Houston Defender: August 06, 2015

OPINION

COLUMNIST JULIANNE MALVEAUX SAYS “I AM SANDRA BLAND” P11 defendernetwork.com

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NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA fights climate change

WANTED

P4 ENTERTAINMENT MICHAEL B. JORDAN

JUSTICE FOR SANDRA BLAND H PAGE 2

Ferguson one year later

Aug. 9 marks the first anniversary of the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old Black man in Ferguson, Mo. killed by police. The shooting sparked outrage in Ferguson and across the country, and led to demonstrations, riots and calls for justice. What – if anything – has changed in the last year? Find out what local leaders and activists have to say. Learn why one Missouri observer cites change and stagnation.

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stars in “Fantastic Four”

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SPORTS DUANE BROWN in Texans’ training camp

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 6 | 2015

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newstalk Bland family files lawsuit

Geneva Reed-Veal

The family of Sandra Bland filed a federal lawsuit in Houston to hold those responsible for her death accountable.

The lawsuit is filed against Trooper Brian Encinia, the sheriff of Waller County, two county jailers and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The announcement was made by attorney Cannon Lambert, Bland’s mother Geneva ReedVeal and other family members.

“The bottom line is she never should have been in that jail,” Reed-Veal said.

“Justice is going to be served if the justice system does what it’s supposed to.”

Bland, 28, was found dead in her Waller County jail cell on July 13. Her death occurred three days after she was stopped by Encinia for a minor traffic violation, which led to her arrest after allegedly assaulting an officer.

An autopsy determined that Bland hung herself with a plastic garbage bag while in custody. Bland’s family and friends dispute the autopsy finding, and in-

sist that she was looking forward to a new job at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University.

Encinia was put on desk duty for violating procedures during the stop.

“Mr. Encinia is still employed and it doesn’t make sense that the taxpayers are paying for the type of service that he employed on July 10,” Lambert said.

“This family needs an answer to the principle question of what happened to Sandra Bland. It’s why we filed suit.”

Petitions seek federal probe NNPA News Service

A broad coalition of civil rights groups delivered more than 500,000 signed petitions to the Justice Department, demanding that Attorney General Loretta Lynch launch a full investigation into the death of Sandra Bland and into the practices and policies of the Waller County police department and the prosecutor’s office.

During the press conference about the petition, Lois Wilkins, a Freeland, Mich. resident who started the petition on MoveOn.org, recounted a conversation that she had with her daughter Ebony Joy. “She said, ‘Mom, I could have been Sandra Bland, and if I die in police custody, I want you to know that I did not commit suicide.’ ” Wilkins, an educator and small business owner, said that she started the petition because it is time for change.

“As an African-American mother, I am appalled at the stealing of our children and our future leaders and this is totally unacceptable

to me,” Wilkins said.

Eugene Puryear, of the Stop Police Terror Project in Washington, D.C., said that activists don’t need to appeal to institutions, they need to transform institutions.

“The petitions are not just names on pieces of paper, they represent the power of a potential mass movement in this country that has already changed the conversation,” said Puryear, referring to the on-going dialogue about criminal justice reform.

Rev. Graylan Hagler, senior minister of the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ and executive director of Faith Strategies, said the abuse that Blacks suffer at the hands of police is nothing new.

He said the only difference is that now everyone has a recording device ready to expose police misconduct.

“If you look at the video of Sandra Bland closely, she was locked up because she asserted her rights,” Hagler said. “The rights that anybody should have to ask the questions, ‘What are you doing? Why are you stopping me? Why are you arresting me?’”

A half million petitions concerning Sandra Bland are delivered to the Justice Department by (l. to r.) Eugene Puryear, Lois Wilkins and Rev. Graylan Hagler.

Rashad Robinson, the executive director of ColorOfChange.org, an online civil rights organization, said Waller County officials have failed to expose the truth about what happened to Bland.

Justice Department officials accepted

the signed petitions from the activists and told Wilkins that the FBI is monitoring Waller County’s investigation into Bland’s death.

“I need to know what happened to Sandra Bland,” Wilkins said. “And so do the other 500,000 [people] that signed the petition.”

localbriefs A TOWN HALL MEETING sponsored by Black Lawyers for Justice will be held Monday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. at True Level Masonic Lodge, 4212 Lyons Avenue.

The meeting will focus on investigating police profiling in Harris and Walker counties. It is also designed for residents, students and others who may have been subjected to unconstitutional racial profiling or unfair treatment by county law enforcement agencies. Malik Z. Shabazz, national president of Black Lawyers for Justice, will conduct the meeting. He will be joined by other members of the organization, Minister Robert Muhammad, students from Prairie View A&M University, other local and national activists and concerned citizens.

For more information visit www.blfjustice.org.……..

FEDERAL DOLLARS are flowing into Texas communities recovering from the May and June storms, winds, tornadoes and floods. According to FEMA, to date, more than $306 million in federal grants, SBA low-interest disaster loans and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims have been approved. The money includes more than $202 million in NFIP claims that have been paid to Texans. The deadline to register with FEMA is Aug. 27. Visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call 800621-3362…….. THE HOUSTON DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH will mark National Health Center Week with a Family Health Evening on Aug. 10 from 4 p.m.

to 7 p.m. The department’s four health centers will offer free child immunizations, blood pressure screenings and toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss. The health centers are La Nueva Casa de Amigos, 1809 North Main; Northside Health Center, 8504 Schuller; Sharpstown Health Services, 6201 Bonhomme and Sunnyside Health Center, 4605 Wilmington. Employees will staff booths with information about department services, including family planning, men’s health and testing for sexuallytransmitted diseases and tuberculosis. Employees will offer guidance on preparing for emergencies and enrolling in the Affordable Care Act marketplace. For information call 832-393-5427.

