 2013

cover

Executive Director Deloyd Parker has been with SHAPE Community Center from the beginning.

Elders Institute of Wisdom participants Jean Wilkins Denver (l.) and Lillie Starks receive exercise instruction from Ade Oluyemisi.

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HAPE Community Center is going through changes. Just a few months from surviving a premature and unwarranted sale at auction, the iconic Third Ward center is taking steps to become stronger in the future.

“We’re strengthening our board of directors, and we have a fund development committee to create opportunities to generate funding,” said Deloyd Parker, the center’s co-founder and executive director.

“And going forward, we won’t have activities simply for activities’ sake. Our activities must educate while also creating and generating revenue.”

This past February, SHAPE’s future appeared to be in jeopardy when the center was sold at auction for $81,000 because of a debt. The case was settled with ownership of the property returned to SHAPE, thanks in large part to attorney Ben Hall, who successfully negotiated with creditors and the court.

Parker doesn’t view the near-sale of the community center as a crisis.

“Though we’ve had our challenges, we never considered ourselves in a crisis situation because our faith in the will of the people is very strong,” Parker said.

“What happened with that situation is we made some errors, but had we known we would not have gotten in that situation.

“In addition, we were not served properly; we were served at the wrong facility; and we didn’t get credit for what we had paid.”

Parker noted that SHAPE’s fund development committee includes a professional auditor, and is led by a retiree from the State Comptroller’s Office.

Along with the committee’s charge to identify grant opportunities, Parker said the center’s operational model is changing in a way to ensure institutional longevity.

In addition to focusing on activities that generate funds, Parker said SHAPE is in the midst of a membership drive.

“We are going to have a major anniversary celebration and membership drive, not that we’re saying everyone who comes to SHAPE has to be a card-carrying member, but those who believe in us, we’re asking them to support us,” he said.

Four decades of service

SHAPE will host its 44th anniversary of community service on June 7. Parker says the membership drive will kick off in June, and he is asking supporters to purchase a membership.

Since its founding in 1969, SHAPE has lived up to its name — Self Help for African People through Education — by providing a multiplicity of services.

During those 44 years, Parker says SHAPE’s mission has evolved.

“We started out as a children’s free breakfast program even though we [founding members] were pretty much children ourselves, in our early 20s.

To donate to SHAPE Community Center or become a volunteer or member Visit shape.org Call 713-521-0641 (3815 Live Oak) or 713-521-0629 (3903 Almeda)

“We made enough mistakes then to see a children’s program couldn’t work in a vacuum. Thus, we evolved from children to a family program, including parents, elders, and extended family. Now, having been a child, parent, and for some of us, grandparents, we understand the importance of developing programs with the comprehensive family approach,” Parker said.

Foundational to SHAPE’s program expansion was the institution’s embracing of the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa – unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

“Those seven principles can be found in every program of SHAPE, which is all about strengthening and building the love of the family,” Parker said.

He stressed that none of SHAPE’s programs can exist without the center’s willingness to stand for justice and speak out against wrongdoing, whether by individuals or institutions.

Over the years SHAPE has served as the meeting place for countless grassroots justice movements, including the Coalition to Free Clarence Brandley and the Ida Delaney/Byron Gillum Justice Committee, and has hosted community organizing meetings on every issue impacting justice and equality for all.

Parker and other center supporters rallied against police brutality in the beating of Chad Holley and protested the lack of sentencing handed down to officers in the case.

A safe haven

SHAPE and Parker continue to have an impact on community members of all ages. Entrepreneur Swatara Olushola, co-owner of the Furahi Sahani Catering Company, operates out of SHAPE, selling vegetarian meals one Saturday out of the

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rpage

What’s next for

SHAPE Center?

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

Photos by Tiffany L. Williams

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Parker shares a moment with 3-year-old Jailya Wolfer. The center offers several programs for children.

A few SHAPE programs Below is a partial listing of the programs offered by SHAPE Community Center. For more details and a full list of activities call 713-521-0629 or visit shape.org.

Annual Pan African Festival: Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

After-School Enrichment Program: Provides life skills, cultural, recreational, homework assistance and academic enrichment activities for youth 5 to 15. Nutritious snacks are also provided. Community service projects, field trips and outings are offered every Friday. Weekly parenting sessions are also offered. Monday -Friday from 3-6 p.m. during the school year.

