Houston Defender: June 28, 2018

FEATURE

WHY ICE CUBE’S BIG3 LEAGUE HAS IMPROVED IN 2018 P9

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Volume 87 | Number 35

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JUNE 28, 2018 |FREE

NEWSTALK CARLA BRAILEY elected to leadership in Texas Democratic Party

Black colleges in

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P2 NATIONAL MAXINE WATERS stands by calls for protest against Trump

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SPORTS

tips for the best vacation at home

TONY KEMP Astros player defies the odds

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Antwon Rose

Omari Hardwick

The white police officer who fatally shot 17-year-old Antwon Rose in the back has been charged with criminal homicide.

The death of the unarmed Black teen prompted protests in Pittsburgh.

‘Power’ is heading back to the small screen and the drama starring Hardwick isn’t the only must-see TV this summer. The Defender takes a look at all the shows to keep you entertained this summer.

officer charged

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flexing his power

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TOP EVENTS

DiAnn Robinson, Deidra Fontaine and Rhonda Newhouse at the Alpha Kappa Alpha TSU Bench Dedication.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 28 | 2018

newstalk

Democratic Party looks to the future Defender News Services

The Texas Democratic Party recently wrapped up its convention with a new platform and new leadership.

Among those elected to lead on the TDP Executive Board are three Carla Brailey Houstonians: Carla Brailey, young professional Chris Hollins and college student Mike Floyd.

More than 7,500 delegates gathered in Fort Worth for the convention to discuss the systemic challenges faced by Democrats for 25 years.

Democrats, who have not won a statewide race since 1994, have had trouble melding their progressive themes with the hard work of turning Mike Floyd out voters in a state where conservatives dominate.

Though the Democratic base is more enthusiastic than it has been in other midterm elections, the base of the party is craving new leadership and operatives have been unable to effectively tap into the sleepy Hispanic electorate.

“They need to focus on the now, and that’s the migrant children being separated from their parents,” said Ed Gray, a political analyst with an Internet show that includes a large proChris Hollins gressive audience. “Voter registration is important. It’s critical to being successful in November.”

With the upcoming election, the first Texas midterm contests under President Donald Trump, Democrats hope to benefit from an anti-Trump backlash from independent and some Republican voters.

Unlike in previous election cycles, immigration could be a winning issue for Democrats, particularly since the country watched as migrant children were separated from their parents because of Trump’s hard line on border security.

The access to quality and affordable health care is also an issue Democrats hope they can win with.

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HISD approves $2 billion budget Less than two weeks after the Houston Independent School District school board rejected a $2 billion proposed budget for the next school year by a 5-4 vote, the same board unanimously approved the 2018-2019 district budget. The move came just five days before the state requires school budgets be approved by June 30.

The biggest difference between the two plans is that trustees lowered the amount they are setting aside for a performance review allotment from $2.5 million to $1 million. The $1.5 million difference will go toward operations and be administered out of the general fund reserve.

The remaining funds will go toward a Legislative Budget Board review of HISD’s operations.

The budget reflects $83 million in cuts to both administrative services and campus spending that will include layoffs. HISD spokesperson Lorena Cozzari said the district is working with employees who could be impacted to find other positions within the district this summer, so the exact number of layoffs won’t be known until September. Each year the district loses about 2,000 employees to attrition, she said.

In a June 4 budget workshop presentation, trustees heard how specific departments would be impacted. For instance, business operations would cut 208 positions and $15.6 million from its budget by reducing the number of maintenance and warehouse staff positions as well as eliminating the police department support staff.

However, emergency maintenance and campusbased police officer positions would not be cut.

Departments and schools should expect to see less daytime cleaning at facilities and less preventative maintenance work projects, the presentation said.

The $2 billion budget does include some increases, most notably $17 million worth for special education, dyslexia programs and the Achieve 180 program started under previous Superintendent Richard Carranza for underperforming and underserved schools.

localbriefs A BITTERLY DIVIDED SUPREME COURT UPHELD the redrawing of congressional and state legislative maps in Texas. The decision reversed earlier court findings that intentional racial discrimination had infected the way that some statehouse and congressional districts were drawn — and came five years to the day after the high court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. In a 5-4 vote, the high court upheld 10 of 11 congressional and state House districts that the maps’ challengers said intentionally undercut the voting power of Hispanic and Black voters, oftentimes to keep white incumbents in office. The Supreme Court found

that the evidence was “plainly insufficient” to prove that the 2013 Legislature acted in “bad faith” when it enacted the districts.….A $5 BILLION FEDERAL BLOCK GRANT PLAN FOR DIASASTER relief has been approved for Texas. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved the Texas General Land Office’s State Action Plan, clearing the way for Texans affected by the storm to begin applying for funds for housing recovery and infrastructure repairs, among other things. The State Action Plan is made up of two parts: $2.7 billion in funding for disaster areas other than Houston and Harris County that the land office is

administering and the remaining $2.3 billion for direct allocation by the remaining two entities.….IN WHAT WAS CONSIDERD THE WORST SEASON IN YEARS, the flu and flu-related pneumonia killed nearly 10,000 Texans in 2017-2018, according to a new state report.The 9,470 deaths represent a spike from the 20162017 total of 7,459 and the 2015-2016 total of 5,215, the only previous years when overall deaths were tracked.

