NEWSTALK
DESPITE RUMORS, HISTORIC PALM CENTER WILL NOT BE CLOSED OR SOLD P2
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Volume 82 | Number 39
JULY 25, 2013 |FREE
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NEWSTALK REP. GARNET COLEMAN fights Texas stand your ground law
Update on tax dollars
P2 NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA speaks out on Trayvon, reaction
Election follow-up
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SPORTS OPINION
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Al Sharpton wants justice Rev. Al Sharpton, president of National Action Network, is among the countless AfricanAmericans who feel justice was denied in the George Zimmerman verdict. Read about Sharpton’s new movement. See why other ministers across the country have joined the fight. H Page 4
Bubbha Thomas promotes jazz Founder Bubbha Thomas is gearing up for the 23rd annual Houston International Jazz Festival, which brings three days of music to the city. Hear what he has to say about Houston’s melting pot. See the line-up of entertainers. Find out when and where they will perform. H Page 8
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SUGAR LAND SKEETERS host Black heritage event
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Coleman fights Texas stand your ground law
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By ASWAD WALKER Defender
he death of Trayvon Martin has shed light on the nation’s stand your ground laws, with many African-Americans calling for their abolishment. Since 2007, Houston State Rep. Garnet Cole-
man and a handful of other Texas lawmakers have fought against Texas’ version of the law, including pushing for legislation Coleman introduced last session to officially end it. Coleman shared his thoughts with the Defender Defender: What does the state law entail? Coleman: As we all saw from the George Zimmerman trial, individuals in states like Texas Continued on Page 11
State Rep. Garnet Coleman
localbriefs FORT BEND ISD will host two town hall meetings to discuss new education laws passed by the 83rd Texas Legislative session, including House Bill 5, which revises high school testing requirements and makes changes to curriculum requirements. The first meeting is Wednesday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. at Austin High School Auditorium, 3434 Pheasant Creek Drive in Sugar Land. A second meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at Elkins High School Auditorium, 7007 Knights Court in Missouri City. For more information visit fortbendisd.com…….. THE JOB CORPS PROGRAM sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor is accepting applications for centers in four Texas cities – San Marcos, McKinney, El Paso and Laredo. The program provides a free education and training for low-income young people ages16 to 24. Students can receive instruction in more than 100 career fields, such as construction, business and finance, health care and information technology. Students are provided with room and board, counseling and mentoring services, living allowances and basic medical care. Students also can participate in on-the-job training through work-based learning opportunities. Grace Kilbane, the program’s national director, said it provides a unique opportunity for young people to launch their careers. “In today’s competitive employment environment, Job Corps is more important than ever, and we urge eligible youth to enroll,” Kilbane said. Call 800-733-JOBS or visit recruiting.jobcorps. gov…….. PROFILES OF TEXAS public school districts and charter schools are now available on the Texas Education Agency website. The online resource is titled “2012 Snapshot: School District Profiles,” and also provides an overview of public education in Texas for a particular school year. “For parents seeking more information about their child’s school district or anyone wanting to see the raw numbers behind Texas education, there is no better resource than Snapshot,” said TEA Commissioner Michael Williams. Visit ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/snapshot/.
Ken Bolton addresses a packed house of community members concerned about Palm Center’s future. (Photo by Senora Harris)
Palm Center not closing By SENORA HARRIS Defender There is no truth to the rumors that historic Palm Center will be closed or sold. The rumors were addressed at a recent meeting sponsored by the Old Spanish Trail Community Partnership. Palm Center, located at Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Griggs Road, was one of Houston’s first shopping malls, and is now a business and technology center. Marc Eichanbaum, public information officer for the Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HHCDD), said the center is here to stay. “The housing department under the guidance of Mayor Parker will not allow Palm Center to be sold,” Eichenbaum said. “We were as surprised and concerned as all of you were when we heard these rumors. At the end of the day, we will make sure that absolutely no sale of the Palm Center ever occurs.” New projects have been springing up in close proximity to Palm Center, including apartments, businesses, a library, and most notably, the Metro rail line.
