Houston Defender: August 23, 2012 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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Volume 81 | Number 43 WEEK OF AUGUST 23, 2012 | FREE

North Forest ISD

What’s ahead  PAGE 6

NATIONAL OPINION

DEFENDER COVERS upcoming conventions

P4 ENTERTAINMET

DANIA RAMIREZ dives into roles

P8 CHAG’S PLACE

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil speaks at conference

P12

Back to school news for parents

Darrell Asberry remains optimistic

Most Houston-area students start back to school on Aug. 27 and it’s a busy time for youngsters, their parents and educators. What’s new with Houston’s largest school district? What programs are in place to help students excel? And how can parents of kindergarteners help their children adjust?  PAGE 3

First-year Texas Southern University head football coach Darrell Asberry likes to look on the bright side. Read why Asberry is confident about his team’s ability. See what challenges lie ahead for the Tigers. Find out what Asberry has in mind for TSU this season and discover his guarantee.

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What to do this weekend Looking for something to do this weekend? The Defender has a list of things to do in the Houston area at defendernetwork.com.

Secrets behind ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ Tyler Perry is a household name, thanks to the movie that put him on the map. But there are some things that you don’t know when it came to the making of ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman.’ Find out at defendernetwork.com.

No stranger to controversy, D.L. Hughley has a knack for pushing people’s buttons while keeping his finger on the pulse of pop culture. And he doesn’t disappoint in I Want You to Shut the F- Up: How the Audacity of Dopes Is Ruining America. Find out more at www.defendernetwork.com.

Visitors to the Houston Zoo in Hermann Park can come faceto-face with animatronic dinosaurs through Sept. 3.

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WEEK OF AUGUST 23 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Back to school

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HISD adds new schools, programs Defender News Services

Billy Reagan K-8 Education Center (4842 Anderson Road) offers a dual English and Spanish language program to its kindergarten class. Lockhart Elementary School (3501 Southmore) is a replacement school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Students from the former Lockhart and Turner Elementary schools will attend the new campus. Neff Elementary School (8301 Neff Street) is a replacement campus serving students in grades 2-5.

New programs

Mandarin Chinese Language Immersion Magnet School (6300 Avenue B, Bellaire) will initially serve students in kindergarten through second grade. Core subjects will be taught primarily in Mandarin Chinese with a certain amount of English language development. Houston Innovative Learning Zone program – Students at six HISD campuses (Furr, Kashmere, Scarborough, New schools Sterling, and Booker T. Washington High Schools and Long Four buildings funded by the 2007 voter-approved Middle school) can earn associate’s degrees bond program will open. and career training in high-demand technical Carnegie Vanguard High School (1101 Taft) Read about new tools for principals and teachers fields. The HILZ program was created serves students identified as gifted and talented in partnership with Houston Community in intellectual ability. It is located adjacent to the on www.defendernetwork.com College. Gregory-Lincoln Education Center.

An estimated 200,000 Houston Independent School District students are expected to return to school for the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 27. The 2012-2013 school year brings changes to the district in the form of new buildings, programs and tools.

Kindergarten tips for parents, kids Defender News Services

For the thousands of Houston families who have children entering kindergarten, the month of August can be a time of excitement as well as stress. But planning ahead can reduce anxiety and set a positive tone for the rest of the school year. Collaborative for Children, a non-profit organization committed to helping parents and early childhood educators prepare young children for school and life success, urges parents to take time to prepare themselves and their children for a smooth transition. “Kindergarten is a time of many changes for a child as they adjust to new teachers, new children, new schedules, and routines,” said Carol Shattuck, president and CEO of Collaborative for Children. “Ensuring a successful and smooth entry into kindergarten can help children maintain a positive attitude about school and learning.” Parents are urged to: • Request an enrollment packet from the school

and notice important dates and deadlines • Be prepared to have an immunization record on hand • Give their child’s preschool program permission to share documents and information with the new school • Attend the back-to-school night and open house • Meet their child’s new teacher and share ideas about their child’s interests, strengths and any areas of concern • Find out how they can become involved in their child’s classroom and school In addition, parents can help prepare their children by: • Talking enthusiastically with them about starting kindergarten • Reassuring them if they are experiencing feelings of anxiety or fear • Planning for them to visit the new school before the first day • Telling them about the kinds of work they will be doing in kindergarten

localbriefs THE SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY of Hurricane Katrina will be observed by the New Orleans Association of Houston (NOAH) on Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at S.H.A.P.E. Community Center, 3903 Almeda. Katrina was one of the worst disasters in American history, resulting in billions of dollars in property damage and the loss of more than 1,800 lives, 1,600 of them in Louisiana alone. Many of the evacuees came to Houston, and up to 40,000 former New Orleans residents remain in Houston. The memorial program will include music, poetry, dance, food and testimonials. It is free and open to the public. For more information contact 713-376-3364 or

