LABOR DEPT. RELEASES $74 MILLION IN GRANTS TO HELP EX-OFFENDERS, P3
NATIONAL
defendernetwork.com
facebook.com/DefenderNetwork twitter.com/DefenderNetwork
Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
Volume 83 | Number 33
JUNE 26, 2014 |FREE
www.defendernetwork.com
ENTERTAINMENT BEYONCÉ returns to HBO
P4 FEATURE DR. BEN CHAVIS will lead NNPA
P8 SPORTS JADEVEON CLOWNEY prepares for Texans
P10
H.S. ZONE JACOLBIE BUTLER comprises Pearland connection
P11
Michael Strahan, $100,000
TSU
Kevin Hart, $50,000
CAMPAIGN TO CANTON H PAGE 2
Michael Ealy
stays focused
Dr. Rod Paige speaks out
Accomplished actor Michael Ealy can be seen in the new box office hit “Think Like a Man, Too.” Discover why he worked hard to stay focused during filming. Learn why he respects his character, Dominic. Read what he says about faith, family and tough times.
Former Secretary of Education Dr. Rod Paige spoke to participants at a teaching and learning conference co-sponsored by Texas Southern University. Hear his thoughts on “so much reform and so little progress.” Find out about other pressing education issues.
H PAGE 5
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years
H PAGE 6
2
DEFENDER | JUNE 26 | 2014
defendernetwork.com
newstalk
HCC Northwest names new dean Dr. Jerome Drain is the new dean of academic development at Houston Community College Northwest. Drain will be housed at HCC’s Alief Hayes Road campus, and will provide primary administrative leadership and supervision for academic and resource development. His leadership includes a major liaison function with public schools, colleges, universities and appropriate business and community groups in forging partnerships to enhance academic opportunities for students. “I’m excited Dr. Jerome Drain about the opportunity to join the HCC Northwest community and help to positively impact students,” Drain said. “We are at a critical juncture in higher education where it will take creativity and innovation to help ensure student success.” Drain is former vice president for academic affairs at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. He also served as divisional chair for sciences at Davenport University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wake Forest University, an MBA from Grand Valley State University and Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular genetics from the University of Alabama.
The Ocean of Soul band will travel to Canton, Ohio for Michael Strahan’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
TSU campaign to Canton
T
exas Southern University alumnus Michael Strahan announced on ABC’s “Live with Kelly and Michael!” that he would personally donate $100,000 to his alma mater for their mission to get to Canton, Ohio Aug. 1-3 to support him at his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Eva Pickens, TSU’s associate vice president who is leading the initiative, said the Strahan donation put the band over the top in their 30day fundraising efforts. “This is awesome,” Pickens said. “Canton will never be the same once the Ocean takes to the streets of this grand parade. It’s a great day for TSU, the city of Houston and beyond.” Pickens said the goal was to raise $150,000 in 30 days. “If we surpass our goal, monies will be used for scholarships to band students,” she said.
Though messages were sent early to Strahan that sending the band to Canton was something that the alumni and friends of the band wanted to accomplish on their own as a gift to him, Strahan could not sit idly by after hearing that actor-comedian Kevin Hart had donated $50,000 toward the effort. During the first of its appearances, the TSU band will participate in the TimkenSteel Grand Parade that draws a quarter of a million spectators. The band will also perform at the Fan Appreciation Tailgate Party, play at the unveiling of the NFL statue and attend enshrinement ceremonies to see their famous alum on one of the biggest stages in football. “This is huge for our students,” said TSU band director Richard Lee. “It gives them an experience of a lifetime.” TSU will use the opportunity for recruiting and outreach as well.