Marlon Mitchell, president of Houston Business Development Inc., theorizes that the new activity may have brought on the confusion about the center’s future. He said brokers have called and inquired about the center, but “it’s never been up for sale.” Ken Bolton, former assistant director of economic development for HHCDD, said changes taking place in the area would be financially beneficial for Palm Center, which he referred to as an “economic attraction.” He added that the rail line opens up a “new frontier” for area residents. Meeting attendees applauded upon hearing that Palm Center would not be closing. Norola Morgan, a children’s librarian with the Houston Public Library, expressed a feeling of relief and excitement about the center’s future. “I think it would be a great loss to the community. This is a very important center because you have the library, the post office, small business development and administrative offices that help people,” Morgan said. “Exciting changes are coming. I’m looking forward to what’s going to happen.”
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Our public schools represent our nation’s commitment to helping all children dream their dreams and achieve them. A high-quality public education for all children is an economic necessity, an anchor of democracy, a moral imperative and a fundamental civil right, without which none of our other rights can be fully realized. It’s time to reclaim the promise of public education— not as it is today or as it was in the past, but as we imagine it for our children—to fulfill our collective obligation to help all children succeed. Reclaiming the promise is about fighting for neighborhood public schools that are safe, welcoming places for teaching and learning. Reclaiming the promise is about ensuring that teachers are well-prepared, are supported and have time to collaborate so they can meet the individual needs of every child. Reclaiming the promise is about making sure our children have an engaging curriculum, including art, music and physical education. Reclaiming the promise is about ensuring that children have access to wraparound services to meet their emotional, social and health needs.
Reclaim the Promise. go.aft.org/promise #ReclaimIt
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Ministers take to the streets for justice
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NNPA News Service
ust as they did during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, many ministers were at the forefront of demonstrations in more than 100 cities to protest the not guilty verdict for George Zimmerman on charges that he murdered Trayvon Martin. Rev. Al Sharpton, president of National Action Network (NAN), spearheaded rallies and vigils in front of government buildings across the country. Among those joining Sharpton for the rally in New York City were Beyonce, Jay-Z and Trayvon’s mother, Sybrina Fulton. In Houston, regional NAN representative Bishop James Dixon and other community leaders organized a rally on the steps of City Hall. “…We are not having a two- or three-day anger fit,” Sharpton said. “This is a social movement for justice.” Sharpton added that he is concerned about stand your ground laws and the dangerous message that the Zimmerman verdict carried. His thoughts were echoed by Rev. Anthony Evans, president of the National Black Church Initiative. “There is a license through the George Zimmerman
Bing says Detroit will bounce back
Rev. Al Sharpton
verdict that any white male that feels threatened can shoot a Black boy and be justified,” Evans said. “We’re going to have to teach our boys how to be safe. “We’re going to have to teach our young boys about what the law says their rights are and how to protect themselves and using a buddy system. We’re going to have to do something significant to protect our young boys.” Other Black pastors said it’s not just our Black men who need an education, but anyone who believes there is a new, post-racial chapter in American society. “When people believe that race is not a factor in the Trayvon Martin case, when people believe that class and culture are not [factors] in this case, there is some serious education that needs to be done,” said Rev. Lisa Jenkins, pastor of Saint Matthews Baptist Church in Harlem. Rev. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, pastor of Empowerment Temple in Baltimore Md., said that many people fooled themselves into believing that now that we have a Black president, being Black is no longer an issue. “That’s very far from the truth,” Bryant said.
Mayor Dave Bing predicts Detroit will rebound from financial ruin after becoming the largest U.S. city to ever file for bankruptcy. “I’m surely hoping that this will be a new start,” Bing said. “Detroiters are a very, very resilient people.” The city, which cited $18 billion in debts,
has been plagued by a decline in auto manufacturing and population. The bankruptcy threatens to slash pension benefits to city workers and retirees. According to the Census Bureau, 81.6 percent of residents are Black. Bing, a former NBA basketball player, has been mayor since 2009.
