Houston Defender: June 13, 2013

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY - SUNDAY, JUNE 16

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Volume 82 | Number 33

JUNE 13, 2013 |FREE

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NEWSTALK

Juneteenth Special

CRAIG WASHINGTON speaks out in video

P2 NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA unveils school initiative

H Page 9 P3 CHAG’S PLACE OPINION

Zulay Henao

Kolbi Brown

Zulay Henao followed an unconventional route to Hollywood.

Her persistence paid off and she has her first starring role on TV. Discover the pit stop she made along the way. Learn about her Latin American roots. Read about her guilty pleasure and advice for aspiring performers.

The Woodlands starting left fielder Kolbi Brown has found success on the baseball field and in the classroom.

What role did he play in his team’s recent championship? Why was his final high school game one to remember? Where is he going to college and what sport will he play?

lands TV role

H Page 5

looks ahead

H Page 17

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Diedra Fontaine, Rev. William Lawson, Melanie Lawson and Licia Green Ellis at Children’s Defense Fund luncheon

P18

Visit Faces

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DEFENDER | JUNE 13 | 2013

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newstalk

HISD offers free summer meals

Texans speak out in death penalty video

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

T

exas civil rights leaders can be seen in a new video highlighting racial discrimination in the state’s death penalty system and the case Gary Bledsoe of death-row prisoner Duane Buck.

The video, released by the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, is titled “A Broken Promise in Texas.” It contains interviews with Texas NAACP President Gary Bledsoe, State Sen. Rodney Ellis, Rev. William Lawson and former Congressman Craig Washington.

Also featured are the surviving victim in the Buck case, one of Buck’s trial prosecutors and his family members – all calling for a new sentencing hearing. The video is narrated by former Gov. Mark White, who has also lobbied for new sentencing for Buck.

Buck was sentenced to death in Harris County for the 1995 fatal shootings of Debra Gardner and Kenneth Butler.

Sentencing came after his trial prosecutor elicited testimony from a psychologist indicating that Buck was more likely to be

taken as a result of the fact that he was born Black then he didn’t get a fair trial,” Washington said.

Christina Swarns, Buck’s attorney and director of the Legal Defense Fund’s Criminal Justice Project, said the video is an eyeopener.

State Sen. Rodney Ellis “Everyone who Craig Washington sees this powerful dangerous because he is Black. video will come away from it with the Though there is no question of Buck’s alarming realization that if Duane Buck guilt, supporters say no one can be sencan be sentenced to death – and possibly tenced to death because of his or her race. executed – based on racial stereotypes, The video’s release comes at a time when the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals then our criminal justice system is broken not just for Mr. Buck, but for all of us,” is currently considering Buck’s appeal for Swarns said. a new sentencing hearing free of racial bias.

Buck filed the appeal citing a recent study that found racial bias in a disproportionate number of African-American death penalty cases in Harris County. The court is expected to rule on the case in coming weeks.

“Sometimes the government makes mistakes,” Ellis said in the video. “The very least we can do is try to correct it.”

Washington echoed Ellis’ thoughts.

“If any one of those jurors made a decision that Mr. Buck’s life should be

To sign a petition calling on Texas officials to grant Duane Buck a new sentencing hearing visit change.org/petitions/ sentenced-to-death-becausehe-is-black-grant-duane-bucka-new-hearing.

To view the video visit youtu.be/tD6WWN38ZGc or defendernetwork.com

The Houston Independent School District’s free summer meal program recently kicked off at more than 200 schools.

Children ages 1 to 18 can enjoy a healthy breakfast and lunch at no cost through mid-July.

Children do not have to be enrolled in summer school nor show proof of income in order to receive a free meal at the participating HISD schools. Adults can also participate by purchasing breakfast for $2 and lunch for $3.25.

All meals are nutritionally analyzed to ensure children receive the vitamins, minerals, and calories needed to maintain a balanced diet.

Last summer, HISD Food Services served nearly 1 million free meals to Houston-area children.

The dates and service times vary at each campus and participating schools are subject to change. For more information call 713-4915944 or visit hisd.org.

localbriefs HOWARD JEFFERSON has been appointed to the Harris County Department of Education Board of Trustees to serve the remainder of the term for Position 7. He replaces Jim Henley, who resigned the position. Jefferson served as a HCDE trustee before.

He is a national board member with the NAACP… ….A REPORT ON TEXAS’ HIGH SCHOOL graduation rates was recently released by Education Week and the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center. Among other things, for the class of 2010, Texas’ graduation rate for all students (74.8 percent) exceeded the national average (74.7 percent). In addition, large Texas school districts such as HISD are

posting “graduation rates higher than expected.” TEA Commissioner Michael Williams said the dramatic jump seen from 2000 through 2010 is the result of the hard work in school districts across the state “coupled with strong leadership at the state level that emphasizes education for all students”……..THE TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION announces a State of Texas Soldier Employment Initiative (STSEI) pilot project to help returning U.S. Army veterans find employment prior to separating from the service, particularly in the medical, energy and technology fields. STSEI is developed in partnership with the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) as

part of a $750,000 U.S. project. TWC and TVC representatives will work with military, community and employer organizations to identify areas of need for veterans…….. OLDER ADULTS are asked to beware of a scam in which an “official” with Medicare is calling because Medicare is sending out new cards and their information needs to be verified.

According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers are seeking seniors’ banking information. Seniors are reminded that Medicare will not call them on the phone and ask for banking information. Seniors who receive suspicious calls can contact the Texas Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-888-341-6187.

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national

U.S.briefs CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE will introduce legislation to limit use of civilian contractors to conduct sensitive intelligence-gathering activities. Jackson Lee made the announcement following the disclosure of classified information revealing a National Security Agency (NSA) program to collect data on millions of Verizon customers. Edward Snowden, a federal contract employee, came forward and claimed responsibility for leaking details of NSA’s secret domestic surveillance program. “The disclosure of leaked and highly sensitive classified information to the Washington Post and the Guardian raises several very important and disturbing issues,” Jackson Lee said. “How is it possible that a twentysomething high-school dropout and part-time security guard can be hired by the CIA and the NSA and given, or able to gain, access to some of the government’s most sensitive and secret information?” Lee is a senior member of the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committee……..PROSECUTORS ARE RECOMMENDING four years in prison for former Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. following his guilty plea this year on charges that he engaged in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. The government suggested an 18-month sentence for Jackson’s wife, Sandra, who pleaded guilty to filing false federal income tax returns.

Sentencing for both Jacksons is scheduled for July 3……..RELIGIOUS LEADERS are gathering in Nashville June 13-14 to strategize the role of the church in ending the war on drugs. While African-Americans comprise only 13 percent of the U.S. population they make up 38 percent of those arrested for drug violations and 59 percent of those convicted of violations.

Organizers say the “assault on vulnerable and marginalized communities is cause for serious critique from within the religious community.”

The conference is titled “A View from the Pulpit: Faith Leaders and Drug Decriminalization.”

Participants want to end policies that result in racially disproportionate arrest and incarceration rates.

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President Barack Obama speaks at Manor New Tech High School outside of Austin, an example of a redesigned school.