localbriefs THE 8-MONTH-OLD BABY GIRL abducted during a car theft and abandoned in a field is back in her mother’s arms, while police search for the suspect in the case. Genesis Hailey was taken while her mother ran inside a gas station and left her car running with the keys in the ignition. The theft triggered an Amber Alert and police searched for the infant. The car was later found abandoned without the infant inside. A jogger found the baby in the 11300 block of Ella and flagged down police. The abductor is described as a thin Black man in his late teens to early 20s. He is about 5 feet 9, weighs140 pounds and has a slanted haircut and
a blond or white patch. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS……..TEXAS IS RANKED NO. 2 among America’s top states for business by CNBC. Texas received a score of 1,641 out of a possible 2,500 points. The survey ranked states according to such categories as cost of doing business, quality of life, economy, transportation, education and technology……..THE MIDTOWN Management District of Houston received nearly $150,000 in grants from the Federal Transit Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund pedestrian and transit access
improvements along Elgin from Main to Bagby. “This grant will provide a substantial amount of funds to help us improve our sidewalks, crosswalks, transit shelters, ADA ramps, and planting strips, said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “The funds will not only allow us to embellish our streets, and improve our public transportation facilities, but also allow us to create more feasible access for disabled pedestrians.” The area along Main and Bagby has undergone significant development within the last decade. The management district has worked to repair potholes, deteriorating roads and drainage systems.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years
defendernetwork.com
JUNE 26 | 2014 | DEFENDER
national
U.S.briefs CONGRESS SHOWED UNUSAL UNITY when Democrats and Republicans joined hands during the singing of “We Shall Overcome” at the U.S. Capitol. They put aside their differences as House and Senate leaders posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King in observance of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia Fudge and Congressman John Lewis were among those leading the way………THE JOINT CENTER for Political and Economic Studies, America’s foremost think tank for Black political and economic research, is struggling with financial problems so serious that its political arm has been gutted and its interim president is working for free. Spencer Overton, the center’s interim president/CEO, is on sabbatical from his job as a Georgetown University law professor. He assumed the interim presidency in February after the departure of Ralph Everett, who was president for about eight years. Overton, who was also a member of the center’s board, recently confirmed that he took the position with no salary. The center was founded in 1979, and for the first 15 years of its existence was the Joint Center for Political Studies. The center’s financial contributions largely come from foundations, corporations, government contracts and individual donors as well as fundraisers…….. DETROIT ACTIVISTS are calling on the United Nations for help with a “massive human rights atrocity” after the city turned off water for thousands of residents. More than half of the city’s 323,000 water and sewerage department customers are late on their bills or cannot afford water. A coalition of Detroit groups submitted a report to the U.N. on the right to safe drinking water and sanitation. The coalition called on authorities to restore water services and halt cut-offs, and also said some customers had not received shut-off warnings.
3
$74 million grants help ex-offenders
T
AFRO Staff
he U.S. Department of Labor is releasing $74 million in grants to be invested in reintegration services for ex-felons and juvenile offenders. The goal, Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez said in a statement, is to “help ex-offenders turn around their lives and get back on their feet.” He added that the money will fund the agency’s Face Forward and Training to Work programs, initiatives already underway in communities where ex-offenders need help in orienting themselves to post-incarceration life. The grants, he said, “will continue to build on this success by expanding services to even more people who want to make a successful transition back into their communities.” Ex-offenders – who are disproportionately Black males – face substantial barriers when trying to reintegrate into their communities after release, including lack of access to education, vocational training, gainful employment, housing, substance abuse treatment and mental health services. Faced with such daunting odds they often turn back to what they know, crime, leading to startling recidivism rates. According to Bureau of Justice Statistics among state prisoners released in 30 states in 2005, about two-thirds (67.8 percent) were arrested for a new crime within three years, and three-quarters (76.6 percent) were arrested within five years. “With more than half a million people being released from state and federal prisons each year, re-entry job training programs like the ones the Labor Department is funding today are a key part of ensuring people coming out of prison have the opportunity to learn the skills they need to suc-
cessfully re-enter their communities,” said Deputy Attorney General James Cole. “Given that many of these individuals have limited skills and inadequate education, we cannot simply release them and expect that they will, on their own, be able to rebuild their lives and get a job with a livable wage. That’s why programs such as these are so important to ensuring they get a helping hand and a genuine chance to succeed.” Grantees are expected to provide a range of services that include case management, mentoring, education and training that leads to industry-recognized credentials. Twenty-one grants, totaling more than $44 million, will be awarded for the second round of the Face Forward initiative. The program combines best practices in workforce and juvenile justice strategies, including sealing juvenile justice records and handling juvenile delinquency complaints outside the court system, to improve participants’ chances of success. The other $30 million will go to 17 organizations through the Training to Work-Adult Reentry program, which will help men and women participating in state or local work-release programs gain the job skills and credentials necessary to succeed in demand occupations upon rejoining society.
Youth rescued in sex trafficking operation VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 33 JUNE 26, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles People Editor Advertising/Client Relations Yvette Chargois Selma Dodson Tyler Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Local Editor ReShonda Billingsley LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Contributing Writer Tony Fernandez-Davila Cierra Duncan The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
The FBI, its local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) recently conducted Operation Cross Country VIII, an enforcement action to address commercial child sex trafficking throughout the United States. The operation resulted in 168 recoveries of children who were being victimized through prostitution. Additionally, 281 pimps were arrested on state and federal charges. In Houston, four youth were recovered and four pimps were arrested. “Targeting and harming America’s children through commercial sex trafficking is a heinous crime, with serious consequences,” said FBI Director James B. Comey. “Every child deserves to
be safe and sound.” “Child sex traffickers create a living nightmare for their adolescent victims,” said Leslie R. Caldwell, an assistant attorney general with the Department of Justice. “They use fear and force and treat children as commodities of sex to be sold again and again. This operation puts traffickers behind bars and rescues kids from their nightmare so they can start reclaiming their childhood.” To date, the FBI and its task force partners have recovered nearly 3,600 children from the streets. The investigations and subsequent 1,450 convictions have resulted in lengthy sentences, including 14 life terms.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years
DEFENDER | JUNE 26 | 2014
defendernetwork.com
Beyoncé returns to HBO
what’sup During the recent Daytime Emmy Awards, STEVE HARVEY won as Best Game Show Host for “Family Feud,” and the “Steve Harvey Show” was honored as Outstanding Informative Talk Show. “Good Morning America” won for Best Morning Program……..Thirty honorees have been selected to receive a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 2015. They include entertainer and producer PHARRELL WILLIAMS, activist and comedian DICK GREGORY, musical group KOOL & THE GANG, “Modern Family” star SOFIA VERGARA and rapper PITBULL. The Walk of Fame is comprised of more than 2,500 stars embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles…….The Wayans brothers recently kicked off a stand-up comedy tour that will take them to the East Coast, Midwest and Florida. The show features MARLON WAYANS, SHAWN WAYANS, KEENEN IVORY WAYANS and DAMON WAYANS. Damon, 53, was the last to perform during their first show, and joked about divorce, dating again, getting older and raising ungrateful kids in Beverly Hills…….. June 30 marks the 25th anniversary of the release of “Do The Right Thing,” which took a groundbreaking approach to race relations and inner-city tensions. Director SPIKE LEE said he’s still bothered by two movie reviewers who said Black people were going to riot after seeing the film. “That was just outrageous, egregious and, I think, racist. I don’t remember people saying people were going to come out of theaters killing people after they watched ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER films,” Lee said.
