Houston Defender: August 22, 2019

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY NAMES ALICIA PETE INTERIM ATHLETIC DIRECTOR P14

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NEWSTALK DR. ANTHONY SHARP National Missionary Baptist Convention comes to Houston

P2 NATIONAL KATRINA PIERSON leading the effort to woo Black voters for Trump

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OBITUARY CEDRIC BENSON UT football legend dead at 36

P14 TOP EVENTS

Janette Cosley, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Eileen Morris at the Ensemble’s Rhythm of the Night Gala.

P16

Stop making

Black girls criminals H PAGE 8

Tyler Perry

Whitney Mercilus

The media mogul isn’t wasting any time getting started with his massive content partnership with BET. He recently announced his second series for BET, the dramatic comedy “Sistas.” The first is a political drama called “The Oval.”

The Houston Texans outside linebacker lights up when discussing his community service work to help kids prepare for backto-school. At a recent event, HISD and the Texans provided haircuts and school supplies.

making moves at BET

helps school kids

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 22 | 2019

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newstalk

Two Black HISD trustees won’t seek re-election Defender News Service

HISD School Board Trustees Rhonda Skillern-Jones and Jolanda Jones are leaving the district drama behind and will not seek re-election.

Skillern-Jones represents District II, which stretches from northeast to northwest Houston.

Seven candidates are vying to take her spot: Katherine Blueford-Daniels, a real estate agent; Jevon German, an accountant; John Gibbs, director of constituent services for Houston Councilmember Michael Kubosh; Cristin Moses, a technology and math teacher in HISD; Michael Maloney, a coach; Chloe Short, a pilot, and Art Smith, a T-shirt printer.

Jolanda Jones, who represents District IV, which covers southern Houston, has been extremely vocal in her displeasure

Jolanda Jones

Rhonda Skillern-Jones

surrounding the board.

Seeking to take her place are: Patricia Allen, a retired HISD teacher and principal; Matt Barnes, CEO of Educational Makeover; Larry McKinzie, an HISD science teacher, and Reagan

Flowers, president and CEO of C-STEM Teacher and Student Support Services.

Board President Diana Dávila and Trustee Sergio Lira will seek re-election. In all, 13 newcomers hope to unseat them or win vacant spots on the board. The election takes place in November and, if necessary, runoff elections will take place in December.

HISD will continue with elections despite the looming possibility that Texas Education Agency will appoint a board of managers comprised of local leaders, the result of chronically low performance at Wheatley High School.

Boards of managers in Texas typically stay in place for two to five years. If a board of managers is appointed, the trustees can remain involved as representatives without voting powers.

National Missionary Baptist Convention comes to town

Smith said the convention’s motto is more than a catchphrase, but rather a way of life their body of churches seek to manifest daily.

The National Missionary Baptist Conven“The evangelistic saying is that we get togethtion of America is holding its 2019 convention in er then move out all over the land and country. For Houston Sept 2-5 at the Hyatt Regency Downexample, we’re meeting here in Houston and we’ll town, under the banner, “Connecting Locally and be focusing on missionary work in other countries, Reaching Globally.” our evangelistic movement, foreign missions moveMt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church Pastor ment and global movement…”

Samuel Smith Sr., the convention host pastor, said A pre-convention gathering of the denominaall eyes and attention at this year’s gathering will tion’s Ecumenical Movement will hold a series of be on evangelism. Co-host pastors are Dr. David meetings at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, L. Punch of Greater Zion Baptist Church and Dr. Pastor Samuel Smith Sr. 3307 Elysian, Aug. 27-30.

Maurice Johnson of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

During the convention proper, a new denomination president “The overall goal of the convenis set to take the reins. Dr. Anthony Sharp, a native Houstonian tion is to carry out the mandate who pastors Tabernacle of Praise Missionary Baptist Church in that Jesus handed down in Dallas, was elected to the position last September. Sharp will Matthew 28:19-20, where officially be inaugurated during the convention’s 139th session in he stated, ‘Go into all of the Houston. world, and teach all nations, “I’m looking forward to him giving great leadership to baptizing them in the name of our convention,” Smith said. the father, son and Holy Spirit,” For more information on the convention visit www. said Smith. nmbca.org.

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

Black-owned company teams with H-E-B

A new product has hit the shelves of select local H-EBs. It’s artesian water known as Eleven86, drawn directly from a well by Black-owned MRI Artesian Water Company out of Alabama. MRI’s CEO Marquis Forge (center) and a cadre of his employees made the trip to Houston to celebrate their collaboration with H-E-B, made possible by local company Legacy Distribution LLC, represented by Rosendo Solis III (left) and Warren Ervin Sr. (right). The product is currently on sale at H-E-B’s Gulfgate and OST at Scott locations. The water will also be sold at the newest location (MacGregor at Hwy 288) once that store opens. (Photo by Aswad Walker)

localbriefs A PAIR OF TEXAS POLICE OFFICERS PICTURED leading an African-American man down a city street by a rope attached to their horses won’t face a criminal investigation.

