Houston Defender: July 25, 2019

FEATURE

DRIVING WHILE BLACK: POLICE CONTINUE TO PROFILE AFRICAN-AMERICAN DRIVERS P9

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Volume 88 | Number 39 JULY 25, 2019 |FREE

NEWSTALK TSU students to play role in Democratic debate

P2 NATIONAL DERRICK JOHNSON weighs in on presidential election

P4 H.S. ZONE TEDDY RESBY coaches N. Forest to victory

BEYONCE’ ROARS IN ‘LION KING’ H PAGE 5

P11 TOP EVENTS

Shannon Buggs

Simone Biles

The former journalist is leading the City of Houston’s Complete Communities Program, hoping to make a difference in underserved neighborhoods. The initiative is designed to empower traditionally under-resourced communities.

The Olympic gymnast had a lot to feel good about, even with some rare missteps that were quickly forgotten in her latest climb atop another podium. Biles won the U.S. Classic recently, maintaining her six-year winning streak.

helps neighborhoods

Michelle Lenae and Pastor Suzette Caldwell at the Fill Your Cup brunch.

P12

captures gold

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DEFENDER | JULY 25 | 2019

newstalk

TSU students to play role in Democratic debate Defender News Services

Texas Southern University is getting the opportunity to bask in the nationwide and possibly the worldwide political stage as the host of the third Democratic presidential debate Sept. 12 and if necessary, Sept. 13.

With just a handful of weeks to put a plan into action, the school said it expects to involve students, who are excited to have their concerns addressed by the candidates.

The debate will be held in the Health and Physical Education (H&PE) Arena, a venue that can accommodate dignitaries, the press and students.

It is designed to hold 8,200 people, TSU President Dr. Austin Lane and Mayor Sylvester Turner anticipate the Democratic debate. but there won’t be that much space once the stage and media platforms Burton, a media professor at TSU. “Our stuare built. The Democratic National dents, we want them to be excited, engaged, Committee has not said how many and informed and we want them to undermembers of the public will receive stand the role that they play in the political tickets, but TSU has an allotment and process.” will be giving some to students.

Students will receive opportunities “Our stake is that on each night for week-long internships, to be runto make sure we have not only an ners, and to work in the post-debate spin allotment of tickets for VIPs but also rooms. for students,” said TSU President “It’s not just a national deal,” said Dr. Austin Lane. “That doesn’t mean Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “It will we’ll be able to invite all 9 or 10,000 draw international and national attention of our students. But our goal is to get as many of our students to the city of Houston. And so it’s just a big win.” inside the event as possible. “ State Sen. Borris Miles is also pleased with TSU’s selecTSU plans to make an announcement soon about tickets tion as the venue. and wants students to be involved.

“TSU sits in the heart of Senate District 13, and I am so “Our students get a hands-on, real life, up close, and proud that a historically Black university was selected to host personal access to what they want to become,” said Lane. this prestigious and important event,” Miles said. “Our nation “I can’t put into words how excited we are to have knows we’re going to impact this election. But, it is up to us this opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Rockell Brown to make that happen. Stay active, stay involved and vote.”

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Chase commits $1 million to neighborhoods Defender News Services

In an effort to boost small business growth in neighborhoods and spur more affordable housing in Houston, JPMorgan Chase & Co. is making a $1 million commitment to Houston Business Development Inc. (HBDi) to partner in its mission to revitalize local communities.

Of the $1 million commitment, $600,000 will be dedicated to supporting small businesses with a program called Credit Builder Loans, offered to promising companies whose growth has been limited by impaired credit.

The loans come with credit training and a low initial balance of $600 or $1,200. Once the participating businesses show a track record of making their payments, their credit score can move up quickly and their loan balances can grow accordingly. Participating businesses can ultimately borrow up to $4,500 at below-market interest rates.

“Poor credit is one of the primary reasons business loans are often declined,” said Marlon Mitchell, president/CEO of HBDi. “Thanks to the generous support of JPMorgan Chase, the Credit Builder Loan Program is filling a wide gap in providing deserving small business owners access to capital that would not otherwise be available.

The program is an effective tool in helping entrepreneurs to get back on track financially and to better understand how to use credit as an asset.”

