Houston Defender: June 18, 2015

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Volume 84 | Number 29 JUNE 18, 2015 |FREE

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NEWSTALK EARNEST GIBSON receives 45-year sentence

P2 NATIONAL RACHEL DOLEZAL resigns NAACP position

P4 SPORTS DAZ CAMERON drafted by Houston Astros

Minister Farrakhan

ON NEW MILLION MAN MARCH, JUSTICE H PAGE 4

P12 TOP EVENTS

Pastor E.A. Deckard and Deric Muhammad at Black Male Summit

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Charlie Wilson won’t slow down Singer and songwriter Charlie Wilson is busier than ever and shows no signs of slowing down.

See what the Gap Band co-founder is up to these days. Read about the ups and downs of his life and career. Learn why he thanks God “for allowing me to be here.”

Stephen Curry talks fatherhood Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has received a lot of attention because of his basketball skills. Hear what he has to say about his role as a father. Find out how other famous dads feel. Read an editorial titled “If fathers were in the picture.”

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DEFENDER | JUNE 18 | 2015

newstalk

Open carry becomes law Gov. Greg Abbott appeared at a gun range outside of Austin to sign into law two controversial bills.

House Bill 910, known as “open carry,” authorizes individuals with a license to carry a holstered handgun in all locations that allow concealed handguns. It takes effect Jan. 26, 2015.

Senate Bill 11, known as “campus carry,” authorizes individuals with a license to carry a holstered handgun on campuses of public institutions of higher education.

“Today I am proud to expand liberty in the Lone Star State,” Abbott said during a visit to Red’s Indoor Range in Pflugerville.

“By signing these bills into law, Texans can be assured that their Second Amendment

rights will be stronger and more secure than ever before.”

Houston State Rep. Alma Allen was among lawmakers who opposed the bills.

“We send our children off to college to bring back a degree in their hands, not to bring them back in a body bag, or in a suit with stripes ready to go off to prison,” Allen said.

In addition, gun violence prevention groups such as Moms Demand Action and Texans for Gun Sense joined with student groups to try to stop the campus carry legislation from passing during the session.

The campus carry bill contained a provision giving university leaders discretion to prohibit guns in certain buildings.

Former Riverside head gets 45 years The former president of Houston’s Riverside Hospital, his son and a co-conspirator were sentenced to prison for their roles in a $158 million Medicare fraud scheme.

Earnest Gibson III, 70, received a 45-year sentence and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $46,753,180.

Earnest Gibson IV, 37, the operator of a satellite psychiatric facility of Riverside, received a 20-year sentence and was ordered to pay $7,518,480 in restitution.

Regina Askew, 50, the owner of Safe and Sound group home, received a 12-year sentence and was ordered to pay $46,255,893 in restitution.

Earlier, Mohammad Khan, the former assistant administrator of Riverside, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in a $116 million Medicare fraud scheme and was ordered to pay $31,321,200 in restitution.

Earnest Gibson Gibson, his son and Askew were convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, as well as related counts of paying or receiving illegal kickbacks. The Gibsons were also convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Co-defendant Robert Crane, a patient recruiter, was convicted of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, and is scheduled to be sentenced in December.

“The former president of Riverside Hospital, his son and their co-conspirators saw mentally ill, elderly and disabled Medicare beneficiaries as commodities to be turned into profit centers, not as vulnerable individuals in need of health care,” said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell of the Justice Department.

“Rather than providing needed medical care to a historically underserved community, the defendants ran a longstanding hospital into the ground through their greed and fraud. According to the evidence presented at trial, the defendants had patients sit around the facility watching movies while they received no treatment.

“Meanwhile, the defendants billed Medicare more than $158 million for care that was never provided. This brazen fraud cannot and will not be tolerated,” Caldwell said.

localbriefs LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES in Texas and Harris County are joining forces to stop the sale of products they say contain dangerous synthetic marijuana and are marketed to young people.

Defendants are Katz Boutique stores at 1710 Highway 6 South, 16855 North Freeway, 11649 Highway 249 and 27646 Tomball Parkway. Among the products being sold is a product called Kush, which is sold in various fruit flavors. Synthetic marijuana is a dried leafy substance that is sprayed with powerful, hallucinogenic chemicals that are dangerous and highly addictive to the user. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan,

Sheriff Ron Hickman and District Attorney Devon Anderson are all working to prevent the sale of the products……..TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL is ranked fourth nationally by U.S. News & World Report in its 2015-16 edition of Best Children’s Hospitals. Texas Children’s is the only hospital in Texas awarded the distinction. In the area of subspecialties, it is ranked No. 2 in cardiology and heart surgery, neurology and neurosurgery and pulmonology. It is ranked No. 3 in urology, No. 4 in cancer and kidney disorders, and No. 10 in diabetes and endocrinology. “These rankings continue to reflect what we already know. The trajectory of Texas

Children’s Hospital is absolutely incredible,” said Mark A. Wallace, hospital president and CEO ……..

DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXPAYERS have until June 30 to set up a payment plan with the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office. “If a payment plan is not set-up by June 30, by law, we must turn over their accounts to our collection attorneys,” said Tax Assessor-Collector Mike Sullivan. “Accounts submitted to collection attorneys will be subject to an additional 15-20 percent fee, and may end in foreclosure, resulting in the delinquent property being sold at public auction.” For more information visit www.hctax.net or call 713-274-8000.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 18 | 2015

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U.S.briefs

Farrakhan prepares for march, demands justice

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

“Justice or else” was both the rallying cry and warning issued by Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan as he addressed a gathering of hundreds in Houston recently.

The event served as the kickoff for local efforts to galvanize participation in the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Million Man March (MMM) in the nation’s capital, on Saturday, Oct.15.

Local organizing efforts for the October march will take place Tuesday, June 23 at 7 p.m. at SHAPE Community Center, 3903 Almeda.

Attendees at the recent gathering included a mixture of hip-hop legends and up-andcomers, ministers, activists and elected officials. Farrakhan commented on everything from religion to today’s rash of police violence against Blacks.

“We can’t go to Washington without confronting the killings going on in our communities,” said Farrakhan, who shared his analysis of the reasons behind

that violence.

“God is angry with you. He wants to give you the kingdom, but you haven’t responded properly to God’s call, so he’s using the enemy to whip you into submission.”

According to the 82-year-old Farrakhan, that submission involves calling for justice, defined by his predecessor, Elijah Muhammad, as “the highest expression of fair dealings,” a reality not yet achieved by Blacks in the U.S. “How long must we continue to bury our dead and cry through the day, while those who murder us sleep well through the night?” he asked.

Farrakhan said MMM anniversary participants will demand fair dealings as well as land as restitution for generational mistreatment. Short of receiving these, participants will enact the “or else” agenda.

“We’re poor compared to white America, but collectively we’re richer than all but nine nations, having an annual income of $1.3 trillion. If the powers aren’t willing to provide fair dealings, our agenda calls for withdrawal of our economic resources. We must redistribute the pain,” Farrakhan said.

NAACP leader resigns amid race questions Rachel Dolezal, the civil rights activist who came under fire for her disputed racial identity, stepped down as president of the NAACP’s Spokane, Wash. chapter.

In a message posted on the group’s Facebook page, Dolezal said that she was resigning after the “unexpected firestorm” that occurred after her parents said she was a white woman pretending to be Black.

According to her parents, she began identifying herself with the Black community in 2007.

When a Spokane TV reporter asked Dolezal if she was African-American, she said she didn’t understand the question and walked away.

Some members of the Spokane NAACP demanded

that Dolezal explain herself.

“People want resolve. They want some kind of closure,” said chapter member Kitara Johnson.

Cornell William Brooks, national NAACP president and CEO, said the organization is not concerned with the racial identity of its leadership but the “institutional integrity” of its advocacy.

“Our focus must be on issues, not individuals,” Brooks said. “Ms. Dolezal has decided to resign to ensure that the Spokane branch remains focused on fighting for civil and human rights. This resignation comes amidst the real work of the NAACP and the real challenges to our democracy.”

THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES overwhelmingly approved, by a 421 to 6 vote, Congressman Al Green’s resolution – H.Res 295 – to support local law enforcement agencies’ use of body-worn cameras across the nation. Green, working with his chief co-sponsor, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, brought together a bipartisan coalition of co-sponsors to pass the resolution.

“In the wake of current controversial events, the need for law enforcement to utilize bodyworn cameras during the discharge of their duties has become more apparent,” Green said. “It was important that Congress took this vote to go on the record regarding this serious issue.” Green and Cleaver also introduced the Camera Authorization and MaintenanceTransparency in Policing Act of 2015 to establish a grant program to help fund camera use……..NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE President and CEO Marc Morial said the recent pool incident in McKinney, Texas, is further proof that the nation’s police officers need better training. He said that incident and others that have occurred across the country reflect a trend of officers “exacerbating rather than de-escalating” a potentially violent situation. “In the wake of these incidents, the National Urban League has called for comprehensive retraining of police personnel, and little else demonstrates the need than the video of an agitated McKinney officer slamming a young girl to the ground and pulling a gun on an unarmed group of teens,” Morial said………FORMER SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY and A&M College System President Dr. Dolores Spikes, who in 1988 became the first woman to head a university system in the United States, died June 1 at the age of 78. Spikes, a native of Baton Rouge, earned her B.S. in math from Southern and an M.S. in mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 1971 she became the first African-American to earn a Ph.D. in math from Louisiana State University.