wazuri@aol.com........ A “CARAVAN FOR PEACE WITH JUSTICE AND DIGNITY” arrives in Houston on Sunday, Aug. 26. Local events include a town hall meeting at 3 p.m. at St. Paul Methodist Church, 5501 Main St., and a candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. at Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross. A press conference and sendoff is Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. at Dominican Sisters of Houston, 6501 Almeda. Led by Mexican poet Javier Sicilia, the caravan is designed to engage in citizen diplomacy to end the “misguided” war on drugs. The NAACP is among the international coalition of organizations taking part in the caravan, which ends Sept. 10 in Washington, D.C. For information

visit www.caravanforpeace.org........THE CITY OF HOUSTON MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL is accepting applications for the 2012-13 term. The council is modeled after the City Council and consists of a chair, city secretary, district and atlarge positions and senior aide posts. Mayor Annise Parker said the council “presents an exciting and challenging opportunity for young, aspiring leaders of tomorrow to gain an understanding of how city government works and develop strong leadership skills.” Youths ages 14 to 18 who reside or attend schools in Houston are eligible to apply. The deadline is Friday, Sept. 7. Forms and guidelines are available at www.houstontx.gov/myc/.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF AUGUST 23 | 2012

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national

U.S.briefs

Defender covers the conventions The Republican convention is Aug. 27-30 in Tampa, Fla., and the Democratic convention is Sept. 4-6 in Charlotte, N.C. The Defender will have complete

coverage online – www.defendernetwork. com – and in upcoming editions. Look for exclusive interviews with key political players from Houston, the state of Texas

and the U.S. Find out how both parties plan to address issues of importance to African Americans. “LIKE” us on Facebook and “FOLLOW” us on Twitter.

Hispanics largest minority in U.S. colleges Defender News Services

An analysis of newly available U.S. Census Bureau data shows that the nation’s Hispanic student population reached a number of milestones in 2011. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center, the number of 18 to 24-year-old Hispanics enrolled in college exceeded 2 million and reached a record 16.5 percent share of all college enrollments. Hispanics are now the largest minority group on the nation’s college campuses. In the nation’s public schools, Hispanics also reached new milestones. For the first time, one-in-four (24.7 percent) public elementary school students were Hispanic. Among all pre-K through 12th grade public school students, a record 23.9 percent were Hispanic in 2011. The new milestones reflect a number of continuing upward trends.

Between 1972 and 2011, the Latino share of 18 to 24-year-old college students steadily grew – rising from 2.9 percent to 16.5 percent. During the same period, among all public school students, the Latino share grew from 6.0 ercent to 23.9 percent.

In both cases, rapid Latino population growth has played a role in driving Latino student enrollment gains over the past four decades. According to the Pew Hispanic analysis, 76.3 percent of all Hispanics ages 18 to 24 had a high school diploma or a GED degree in 2011, up from 72.8 percent in 2010. Among high school graduates, a record share – nearly half (45.6 percent) – is enrolled in two-year or four-year colleges. Both demographic trends and greater eligibility have contributed to growth in the number of Hispanic young people enrolled in college in recent years. In addition to gains in enrollment, the number of degrees conferred on Latino college students has also reached new highs. Hispanics are the nation’s largest minority group, making up more than 50 million people, or about 16.5 percent of the U.S. population. Black Americans make up 13.1 percent of the population.

THE WHITE HOUSE released a new report that finds that the loss of teachers and other education staff is forcing communities into difficult choices that harm students’ education and future. The report shows that more than 300,000 local education jobs have been lost since the end of the recession – a figure that stands in stark contrast to previous economic recoveries. As a result, the national student-teacher ratio increased by 4.6 percent from 2008 to 2010, rolling back all the gains made since 2000. President Barack Obama has proposed a plan to provide $25 billion to prevent layoffs and support hundreds of thousands of teacher and other education jobs……...THE DEATH OF CHAVIS CARTER continues to raise questions despite a ruling by an Arkansas medical examiner that Carter, 21, shot himself in the head while handcuffed in the back of a police car. Toxicology findings showed that Carter tested positive for methamphetamine, antianxiety medication and other drugs. Carter’s death has become a source of controversy and some Black activists have labeled him the “next Trayvon Martin.” Carter was detained by two police officers after a traffic stop July 29 in Jonesboro, Ark. Carter, who was traveling with two white acquaintances, was searched twice. Police said they did not find a gun. Carter had an outstanding warrant for a probation violation and was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police cruiser. Police claim Carter committed suicide with a hidden gun, but Carter’s family and others question the officers’ side of the story........CONDOLEEZZA RICE, the first Black woman to become U.S. secretary state, recently became one of the first two women admitted to the exclusive Augusta National Golf Club, the home of the Masters tournament. Rice, now a professor at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford, began playing golf seven years ago.

NAACP, NEA join forces to mobilize voters Defender News Services

The NAACP and the National Education Association (NEA) are teaming up to register, educate and activate hundreds of thousands of voters for the 2012 elections. Seasoned NAACP field organizers recently engaged local NEA activists in a two-day training with workshops focused on voter registration/activation tools. Participants also attended a session on voter suppression laws that are emerg-

ing across the country and could prevent millions of eligible voters from casting ballots. The people most affected by such laws are disproportionately people of color, women, seniors, blue-collar workers and students. “In the last two years, more states have passed more laws pushing more voters out of the ballot box than at any time since the rise of Jim Crow,” said NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous. “The extremists behind these laws

know that the right to vote is the gateway to protecting so many of the other rights we care about, including the right to quality public schools for the next generation.” “But we can stop these attacks and protect our rights by voting,” Jealous said. “That is why we have partnered with the NEA in these voter registration, education, and protection efforts — to ensure that our voices are heard and our votes are counted on Election Day and for years to come.”