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AUGUST 6 | 2015 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs THE NAACP held a state rally at the Alabama State Capitol as marchers reached the midpoint of the first leg of its 860-mile march, America’s Journey for Justice. On the capitol steps, the NAACP and coalition partners demanded federal prioritization of job creation and training programs, passage of the Raise the Wage Act, passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act and legislation that requires stronger restrictions on payday loans in Alabama. America’s Journey for Justice began in Selma, Ala. and will end in Washington, D.C………THE NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION is commending the quick action of Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters in seeking a murder indictment of University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing for the shooting of Samuel DuBose on July 19. DuBose, an unarmed Black man, was initially stopped for not displaying a front license plate. Tensing’s his own body camera video showed him shooting DuBose in the head. The video proved to be crucial evidence to the grand jurors who indicted Tensing. “This case exemplifies why police body cameras are necessary in every law enforcement agency in this country,” said NBA President Benjamin L. Crump. Tensing pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and voluntary manslaughter……..BLACK WOMEN, girls and children in the rural South rank low or last on nearly every social indicator of well-being, from income and earnings to obesity and food security. That’s one of the findings released by the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative. In the rural South, more than 1 in 4 children and nearly as many women live in poverty. C. Nicole Mason, the report author, said it “should be a call to philanthropists, foundations, and our government to infuse critical resources into communities to build the long-term economic security and well-being of lowincome Black women, children and families in the rural South.”

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 36 AUGUST 6, 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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Obama unveils plan to fight climate change In an effort to combat one of the “toughest challenges” of our time, President Obama recently announced America’s Clean Power Plan to fight against climate change.

According to the White House, power plants are responsible for about a third of America’s carbon pollution – more than its cars, airplanes and homes combined – and that pollution is fueling climate change.

The Clean Power Plan sets first carbon pollution standards for power plants, while providing states and utilities with the flexibility they need to meet those standards.

“Levels of carbon dioxide, which heats up our atmosphere, are higher than they’ve been in 800,000 years, and 2014 was the planet’s warmest year on record,” Obama explained.

He added that we can see the effects of the changing climate in our everyday lives.

“Our summers are hotter. Our droughts are deeper.

Our wildfire seasons are lasting longer,” he said.

“Our storms are more severe. And these disasters are becoming more frequent, more expensive, and more dangerous.”

Obama said over the next few years, each state will have the chance to put together its own plan for reducing emissions because every state has a different energy mix.

“Some generate more of their power from renewables; some from natural gas, or nuclear, or coal. And

About the plan • Sets achievable standards to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030 • Also by 2030, will prevent up to 3,600 premature deaths and 90,000 asthma attacks in children • Will boost the economy by resulting in 30 percent more renewable energy generation in 2030, and creating thousands of jobs • Will save the average American family nearly $85 a year on their energy bills in 2030 • Will save enough energy to power 30 million homes in 2030 this plan reflects the fact that not everybody is starting in the same place,” he said.

“We’ll reward the states that take action sooner instead of later, because time is not on our side here.”

Black kids experience post-recession gains NNPA News Service

Eight years after the Great Recession, Black children are prospering in some regards and still struggling in others, according to the latest Kids Count Data Book, a report on child well-being issued each year.

According to the report, 39 percent of Black children live in poverty, more than double the rate of white children (14 percent), and higher than the national average of 29 percent.

“It was the first time, this year, that we saw the child poverty overall go down slightly for all the ra-

cial groups. It went down slightly, one tick between 2012 and 2013,” said Laura Speer, of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which publishes the report each year. “What didn’t go down is the rate of concentrated poverty. This the highest rate since 1990.”

The report is not all gloom and doom. Teen births continue to decline and are at their lowest levels ever. The high school graduation is the highest it’s ever been, as is the number of students graduating on time. More children are in preschool today than they were 10 years ago. Black three- and four-year-olds are in preschool at a rate slightly above the national average.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 6 | 2015

entertainment

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‘Fantastic Four’ debuts with

Michael B. Jordan

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

Michael B. Jordan stars alongside Kate Mara, Jamie Bell and Miles Teller in the “Fantastic Four,” which hits theaters on Aug. 7.

Jordan plays superhero Johnny Storm, “The Human Torch.” His character can fly and engulf his entire body in flames. Here, Jordan talks about the reboot of the beloved Marvel Comics film franchise, among other things.

K.W.: Did you get any advice from the actors who previously played your role?

M.B.J.: I talked to Chris Evans when I met him at a Vanity Fair party right before we started shooting. We laughed about it and thought it was cool. He said, “Go do a great job.” That was it.

K.W.: What’s it like to be called – and to have to be – fantastic?

M.B.J.: Seriously, it’s pretty cool.

K.W.: How did you prepare to play your role?

M.B.J.: I think it was already programmed into me from reading the comic books and being so familiar with Johnny growing up. So, there wasn’t really too much preparation for it, since I already knew his characteristics.

K.W.: If you could have a “superhuman” power in real-life, what would you choose?

M.B.J.: The ability to teleport.

K.W.: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d like to star in?

M.B.J.: “Repo Men.” K.W.: Which was tougher? Climbing the Hollywood show biz ladder or growing up in Newark?

M.B.J.: Growing up in Newark wasn’t easy by any means, but having a solid family foundation and the community really pushed me forward. So, I had an easier route than most. I’ve certainly been blessed.

The Hollywood industry is pretty rough for anybody, regardless of background, as anybody else enjoying longevity and true success can attest to.

K.W.: What was the last book you read?

M.B.J.: “God’s Promises for Your Every Need.”

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

M.B.J.: My homemade mashed potatoes from scratch. You’ve got to use Yukon Gold potatoes, though.

K.W.: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

M.B.J.: I know you don’t want the real answer. So, I’m going to go with “trouble.”

K.W.: What’s the biggest difference between who you are at home as opposed to the person we see on the red carpet?

M.B.J.: I walk around naked at home. That’s the biggest difference.

K.W.: What’s your dream locale in Los Angeles to live?

M.B.J.: I’m an East Coast kind of guy.

K.W.: How do you want to be remembered?

M.B.J.: I’d be happy just to be remembered at all.

K.W.: What’s in your wallet?

M.B.J.: I actually don’t have a wallet.

About Michael B. Jordan

• Born 1987 in Santa Ana, Calif.

