Houston Defender: July 18, 2013

NATIONAL

HOMICIDE RATE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGES 18-24 DECLINES IN U.S. P4

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Volume 82 | Number 38

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NEWSTALK QUANELL X concerned about fires

P2 ENTERTAINMENT RYAN COOGLER directs ‘Fruitvale Station’

P5 CHAG’S PLACE OPINION

Young Black men

beware H Page 6

Ardie Segars and Algenita Davis at celebration in her honor

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Visit faces

Ben Hall sets record In his quest to become the next mayor of Houston, attorney Ben Hall has set a campaign record unmatched by any challenger facing an incumbent. Hear why he’s grateful to his donors and others supporters. See what he has to say about leadership and vision.

Jason Castro plays well The Houston Astros moved to the American League this year, and catcher Jason Castro has already made team history in the AL. Learn why the move has been good for him. Discover why he’s having an All-Star season so far. Find out why Castro is experiencing a dream come true.

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Residents troubled by fires Missionary Baptist Church, lost a property that held esidents resale merchandise. of South “I believe the invesPark and tigation is ongoing Sunnyand we should let side are the fire department on high alert due to a and arson investigarash of fires plaguing tors do what they their communities in do,” he said. recent months. Occu“Many in the pied businesses, homes community don’t and abandoned buildbelieve this man is ings have all fallen setting the fires,” victim to an arsonist. added Quanell Activist Quanell X. “After they Fires have been deliberately set in South Park and Sunnyside. (Photo by Cierra X and community arrested him, there leaders were joined by Duncan) was another fire members of the Houstwo days later. We ton Fire Department (HFD) at a recent town hall meetreally don’t know what the truth is.” ing to inform residents about the fires that have been Area residents plan to rebuild the damaged deliberately set. They learned that multiple fires have and destroyed properties and said it will be an occurred in the area dating back to December 2012. ongoing process.

A suspect, Dwight Herman Albert, was arrested “We will come together as a community earlier this month in connection with a fire in Sunnyto assist and help with the individual needs of a side. HFD said Albert was not linked to other fires in person [affected by a fire],” Jones said. the area, but the investigation continues.

“It destroyed two buildings and caused Albert is a well-known member of both the Pastor K. Nickleberry $100, 000 worth of damaged property,” Lilly Lilly Sunnyside and South Park communities and many said. “However, we will rebuild and take it one residents are divided on if he is responsible for the fires. day at a time. We will continue to reach out and help people.”

“This man walks everywhere he goes,” said Pastor Byron Police and fire officials have advised those in the community Jones of Rock Christian Center. “Everyone knows him. If he had a to ensure they have working fire alarms within their homes. They gas can walking, everyone would have noticed that.” also promote obtaining home and fire insurance so properties will Another area minister, Pastor K. Nickleberry Lilly of Charity be covered in case of an unforeseen event.

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

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Hall raises record campaign funds Defender News Services

Houston mayoral candidate Ben Hall said he has compiled the largest campaign war chest for a challenger to an incumbent mayor in the history of the city. Hall’s campaign had available more than $2.01 million for the period ending June 30.

The filing comes on the heels of recent endorsements by the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, the Communications Workers of America, AFSCME and the African American Police Officers League.

“I am so grateful to the hundreds of donors, the professional organizations and the scores of pastors, ministers and community activists who have rallied to our call for real leadership for Houston,” Hall said.

He added that, “I look forward to outlining my vision for the city during this next phase of the campaign. We have a fantastic grassroots foundation, an energized finance committee, and I am personally more motivated than ever to see this to a successful conclusion.”

Mayor Annise Parker has raised more than $2.2 million for her re-election campaign since February.

She has received the endorsement of more than 27 organizations, including the Houston Police Officers Union and the Harris County Council of Organizations.

“I am inspired by the thousands of Houstonians who are coming together to keep Houston the best place in America to live, work and raise a family,” Parker said.

Ben Hall

localbriefs THE ABORTION LAW passed by the Texas Legislature is one of the strictest in the nation.