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER 43 WEEK OF AUGUST 23, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker

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

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF AUGUST 23 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

North Forest ISD

What’s ahead W

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

hen students in the North Forest Independent School District return to school on Aug. 27, they will find an array of policy changes and procedures designed to improve ratings and keep the long-troubled district from closing. For almost three decades, North Forest has wrestled with poor academic performance and financial mismanagement. Between 2008 and 2010, the Texas Education Agency took over the struggling district in an attempt to turn it around. In 2010, only 48 percent of the students at North Forest graduated within four years and just 27 percent of ninthgraders passed state math exams. In July of 2011, the district was told it would be closed by the state and annexed into the neighboring Houston Independent School District. The decision was met with outrage from the community and North Forest ISD has since received “a stay of execution.” The Texas Education Agency has given the district another year to make financial and academic improvements. North Forest Superintendent Edna Forte’ is in charge of leading the district through those changes. The Defender went one-onone with the longtime educator about how she plans to keep the embattled district open. Defender: What does the start of school mean for North Forest? Forte’: A new year always means new opportunities to transform the North Forest Independent School District into a district that better serves students and the community. We have made major changes in our organizational structure to better address areas we would like to improve, including academic performance, the dropout rate and financial management. For instance, we have incorporated the position of chief dean of interventions and accountability so that we can further intervene and assist students in NFISD. Defender: Former TEA Commissioner Robert Scott said he was concerned for the long-term education of the students in the district, which has had academic

North Forest Superintendent Edna Forte’

and financial problems over the last two decades. What is North Forest doing differently this year as it relates to academics? Finances? Forte’: This year, North Forest will continue to address its critical priorities. First, improve achievement; second, systemize financial policy; and third, gain the public’s trust. In that spirit, the district will continue its partnership with Dr. Pedro Noguera, the Director of NYU Steinhardt’s Metropolitan Center for Urban Education. This collaborative engagement will continue to provide valuable data, which will prove significant in increasing future rates of high school graduation for Northeast Houston urban minority youth. The research compiled will provide information to help NFISD implement appropriate plans of action that prevent students’ from leaving school before graduation. As it specifically pertains to finances, the district has made improvements in its business management systems. The Texas State Comptroller acknowledged North Forest ISD as a Gold Circle Transparency recipient [for exceptional local government transparency in the state]. Defender: What areas have seen the most improvement? Forte’: The district has expanded its collaborative relationship with collegiate

partners. We work with colleges and universities to help create academic programs for our students, including awarding them college credits, and to provide professional development for our teachers. We even painted college logos around our high school to change the children’s outlook so they would see these college logos and aspire to higher education. We have more technology in our instructional programs because that’s how kids learn now. We have automation in the classroom and in our financial operations. We can’t change the students we serve but we can change how we serve those students. Defender: What areas remain lacking? Forte’: We continue to work on prioritizing spending to reserve a sizable fund balance. Having a fund balance is important, just like individuals should have savings. It improves our bond rating and provides a cushion should we need it. We are working on improving the dropout and graduation rates, trying to keep our students engaged in the learning process. We are working to create safe corridors in our schools in cooperation with the North Forest community to ensure that our students do not fall prey to the street. Defender: How do you reassure the parents of North Forest that you’re committed to turning the district around? Forte’: We hold public meetings/ community meetings all year long, letting parents and others in the community know what’s going on with NFISD and how we are transforming the district. Defender: Are you confident that you’ll meet the TEA requirements to keep NFISD open and if so, why? Forte’: We definitely know we’re on the right track and we will continue our efforts to transform NFISD. The TEA gave NFISD ten requirements to meet, both academic and financial. Some of those requirements had deadlines to meet and we have done so. The conservator and I work every day to make sure we address these issues.

North For ISD profi

• Originally named Northeast H Independent School District • Covers 33 square miles of land Harris County • The poorest district in Harris C • 7,410 students (in 2011-12 scho 68.6 percent Black, 30.8 percen percent white, and .1 percent As Islander • 100 percent of students classifi economically disadvantaged • 1,050 employees • 1 high school – North Forest • 2 middle schools – B.C Elmore • 5 elementary schools – Fonwo Shadyvale, Lakewood, Rogers • 1 early childhood center – Thu

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

page

What North Forest must do Defender News Services

uperintendent Forte’ meets with Priscilla Hines, payroll supervisor, and Johnny O’Connor, assistant superintendent of administrative services.

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Mission, vision & values Mission

To meet the urgent need for students to learn in a highperformance educational setting. We support their growth into capable and skilled world citizens who can succeed in their career, family and personal lives as highly valued contributors of the 21st century.