The 2017-2018 total likely isn’t an all-time high, considering many past seasons were characterized by similarly high hospitalization rates and more pediatric deaths.

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JUNE 28 | 2018 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS IS CALLING for the public to “push back” on the Trump administration in response to the government’s immigration policy that separates families. “If you see anybody from that cabinet in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd and you push back on them,” she said.

“You tell them they’re not welcome anymore, anywhere.” Waters’ rallying came just days after press secretary Sarah Sanders was asked to leave a Virginia restaurant by its owner…… ..A NEW STUDY SHOWS THAT ITS MORE EXPENSIVE FOR BLACKS to have the most basic of banking services, like opening an account. Researchers found that community banks in majority-Black neighborhoods require an average minimum opening deposit of $81. In largely white neighborhoods, the minimum deposit is $61. Maintaining a checking account in Black neighborhoods also tends to be more costly, as community banks mandate an average minimum balance of $871 to avoid fees, the report from New America found. The minimum drops to $749 in Latino neighborhoods and falls even further in white neighborhoods to just $626. The expensive minimums can prove problematic for Black and Latino consumers, who tend to earn less than their white counterparts……..A CLEVELAND POLICE OFFICER WAS FIRED for harassing his daughter’s Black boyfriend.

John Kovach Jr. pulled over his daughter’s boyfriend, 18-year-old Makai Coleman, for no reason. In dash cam video, Coleman asked why he was being stopped and the officer said, “We’ll make sh*t up as we go.” He also attempted to escalate the situation by saying, “Get smart so I can do something to you, even more.” Coleman did not take the bait.

Kovach’s 18-year-old daughter was also in the car. He pulled her out and forced her into his police cruiser. The police department’s union is appealing the firing.

VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 35 JUNE 28, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer

Jodie B. Jiles

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Editor Max Edison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

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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Officer charged in fatal shooting of Black teen Defender News service

A white police officer has been charged with homicide in the shooting of Antwon Rose, an unarmed Black teenager who was hit in the back while fleeing a traffic stop, a death that has fueled daily protests around Pittsburgh.

Prosecutors cited Officer Michael Rosfeld’s inconsistent statements about whether he saw a gun in the teen’s hand.

The East Pittsburgh officer first told investigators that the teen turned his hand toward him when he ran from the car and the officer “saw something dark he perceived as a gun,” according to the criminal complaint.

During a second recap of the shooting, Rosfeld told investigators he did not see a gun and he was not sure if the teen’s arm was pointed at him when he fired at the 17-year-old.

The 30-year-old officer had been sworn in just hours before the June 19 shooting after working at the police department for a couple weeks. He turned himself in and was released on $250,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court July 6.

Criminal homicide is a broad category that includes manslaughter and murder. Pennsylvania prosecutors typically specify what subsection of homicide they will pursue later in the case.

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala said his office planned to ask a jury to consider the highest charge of first-degree murder. He argued against releasing Rosfeld on bail.

“You do not shoot someone in the back if they are not a threat to you,” Zappala said.

The car Rose was in had been stopped on suspicion of involvement in a drive-by shooting. But investigators determined that Rose had had done nothing “except be in the car,” he said.

Protesters demand justice in the death of unarmed teen Antwon Rose. He was fatally shot by police while running from an officer.

Zappala said witnesses described Rose as showing his hands before the shooting, stressing that he did not have a weapon.

A lawyer representing Rose’s family said that relatives had “guarded optimism” about the charge filed against the officer.

“The family will settle for nothing less than a conviction and appropriate sentencing,” attorney Lee Merritt said.

Rose was shot three times – in the right side of his face, in the elbow and the fatal shot to his back, which struck his lung and heart.

Rosfeld pulled over the car in which Rose was a passenger about 15 minutes after reports of a drive-by shooting in nearby North Braddock. In that attack, a 22-year-old man was shot in the abdomen and was treated and released from the hospital.

A witness described a car from that shooting as matching the one Rose was in. A bystander from a nearby home captured video of a portion of the stop and the shooting.

As Rosfeld took the driver of the car into custody, the passenger doors can be seen opening and Rose and another teen are seen running from the car. The officer then fires three shots.

Rosfeld has been on administrative leave since the shooting.

Two guns were found in the car and an empty gun magazine was found in Rose’s pocket, investigators said.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 28 | 2018

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Harassment comments spark controversy “Congresswoman Maxine Waters, an extraordinarily low IQ person, has become, together with Nancy Pelosi, the Face of the California Congresswoman Maxine Waters Democrat Party. She has just called for harm to pushed back against President Donald Trump, supporters, of which there are many, of the Make saying she wasn’t calling for people to “harm” America Great Again movehis supporters, as he tweeted, ment. Be careful what you wish but to publicly protest his for Max!” Trump tweeted.

Cabinet members.

Waters’ remarks prompted “I believe in peaceful, criticism from Democratic very peaceful protests,” she leaders, including House told reporters on Capitol Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Hill. “I have not called for who tweeted an article about the harm of anybody. This Waters and wrote that Trump’s president has lied again when “daily lack of civility has he’s saying that I’ve called provoked responses that are for harm.” predictable but unacceptable.”

