Houston Defender: July 30, 2015

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Volume 84 | Number 35 JULY 30, 2015 | FREE

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NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA feels at home in Kenya

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ENTERTAINMENT ROBERT JOHNSON launches streaming service

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EDUCATION A BLACK MAN’S ECONOMIC WEAPON? H PAGE 6

SPORTS ROBERT GIBBS JR. quarterbacks Alcorn team

P10 TOP EVENTS

Pat King, Susan L. Taylor and Barbara Harris Curtis at Rare Pearls reception

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Loretta Lynch speaks out

Bobbi Kristina dead at 22

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch traveled to Houston to address members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Learn about the need for criminal justice reform. Discover why Lynch is thankful for her sorority sisters. Read about honor rolls and prison rolls.

Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, died after lying unconscious for six months. Read about the autopsy results and plans for her funeral and burial. Hear what her father has to say about his “unimaginable” loss.

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DEFENDER | JULY 30 | 2015

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Atty. Gen. Lynch speaks in Houston During a speech in ceration; promoting Houston, U.S. Attorney sentencing reform General Loretta Lynch said that will reduce the the Department of Justice use of mandatory is working to “reorient” the minimum sentences; nation’s criminal justice and supporting vulsystem. She said for too nerable communilong, the system has incarties to prevent them cerated people of color at a from being caught disproportionate rate withup in the criminal out significantly improving justice system in the public safety. first place,” she said.

Lynch spoke at the Lynch was critinational convention of cal of zero-tolerance Delta Sigma Theta Sororschool discipline ity, Inc. Lynch, who is a policies that disproDelta, received the Patricia portionately impact Roberts Harris Medallion. young people of Harris, also a Delta, was color.

“Every child the first African-American deserves the opporwoman appointed a U.S. ambassador. tunity to be on the Attorney General Loretta Lynch visits Houston for the Delta honor roll and not Lynch said she is Sigma Theta national convention. the prison rolls,” she determined to take on said. “Every child challenging issues facing deserves support and America.

“Too many of our young people are caught up not suspicion.”

Lynch thanked sorority members for their in the criminal justice system,” she said. “Tensions support during her lengthy confirmation process. between minority communities and law enforcement are erupting into violence. And all across the “As the wait dragged on – and on and on – country, our children, families and communities you showed up to Senate offices, asking – insisttoo often find themselves facing discrimination, ing – that my nomination receive a vote. You intimidation, degradation and despair.” showed up to my confirmation hearing, surroundLynch listed steps the Justice Department is ing me in a sea of red,” she said. taking to make a difference.

“Your power is as vital today as it has ever “We are investing in rehabilitation and reentry been and your work – and your impact – is programs that can serve as alternatives to incarneeded now more than ever.”

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Memorial Hermann Hospital names Pearland CEO Mario Garner, Ed.D., has been named first senior vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital. Garner was recently named Young Healthcare Executive of the Year by the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“We’re excited to have someone with Mario’s experience and background to build and lead the team at Memorial Hermann’s newest hospital in Pearland,” said Erin Asprec, regional president at Memorial Hermann.

“Mario is a proven leader not just in healthcare but also in the community.”

Garner previously served as inaugural president and CEO of the New Orleans East Hospital. During his tenure, Garner successfully recruited hospital leadership, staff and physicians to re-establish a full-service inpatient hospital to an area severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Mario Garner “I’m grateful for my experience in New Orleans as it taught me a great deal about rebuilding both a hospital and community,” Garner said.

“I’m now sincerely honored to be able to serve the community of Pearland and excited for the growth that lies ahead. This is a chance to make a real difference because we’re not just building a hospital; we also have the opportunity to build a culture of service in our community.”

Garner served as chief operating officer at HCA Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, Ga., and held the same position at the Regional Medical Center of Acadiana in Lafayette, La. A native of Lake Charles, La., Garner holds a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Louisiana State University, a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Tulane University and a doctor of education degree from the University of Houston.

Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital is currently under construction on the southbound side of Highway 288 near FM 518. The 64-bed hospital is scheduled to open in early 2016.

localbriefs TEXANS CAN SAVE MONEY during the state’s annual sales tax holiday, which is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 7-9. The law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales tax.

For a list of items that can be purchased tax-free visit www.TexasTaxHoliday.org……..THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT suspended the enforcement of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance and ordered the Houston City Council to repeal the ordinance or place it up for a vote in the November election.

Mayor Annise Parker said she is disappointed with the ruling. “No matter the color of your skin,

your age, gender, physical limitations, or sexual orientation, every Houstonian deserves the right to be treated equally,” she said. “To do otherwise hurts Houston’s well-known image as a city that is tolerant, accepting, inclusive and embracing of its diversity.” Parker said the city will proceed with the necessary steps for Council to consider the issue……..DENTAL HEALTH is a major issue in the state, and more than 5 million Texans live in dentally underserved areas. Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry (TAMBCD) has received $5.4 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand its predoctoral and

postdoctoral training, helping to bridge the gap that exists between medicine and dentistry. TAMBCD will “amp up” training to help integrate dentistry into the broader health care delivery system……..CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER Mamie King-Chalmers will share her memories of the Civil Rights Movement at a “History Talks” presentation. It will be held Thursday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz. King-Chalmers was 22 when she and her family met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Birmingham, and became foot soldiers for the movement. She was chased by dogs, beaten and jailed. Admission is free. Visit www.cmhouston.org.