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 29 JUNE 18, 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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Charlie Wilson won’t slow down

At age 62, singer and songwriter Charlie Wilson is as busy as ever. Wilson, co-founder of the 1980s funk trio the Gap Band, averages 50 to 60 concert appearances a year.

He has fans of all ages, and in recent years, has collaborated with such artists as Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West and T-Pain.

Earlier this year, Wilson released his sixth solo album, titled “Forever Charlie.” It featured the lead single “Goodnight Kisses” and included love anthems and up tempo tunes.

“I wanted to try some other things for fun, to relive some of the Gap Band moments,” Wilson said. “I wanted to create something funky, a retro feel but with new flavor to it.”

What else is Wilson up to?

• He appeared on Snoop’s new album, “Bush,” produced by Pharrell Williams.

• His memoir, “I Am Charlie Wilson,” will be released at the end of June, and includes recollections of his work with Stevie Wonder, the Rolling Stones and other artists.

• He will perform at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans on July 3.

Wilson has had his share of ups and downs. He talks openly about his addiction to crack and alcohol in the 1990s, which led to homelessness from 1993 to 1995.

While in rehab in 1995, he met his future wife Mahin, who helped him get his life and career back together “Looking back, I wouldn’t have believed I’d be where I am right now,” said Wilson, who also survived a bout with prostate cancer and became a spokesperson for the Prostate Cancer Foundation in 2008.

He is now cancer free and continues to use his stage as a platform to educate men and their families about the importance of yearly checkups and conversations with their health care providers.

“I was honored to be a part of the Stand Up 2 Cancer telethon last year,” he said. “It’s important to spread the word.” “That’s why I shout every night at my concerts because I thank God for allowing me to be here.”

About Charlie Wilson

• Born 1953 in Tulsa, Okla.; son of a minister • Sang in his father’s church with brothers Robert and Ronnie • Formed the Gap Band with his brothers in 1967 • Recorded three platinum albums and hit singles including “Say Oops Upside Your Head,” “Burn Rubber on Me,” “Early in the Morning” and “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” • As solo artist recorded such hits as “You Are” and “There Goes My Baby” •Won NAACP Image Award, received BET Lifetime Achievement Award and earned nine Grammy nominations

what’sup ORNETTE COLEMAN, the visionary saxophonist and composer who pioneered free jazz in the late 1950s, died June 11 in New York City of cardiac arrest. He was 85. Coleman was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 1994 and received a 2007 Pulitzer Prize for music. Coleman was regarded as one of the greatest innovators in jazz history along with LOUIS ARMSTRONG and CHARLIE PARKER. Free jazz challenged the bebop establishment by abandoning the conventional song form and liberating musicians to freely improvise. Coleman was born in 1930 in Fort Worth and attended I.M. Terrell High School. He left

Texas for New Orleans in 1949 and began his music career. Coleman was divorced and is survived by one son……..RAVEN-SYMONÉ is the newest co-host of ABC’s talk show “The View.” After 37 appearances as guest co-host, the actress/producer joins moderator WHOOPI GOLDBERG and cohosts NICOLLE WALLACE and ROSIE PEREZ. “The Disney Company has made another one of my dreams come true. Being a part of ‘The View’ family will be a wonderful growing experience for me,” Raven-Symoné said. “The cast and crew are warm and welcoming and has made the transition into daytime talk easier. I have a lot to learn within

this new arena, but being the apprentice of these spectacular women will only make me a better person and talk show host,” she said……..OWN, the OPRAH WINFREY Network, announced a new primetime show featuring actor and recording artist TYRESE GIBSON and hip-hop icon REV. RUN, one of the founding members of the hip-hop group RUN D.M.C. The two men landed the gig after their successful collaboration on the bestselling book “Man-ology.” The eight episode weekly series will debut in early 2016. The two unorthodox “love and relationship experts” will be joined by a primetime studio audience and celebrity guests.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 18 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

Don’t get dehydrated this summer Summertime means lots of people are outside dealing with the heat – some by choice and some because they have to. Whatever the reason, staying hydrated is the key to dealing with hotter temperatures.

“The rule of thumb is, if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated,” said Dr. Irvin Sulapas, a primary care sports medicine physician and assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

“So keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even before you begin your outdoor activity.”

When the body becomes dehydrated, it works to retain fluids lost through sweating by decreasing urinary output. Constipation also can result as the body works to retain water.

Dehydration also involves the cardiovascular system, resulting in decreased blood pressure and increased pulse.

Signs of dehydration include excessive sweating, thirst, decreased urine output or darkly colored urine, headache, fatigue, cramping or dizziness.

When these symptoms are present, it’s time to take a rest in the shade or indoors and rehydrate with water. Sulapas recommends people doing labor intensive activities, like running or heavy yard work, drink a beverage with electrolytes to replenish the sodium that is lost through sweating.

If a person collapses or experiences a change in mental status, such as not making sense, call 9-1-1.

