Houston Defender: August 08, 2013

PRESIDENT OBAMA WANTS TO PHASE OUT FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC P4

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MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN

troubled by gun violence

P4 SPORTS TREVON STEWART plays defense for UH

P10 CHAG’S PLACE OPINION

Gene Locke argues case Noted Houston attorney Gene Locke successfully represented Harris County in a case that could have seriously impacted Black voting power. Learn why Hispanic activists filed suit in the first place.

Find out what two other wellknown Houstonians have to say about the case.

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Snoop Dogg branches out Rapper Snoop Dogg has shown his versatility as a performer and actor, and his latest role in “Turbo” proved to be a different experience. Read about his “slick little” character. Learn the story behind his other name, “Snoop Lion.” Discover his surprising guilty pleasure.

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Redistricting lawsuit struck down

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

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fforts by Hispanic activists to challenge the legality of Harris County’s redistricting plan failed when U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore struck down their lawsuit.

The activists argued that the plan diluted Hispanic votes in Precinct 2, which they view as a Hispanic opportu- Commissioner El Franco Lee nity district.

Gilmore ruled that the plaintiffs failed to prove race was the predominant factor in the design of the plan or that the plan was unconstitutional.

Supporters of the redistricting plan said the lawsuit would have been at the expense of African-American voting power in Precinct 1, which is represented by County Commissioner El Franco Lee. “In order to do what the plaintiffs wanted to do, it would have an adverse effect on Precinct 1 to elect an African-American,” Lee said. “It would have prevented Precinct 1 from continuing its historic role as an opportunity district for African-Americans.

“The Harris County plan met public scrutiny before it was adopted by Commissioners Court. A major process was undertaken to adopt the plan. It was pre-cleared by the U.S. Department of Justice and not found discriminatory by a federal judge,” Lee said.

Former Congressman Craig Washington was the attorney representing a group of African-American interveners in the case, who included registered voters and political office-holders.

side of the county,” Locke said.

“Precinct 1, which has historically been an African-American precinct, actually lost population. Precinct 2, which by population numbers had been a majority Hispanic population, actually lost numbers.

“So the real trick with redistricting is how do you put more people in Precinct 1 because you have to have a Craig Washington Gene Locke relatively even number Washington stressed that African-Americans of population in each one did not “take sides” with the county in the case. of the precincts. You can’t deviate by more than 10 percent “I think that the issues were not one against another,” from one to the other. And how do you put more people in Washington said. “The group of individuals who were alPrecinct 2?” lowed to intervene in the lawsuit and for whom I provided Locke also addressed the impact the new redistricting representation had an overarching interest in the lines that will have on voting power, especially since many Africanare drawn for Commissioners Court in Harris County.”

American voters no longer live in predominantly AfricanWashington added that the four commissioners’ preAmerican communities. cincts are required to be as equal as possible in population.

“Future Black voting power will depend on (a) turnout “The county’s job after each census is to apportion and (b) whether African-Americans continue to vote as a those populations in such a fashion that each of the commis- bloc,” Locke said. sioner’s precincts represents about one-fourth or as close as “It will be increasingly difficult with the movement of possible to one-fourth of the citizens of Harris County,” he African-Americans into various part of the county to draw said. lines that will ensure safe districts for any one group. HarHarris County was represented in the case by former ris County is much more diverse now and the diversity is City Attorney Gene Locke, who helped draw the district spread across the city. lines. Locke is a partner with Andrews Kurth LLP. “For example, the growth rate of Hispanic voters in the Locke said that as a result of the county redistricting west and north was three times greater than the growth of plan, Precinct 2 moved further to the north and Precinct 1 Hispanics on the east side of town. That’s because people moved further to the north and west. who seek housing opportunities are moving out of older “Harris County has grown tremendously in the last 10 neighborhoods. So there are shifts and changes and they years and most of that growth was on the west and north will create new challenges for voters going forward.”

localbriefs A HEAT EMERGENCY PLAN has been activated by the Houston Department of Health and Human Services. The plan is activated when the heat index, a computation of air temperature and humidity, reaches 108 on two consecutive days. High-risk groups such as adults age 55 and older, children under 5 and people with chronic illness are urged to stay inside air-conditioned buildings between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., the hottest part of the day. Those without air-conditioning can seek shelter during business hours at multi-service centers, libraries or recreation centers. Call 311 to find a facility or to make arrangements for transportation through Metro……..

