Houston Defender: June 06, 2015

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CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS DEMAND PROBE OF MCKINNEY POOL INCIDENT P4 P15

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Volume 84 | Number 28 JUNE 11, 2015 |FREE

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OPINION

SERENA WILLIAMS

JULIANNE MALVEAUX says justice is not blind

THE BEST EVER? H PAGE 14

P10 JUNETEENTH JUDSON ROBINSON III reflects on 150th anniversary

P11 HS ZONE SATCHEL MCELROY upholds baseball tradition

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Marlon Wayans hosts new show Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans has enjoyed a successful movie career. He is back on television as host of a new TV comedy variety series titled “I Can Do That.” Read what Wayans says about his latest role. See which celebrities are being put to the test.

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Sylvester Turner analyzes session Houston State Rep. Sylvester Turner, who is chair of the State Legislative Black Caucus, gives the pluses and minuses of the 84th Legislative Session. Learn what lawmakers accomplished in Austin. Find out about missed opportunities.

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Hillary Clinton accepts award from Texas Southern University

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Plans shared for new HISD schools

A rendering shows the new North Forest High School campus.

Plans are underway for three new campuses at Jordan, Madison and North Forest High Schools.

HISD Project Advisory Teams for Madison and Jordan recently participated in a two-day workshop to put together initial design concepts for the schools’ new 21st century campuses.

In addition, stakeholders of North Forest High School had the opportunity at a recent community meeting to hear about design plans for the new high school and the expected construction timeline.

As part of the district’s current bond program, both Madison and Jordan will receive new buildings. Plans for both schools include erecting the new building adjacent to the existing facility so that students can remain on campus during construction.

North Forest’s new building will be constructed across the street from the existing school.

For more information on Project Advisory Teams and meeting schedules contact principals at Jordan (713-636-6900), Madison (713-433-9801) and North Forest (713-636-4300).

Boot camp grads financially fit Capital One Bank and Windsor Village United Methodist Church recently celebrated the newest graduating class of the “Debt Boot Camp: How to Get Out, Stay Out and Become Financially Fit!” The graduation was held at the Kingdom Builders’ Center in Houston.

“Our goal with the Debt Boot Camp and programs like it is to take the mystery out of managing money wisely and to set individuals of all ages on the path to a life of fiscal responsibility and economic self-reliance,” said Jim Nicholas, Houston Market president for Capital One Bank.

The next session will begin in the fall. Classes are held at the Kingdom Builders’ Center located at 6011 W. Orem. For more information call 713-212 5222.

Graduates of the Debt Boot Camp learned the importance of becoming debt free and financially sound.

localbriefs GRAND JURORS in Harris County will be chosen through random selection if Gov. Greg Abbott, as expected, signs a bill passed by state lawmakers. The bill will prohibit the current practice statewide of allowing judges to pick a key man, who in turn lines up people to serve on grand juries. The law is expected to go into effect Sept. 1. “The new selection process will instill more confidence in the justice system, and we welcome it for that reason,” said District Clerk Chris Daniel. Under the law, the only method to empanel a grand jury will be for a judge to direct that 20 to 125 individuals be summoned as potential grand jurors. From those summoned, 16 would

be selected for grand jury service. Twelve would be grand jurors and four would be alternates……..MAYOR ANNISE PARKER is establishing the Greater Houston 2015 Flood Relief Fund to assist residents impacted by recent severe weather. The fund will focus on aiding flood victims in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties who need shelter, housing, food, supplies, healthcare, transportation and child care. The Greater Houston Community Foundation will administer the fund at no cost, and 100 percent of all donations will go toward helping flood victims. Assistance from the fund will be provided through nonprofit organizations and

governmental entities. Those interested in donating to the fund can visit www.ghcf.org........TWO MOBILE REGISTRATION INTAKE CENTERS have opened in Houston to serve homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of severe storms and flooding. Specialists from FEMA and the SBA are there to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance. Centers are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week at Meyerland Community Improvement Association, 4999 West Belfort, and Spring Woods Middle School, 9810 Neuens Road. Call 800-621-3362.

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U.S.briefs

Eric Casebolt of the McKinney Police Department straddled the back of a 14-year-old girl after throwing her to the ground. He was placed on administrative leave and then resigned.

Blacks want McKinney pool incident probed

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ivil rights leaders are calling for an investigation into the McKinney Police Department’s treatment of mostly Black teenagers gathered at a subdivision pool party on June 5. A seven-minute video of the incident has been viewed online more than 4 million times.

Officer Eric Casebolt was placed on administrative leave and then resigned after the video showed him pulling a 14-year-old girl and pinning her down outside the party.

Seconds later, Casebolt pulled his gun and pointed it at two teens who appeared to try and come to her aid.

Hundreds of people rallied outside a McKinney elementary school in protest of the incident. McKinney is located 30 miles north of Dallas.

Cornell William Brooks, president and CEO of the NAACP, said he was “deeply disturbed” by the police department’s handling of the teens.

“The excessive force on an unarmed 14-year-old girl clad only in a bikini by an officer wearing a uniform and a gun was particularly troubling,” Brooks said. “The NAACP has reached out to the families of these young people and will

be advocating on their behalf at a meeting with the chief of police.

“We are calling for a full investigation of the McKinney Police Department officers and that they be held accountable to the full extent of the law.”

The National Bar Association (NBA) joined the call for an investigation.

“This could be my child, or your child,” said NBA President Pamela Meanes. “If we are not going to protect the children from overly aggressive and violent police officers, our future is lost.”

Police were reportedly called to the pool because the party was out of control, and some teens scaled the fence after being turned away. In addition, a neighbor hurled racial slurs and insults at party guests, and told them to “go back to Section 8 housing.”

Brandon Brooks, who recorded the footage of Casebolt, said he was one of the few white kids present. He said an officer skipped over him and told “all my African-American friends to go sit down.”

South Carolina officer indicted for murder A grand jury indicted former North Charleston, S.C., police officer Michael Slager on a murder charge in connection to the April 4 shooting death of Walter Scott, an unarmed Black man. He faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted.

Slager, 33, shot Scott in the back after a traffic stop.

