Houston Defender: August 27, 2015

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Volume 84 | Number 39 AUGUST 27, 2015 | FREE

NATIONAL LOUIS FARRAKHAN prepares for Oct. march

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SPORTS DARRELL ASBERRY ready for TSU football

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Prime time for

LORETTA DEVINE H PAGE 6

HS ZONE KALYN GREER plays volleyball for Austin H.S.

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John Guess III and Shag Bogany at National Association of Real Estate Brokers reception

Hurricane Katrina: 10 years later Aug. 29 marks the 10th anniversary of the day Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, and those impacted by the storm are reflecting on how their lives changed. An estimated 100,000 residents evacuated to Houston. For some, the move was temporary. For others, it was permanent. Learn why some former New Orleans residents never returned.

See how evacuees feel they were treated by the city of Houston.

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newstalk

Prairie View renames road after Bland The Prairie View City Council voted to change the name of University Drive to Sandra Bland Parkway.

Supporters packed the council meeting, including Bland’s family members.

“I want her name to always be spoken because she’s still speaking

so I just ask that you all do us right today,” said Bland’s mother, Geneva Reed-Veal. “This is her legacy. It’s more than a vote: it’s a legacy.”

Prior to the vote, Bland’s family and friends marched with Prairie View A&M University students in a walk of solidarity.

Bland’s death in the Waller County Jail on July 13 gained nationwide attention. She died three days after she was stopped by a DPS trooper for changing lanes without a signal, and the stop escalated into an arrest. Her death was ruled suicide by hanging, but many supporters suspect foul play.

Coleman questions DPS stops drivers.

The DPS traffic stop data covers eight categoHouston State Rep. Garnet Coleries: traffic stops, citaman said there should be an in-depth tions, written warnings, look into Texas Department of Public consent vehicle searches, Safety (DPS) stops because of racial probably cause vehicle disparities. DPS procedures have been searches, all other vehicle under scrutiny since the late Sandra searches and criminal Bland was pulled over by Trooper interdiction.

Brian Encinia for failing to signal a Coleman said DPS lane change. officers have been trained “A review of data on traffic stops on what proper proceby DPS, suggests that every year dures are, “But sometimes from 2012-2014, Blacks were more things backslide. Sometimes likely than whites after being stopped you have to go back and do State Rep. Garnet Coleman to receive a citation, be subject to a things over again and I think probable cause vehicle search, and be subject to that’s where we are. a consent vehicle search,” Coleman said.

“Training is not just how you conduct traf“But Blacks were less likely than whites affic stops,” he said. “It has to do with cultural ter being stopped to receive a warning. Because competence as well.” of what the data is suggesting there needs to be As chairman of the Texas House Commita more in-depth look into what is happening dur- tee on County Affairs, Coleman is also coning the stop between the public and law enforce- cerned about jail standards. Bland’s death led ment that is causing these disparities. “ to a hearing by the committee, which has overColeman said in reviewing stops and search- sight on county jails and the Texas Commission es that have occurred over a period of time, there on Jail Standards, to discuss inadequacies in the is almost a 2 to 1 difference between the way a standards currently in place. search is conducted with Black drivers and white “Sandra Bland’s death has been a catalyst to

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

Sandra Bland

2014 DPS Probable Cause Vehicle Searches

Race

# of Searches

% Race of Searches

% Race Texas Population

Asian

105

0.86%

3.84%

Black

2,760

22.53%

11.48%

Hispanic

2,126

17.36%

37.62%

Indian

22

0.18%

0.32%

Other

711

5.80%

1.41%

White

6,526

53.27%

45.33%

“Training is not just how you conduct traffic stops.

It has to do with cultural competence as well.” explore these issues, in combination with other deaths in Texas and other parts of the country,” Coleman said. “I think what’s shocking to people is how can you get pulled over for failing to signal and you’re dead in three days? It doesn’t compute.”

localbriefs BLACK CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR of Houston have received endorsements from various groups.