Summer Enrichment Program: Serves as a continuation of the after-school program. Monday -Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., June –August.

month.

“Steadfast, tenacious, strong, coherent, thriving, family-oriented, revolutionary, community-building – all these things that come to mind when I think of ‘Baba’ Deloyd and the SHAPE Community Center,” said Olushola.

“SHAPE is a safe haven for brothers and sisters of all ages, and from all walks of life. I have never seen anyone turned away or any child left behind. [Parker] is an angel who is fueled by his service to others. He is a shining example of what it means to be and do the best you can amidst and throughout a world of turmoil.”

One parent who is grateful to SHAPE is Adrianne Walker. Her two daughters, Maisha and Anana, have participated in the center’s after-school tutorial program, summer camp and Freedom Tour. The tour is an annual event that takes students on a trek across the South, making stops at cities and sites key to the Civil Rights Movement.

“SHAPE does far too much good for our children and community for us not to show our support financially,” Walker said. “The Freedom Tour, which really grounded my daughters in their history, is just one of many, many programs offered

by SHAPE.” Maisha added that the tour brought history to life, while Anana said it made her appreciate what Blacks went through in the ‘60s so she could have a better life.

Young people are an integral part of SHAPE Center. Parker said along with taking steps to strengthen SHAPE’s finances, they are molding future leaders with the creation of a board made up of young adults in their 20s and 30s. They will be mentored so they can eventually move up to the executive board.

“We’re identifying young people who share our vision, and those we hope can adopt our vision,” Parker said.

he Houston area for over 80 years

Freedom Tour: Retraces the Civil Rights Movement through the Deep South. Sites visited include the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Little Rock Central High School, Medgar Evers’ home and Tuskegee University. Takes place one week in July.

Elder’s Institute of Wisdom: Offers seniors computer classes, meetings, exercise and other activities. Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Food Cooperative: Third Saturday of the month.

Legal Clinic: Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon.

Healthy Food Workshop & Lunch: Every first Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Twelve Step Fellowship Meeting: Every Thursday, 6:308:30 p.m.

Visit defendernetwork.com for more info on how the community can help SHAPE

10 DEFENDER | MAY 9 | 2013

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Morehouse...Continued from page 3 A dozen Morehouse alumni have called on Wilson to reinstate Johnson as the only baccalaureate speaker.

In the editorial, Johnson said he was disappointed by the absence of Black leaders and advisors in Obama’s cabinet.

“For me, the absence of AfricanAmericans in a second term is not only disrespectful to the Black community – who voted 96 percent for President Obama in 2008 and 93 percent in 2012 –but also underscores a larger problem of economic and job opportunities for the Black community,” Johnson wrote.

“Indeed, if we objectively look at Obama’s presidency, AfricanAmericans are in a worse position than they were before he became president. At the end of January 2009, unemployment for AfricanAmericans was 12.7 percent. Four years later, the situation is worse, and unemployment is higher at 13.8 percent.”

Johnson added that he has been a strong Obama supporter and worked to get him elected in 2008 and 2012.

Wilson in turn wrote a letter on the college’s website titled “Commencement 2013: Keeping Our Focus.”

He said he made the decision to adjust the format of the baccalaureate program to take a more creative, multi-speaker approach.

“To my chagrin, my decision has been wrongly construed by some as an effort to ‘disinvite’ this individual,” Wilson wrote. “[Johnson] was not disinvited, but rather declined to participate in the format. Worse yet, this decision has led to allegations of censorship, which of course has no place in any viable academic institution.

These allegations are fundamentally deleterious and are undeserved.”

The Morehouse commencement is an invitation-only event, and tickets are being required for all guests, including children over the age of two.

“As an official academic occasion, our focus, during the planning of the event, is the graduating class and their families,” the college said in a statement.

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Social Security changes could hurt Blacks

MAY 9 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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hanges to Social Security proposed by Obama could hurt African-Americans more than other groups, a new report by the Center for Global Policy Solutions finds.

In this fiscal year 2014 budget, Obama proposes switching the way benefit programs such as Social Security and civil service retirement adjust for inflation to the chained consumer price index, or chained CPI. Chained CPI calculates inflation differently from the consumer price index, the current yardstick. The move would save approximately $230 billion, according to the president’s budget. Social Security recipients, however, could see their benefits reduced.

