Houston Defender: July 09, 2015

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Volume 84 | Number 32 JULY 9, 2015 |FREE

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NEWSTALK SHEILA JACKSON LEE applauds settlement with BP

P2 NATIONAL BILL COSBY admits buying pills

P4

FEATURE

MISTY COPELAND

MAKES BALLET HISTORY H PAGE 5

Minimum wage increase sought The movement to raise America’s minimum wage continues to grow, while Texas abides by the federal wage of $7.25 an hour. See why higher pay will make a significant difference to Blacks. Learn how much money Houstonians really need to meet basic needs.

H PAGE 6

Justise Winslow joins Miami

CHANGE HAPPENS receives grant from CDC

P8 Rev. Leslie Smith

TOP EVENTS

Native Houstonian Justise Winslow is excited about being drafted by the Miami Heat. Hear what the former Duke star says about being a winner.

Find out why Heat president and coaching legend Pat Riley couldn’t be happier to welcome Winslow.

H PAGE 11

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Federal Judge George Hanks and wife Stacey at his swearing-in

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DEFENDER | JULY 9 | 2015

newstalk

Free summer meals for youth The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.) is once again providing free meals for youth ages 1-18 through its Summer Food Service Program. Meals are available at more than 400 area sites and no registration is required.

Locations include H.P.A.R.D. community centers, churches, apartment complexes, learning centers and nonprofit organizations.

H.P.A.R.D representatives, elected officials and anti-hunger advocates were among those who recently gathered to emphasize the need of the program, which began locally in 1980.

The program is funded by the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Child Nutrition Act, and is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division.

Joe Turner, the director of H.P.A.R.D., wants to ensure that area residents are aware of the program.

“We are able to provide these meals that directly impact the quality of life for these children today and for all of us in the future because of the USDA’s Child Nutrition Act,” Turner said.

“Without the funding received through this program, Congressman Gene Green and Mayor Annise Parker hand out meals at Selena Quintanilla Perez Community millions of children would go Center as part of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Food Service Program. hungry across the nation and specifically here in Houston.

Program site is as easy as calling 2-1-1 In addition to addressing couple of weeks, we want to ensure that or texting FOODTX to 877-877. We hunger needs, Turner said the program the word gets out to families that there are over 400 sites ready to provide their hope that families across Houston will works to engage children in other children with summer meals through get the word and find a site near them educational and enrichment activities.

August,” Turner said.

“As the HISD summer school so that no child is left hungry this “Finding a Summer Food Service session comes to an end in the next summer.”

Texas gets $750 million from BP settlement Texas will receive more than $750 million as part of an $18.7 billion settlement with oil giant BP related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Texas is one of five Gulf Coast states receiving money.

The other states are Louisiana ($6.8 billion), Florida ($3.2 billion), Alabama ($2.3 billion) and Mississippi ($1.5 billion).

Payments will be spread over 18 years, and the agreement includes damages, penalties and settlement of federal and local claims.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said she is pleased

to see the matter end.

“I applaud BP for doing the right thing and bringing this long legal battle to an end,” Jackson Lee said. “This settlement will mend and restore the lives of so many Gulf Coast families and businesses which were hurt economically by this devastating spill. I look forward to the total restoration of the Gulf of Mexico and those impacted by their losses.”

Gov. Greg Abbott said the settlement will allow Texas to “reinvest in the Gulf community and reinvigorate the economic and environmental health of the region.”

In its lawsuit, Texas said the spill cost the state tax revenue and state park revenue, and injured, destroyed or contaminated coastal habitats and wildlife.

BP said the agreements do not cover the remaining costs of the 2012 class action settlements for economic and property damage and medical claims. They also do not cover claims by individuals and businesses that opted out of the 2012 settlements or whose claims were excluded from them.

The explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig killed 11 workers and spilled millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

ever find a gun anywhere, do not touch it or allow anyone else to. They should leave the area where the gun is and immediately tell an adult…….. THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR is making $1.7 million available to the state of Texas to fund a demonstration project for Houston youth. Administered by the Texas Workforce Commission and the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, the grant will fund the development of a program to engage youth with opportunities in targeted industries including manufacturing, construction and logistics. The program will target low income, out-of-school youth between the ages of 16 and 29 residing in the Houston area, with

priority given to homeless, truant, court-involved, transient and foster youth. For info visit www.twc. state.tx.us or call 1-888-469-5627..……..THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY has designated 19 new Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) Academies for the 2015-16 school year, including the Alief ISD STEM Academy.

