Houston Defender: August 13, 2015 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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Volume 84 | Number 37 AUGUST 13, 2015 | FREE

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FEATURE DR. VALERAE LEWIS leads MD Anderson department

SPORTS TOM HERMAN coaches UH football team

P12 HS ZONE KANAVIS MCGHEE takes charge at Sterling

P13 TOP EVENTS

Genora Boykins, Misty Copeland and Sharon Owens at meet & greet at Windsor Village UMC.

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ICE CUBE & SON TEAM UP Movie ‘Straight Outta Compton’ debuts H PAGE 4

John Guess III welcomes confab

Deric Muhammad calls for boycott

John Guess III, president of the Houston Black Real Estate Association, is preparing for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers convention coming to Houston. Learn about the agenda and special guests. See why members are called realtists and not realtors.

As demands for justice continue, Houstonian Deric Muhammad is calling for an economic boycott of Waller County due to the death of Sandra Bland. Find out what other activists recommend as solutions to injustice. Read about events in Ferguson, Mo.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 13 | 2015

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Black realtists meet in Houston Aug. 17-20

David Conley

A photograph of some of the victims is posted on the GoFundMe website.

Alleged murderer of eight in custody David Conley is in custody and charged with capital murder following the shocking deaths of two adults and six children. The victims were found inside a Northwest Harris County home on Aug. 8. They include Valerie Jackson and her 13-year-old son by Conley, Nathaniel. Also killed were Jackson’s husband, Dwayne, and their children Honesty, 11; Dwayne, Jr., 10; Caleb, 9; Trinity, 7; and Jonah, 6. Conley,48, said he became angry after discovering that the locks had been changed at the house after he moved out. He entered the house through an unlocked window, restrained the eight people with handcuffs, and then shot and killed them. Jackson’s relatives had called the Harris County’s Sheriff ’s Office and asked

for them to check on her. Deputies went to the house three times on the day the bodies were found, and at first found nothing amiss. On the last check around 9 p.m., they saw a body through a window. After a standoff, Conley surrendered to authorities. Court records show that Conley has a long criminal history, which includes assault charges and convictions for aggravated robbery, evading arrest and drugs. “It’s a difficult day,” said Chief Deputy T. Cannon following the tragedy. “Once again, a senseless tragedy has struck our community, leaving us grief-stricken.” Jackson’s family has set up a GoFundMe account to help with burial expenses at www.gofundme.com/p7ygtfsc.

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) will host its 68th annual convention from Monday, Aug. 17 to Thursday, Aug. 20 at the Omni Houston Hotel, 4 Riverway. More than 1,000 attendees and guests are expected. Speakers and special guests include Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Al Green, Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell, Bishop James Dixon II and Susan L. Taylor, CEO of National CARES Mentoring Movement and editor emerita of Essence Magazine. Donnell Spivey, NAREB national president, said participants will keep the American dream of homeownership on the nation’s front burner. “While we are focusing on business and professional development for our members, known as realtists, the conven- Donnell Spivey tion also brings attention to NAREB’s mission to keep homeownership as a desirable, affordable and obtainable option for all Americans,” Spivey said. John Guess III, president of Houston Black Real Estate Association, agreed. “The organization is important because it helps minorities gain access to home ownership,” Guess said. “We are John Guess III called ‘realtists,’ not ‘realtors,’ and the reason is because we were not allowed to be a member of the realtors until the ’70s. “So we formed our own association for people of color. We’re holding our 68th convention now and we’re larger than we’ve ever been before. Guess said Houston is the largest NAREB chapter with over 200 members. “We’re proud of that and the fact that we have real estate specialists to help with homeownership, management, and development, just about anything a person would want to do with land.” Guess added that the convention helps members stay abreast of changes in the industry. “The majority of the convention is dealing with educating our membership as to changes in rules and regulations, especially with the federal government, because a number of our people work with FHA and VA loans.” We also have workshops dealing with finance, and community development groups will help us better understand the use of [CD] funds, especially those administered by the state, county and city of Houston. For more information visit www.nareb.com.

localbriefs THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION has awarded $28.4 million in advanced placement (AP) grants to 38 states, Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands as part of its efforts to boost college-and career readiness for historically underserved students. The Texas Education Agency will receive $2.6 million. The subsidized test fees are intended to encourage students to take AP tests and obtain college credit for high school courses........RETIRED HPD OFFICER Edward A. Thomas died Aug. 10 of natural causes. He was 95. Thomas was one of the first AfricanAmerican police officers to join HPD and served during a time of systemic discrimination throughout

the department. Last month, HPD Headquarters was renamed the Houston Police Department Edward A. Thomas Building in his honor. “I am saddened to hear of Mr. Thomas’ passing,” said HPD Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. “He was a man who I respected immensely and was honored to know and call my friend…….THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE invites interested county residents to participate in the 13-week Citizens Police Academy (CPA) that begins Aug. 20. The classes will be held at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 16335 El Camino Real, every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The CPA is designed to give residents a

working knowledge of the office, including procedures and protocol, and provide a better understanding of “how and why” deputies make decisions. Applicants must be 21 or older and a thorough background check will be conducted. Call 713-759-9454.……..A GENEALOGY SYMPOSIUM featuring noted genealogist Deborah A. Abbott, Ph.D. will be held Friday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Afro-American Library at the Gregory School, 1300 Victor Street. It is sponsored by the Clayton Library Friends in conjunction with the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter. The cost is $10. For information visit htown.aahgs.org.