Get a free HIV test Every seven hours, one person in Houston is infected with HIV. That’s why it’s more important than ever for Houston residents to know their HIV status and get tested.

Walgreens is teaming up with Greater Than AIDS and other local partners to encourage local residents to know their status by providing free HIV tests at select locations around the city. The tests are leading up to National HIV Testing Day on June 27.

Testing will be held Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26 from 3-7 p.m., and Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Testing is fast and easy with most results provided within minutes of being tested.

For locations and information visit www. greaterthan.org/walgreens.

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FATHER’S DAY

Father, son work together in family business

By AMBER VERNON Defender Intern

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harles D. Gooden and Charles Gooden Jr. have a special father-and-son relationship. They work side by side at Charles D. Gooden Consulting Engineers, a Houstonbased firm offering professional services in civil and structural engineering.

Gooden Sr. is founder of the firm and Gooden Jr. is chief operating officer. From an early age, Gooden Jr. said he had been in awe of his father’s job and always knew he wanted to work with him one day.

“I would follow him as a kid and take pictures of him in his meetings,” Gooden Jr. said. “To me, he was the pinnacle of what I could ever do in life and to this day, I see how he is respected and I try to live my life the same way.”

Inspired by family members who started their own company, Gooden Sr. established his firm in January, 1976. His son Gooden Jr. was born in September the same

Charles Gooden Sr. and Charles Gooden Jr. have a close personal and professional relationship.

year.

Gooden Jr. began working at his father’s firm in middle school and started full-time in 2002. Gooden Sr. said it made him proud to have his

son join the family business.

“I was so delighted and I didn’t put any kind of pressure on him to make that decision,” Gooden Sr. said.

“He made the decision himself and it

was very uplifting for me to have him here to assist and lead. It was very exciting.”

Gooden Jr. said he tried to compete with his father at first.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 18 | 2015

FATHER’S DAY Famous dads on fatherhood

June 21 is Father’s Day, a time to celebrate the men who love, guide, nurture, protect and encourage their children.

Here, four famous men share their thoughts on fatherhood: President Barack Obama, gospel music great Kirk Franklin, Golden State Warrior basketball star Stephen Curry, and actor and comedian Chris Rock.

President Obama

“I didn’t know my dad.

And so my whole life, I’ve tried to be for Michelle and my girls what my father was not for my mother and me. I want to break that cycle where a father is not at home, where a father is not helping to raise that son or daughter. I want to be a better father, a better husband, a better man.”

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Stephen Curry

“[My daughter is] always happy to see me when I get home and that kind of makes everything all right.

I rarely have a bad day regardless of what happens on the court. It just gives you something more than basketball to kind of play and live for. It’s pretty special.”

Kirk Franklin

“A good father is there and he cares, because if he cares he’s going to want to do things to become a better father.

He’s going to want to be engaged, he’s going to want to take constructive criticism, he’s going to look at his weaknesses and try to make them strengths. He’s going to do all that he can to bring out the best in his role as a father and to be active and engaged.”

Chris Rock

“When I hear people talk about juggling, or the sacrifices they make for their children, I look at them like they’re crazy, because ‘sacrifice’ infers that there was something better to do than being with your children. I’ve never been with my kids and gone, ‘Man, it’d be so great if I was on a movie set right now.’

But I’ve been doing a movie and wished that I was with my kids.”

he Houston area for over 80 years

Commentary

If fathers were in the picture

By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender Intern

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ith Father’s Day just around the corner, this is a perfect time to celebrate fathers and their important role in the development of their children. However, fatherhood is something that is under-valued in society today.

Many of us have grown up without a reliable father or father figure. The absence of a father figure in a home is often nonexistent, so much so that we don’t realize the importance of having a father.

For years, women have been forced to raise their children without a decent man in their children’s lives. Hence, mothers began to believe that their children do not need a father and that they are capable of raising them on their own. Single motherhood has become, in this day and age, the new standard.

The reality is that single mothers and children can face many hardships. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, out of almost 12 million single parent families in 2014, more than 80 percent were headed by single mothers.

Today, 1 in 4 children under the age of 18, a total of about 17.4 million, are being raised without a father or father figure and nearly half (45 percent) live below the poverty line. For those living with just a father, about 21 percent live in poverty. In contrast, among children living with both parents, only 13 percent are counted as poor.

The hardships of single motherhood don’t stop there. Fathers missing in action can damage the development of children in different aspects of life. The U.S. Department of Education found that children who have highly involved fathers were 33 percent less likely to repeat a grade and 43 percent more likely to earn mostly A’s in school than fatherless children.

Also, children with involved fathers are less likely to have behavioral problems at

school and are less likely to experience mental issues.

The Father Involvement Research Alliance found that girls with involved fathers have a higher self-esteem and sense of self, and teenage girls who have a close relationship with their dads are less likely to become teen moms. In addition, boys with involved fathers show less aggression, less compulsive behavior, and have more selfdirection.