“The chained CPI significantly reduces the purchasing power of those who rely on benefits issued by the federal government, and especially disadvantages retirees and the longterm disabled because it fails to take into account the higher costs they shoulder as a result of their increased need for health care services and related products,” the report reads.

Nearly half of African-American beneficiaries rely on Social Security for 90 percent or more of their income, compared to 35 percent of all beneficiaries. Two out of five Black retirees over 65 depend on Social Security for their entire income.

The report show that 18 percent of Black adults over 65 had an income below the federal poverty level; without Social Security benefits, 53 percent of older African-Americans would be living in poverty.

According to AARP, those who rely on Social Security for the majority of their income would experience an 8 percent cut to their income after 30 years using chained CPI. It would result in about $3 lost for every $1,000 in benefits. That amounts to a lot for the AfricanAmericans over 65 who receive about $13,000 a year in benefits.

AARP recently released a poll showing that 70 percent of older voters are not in favor of using chained CPI for the Social Security cost-ofliving adjustment.

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12

DEFENDER | MAY 9 | 2013

sports

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Johnetta Hayes-Perry

coaches TSU Lady Tigers that Cooper-Dyke played in her professional development.

“Coach Cooper was a great mentor to work for and learn from. I started with her he Lady Tigers basketball program as a graduate assistant with her at Prairie at Texas Southern University reView. I was later reunited with her at UNCcently experienced the most sucWilmington, which was really important cessful season in university history. for me and she brought me back home to The squad finished the 2012-13 Houston and Texas Southern.” campaign with a 20-12 record, 16-2 in SWAC For fans of Lady Tiger basketball who conference play. became used to the winning ways of last The team at one point reeled off 15 conseason, Hayes-Perry said that mission has secutive wins as they captured the regular not changed. season conference crown. That level of success, “Our vision for the program hasn’t however, coupled with a high-profile Hall of changed since she left. We wanted to Fame coach in Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, can lead bring a winning program to Texas Southto changes. ern and we’ve done that. Now we want to After one season Cooper-Dyke was lured maintain that level of success,” she said. back to her alma mater, USC, and TSU had a Becoming a head coach is the ultihuge void to fill. That void was recently filled mate goal of any assistant coach worth when TSU elevated Cooper-Dykes’ top assistant his or her salt, and getting an opportunity Johnetta Hayes-Perry to the top spot. to fulfill the dream in her hometown is a Hayes-Perry is a local product who starred special bonus for Hayes-Perry at Sterling High School and Rice University.

“I’ve received emails and phone calls She arrived at TSU after a two-year stint at from a large number of old classmates UNC-Wilmington, where she spent two seasons and teammates who are excited as an assistant coach on Cooper-Dykes’ staff in about me getting this opporNorth Carolina. tunity,” she said. “They’re For two years she served as head coach at excited not only for me, Wiley College, winning 42 games and Wiley’s but for the growth of first-ever national ranking. She was selected this program. I’m really Red River Athletic Conference Coach of the looking forward to the Year (2007-08). support from the comShe also spent a two-year stint as an assismunity.” tant coach at the University of North Texas.

Hayes-Perry is This past season Hayes-Perry was instrualso aware that she is mental in the Lady Tigers’ historic success, in an example of sucwhich TSU participated in the WNIT postseason The new TSU women’s basketball coach wants to maintain the cess that has come for the first time in school history. success the team achieved under from HISD and SterTSU Athletic Director Charles McClelland Cynthia Cooper-Dyke. ling. She hopes that her was pleased with the decision to elevate HayesHayes-Perry was glad accomplishments can Perry. be a source of encourage“We’re extremely excited about the future of to continue her career path at TSU. ment to others. the women’s basketball at Texas Southern with “I would like to thank Presi“I’m hoping that I can be Coach Hayes-Perry at the helm of the program,” dent Dr. John Rudley, the TSU Board Johnetta Hayes-Perry an inspiration to some young McClelland said. person at Sterling or Worthing “She has significant experience coaching at of Regents and Dr. McClelland for giving me the opportunity to conor Yates or whatever school,” the Division I level and she also brings with her tinue building a legacy here at Texas Southern,” she said. “If you take care of business, sports head coaching experience. We feel that Coach said Hayes-Perry. “I’m really excited and I feel [can] be an avenue to help you succeed in life.