Gov. Rick Perry denied that the law would shut down most of the state’s abortion clinics. The bill bans abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy and imposes new requirements on abortion clinics and doctors who perform abortions……..TEXAS HEALTH CENTERS have been awarded $9.9 million in grant assistance by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to aid in health insurance enrollment as part of the Affordable Care Act. Awards were granted to 11 Houston-area centers: Harris County Hospital District, Houston Area Community Services, Houston Community

Health Centers, Asian American Health Coalition of the Greater Houston Area, El Centro Del Corazon, Fourth Ward Clinic, Health Care for the Homeless Houston, Legacy Community Health Services, Pasadena Health Center, South Central Houston Community Health Center, and Spring Branch Community Health Center……..THE PORT OF HOUSTON AUTHORITY has been recognized as the nation’s best by the Railway Industrial Clearance Association. It is the second time in the last five years that the port has received the Outstanding Port Award for Customer Satisfaction, which is based on overall quality, quality of facilities, and customer service and satisfaction…….. ATTOR-

NEY GENERAL Greg Abbott is officially running for governor. The Republican candidate recently launched his campaign in San Antonio. Abbott, 55, describes himself as “one of the nation’s leading advocates for stopping the federal overreach of the Obama Administration, a defender of the Constitution and a conservative to the core.” He was partially paralyzed by a falling tree while jogging and uses a wheelchair…….A BUS DRIVER JOB FAIR will be held by Fort Bend ISD on Tuesday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at two locations: Lake Olympia Terminal, 3130 Lake Olympia Parkway (281-634-1613) and Hodges Bend Terminal, 16707 Bissonnet (281-634-1977).

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Comcast’s current monthly charge for the Starter XF Triple Play is $144.95. Service limited to a single outlet. Equipment, installation, taxes, franchise fees and other applicable charges (e.g., per-call or international charges) extra. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. StreampixTM not available on TV in some areas. Internet: Wi-Fi claim based on August 2012 study of comparable in-home wireless routers by Allion Test Labs. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Voice: $29.95 activation fee may apply. Service (including 911/emergency services) may not function after an extended power outage. Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month’s recurring and standard installation charges up to $500. Call for restrictions and details. ©2013 Comcast. All rights reserved. The Hero and the TBS and TNT logos are trademarks of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Celebrity endorsements not implied.

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national

Youth homicide rates decline

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Defender News Services

he homicide rate for youth aged 10 to 24 years in the United States reached a 30-year low in 2010, according to data published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The 30-year low in 2010 was seen across all age and racial groups.

CDC investigated homicide trends among U.S. youth by gender, age, race/ethnicity, and mechanism of injury from 1981 to 2010.

The findings show declines in youth homicide rates from 2000 to 2010 have been slower for groups at high risk for homicide, including males and non-Hispanic Black youth. Recent declines have also been slower for firearm homicides than for homicides by other means.

The findings indicate the need for increased use of youth violence prevention strategies, especially approaches that engage high-risk youth.

“We are encouraged to see a decline in the homicide rate among our youth but unfortunately, homicide continues to rank in the top three leading causes of death for our young people,” said Linda C. Degutis, director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

“Our youth represent our future and one homicide is one too many. Comprehensive approaches that include evidence-based prevention strategies are essential to eliminate homicide as a leading cause of death of young people.”

Key findings in this report include: • In 2010, 4,828 homicides occurred among youth ages 10 to 24 years in the U.S. • In 2010, youth homicide resulted in an estimated $9 billion in lost productivity and medical costs.

• From 1985 to 1993, the overall youth homicide rate rose 83 percent (from 8.7 per 100,000 in 1985 to 15.9 in 1993).

• From 1994 to 1999, the overall youth homicide rate declined 41 percent (from 15.2 per 100,000 in 1994 to 8.9 in 1999).

• From 2000 to 2010, the overall youth homicide rate declined on average by about 1 percent per year.