The Galveston Police Department apologized earlier this month after the officers, identified as P. Brosch and A. Smith, rode on horseback while leading a handcuffed Donald Neely, 43, by a rope after arresting him on criminal trespass charges on Aug. 3. Photos and video of the arrest flooded social media, sparking national outcry. The incident prompted the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Ranger Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety to agree

to a third-party investigation into Neely’s arrest. The sheriff’s office is also conducting its own review. An attorney for the Neely family said Donald’s sister, Taranette Neely, had no reaction to the decision and is awaiting the conclusion of the full investigation……..AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN TRANSGENDER WOMAN, Tracy Single, was found dead in a Memorial City parking lot on July 30, according to the Houston Police Department. An autopsy revealed the incident was a homicide. Authorities are investigating but currently have no leads. At least 22 transgender people were killed in the U.S. last year and 82 percent of them were women

of color, according to the national advocacy group Human Rights Campaign. In Dallas, police have been investigating the murders of two Black transgender women amid concerns that they’re being targeted……..A HURRICANE HARVEY RECOVERY Town Hall with updates from the City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department, Houston Public Works, the Mayor’s Recovery Office and other departments will be held Thursday, Aug. 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center, 4014 Market St. It is being hosted by Mayor Sylvester Turner. Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about recovery efforts.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 22 | 2019

national

Trump prepares to woo African-American voters Defender News Services

President Donald Trump is looking to woo Black voters, despite his consistent troubles with African-Americans.

The Trump 2020 campaign has been quietly reaching out to prominent African-Americans about joining its latest coalition, intended to boost Republican support in the Black community. The effort comes just as the president was embroiled in racially divisive language, and Twitter taunts with House Oversight Chairman Elijah Cummings and four freshman congresswomen of color.

Critics may find the timing of the outreach outrageous. But The Trump 2020 campaign seeks more Black supporters. the campaign hopes that if it vorced from his record, and critics can shave just a few percentage argue he must take responsibility points off Democrats’ overwhelming for that as president. A July Quinsupport among Black voters, it can nipiac University poll showed that 80 boost voter turnout in eight or so key percent of African-American voters states such as Michigan, Wisconsin surveyed consider Trump a racist. and Pennsylvania, each of which “The idea is that, because of his Trump won in 2016 by less than one agenda, his comments on Charlottespercentage point. ville, Baltimore or ‘shithole counThe campaign’s pitch to Afritries’ do not matter,” said Michael can-Americans is simple: Ignore Steele, former chairman of the the president’s words and instead Republican National Committee and focus on his policies, the state of the the first African-American to serve economy, the low unemployment in that role. “Or that you can say the rate, the passage of criminal justice most racist things in the world, but reform and the creation of OpporPresident Donald Trump hey, I got a tax cut. Or you can distunity Zones, which are meant to parage my homeland, but the unembolster investment in underserved or ployment rate is going down. poorer cities.

Trump has regularly defended When Trump took office in himself by saying, “I am the least January 2017, the unemployment racist person there is anywhere in the rate among African-Americans was world.”

7.7 percent. The most recent jobs The hope among Trump camreport pegged it at 6 percent for July. paign officials and advisers is that “Do I think some of his verbal this time will be different, and not a formulations are inartful? Yeah,” photo-op. said Ken Blackwell, the former The African-Americans for mayor of Cincinnati, former Ohio Trump coalition is being organized by secretary of state and a top Trump Katrina Pierson, senior adviser to the transition official.

Trump campaign, and a few campaign “But for me, as a domestic staffers. The launch date is set for policy adviser during the Trump Katrina Pierson after Labor Day. The Trump campaign transition, it has been all about the has already rolled out two coalitions this agenda, a set of results and tomorrow. summer – Latinos for Trump and Women for Trump – You have to believe his policy agenda flies in the face meant to show the president’s support among groups of the false narrative of the racist in charge.” other than white men.

But for others, Trump’s rhetoric cannot be di-

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U.S.briefs THE FAMILY OF A COLORADO TEEN SHOT BY POLICE is calling for an independent investigation. Recently released body cam video shows that De’von Bailey, 19, was shot after being stopped by police, then taking off running. He was hit three times in the back and later died in the hospital. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, police claimed Bailey reached for a firearm prior to running from the officers and being shot, but it was not apparent from the police video……..FLORIDA GOV. RON DeSANTIS SIGNED A MEASURE approved by state lawmakers that makes the restoration of voting rights for people convicted of felonies contingent on having paid off all criminal debt associated with their conviction. A coalition of civil rights groups immediately filed a lawsuit in federal court to block the new law by having it declared unconstitutional. In most states, voting rights are automatically restored after a person is released from prison, or after they finish parole or probation. In comparison, under Florida’s old system, a citizen with a felony conviction would never be allowed to vote again, unless they were granted clemency by a four-member board that typically had a long waitlist of applicants. Florida residents voted last year to amend their state’s constitution……..DOZENS OF AFRICANAMERICANS IN PHOENIX gathered recently to discuss past run-ins with city police officers and ways to hold them accountable.

In a city still stinging from a video of officers pointing guns and cursing at a Black family this summer, the confidential talks intended to give officials in the country’s fifth-largest city ideas on how residents could help oversee the police. Phoenix is among the last big U.S. cities without independent civilian oversight of police. Phoenix’s powerful police union has blocked past efforts to establish such a board and is resisting the new push.

VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 43 AUGUST 22, 2019 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers

Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

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

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

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AUGUST 22 | 2019 | DEFENDER

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NYPD officer fired for Eric Garner death

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of its own.”

The announcement followed the recommendation of NYPD’s he New York City police officer deputy commissioner of trials who put Eric Garner in a deadly Rosemarie Maldonado, who called chokehold has been fired, New Pantaleo’s actions “egregious misYork City Police Commissioner conduct.”

James O’Neill announced during She said in a 46-page writa press conference. ten opinion the New York Times “I’ve been a cop a long time, and if I obtained that Pantaleo’s chokehold was still a cop, I’d probably be mad at me. I “fell so far short of objective reawould,” O’Neill said. “Not looking out for sonableness that this tribunal found us, but I am. It’s my responsiit to be reckless –a gross deviability as police commissioner tion from the standard of conduct to look out for the city and cerestablished for a New York City tainly to look out for the New police officer.”

York City police officers.”

Maldonado also said Pantaleo O’Neill called both Garwas “untruthful” in interviews ner’s death and the termination with investigators. of Officer Daniel Pantaleo trag“Accordingly, this tribunal edies in a speech that blamed Gwen Carr, Eric Garner’s mother, said Pantaleo lost his job, “but I lost a son.” finds that there is only one approGarner and praised Pantaleo.

“And a hardworking police officer with priate penalty for the grave miscon“It is unlikely that Mr. a family – a man who took this job to do duct that yielded an equally grave result – ResponGarner thought he was in such good, to make a difference in his home com- dent can no longer remain a New York City police poor health that a brief struggle Officer Daniel Pantaleo was munity – has now lost his chosen career,” officer,” Maldonado said. with the police would cause his fired for using a department O’Neill added. “And that is a different kind Garner, an unarmed Black man, was accused death,” O’Neill said. “He should banned chokehold on Eric of tragedy.” of selling single cigarettes outside a store on have decided against resisting ar- Garner in 2014.

O’Neill then called Garner’s death an “uninStaten Island when Pantaleo tried to arrest him by rest, but a man with a family lost his life, and that is tended consequence” that “must have a consequence placing him in the chokehold on July 17, 2014. an irreversible tragedy.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 22 | 2019

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AUGUST 22 | 2019 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Tyler Perry making major moves at BET

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wild-child daughter and troubled son.

Perry is a key part of Viacom’s turnaround strategy and is expected to yler Perry isn’t wasting any produce 90 episodes of original series time getting started with his annually for BET and other Viacom massive content partnership platforms. with BET. The entertainment He also is a partner in BET’s mogul inked his mammoth forthcoming streaming service, BET+, deal with Viacom, BET’s parent company, which will launch in the fall and feain July 2017, and recently announced his ture a mixture of library content from second series for BET, the dramatic comedy various Viacom brands as well as “Sistas.”

Perry’s former TBS comedies “House The drama will be executive produced of Payne” and “Meet the Browns,” in

by Tyler Perry and will star KJ Smith (“The addition to scripted originals including Fix”), Ebony Obsidian (“If Beale Street Tracy Oliver’s “First Wives Club.”

Could Talk”), Mignon Von (“42 Seconds”) KJ Smith, Ebony Obsidian, Mignon Von and Novi Brown star in Perry’s show “Sistas” this fall.

Perry’s “The Oval” will launch first on and Novi Brown (“Spider”). woman who doesn’t hold back. She is the “ride or die” BET’s linear network before moving to Written, directed and executive-progirl. Although she tends to be involved with everyone the streaming platform. duced by Perry, “Sistas” follows a group of single else’s business but her own, she means well and has the Black women from different walks of life who bond best intentions. Danni is comical, fearless and marches to over their one common thread: the beat of her own drum. She always has her girls’ back.

“Why am I single?”

Danni is the unbiased supporter of the group and works in Viewers will watch the women navigate their customer service at the airport. “complicated love life” status, careers and friendship Brown will play Sabrina Hollins. Stylish and smart, through the ups-and-downs of living in a modern world she works as a bank teller and is intrigued when one of her of social media and unrealistic relationship goals. The customers asks her out. Although she tends to be reserved hour-long drama promises to take viewers on a rollerand plays it safe, she goes against the grain and tries coaster ride of emotions and hilarious moments. something new but doesn’t know how she feels about it.

Smith will play Andrea “Andi” Barnett. The Sabrina is supportive of her girls and is the peacemaker of “common sense one of the group,” Andi is a successful the group. divorce lawyer focused on taking her career to the next “Sistas” joins the political drama “The Oval” as the level. She is confident, driven, ambitious, clever, witty first two projects announced under Perry’s multi-year overand accomplished. She is reliable and the emergency all deal with Viacom, for which he is set to produce a total call if ever needed. of four series and one live holiday special.