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national

U.S.briefs THE ARLINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT fired Brad Miller, the police-officer-in-training involved in the Aug. 7 fatal shooting of Christian Taylor, an unarmed Black 19-year-old. Taylor, a sophomore at Angelo State University in West Texas, was killed at a car dealership. Family members want to know why deadly force was used in a burglary call. Surveillance video showed Taylor smashing his foot through the windshield of a vehicle and jumping on vehicles. Taylor allegedly drove his SUV through the dealership’s front windows. Police said he did not comply once officers arrived and told him to surrender. Taylor was shot in the neck, chest and abdomen. Police are conducting an investigation into Miller’s actions.……..L.A. RESIDENTS ARE REMEMBERING the Watts riots, which broke out 50 years ago on Aug. 11, 1965, and lasted until Aug. 17. When the smoke cleared, 34 people were dead, more than a 1,000 were injured and some 600 buildings were damaged. The rioting began with a routine traffic stop and blossomed into a protest. It occurred less than a week after the federal Voting Rights Act was signed into law and a year after the Civil Rights Act……..REV. JESSE JACKSON SR. continues to push for diversity among technology companies. Jackson recently asked 27 technology companies – including Apple, Facebook, Dropbox and Uber – for more detailed information, including the release of federal diversity data and of the affirmative action plans that federal contractors must file with the government. Companies are not required to publicly disclose either. “It’s time to take stock of what has been done, what has worked and what hasn’t,” Jackson said. “Are any tech companies making a real difference and, if so, how? If not, why not?” Earlier, members of the Congressional Black Caucus traveled to Silicon Valley to meet with some of the industry’s biggest employers about diversity.

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 37 AUGUST 13, 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).

Black unemployment dips to seven-year low NNPA News Service

he Black unemployment rate tumbled to 9.1 percent in July, the lowest rate for Black workers in seven years, according to the U.S. Labor Department. The national unemployment rate was 5.3 percent and 215,000 jobs were created in July. Though the Black jobless rate has slowly ticked down to 2008 levels, some economists expressed concerns about the labor force participation rate, the measure of people who are employed or looking for jobs. The Black labor force participation rate decreased from 61.7 percent in June to 61.5 percent in July, which could indicate that the unemployment rate fell because some people simply gave up looking for work. Valerie Wilson, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute, said that the African- American unemployment rate was at or below its pre-recession level in eight states – Texas, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri. However, the states that are seeing improvements, with the exception of Texas, had the highest Black unemployment rates in the nation before the recession. For Black male workers over 20, the unemployment rate plunged to 8.8 percent from 9.5 percent the year before. The participation rate decreased slightly from 67.6 percent in June to 67 percent in July.

Black female workers saw a slight increase in their month-over-month jobless rate as it edged up from 7.9 percent June to 8 percent in July. Their labor force participation rate increased slightly from 62 percent to 62.1 percent. Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.) said that the report showed the economy is heading in the right direction. “With the 65th consecutive month of private sector job growth, and the unemployment rate holding at 5.3 percent, our nation continues to recover from the 2008 economic recession,” said Scott. “Americans are finding more opportunities to get back to work, and put more money into their pockets. “While this is excellent news, our efforts to rebuild our economy are not complete until every person who wants a job is able to find a stable one.”

Black male med school enrollment declines NNPA News Service

The number of Black males applying to medical school is lower than it was three decades ago, raising concerns about the United States’ future ability to have health care providers be as diverse as the patients they serve, according to a new report by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). “No other minority group has experienced such declines,” wrote Marc Nivet, the chief diversity officer for AAMC. “The inability to find, engage and develop candidates for careers in medicine from all members of our society limits our ability to improve

health care for all.” In 1978 there were 1,410 Black male applicants to medical school. By 2014, however, that number had declined to 1,337, according to the report. Of all racial and ethnic groups, the proportion of applicants to medical school who were male compared with female is lowest for AfricanAmericans, despite an overall increase in the number of Black male college graduates. Darrell G. Kirch, the president and CEO of AAMC, said that health care professionals have to work harder to get more young Black males into the talent pipeline to increase diversity in the physician workforce.

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entertainment

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‘Straight Outta Compton’

chronicles rap group N.W.A

he group N.W.A. (N----- With Attitude) emerged in 1986 and went on to become one of gangsta rap’s biggest acts. The five original members were Eazy-E (real name Eric Wright), M.C. Ren (Lorenzo Patterson), Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson), Dr. Dre (Andre Young) and DJ Yella (Antoine Carraby). The Compton, Calif. group released such tracks as “F--- tha Police,” “Gangsta Gangsta” and “Express Yourself” using harsh, explicit language. N.W.A.’s story comes to the big screen on Aug. 14 with the release of “Straight Outta Compton.” It covers the group’s formation through Eazy-E’s death from AIDS in 1995. The film’s producers include Ice Cube, who is portrayed by his son O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Dr. Dre, who is played by Corey Hawkins. Jason Mitchell is Eazy-E, Neil Brown Jr. is DJ Yella and Aldis Hodge is MC Ren. Ice Cube explained the movie’s premise. “I wanted to show why we made N.W.A, “Straight Outta Compton” focuses on the five original members of N.W.A. what made us, what was happening in our lives at the time “He got me a coach and for about two years I that comes out in the that made us make music like was working on the role. I’ve heard these stories movie, and it’s great that,” he said. “And then I my whole life, so to reenact them [is] pretty surthat we were able to wanted to show what influreal.” produce a movie at ence N.W.A had on the neighIce Cube reflected on Compton today. that level.” borhood. It forged us, and “Compton hasn’t changed,” he said. “It’s Ice Cube’s son rethen we changed the ‘hood.” wack. It’s pretty much the same thing as it’s called how he landed He added that the movie Co-producer Ice Cube is portrayed by his son O’Shea his part. “I was sitting always been, and that’s f----- up really. You don’t Jackson Jr. accurately depicts what know what’s going to happen from day to day, in the kitchen watching N.W.A was like in the studio. and it can go from cool, quiet and fun to some‘Sports Center’ and he “You’ll tease a mother------ if he ain’t getting it body’s shot, arrested, murdered or whatever. You comes in and tells me he wants me to play him in right,” he said. “You can get real personal. All can die for no reason.” a movie,” Jackson said.