THE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE in Texas set an all-time high, reaching 87.7 percent for the Class of 2012. The African-American rate, however, was the lowest of all ethnic groups at 83.5 percent. The figures are among the findings of a Texas Education Agency study on secondary school completion. TEA Commissioner Michael Williams said the overall on-time graduation rate is 1.8 percentage points higher than the previous record set by the Class of 2011. The graduation rate of other racial groups was Asian, 94.4 percent; white, 93 percent; and Hispanic, 84.3 percent…….. NORTH FOREST FAMILIES are encouraged by HISD to apply

for free or reduced priced meals for children during the upcoming school year. Only one application is required per household. Parents can contact their school office or call 713-491-5944……… METRO WILL RECEIVE a $94 million grant to complete the North Corridor Light Rail Transit Project. The announcement was made by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “We have seen how the existing Main Line has offered a convenient way for travelers to commute to and from Houston’s most congested areas,” Jackson Lee said. “I’m excited to see the progress as we get closer to the conclusion of the North Corridor project.”

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Obama seeks

End to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

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resident Barack Obama outlined plans to phase out mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and reduce the government’s risk in any future credit crisis. Fannie and Freddie collapsed in 2008 before being bailed out with almost $200 billion in taxpayer funds.

“For too long, these companies were allowed to make huge profits buying mortgages, knowing that if their bets went bad, taxpayers would be left holding the bag. It was ‘heads we win, tails you lose.’ And it was wrong,” Obama said.

“And along with what happened on Wall Street, it helped to inflate this bubble in a way that ultimately killed Main Street.”

Obama called for more private backing of mortgages, arguing that the government should only assume responsibility for mortgages as a last resort.

“We can’t leave taxpayers on the hook for irresponsibility or bad decisions by these lenders or Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,” he said.

“We’ve got to encourage the pursuit of profit – but the era of expecting a bailout after you pursue your profit and you don’t manage your risk well, it puts the whole country at risk. We’re ending those days.

We’re not going to do that anymore.”

Known together as government sponsored enterprises (GSEs), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were created by Congress to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the mortContinued on Page 5

Gun violence takes toll on Black youth NNPA News Service

Gun violence is the leading cause of death among Black children and teens, according to a new report by the Children’s Defense Fund.

The report, titled “Protect Children, Not Guns 2013,” paints a grim picture of an epidemic that is the second-leading cause of death among all children ages 1-19. Only car accidents claim the lives of more youth overall than guns.

Despite the claims of pro-gun advocates, having a gun in the home does not make kids safer.

“A gun in the home makes the likelihood of homicide three times higher, suicide three to five times

higher, and accidental death four times higher,” stated the report.

The report offered a number of solutions to address gun violence, including universal background checks that cover Internet and gun show sales, limits on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, and “supporting non-violent conflict resolution in our homes, schools, congregations and communities.”

Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund, implored Americans to support safety and violence prevention measures.

“Parents, remove guns from your home and be vigilant about where your children play. Boycott products that glamorize violence,” Edelman said.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE for Blacks fell from 13.7 percent in June to 12.6 percent in July, the lowest jobless rate for Blacks since January 2009, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Although economists warn against being too optimistic about one month’s jobs numbers, some economists found it unusual for the Black unemployment rate to fall more than a percentage point from June to July, as the jobless rate for whites remained stagnant at 6.6 percent.

Despite falling more than a percentage point, the jobless rate for Blacks is still nearly double the unemployment rate for whites, a statistic that has persisted for 50 years…….. OBESITY AMONG LOW-INCOME preschoolers declined slightly in 19 states from 2008 through 2011 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The decline comes after decades of rising rates. Research shows that about one in eight preschoolers is obese in the U.S. Children are five times more likely to be overweight or obese as an adult if they are overweight or obese between the ages of three and five years. “Many of the states in which we’re seeing declines have taken action to incorporate healthy eating and active living into children’s lives,” said Janet L. Collins, director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity……...DAVITA VANCE-COOKS has been confirmed by the Senate as the first African-American and first woman to head the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). She joined GPO in 2004 and has held a succession of senior management positions. Under her leadership, GPO annually awarded approximately $500 million dollars in printing contracts to private industry. She oversaw the award of a $50 million contract for the production of 2010 census materials. The GPO is the official resource for producing, procuring, cataloging, indexing, authenticating, disseminating and preserving the information products of the government.