After starring in the HBO documentary “Life is But a Dream” last year, Beyoncé returns to the network this year for “Beyoncé: X10,” a 10-episode series of concert performances. Starting Sunday, June 29, a new four-minute segment will debut every Sunday night at 7:55 p.m. immediately before the debut of a new episode of the final season of “True Blood” at 8 p.m. The performances were shot live in various cities during the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Beginning in Belgrade, Serbia and concluding in Lisbon, Portugal, the sold-out tour included 132 concerts in 27 countries and 69 cities. Drawing 1.8 million fans over the six legs of the global tour, it was the highest-grossing female solo tour of 2013. Performance highlights from the show include “Blow/Cherry,” “Drunk in Love,” “Ghost/Haunted,” “Flawless/Yoncé,” “Get Me Bodied/Baby Boy/Diva,” “Girls,” “Heaven,” “Partition,” “Why Don’t You Love Me?” and “XO.” T:9.75”
MAKE A WINNING IMPRESSION! We invite you to attend:
Texas Lottery Commission Annual
Historically Underutilized Business Forum T:6.5”
Location: Texas Lottery Commission | 611 East 6th Street | Austin, Texas
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 | 1:00 pm – 4:30pm The forum will provide a brief overview of the TLC’s HUB program, procurement processes, and Mentor Protégé initiatives. The highlight of this event will be roundtable networking sessions with Lottery Commission staff and a number of our key contractor representatives. Roundtable assignments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day of the forum.
The TLC HUB Forum is FREE of charge! Register on-line on or before 7/11/14 at: www.txlottery.org/hub For more information contact: Joyce Bertolacini, HUB Coordinator: (512) 344-5293 or joyce.bertolacini@lottery.state.tx.us
© 2014 Texas Lottery Commission. All Rights Reserved.
4
defendernetwork.com
JUNE 26 | 2014 | DEFENDER
entertainment
5
Michael Ealy returns in hit sequel By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender
F
or the last few years, Michael Ealy has been red-hot, jumping from TV to film and back to TV. He recently starred in the sci-fi television series, “Almost Human,” for which he earned an NAACP Image Award nomination. Earlier this year, he starred in the remake of “About Last Night,” and prior to that on the TV series “Common Law.” Ealy was previously handpicked by Will Smith to costar in “Seven Pounds,” and by Spike Lee to join the ensemble of “The Miracle at St. Anna.” He was tapped by Oprah Winfrey to star opposite Halle Michael Ealy (second from right) stars with Romany Berry in “Their Eyes Were Malco, Jerry Ferrara, Gary Owen, Kevin Hart and Terrence Jenkins in “Think Like a Man, Too.” Watching God,” and earned an Image Award nomination for his that everybody jumped portrayal of Teacake. at the chance to come Ealy, a Silver Spring, Md. native, appeared back and do a sequel in several stage productions after graduating from with the same cast and college. While visiting friends in Los Angeles, he same director. That’s an heard about auditions for “Barbershop” and landed opportunity you just don’t the role of Ricky Nash. He now lives in L.A. with get very often. his wife Khatira Rafiqzada and their baby, Elijah. KW: Did you enjoy Here, he talks about his role in “Think Like a yourself the second go-round? Man, Too,” which debuted at No. 1 at the box office. ME: I definitely did, although KW: Director Tim Story managed to being in Vegas for two or three months reassemble the whole cast for the sequel. How’d he obviously presented a whole new set of challenges, make that happen? since it’s a place that most people visit for only two ME: It’s a miracle that everybody’s schedule or three days. You had the heat and the extreme opened up. I think part of the genius of it was air conditioning. And also constant, constant that they made the decision early, and said, “Next stimulation, whether it’s people getting drunk out of summer, we’re going to try to knock this out.” So, their minds, couples getting married, people going everyone kinda made sure that they were available. to strip clubs, prostitutes or whatever. We also had such a good time making the first one It’s Sin City. It’s hard sometimes to stay focused
on your job when there’s so much going on around you, as well as people following you around. There were plenty of distractions. So, I wouldn’t say it was as easy as shooting in L.A. Location is a factor. If you have to go somewhere to work, it helps to be focused. KW: Is your character Dominic more authentic and confident about presenting his real self to the world and to his girlfriend in the sequel? ME: Dominic is absolutely much more confident. He now has two more food trucks, and his career as a chef is on the rise. I think anybody who’s doing well in the pursuit of their dreams is going to be a little more confident than what they were when they first started… He handles himself very well, and he’s very open with everybody, including Lauren, about his feelings. I respect that about the character. KW: Would you mind saying something controversial that would get this interview tweeted? ME: I don’t think I can help you there. My goal is not to be tweeted about. KW: How do you get through the tough times? ME: To put it simply, faith and family. That’s gotten me through a lot of the rough years early on, and they continue to serve as a rock in my life now.