The remaining $400,000 of the philanthropic investment from Chase will help finance affordable housing, particularly single-family houses and townhomes that HBDi will build in Acres Homes and the OST/South Union areas. Some of the houses are already under construction.

localbriefs DALLAS STATE SEN. ROYCE WEST made it official. He’s running for U.S. Senate as a Democrat in the race to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. “I’m battle tested,” West told supporters at a campaign launch event. “You’ve seen me in battle, and I’m ready today to announce my candidacy for the United States Senate.” West has served in the Texas Senate since 1993. He was elected to another four-year term in 2018 and will not have to give up his seat to challenge Cornyn………HOUSTON CITY COUNCILMEMBER AMANDA EDWARDS announced earlier that she is joining an increasingly crowded primary to challenge

Cornyn as a Democrat as well. “As a woman, as an African-American, as a millennial – and certainly as someone who generally…believes in solutions and not just rhetoric – I think I’m going to be the candidate that can do the job,” she said………

TEXAS HEALTH OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED THE CREATION OF a 20-bed specialized care unit for Texas veterans. The first of its kind within the state, the new unit at Terrell State Hospital is designed to provide mental health services to this specific population with unique needs. An estimated 6 percent of patients in state hospitals identify as veterans and face unique challenges that are best

addressed through psychiatric care attuned to their background…….HISD IS EXPANDING its free, full-day pre-kindergarten programs at various campuses. Twelve schools will expand classrooms, for a total of 38 rooms. Parents will need to visit one of the campuses from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and bring the following: Parent income (check, award letter, child support, SSDI); proof of address (utility bill such as light, gas, water or lease); child’s original birth certificate; child’s Social Security card; child’s immunization record and parent identification. To enroll or for more information, visit www.HoustonISD.org/preK.

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NAACP president weighs in on presidential election Defender News Services

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson delivered a galvanizing speech to members, delegates and supporters of the organization at the opening plenary session of the 110th National Convention in Detroit.

Focusing on the state of politics in the U.S., Johnson reminded the crowd that Black Americans have always been at the forefront of social justice policy in this country.

Taking the stage just minutes after Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who alongside Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, and Ilhan Omar, was the subject of racist language from President Trump, Johnson said, “[They] are more American than he ever could be. No one can be more American than us.”

Johnson said that the convention would be the place to set the Black agenda for the upcoming 2020 election. Ahead of a forum featuring 10 presidential candidates, Johnson remarked that the Black community would not respect those who pander for their vote, but rather those who worked for it and put forth equitable policies that are steeped in civil rights. Derrick Johnson said the Black vote should not be taken for granted.

“This is where we set the Black agenda; Prior to Johnson’s remarks, Speaker of the House this is where the voice of Black America will be Nancy Pelosi addressed the delegation. heard,” he said. “Whether you’re a Democrat or a RepubJohnson’s speech also addressed the strength of Black lican, if you take the Black vote for granted we won’t vote women, the commemoration of 400 years since the transfor you.”

Atlantic slave trade, for which the NAACP will journey to The Presidential Candidates Forum featured a Q&A Ghana, and the new direction for the NAACP. session moderated by White House correspondent April During the convention, the organization presented its Ryan. Candidates for the forum included Joe Biden, Cory prestigious Spingarn Medal to Patrick Gaspard, who served Booker, Pete Buttigieg, Julián Castro, Kamala Harris, Amy as political director for President Barack Obama in the White Klobuchar, Beto O’Rourke, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth House, executive director of the Democratic National ComWarren and Bill Weld. Presidential candidate Marianne mittee and U.S. ambassador to South Africa.

Williamson spoke earlier in the week.

RAIN PRYOR, DAUGHTER OF THE LATE COMEDIAN Richard Pryor, is forging a new path in the political field, after announcing her intent to run for Baltimore City Council.

Culminating with her 50th birthday, Pryor announced that she will run on the Democratic ticket against her opponents in the Democratic Primary scheduled for April 28. Pryor faces the incumbent, Councilman Ryan Dorsey, and life coach Nichelle J. Henson. Pryor said she decided to run after her daughter was victimized by bullies at school and her dissatisfaction with how school administrators handled the situation. Pryor followed in her father’s footsteps as an actress and comedian……A GEORGIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE RECEIVED AN OUTPOURING of support after she claimed she was cursed, verbally harassed and told to “go back where she came from” while shopping at a Publix grocery store.

