Houston Defender: June 05, 2014

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Volume 83 | Number 31

JUNE 5, 2014 |FREE

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ENTERTAINMENT

DR. BEN CARSON PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE? H PAGE 11

BERRY GORDY broke music barriers

P5 FEATURE REP. SYLVESTER TURNER provides electricity discount info

P10 SPORTS JIM BROWN promotes human rights

P14

Get ready for

Juneteenth

It has been 149 years since Union general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued the order freeing approximately 250,000 Texas slaves on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth remains a joyous occasion, but it isn’t just celebrated on June 19th anymore. This year, Houstonarea events will be held throughout the month.

Check out the activities that offer something for everyone. Celebrate the holiday by visiting historical Black sites.

H PAGE 8

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CHAG’S PLACE

Caren Guidry and Ronald Franklin get married

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DEFENDER | JUNE 5 | 2014

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Project Forward encourages Black dads Defender News Services

Initiative fights human trafficking

E

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

lected officials, law enforcement officers and victims’ advocates recently gathered to announce the launch of a statewide initiative against human trafficking.

Officials present included Gov. Rick Perry, Mayor Annise Parker, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson and Police Chief Charles McClelland.

The Houston area is considered one of the biggest human trafficking hubs in the country. In 2013, more than 400 cases were reported in Texas, with 150 in Houston. Authorities said Houston’s proximity to the Mexican border, the I-10 corridor and the large migrant workforce make it a popular point for human trafficking.

“This modern-day slave trade is an affront to basic human decency,” Perry said. “It’s a product of the absolute worst among us – individuals who use people’s hopes and dreams to ensnare them and ruthless violence to keep them subjugated.”

As part of the initiative, billboards along highways and

advertising on public transportation are being displayed to raise awareness about the problem. All public advertisements will promote the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline.

“I am glad that Texas is continuing to be at the forefront of this fight and is helping to put an end to this form of modern-day slavery,” Thompson said.

Parker said that the issue of human trafficking will not be solved solely by law enforcement.

“This involves individuals being aware of what human trafficking looks like, aware of what the signs, symptoms and clues are and working with law enforcement to make a difference and to create opportunities for intervention and prosecution of these criminals,” she said.

The FBI has also released a list of the top human traffickers in Texas. A $10,000 reward is being offered for any tips that lead to an arrest.

“Traffickers are preying on the vulnerable and enslaving them right here within our own communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlos Barron. “Human beings are not a commodity to be bought and sold. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute these cases.”

Local Black fathers are invited to attend a Day of Encouragement sponsored by Project Forward. It will be held on Sunday, June 15 – Father’s Day – at 5 p.m. at MacGregor Park.

“Black men in particular lag behind disproportionately in the areas of education, employment, health and wealth,” said organizer Deric Muhammad.

“A recent study shows that 1 in 3 Black males will see prison in their lifetimes if current incarceration trends do not change. These are just some of the factors that create unique challenges for Black men striving to be fathers.”

Muhammad added that Father’s Day is different in the Black community, and cited statistics that suggest 70 percent of the homes in the Black community are headed by women.

“This creates an interesting dynamic on Father’s Day,” he said. “We want to encourage fathers to accept their divine responsibility and become the men they were born to be.”

In addition to Muhammad, speakers will include nationally recognized gang expert Arthur Reed, National Black United Front Chairman Kofi Taharka, Minister Robert Muhammad and SHAPE Community Center Executive Director Deloyd Parker.

There will also be activities for children, a basketball and flag football competition, legal advice and mentorship opportunities.

For information visit forwardhouston.com.

localbriefs TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S Teaching and Learning Excellence Center and the National Science Foundation Center for Research on Complex Networks will sponsor an International Conference on Teaching and Learning. It will be held June 16-19 at the Marriott Westchase, 2900 Briarpark. The conference will provide a forum for scholars, researchers, educators and elected officials to collaborate on similar interests. It will address effective and innovative teaching and learning models and explore themes in current research. Keynote speakers include former Education Secretary Dr. Rod Paige, HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier and C-Stem founder Dr. Reagan Flowers. Congress-

woman Sheila Jackson Lee and State Rep. Sylvester Turner will lead a legislative symposium. For information visit tsu.edu/tlecconference/ or call 713-313-6690……..HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS are being warned about a scam. Criminals claiming to be members of the District Attorney’s Check Fraud Division are calling residents, telling them they have a bounced check and need to pay the fine with a credit card or they will be arrested.

“Criminals will use any method necessary to steal your credit card information, including impersonating law enforcement personnel,” said District Attorney Devon Anderson. “Our office will not call you and ask for your credit card information. Never

give out your credit card or personal information to anyone who calls asking for it. If you think you are a victim of this scam, please come forward so we can help you and catch the criminals responsible.” For information call 713-755-5800……..A JOB FAIR for experienced nurses and health care professionals is Thursday, June 12, at 1 p.m. in the atrium of Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital, 1635 N. Loop W. Freeway. Hiring managers will be on hand to conduct on-site interviews. Applicants can also apply online for open positions at memorialhermann.org/careers. The 255-bed facility serves the Lake Houston and Kingwood area. For information call 281-540-7959.

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JUNE 5 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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nationalbriefs THE SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL unanimously passed an ordinance that gradually increases the minimum wage in the city to $15 an hour. Mayor Ed Murray, who was elected last year, promised in his campaign to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

The measure would take effect in 2015, and includes a phase-in of the wage increase over several years, with a slower process for small businesses. The plan gives businesses with more than 500 employees nationally at least three years to phase in the increase. Smaller businesses will be given seven years to comply…….EMPLOYEES from McDonald’s restaurants in nearly three dozen cities marched to the company’s annual shareholder’s meeting in Oak Brook, Ill. and called for better wages.

Employees also responded to claims that the restaurant’s positions are primarily first jobs for teenagers. “This isn’t a starter job, and I’m not a teenager,” said Ashona Osborne, a 22-yearold mother from Pittsburgh. “This is my career, and I’m struggling to raise a family and provide for my son. That’s not possible on $7.25.”

Recent studies by the Center for Economic and Policy Research showed that 70 percent of fast food workers are above the age of 20 and one fourth of them are raising children……..A PROPOSED RULE CHANGE for generic drug labels, crafted by the Food and Drug Administration, could cost patients, health care providers and drug manufacturers billions of dollars and limit access to affordable, prescription drugs for minorities and the poor, according to more than a dozen organizations that serve people of color. The groups expressed their concerns about the rule change in a letter to Margaret Hamburg, the FDA commissioner of food and drugs. The rule change is designed to allow generic drug makers the ability to update their drug labels as soon as they learn of new potential risks.