Obama’s high school initiative unveiled

T

Defender News Services

he White House recently unveiled President Barack Obama’s high school redesign initiative, which encourages school districts and their partners to use existing federal, state and local resources to transform the educational experience for America’s youth.

The initiative challenges schools and their partners to rethink teaching and put in place learning models that are “rigorous, relevant, and better

focused on real-world experiences.”

Redesigned high schools will move away from the traditional notion of “seat time” and focus instead on knowledge and skills needed to successfully transition to college and careers.

The initiative supports competitive grants to local educational agencies in partnership with institutions of higher education, non-profits, community organizations, government agencies and businesses to help schools apply academic concepts to real-world challenges.

During a trip to Texas prior to the initiative’s Continued on Page 7

Trayvon’s parents hope justice prevails VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 33 JUNE 13, 2013

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

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

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

Defender News Services

As George Zimmerman’s trial began, the father of Trayvon Martin appealed for peace and faith in the justice system.

“We are relieved that the start of the trial is here with the jury selection, as we seek justice for our son Trayvon,” Tracy Martin said in a statement to the media. “We ask that the community continue to stay peaceful as we place our faith in the justice system, and we ask that the community do the same.”

Martin and Trayvon’s mother Sybrina Fulton arrived at the Sanford, Fla., courtroom where Zimmerman will be tried for second-degree murder. The trial

began with jury selection.

Benjamin Crump, the attorney for the Martin family, said they are “thankful” that Zimmerman will face a jury of his peers.

“All they’ve ever wanted was to have a verdict based on the evidence,” Crump said.

George Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty, and contends that he shot Martin in self-defense. For the past year, he has been free on $1 million bond. His defense is being paid by contributions through a website set up by his attorneys.

Prosecutors are expected to argue that Zimmerman racially-profiled Trayvon and overstepped his authority as a watch captain.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 13 | 2013 |

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entertainment

5

Zulay Henao

lands first starring TV role

Z

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

ulay Henao was born in Medellin, Colombia, in 1979 and moved to the U.S. with her family at age 4.

Living in New Jersey, she knew from an early age that she wanted to be an actress.

However, Zulay didn’t follow the conventional route to fame. She took a pit stop and joined the Army after graduating from high school. While stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., she found time to study at Methodist College. After completing her commitment to the military, she decided to finally pursue her dream of performing.

She enrolled at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, where she studied for several years. Her break came when she landed the female lead in “Feel the Noise.”

Hollywood insiders began to take notice of her irresistible beauty and talent. She was handpicked to star in in the horror feature “Grizzly Park.” Next came a starring role as Channing Tatum’s love interest in “Fighting.”

Her TV credits include guest roles on such series as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Law and Order: SVU.” Here, she talks about playing Marianna on “Love Thy Neighbor,” a new TV sitcom written and directed by Tyler Perry and airing on OWN. KW: What interested you in “Love Thy Neighbor?”

ZH: This role was very important to me because I had the opportunity to portray an educated, professional, sexy and powerful Latina on mainstream television.

KW: How would you describe your character, Marianna?

ZH: She is strong-willed yet kind, sensitive and emotional. I like to think that she is the voice of reason within the group.

KW: What’s it like having your first starring role on a television series?

ZH: Being on this television show is a huge platform for me, a unique opportunity to reach my demographic in a way that motivates and empowers. I feel truly blessed.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

ZH: Latin food is my guiltiest pleasure and my demise.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

ZH: I love to mix things up and create new dishes in the kitchen. I love cooking shrimp scampi and having a glass of pinot grigio while listening to music.

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

ZH: I see my parents’ sacrifices being honored. I see the love from which I was created and the power of the human spirit.

KW: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d like to star in?

ZH: I would love to play Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind.”

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

ZH: Always be who you are and love yourself tremendously.

KW: How do you want to be remembered?

ZH: I would like to be remembered as someone who gave it all and went for it all, and as a woman of strong conviction, character, dignity and talent who always put God first.

Zulay Henao says being on television gives her a “huge platform.”

what’sup CHRIS ROCK’S next appearance is on the Disney Channel. He guest stars in the original series “A.N.T. Farm” on June 28 at 7 p.m. He portrays a father eager to adopt a special pet for his daughter. In July, Rock can be seen in “Grown Ups 2,” the sequel to the 2010 comedy about five friends and former teammates who reunite for a July 4th weekend. MAYA RUDOLPH will once again play Rock’s wife in the film……..OPRAH WINFREY is donating $12 million to support the capital campaign of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Currently under construction on a five-acre site adjacent to the Washington Monument, the 19th Smithsonian museum is expected to open in late 2015. Winfrey gave $1 million to the museum in 2007. Winfrey said she is proud of African-

American history and its contributions to the nation. “I am deeply appreciative of those who paved the path for me and all who follow in their footsteps. By investing in this museum, I want to help ensure that we both honor and preserve our culture and history, so that the stories of who we are will live on for generations to come,” she said…….. DWAYNE ‘THE ROCK’ JOHNSON’S new TNT competition series “The Hero” got off to a strong start, drawing more than 2.1 million viewers for its premiere. The show, which airs Thursdays at 7 p.m., tests the strength, courage, and integrity of a diverse group of nine individuals. Johnson is the show’s motivator and executive producer. ……..Four Black performers walked away as winners at the 2013Tony Awards: CICELY TYSON, Best Performance by an Actress in Leading

Role; BILLY PORTER, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical; PATINA MILLER, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, and COURTNEY B. VANCE, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play…….. THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE is one of 30 African-American theaters participating in a national reading of “A Soldier’s Play” by Charles Fuller on Monday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. at 3535 Main Street. “This is a great opportunity to unite a national community of theaters in support of one another,” said Eileen J. Morris, Ensemble artistic director. “It reminds us that we are all part of a greater artistic collaborative outside the walls of our individual institutions.” Tickets are $10. For information visit ensemblehouston.com/programs/workshops.html.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 13 | 2013 |

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Event celebrates artists’ contributions

H

ing African-American Texans who dedicate their lives to the freedom of expression through ouston-area artthe visual arts. We have all ists and cultural benefited from their mission organizations will and gifts.” join scholars and Works by more than 15 historians from area artists will be on display the Smithsonian’s National Muthrough Sunday, July 28. seum of African American HisThe artists include Floyd tory and Culture (NMAAHC) to Newsum, Robert Pruitt, Aucelebrate the role of visual arttumn Knight, Leamon Green, ists whose work has been proLovie Olivia, Elizabeth Shelduced and exhibited in Texas. ton Montgomery, Regina Agu, The event, which features Ernest Snell, Reggie Jesse Coran art show and slide presentanett, Jesse Lott, Ann Johnson, tion, takes place on Tuesday, Kermit Oliver, Ted Ellis, John June 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Biggers and Earlie Hudnall Jr. Kingdom Builders’ Center Leading the discussion (KBC), 6011 W. Orem. It is free will be Alvia Wardlaw, diand open to the public. rector and curator of the “This extraordinary, his“H-Town” is by Reggie Jesse Cornett, one of University Museum at Texas tory-making event is a perfect the featured artists.

Southern University, and way to celebrate Juneteenth,” Tuliza Fleming, a curator at said Kirbyjon Caldwell, senior NMAAHC who has created exhibitions for nupastor of Windsor Village United Methodist merous institutions.