That sympathy turned to scrutiny, however, after Erica Thomas was accused of walking back her claims. Now critics are calling her experience a “hate hoax,” while others have continued to rally around her. Thomas, who’s nine months pregnant, said she was waiting in the express lane with her daughter when the man flew into a rage over the number of items she had. Thomas, who denied backtracking her accusations, didn’t film the encounter, but police said there’s store surveillance and witnesses that will help them get to the bottom of what happened…….A DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE WHO WAS SEEKING ELECTION to the Mississippi House of Representatives reportedly walked into the medical clinic where his estranged wife worked as a receptionist and shot her to death before turning the gun on himself. Officials said the murder-suicide happened at the Williams Medical Clinic in Potts Camp after Carl Robinson received divorce papers. Robinson, 43, shot 34-year-old Latoya Thompson, who died as emergency workers were trying to put her on a medical helicopter.

House votes for $15-an-hour minimum wage Associated Press

House Democrats have approved legislation to raise the federal minimum wage for the first time in a decade, to $15 an hour, transforming an issue that once splintered the party into a benchmark for the 2020 election.

Even though the bill has little chance of passing the Republican-led Senate, or being signed into law by President Donald Trump, the outcome pushes the phased-in rate to the forefront as the new standard, one already in place at some leading U.S. corporations.

While the increase would boost pay for some 30 million low-wage workers, intended as one answer to income inequal-

ity, passage was assured only after centrist Democrats won adjustments to the bill. Reluctant to embrace the party’s left flank, they pushed for changes, including a slower six-year phase-in of the wage. It’s a reminder of moderates’ influence on policy, but also the limits.

A hike in the $7.25 hourly wage has been a top Democratic campaign promise.

Under the House bill, for the first time, tipped workers would be required to be paid the same as others earning the minimum, boosting their pay to $15 an hour, too. It’s now $2.13, in what labor scholars call a jarring remnant from the legacy of slavery, when newly freed workers received only tips.

VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 39 JULY 25, 2019 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers

Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Editors ReShonda Tate Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Jodie B. Jiles Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For digital subscriptions, visit www.DefenderNetwork.com/ subscribe. No paper subscriptions are available. All material covered by 2019 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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JULY 25 | 2019 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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‘The Lion King’ roars again 25 years later

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also has a big heart and encapsulates a lot of different archetypes,” he said. “I wanted the way she was choreographed and with lions and the fight scenes to have a resonance with the power with which [Beyoncé] choreographs her stage show.”

And of course, there’s the music, which is just as important as the images in conjuring up all the emotion and nostalgia associated with the original.

Zimmer has updated and built upon his own score from 25 years ago, which will also integrate music from the stage show and the 2D film.

There will be some recognizable songs, including “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” ‘’Hakuna Matata,” ‘’Be Prepared,” ‘’I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and “Circle of Life,” plus some new ones too.

Associated Press

t was just a few months ago that director Jon Favreau was sitting in a scoring session with composer Hans Zimmer for “The Lion King,” his ambitious and technology-driven reimagining of the 1994 animated classic, and he and everyone else in the room were getting a little emotional.

It’s no wonder: They were recording the music for the stampede (yes, that stampede).

“Working on it doesn’t make it any less emotional,” Favreau said in an interview earlier this year.

And don’t even get him started on what it was like to listen to James Earl Jones record his lines as Mufasa.

“The Lion King” is three years in the making with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Beyoncé, and the expectations couldn’t be higher.

It helps, of course, that the material is familiar to most of the world already. The animated film, which opened in June 1994 at the peak of the Disney animation renaissance, went on to become a critical hit, the highest grossing film of the year at the worldwide box office (it was second domestically to “Forrest Gump”), a two-time Oscar winner for Zimmer’s score and the song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and a Broadway show – now the third-longest running and one of the most successful in history.

So, it was only a matter of time before the Walt Disney Co., in this new era of live-action remakes of its animated library which this year included both “Dumbo” and “Aladdin,” turned to one of its most beloved.

Favreau wasn’t even finished with his version of “The Jungle Book” when he started inquiring about plans for “The Lion King.”

He’d learned so much about motion capture technology and had a team he knew how to collaborate with. He was ready to take it to the next level. So, he raised his hand for the big job.

“I kind of lobbied for it,” Favreau said.

The studio waited until “The Jungle Book” was out to give him the official word, but the 2016 movie which scored with both critics and audiences, turned out to be a pretty good audition. And he set to work prepping this “live-action” ‘’Lion King,” which, it should be said isn’t live-action at all.

A COMBINATION It’s a combination of virtual reality and “keyframe animation,” which means that the animals are all animated by hand, “just like all the old animated movies,” Favreau explained. In other words, if you visited the set, you would not find some gargantuan soundstage and

a bunch of actors running around acting like lions while covered in motion capture bodysuits and dots.