There are now 104 T-STEM academies across the state. The academies are rigorous secondary schools focusing on improving instruction and academic performance in science and math-related subjects, with a goal of increasing the number of students who pursue STEM careers.

localbriefs THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE is reminding residents of the importance of firearm safety after the death of a 3-year-old boy on July 5. The boy accidentally shot himself in the face after finding a gun at his grandparents’ house in the Spring area. The case will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for a grand jury review. Adults who keep a firearm in the home for safety should make sure it is readily available to them but inaccessible and inoperative to others. Always store it in a locked safe, gun vault or storage case, and out of the reach of children. Use gun locks for added safety and store ammunition separately. Teach children that if they

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DEFENDER | JULY 9 | 2015

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national

U.S.briefs

LAPD investigates Cosby amid deposition statements The Los Angeles Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation into sexual assault allegations against Bill Cosby.

The news comes on the heels of statements made by Cosby in a 2005 deposition, in which he admitted obtaining the sedative Quaalude to give to women he wanted to have sex with.

More than 20 women have publicly accused Cosby of drugging, raping, coercing or sexually assaulting them from 1965 to 2004. Most of the women allege that Cosby either offered them pills or drugged them by spiking their drinks.

The most famous of the women is former model and entrepreneur Beverly Johnson, who said Cosby drugged her and roughed her up in the mid-1980s but did not sexually assault her.

Cosby, who turns 78 on July 12, has never been criminally charged, and most of the accusations are barred by statutes of limitations.

LAPD, however, said it would investigate any sexual assault accusations against Cosby, even past the statute of limitations.

Cosby’s statements about acquiring prescription Quaaludes were revealed after the Associated Press asked for the release of court documents related to a lawsuit filed against him by a former Temple University employee.

Lawyers for Cosby fought the deposition’s release, arguing it would embarrass him. A judge, however, unsealed a portion of it.

The document stems from a civil lawsuit filed

by Andrea Constand, who said Cosby assaulted her in 2004. Cosby answered questions from Constand’s attorney, Dolores Troiani.

“When you got the Quaaludes, was it in your mind that you were going to use these Quaaludes for young women that you wanted to have sex with?” Troiani asked.

“Yes,” Cosby said.

“Did you ever give any of those young women the Quaaludes without their knowledge?” Troiani asked.

Cosby’s attorney objected and told him not to answer the question.

Though Cosby said he acquired Quaaludes, he did not admit to actually drugging any of his accusers, and has long denied any wrongdoing. His attorneys have not commented on the latest developments.

S.C. Senate votes to remove Confederate flag The South Carolina Senate voted 36-3 to remove the Confederate flag from in front of the Statehouse.

The bill now goes to the House, which will send it directly to the floor for a vote and bypass committee.

Momentum to take down the divisive flag grew after 21-year-old Dylann Roof shot and killed nine Black people at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston on June 17. A web page showed photos of Roof waving the Confederate flag.

The victims included State Sen. Clementa Pinckney, the church pastor. Pinckney’s widow, Jennifer, was present for the Senate vote. After the

measure passed, she visited the floor, prompting many members of the chamber to form a line to greet her.

House Majority Leader Bruce Bannister, a Republican, said lawmakers have several proposals to replace the flag with different banners.

Statehouse Democrats disagreed, and said they want a “clean bill” that doesn’t include an alternate flag.

Gov. Nikki Haley supported the flag’s removal.

“I don’t think that this is going to be easy. I don’t think that it’s going to be painless,” Haley said. “But I do think that it will be respectful, and that it will move swiftly.”

FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL Eric Holder is returning to private law practice, rejoining the same firm where he previously worked. Covington & Burling announced that Holder will rejoin the firm as a partner.