Attorney Ben Hall was recently endorsed by the Baptist Ministers Association and the Confederation of Ministerios Cristianos. State Rep. Sylvester Turner has received endorsements from the AFL-CIO of Harris County, Houston Black American Democrats and a number of other groups…….. STATE SENS. RODNEY ELLIS and Sylvia Garcia are joining the NAACP, LULAC, and Texas Civil Rights Project in a campaign to promote voter registration and engagement. Thanks to a partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor, the senators will post over 20 billboards in English and Spanish in the

Houston area to encourage citizens to register and vote ahead of November’s general election. Thousands of potential voters will view the messages prior to the voter registration deadline, which is Oct. 5. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act this month, we must take action to preserve what earlier generations fought to secure. The easiest first step is to vote,” Ellis said..……..THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON System Board of Regents approved a $1.7 billion budget.

UHS will devote $1 billion from its operating costs toward student access and success initiatives. The system also will continue to expand its campuses through $188 million in capital project expenditures in FY2016. These

include expanded academic and research facilities at UH; buildings dedicated to STEM curriculum, freshman housing, recreation facilities and parking at UHCL; and labs, STEM facilities and a welcome center at UHD ……..$248 MILLION IN UNCLAIMED PROPERTY was returned to rightful owners this fiscal year by the Texas Comptroller’s Office. The unclaimed property includes forgotten utility deposits or other refunds, insurance proceeds, payroll checks, cashier’s checks, dividends, mineral royalties, dormant bank accounts and abandoned safe deposit box contents. To check for unclaimed property visit www.ClaimItTexas.org or call 1-800-654-FIND (3463).

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U.S.briefs

Farrakhan focuses on Oct. march, economics

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By AMBER VERNON Defender

uring a conversation with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Minister Louis Farrakhan said after the “Justice or Else” march, the Black community should focus on saving money to acquire land as a means of generating wealth.

The Nation of Islam leader is preparing for the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Oct.10.

“The struggle cannot end on October 10, 2015,” Farrakhan said. “It will take on a new dimension of strength after the 10th. We should have a legislative agenda. We’re not asking, we’re demanding what’s rightfully ours.

We built this country. The world is before us if we take our own foot out of the way.”

He said building a financial base is a part of the fight for justice for the Black community.

“Why not put our minds together to make an economic program that will give us jobs

For march registration and information

visit www.justiceorelse.com

that will give us production,” he said. “If we put our minds together and gathered some of the wonderful economic intellectuals in a room, we could save and the first thing we could do is buy up as much land as we can.

“With land that we own for our people, we can get into trade and commerce and become more productive of some of the things we need like food, clothing, and shelter. We have the ability to do that.“ Farrakhan said putting money back into the community starts with spending more wisely. He added that Black dollars have a lot of power and if the community can act together, the impact can be massive.

“If we come together in unity, our unity is more powerful than a hydrogen bomb,” he said.

“Yes, we are angry, but anger is a force and we can turn the anger of our community into production.”

Louis Stokes remembered as political pioneer Funeral services were recently held in Cleveland for Louis Stokes, the first Black member of Congress from Ohio. He died Aug. 18 at the age of 90.

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield said Stokes was a pioneer.

“He was the first African-American to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and was the founder of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, which remains active today in protecting health equity and reducing health disparities in communities across the country,” Butterfield said.

Stokes was the older brother of former Mayor Carl Stokes. After serving in the Army, he attended Western Reserve University, and received a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He was first elected to Congress in 1969 and served 30 years in the House.

Survivors include his wife Jay, four children and seven grandchildren.

SCHOLAR AND ACTIVIST Cornel West endorsed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for president. West said in a series of Twitter messages that Sanders, an independent from Vermont who is seeking the Democratic nomination, has been an ally over the years. “I endorse Bernie Sanders because he is a longdistance runner with integrity in the struggle for justice for over 50 years,” West tweeted.

His endorsement came weeks after Black Lives Matter activists disrupted a Sanders event in Seattle, saying Sanders has not supported their cause. West, who has criticized President Obama’s policies, said Sanders would help Black people because of his desire to invest in working and poor people…….. HEALTH RESEARCHERS from Alzheimer’s Disease International said nearly 47 million people around the world are living with dementia, up from 35 million in 2009. They warned that without a medical breakthrough, the numbers could double every 20 years. Dementia is the loss of thinking, memory and reasoning skills. The report said governments should adopt legislation to ensure better treatment for people with dementia, and urged the World Health Organization to develop a dementia action plan. More money must also be invested in research, and programs developed for risk reduction, treatment, care and cure. AfricanAmericans are about two times more likely to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias than whites……..ELEVEN WOMEN, all but one of whom is Black, are considering legal action after they were ordered off a Napa Valley wine train for being too loud. The women, members of a California book club, said they were asked to leave the train because of their race.