Obama speaks out about Trayvon, reaction VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 39 JULY 25, 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).
Defender News Services
President Barack Obama gave a personal perspective on the death of Trayvon Martin and reaction to the acquittal of George Zimmerman. Speaking from the White House Press Briefing Room, Obama said, “When Trayvon Martin was first shot I said that this could have been my son. Another way of saying that is Trayvon Martin could have been me 35 years ago,” he said. “And when you think about why, in the AfricanAmerican community at least, there’s a lot of pain around what happened here, I think it’s important to recognize that the African-American community is looking at this issue through a set of experiences and a history that
doesn’t go away.” Obama said America must ask itself about the lessons learned and moving forward. “I think it’s understandable that there have been demonstrations and vigils and protests, and some of that stuff is just going to have to work its way through, as long as it remains nonviolent,” he said. “If I see any violence, then I will remind folks that that dishonors what happened to Trayvon Martin and his family.” Obama suggested that the Justice Department and other officials should work with law enforcement to reduce the mistrust of the legal system. He also said stand your ground laws should be examined, and there should be a long-term project to “bolster and reinforce” African-American boys.
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Update doll The City will use $15 million to fund demolition of blighted properties to make way for new affordable housing.
City of Houston Improvements to public safety, affordable housing, libraries, parks and city facilities are expected to begin in the fall with the current bond money runs out and the $410 million referendum passed in 2012 kicks in. The city decided to go to the voters last November because it was anticipated the existing authorization would run out. Completed authorization projects include two new fire stations, the African American Library at the Gregory School, the police department property room replacement, and renovations to three multi-service centers – Acres Homes, Fifth Ward and Kashmere. Ongoing projects from the existing authorization include a new Fire Station 84, the phase two renovation of the Julia Ideson Building, and improvements to Emancipation Park and Bethel Church Park. Once spending from the 2012 referendum begins, local residents can expect: • $144 million for public safety needs, including improvements to neighborhood police and fire stations • $63 million for health, sanitation and general government improvements, including repairs to City Hall and possible repair of the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center • $15 million to remove blighted properties and make way for new affordable housing • $28 million for libraries, including renovation of Robinson-Westchase • $160 million for improvements to parks, including Hermann, Judson Robinson Sr., Busby, Alief and Wildheather Timetable: Spending from the 2012 authorization begins in late fall. It will provide funding for public improvements for five years.
Visit defendernetwork.com to find out how MWBEs can do business with bond/referendum projects.
Election f
By MARILYN Defen
Houston voters overwhelmingly suppo Independent School District, Houston Co Transit Authority by approving millions o referendums in the last election. What progress has been made since N date of your tax dollars at work.
HCC Houston Community College is planning and preparing for its growth through the $425 million in bonds approved by voters. Funds will be used to help update classroom technology, build a new medical center facility, expand certain campuses and boost its workforce. Projects are still in the procurement stages. HCC is searching for a project manager, director of construction procurement and contract administration manager to oversee the execution and implementation of projects resulting from the 2012 referendum. In the meantime, HCC held a community dialogue at the West Loop Campus to inform area residents of its plans and to continue to solicit their input. HCC Northeast held several forums to update the communities served by that college. Other steps taken by HCC include:
• Reviewed input from community forums • Engaged faculty, staff and students in meetings to determine facility needs and opportunities • Hosted meetings to determine program development initiatives and future course offerings to ensure its readiness to meet the workforce needs of the future • Facilitated ongoing meetings with the HCC administrative departments – including procure-
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MARSHALL nder
orted the City of Houston, the Houston ommunity College and the Metropolitan of dollars in bond and general mobility
November? The Defender gives an up-
HCC’s bond initiative will provide colleges with new or renovated facilities and increased technology to meet student needs.