Rather, it was more of a “black box with people wearing headsets and VR goggles.”

The VR was used to “drive the camera” and “instead of just one layout artist on a computer, we had a full crew operating virtual cameras in a virtual reality environment,” he said.

For the cast, which also includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé as Nala, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, the process was pretty similar to what they would have done for a traditionally animated movie, but Favreau also filmed the actors during their voice recording sessions to help the animators.

Anyone who’s seen the marketing thus far has no doubt recognized some familiar touchstones from the 1994 film. So familiar, in fact, that many have wondered if it was going to be a shot-for-shot remake. Favreau said that isn’t the case.

“It diverges quite a bit,” he said. “It’s much longer than the original film. And part of what we’re doing here is to [give it more dimension], not just visually but both story wise and emotionally.”

The main story points are the same, but like the stage musical, there will be differences too. Plus, he wanted to capitalize on the uniqueness of his actors.

With Beyoncé, for instance, he even changed the way he directed her and approached her animation after seeing her stage show and all the personas she channels for each song.

“Nala is a very powerful character who’s a warrior and

Beyoncé is the voice of Nala in “The Lion King,” which dominated the North American box office with a $185 million opening weekend.

The remake also stars Donald Glover as Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, James Earl Jones as Mufasa and Alfre Woodard as Sarabi.

what’sup Donald Trump took to twitter recently to guarantee rapper A$AP ROCKY’S bail, or an alternative, for release from a Swedish jail. The rapper was detained in early July, accused of assaulting a man before a concert in Stockholm. He denied the charges, posting Instagrams of two men follow his entourage. The proposed call to the Prime Minister came as an idea after the president had a conversation with KANYE WEST. Since the 2016 election Kanye has shown unwavering support for Trump, while his wife, KIM KARDASHIAN WEST, has worked alongside him to help nonviolent criminals

to be released from jail. Even though the president is now involved with A$AP’s case, some fans believe his case is, well, poetic justice. Why? In 2016 A$AP, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, tried to distance himself from the Black Lives Matter Movement and the murder of Mike Brown in Ferguson, Mo.…..ART NEVILLE, a New Orleans music icon and founding member of the Neville Brothers and The Meters, has died at 81. No cause of death was provided. Neville won multiple Grammy Awards, including the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award, over the course of his more

than 50-year career. ….MAHERSHALA ALI will be stepping in as the next Blade. WESLEY SNIPES appeared in the first three installments, 1998’s Blade, 2002’s Blade II and 2004’s Blade: Trinity. The two-time Oscar winner will be starring as the half-human, halfvampire superhero that has all the strengths of a vampire but not the weaknesses. Blade protects humans from the undead to avenge his mother’s death, who was killed after she had given birth to him. After winning an Oscar for his role in Green Book, Ali actually called Marvel and asked to be the next Blade.

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DEFENDER | JULY 25 | 2019

Complete Communities

Offering neighborhoods opportunities

T

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

he City of Houston’s Complete Communities Program wants to make a difference in underserved neighborhoods.

The initiative is designed to empower traditionally under-resourced communities so they have access to the same resources and amenities as any other areas. The vision is for residents from targeted areas to create and implement their own plans for healthier neighborhoods, supported by partnerships with banks, endowments and other private entities.

The program, launched in 2017, started with five pilot communities: Acres Homes, Gulfton, Second Ward, Near Northside and Third Ward. On June 19, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the addition of five more: Alief, Kashmere Gardens, Fort Bend Houston, Magnolia Park-Manchester and Sunnyside.

“Complete Communities is one of the top priorities of my administration,” said Turner. “For too long, certain neighborhoods in Houston have been underresourced and underserved. When I became mayor, I said I did not want to be the mayor of the haves and have nots. Houston must have thriving neighborhoods citywide for us to reach our full potential.”

Critics say the projects outlined by the five pilot areas are merely things the city should have already been addressing. Others suggest funds for projects will stretch scarce community development dollars even thinner.

Supporters of the initiative, however, say the program seeks to put an end to telling Black and Brown Dr. Assata Richards children that quality businesses, schools and experiences only exist outside their neighborhoods.

“Complete Communities is about improving neighborhoods so that all of Houston’s residents and business owners can have access to quality services and amenities like grocery stores, parks, affordable houses and jobs,” Turner said. “We are investing in historically underserved neighborhoods while reducing the risk of gentrification.

“It’s about working closely with the residents of communities that haven’t reached their full potential, understanding their strengths and opportunities, and collaborating with partners across the city to strengthen them.