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 41 AUGUST 8, 2013 Publisher Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Art Director Advertising/Client Relations Tony Fernandez-Davila Selma Dodson Tyler People Editor Strategic Alliance Manager Yvette Chargois Clyde Jiles Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Contributing Writer ReShonda Billingsley Aswad Walker The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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Obama... Continued from page 4 gage market. They do not issue mortgages directly, but buy loans from other lenders and repackage them for investors.

In 2006, just 30 percent of new mortgages were backed by the government. In 2012, more than 86 percent of new mortgages had government backing.

Obama outlined his proposal during an appearance at a construction company in Phoenix. It comes at a time when the nation’s real estate market has improved. His administration has long been urged

to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but held off while the housing market was weak.

“So the good news is, right now there’s a bipartisan group of senators working to end Fannie and Freddie as we know them,” Obama said. “And I support these kinds of reform efforts.”

He also endorsed keeping housing affordable for first-time homebuyers and maintaining access to “safe and simple mortgage products like the 30-year, fixedrate mortgage.”

Defender

Videos to

watch on In memory of Congressman Mickey Leland who died Aug. 7, 1989 As the 25th anniversary of Houston Congressman Mickey Leland’s death in a plane crash in Ethiopia approaches, Barbara Friedman and Bob Cozens are putting the final touches on a documentary about Leland. In an effort to raise additional funds, the group has released a 15minute teaser of the film.

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

“The New Jim Crow” is a stunning account of the rebirth of a caste-like system in the United States, one that has resulted in millions of AfricanAmericans locked behind bars and then relegated to a permanent second-class status. Since its publication in 2010, the book has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for more than a year. It tells a truth our nation has been reluctant to face.

Look for our special

HeAltH edition August 15th Complete with helpful medical news and tips to keep you healthy and informed.

Now is the time to make lifestyle changes that will contribute to your well-being.

Brought to you by:

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 8 | 2013

It’s a whole new world

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

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o you have an account on social media? If not, you’re part of the rapidly declining 44 percent of Americans who have yet to join the social media revolution.

Social networking giants such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ have contributed to create a whole new world where individuals are free to express their opinions and share with their colleagues, friends and peers.

For those holdouts that have yet to venture into the new world, Houstonian Crystal Washington, a social media expert and author of “The Social Media Why,” says they have to change their mindset.

“If you’re trying to get anywhere in life, you need to have a viable network,” Washington. “Regarding ‘telling all your business,’ people can only see in your house to the extent that you open the blinds.

So no one is forcing you to tell all your business; the problem is many people misuse social media and treat it like a diary.”

Social media has brought changes to everyday living in a number of ways, including: Getting news. For many, social media has become an important source of news. While the credibility of some sources can clearly be contested, even

news outlets have joined the revolution, often making social media updates an integral part of their newscasts. Their availability on social networks makes news more accessible. News can also quickly get passed around the networks in ways never experienced before.

Interaction. Social media has allowed people to keep in touch in a more consistent, and sometimes, more intimate, way. From re-establishing long lost connections to keeping in contact with new ones, people who are cities or continents apart can effortlessly keep in touch.

Political landscapes. Social media has enabled greater political awareness and organization, which has in some cases rewritten entire political landscapes.

Lawmakers and activists have been able to rally support for their causes simply from a Tweet or Facebook post.

Marketing. Social media has changed the advertising landscape. The whole dynamics of marketing have changed, and rather than investing in mass channels ads, companies are becoming more consumercentered through interactions made over social media.

They are able to understand the needs of the market from the market itself, greatly altering the way marketing has been done in the past. And if something goes viral (i.e., the biracial Cheerios ad), it can garner results no marketing budget could ever imagine.

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African-American usage

African-Americans are among the top users of social media, Twitter and Instagram in particular. A recent survey released by Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project found that African-Americans are more heavily congregated on Twitter and Instagram than any other ethnic group.

Researchers found that only 14 percent of whites use Twitter versus the 26 percent of African-Americans who use Twitter. Additionally, 23 percent of African-Americans are Instagram users, more than the 18 percent of Hispanics and 11 percent of whites. On the flip side, whites, specifically women, outnumber other ethnic groups when it comes to social media sites such as Pinterest and Tumblr.