ment, facilities and finance – to discuss plans for growth • Collaborated with HCC presidents to work together to plan its overall growth • Launched a microsite to educate the community on the bond initiative planning and implementation process • Held a procurement breakfast for the entire district • Sold bonds on the NYSE The breakdown of bond money designated for HCC’s colleges is: Central, $48 million; Coleman, $120 million; Northeast, $73 million; Northwest, $63 million; Southeast, $42.5 million; Southwest College, $78.5 million. Timetable: There are no timelines as of yet. Those decisions will be made by project and program managers. Some of new facilities will begin construction in 2014; their completion timeline will depend on the managers and their evaluations.
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HISD The Houston Independent School District is moving along with plans to modernize outdated high school buildings and build new schools. The $1.89 billion bond measure provides new campuses for 20 high schools, partially replaces four high schools, builds three new elementary campuses, converts five elementary schools into K-8 campuses and As part of HISD’s bond program, members of Sterling High School’s Project Advisory Team replaces/completes two new middle discuss plans for the new school. school campuses. Other progress made by the district includes the establishIn addition, the measure funds district-wide technolment of Project Advisory Teams (PATs) at various campuses. ogy improvements, the replacement of regional field houses, The teams include HISD planners, teachers, principals, parents improvement of athletic facilities, renovation of middle schools and students, who in some cases are helping facilitate the planrestrooms and security improvements. ning and design process with architects. Schools of interest to the African-American community are The meetings are open to the public, and the schedule evenly spaced throughout the program. For example, Sterling, and minutes are posted on houstonisd.org/bond. Those who Washington, Worthing and Young Men’s College Prep high prefer social media can turn to facebook.com/HoustonISD or schools are among the first projects, with construction expected the Twitter feed @HoustonISD. to start by late 2014. The district is organizing at least three community Yates High School and Dowling Middle School are in meetings at each bond campus during the planning and Group 2, and are slated to begin construction by late 2015. design phases of the projects. Jordan High School is in Group 3 and will see construction start HISD recently received criticism from some minority by late 2016. contracts who said they were not getting their fair share of Other schools, including Jones, Kashmere, Madison and bond business. HISD said it has seen great results with its Scarborough, will see construction start by late 2017. MWBE program and mentor-protégé relationships, and so During the last four months, HISD has awarded design far in the 2012 bond program, the MWBE commitment rate projects to architects for 24 schools, the middle school renovais at 51 percent. tions and the district athletic facility upgrades. The district has Timetable: Construction of first projects expected to also awarded program management services to five firms for the start by late 2014. HISD plans to finish all construction by 2012 bond program. the end of 2020.
Metro The $400 million Metro General Mobility Program (GMP) referendum that passed in November is not a bond but an incremental growth in dollars that will come to the transit agency. Metro will not receive additional funds from the 2012 referendum election until FY 2015 (November 2014). Metro is currently using a “system reimagining” process to determine how its transit network would best be re-organized and prioritize funds for future capital and operating projects. The process could result in recommendations to fund additional Metro’s GMP referendum will enhance bus service. bus shelters, new transit centers and park The GMP was established in partnership with the City and rides, or new bus routes. of Houston, Harris County and 14 surrounding multi-cities to This process is in its beginning stages. Once complete enhance regional mobility and ease traffic congestion. (June 2014 timeframe), the Metro board will use those It is funded by a 25 percent allocation from METRO’s 1 findings and recommendations to make informed spending percent sales tax revenue. It provides funding for the construcdecisions for FY 2015, which would include any additional tion and maintenance of streets and roadways, bridges and funds from the 2012 referendum election. The goals will be to build ridership and make improve- grade separations, traffic control signals, sidewalks, hike and bike trails, streetlights and drainage improvements related to ments to the existing system, and to pay down Metro’s transportation facilities, streets, roads or traffic control. commercial paper debt. Timetable: Decisions about funding additional projects is Metro’s current GMP projects include street recona little over a year away when the board discusses and ultimatestruction, bridge/barricade maintenance, concrete street ly adopts an FY 2015 budget. The discussion will also include repair, sign maintenance, traffic signal maintenance and the board’s goal to pay down commercial paper debt. pavement marking.