While working to improve these communities, we must also work to ensure existing residents can stay in homes that remain affordable,” added Turner.

Dr. Assata Richards, director of the Sankofa Research Institute and active participant in Complete Communities initiatives in her native Third Ward, views the program as an effective empowerment tool.

“For me, I would grade the opportunity to broaden engagement as an A-plus for the Third Ward community to mobilize itself and set its own priorities,” she said.

Richards contends criticism of the program is misguided.

“Some mistake the program as something the city is doing for them. But it’s not the mayor’s neighborhood or some city department’s action plan, it’s our action plan and our neighborhood and our responsibility to hold to the priorities of our community.”

Richards feels that one full year in operation is not enough time to assess Complete Communities because the goals are not short-term. She adds that systems, structures and policies have been in place for decades that have led

to the decline of certain neighborhoods, hence, one year is an unfair measuring point.

Turner concurs and seeks to help people understand that change doesn’t happen overnight.

“This is a long-term program,” he said. “These 10 neighborhoods have been underserved for decades.”

THIRD WARD

Richards and company have been busy. The Third Ward plan has produced development projects, multiple murals, a consistent community clean-up program, the Third Ward Proud Citizens on Patrol and a consistent system of accountability to keep everyone on task.

“We’re starting new businesses because that’s what our action plan called for. The Third Ward Cooperative Community Builders for example, is a worker-owned construction company that came straight out of our action plan,” Richards said.

The other four pilot communities have been busy, as well, working their own communitygenerated action plans.

GULFTON

With Gulfton’s action plan calling for more area art, 12 murals were unveiled celebrating Gulfton’s Story Trail, presented by Culture of Health Advancing Together (CHAT).

“Art is a component of CHAT, and we believe that the murals can change the community quicker than other services,” said CHAT founder Aisha Siddiqui.

Additionally, Turner and Together for Safer Roads launched Phase 1 of a Houston Safer Streets program in Gulfton seeking to make the city’s streets and roads safe for pedestrians, bus riders, bicyclists, drivers, wheelchair users and others with input directly from Gulfton’s community action plan.

SECOND WARD

In February, AT&T, a Complete Communities partner, hosted a Live + Work + Play Career and Resource fair at Houston Community College Felix Fraga Campus. The fair offered workshops on resume building, interviewing techniques, and free professional head shot photos to help Houstonians in their quest for employment.

Additionally, with money received from the United Arab Emirates’ $6.5

ing in collaboration with local non-profi tions, and public health professionals, i The Economy and Jobs A-Team wel workforce system that provides job placem tion in northwest Houston. It will serve Ac area neighborhoods.

In an attempt to give young people s nities (Y-ABC) project in Acres Home lau 18-30 years of age, through training and e in their community.

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Initiative direct or talks plans, p rogress Shannon Buggs wa s named the first di

TSU students shown volunteering with the Third Ward Proud Citizens on Patrol.

million gift to Houston’s Complete Communities, the Flores Neighborhood Library, closed since being damaged by the Hurricane Harvey flood, received $800,000 to re-build and re-open.

NEAR NORTHSIDE

The Avenue Center, a future community hub featuring a combination of Avenue CDC’s programs and services from partner organizations, enjoyed multi-level funding support, including $1 million from the BBVA Compass Foundation for Avenue Center to house the future BBVA Compass Center for Financial Education. Additionally, the City of Houston awarded $3.4 million in project funding for the Center, while the United Arab Emirate gave approximately $2.6 million to support Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. Avenue Center is expected to open in early 2020.

ACRES HOMES

In Turner’s neighborhood, Acres Homes, the community’s Health Action Team (A-Team), workfit organizations, businesses, health wellness organizaintroduced residents to the Acres Homes Farmers Market. lcomed to the neighborhood Workforce Solutions, a public ment and career counseling, as they opened their newest locacres Homes, Greater Inwood, Central Northwest and other

something to say yes to, the Young Adults Building Commuunched a free program designed to empower young people, experimental learning, to become a voice for positive changes

rector of Complete Commun Acres Homes seek ities in March. Her s to build a town ce responsibilities include develo nter to attract needed retail ping strong collabo an d amenities to the co ra tiv e relationships with neighbor mmunity.

Gulfton is looking hood residents, City to see much of apar of Houston departments, other tm en ts there revitalized to matc government agencie h the amenities off s and officials, str private donors and er ed by newer uctures. non-profit organiza tions.