• Moved with his family to Newark, N.J.; attended Newark Arts High School • Landed roles on “Cosby” and “The Sopranos” in 1999 • Appeared on HBO’s “The Wire” in 2002 • Joined the cast of “All My Children” in 2003; received three Image Award nominations • Made TV guest appearances in “CSI,” “Cold Case,” “Lie to Me,” “Without a Trace” and “Law & Order” • Starred in TV series “Friday Night Lights” and “Parenthood” • Appeared in such films as “Hardball,” “Pastor Brown,” “Red Tails” and “That Awkward Moment” • Portrayed lead character in the film “Fruitvale Station;” received fourth Image Award nomination

what’sup VIOLA DAVIS, the star of “How to Get Away With Murder,” talks about age in a new AARP Magazine cover story. “Turning 50 is making me reflect on my life in a way that’s more compassionate and forgiving,” she said. “I’m able to almost accept the old me.” She recalled growing up poor in predominantly white Rhode Island. “Most of the time, the school lunch was the only meal I had. I would befriend kids whose mothers cooked three meals a day and go to their homes when I could,” she said. “People would throw things out of cars and call us the N-word. It was constant.” Davis loves the

life she has today. “Having a really great husband, a child who’s healthy and happy and brings me joy – all of that has been my dream,” she said……..

WILL SMITH denied rumors that he and wife JADA PINKETT SMITH are divorcing after 17 years of marriage. It was reported that the couple has a secret deal to divide their $240 million fortune.

Smith spoke out on Facebook. “I don’t usually respond to foolishness. In the interest of redundant, repetitious, over & over again-ness, Jada and I are not getting a divorce!!!!!!!!!!” he said……..Drama continued following funeral services for BOBBI

KRISTINA BROWN. A photo taken of her in a coffin was reportedly sold to a tabloid for $100,000.

Also, BOBBY BROWN’S wife Alicia Etheredge was rushed to the hospital after suffering a seizure hours after Bobbi Kristina’s funeral. Etheredge gave birth to a daughter three weeks ago……..

QUEEN LATIFAH and MARY J. BLIGE have been added to the cast of NBC’s production of “The Wiz Live!” in December. Latifah stars as the Wiz, the mysterious wizard who holds the keys to the Emerald City. Blige will play Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 6 | 2015

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business

SBA lending limit raised to $23 billion President Barack Obama signed into law a bill increasing the lending authority for the Small Business Administration’s biggest loan program, the 7(a) program. The bill raises the lending limit to $23.5 billion.

The 7(a) program is the SBA’s primary program for helping start-up and existing small businesses, with financing guaranteed for a variety of general business purposes. The SBA does not make loans itself, but guarantees loans made by participating lending institutions.

Taxpayer funds are only used in the event of borrower default.

This reduces the risk to the lender but not to the borrower, who remains obligated for the full debt, even in the event of default.

SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet thanked Congress for raising the lending authorization ceiling.

“We have seen record levels of lending this year, showing us that America’s small businesses are thriving and yearning to grow,” Contreras-Sweet said. “We have streamlined our processes, reduced fees, and bolstered our outreach to our lending partners.

“On behalf of the Small Business Administration, and the thousands of small and growing businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs we serve across the country, thank you to the leadership in both the House and Senate for the steps they have taken,” she said.

“As we go forward, we will continue to work with both chambers to ensure that the SBA continues to empower American small businesses as they grow and create jobs to strengthen the nation’s economy.”

Maria Contreras-Sweet

Things to know about paying by smartphone Paying for purchases by smartphone is becoming increasingly viable. Some major companies now enable consumers to buy goods at participating merchants with their credit or debit card by just waving a smartphone over the payment terminal.

In fact, a major smartphone manufacturer recently teamed up with many banks and merchants to make the service available to anyone buying the newest version of its smartphone. What should you know about using your smartphone to pay in a store or a restaurant?

Here are some tips from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

• You need the right equipment. Your smartphone must contain a contactless or “NFC” (near field communication) computer chip that allows it to “talk” to the payment terminal via a wireless connection, as well as a digital wallet to store your payment card information.

• If you are buying a new smartphone, you can ask the salesperson if it has an NFC chip.

For a phone you already have, check the “settings” menu and look for “NFC.” Your phone may already have a digital wallet feature. You can also download one through an app store or other online marketplace.

• You have to load your credit or debit card information onto the phone. The setup procedure can be as easy as taking a picture of the front

and back of the card with the mobile wallet application. The app will then send it to your bank for approval and to confirm that it’s really you.

• Most merchants that accept mobile payments are large national chains, but smaller stores are beginning to sign up. A merchant must first install card terminals that accept contactless payments; they look different than the swipe terminals you are used to.

• As with any electronic transaction, pay attention to security issues. According to Jeff Kopchik, a senior policy analyst at the FDIC, “Many security experts believe that mobile payments are more

secure than swiping your magnetic stripe credit card because the mobile service keeps your credit number in encrypted form and does not transmit it to the merchant. But you still should make sure your phone is protected, such as with a password, so it cannot be accessed by a thief. Some of the newest smartphones use fingerprint readers to control access, which can be secure and convenient.”

• Make sure your phone “times out” and relocks itself after it isn’t used for a short period of time. If you lose your smartphone, notify the bank or other issuer of any credit or debit cards that may be loaded on the phone.

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AUGUST 6 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Jackson Lee meets with Nigerian officials During a recent trip to Africa, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee met with the president of Nigeria and other government officials in reference to the schoolgirls and thousands of others kidnapped in the country.

Jackson Lee was briefed on the “horrific atrocities” Boko Haram is inflicting on Nigerians, and received an update on the 200 girls taken from the Chibok Girls Secondary School in April, 2014.

“My heart goes out to their families and I hope that they will soon be united with their children,” Jackson Lee said.

As a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, Lee said she is asking the Nigerian government to step up

its efforts to bring all young kidnap victims home.

“We all know that children’s rights are human rights, and these types of attacks, specifically targeting of schools, are strictly prohibited under international law and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” she said.

“Schools are places of refuge and safety, where children should be allowed to learn and grow without fearing harm coming to them…”

Jackson Lee has called for a victims’ fund to be created for the kidnapped girls and their families.

“I also have written a letter to the attorney general asking for her assistance in using funds forfeited by the Nigerian government to be applied to assisting the families of those affected by the atrocities of Boko Haram,” she said.

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Pastors sue Mayor Parker Local clergy members opposed to the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance filed a lawsuit against Mayor Annise Parker. The pastors claim their civil rights were violated when Parker subpoenaed their sermons. They are also suing for legal fees and damages associated with a lawsuit filed last summer.