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EPA proposal would cut carbon pollution

A

bon pollution comes from power plants,” Obama said. “But right now, there are no national limits t the direction of President Obama, to the amount of carbon pollution that existing plants can pump into the air we breathe. None. the Environmental Protection “We limit the amount of toxic chemicals like Agency (EPA) released a Clean mercury, sulfur, and arsenic that power plants put Power Plan proposal which for in our air and water. But they can dump unlimited the first time would cut carbon amounts of carbon pollution from pollution into the existing power air. It’s not smart, plants, the it’s not safe, and it single largest doesn’t make sense.” source of carbon The Clean pollution in the Power Plan will United States. be implemented The prothrough a stateposal is defederal partnership signed to protect under which states public health, identify a path move the United forward using either States toward a current or new eleccleaner environtricity production ment and fight and pollution conclimate change trol policies to meet while supplyPresident Barack Obama talks with Environmental Protection Agency officials the goals of the ing Americans and staff who worked on power-plant emissions standards. proposed program. with reliable and The proposal provides guidelines for states affordable power. to develop plans to meet state-specific goals to Officials said cutting carbon emissions would help prevent up to 6,500 premature deaths reduce carbon pollution and gives them the flexibility to design the type of program that suits their and 150,000 asthma attacks among children. It situation. would also reduce electricity bills by approxiThe proposal also includes a timeline for states mately 8 percent by increasing energy efficiency to follow for submitting plans to the agency. Plans and reducing demand in the electricity system, are due in June 2016, and states can use a two-step while creating thousands of jobs across the process for submitting final plans if more time country. is needed.

“Today, about 40 percent of America’s carDefender News Services

1 in 5 inmates return without supervision VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 31 JUNE 5, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles People Editor Advertising/Client Relations Yvette Chargois Selma Dodson Tyler Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Local Editor ReShonda Billingsley LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Contributing Writer Tony Fernandez-Davila Cierra Duncan The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

Defender News Services

A new report found that 22 percent of state prisoners who maxed out their sentences were released without any supervision in 2012, undercutting efforts to prevent recidivism and improve public safety.

The survey, titled “Max Out: The Rise in Prison Inmates Released Without Supervision,” was compiled by Pew Charitable Trusts. It found that laws and policies adopted in the 1980s and ‘90s has led to a stark increase in the rate at which those inmates serve their full sentences behind bars, leaving no time for parole or probation agencies to monitor their whereabouts and activities.

“There’s a broad consensus that public safety is best served when offenders have a period of supervision and services when they leave prison,” Adam Gelb, director of Pew’s public safety performance project.

“Yet the trend is toward releasing more and more inmates without any supervision or services whatsoever. Carving out a supervision period from the prison sentence can cut crime and corrections costs.”

Roughly 20 and 25 percent of drug and property offenders, respectively, were released without supervision in 2000, but those figures leapt to 32 and 31 percent – or nearly 1 in 3 – in 2011.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 5 | 2014

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entertainment

Berry Gordy

made ‘music for everyone’

I

By LAGLORIA WHEATFALL Defender

n the 1960s, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy did the unthinkable – he brought Black music into millions of white Americans’ homes, opening doors for Black artists, record executives and producers.

Gordy was the man behind such musical legends as Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Jackson 5, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Mary Wells, Martha and the Vandellas, and Lionel Richie and the Commodores.

Born in Detroit in 1929, growing up, Gordy had two loves: music and boxing. He eventually chose music, and under his guidance, Motown produced more than 180 No. 1 hit songs worldwide.

After many years of success, in 1988, Gordy surprised the music industry by selling Motown, the most successful Black-owned label in history.

Recently, Major League Baseball honored Berry with its Beacon of Change Award in Houston, recognizing his embodiment of the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement. Pro football legend Jim Brown and the late poet Maya Angelou were also honored.

Here Gordy talks about the award and reflects on Motown.

Q. What is it like being honored with Jim Brown?

A. Well doing anything with Jim is great. We used to compete a lot. He is a competitor in everything. We use to play tennis all the time and Jim was one of those guys who could not even hit the ball well

but he would beat me because he would slice, and he would trick, and run and he would get everything…I am honored to sit with him today.

Q. Is it a bittersweet feeling knowing that Maya Angelou was supposed to be here?

A. Of course it’s bittersweet because we loved her. And those of us who knew her personally knew what a wonderful soul she was. She had a special warmth and we are saddened by her death. She was the kind of person who [would have wanted us] to celebrate her passing rather than to mourn it. So I look at her with admiration and celebrate her life.

Q. How do you relate civil rights to your Motown legacy, considering that you received the MLB Beacon of Change Award?

A. As far as I was concerned, I did not set out to become a civil rights leader or anything like that. I just felt that everyone should hear my music. I wanted to make music for everyone. As Motown got started, I had different principles. It was about people, it was about the atmosphere, and it was about having ideas and developing young people through classes and training.

We were lucky. I am so grateful for all those people who lived and cried and died to make Motown what it was. What [baseball pioneer] Jackie Robinson went through was inhumane. And as I watched that at 17, I wondered how this man could go through that and still get up and come out and knock homeruns and win.

what’sup Oscar-winner LUPITA NYONG’O has landed a role in the “Star Wars: Episode VII” sequel. The film is a continuation of the saga created by GEORGE LUCAS and is set 30 years after “Return of the Jedi.”

Nyong’o will join original cast members HARRISON FORD, CARRIE FISHER and MARK HAMILL. The six previous “Star Wars” films earned more than $4 billion at the box office combined........

ARETHA FRANKLIN received an honorary degree from Harvard University. Before receiving her degree Franklin sat down to the piano and performed the national anthem. Franklin, 72, has been in the music business more than 50 years, and is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. She has sold more than 75 million records and won 18 Grammy Awards……..CHRIS BROWN was recently released

from a Los Angeles County jail. Brown had been in custody since mid-March. He was arrested after being expelled from court-ordered rehab for violating its rules. Brown was ordered into rehab last November and received treatment for anger management, substance abuse and issues related to bipolar disorder before he was dismissed……..ARSENIO HALL said he was “proud” of his late-night show that was canceled after only one season because of low ratings.