Holder will be based in Washington and will focus on complex investigations and litigation. He said the firm is his “last stop” in his legal career and ruled out a U.S. Supreme Court nomination if he is asked. Holder, 64, said that after serving as a D.C. Superior Court judge for five years earlier in his career, he decided that judges were referees. “I want to be a player,” he said……..CHICAGO WAS ROCKED by violence over the Fourth of July weekend as shootings left 10 people dead and 55 others wounded. Victims killed included 7-year-old Amari Brown, who was shot in the chest as he watched fireworks near his father’s home. Police said they believed the attack was intended for the youngster’s father, a ranking gang member. Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said the violence shows the number of officers working the streets isn’t as effective as having gun laws that put offenders behind bars. McCarthy said Illinois’ sentencing laws for gun crimes are too lenient……..

EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS released by the Labor Department show that during June, job prospects for Black women improved. The jobless rate for Black women fell nearly a full percentage point last month, from 8.8 percent in May to 7.9 percent in June. The unemployment rate for white women declined from 4.3 percent in to 4.2 percent last month.

The unemployment rate for Black men also improved, but not as quickly as for Black women, falling from 10.2 percent in May to 9.7 percent in June. It was still more than double the 4.2 percent unemployment rate for white men, which hasn’t changed since May.

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 32 JULY 9, 2015

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

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall

Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

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

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entertainment

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Misty Copeland

makes ballet history M

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

isty Copeland was recently promoted to principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), becoming the first female African-American dancer to reach such status in the 75-year history of the company. Based in New York City, ABT is one of the world’s leading classical ballet companies.

Copeland succeeded against the odds, having grown up in poverty in the Los Angeles area.

At age 13, she began taking ballet lessons at a Boys and Girls Club, and the experience changed her life. She was a gifted dancer and received local acclaim. She later studied at the San Francisco Ballet School and was eventually accepted by ABT. A recipient of the Leonore Annenberg Fellowship in the Arts, Copeland is also an inductee into the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame.

Here, she talks about her career and her memoir, “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina.”

KW: You didn’t begin with ballet until you were 13, and yet you’ve made it all the way to the top of the profession. How hard was that?

MC: It’s extremely difficult, and not an approach I would recommend. But, at the time, I didn’t grasp what it was I was doing. It was just fun, it came naturally to me, and I enjoyed learning something new every single day. So, I didn’t think of it as difficult at the time.

KW: In your book, you have a recurring theme where you say, “This is for the little brown girls.” What do you mean by that?

MC: I feel like I represent every young dancer, and even non-dancer, who felt they were not accepted by the ballet world. I’d like to think that they can see themselves in me. So, every time I

made that statement, I was sort of saying, “I’m doing this for you, so it will be easier for you.”

KW: How did you manage to fare so well without any formal training before your teens?

MC: I think I always felt a connection to music and to movement. Growing up, I was surrounded

by R&B and hip-hop, and the closest thing I could find to dance was gymnastics which I watched on TV. So, I just used those avenues I found available right in my milieu to express what was inside of me.

Ballet was exactly what I was searching for, but my environment definitely made me the dancer and the person that I am today.

KW: What did it feel like to be ignored by the white ballerinas in your dance company when you arrived in New York at the age of 16?

MC: I felt isolated because I didn’t know what the reason was at that age. My being Black had never been talked about in the studio where I trained in California. I was just another dancer.

When I moved to Manhattan, I first thought I was being singled out because I had trained for such a short period of time. But I was the only Black girl.

KW: What is the most surprising thing people should know about you?

MC: I think I’m pretty laid back. I like cooking, being at home, and going to concerts. And I love to shop.

KW: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?

MC: Striving for perfection.

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

MC: Surround yourself with people who care about you and support you. And to do it for yourself and because you love it.

what’sup KELLY ROWLAND will appear on Fox’s hit drama “Empire” this fall. Rowland will portray the mother of Lucious Lyon – played by TERRENCE HOWARD – in a flashback. Other guest stars will include CHRIS ROCK, LENNY KRAVITZ and ALICIA KEYS……..The OPRAH WINFREY Network’s season premiere of “The Haves and the Have Nots” set a new record with 3.3 million total viewers, and was the most-watched season premiere in network history. The show, created by TYLER PERRY, was also the night’s No. 1 cable telecast among female viewers……..Rapper RICK ROSS has been released on $2 million bail after his recent arrest on kidnapping,

assault and aggravated battery charges. According to TMZ, in order to pay his bail, Ross used a $1 million equity from his Georgia mansion – which was previously owned by EVANDER HOLYFIELD – and another property, a $500,000 surety bond and $500,000 in cash. Ross was arrested for allegedly assaulting and kidnapping groundskeeper Jonathan Zamudio at his home. Zamudio said he suffered neck and mouth injuries from Ross and his bodyguard after being beaten and pistol-whipped. The altercation occurred because Zamudio reportedly celebrated his birthday with friends in Ross’ house the night before without asking permission………LAURENCE FISHBURNE, who

currently stars on ABC’s “Black-ish,” will portray the late ALEX HALEY in an upcoming production of “Roots,” which will be simulcast on A&E, Liftime and the History Channel. The air date is to be announced.