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JULY 30 | 2015 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | JULY 30 | 2015

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President Obama greets audience members after his speech at the Safaricom Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya.

Obama feels ‘at home’ during Kenya visit

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resident Barack Obama thanked the people of Kenya for making him feel welcome during his recent return to his father’s home country.

Obama spoke to nearly 5,000 cheering Kenyans at a Nairobi gymnasium and was introduced by his sister.

“I want to thank my sister, Auma, for a wonderful introduction,” he said. “I’m so glad that she could be with us here today. It was Auma who first guided me through Kenya almost 30 years ago…

“I am proud to be the first American president to come to Kenya and, of course, I’m the first KenyanAmerican to be president of the United States. That goes without saying.”

Obama spoke on such subjects as the country’s future, economics, terrorism and women’s rights. He encouraged Kenya’s youth to pursue success, and spoke of his own family members.

“I believe there is no limit to what you can achieve,” he said. “A young, ambitious Kenyan today should not

have to do what my grandfather did, and serve a foreign master. You don’t need to do what my father did, and leave your home in order to get a good education and access to opportunity.

“Because of Kenya’s progress, because of your potential, you can build your future right here, right now.”

Obama urged nations across Africa to reject the oppression of women, likening the problem to Americans who embrace the Confederate flag as a symbol of white power.

“Treating women as second-class citizens is a bad tradition,” he said. “It holds you back. There’s no excuse for sexual assault or domestic violence.

“There’s no reason that young girls should suffer genital mutilation. There’s no place in civilized society for the early or forced marriage of children. These traditions may date back centuries but they have no place in the 21st century.”

Obama also visited Ethiopia. Twenty members of Congress accompanied him to Africa, including Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressman Al Green.

Mourners remember Bland as smart, outspoken Hundreds of mourners gathered at a suburban Chicago church to say goodbye to Sandra Bland, whose death in a Waller County jail cell has left unanswered questions. Bland was remembered as intelligent and outspoken.

“That baby did not take herself out of here,” said Geneva Reed-Veal, Bland’s mother, during the funeral at DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Rev. Theresa Dear, an associate minister at the church, said Bland had a healthy self-esteem. “[She was] someone who just talked to her family and knew that help and rescue was on the way,” Dear

said. “This is someone who knew the Lord, and was extremely close with her church family and her sisters, her biological family. None of that adds up to taking one’s life or suicide.”

Bland was found dead in her jail cell on July 13, three days after she was stopped for a minor traffic violation. An autopsy determined that Bland hung herself with a plastic garbage bag while in custody.

In Texas, a sheriff’s review committee was appointed to examine the case. Committee members include former Congressman Craig Washington and Morris Overstreet, a former Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge.

BILL COSBY’s long affiliation with Spelman College in Atlanta is over. The historically Black women’s college ended its endowed professorship with Cosby after more details were revealed from his testimony in a sexual assault lawsuit.

“The William and Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Endowed Professorship at Spelman College has been discontinued,” a Spelman spokesperson said.

The college said related funds have been returned to the Clara Elizabeth Jackson Carter Foundation, which was founded by Camille Cosby in honor of her mother. In 1988, the Cosbys donated $20 million to Spelman. The gift was the largest single contribution ever made to a Black college. Cosby admitted to obtaining sedative prescriptions to give to women, seducing them by pretending to care for them, and paying off women to keep his wife from finding out about his affairs.. ……..

THE MEDICARE AND MEDICAID programs are celebrating their 50th anniversary. On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation to establish Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for low-income adults, children, pregnant women and people with disabilities.

“The 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid provides an important opportunity for us to reflect on the critical role these programs have played in protecting the health and well-being of millions of families,” said Andy Slavitt, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services……..A REPORT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT DEATHS shows that 64 officers have been killed in the line of duty during the first half of 2015. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund report, of the 64 officers, 30 were killed in traffic-related incidents, 18 were killed by gunfire and 16 died due to job-related illnesses. “Each day some 900,000 men and women work to keep our communities safe, and we owe each of them a debt of gratitude,” said fund chairman Craig W. Floyd.

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 35 JULY 30, 2015

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

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall

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

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

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JULY 30 | 2015 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Robert Johnson

BET founder launches video streaming service

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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

obert L. “Bob” Johnson is founder and chairman of the RLJ Companies, which owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate, private equity, consumer financial services, asset management, automobile dealerships, sports and entertainment, and video lottery terminal gaming.

Johnson was founder and chairman of BET, the nation’s first TV network providing programming for the African-American audience. He sold BET to Viacom in 2001 for approximately $3 billion while remaining CEO through 2006.

In 2012 he founded RLJ Entertainment, an independent global distributor of digital and video content.

Johnson, 69, is a native of Hickory, Miss. He earned a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton and a bachelor’s in social studies from the University of Illinois. Here, he talks about launching the Urban Movie Channel (UMC), a subscription-based video streaming service.