• In 2010, the youth homicide rate was 12.7 per 100,000 for males, 13.2 for youth ages 20 to 24 years, and 28.8 for non-Hispanic black youth.

• The annual rate of firearm homicide among youth ages 10 to 24 years was 3.7 times the annual rate of non-firearm homicides during the examined 30-year period.

As noted in the report, public health can support community-wide and sustained reductions in youth violence.

Strategies that have been evaluated and are successful include school-based programs that build students’ communications skills to solve problems in non-violent ways.

Family approaches that help parents and caregivers set age-appropriate rules and effectively monitor activities and relationships are also effective.

In addition, economic, policy, environmental, and other community approaches can enhance safety and increase opportunities for positive social interaction.

Immigration reform generates debate VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 38 JULY 18, 2013 Publisher Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Art Director Advertising/Client Relations Tony Fernandez-Davila Selma Dodson Tyler People Editor Strategic Alliance Manager Yvette Chargois Clyde Jiles Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Contributing Writer ReShonda Billingsley Aswad Walker The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

NNPA News Service

As the Republican dominated U.S. House of Representatives begins consideration of the Senate-passed comprehensive immigration reform measure, there’s a key question on the table for lawmakers in Washington.

Would the U.S. be better off in the long run by providing the 11 million-plus undocumented immigrants now in the country with a pathway to American citizenship?

It’s a question to which such House members as Hakeem Jeffries, Yvette Clarke and Gregory Meeks, all Democrats from New York, routinely answer with an emphatic “yes.”

The question triggers a decidedly negative response from many Republicans whose districts are in Arizona, Mississippi,

Alabama, Texas, Georgia and Kansas.

But when three economic experts – Julian de Giovanini, Andrew Levchenko and Francesco Ortega – examined the economic impact of migration on the world’s industrialized countries, and looked at the effects of immigrant source states, the conclusion was clear – migration appears to benefit practically all origin and destination countries.

Without immigration, the economists argue, rich countries, including the U.S. would see a decline in their populations and in the size of their markets and welfare.

“A smaller workforce reduces firms’ profitability, and, as a result, fewer firms choose to pay the first-stage exploration costs,” they insisted. “This reduces the domestically produced varieties, increasing firms’ costs and reducing consumer choice.”

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Ryan Coogler

writes, directs ‘Fruitvale Station’

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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

orn in Oakland in 1986, Ryan Coogler attended college on a football scholarship before earning his MFA in film and TV production at the University of Southern California in 2011.

He worked as a security guard and counselor at a juvenile prison in San Francisco before getting his big break with the help of Forest Whitaker.

The Oscar-winning actor agreed to produce Coogler’s first feature film, “Fruitvale Station,” a bittersweet biopic chronicling the last day in the life of Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old Black man shot in the back by a cop on a train platform in Oakland in 2009.

The case gained wide attention because the killing was caught on camera by numerous passengers.

Here, Coogler talks about his critically-acclaimed writing and directorial debut, which won awards at the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals.

KW: Your picture’s star, Michael B. Jordan, told me “Fruitvale” received a long standing ovation at Cannes. What did that feel like?

RC: Just playing at Cannes was overwhelming. It was one of those moments I never imagined happening.

I think a lot of the response was due to the audience’s connecting to the cast. The performances were incredible. I really felt happy for my actors, especially Michael, Melonie Diaz and Octavia Spencer.

None of them had ever been to Cannes before. They were really moved to have their work embraced like that. And it was very moving to me how this story that I

wanted to relate about a real event that had happened in my hometown managed to touched people thousands of miles away.

KW: What interested you in making the movie?

RC: The incident itself and what happened immediately afterward in the Bay area, which is where I was born and raised. I heard about it almost immediately after it happened, because I was home on Christmas break from film school. Then it was on the news, and I still remember the first time I saw the footage on the Internet.

I was very emotionally affected by it. Everybody in the Bay was.