The Democratic con“As we go forward, we gresswoman came under fire must conduct elections in a when she encouraged people way that achieves unity from to keep pushing back on sea to shining sea,” Pelosi’s members of Trump’s admintweet said. istration in public spaces, Congresswoman Maxine Waters Waters, however, rejected like restaurants, department the notion that Democrats have been critical of stores and gas stations. her comments. “They have not been,” she flatly Her comments, fueled by frustration over migrant families separated at the border, came at told reporters when asked about the criticism.

“Don’t put this on Nancy Pelosi. Don’t put this the end of a week when Department of Homeon anybody. Put it on Trump. Trump is the one land Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was who’s creating lies, trying to have people beheckled by activists at a restaurant in Washlieve that I talked about harming people. There ington, D.C., and White House press secretary is nowhere in my statement – any time, any Sarah Sanders was asked to leave a restaurant in place – that I talked about harm.”

Virginia.

Defender News Services

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entertainment

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The Black summer guide to must-see TV Defender News Services

Michele Weaver and Yasir Will Catlett in “Love Is.”

The fall television season is a couple of months away but that’s no reason to stare moodily at a blank screen. In this era of peak TV, there are so many outlets and shows clamoring for your summertime attention that it can be as daunting as choosing between a mojito and a frozen daiquiri.

The following highlights include enough crime to send chills down your spine, the temperature notwithstanding, along with a slice of history and some upbeat options.

“Power” – Starz, July 1 – It’s not officially summer until “Power” returns to the Starz network and on July 1, we’ll get to find out how the St. Patrick family is coping with all of the drama they endured at the end of last season.

This season is guaranteed to be action-packed as foes become friends to avenge the death of Ghost’s (Omari Hardwick) daughter.

“Love Is” – OWN, 9 p.m. Tuesdays –The romantic drama from married producers Mara Brock Akil (“Girlfriends,” ‘’The Niecy Nash and Karrueche Tran in “Claws.”

Game”) and Salim Akil competition series from “Survivor” producer Mark (“Black Lightning”) is Burnett. Contestants navigate an obstacle course as inspired by their own relationship. The series toggles rivals try hard to thwart their progress. A cash prize between the 1990s Hollywood scene and present day awaits the winner. as it follows the intertwined lives and careers of Nuri “Claws” – TNT, Sundays – The hit series is back (Michele Weaver) and Yasir (Will Catlett) and how for another season of drugs, money laundering and sex they reflect back on it all. as the ladies attempt to run their nail salon in the midst “TKO: Total Knock Out” – CBS, 7 p.m., July 11 of organized crime. Season two picks up right where – Kevin Hart is in charge as host of this light-hearted

we last saw Desna (Niecy Nash) and it’s clear that her life is about to turn upside down. “Claws” also stars Karrueche Tran.

“Hit the Floor” – BET – The VH1 drama is back for season four with a new network and new cast members. This year, “Hit the Floor” is moving to BET with Teyana Taylor joining the cast as the newest Devil Girl. BET promises that this season will have “more scandal, sex, secrets, intrigue and jaw-dropping dance routines, which captured audience’s hearts.”

“Black Love” – OWN – This docuseries is real, raw and explores the ups and downs of relationships and marriage.

Some favorite Black celebrity couples will be featured this season, including Sterling K. Brown and his wife, Niecy Nash and hubby Jay Tucker, Tina Knowles-Lawson and her husband Richard, Grant and Tamia Hill, Kirk Franklin and his wife and many more. Whether you’re in a committed relationship or single, it’s great to hear relationship stories from people who’ve been through the worst but have managed to remain strong together.

“Orange Is the New Black” – Netflix, June 9 – It’s about to get real at Litchfield as the ladies fight back against the guards and warden over their mistreatment. The series returns for its fifth season, set to take place over a period of three days. Producers are promising it’s going to be intense.

“Insecure” – HBO, Aug. 12 – Issa Rae’s hit HBO drama/comedy returns later this summer. The success of the first two seasons promises that season three will hit close to home (as many of the episodes tend to do) and touch on relationships with friends, men, coworkers, family and more. Rumor has it that “toxic masculinity” is the theme for the upcoming season which should trigger a lot of social conversation.

what’sup AVA DUVERNAY has become the first female Black director to have a film gross $100 million in a domestic box office, thanks to “A Wrinkle in Time.” DuVernay achieved a major first for Black women in film and is the 13th African-American with this accomplishment. Other Black directors on the list include RYAN COOGLER (“Black Panther”), MALCOLM D. LEE (“Girls Trip”) and JORDAN PEELE (“Get Out”). “A Wrinkle in Time” has grossed $100,327,926 domestically and $32,927,819 in international box offices. DuVernay is currently directing the DC Comics movie adaptation of “New

Gods”…….MARY J. BLIGE’s divorce to her one-time manager Kendu Isaacs is final. The news comes three months after the former couple settled their divorce out of court. Blige filed for divorce from Isaacs in July 2016 after 13 years of marriage. Last June, a judge ordered Blige to pay Isaacs $30,000 a month in temporary spousal support, in addition to $135,000. Blige was also to pay $100,000 in attorney’s fees and expert costs, which is less than the $167,000 in fees and costs that Isaacs was requesting. It has been an eventful year for Blige, who was nominated for two Oscars – Best Supporting Actress and Best