Obsidian will play Karen Mott. As the owner of The two dramas, two comedies and the special are all an up-and-coming hair salon, Karen is street-smart, slated to air between October 2019 and September 2020. headstrong and independent. Tired of being mistreated “The Oval” stars Ed Quinn and Kron Moore as picby men, she is beginning to take a closer look at the ture-perfect first couple Hunter and Victoria Franklin, who, relationships in her life. Karen is the “tough love” girl behind closed doors, are anything but flawless. Paige Hurd of her group. and Daniel Croix Henderson will also star as the couple’s Von will portray Daniella “Danni” King, the kind of Defender News Services

Tyler Perry is busy behind the scenes at BET.

what’sup The actress who caught TYLER PERRY’s attention with a massive billboard has been cast in Perry’s upcoming BET series “Sistas.”

Racquel Bailey, an actress who decided to shoot her shot with a billboard stunt, told TMZ that she auditioned and got cast two weeks ago in Perry’s new series. Perry, who it turns out was already familiar with Bailey’s work, cast the actress as a police officer who had a past relationship with one of the lead characters.

Bailey will reportedly appear in the season one finale and possible season two. And, despite being slightly reprimanded for her method, Bailey says the billboard caught the attention of other industry execs after it went viral.

The actress has a number of auditions lined up and has been in touch with several casting directors.…….MICHAEL JACKSON’S estate filed a $100 million lawsuit against HBO before the network aired the documentary “Leaving Neverland,” where Wade Robson and James Safechuck gave accounts of the King of Pop allegedly molesting them at his infamous ranch. Now HBO is firing back. HBO’s attorneys filed a motion to have the case dismissed on the grounds that the lawsuit violates its first amendment rights. HBO also said the lawsuit should be dismissed due to California’s anti-SLAPP law, which prohibits filing a complaint against someone

exercising their first amendment rights. HBO is also asking for its legal fees to be covered as well…….On the one-year anniversary of ARETHA FRANKLIN’S death (Aug. 16), it was announced that the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation established the Aretha Franklin Fund for Neuroendocrine Cancer Research, which will help investigate the rare form of cancer that took her life. The Queen of Soul suffered from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, which only affects 7 percent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The Aretha Franklin Fund hopes to raise $300,000 by 2020 that will be awarded to a researcher for a twoyear research project about the rare tumors.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 22 | 2019

Stop making

Black girls crim

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By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

exas Southern University student Itivere Enaohwo is hoping to one day attend law school.

But the college junior points out that she almost didn’t make it to college because of disciplinary measures at her Houston-area high school.

“I was humiliated on a regular basis. Singled out for wearing an oversized T-shirt and leggings in middle school. For wearing a dress a high school administrator deemed too short – even though I had measured it carefully at home, making sure the hemline met the rule of not being more than three inches above the knee,” she said.

Enaohwo never wanted to play the race card, but she couldn’t help but notice that white classmates seemed to get away with similar infractions with no penalty. Soon it became evident that her reprimands were based on her skin color and her curvy frame.

“It is so belittling and targeting. It makes you feel like something is wrong with you and the way you dress,” she said.

For those who may not buy Enaohwo’s conASWAD WALKER | Decerns, a By recent USA Today report supports them, revealing that Black girls were being criminalized at alarming rates.

“My daughter was actually sent home for wearing leggings, the exact same pair that her white friend had on. When my daughter pointed that out, she was told it was because of how ‘thick’ she was and it didn’t look appropriate,” said parent Miasha Logan, who added that her daughter regularly gets discipline referrals.

UNEQUAL DISCIPLINE

Judge Toni Wallace

Black girls don’t misbehave more than white girls, yet research shows that in every state across the country they are more likely to be disciplined in school and often receive harsher penalties for the same infractions. They are “dress-coded” more often than white peers and often viewed as hypersexualized and “adultified” at an early age.

On a national level, they are nearly six times more likely to receive out-of-school suspension than their white counterparts and more likely to be suspended multiple times than any other gender or race of student, according to research by the African American Policy Forum and Columbia Law School’s Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies.

Recent studies from the U.S. Department of Education’s office for civil rights show that many current disciplinary measures end up barring Black girls from schools at higher rates than those for any other female student group and most male groups, which puts them at greater risk of entering the juvenile justice system.

Monique Morris, author of “Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools” and president of National Black Women’s Justice Institute, said, “We see this criminalization of Black girl joy that leads to them feeling as if they are culpable even if they are not.”

Morris frames her research on the topic around the stories of girls she spoke with across the country who experienced “pushout”—defined as the practices that foster criminalization in schools and how this criminalization leads to imprisonment—to expose what she says are the untold stories of the conditions that remain a barrier to Black girls’ education and well-being.

According Georgetown Law’s Center on Poverty and Inequality, part of the

Joyce James

“The entire juvenile punitive reaction to their than her share of young Girls Court. We identify ing victims a based on a their probation and prov

OVERHAULING THE

Some advocates con just band-aids that do no welfare and juvenile cou “We treat the symp Joyce James, former ass fused to seek to underst The programs may doesn’t stop the hurt an Instead of more pro Girls, Inc., which works “Our priority is to e self-image, high self-es Houston program direct Doing so, Payne ad

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minals problem comes from the fact that African-American girls are “adultified” at a young age and they face both racial and gender bias that feeds the misconception that they are more insubordinate and aggressive and less in need of nurturing and protection.

The Council of State Governments Justice Center concluded that Black girls are at greater risk of dropping out or being held back, which leads to a three-fold increase in the chances of becoming entangled in the juvenile justice system, and later, in the adult system.