The shooting was captured on cell phone video by a bystander, and the graphic footage sparked outrage and reignited a national conversation around race and law enforcement.

Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson announced the indictment.

“The jury will make up its own mind after it sees the video and hears the other testimony,” Wilson said of Slager’s trial.

Chris Stewart, a lawyer for Scott’s family, said they plan to file a wrongful death suit against North Charleston and its police force.

“Today was just an example of if you keep the faith, even in the darkest times, you will see the light,” Steward said. “We are going to patiently wait for the criminal trial in this case and we are going to patiently wait to see if the city, the police department and the chief are going to take responsibility in the civil suit.”

THE BLACK UNEMPLOYMENT RATE increased to 10.2 percent in May, after falling into the single digits in April. According to the Labor Department, the national unemployment rate also increased from 5.4 percent in April to 5.5 percent in May. Most economists attribute the slight uptick in the jobless rate to the fact that more workers entered the labor market last month. The jobless rate for Black men leaped a full percentage point from 9.2 percent in April to 10.2 percent in May. The jobless rate and the labor force participation rate for Black women over 20 didn’t budge in May and was 8.8 percent 61.9 percent, respectively…….

HUD REACHED AN AGREEMENT with Wisconsin-based Associated Bank in one of the largest redlining complaints brought by the federal government against a mortgage lender. Redlining is the refusal of a loan to someone because they live in an area deemed to be a poor financial risk. At approximately $200 million, it is the largest settlement of its kind HUD has ever reached. The settlement stems from a HUD complaint alleging that from 2008-2010, the bank engaged in discriminatory lending practices regarding the denial of mortgage loans to African-American and Hispanic applicants and the provision of loan services in minority neighborhoods. As part of the settlement, Associated will pay nearly $10 million in lower interest rate home mortgages and down payment/closing cost assistance to qualified borrowers in various Illinois and Wisconsin cities…….. DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. joined a growing number of cities around the country when it officially announced it was “banning the box” on applications that asks if someone has been convicted of a crime.

Applicants applying for city employment can now be assured they will be assessed based upon their qualifications versus potential discrimination for having a criminal record of a misdemeanor or felony.

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 28 JUNE 11, 2015

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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entertainment

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Marlon Wayans hosts ‘I Can Do That’

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ctor and comedian Marlon Wayans is host of a new comedy variety series where six celebrities are put to the test. “I Can Do That” airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC. Each week, in front of a live audience, the six cast members enter a friendly rivalry as they choose an act they think they can master, from song to dance to magic. The celebrities include recording artists Ciara, Joe Jonas and Nicole Scherzinger, and dancer/choreographer Cheryl Burke.

“The format is they have one act to choose, one week to learn that act and one night where they have to perform it before a live audience,” Wayans said. “It’s great to see these celebrities who are singers or comedians have to learn something brand new. You see them do great things and mess up too.”

With their acts selected, the celebrities make their way into the training studio, where they work with an expert coach for five days to produce an act to perform on the next week’s show. After a week of intensive training, the celebrities return to the stage to perform their act in hopes of scoring the top slot on the night’s scoreboard.

After six weeks of exploring their own unique talent range, one cast member will be revealed as the season’s ultimate entertainer.

Wayans, who is an executive producer of the show, said serving as a host is a different experience for him.

“I’m more of a performer than a master of ceremonies,” he said. “But I like the challenge of actually making it a fun show rather than just reading the cue cards. There’s more of a late-night approach to it. I’m more Jimmy Fallon than Ryan Seacrest.”

Wayans shares a moment with guests the Harlem Globetrotters on “I Can Do That.”

About Marlon Wayans • Born in 1972 in New York City; the youngest of 10 children • Famous siblings include Keenan Ivory, Damon, Shawn and Kim Wayans • At age 16 made his film debut in “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” • Attended Howard University for two years • Was featured on TV’s “In Living Color” • Co-starred in the WB sitcom “The Wayans Bros.”

• Co-wrote and acted in the horror spoof “Scary Movie,” which cost $19 million to make and earned $157 million • Other films include “White Chicks,” “Little Man,” “The Ladykillers,” “A Haunted House” and “The Heat” • Married with two children

what’sup Comedian TOMMY DAVIDSON will perform Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, June 14 at the Houston Improv, 7620 Katy Freeway. Davidson first gained famed in the early 1990s as a regular on “In Living Color,” alongside JAMIE FOXX, JIM CARREY, DAMON WAYANS and DAVID ALAN GRIER. He made his film debut in “Strictly Business” and later starred in three Showtime specials.

He was recently cast in the comedy “Frat Pack,” which will be released later this year. Houston Improv show times vary. For ticket information call 713-333-8800……..USHER performed the national anthem during game four of the NBA Finals featur-

ing the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. Usher became a part owner of the Cavaliers in 2005…….. FOREST WHITAKER and ZOE KRAVITZ are among the stars of “Dope,” which hits theaters on Friday, June 19. The film is about a geek and his friends who find adventure after a chance invitation to an underground party. PHARRELL WILLIAMS and Whitaker are among the film’s producers……..NICHELLE NICHOLS, known for her role as Lt. Uhura in the original “Star Trek” TV series as well as “Star Trek” movies, is recovering from a mild stroke she recently suffered.

Nichols is 82……...Some members of N.W.A. will

reunite for the first time in 15 years during the fourday BET Experience Festival on June 27 in Los Angeles. The group pioneered gangsta rap and the original lineup consisted of DR. DRE, ICE CUBE, ARABIAN PRINCE, DJ YELLA and EAZY-E. MC REN joined the group in 1988. The concert is spearheaded by Ice Cube and precedes the release of the group’s biopic “Straight Outta Compton” in August. Other performers will include SNOOP DOGG, KENDRICK LAMAR and SCHOOLBOY Q. It hasn’t been confirmed if Dr. Dre will show up at the reunion. “I hope he blesses us with his presence,” Ice Cube said.

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Nakiyah Scott of Booker T. Washington High School received a scholarship from the Achievement Through Leadership Foundation.

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Kenneth Williams of Ridge Point High School also received a scholarship from the nonprofit.