She previously wo Near Northside seek rked as director of s transformational community hous and public relations affordable ing that remains in at the Woman’s Ho th e sp ch ita ar l of Texas, director of com ac ter of th e ne hood. Second Ward ighbormunication for the is about harnessing University of Houston’s College the economic attention it’s of Liberal Arts & So been receiving for cial Sciences and business colum a while now so residents can rem nist and reporter ain engaged and liv for the Houston Ch ing in their ronicle. neighborhood, revi talizing its parks an The Defender spok d e with bringing back the Fl Buggs about the in ores Library damitiative. aged by Hurricane Harvey. Second W Defender: Are ther ard e specific also seeks to create things the City seek light manufacturin g s to accomplish jobs in the neighbor in targeted neighb hood. orhoods or are Defender: How wo projects based on pa uld you judge rticular comComplete Commun munity needs? ities’ progress?

Buggs: We are at th Shannon Buggs: Th e beginning stages of implemen at’s where we start first; with tat io n and we’re really what the commuonly one year old.

All plans were pass nities want. All com ed munities want

by City Council in August 2018. Now sidewalks repaired, it’s a rethinking time to turn those pl traffic flow, making ans into reality, with sure housing in some projects havi ng timelines of two the neighborhood re mains affordyears, two-to-five ye Sh an no n able to varied inco Buggs ars or five or more mes, increasing retai years. Residents id l options in en affordable, exciting, tified high-priority pr ojects. We have mad progressive ways. e significant progre Some [areas] have businesses that ss on those pr ojects, completing are not economically about 55 percent to advantageous, like check-ca da te.

This office just open shing establishmen ed in March, with th ts.

Communities woul of e job facilitating the work d rather establish bu between various cit sinesses like an all-encompa y m de en partts on these projects. ssing grocery store [Complete Commun that offers those same check-ca neighborhoods have ities] shing and bill-payi been ignored and un ng services without charging hi derresourced for years. gh rates of interest.

They are seeking to Additionally, there are specific th ca tch up to ot he r neighborhoods, no ings asked for by [th t because these are e five pilot areas]. Third Ward deficit co m munities but becaus wants the Emancip e they have been ig ation corridor to become the thriv no th red in e past. We’re moving ing business center at a great pace to co it once was. mplete these projects.

ng the Houston area for over 88 years

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DEFENDER | JULY 25 | 2019

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132893_NPA225271-0002 West Internet Superiority_HoustonDefender_9.75x13.indd 1

6/28/19 1:55 PM

T:4.79” S:4.25”

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JULY 25 | 2019 | DEFENDER

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SUMMER GOES FAST

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SAVINGS

U.S. police continue to profile Black drivers NNPA Newswire

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activation. Eligible on select 2019MY vehicles. Vehicle must have arrived at dealer at least 61 days prior to the sale date. Estimated savings include an average dealer discount based on a sales survey of average discounts off ered by Ford dealers nationally. Discount may vary; dealer determines price.

Taxes, title and license fees extra. For all off ers, take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford dealer’s stock by 9/3/19. See participating dealer for complete details. 2$1,500 Customer Cash (PGM #13564) + $500 Select Inventory Customer Cash (PGM #13566) + $920 Bonus Cash (PGM #13560, #13556) + $1,358 National Average Dealer Discount. Additionally, $750 Ford Credit Bonus Cash (PGM #13558), which requires Ford Credit financing.

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Two new recently published reports show that racial profiling – particularly “Driving while Black” – remains a crisis in America.

A recent report issued by Missouri’s Attorney General Eric Schmitt revealed that Black drivers across that state are 91 percent more likely than white motorists to get pulled over by police. What’s more, the profiling usually takes place in the motorists’ own community, according to the attorney general’s report.

The Missouri report arrives on the heels of one out of Kentucky where a study found that Black motorists are searched at a rate of three times more than whites in Louisville.

African-Americans account for approximately 20 percent of Louisville’s driving age population, but they still accounted for 33 percent of police stops and 57 percent of the nearly 9,000 searches conducted on motorists, according to the Louisville Courier Journal, which conducted the study.

The Courier Journal said it reviewed “130,999 traffic stops in Louisville from 2016 to 2018 and found that an overwhelming number of African-American drivers were profiled and pulled over by police.”

Black motorists were searched 12 percent of the time they were stopped, while white motorists were searched just 3.9 percent of the time.