Vision

North Forest ISD will be the most innovative urban learning environment that serves as a beacon for teacher innovation, community collaboration and student self-discovery.

Core Values

e, Forest Brook ood, Hilliard,

urgood Marshall

• • • •

Truth, honesty and high ethical standards Consistent follow-through and acceptance of accountability Creative use of available financial resources and human capital Collaborative teaching atmosphere

e Houston area for over 80 years

The Texas Education Agency’s plan to have HISD absorb the chronically troubled North Forest ISD has been put on hold – at least for now. But there are still steps the embattled district must take to keep its doors open. TEA Commissioner Robert Scott (who has since stepped down) announced the reprieve in March, leaving “open the possibility of ordering HISD to annex North Forest in July 2013.” In a TEA review, the appointed conservator of NFISD “noted changes for the positive since August 2010.” That, as well as legal battles from North Forest, prompted Scott to give the district the 2012-13 academic year “to demonstrate confirmed improvements.” While North Forest will remain an independent school district and will not be merged with HISD this new school year, the reprieve “requires North Forest to comply with a number of academic and financial requirements, which are [spelled out in an executive] order,” said TEA spokesperson Debbie Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe said North Forest had made progress on all fronts. But she also said the decision to give the district more time was based on the agency’s own failure to fulfill a provision requiring a review of how absorbing North Forest ISD students would affect HISD — and a concern that the state was running out of time to clear the annexation with the United States Department of Justice. North Forest doesn’t have an easy road ahead. Below are the requirements that the order stipulates must be met in order to stay open past this school year. • Achieve a rate of improvement acceptable to the Agency of the District’s completion rate, which demonstrates sustained improvement • Review recent census data, convene appropriate stakeholder meetings, and consider action to develop a plan to transition to a single member district beginning with the May 2013 board of trustee’s election, reporting to the Agency through the conservator • Develop specific details for the plan to repay the outstanding $8 million to a bond and construction fund within five years and begin to make payments. • Achieve an acceptable rate of improvement of the district’s completion rate or a completion rate of 75 percent for the 2011-2012 school year • On or before Jan. 28, 2013, provide an annual financial audit for the fiscal year Sept. 1, 2011 to Aug. 31, 2012 • Achieve a positive fund balance for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2012 • On or before Nov. 15, 2012, implement and maintain a curriculum that is aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) among its campuses. • On or before Nov. 15, 2012, develop a district-wide comprehensive plan to implement an effective dropout prevention program that is aligned with research-based strategies • Continue and improve performance on statewide assessments • Continue NFISD’s relationship with NYU to implement a professional development plan for administrators and educators, including specific training on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills in the content and enrichment area

DEFENDER | WEEK OF AUGUST 23 | 2012

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entertainment Dania Ramirez

dives into roles D

By Kam Williams Special to the Defender

ania Ramirez was born in 1979 in the Dominican Republic and reared there by her grandmother until the age of 10, when she was sent to the United States to rejoin her parents. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication from Montclair State University where she was also a standout on the school’s volleyball squad. Dania’s professional career began as a model in New York although she got her big break into show business when Jay-Z cast her in the music video “Streets is Watching.” Today, she has become one of the hottest young actresses in Hollywood. She was recently cast in the Lifetime TV series “Devious Maids,” debuting in 2013. On the show, Dania will play Rosie Falta, one of four Latina maids employed by the rich and famous in Beverly Hills. Her other film credits include “American Reunion,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Quarantine” and “Fat Albert.” She made her film debut in Spike Lee’s “The Subway Stories” for HBO, which led to two other Spike Lee projects, “25th Hour” and “She Hate Me.” Dania was unforgettable as Blanca on the critically-acclaimed HBO drama “The Sopranos,” as well as on the NBC cult hit “Heroes” and HBO’s award-winning “Entourage.” As a model, Dania was named the face of CoverGirl and has been featured in its advertising campaign. Here, she talks about her new movie, “Premium Rush,” an action thriller co-starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. KW: What interested you in “Premium Rush?” DR: A couple things. When I consider a film, I really look at the character first to see if it’s something that I can dive into and bring to life. And second, it looked like a lot of fun. I was going to be riding a bike all through New York City. That kinda sold me. And that’s what the movie is really, just a lot of fun.

KW: How would you describe your character? DR: Vanessa’s a badass Dominican chick on a bike who also has a heart of gold. She’s just graduated from college, hasn’t found a job and becomes a bike messenger in the meantime. She’s really focused in her relationship with Wilee [Gordon-Levitt]. She’s trying to get him to care about living and about the future. I really loved playing her, because she’s a very honest and endearing character. She’s sort of tough when she’s on the bike, but caring and vulnerable when she’s off it. KW: Is Vanessa is very different from Alex, the character you played on “Entourage?” DR: Absolutely. They’re both charming in their own way but Vanessa is New York and tough, while Alex is just fun and businessfocused. KW: Did you perform any of your own stunts. DR: I did as much as I could, but there were certain things I just couldn’t do like where my character jumps off the bike and flies through the air before hitting the ground. But I did do the one where she crosses over the Hudson River, and that was scary. KW: You probably were able to handle such a physically demanding role because you’re very athletic and played volleyball in college. Did you watch any of the Olympics? DR: Are you kidding? I couldn’t turn it off, especially the volleyball, which I watched all the way to the end. KW: Was this a role you were comfortable with and what do you see as the ideal part for yourself? DR: Yes, I was very comfortable with it. I absolutely loved it. The ideal part for me is any challenging, threedimensional role that I could throw myself into. KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? DR: A strong woman. KW: How do you want to be remembered? DR: As someone who persevered and never gave up, and as someone who was full of love and who loved life.