Hayes-Perry undoubtedly provides us with the very fortunate to be a part of the Lady Tiger It can give you the opportunity to go to colbest option toward making Texas Southern a family. lege, get a good education and help you move legitimate contender in the current landscape of She was also quick to acknowledge the role forward in life.” women’s college basketball.”

T

By MAX EDISION Defender

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MAY 9 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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Athletes have visions of gold at state track meet

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

W

illiam Gibbs and Tiffany Terry will have something in common this weekend at the state high school track and field meet in Austin. Both are hoping to repeat the gold medals they harvested at the regional meet in Humble.

A member of the Booker T. Washington Golden Eagles, Gibbs garnered gold in the Class 3A boys’ 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.21 seconds to outrace runner-up Josh Thomas of Jasper (14.74). Due to inclement weather, most of the running events were postponed for two days.

“Honestly, I really wanted to run so bad on Saturday that it broke my heart just a little bit when we couldn’t because I love track so much,” Gibbs said. “So on Monday I had to get back into the zone, prepare my mind and win the race.

“I got out of the starting blocks well and was able to beat some people that I hadn’t beaten all season,” Gibbs said. “Going to state after losing 16 seniors from last year is a big deal. I’m the only senior left and I get to go to state as a one-man team. That’s an act of God.” Gibbs began running the hurdles as a junior and hopes to continue on the collegiate level at the University of Houston where he plans to major in petroleum engineering. He lists sleeping as one of his favorite activities when he’s not winning gold medals.

Terry won gold medals at the

William Gibbs

13

regional meet in both the 800- and 400-meter races. Representing Clear Springs High School, Terry qualified for state in the 400-meter dash last year, but admits she wasn’t one of the favorites in the 800-meter event.

“Coming down the back stretch in the 400, I stayed relaxed and I knew coming out of the curve that I had that extra gear,” she said. “So it worked in my favor. Going into the 800, I really wasn’t picked to win. But I knew I had trained all year for it. It’s really a tactical race and running smart is what allowed me to pull that one out.

“This is huge because I wanted to uplift my team,” Terry said. “For me personally, this is big because it was a comeback year for me. So to achieve what I did today really helps my confidence.”

The Texas Christian University signee also ran a leg on Clear Springs’ 4x400 meter relay that qualified for state (3:47.14) as runner-up to Fort Bend Bush (3:46.83). She feels the girls’ track team gained momentum from the success of the Clear Springs girls’ basketball team that advanced to the state tournament.

“I played basketball my freshman and sophomore year with all of those girls,” she said.

“I know them very well and for them to make it to state, it helped us work harder to make it to state. This means a lot my senior year to go out like this.”

Terry plans to major in nursing/pre-med at TCU and if she could cure any world problem, it would be the end of senseless violence.

Region III athletes to watch Skylar Ross-Ransom is going back to the state track and field meet in Austin and the Langham Creek senior will defend her title in the 100-meter hurdles. Ross-Ransom crossed the finish line in a time of 13.95 seconds at the regional finals and it meant she was fully recovered from a lingering injury. North Shore’s Arno Hamilton qualified for state in the boys’ 110-meter hurdles by winning the regional gold medal in a time of 13.93 seconds. The North Shore boys also won the Class 5A regional team title and hope to win a state team title for the third time in four years. Freshman Debra Taylor of Alief Elsik won the Region III-5A mile run in a time of 5 minutes, 7.10 seconds to qualify for the state meet. Houston area schools will send strong relay units to Austin in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions in all three events. In the girls’ division, Cypress Springs won gold in the regional 4X100 and 4X200 meter relays. Fort Bend Bush is the favorite in the mile relay. In the boys division, Bush, North Shore, Aldine Nimitz and Alief Taylor are legitimate contenders.

Playoffs are underway Schools that advanced to the regional elite eight in Class 5A Region III softball include Bellaire, Cypress Lakes, Brazoswood, region favorite Pearland, Cinco Ranch, Cy-Fair, Manvel and defending state champion Deer Park. In the baseball bracket, defending state 5A champion Cypress Ranch advanced to the second round.