“The purpose of this lawsuit is not to retaliate for her wrongful behavior, but instead is to create a deterrence to all future Mayor Parkers to let them know once and for all, if you’re going to violate rights, there will be reckoning and accountability in a court of law,” said Andy Taylor, the lawyer representing the pastors.

Parker said the new lawsuit is not about civil rights or religious freedom, but is about politics.

“It is being waged by a small group that wants to take Houston backward instead of moving it forward,” she said. “I respect the pastors’ right to use our legal process how they see fit, but their energy would be better invested in making sure Houston remains a welcoming, inclusive city that does not discriminate. “ The Texas Supreme Court recently suspended the enforcement of the ordinance and ordered the Houston City Council to repeal the ordinance or place it up for a vote in the November election.

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FERGUSON

ONE YEAR LATER

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

an un Blac Mo. shoo in Fe coun strat justi mun Ag that woul shoo prom Th Blac for s zens and r the D activ serve chan

Opinions vary on what has changed

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s the death toll of unarmed Blacks who lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement still rises, many are wondering what’s changed since Michael Brown and Ferguson.

Houston activist Kaleb Taylor, a political science major at Texas Southern University, said “absolutely nothing.”

“Sure, we have more body cameras on officers, but we have seen on more than one occasion where an incident was caught on tape, and the officer still went unpunished,” Taylor said.

He added that mistrust of law enforcement officials is still a problem, and noted the mysterious death of Sandra Bland in a Waller County jail.

Local activist Deric Muhammad believes citizens have become savvier technologically, using their smartphones regularly to record potentially abusive police encounters, leading to higher levels of distrust.

“The nationally monitored cases of Freddie Gray, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and others have had a major impact on local sentiment toward police officers,” Muhammad said.

“An HPD officer was recently shot in the back during a traffic stop. Before that, a young man walked into a Southwest Houston Wal-Mart and stabbed a female HCC officer 16 times. Houston remains a powder keg, despite the push for body cameras from local officials.

For real change, Taylor contends there is much work to be done.

realize Black dollars matter.”

Muhammad believes an “agenda for justice” must be developed and put before every political candidate regardless of party.

“Elected officials must hold police accountable or be held accountable themselves.

Those who have power to influence the process must ensure that law enforcement officers pay the same price for killing citizens that citizens pay for killing law enforcement officers.

Kaleb Taylor Deric Muhammad Congressman Al Green Anything short is unacceptable and represents the suicide of our society,” Muhammad said.

“We know all cops aren’t racist, however, when Houston Congressman Al Green is striving ‘good’ cops turn a blind-eye and defend officers who abuse to make a difference through legislation. Green and their power, they are just as wrong as those committing Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver introduced House the crimes,” said Taylor, who believes police reform must Resolution 295 calling for police body cameras. include community policing.

Along with law enforcement agencies reevaluating “Patrolling officers should make themselves known in how their officers are trained, Green says major priorities for the communities they work and get back to the mission of positive change should include increased federal funding for protecting and serving.” proper training, sentencing reforms for nonviolent offenders, Taylor, president-elect of the Collegiate 100 Black Men and creating an ethos in police departments toward better of TSU, said elected officials must move from rhetoric to police-community relations. action. However, he believes the most powerful action will “Elected officials need to delve deeper into issues and come from everyday citizens. answer President Obama’s clarion call to pass criminal “We have to go beyond protests and demonstrations justice reform legislation,” added Green. and start building campaigns of economic resistance. If Muhammad suggested police invest more in the America doesn’t realize that Black Lives Matter, make it communities they patrol via neighborhood-specific

community service to respond properl Though frust solace in an elevat “There is an A a burning house m been on fire in this and whenever the together. When pe can stop us,” Taylo Green sees su “Caught-on-c national discourse understand the imp body-worn camera relations,” said Gre There, bodyDepartment of Ju against peace offi peace officers by were used to succ Though sup believes the comm “The people justice like never pacifiers or empty or else.’ ”

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ug. 9 marks the first anniversary of the death of Michael Brown, narmed 18-year-old ck man in Ferguson, killed by police. The oting sparked outrage erguson and across the ntry, and led to demonions, riots and calls for ce from the Black comnity. grand jury later ruled Officer Darren Wilson ld face no charges in the oting of Brown, which mpted more protests. hroughout the ordeal, ck Houstonians called solidarity with the citis of Ferguson, and vigils rallies were held. Here, Defender talks to local vists and a Ferguson ober to find out what has nged one year later.

ce, and that community members learn how ly when dealing with police. trated with the pace of change, Taylor finds ted level of consciousness.

African proverb that states, ‘Two men in must not stop to argue.’ Black people have s country ever since we were forced here, temperature increases, it brings us closer eople of color are united, no devil in hell or said. ubstantive change, slow though it may be. camera events after Ferguson changed the e such that local police departments better portance and necessity of tools like police as to improve police and community reen, citing results from Rialto, Calif.

-worn camera use, according to the ustice, helped decrease complaints fficers by 88 percent, and use of force by 60 percent. Additionally, those videos cessfully prosecute criminals. pportive of body cameras, Muhammad munity holds the key. e must unite around the principle of before; accepting no substitutes, y promises. Our attitude must be ‘Justice

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How is Ferguson different today?

Since the death of Michael Brown, there’s a new interim police chief in Ferguson and the city council is now 50 percent Black.

In addition, the Justice Department called on Ferguson to overhaul its criminal justice system. What else is different?

Chris King, editorial director of the St. Louis American, a Black newspaper, said he has witnessed both change and stagnation in the Michael Brown city since Brown’s death and the grand jury decision not to try Darren Wilson for his murder.

“One definite change is the level of public scrutiny of police actions and demand for accountability,” King said. “Still, I have not yet seen it impact policy change.”

However, King has seen an impact in the number of local ACLU case victories, and upon young adults.

“Working here for 10 years, I’ve seen two generations that we weren’t so sure about, the 20-somethings lost to the streets, and the 30-somethings lost to the clubs. The level of consciousness seemed missing. But now we’ve seen it in the form of an energized public.”