Another reason for Blacks’ gravitation toward social networking has to do with increased access through consumerism. According to a 2012 Nielsen study, Blacks and Hispanics are leading the way in the purchase of smartphones and tablets – with 54.4 percent of African-Americans and 57.3 percent of Hispanics owning smartphones versus 44.7 percent of whites.

Among smartphone owners age 18-44, making phone calls accounts for only 16 percent of the total time spent with their devices, Crystal Washington says those who shy away from social media should look at the benefits.

whereas the remaining 84 percent of time is spent texting and interacting with email and social networks.

Get on board

Of the 44 percent of Americans who have yet to get on social media, in the rapidly changing society, many may have no choice but to get on board or get left behind.

Washington says despite the enormity of social media, it’s actually doable if a person looks at the smaller picture.

“If they look at social media as a tool to connect with people versus technology, most people will do fine,” she said. “You’re going on to build mass relationships. So, the same thing that works in person, works on line.”

Washington says figure out ways to be of assistance or provide valuable information first, and people will line up to help you. And when trying to determine which social network to use, figure out your measurable goals.

“People have to start off with figuring what their actual goals are,” Washington said. “So if they’re looking to find a job, they might use a different social network than if they’re looking to get more people into a nonprofit. Once they figure out their measurable goals, they should research the top three to see which ones best fit.”

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Social media stats

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56% of Americans have a profile on a social networking site 6.22% use social networking sites several times per day 54% of Facebook members have used the social network via a phone 23% of Facebook’s users check their account five or more times every day 76% of Twitter users now post status updates More than 2.6 million firms have LinkedIn company pages Over 925,000 new users join Google+ every day.

300 million pictures are uploaded to Facebook every day via Instagram

Social media sites to know Facebook – With over a billion users, Facebook is the largest social network in use. It’s an online forum where you can create a personal profile and professional/ fan pages, and essentially share your life.

Twitter – The second largest social media site, it has 250 million users. It’s simpler and more active than Facebook, letting you post impressions (or photos, links, conversations) in the form of “Tweets,” similar to Facebook status updates. People usually tweet often throughout the day.

LinkedIn – A professional networking site with 110 million users, LinkedIn allows you to create a professional profile, upload your resume, make connections, join groups, and search for jobs. It’s useful for professionals and people looking for jobs, but not for linking or bookmarking.

Pinterest – A network of bulletin boards onto which people “pin” photos with links to external sources (recipes, online stores, etc.) It boasts 85.5 million users, and is used most often for marketing, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), business, and crafts.

MySpace – With 70.5 million users, MySpace used to be the go-to social network, the original Facebook. Now it’s owned by Justin Timberlake, and used for social networking around entertainment

(music, celebs, etc.)

Google + – A social network hosted

by Google with over 65 million users, it’s similar in nature to Facebook. But you can group connections into “circles” to organize your dashboard, host video chats, and follow trending topics, and people most often share links or photos in place of posting statuses. Google+ is useful especially if you have Gmail or Blogger.

Ning – It is the leading online platform for the world’s organizers, activists and influencers to create social experiences that inspire action. It helps you create a safe and secure place online for like-minded people.

Meetup – It is an online social networking portal that facilitates offline group meetings in various localities around the world. It makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group or find one of the thousands already meeting up face-to-face.

BlackPlanet – Initially, BlackPlanet was designed as a way for African-American professionals to network. Since then, it’s grown and evolved as a site where members can read other members’ blogs, watch music videos, chat with one another, look for new careers and discuss news.

This site helped President Obama connect to nearly 200,000 potential supporters.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 8 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