Students receive foundation scholarships Three accomplished college-bound seniors from the Houston area have been named 2015 Achievement Scholars by the Achievement Through Leadership Foundation (ATLF).

Nakiyah Scott, Kenneth Williams and Ethan Lau each received a $1,000 scholarship during ATLF’s annual scholarship awards dinner. The evening’s theme was “Empowering Today’s Scholars to Become Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

ATLF, established in 2005, is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the personal evolution of youth in the greater Houston area by assisting them with higher education and

leadership development.

Nakiyah Scott, the valedictorian of her class at HISD’s Booker T. Washington High School and captain of the drill team, plans to attend Occidental College to study chemical engineering.

Kenneth Williams, a senior at Ridge Point High School in Fort Bend ISD, is a scholar-athlete who is a three-year varsity football letterman and attained the distinction of becoming a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout. He will attend Texas Tech University to study petroleum engineering.

Ethan Lau, a senior at Clements High School in Fort Bend ISD and a National Merit Finalist

who attained a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, plans to attend Rice University to major in chemistry.

The keynote speaker, Houston Chronicle reporter Cindy George, offered a charge to the scholarship recipients titled “Success is Calling Your Name: Are you ready?”

Under the leadership of board chairman Fredric A. Navarre, the foundation secured contributions to its education fund through ATLF’s inaugural Kasino Royale fundraiser earlier this year as well as from donations of supporters.

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State Rep.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

PLUSES & MINUSES

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By VON JILES Defender

he 84th Legislative Session has ended, and there were pluses and minuses. After meeting for 140 days, Texas lawmakers made progress in criminal justice, healthcare, education, transportation and tax reduction while suffering shortfalls in some of the same areas.

In an effort to educate the Black community, Houston State Rep. Sylvester Turner, chair of the State Legislative Black Caucus, met with members of the Black Press to review what was and was not accomplished.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Considering the cries nationwide to revamp the criminal justice system, Texas legislators made some progress according to Turner. “Of critical importance was changing the grand jury system,” he said.

Turner commended his colleagues – State Sen. John Whitmire and State Reps. Harold Dutton and Carol Alvarado – for their efforts regarding the issue.

“The ‘pick a pal’ system [will end] once the governor signs the bill,” Turner said. “There will be a random selection process and that is a major milestone in terms of bringing integrity to the whole criminal justice system.”

In addition, the passage of House Bill 1630 was a step toward reforming the juvenile justice system by creating a more regionalized system.

“We are incentivizing counties to keep their kids locally instead of sending them to West Texas or some other place.

And then secondly for those kids whose crimes are more heinous we are creating a more regional program. The final step would be to bring them to a state secure facility. So that is a plus.”

Turner noted that the legislature failed to raise the juvenile age from 17 to 18 but was hopeful the age will be increased during the next session. “Eventually it is going to have to happen because the federal standard is mandated anyway,” he said.

Expressing some excitement about a new pilot program for re-entry for offenders that will be based in Houston and Dallas, Turner stated: “Every year about 13,000 to 15,000

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By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

tate Sen. Rodney Ellis and State Rep. Ron Reynolds said there were positive outcomes during the recent session, but were displeased with missed opportunities.

“The Legislature took some important first steps to create a fairer and more accurate criminal justice system, including creating an exoneration review commission to study wrongful convictions, ending the broken “key man” grand jury system, and promoting the use of police-worn body cameras,” Ellis said.

“But there’s still a long way to go to have the justice system Texans expect and deserve.”

Ellis listed several minuses. “Despite my efforts, the Legislature failed to consider Medicaid expansion under the

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Turner details session’s results EDUCATION

Originally, the House proposed reinstating the $3 billion taken from education in previous sessions. However, the session ended with an allocation of only $1.5 billion. On a positive note, Pre-K received $118 million in new monies. “Quite frankly, the optimal level should have been double that,” Turner said. “Education did not fare well in this session.”

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation was a big winner because the state ended diversions. Turner explained that there is a highway fund called Fund 6 in which $600 million a year was taken or diverted to non-highway items. Lawmakers added $1.2 billion to the fund.

In November, voters will be asked to vote on an amendment that when sales tax collection exceeds $28 billion, the state can take the amount above that up to $2.5 billion and apply it to transportation.

The focus of 40 percent of those dollars will be on congestion.

“The Houston, Harris County region will benefit,” Turner said.

“That is a big plus…. then you will see projects that have been on the books for a long time moving forward.”

Turner said in addition, the high speed train is on track for 2017 as a rider was removed that would have impacted its progress.

Turner said there is still work to be done but the state will not impede progress.

e Rep. Sylvester Turner discussed the Legislature’s pluses and minuses with members of the Black Press.

ple come from our criminal justice system and return to Houston |Harris County area and the major problems are loyment and housing.

“The city has a re-entry program but it only deals with ut 250 folks and they don’t get a lot of money,” he said. l the pilot program I’ve put in place is where TDC will vide a $1 million grant to the city of Houston to work h faith-based organization and the private sector setting up ctive re-entry strategies and programs to assist individuals ur respective communities.”

ALTH CARE

The good news is there will be increased funding for tal health and trauma care.

“We are providing more money for trauma care,” Turner . “Ben Taub Hospital is at a critical status now and if they ’t beef up their program they will lose their level 1 trauma

status by March 2016. It is a lack of funding in large part.”

According to Turner, trauma hospitals throughout the state will receive $10 -$12 million.

On the downside, Texas did not succeed at expanding Medicaid and the state continues to lose $300 million a day.

Though legislators tried to raise the pay for home health providers to a minimum of $10 an hour the most they could agree on was a flat $8 per hour rate.

More bad news is the cost containment rider in the budget threatens to take $200 million out of the hands of home health providers, possibly forcing many small business owners out of business.

The state will have to contain the cost of services by not allowing any services to be paid higher than the federal Medicaid rate although some services do cost more. Turner said the loss of funding will ultimately affect patients.

TAX REDUCTION

“Many people wanted tax cuts,” Turner said. “So in the budget there are $3.8 billion in tax cuts.” When asked if that was a good thing, he said, “It depends on how you look at it. There will be $1.2 billion dollars in property tax cuts which will increase the homestead exemption by $10,000. The net benefit from that will be about $126 in a year.