King asserts that one year is too short a time to assess real change in Ferguson, citing the decades-long Civil Rights Movement. But he firmly believes a better reality is possible.

“If the 20- and 30-somethings stay engaged they will bring about positive change in this country.”

Moving forward, King believes Ferguson residents need to stay informed and engaged in productive ways.

“I understand every time an officer shoots someone they

should be held accountable for that force, but it’s important to understand the facts. There really are times when there are justified shootings, when police are in real danger.

“We have to be fair, and then the police will be more open to change. You don’t want to make heroes out of villains and villains out of heroes just trying to do their job.”

Darren Wilson King also believes whites need to do some serious soul-searching.

“Whites feel protected by the police. Getting these white voters to see the world through the eyes of Blacks who are not protected by police is difficult. But [Blacks] see the cost of bad policing; people losing their lives needlessly. Whites, and others who have such a voice and sway over police policies, need to see it is in their interest to have fairer policing.”

Since the shooting of Brown, Wilson, who at first remained silent, opened up in an interview with the New Yorker. He now lives in seclusion with his wife, also a former Ferguson police officer, and their baby. He said he is haunted by death threats, and discussed how he hasn’t been able to find a new law enforcement job.

“It’s too hot an issue, so it makes me unemployable,” he said.

When asked if Brown was a “bad guy” or in a “bad situation,” Wilson said, “I only knew him for those 45 seconds in which he was trying to kill me. So I don’t know.”

Wilson said he hasn’t read the Justice Department’s scathing report on Ferguson.

Tension between police and demonstrators heightened following the death of Michael Brown and the failure to charge Officer Darren Wilson.

he Houston area for over 80 years

(PHOTO CTSY. ST. LOUIS AMERICAN)

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 6 | 2015

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Tax-free weekend Aug. 7-9

10 back-to-school shopping tips

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Family Features

hile kids and parents alike eagerly await the fresh start of a new school year, the season is not without its share of stressors for busy families. The start of school means new schedules, teachers, shoes, backpacks and friends, as well as new academic challenges.

Adding some fun and excitement to the newness can help smooth the way. For example, allowing kids to help choose their outfits for the first day of school can help diffuse nervous anticipation. Similarly, the chance to put a fresh set of pens to use or show off a cool new notebook can provide a distraction from those first-day jitters.

If the shopping itself is adding stress to your household, ease the back-to-school burden on your family with these helpful tips to simplify shopping.

Make note of your inventory.

School lists often carry over each school year, so make sure you aren’t buying multiples of things you already own. Some supplies are more exciting when refreshed every year, but buying the same old boring ruler year after year is a waste of money.

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Create a back-up bin at home. You may find that your kids consistently run out of certain items midyear. Devote a special area of your home to keep extras in stock, and take advantage of sales during back-to-school season or buy in bulk to get a better price.

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Put quality ahead of price.

While it’s tempting to go for cheap when your list is long, remember that sometimes quality buys actually save more in the long run. For instance, you can buy a ton of cheap pens that skip, or simply stop working. Or you can look at quality, affordable alternatives

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Make a list with your children. Put everything you need on that list, and be clear that once the list is done, it’s done. Having everyone on the same page with a complete list helps ensure nothing vital is forgotten, and the list can serve as a handy tool to keep your budget in check.

That’s why we pledge to get you the answers

Keep an eye out for free or reduced shipping for extra savings that make it even cheaper than buying in person when you factor in the cost of gas.

You can also rely on social media to follow back-to-school offers and hashtags.

Begin shopping as early as possible. Hunt bargains before the traditional backto-school season to get the best deals. Shopping before the rush will also give you a wider selection to choose from, so you’re sure to find the items you need in the styles you and your kids want.

Be a savvy online shopper. Check out your favorite brands and retailers online, and sign up for email alerts so you’ll know when the best deals hit. Many retailers now offer onlineonly specials, so watch ads closely.

Reduce and reuse. Save plastic and money by encouraging kids to embrace reusable items, such as lunch bags in place of paper sacks and plastic containers instead of sandwich bags.

If water bottles are allowed at school, look for a durable refillable option that can be used again and again.

Make the old new again.

Turn barely used items into something new by decorating or adding stickers. Not only is this a fun activity that can help get the kids excited about and engaged in planning for the year ahead, it’s easy on the budget and eco-friendly.

Swap with other moms.

Host a swap event with other moms for clothing, backpacks, shoes, etc. It seems that kids are forever trading with their friends, so embrace that mindset and see what exciting new treasures you can find.

Make your children shopping buddies.

Involve your kids in the back-to-school process by giving them a budget.

Help them allocate money for all the expenses, including clothing and school supplies.

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AUGUST 6 | 2015 | DEFENDER

opinion

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I am Sandra Bland

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist

H

ad I ever met Sandra Bland, I am sure I would have liked her.

She is described as an advocate for justice who had embraced her purpose to fight racism. She is described as a sister who knew her rights. She was well-educated, assertive, and a resource for her people.

She was dragged out of her car for failing to signal a traffic lane change because Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Brian Encinia chose to abuse his power and violate her rights. Because he could.

Three days later, Sandra Bland was dead. The police call her death a suicide. Her family is disputing the autopsy. Brian Encinia is responsible for what happened, since there was no reason to arrest Sandra Bland and put her in jail.

Sandra Bland was an “uppity” Black woman from suburban Chicago who would not kowtow to Trooper Encinia. Perhaps he preferred a woman who said “yes, sir,” who humbly accepted her ticket.

Certainly, while it was not against the law to take a smoke, he preferred that Sandra put her cigarette out. Why? Because he needed to order a woman around who asserted her rights.

Because she knew what her rights were.

Sandra Bland, the Prairie View A&M University graduate, was stopped in Waller County, Texas for failing to signal at a lane change. She was ordered to put out her cigarette, and she refused. She was told to get out of her car, and she had the nerve to assert her rights and to ask why.

Trooper Encinia was clearly exceedingly and outrageously out of order. His voice escalated to unnecessary shouting when he yelled, “I will light you up. Get out. Now. Get out of the car.” He grabbed her, threw her on the ground, and shoved his knee in her back so sharply that evidence of bruising was visible in her autopsy three days later. He arrested her with the false charge of assault because she did not acquiesce to his brutality.