CBS Television Production had previously announced Hall’s syndicated show would be back for a second season, but faced the prospect of stations moving it to lesser time slots as ratings fell. Hall failed in his attempt to recreate the success he enjoyed 20 years ago as a late-night host. “I’m gratified for the year we’ve had and proud of the show we created,” he

said……..TYRA BANKS will host and executive produce a new daily lifestyle talk show beginning in 2015. The supermodel and business woman will lead a team of lifestyle experts on a wide-range of topics.

The nationally syndicated show will broadcast from Los Angeles and will be produced by Disney-ABC’s Summerdale Productions…….. ICE CUBE will reprise his role as a police captain in the film “22 Jump Street,” which hits theaters on June 13. It’s based on the TV series about young undercover officers that ran from 1987 to 1991. Cube’s previous movie, “Ride Along” co-starring KEVIN HART, was a big hit and grossed more than $140 million. In addition to the sequel to “Ride Along,” Cube is working on a film about N.W.A., the hip-hop group he formed in 1986 with DR. DRE and others.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 5 | 2014

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opinion

Remembering

Maya Angelou

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist

M

Sister Maya loved people, genuinely and unconditionally. When asked about the greatest virtue, she said that it was courage, the courage to love. She loved everyone, the pauper and the princess.

Each year that I served as president of Bennett

any people will remember Maya Angelou for her phenomenal career.

She was a true renaissance woman – an author, teacher, dancer, performer, radio personality and a producer. I will remember her as a sister friend, a wise “auntie” who didn’t mind pulling your coat. She was a generous spirit who made time for virtually any who asked, a gentle and kind spirit.

If you dropped by when a meal was being served, she asked you to sit down and enjoy the assembled company. If you came and it was not the meal hour, she never hesitated to offer a cup of tea and a snack. She knew before you did that you needed a hug or an encouraging word. I’ve seen her take the hat off her head and give it to someone who admired it, She shared her work. It was not Rick McKee, The Augusta Chronicle unusual to sit at her working table and listen to a poem or some wisCollege in North Carolina, she visited the campus dom she was sharing. Sitting at her table one day, I and gave a lecture to students. Once, I asked her to decided to put some of her words in my cell phone, spend time with the honor students and she told me, thinking that I’d like to review them one day. She sharply, “I would rather spend time with the students very gently took the phone from me and told me, at the bottom. They are the ones who need encour“Just listen. You don’t have to write everything down. agement.”

I am giving you my undivided attention and I want That was Maya. the same from you.” Properly chastened, I left the The first time I remember sharing a meal with phone on the table for the rest of the visit. her was in 1989 when the women who appeared in

Brian Laske’s “I Dream a World” were gathered for a reception. Mid-reception, a man attempted to get everyone’s attention. He whistled, and Auntie Maya chided the man with a rebuke and an impromptu poem. “You will not whistle at Black women,” she said. “We had enough of that when we were chattel. You will respect us as the women that we are.” She went on and by the time she was finished, not a word was uttered by anyone else.

“We have already been paid for,” she frequently said, recounting the horror of slave ships, the harsh conditions of slavery, the inequalities of Jim Crow, and contemporary instances of inequality. She spoke so vividly that you could see the people crowded into a ship, with not even enough room or facilities to attend to bodily functions. She frequently quoted Paul Lawrence Dunbar: “I know why the caged bird sings.”

The last time I heard the song was at dinner with San Francisco’s Rev. Cecil Williams and his wife, poet Jan Mirikatini. As I got my walk on the next morning, I was flooded with appreciation and memories. I paused to appreciate Auntie Maya. I was so very grateful to know her, not as an icon, but as a friend.

A private memorial service for Maya Angelou is Saturday, June 7, at 9 a.m., CST at Wake Forest University. The university will offer a live video stream at www.go.wfu.edu/angeloumemorial.

Modern-day slavery must be stopped It’s not often that you see Republican Gov. Rick Perry and Democratic State Rep. Senfronia Thompson fighting the same battle. Recently, however, Thompson and Perry joined federal, state and local officials in support of a statewide anti-human trafficking campaign.

The campaign includes billboards and public service advertisements to raise awareness about human trafficking and encourage reporting. The FBI also released a list of Most Wanted Human Traffickers in Texas, and a reward up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of fugitives on the list.

Human trafficking – also referred to as modern-

day slavery – is the buying and selling of people for the purpose of forced labor or sex. Each year, thousands of adults and children around the world fall victim to human traffickers who exploit them for profit.

The Houston area is an attractive target for human traffickers because of the diversity of people on visas and serving as domestic servants, as well as its proximity to the border, transportation corridors and a major port.

As co-chair of the State Legislature’s Joint Committee on Human Trafficking, Thompson has passed various bills addressing the issue. She stresses that everyone should be concerned about the tragedy. “Human traffick-

ing does not skip anyone because of ethnicity or gender,” she says.

According to Bureau of Justice Statistics, sex trafficking victims are more likely to be white or Black, and labor trafficking victims are more likely to be Hispanic or Asian.

As we prepare to celebrate Juneteenth, we should remember that slavery is not dead. Men, women and children the world over are being held against their will while heartless, evil people profit from their misfortune.

Modern-day slavery must be stopped, and we applaud Texas’ new, bi-partisan effort to do so.

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JUNE 5 | 2014 | DEFENDER

‘Conversation’ with Rice raises $1 million Defender News Services

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was the guest of honor during MD Anderson Cancer Center’s recent “A Conversation With a Living Legend.” The event attracted more than 900 guests, and raised more than $1 million for MD Anderson’s Moon Shots Program, a comprehensive effort to significantly reduce cancer deaths and to transform cancer care.

During an interview with Brit Hume of Fox News, Rice touched on such topics as Russian President Vladimir Putin, the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, and her withdrawal as speaker at this year’s

Dental clinic opens in Greenspoint Defender News Services

Texas Children’s Health Plan announced a partnership with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Dentistry to open a dental clinic inside the Center for Children and Women at 700 N. Sam Houston Parkway West.

The clinic will provide dental services for Texas Children’s Health Plan members and residents in the greater Greenspoint area of Houston.

“This is a perfect partnership,” said Tangula Taylor, director of operations at the center. “This collaboration with UTHealth allowed us to expand our scope of services and provide enhanced comprehensive care to our patients.

We look forward to fostering this collaborative partnership for many years to come.”

The clinic has three full-time staff members, and dental residents will work there on a rotation basis. In addition to providing care for patients, the clinic will serve as a clinical site for School of Dentistry students.