The production will incorporate new research with material from Haley’s groundbreaking book, “Roots: The Saga of an American Family.” Spanning multiple generations, the story begins with young Kunta Kinte, who is captured in his homeland in The Gambia and transported in brutal conditions to colonial America where he’s sold into slavery. LEVAR BURTON, who played Kinte in the original TV series, is a co-executive producer of the new drama.

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DEFENDER | JULY 9 | 2015

cente

Higher minimum wage sought

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

T

he movement to raise America’s minimum wage continues to grow, and is now considered a pressing civil rights issue.

While the majority of states – including Texas – still abide by the federal wage of $7.25 an hour, a record number of states have taken action in recent years to raise the minimum wage, and eight states and the District of Columbia increased wages to more than $9 an hour.

In the past year, thousands of protesters have rallied across the country to speak out against low wages, particularly in the fast food industry.

According to the National Urban League, higher wages mean more economic opportunity.

African-Americans make up 11 percent of the workforce but comprise 14 percent of those who would benefit from a higher minimum wage.

“Raising the federal minimum wage is a critic civil rights issue and will make a significant difference in the lives of millions of low-wage workers and their families,” the NUL said.

“African-Americans have disproportionately high rates of poverty, so increasing wages would be greatly beneficial both for this population and for the entire nation’s economic recovery.”

In Texas, Houston State Sen. Rodney Ellis has lobbied for higher

pay, and introduced an unsuccessful bill during the last session to raise the minimum wage to $10.10.

Ellis said hardworking Texans are finding it more difficult to make ends meet.

“In 2013, Texas had the highest number of minimum wage workers in the country and the fifth-highest percentage of workers making at or below the minimum wage,” he said.

“Despite the perception, these aren’t just college kids and part-time workers: these are everyday Texas families who are working hard to put food on the table.”

Ellis added that nationally, the average age of a worker earning minimum wage is 35, and more than half work full-time schedules.

“How can people be expected to climb the economic ladder if they are not given fair wages for their work?” Ellis asked.

“I hear from so many constituents who work hard and play by the rules, but they’re still unable to make ends meet.”

“How can people be expected to climb the economic ladder if they are not given fair wages for their work?”

REAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Ellis’ concerns are echoed by the Center for Public Priorities, an Austin-based nonprofit that advocates for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential.

According to the center, too few Texas workers and their families earn enough money to escape poverty.

“Texas ranks near the worst states for working families, with 38 percent

Hourly wages needed for basic living expenses in largest Texas cities City Houston San Antonio Dallas/Ft.Worth Austin El Paso

Single person

$14.05 $12.86 $13.84 $14.09 $11.60

2 people, no children

$20.66 $19.75 $20.44 $20.57 $17.84

1 parent, 2 parents, 1 child 2 children

$20.84 $30.07 $20.21 $29.67 $20.83 $30.37 $21.68 $31.51 $16.88 $23.89

PUSH FOR M earning less than $47,000 for a family of four,” it said. “If we want to live in a state where hard work means real selfsufficiency, then we need to raise the minimum wage in Texas.”

The center recently released an analysis that found of the nearly 2.4 million Texans who would benefit from an increase in the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour…

• 60 percent are in their prime working years, ages 25-54.

• Nearly 50 percent live in households with children, and 14.7 percent of all workers who benefit are single mothers.

• 43 percent have at least some college education, and 15 percent have completed a postsecondary degree.

• Nearly half are concentrated in three industry sectors: retail, accommodations/food services and health care/social assistance.

In an effort to promote economic opportunity for all Americans, both

the NUL and the NAACP are urging Congress to pass the Minimum Wage Fairness Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour over the next two years, in three steps of 95 cents each.