Church and visionary of KBC. For more information or to RSVP email “The Kingdom Builders’ Center is honored rsvp@thekbc.com orT:9.75” call 713-726-2663. to join the Smithsonian museum in recognizDefender News Services

“Totem One” is by Lovie Olivia, another featured artist.

T:6.5”

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Obama

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Continued from page 3

REMEMBER, FATHER’S DAY IS SUN, JUNE 16

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launch, Obama visited Manor New Tech High School outside of Austin, which is an example of a redesigned school.

Manor was established with a $4 million grant from the Texas High School Project, a public-private alliance dedicated to improving the postsecondary readiness of lowincome students.

The school has gained national attention for sending 97 percent of its predominantly minority students to college. Manor is part of a network of 100 schools across 18 states that embrace nontraditional approaches to education.

New Tech schools focus on STEM instruction and incorporate technology as a central element to teaching and learning.

“We’ve got to make sure that we help more students at more schools get the kinds of skills they’re getting here at Manor Tech to compete in a high-tech economy,” Obama said.

“Part of what’s happening here is that there’s innovation going on that equips graduates for the demands of a high-tech economy. There’s a lot of hands-on learning here. People aren’t just sitting at a desk reading all the time…”

The redesign initiative will challenge high schools to: • Redesign academic content and instructional practices to align with postsecondary education and careers and to foster deep understanding and mastery, with studentcentered learning in a culture of high expectations.

• Personalize learning opportunities to support the needs and interests of individual students, optimize the pace of learning, and customize content and practices for students to master challenging academic content.

• Provide support services for those students who need them, such as tutoring and mentoring, so that all learners – including low-income students, English learners and students with disabilities – can successfully graduate and transition smoothly into postsecondary learning and adulthood.

• Provide high-quality exploration and counseling for students on postsecondary educational options, including education and training requirements for careers, college success skills, and financial aid options available.

• Offer opportunities to earn postsecondary credit while still in high school through college-level coursework, such as dual enrollment, advanced placement courses or other opportunities.

• Provide career-related experiences or competencies such as organized internships or mentorships.

• Strategically use learning time in more meaningful ways, including effective application of technology, redesigning school calendars and competency-based progression.

• Provide evidence-based professional development to deepen educators’ skills, support collaboration and expand a comprehensive system of student support.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 13 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

opinion Is ‘Big Brother’

racially biased?

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist

W

enforcement?

A recent study indicated that AfricanAmericans are between 2 and 6 percent more likely to be arrested for marijuana violations that whites. I guess it is easier to arrest from a corner than from a country club.

The rate of arrests for marijuana possession is 716 per 100,000 for African-Americans, compared to 192 per 100,000 for whites. The

hen George Orwell wrote the novel “1984,” he envisioned a real or imagined “Big Brother” who was a know-all, see-all, omnipotent and elusive presence that intruded into lives because he could.

Those who knew about “him” were told that they did not exist, but in many ways, Big Brother may not have existed, either.

The omnipotence had taken on a life of its own.

Orwell’s book was a book ahead of its time. At a different time, his book could have been dismissed as psychedelic fantasy. Today, he is just a step behind the reality in which we live.

Verizon is sharing telephone records. The Department of Justice is monitoring journalists, and the IRS is playing games with those who seek Nate Beeler, The Columbus Dispatch nonprofit status.

People pulled over for a minor traffic violation disparity is much higher in some counties. will have to submit fingerprints to find out if Does this mean that African-Americans are they have broken other laws. breaking more laws, or that law enforcement Big Brother is alive and well in too many officers are targeting some zip codes or comlayers of our lives, munities more regularly?

Meanwhile, market researchers are segIt is a lot easier to pick up a few citizens menting populations by zip code and consumer enjoying marijuana in a park than banging patterns. They can tell you what percentage of down the doors of an elite country club. Yet whites, African-Americans or Latinos live in a data about marijuana usages suggests that there certain zip code. is little to distinguish the habits of AfricanThey can tell you what you earn, what Americans from those of whites. The only you are worth, and how many of your neighdifference is the arrest rate. bors have criminal records. The zip code Big Brother knows. data drives marketers. Does it also drive law Big Brother has driven the kind of demo-

graphic that will tell you where you can find low-income, highly unemployed individuals, regardless of race. Big Brother can tell you who can afford lawyers and who cannot.

Big Brother can drive police to investigate the least and the left out, those who are most vulnerable, while deciding to allow others to slink behind their space of class and privilege.

Big Brother can play bang for buck games that make it more profitable to arrest those with few resources in the hood instead of those with homebased protection.

Data collection seems to be a race-neutral process.

While data collection is an input, arrests are an output.

Between input and output there is the opportunity for racial bias to show up. If white folk and Black folk take an equal toke, why are Black folk more likely to be arrested? Are zip codes driving public safety officers to one place and deterring them from another?

Differences in marijuana arrests raise real questions about the many ways that data may be used to discriminate. Instead of structural racism, intrinsic racism, and other forms of racism, we now have a data-based racism that is only logical when we ask how data is collected.

Simply put, the zip code data leads people to discriminate, if only because they are being led to single out a certain population.

In other words you can be a non-racial racist. You can let the data, warped though it may be, lead you to biased conclusions. Databased racism is as corrosive as emotion-based racism. Big Brother’s racial biases is nothing more than par for the course.

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JUNE 13 | 2012 | DEFENDER

JUNETEENTH

21st century chains stifle progress

By ASWAD WALKER Defender The position of Blacks in the highest rungs of U.S. society – from President Barack Obama to Oprah Winfrey – shows that affluence and social access have never been greater.

However, for other Black Americans, stagnation is the rule of the day, the result of specific chains shackling progress.

This Juneteenth, as Black Texans commemorate their emancipation from enslavement, the Defender looks at five chains that continue to bind us – self-identity, education, unemployment, crime and prison.

1

Self-identity

2

Education

According to Dr. James Conyers, director of the University of Houston’s African American Studies Program, “The refusal to identify with cultural motifs and icons relative to the Africana experience and offer an Afrocentric interpretation of our past, present and future,” leads many Blacks to lack a positive self-identity, which is different from a lack of self-esteem.

Dr. Rheeda Walker, a UH associate professor of psychology, believes Blacks fail to form a positive self-identity because we do not recognize our stolen legacy.

“We see being ‘African’ as being a burden, plagued by negative stereotypes that many of us internalize,” Walker said. “Many fail to recognize that we are indeed African people who have a rich ancient African culture that is active in the daily lives of many Black people.

“Unfortunately, many of us see our culture as restricted to that of being former slaves rather than African people who survived chattel slavery because of a strong culture rooted in an African world view,” Walker said.

Walker and Conyers contend this lack of positive self-identity greatly hinders opportunities for achievement in all areas, especially in the realm of education.

Countless social and political activists have called education the civil rights issue of the 21st century, arguing that a lack of knowledge and/or skills in today’s information age creates a modern-day system of Apartheid particularly crippling to Black males.