Black girls make up 14 percent of the population but 33 percent of the girls in juvenile detention.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH

Some schools have taken a restorative justice approach, including Fort Bend ISD which has adopted the approach in 26 schools.

With that, educators and social workers focus on prevention rather than punishment by addressing underlying trauma and emotional and social issues.

Some cities are turning to diversion courts to keep girls from falling victim to the system. Those courts are designed to offer treatment and holistic services to juveniles instead of placing them in detention.

In 2016, 28 states passed “safe harbor” laws that prevent minors from being charged with prostitution and giving them fender access to specialized services.

Instead of being jailed, many cities are connecting the girls to counseling and mentorship that get to the factors that made them vulnerable to trouble, such as homelessness, domestic violence or sexual abuse.

Many of the girls have been arrested for status offenses, such as truancy or running away. White girls are often let off with warnings, rather than arrests, for minor offenses or they come from families that can afford the legal help to keep their daughters out of the criminal system. e justice system is designed to focus on the rehabilitation of the child, not a r behavior,” said Ft. Bend County judge Toni Wallace, who has seen more girls in her courtroom.. “My court has a specialized docket that we call y girls who have been trafficking victims or who are at risk of being traffickan assessment. They come to court once a month and we closely monitor vide specialized services for them. It’s my pride and joy!”

E SYSTEM

ntend that fixes such as diversion courts and restorative justice programs are ot address the real problem of deeply embedded racism in educational, child urt systems that are supposed to help. ptoms of racism by trying to fix people with programs,” says consultant sistant commissioner of Texas Child Protective Services. “We have retand the history and manifestation of institutional and structural racism.” work for some girls, James added, “but “it doesn’t stop the pipeline and it nd pain of people feeling like they are broken and need to be fixed.” ograms, many say an overhaul of the system is needed. Or programs, like first place. s with at-risk girls locally. empower girls to love themselves, to have a strong sense of self, healthy steem, strong ethnic and cultural identities,” said Girls Inc. of Greater tor Jolea Payne. dded, will help divert the girls from landing in the juvenile system in the

ng the Houston area for over 88 years

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 22 | 2019

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Census Bureau begins canvassing Defender News Services

The U.S. Census Bureau is starting a major field operation for the 2020 population count.

The agency is sending people door-todoor to verify addresses, including in Houston.

The canvassing is in addition to the Census Bureau’s new use of satellite technology to identify new housing developments throughout the United States.

The Census Bureau’s geography division chief, Deirdre Dalpiaz Bishop, said they are

also using information from the U.S. Postal Service and from local, state and tribal governments.

“For 65 percent of the addresses, we’ve been able to indicate stability. Things are looking good,” she said. “But for the 35 percent where we’re not sure, we need to send people out into the field to validate.”

Canvassing will continue until October.

Once all addresses are validated, the agency will mail out invitations asking people to respond to the 2020 Census.

SUMMER GOES FAST

20

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Modem must be activated within 60 days of purchase through the FordPass™ app on a smartphone and remain active for at least 6 months after activation. Eligible on select 2019MY vehicles. Vehicle must have arrived at dealer at least 61 days prior to the sale date. Estimated savings include an average dealer discount based on a sales survey of average discounts off ered by Ford dealers nationally. Discount may vary; dealer determines price. Taxes, title and license fees extra. For all off ers, take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford dealer’s stock by 9/3/19. See participating dealer for complete details. 2$1,500 Customer Cash (PGM #13564) + $500 Select Inventory Customer Cash (PGM #13566) + $920 Bonus Cash (PGM #13560, #13556) + $1,358 National Average Dealer Discount. Additionally, $750 Ford Credit Bonus Cash (PGM #13558), which requires Ford Credit financing. Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. Not available on Hybrid & Energi. 3$2,750 Customer Cash (PGM #13564) + $500 Select Inventory Customer Cash (PGM #13566) + $1,175 Bonus Cash (PGM #13560, #13556) + $1,097 National Average Dealer Discount. 4$1,500 Customer Cash (PGM #13564) + $500 Select Inventory Customer Cash (PGM #13566) + $4,050 Bonus Cash (PGM #13560, #13556) + $1,286 National Average Dealer Discount. 5$2,750 Customer Cash (PGM #13562) + $750 Select Inventory Customer Cash (PGM #13566) + $1,250 Bonus Cash (PGM #13560, #13556, #13568) + $1,750 XLT Luxury Chrome or Sport Discount Pkg. (PGM #97666) + $500 Navigation Discount Pkg. (PGM #97668) + $250 Luxury Power Equipment Discount Pkg. (PGM #97670) + $3,417 National Average Dealer Discount.