President Obama has consistently asked Congress to raise the minimum wage. In addition, he recently proposed raising the overtime salary threshold so more workers will be eligible for overtime pay.

Obama said such steps will make a difference in the lives of American families.

“To everyone in this Congress who still refuses to raise the minimum wage, I say this: If you truly believe you could work full-time and support a family on less than $15,000 a year, go try it,” Obama said during his most recent State of the Union address.

“If not, vote to give millions of the hardest-working people in America a raise.”

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Ways to raise pay

MORE MONEY City increase

The Economic Policy Institute, a nonprofit think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., is on a mission to educate and inform low and middleincome workers about economic opportunity. According to the institute, ways to increase America’s pay include: • Raise the minimum wage. The current inflation-adjusted minimum wage is about 25 percent below what it was in 1968, even though productivity has doubled and the education and skills of those in the bottom fifth have greatly improved. Moving the minimum wage to $12 by 2020 would benefit about a third of the workforce directly and indirectly.

• Update overtime rules. The share of salaried workers eligible for overtime has fallen from 65 percent in 1975 to just 11 percent today. This is largely because only those earning less than $23,660 (a poverty-level wage) are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act regardless of their workplace duties. If we move the threshold to the value it held in 1975 – roughly $51,000 –we would provide overtime protections to 6.1 million more workers.

• Strengthen collective bargaining rights. The erosion of collective bargaining has affected union and nonunion workers alike. Making it easier for willing workers to form unions, increasing penalties for corporate violations of labor laws, and

halting and reversing the spread of so-called right-to-work laws will help give workers the leverage they need to bargain for better wages and benefits.

• Provide earned sick leave and paid family leave. The U.S. has failed to adopt new labor standards that respond to emerging needs. Providing earned sick leave and paid family leave would help to raise workers’ pay and would give them more economic security.

• End discriminatory practices that contribute to inequality. The U.S. needs consistently strong enforcement of antidiscrimination laws in the hiring, promotion, and pay of women and minority workers.

• Support strong enforcement of labor standards. Hundreds of thousands of employers routinely fail to pay minimum wage or overtime, fail to protect employees from workplace hazards, fail to pay payroll taxes or worker’s compensation premiums, or fail to provide family and medical leave.

• Enact targeted employment programs. America needs policies that can direct jobs to particular areas that suffer from high unemployment even when the national labor market is largely healthy. These policies can include public and nonprofit employment programs that create jobs by meeting unmet needs.

s minimum w age

The City of Hou ston reached municipal em a three-year la ployees union bor deal with that increases its wage from $1 the hourly min 0 to $12. imum “We have reac hed a successf Organization ul resolution w of Public Emp ith [the Houst loyees],” said on “Our goal of ra Mayor Annise ising salaries Parker. for our lowest achieved imm city employees ediately and ov will be er the course runs through of this agreem 2018.” ent which The city offer ed a proposal to increase th to $12 effective e hourly minim immediately, um wage with additiona years 2016, 20 l pay increase 17 and 2018. s in fiscal By the conclu incumbent em sion of the ag ployees will m reement, ake no less th In addition, if an $13.55 per the city meets hour its revenue ta will see a 1 per rget in 2018, em . cent across-the ployees -board raise.

“Our mission was to raise th e minimum w employees who age for those were affected the most,” said Melvin Hughe s. “We did that union presiden . We were able t earned overti to save emplo me when our yees members spok policy the sam e loud and fir e.’ We did that m, ‘Keep the . We hope that proud of the hard work that every employe e can be we all did to ac complish this victory.”

he Houston area for over 80 years

Minimum wage jobs are found in industries such as retail and food services.

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DEFENDER | JULY 9 | 2015

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CDC awards agencies funding to combat HIV The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the recipients of $216 million in new funding to strengthen HIV prevention efforts throughout the country.

Local agencies receiving funding are AIDS Foundation Houston, Change Happens and St. Hope Foundation.

Nationwide, 90 community-based organizations (CBOs) will use the funding to deliver specific, high-impact prevention services to those at greatest risk, in the hardest-hit areas of the United States.

The selected organizations have demonstrated experience and onthe-ground expertise serving populations most affected by the

epidemic, including African-Americans, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals and people who inject drugs.