In 2008, only 47 percent of Black males graduated on time from U.S. high schools compared to 78 percent of their white counterparts. Many believe this gap is widening, leading to fewer Black male STEM applicants and graduates. Since the late 1990s, Black women have outnumbered Black males in medical school two to one.

Though many point to a lack of formal education and a dearth of advanced degrees as a “chain” hindering Black progress, Walker also argues that Blacks have received too much of the wrong education.

“We have been taught to internalize our differences as synonymous with deficiencies; educated to believe that wealth is material-only,” Walker said.

Walker said though the solution to the plight of Black Americans is not simple, “a good place to begin is in the recognition that a more accurate identity is needed – an identity rooted in the recognition that we are African people who have contributed to advances in sciences before we contributed to sports and hip hop.

“One radical solution would be for Black people to be educated in institutions where we learn who we are as African people rather than being ignored or being taught that our history began on plantations in the Deep South,” Walker said.

Dr. Jean Kantambu Latting, professor emerita of UH’s Graduate College of Social Work, equates a positive self-identity with resilience.

“Growing up in the segregated South, our teachers and parents hammered into us that the world was unfair and therefore the only solution was to study hard and not assume that anything would just be handed to us,” Latting said.

“I didn’t assume that failure in one endeavor meant failure in all endeavors, and I learned to ask for help and reach out to those who knew more than I knew.”

Rev. Kimathi Nelson, presiding bishop of the Shrine, contends that Blacks need a new generation of leaders who can think analytically and creatively to propose new answers. To do this, Nelson advocates supporting what President Barack Obama outlined in his most recent State of the Union Address – focusing on younger minds.

“We believe that the effort to create this leadership requires us to be devoted to working with children of the youngest possible age – between birth and 3 years old – when most of their neural connections are being made and they are in the period of their greatest learning potential,” said Nelson.

“Children should be taught resilience – in the schools, at home, in community organizations, in religious institutions,” added Latting. “If children can learn how to pick themselves up after they fall rather than giving up, and how to seek out new resources when existing resources dry up, we will have less breakdowns.”

Solution

Solution

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Unemployment

Conyers believes unemployment shackles Black progress because Blacks do not fully understand the dual-labor economy, leading to a focus on getting a paycheck rather than owning a business.

According to the book “The Dual Labor Market: Theory and Implications, in The State and the Poor,” by Samuel Beer and Richard Barringer, the vast majority of Blacks labor in the “secondary sector” characterized by short-term employment, little or no prospects of internal promotion, and low-paying, low skills-required jobs.

“It seems self-evident that high levels of unemployment continue to obstruct the social, political and economic advancement of African-American communities,” said Malachi Crawford, Assistant Director of UH’s African American Studies Program.

“For example, as it concerns student performance in K-12 education, household unemployment can have an impact on parental involvement, peer relations and teacher expectations. Also, parents provide young people with the objective proof explaining why they should be in school.

“What is the relevance of pursuing academic excellence in education if doing so cannot resolve this most basic and pressing issue effecting African American communities?”

Solution

Nelson believes the current higher education model works to produce more workers for an economic system that many economists have defined as a “dead man walking.”

“The present economic model is bankrupt and is gradually shrinking. There is no work for 80 percent of the world’s population,” said Nelson, who recently presented his proposal for a solution to unemployment to United Nations. His proposal suggests training Blacks in one of the world’s most cutting-edge technologies – digital fabrication.

Blair Evans, an MIT-trained scientist and owner of Incite-Focus (incite-focus.org), was part of the MIT team who developed digital fabrication, which allows those with minimal education and skills to enter the manufacturing industry, thereby providing the material means to attain self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

Digital fabrication is a technology that allows individuals to manufacture almost anything combining 3D printing with the ability to produce things on a smaller scale. Individuals and communities can then produce things they need for a fraction of the old costs by cutting out the middle man.

“We seek to train a generation of young people to jump over present technology to learn the technology of the future, providing the skills to make young Black people more entrepreneurial and candidates for high-paying jobs as corporations seek people who can help them make the transition to a new economy,” said Nelson.

“We are in the process of inventing our future rather than the one that others may impose on us,” added Evans.

Conyers and Walker assert that crime as an impe “chains,” namely the lack of education and/or employ “Those who are mesmerized by getting rich or d of poverty, become entangled in the legal system,” W “Without an education, your opportunities in life part of the system, it is difficult to get felonies and mi ment is the extreme and is reflective of being an unsk However, many others point out that all Blacks w resort to crime. Moreover, countless individuals who numbers being considered well-paid, white-collar wo “Black crime statistics are a lot like drug use stat College professor. “Black youth are arrested for drug though studies show that young Blacks are far less lik compared to whites, Latinos, or Native Americans.”

Just recently, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth “Racial groups like African-Americans and Hispanics acts of violence.”

“Judge Jones’ prejudiced beliefs make incorrect numbers of Blacks warehoused in jails,” added Clark

Solution

Walker believes showing young people the possi destructive behaviors.

“It’s obvious that success to the successful is end schools, government, etc. Yet success to the successfu “I have seen it happen in predominantly Black o and predominantly Latino organizations,” said Walke that provide vehicles for their members’ success tend members in the future.

While Walker’s solution to social ills focuses on Nelson advocates the promotion of a “best self” belie Such as system “is designed to liberate the Black the mindset of victimhood, hopelessness, powerlessne their essential humanity by impairing the drive to real opportunities,” Nelson said.

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ediment to Black progress is a by-product of other yment. dying trying, and those who do not see any way out Walker said.. e are restricted,” added Conyers. “And once you are isdemeanors expunged from your records. Confinekilled laborer.” who are unemployed or under-employed do not o commit crimes daily are employed, with large orkers. tistics by race,” said Dr. Jawanza Clark, Manhattan crimes at a clip 10 times higher than whites even kely to use drugs or develop a drug addiction when

5

h Circuit Judge Edith Jones is reported to have said, s are predisposed to crime” and “prone to commit

perceptions about crime a reality of overflowing k.

ibilities for success will reduce participation in self-

demic in our larger institutions – political, corporate, ful doesn’t just happen at the societal level. organizations, predominantly white organizations, er, who argues that groups, families or organizations to create avenues for even more success for other

learning how the avenues for success are created, ef system. k individual psychologically and spiritually from ess, apathy and [pessimism] that robs him/her of lize their fullest potential and maximize their fullest

on area for over 80 years

Prison

Clark contends that the nation’s misconceptions about crime being a “minority” thing adds to yet another “chain” hindering Black progress – the disproportionate number of African-Americans in prison.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the likelihood of Black males going to prison in their lifetime is 28 percent compared to 4 percent for white males and 16 percent for Hispanic males.

At last count, there were more than 846,000 Black men in prison, making up 40.2 percent of all inmates in the system.

Dannye Holley, dean of Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, believes the mass incarceration of Blacks is a national crisis.

“The growing rate of Black incarceration may be the most virulent killer of the African- American dream,” he said.

The problem is a big concern of the NAACP. “Clearly, we as a nation need to take some new approaches to effectively reduce the number of people we put into prison each year,” the organization said, recognizing that incarceration reduction programs that are successful in one state are sometimes much less so in another.

“The only true common factor in all 50 states right now is that they are all struggling under the weight of enormous burdens in terms of human as well as monetary resources as a result of a dysfunctional criminal justice system.”