The clinic offers a full range of services, including fillings, cleanings and X-rays, and accepts multiple insurance plans.

The Center for Children and Women was founded in 2013 by Texas Children’s Health Plan, a subsidiary of Texas Children’s Hospital. For more information visit JoinTheCenter.org.

Rutgers University commencement ceremony due to student protests over the war in Iraq.

Rice served as the secretary of state from 2005 to 2009. She was the second woman and first AfricanAmerican woman to hold the post. She served as assistant to the president for national security affairs under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. She is currently a professor of political economy at Stanford University.

Conversation With a Living Legend has raised approximately $3,528,000 for MD Anderson research and patient care initiatives. Last year’s honoree was Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 5 | 2014

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GET READY FOR

JUNETEENTH

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

T

his year marks the 149th anniversary of the day Union general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued the order freeing approximately 250,000 slaves in Texas.

However, Juneteenth isn’t just celebrated on June 19th anymore.

Houston-area activities will be held throughout the month of June.

In honor of the annual observance, the Defender has compiled a list of 10 local Black historic sites, along with Juneteenth activities.

Get to kno

T

he Houston area is rich with Black history, and a number of important sites have been designated with markers from the Texas Historical Commission (THC).

Through its Official Texas Historical Marker Program, THC commemorates buildings, groups, events and individuals that have made lasting contributions to the state.

Texas is home to more than 15,000 historical markers, and Harris County has more than 380, the largest number in the state. Markers can be found at entire communities, churches, homes, post offices, orphanages and camps. Cemeteries are recognized with a special designation.

The historical marker process begins at the county level, and sites must meet certain requirements, including age, significance and architecture. An application is then submitted to the THC. Information can be obtained by visiting thc.state. tx.us or calling 512-463-5853.

Here is a glimpse at 10 Black historical sites found in Harris County

Houston Negro Ch

LOCATIO

Blue Tria The YWCA b in 1917. The a new facility important par its YWCA aff College M las – Founded est Black grav sought to brin tant part of H Emancip County Festiv

in 1872 for Ju The associatio Methodist Ep Houston Wheeler – Se ganized the c nesses. It was building and Rutherfo Yates was the ther’s footste served examp remained in Y

EMANCIPATION PARK, 3018 Dowling, kicks off Jun & Mrs. Juneteenth Pageant on Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.

Beauty & the Beast Tea is Sunday, June 8 at 2 p.m. ($25 9, a kids’ luncheon begins at noon and fun day at 2 p.m and festival begins Saturday, June 14, at 4 p.m. at the c and Ennis, and will march to the park baseball field. Co com.

GALVESTON ISLAND is the site of various events. A teenth Banquet is Tuesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. at Old Ce 2627 Avenue M (tickets $35 and up). Guest speaker is S Turner. Contact: 409-392-0317. Edwards’ annual Emanc Reading and Prayer Breakfast is Thursday, June 19 at 8 Villa, 2300 Broadway (free admission). Contact: 409- 5 St. Vincent’s House Gospel by the Sea Benefit Con June 14, at 6 p.m. at Greater St. Matthew Church, 6333 cock. Call 409-763-8521 for free tickets.

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9

ow Houston Black historical sites

hamber of Commerce, 3rd Ward

ONS

angle Branch YWCA, 3005 McGowen – began as a recreation center at 806 Clay center closed, and construction began on y in 1950. The McGowen facility was an rt of the lives of women and girls. It ended filiation in 1998.

Memorial Park Cemetery, 3500 West Dald in 1896, it is one of Houston’s three oldveyards. Recent revitalization efforts have ng awareness to the cemetery as an imporHouston’s culture and heritage. pation Park, 3018 Dowling – The Harris val Association purchased the 10-acre site

uneteenth celebrations and other activities. on was organized by Antioch and Trinity piscopal Church.

Negro Chamber of Commerce, 2808 everal prominent community leaders orhamber in 1935 to empower Black busis originally housed in the Pilgrim Temple moved to its Wheeler location in 1963. ord B. H. Yates House, 1314 Andrews – e son of Jack Yates, and followed in his faps as a civic leader. The house, a well-preple of Fourth Ward middle-class residences, Yates family ownership until 1994.

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 5th Ward

CHURCHES

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 500 Clay St. – Antioch became Houston’s first Black Baptist Church when it was organized by nine former slaves in 1866. Rev. John Henry “Jack” Yates was named Antioch’s first full-time pastor in 1868. Antioch served as the “mother church” for many local Black Baptist congregations.

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 4819 Hershe – Some of the earliest institutions in Fifth Ward were churches, including Mount Pleasant. It was founded in a one-room store in 1876. Several locations were built by the church, which moved to Hershe Street in 1951.

Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 3115 Blodgett – Rev. G.B.M. Turner and educator E. O. Smith organized Pilgrim Congregational Church in Freedmen’s Town in 1904. The church, which changed its name due a denominational merger, eventually moved to its Blodgett location in 1974.

Rutherford B.H. Yates House, 4th Ward

NEIGHBORHOODS

Acres Homes, West Montgomery and West Little York – In 1910, land developer Alfred A. Wright platted the first of several subdivisions that eventually became Acres Homes. The first church, Galilee Missionary Baptist, was organized in 1913, and the first school, White Oak Colored, opened in 1915.

Frenchtown, 2900 Quitman and U.S. 59 North Frontage Road – “Creoles of color” from Louisiana migrated to Houston in the late 1920s and found jobs in the oil, construction and railroad industries. They established Frenchtown, a tight-knit, culturally unique community.

Juneteenth activities

neteenth with a Mr. .m. ($5 admission). A 5). On Monday, June m. The annual parade corner of Wheeler ontact: juneteenthfest.

Al Edwards’ Juneentral Cultural Center, State Rep. Sylvester cipation Proclamation 8:30 a.m. at Ashton 599-5520. ncert is Saturday, 3 Highway 6, Hitch-

Juneteenth at Jack Johnson Park is Saturday, June 14 at 1 p.m. and Thursday, June 19 at noon at 2601 Avenue M. The free events feature entertainment and refreshments. Contact 409-599-5520.

Galveston’s Juneteenth Parade is Saturday, June 21, at 1 p.m. at 22nd Street and Harborside Drive. Contact: 409-497-3203.