As young adults, children with involved fathers are not only likely to achieve higher levels of education but they also find success in their careers, and experience psychological and emotional well-being.

Adults who had involved fathers are more likely to be open-minded and understanding, have long-lasting friendships, and have long-term successful marriages. All of these matters listed above, to put it plainly, could be achieved if the father were in the picture.

If fathers were in the picture, mothers wouldn’t have to maintain households and raise children alone.

If fathers were in the picture, there would be fewer families living in poverty.

If fathers were in the picture, we would have more well-behaved, A/B honor roll children.

If fathers were in the picture, more young ladies would have a higher selfesteem and sense of self-worth, and won’t go looking for love in the wrong places, winding up pregnant at a young age.

If fathers were in the picture, boys would become strong men with a positive and wiser outlook on life.

If fathers were in the picture, more children would be mentally and emotionally stable.

If more fathers were in the picture, Father’s Day wouldn’t be undervalued in today’s society.

If fathers were in the picture…I rest my case.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 18 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

SAVE THE DATE

Young Kyssi Andrews lost her brave battle with cancer.

Cancer fighter remembered

Funeral services were recently held for Khyrstin (Kyssi) Andrews, the 6-year-old who touched Houstonians with her valiant fight against cancer. She died June 7.

Kyssi was made an honorary HPD police officer and an honorary state trooper.

She also visited Gov. Rick Perry’s office and sat in his chair.

Kyssi’s mother, Marla Jones, updated followers on her health on social media.

She thanked supporters following her

OFFICIAL UNVEILING RECEPTION

MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2015 6:00pm - 8:30pm

daughter’s death.

“Today is a new day, mommy is feeling GREAT and I’ve had a GOOD day,” Jones said. “As I reflect on how ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL, well planned out and well put together Kyssi’s Homegoing Celebration was (and a celebration it was), I’m so very HONORED to have been hand-picked

by God to be the mother of and to be the caretaker of HIS child…”

Houston Parks and Recreation Department PARKS MASTER PLAN PRESENTATION

June 22, 2015 Park Land & Amenities: What We Have, What We Need and Where We Are Headed

The Power Center 12401 South Post Oak Road Houston, TX 77045

Speakers Include: Trust for Public Land Rice University Center for Civic Engagement Houston Parks and Recreation Department

Official Unveiling & Networking Reception 6:00p.m. - 8:30p.m.

Hors d’oeuvres, Cash Bar & Entertainment

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX Brown Auditorium 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are $50 which includes a copy of the eighth edition of Who’s Who In Black Houston®

R.S.V.P. ParksMasterPlan@houstontx.gov

($39.95 Retail Value)

Get more information: 614.481.7300 or visit www.whoswhopublishing.com Whos Who Publishing Co.

@whoswhopub

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11

Consider a mentor for your new business If you’re a new business owner, you’ll need to make many important decisions during the first few months. Though you’re ultimately responsible for your business, you can always consult a mentor for advice.

A mentor is someone who has been down the same path you’re taking. He or she is experienced, successful and willing to provide advice and guidance – for no real personal gain. But how do you find a mentor?

Here are some tips from the SBA. 1. Government-sponsored mentor organizations – The government offers free resources and services to support small business owners, both online and in person.

They include SCORE mentors (www. score.org), the Minority Business Development Agency (www.

SBA district office.

3. Mentoring for government contractors – If your business plans to sell products and services to the federal government, you may need specialized mentorship. The General Services Administration offers a mentor-protégé program. Visit www. gsa.gov.

4. Your network – Who do you know? Do you have a previous boss who inspired you or a friend who is

a successful business owner? Ask that person to be your mentor, and learn from his or her advice and best practices.

When working with a mentor, establish a mutually beneficial, structured relationship. Be organized, prepared, consistent and respectful of your mentor’s time. Do not expect your mentor to run your business for you or make decisions for you.

The Ryan White Planning Council Invites You to Meet Local Public Leaders and Give Public Comment on…

Ryan White Part A, Part B and State Services:

#1 mbda.gov), and small business development centers, women’s business centers and veterans’ business outreach centers (www. sba.gov).

2. Trade associations – Many trade associations operate mentorprotégé programs that provide guidance to help you build a business. If you need help finding a trade association, consult your local

4.79”W x 3.25”H

Service Definitions for 2016

#2

Priority Rankings and Allocations for 2016

Also learn the results of the 2015 Health Insurance Enrollment Study

Also learn the results of the Long-Term HIV Survivor Needs Assessment

7:00 p.m.

Monday, June 22, 2015

7:00 p.m.