6
DEFENDER | JUNE 26 | 2014
coverpage
TSU
T
woprofi in ja of A a fo juve are functionally illi The close rela was one of the issu ence on teaching an ern University’s Te (TLEC) and the Na Research on Comp Educators, sc board officials from ence. The theme w based Research, Te included current re students in learning classroom. “There is no m than the improvem pre-K through coll Rudley. “[This con tions from all reso internationally.” As an exampl National Assessme reading skills of fo found that 38 perce level, 31 percent w During a conf success – Dr. Dani ment of Education associate professor Instruction. Bailey-Perry the learning infrast implementing it wi “Fidelity is th the consistency and One source ci
TEACHING & LEARNING By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender
Paige questions reform efforts F
Dr. Rod Paige
ormer U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Roderick Paige said despite the reforms occurring throughout American public schools, the school system has actually accomplished very little. Paige made the remarks during a keynote address at the teaching and learning conference co-sponsored by Texas Southern University. Paige formerly served as HISD superintendent and dean of TSU’s College of Education. He said that education reform efforts have increased the quality and quantity of instruction but have not focused on increasing the “quality and quantity of physical energy that the learner puts into the learning process. “There are far more complex issues obstructing student learning that we are not tackling because it’s tough to do it and its hard work,” Paige said.
He noted that some students are lacking confidence and motivation for achievement, and believe others are controlling their future. However, he believes adults should teach students the necessary tools to overcome such issues. “It’s not just the student’s problem, it’s an adult problem,” Paige said. “We’ve paid too little attention to the ‘why’ of learning,” He said the educational system needs “gifted, talented and committed” educational scholars to help solve its issues. Their presence is especially needed in under-performing minority schools. “It is both an opportunity and an obligation,” Paige said. “As leaders in the minority community, you are suited to best solve this problem because you understand the community best. Seize the opportunity to help us solve the problem.”
defendernetwork.com • Serving th
defendernetwork.com
U addresses education
-thirds of students who cannot read ficiently by the fourth grade will end up ail during their lifetime. Over 70 percent America’s inmates cannot read above ourth grade level. Nearly 85 percent of eniles who face trial in the court system iterate. ationship between illiteracy and crime ues addressed at an international conferand learning sponsored by Texas Southeaching and Learning Excellence Center ational Science Foundation Center for plex Networks. cholars, researchers and elected and m across the nation attended the conferwas “International Trends in Evidenceeaching and Learning.” The conference esearch and practices that will engage g and improve their success in the
A Guide for Middle and High School Principals.” It stated that “strong leadership from both administrators and teachers is an essential building block in constructing a successful literacy program.” A school’s literacy leader can take specific action steps to ensure their campus’ success in improving literacy rates. They include developing a literacy leadership team, developing a school-wide organizational model that supports extended time for literacy instruction and analyzing assessment data to determine specific learning needs of students. There is a three-step process to a strong literacy leadership team (LLT). Leadership leaders must build a strong team of volunteers/faculty members, and make literacy fun by promoting all its forms, including those outside of the Dr. Danita Bailey-Perry standard reading class. They should also involve parents and the community in promoting literacy beyond the school. Haynes suggested planning a yearlong literacy focus calendar of activities and events. “Schools must have a system they follow and do not deviate from,” Haynes said. “I think in low performing more important issue facing this nation schools they change their program every time something ment and expansion of education from new or bad comes around.” lege,” said TSU President Dr. John Haynes said she found the most success when literacy nference] allows us to look for solustrategies were taught in all subjects. ources, whether locally, nationally or Bailey-Perry and Haynes stressed that literacy must be a vital component of a student’s education from kindergarten ple of the issues facing educators, the to graduation. They added that school leaders should implement ent of Educational Progress tested the ongoing assessments of students and programs, direct and ourth-grade students nationwide and Dr. Ingrid Haynes comprehensive instruction, motivated and self-directed ent were reading below the most basic learning, diverse texts and intensive writing. were proficient and only 7 percent were advanced. Peer teaching can also play an important role in improving literacy rates. ference session, two TSU educators shed light on literacy “Students can talk to and teach one another in a way that a teacher can never ita Bailey-Perry, professor and interim chair of the Departnal Administration and Foundations, and Dr. Ingrid Haynes, communicate,” Haynes said. r and interim chair of the Department of Curriculum and Haynes said motivation is the key to improving literacy rates. “When you cannot read something happens to your self-esteem and your self-consaid national literacy can be improved through building cept,” she said. tructure, filling the infrastructure with good instruction and Haynes also said educators must be sensitive to their own pre-conceived ith fidelity. ideas and feelings when teaching students to read. he consistency,” she said. “School leaders are responsible for “[Teachers] have to be very aware of their disposition and make sure they d they make all the difference in the world.” are positive when teaching a child to read,” Haynes said. “Teachers must have ited during the session was “Creating a Culture of Literacy: a disposition that [moves] students toward success.”