Solution

There is a growing movement afoot to break the prison “chain” by dismantling the “school-toprison pipeline.” Critical to this movement is the promotion of rewards-based disciplinary plans like the one instituted earlier this year in Meridian, MS. The intent is to keep in the classroom more Black students who routinely receive harsher disciplinary action when accused of relatively minor infractions.

“There are a combination of factors that lead to this overuse of suspensions and the criminalization of young people,” said civil rights lawyer Judith Browne Dianis, co-director of the Washington, D.C.-based Advancement Project.

“One, we live in a high-stakes testing environment where schools are so focused on tests scores that they’re not [sufficiently] focused on kids. It gives a perverse incentive to push out kids who are having academic problems.

“It fosters an environment where educators have less tolerance. We definitely have implicit bias that works against children, where young people are being targeted differently, especially Black boys.”

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10 things to know about Juneteenth

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“THE SUN CAME UP LIKE GOLD THROUGH THE TREES, A N D I F E LT L I K E I WA S I N H E AV E N . ”

1 2

On June 19, 1865, Union general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued the order freeing approximately 250,000 slaves in Texas.

-HARRIET TUBMAN

It 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.”

JOIN US AS WE SALUTE THE HISTORY OF FREEDOM

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.

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

A N D C E L E B R AT E T H E P R O M I S E O F A V E R Y B R I G H T TO M O R R O W.

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Early celebrations of Juneteenth were often used as political rallies and to teach freed slaves about their rights.

JUNETEENTH

In many parts of Texas, ex-slaves bought land for Juneteenth gatherings. Examples include Emancipation Park in Houston, purchased in 1872.

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

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

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

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

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

Sources: Texas State Historical Association, Juneteenth.com.

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JUNE 13 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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JUNETEENTH Calendar of events Saturday, June 15

Friends of Emancipation Park host a genealogy workshop at 10 a.m. at the park, 3018 Dowling at Elgin. A Juneteenth parade from TSU (corner of Wheeler and Ennis) to the park begins at 4 p.m. and culminates with a Freedom Fest.

Contact: juneteenthfest.com Galveston’s Juneteenth parade sponsored by the African American Museum begins at 10 a.m. at McGuire Dent Park, 2222 28th Street. Contact: 409-497-6963.

CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band perform free at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park on

The African American Wednesday, June 19 at 7 p.m.

Library at the Gregory School observes Juneteenth with a Opera Guild. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org. presentation titled The Negro Spiritual: Soundtrack of Our Journey at 2 p.m. at 1300 Victor Street. Guests Wednesday, June 19 Houston Community College observances are Dr. Yvonne Kendall, an associate professor at will be held at all four Southwest campuses. The the University of Houston-Downtown; Dr. John L. Gulfton campus (5407 Gulfton) and Missouri City Cornelius II, an assistant professor at Prairie View A&M University, and singers from the Houston Ebony Campus (5855 Sienna Springs Way) will serve

refreshments and share information about Juneteenth at 11 a.m. The Stafford Learning HUB (10041Cash Road) hosts a historical presentation

by Trooper James Williams of the Buffalo Soldiers at 11 a.m. The West Loop campus (5601 West Loop South) hosts the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum mobile education unit at 11:30 a.m. and the unveiling of Akua Fayette’s artwork in the campus gallery at 6 p.m. Contact: southwest.hccs.edu.

Juneteenth special events sponsored by the Friends of Emancipation Park start at 11a.m. at the park. There will be a healthy living discussion followed by a progress report on the park’s renovation. A Juneteenth Festival from 4-8 p.m. features vendors, contests, arts & crafts and entertainment. Contact: juneteenthfest.com.

Miller Outdoor Theatre’s celebration starts at 7 p.m. and is headlined by CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, along with performances by Annika Chambers and Toni Simmons. It is produced by the Houston Institute for Culture. Free Continued on page 14

June 19, 1865 - Galveston, Texas “Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a day of renewal and a pride-filled day. It is a moment to appreciate the African American experience and it is inclusive of all races, ethnicities and nationalities.”

HAPPY JUNETEENTH!

★ for ★

www.benhallformayor.com 713-BEN-HALL (713-236-4255) Paid for by All for Hall Committee Alvin Zimmerman & Bill Lawson, Co-Treasurers P.O. Box 34545 • Houston TX 77006

14 DEFENDER | JUNE 13 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

JUNETEENTH Calendar ...Continued from page 13 .. aaadad consumers..

tickets for the covered seating area can be obtained at the box office (four per person over age 16) the day of the performance from 10:30 a.m-1 p.m. There is open seating on the hill. Contact: milleroutdoortheatre.com.

Friday, June 21

Texas Black Expo sponsors numerous Juneteenth events. The Hilton Americas Hotel is the site of a 7:30 a.m. corporate breakfast, a 9:30 a.m. executive career fair, and a 9:45 a.m. business development conference. An elected officials’ luncheon begins at noon and an anniversary bash is at 8 p.m.

Contact: texasblackexpo.com.

Saturday, June 22

Acres Home’s Juneteenth Parade hosted by State Rep. Sylvester Turner starts at 10 a.m. at the Acres Homes Multiservice Center, 6719 W. Montgomery.

Participants include school bands, dance groups and trail riders. Contact:

713-683-6363 or 512-463-0554 The opening ceremony of the Texas Black Expo is at 10:45 a.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The day’s events include a youth summit and college fair, women’s forum, and wellness and pavilions. A hip hop and R&B concert featuring Mint Condition is at 6 p.m. at Discovery Green.

Contact: texasblackexpo.com.

A presentation and book-signing by Dr. Karen

Expo, which continues at the George R. Brown Convention Center. It begins at 4:30 p.m. Judges include V. Michael McKay and Shawn McLemore. Contact: texasblackexpo. com.

The Houston Ebony Opera Guild summer concert and

Juneteenth celebration is at 4 p.m. at Riverside Methodist Church, 4920 Cullen Blvd. It features Spirituals, original compositions, soloists, a male quarter and mixed chorus.

Tickets range from $10 to $20.

Contact: houstonebonymusic.org

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and The Kingdom Builders’ The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American and The Kingdom Builders’ Center History and Culture The Smithsonian’s National Museum African American History and Center Culture andofThe Kingdom Builders’ Center Smithsonian’s National Museum ofThe African American History and Culture and Kingdom Builders’ Center and The Kingdom Builders’ Center present present The Smithsonian’sThe National Museum of African American History and Culture present Kossie-Chernyshev is at 2 p.m. at and The KingdomCenter Builders’ present Center and The Kingdom Builders’ present the African American Library at the present present