Monday, June 29, 2015

These televised Public Hearings will be held at the Houston City Hall Annex Council Chamber 900 Bagby Street, Public Level - Free Parking in Back To register for free Childcare or Transportation, you must call by 5pm on June 17th: 713 572-3724 (TTY: 713 572-2813) *** Watch the public hearings LIVE on the following channels *** Comcast 16, TV Max 16, Phonoscope 2, Suddenlink 14 and U-Verse 99 Ryan White Planning Council Office of Support 2223 West Loop South, Suite 240; Houston, TX 77027 www.rwpcHouston.org

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sports

Astros strike it big in MLB draft

By MAX EDISON Defender

The Major League Baseball first-year draft was held recently and the Astros are beaming from ear to ear at their top selections. The team had the second and fifth picks overall as well the 37th selection.

They received the second pick as compensation for not signing last year’s No. 1 overall pick Brady Aiken. Once one of baseball’s most depleted groups, the Astros minor league squads are now among the elite in all of the major leagues.

The Astros selected LSU shortstop Alex Bregman with the No. 2 overall selection. Bregman, a 6-foot right-handed hitter, is often compared to the Red Sox’s Dustin Pedroia. He’s batting .316 with 16 doubles, six home runs, 47 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in his junior season at LSU, which has advanced to the College World Series.

“Alex Bregman has a proven track record of performance all the way from his high school days [in New Mexico],” Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. “We had a lot of man Alex Breg time following him, and we feel very good makeup, like Jeff said, is on the top of the about him joining the organization. charts, as is his brother’s. It’s a good family “We feel like he’s going to continue to play a premium and good mother and father situation. The defensive position, and he’s one of the elite college [players] kid’s just got all the intangibles and tools that who has done just about everything you can do at that level. we look for.”

We’re thrilled with him,” Luhnow said.

The bonus of the draft came to the “I’m so excited, and it’s such an honor, especially Astros with the 37th selection overall, to go to a great organization on the rise, a hard-working Georgia high school star Daz Cameron. organization,” Bregman said. “It’s a dream come true. I’ve Astros scouts had considered Cameron been dreaming about this since I was a little kid. It’s an as an option for one of their two top five awesome moment for me and my family, and I can’t wait to picks, but signability concerns caused him help Houston win games.” to drop to 37.

With the fifth pick overall the Astros selected high Cameron is the son of former Major Kyle Tucker school outfielder Kyle Tucker, younger brother of current League outfielder Mike Cameron. He was outfielder Preston Tucker ranked as the No. 6 best draft prospect by MLB.com. He Kyle, 18, was named the Gatorade Florida Baseball hit .455 (35-for-77) with 10 doubles, eight Player of the Year after hitting .484 with 10 home runs, 27 home runs, 17 stolen bases and 32 RBIs RBIs and 29 runs scored in his senior year at Plant High during his senior year.

School. A left-handed-hitting outfielder who stands 6-foot-4, “We spent a lot of time working, scouting him, making Tucker possesses similar talents as his brother and a strong relationships with him and his family,” Astros scouting makeup. director Mike Elias said.

“He’s a five-tool player “We spent a lot of time in across the board,” Astros scout his town doing research John Martin said. “He’s going to TSU’s men’s athletic teams on him. hit and hit with power, and the

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Daz Cameron

“He’s a wonderful kid with as much track record as you can see from a high school player. He’s been with Team USA for years. Had a great season for his high school team and performed well over the summer,” Elias said.

The Astros selected 42 players in the three-day 2015 MLB first-year player draft. They ended up taking a total of 15 right-handed pitchers, six left-handed pitchers, four catchers, seven infielders and 10 outfielders.

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h.s.zone Katy’s Garcia makes MVP debut 1-0 in the bottom of the first with an RBI triple that

chased home Katie Clark. year ago Kayla Garcia was completing When Lewisville took a the eighth grade and preparing to embark 2-1 advantage in the top on a path that leads to Katy High School. of the fourth, Garcia tied Twelve months later, Garcia was the game (2-2) with an RBI instrumental in helping Katy win the program’s double that scored Coveney in first state softball championship while being the bottom of the inning. selected the Class 6A title game Most “She has hit like that all Valuable Player. year long,” said Katy head Katy’s first four batters reached coach Kalum Haack. base in the bottom of the seventh “She’s been our most inning to break a 2-2 tie as McKay consistent and best Bloxham’s fielder’s choice scored hitter. I don’t recall Nicole Valdez to provide the a pitcher that’s game winner in a 3-2 victory been able to shut over Lewisville in the Class her down. She may 6A state championship game. not have gotten a Two Lewisville miscues figured hit in a particular prominently in the late Katy rally. game, but she hit Garcia, a freshmen third the ball well right baseman, was 3-for-3 at the plate at somebody. with an infield single, an RBI “The way you triple and a run-scoring double. see Kayla in games Defensively, she had three putouts, is just the way she is six assists and an unassisted double in practice,” Haack play to thwart a potential Lewisville said. “There’s never scoring threat with the bases loaded a letdown or a change to end the top of the third inning. She in speed and effort. Her was also charged with an error in the motor is always going no contest. matter what. I have to point “We try not to give up in any this out to the other team situation,” she said. “My teammates members at times to try and gave me some opportunities to do some emulate her.” good things. Our pitchers did a great job Katy (36-6) was getting the ball to their spots and helping coming off a .500 (2014) us produce as a team.” season where the Tigers After pitching all eight innings in finished third in district Birth date – Jan. 22, 2000 Katy’s 3-2 victory over The Woodlands play and lost in the second Birth sign – Aquarius in the state semifinals, senior Kourtney round of the playoffs.