Sandra Bland’s You-Tube posts show her as

a strong, assertive Black woman who is keenly aware of racial disparities, and committed to social and economic justice. Former police officer Harry Houck, commenting on this case on CNN, described her as “arrogant” because she would not extinguish her cigarette.

Houck did not know Sandra Bland, so how did he surmise that she was arrogant? Isn’t that how some whites describe Black people when we fail to grovel in the face of their power?

What did Trooper Encinia see when arresting Sandra Bland? Did he, like Houck, see a woman who was not intimidated, a woman who, though not rude, was not “humble”? Did she scowl when she was stopped? Probably. Was she unfriendly or ungracious? Possibly. Was she deferential? Not at all.

There is no law that says that someone who gets a ticket is supposed to be grateful. Most folks who get a ticket are annoyed, and have a bit of an attitude. She did not bow and scrape, or say, “Yes massa,” so now she is dead, and Encinia is, at minimum, partly responsible for her death.

African-American women are often stereotyped as angry Sapphires with chips on their shoulders and a penchant for confrontation. A Black woman doesn’t have to raise her voice or

swivel her neck to be considered angry. All she has to do is to express herself, or fail to smile. Perhaps the officer would have preferred a deferential and obedient Sandra Bland. It didn’t happen. So he retaliated.

I know Sandra Bland, because she is every woman. She does not conform to the majority culture’s stereotype of what a woman should be. We, Black women, rarely conform. As the late Dorothy Height, president of the National Council of Negro Women, once said, “Black women don’t do what we want to do, we do what we have to do.”

Forty-six percent of African-American families are female-headed. We do the work. Black unemployment is higher than white unemployment, and Black wages are lower. We do the work. We work harder for less pay than other women.

Sandra Bland accepted her calling to fight for justice. Her posts show a woman who would not yield to racism. She is not dead because she failed to signal when she changed lanes. She is dead because she knew and asserted her rights.

Every woman who is an activist is Sandra Bland, the Christian, the organizer, the advocate for justice. She is dead because she dared talk back to a brutal officer. Sandra Bland is every assertive Black woman. I am Sandra Bland.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 6 | 2015

sports

Duane Brown

Texans begin second year of ‘camp O’Brien’

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By MAX EDISON Defender

or football fans, the beginning of NFL training camp is like Christmas morning. For the Texans, the 2015 NFL season can’t start soon enough.

Rebounding from a 2-14 season in 2013, the Texans were 9-7 in 2014.

Optimism is running high that the 2015 season could be the year the Texans head back into serious playoff contention. After a week of training camp nothing has occurred to diminish those beliefs.

It’s the second year of the Bill O’Brien regime. With two-a-day workouts in the sweltering Houston heat, the head coach and his staff are looking for one thing, progress.

“I want each guy to come out here with the thought that they’re going to get better,” O’Brien said. “Better at whatever it is that they need to get better at, whether it’s a receiver and route running, a DB and his coverage, or a rookie and his knowledge of assignments. “[Improvement] is what we’re about as coaches too,” O’Brien said. “Tomorrow we have to coach better. We have to understand the pace of each drill, where the drills are.

We have to pick it up. Everybody has to improve every single day.”

If progress is to be made it will come as a result of competition, which is also high on O’Brien’s list.

“I believe in competition,” he said. “You have to have individual drills, technique work, and those things, but at the end of the day nothing replaces the experience of going out there and doing it in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 in a competitive environment. As we go through training camp, we’ll do that more and more.”

The Texans have a full-blown quarterback competition between Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer that should take until the third preseason game to determine a winner. Meanwhile the guys that protect the quarterback, the offensive line, are making minor tweaks in their unit.

Center Chris Myers is gone. Left guard Ben Jones has moved to center and last Brown, a left tackle, is the offensive year’s second-round pick Xavier Su’a-Filo will move into his old spot beside Duane line’s tenured leader.

Brown (LT). Derek Newton (RT) and Brandon Brooks (RG) are solid on the right side.

In year two of “Camp O’Brien,” Newton sees more continuity.

“It is much smoother,” he said. “Coming into a new offense like last year [there was] a lot of nervousness trying to get everything down so fast. Coming into year two, I think everything is a lot smoother.”

With the absence of Myer, Brown, an eight-year veteran, now becomes the tenured leader of the offensive line. He concurs with line mate Newton that training camp this year has been smoother.

“We have been playing together for a while,” Brown said.

“Xavier was added to the mix last year and has a season under his belt. The system in general we all learned for the first time last year. It was a lot of information to learn and go out there and put on the field.

“This year…you could see a big difference,” Brown said. “I think everyone is a lot smoother, the operations are a lot quicker. We are able to go out there and put it together like we are supposed to. We are more in sync than people think. We just have to keep doing it.”

Brown sees training camp as an opportunity for his unit to continue to grow. His goals for the group are concise.

Derek Newton “We definitely want to improve on our rushing numbers more than we did last year and protecting the quarterback is a big deal for us,” Brown said. “In this offense he has to be comfortable in order for anything to happen and know that he has time to maneuver and operate.

“I won’t throw out predictions as to what we are going to do, but I think we have the makings of a solid offensive line. We just have to go out there and perform,” Newton, a right tackle, said the team is running smoother.

Brown said.

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AUGUST 6 | 2015 DEFENDER

h.s.zone

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sportsbriefs Young commits to Texas

Local kids overcome swimming fear factor

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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

defendernetwork.com What parents need to know about

t didn’t take long to recall the memories – both good swim lessons and bad. Watching five- to seven-year-olds take their first week of beginning swimming lessons at a teach the kids correct body positioning in the water with the southeast Houston area pool brought it all back to me. aid of a flotation device called a noodle. Kids learn to float I didn’t receive this kind of instruction until I was 11 on their stomachs with the noodle in the upper chest and and 12 and it was still terrifying at times. through both arm pit areas. You should have seen the smiles Experienced swim instructors have their own routines on those faces. that are channeled to teaching the same basics in the swimLifeguards agree that flotation devices like noodles, ming process. Make the kids feel comfortable with them first kickboards and barbells are good. Yet they are to be utilized out of the pool by warmly greeting them. Once in the pool when the kids are waiting or listening. Letting kids swim with everything is positive. Compliment, correct, compliment is a flotation devices hinders their ability to swim without them great approach. because they become dependent.