KW: How do you see this new platform being used in the world of multiple screen experiences?

RLJ: UMC is an over-the-top, digital streaming channel that is subscription-based, meaning that the consumer pays to get the service. It is targeted to the urban/AfricanAmerican audience, but we believe good entertainment is color blind, so it is available to everybody who wants to go to the site. If you have a web browser, you can get UMC. Our goal with UMC is to bring the creative talent in the African-American community, which in many ways is underemployed, to the consumers who desire to see the content that projects their images and tells their stories.

Consumers will have a choice to purchase product and content that they can see on any device, whether it’s their flat screen TV, mobile phone, i-Pad, or any other device that can receive digital streaming content. We believe that, given the choice, these consumers will see

UMC as a service they’d like to have along with Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime or HBO Go in order to get content not available elsewhere, and at the price they want.

KW: Do you think it would be possible for another Black-owned conglomerate, like BET, to emerge in today’s environment?

RLJ: It’s definitely possible, but it would be very difficult to do in this environment. It was difficult when I started BET. Today, the Internet makes it possible for a lot of African-American content to flow freely to the consumers since there are no gatekeepers, and it is global in terms of its accessibility.

We at RLJ Entertainment are laying the foundation to be sort of a BET in the digital age by creating the distribution platform of UMC, by licensing content from independent producers of urban content, by helping them produce that content, and by promoting the awareness of it. We believe, RLJ has the potential to become a success story like BET and, obviously, I have a lot of experience in making that happen.

KW: How is your focus today different from when you started your media empire?

RLJ: I think the difference is more the technology than the focus. When I started BET, its carriage was totally dependent on the development of cable television in the urban market. Its programming was dependent upon advertising support and cable carriage. And the ability to market it was limited to either buying Black radio or going into magazines like Ebony, Jet or Essence.

Today, there are no gatekeepers in the digital space. I don’t need to talk to a cable operator. I don’t have to go to Ford Motor Company or Procter and Gamble for advertising support. I don’t need to approach the networks for programming. I can promote on Facebook and stream information on YouTube while the artists talk about their films on Twitter.

what’sup USHER is thrilled with the success of his Atlantabased foundation, which just celebrated its 16th anniversary. Usher’s New Look Foundation has helped some 25,000 young people turn their lives around. Students are paired with mentors from different professions and are encouraged to give back to their communities. “I kind of started with just talking to kids in schools, at rec centers, just reminding them you have to do something positive,” Usher said. “Your environment may look a certain way, but you’ve got to find the positive in life, no matter what it may be.” LUDACRIS was among the guests attending the foundation’s recent awards luncheon……..THE ENSEMBLE

THEATRE will participate in the National Black Theatre Festival held in Winston Salem, N.C. from Aug. 3-8. The festival is the nation’s largest platform for bringing Black theater companies together. “It is imperative that Black theater companies continue to grow professionally, explore new perspectives, and find innovative ways to tell our stories,” said Eileen J. Morris, Ensemble artistic director. “We are excited about this being our fifth opportunity to exhibit, network, and exchange ideas with our regional and national cohorts.” Held biennially, the festival attracts more than 65,000 people……..

Houston jazz bassist JELANDO JOHNSON

presents a Magical Musical Experience Part II on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. at Ovations Night Club, 2536 Times Blvd. Johnson is a graduate of Texas Southern University and was a member of the award-winning TSU Jazz Ensemble. He has performed with such artists as NATALIE COLE, GEORGE DUKE, HUBERT LAWS, RONNIE LAWS, KIRK WHALUM, NAJEE and KYLE TURNER. For information call 713-522-9801… …..TYLER PERRY continues to branch out into film roles where he’s not playing Madea. Perry has joined the cast of “Brain On Fire,” which is shooting in Canada. He will portray the boss of a young woman who goes insane.

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DEFENDER | JULY 30 | 2015

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EDUCATION Closing gap would boost earnings, economy compared to their white peers.

“For example, while 20 percent of all children under age 18 live in poverty, 38 percent of Black en of color would earn $170 bilchildren and 30 percent of Hispanic children live lion more a year if they reached the in poverty, compared to 11 percent of non-Hispansame education level as white men, ic white children,” stated the report. according to a new White House Poor students often don’t have access to early report.

The report is titled “Economic Costs of Youth childhood education, increasing the likelihood that they will start school at considerable disadvantage Disadvantage and High-return Opportunities for to their more affluent peers.

Change.” It examines opportuWhen young students fall behind nity gaps facing youth of color, “The cost of in their reading skills, it makes and found stunning correlations between the educational and emincarceration for a it harder for them to catch up to peers in later grades and ployment success of young men single juvenile is over their increases the chances that they of color and how that success $100,000 – twice will drop out. can directly impact the national When young Black men economy. as high as tuition at disconnect from school, they Not only would closing the the most expensive are more likely to connect to education attainment gap result the criminal justice system at in higher annual earnings for college in the considerable expense to the rest men of color 25-64 years-old, country or a year of of society. it would also increase the gross “The cost of incarceration domestic product, the value of intensive mentoring.” is far substantially higher than the production of goods and investing in education or other services, by 1.8 percent in the programs to increase opporUnited States. The Bureau of tunity, even before one takes the returns to the Economic Analysis reported that GDP decreased by an annual rate of 0.2 percent in the first quarter investments into account,” the report said.