Favorite subject – Reading Coveney pitched into the fourth inning Nearly the entire team Athlete she admires – in the title game before sophomore Kylie returned with key additions Oklahoma Sooners softball Redding relieved and pitched the final 3 in Garcia and freshman left slugger Lauren Chamberlain and 2/3 innings. Both made 58 pitches. fielder Bailee Shashack in How she relaxes – Hangs out with In the final two games Katy faced the starting lineup. two of the top pitchers in the state in lefty friends, listening to music “The unity we Abby Langkamp (The Woodlands) and developed in the offseason Problem she would solve– Maribeth Gorsuch of Lewisville. was good,” Haack said.

World peace

“We were embarrassed “This feels great,” Garcia said. a little bit about how we “We’re all motivated by trying did last season. We to win a state championship. We did some things all have each other’s backs out differently in the there.” offseason and it put Softball has grown in Texas since Garcia gave Katy a us ahead.”

UIL sanction

A

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

Facts about Kayla Garcia

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sportsbriefs Mayweather tops list If your nickname is “Money,” it should come as no surprise that you’re No. 1 among the highest paid athletes in the world. Such is the case with Floyd “Money” Mayweather. Forbes Magazine recently announced its world’s highest paid athletes’ list and boxer Mayweather tops the list. He amassed $300 million over the last year. That figure almost doubles that of boxer Manny Pacquiao, who comes in second earning $160 million. Soccer superstars Cristiano Ronaldo ($79.6 million) and Lionel Messi ($73.8 million) rank third and fourth respectively. Tennis great Roger Federer comes in fifth earning $67million. NBA big shots LeBron James ($64.8 million) and Kevin Durant ($54.1 million) are sixth and seventh. They are followed by golfers Phil Mickelson ($50.8 million) and Tiger Woods ($50.6 million) in eighth and ninth place. Number 10 is Laker Kobe Bryant, who earned $49.5 million. Their earnings include salaries and endorsements.

Wrestler Rhodes dies Virgil Runnels, an icon in professional wrestling known as Dusty Rhodes and the “American Dream,” died June 11 at age 69. The cause of death is unknown. A native of Austin, Rhodes portrayed himself as an average bluecollar working man. He was rotund, different from the stereotypical body builder types seen in sports entertainment today. Rhodes did his best work in interview sessions between matches. “I have wined and dined with kings and queens, and I’ve slept in alleys and dined on pork and beans,” was one of his signature lines.

Tomball earns 2nd berth Tomball is living proof that any of the four teams that qualify for the playoffs from each district can make a run and enjoy postseason success. As the third-place school out of District 19-5A, the Cougars have parlayed a 10-2 playoff record into a Region III-5A title and the school’s second berth in the state baseball tournament in the past three years. Two years ago Tomball won the Class 4A championship. Only two players remain from that team. Infielder/ pitcher Stephen Bonnain and shortstop Robbie Gillien were role players on the 2013 state title team. Now both are key parts of a Tomball offense that generated 16 hits in game three of the regional final against district rival Tomball Memorial. Tomball, Prosper, Georgetown and Aledo qualified for the 2015 Class 5A state baseball tournament.

El Campo rolling It was a rather inauspicious season opener to say the least. El Campo lost to St. Joseph 10-2 to open the 2015 season after drilling the same school by double digits to open the 2014 season. “That was a real shock to us,” said senior shortstop Andrew Saucedo. “It put a little fire under us.” The Ricebirds went 29-4 after that and won the Region IV-4A championship to secure a berth in the Class 4A state baseball tournament. This is El Campo’s first state tournament appearance since 1993 when none of the current players were born yet. Fourth-year head coach Russell Krenek has 12 seniors who have played a significant part in the school winning three consecutive district titles.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 18 | 2015

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Father, son...continued from page 7 “Since I’ve been hired, I’ve been trying to outwork him, but you can’t outwork Charles Gooden,” said Gooden Jr. “It just doesn’t happen.”

The Goodens are grateful that the firm has been in business nearly 40 years.

Clients have included city and county governments, school districts, universities and churches. Like most business, it has experienced highs and lows.

“During the economic crash in 2008, we had to make a lot of sacrifices,” Gooden Jr. said.