According to local swimming experts, a major breakKids will not pick up a new skill in the same time frame. through for the beginning swimmer is to put your head under So it’s important to praise effort. That way kids are also the water. Getting used to water in your eyes, ears and nose learning lifelong habits like persistence and work ethic while isn’t easy. Let alone holding your gaining the value of determination and breath under water. Goggles and ear perseverance. plugs can help. Yet the only way to Learning to float on your back is get used to this different feeling is a big step for the beginning swimmer.

Houston Parks & Recreation through repetition.

Once again, the noodle under the small

One of the first exercises the Dept. of the back is a valuable tool. This step lifeguards had the kids do was called Aug. 7-16: Open Tuesdays -Sunleads to the elementary backstroke and “bobs.” While treading water next then the backstroke. days from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. to the wall and the lifeguard/teacher What to do if you find yourself Aug. 17-Sept.

17: Open Saturright next to them, the kids were told suddenly in deep water? days and Sunday from 1 pm to 8 to dip their heads under water for For this the kids and the lifepm two seconds and come back up. They guards moved to the deep end of the did this five times apiece. This takes *Labor Day, Sept. 7: Open 1 p.m. pool. The kids were instructed to jump place in water they can stand up in. to 6 p.m. in and kick back to the surface before Never force skills or progresFor info call 832-395-7129 or visit grabbing a flotation device and maksions on kids before they are ready. ing their way to the side of the pool www.houstontx.gov/parks/ Good swim instructors have to be pato exit. Three kids did it the first day.

Note: YMCA of Greater Houston tient. Kids must love to learn before By the third day seven of eight kids offers parent-child swim lessons they can learn to swim. Never put completed the task. anything ahead of a child’s well-being throughout the fall. Visit: At the end of the first week, the and happiness. kids had learned how to breathe, float, ymcahouston.org The next progression was to utilize their hands and exit deep water.

SWIM TIMES

Yates guard Jacob Young has enjoyed a summer to remember in 2015. Yates head boys’ basketball coach Greg Wise reports that Young was the nation’s leading scorer on the national AAU circuit this summer, including a 44-point explosion recently in Las Vegas with newly-hired University of Texas head coach Shaka Smart in attendance. Soon afterward Young became Smart’s first class of 2016 signee. Smart previously received a commitment from former VCU signee Tevin Mack in the 2015 class. At 6 feet and 165 pounds, Young has been labeled a combination guard because he has the size and handles (dribbling ability) of a point guard along with the scoring ability of a shooting guard. Young is the younger brother of former Oregon and University of Houston standout Joseph Young, who was recently drafted by the Indiana Pacers. His father Michael Young was a founding member of the University of Houston’s Phi Slama Jama Final Four teams back in the 1980s.

Houston to host games When the 2015 high school football season commences on Aug. 27, it will mark the first time since 2008 that Houston is guaranteed to host a state championship game. In fact, Houston’s NRG Stadium will host all 10 11man football state title games over a three-day span (Dec. 17-19). Houston high school fans may remember that from 1989 to 2001 at least one state championship game was played in Houston each year. In 1994 three state title games were played in the Astrodome. North Shore and The Woodlands met for the Class 5A state title in 2003 at Rice Stadium.

Kazmir Pitcher of Month If you’re Astros GM Jeff Luhnow this is the kind of results you want when you make a trade. The team acquired pitcher Scott Kazmir via trade on July 23 from Oakland. He had Astros starts, pitching spectacularly and winning both games. As a result Kazmir, a former Cy-Falls standout, has been named American League Pitcher of the Month for July. Kazmir’s month was historic, as he posted the thirdlowest ERA (0.26) in July in Major League history. In his two starts as an Astro, Kazmir went 7.0 scoreless on July 24 at K.C. and 7.2 scoreless on July 30 vs. the L.A. Angels. He became just the third pitcher in franchise history to post consecutive scoreless starts of seven or more innings in his first two starts with the club.

PVAMU sponsors tourney The Prairie View A&M University Department of Athletics hosts the third annual Labor Day Classic Golf Shootout & Meet & Greet at Cypress Lakes Golf Club in Cypress on Friday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. The event is open to the public and golfers can register as individuals or foursomes. The cost is $80 per person or $320 per team and includes green fees, goodie bag, breakfast and lunch. The deadline to register is Friday, Aug. 21. For more info call 936-261-9100. The Labor Day Classic featuring PVAMU vs. Texas Southern University will be Saturday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. at BBVA Compass Stadium.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 6 | 2015

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Miss PVAMU begins dialogue through letters Ivy Walls, a cies while helping each other 21-year-old Pearland turn those dreams into reality. native and the current The letters received will Miss Prairie View A&M detail the lives of women University, is bringing who have graced the campus, her legacy platform to from each accomplishment the forefront by impleto the smallest mistakes. The menting a new initiadialogue will allow alumni a tive, “Letters to My chance to reach back and to Sister.” make a connection with curWalls a senior biolrent students. ogy major, is using her Walls shared a bit of her position and influence own advice for young women to create the guide to entering PVAMU. “Get out becoming the ultimate there and find out what makes PVAMU woman. you happy, meet as many “There is nothing as people as you can, and align specific as learning the yourself with individuals who stories of the women have similar goals,” she said. who have walked the “Every once in a while pavement before you,” you will make mistakes, and Walls said. “Each womit’s okay to cry when you’ve an has a story unique to done so. However, you will their campus experience have to lift yourself up and that speaks to the ideals continue to strive for the Ivy Walls is promoting sisterhood with “Letters to My Sister.” the university set forth goals that you’ve set.” years ago.”

Alumni, current students, The goal is to create a sister-to-sister diafaculty, and staff interested in sharing their stories logue that she anticipates will live on long after can submit letters via email to theivyfiles@yagraduation. She hopes to inspire and encourage hoo.com or by mail at P.O. Box 554, Prairie View, young women to begin building their own legaTexas, 77446.

UH offering online MSW Students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in social work (MSW) soon will be able to study from the comfort of their homes.