“The cost of incarceration for a single juveof 2015. nile is over $100,000 – twice as high as tuition The high school graduation rate for Black at the most expensive college in the country or a students is 17 percentage points lower than their year of intensive mentoring.” white classmates and only “28 percent of Blacks Even though crime is down in recent years, have a college degree by their late 20s, compared spending on corrections at the federal, state and to nearly half of white men,” the report said. local level is $80 billion.

The report said that youth of color encounter A history of poverty, lack of access to early a number of barriers to opportunity at higher rates

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A BLACK MAN ECONOMIC WEAPON?

NNPA News Service

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Read the full White House report childhood education and early interaction with the criminal justice system can follow a young Black man deep into adulthood and contribute to an early death or a lifetime of missed employment opportunities and lower rates of employment compared to white men.

“Even when there is little difference in the likelihood of committing a crime, individuals of color are much more likely to be arrested,” stated the report.

“For example, a Black individual is nearly four times as likely as a white individual to be arrested for marijuana possession, even though Black and white individuals reported using marijuana at similar rates in 2010.”

The report continued: “In 1984, the majority of state and federal prisoners were white. In 2011, the majority of the more than 1.5 million prisoners were minorities, including 930,000 prisoners who were Black or Hispanic (61 percent).”

“Among adults 16 and older, Black men are nearly 15 percentage points less likely to be employed than white men,” stated the report.

Because the labor force participation rate only tracks people who are either employed or looking for work, more

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Houstonians take different views

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instead of going to college I would be out there building houses as a contractor.” he recent White Smith mentioned welding, House study on the plumbing, and carpentry as fields potential impact of a that offer good pay without requirclosed education gap ing a college degree. between Black and Dr. Malachi Crawford, aswhite men has two Houstonians sistant director of the University drawing different conclusions of Houston’s African American from those predicted by WashStudies Program, said education Rev. Leslie Smith ington D.C. researchers. isn’t the only key.

The report concludes that if “If you’re just looking at men of color reached the same educational achievement alone, education level as white men, I don’t see how you can talk true they would earn an additional economic equality because there $170 billion a year, impactare still other institutional dising Black communities and the parities that need to be resolved,” national economy.

Crawford said.

“An additional $170 bil“We must ask, education for lion per year would be a posiwhat purpose? We have certain tive – more homes purchased problems that disproportionally afand children attending college,” fect our communities – communiDr. Malachi Crawford said Rev. Leslie Smith, CEO of ties that need more than additional Change Happens!, a local, community based, dollars and degrees.” non-profit program primarily serving adults Crawford sees status quo beneficiaries as and at-risk youth. “However, we’re not going another obstacle. to see that money just by going to college.”

“There are certain industries today that Smith said that pigeon-holing all Black profit from the failure of schools to adequately males in a college-or-bust track won’t work. educate Black men – the military industrial “College alone isn’t the answer,” Smith said. “It complex, law enforcement, criminal justice is for some, but everybody isn’t college matesystem, sports leagues, the music industry. rial.”

“If these segments of society have vested The White House report also highlighted interests in exploiting young Black men, how high incidents of crime by Black males who disthen do you replace that income for those connected from school as additional reasoning powerful interests?” to make college the main focus. Smith advocates Crawford believes part of the solution adding vocational education to the equation. requires redefining education’s purpose.

“When I was in school all the gangsters “Education is not to just to provide sometook shop, woodwork, and auto repair. Sevone with a job, but to equip individuals to eral went on to have very successful careers,” solve the problems their communities face,” Smith said. “If I had it to do all over again, he said.

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

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than 1 million Black men languishing in American prisons remain unaccounted for in the labor market, artificially narrowing the employment chasm between Blacks and whites until they return home.

“The relationship between economic opportunity and crime is not wholly clear cut. For instance, crime fell throughout the most recent recession. Nevertheless, experience of past decades suggests that improving economic opportunity can also help lower crime rates,” the report said.

Ways to solve the problem 1. Improve access to quality early childhood education that will help more children of all backgrounds enter school ready to learn, regardless of who they are and where they live.

2. Consider options such as enrollment in high-performing charter schools. Some intensive charter school approaches have resulted in large test scores increases and other improvements among disadvantaged youth.

3. Ensure that students of all backgrounds not only graduate from high school and enroll in college but complete their higher education.

Reducing college costs through a variety of mechanisms, including scholarships, helps low-income students stay in college through

he Houston area for over 80 years

completion.

4. Offer early employment experience to help disadvantaged young people enter the workforce. Summer youth programs, for example, help participants earn income while gaining experience.

5. Increase programs aimed at reducing violence and recidivism (a relapse into criminal behavior). One successful Chicago program helps disadvantaged young men improve decision-making in high-stress situations. It also offers training in nontraditional sports requiring discipline and focus, such as martial arts.