There were protests and rallies and riots. I saw myself in Oscar. We were the same age, he looked like me, and we wore the same type of clothes. Seeing someone getting shot like that, and not getting a chance to say goodbye to your loved ones, I couldn’t imagine myself in that situation. So, I wondered whether there was a way I could do something, my being a filmmaker.

Then, I saw how the incident got politicized, and Oscar became a symbol, this icon, a martyr who had never done anything wrong in his life to some, and was demonized by others as a criminal and a thug who got what he deserved.

In truth, he was neither one of those things. He was just a normal person who had both flaws and good qualities. So, I wanted to tell his story from the perspective of the people he meant the most to and who knew him the best.

Ryan Coogler is winning acclaim for his film “Fruitvale Station.”

what’sup LIL WAYNE publicly apologized to the family of murder victim Emmett Till at a concert in Nashville. Wayne came under fire after rapping that he was going to “beat” a female’s genitals like Till in a remix of the song “Karate Chop.” Till was 14 when he was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman ……..“Grown Ups 2” debuted at No. 2 at the box office its first weekend in theaters, earning $42.5 million. The movie’s all-star cast includes CHRIS ROCK, TIM MEADOWS, MAYA RUDOLPH and SHAQUILLE O’NEAL. “Pacific Rim,” the new film about monsters vs. robots, came in third with $38.3. It stars IDRIS ELBA as the commanding officer of an operation that constructs and trains robots……..CHRIS BROWN could face jail time after a judge revoked his probation in connection with his conviction in the beating of ex-girlfriend Rihanna

in 2009. The probation revocation was triggered by his alleged failure to hand over his driver’s license and insurance information to another driver after a minor traffic accident in May. He will remain free until a trial is held…….

After vowing that she would never marry again, HALLE BERRY wed her fiancé OLIVIER MARTINEZ in a ceremony in France. Berry, the mother of a 5-year-old daughter, is expecting her first child with Martinez. She was previously married to former baseball star DAVID JUSTICE and singer-songwriter ERIC BENÉT……..

The recent series premiere of “R&B Divas LA,” the newest addition to TV One’s reality series franchise, was the network’s most watched primetime telecast this year among its core audience. The show airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and follows the lives of performers KELLY PRICE,

CHANTE MOORE, LIL MO, CLAUDETTE ORTIZ, MICHEL’LE and DAWN ROBINSON……..TV One has also announced the creation of “News One Now,” a live one-hour, weekday morning news program hosted by native Houstonian ROLAND S. MARTIN. It is scheduled to premiere in September and will feature a broad spectrum of experts, newsmakers and celebrities who will share their insights on current affairs…….. BILL COSBY will star in his first TV concert special in 30 years. “Far From Finished” will air on Comedy Central in November, and is directed by ROBERT TOWNSEND. The show is compiled from material that Cosby performed earlier this summer in Cerritos, Calif. Cosby made entertainment history in 1965 when he became the first African-American to costar on a weekly TV series, “I Spy.”

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DEFENDER | JULY 18 | 2013

Community rallies for justice Minister Robert Muhammad agreed.

“We want to condemn this Hundreds of Houstonians power system that has destroyed gathered at Byrd Funeral Home in us, enslaved us, and continues to Third Ward recently to protest the oppress us,” Muhammad said.

George Zimmerman verdict.

“But at the same time we must They came from different address our own behavior.” sectors of the community but all Muhammad called for echoed the same sentiment – the African-Americans to become need for justice and unity. Activleaders in their communities and ist Quanell X organized the local to not become complacent toward rally, which was one of many the prejudices against them. held across the country.

“We can no longer allow “When the verdict was read other people to write our history,” they did the African-American Muhammad said. race a great injustice,” said “The value of a Black male Demonstrators use an empty casket to protester Jared Harris. “That life needs to amount to more than symbolize the deaths of young Black men. decision affected every single what it does now,” added attorney (Photo by Cierra Duncan) one of us.”