Original Song – for “Mudbound.” Blige just announced that she has been cast in a new horror drama based in part on a police shooting…….JOE JACKSON, best known as the father of MICHAEL, JANET, JERMAINE and the other Jacksons, has died after battling cancer. The 89-year-old patriarch’s death came two days after the ninth anniversary of the death of his son, Michael. Joe and Katherine Jackson wed in 1949. They moved into into a home on Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, the following year, where they welcomed their first of 10 children, Maureen “Rebbie” Jackson.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 28 | 2018

SUMMER BREAK

ways to vacation at home

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

While many of us would love to visit the Riviera or bask on the beaches in the Bahamas this summer, an out-of-town escape might not be in the budget. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little R&R, and a staycation in Houston or the surrounding area can be just the thing you need. Here are some tips to help you enjoy time off.

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Plan ahead Decide if you want your staycation to involve a home spa, movie marathon or other relaxing activity. Even though you’ll be staying in town, you might still want to splurge on a nice dinner or go to the movies, so set a budget and stick with it. Remember to schedule some “down time.” A staycation should be fun and relaxing and shouldn’t wear you out.

Unplug. Consider turning off the ringer on your phone, letting messages go into voicemail or leaving your computer off. Set up an “out of the office” message for your e-mail and say you won’t be checking it until you return from vacation.

Enjoy the hotel experience If you still feel the need to get away, consider spending the night in a hotel. Go online to find discounts and the most affordable hotels. Once you check in, you can order room service, relax by the pool and temporarily forget about doing laundry, cutting the grass or cleaning the bathroom. Houston has a plethora of hotels.

Search for resident-only hotel and activity discounts. Some hotels and resorts have resident-only discounts, because, like us, they need to pay the bills. If they’re not listed on the company’s websites (they’re often not), pick up the phone and call. If there aren’t any resident-only deals, ask about other savings, like Triple A student, military, or senior citizens discounts. to you.

Indulge at the spa. You don’t have to stay at an expensive resort to be pampered. Check out a local day spa and treat yourself to a massage, facial, manicure/pedicure or other treatments.

If you stay home, check out. There’s always a closet to clean, a garage to de-clutter or windows to wash. A “staycation,” however, won’t be relaxing if you spend the entire time on chores. Try to get chores out of the way before taking time off, or if you must clean, allocate a specific amount of time to do it.

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Explore a different part of town. Houston’s neighborhoods are numerous and diverse. You can spend the entire summer exploring the city and its surrounding areas, from Sugarland to Pearland to the Woodlands.

When’s the last time you were in Third Ward, Fifth Ward or Fourth Ward? Have you visited Midtown or Chinatown lately?

Don’t forget about West University or the Heights or the Galleria.

Take a class. Do you want to learn a new recipe, make a quilt or improve your golf game? Take a class during your staycation. You can learn a new language, try line dancing or become a better photographer.

Get out of town. If you can’t travel to the Caribbean, Texas is a big state full of places to give you the vacation experience, such as the San Antonio Riverwalk, Big Bend National Park and beaches in Galveston, Padre Island or Corpus Christi. There’s the State Capitol in Austin or Travaasa outside of Austin, which has a top-notch spa and exhaustive list of activities, from origami lessons to a fitness class featuring a mechanical bull. (Oh, and you might love their strict no-child policy).

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Read a good book or two. Many beachgoers enjoy a summer read, and you can do the same in your living room or backyard. The choices are endless, from romance to short stories, adventure, inspirational works or biographies. Make it a family affair and encourage your kids or grandkids to keep their minds sharp by reading over the summer.

Discovery G staycation.

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Places to go, things to do

Green, an 11-a cre downtown park, is one pl .a ace to visit on yo

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e Houston area for over 85 years

There are hundreds of sites to see and things to do in Houston. Here are a few suggestions: Discover nature in area parks. If getting in touch with nature is a goal for you and your family this summer, the Houston area has opportunities galore. Prime destinations include Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve in Spring and Discovery Green Park and Hermann Park in Houston. If you’re into paddling or kayaking the waterways, there’s Buffalo Bayou in downtown, Cypress Creek Greenway and Spring Creek Greenway which can be accessed anywhere between Humble and Spring.You can find nature preserves and parks in Harris County online.

Visit Boardwalks. Head to Pleasure Pier and grab on to all your childhood pleasures on this cool boardwalk ride filled pier on Galveston Island. It has rides, restaurants and awesome sea air too. Or head over to the Kemah Boardwalk, where the fun never stops. It has it all including shops, restaurants, games, rides, and fireworks.

Make a day of it on the boardwalk.

Try the tunnel. Take a trip to downtown’s 7.5-mile long tunnel system, which is 20-feet below and air-conditioned. It includes restaurants, shops, salons and banks.

Entry points are from street-level stairs, escalators, and elevators located inside office buildings that are connected to the tunnel. Access to the tunnel is on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit houstondowntown.com.

Tour the bayoum. Houston owes its existence to

the Buffalo Bayou, the 53-mile waterway that flows through the Houston area. In 1836, brothers August and John Allen stepped ashore on a stretch of the bayou and laid claim to the land. The bayou helped Houston thrive as a commercial hub and is a focal point of recreation.

Visit buffalobayou.org.