What’s next for Money?

After totally dominating Robert Guerrero in his latest title defense, what’s next for Floyd “Money” Mayweather? According to his post-fight comments, he indicated he would fulfill his five-fight commitment to Showtime/CBS and then hang up his gloves. Mayweather is 36 and one has to wonder if he has the motivation to fight at minimum another two years. Despite his flamboyant antics, Mayweather is a brilliant businessman as well as a gifted fighter, but how much longer he can summon the strength to train, promote and hype his upcoming bouts against younger, talented competition? With a perfect record of 44-0 (26 KOs), he has secured his name as one of the sport’s greatest. It’s also worth mentioning that father time is undefeated as well. Money’s next fight/payday is scheduled for Sept. 14. No opponent has been confirmed.

Should Rockets pursue Dwight Howard?

Tiffany Terry

Now that the Rockets season has concluded, the next question is what can they do to improve? As much as everyone enjoyed the playoff run it was painfully apparent that we still need at least one more major part to go farther. The largest available part would be Laker center Dwight Howard, someone GM Daryl Morey has coveted for quite some time. Howard is scheduled to be a free agent this summer and after a tumultuous debut season with “Lake-show” one has to wonder if the new look Rockets would be a better destination to pursue a championship. One thing is for sure – this will be a very interesting Rocket offseason.

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14 DEFENDER | MAY 9 | 2013

Consumer power has no age limit

I

By CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL Nielsen

believe our future is in good hands, despite what recent news headlines would have us otherwise believe. You are as familiar as I am with the barrage of negative stories of violence, drugs, teen pregnancy, bullying and other questionable behaviors of today’s youth.

No matter where you live in the country, I’ll bet there are legions more of good kids in your city or town who are shining in every area of their lives, excelling in school, giving back in ways both small and large to their communities, sports and other extracurricular activities.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I claim my bragging rights as the mother of one of these outstanding young people, my 16-year-old son.

I always talk about how this nation is becoming more and more multicultural day by day. In fact, in eight years, there will be 170 million multicultural consumers in the United States. This nation is a huge melting pot already, but these forecasted numbers are promising for people of color – especially young people.

According to the most recent U.S. Census, African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians each make up 42 percent of the youngest demographic age groups: 12-17, 18-24 and 25-34. These same groups of young folks are going to be in our shoes as adults in a few decades and their numbers are on the rise. The 18 to 24 year-old demographic is, in fact, growing faster than any other segment.

Businesses and advertisers are paying very close attention to the information I’m sharing with you. All of us know by now how critical everything we purchase, watch, read and listen to is for manufacturers and marketers. The same is true for young people.

What are their consumer behaviors? How much are they contributing or will they contribute in the future to the consumer bottom-line?

Nielsen research shows that teens have some real purchasing potential – although at this point, that potential has a lot to do with the earnings of their parents, grandparents or guardians, since most kids are not yet making the big bucks.

Last year, 29 percent of teens in the U.S. lived in households earning more than 100K. And if you are the parent of teenager(s), you know they are very good at spending our money. Can I get an ‘AMEN’ on that?

I’m sure it comes as no surprise that ownership of smartphones and tablets is growing faster in households with teenagers. It seems laptops are cool with young people until they hit their late 20s – even though laptop ownership has increased in all three young adult age groups (12-17, 18-24, 25-34) over the last year.

We talk a lot in this column about how much time all of us spend in front of the television or watching our video content on one of the many other fun electronic toys we own. That time spent is money – both for the marketers who want to reach us and the program providers who measure and make decisions based on our viewing habits.

Teens and young adults, like the rest of us, watch most of their shows and videos the old school way – on television. However, according to Nielsen’s most recent Cross-Platform Report, young consumers under 34 watched more video on the Internet and their mobile devices in 2012 than they did in 2011.

The “under 34” crowd isn’t a monolithic group, though, when it comes to video consumption. Young teenagers lead in watching content on their mobile phones (I can attest to this).The data shows that in the last quarter of 2012, those in the 18-24 age bracket spent nearly three times more consuming video on the Internet than 12 to 17-year-olds.