Robert Jones. “It is the cost of a Rodney Byrd, director of nickel bullet. People think they can kill us and nothing Byrd Funeral Home, said young Black men must be happens. That is not the truth.” protected from the George Zimmermans of the world The rally culminated with a march through the and each other. community beginning on Wheeler Street and ending “Trayvon Martin is one of many Black boys killed on Texas State Highway 288. every day,” Byrd said. “Every day in this country there Participants continued to chant “no justice, no are 125 African-American males who fall prey at the peace” as they walked behind a hearse and empty cashands of another African- American male. We have to ket that symbolized the bodies of Trayvon and countstop filling our Black funeral homes with our Black less other Black males who lost their lives to violence. children. We cannot mandate justice and respect until “Our kids are dying,” said one march participant. we first start respecting ourselves.”

“We have to stand up.”

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By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

Leaders tell what must be done President Barack Obama – “I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son. And as we do, we should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and under- Pres. Barack Obama standing in our own communities. We should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis.

We should ask ourselves, as individuals and as a society, how Garnet Coleman we can prevent future tragedies like this.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee – “I expect to join with others in discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the killing of Trayvon Martin…I am also calling for the Congress to hold oversight hearings regarding the treatment of the killing of a juvenile in the circumstances that occurred in Sanford, Florida as well as the manner in which the criminal justice system treats victims of gun violence,

especially young Black male victims like Trayvon Martin.”

State Rep. Garnet Coleman – “Unfortunately, as of 2007, Texas is also a Stand Your Ground state…I am fighting to change the law back to the more reasonable standard we had prior to 2007. My Sheila Jackson Lee bill filed this past session, House Bill 3773, would reinstate the “duty to retreat” in most situations while preserving the right to defend oneself and one’s family.

There would be no requirement to retreat if an individual is in his or her own home or if the Benjamin Todd Jealous deadly force were used to stop the commission of a serious crime. The 2007 law just went too far. My bill would balance the right to selfdefense with public safety.”

NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous – “We will pursue civil rights charges with the Department of Justice, we will continue to fight for the removal of stand your ground laws in every state, and we will not rest until racial profiling in all its forms is outlawed.”

Young Black men

bewa

1 million sign NAACP petitio

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Houstonians march in support of justice, equality and unity. The rally culminated with a march beginning on Wheeler Street and ending on 288.

(Photo by Cierra Duncan)

Staying safe despite stereotypes

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By ASWAD WALKER Defender

he acquittal of George Zimmerman for the second-degree murder of Trayvon Martin has sent a clear message – young Black men beware.

A jury of six women found Zimmerman not guilty on July 13 in Sanford, Fla. Trayvon, an unarmed 17-year-old high school student, was fatally shot by Zimmerman, a neighborhood watchman, on Feb. 26, 2012. The verdict has prompted nationwide protests and renewed calls for justice.

Like so many others across the country, Dr. Tamara L. Brown has paid close attention to the case. Brown is the dean of Prairie View A&M University’s College of Juvenile Justice and Psychology and a licensed clinical psychologist.

The Defender spoke with Brown to gauge her reaction to the not-guilty verdict and her thoughts on Defender: In the trial, Trayvon was portrayed as the aggressor. What does say about the plight and stereotypes of young Black men?

Brown: It’s unfortunate that the issue centered on Trayvon as the aggressor or not. For me the central issue was Zimmerman ignoring the directives of the police. By not doing that he created a situation that escalated in a tragic way. If he followed what police

Visit defendernetwork.com for more info on staying safe despite stereotypes.

The NAACP’s petition to the Department of Justice asking for federal charges, including civil rights charges, to be filed against George Zimmerman has reached 1 million signatures.

This major milestone was reached in just two and a half days. The petition was set up shortly after the verdict finding Zimmerman not guilty in the murder of Trayvon Martin was read.

Interested parties can still sign the petition, which will remain active and open until the DOJ completes its case.

Visit naacp.org/The-DOJ-Petition or text “JUSTICE” to 62227.

he Houston area for over 80 years

said, we’d have a kid alive.