he Houston area for over 80 years
Discipline a concern for educators
T
he racial discipline gap has long been a problem in the educational system. During a session at the teaching and learning conference, Dr. Margie Martinez, a College Station ISD principal, discussed the perceptions of high school students regarding their experience with discipline. She noted that in 1975, the Children’s Defense Fund conducted the first study demonstrating the disproportionate use of school discipline based on race. Researchers found that of the 1 million school suspensions handed out in the 1972-1973 school year, Black students received twice the amount of any other racial group. Today, nearly four decades later, the racial discipline gap continues to manifest and the disproportionate number of Black students being disciplined continues to be a top concern for school districts. “Educators must never underestimate students’ perceptions, as these views are often much more important in culturally diverse settings than any objective reality,” Martinez said. According to Martinez, there is a need for purposeful and deliberate attention in communicating with Black students through a way that shows dignity and respect. “Many students’ reactions and choices to discipline are dependent on their perceptions of being heard and respected,” Martinez said. She also believes principals should be aware of the potential for escalated or deescalated student behaviors based on the related perceptions of treatment. “I argue the need for the upmost importance being given to building positive principle-student relationships prior to and during the discipline cycle,” she said.
7
8
DEFENDER | JUNE 26 | 2014
defendernetwork.com
Chavis named interim NNPA president, CEO classified important to the future of America and the global community.” A native of Oxford, N.C., Chavis received his Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from the University of North Carolina; his Master of Divinity from Duke University (magna cum laude) and a Doctor of Ministry from Howard University. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Chavis began his career in 1963 as a North Carolina T:4.79”
NNPA News Service
statewide youth coordinator for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. In 1970, Chavis was appointed Southern Regional program director of the 1.7 million-member United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice (UCC-CRJ) and in 1985 was named executive director and CEO of the UCC-CRJ. In 1988, he was elected vice president of the National Council of Churches of the USA.
Invitation for Bids
Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., a global and vendors for construction of the following control no. 0500-03-044 business leader, educator, and longtime on IH 45 at IH 45 NB @ White Oak Bayou, bid date is July 9, 2014. Quotations may be mailed to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., civil rights activist, was elected in1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 or faxed terim president and CEO of the National to (512) 707-0798 or emailed to bbiisw@bbiius.com. DBE/HUB contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are Newspaper Publishers Association at the available to be reviewed at TxDOT Plans On-line: www.txdot.gov/ group’s annual meeting in Portland, Ore. business/letting-bids/plans-online.html The announcement was made by NNPA E.O.E. For information contact Brian Ficzeri at (512) 707-0797. Chairman Cloves Campbell. Chavis is president of Education Online Services Corporation (EOServe PUBLIC HEARINGS Corp.), a provider of online HISD Board of Education Redistricting higher education for HBCUs. The Board of Education of the Houston Independent School District These Texas Lottery Commission He is also president, CEO and will conduct public hearings on redistricting of its Trustee Districts at Scratch-Off games will be closing soon: the following locations and times: co-founder with Russell SimTuesday, July 8, 2014 Tuesday, July 1, 2014 mons of the Hip-Hop Summit 6:30 PM 6:30 PM Official End Action Network, the world’s Pin Oak Middle School Shadydale Elementary School Game # Game Name / Odds $ Close Validations 5905 Tidwell (77016) (Multi-Purpose Room); largest coalition of hip-hop of Game Date 4601 Glenmont (77401) artists and recording industry $1,000,000 Jackpot executives. Thursday, July 10, 2014 Tuesday, July 15, 2014 $20 7/18/14 1/14/15 1520 6:30 PM 6:30 PM He serves on numerous Overall Odds are 1 in 2.88 Hattie Mae White Educational SerAustin High School (Auditorium) vice Ctr. (Board Auditorium) 1700 Dumble (77023) boards, including the National th Scoop the Cash 4400 West 18 Street (77092) Association for Equal Op8/27/14 2/23/15 $1 1624 Overall Odds are 1 in 4.52 The hearings are part of a district-wide effort to gain public input into portunity in Higher Education. the process of redrawing the nine Trustee Districts as a result of the NFISD annexation. A quorum of the Board may or may not be present He was the leader of the On the Money $2 8/27/14 2/23/15 1614 at any particular hearing, location, or time. Public comment is Wilmington Ten, a group of Overall Odds are 1 in 4.38 welcomed and solicited. Maps of the current boundaries and proposed redistricting plan will be available at the hearings, and may be obtained wrongly convicted activists by contacting HISD Board Services at 713-556-6010, 4400 West 18th Hearts on Fire who were recently pardoned Street, Houston, Texas 77092, or by visiting the Houston Independent $5 1579 8/27/14 2/23/15 School District’s website at www.houstonisd.org. Overall Odds are 1 in 3.70 by North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue; a former president of For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education. the NAACP (1993-1994) and © 2014 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT in 1995 served as director and chief organizer of the Million NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Man March. Chavis writes a The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18 th Street Houston, weekly syndicated column for Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time the NNPA News Service. deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 “We are pleased that Ben Project 14-05-01 RFP – Swimming Pool Services (Maintenance Chavis, a longtime supporter of Program) with deadline of 10:00 A.M., July 16, 2014. The pre1 TX8105_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_0626.indd proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2W26 at the NNPA, will be able to use his above stated address on July 9, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. skills and hissaved numerous domesNone Tommy Salazar / Eddie Jacobson printed at 6-16-2014 11:09 AM tsalazar-MB15R from by at Project 14-05-09 RFP – Window & Portable AC Units & Parts with tic and international contacts to deadline of 2:00 P.M., July 16, 2014. The pre-proposal conference job info approvals fonts & images strengthen NNPA – the Black for this project will be in Room 2W26 at the above stated address job # creative dir None TX8105 Fonts on July 9, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. Press of America,” Campbell client art director None TEXAS LOTTERY Helvetica Neue LT Std (95 Black, 77 Bold Condensed, 57 Condensed), Helvetica Neue (Medium, Bold), Proposals Arial (Regular)are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org headline/tag JULY EOG AD copywriter None said. trim account mgr SAM KRAFT 4.79” x 3.25” “Dr. Chavis has the talent, The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to Images bleed proofreader None None None accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District. None contacts and live energy to make color setup BW notes The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSurplus.com. Inks an immediatevendor/pub impact onHOUSTON our DEFENDER Black media type NEWSPAPER DUE: 06/19 organization,diewhich represents cut None PUB: 06/26 approximately 200 African American newspapers in the U.S.” east ninth street • austin, tx 78701 Upon his206 election, Chavis t 512.479.6200 f 512.479.6024 said: “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve, promote and secure the interests of [NNPA]. As the uncensored, objective, unflinching media voice of Black America, NNPA newspapers, the NNPA News 8237 Tidwell East Service and the companion site, 6215 Laura Koppe BlackPressUSA.com, represent 6214 Laura Koppe one of the most important news3822 Cavalcade gathering and news analysis 1510 Weiss operations in the world. 6215 East Land “I am eager to deliver 6701 Weaver Road trusted, sustainable and innova8219 Ley Road tive relationships for the NNPA with advertisers, partners, spon6230 Calhoun Road sors, and supporters. More than OBO ever before, the leadership and James Phillips, Broker readership of NNPA newspa(713) 433-5696 or (832) 654-8014 pers and BlackPressUSA are
LEGAL NOTICE
T:3.25”
Prepared by LatinWorks Marketing, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved.
defendernetwork.com
JUNE 26 | 2014 | DEFENDER
9
Black business owners see growth, barriers
T
he number of Blackowned businesses in Texas is growing, but firms remain small in comparison to other Texas businesses, and their owners perceive significant barriers to growth and profitability, according to a new report from the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Texas at Austin. Based on census data and a survey of business owners, the report shows the number of Black-owned businesses in Texas is growing faster than the state average for all businesses. But 95 percent of Black-owned businesses have no paid employees other than the owner. In addition, the average Black-owned business had 10 employees and $60,000 in sales, while the average Texas business had 23 employees and $1.2 million in sales. Additional survey findings show that: • More than 50 percent of respondents had never applied for a business loan and almost 20 percent had applied but never received one, while 28 percent had received business loans.
• A majority of those surveyed (76 percent) said they perceive Black-owned businesses to have less access than other firms to government decision-makers who influence procurement opportunities. • Among businesses with employees, 43 percent said the majority of employees in their business were Black. Just over 41 percent employ an equal mixture of Black and non-Black employees, and more than 15
percent have a majority of non-Black employees. “We are grateful to the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce [TAACCC] for collaborating with us on this important survey,” said UT President Bill Powers. “A better understanding of the obstacles faced by Black business owners will help the association, and all of us across the state, formulate strategies to create a healthier economy for all Texans.” Jim Wyatt, chairman of TAACCC, said the report is the first of its kind conducted in Texas. “It provides TAAACC with a unique opportunity to plan for business empowerment in Texas going forward,” Wyatt said. “It also provides tools to address legislative as well as policy undertakings.” Charles O’Neal, a TAAACCC consultant and president of the firm Strategique, said the report confirms the vast disparity in earnings and opportunity between Blackowned businesses and the marketplace as a whole. “We did not need the survey to know this, but to have the survey confirm what we already knew gives Black-owned businesses and the organizations that support them another tool to use in efforts to correct the inequity,” O’Neal said.