INDEPENDENCE HEIGHTS hosts a free Juneteenth celebration on Thursday, June 19, at 11 a.m. at Independence Heights Senior Living Facility, 109 E. Whitney. There will be barbecue, entertainment, games, giveaways and historical presentations. Contact: 832-819-1915 or ihcachouston@gmail. com.

MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE in Hermann Park is the site of Houston’s Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday, June 19, at 7 p.m. It is produced by the Houston Institute of Culture. Performers include Allen Toussaint, Ruthie Foster, Niko Lorraine and Vivalda Dula. Free tickets are available at the box office between 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., with open seating on the hill. Visit milleroutdoortheatre.com

he Houston area for over 80 years

TEXAS BLACK EXPO’S four-day Juneteenth celebration is expected to attract more than 25,000 people to the George R. Brown Convention Center and other downtown locations. A networking and recruiting reception is Thursday, June 19, at 6 p.m. at the Four Seasons. Tom Joyner will broadcast his syndicated radio show live from Houston on Friday, June 20. ReShonda Tate Billingsley, best-selling author and Defender online editor, is among the panelists at a Diva Dialogue on Saturday, June 21, at noon. Nick Cannon hosts a concert featuring Kreesha Turner and Wonder Broz on Saturday at 4 p.m. Regina Belle, MC Lyte and Morris Day and the Time perform at an old-school concert on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Discovery Green. Activities set for Sunday, June 22, include a gospel challenge, poetry slam and health presentations. Contact: texasblackexpo.com.

ACRES HOMES JUNETEENTH PARADE hosted by State Rep. Sylvester Turner is Saturday, June 21, at 10 a.m. It begins at the Acres Homes Multiservice Center, 6719 W. Montgomery, and features school bands, dance groups, trail riders, carriages and custom cars. Contact: 713-683-6363 or 512-463-0554.

10 DEFENDER | JUNE 5 | 2014

Electricity discounts available for Texans Defender News Services

In an effort to get qualified Texans to enroll in the state authorized program Lite-Up Texas, Houston State Rep. Sylvester Turner urges residents to sign up now. The electricity discount program can reduce the monthly cost of participants’ electric service by 82 percent.

“I want to ensure that everyone who is eligible for this discount, particularly senior citizens, is aware of it and can receive it,” Turner said.

“For example, a customer who receives a bill for $100 dollars in May, June, July or August will only have to pay $18 dollars

based on the 82 percent discount. This is significant and could literally mean the difference between whether these families can put food on the tables during the hottest months of the year.”

Customers qualify if they currently receive Texas Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Participants can also self-enroll if their household income is at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline, which equates to a family of four having an income of $29,000.

For more information call 1-800-4548387 or visit www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/ lowincome/assistance.aspx.

Youth homelessness addressed Defender News Services

A pivotal study by Houstonarea universities and nonprofits is changing the way Houston addresses its significant incidence of youth homelessness, while working to create a sustainable model for tackling this issue nationwide.

The Homeless Youth Research Project (HYRP) is a collaboration that seeks to identify key factors leading to youth homelessness, expand programs for homeless prevention, and establish an effective model of counting homeless youth throughout Harris County.

HYRP is spearheaded by the University of Houston-Downtown Center for Public Service and Family Strengths, the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, the University of Texas School of Nursing and the Homeless

Youth Network of Houston/Harris County.

In phase one of HYRP, researchers conducted a qualitative study with 63 homeless youth aged 14 to 24, using 13 communitybased focus groups. Study leaders recruited homeless youth from shelters, homeless youth magnet events and during street outreach initiatives to gather information.

Among the study participants, 23 percent were aged 14-17 and 76 percent were aged 18 to 24.

Eighty-eight percent of youth surveyed were African-American or Hispanic.

In the second phase of the project, set to begin in fall 2014, HYRP researchers will further consolidate their study results and work to build a more effective national model for counting the notoriously elusive homeless youth population.

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JUNE 5 | 2014 | DEFENDER

Dr. Ben Carson

Presidential candidate?

D

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

r. Ben Carson recently retired as the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital after a groundbreaking medical career.

In 1987, Carson attracted international attention by leading a surgical team that successfully separated two 7-month-old twins joined at the back of the head.

Carson, 62, wrote the best-seller “Gifted Hands,” an autobiography which was made into a film starring Cuba Gooding Jr. More recently, he co-wrote “America the Beautiful” and now “One Nation” with his wife Candy.

He and his wife also founded the Carson Scholars Fund, an organization dedicated to recognizing the academic achievements of young people.

In 2013, Carson delivered a keynote address at the National Prayer Breakfast during which he criticized Obamacare and other core principles of the administration while the president sat nearby.

The speech catapulted Carson into the political limelight, and he is presently the No. 2 contender for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, trailing Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz by just 1 point.

Here, he talks about politics, among other things.

KW: Your 2013 speech at the National Prayer Breakfast was seismic. Did you anticipate that your remarks would catapult you so prominently into the political arena?

BC: No, I didn’t. After the initial splash, I thought everything would go back to normal, and that I’d be able to continue with my plans for retirement. I had no idea that what I said would resonate with millions of Americans. And what really shocked me was the amount of communication I received, particularly from elderly Americans who said they’d given up on the country and had just been waiting to die, but now felt that maybe there was some hope.

KW: Why did you decide to get into politics?

BC: I didn’t make a conscious choice to get into the political arena. That sort of happened after the breakfast when people started to focus on me and began to ask questions. And as I listened to more Americans, it encouraged me to become active in that arena.

I wrote “America the Beautiful” and now this book to awaken the people as to what’s going on. The ground is shifting under our very feet, and many people are not recognizing what’s going on. And they aren’t talking about it, because of political correctness. They’re also being distracted by things that are unimportant, and being frightened and intimidated by their own government which is using federal agencies to intimidate.

KW: With the political system hopelessly gridlocked, do you wonder whether you might be able to do more to benefit mankind in the operating room than in the White House?

BC: I am 62 years old. I’ve done all the operating that I’m going to do. Do I want to be in the White House? Absolutely not! It’s certainly was not among my retirement plans.

However, I have found my life moving in a very different direction than I had planned, and I am hearing an increasing

Carson and his wife Candy have been married 39 years. They met when they were students at Yale.

number of requests for me to run. I would prefer that someone else come along, who really wants to be president, who understands the Constitution and business principles, and how to get our economy moving. And who understands how important it is to provide a pathway for people to move up rather than remain dependent…And who understands a host of other things about leadership.

If that person were to come along and could generate genuine excitement, then I wouldn’t see any need to do it myself.