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Jazz festival
returns Aug. 2-4
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Defender News Services
he 23rd annual Houston International Jazz Festival will celebrate jazz and more from Friday, Aug. 2 to Sunday, Aug. 4. Jazz artist Bubbha Thomas, the festival’s founder, said the event will spotlight various styles of music. “Houston is a melting pot for people of all cultures, and the Houston International Jazz Festival will be representative of that,” Thomas said. “With musical influences stemming from South America, Africa and Europe, it’s an exciting year for our city.” The festival kicks off Aug. 2 at 9 p.m. at 51fifteen Restaurant & Lounge in the Galleria. Performers include the Texas Brass Band and fusion rock artist Sydnee-Jane. On Aug. 3, the festival moves to the Bayou Music Center at 520 Texas Ave. Artists include guitarist Jonathan Butler, saxophonist Elan Trotman, Nicaraguan performer Yelba Heaton Roman, and the salsa-infused band Los Skarnales. Student performers comprising the Summer Jazz Workshop All-Stars will open the evening. On Aug. 4, the festival concludes with an invitationonly scholarship jazz brunch at 11 a.m. at the Wortham Theater. The festival is one of the major fundraisers for Jazz Education, Inc., a non-profit organization founded more than four decades ago by Thomas. For ticket and other information call 713-839-7000 or visit houstoninternationaljazzfestival.com.
Texas Brass Band
Bubbha Thomas
Sydnee-Jane
what’sup Opera singer and honorary UN Ambassador JESSYE NORMAN is the 98th winner of the Spingarn Medal, the NAACP’s highest honor. She was presented the award during the organization’s recent national convention. The honor is given to an American of African descent who has demonstrated outstanding and noble achievement. Norman, 67, was born in Augusta, Ga. She made her singing debut in 1969. By the 1980s her roles in “Aïda” and “Les Troyen” made her one of the most popular opera singers worldwide……..DRAKE, KENDRICK LAMAR and BRUNO MARS are among the artists receiving multiple nominations for the 30th annual MTV Video Music Awards airing Aug. 25. Other nominees include BEYONCÉ, MIGUEL, SNOOP LION, PIT BULL, JANELLE MONAE, RIHANNA and WILL.I.AM……..Nominations for the 65th
Primetime Emmy Awards have been announced, and KERRY WASHINGTON is vying for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role on ABC’s “Scandal.” Washington is the first AfricanAmerican woman to earn a best actress Emmy nomination in 18 years. Her show, which begins its third season in the fall, has become one of the network’s biggest hits. Washington portrays crisis manager Olivia Pope, who has an affair with the president of the United States. In real life, Washington married San Francisco 49ers cornerback NNAMDI ASOMUGHA last month. DON CHEADLE received an Emmy nomination for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Showtime’s “House of Lies.” He portrays charming, fast-talking management consultant Marty Kaan. ALFRE WOODARD was nominated for Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for “Steel Magnolias” on Lifetime. Woodard
has already won four Emmys and received 17 nominations. The awards will be presented on Sept. 22……..JENNIFER HUDSON and “The Talk” co-host AISHA TYLER were two of the celebrities invited to the White House for a health care strategy session. The Obama administration is recruiting celebrities to reach out to young people about the Affordable Care Act…….. SPIKE LEE has launched an online campaign to help fund his next film. He wants to raise $1.25 million over the next month using the fundraising site Kickstarter. The site, which takes a percentage of donations, provides tools to raise funds for creative projects. Lee said anyone who donates $10,000 to his project will receive dinner with him and a courtside ticket to a Knicks game next season. In the video announcing the project, Lee said, “Filmmaking is what I do. Filmmaking is what I love.”