What’sup KELLY ROWLAND is branching out into acting again. She’s set to star in a BET original comedy pilot titled “What Would Dylan Do.” The series follows a Los Angeles-based relationship blogger who lives with her best friend and a wealthy, divorced woman. Rowland previously appeared in such shows as “American Dreams,” “The Hughleys” and “Girlfriends.” Born in Atlanta and reared in Houston, Rowland rose to fame as a member of Destiny’s Child before embarking on a solo singing career…….. BEYONCÉ, who once shared the stage with Rowland, debuted her music video “I Was Here” on World Humanitarian Day. The video was filmed at the United Nations in New York City, and opened with the thought, “One day, one message, one goal. To inspire people all over the world to do something good,

no matter how big or small, for someone else.” In the video, a screen behind Beyoncé shows images of humanitarian workers. “I feel like we all want to know that our life meant something and that we did something for someone else,” she said……..NICKI MINAJ is being mentioned as a new judge on “American Idol.” Sources told Us Weekly that the colorful rapper and singer is “100 percent confirmed” and “definitely doing it.” Minaj recently canceled her appearance at a festival in the United Kingdom because of damage to her vocal cords. She used Twitter to lash out at fans who were unhappy with her cancellation. “I was in jeopardy of losing my voice entirely and needing surgery on my vocal cords. If u can’t understand that, your mother’s a whore!” she tweeted……..Other “American Idol” sources told TMZ that

KANYE WEST is in talks to judge the next season of the show. West is reportedly “on the fence” about the show…….. RIHANNA says her relationship with CHRIS BROWN might be over but he will always be her “first love.” Rihanna talked about Brown during her recent appearance on “Oprah’s Next Chapter” filmed in her native Barbados. She added she has forgiven Brown for his physical assault of her. OPRAH WINFREY also has an interview coming up with Olympic gold medalist GABBY DOUGLAS. The queen of talk traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, to visit with the 16-yearold gymnast and her family. Gabby’s popularity continues to skyrocket. She recently took part in a glamorous photo shoot for Essence Magazine, and posed in a gold short dress and Jimmy Choo stilettos.

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Subcompact By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

SPECS MSRP base price – $16,665

Other interior highlights his is not your typiinclude a cal boring, slab-sided duplex glove and cruise control. (as tested – $18,485) econobox. According to the National box, dual storage cubbies on Engine – 1.8-liter four-cylinder The 2012 Chevrolet Highway Traffi c Safety Administration either side of the center dashboard Transmission – Six-speed manual Sonic LTZ Turbo is a four-door, stack, large door-mounted storage (NHTSA), the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Fuel economy – 29 miles per gallon (city), five-passenger sedan that actubins and a small parking ticketis one of the safest vehicles on the road. 40 mpg (highway) ally makes driving fun. Fun and sized slot under the radio. The maximum five stars were earned in Estimated annual fuel cost – $1,682 subcompact vehicle rarely are There was ample interior five different categories, including frontal (based on $3.70 per gallon) found in the same sentence. Yet headroom and legroom, the air driver, crash passenger, side front seat, the power from the 1.8-liter fourconditioning unit performed admi- crash rear seat and overall vehicle score. cylinder was just enough to keep controller, but is easy to read while conrably and the seating surfaces were The Sonic LTZ also earned a four-star ratthe ride interesting. taining pertinent information. The LTZ comfortable. ing in the rollover category. Armed with the most powerful engine has the Connectivity Plus Cruise packOther standard equipment includes For well under $20,000, the Sonic in the subcompact segment, and matched age, which includes Bluetooth and audio power windows with express driver up/ LTZ sedan provides style, driving excitewith a six-speed manual transmission, streaming functionality as well as OnStar down feature, driver and front passenger ment, functionality and fuel economy. the driver has the ability to maximize the turn-by-turn navigation that replaces the heated seats, power door locks, air filtraWhat more could you ask for in a subdriving experience. Turbochargers make screen, as standard equipment. tion system, rear seat split back folding compact? just about everything more interesting. The electric power steering was light while at slow speeds but progressively increased to just the right amount of weight HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT when the vehicle was fully NOTICE TO PROPOSERS underway. Handling was never overly cushy, nor The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, bone-jarring on ragged terTexas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time rain at high speeds. deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 In stark contrast to its  Project 12-08-01 –RFP- Fuel – Unleaded Gasoline – Bio Diesel hatchback brethren, the ULSD – with a deadline of 2 P.M. September 5, 2012. The preproposal conference for this project will be Hattie Mae White Sonic LTZ sedan is stylish Educational Support Center - 4400 West 18th Street - Room with chrome surrounds on 2C04, Houston, Texas 77092 on August 28, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. everything from the front Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at grille to the door handles www.houstonisd.org. along with motorcycleThe District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to T:4.79” accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District. inspired headlamps that include fog lights. The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSurplus.com Further exterior refineThese Texas Lottery Commission ment comes from sculpted Scratch-Off games will be closing soon: side panels, which adds Official Close End Validations Neighborhood Centers Inc. details to what could have Game # Game Name / Odds $ of Game Date (NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS INC.), been a boring, slab-sided econobox. The Sonic LTZ 1400 Texas 7’s - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.52 $5 08/31/12 02/27/13 A non-profit human services organization, test vehicle was equipped announces a Request for Proposal (RFP) #12-19 for with 17-inch aluminum al$2 09/03/12 03/02/13 1430 Magic 8 Ball™ - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.71 Marketing & Public Relations Services. Any quesloy wheels, chrome badging tions related to this solicitation must be submitted and trim strip along the rear 1142 Maximum Millions - Overall Odds are 1 in 2.81 $20 09/20/12 03/19/13 fascia and an ever-so-slight prior to noon, Friday, August 24th, 2012. The deadspoiler along the trailing line for submitting a proposal is Friday, September 1390 Triple It - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.58 $1 10/24/12 04/22/13 edge of the trunk. 20th, 2012 by 11:00 a.m. (CST). To receive General Motors RFP #12-19e-mail Kaamilya McCullough, 1398 Cash Farmer - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.94 $5 10/24/12 04/22/13 went to great lengths to Supplier Inclusion and Diversity Manager, liven up the interior. ® at kmccullough@neighborhood-centers.org. 1417 The Three Stooges Overall Odds are 1 in 4.14 $2 10/24/12 04/22/13 The driver’s