“Community-based organizations have been vital to our nation’s HIV prevention efforts

since the earliest days of the epidemic,” said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention.

“The organizations

we’re funding have a strong foothold in the hardest-hit communities. They have the credibility and experience needed to deliver the most effective HIV prevention strategies to those who need them most.”

Organizations will invest the new funding in cost-effective and scalable interventions, including HIV testing, condom distribution and improving adherence to treatment among people with HIV. The new funding is a critical component of CDC’s nearly $700 million annual investment in domestic HIV prevention, the bulk of which goes directly to state and local health departments, and

indirectly to additional CBOs across the nation.

The funded organizations are in

the 50 geographic areas that reported the highest number of HIV diagnoses in 2011.

classified TRANSPORTATION JOB FAIR SPONSORED BY

THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Saturday July 11, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Butler Terminal 6690 Carved Rock, Houston, TX 77085 HISD WILL BE CONDUCTING IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: School Bus Drivers 15.70 per hour School Bus Mechanics Mechanic Helpers Transportation Attendants Up to $900 Attendance Incentive and $250 Sign On Bonus for new Bus Drivers!

Free CDL Training, Guaranteed Route Hours, Flexible schedules, High Tech Buses, Benefits and Retirement available Please bring 2 forms of ID For further information check our website at www.DriveHISD.org or CALL (713) 226-4531 All applicant are subject to verification of work experience, Certification, References, drug testing, and criminal history check, It is the policy of the Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or political affiliation in its educational or employment schedules and activities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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JULY 9 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Black women fastest growing business owners A new report reveals that African-American women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States.

The “2015 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report,” commissioned by American Express Open, found that the number of Black women-owned businesses has grown by an astounding 322 percent since 1997.

Overall, the number of women-owned businesses grew by 74 percent between 1997 and 2015.

Black women own roughly 14 percent of all businesses in the country owned by women, which amounts to an estimated 1.3 million businesses.

“While nationally African-American women comprise 14 percent of all women-owned firms, African-American women comprise a greater than average share of all women-owned firms in Georgia (35 percent), Maryland (33 percent), and Illinois (22 percent),” the report said.

Statistics show that throughout these 1.3 million companies, nearly 300,000 workers are employed and the businesses generate an estimated $52.6 billion in revenue.

The report detailed the types of business owned by women.

“Looking at the distribution of women-owned firms by industry finds that the greatest number of women-owned firms is found in health care and social assistance (including doctors and dentists, residential care facilities and child care providers),” the report said.

At the other end of the spectrum, the report said womenowned construction firms have taken the greatest recessionary hit. There was a 33 percent increase in the number of womenowned construction firms between 2002 and 2007, and a 21 percent decline between 2007 and 2015.

The report also showed that:

• The only bright spot in recent years with respect to privately held company job growth has been among women-owned firms, which have added an estimated 340,000 jobs since 2007. Among men-owned and equally-owned firms, employment has declined over the past eight years.

• Women-owned firms now account for 30 percent of all enterprises and are growing faster in number and employment than most other firms.

• Start-up activity among women is on the rise. The daily rate of net new women-owned firms was 602 in 2011-12, 744 in 2012-12, and 1,288 in 2013-14.

• The majority of the net new women-owned firms launched per day in 2014 are firms owned by minority women.

• The top 10 states for women owned-firms are North Dakota, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Maryland, Texas, Utah and Hawaii.

• The states with the lowest growth in the number of women-owned firms are Alaska, West Virginia, Iowa, Kansas and Maine.

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Supt. Terry Grier Post YOUR grades online for the HISD Superintendent Carl Lewis will be inducted into the Texas Track & Field Hall of Fame.

Lewis to be inducted in hall of fame Nine-time Olympic gold medalist and University of Houston great Carl Lewis was recently selected for induction in the Texas Track & Field Hall of Fame in Addison, Texas. Lewis is generally acknowledged as the greatest track athlete of all time. He revolutionized the sport of in the 1980s and 90s, and during his time at Houston he was a six-time NCAA Champion and NCAA All-American. Lewis won eight SWC championships in 1980 and 1981 and set the world record in the 100m dash after running a 9.86 at the World Championships in Tokyo. “This is an honor for a number of reasons,” Lewis said of the induction. “Number one being that it represents Texas, because my whole career was based in Houston, and this is my home now.” Also to go into the hall of fame with my mentor and hero, coach [Tom] Tellez, and my teammate and good friend Leroy Burrell is a thrill.” The ceremony will be held Jan. 8, 2016, in Addison.

and the proper social skills. It’s a healthy competitive environment that the kids grow and learn from.”