KW: You have been quoted as saying that Obamacare is “the worst thing that has happened in this nation since slavery.” Do you really believe that?

BC: I don’t equate Obamacare with slavery. Slavery was incredibly horrible, and nothing else comes close to it. But with Obamacare, we have a turning over to the government your most valuable resource, which is what Marxists said had to happen to change America from a free and open society to what they call a “utopian society” where the government controls everything…

What I’ve proposed is a system of healthcare which will cover all Americans in which no one will be a second-class citizen. Everyone will have the resources to see whomever they want to see. But more importantly, it will bring the entire healthcare system into the free market. That’s what controls quality. That’s what controls price.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

BC: I see a person whose life is centered on serving the Lord and doing what He would like for me to do. And I see a person who has been incredibly blessed to live in America and to be able to realize the American Dream. I see someone who has worked extremely hard, who has been very successful, and who feels an obligation to give back.

feature About Dr. Ben Carson Hometown - Detroit Education - B.A., Psychology, Yale University - M.D., University of Michigan Background - Professor emeritus, neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University - Columnist, Washington Times - Contributor, Fox News Involvement - Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society - Yale Corp. emeritus fellow - Kellogg Co. board - Costco Wholesale Corp. board Honors - NAACP Spingarn Medal - Presidential Medal of Freedom - Library of Congress Living Legend - 60-plus honorary degrees Family - Married to Candy Carson, three children

Dr. Ben Carson is being mentioned as a Republican presidential candidate, though he says he’s an independent.

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12 DEFENDER | JUNE 5 | 2014

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Starting a small business has its rewards

S

By CARY YATES

tarting a business takes careful consideration and planning. It takes emotional and financial preparation and a commitment to invest the time required to see your endeavor succeed.

The stakes are also high: only half of all new businesses survive five years or more, and about one-third survive 10 years or more, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. But despite the many challenges of starting a business, the business owners say the rewards are plenty.

In the second quarter 2014 Wells Fargo/ Gallup Small Business Index, we surveyed small business ownCary Yates ers across the U.S. and asked them to look back to when they began their businesses. Here are the areas they said aspiring entrepreneurs should consider before starting and owning a business:

Challenges

One of the first considerations of becoming a business owner is to make sure you have a solid business plan. That includes doing research to learn about your customers, your competitors and your industry and meeting with a financial advisor to review projected cash flow.

In our survey, when business owners were asked to identify the most important challenge they faced at the time they opened their business, the number one challenge was securing accounts and customers (23 percent), followed by cash flow (15 percent) and credit financing/availability of funds (10 percent).

Funding

Starting any business or buying into a franchise requires you to make a large initial investment, so it’s important to ensure that your current and future finances are in order.

Make sure you research the startup costs for your business and you have a financial plan that you’ve reviewed with

your financial advisor to ensure that you have the funds you need for the first years of operation. And before you apply for credit, take time to understand what your business needs to do to be considered credit-ready and in the best position to secure financing.

enough working capital on hand to cover payroll, operations and other unplanned expenses for at least a year.

Building a small business comes with many challenges, yet as business owners have shared with us, the opportunities and rewards of starting

Rewards

classified

Often, potential small business owners underestimate the amount of time and energy it takes to launch a new business, yet owning a small business can be extremely rewarding.

In the Small Business Index survey, the independence of being your own boss was far and away the most rewarding aspect of being a business owner identified by respondents (42 percent).

The next three top mentions were job satisfaction (17 percent), flexibility (12 percent) and interactions with customers (11 percent). Interestingly, only 7 percent said making money was the most rewarding aspect.

Your financial future

In the survey, business owners were asked in an aided fashion the reasons why they opened a small business, and securing their financial future and being their own boss were the most frequently mentioned.

However, most small businesses do not turn a profit immediately, so you need to make sure you have enough reserves on hand to cover your expenses. We typically advise business owners to plan on having

a business can be amazing. When you prepare, work hard and plan carefully you can put yourself in position to reap those rewards.

Cary Yates, a Wells Fargo market growth & development manager, is based in Houston.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Proposed Goal for the Participation Of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in the Department of Transportation Assisted Contracts

Harris County Community Services Department Office of Transit Services As required by Section 49 Code of Federal Regulations Park 26, the Harris County Community Services Department, Office of Transit Services (HCCSD) has determined a proposed overall goal of four (4)% for the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE’s) in its contracts for financial assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): The proposed goals and their rationale are available for review between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday at 8410 Lantern Point Drive, Houston, Texas 77054 and online at www.harriscountytransit.com. This information will be available for inspection for 30 days from publication date.

HCCSD and the DOT (through the Federal Transit Administration) will accept written comments on the goals 45 days from publication date. Written comments can be directed to the agencies below: HCCSD Attn: Mr. Robert Anders (DBECO) 8410 Lantern Point Drive, Houston, Texas 77054 The Federal Transit Administration, 819 Taylor Street, Room 8A36 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

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JUNE 5 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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Education grants awarded In an unprecedented partnership, the Texas Education Agency, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Texas Workforce Commission each committed funding for the development of four new career and technical education early college high school opportunities for students.

The first round of funding will support initiatives at Houston Community CollegeColeman, Dallas County Community College DistrictEastfield College, Odessa College and South Texas College (McAllen).

The funding is designed to help local education leaders plan and launch new opportunities for students to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and a postsecondary credential that prepares them to enter high-skill, high-demand workforce fields.

Graduates of the 2014 Comcast Digital Connectors program receive laptops as a graduation gift.

Digital program recognizes area graduates Defender News Services

Seventeen area students graduated from the Comcast Digital Connectors yearlong training program.

Hosted locally by Comcast and Neighborhood Centers, Inc., the program helps students develop leadership values, life management skills and advanced digital literacy skills to use in their communities.

c haN c e llo r

Welcome

“We are so proud of this program and of the graduates,” said Ralph Martinez, regional senior vice president for Comcast in Houston.

“Along with a solid digital education, these young people are on a path to success with new leadership skills, a dedication to community service that has already made a positive impact in their neighborhoods, and the traits that will prepare them for bright futures in the workforce.”

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Learn more about the Virgin Islands Nice package and how to save over $500 at visitusvi.com/USVInice.

We’re proud to introduce Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E., PMP, as the new Chancellor of Houston Community College. Dr. Maldonado brings 30 years of business experience, a strong

SPECS:

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Dr. Cesar MalDonaDo

“We strongly believe in providing our youth with the education and skills they will need to obtain a better life for themselves and for their families, so that they in turn can impact their community for good,” said Claudia Vasquez, Neighborhood Centers senior vice president and chief program officer.