“Aside from the alarming and devastating findings, we have always known that racial profiling is all too prevalent throughout law enforcement and our society as a whole,” NAACP President Derrick Johnson told NNPA Newswire.

“What we need is to implement proper training for law enforcement officers on how to more efficiently carry out essential policing without threatening the lives of people of color,” Johnson said.

Racial profiling is an insidious practice and serious problem in America that can lead to deadly consequences, Johnson added.

“Our faith in our criminal justice system will continuously be challenged if we are constantly targeted by discriminatory practices just by doing simpletasks – walking down the street, driving down an interstate, or going through an airport without being stopped merely because of the color of our skin. Living as a person of color should never be crime,” he said.

American Civil Liberties Union Attorney Carl Takei told NNPA Newswire that racial disparities in the new data are similar to what courts have relied on around the country to find unconstitutional racial profiling in traffic stops.

“Disparities of this kind suggest that officers are using race not only in deciding who to pull over, but who to single out for searches,” Takei said.

“What’s particularly damning about this data is that police were more likely to search Black people than white people yet found contraband in only 41 percent of searches of Black people compared to 72 percent of the searches of white people,” he said.

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DEFENDER | JULY 25 | 2019

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Simone Biles captures gold at U.S. Classic Associated Press

Simone Biles had a lot to feel good about, even with some rare missteps that were quickly forgotten in her latest climb atop another podium.

What mattered most to the world’s top gymnast was keeping things moving forward, which Biles did.

Biles won the U.S. Classic to maintain her six-year winning streak.

The four-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning world champion had an all-around score of 60.000, 2.100 points ahead of runner-up Riley McCusker. Grace McCallum was third at 57.700.

Biles won her 19th consecuSimone Biles of Spring is the most decorated American gymnast. tive all-around title beginning with the 2013 U.S. Championships. She “The Biles,” a double layout with a half turn. Momentum surged from fifth following the first rotation on the uneven from the high-energy move sent her out of bounds, though bars into first on the next. She had the highest score in the it didn’t hurt her score in that segment or overall.

Russell Westbrook vault (15.650), though Jade Carey won the event with a “I definitely wanted to stay in bounds for one routwo-vault average score of 14.800. tine,” said Biles, who smiled at the mistake before getting Biles left no doubt in the floor exercise, which generback at it. “But it’s more to work on. I overpowered it a ated the most curiosity for what she would add to her little bit, but I’m kind of happy with it. I’d rather go over top-flight exercise routine. than under.

Biles delivered, unleashing a high-speed punch layout “At least I didn’t fly completely off of the floor.” front onto her second flip on her signature move known as

Biles also was third on the balance beam in the first of just two U.S. appearances this year; the second is next month at the U.S. Nationals in Kansas City, Missouri.

Her intense approach to the floor exercise and elsewhere pleased co-coach Laurent Landi and has him confident Biles can grow even more.

“We tried it, and hopefully we can try something else at the nationals,” Landi said. “It’s mainly for me to see what she can do, to see if it’s something we can push or something to get away from. It was good.”

McCusker, one of Biles’ teammates on the gold-medal winning U.S. squad at the world championships, was just as happy with her second-place finish that began with her finishing second on the beam to Kara Eaker.

classifieds The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center Offers FREE services to qualifying adults 19 and older in the areas of: high school equivalency: GED resources, career coaching, college admissions, financial aid applications, college entrance exam preparation and much more. Call 713-718-6330

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JULY 25 | 2019 | DEFENDER

h.s. sports North Forest All-Stars shine bright

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Demetries Joulbert hit two home runs in a 20-4 victory.

By JODIE B. JILES Defender

embers of the North Forest All-Stars Little League baseball team have been on fire this season as they moved on round after round with an incredible run that won their age group’s regional, sections, district and direc-

tors’ tournaments.

In the South Zone 9 U Pony Tournament where teams from across the state competed for a trip to the 2019 Little League World Series in August, the All-Stars bounced back after a 9-5 loss to Laredo. In the next game, the All-Stars blew out their opponent 20-4 behind two in-the-park home runs by Demetries Joulbert.

“The only way I got the two runs was I held the bat back and as soon as the ball came I swung and my hips turned and the ball just went into the outfield,” Joulbert said.