The story stirred social media reaction, with many using the hashtag #laughingwhileblack.

One book club member admitted that a train manager repeatedly told them they were laughing and talking too loudly, but she insisted “we didn’t do anything wrong.”

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 39 AUGUST 27, 2015

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall

Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

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

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Awareness of cancer in kids encouraged

AUGUST 27 | 2015 | DEFENDER

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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor and remember children and families affected by the rare diseases, and help rally support to give kids with cancer better outcomes by supporting research.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children (after accidents). About 1,250 children younger than 15 years old are expected to die from cancer in 2015.

According to the American Cancer Society, because of major treatment advances in recent decades, more than 80 percent of children with cancer now survive five years or more.

“Overall, this is a huge increase since the mid-1970s, when the five-year survival rate was about 58 percent,” said the cancer society.

The types of cancers that develop in children are often different from the types that develop in adults. Childhood cancers are often the result of DNA changes in cells that take place very early in life, sometimes even before birth. Unlike many cancers in adults, childhood cancers are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental risk factors.

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MD Anderson building new outpatient center The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will build an outpatient diagnostic and treatment center to better serve the growing communities of West Houston and beyond.

It will be the first free-standing clinical building that the cancer center has constructed outside the Texas Medical Center. It will be built on 36 acres of land owned by MD Anderson near the intersection of Interstate 10 and Highway 6, and will open in 2018.

“It’s great to get the green light from the [UT] Board of Regents to start work on a new facility that will give the residents of West Houston and the surrounding region even greater access to MD Anderson specialty services, care, research and diagnostics,” said Dr. Thomas Burke, executive vice president of the MD Anderson Cancer Network.

“Our mission to end cancer charges us with expanding and adapting programs that best reflect and respond to the needs of our patients, and this new center demonstrates that commitment.”

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entertainment

Prime time for Loretta Devine

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ative Houstonian Loretta Devine co-stars on NBC’s new comedy “The Carmichael Show,” which airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

The show is inspired by the life of comedian Jerrod Carmichael, and Devine portrays Cynthia, his “loud, proud and Christian mother.” David Alan Grier is Carmichael’s “say anything” father, Lil Rel Howery is his “hustling” brother and Amber Stevens West is his girlfriend, a therapist in training.

As Carmichael and his girlfriend work to build a fulfilling life together, they are put to the test navigating the boundaries of romance, family and sanity.

In addition to starring in the show, Carmichael is the executive producer and writer.

“The show is about Jerrod and his girlfriend moving in together,” Devine said. “Of course I feel they should be married before they live together, so I want to know if they are going to have children, is this a strong commitment, or is this something where they are just wasting time…”

Devine said the show should have broad demographic appeal because of the characters’ age ranges.

“In the show David Alan Grier and I have been married 38 years,” she said. “He’s a truck driver, and I’m supposed to be very, very, very religious. Everything to me is based on Jesus and the church and how you should live your life.”

Devine added that Carmichael’s real-life mother is named Cynthia, like her character. “[As the writer], Jerrod might say, ‘My mom actually said this,’ so you have to make sure the line is exactly what he wrote.”

About Loretta Devine • Born 1949 in Houston, grew up in Acres Homes. Attended George Washington Carver High School.

• Earned B.A. in Speech and Drama from University of Houston and MFA in Theater from Brandeis University.

• Later received Doctorate of Humane Letters and Distinguished Alumni Award from UH. • First captured national attention in 1981 as Lorrell in the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls.”

• Other stage work included roles in “Big Deal,” “The Colored Museum” and “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.”

• Film credits include “This Christmas,” “First Sunday,” “Crash,” “Death at a Funeral,” “For Colored Girls,” “Jumping the Broom” and “Madea’s Big Happy Family.”

• Won NAACP Image Awards for film roles in “Waiting to Exhale” and “The Preacher’s Wife,” and TV’s “Boston Public” and “Doc McStuffins.”

• Won Emmy Award and Image Award for “Grey’s Anatomy.”

• Married to financial analyst Glenn Marshall.