Whenever I speak to youth groups, I always let them know how much of the sweet target they are to marketers. And I think the information I just shared supports this statement. The youth of today should feel empowered, too. Because not only are they the future, they are the present and marketers are watching.

classified MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY will be accepting Request for Proposal for the following: IT EQUIPMENT FOR MHMRA (Laptop Replacements and Software) Specifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Department located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Houston, Texas 77074, telephone number (713) 970-7300, and/or via MHMRA website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Monday, May 13, 2013. The Request for Proposals (RFP) must be submitted to Purchasing Department, Suite 100, 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. in a sealed envelope. Any questions pertaining to this RFP should be addressed in writing to Joycie Sheba, Buyer II via fax (713) 970-7682 or email questions to joycie.sheba@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves the rights to reject any and/or all offers it deems to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR INTEGRATED CARE FOR THE CHRONICALLY HOMELESS INITIATIVE The City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services is requesting proposals that may lead to contract award for Integrated Care for the Chronically Homeless Initiative. The proposals are solicited for this project in accordance with the terms, conditions and instructions as set forth in this Request for Proposal (hereinafter “RFP”).

This RFP is available on the Internet at the following site: http://www.houstontx.gov/health/rfp.html It is also available at the Department of Health and Human Services, 8000 N. Stadium Drive, 8th Floor, Houston, TX 77054 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The City of Houston, Texas will receive submissions at the City’s Secretary’s Office, City Hall Annex, Public Level, 900 Bagby, Houston, Texas 77002 until Friday, June 7, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.

Questions concerning the RFP will be responded to during the PreProposal Conference on Thursday, May 22, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at 8000 North Stadium Dr., First Floor Conference Room, Houston, Texas 77054.

All submissions will be required to comply with City Council Ordinance No. 78-1538, passed August 9, 1978, relating to Equal Employment Opportunity Contract Compliance. The City reserves the right to reject and/or accept all or any portion of a submission deemed to be in the City’s best interest.

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MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY will be accepting Request for Proposal for the following:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

CONSUMER RELATED SERVICES FOR ECI Specifications may be secured from MHMRA of Harris County, Purchasing Department located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Houston, Texas 77074 and/or via MHMRA website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Wednesday, MAY 8, 2013.

Responses to Request for Proposal must be submitted to the Purchasing Department, Suite 100, 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 11:00 a.m., TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013 in a sealed envelope marked "PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013, “CONSUMER RELATED SERVICES FOR ECI ”.

Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Marguarette Washington, Senior Buyer via fax (713) 970-7682 or email to marguarette.washington@mhmraharris.org cc: sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves the rights to reject any and/or all proposals it deems to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

Competitive Sealed Proposal Notice for Renovations at Barnett, Butler, and Delmar Stadiums Project Number: 13-04-04CS

Houston Independent School District (HISD) The Houston Independent School District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for Renovations at Barnett, Butler and Delmar Stadiums. The work includes, but is not limited to, site, civil improvements, ADA improvements, MEP improvements, roofing repairs, interior renovation, structural repairs, data security, and miscellaneous repairs. Proposals are due no later than Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Houston, TX 77092. The price proposals will be opened and the amounts read aloud.

Barnett Stadium is located at 6800 Fairway Drive, Houston, TX, 77087 Butler Stadium is located at 13755 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77035 Delmar Stadium is located at 2020 Magnum, Houston, TX, 77092 The Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (RFCSP), which includes plans and specifications, will be available beginning Monday, May 6, 2013, and may be obtained from A&E The Graphics Complex, 4235 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77027 / Phone (713) 621 0022 /Fax (713) 621-2537 upon refundable deposit of $150.00 for each set of plans and specifications. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from A&E on disk for a deposit of $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Any questions regarding bid documents are to be addressed to NATEX Corporation, 2500 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77042, Carolina Weitzman (carolina@natexarchitects.com) or Yoelki Amador (yamador@natexarchitects.com), v. (713) 975-9525, f. (713) 7807824.

The Competitive Sealed Proposal process will be utilized as authorized in H.B. No. 628, Legislative Session 82 (R)-2011. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process enables HISD to select contractors on the basis of price and qualifications/methodology.