“When the economy was starting to recover, the fact that Gooden Engineers was still here was a testament to my father’s leadership.

He led the firm out of the crash.”

On the subject of fatherhood, Gooden Sr. offers advice to other AfricanAmerican dads.

“Keep [children] involved in activities,” he said.

“We kept him in church, school, and community activities. With so many challenges facing Black men, I’ve encouraged him to stay away from compromising situations. I’ve also taught him to respect authority.”

Gooden Sr. added that fathers should be involved in their children’s lives.

“In whatever they do, have a presence there,” he said. “Let them know that there is a concern about their welfare, that you’re concerned about whatever they’re involved in.”

Growing up with a father who was involved in his life has taught Gooden Jr. how to be a better dad to his own children.

“We did a lot

of stuff together,” Gooden Jr. recalled.

“We would go fishing and take family camping trips. I also remember playing baseball at the YMCA and how my dad was at every game. That’s the same type of stuff that I’m doing with my children now. These are just the things that I knew to do. The way that I was raised is the same way I’m going to raise my children.”

“With so many challenges facing Black men, I’ve encouraged him to stay away from compromising situations. I’ve also taught him to respect authority.”Charles Gooden Sr.

classified REQUEST FOR BIDS

HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 2015 - 2016 Trash Collection & Disposal PROCUREMENT # 2015-828.253

The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for trash collection & disposal performed in downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 10:00 AM, local time on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at the Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and read at 10:05 AM on the same day in the Downtown District Board Room. There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting at 10:00 AM on June 30, 2015 at the office of the Downtown District, 1119 Milam, Houston, Texas 77002.

Questions concerning bids must be submitted prior to 5:00 PM on Monday, July 6, 2015, by email to: scott@downtowndistrict.org or mailed to: HDMD, 1119 Milam, Houston, TX, 77002. Answers to questions will be sent to all contractors who picked up a bid package.

Bid packages can be picked up at 909 Fannin, Suite 1650 beginning on June 19, 2015.

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.

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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

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Martin Luther King Jr.

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

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Turner, Jacqueline Bostic, Ramon Manning, Yvette Mitchell, Danny Jacobs, SMART’N UP BLACK MALE SUMMIT……..The 2015 Smart’n Up Black Courtney Cotton, Christopher Cotton, Theola Petteway, Keith Wade and Male Summit was held to help provide tools to inner-city males to make better Walter Davis……..TEXAS BLACK EXPO LUNCHEON……..The Texas decisions in life. This year, the question was asked, “How does Black America empower Black males?” The event gave insight into the issue through inspirational Black Expo (TBE) 2015 lineup of events included a corporate luncheon held at the Hilton Americas. TBE has grown to be one of the largest African-American speakers, workshops, mentorship opportunities and a host of resources and business expositions in the nation. Events included networking mixers, health and summer activities for participants. Those in attendance included organizer Deric cooking demos, hundreds of exhibitors and vendors, business Muhammad, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Councilman Larry Defender TOP EVENTS networking and concerts/parties. The luncheon was emceed by Green, Dr. Remus Wright, Christian rapper/performer More photos on defendernetwork.com Channel 2 meteorologist Khambrel Marshall and the invocation IAMJUSTIFIED, Valerie Peterson, Congressman Al See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ was given by Dr. Dana Carson. Keynote speaker was Pastor Green, emcee Anthony Valary, and a host of community with Melanie Lawson on Sunday Morning Kirbyjon Caldwell of Windsor Village United Methodist members. Some photos were provided by Step Wallace……..

Church. Those in attendance included TBE founder and CEO EMANCIPATION PARK RECEPTION……..The Jerome Love, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro, Emancipation Park Anniversary Reception was held at the Buffalo Soldiers Barbara Martin, Gloria McGowen, Michelle Levi, Nicole Baldwin, Shawntell Museum. The event celebrated 150 years of freedom for Blacks in Texas and McWilliams, Karen Jackson, Adam Kainer, Sidney Evans, Kelton Charles, the first anniversary of the formation of the park conservancy. Guests had the Councilman Larry Green, Darryl King, HISD Board President Rhonda Skillern opportunity to view the plans for renovation of the park by renowned architect Phil Freelon. Guests included Zinetta Burney, Willie Jordan, Brian Smith, Joe Jones and a host of event sponsors and supporters.

Pastor E.A. Deckard and Deric Muhammad

Justin “Iamjustified” Milburn

Christopher and Courtney Cotton

Joe Turner, Phil Freelon and Willie Jordan

Ramon Manning, Dr. Jacqueline Bostic and Yvette Mitchell

Karen Jackson and Shawntell Mcwilliams

Michelle Levi, Khambrel Marshall and Nicole Baldwin

Jerome Love and HUD Secretary Julian Castro

Kaamil McNeil and Joshua Jamil Muhammad

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DEFENDER | JUNE 18 | 2015

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