“The Carmichael Show” stars (clockwise from top) Loretta Devine, David Alan Grier, Amber Stevens West, Jerrod Carmichael and Lil Rey Howery.

what’sup “Straight Outta Compton,” the story of N.W.A., dominated the box office for the second weekend in a row, earning more than $26 million. The film has already passed the $100 million mark in total earnings…….. DR. DRE, one of N.W.A.’s founders, saw sales of his new album “Compton” drop due to his alleged history of abusing women. It reportedly sold 42,700 copies during its second week of sales, an 85 percent drop from the 286,000 copies sold during its debut week. The rapper and entrepreneur apologized for his past behavior. “Twenty-five years ago I was a young man drinking too much

and in over my head with no real structure in my life. However, none of this is an excuse for what I did,” he said. “I’ve been married for 19 years and every day I’m working to be a better man for my family, seeking guidance along the way. I’m doing everything I can so I never resemble that man again.

I apologize to the women I’ve hurt,” he said……..

TRACY MORGAN married his fiancée Megan Wollover on Aug. 23. She has stood beside Morgan since the 2014 crash that left him with a broken leg, ribs and nose, and killed comedian JAMES MCNAIR. Morgan reached his goal of walking

down the aisle without a cane or wheelchair……..

SHONDA RHIMES, the woman behind “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “How to Get Away With Murder,” is developing a new comedy series for ABC. The show, “Splitsville,” will portray divorced residents of a suburb who come together to raise their children…….. ALICIA KEYS has put her 32-room New Jersey home and an adjacent property on the market with an asking price of $14.9 million.

Keys bought the home and property from EDDIE MURPHY. Keys and her husband, hip-hop artist SWIZZ BEATZ, plan to build a larger home.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 27 | 2015

HURRICANE KATRINA: 10 years later

By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender

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ug. 29 marks the 10th anniversary of the day Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, and those impacted by the storm are reflecting on how their lives changed.

An estimated 100,000 residents evacuated to Houston. For some, the move was temporary. For others, it was permanent.

Katrina raged ashore on Aug. 29, 2005, carrying with it a powerful storm surge that flooded 80 percent of New Orleans, causing millions of dollars in damage and more than 1,800 deaths.

Thousands of residents streamed out of the city following a mandatory evacuation order. Those with no place else to go took refuge in the Superdome. After experiencing deplorable conditions, they left the Superdome and were bused to other parts of the state and country, including Houston’s Astrodome.

Many of those hardest hit were low-income Blacks, and their plight forced America to look at poverty and race in a different light. Criticism was also leveled at FEMA for its slow and inefficient response to the disaster.

Here, some of those impacted share their experiences.

Former New Orleans

Jason Le Beau (center) joined other participants at an anniversary worship service (Photos Ctsy. C’MO Media)

Relocated New Orleans residents recently New Home Family Worship Center in Southea reunite, heal, and commemorate the 10th anniv Katrina.

The former residents were joined by New Blakes Jr., who leads churches in both Houston along with New Orleans Mayor Mitchell J. Lan woman Sheila Jackson Lee and other clergy an members.

Attendees recalled their experiences after everything around them changed.

“What I remember most about Katrina wa and after evacuating thinking it was just a small soon pass,” said Renee McGee. “I thought after over, my family and I would be able to return h couldn’t. There was too much damage.”

Though adapting to her new life was diffic was shown helped.

“When I arrived to Houston, I was staying “It was quite uncomfortable, and I was still in d for was now gone. It was a hard pill to swallow kind.”

Adrienne Hinton said she felt welcome as

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Thoughts on New Orleans

J

oyace Ussin said that because of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans will never be the same.

“What I remember most about Katrina was the devastation,” Ussin said. “The people made New Orleans what it was, and a lot of the people couldn’t go back there, so it’s different now.”

Jason Le Beau agreed that things have changed.

“New Orleans is vastly different today then how it was when I grew up,” Le Beau said. “My old neighborhood of Gentilly Woods looks nothing like before, but the blessing in it is that improvements were made.

“There were a lot of things that have happened as a result of Katrina that really needed to happen.”

Pastor R.C. Blakes Jr. of New Home Family Worship Center agreed that progress is being made.

He said the educational system is now on another level and the numbers of children graduating and succeeding are gradually increasing.