what’sup DRAKE recently became the first artist to release an album to go platinum in the United States in 2015, ending a drought in the music industry. “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” has sold more than 1 million copies and was dropped digitally without warning in February. Drake, 28, has sold over 5 million albums worldwide and holds the record for the most No. 1 hits on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Chart…… ..“Fantastic Four” starring MICHAEL B. JORDAN opened to a disappointing $26.2 million at the box office after being rejected by critics and audiences alike. The film experienced one of the lowest openings

of all time for a big-budget studio superhero movie. It cost $120 million to make…….. Fox Broadcasting Company has ordered a new pilot, “Star,” from LEE DANIELS, co-creator and executive producer of the hit series “Empire.” The pilot tells the story of three young women, all with hopes of making it big in the music industry, and the choices they’re faced with along the way. The project is the first to emerge from Daniels’ multi-year overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television. Casting for the pilot will begin shortly…… PITBULL is the latest star who will appear on “Empire” in the fall. He will play himself and perform

“No Doubt About It” with series regular JUSSIE SMOLLETT……..BET Networks announced the production of an original miniseries based on the group New Edition. Group members RICKY BELL, MICHAEL BIVINS, RONNIE DEVOE, JOHNNY GILL and RALPH TRESVANT all signed on as coproducers for the film, which is being developed into a miniseries premiering on BET in 2016. The group, which also included BOBBY BROWN, formed in Boston in 1978, and reached its height of popularity in the 1980s. New Edition’s early hits included “Candy Girl,” “Cool It Now” and “Mr. Telephone Man.”

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ONE DAY

MD Anderson names new dept. chair Surgeon Valerae O. Lewis, M.D. has been named chair of Orthopaedic Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The unit she will lead is a new department created within the Division of Surgery in 2014. Lewis has been a faculty member at MD Anderson for 15 years. She is recognized for her expertise in the complex surgical management of pelvic sarcoma and limb salvage for the pediatric patient. She is the first woman to chair an orthopaedic department at a freestanding cancer Dr. Valerae Lewis center and in the UT system. Lewis has led MD Anderson’s orthopaedic oncology efforts as section chief ad interim, section chief and department chair ad interim. She has served on the faculty at UTHealth and the Baylor College of Medicine for more than 10 years. “I am thrilled and excited to be starting this new role as chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Oncology,” Lewis said. “I am fortunate to have an incredible faculty and staff with whom to collaborate and achieve the MD Anderson’s mission of Making Cancer History.” Lewis earned her medical degree with honors from Harvard Medical School and completed her residency through the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program. She completed a musculoskeletal oncology fellowship at the University of Chicago. In 2013, she was named president of the Western Orthopaedic Association.

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Get kids free vaccinations The Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz, is offering free vaccinations for all children under 18 who need immunizations as required for admission by school districts. The Texas Children’s Mobile Clinic Program will administer vaccinations to the first 200 children to arrive for Thursday Free Family Night on Aug. 20 and 27 at 5 p.m. To qualify, parents and guardians will need their child’s immunization records. All required school vaccines will be provided except for TB test or flu. After the vaccinations, children and their families are invited to stay and enjoy museum exhibits. For information visit www.cmhouston.org or call 713-522-1138.

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Things to know about credit card chip upgrade

By DARRYL MONTGOMERY

ave you heard about the impending EMV EuroPay, MasterCard, and Visa chip card conversion? If not, you’re not alone. In fact, a recent Wells Fargo/Gallup survey revealed that less than half (49 percent) of business owners who accept point-of-sale card payments are aware of the impending liability shift coming this October. Just 29 percent of business owners reported they plan to upgrade their point-ofsale credit card terminals to accept EMV chip cards before the deadline, and 21 percent said they never plan to upgrade. To put things into perspective, according to studies, card-present fraud in other countries was reduced by 84 percent with EMV chip and PIN implementation. Since converting to EMV chip technology, there has been a 69 percent decrease in cardpresent fraud in the U.K., 80 percent decrease in Brazil and 84 percent in Malaysia. What is it and why is it more secure? EMV chip card technology helps protect consumers and merchants against counterfeit fraud by encoding cardholder information within an encrypted microchip that changes with every transaction. This makes EMV chip-enabled cards more difficult to counterfeit than traditional magnetic swipe cards. Most issuers also may require either a PIN or a signature for additional cardholder authorization, making card-present transactions even more secure. What changes on Oct. 1? Today, credit card companies are liable for credit and debit card fraud on card-present transactions. On Oct. 1, the liability for fraud will shift. Beginning then, the party, either the card issuer or merchant, who does not support EMV, will assume liability for counterfeit card transactions that occur.