Visit row houses. Project Row Houses started with the renovation of 22 shotgun houses in Third Ward. It has grown to 39 properties encompassing four blocks. The mixed-use spaces have helped transform the community with art exhibitions, houses for young mothers, and office and commercial spaces. Visit projectrowhouses.org.

Stop by a museum. The Houston Museum District has 19 institutions providing experiences in art, history, culture, nature and science. The district is an important tourism destination and a vital educational resource.

Institutions include the Houston Museum of African-American Culture (hmaac.org) and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (buffalosoldiermuseum.com).

Watch a game . Our reigning World Series champs the Houston Astros play regular season baseball through September. Minute Maid Park’s retractable roof technology brought open-air baseball to Houston for the first time in 35 years. The natural grass surface and classic architecture are a throwback to past ballparks. Tours are offered MondaySaturday during non-home games. Visit houston. astros.mlb.com.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 28 | 2018

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Be your own boss: Tips to get you started

By Family Features

Entrepreneurship is alive and well, even if the face of small business is evolving with the times. Autonomy in management and making dreams a reality are the reasons most cited by entrepreneurs looking to open a small business.

Nearly half of all respondents in the annual UPS Store “Inside Small Business Survey” said they’d be optimistic about opening a small business this year. Of respondents who hope to open a small business, top motivators include being their own bosses (38 percent), followed by believing in the power of their own ideas (17 percent) and creating their next career paths (15 percent).

“The American Dream of owning your own business is still very much real, especially when compared to the rest of the developed world,” said Dr. Luke Pittaway, Ohio University College of Business Copeland professor of entrepreneurship.

However, how Americans are choosing to open small businesses is where there may be a shift.

“Consumer habits are changing,” Pittaway said. “That’s forcing Americans to consider how they open small businesses, whether it’s focusing more on e-commerce than actual store fronts or focusing on selling to a local community or region instead of a broader national audience.”

This action plan from experts at the UPS Store can help you get you on your way to launching a successful start-up: 1. Analyze your target audience. Start by performing extensive market research to understand your customers’ core necessities. Assessing your target demographic gives you a clear perspective on how to serve the people in it.

2. Determine a legal structure. Selecting the right legal structure ultimately determines how you handle income taxes and all government reporting requirements. Many small businesses fall under a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC) while bigger entities may identify as corporations.

3. Establish your premises. Choosing the right business setting could be the difference between a cost-effective start-up and a moderately expensive one. Your work space should fall within your monthly budget while still satisfying the needs of your customers.

4. Determine your budget and expenses.

Assessing your available funds enables you to prioritize and assign an appropriate amount to your business assets. This should include necessities for daily operations, as well as secondary expenses, such as traveling and meetings.

5. Develop a business plan. Think of a business plan as a road map that indicates where your start-up stands and where it is headed. If you need funding, it’s also a great tool to articulate your ideas, philosophies and goals.

6. Set up a marketing plan. Conduct an analysis of your business’s strengths and weaknesses to devise strategies and tactics that account for challenges and opportunities your business is likely to face. The scale of your marketing plan will likely depend on resources you have available and your target audience but should feature a variety of tactics. Your plan should include printed materials as well as digital to cover things like search and social media.

7. Be competitive. Examine your competitors to determine the areas in which they thrive and see what makes them successful.

Learn from the landscape to improve upon their strengths and gain an upper hand on their weaknesses. For example, implement various pricing models, such as special offers, coupons and rewards, rather than sticking with your initial, low price to remain competitive and profitable.

You should also learn how to concisely pitch your business like a pro. Tips include: • Draw out the essentials. Reduce your pitch to a few digestible bites.

• Add an entertainment factor to make your pitch engaging and memorable.

• Anticipate questions. Prepare yourself to reassure concerned investors and flesh out subjects you may have kept brief for your presentation.

• Know your audience. Make sure you do your homework and know who you are addressing.

• Practice until it hurts. Take the time to

practice your entire pitch, including answers to likely questions, until you know it inside and out.

• Have the materials to back it up. A written document is your chance to leave a lasting impression and elaborate on your major selling points.

classifieds Invitation for Bids Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors and vendors for construction of control no. 0912-72-075 on CS at Clinton Dr-POH Gate 8 to IH 610 that bids on July 10, 2018. Mail, fax, or email quotations to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., 1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 fax: (512) 707-0798 email: bbiisw@bbiius.com. DBE/HUB contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are available to be reviewed at TxDOT Plans On-line: http://bit.do/dBJ5G E.O.E. For information contact Brian Ficzeri at (512) 707-0797.

The HARRIS CENTER for Mental Health and IDD (formerly known as MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY) will be accepting proposals for the following:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Specifications may be secured from The Harris Center, Purchasing Services located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7279, The Harris Center website www.theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Tuesday, July 10, 2018.

Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Tuesday, July 17, 2018. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2018 in a sealed envelope marked "PROPOSAL DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018, PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES". Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Sharon Brauner, C.P.M., Buyer III and Nina Cook, MBA, CTPM, CPPB, Director of Purchasing via E-mail to sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org cc: nina.cook@theharriscenter.org or fax at (713) 970-7682. The Harris Center reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

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How Ice Cube’s Big3 league is improving Defender News Services

Big3 Commissioner Clyde Drexler joins founders Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz.