Source: “Economic Costs of Youth Disadvantage and High-return Opportunities for Change”

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DEFENDER | JULY 30 | 2015

Bobbi Kristina Brown dead at 22

Check out the

Bobbi Kristina Brown, the 22-year-old daughter of singers Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, died July 26 in an Atlanta-area hospice. She had been unconscious since Jan. 31, when she was found unresponsive in her bathtub.

An autopsy of Bobbi Kristina showed no obvious underlying cause of death and no significant injuries.

A private funeral service will be held in an Atlanta suburb, and she will be buried in New Jersey next to her mother, who died in 2012.

“It is hard to say goodbye,” Brown’s family said in a statement.

“On Sunday, July Bobbi Kristina Brown died nearly three and a half years after her 26, Bobbi Kristina mother, Whitney Houston.

Brown made her memory. Our loss is unimaginable. transition peaceWe thank everyone for the prayers for fully. The family thanks everyone for Krissy and our family as we mourn their loving thoughts and prayers. As my baby girl.”

Bobbi Kristina would say: ‘The wind Bobbi Kristina spent her last is behind me and the sun is in my months in two Atlanta hospitals, a face.’ “ medical rehab facility and a hospice.

Bobby Brown said his daughter Controversy surrounded her illness. has taken her place in heaven.

Her boyfriend, Nick Gordon, is fac“Krissy was and is an angel,” he ing a $10 million lawsuit filed by said. “I am completely numb at this Brown’s conservators, accusing him time. My family must find a way to of domestic abuse and theft. live with her in spirit and honor her T:4.79”

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DEFENDER

ecial Edition

EYE CoAodRvEis:ion

Focus on g

.” d, the rolling diabetes been diagnose important in cont diabetic retinopathy has . ocular pressure She said once the retinopathy. in the s to lower intra efthe severity of els n drops are not t depends on ment is eye drop the blood vess urysms ct the walls of first line of treat combinations of drops. Whe e to control the treatmen oane affe micr can s lop use edur “Diabete weak and deve diabetic We sometimes ated, we can do a laser proc drops or laser MARSHALL s can become d background n toler

By MARILYN er retina. The wall . This is calle alternatives whe fective or not Defend d and leak fluid to laser,” she said. have surgical which can blee well sure. We also ,” Webb said. etic ond pres sure resp diab ng, pres can tive -bei red well lead to prolifera h can bleed, retinopathy and achieve the desi nt part of your can not do orta this d, imp your an eate to see “If left untr els forming whic ous, and in ealthy eyes are TINOPATHY us health problems facing gs you can do fragile new vess the vitre numerous thin of DIABETIC RE of the most serio and there are retinopathy, with of the retina, bleeding into a complication ent. t Diabetes is one retinopathy is ring retinal detachm s to eating righ best. e leading to scar ns, and diabetic on the retina and regular eye exam help maintain jellylike tissu African-America From getting e cases, traction tions into the (transparent . to try to preyou can som etes is ry, hy diab histo opat lled th ications retin uncontro family eye heal “Sometimes injec all behind the lens) of med new vesadherence to treat diabetic rous way rigo best e and eyeb to knowing your s to come. rol “Th t eye of these filling the year y diligent abou blood sugar cont loss and exercise are also development t the ciall tigh ent espe ugh be prev good vision for thro vent it “Weight ns should certain which can ” Webb said.

African-America er risk for vision loss from chief of to a diabetic diet, sels is helpful.” are at high ologist and care, since they e eye b, an ophthalm Dr. Nancy Web ld Clinic, said there are thre CATARACT cataracts are prevalent in African-ence eye diseases. eybo incid Webb said y at Kelsey-S olog have a higher ks. thalm Blac Oph act diabetics also diabetes. icular that imp ly controlled Americans, and betic retidisorders in part cially with poor of the ans have dia eric of cataract, espe clouding of the natural lens gh to -Am coGLAUCOMA ,000 African alence of glau severe enou “Cataract is a 828 be prev er not ted high ima may . a or “There is 1. An est e glaucoma cially after the said. “It may have a visually hav she espe ” does imns, ans nt al eye, erica eric patie visu a Am e If of nopathy. extraction ma in African0 African-Am uals 12 and older hav ally significant. ract family history . ,00 visu “A cata ted .

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Web said sym doctor in the thief in the nigh ted 61 million as driving at nigh with d.

“We call it ‘the 5. An estima only half visited an eye older are legally blin situations such ively losing lems in glare lights, problems ong and ly and progress reness of oncoming head ing. sion loss, but people 40 problems am one can be slow awa 1.2 million problems from and fuzzy vision when read major vision n and have no More than is no pain impact of sun by age 6. ic ere the peripheral visio tute, .

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JULY 30 | 2015 | DEFENDER

9

UHD student president tackles debt issue

University of Houston-Downtown SGA President John Locke in Washington, D.C.

HISD grads receive record offers HISD’s class of 2015 has received almost $265 million in scholarship and financial aid offers, a record-breaking amount that surpasses last year’s total by $10 million.