The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work is accepting applications for its first completely online master’s degree. Classes begin in fall 2016.

“Increasingly, students are turning to online classes as a means of achieving their educational goals,” said Ginger Lucas, a UH assistant professor and director of the new program.

“This program has the same rigorous standards as our traditional program, but offers flexibility to students who work or have personal commitments that prevent them from attending in-person classes during traditional hours.”

Students will be assigned to a cohort and will take courses with the same classmates throughout the three-year program. While there is no physical classroom, they will connect and communicate through discussion boards and digital technology. Students will complete 900 hours of field work in clinics and partner agencies.

Research shows that more than 30 percent of college students take at least one online course and 70 percent of public institutions offer full degree programs online. For information visit www.uh.edu/socialwork.

classified TRANSPORTATION JOB FAIR SPONSORED BY

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

Barnett Terminal 6800 Fairway Houston, TX 77087 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

Notice of Public Meeting, US 290 Corridor, Harris County The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will hold public meetings regarding the proposed revised interim configuration for the US 290 corridor in Harris County, Texas. The meetings will be held in two locations, with each meeting presenting the same information: Tuesday, September 1, 2015, Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, TX 77433; and Thursday, September 3, 2015, Sheraton Brookhollow, 3000 North Loop West, Houston, TX 77092. The meetings will be held in an open house format from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The purpose of the public meetings is to present the proposed revised lane configuration for the initial construction phase of the US 290 corridor reconstruction. Changes in how the reconstructed corridor will be configured/designed during the initial operations of the facility are necessary due to changes in the funding and operational agreements between TxDOT and Harris County. The revised design replaces the three reversible managed lanes that were to be operated by Harris County and the four inbound and outbound general-purpose lanes.

The proposed design now includes one additional general-purpose lane in each direction from I-610 to SH 6, with a one-lane reversible High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane in the center of US 290 from I-610 to SH 99 (Grand Parkway). This lane configuration would allow TxDOT and its operating partner, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, to meet current highway design and safety standards, optimize the available capacity, and maintain access for carpoolers and transit on an HOV lane until the proposed Hempstead Tollway portion of the ultimate US 290 corridor project can be constructed.

Exhibits showing aerial photography and schematic plans for the proposed project will be available for review at the public meetings and at www.my290.com. This information will also be available by appointment for review Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding city and state holidays. To schedule an appointment at the US 290 Program Management Consultant office, Brookhollow Central III, 2950 North Loop West, Suite 1150, Houston, TX 77092, contact Mike Zientek, (713) 354-1556.

All interested persons are invited to attend the public meetings.

Written comments about this project may be submitted at the meeting.

Written comments may also be submitted in person at the Houston District Office, 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77007, mailed to the Director of Project Development, TxDOT Houston District, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, TX 77251-1386, or emailed to HOU-PIOWebMail@txdot.gov. Comments must be postmarked or emailed on or before September 17, 2015.

The public meetings will be conducted in English. Persons interested in attending the meetings who have special communication or accommodation needs, or need an interpreter, are encouraged to contact TxDOT’s Public Information Office at (713) 802-5076. Requests should be made at least two working days prior to the meetings. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate these needs.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 16, 2014, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and TxDOT.

AUGUST 6| 2015 DEFENDER

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‘FORGET ME NOT’ PROUCTION………The play “Forget Me Not” about a aimed at cultivating a love of reading among students in the near Northside Fulton family confronting Alzheimer’s disease landed at the Hobby Center. The audience neighborhood. Supporters included Teri Hayes, Beverly Harris, LaDonna laughed, cried and gained a greater awareness about a disease that impacts Blacks Harris, Karen Aubrey, Lucy Bremond, Terrie Tillman, Thearodesia Williams, twice as much as others ethnicities. The play, written and produced by Garrett Jerry Lopez, John Figueroa, Karina Delgado, Jorge Gonzalez, and Enrique Davis, was sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine, US Against Alzheimer’s and Cruz………URGENT PSYCH CARE BLAZERS & BOWTIES………… the Houston Defender Media Group. The event featured a panel discussion with Urgent Psych Care LLC in partnership with Random Acts of Kindness Day recently audience questions during the intermission. Emphasis was place presented Blazers and Bowties with a red carpet fundraiser at on the importance of African-Americans participating in clinical Defender TOP EVENTS Noel Furniture show floor. The event paid homage to National trials. In the audience were Dr. Rachelle Doody, Dr. Caryn Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which aligns with the More photos on defendernetwork.com Glosch, Sayo Awosifa-Olumo, Stephanie Monroe, Jodie organization’s mission of shedding light and creating resources to See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ with Melanie Lawson on Sunday Morning Jiles, Michael and Tammy Harris, Debra Robicheaux, Karen those who suffer silently from mental illness. Urgent Psych Care’s Seium, Viola King, Marcia Galatas, Haslina Massinger, CEO Troy Marsaw believes that proper treatment and urgent Delsie Stoute, Felix Haverly, Alva Bacon and Ollie Andrews………CAPITAL care can mitigate lasting effects and help facilitate healing. Those in attendance included Jay Carey, Spenser Henry, Olivia Walker, Jennifer Haynes, Robbin ONE BANK “READ FULTON READ”……..Capital One Bank in conjunction with HISD and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. along with other community Jones, Alisa Jones, Rev. Robert Gilmore Sr., Jacqueline Gilmore, Dr. Hilda volunteers distributed backpacks and school supplies to over 600 elementary and Davis, Sonia James, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Tiffany Black, Justin “Iamjustified” Milburn, Travis Foster and Phil Wade. middle school students. This project was apart of the “Read Fulton Read” initiative

Garrett Davis and the cast of “Forget Me Not”

Jerry Lopez, John Figueroa, Karina Delgado and Jorge Gonzalez

Tiffany Black, Troy Marsaw and Sonia James

Dr. Rachelle Doody and Dr. Caryn Glosch

Lucy Bremond, LaDonna Harris and Karen Aubrey

Debra Robicheaux, Tammy and Michael Harris, and Karen Seium

.Teri Hayes and Beverly Harris

Dr. Hilda Davis, Rev. Robert Gilmore Sr. and Jacqueline Gilmore

Jay Carey and Spenser Henry

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