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF AUGUST 23 | 2012

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sports

Coach Asberry

optimistic about TSU’s season By MAX EDISON Defender

ne could consider first-year Texas Southern University head football coach Darrell Asberry an optimistic, “glass half full” type of guy. He brings an impressive resume to TSU, winning three CIAA conference championships in five years. He plans to continue that championship legacy in Houston, but he’ll face an uphill battle in his inaugural season. The Tigers will enter into a new era as they begin play in their state-of-the-art BBVA/ Compass stadium. No mid-major program has a finer facility anywhere in the country and the team will need the support of the Tiger nation during the 2012 season. Just two years after winning their first SWAC football crown in more than 50 years, the Tigers find themselves in the midst of what many consider a rebuilding campaign. TSU returns 15 starters – seven on offense and eight on defense – from a disappointing 2011 season that saw the Tigers finish 4-7 overall and just 2-7 in SWAC play. For the first time in recent memory the Tigers don’t have a single player rated pre-season All Conference first or second team. TSU has been predicted to finish last in the SWAC’s West Division. Yet Asberry remains confident in his team’s ability to prove the pundits wrong. “I fully understand the high expectations that members of the TSU family have for this football program,” Asberry said at TSU’s recent football media day. “As head football coach of this team Quarterback Riko it will be my main focus to make sure Smalls (13) will we live up to those high expectations and be expected to give Texas Southern University fans and guide a potent TSU offensive attack. supporters a team that they can be proud of on and off the field. “It will be up to the players in our locker room to prove those so called experts wrong about the way we will perform this season,” he said. The Tigers led the nation (Division 1

AA) in total defense two of the last three years. Expect their defense to be the backbone of the team again in 2012. Defensive coordinator Kevin Ramsey returns to run the defense after spending the 2011 campaign as the team’s interim head coach. Linebackers William Parker and Eric Brown, cornerback Adrian Bennett and defensive lineman Amir Bloom will lead a talented array of Tiger defenders who should play at a high level from day one. Offensively, the Tigers return quarterback Riko Smalls, the championship game MVP in 2010, to guide the attack. Fred Plummer, a highly touted junior college product, and Dedric Shipman will be faces to watch at receiver. Kendall Denson and Tony Peoples will handle the running back chores. Up front, expect Moses Alvidrez, Quinn Criss and Kenneth Hall to anchor a stout Tiger offensive line. The tempo for the 2012 season may very well hinge on the Tigers’ ability to survive an arduous September schedule. The Tigers open with Prairie View (5-6 in 2011) in the

TSU head coach Darrell Asberry is optimistic about the Tigers’ chance for success in 2012.

Labor Day Classic on Sept. 1. They travel to Denton to take on Division I North Texas (5-7 in 2011), followed by Jackson State (9-2 in 2011) on Sept. 15, and the home opener at BBVA/Compass Stadium. Alabama A&M (8-4 in 2011) comes to town on Sept. 22. The Tigers wrap up the month against the nation’s No. 1 rated Division IAA program, Sam Houston (14-1 in 2011), on Sept. 27

at home. For those with squeamish stomachs, that type of schedule could cause a severe case of indigestion, but that’s not the case with Asberry. He’s optimistic and he can’t wait to show fans why. “Every new season brings with it a new team and elevated expectations,” Asberry proclaimed. “Here at TSU we want to build a program that can compete for championships every year. “For us, that journey will start on September 1st. I can guarantee that the Texas Southern Tigers football team will be hungry and ready to play football when the 2012 season kicks off.”