Toronto, marking the league’s first game outside of U.S. soil.

6.They have a sponsor. Adidas has come on board this season as a Big3 sponsor, which Ice Cube thinks will add legitimacy to their game.

7. Bigger is better. While NBA teams are getting smaller and more position-less, the Big3 has seen the benefits of a dominant post scorer like Trilogy’s Al Harrington, who can command a double team. As a result, teams went heavy on big men in April’s Big3 draft and attempted to surround them with shooters.

8. Community outreach. The Big3 won’t just play basketball this season. The goal is to make an impact in the communities and grow the game. They partnered with Adidas to start 4.79”W the Young3, a x 3.25”H 3-on-3 youth basketball initiative.

Throughout the season Young3 will host 3-on-3 tournaments and skills clinics for children ages 7-14 in all 10 Big3 city stops on Thursdays, ahead of the league’s Friday night primetime games. In each city, they will also invest time and money into improving the infrastructure of community courts so players are able to have the ultimate 3-on-3 experience. The outreach program will work to engage young audiences in the growing popularity of 3-on-3 basketball, which was added as an official event at the 2020 Olympic Games.

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

Ryan White Part A, Part B & State Services Priority Rankings and Allocations for 2019 A l s o l e a r n a b o u t … Special Topics in HIV

Monday, July 2, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

This televised Public Hearing will be held at the Houston City Hall Annex - City Council Chambers 900 Bagby Street, Public Level - Metered Parking in Back

Watch LIVE online: www.houstontx.gov/htv; or on Comcast Ch. 16, Phonoscope Ch. 73, Suddenlink Ch. 14, U-Verse Ch. 99 Ryan White Planning Council Office of Support 2223 West Loop South, Suite 240; Houston, TX 77027 572-2813  www.rwpcHouston.org 713 572-3724  713 572-3740  713 T:4.79”

LEGAL NOTICE Game #

Game Name / Odds

These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon:

$

Official Close of Game

End Validations Date

1898

Texas Lottery® Gold $20 Overall Odds are 1 in 3.09

7/27/18

1/23/19

2024

Wild 9’s Overall Odds are 1 in 4.91

$1

8/22/18

2/18/19

2020

Money Overall Odds are 1 in 3.90

$5

8/22/18

2/18/19

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and veterans. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2018 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

T:3.25”

What started off as an experiment last season has grown into a success, and the Big3 kicked off its second season recently here in Houston. The 3-on-3 professional basketball league founded by Ice Cube features former NBA players traveling from city to city, playing games that feature four-point shots and plenty of trash talk.

The league was a hit last summer, and they’ve made plenty of improvements for season two.

Here are some ways the Big3 is better in 2018.

1. Clyde “the Glide” at the helm. Hall of Famer, NBA champion and Houston hero Clyde Drexler took over as commissioner for season two after serving as the head coach of Power last year. No offense to former commissioner Roger Mason Jr., but Drexler adds some name recognition to the position and to the league.

2. More big-name players.

Seeing how much fans enjoyed watching former NBA players on the court last season, the league has opened up a new co-captain roster spot for each team, allowing new players to join existing teams. As a result, there are even more familiar faces on the court, including Metta World Peace, Baron Davis, Amar’e Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer and Nate Robinson, to name a few.

3. Games will air live. Ice Cube admits that last season’s tape-delayed broadcasts took away from the legitimacy of the league, but that won’t be an issue this year. Every game will air live on Fox, FS1 and/or Facebook to allow fans to see the action unfold in real time.

4. A major end-of-game tweak. Fans love game-winning jumpers but game-winning free throws, not so much. Ice Cube said he didn’t want to tinker with the rules too much, but they have implemented one significant change: When a team reaches “point game,” meaning one more basket will win the game for them, the opposing team will be granted a foul to give. This, Ice Cube believes, will lead to more games being won during live play instead of at the free throw line.

5. Going international. Not only will the games be broadcast in four dozen countries, but the Big3 has also crossed the border for one of its venues this season.

On July 27, all four games will be played at the Air Canada Centre in

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sports

Astros Tony Kemp defies odds in MLB high school, so it was simply a matter of getting some reps in the minor leagues before coming back,” he said.

Despite an impressive college resume, Kemp quickly realized the road to the Major Leagues would be a tough one, especially on a team loaded with minor league talent like the Astros. Patience, focus and a strong work ethic became his motivation.

“Your journey is what you need to run and you don’t need to worry what other people are doing. I simply concern myself with what’s ahead of me,” he said.

“I compare the game to my junior year at Vanderbilt…It’s going out there playing baseball. It just happens to be in the big leagues.

Right now I’m just trying to stay consistent, trying to be the best teammate I can and help this team win ball games. I take it day by day and I’m thankful each day for what God has given me.”

By MAX EDISON Defender

At first glance you probably wouldn’t figure Tony Kemp to be a Major League Baseball player; perhaps an elementary school teacher or the guy at an electronics store who fixes your laptop. At 5-feet-6 and 165 pounds he’s small, even by Jose Altuve standards.

This is not about appearance but about performance. Kemp can play some baseball and we’re witnessing it now on the Major League level. Kemp is the Astros starting leftfielder.