entertainment

Snoop Dogg

branches out with ‘Turbo’ 5.” Here, he talks about his latest screen outing as Smoove Move in “Turbo,” alvin Broadan animated adventure us was born about a snail who dreams in 1971 in of entering the Indianapolis Long Beach 500. where he KW: What interested was nickyou in “Turbo?” named Snoopy by his parSD: I’ve wanted to do ents because of a striking a family movie for a while resemblance to the Peanuts now. Being able to watch cartoon character. A proma movie with my family ising rapper from an early and some of the kids from age, he began performing my Snoop Youth Football in the 6th grade but was League has always been a waylaid by brushes with the goal of mine, so when [dilaw in high school. rector] David Soren reached After a stint behind out to me about “Turbo” bars for drug possession, he I was all for it. And my took the stage name Snoop character is a smooth little Doggy Dogg and launched snail…I thought it was a his recording career with cool concept. the help of hip-hop producKW: How would you er Dr. Dre. His 1993 debut Snoop Dogg attends a screening of the animated feature “Turbo” with his children (l. to r.) Cordell, Cori and Corde Broadus. describe Smoove Move? album, “Doggystyle,” featurSD: He’s a slick little than 30 million records. Last year, he tweaked his ing his trademark, laidback guy. He’s calm and cool just like me. alias to Snoop Lion when he recorded a reggae album vocal phrasings, was well-received and quickly went KW: Did you base your approach to the characin Jamaica called “Reincarnated.” quadruple platinum. ter on anyone?

He’s also acted in a score of movies, most Over the course of an enduring show biz career, SD: I based him on myself because the character notably “Training Day,” “Baby Boy,” “Old School,” Snoop has released a dozen solo CDs and sold more was written for me.

“Starsky & Hutch” and most recently, “Scary Movie

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

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Continued on Page 9

what’sup KELLY ROWLAND is very busy. She’s currently promoting her album “Talk a Good Game,” and on Sept.

11, she will debut as a judge on “X Factor” on the Fox network. She’s also the new spokesperson for Jaguar and was recently in Miami filming a commercial for the British luxury car company. “You know, some of those Jaguar fans may not know about me so, I get a chance to broaden my fan base,” she said…….. QUEEN LATIFAH’S new syndicated talk show debuts Sept. 16. She appeared at a Q&A session for TV critics on the show’s set, and was joined by one of the co-producers, JADA PINKETT SMITH. Latifah said she’s not trying to replace the queen of talk, OPRAH WINFREY. “People have often asked me do I want to be the next Oprah.

There is no such thing. Oprah is Oprah, and she’s still

being Oprah if anyone hadn’t noticed. Obviously there are great things she accomplished and I would love to be able to accomplish some of those things. But what I bring to television is me. I’m Queen Latifah. I had a different life story and different path that I’ve traveled,” she said……..DENZEL WASHINGTON’S new movie “2 Guns” was No. 1 in theaters with $27.4 million. Washington plays an undercover DEA agent and MARK WAHLBERG is an undercover naval intelligence officer. PAULA PATTON portrays Washington’s love interest and fellow DEA agent. Patton has a topless scene in the film and said she received approval from her husband ROBIN THICKE. “I called [him] the night before and I said, ‘What do you think?’ And he’s like, ‘Go for it,’ “ Patton said. Washington’s fans

who enjoy the theater can catch him in a revival of “A Raisin in the Sun” on Broadway next spring……...Talk show host WENDY WILLIAMS, a self-proclaimed “wigologist,” has launched a collection of wigs, weaves, hairpieces and accessories. “Beauty is about diversity,” she said. “No matter what their style, attitude or skin tone, all women are beautiful, and my goal with this line is to help them look and feel their best.” Williams wears wigs because she has thyroid disease which has made her natural hair extremely thin……..CHERYL BOONE ISAACS is the first African-American president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Isaacs, a successful marketing and publicity consultant, previously worked at New Line Cinema and Paramount Pictures.

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Snoop Dogg... Continued from page 8 KW: How would you compare doing voice work for an animated film to appearing onscreen in a live action adventure?

SD: The process for doing voice work goes by much quicker as opposed to shooting a feature. You can pretty much go in and knock it out in a day or two. It feels very natural for me to express myself using only my voice, so it wasn’t too difficult.

KW: What message do you think people will take away from “Turbo?”

SD: I think they will be inspired

and in a good mood. It’s a fun, family movie.

KW: Why did you change your name to Snoop Lion?

SD: My name was given to me.

I didn’t just decide to change it one day. But I ran with it to reflect a more peaceful and positive attitude for my new “Reincarnated” project. The Snoop Dogg name is so connected to hip-hop, and I didn’t want to change that. Hiphop raised me, and I would never turn my back on it.

KW: What inspired you to become

a Rastafarian and to release that reggae album, “Reincarnated?”