Nearly all HISD high schools – 82 percent – saw increases in scholarship offers at the campus level, with the biggest boost at Scarborough High School, where scholarship offers jumped by nearly 1,000 percent, increasing from less than $200,000 last year to almost $2 million this year.

Record increases also were seen at Mount Carmel Academy, the Houston Academy for International Studies and Worthing and Booker T. Washington high schools.

“I am so proud of our students. They have worked incredibly hard and these scholarships are proof of a job well done,” HISD Superintendent Terry Grier said.

John Locke, president of the University of Houston-Downtown Student Government Association, is joining other SGA leaders in raising their voices in support of critically needed reform regarding skyrocketing student debt.

The National Campus Leadership Council (NCLC) recently named Locke to its National Affordability Working Group. Locke and 17 other student body presidents from across the nation are gathering in Washington, D.C. to address college affordability.

Working group members lend their perspectives and expertise to NCLC, which released a report titled “2015 Students Speak on Federal Student Aid & Job Readiness.”

“College affordability is a pressing issue that not only affects students, but is crippling our national economy as the future of our workforce is being drowned with insurmountable debt,” Locke said.

“I look forward to collaborating with other student body presidents from around the nation to help tackle this issue.”

Andy MacCracken, NCLC executive director and co-founder, said, “National officials are making some enormous decisions about the future

of higher education. NCLC’s working group will make sure student voices are a meaningful part of that process.”

Beyond providing support and feedback, the working group will help develop and drive NCLC’s national engagement strategy as the country navigates challenging policy questions on student debt, college value and student success.

The working group includes student body presidents from a variety of public and private, four-year and two-year institutions. NCLC has led major initiatives on college affordability since its 2012 launch.

In 2012 and 2013, the organization worked with more than 450 student body presidents to successfully advocate for Congress to maintain low student loan interest rates. Since then, NCLC has helped student leaders navigate institutional and state level policies to address college costs and student loan debt.

classified HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 

Project 15-06-19 – RFP/During & After School Tutoring – District Wide – with a deadline of 3 PM, August 12, 2015. A pre-proposal conference will be held on August 5, 2015 at 10:00 AM in room 2NE32 at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092.



Project 15-07-04 – RFP/Fully Processed and Cataloged Library Books – with a deadline of 10 AM, August 20, 2015. A preproposal conference will be held on August 11, 2015 at 10:00 AM in room B210 at Ryan Professional Development Center, 4001 Hardy Street, Houston, TX 77009.

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

To access, go to Departments, Procurement Services, Bid Opportunities.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

TRANSPORTATION JOB FAIR SPONSORED BY

THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Saturday August 1, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Cesar E. Chavez School 8501 Howard Drive Houston, TX 77017 HISD WILL BE CONDUCTING IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: School Bus Drivers $15.70 per hour School Bus Mechanics Mechanic Helpers Transportation Attendants $10.00 per hour Up to $900 Attendance Incentive and $250 Sign On Bonus for new Bus Drivers!

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

10

DEFENDER | JULY 30 | 2015

sports

SWAC football promises excitement

T

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2015 Predictions SWAC coaches & athletic officials’ poll Rank East Division

1 2 3 4 5

Alcorn State Jackson State Alabama A&M Alabama State Mississippi Valley

West Division

Grambling Southern Prairie View A&M Texas Southern Arkansas Pine Bluff

that Braves fans are already making hotel reservations in Houston for early December.

In the West division Grambling has been tabbed as the preseason favorite.

Head coach Broderick Fobbs, in his first year as the Tiger’s top cat, did a remarkable job. Grambling finished 2014 with a 7-5 record overall, 7-2 in conference, including a victory over eventual conference champ Alcorn (28-21).

It was a significant turnaround from a squad that went 1-11 in 2013.

For his efforts Fobbs was named conference Coach of the Year.

Grambling utilizes a high-tempo offense, described by Fobbs as “basketball on grass,” attempting to run an offensive play every 13 seconds.

The ultimate effect is designed to wear

By MAX EDISON Defender

he Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) recently held its annual football media day in Birmingham, Ala. The 2015 football season promises to be another exciting year for the conference, as Alcorn State, led by 2014 SWAC Player of the Year quarterback John Gibbs Jr., attempts to defend its title.

All roads lead to Houston’s NRG for the championship game on Dec. 5.

In addition, the Celebration Bowl, an inaugural championship game, is in Atlanta against the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champ to crown an HBCU Native Houstonian John Gibbs Jr. of Alcorn State seeks another SWAC title. football king.

It was not like SWAC opponents couldn’t see the Alcorn State train coming. They were down opponents. just helpless and couldn’t get off Senior QB Johnathan Williams will have the keys the track. Coach Jay Hopson’s to the offensive machine and senior defensive lineman squad was 4-7 during Jevonta Williams will anchor the Tiger defense.

Hopson’s first year, 9-3 his “Johnathan is in my opinion the best player in the second year, and 10-3 in his conference,” Fobbs said. “He is highly intelligent. He third year and conference knows what it takes to get things done, and he is the champions. leader of our team. Jevonta is the leader of our defensive Alcorn State (10-3 team, and he is also highly intelligent.” overall, 7-2 in conference) Media day not only featured predictions for the stunned the experts by winning championship race, but it included announcements of the SWAC’s East division, before the preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the toppling defending champion Year.