“These kids will graduate with an incredible competitive advantage for their future careers.”

Book by 7/31 for travel between 5/15 and 9/30.

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Promotional certificates totaling $300 will be provided by the Department of Tourism upon check-in. Back-to-back, room-only bookings that have not been combined with air will not be honored. Valid on bookings made between 5/1/2014 and 7/31/2014 for travel 5/15/2014 to 9/30/2014. Offer does not include airfare taxes/fees and/or destination charges. USVI Government 10% occupancy tax and hotel service charges must be collected by operator and paid on gross retail package price. Offer not valid on pre-existing reservations, and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Blackout dates and restrictions may apply. ©2014 U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

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academic pedigree, and the leadership skills to take us where

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DEFENDER | JUNE 5 | 2014

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sports

NFL icon Jim Brown promotes human rights

M

By MAX EDISON Defender

ajor League Baseball recently brought its Civil Rights Game to Houston and one of the event highlights was the Beacon Awards luncheon. The awards recognize individuals whose lives and actions have been emblematic of the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement.

Jim Brown received the MLB Beacon of Hope Award.

He is internationally known as a NFL Hall of Famer and an accomplished actor. He has also been an activist for more than 50 years.

At age 78, the former Cleveland Browns running back still carries the swagger that also made him a Hollywood star. Although his steps are a tad slower, the NFL icon still casts a large shadow. He was humbled to be acknowledged by professional baseball, a sport he never played.

“This has been one of the better days of my life from the standpoint of what I’d like to see in America,” Brown said. “The diversity that’s here, the conscientiousness that’s here, the involvement that’s here is almost unparalleled.

“The great body of my work deals with human rights, not just civil rights – that all human beings should have an equal opportunity at freedom, defendernetwork.com equality and justice.”

Wait is over for Astros’ Jon Singleton Brown gave insight into what fuels his passion to give back.

“I was very fortunate because I had a struggling mother and two great mentors in my high school who took my life over. They guided me through education and taught me certain values. They were always there as an example of what good human beings were all about…Without the help of others I could have never been successful.”

Brown was pleased to share the Beacon spotlight with recipients Maya Angelou (posthumously) and Berry Gordy.

“The respect that I had for Maya is unprecedented,” Brown said. “She was a genius of words with a wonderful heart. It’s tragic that she passed away, but the dignity and love that she displayed in the taped video acceptance of her award before she passed was a great thing for all of us.

“Berry Gordy is one of my dear friends, an innovator, and a genius in music,” he continued. “Motown captured the world. Berry has always given back. He’s been a

Jim Brown is joined by his wife Monique in accepting the MLB Beacon of Hope Award.

Brown was a Cleveland Browns record-setting running back from 1957 to 1965.

person that I could call on at any time to do whatever we were trying to do that would be positive for the development of other people.”

Brown has been a Los Angeles resident since his NFL career ended in 1965. He gave his perspective on the fallout resulting from racist statements made by L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling.

“The Sterling situation is an example of what one shouldn’t be,” Brown said. “I am proud of the fact that the players in the NBA stepped up and voiced their opinion and were willing to take any stance they had to if the commissioner [Adam Silver] didn’t do his job.

“The commissioner did his job in an emphatic way, handing out a $2.5 million dollar fine, [with Sterling] being banished for life from the NBA and being forced to sell his team. What else can you do to a man?”

When it comes to his future, Brown has no intention of slowing down.

“I’m very concerned about the high rate of violence perpetuated by our youth nationwide,” he said. “I’m putting together a program that will hopefully address a solution. I’ll be using [retired Baltimore Raven] Ray Lewis as my point person for that project and I’ll need your help to get the word out.”

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JUNE 5 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Softball tournament tidbits

Deer Park players and coaches are all smiles after winning the school’s second 5A state softball title in three years.

Deer Park wins softball title again sophomore pitcher Payton McBride was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after allowing two runs and nine hits in a 107-pitch complete-game performance.

AUSTIN – Carrie Austgen had seen all the signs. Two “I thought about taking Payton out because we do that ofyears ago when 2014 senior class members were just sophoten if one of our pitchers gets in trouble,” Austgen said. “They mores, the Deer Park head coach guided her team to a Class 5A pretty much have a short leash and they know that so they can state softball title by defeating Klein Collins in an all-Houston let it all rip. Payton didn’t have to carry the whole team on her area championship game. shoulders and sometimes that can be a key. She pitched her butt A week ago, Deer Park rallied from a 4-0 first-inning off. deficit to Bellaire in game three of the Region III-5A cham“These girls have played championship ball all season,” pionship series to secure its third consecutive berth in the 5A Austgen said. “We’ve had plenty of opportunities where we state high school softball tournament. could have cracked and fell apart. They always manage to bond In both the 2014 state semifinals against Lubbock Corotogether and that’s been a quality I’ve seen from day one.” nado and once more in the all-Houston area final versus The Deer Park (39-6) put the game away with a four-run third Woodlands, Deer Park tallied inning to take a 7-1 lead. Plothree first-inning runs to take check had two hits and two RBIs, defendernetwork.com second baseman Tyler Galena command from the outset and win the school’s second 5A state had two hits and two RBIs, third Find out about returning Deer Park players softball title in three years. The baseman Rhonda Jarvis had Lady Deer defeated Coronado two hits and scored two runs, (6-1) and The Woodlands (8-2), respectively. shortstop Miranda Rodarte had two hits and scored two runs, Senior first baseman/pitcher Caitlin Plocheck clubbed designated player Erin Edmoundson had a hit and two RBIs home runs in both opening innings, accounting for five RBIs. while center fielder Devann Hebert chipped in with three hits.

“Once our first two hitters get on base, then I’m just up there “Once we got that first run I knew our mojo was going to having fun,” said Plocheck, who was a state all-tournament kick in and carry us through,” McBride said. “I believed in my selection as a sophomore. “Our senior class was focused on teammates and I believed in myself. All my pitches were workgetting back to state and going out with a victory. ing and that gave me more confidence.”

“This is so satisfying. You don’t come into high school After a mercy-rule victory (12-2) in the state semifinals expecting to win one state title let alone two,” said Plocheck, against San Antonio Southwest, The Woodlands (39-4) failed to who was the winning pitcher in the state semifinal game get the big hit against Deer Park while stranding 11 runners and against Coronado and will play college softball at Lipscomb leaving the bases loaded in the seventh inning.