What are the benefits? There are many upsides to EMV and if you own a business that offers card payments to customers, transitioning to EMV technology could hold numerous benefits for your business including: • Reduced risk of fraud. Upgrading to an EMV-enabled payment system may prevent your business from becoming a target, as card fraudsters likely will concentrate on merchants that have not upgraded to EMV. • Fewer financial risks. Merchants who do not accept an EMV chip card when presented may be liable for any resulting fraud and related costs. • More methods of payment. Most EMV equipment can accept NFC (near field communication) contactless payments, enabling you to accept

mobile payments from your customers with smartphones. In short, now is the time for business owners who offer point-of-sale card payments to assess the payment options and make sure they are prepared for the liability shift. If you don’t have EMVenabled payment equipment, talk with your payment provider about upgrade options. Your business may require a simple software update or addiDarryl Montgomery tional peripheral, such as an EMV-compatible PIN pad, or you may need a new terminal or POS system. In addition to upgrading, it’s also important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments, laws and programs surrounding payment card fraud. While the liability shift may mean new technology, different processing, and additional costs for many businesses, card fraud is expensive. If your business is liable for card fraud, it could make a significant impact to your bottom line and reputation, and lead to lost time and money disputing fraudulent claims. So even though switching to EMV technology may seem cumbersome, continued reliance on less secure, magnetic stripe technology isn’t worth the risk. For more information, visit WellsFargoWorks. com. Darryl Montgomery is Wells Fargo’s regional president for Greater Houston.

Five tips: Getting the most from credit cards Credit cards are an important financial tool for the majority of Americans, and more than 70 percent of consumers have at least one. Here is advice on making the most of your credit cards from the Federal Reserve. 1. Pay on time. Paying your account on time helps you avoid late fees and maintain a good credit record. If your bill is due at an inconvenient time of the month contact your credit card company to see if they will change your billing cycle to fit your cash flow.

2. Stay below your credit limit. If you go over your credit limit, your card issuer could charge a fee and increase your interest rate. Keep a record of spending or check your balance online. 3. Avoid unnecessary fees. Credit card companies can also charge fees for cash advances, transferring balances, and having a payment returned. Some companies charge a fee when you pay your bill by phone. Pay attention to the transactions that trigger these fees. 4. Pay more than the minimum pay-

ment. If you can’t pay your balance in full each month, try to pay as much of the total as you can. 5. Watch for changes in terms. Credit card companies will send you advance notices about changes in fees, interest rates, billing and other features. Read your bill carefully and take note of any changes. You can also decide if you want to change the way you use the card. For example, if cash advance fees increase, you may decide to use a different card for advances.

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(PHOTO CTSY. ST. LOUIS AMERICAN)

Demonstrators participate in a rally outside the Waller County Jail. (Photo by Jesse Muhammad)

Boycott of Waller County launched By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

rea activists recently gathered outside the Waller County Jail to demand justice for Sandra Bland and remember Blacks across the country who were killed by police officers, including Michael Brown. Deric Muhammad, a rally organizer, said it’s time for concerned citizens to take their actions one step further and flex their economic muscles. “We are uniting with other communities, organizations and particularly with Prairie View A&M University students to launch and institute a fall semester economic boycott of Waller County,” Muhammad said. “We’re asking Prairie View students, parents, faculty and alumni to only spend their monies with Black businesses in Waller County.” The county has been under fire since Bland, 28, was found dead in her jail cell on July 13. Her death occurred three days after she was stopped by Trooper Brian 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 insist that she was looking forward to a new job at her alma mater, PVAMU. Using an analogy, Muhammad noted that PVAMU’s colors are purple and gold. “Purple represents royalty and gold represents money,” he said. “Waller County looks at PVAMU and doesn’t see the purple. All they see is the gold. So if we put our gold back in our pockets we force them to see our value, we

force them to see the purple.” Muhammad said even though Bland’s name “is beginning to fade from the headlines,” many people are still dissatisfied with the information that has been released by Waller County. “We still are not convinced that Sandra Bland took her own life,” he said. “We still believe she was murdered.” Muhammad said it’s important to recall others whose lives were lost. “We remember Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Freddie Gray and the young man killed in Arlington, Christian Taylor. “We reflect on how it has been 365 days since Michael Brown lay in the streets dying and suffering from a police officer in Ferguson. Since then, dozens of others have died and in 99 percent of those cases we have seen no justice at all,” Muhammad said. “We’ve seen an indictment here and there but no police officers have been punished for killing in 365 days. That says that we have to do more than march. We have to do more than protest and rally.” Muhammad noted that PVAMU sits on land that was once a plantation. He said back then, the plantation was viewed by Waller County as just a source of revenue. “I contend that you have the same dynamic here today,” Muhammad said. “Waller County has no respect for Prairie View. If Prairie View was an IBM or Apple plant, they would tell their law enforcement officers to leave their people alone. “But they do the opposite with Prairie View. They ride officers up and down University Boulevard profiling people and looking for reasons to pull them over. That’s what happened with Sandra Bland. At the end of the day that officer was out there trying to bring in revenue.”

NO JUSTI NO PEAC ONE YEAR LATER Deric Muhammad demands justice in Waller County and beyond. (Photo by Jesse Muhammad)

Ferguson marks anniv Demonstrators took to the streets of Ferguson, Mo., to mark the first anniversary of Michael Brown’s death at the hands of former policeman Darren Wilson. More than 20 people were arrested and an 18-yearold Black man, Tyrone Harris Jr., was wounded by police. St. Louis County police later released a video they said showed Harris pulling a gun from his waistband moments before he was shot by officers. Ferguson remembered Brown in other ways. Michael Brown Sr. and his family led a silent march in memory of his son. “I just want to give love to my family and my friends – my new friends and my world,” Brown told the

crowd. “Ya’ll are my world.” The commemoration and reminder that the fight was n “This year has been so h justice. And police are still k ner, daughter of Eric Garner, of New York by police was v She was in attendance, a Grant, who was killed by an Year’s Day in 2009. Erica Garner has become her father’s death. “It’s a crisis that’s going