SD: I’m a spiritual man and I’ve always felt connected to Rastafari. I’m not a Rastafarian but I’ve got so much respect for the lifestyle and religion, and I’m so thankful I was able to meet some of the most influential Rastafarians during my Jamaica trip. They taught me so much and really helped me evolve into who I am today.

I felt in this stage of my life it was time to make a record that reflected my lifestyle… positive, peaceful and family-oriented. I’ve always had a connection to reggae and it was the right music to fully display my new lifestyle in a way that was natural for me.

KW: How did you end up collaborating with Miley Cyrus on the song “Ashtrays and Heartbreaks?”

SD: We met at the studio and she told me that she loved my work. I love what she does, too. Miley’s cool and I support her 100 percent.

KW: When was the last time you had a good laugh?

SD: At the “Turbo” screening.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

SD: Barbecue flavor twist Fritos.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

SD: No I’m cool. I think they done asked ‘em all.

It’s your future.

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If you’re just getting started, or starting a new chapter, we have the skills and knowledge that meet your goals and your schedule. HCC has convenient locations and hundreds of programs and degree plans.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 8 | 2013

sports

UH football rebounds in new conference

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Ryan Jackson

standing QB play is imperative.

Levine gave a glimpse at what he will be looking for from the ife is about change and no candidates. place is that more apparent “They’re being evaluthan with the University of ated on everything,” he said.

Houston football program.

“We certainly will chart their After winning 12 games in completions, their intercep2011, the Cougars were a disappointing tions, their percentages at 5-7 in 2012. practice, their decision-making Second-year head coach Tony at practice. They are also being Levine realized that change was evaluated in their leadership, needed, so he has brought in new ofin how they stretch when they fensive and defensive coordinators get out on the field, in everyand declared open competition at the thing they do over the next few quarterback position. As if that wasn’t weeks.” enough the Coogs have introduced Defensively, the Cougars snazzy new uniforms. will be indoctrinating their Now is the time for the team to get third coordinator in as many back to their familiar winning ways. years. New DC David Gibbs The Cougars will compete in the all has an NFL coaching pedigree. new American Athletic Conference He has his work cut out for him Jackson, a running back, is a young playmaker and a threat from anywhere on the field.

(AAC) in 2013. In addition, the team as he seeks to establish contiwill be travelling nomads, playing home nuity and confidence in his troops.

Spencer (junior) head a talented arsenal of wideouts. games at BBVA Compass, Rice and Reliant Stadium “It starts with gaining some confidence,” Gibbs The only question is who will be handling the duties while their new stadium is under construction. said. “Down through history, Houston hasn’t played under center.

“Some challenges come with the new league,” very good defense. The key for us is to build on what Coach Levine has a wide open quarLevine said. “I think it’s a great schedule, I think we started in the spring, have good two-a-day practicterback competition as the team opens it’s a challenging schedule. The exposure it’s gives and start with Southern University and play some preseason practice. Last year’s starter ing us is priceless. It’s helped in recruiting. The decent defense and build some confidence as we go.”

David Piland will compete against schedule is going to be a challenge. It’s one The Cougar defense will rely on the veteran leadnewcomers Billy Cosh, John O’Korn we’re going to be up for and one we’re defiership of senior cornerback Zach McMillan, junior and Greg Ward. nitely looking forward to. linebacker Derrick Mathews and sophomore AllIn the Cougars high“Going into Reliant Stadium, one of American candidate Trevon Stewart. paced offense, outthe nicest NFL stadiums in the nation, The Cougars are a young team that will have to our players are excited about it,” Levine grow up in a hurry, but the talent is there. Levine and continued. “Our kids were excited to play staff’s challenge will be to get the most out of them. where the Dynamo play…It’s a beautiful With AAC foes such as Rutgers, Cincinnati stadium and certainly a great event to see. and national championship contender We’ll play Cincinnati at Rice as well.

Louisville on the schedule late in the “Again, for what we have to go season, the Coogs have to hit the through for one season to have a new staground running to gain confidence and dium on campus in 2014, it’s a small price momentum. to pay and I don’t anticipate it affecting us at all,” he said.

Offensively, the Cougars have a stable Trevon Stewart, a defensive of talented young playmakers. At the runback, is an All-American ning back position, sophomore running candidate for the University of Houston. backs Ryan Jackson and Kenneth Farrow are a threat from anywhere on the field.