Welcome
TO YOUR FUTURE PROMOTION.
Home loans for If you dream of owning your own home, we can help. CommunityBank of Texas offers affordable loan options to meet your budget needs – including FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans.
register today for summer/fall classes. hccs.edu
Stop by or call us today and let us help you own your dream home.
1.866.55.COMMUNITY communitybankoftx.com NMLS #423137
Welcome_Defender Summer 2014.indd 1
5/21/14 11:11 AM
10
DEFENDER | JUNE 26 | 2014
sports
defendernetwork.com
Rookie head coach Bill O’Brien will prepare his new team.
Countdown to Texan training camp begins
I
By MAX EDISON Defender
t’s the most difficult time of the year for local pro football fans – the 30-day period before the beginning of Texan training camp, which starts on July 26. Now that Texan minicamp has concluded, players, coaches and front office people have a brief hiatus before the grind of the next seven months of NFL play totally consumes their daily existence. For the die-hard sports fan there is not a more agonizing time of the year. Rookie camp, OTAs (organized team activities) and mini-camp provide sports fans with just enough of a football fix during the offseason. With virtually no activity for a month, fans are locked into a type of sports purgatory that they have to endure. In Houston, this problem has been compounded by the futility of the Astros organization for the past three years. Major League Baseball is the natural gap filler for this time period, but because the Astros have lost 100-plus games for three consecutive years they have been a poor alternative. There appears to be a ray of hope this season because the Astros are showing major signs of improvement and should be just the tonic desperate fans need. If not, you’ve always got tennis, WNBA, golf and the World Cup to help you out. The Texans finished the 2013 campaign with a 2-14 record, the worst in the league. With a brand new coaching staff bringing a new philosophy and a host of new players, fans realize the only way to ease the pain of 2013 is to start 2014 ASAP. So with a month left before training camp, here’s what we know to help you get through the next 30 days. Offseason free agent acquisition Ryan Fitzpatrick was recently named the team’s starting quarterback over Case Keenum and rookie Tom Savage. “Ryan Fitzpatrick is our starter at quarterback,” rookie head coach Bill O’Brien
recently announced. “He is a guy that has earned First overall draft pick linebacker/defensive the job. The other three guys are working hard and end Jadeveon Clowney had successful sports hernia battling it out for number two. All four of them surgery on June 12 shutting him down until training have put in a lot of good work, but at the end of the camp. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel ofday Ryan Fitzpatrick is our starter. He’s had a good fered his evaluation of his talented young star. off-season.” “I think he is coming along fine,” Crennel said. Perennial Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson has “He is studious. He is studying and he’s trying to been conspicuously absent through all off-season learn the system. He is making that transition a little workouts, both voluntary and mandatory. As Johnbit, but it doesn’t seem to slow him down or hinder son considers what he wants to do, O’Brien concen- him. He’s still a rookie and I tell everyone, rookies trates on who has been present. are making rookie mistakes. “I have had positive conversations. I have a “That is what they do,” Crennel said. “Until ton of respect for [Johnson]. We’d love to have him he can get settled and feel confident in all of his here right now, but that’s up to him. Again, we’re assignments, and then he can become reactive, then moving forward with I think he will show the players that are better at that time. Right here. These guys that now his head is spinning are here are working just like all of the UH track & field All-Americans named extremely hard.” rookies.”
defendernetwork.com
No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney is bouncing back from surgery.
Free agent acquisition Ryan Fitzpatrick is starting quarterback.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years
JUNE 26 | 2014 | DEFENDER
defendernetwork.com
h.s.zone
sportsbriefs Pearland running back Jacolbie Butler (left) and offensive lineman Willie Williams are excited about the upcoming football season.