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1

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defendernetwork.com

AUGUST 22 | 2019 | DEFENDER

11

Universities boost minorities in academia this project is,” said the grant’s principal investigator, Reginald DesRoches, the William and Stephanie Sick dean Rice University, Texas Southern Univerof Rice’s Brown School of Engineering sity and the University of Houston have won and a professor of civil and environa multimillion-dollar grant to help increase mental engineering and of mechanical the number of underrepresented minorities engineering. pursuing academic careers in engineering “We are at a unique time when the and science. economy is dominated by companies The National Science Foundation grant in the computational and data science for $2.66 million over five years is part of domain. At the same time, we know its Alliances for Graduate Education and these industries remain among the least the Professoriate (AGEP) program, which diverse.” seeks to “advance knowledge about models “This project award arrives at the to improve pathways to the professoriate and right time, with the nation addressing success” for historically underrepresented a STEM achievement gap between minorities in STEM disciplines. underrepresented minority (URM) and The award is specifically for those in non-URM undergraduate and graduate data engineering and data science discistudents, and with our universities and plines. It will fund a project to be called colleges struggling to recruit, retain AGEP STRIDES (Strengthening Training Local university personnel want to see more minorities in engineering and science. (Photo by and promote URM STEM faculty,” and Resources for Inclusion in Data EngiJeff Fitlow/Rice University) said Wei Wayne Li, a professor of neering and Sciences). computer science and director of the “Even in this day and age, the percentTSU-based NSF Center for Research age of underrepresented minorities in engiand show them the opportunities available, but then on Complex Networks. neering faculty is fairly small and nowhere near what also prepare them to take advantage of those op“We are also going to provide future faculty it can be,” said Hanadi Rifai, a professor of civil portunities. This project is a great path towards that members with affinity mentors who can advise them and environmental engineering and associate dean goal.” about their careers and also about life,” Rifai said. of research and facilities at UH’s Cullen College of The universities expect AGEP will enhance tech “Because there’s more to life than just the career and Engineering. companies’ bottom lines as newly minted academics we want them to have all the support they need to “I think you will see the picture changing,” Rifai develop the diverse workforce of the future. succeed.” said. ”You have to excite people about a career track “We can’t overstate how important and timely Defender News Services

12

DEFENDER | AUGUST 22 | 2019

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and KTSU 90.9 Present

How Firm a Foundation Conference Concerts All Concerts Open to the Public (There will be a Free Will Offering)

Hosted by: V. Michael McKay and Yolanda Adams

Sat. Aug. 31

Sun. Sept. 1

7:00 PM

“Christmas Now” Concert

Songs of African American Composers The Westin Oaks Galleria Houston 5011 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77056 Hosted by

Dr. Bobby Jones

7:00 PM

“Hymns for Him Now” Concert Hymns of African American Composers New Faith Church 4315 Fuqua St. Houston, TX 77045 Hosted by

V. Michael McKay, Yolanda Adams Featuring Dr. Margaret Douroux We pay homage to: Hanq Neal, Theola Booker & Ronald Materre

Mon. Sept. 2

Mon. Sept. 2 1:00 PM

7:00 PM

The Journey

The Journey Continues

A Historical look at Praise and worship with

Patrick Henderson

The “Saints in Praise” Praise and Worship African American Pioneer The Westin Oaks Galleria Houston 5011 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77056 Registration Fee: $30 which includes VIP seating at the 7pm concert and a meet and greet with the artists.

For ticket information go to:

Hymnsforhimnow.com/ticketedevents or call 832493.4139

Minister of Music Extraordinaire 2019 Awards Presentation

Lydia Alston

Minister of Music

Brentwood Baptist Church

Mark Taylor

Minister of Music

Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church

“Praise & Worship Now” Concert A Praise & Worship Gathering Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church 3015 N. MacGregor Way Houston, TX 77004 Hosted by

Stephen Hurd & Melanie Daniels Featuring Patrick Henderson Special Honorees: Defender Awardees Ministers of Music Extraordinaire

Eleanor Lee

Glenda Taylor

Minister of Music

Minister of Music

True Light Missionary Baptist Church

The Genesis Church

Labor Day, Mon. Sept. 2 @ 7 pm. Good Hope Baptist Church

defendernetwork.com

AUGUST 22 | 2019 | DEFENDER

13

NFL players speak out about Jay-Z deal Defender News Services

In discussing his company’s recent partnership with the NFL, Jay-Z was asked about Colin Kaepernick and said, among other things, “I think we’ve moved past kneeling.

I think it’s time for action.”

Those words have drawn mixed reaction from those who play the game.

Miami Dolphin player Kenny Stills’ expressed disappointment with the rapper and business mogul.

“Some of the ways that [Jay-Z] answered his questions, talking about, ‘We’re moving past kneeling,’ like he ever protested. He’s not an NFL player.

He’s never been on a knee. Choosing to speak for the people like he had spoken to the people,” said Stills, a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins who has been protesting before games with teammate Albert Wilson.

Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, recently announced that his company, Roc Nation, would partner with the league to help produce the Super Bowl halftime show and other NFL-related musical events.

Roc Nation is also expected to have input in the direction of Inspire Change, an NFL initiative that grew out of discussions with players about their desires to help communities and to advance criminal justice reform.

Those discussions were sparked by the headlines stemming from player protests originally begun by former 49ers quarterback Kaepernick, who has been unable to latch on with a team since becoming a free agent in March 2017 but who has continued

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and rap mogul Jay-Z announced the NFL/Roc Nation partnership. At right, players were inspired to kneel by Colin Kaepernick.

his social activism.

Jay-Z has publicly supported Kaepernick in the past, but said, “Everyone’s saying, ‘How are you going forward if Kaep doesn’t have a job?’