Deontay Greenberry (sophomore), Larry Mc Duffey (sophomore) and Daniel

By MAX EDISON Defender

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h.s.zone Local kids learn golf and more

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By BUCK BEDIA Defender

he First Tee of Houston program located at F.M. Law Park gives youth instruction in playing golf while teaching valuable life skills.

The free nine-week program, which came to Houston in 2009, emphasizes honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

“With the nine core values they learn here in the program, it does not matter whether you go to the movies with your family or go out to eat, the life lessons will still apply,” said David Harris, executive director of the Houston chapter.

Jerrion Dukes plays golf through the First Tee of Houston program.

The program offers five levels of progand it went pretty well. It was really cool to get inress for young people ages 7 to 14. Each week, young volved; it’s fun here.” golfers will learn one of the nine core values along with Tournaments are held on a regular basis. The proa life skill associated with it through the game of golf. gram is currently gearing up for its back to school tournaAlso taught are nine healthy eating habits. ment on Aug. 17 at F.M. Law. “It’s not a program strictly dedicated to golf; it’s Because it is a free program, the First Tee of Houston more of a youth development program,” Harris said. relies on donations and volunteer support.

“We want to help mold exceptional young people for the “Parents see golf as an expensive sport, but not here,” future,” said Harris.

Rogina said. “And with donated clubs, bags, balls and He added that golf is not only fun and rewarding, even shoes, parents really need to take advantage of this but is also a good way to stay active. program and get their kids involved.”

“When Tiger Woods started on tour, he was a little The next session begins Aug. 20. For information skinny kid. Now he has a lean muscular body, and visit thefirstteehoustonfmlawpark.org everybody has changed their outlook on golf.

“Workout routines and fitness have become a big part of the game,” Harris said. “You have to be physically fit if you want to compete.”

The First Tee has over 200 chapters across the globe with two chapters in the Houston area. The local HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT chapters have even teamed up with more than 30 elementary schools within the city to promote the game NOTICE TO PROPOSERS of golf along with healthy eating habits.

The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae One local parent, Robert Rogina, said his 14-yearWhite Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time old daughter Jessica has been part of the program since deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 she was 7.  Project 13-08-02 RFI - HISD Community/Supplier Food Show with “I have been bringing my girl out here at least a final submittal date of 2 P.M. on August 28, 2013. two, three times a week,” he said. I’m really proud of her.”  Project Number 13-08-04 RFP - Labor Compliance Staffing – with a deadline of 2:00 P.M. August 28, 2013. The pre-proposal conKeaton Mayfield, 15, has participated in the proference for this project will be in Room 1E02 at the above stated gram for two years. address on August 13, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. “The program has taught me many things, like Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. working hard and having integrity,” Mayfield said.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to “Now I am a part of the Junior Advisory Commitaccept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District. tee here and we held our first tournament last month, The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com

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AUGUST 8 | 2013 DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Texan training camp notes With two weeks of training camp completed, the Texans are just about prepared to play someone in a different colored uniform. Three young players that have caused heads to turn are rookies DeAndre Hopkins, D.J. Swearinger and Willie Jefferson. Hopkins has been as good as advertised. His hands are incredible and he makes spectacular catches look routine. Swearinger at safety has benefited from the extra reps available since Ed Reed has been sidelined. He seems to have a natural aptitude for the ball and can give DB coach Vance Joseph lots of options. Jefferson is a fascinating prospect. A former Baylor Bear receiver who stands 6-feet-5, he was kicked out of Baylor for discipline issues. He resurfaced at Stephen F. Austin as a defensive player. He has shown potential as an edge pass rusher at outside linebacker.

Culp represents in HOF Congratulations to former Oiler nose tackle Curly Culp, who was inducted to the NFL Hall of Fame recently. Culp was the backbone of Bum Phillips’ Luv Ya Blue defense in the mid-‘70s. It was great to hear the Oiler name and see those highlights one more time. Other inductees were Dallas Cowboy guard Larry Allen, Minnesota Viking wide receiver Cris Carter, Baltimore Raven tackle Jonathan Ogden, legendary head coach Bill Parcells, Green Bay Packer linebacker Dave Robinson, and Tampa Bay Bucs and Oakland Raider defensive tackle Warren Sapp.