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$3 million grant will target new jobs The Greater Houston Partnership recently received a $3 million grant from GE to support its Opportunity Houston 2.0 campaign. Opportunity Houston 2.0 is a six-year, $40 million initiative that will begin in 2014 as a continuation of the Opportunity Houston program. It will assist the region in creating an additional 450,000 jobs, generating $45 billion in capital investment between 2014 and 2020, attracting talent, growing our regional workforce, and enhancing Houston’s image. “GE has been a leader in jobs and improving the quality of life for Houstonians for a very long time,” said Drayton McLane Jr., chairman of the Opportunity Houston 2.0 campaign and founding chairman of the original Opportunity Houston program.
Drayton McLane Jr. (left) is joined by (l. to r.) Jeff Immelt, president and CEO of GE; Darryl Wilson, vice president and chief commercial officer of GE; David McClanahan, chairman, Greater Houston Partnership (GHP); and Bob Harvey, president and CEO, GHP.
“This latest investment is further evidence of the company’s ongoing commitment to encouraging economic growth and job creation in the
HCC accepting applications for Bond Oversight Committee
Faith
Houston Community College is currently accepting applications for “At-Large” membership positions on its 2013 Bond Program Oversight Committee.
Pre-K3 Gr ad es
Houston region.” Houston is home to 6,000 GE employees and seven of the company’s business units. The company employs nearly 10,000 individuals across the state. “Houston is a very important market to GE,” said Darryl Wilson, vice president and chief commercial officer of Distributed Power, GE Power & Water. “GE is investing heavily in Houston by continuously developing its people, cultivating innovative community partnerships, and delivering advanced technologies that, together, will help both GE and Houston better compete in a global market.”
to
The HCC Bond Program Oversight Committee will play a critical, strategic role in monitoring all applicable Bond funded construction projects and helping interested Houstonians stay informed about new construction and renovation projects at the Houston Community College System.
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Applications are available online at www.hccs.edu/opportunities or in person:
Academic Excellence
Your Child
A Perfect fit: Your Child and a Catholic Education
It’s no puzzle that the many outstanding Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston prepare your child for a successful life. From grades Pre-K3 through 12, we educate mind, heart and spirit. Now Enrolling! See how we’re a perfect fit! Visit choosecatholicschools.org
Houston Community College Board Services Office 3100 Main St. 12th floor Houston, TX 77002 The deadline to submit applications is Friday, August 9th at 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Houston Community College 2013 Bond Program, please visit www.hccs.edu/opportunities.
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Sugar Land
Skeeters salute Black heritage
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Former Astro Bob Watson
By MAX EDISON Defender
he success of the movie “42” continues to highlight the history of African-Americans in professional baseball. Because Jackie Robinson was able to deal with adversity in the minors he was swiftly moved to the major leagues. Locally, the Sugarland Skeeters will host Black Heritage Night on Aug. 22 to acknowledge the contributions of local Black former major leaguers. The Skeeters are an independent minor league franchise and play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In just their second season of action, the Skeeters have already shown they have a winner’s mindset. They have punched their ticket to postseason play by claiming the first half Freedom Division title with a record of 47-23. With over 50 years of experience as a major league player, coach and scout, Grover “Deacon” Jones serves as special assistant to the Skeeters president. He explained the quality of baseball fans see at a game. “You’re going to see Triple A-caliber baseball at a Skeeters game,” Jones said. “Quite a few players in our league have major league experience on their resumes. Our players do all the things well you expect to see in professional ball players. “We’ve had a number of Skeeters get called up to go to minor league affiliated teams at both the Triple and Double A level. We extend the dream that some ball players have.” Jones and Skeeters events marketing manager Teneisha Hall are the driving forces behind the team’s Black Heritage Night. For Jones, a pioneer who had a personal relationship with Robinson, the event takes on a special significance. “It all goes back to Jackie Robinson, that’s the bottom line,” Jones said. “I feel we’ve lost a segment of our community. I don’t see enough people my color playing this great game and it bothers me. If Jackie Robinson were alive today he’d be
Grover “Deacon” Jones, assistant to the president, and manager Gary Gaetti are part of the Sugar Land Skeeters