Cowboy linebacker McClain suspended Former Alabama All-American and current Dallas Cowboy starting middle linebacker Rolando McClain has been suspended without pay for the first four regularseason games of the 2015 season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He will be eligible to participate in training camp and preseason games. McClain recently signed a one-year deal that included a $500,000 signing bonus and $750,000 base salary. “I apologize to my family, the Cowboys organization, my teammates and Cowboys fans for my mistake,” McClain said in a statement. “I will not break the rules of my profession in the future, and I regret my error. I look forward to returning to the field on week 5, when I hope to help my team beat the Patriots.”

Youth compete in AAU Howard announces regional meet basketball camp Jerome Forest, Gulf District athletic director for AAU Track and Field, recently hosted the Region 17 qualifier track meet. Over 1,200 boys and girls ages 6-18 braved the brutal heat and humidity at the Lamar Consolidated Athletic Complex in Rosenberg to compete and qualify for the AAU Junior Olympics to be held later this summer at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Va. “AAU track and field is a tremendous opportunity for us to give back to the community through our young people,” Forest said. “Not only does it build athletic skills in the participants, but it also enhances individual self-esteem, discipline

The one-day Dwight Howard Basketball ProCamp presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors will be held on Sept. 19 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Mi3 Center. Participants will learn fundamental basketball skills and have the opportunity to meet and interact with the center. Each camper will receive an autograph from Howard and a team photo with him. The camp is open to boys and girls of all skill levels in grades 1-12. Cost of the camp is $99. For more information visit DwightHowardCamp.com.

ENDING SOON LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

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

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

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

Martin Luther King Jr.

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JULY 9 | 2015 | DEFENDER

sports Heat couldn’t be happier with Winslow

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Justise comes to Miami

M

By MAX EDISON Defender

any people declare that the best gifts they ever received are the ones that were unexpected.

With that in mind, you can imagine the look of astonishment on the face of Pat Riley, Miami Heat president of Basketball Operations, during the recent NBA draft.

The Heat had the No. 10 selection and surprisingly, Houstonian and Duke standout Justise Winslow was available to them. It didn’t take long for the Heat to bring Justise to Miami.

How surprised were the Heat to see Winslow available?

He never worked out for the Heat. He hadn’t even spoken to Pat Riley until the night of the draft.

Winslow was projected by everyone with an Internet connection to be well off the board by the No. 10 selection, and was slotted in the top five according to a consensus of statistical models.

With eight championship titles to his credit, Riley, the former Heat, Knicks and Lakers coach, knows talent. He is pleased that Winslow, a player with a championship pedigree, was available.

“Good things happen for a reason,” Riley said. “Justise was highly thought of by everybody in the NBA. For some reason he ended up in Miami. He ended up falling to us in I think a very blessed way, and I mean that sincerely. We are so excited about possibly having him with our team his entire career.

“Justise is an incredible, very mature, young player,” Riley continued. “I think anybody who has watched him play can see that he is not only athletic; he is a playmaker and a multiposition player.”

Despite not going earlier in the draft, Winslow is pleased to land with a team with a winning tradition.

“My whole life I’ve been a winner,” Winslow said. “To be a part of an organization that’s constantly focused on that and wants to do that and prepares every day to win championships, that’s what I’m most happy for.”

The key word that makes talent evaluators salivate when discussing Winslow and his talent is versatility. At 6-feet-6, he is able to guard every position except center.

“I definitely think I’m a very versatile player. It kind of just comes from [St. John’s] high

Miami Heat president Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra welcome Justise Winslow, who helped Duke win its fifth national title.

school, Winslow recalled. “I didn’t play with a lot of McDonald’s All Americans. I played with talented guys, but no Tyus Jones’s or Jahlil Okafors [Duke teammates].

“I had to learn to do a lot on the court and that’s basically where my versatility comes from. I just like to be a well-rounded player and I think I showed that at Duke.”