“I don’t think you are going to pat us on the back for that because your property tax bill is going to increase because your appraisal is going to go up so you won’t even see it. Then we passed a 25 percent reduction in franchise tax and that comes to $2.6 billion in cuts for businesses.

“I would prefer a combination of sales tax reduction and franchise tax reduction because on sales taxes everybody benefits.

You have $3.8 billion in tax reduction which we covered dollar for dollar. Future legislators have to still decide whether every legislative session will fund it. We are creating a permanent tax reduction hole.”

Ellis, Reynolds cite progress, failures

fordable Care Act, which would ve offered quality, affordable alth insurance to over one million xans,” he said.

“It also refused to fix our constitutionally underfunded public hools – a system that has resulted overcrowded classrooms and derpaid teachers – and did not heed y calls to ensure higher education affordable for hardworking Texas milies.

State Sen. Rodney Ellis “Finally, the Legislature didn’t to make our economy fairer for all Texans by increasing minimum wage or working to fix the enormous disparity in y between men and women,” Ellis said.

Reynolds echoed Ellis’ thoughts on missed opportunities

he Houston area for over 80 years

State Rep. Ron Reynolds

in health care reform, education and the minimum wage.

He said in addition, “For the third time this session, Texas House Republicans voted against legislation that would have put Texas on track to close the gender pay gap. This is inexcusable. Texas is one of only eight states without an Equal Pay Act and is clearly on the wrong side of history.”

Reynolds said strides were made in areas such as economic development, which will be boosted

by new franchise taxes.

“Additionally, Stafford and Missouri City will see economic improvements with the passage of three of my bills

creating management districts,” he said. “These management districts will ensure streamlined and efficient growth and development.”

Reynolds said criminal justice reform was another plus, citing police body camera legislation.

“Another big win was truancy reform,” he said. “Fort Bend was the national epicenter of abusive truancy practices, and I proudly joint-authored HB 1490 by Rep. Dan Huberty to prevent that from continuing.”

Reynolds said the session offered good news and bad news.

“Even though there were many good bills passed, we could have done much more,” he said. “We found the time to allow open carry of handguns, but there was no time to discuss special prosecutors or increased funding for public education.

Sadly, there were far too many misplaced priorities. It is unfortunate that so many good ideas fell on deaf ears.”

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Justice is not blind

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist

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hen racist attitudes, either conscious or subconscious, are combined with the discretionary powers that law enforcement officers have, the result is a differential outcome, with African-Americans more likely to be the targets of “blind justice.”

Most of our politicians and leaders are exploiting subconscious racism, and pandering to explicit racial fears.

Even worse, they are rewarded when they say they are “tough on crime.”

Soledad O’Brien documented some of these attitudes in her most recent “Black In America” series. In a telling segment, two young men, one Black and one white, staged the “stealing” of a bike to show how members of the public responded to watching the apparent theft. The young men were dressed similarly – T-shirts, casual pants, caps.

People walked by as the white guy did everything he could to break the lock on the bike, including using

a chain cutter. Within moments of the Black man approaching the bike, white people, one or two of whom called 911, surrounded him. As opposed to the benign response the white guy got, the Black guy was simply assumed to be a criminal.

How does this play out on the streets and with

officers of the law? Police officers use their discretion selectively. A Black man (Eric Garner) selling loose cigarettes is manhandled, arrested, and dies when he is choked and cannot breathe. Most have seen the video by now, and wonder why Daniel Pantaleo was not charged with any crime, even though he used an illegal chokehold on Garner.

During the late 1990s, Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s “stop and frisk” policies resulted in African- American men in New York being stopped more than five times as frequently as Caucasians, even though these frisks led to nothing more than the humiliation of Black men, some simply coming off the subway or walking down the street.

Justice is not blind when police officers use discretion to stop one segment of the population to harshly mistreat and let the other population slide. If police officers wonder why there is antipathy and distrust toward them in the African-American community, somebody needs to tell them that their use of discretion suggests that justice is hardly blind.

Texas Black business: ‘Back to the Future’

By CHARLES O’NEAL

It often seems the only time Black Texans think about Black-owned businesses is when it’s time to complain about shoddy customer service, or the difficulty in finding them conveniently, or their failure to carry preferred brands. Rarely do we equate these perceived shortfalls to the rate at which we patronize these businesses.

It’s actually a pretty simple formula. Support Blackowned businesses and customer service will improve, and they will be able to expand new locations and carry the brands you can’t live without.

This current failure to consider Black-owned businesses has not always been the way Black Texans viewed the critical need to support our businesses. Did you know that the first Black chamber of commerce was started in Dallas in 1926?

Nine years later, in 1935, Houston’s Black business community gave birth to the nation’s second Black chamber, the Houston Citizen’s Chamber of Commerce (now the Greater Houston Black Chamber).

A year later, in 1936, the leaders of the Dallas and Houston chambers – along with business men and women from across the state – met in Dallas during the Texas Centennial celebration and formed the Texas State Negro Chamber of Commerce, the predecessor

organization of the current Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC).

Their commitment to the economic future of Black Texans spawned a network of chambers across the state, in big cities and small towns alike.

Their concerns, of course, were not only with profit-making. These visionaries realized that to the extent that Black Texans could stabilize, develop and grow Black-owned businesses, we could employ community residents, maximize our political muscle and significantly improve public education.

Nearly 80 years later these simple goals continue to frustrate those of us in the business of Black business. Twenty-three chambers/business organizations currently comprise TAAACC’s membership while four new chambers are in varying stages of development.

All this activity indicates that – despite the difficulties associated with being Black in business in Texas – there is still strong support for growing Black business with a goal of strengthening employment, political power and educational outcomes.

In a renewed effort to reacquaint Black Texans with their historic connection to business development, the TAACC and the Texas Publishers Association have committed to doing our part to keep you abreast of issues impacting Black-owned business in our state.

The publishers of Texas’ 26 Black-owned newspapers are still Black Texas’ most reliably trustworthy source of information affecting our lives.

Clear, distortion-free communication is absolutely critical to the growth, development and expansion of Texas’ Black-owned businesses and we are elated about the prospects our working together will mean for Black businesses in our state.