Pearland football connection optimistic and motivated nothing he could script for success,” Butler said. “He told me to take it down by down with a goal of trying to score every time I touch the ball. I’m going to incorpopattern has developed between Willie rate that thought into my game.” Williams and Jacolbie Butler that Pearland Williams is motivated by facing the top opposing head football coach Tony Heath is hoping linemen and linebackers. will continue during the 2014 high school “In the Lamar game last year I was up against a football season. Baylor-commit and I was able to handle him,” he said. Whatever direction that Williams is headed, Butler is “Then again in the state championship (Allen), there was a sure bet to follow. this highly-decorated defensive tackle. I kept putting him Williams is a 6-foot-3, 277-pound offensive lineman on his back. Linemen live for those kinds of moments.” who has started for the Oilers the past two seasons. One of Heath says that both players will be key contribuhis biggest assets is pure foot speed. Butler is a 5-foot-10, tors to the Oilers’ success in 2014. 180-pound running back who rushed for more than 1,500 “Willie has great size and flexibility to go along yards while splitting playing time with quick feet,” he said. during the 2013 season when also strong in his defendernetwork.com “He’s Pearland advanced to the Class academics.” 5A Division I state championship Inside info on Willie Williams, Jacolbie Butler Williams says that game. strong academics are a In order to get to Butler, you priority in his family. have to go through Williams. That’s the way it has been “My parents and grandparents stressed academics,” for the longtime best friends since middle school. Along he said. “If I don’t excel in the books, there’s no football. with defensive back Justice Reed, the three are nearly They go hand in hand.” inseparable. Heath credits Butler with being the model teamBoth Williams and Butler are excited about the mate. prospects for the upcoming season. “Jacolbie is one of the guys on the team that I love With the anticipation of a heavier workload in being around,” he said. “He’s got great determination terms of rushing attempts, Butler has set his sights on and his work ethic is second to none. the 2,000-yard barrier. He’s well aware of the Pearland Pearland will open the regular season on Aug. 29 at Oilers running back legacy that began with Anthony College Park. The following week (Sept. 5) the OilEvans and continued with Brandon Roberson, Foswhitt ers will host Spring Branch Memorial at The Rig. Both Whittaker, Kasey Carrier and Dustin Garrison. games are slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff. “This is a challenge that I want to take on,” Butler The District 22-6A ledger begins Sept. 11 against said. “Doing the heavy leg work and I’m looking forPasadena Dobie at Memorial Stadium. The inaugural ward to it. football game against Pearland Dawson is set for Oct. 3 “I talked to Dustin a couple of weeks ago and I at The Rig and the regular-season finale (Nov. 7) will be asked him to give me some pointers. He said there was against rival Manvel at The Rig.
A
By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
11
Fletcher headed to UH Langham Creek High School enjoyed its best season on the baseball diamond since 2007. One of the main reasons was the blossoming of senior first baseman/pitcher Aaron Fletcher. The left-handed University of Houston signee began pitching a year prior to entering high school. During the 2014 high school baseball season, Fletcher compiled a 13-0 record and allowed only 21 earned runs in 90 2/3 innings with 133 strikeouts and a 1.54 earned-run average. The Lobos won the District 17-5A championship and advanced to the Region III-5A semifinals for the first time in seven years before succumbing to Brazoswood in a best two-of-three series. “My strength is the movement of all my pitches,” Fletcher said. “With the two-seam fastball and the slider, the movement was good. It helped me to avoid the sweet spot on the bat. What I hope to get better at is command.”
Andritsos faces decisions Chris Andritsos was named the District 14-5A Most Valuable Player after hitting .453 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs. The junior right-handed pitcher and University of Oklahoma pledge was 10-0 on the mound with a 1.50 earned-run average and 107 strikeouts. This summer Andritsos will play in all-star and 18-and-under national team games beginning in North Carolina and stretching over to Long Beach, Calif. As a sophomore in 2013 Andritsos helped The Woodlands win the Class 5A state baseball championship. When Andritsos concludes his busy summer schedule, he’ll have another decision to make – whether to return to the football field as the Highlanders’ starting quarterback.
Cougars All-Americans John Horton, Issac Williams and the University of Houston men’s 4x100-meter relay team have earned All-America honors for the 2014 outdoor season by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Horton was awarded first team All-America honors after an eighth place finish in the men’s triple jump at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Williams received second team All-America honor in his collegiate career as he recorded an 11th place finish in the semifinals of the 110m hurdles. The men’s 4x100m relay team of LeShon Collins, Errol Nolan, James Arnett and Cameron Burrell received second team All-America honors. The quartet ran a 39.65 during the semifinals to finish 16th in the nation.
Astro Correa injured Shortstop Carlos Correa, the Astros’ top minor league prospect and the No. 1 pick in the 2012 first-year player draft, was recently injured in a class A Advanced league game. He was hurt while successfully sliding into third base. He had to be carried off the field after injuring his ankle following an RBI triple in the sixth inning. Correa, 19, who hit .325 with six homers and 57 RBIs in 62 games at Lancaster, was expected to be promoted to Double-A Corpus Christi soon. He had an onbase percentage of .416 and OPS of .926, putting him in line to be moved up later this year. Correa will be flown to Houston for an extensive medical evaluation.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years
12 DEFENDER | JUNE 26 | 2014
defendernetwork.com
Rev. William
Lawson
Summer Season Premiere
Maggie
Noel
Deric
Muhammad
• r ec ept io n • “Each of us has a story to tell.”
Dr. Sonya
Sloan
Tuesday, July 8 | 6-8 p.m. The Power Center 12401 S. Post Oak, Southeast Ballroom, Houston, Texas 77045
Warren Luckett
open to tHe pUBLic DJ
Supastar HOUSTON’S LEADING BLACK INFORMATION SOURCE www.defendernetwork.com/facesofblackhouston