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h.s.zone Bellaire, Lamar to vie for 20-5A crown games last year. Lauderdale is a dual threat coming off a season where he caught 25 passes for 759 yards and 10 TDs while adding 708 rushing yards and five TDs. The Cardinals’ offensive line is led by 280-pound Charles Sanders, 285-pound Dwayne Johnson and 290-pound Devonte Jones. Head coach Trey Sissom and his staff will spend the bulk of their time leading up to the season opener trying to replenish a defense with only three returning starters. DB Gabe Byrd and DE Andrei Didenko will provide the leadership on the Cardinals’ defense.

Hypolito Corporan is a lockdown cornerback who recorded 42 tackles and six interceptions last season. Byrd says or most of the past two decades, Corporan could be an impact player on two schools usually settled the collegiate level. Linebacker Christian the District 20-5A high school Decuire is another leader on defense. football championship – Lamar Pat Reinecke will begin his second or Madison. year as Madison’s head coach with the In the last five years, Westside, Beldaunting task of entirely rebuilding the laire and Chavez have contended for the Marlins’ offense. title with Lamar coming out on top more The good news is that with the reoften than not. Westside did share one turn of cornerback Jerard Wiltz, free safedistrict title. ty Darrell Jackson, linebacker Mic’Keal The 2012 district title should be a Arvie and defensive end Roderick Wlitz, rerun of last year’s title run with Lamar the Madison defense has a chance to be and Bellaire figuring to play the pivotal something special. roles. Lamar continued its Jerard Wiltz had mastery over Bellaire in seven interceptions last year’s showdown when and returned two for it appeared the Cardinals touchdowns in 2011 to had the edge in talent and earn his reputation as a experience. certified ball hawk. He Lamar quarterback returned one interception Darrell Colbert proved to 106 yards, just three yards be the difference against short of the state record. Bellaire a year ago and the Prospects on the junior is back with a chance Madison offense include to improve on his solid offensive lineman production of 1,203 passing Gerrardo Torres, wide yards and 16 TDs, along receiver Brian Frank, with 441 rushing yards and receiver Edward Berry seven TDs. and running back Jerel Colbert will be comGarner. plimented by other capable Bellaire is on a mission to wrestle the district crown away from Lamar in Westbury should 2012. playmakers in three-year contend for a playoff berth starting wide receiver Beau with 10 starters returning Wells and running back Darius Durall. Westside should be able to secure from a squad that was 6-4 overall and 3-4 The offensive line will be anchored by one of the four playoff berths despite the in district play last season. 260-pound Marc Wilson, 300-pound return of only six starters. The Wolves Center Deon Thornton is the best on Shaquille Gibson and newcomer Okien were besieged by graduation, which cost the offensive line and wide receiver Wylie Osuampke. them star running back B.J. Catalon, wide Love earned first-team all-district honors Cedric Lancaster, the preseason receiver Deante Gray and offensive linea year ago. defensive MVP, will lead a Redskins’ unit man Germain Ifedi. Five starters are back on head that returns six starters. Lancaster recordWolves’ head coach Mark Byrd has coach George Campbell’s defense led ed four kickoff returns for touchdowns in high expectations for new quarterback by free safety Nichorian Mardis, middle 2011 along with three interceptions. Michael Haywood and wide receiver linebacker DaVar Brown and outside Lamar head coach Tom Nolen is the Bobby Hartzog. Byrd describes Haywood linebacker Johnny Peters. dean of coaches in the Houston Indepenas having “a very athletic skill set” and Chavez and Sam Houston will likely dent School District. Hartzog as “a solid route runner that finish in the district’s second tier. Bellaire should have no trouble could be the next great receiver to come Players to watch for Chavez include scoring points in 2012 with the return of out of Westside.” LB Jonathon London and DL Armani running back Denzell Evans and wide Sophomore Kevin Dudley is the Richardson. receiver Devin Lauderdale. Evans rushed bright spot on the Westside offensive line Sam Houston will be led by WR for 814 yards and 11 TDs in just seven that will be largely inexperienced. Rodney Motley and DB Jacoby Dixon. By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

WEEK OF AUGUST 23 | 2012 DEFENDER

sportsbriefs District 13-5A preview Don’t forget that Dekaney won the 2011 Class 5A Division II state title without winning the District 13-5A championship. That honor went to Klein Oak and the Panthers could repeat with the return of RB Larenzo Stewart, DE Javon Shelley and OL Reid Najvar. Dekaney will have to replace star RB Trey Williams and other Division recruits. Klein Collins won back-to-back district titles before Klein Oak won last year. Tyler Tezeno and Chance Allen give the Tigers a solid offensive line. Westfield has seven starters back from a squad that reached the Division II region finals last year. Klein Forest, Spring, Kingwood, Klein and Atascocita comprise the remainder of a rugged district.