M/WBE Forms, schedules and statements, as required by Section AB of the RFCSP and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance, will be received at 12:00 p.m., May 23, 2013, at the Board Services Office, 4400 West 18 th Street, Office of Board Services, Houston, TX 77092. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT M/WBE FORMS PROPERLY COMPLETED, WILL BE CONSIDERED NON RESPONSIVE. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 9, 2013, at Butler Stadium Field House located at 13755 Main Street, Houston, TX 77035. A walk-thru of Butler Stadium facilities will be conducted following the pre-proposal meeting. A walk thru of Barnett Stadium has been scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2013, at 9:00 a.m., and a walk-thru of Delmar Stadium has been scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. All bidders are to meet at the main entrance of the Field House at the scheduled times.

For additional information regarding this project, please contact Mr. William “Earl” Finley, at 713-556-9306, or wfinley@houstonisd.org.

Drawings and Specifications for the RFCSP may be reviewed at the following Houston locations: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX (713) 843-3700 HISD Construction Services Office (Bond), 3200 Center, Houston, TX 77007, (713) 556-9250 McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098-4151, (832) 613-0201

MAY 9 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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chag’splace

For Event Coverage...visit

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McKissack and Kristal Howard, to name a few. Please MAKING CANCER HISTORY……..The University find a cure!..........EMBARKING UPON 45 YEARS of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center hosted the sixth OF EXCELLENCE…..The University of Houston annual A Conversation With a Living Legend. The African-American Studies program luncheon featured a one-on-one hosted its eighth annual scholarship interview with KPRC Local 2 sports Join Yvette Chargois director Randy McIlvoy and honored banquet recently. They honored Emmitt Smith, pro football Hall of several individuals, including City Events of the Week Fame member and “Dancing with Councilman/attorney Larry V. Green More photos on defendernetwork.com the Stars” champion. A respected and Sonny Messiah-Jiles, Lynn See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. entrepreneur, sought-after speaker and Cecelia Eusan award; Dr. Bernard best-selling author, Emmitt is one of A. Harris Jr., Dr. Marguerite Ross the most valuable brands in the sportsBarnett award; and John H. Lucus entertainment field. Vicky and Harris Pappas chaired II, Dr. Emmett J. Scott award. Additionally, several this year’s event and Sheridan and John Eddie Williams scholarships were awarded to students who included were the honorary chairs raising more than $2 million Zertora Freeman, TaMeika Page, Kayla Stewart, for research and patient care initiatives at MD Anderson.

Chanel Tapper, Jalyn Gordon, BerQuisha Henry, Those spotted at the event included board members Tiffany Cebrun and Kaylan Stubblefield, to name a Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah-Jiles, James Dannenbaum few. Jarvis Butler, senior firefighter with the City of and Rufus Cormier Jr. Other guests included Yvonne Houston was the keynote speaker and Nzinga Rideaux, Cormier, John F. Guess, Carol Guess, Alycia Hughespromotions coordinator and on-air personality at Majic

Ms. Chag and living legend Emmitt Smith

Event chairs Vicky and Harris Pappas

Cassaudra Celestine, LaShonda Williams and Trenshae’ Gilbert

Chelsa Collins, Arvia Few and Blythe Hardy

Honoree Councilman Larry Green and Dr. James Conyers

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102.1FM, served as mistress of ceremonies. We salute the director of African-American Studies Dr. James L. Conyers Jr., assistant director Dr. Malachi Crawford and program manager LaShonda R. Williams for a great banquet. Congratulations!.....SERVING WITH GRACE AND IMPACT……The Houston Chapter of Links, Inc. celebrated 62 years of serving with grace and impact.

Their national organization launched a comprehensive, community and bullying program knows as Trash Talking: It’s No Joke. The goal is to empower youth with the tools and skills they need to address bullying in all forms. They chose as their featured speaker, Dr. Deborah ProthrowStith, an internationally recognized expert and author on preventing adolescent violence and bullying. Kudos to chapter president Carolyn Codwell, honorary chair Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, co-chairs Carolyn Alexander, Mildred Lord and Venetta Armstrong and the entire membership for a successful event. Continued success!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Dr. Ronald DePinho and Pat Smith

Honorees Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr., Sonceria Messiah-Jiles and John H. Lucas II

Dr. Deborah Prothow-Stith and chapter president Carolyn Codwell

Eloise Pinckney and Shari Lamb

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

16 DEFENDER | MAY 9 | 2013

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