Southern in the championship Native Houstonian Gibbs, who attended Booker contest 38-24. This year the Braves T. Washington High School, was named preseason know the bullseye will be squarely on Offensive Player of the Year. He completed 169-of-294 their back as they seek to repeat. passes for a total of 2,482 yards and 21 touchdowns last “I think we enjoyed [the championship] season. Gibbs also ran for a career-high 1,006 yards until December 31 and then the New Year on the ground and another 12 scores last season. started and we know we have a big year Hard-hitting Alabama State linebacker ahead of us,” Hopson said.

Kourtney Berry was named preseason “Our challenge this year will be not to Defensive Player of the Year. Berry led the look back into the past, not to relax. We know SWAC in total tackles during his first two each and every week will be a hard fought years grabbing over 100 tackles, including game in this conference so we’ve got to be a SWAC-high 128 last season. ready to play,” Hopson said.

The junior from Merrillville, Ind. With a host of starters returning Alabama State is a two-time First Team All-SWAC linebacker Kourtney including Gibbs, who will be starting his performer and has been named to Berry is a defensive fourth year as QB, there’s little wonder several pre-and post-season standout. honors.

The Celebration Bowl pitting SWAC against the MEAC champion will be Craig Biggio inducted into played in Atlanta at the Georgia Baseball Hall of Fame Dome on Dec. 19.

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JULY 30 | 2015 DEFENDER

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs Pitcher Kazmir comes home

Jackson blends pursuit with passion

H

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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Find out about remaining summer is pursuit is petroleum engineering. activities His passion is basketball.

Rashad Jackson is an honor roll tured athletic endeavor that teaches leadership, student about to begin his senior discipline and the value of teamwork. year at Houston’s Phillis Wheatley The community-based program High School. His interest in eventually beoffers boys and girls an opportunity coming a petroleum engineer stems from an to develop important educational, engineering program at school. His passion recreational and social skills. for basketball came at an earlier age.

Jackson, 17, began the program Jackson’s basketball talents were on full when he was 6 years old and hasn’t display at the 20th annual Harris County missed a year since. One of six Street Olympics’ 3-on-3 Basketball Chamsiblings he has three brothers and pionship Tournament held recently at Fonde two sisters.

Recreation Center.

“I like the competition and playAlong with three other teammates, ing against different people that push Jackson’s Finnigan Park team won me to be my best,” he said. “It the Division V (male 15-17 seems like one day basketyears old) championship ball just took over me and with a late surge.

I haven’t been able to put Games were 15 the ball down since.” minutes long or the first Jackson has a 3.6 gradeteam to reach 13 points. point average and is All field goals and free considering enrolling at throws registered one the University of Houspoint. If neither team ton or the University of scores 13 points at Texas at San Antonio. “I’ll the end of regulation, graduate in the top 10 perthe team with the cent of my class,” he said. most points wins. In A fan of the bearded one, the case of a tie, sudJames Harden, Jackson likes den death overtime was the way the Rockets’ all-star played with the first team to guard can draw fouls and take score emerging victorious. control of games.

“When he’s Finnigan Park scored the hot, he’s hot. You can’t stop last four points to break a 7-7 him when he’s on,” Jackson tie and defeated Lincoln Park said.

11-7. “We may have underesJackson also endorses the timated our opponent a little Rockets’ recent trade for former when we got off to the early Denver Nuggets point guard Ty lead,” Jackson said. “They Birth date – July 13, 1998 Lawson.

“That’s a good pickup were a good team, but we Birth sign – Cancer for them because they lack mulwere able to pull through at tiple point guards that can be Favorite subject – Math the end.” effective on the floor,” he said.

More than 400 boys and How he relaxes – Plays video As for his own game and girls ages seven to 17 particigames with brothers preparing for his final season of pated in the two-day, single high school basketball, Jackson Favorite color – Blue elimination event. The Harris has put together a plan. “I’m County Precinct One Street Favorite meal – Nachos working to improve my jump Olympics was launched by World problem he’d solve – shot and shoot free throws betCounty Commissioner El ter,” he said. “I can’t shoot free Hunger Franco Lee in 1986 to give throws to save my life.”

Houston area youth a struc-

Facts about Rashad Jackson

11

The word has been out that the Astros wanted to add a veteran starting pitcher to their rotation before the trade deadline and they have done it.

Scott Kazmir, native of Houston and a resident of nearby Cypress, is now that guy. Kazmir, 31, went 5-5 with a 2.38 ERA (29ER/109.2IP) in 18 starts for the Oakland A’s this season. Among American League pitchers, Kazmir ranks fourth in opponent batting average (.213) and fifth in ERA. A former stand-out at Cy-Falls High School, he was the first-round selection (15th overall) of the New York Mets in 2002. Kazmir wasted little time proving his worth in his first Astros’ start.

He pitched seven shutout innings en route to a 4-0 win over Kansas City. The A’s received minor leaguers Daniel Mengden and Jacob Nottingham to conclude the deal.