Well before the 2020 census, Texas will have the second largest Black population among the 50 states.

Pitifully, even in this state’s dynamic economy, Black Texans lag behind in business receipts, political power, employment and educational attainment, even after nearly 80 years of effort to improve these outcomes.

I am optimistic that Black Texans will make the connection between where and how they spend their hard-earned money and the difficulties we continue to experience in other areas.

I know we can, because brave men and women came together in 1936 when no hotel would sell them a room, no restaurant would seat them and they couldn’t try on a suit unless they bought it first. Their answer: have your own hotel, restaurant and clothing store.

Seems like the perfect time to go “back to the future.”

Charles O’Neal is president of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce.

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Juneteenth

Leaders reflect on milestone Where would the world be without some of these great contributions in areas such as medicine, history, academia and sports? Africanhis year marks the 150th anniversary of Americans have made our country a much richer Juneteenth, the day when Blacks in Texas place, so it’s important to recognize that. We’ve learned they were free from slavery. In only had this opportunity for 150 years where honor of June 19, 1865, the Defender others races of people have had centuries of asked leaders of three local organizations about the opportunities to contribute. significance of the holiday.

Defender: What should the community do They are Shekira Dennis, co-founder of the to commemorate this milestone?

Houston Justice Coalition; James Douglas, president Dennis: This is an opportunity for everyone Shekira Dennis James Douglas Judson Robinson III of the Houston Branch of the NAACP; and Judson to reflect and celebrate the significance of this Robinson III, president and CEO of the Houston Area holiday. Our continued commitment toward common tapestry.

Urban League. equality and equity among all should remain at the forefront Douglas: I think we should always celebrate our Defender: What do you feel is the significance of the of everyone’s agenda. In the midst of our celebrating this freedom. It is tremendous to have an opportunity to celebrate 150th anniversary of Juneteenth? the fact that even though we came to this country as slaves, we milestone we must make it a priority to educate, inspire and Dennis: The anniversary reminds us all of the sacrifice, engage those in our respective community, family, workplace, have been free for over 150 years. It ought to remind us of the courage and commitment of those who fought tirelessly for and peer groups of the true significance of Juneteenth. way things used to be and the fact that it took so long after the our freedom. Though today we are still working to ensure that Emancipation Proclamation [issued in 1863] for them to get Douglas: I think everybody should celebrate it in there is equity and equality for all, we must acknowledge the their own way. Whether we barbecue or have a picnic or the information to us. That should remind us that the fight is work of those who laid the infrastructure for us through their a parade, we should remember that we are celebrating forever, and we can’t stop until we get total freedom. unyielding efforts to protect the civil liberties and freedoms of the fact that we received notice of our emancipation.

Robinson: This is a major milestone. It’s unfortunate African-American people.

Robinson: I think it’s important to realize this is a that we didn’t know when we should have known, but we’re This anniversary also represents the dire need for sacred opportunity that finally came our way after many thankful that we did get word and were able to exercise our everyone regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or age to people made sacrifices. People took great risks so we freedoms. It’s important to look back at all the progress that get involved. Just as it did 150 years ago today it still takes has been made and the things that have taken place as African- would have this opportunity. I think it should be a day everyone to sustain this movement. We are all woven into a of prayer and reflection.

Americans have been able to participate in a free society.

T

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

19 things to know about Juneteenth

150 150 Years of Progress

i

Please take a moment this Juneteenth to visit emancipation Park at 3018 Dowling. in 1872, a group of visionary african-american Houstonians led by the rev. Jack yates, a Baptist minister and former slave, purchased the park for the community to celebrate Juneteenth and their freedom.

Today’s renovation of emancipation Park marks our city’s recommitment to their vision to make Houston a better place to live, work and raise all families.

HaPPY JuneteentH! Mayor annise Parker

Pol. adv. annise Parker CamPaign

am proud to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth with my family and all Houstonians. i am also reminded that the struggle continues for equal treatment and equal opportunity for all.

1. On June 19, 1865, Union general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued the order freeing slaves in Texas.

2. The order read in part, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.”

3. There are several theories why Texas received the news about freedom two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation became official on Jan. 1, 1863. One story says a messenger was murdered on his way to Texas with the news.

4. Another theory says the news was deliberately withheld by slave owners to maintain their labor force.

5. There were approximately 250,000 slaves in Texas in 1865.

6. The majority of slaves in Texas came with their owners from the older slave states.

7. Sizable numbers also came through the domestic slave trade. New Orleans was the center of the trade in the Deep South, but there were slave dealers in Galveston and Houston as well.

8. Large celebrations on June 19 began in 1866 and continued regularly into the early 20th century.

9. Early celebrations of Juneteenth were often used as political rallies and to teach freed

slaves about their rights.

10. Other celebrations included prayer services, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, stories from former slaves, food, red soda water, games, rodeos and dances.

11. In many parts of Texas, ex-slaves bought land for Juneteenth gatherings.

Examples include Emancipation Park in Houston, purchased in 1872.

12. An Emancipation Park was established in Austin in the early 1900s.

13. The celebration of Juneteenth declined during World War II but was revived in 1950 at the Texas State Fairgrounds in Dallas.

14. Celebrations declined again in the 1960s when the Civil Rights Movement and fight for integration diminished interest in the event.

15. In the 1970s African-Americans’ renewed interest in celebrating their cultural heritage led to the revitalization of Juneteenth.

16. In 1979 the Texas Legislature passed a bill by Houston State Rep. Al Edwards calling for Juneteenth to become a state holiday.

17. The first state-sponsored Juneteenth celebration took place in 1980.

18. Juneteenth has had an impact outside the state. Black Texans who moved to other parts of the country have taken the celebration with them.

19. Today, Juneteenth is celebrated in more than 40 states throughout the country.

Sources: Texas State Historical Association, Texas State Library & Historical Commission, Juneteenth.com.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 11 | 2015

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Juneteenth Schedule of events

Thursday, June 18

The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation hosts a Community Service Awards Gala at 6 p.m. at Quail Valley City Centre’, 2880 La Quinta Dr. Contact: www.mcjcf.com.