This was not about him having a job…I believe real change is had through real conversation and real work.”

Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid, a close friend and former teammate of Kaepernick who was among the first to join in kneeling during the anthem, also criticized Jay-Z’s deal.

Citing reports that Jay-Z’s partnership with the league would lead to him having a “significant ownership interest” in an NFL team, Reid said it was “kind of despicable.”

Philadelphia safety Malcolm Jenkins supported Jay-Z. “To sit across from billionaires, and talk about issues and why they should be important, and why the NFL should be highlighting them, I think having somebody like Jay-Z, who can add to that conversation, who does these things on a daily

classifieds Houston First Holdings LLC requests proposals from commercial loan brokers capable of assisting the company in obtaining a loan to refinance existing indebtedness secured by the Hilton Americas Houston Hotel.

An experienced finance team is needed to prepare and conduct a marketing process, identify funding options and assist in all aspects of negotiation of loan applications, commitments, and the satisfaction of lender-required due diligence.

Please visit https://www.houstonfirst.com/do-business for complete details.

Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors and vendors for construction of control no 0188-03-019 on SH 36 at Fort Bend Co Line to N of SH 35 that bids on September 5, 2019. In addition, soliciting bids for subcontractors and vendors for construction of control no. 0188-02-036 on SH 36 at Needville-Fairchild to Brazoria County Line and control no. 0188-02-029 on SH 36 at FM 218 to Brazoria County Line both bids on September 6, 2019. Mail, fax, or email quotations to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., 1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 fax: (512) 707-0798 email: bbiisw@balfourbeattyus.com. DBE/HUB contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are available to be reviewed For information at TxDOT Plans On-line: http://bit.do/dBJ5G contact Brian Ficzeri at (512) 707-0797.

basis and has a history of doing those things, helps us as players to have an ally like that.

So I’m looking forward to seeing what that turns into.”

14

DEFENDER | AUGUST 22 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

sports

PVAMU names interim athletic director

L

Defender News Services

ongtime Prairie View A&M University sports administrator Alicia Pete has been named interim athletics director for the university. Pete is taking the reins after former AD Fred Washington stepped down from the position.

“First of all, I would like to thank [President] Dr. Ruth Simmons and the university for giving me this opportunity,” Pete said. “It’s really a role that is not new to me. I pretty much have functioned in all capacities for 21 years as the assistant AD, SWA [senior woman administrator] and associate vice president.

“I am really excited. I know the coaches are focused as well as our student-athletes. Our athletics department has great momentum, and I want to ensure that our program continues on its upward rise. Moving forward we will focus on academics first and building champions after that.”

Alicia Pete is excited to assume her new role at her alma mater.

Following an illustrious career as one of Prairie View A&M’s greatest volleyball players Administrator before being named assistant vice and coaches, Pete has become a leading adminispresident of Operations/SWA in 2018. trator in intercollegiate athletics. Most recently, A 2012 PVAMU Sports Hall of Fame inductee she spent two years as PVAMU’s associate athletic and 2015 SWAC Hall of Fame inductee, Pete will director for Internal Operations/Senior Woman continue to oversee all functional operations, in-

cluding gameday operations, athletic compliance and academics and will directly support 14 of PVAMU’s 18 sports.

She also leads the department’s development and implementation of gender equity plans, coordinates annual updates of the department’s procedural manual and monitors the program’s compliance with Title IX. Pete serves as PVAMU’s StudentAthlete Advisory Committee adviser, coordinating the athletic department’s community service efforts.

She has represented PVAMU on a national level by serving several years as a member of the NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet and as chairperson of the SWAC’s Senior Woman Administrators.

Pete, a native of San Antonio, was a four-year letter winner with the Lady Panther volleyball team.

She earned All-SWAC honors and was selected to the SWAC All-Tournament team in 1989 and 1990. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in health from PVAMU.

Former UT and NFL player Cedric Benson dies Defender News Services

Famed running back Cedric Benson, who soared to stardom as a University of Texas Longhorn, died Aug. 17 in a motorcycle crash in Austin. He was 36 years old.

Austin police said a minivan was trying to cross an intersection when it ran into Benson’s motorcycle.

Both Benson and the woman riding with him were pronounced dead at the scene. She was identified as 27-year-old Aamna Najam.

Benson, a Midland native, played for Texas from 2001 to 2004. He played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers.

“Our condolences to the friends and family of former Bears running back Cedric Benson, our 4th overall draft pick in 2005 and member of the 2006 NFC Champions team,” the Chicago Bears tweeted.

Benson rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons at Texas and was the ninth leading rusher in college football history with 5,540 yards. His 64 career rushing touchdowns are second in school history.

He won the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the nation’s top running back, after he rushed for 1,834

yards and 19 touchdowns. Benson also earned AllAmerican honors in 2004.

“Very sad day with the passing of Longhorn Legend Cedric Benson,” the University of Texas football team tweeted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and our community of lettermen.

He will be missed.”

His college coach, Mack Brown, called Benson “one of our favorites.”

“He was a true spirit – one of the toughest players we ever coached, if not the toughest,” Brown told reporters. “I, along with a lot of Longhorns, are just crushed.”