very, very upset. He gave his life, dying early, after taking all the crap that gave us the opportunity to play in the majors. “Black Heritage Night is another opportunity for me to hopefully wake this sleeping giant [Black fans)] to the positive aspects of the game of baseball and its many opportunities.” Hall agrees. “Black Heritage Night I hope will be a stepping stone that hopefully reconnects the game to a segment of the Black community,” she said. “This night is
designed to be a night of entertainment, education, and culture. “Many are not aware of the rich history of baseball and the African-Americans that reside in the Houston area that have contributed to that history. Hopefully it will motivate some parents to introduce their children to this wonderful game and all the opportunities it has to offer.” The event will feature a pre-game performance by the TSU Ocean of Soul marching band, an art gallery of former players and a special give-away. There will be an autograph session and special recognition to past major leaguers, including Jones, Bob Watson, Enos Cabell, Jim Wynn, J.R. Richards and Cecil Cooper. In addition the Sugarland Skeeters are giving back to HBCUs on this night. For tickets purchased under the school’s designated code, half of the ticket sales will go to that school’s Houston alumni association. For more information visit sugarlandskeeters.com or contact Hall at 281-207-9119.
Former Astro Jim Wynn
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Coleman..Continued from page 2 and Florida are allowed to shoot and kill others based on that individual’s own prejudices and perceived beliefs. The threshold is disturbingly low; deadly force is allowed as long as the individual has “reason to believe” that the victim is a threat or is committing certain crimes. By this definition, someone would be justified in shooting and killing another person just because the first person “had reason to believe” the other one was committing, say, robbery. It does not take much imagination to see how this will continue to end badly for individuals of a certain skin color or ethnicity. There were 14 lawmakers back in 2007 who knew that was a problem and voted against it, and I was one of them. Leaving this to individuals’ prejudices and preconceived notions creates a situation where an individual can become judge, jury and executioner. Defender: What is its potential impact on the Black community? Coleman: A study conducted by Texas A&M University found that enacting stand your ground laws results in more homicides. A study conducted by the Urban Institute and PBS show a racial bias in [the] laws – whites who kill Blacks in stand your ground states are 354 percent more likely to be found justified in their killing than those who killed another white person.
“Trayvon’s situation could have happened in almost half the states in this country. So we need to change the law in Texas, which I tried to do last session.” We know that when you’re born already a suspect, coupled with the notion of “reason to believe,” which removes from the equation the former standard of law requiring that you know you’re in imminent danger, you’re always in
danger of being targeted, creating a situation where there will be many more Trayvon Martins. Many supporters of stand your ground laws might not understand what it’s like to be viewed as a danger based on skin color, but I do. And so do the millions of people of color across Texas and the country. Zimmerman saw Trayvon as a threat, and he was emboldened – entitled, even – by a gun and a Florida law that allowed him to be Travyon’s judge, jury, and executioner… Trayvon’s situation could have happened in almost half the states in this country. So we need to change the law in Texas, which I tried to do last session. Defender: What is the status of your bill? Coleman: My bill, HB 3773, would repeal Texas’ stand your ground law. I laid this bill out in a hearing before the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, but unfortunately there was not enough time left in session to allow for much movement on the bill. But what really hurt it was the whole gun law issue. Any legislation that looked like it could possibly threaten access to guns was killed. However, I shall continue fighting until we can get this law reformed. Thus, we have to wait until January 2015 before it’s heard again. But I’m patient. It took us 12 years to pass anti-bullying legislation.
classified
sportsbriefs
Invitation for Bids
PV, TSU ranked
TD Club to honor Brigance
SWAC football media day was held recently and our Texas teams were not shown much love in the preseason rankings. The PV Panthers, with a disappointing 3-8 record in 2012, are predicted to come in third in the conference’s West division. Texas Southern had an equally disappointing 2-9 campaign under first-year head coach Darrell Asberry and are predicted to finish fifth in the division. Rounding out the rankings the Golden Lions from UAPB, the 2012 defending champions (10-2, 8-1 SWAC), are predicted to win the West crown and repeat as conference champs. Jackson State (7-5, 7-2 SWAC) is predicted to win the East division crown. Remember Panther and Tiger fans, these are just predictions.