PVAMU, TSU stars honored The SWAC Preseason All-Conference team was recently announced and several stars from Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University made the list. Four Panthers are featured on the first team. Running back Johnta’ Hebert and offensive lineman Glen Haisley are on the offense and defensive lineman Devohn Reed and defensive back Damond Jackson are members of the first team defense. Hebert was also named first team return specialist. PVAMU offensive lineman Jordan Johnson made the second team.

TSU’s Cory Carter was named the first team punter and Tiger offensive lineman Glen Jackson and defensive lineman Amir Bloom are members of the second team.

Coaches meet in Houston For the first time since 2004, Houston hosted the Texas High School Coaches Association Convention and Coaching School recently at the George R. Brown Convention Center and neighboring Hilton Americas Hotel. The event will return in 2017. The first day of the meeting was highlighted by a Q&A session with University Interscholastic League Executive Director Charles Breithaupt and UIL Deputy Director Jamey Harrison. The pair discussed the upcoming 2015-2016 school year, event venues including the state championship football games coming to NRG Stadium this December and other athletic-related items.

Some of the top college football and basketball coaches in the nation spoke at the Houston event, including Tom Herman (University of Houston), Bret Bielema (Arkansas), Todd Graham (Arizona State), Jerry Kill (Minnesota) and Chad Morris (SMU). Basketball coaches included Kelvin Sampson (UH), Scott Drew (Baylor), Ben Howland (Mississippi State) and Josh Pastner (Memphis). This year’s event no longer included the THSCA football and basketball all-star games that had been part of the festivities since 1935 and 1946, respectively. A 2013 NCAA bylaw prohibited Division I football coaches from attending or speaking at an event that featured an all-star game.

HISD dinner set for Aug. 6 The annual HISD high school football kickoff dinner is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Mark Anthony Pavilion, 7525 Tidwell Road. Head coaches will reveal plans for the upcoming 2015 season and predictions on four district races, including 20-6A, 20-5A, 11-4A Division I and 10-4A Division II. For information call 713-556-6913.

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12

DEFENDER JULY 30 | 2015

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

topevents

RARE PEARLS APPRECIATION RECEPTION……..The board of directors to community, service, leadership and empowerment. The event brought out more than of RARE (Radiant, Authentic, Resilient, Equipped) Pearls Inc. held an evening of 13,000 delegates, vendors and guests. Those in attendance at the parade included Jasmine appreciation for their strand members and major donors with special guest Susan L. Barner, Janaye Oliver, Brittany McDermott, Ashlyn Gray, Courtney Britt, Myrtle Taylor, founder & CEO of National CARES Mentoring Movement and editor in chief Mines, Rasheal Pittman, Gwendolyn, Carter, Kathryn Reed, Jackie Carroll, Monetta emerita of Essence Magazine. The event aligned with the organization’s mission that every Gowans, Donna Hill Todd, Olivia Smith Daugherty, Emily Todd, Emily Smith, and girl is gifted with unique potential and RARE Pearls Inc. helps them become productive various organization chapters and regional members………HOUSTON CARES MEET women of excellence. Pat and Erica King were the hosts. Those in & GREET……..The Houston CARES Mentoring Movement attendance included founder Barbara Harris Curtis, Amandalyn a meet and greet at the Houston Area Urban League. Houston Defender TOP EVENTS hosted Maxie Bassett, Dianne Ross, Juanita McNeil, Belinda Feaster, CARES is dedicated to connecting mentors to help guide struggling More photos on defendernetwork.com Kathy Taylor, Akima Taylor, Stephanie Paige, Sam Baker, Black children to academic and social success, stressing the See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Reme Ekoh, T.C. Feaster and a host of supporters……..DELTA importance of mentorship. According to the organization, Black adult with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m.

CONVENTION PARADE……..Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., mentors are grossly underrepresented as volunteers for youngsters in one of the largest African-American organizations in the country, the Black community. Those in attendance included founder Priscilla convened in Houston for the week-long 52nd national convention. The convention kicked Williams, K.C. Carroll, event sponsor Kenny Ozoude of the Eudora Capital Group, off with the welcoming parade in downtown Houston, Motown review, Greek step show, Judson Robinson III, Councilman Jerry Davis, Rory Victor, Grant Irons, Jonathan gospel concert and a number of other events celebrating the organization’s commitment Jackson, Michon Benson, Will Womble, Stephanie Paige and Steven Williams.

Dianne Ross, Juanita McNeil, Belinda Feaster

Emily Todd, Emily Smith, Olivia Smith Daugherty, Donna Hill Todd

Jonathan Jackson, Grant Irons, Rory Victor

Erica King, Akima Taylor, Kathy Taylor

Gwendolyn Carter, Kathryn Reed

Kenny Ozoude, Judson Robinson III

Erica King, Pat King, Susan L. Taylor, Barbara Harris Curtis

Jasmine Barner, Janaye Oliver, Brittany McDermott, Ashlyn Gray, Courtney Britt, Myrtle Mines, Rasheal Pittman

Stephanie Paige, Judson Robinson III, Councilman Jerry Davis, Kenny Ozoude, Susan L. Taylor, Priscilla Williams, KC Carroll, Steven Williams

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