For those who know the Franklin, Tenn. native, it comes as no surprise that Kemp has worked his way to the majors. He attended Vanderbilt University, where he was the SEC Freshman of the Year and a first-team All-SEC performer.

Kemp’s standout play helped lead Vandy to its first College World Series appearance. He followed that season with a 2013 campaign that saw him named All-American and SEC Player of the Year. The Astros selected him in the fifth round of the 2013 MLB draft.

This season Kemp was called up to the majors on May 16 from Triple A Fresno. He had been dominant in the minors hitting .335 with 13 stolen bases in 38 games.

He has fit in comfortably as the team’s fourth outfielder, starting regularly in left field. He has used his speed to make highlight reel defensive plays and has hit a solid .300 offensively.

Kemp’s play has caught the eye of Astros skipper A.J. Hinch.

“We’re watching him play exactly how he’s played throughout his whole minor league career,” Hinch said recently. “He just hasn’t had the chance to get regular at-bats in the big leagues.

That quality at-bat, that spark at the end of the order, him being on base in front of George [Springer], [Alex] Bregman and

Kemp has fit in comfortably with the team since coming from the minors.

Jose is invaluable.”

“This is probably the best chance he’s had in his brief major league career to get some regular playing time, if he contributed. He’s done something positive every day to help us. That makes it easy for me to keep putting him in the lineup.”

Kemp, 26, has had stints in the majors before and is careful not to get caught up in the moment.

“It’s definitely a special feeling, especially coming in the clubhouse every day with what we’ve been able to do – winning 10 in a row on the road. It’s nice to be a small part on the big team.”

Playing on a World Series-winning team with All-Stars like Springer, Correa, Altuve and Justin Verlander could cause a young player to become starstruck. Now in his fifth season in the organization, Kemp said those days are behind him.

While Kemp was a college All-American at second base, he quickly realized that he had to change positions to advance in the Astros organization.

“You have to be willing to play multiple positions if you want to make it to the big leagues,” he said. “If you’re not that first-rounder, that person who’s going to shoot to the big leagues you’ve got to figure out a way to find a spot on a team.

“We already had Altuve so I had to revert back to the outfield. It was basically like riding a bike. I played there in

Tony Kemp is the team’s starting leftfielder. (Photos courtesy Houston Astros)

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JUNE 28 | 2018 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Winston in trouble again Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston is in trouble again and it could cost him a three-game suspension. Winston allegedly sexually abused a female Uber driver by grabbing her in the crotch after leaving a party in Scottsdale, Ariz. in March 2016. The driver alleged that Winston groped her while they waited in a drive-thru line at a restaurant. She filed a complaint with Uber after her ride with Winston but declined to file charges because “I didn’t want to be publicly known as the woman who Jameis Winston groped.” Winston denied the driver’s claims. Winston, a former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick, was previously accused of rape by a fellow Florida State University student in 2012. The lawsuit was settled with undisclosed terms in 2016.

Cougars’ Montgomery wins

Keep kids safe while swimming this summer adult to watch young children while in or around water.

Supervisors of preschool children should be close enough to reach them at all times. Because drowning occurs quickly Summer is here and public and private pools are popular and quietly, adults should not be involved in any other with kids of all ages. While swimming can be fun and great distracting activity (such as reading, playing cards, talking on exercise, it can also be dangerous.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ev- the phone or mowing the lawn) even if lifeguards are present.

Use the buddy system. Always swim with a buddy. ery day, about 10 people die from unintentional drowning. Of Select swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible. these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks Wear life jackets and remember that air-filled or foam fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in toys are not safety devices. Don’t use air-filled or foam toys, the United States. Nearly 80 percent of drowning victims are such as “water wings,” “noodles,” or inner-tubes instead of male. life jackets. These Another toys are not life alarming statistic jackets and are not is the fact that The Houston Parks & Recreation Dept. offers free designed to keep African-Americans SwimWise learn-to-swim classes for all ages & swimmers safe. ages 5-19 drown in skill levels. Visit www.houstontx.gov/parks/ Avoid alcohol. swimming pools Do not drink beer, at rates 5.5 times wine or liquor before higher than those of or during swimming, boating or water skiing. Do not drink whites. According to the USA Swimming Foundation and the alcohol while supervising children.

University of Memphis, 70 percent of African-Americans do Install four-sided fencing if you have a pool at home. not know how to swim.

The fence should completely separate the pool area from the Some experts say that swimming never became a major house and yard and be at least 4 feet high. Use self-closing part of African-American recreational culture because of and self-latching gates that open outward with latches that segregated pools in the past. are out of reach of children. Consider additional barriers such Here are some safety tips from the CDC and the Texas as automatic door locks and alarms.

Parks and Wildlife Department: Clear the pool and deck of toys. Remove floats, balls Learn to swim. Formal swimming lessons can protect and other toys immediately after use so children are not young children from drowning. However, even when children have had formal swimming lessons, careful supervision tempted to enter the pool area unsupervised.

Be safe in natural water settings. Water can look is still important. calm on the surface but be aware of currents under the Learn CPR. CPR performed by bystanders has been surface. Whether you’re swimming in a lake, river or shown to save lives and improve outcomes in drowning vicocean, underwater currents exist and can put you in dantims. The more quickly CPR is started, the better the chance ger. If you find yourself in a current, do not swim against of improved outcomes. In the time it takes for paramedics to it. Instead, swim with it until conditions are calm enough arrive, your CPR skills could save someone’s life. for you to swim to safety.