Riley concurs that versatility is a valuable commodity in today’s NBA and cites the Finals as exhibit A. “He can guard all four positions,” Riley said.” You saw something in the Finals this year that was a little different when you had a 6-foot-7 forward [Golden State’s Draymond Green] playing center with four very versatile perimeter players around him. Justise is similar to Green in that way.”

At the young age of 19, Winslow is focused on becoming every bit of the player scouts have raved about his entire career.

“Going into the league, I want to do it all,” Winslow said.

“I want to find different ways to

About Justise Winslow

• Born 1996 in Houston • Son of Robin Davis and Rickie Winslow (member of University of Houston’s Phi Slama Jama team, 1983-87); has three brothers, one sister • Volunteered at Texas Children’s Hospital literacy program and as basketball coach • Finished St. John’s High School with 3,208 points and 1,708 rebounds; averaged 23.9 points, 12.8 rebounds • Helped St. John’s to a 94-48 record, three league titles • At Duke, averaged 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals • Ranked first in three-point field goal percentage • Named to NCAA Final Four AllTournament Team • Favorite athletes are Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali score. Whether it’s the deep ball, mid-range game or finishing through contact at the rim. It’s about trying to be the best player I can be, and my vision for that is being a wellrounded guy who can do everything.”

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

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TSU ANGELOU STAMP UNVEILING…….. The spirit of the late great poet, actress, Sonny Messiah Jiles, foreword writer Jodie Jiles, introduction writer Omar Reid, Carter author and activist Maya Angelou was evoked at the Texas Southern University Museum, Womack, Gerald Womack, Dr. Felecia Nave, Donald Bowser, DeLena Scales, Hiram as elected officials joined the United States Postal Service and Angelou fans in dedicating a Jackson, Elaine Barber, Tanisha Leonard, Dr. Jasmine Burton Ross, Brandy Guidry, postal stamp in her honor into circulation. HISD board member and TSU alumna Wanda Lucy Bremond, Vanessa Reed and a host of supporters. The national anthem was performed Adams gave the greeting with a special rendition of “Still I Rise” and Shanna Mashego sang by the Twin Connection Duo……..JUDGE GEORGE HANKS SWEARING-IN……..

“Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Those in attendance included Bobby Collins, Yul Melonson, Members of the legal profession were among those who congregated in Galveston to watch the Angel Moore, Kelvin Dansby, Congressman Al Green, State Rep. swearing-in of Federal Judge George Hanks, who fills the vacated seat Sylvester Turner, TSU Student Government President Crystal Owens held by Judge Nancy Friedman Atlas, who moved to senior status. He Defender TOP EVENTS is the first African-American to serve in Galveston for the U.S. District and Rev. Robert McGee. Congrats!........WHO’S WHO IN BLACK More photos on defendernetwork.com HOUSTON RECEPTION……..Who’s Who Publishing Company Court for the Southern District of Texas. Hanks, a native of Breaux Bridge, See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ held the official unveiling and networking reception for the eighth La., was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate as a federal judge with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. edition of “Who’s Who in Black Houston.” The book symbolizes a (91-0) and was accompanied by his wife Stacey. A number of Houston recorded history of African-American achievements, while recognizing prominent lawyers were on-hand for the occasion including Marty men and women who have made their mark in their professions or in service to the community. Wickliff Jr., Robert Jones, Shauna Clark Johnson, Genora Boykins, Troy J. Pradia, Levi Magic 102.1 FM’s KG Smooth emceed the event and the invocation was given by Rev. Benton, City Controller Ron Green, former City Councilman Gordon Quan, Dr. Andrew Anthony Riley. Those in attendance included Vernita Harris, Defender CEO & Publisher James and wife Charlene, and a host of others.

Bobby Collins, Yul Melonson, Angel Moore and Kelvin Dansby

Eric Baker, Resha Walker and KG Smooth

Judge George Hanks and wife Stacey

Wanda Adams

Vanessa Reed, Errol Allen and Lucy Bremond

Marty and Sue Wickliff, Robert and Velma Jones

Bobby Collins, Yul Melonson, Congressman Al Green and Kelvin Dansby

Vernita Harris, Hiram Jackson, Elaine Barber and Omar Reid

Genora Boykins, Shauna Clark Johnson and Levi Benton

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