Benson played eight years in the NFL. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards three times, finishing with 6,017 career rushing yards and 32 touchdowns.

“Cedric was a fine football player for us,” Cincinnati Bengals President Mike Brown said. “Our organization is deeply saddened by his sudden and tragic passing. The Bengals extend our deepest condolences to Cedric’s family.”

Former Bengals running backs coach

Jim Anderson said he’s mourning Benson’s death.

“Once he bought into our system, he was like a flower. He just blossomed,” Anderson said. “He gave us an element we didn’t have. We had complementary guys, but Cedric gave us a missing element...”

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 88 years

Cedric Benson played pro ball for the Bears, Bengals (left) and Packers.

defendernetwork.com

AUGUST 22 | 2019 | DEFENDER

sports Whitney Mercilus

Texan helps with back to school

By JODIE B. JILES Defender

H

ouston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus lights up when discussing his community service work to help kids prepare for back-to-school.

At a recent event, HISD and the Texans provided free haircuts, backpacks, school supplies, pictures and autographs signed by Mercilus, who has been with the team since 2012.

Mercilus talked about the importance of the initiative to him, and remembered his school days growing up in Akron, Ohio. He said that something as simple as a fresh haircut or new school supplies can mean a lot to youngsters in the inner city.

He hoped that his involvement in the back-to-school event DefenderNetwork.com would send an important message See more back-to-school photos and show kids and the community how much he cared.

“All that helps them understand that there are people like myself in this world who are paying it forward for the younger generation and doing our Godly duties,” he said.

In November, Mercilus will host his third annual charity event, “Dine with Merci,” which supports families of children with disabilities and special needs through his WithMerci Foundation. Mercilus was chosen as the 2018 NFL Houston Texans Man of the Year nominee for his work on and off the field.

For more information visit www.withmerci.org.

Mercilus has fun wi

th students from

Reagan K-8 Educ ational Center.

ceives a A student re . ol ho day of sc

Whitney Mercilus signs autographs for local kids.

r her first

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HISD students lea ve with smiles an d school supplies.

Aggison) (Photo

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s by Jimmie

15

16

DEFENDER | AUGUST 22 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

Happening in Houston

topevents

HCC BUSINESS RESILIENCY EXPO……..Houston Community College and this year’s honorees: Richard Lawson (Legacy Award), Morocco Omari (Actor of the the Houston Minority Business Development Agency held the Business Resiliency Year), Lora Clemmons (President’s Award, posthumously), Amanda Holmes (Rising Expo, an opportunity for business owners to gain the skills and tools to strengthen their Star) and Dr. Teddy McDavid (Community Volunteer). Other attendees included Ensemble businesses. Entrepreneurs and Forbes authors Stephen Levi Carter and Dr. Sterling leadership Janette Cosley, Eileen Morris, Jesse Tyson, Alaina King Benford and scores Carter served as keynote speakers, while Misty Starks, Ashely Smalls and Robert Ross more of enthusiastic supporters……..NEGRIS LEBRUM COSMETICS LAUNCH joined hostess Denise Hamilton for a “Marketing to Make It” roundtable discussion.

PARTY……..We rarely hear about cosmetics companies founded by Black men. However, Other attendees included HCC’s Dr. Maya Durnovo, featured Negris Lebrum Cosmetics’ founder and CEO Travis Hamilton is just that. speakers J. Goodwille Pierre, Tracey Wilder, Jon Sawicki Hamilton and his team recently hosted the local launch of Negris LeBrum Defender TOP EVENTS and Gilbert A. Herrera along with Gabriela Zambrano, Cosmetics in the company of an enthusiastic and supportive crowd. Taking More photos on defendernetwork.com Bobbi Holman, Warren Winston and many more…….. place at the Sage Gate Winery, the evening consisted of the official product launch, a preview of the fall collection for Negris Lebrum Clothing line, ENSEMBLE THEATRE’S RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, make-overs and more. Negris Lebrum collaborated with several 2019 GALA……..The Ensemble Theatre’s Rhythm of the Night 2019 Gala, held at small business owners: DBK Real Estate, File-It, Inc., T. Flu Photography LLC, and Top the Hilton Americas Hotel, honored individuals, companies and organizations for their Event Planners to pull off the event. Attendees included Kim Topps, Una Topps, Nitosha unparalleled support of one of Houston’s premiere cultural arts institutions. Honorary Nicole, Shaunteal Prejean (lead artist), Miss Teen Houston Rita Goebel, Teresa Goebel, chair Winell Herron, co-chairs Gaynell Drexler and Heidi Smith, along with emcees Terena Molo, Raquel Jones and many others.

Khambrel Marshall (KPRC2) and Melanie Lawson (ABC13) were on hand to celebrate

Dr. Sterling Carter, Dr. Maya Durnovo, Stephen Levi Carter

Austin Tenette, Denise Hamilton

Janette Cosley, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Eileen Morris

Jesse Tyson, Richard Lawson

Nitosha Nicole, Travis Hamilton, Nae

Warren Winston, Michelle Levi

Gaynell Floyd-Drexler, Winell Herron, Heidi Smith

Una Topps, Kim Topps, Miss Houston Teen Rita Goebel, Teresa Goebel

Negris Models

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