Always supervise children. Designate a responsible Defender News Services

Kahmari Montgomery bested his previous personal-record of 44.91 and set a program-record winning the 400 meters recently at the USATF Outdoor Championships at Drake Stadium.

Montgomery posted both a personal record and program record with a time of 44.58 in the finals of the 400. The junior from Plainfield, Ill. finished seventh at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore. with a time of 45.75. Montgomery earned First Team All-America honors in the event. Montgomery ranked No. 21 in the world and No. 9 among Americans coming into the USATF Championships.

UT settling lawsuit The University of Texas has agreed to settle a race and gender discrimination lawsuit filed by Bev Kearney, a former UT women’s track coach.

Kearney, who is Black, was forced out of her job in 2013 after the school learned she had a relationship with an athlete a decade earlier. “The settlement agreement has not been fully finalized,” said a UT spokesman. “Once it is, the agreement will be publicly available in accordance with state law.” Kearney argued that she was treated differently than a white former Texas assistant football coach – current University of Houston football coach Major Applewhite – who was allowed to keep his job and was later promoted after the school learned he had a relationship with a student trainer on a bowl trip. In court documents, Kearney’s attorney asked, “Why did Texas sweep the misconduct of Applewhite, a white male, under the rug, but publicly punish Kearney, an African-American female?”

UT reportedly began considering settlement after the Texas Supreme Court decided last year that Kearney’s lawsuit could proceed. Kearney took the Longhorns to six national track and field women’s championships.

Library offers recreation The Houston Public Library won the KaBoom!

Play Everywhere Challenge Grant and recently unveiled the winning playground equipment at Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning, 1050 Quitman. Additional kids’ playground equipment will be installed at four other locations: Shepard-Acres Neighborhood Library, 8501 West Montgomery; Central Library, 500 McKinney; Smith Neighborhood Library, 3624 Smith St., and HPL Southwest Express Library, 6400 High Star. KaBoom! is a national non-profit dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve through safe places to play. For info call visit www. houstonlibrary.org or call 832-393-1313.

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

topevents

AKA #THINKHBCU DONATION & BENCH DEDICATION……..Alpha food, music, dance, dress, art, literature, capoeira and more. Attendees included Dr. Kappa Alpha Sorority held a bench dedication and check presentation at Texas Angelina Chambers, Charles Washington, Nedzra Johnson, Kofi Taharka, Southern University as part of their “29 Moments of Service” and the #ThinkHBCU L.J. Garfield, Deloyd Parker, Courtney House, Juan Armela, Maraleny initiative. The $10,000 donation presented by AKA International President Dorothy Castro, Rebekah Jones, Bradley Ward, Ifueko Omorogbe, Cilia Canga, Buckhanan Wilson to TSU President Dr. Austin Lane was matched by the Elsie McGowan and many more……..BREAKING BARRIERS AWARDS TSU Foundation for a total endowed scholarship of $20,000. Attendees included LUNCHEON……..Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. (CRR), a nonprofit United Connie Cochran, Deidra Fontaine, Councilmembers Way agency that helps individuals identify and overcome barriers Amanda Edwards and Martha Castex-Tatum, Rakayla to employment, recently recognized Harris County Judge Ed Defender TOP EVENTS and Mrs. Gwen Emmett along with Philamena and Arthur Robertson, Deshara L. Goss, Genell Gill, Orlando Sutton, More photos on defendernetwork.com Lashawn Hamb, Dr. Dyonne Browder, Sidnee Browder, Baird at the 22nd Annual Barrier Breaker Awards Luncheon.

Dr. Polly Turner, Lisa Brooks, Jarra Collins, Gwen Held at the Hyatt Regency Houston, the event was co-chaired by Brinkley, Emerald Green and many more……..2018 Doug and Winell Herron. Star clients of CRR, including Shawn INTERNATIONAL FOOD & CULTURE FESTIVAL……..To bridge the gap Granger, Anna Vasquez, Cathy Mitchell and Jessica Y who have broken through barriers, were honored. Moreover, CRR’s Star Company, H-E-B, was celebrated as an between cultures, SHAPE Community Center and community partners hosted the 2018 International Food & Cultural Festival, the third annual event of its outstanding company leader in the community. Other attendees included CRR CEO Dr. kind showcasing international flavor through the food and culture of countries Vernus Swisher, Dr. Stephen Klineberg, Art Contreras, Algenita Scott Davis, Pastor Manson Johnson, Spencer Tillman, Cynthia Cisneros and many more. represented in Houston. The event offered participants a global experience via

Emerald Green, Alexis Horn

DiAnn Robinson, Deidra Fontaine, Rhonda Newhouse

Charles Washington, L.J. Garfield

Grimaldo Rocha, Dumilde Assuncao, Lidia Vilinga, Cilia Canga

Stephen Klineberg, Winell Herron, Gwen Emmett, Kathy Griffin-Grinan

Karina Hernandez, Aaron Mosley

Dr. Dyonne Browder, Sidnee Browder, Jarra Collins

Rebekah Jones, Bradley Ward

Judge Ed Emmett, Dr. Vernus Swisher

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