And, yes, stereotypes played a role in how those events unfolded. How could they not? We’re all familiar with the stereotypes of Black people and Black men in particular. They’re more violent, aggressive. Even when passive, we’re still perceived as aggressive or violent.

They said, “A Black kid walking through the neighborhood has to be up to no good,” but a white kid – not.

Stereotypes got activated in this case.

Defender: What should a young Black man do if he finds himself in a position like Trayvon – in an encounter with a civilian neighborhood watchperson?

Brown: One of the pieces of advice that many Black men receive about handling these situations is to recognize you’re going to be perceived as violent and aggressive no matter what you do, so act accordingly.

A friend told me when stopped by the police, he tries to be as non-threatening as possible –differential body posture, hands in view, speaking clearly and deliberately – to make it clear to the officer that he’s cooperating.

Because if I’m being followed at night by some stranger, I’m thinking I’m in harm’s way. So I get a phone line open, yell at the person, and if they’re still coming, then I’m afraid for my life. And if so, then I’m looking for a way to defend myself.

Defender: What advice should parents of Black male children give them about coping with an unfair justice system?

Brown: Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s it was “Driving while Black,” what can you do to protect yourself against that? There isn’t any one thing you can do to solve it, because this is still a racist society. What we can do is make sure racial socialization messages are being given, teaching kids what those race dynamics mean and how to cope and respond. As a community we need broader responses as well to help people connect the dots and have the awareness that we have not yet arrived. A lot of people want to believe that Oprah is Black and a billionaire, and the President is Black, that we’ve made it. But issues like Trayvon show that we haven’t.

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sports

Astros Castro shows why he’s an All-Star

By MAX EDISON Defender

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e all knew it was coming; it was just a matter of time.

The resume was strong, the ability was unquestioned, the intangibles intact.

Now the Astros investment in catcher Jason Castro is finally beginning to pay off. Castro has been named to the American League AllStar roster, the first ever by an Astro in the new league.

Castor was added to the roster as a reserve for the AL squad. He is the team’s first All-Star catcher since Craig Biggio accomplished the feat in 1989 and 1991. Last year second baseman Jose Altuve was the representative for the team in their final NL season.

To refresh your memory, Castro was the Astros first-round selection in Castro is the Astros first All-Star catcher since 2008 (10th overall). An All-American Craig Biggio. from a revered baseball university, at that level. It’s still kind of surStanford, Castro was predicted to be a real. I don’t know if it’ll sink in cornerstone of the new generation of Astros talent. until I get to New York, but it’s It has been a slow process for Castro. Right an honor and I’m grateful for the when he was expected to ascend in 2011, he sufopportunity.” fered an ACL injury in spring training that cost him Astros first-year manager Bo the entire season. Through it all Castro has stayed Porter believes Castro has put together the course and is coming into his own this season. all of the components necessary to be This year Castro, now 26, has settled into the successful. type of player Astros management expected. At “Jason has definitely found his the All-Star break he is hitting .269, with 12 homgroove,” Porter said. “He understands exers and 31 RBI. He was named AL Player of the actly what it is he’s doing. He’s healthy, his Week for May 20-26. For that week, Castro hit .579 legs are underneath him and it’s allowing (11x19) with three home runs and five RBI. him to put together an all star season.”

“It’s a huge honor,” Castro said. “It’s a dream Porter also believes the teams move come true for me. I grew up watching All-Star to the AL has contributed to Castro’s Games every year. Growing up playing baseball, All-Star year thus far. the ultimate goal besides winning a World Series is “The move to the American making an All-Star Game and being able to compete

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Jason Castro

League has been absolutely wonderful for our ball club,” he said. “It allows Jason to DH on the days that he not catching. It’s allowed us to keep him fresh from the standpoint of not overusing him behind the plate. I think it’s a great reason why he’s having the production he’s having.”

The American League All-Star skipper, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland, explained why he selected Castro.