Tiger watch Tiger Woods moonwalked to a 7-shot win at Bridgestone. It was the eighth time he has won the event. The impressive success at Bridgestone sets Woods up as the favorite at the upcoming PGA Championship, the final major of the year at Oak Hill. It has been five years since Woods won a major championship. He has not won in his last 17 starts in a major. Woods is currently sitting on 14 major victories.

MLB hands out suspensions Major League Baseball has suspended 12 players, including three All-Stars, for their use of performance-enhancing drugs. The players received suspensions after an extensive investigation into links between star players and a Florida clinic, Biogenesis, accused of supplying them with the drugs. Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez, the games highest paid player was suspended for a record 211 games including the entire 2014 season. The dozen players include three current All-Stars, Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, San Diego Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera and Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Houston Astros pitching prospect Sergio Escalona was one of those suspended. “Despite the challenges this situation has created during a great season on the field, we pursued this matter because it was not only the right thing to do, but the only thing to do,” MLB commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. Selig said Rodriguez was given a much stiffer penalty because he had committed other offenses.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 8 | 2013

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Will and Billie Kennedy

Mike Phillips and Kompari Rudison

DeVonte’ Taylor, Joyce Bethany, Dave J. Bethany and Dr. Ramsi’ Taylor

Tiffany Rachal, Pastor John Murray and Tony Rachal

chag’splace

Nissa Khan, Ryan Small and Denise Kennedy

Fred Rogers and birthday girl Joyce Bethany

Martin and Betty Rachal and Sherlene and Rev. Cecil Phillips

A JAZZY WEEKEND…..Jazz Education Inc., operJazz Brunch at the Wortham Center. The festival’s ates as a non-profit organization and sponsors Grammy-nominated founder, Bubbha Thomas, four main programs: The Jazz & Poetry Series, has long been passionate about bringing muSummer Jazz Workshop, August Jazz Month Houssic and music education to the Bayou City and ton and the Houston Internabeyond, as demonstrated by his tional Jazz Festival, along with 40-plus years as a proponent for Join Yvette Chargois additional special projects. This both. Congratulations and continEvents of the Week year’s festival included a flavorued success!.....A DIVA’S BIRTHMore photos on defendernetwork.com ful and jazzy kick-off reception DAY CELEBRATION…..Over 200 See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads at 51Fifteen restaurant in the friends and family, dressed in with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

Galleria featuring the Texas yellow and white, gathered at Brass Band and fusion rock artist Lake Olympia Marina Club House Sydnee-Jane, an all-day indoor jazz performances to celebrate Joyce Bethany’s 65th birthday. She at the Bayou Music Center featuring jazz guitarwas roasted and toasted by some of her friends ist Jonathan Butler, internationally-renowned who had some interesting stories to tell. Her clossaxophonist Elan Trotman, Nicaraguan performer ing remarks included the famous song by Gladys Yelba Heaton Roman, a salsa-infused local eightKnight, “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Hapman-band Los Skarnales and student performers pened to Me,” which thrilled the audience. Those known as the Summer Jazz Workshop All-Stars. sharing in the friendship and fellowship included The weekend ended with the Mayor’s Scholarship Myra and Bruce Carter, David Campbell, Min-

Oliver Moore, Naomi Hines and Toni Lewis

Tamaria Lovick, Douglas Beaudion, Kesha Lewis and Andrea Moran.

Not pictured are Derrick Lovick and Gerald Moran Jr.

nie Carter, Charlotte Grant, Carol Francis, Avis Pickens, Danelle and Jeffrey Jackson, Cheryl and Julius White, Martha and Jimmy Branch and Betty and Jimmy Smith, to name a few. Her long-time friend Caffin Gordon served as mistress of ceremonies. Happy birthday Joyce and welcome to the big girls club!.....A RENEWAL CELEBRATION……In celebration of their 20 years of marriage, Pastor John A. Murray officiated over the renewal marriage vows for Tiffany and Tony Rachal at The Refreshing Church. The beautiful ceremony was followed by a lavish reception at La Fontaine Reception Hall and was attended by about 300 friends and family. The couple’s parents Betty and Martin Rachal and Sherlene and Rev. Cecil Phillips, were all smiles along with 33 wedding party participants. Wishing you a beautiful future made up of one happy day after another. Congratulations!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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