District 22-4A preview The University Interscholastic League bi-annual re-alignment makes for interesting bedfellows. When the dust settled, three different school districts make up District 22-4A, including Ridge Point, Marshall and Willowridge of Fort Bend ISD; Spring Woods, Stratford and Northbrook of Spring Branch ISD, along with Tomball and Tomball Memorial. Tomball may be able to flourish after saying goodbye to years of playing the tough Klein schools in district action. RB Xavier Powell scored 10TDs for the Cougars in 2011. FB Marshall DE Deon Hollins is one of the state’s best and commands double-teams. Ridge Point and Tomball Memorial are playing their first year of varsity competition. Look for Marshall, Stratford, Willowridge and Tomball to vie for the district’s four playoff berths.

Astros fire Mills We all knew it was coming; it was simply a matter of when. The Astros have relieved Brad Mills of his managerial duties. In addition to Mills, hitting coach Mike Barnett and first base coach Bobby Meacham were fired. The team has the worst record in baseball, 40 games below .500, and is on pace to lose 100 games for the second consecutive season. In Mills’ defense, he was hired to be fired. He took over a team that is clearly in a major rebuilding mode. Mills will be replaced by Triple A manager Tony DeFrancesco, who was named interim manager for the remainder of the 2012 season. The club named Dan Radison as first base coach and Ty Van Burkleo as hitting coach.

Texan update While you don’t want to get overly carried away with preseason games, you have to be impressed with how the Texans have looked thus far. They defeated the 49ers 20-9 but the final score is not the real story. The 49ers are a big physical team that was a couple of fumbled punts away from the Super Bowl last season. The Texan defense looked solid despite the absence of starters JJ Watt and nose tackle Shaun Cody. Tim Jamison (DE) and Earl Mitchell (NT) filled in admirably and displayed the quality depth on the defensive front. Offensively, it was great to see Andre Johnson get some reps and look outstanding. Young receivers Lestar Jean and Keshawn Martin continue to play well. Trindon Holiday, with a 67-yard punt return, continues to stake a claim as the team’s return specialist.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF AUGUST 23 | 2012

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For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

primary core disciplines of educational advancement HALL OF FAME…..Doug Harris, a 2011 Texas are alumni relations, communications, marketing Radio Hall of Fame inductee, hosted a cocktail and fundraising. Congratulations!......CHAG’ S reception honoring Buddy Cantu, Bill Cordell, BOOKSHELF…..Vanessa Gilmore has written Brian Shannon and our own Muriel Funches her first novel, “Saving the Dream,” at his fabulous home. These which tells the story of a young individuals along with several Join Yvette Chargois woman and her decision to have her others will be inducted into the baby or give it up for adoption. The 2012 Texas Radio Hall of Fame Events of the Week book alternately explores the life that in November at a luncheon to More photos on defendernetwork.com her son lived with his birth mother be held in San Antonio. Muriel See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. and the life he might have lived with has a professional background his adoptive mother. Motivated in that spans over 30 years in radio part by her own experiences and sales and executive management those of other women and families who struggled in major markets. She currently serves as president with work/life integration, she decided to write about of AdRehab Marketing, a multicultural marketing adoption. The book is dedicated to her son, Sean firm that provides creative, strategy, and marketing Harrison Gilmore. Dr. Janice Beal-Geyen hosted solutions to maximize consumer buying power. a book signing for Vanessa at the Tasting Room and Additionally, she is the executive director of it was attended by Kathy Evans, Jasmine Geyen, advancement for the Jesse H. Jones School of Johnetta Copper, Meagan Cooper, Dr. William Business at Texas Southern University, where the

2012 Texas Radio Hall of Fame Inductee Muriel Funches and Doug Harris

Vanessa Gilmore and Kathy Evans

Penelope and Dr. Dave Cole

Meagan Cooper and Johnetta Cooper

Tashia Coleman, Adrean Brooks and Novella Robinson

CEO Jeffrey L. Boney and State Rep. Ron Reynolds

Fleming III, Dr. Polly Turner, Jan, Maxie and Troy Anderson and Dr. Lisa Otey. Continued success!.... REACHING NEW HEIGHTS…..This year, the Texas Business Alliance partnered with the state of Texas and the Office of the Governor and brought the Governor’s Small Business Forum and the 4th Annual One Woman National Business Conference to Fort Bend County and the city of Sugar Land. The theme, “Soaring! Reaching New Heights,” is so relevant to today’s economic climate. Helping women and minority small businesses is extremely important and this conference links women, minority-owned and small business enterprises with corporate purchasers, government agencies, and other businesses for the primary purpose of creating connections and building strong business relationships. The keynote luncheon speaker was Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, senior VP of public affairs and government relations with Nielsen. Great conference!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Inductees Buddy Cantu, Brian Shannon, Muriel Funches and Bill Cordell

Author Judge Vanessa Gilmore and Dr. Janice Beal-Geyen

Keynote Speaker Cheryl Pearson-McNeil

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