“I think Castro was a great representative from the Houston ballclub,” Leyland said. He’s got 10 or 11 home runs. He’s hitting .265 to .270. He’s catching every day. I think he was a tremendous choice.”

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It has been an All-Star season so far for Castro.

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Rocket legends include (l. to r) Calvin Murphy, Elvin Hayes, Ralph Sampson, Yao Ming, Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon. (Photo by BE Studios)

High praise for the Rockets Major props go out to Les Alexander, Daryl Morey and the entire Rocket brain trust on a first- class event put together to welcome free agent acquisition Dwight Howard to our fair city. With a crowd of local and national media inside Toyota Center and thousands outside enduring 100 degree temperatures, the Rockets put on a great show. The most significant component of the program, aside from Howard and his family being introduced, was the Rockets bringing back their legendary collection of big men. They included Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes, who came with the franchise when it relocated from San Diego; Ralph Sampson, Hall of Famer; two-time world champion Hakeem Olajuwon, and Yao Ming. The only big man missing was Hall of Famer Moses Malone. In addition to the parade of big men there were other old-school legends. Hall of Famers Calvin Murphy and Clyde Drexler, as well as former No. 1 overall NBA selection John Lucas, were also in attendance. As the franchise prepares to move forward it was refreshing to see them acknowledge the success of their past. Way to go Rockets.

Texans announce open practice dates Houston Texans Training Camp presented by Xfinity recently announced their training camp dates that will be open to the public. Seven practice sessions will be open to the public at the Methodist Training Center: Tuesday, July 30 through Friday, Aug. 2, and Monday, Aug. 5 through Wednesday, Aug. 7. All of the open practices will begin at 8 a.m. CDT and gates will open to fans at 7 a.m. Free tickets can be printed from the Texans official website, houstontexans.com, beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, with a limit of four per person, per practice while supplies last. Tickets for Youth Day on Aug. 5 will be available exclusively at Houston-area Academy Sports + Outdoors locations while supplies last as well.

Bleacher seating at each practice session is general admission.

SWAC unveils preseason honors It’s that time again, almost. The college football season is right around the corner with many local teams beginning workouts in two weeks. The SWAC recently unveiled their preseason All-Conference teams and locally, both Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University were represented. Coming off a disappointing 3-8, 2012 season, the Panthers feature three first team standouts. The Panthers boast a pair of offensive linemen in red shirt junior Tre Glover and red shirt sophomore Dillon Bonnet, and junior linebacker Jerome Howard. In addition, they place four players on the second unit. Junior tight end Olatunde’ Idowu, red shirt junior kicker Chris Barrick, junior punter Travis Jatzlau and return specialist sophomore Johnta’ Hebert round out the PV preseason honorees. Preseason camp begins on Sunday, Aug. 4 with the first practice scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. Coming off a 2-9 campaign in 2012, the Tigers have only one preseason selection. Red shirt junior defensive back Le’Tevin Wilcox was selected on the second team. The TSU Tigers report to camp on Aug. 4.

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3/7/13 4:13 PM

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Sports editor team in the Black Press Congratulations Darrell & Max! Best Sports Section 2013 Merit Awards National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

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Fertility education services offered Defender News Services

Walgreens is now offering fertility education services as its pharmacy location at Memorial Hermann Tower, 929 Gessner. It is one of a select group of Walgreens pharmacies throughout the country with pharmacists specially trained in the fertility therapy process.

MD Anderson top hospital for cancer care Defender News Services

U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Hospitals” survey has named the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center the nation’s top hospital for cancer care, a ranking it has held for seven straight years.

In the last 12 years, the institution has ranked No. 1 in cancer care 10 times. Since 1990, when the survey began, it has been listed as one of the top two cancer hospitals in the nation.

“MD Anderson is honored and humbled to be named the top hospital for cancer care in the nation by [the] survey,” said Ronald A. DePinho, M.D., president of the institution.

“This is a recognition that MD Anderson will never take for granted. We will earn – and represent – this honor every day through our extraordinary care, compassion, innovation and service and most of all, by putting patients first.”