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Activists give solutions for injustice the community is a part of the solution. “Justice is not going During a Houston to school with white town hall meeting on people,” he said. “We racial profiling, two have to start investing in speakers recommended our own neighborhoods, different approaches to build our own schools.” combat injustice. Shabazz added that Black Lawyers for organization within the Justice (BLFJ) organized Black community is esthe town hall meeting sential. in response to racial “No leader can be profiling in Houston and effective without qualMalik Shabazz public discontent surity organization,” he rounding the death of said. “Envy is the mothSandra Bland in Waller er of murder. We have to County. settle our differences for The national presia bigger cause. We must dent of BLFJ, Attorney come together.” Malik Z. Shabazz of During the meeting, Washington, D.C., Muhammad discussed shared his plan for a how Black consumerism class-action lawsuit for was affecting progress those who have been by the failure to support wronged by law enBlack businesses. forcement officers. He He also noted the encouraged residents incidents of domesto file complaints about tic violence occurring Minister Robert Muhammad law enforcement to among Blacks. build a record against the police. “We can’t have justice if we Last September, Shabazz filed a don’t have justice in our own commulti-million dollar lawsuit against of- munities,” he said. “We have reduced ficials in Ferguson, Mo. “I’m interested ‘Black Lives Matter’ to Black lives in justice for Black people,” Shabazz only matter when Blacks are being said. “My mind is on these courts and killed by white people. All Black lawsuits so we can fight these police.” lives matter even when Blacks are In addition to Shabazz, Minister killing Blacks.” Robert Muhammad, the Nation of IsFor the 20th anniversary of the lam southwest regional representative Million Man March, Shabazz said he in Houston, said investing in the comwill stand with Nation of Islam Minmunity would be a major step toward ister Louis Farrakhan in Washington progress. D.C. on Oct. 10 and invited HoustoMuhammad said giving back to nians to show their support. By AMBER VERNON Defender

versary with protests

” d silent march served as a not over. hard. No accountability, no killing us,” said Erica Gar, whose killing on the streets videotaped. as was the family of Oscar Oakland transit cop on New

e an activist in the wake of

g on,” she said. “People like

Sandra Bland, Sam DuBose – that shouldn’t happen. We’re being killed on camera. Females are dying in jail cells with no explanation.” The march was preceded by four and a half minutes of silence to symbolize the number of hours that Brown’s body lay in the streets. Anthony Shahid, who has worked closely with the Brown family, spoke out about the tragedy. “We’re not anti-police,” he said. “I’ve got brothers in my family who are police. We’re talking about people like Darren Wilson, who are shooting us down in the streets and stripping us of our hu man rights.”

he Houston area for over 80 years

Michael Brown Sr. and his family lead a silent march in memory of his son Michael Brown Jr. on the one-year anniversary of his death. (Photo by Lawrence Bryant/St. Louis American).

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opinion

U.N. should show U.S. that ‘Black Lives Matter’ By BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS JR. NNPA Columnist

lmost daily there is another fatal case of racially-motivated police brutality that occurs against a Black American woman, man or child. What is happening to Black people in America? What is causing this resurgence of bigotry, violence and brutality? The occurrences of other serious injustices are also growing: voter suppression, economic inequalities, mass incarceration, as well as racial discrimination in education, housing, environment, employment, and health care. Taken together, these injustices represent staggering violations of the fundamental human rights of Black America. I believe it is time once again to petition the United Nations for an international response to the violations of the human rights of Black Americans, just as Malcolm X had proposed. Human rights may be defined as those universal rights that are inherent to all human beings. In 1948, the U.N. adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The preamble states,” Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” Thus, our chant today “No Justice, No Peace!” is rooted in international law. There are some who will question the effectiveness of calling upon the U.N. to introduce and pass a resolution to stop the human rights violations of Black people and others in the U.S. We live in a global economy and a geopolitical world. I believe, therefore, if international sanctions were to be imposed by the U.N. on the U.S. because of systematic and racially-motivated human rights violations, it would serve as an effective deterrent. We should recall that back in 1947, W.E.B. DuBois led the NAACP to petition the U.N. to protest the deadly and discriminatory treatment of Black Americans. The document that Dubois and the NAACP presented to the U.N. was titled, “An Appeal to the World.” They cited in their petition a litany of facts detailing widespread lynching, racial discrimination, as well as documenting the

inequalities in housing, employment, education, voting rights and health care. The new form of lynching today is the use of deadly police force and actions that lead to the unjustifiable deaths of Black Americans, most of them unarmed. Not only are our civil rights being denied, but also our human rights are being systematically violated. It is relevant to today’s state of affairs in Black America to read the following quote from the NAACP U.N. petition 68 years ago: “At first [the American Negro] was driven from the polls in the South by mobs and violence; and then he was openly cheated; finally by a ‘Gentlemen’s agreement’ with the North, that Negro was disfranchised in the South by a series of laws, methods of administration, court decisions, and general public policy, so that today, three-fourths of the Negro population of the nation is deprived of the right to vote by open and declared policy.” Twenty-one states have implemented some type of voter suppression law or policy that is directly targeted at Black Americans and others who have been historically denied equal justice. There are 113 voter suppression proposals pending in 33 states. This action comes

on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court gutting a key section of the1965 Voting Rights Act that requires jurisdictions with a documented history of racial discrimination to pre-clear and voting laws with the Justice Department or a federal judge in Washington, D.C. The audacity of W.E.B. Dubois, the NAACP, and Black publishers who were members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in the 1940s, helped to lay the groundwork for the building of the modern Civil Rights Movement. We are challenged yet again to speak out, organize, mobilize, and to protest. But we must also build stronger institutions and businesses that we own. Going back to the U.N is a tactical move to reassert our human rights. Yes, we affirm that “Black Lives Matter!” We have an obligation to generations past and future to demand that federal and state governments take more action to stop the injustices that we face. We all should now be preparing for the massive “Justice Or Else” mobilization in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 10 that will be webcast and video streamed to millions of people throughout the world in different languages. It’s time to stop our human rights from being so carelessly violated.