Galveston sponsors a Texas Juneteenth Gala at 7 p.m. at 1859 Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway.

Contact: 409-747-2791.

Friday, June 19

The 36th annual Al Edwards Juneteenth Emancipation Proclamation Reading and free Prayer Breakfast is at 8:30 a.m. at 1859 Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway in Galveston. Contact: 409747-2791.

Friends of Emancipation Park sponsor a Congo Drum Call and Prayer March at 10 a.m. at the corner of Bastrop and Elgin. A talent show is at 10:30 a.m. at Project Row Houses, 2501 Holman St. Project Row Houses is the site of a 12:30 p.m. update on Emancipation Park’s renovation; workshops at 1 p.m. on health, legal matters and genealogy; a step show at 3 p.m. and basketball tournament at 5 p.m. Contact: Juneteenthfest.com.

The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation hosts Family Funday in the Park at 6 p.m. at Hunters Glen Park, 1340 Independence. A carnival

opens at 4 p.m. with interactive games, rides and entertainment. A family-friendly film will be shown at dusk. Contact: www.mcjcf.com.

The Galveston Juneteenth Parade is at 7:30 p.m. and begins at 1600 Strand Street. The parade will feature area bands, drill teams and other performers. Contact: 409-497-3203.

Saturday, June 20

State Rep. Sylvester Turner’s fourth annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade will be held at 10

a.m. at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery. It will travel north on West Montgomery and conclude at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1620 Dolly Wright. Contact: www.repsylvesterturner.com/ calendar.

Friends of Emancipation Park present the 42nd annual Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration Parade at 10 a.m., beginning at the Texas Southern University gym. It features bands, dance groups, and cheer and step teams. The grand marshal is Dr. Thomas Freeman, legendary TSU debate professor.

Visit juneteenthfest.com.

The Galveston Historical Foundation presents a free Juneteenth Community Concert at 6 p.m. at Saengerfest Park, 23rd and Strand St. in Galveston. Contact: 409-7657834 or www.galveston.com/juneteenth.

The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation sponsors the One Mile of Smiles Juneteenth Parade at 7 p.m. at Texas Parkway (FM 2234). It includes bands, celebrities, dignitaries and floats. A Battle of the Bands will be held after the parade at Thurgood Marshall High School Athletic Field. Participants include two all-star bands and bands from Wheatley and Madison High Schools.

Contact: www.mcjcf.com.

Celebrating 150th Year Commemoration JUNE 19, 1865, GALVESTON, TX

“Wishing you a

CONGRESSWOMAN

Join Me in Celebrating 150 Years of texas freedoM on Juneteenth!

General Order Number 3 k

the people of texas

are informed that in accordance with a Proclamatio n from the Executive of the U nited States, all slaves are free.

This involves an absolute equalit y of rights and rights of proper ty between former masters an d slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between th em becomes that betwee n employer and free laborer.

“It’s been 150 years since the slaves in Texas were freed.

The struggle continues for the ‘absolute equality’ that was proclaimed on June 19, 1865 — but there is much to celebrate as all Americans move forward together into a brighter future.

HappY JuneteentH!”

S Y LV E S T E r

Turner

18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS

Paid for by the Sheila Jackson Lee Re-Elect Campaign .

for M AY o r

PolitiCal advertising, sylvester turner CaMPaign. david MinCberg, treasurer.

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Deadline extended to Friday, July 10

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Supt. Terry Grier Post YOUR grades online for the HISD Superintendent

Begins Thurs. May 7th - Ends Friday, July 10th

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

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

How would you grade Supt. Grier in these areas or subjects?

• Student Academics • Student/ School Safety • Teacher Relations • Black Community Relations • Minority Contracts A Defender community service

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

Martin Luther King Jr.

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13

Study gains insight into small businesses To gain more insight into the experiences of diverse business owners in the areas of lending and operating their businesses, Wells Fargo commissioned Gallup to conduct a national study of small business owners.

As Gallup releases the findings (on Gallup. com), Wells Fargo is announcing a four-point plan to address needs identified in the study.

The plan will help more diverse small businesses become credit-ready and gain access to credit.

The Gallup survey included findings of business owners in six segments – AfricanAmerican, AsianAmerican, Hispanic, LGBT, military veteran and women.

“Serving diverse communities has long been a focus area and priority for Wells Fargo, yet we know there’s more work to be done, and it starts with gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences of diverse small business owners working with financial institutions,” said Lisa Stevens, head of Small Business for Wells Fargo.

“For this reason, we commissioned the Gallup study, which gave us new insight into the perceptions and experiences of diverse business owners working with banks, and how we can improve as a company and as an industry.”

Overall, the national study revealed there are more similarities than differences between small business owners in all diverse segments and those in the general population. It also shows specific areas in which the financial services industry can provide more support for diverse business owners.

In the Gallup survey, diverse-owned small businesses were more likely to respond

that they have been declined for business credit – about one in five African-American, Asian and Hispanic business owners said they faced a credit decline in the past (14 percent of general market respondents said they faced a decline).

After being declined, a higher percentage of African-American business owners (64 percent) said they did not apply for credit

again than their peers in the general small business population (47 percent). AfricanAmerican (14 percent) and LGBT (15 percent) business owners also reported greater personal credit challenges than the general market (5 percent).

Only about half of small business owners say they have ever borrowed money for their business.

classified MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY will be accepting proposals for the following: PHARMACY DRUG DISPENSING SERVICES Specifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Department located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Houston, Texas 77074, telephone (713) 970-7300 and/or via MHMRA website http://www.mhmraharris.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Monday, June 15, 2015. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 7011 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, 2015 in a sealed enveloped marked "PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL - TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2015, “PHARMACY DRUG DISPENSING SERVICES". Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Sharon Brauner, Buyer III, Senior Purchasing Coordinator via fax at (713) 9707682 or E-mail questions to sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org cc: nina.cook@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

ALLEN PARKWAY IMPROVEMENTS The Downtown Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) / TIRZ No. 3 will receive sealed bids for the Allen Parkway Improvements project, located to the west of Downtown Houston, from the Interstate 45 highway interchange on the east to Dunlavy Street on the west. Bids will be received until 11:00 AM, local time on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, by the Executive Director, Downtown Redevelopment Authority, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted.