Gregory School. She is the author of “Recovering Five Generations Hence: The Life and Writing of “Celebrating an American Legacy: A conversation about artists of African descent” Lillian Jones Horace.” Horace “Celebrating an Legacy: AAconversation conversation aboutartists artists African descent” “Celebrating American Legacy: Aabout conversation about artists of African descent” “Celebrating anAmerican American Legacy: of of African descent” “Celebrating an American Legacy: A an conversation about artists of African descent” “Celebrating an American Legacy: conversation artists of African descent” “Celebrating an American Legacy: A conversation aboutAartists of Africanabout descent” (1880-1965) is Texas’ earliest With featured guest speaker Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, known African-American woman Withfeatured featured guestof speaker Alvia Wardlaw, With guest speaker Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, With featured guest speaker Dr. Alvia Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Kingdom Builders Ce Professor Art History Director and Wardlaw, Curator of With featured guest speaker Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, With featured guest speaker Alvia Wardlaw, novelist. Contact: Tuesday, June 18,Tuesday, 2013 Kingdom Builders Center Professor ofDr. ArtHistory History Director and Curator of Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Kingdom Builders Center Professor of Art Director and Curator of June 18, 2013 Kingdom Builders Professor of Art History Director and Curator of Time 7:30 pm 6011 W. Orem Dr.,Cen H the University Museum, Texas Southern University With featured guest speaker Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Kingdom Builders Center Professor of Art History Director and Curator of Tuesday, June Kingdom Center Professor of Art History Director and Curator of Time 18, 20137:30 pm 6011Builders W. Orem Dr., Houston, TX the University Museum, Texas Southern University Time 7:30 pm 6011 W.TX Orem Dr., Ho the University Museum, Texas Southern University Time 7:306011 pm 6011 W. Orem Dr., Houston, theandUniversity Museum, Texas Southern University www.houstonlibrary.org. the FREE and Dr. Tuliza Fleming, NMAAHC Curator Time 7:30pm pm 6011 W. Orem Dr., Houston, Texas Southern University Time W. Orem Dr., Houston, TXTX theUniversity UniversityMuseum, Museum, Texas University Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Kingdom Builders C Professor of Art History Director and Curator of 7:30 FREE Dr. Tuliza Fleming, NMAAHC Curator FREE Dr.Fleming, Tuliza Fleming, NMAAHC Curator andUniversity Dr.and Tuliza NMAAHC FREE FREE and NMAAHC Curator andDr. Dr.Tuliza TulizaFleming, Fleming, NMAAHC Curator Time FREE 7:30 pm 6011 W. Orem Dr., H the Museum, Texas Curator Southern University Smithsonian Sunday, June 23 FREE and Dr.Smithsonian Tuliza Fleming, NMAAHC Curator Works by local artists will be on display.

National Museum of African American NationalSmithsonian Museum of African American Works by local artists will be on display.

Smithsonian Smithsonian Smithsonian A gospel competition is one History and Culture History and Culture For more information visit www.nmaahc.si.edu/Events/ArtistsofAfricanDescent.

For more information visit www.nmaahc.si.edu/Events/ArtistsofAfrica National Museum of African American Works local artists will be on display.

National ofby African American Works by local For more information visit be on display.

National Museum of National African Museum American Works by localWorks artists will be on display. ofMuseum African American byvisit localwww.nmaahc.si.edu/Events/ArtistsofAfricanDescent. artists will be on artists display. will Historyand andCulture Culture more information History and For Culture For more information visit www.nmaahc.si.edu/Events/ArtistsofAfrican History of the highlights of the Texas Black www.nmaahc.si.edu/Events/ArtistsofAfricanDescent.

History and Culture For more information For more visit information visit www.nmaahc.si.edu/Events/ArtistsofAfricanDescent.

Smithsonian National Museum of African American Works by local artists will be on display.

History and Culture For more information visit www.nmaahc.si.edu/Events/ArtistsofAfric

Making Real Progress for all

Families

“ Justice & Freedom

can never be taken for granted. I salute the North Forest School District community as they continue to fight for educational excellence for their children.

I will continue to stand with them as they fight for their right for education.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

In 1872, a group of visionary African-American Houstonians

A SALUTE TO

led by the Rev. Jack Yates, a Baptist minister and former slave, purchased 10 acres of land for the community to celebrate Juneteenth and their freedom.

Rev. Jack Yates

Today’s renovation of Emancipation p o l . a d v. a n n i s e pa r k e r c a m pa i g n

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

C O N G R E S S W O M A N OF TH E H IS TORIC 18 TH D IS TRICT o f TEXAS

HappY JuneteentH! m ay o r a n n i s e pa r k e r

“Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee wishes you a Happy Juneteenth as we reflect on our past and focus on our future.“ Paid for by the Sheila Jackson Lee Re-Elect Campaign.

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JUNE 13 | 2013 | DEFENDER

business

Ethnic consumers frequent beauty aisles

By CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL Nielsen

W

hen it comes to looking good, staying on top of your game, and making sure your pursuit of beauty is on point, you know the African-American community has that covered.

Nielsen’s latest Cheryl Pearson-McNeil insights highlight hair and skin beauty purchases and behavior – by the numbers – among African-Americans and other ethnic groups in the U.S. and Canada in a recent NielsenWire Post titled “Looking Good: Appealing to Continued on page 19

No cost to you ● All grant funded No insurance necessary Transportation can be provided

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sports

Stanford University pitcher Mark Appel was selected No.1 by the Astros in the recent draft.

Astros make Stanford’s Appel No. 1 pick

O

our minor league system.”

Luhnow explained the team’s plan for Appel.

“We’ll give him some time off, get him signed and get him out to the minor leagues,” Luhnow said.

“This is not a player we’re going to rush to the big leagues. This is a player who’s going to be here for a while.

As good as Pac-10 baseball is, professional baseball is harder, and the major leagues are a lot harder.

We’ll have to let his performance dictate that. He certainly is a guy capable of moving quickly based on his experience, but we’re not going to put a timetable on it.”

The Astros certainly hope Appel can have the same affect on his new team as fellow Houstonian and Stanford former quarterback Andrew Luck (No. 1 pick, 2012 NFL draft) had on his team, the Indianapolis Colts.

By MAX EDISON Defender

ne of the fortunate by-products of being Major League Baseball’s worst team is the opportunity to have the No. 1 selection in the annual first-year player draft.

For the second consecutive year the Astros have that dubious distinction. This year the Astros selected Stanford pitcher Mark Appel with the top pick. The team feels he has the type of ability to be a cornerstone figure in the franchise for years to come.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that this came to a conclusion today and that we selected Mark Appel with the first selection in the draft,” Astros GM Jeff Luhnow said.

“We believe he is a premium talent and we see him as a future potential ace. He’s exactly the type of player that we need to be adding to the organization.

He makes us significantly better and we believe this is a special player that is going to be a part of our championship team someday.”

Appel (6-feet-5, 215 pounds), 21, went 10-4 with four complete games and a 2.12 ERA (25ER/106.1IP) as a senior this season at Stanford. He recorded 130 strikeouts in his 106.1 innings pitched and allowed just a .203 opponent’s batting average.

He’s been highly decorated in his four seasons at Stanford, having already won the Pitcher of the Year award in 2012. He is also a two-time Louisville Slugger first team All-American and is a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award and the Howser Trophy.

A Houston native, Appel is elated at the opportunity to return home.

“It’s incredibly special,” he said.. “We’re a tight family. Both my parents were born [in Houston] and raised there, and I lived there for 12 years before moving to California. All my family lives there. It’s very exciting.”

Appel grew up an Astros fan, attending numerous games as a youth in the Astrodome. He also began his baseball career as a Little Leaguer here.