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A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

health

Play it safe

Tips for avoiding sports injuries • Stretch. Gradually warm up and stretch before the main activity. Follow this with a cool down and stretching after hether you’re a weekend the activity. warrior, hard-training • Wear protective gear. Elbow, competitor or the parent of knee and shin guards and, in some cases, a student athlete, a sports ankle braces, help prevent some common injury can hinder both performance and injuries. lifestyle. It can cause pain and limit mobil• Get adequate rest. Young athletes ity. It can also keep you or your child from juggle school with their extracurricular playing at all. sports activities and need the proper Overuse of muscles, sprains and amount of rest. They may be more prone strains, knee injuries, Achilles tendon injuto injury when tired. ries, shin splints, tendonitis, pulled ham• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of flustrings, fractures, dislocations, concussions ids before practice and during time-outs, – these are common in sports. Jorge Velez, M.D. even if you’re not thirsty. Water is best, Stay in the Game but some sports drinks with electrolytes are also helpful. It’s easy for young athletes and weekend warriors to • Never ignore pain. While doing so might seem get excited and overexert during the thrill of the game only “heroic,” it can worsen the injury and complicate treatment. to end up writhing in pain on the bench. Persistent pain may be a warning sign of an injury and No matter your level of athletic prowess, preventing indicate a need to be examined by a doctor familiar with injury comes down to following a few basic tips. sports injuries. • Start healthy. Get a physical exam before you start Weekend warriors and recreational athletes should playing sports. By JORGE VELEZ, M.D.

M O R E

W AY S

T O

C O N Q U E R

include some type of athletic training during the week, ideally twice a week, to help strengthen the muscles they use in their sport. Working out once a week can help decrease the likelihood of injury. Training should mimic the sport played and include more explosive types of exercises, such as jumping rope, lifting weights or sprint intervals. Teenagers who play sports multiple days in a row need to take time off for muscles and tendons to recover. Teens also should strive for good nutrition to properly fuel their bodies. They should eat meals between practices that include vegetables and lean proteins and stay well hydrated.

Seek Immediate Treatment

In general, be aware of what feels or sounds like a “snap” or “pop,” or any swelling or pain that gets worse. These usually indicate an injury that needs medical attention. If injury does occur, make sure it is fully healed before heading back to play. Going back too soon puts athletes at risk of repeat injuries. Dr. Velez is a board-certified Orthopedics-Sports Medicine specialist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Cypress, Cinco Ranch and Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center locations. To schedule an appointment, call 713-442-0000.

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sports

New UH coach Herman enthusiastic about team By MAX EDISON Defender

ou have to forgive University of Houston Cougar fans if there’s a little extra swagger in their step these days. That can happen when you hire the nation’s top assistant coach as your head football coach. Tom Herman is the new top cat on Calhoun, fresh off winning a national championship as the offensive coordinator at Ohio State. Herman has injected a new attitude into the program and as a result optimism is running sky high as the 2015 season approaches. With coaching stints at Texas, Sam Houston, Texas State and Rice, Herman is no novice to the area. He Tom Herman begins his first season as UH coach. has put together an impressive staff Ben Dew, Colton Freeman, Zach Johnson, Alex that has extensive local experience. Cooper and Carter Wall lead a veteran crop of offenWhen you are in Herman’s presence his enthusive lineman that will create running lanes and provide siasm for the job is obvious. As OC at Ohio State for protection for Cougar quarterbacks. three years, he led an offense that was one of the most Defensively is where fans can expect to see the productive in the nation. No one questions the fact that new physical aspect of the Cougars. Coordinator Todd he knows what it takes to win, and win big. Orlando inherits a skilled group of athletes that must The buzz words as the Cougars head into their be molded into a cohesive unit. second week of training camp are “physical toughA major plus for the defense will be their experiness” and “mental soundness.” There will be open ence in the secondary. All four starters return on the competition at all positions. back end, including Adrian McDonald and William “I will attempt to make this the hardest training Jackson III. Both McDonald and Jackson were camp in the history of college football,” Herman said. named to the Jim Thorpe and Nagurski Award “The foundation of our culture here at the University watch list. of Houston is the way that we practice and prepare. Steven Taylor, Elandon Roberts, Tyus There are no gamers, there are no guys who flip Bowser, Ralph Harvey and newcomer Leroy switches. Godfrey will all compete for playing time at line“There are guys who come out and work really, backer. Cameron Malveaux, B.J. Singleton, really hard every single day. They’re prepared by the Tomme Mark, Nick Thurman and Melvin best coaching staff in the country. Saturdays are a Holland will provide muscle on the walk in the park in terms of physical and mental effort defensive line. exerted compared to practices.” Herman is also implementing the Offensive coordinator Major Applewhite has a H-Town takeover, and explained what full blown competition at the QB position. Last year’s it is. starter Greg Ward Jr. is being pushed by Utah transfer “We are the hometown college Adam Schulz. The running back position is in good football team for this great city,” Herman hands with Doak Walker and Walter Camp Award said. “I have embraced this city. Our staff candidate Kenneth Farrow is the No. 1 guy. He’ll be and team have embraced this city more pushed by Ryan Jackson. than any other time in the school’s history Steven Dunbar, Demarcus Ayers, Isaiah Johnson and we’re very, very proud of that. The and Oregon transfer Chance Allen lead a talented H-Town takeover is just a fun way to let group of receivers that will be counted on to make recruits, fans, media know that this is our plays all over the field.