MD Anderson is one of the largest cancer centers in the world, and last year served more than 115,000 people, nearly onethird of them new patients.

Many come to the institution seeking the latest therapies, diagnostics, surgical techniques and prevention strategies. About 8,500 patients were registered on clinical trials exploring new treatments last year, making it home to the largest clinical trials program for cancer in the nation.

The location offers fertility education, confidential, in-person consultations and support from specially trained pharmacists.

“The addition of expanded pharmacy education services for the fertility therapy process offers patients a high-touch, personalized and specialized service from a pharmacist who can also be an integral part of their care team,” said Tia Vinet, Walgreens health

systems pharmacy manager.

“The patient-pharmacist relationship can be very instrumental in helping to improve medication adherence by helping patients manage their treatment, and feel comfortable working with their pharmacist for information, advice and support.”

For more information call 713-468-4040 or visit fertility.walgreens.com.

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JULY 18 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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chag’splace

For Event Coverage...visit

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Cathy Torregano and Kathy Payton

Betty Smith and joyce Bethany

Ardie Segars and Algenita Scott Davis

Yemi Epebinu, Lola Olagunju and Bunmi Joseph

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Cora and Judson Robinson III and Sheila Fry

Dr. Elizabeth Olufuwa and Matthins Olufuwa

ACCOMPLISHMENTS CELEBRATED…..

Houston that will eventually serve 350 families, and positioned the organization to participate in the U.S. Algenita Scott Davis has left the non-profit arena Department of Housing and Urban Development of Houston Habitat for Humanity; however, she (HUD) Neighborhood Stabilization Program and leaves a list of accomplishments. She joined the so much more. A celebration was organization during an influx held at the Texas De Brazil Resof applications and funding Join Yvette Chargois issues following Hurricanes taurant and attended by Algenita’s Events of the Week Katrina and Rita. Her experhusband Ardie Segars, Bill Wong, More photos on defendernetwork.com tise in non-profit operations, Martin Kaplan, Willie Miles, See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads affordable housing programs Bronwyn Walker, Trish Sanders, with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. and construction requirements, Michael Halpin and Akua Fayette, along with her commitment of to name a few. Continued sucproviding decent housing for all cess!.....AFRICAN STUDENTS area residents regardless of income was a perfect CELEBRATE…..The African Pharmacy Students fit. During her seven years of service to Houston Association (APSA), an organization of pharmacy Habitat, the organization built 350 new, affordable students at Texas Southern University, College of homes available to qualifying, low-income families; Pharmacy and Health Sciences, hosted their anshe presided over the development and construcnual awards gala recently. This event helps raise tion of Houston Habitat subdivisions Umland Park, money which is used to provide financial assistance Milby Park, and Harrell Park; led the organization to qualifying professional pharmacy students of to purchase a 117-acre tract of land in northeast Continental African origin through academic, need-

Dr. Peggy Ingram and Sandra Bell

Esther Fasanmi and Samuel Ubanyionwu

Afua Awuah-Okyere and Dr. Mo Enigbohan

based and discretionary scholarships. It is also an evening to relax and enjoy the different parts of the African culture, ranging from dance to music, food and fashion. Bendrix Tubu served as master of ceremonies for the program, which consisted of a video presentation of the student activities and the playing of the national anthems from several African countries. Those receiving awards for excellent exhibition of leadership skills in the advancement of the organization included Samuel Ubanyionwu, Esther Fasanmi, Emmanuel Amedzovi, Ahouti Avi and Abiola Albi. Award-winners for exhibiting outstanding service to the organization included Osita Okafo, Emmanuel Odinigwe, Erika Taboh, Vincent Aziza, Pamela Chukwuleta, Krystal Akor and Christiane Koffi, to name a few. We salute the organization’s president Afua AwuahOkyere, TSU faculty advisor Dr. Mo Enigbohan and gala committee chair Oluwaseyi Fasiku. Congratulation! From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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