Against all odds, the All-Stars, the only predominantly AfricanAmerican team in a field of teams from larger regions across the state, secured a spot in the final The North Forest All-Stars had an impressive run this season. with a 3-1 record, just one game away from a things around was the Laredo game because punched ticket to the Little we lost to a team that we shouldn’t have lost League World Series. to. Normally we would blow that team out In the final game, the Coach Teddy Resby said his team is focused and dedicated. by 15 points or more. After that game our (Photos by Jimmie Aggison) All-Stars were defeated team was much more focused.

by La Porte 15-4 in Defender: How has baseball four innings of play, but HISD is offering free electrocardiograms helped your players mature?

For tournament & crowd photos their progress was an (EKGs) to middle and high school student athResby: Our kids are in love with achievement in itself. visit IG: @DefenderHighSchoolSports letes, cheerleaders, band, drill team, and dance baseball. Some of the kids just play for The Defender team members, as well as any other students fun and the parents just put their kids in spoke with the North involved in similar extracurricular activities. to participate. But on this team, they are Forest All-Stars head The EKGs will be available on Saturday, focused on baseball and want to play all year around even though coach Teddy Resby about their keys to success and how the game we don’t offer that at our park yet. Just the mentality of these kids Aug. 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Delmar Fieldhas helped the kids grow. house, 2020 Magnum Road. The first-time event makes it really easy for us to coach them because they live baseWhat have been the keys to your strong Little League is designed to detect heart defects. The test takes ball. If the coaches are late to practice they are already practicing, tournament play? about 10 minutes. Results will be available on the warming up and doing things they know they should do and Resby: Right now, all of our bats are clicking which is a spot and resources and referrals will be provided once we start rolling in practicing everyone is focused. They’re really good thing. In these previous games there hasn’t really to students who need them. focused on being baseball players and having one concept of been that much competition. The game that really made us turn For more information call 713-556-6913. coming together to win.

HISD offers free EKGs

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DEFENDER JULY 25 | 2019

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

topevents

ANNUAL SALUTE TO MINORITIES IN CONSTRUCTION help participants gain insights and level up their budgeting, saving, and investing LUNCHEON……..The Houston MBDA Business Center, operated by Houston strategies, while also learning about the positive implications of giving. Additionally, Community College, recently hosted the 5th Annual Salute to Minorities in great food and conversations on faith and culture were enjoyed by attendees, including Construction Luncheon at the Junior League of Houston. The event honored minority- Pastor Suzette Caldwell, Christa Clarke, Freddie Sherrill Jr., Nadia Ammons, owned construction firms and the advocates and organizations that support them, Ed McCowan, Lillian Eunice, Shawn Wilkins, Sebastian and Veronesia Young, including Ed Melton (7th Echelon, LLC). All proceeds Cheyanne Goings, Epiphany Brown and scores more…….. from the event went to support the vital work of MBDA PREPARING MENTALLY FOR TRANSITIONS……..The Defender TOP EVENTS in the Houston region. Attendees included Michelle Levi, Houston Museum of African American Culture served as the venue More photos on defendernetwork.com Judson Robinson III, Mark Praigg, Dr. Maya Durnovo, for Preparing Mentally for Transitions, and event that sought to Denise Hamilton, Carolyn Watson, Ron McFarlane, prepare attendees for various school-related transitions. The event’s Tandelyn Weaver, Celina Pena, Michi Clay, Ilsa Garcia, panelists of professionals, Celeste Howell, Dr. Angela Powell, Robert Ross, Des Burnley and many others……..FILL YOUR CUP BRUNCH: Merrissa Hughes and Dr. Devin Miles, not only presented helpful information but FAITH MEETS FINANCE……..Michelle Lenae, founder and host of the Christ shared even more information during the Q&A session. Parents, guardians, aunts, over Culture Podcast, served as mistress of ceremony for the Fill Your Cup Brunch uncles, grandparents, teachers and administrators present described the event as fruitful covering the topic “Faith Meets Finance.” A panel of financial experts, including and helpful. Attendees included Monica Hughes, Mary Garrett, Nadia Richardson, Reginald Lillie II, Adrianne Wilkins and Teeba Rose, shared their knowledge to John Guess, Sadiq Abdulquardri, Lyn Tunstall, Akinyi Adoyo and others.

Chris Bilton, Layle McKelvey, Michelle Levi

Michelle Lenae, Pastor Suzette Caldwell

Celeste Howell, Akinyi Adoyo

Celina Pena, Michi Clay

Reginald Lillie II, Adrianne Wilkins, Teeba Rose

Nadia Richardson, John Guess

Mitch Miszkowski, Lori Hovath, Ed Melton

Cheyanne Goings, Nadia Ammons

Sadiq Abdulquadri, Lyn Tunstall

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