The Touchdown Club of Houston will honor former Rice football player O.J. Brigance with the 48th annual Touchdowner of the Year award. The award is given annually for extraordinary contributions and outstanding achievements reflecting honor and sportsmanship to football over a lengthy period of time. The dinner is scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14, at the JW Marriott, 5150 Westheimer. The preseason All-Greater Houston UIL High School Football Team will also be presented. Brigance, who is battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), won a Super Bowl ring as a player with Baltimore and then joined the front office after retiring. During their run for the Super Bowl title in February, the Ravens repeatedly referenced Brigance as a source of inspiration. He remains in his role as the Raven’s senior director of player development, and head coach John Harbaugh called Brigance “a shining light in our building.”
Pitts joins KPRC team Congratulations to former Texan offensive lineman Chester Pitts, who was recently added to the KPRC Local 2 sports team. He will anchor sportscasts and provide Local 2 viewers with insight and analysis during football season. Pitts will dissect the Texans’ performance on “Sports Sunday” and during Monday sports. “I am excited about this new chapter in my life. It is an honor to join an all-star team like KPRC. I got a chance to learn so much during the past football season working with Randy, Dominique and Bill,” Pitts said. “The hard work I put on the field as a Texan I will put in the studio, because when the red light comes on, it’s time to perform. I look forward to connecting with KPRC viewers and I’m ready for this new adventure.”
Dotson provides cuts, ‘dos Former Yates all-state performer, Baylor AllAmerican and Green Bay Super Bowl champ Santana Dotson, through his foundation, is sponsoring a Back to School Hair Cuts and Hair Dos Leadership Workshop on Sunday Aug. 25 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at Franklin Beauty School, 4965 MLK. Girls and boys age 7-17 will receive a free cut or ‘do as well as leadership training, refreshments, school supplies and entertainment. Participants must pre-register by calling 713-4132782 or visiting www.dotsonfamilypark.org.
Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors and vendors for construction of the following project no. C 187-5-50 on SP 10 from US 59 South to SH 36, bid date is August 7, 2013. Quotations may be mailed to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., 1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 or faxed to (512) 707-0798 or emailed to bbiisw@bbiius.com. DBE/HUB contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are available to be reviewed at TxDOT Plans On-line: www.txdot.gov/business/letting-bids/plans-online.html E.O.E. For information contact Brian Ficzeri at (512) 707-0797.
Foreclosure Sale 64 Unit Apartment Complex Fort Stockton, Texas
Earnest money to bid:
Property: Stockton Village Apartments 1101 W. Sherer Fort Stockton, TX 79735
Time and date of sale: Monday, August 26, 2013 10:00 AM Local Time
$25,000
Letter of Credit: A $200,000 Letter of Credit (LOC) is required at closing to insure repairs
To submit a bid:
Sale will be held at:
Bids will be made orally at the foreclosure sale
Pecos County Courthouse (The east door) 103 West Callahan Fort Stockton, TX 79735
After receipt of bid kit address questions to:
Terms:
sean.t.alfred@hud.gov HUD MFPD (817) 978-5816
All Cash/30-day closing Unstated Minimum
Download the Bid Kit & see photos at:
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_ or request by phone by contacting the Realty Specialist
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Note: This advertisement is placed by HUD and does not constitute the legal notice of foreclosure sale.
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DEFENDER | JULY 25 | 2013
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