Beginning 11:00 AM, Monday, June 15, 2015, Bid Documents may be purchased for $50 per set from the Authority by cash; or by cashier's check, certified check, or money order (payable to the Downtown Redevelopment Authority); or by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover). The cost for up to two sets will be refunded to Bidders who submit a valid bid for this Project and return bidding documents to the Authority. Addenda are free of charge and will be distributed by email to those who purchase Bid Documents and attend the pre-bid conference. Bid Documents may also be examined at plan rooms of the Minority Business Development Center (2302 Fannin Street, #165, Houston, TX 77002), Amtek Information and Plan Room (4001 Sherwood Lane, Houston, TX 77092) or viewed online at isqft.com (requiring a contractor’s account to access the website).

A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, in the Authority’s Conference Room, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. All bidders (general contractors) are invited to attend. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from a bidder who did not attend the pre-bid conference. Late arrivals will not be admitted to the pre-bid conference.

Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95-336 (March 29, 1995) and Exec. Order No.1‑2 (June 14, 1995), and City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Procedures (June 1995). The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/WDSBE participation goal of 20 percent.

14

DEFENDER | JUNE 11 | 2015

sports

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Williams captures French Open Two more major victories this year would tie her with Steffi Graf for the Open era record of 22 majors. Remarkably, Williams seems to be getting better as she gets older. She has ot even a bout with the flu and a sore elbow could won seven Grand Slam titles since turning 29, the most of any keep Serena Williams from her date with destiny, player in history. She has been winning at such a rapid rate it’s winning the French Open for the third time in her been difficult for her to soak it all in. illustrious career.

“I haven’t really had a lot of time to take it in,” she said.

It took the world’s No. 1 player exactly two hours and one “I’m excited. I’m still kind of celebrating No. 19. So here I am minute to beat Lucie Safarova 6-3, 6-7 (2), 6-2 in the finals at at 20. It seems a little bit like a dream, like is this really my life?

Roland Garros. In doing so, Williams, 33, Is this really happening right captured her 20th major title and continued now?” to stake her claim as not only the greatest “It would be female tennis player of all time, but quite awesome [to win possibly the most dominant athlete in the the single-year world today.

Slam],” she • Born 1981 in Saginaw, Mich.; family Williams becomes the first woman continued. “But, later moved to Compton, Calif. since Jennifer Capriati in 2001 to win the at the end of the • One of six children, including sister Australian Open and French Open in the day, it’s pretty awesome to have 20.

Venus same year.

• Began practicing tennis at age 3 I haven’t done great at Wimbledon • By 1991, was 46-3 on junior United “It wasn’t very easy, so this probably the past two years, so I’m going States Tennis Association tour topped for my most difficult time to win,’’ to take it a day at a time there.

• Turned pro in 1995 she said. “But it also makes me feel good That’s the one I’ve been • Won first major championship in 1999 that I was able to be fit and be able to win struggling at, so hopefully I • Won 2000 Olympics doubles the event. I can’t believe I won, but it’s will be able to play a little competition with Venus cool.’’ better there.”

• From 2002-2003 won four Williams’ win in France puts her on Williams is consecutive Grand Slam singles titles course for what could very possibly be one playing so well, • Regained the No. 1 ranking twice in of the greatest years in sports history, with you could make a 2009, during which won Australian two majors under her belt in 2015 and both case that she’s the Open for fourth time and Wimbledon Wimbledon and the U.S. Open scheduled for the third time top athlete in the world, regardless • Suffered hematoma and pulmonary later this summer. of gender. You’d be hard pressed to embolism and missed the first half of A Wimbledon win would be her find a more consistently dominant 2011 season fourth consecutive major victory, a feat she performer throughout their career • Won first gold medal in women’s accomplished in 2002 and 2003. Williams than Williams. The disappointing singles at 2012 Summer Olympic Games has won both Wimbledon and the U.S. news for her opponents is that she • Victory at 2015 French Open gave her Open five times. shows no signs of slowing down.

20 Grand Slam singles titles

N

By MAX EDISON Defender

About Serena Williams

Serena Williams won the French Open for the third time in her illustrious career.

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JUNE 11 | 2015 DEFENDER

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SEASON PREMIER THURSDAY, JUNE 11 on DefenderNetwork.com

Baseball is McElroy family tradition and if he gets the ball down the line, it doesn’t matter if Nolan Ryan is pitching, with ne might assume that his speed he’s going to be Satchel McElroy Birth date – Aug. 13, 1996 safe.” comes from a McElroy put a wellBirth sign – Leo baseball background. placed bunt down the third Favorite subject – History That assumption would be base line to advance Rohland Possible college major – correct since he was named over to third and easily Business or computer engineering after Satchel Paige, the late beat the throw to first. With Favorite pro baseball players – Hall of Fame baseball pitcher. nobody out and runners on Adam Jones and Dee Gordon McElroy’s grandfather was a the corners the Clear Creek How he relaxes – Fishing, catcher for Paige back in the faithful rose to their feet. listening to music Negro League.

Moments later, Landon Favorite meal – Steak, greens, Since McElroy plays Etzel hit a deep sacrifice beans and rice baseball for Clear Creek High fly to centerfield that plated School, one might suspect that Rohland and sealed a 1-0 he is a pitcher. That suspicion victory. would be incorrect. McElroy “That bunt play is plays centerfield and has been a four-year starter something we practice and practice all the time,” for the Wildcats.

McElroy said. “That’s a big part of my game, His older brother C.J. also played at Clear small ball, anything to help the team out.

Creek and the University of Houston before It takes small things to win big games being drafted in the third round by the St. like this.

Louis Cardinals.

“We want to come back strong Like his namesake and older brother, in the next game and finish out the Satchel McElroy is a difference maker on the series,” he said. “Play our game, relax baseball field. and have fun out here.”

In game one of Clear Creek’s Cypress Ranch won the next best-of-three Region III 6A two games to earn a berth championship series against in the state high school Cypress Ranch at Rice baseball tournament.