town, our city and we embrace it with every fiber of our being. “We plan to defend this city from people coming in and trying to recruit like they have in the past. It’s not going to be that easy. We have a tremendous amount of pride. We want to keep our fans here in the greater Houston area happy and proud and keep the great high school players from the Houston area home.” Herman and the Cougars open the season at home on Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. against Tennessee Tech in TDECU Stadium.

Kenneth Farrow is a star Cougar running back.

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William Jackson III is a standout at cornerback.

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Sterling coach McGhee returns home to HISD years from when they make that decision.” McGhee, 47, believes another trend will have to be reversed if Sterling is to regain success on the anavis McGhee never doubted his decifootball field. sion to return home. “We also have to convince our kids to stay in the A former Wheatley High School community,” he said. “Get them to understand there’s standout football player, McGhee went a reason why other people are coming into the South on to become an All-America linebacker Park community and recruiting them. It’s because at the University of Colorado. He parlayed that into a they have something to offer. seven-year career in the NFL. Now he’s back in HISD “Imagine if they stayed together in their own as head coach at Sterling High School. community. They would share in uplifting their own “The district has always been a home for me. It’s community,” McGhee said. “If there’s a negative where I came up and I feel stigma to the communilike I belong here coaching ty, we have to go about these kids,” McGhee said. changing that.” See what other HISD coaches are “When I left Wheatley McGhee is excited saying about the 2015 season and went to CU, we won a that a new building is national championship there. being constructed at I got drafted in the second Sterling High School round by the New York Giants and played there for to go along with a new principal and a new football three years before I went to Cincinnati. Then I played coach. for the Houston Oilers before they left and went to “We’ve got some positive things going on in the Tennessee.” neighborhood and it’s up to us as coaches to spread McGhee has also coached in the NFL Europa the word,” McGhee said. program, on the collegiate level and at his high school Sterling’s basketball team qualified for the state alma mater, Wheatley. “I’m definitely no stranger to basketball tournament for the first time the district,” he said. “This will be my 15th year in in school history last March. McGhee the district, but my last job was at the University would like the football team to piggyof Colorado. back on that success. “I’ve never lost touch with the Houston area “The head basketball coach because I recruited in this area,” he said. [Andrea Young] has also been an With new schools opening in the greater assistant football coach at Sterling Houston area every year, McGhee is aware that for a long time,” McGhee said. “The inner-city high schools like Sterling, Worthing, guys he used to go that far last seaYates, Booker T. Washington and Kashmere son were guys that stayed together no longer have the numbers in terms since middle school. of personnel they enjoyed in the “A few of them were past. plucked away and went “I’ve already somewhere else begun talking to my but came back as guys about getting seniors,” he said. past making deci“They played so sions that affect well together them just for because they had tomorrow,” he known each othsaid. “They’ve er so long. We got to start want to use that making decias an example sions that will for the football make them team.” better four

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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AUGUST 13 | 2015 DEFENDER

sportsbriefs Houstonians pace team Houston residents Samiyah Samuels and Raevyn Rogers helped Team USA win a record 30 gold medals at the Pan American Juniors track and field championships in Edmonton, Canada. Samuels won the women’s long jump with a leap of 20 feet, 5.24 inches. The Cypress Springs High School senior won the University Interscholastic League (UIL) state Class 6A gold medal (20-7.75) in the long jump last May as a junior. Rogers, a former Kinkaid High School standout who just completed her freshman year at the University of Oregon, won the women’s 800-meter run in a time of two minutes, 4.62 seconds. She also anchored the Team USA women’s mile relay to a gold medal with a time of 3:31.49. It was the fastest junior time in the world this year and seven seconds ahead of the runners-up. Rogers combined with Zola Golden, Olivia Baker and Kendall Ellis while running a team-best split of 52.1 seconds. Team USA finished with 58 total medals to easily win the overall competition.

Yates’ streak still alive The last time the Jack Yates Lions failed to qualify for the postseason in high school football was in 1977. That’s 37 consecutive playoff appearances to rank as the longest current ongoing streak in the state. With a defense led by linemen Anthony Watts (6-feet-5, 293 pounds) and Raimon McCardle (6-feet-1, 275) and ball-hawking Christopher Reed at linebacker, the Lions are poised to make a 38th consecutive trip to the playoffs. Madison and North Forest are the other safe choices to make the postseason in District 20-5A.

Robinson on committee Prairie View A&M University Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson was recently named to the Division I Football Championship Subdivision Athletic Directors Association Executive Committee. Now in its 22nd year, the FCS ADA provides a collective voice for FCS athletic directors and also provides a forum for them to discuss issues which impact the role of FCS athletics directors. The FCS ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 50th year. The FCS ADA also sponsors an academic all-star team for FCS student-athletes and awards a $5,000 postgraduate scholarship to a pair of deserving student-athletes on a yearly basis.