University next year. “You can’t ask for a better time in high “McBride pitched a great game,” said The Woodlands school. This is awesome.” coach Richard Jorgensen. “We got runners in scoring position While the six Deer Park seniors definitely had a presence, and never could deliver that pivotal hit.”

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

The Houston area claimed the Class 5A state softball title for the fourth time in five years with Deer Park’s victory over The Woodlands in the 5A state championship game … Barbers Hill was the top seed in Class 4A after posting an unbeaten 32-0 record en route to the state tournament. However, Ennis rallied from a 4-0 deficit with a six-run fourth inning and held on to defeat the Lady Eagles 8-7 in the state semifinals. Aledo topped Ennis for the 4A state title … East Bernard had to settle for the silver medal in the Class 2A state title game after falling 5-3 to Crawford. Samantha Show pitched East Bernard into the 2A finals with a 7-0 shutout of Hawley in the state semifinals … Huffman lost to La Grange 4-1 in the Class 3A state semifinals … Since the pitching rubber was moved three feet farther from home plate in high school softball beginning in the 2011 season (43 feet from 40 feet), the state softball tournament has seen a 300 percent increase in home runs.

Teams qualify for state Pearland (5A), Atascocita (5A), George Ranch (4A) and East Bernard (2A) are Houston-area schools that have earned berths in the June 6-7 high school state baseball tournament in Round Rock.

Sampson gathering talent New University of Houston basketball coach Kelvin Sampson is not sitting idly by on Cullen. The former Rocket assistant coach continues to add weapons to the arsenal. UH recently signed former McDonald’s All-American Devonta Pollard (6-feet-8, 215 lbs.) from East Mississippi Community College.

Pollard becomes the seventh newcomer to join the Cougars for the 2014-15 season. That list includes sophomore forward Egi Gjikondi (San Jacinto JC), junior guards Chuck Baker (Lee JC), Eric Wear, Jr. (Howard JC) and Torian Graham (Chipola JC), and freshman forward J.C. Washington (Yates High). Former Purdue guard Ronnie Johnson will sit out the season as a transfer and play as a junior in 2015-16 with two years of eligibility remaining.

Astros call up Singleton The wait is over. The Astros finally called up talented slugger Jon Singleton from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Considered by most experts as the Astros No. 3 minor league prospect, Singleton was hitting .267 with 37 runs, 10 doubles, 14 homers and 43 RBIs in 54 games this season. The 22-year-old was selected in the eighth round by the Phillies in the 2009 first-year player draft. A hard-hitting lefthanded slugger, Singleton is expected to play first base and be a designated hitter. Reports are that he is scheduled to sign a long-term, five-year deal with $10 million guaranteed. The deal could escalate to be worth $30 million over eight years. The back end of the deal includes three team options, which would buy out one potential year of free agency and put Singleton on the open market at age 30.

Singleton probably would have been called up last season but had issues with alcohol and marijuana, for which he sought help.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 5 | 2014

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For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc and Grammy Award-winning 2014 CIVIL RIGHTS GAME/BEACON AWARDS…..

Houston welcomed the 2014 Civil Rights Game for the first violinist/producer Miri Ben-Ari. Spotted in the audience of about 1,000 folks were Baseball Commissioner Allan time, bringing an exciting lineup that made the festivities H. (Bud) Selig, Astros manager Bo Porter, Hank Aaron, the greatest in the event’s eight-year history. The two-day Jimmy Wynn, Enos Cabell, Sharon event included a series of events develRobinson, daughter of Jackie Robinoped by Major League Baseball (MLB) Join Yvette Chargois son, Hall of Famer Frank Robinson to pay tribute to all of those who fought Events of the Week and Jose Cruz, to name a few. Proon and off the field for equal rights for More photos on defendernetwork.com ceeds from the luncheon benefited all Americans. Co-hosted by MLB See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads the Houston Area Urban League and and the Houston Astros the events with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

Change Happens! Fabulous events!..... highlighted a baseball and Civil Rights NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDAMovement roundtable discussion, the TION…..”Pump-A-Licious” was the MLB Beacon Awards luncheon and of theme for the 2014 Kick Out Kidney Disease fashion show course, the civil rights game between the Houston Astros and luncheon benefitting the National Kidney Foundation and the Baltimore Orioles. We won! Luncheon honorees (NKF). This year the Crystal Slipper Award was presented were the late author and poet Maya Angelou, founder of to H-E-B, Dr. Stephen Fadem and Dr. Wadi Suki for their Motown and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Berry Gordy, continuous support in assisting NKF to provide patient serand NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown. Robin Roberts, covices, public education, patient advocacy and much more anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” delivered the to individuals and families affected by kidney disease. The keynote address and special performances were made by

MLB Beacon of Hope honoree Jim Brown and Ralph Cooper

Texas division president Marie Collins and chair Merele Yarborough

Caren and Ronald Franklin

MLB Hall of Famer Hank Aaron and Robin Roberts

Paige Cawthon, Shawntell McWilliams, Dameria Boston and Terri Phillips

Sarah McClain, Sharon Fontnette and Judy Reese (back row) Everett McClain and Toney Reese

event was held at the River Oaks Country Club and to kick off the program, Ensemble Theatre actors performed a skit to the popular song “Happy” and also “Stilettos are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Speaking of stilettos, the ladies wore some very fashionable ones, all ready to kick out this disease.

Neiman Marcus provided the fashions that were breathtaking and Mia Gradney with KHOU Channel 11 served as emcee. We salute luncheon chair Merele Yarborough, Sue Gelber, Paige Cawthon, Gayla Gardner and all committee members for a fabulous luncheon. Continued success!.....WEDDING BELLS…..Caren Guidry and Ronald Franklin recently exchanged wedding vows at Rockefeller Hall. Their mothers, Judy Guidry Reese and Sharon Fontnette, were all smiles during the entire evening. The marriage ceremony was officiated by The Most Rev. Sister Nicole Witt and witnessed by about 200 family and friends. A fabulous reception followed the ceremony.

Wishing you a beautiful future made up of one happy day after another. God bless!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

MLB Beacon of Change honoree Berry Gordy

Honorees Dr. Wadi Suki, Winell Herron and Dr. Stephen Fadem

Benjamin Adams III, Danielle Houston, Kimberly Rawlins and Oscar Garcia

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