“I remember playing Little League baseball at Post Oak Little League and the great summers I had with a bunch of great friends. The friendships and memories I created while I was in Houston were great, and still even when I’m back to visit family, new memories have been created every single time.”

The Astros passed on an opportunity to draft Appel last year. Represented by agent Scott Boras, there were serious questions about the ability to sign the hard-throwing right-hander who had an option to

Appel grew up in Houston before moving to California at the age of 12.

return to Stanford and play his senior season.

The Astros instead chose Puerto Rican shortstop Carlos Correa. Appel was ultimately selected by Pittsburgh with the eighth pick. He elected to return to Stanford.

This time around Luhnow is confident a deal can be reached and Appel will be an Astro.

I’m very confident that Mark Appel is going to put on an Astros uniform,” Luhnow said.

“He’s from here, he wants to play here, and he’s been selected first in the draft. All the indicators are pointing in the same direction.

“I would assume it would be a fairly straightforward discussion and he’ll sign sometime this summer and get out and start pitching in

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JUNE 13 | 2013 DEFENDER

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Brown wins gold, heads to Harvard

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

ROUND ROCK – It was a sobering thought in the aftermath of an amazing accomplishment.

Moments after The Woodlands defeated Dulles 9-5 in an all-Houston area Class 5A state championship game at Del Diamond, a question was posed to Highlanders’ starting left fielder Kolbi Brown – could this be his last baseball game?

A day earlier, Brown clubbed a walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to advance The Woodlands into the 5A title game with a 2-1 victory over Northside O’Connor in the 2013 state semifinals.

In the title game, Brown went 1-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored as the Highlanders answered an early 2-0 deficit with two four-run innings of their own to seize their third state baseball crown since 2000. The last came in 2006 and all three titles came under head coach Ron Eastman.

“I’ve been playing baseball since I was 4 years old,” Brown said. “It’s a sport that I love and it’s going to be hard to let go. I really hadn’t thought about it until now. But I couldn’t pick a better way to go out.”

Along with teammates Charlie Warren, Blaine Gillespie and Josh Shaw, Brown garnered some support for the Class 5A championship game Most Valuable Player award, but the honor went deservedly to starting pitcher Carter Hope, who tossed a complete-game two-hitter in 90-plus degree heat. Hope was a third-round pick of the Kansas City Royals in the recent MLB Draft.

“Carter was able to settle in after the first inning,” Eastman said. “Once he saw that we would be able to swing the bats, score some runs and play defense behind him, he began relaxing and throw-

About Kolbi Brown Birth date – May 6, 1995 Birth sign – Taurus Favorite subject– Math Favorite way to relax – Be with friends and play sports Favorite color – Blue Favorite pro athlete – LeBron James Favorite food – Fettuccine alfredo

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ing his game.”

A four-run first inning coupled with a four-run third inning proved to be too much for Dulles to overcome. The Woodlands finished the season at 38-4.

“We just didn’t get the job done,” said Vikings head coach Clinton Welch. “They play better than we did today.”

Meanwhile, Brown will take his 4.55 grade-point average to Harvard University where he will play defensive back on the Crimson’s football team. He was an all-greater Houston first-team selection for The Woodlands following the 2012 season.

“The biggest point about Kolbi is that he’s one of the highest character guys you’ll ever be around,” Eastman said. “That young man is one of the finest we’re ever had in this program.

“He works his butt off like everybody else on this team. Yet what he accomplished didn’t surprise me,” Eastman said.

“We’ve had different guys step up at different points of the season.

The past two weeks Kolbi’s been swinging the bat really well.

“Primarily, he’s a football player. Halfway through the season he started getting his baseball legs under him. Performance wise, he’s got all the tools to be a great baseball player,” Eastman said. “Harvard is getting a great young man to play defensive back for them.”

Brown plans to major in economics and pursue a career as a stockbroker on Wall Street.

Kolbi Brown and The Woodlands won the state 5A baseball crown

Tomball is the class of 4A The Tomball Cougars varsity baseball team started the season well (22-0) and finished even better (Class 4A state championship). After a fourthround disappointment in the playoffs last season, Tomball’s 18 seniors learned how to seal the deal.

Leading the way for the 35-4 Cougars was Robert Dugger, who pitched a six-hitter and went 3-for-4 at the plate with four RBI in Tomball’s 6-1 victory over Corpus Christi Moody in the 4A championship game. On the mound Dugger struck out four while only walking one. He provided all the scoring his team would need with a three-run inside-the-park home run in the first inning that set the tone for the remainder of the game. Dugger overcame backto-back singles in the first inning by inducing an inning-ending double play. Moody didn’t get a runner past second base until the sixth inning. “Robert was a great player tonight,” said Tomball head coach Doug Rush. Dugger was selected the game’s Most Valuable Player. Tomball advanced to the Class 4A state title game with a 5-2 victory over Wichita Falls Rider in the state semifinals.

UIL quick baseball facts The first University Interscholastic League baseball state tournament was held in 1949 with El Paso Bowie winning the 2A crown and Dallas Adamson taking the City Conference state title. As of June 1 of this year, 75 former Texas high school baseball players have made an appearance in a Major League Baseball game this season. The Pittsburgh Pirates are the only MLB team without a Texas high school graduate on its roster.

Serena wins French Open In case anyone didn’t get the memo, Serena Williams is the No. 1 ranked women’s tennis player in the world. Serena crushed defending champion Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-4, to win the French Open.

It was the second time Williams won the clay court, Grand Slam event. It was also a measure of revenge for Serena, who was knocked out in the first round last year. “I’m still a little bit upset about that loss last year,” she said. “But it’s all about, for me, how you recover. I’ve always said a champion isn’t about how much they win, but it’s about how they recover from their downs, whether it’s an injury or whether it’s a loss.” The win was Serena’s 16th Grand Slam event. Next stop for Williams is Wimbledon which begins June 24, where she is the defending champion.

Texans wrap up mini-camp The Texans have concluded all of their pre-training camp workouts, with the completion of a threeday mini-camp that was primarily for rookies and first-year players. Those workouts combined with the three previous weeks of organized team activity (OTA) will prepare the troops for training camp, which begins July 26. The team was able to avoid injury to any key players throughout the off-season workouts, although Pro-Bowl running back Arian Foster was held out of workouts after suffering a strained calf muscle in the first week of OTAs.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 13 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

chag’splace

Kehinde Shittu, Kaylee Lewis, Ernesto Chun, Anna Dang and Jamesia Fransaw

Renata Nero, Carmetha Williams, Shawntell McWilliams and Wondy Weston

Tull Thornton, III and Dr. Evelyn Thornton

Licia Green Ellis and honoree Mrs. B. A. Bentsen

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Luncheon chairs Diedra Fontaine, Rev. William Lawson, Melanie Lawson and Licia Green Ellis

Daphane Carter, Marketa Wills, Tanya Easter, Dawana Taylor and Cowanetta Armstrong

Dr. Danny Kelley and Janice Kelley

Edelman provided a heartfelt video presentation in EXTRAORDINARY YOUNG PEOPLE…..The celebration of this year’s five scholarship recipients.