University’s Reckling Park, With McElroy’s season McElroy displayed his value to completed, he will be the team once again. following in his older Clear Creek starting pitcher brother’s shoes and attend Zach Esquivel was locked up in the University of Houston a scoreless pitching duel with on a baseball scholarship.

Cy-Ranch’s Riley Gossett as “[McElroy has] been a the game went to the bottom of the leader on this team all four seventh inning. years,” Kunefke said. “He is a Creek’s Michael Rohland led off tremendous athlete and brings the inning with a single to right field the speed factor. But he also brings and continued to second when the the intelligence about the game of ball was misplayed in the outfield. baseball.

McElroy was up next and Wildcats’ “He was raised in a good head coach Brent Kunefke knew baseball home with dad, mom, exactly what strategy the situation brother and grandpa,” Kunefke called for. said. “Nothing seems to bother “My thoughts immediately were him, he’s and even-keel guy. for him to put down a bunt and try Satchel is a positive presence in to get that runner over to our dugout and what third base,” Kunefke said. a joy to coach.”

“He’s such a good bunter

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

O

Facts about Satchel McElroy

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sportsbriefs Adrian Peterson back Just when Dallas Cowboys fans thought there might be a glimmer of hope, that hope was dashed. All-world running back Adrian Peterson recently attended Vikings OTAs (organized team activities) and announced all is well with him and the team. “I’m returning because I want to,” Peterson said. “I’m a part of this football team and I owe it to the guys I play with and to our coaches.”

Earlier, Peterson openly questioned if it was time to move on from Minnesota after what he perceived to be a lack of support from top members of the organization in the wake of his child abuse allegations. Many observers thought he was requesting a trade, possibly to the Cowboys.

Hayden sponsors camp Former Houston Cougar and now Oakland Raider D.J. Hayden announced his “Play Your Heart Out” Football Camp on Saturday, July 11, at the University of Houston Athletics Alumni Center.

Registration is at 7 a.m. and the clinic will start at 8 a.m. The camp will cater to students ages 10-14.

It will provide students with an opportunity to learn basic fundamentals of the game. The goal of the camp is to provide a fun and interactive day, inspired by the love of football. Hayden was drafted the 12th overall pick in the first round by the Raiders in 2013, just six months after he encountered a life threatening injury during his senior year in football practice. For more information on the camp call 646-575-2967.

Cypress Ranch, Tomball in state tournament Cypress Ranch held Clear Creek to one run in a three-game series. After dropping the first game 1-0, Cy Ranch rebounded to win the next two games (5-0, 6-0) and advance to the state baseball tournament for the first time since winning the state championship in 2012. Tyler Bielamowicz tossed a four-hit shutout and added three hits to lead the Mustangs past the Wildcats 6-0 in the decisive game of the Class 6A Region III title game at Rice University’s Reckling Park. Bielamowicz was in the eighth grade when he watched Cypress Ranch play in the 2012 state baseball tournament. “I told myself I was going to do that one day,” he said. “My dream came true.”

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DEFENDER | JUNE 11 | 2015

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

topevents

TSU HONORS HILLARY CLINTON……..Texas Southern University presented “Outspoken” Bean, Meta-Four coach; Carliss Chatman, WITS board president; Hillary Clinton with the Barbara Jordan Public-Private Leadership Award for her and Sara Speer Selber, WITS friend. WITS is a non-profit organization that engages service as former secretary of state, United States senator and first lady. In accepting children in the pleasure and power of reading and writing. Special guests included Dr. the award, Clinton spoke of her admiration for Jordan and addressed such issues Debrah Hall, JP Stevenson, Lisa Helf, Ellen Jackson, Barby Weiner, Esther Perrine, as voting rights. The award was presented by the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland Juni and Chanler Langham, Shannon Buggs, Tom McCasland, James and Heather School of Public Affairs and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in recognition Yanak Phelan, Deonne Cunningham and Fallon Hamilton……..TLLG SELFof a deserving American woman whose humanitarian service EMPOWERMENT WALK……..The Lady League and Gents impacts generations to come. Those in attendance included TSU Inc. (TLLG) hosted its 3K Self-Empowerment Walk and Health & Defender TOP EVENTS President Dr. John Rudley, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Wellness Festival at the Independence Heights Community Center.

More photos on defendernetwork.com Lee, Dr. James Ward, Dr. Robert Bullard, Dr. Dannye Holley, The walk was geared toward self-esteem, self-recognition and See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ TSU Student Government Association President Crystal Owens, self-love. The event embodied the organizations mission, which with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. the United States Marine Corps, Rosemary McGowan, is to build character and confidence in underserved youth through LaRence Snowden and Nicholas Conyers. A musical selection education and exposure. Guests in attendance included founder Shari D. Bihms, Sharlyn Gentry, Chris Willridge, Defender Multimedia Coordinator was performed by Waltrip Senior High School Band and the Houston Children’s Chorus……..PARTY 4 POETRY FUNDRAISER……..Writers in the Schools LaGloria Wheatfall, Sandra Jones, Raven Jones, Travanna Lewis, Kelvin Williams, (WITS) hosted donors, supporters and friends at a VIP reception at Esperson Gallery Jason Garner and Tanya Dubose. Special thanks to Unveil Church, Pastor Ben Gonzalez and Pastor David Wray for their generous donations and collaboration. and on The Lawn at GreenStreet. The evening’s celebration raised money for the 2015 Musical entertainment was provided by DJ Supastar.

Meta-Four Houston slam poetry team and celebrated the birthdays of Emanuelee

Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks

Marsha Williams, Juanelle Bradford and Pamela Tilley

Detre Val, Dorin Taylor and Bradley Basker

Sara Speer Selber, Emanuelee “Outspoken” Bean and Carliss Chatman

Alyse Bush, Shari Bihms, JaNaiya Blakley, Kaitlyn Bush, Tatyana Penrice and Jada Blakley

Sharolyn Gentry, Sherrie Doucett, Yolanda Rand, Jacqueline Anderson-Murray and Carolyn Berry

Sir Black, Rena Menard and Councilman Dwight Boykins

Kristen Golden and Shannon Stoke

Travanna Lewis, Yvette Lewis, Sandra Jones and Raven Jones

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