Alcorn State tops polls Now is the time of the year when everybody has a preseason college football poll. Recently HBCU Sports, a national site, released its top 10 poll and to nobody’s surprise the Alcorn State Braves were sitting at the top of the polls. The 2014 SWAC champs will seek to defend their title and apparently many pundits across the nation like their chances. North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State round out the top 5. The Grambling State University Tigers are slotted at No. 6, followed by their archrival and defending SWAC West Division champion Southern at No. 7. Rounding out the top 10 are Alabama State, Jackson State and Morgan State.

Kanavis McGhee

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Hot weather can be dangerous, beat the heat The National Weather Service recently issued a heat advisory for Houston because of potentially dangerous weather. The City of Houston activated the Public Health Heat Emergency Guideline, which calls for providing transportation free of charge to residents to pre-designated cooling centers. Residents who find themselves without adequate air conditioning, and who would like to use city facilities to cool off can do the following: 1) Use their own transportation resources to access a public city facility during normal operating hours (available online at houstontx. gov/emergency) 2) If a resident does not have adequate transportation, they can call 713.837.0311 to request a ride on Metro to an available cooling center. The Houston Health Department said residents should take precautions against high temperatures to avoid heat-related illnesses. Recommendations include: • Check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke during the approaching hot summer

conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. • Increase water consumption. Avoid beverages with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar. • Conduct outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. • Wear lightcolored, loose fitting clothing that permits the evaporation of perspiration. • Do not leave children, senior citizens or pets unattended in a vehicle. • A wide-brimmed hat helps prevent sunburn and heatrelated illness. Sunscreen protects from the sun’s harmful rays and reduces the risk of sunburn.

months. Others who are particularly vulnerable include infants and children up to four years of age, those who are overweight and people with heart and respiratory problems. • Beware of heat exhaustion. Signs include profuse sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, a weak-but-rapid pulse and fainting. • Beware of heat stroke. Symptoms include an extremely

high body temperature (above 103°F, orally), red, hot and dry skin (no sweating), rapid and strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. • Stay indoors, preferably in an airconditioned home or building. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans without refrigerated air only circulate hot, humid air. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-

Metro readies new bus network Metro is counting down to its new bus network, which begins Sunday, Aug. 16. The launch signals the beginning of an overhaul of the local bus system to provide more direct, frequent routes to serve more people and attract new riders. The new system will feature free rides on local bus routes and light rail lines from Aug. 16-22. MetroLift and Park & Ride are not included. After meeting with community groups, the Metro board approved two small-scale adjustments which allow

the transit authority to better serve the transit needs of the region. One adjustment extends bus service hours for patrons in southeast Houston near Peerless Street. The other modification adds alternate service for patrons of the Thomas Street Health Center. Metro Chairman Gilbert Garcia emphasized that the overall changes are part of a five-year plan and stressed the board’s commitment to be flexible as the transition gets underway. New schedules are available at ridemetro.org.

classified TRANSPORTATION JOB FAIR SPONSORED BY

THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Saturday August 15, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Port Houston Elementary School 1800 McCarty Houston, TX 77029 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

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

topevents

Sherman Jones, Myrisha Thomas, Jamaica Lee, Kelva Clay, Anita Bates, MISTY COPELAND MEET & GREET…….Houston City Councilmember Cole Rose, and other performers and guests………MAMIE KING CHALMERS Dwight Boykins recently welcomed Misty Copeland to district D and the public APPEARANCE…….. The Honey Brown Foundation in partnership with at the Kingdom Builders’ Center. Copeland is the first African-American the Children’s Museum of Houston held a “Wake Up and Vote” family day principal dancer at the American Ballet in New York City. Melanie Lawson and which honored civil rights heroine Mamie King Chalmers. Chalmers was 22 Lauren Anderson emceed the event and the audience participated in a Q&A when she met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and joined the Children’s Crusade, with Copeland. Those in attendance included Rev. William Lawson, Audrey becoming a foot soldier for the Civil Rights Movement. In Lawson, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Chris Allen, Darlette commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Voting Johnson-Bailey, James Harris, Nola Edwards, Hazel Defender TOP EVENTS Rights Act, “Wake Up and Vote” takes a look at how far we’ve Sims, Doug Herron, Wynell Herron, Aiesha Odutayo, More photos on defendernetwork.com come and why we shouldn’t take for granted our right to vote. Ashley Thompson, Asia Thompson, Gia Johnson, See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Damali Keith emceed the event and children were able to ask Pete Johnson, Zoie Johnson and other supporters and with Melanie Lawson on Sunday Morning questions. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented fans........CHANGE HAPPENS! HEALTH DAY…….. Chalmers with a resolution and artist Doyle Burley presented The Change Happens! nonprofit hosted its 15th Annual a drawing created in her honor. Tammie Lang Campbell, Children’s Health Day at the Almeda Mall shopping Dennis Campbell, Shar-day Campbell, Damianna Keith, State Rep. center. Families received free health screenings and backpacks with school Senfronia Thompson, Tammie Kahn, Bunni Gaidi, and the children’s choir supplies, and enjoyed live entertainment and door prizes. The event aligned with from the Community of Faith Church all came to show their support while the organization’s mission of transforming the lives of families and children in recognizing a living legend. high-risk communities. Those in attendance included Orok Orok, Kursten Berry,

Misty Copeland

Councilmember Dwight Boykins, Misty Copeland and Lauren Anderson

Kursten Berry and Sherman Jones

Myrisha Thomas and Jamaica Lee

Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, Mamie Chalmers King and Tammie Lang Campbell

Damali Keith and daughter Damianna

Aiesha Odutayo, Ashley and Asia Thompson, Gia Pete and Zoie Johnson

Orok Orok and Kelva Clay

Dennis Campbell and Shar-day Campbell

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