Children Defense Fund Texas hosted the 14th annual Diedra Fontaine and Licia Green-Ellis served as Beat the Odds awards luncheon at the Hilton Americas the event co-chairs and Rev. William Lawson and hotel. A room filled with champions of children, Melanie Lawson served as honorary donors and supporters met the five co-chairs. We salute these five exceptional scholars who have Join Yvette Chargois extraordinary young people and wish beat the odds to not only graduate Events of the Week them the best life has to offer…… high school, but who will no doubt More photos on defendernetwork.com INDUCTION CELEBRATION….. continue their academic excellence See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads The Fort Bend County Chapter of in college. The 2013 scholarship with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

The Links, Inc. held their membership recipients are Ernesto Chun, Pearl induction celebration recently at Friedman Cohn Scholar; Anna the Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land. The Dang, Kate Bentsen Scholar; Jamesia Fransaw, nine young ladies who now join the ranks of 12,000 CDF-Texas Beat the Odds Scholar; Kaylee Lewis, extraordinary, accomplished and dedicated women Friedman Family Scholar and Kehinde Shittu, Senator around the world are Cowanetta Armstrong, Daphane Lloyd and B. A. Bentsen Scholar. The inaugural Legacy award was presented to Mrs. B. A. Bentsen Carter, Tanya Easter, Shawntell McWilliams, and the Bentsen family and the Champions of Children Renata Nero, Dawana Taylor, Wondy Weston, award was presented to Phoebe and Bobby Tudor.

Carmetha Williams and Marketa Wills. The event Children Defense Fund president Marian Wright was celebrated with friends and family that included

Wondy Weston, Nicole Walters, Carolyn Brown-Stevens and Faye Gerard

Dr. Wanda Mott Russell and Bill Russell

C. Bernard Weston, Jade Weston, Kim Montalvo, Jarmese Morris and Jackie Pope. Kudos to chapter president Carolyn Brown-Stevens, national officer Patricia Ingram, Linda Estes, Nicole Walters, Sonya Stevenson and the entire membership for a lovely afternoon. Congratulations!.....LIGHT ANOTHER CANDLE…..A birthday celebration fit for a queen was recently held in honor of Dr. Evelyn E. Thornton’s 80th birthday. Over 120 friends and family members attended the lavish party that was held in the Skyline Ballroom of the Hilton Americas hotel. Participating in roasting and toasting Evelyn included her husband Tull Thornton III, daughter Dr. Wanda Mott Russell, grandsons Manning Marshall Mott III and Malik Thornton Mott, Dr. Joahanne Thomas-Smith and Dr. Danny Kelley, to name a few. Felicia Jeter Randolph served as mistress of ceremony and the Conrad Johnson Orchestra provided the entertainment. Happy birthday!..... From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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Ethnic consumers ...Continued from page 15 .. aaadad consumers..

Ethnic Consumers in the Beauty Aisle.”

Ladies, I’m talking to all of us here.

Whether we wear our lovely tresses straight, in locks, curled or rock a natural, cute Afro-puff – God-given or storebought – we all want to make sure we look presentable and feel good about ourselves, and will spend our last dime to do so.

And, no, even though we usually think of women when we talk about hair care and beauty, women don’t corner the market on giving attention to good looks.

You’ve likely heard the word “metrosexual” coined about 10 years ago to describe men who pay attention to the way they look. It’s okay to “fess up” guys. And, I think most women appreciate a man who takes care of himself in this department, right ladies?

As AfricanAmerican consumers, we are 43 million strong, representing just under 14 percent of the population, and we spend more than 900 percent more on ethnic hair and beauty products than any other ethnic group in the U.S. More and more companies are beginning to pay attention. Have you noticed the increase of non-ethnic brands that now offer a “natural” hair care line?

We also pay close attention to our skin, according the post.

African-American consumers purchase skin bleaching products at a rate of a whopping 434 percent more than the general population.

Before you jump to conclusions, this isn’t necessarily about reinventing ourselves.

This is primarily about erasing blemishes, lightening age spots or evening out skin tones.

We purchase more hand lotion, body lotion and all-purpose skin creams than the

We spend 900 percent more on ethnic hair and beauty products than any other ethnic group in the U.S. general population: 54 percent and 40 percent respectively.

We are 58 percent less likely to purchase suntan preparations or sunscreens and sunblock products. Here’s an instance where there are opportunities for marketers in some of these categories because

there is opportunity for market growth, particularly in the suntan preparations category.

I have girlfriends who slather themselves with baby oil before baking in the sun – unprotected. Most of us now know (but still may ignore) that Blacks are not immune to sun

damage and that all skin can burn.

This could be an opportunity for a wide-reaching education campaign for the companies that manufacture sunscreens and sunblocks. (Even if you’re not afraid of sunburn or skin cancer, what about

premature wrinkling or skin that could turn to a consistency that feels like leather from years of over-exposure? I’m just saying).

As a matter of fact, now I can get a tan right in my bathroom –without even being exposed to sunlight. I use gradual tanning lotions which have SPF already included. This way, I can protect my skin and have the luxurious bronzing color highlights that I want.

So, you see, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It is imperative that you choose companies who have your best interests, needs front and center. You’ve got to make sure you have nothing but the best with you on your pursuit of beauty. Please take this into consideration the next time you stroll down those beauty aisles. This time, you’ll just be better equipped with additional knowledge in tow.

classified LEGAL NOTICE Neighborhood Centers Inc. (AGENCY), a non-profit human services organization, announces a Request for Proposal (RFP) #13-09 for Environmental Lab Testing Services. Interested Vendors can submit a proposal for Environmental Lab Testing Services. The deadline for submitting a proposal is July 22, 2013 by 12:00 PM (CST)*. To receive RFP #13-09, e-mail Ashia Brown, Supply Chain Manager, at abrown@neighborhood-centers.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS INC. ENCOURAGES SMALL AND HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES TO APPLY.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR HIV Comprehensive HIV Prevention Services The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) Bureau of HIV/STD and Viral Hepatitis Prevention announces the availability of funds to support the delivery of comprehensive HIV/STD Prevention Services in the Houston/Harris County, including HIV health education and risk reduction services (HE/RR), HIV/STD counseling, testing, referral and linkage services (CTR), social marketing and school-based prevention programs. Targeted to or intended to benefit persons at high risk for HIV/STD infection or HIV infected persons with risk for secondary HIV/STD infection in Houston/Harris County.

The RFP will be released on Friday June 7, 2013.

The RFP package can be picked up at: City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services 8000 N. Stadium Dr., 5 th Floor Vanessa Braithwaite Houston, Texas 77054 or it can be found online at: http://www.houstontx.gov/health/rfp.html.

The City of Houston, Texas will receive submissions at the City’s Secretary’s Office, City Hall Annex, Public Level, 900 Bagby, Houston, Texas 77002 until Wednesday July 17, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. Questions concerning the RFP will be responded to during the PreBid Conference on Friday, June 21, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at 8000 N. Stadium Dr. 2nd Floor Classroom Houston, Texas 77054 All submissions will be required to comply with City Council Ordinance No. 78-1538, passed August 9, 1978, relating to Equal Employment Opportunity Contract Compliance. The City reserves the right to reject and/or accept all or any portion of a submission deemed to be in the City’s best interest.

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