He added that the biggest challenge remaining is providing affordable housing. He said people within the faith community need to come together with government and push for an affordable housing initiative.

“I believe preachers need to lead that march,” Blakes said. “Instead of talking we need to become the champions for those poor New Orleanians who really want to come home, but can’t because rent prices have doubled due to the upgrades. But overall I am proud of my city and the direction it is going.”

Pastor R.C. Blakes Jr. leads churches in New Orleans and Houston. (Photos Ctsy. C’MO Media)

s residents reflect, reunite

y came together at ast Houston to reflect, versary of Hurricane

“I was treated with great love when I first arrived to Houston,” Hinton said. “I was surprised that the people were as welcoming.”

Though she experienced ups and downs with getting w Home Pastor R.C. settled, Hinton decided to make Houston her permanent home n and New Orleans, due to the housing and other economic issues in New Orleans. ndrieu, CongressShe said since the rebuilding of the city, the cost of living has nd community doubled.

“I chose to stay in Houston because of the housing situadisaster struck and tion. It’s a lot cheaper to remain here,” Hinton said.

Though McGee was treated with kindness, she said comas the initial shock passion wasn’t extended to everyone. ll storm that would “I know of other people who felt they slipped through the r the storm passed cracks and didn’t receive the same treatment,” she said. home, but we In Houston, there was a perception that crime increased Mayor Mitchell Landrieu because of the large number of Katrina survivors who relocated cult, McGee said the compassion she here. Survivors were even labeled “refugees,” which some viewed as insulting.

Former resident Jason M. Le Beau said it was unfortunate that people from g in a hotel room,” McGee recalled.

New Orleans were grouped all into one category. disbelief that everything I had worked “You have to understand that whenever you are dealing with people from any w, but the people of Houston were city you’re going to have all types of people whether it be the good, the bad, or the ugly,” he said. s well.

Le Beau said through it all, the people of New Orleans were able to turn a

he Houston area for over 80 years

negative into a positive, including the fact that the government was unprepared for the crisis.

“I’m not one to do a lot of finger pointing, but the blessing in it through it all was where the government slacked, there were other organizations there to help us prepare and catch up where the government fell short,” Le Beau said.

New Orleans Mayor Landrieu echoed Le Beau’s thoughts. He said people across the country and beyond helped the people of New Orleans through the catastrophe.

“People stopped what they were doing, stopped in their tracks and the whole world paid attention to us, and in the most amazing way the people of New Orleans found their value again,” Landrieu said.

“We had gotten into the mindset that nobody liked us, and that people had forgotten us…We quickly found out that wasn’t true.”

He stressed the importance of thanking those who have helped New Orleans rebuild.

“I came here tonight, to do a couple of different things besides pray with you and be in your warm embrace…I came here to say thank you to the rest of America and the rest of the world for helping us stand back up.”

He noted that while many New Orleanians may have made Houston their new home, if they want to come back to the city, they are always welcome.

“I love Houston, it is one of the greatest cities in the world,” Landrieu said.

“But New Orleans doesn’t want to be Houston. What we want to be is the best version of our real selves because we are unique.”

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DEFENDER | AUGUST27 | 2015

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opinion

LeBron James gives kids a chance

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By REV. JESSE L. JACKSON SR.

his year in the NBA playoffs, LeBron James silenced all the chatterers who questioned his legacy. He put his team, decimated by injuries, on his back and willed them to the NBA finals. He showed that he is the greatest basketball player in the game today.

Off the court, LeBron is building an even greater legacy, one that provides a model for athletes and leaders across the country.

This month, while hosting an event for 5,000 students and their parents in his I Promise program at an amusement park, James announced that his foundation was teaming up with the University of Akron to provide a potential scholarship – a full ride of tuition and fees worth $38,000 over four years – to each of the approximately 1,000 students now in the “I Promise” program and to 1,300 more scheduled to be enlisted.

James was raised in Akron by a single mother who struggled to survive. On rising to prominence and wealth, he set up the LeBron James Family Foundation, which has focused on giving back to that community and helping at-risk kids.

James has done more than donate money. He’s devoted time and energy through his foundation to build a remarkable program. And he’s leveraged his stature to enlist other institutions as partners.

The I Promise program seeks to raise the graduation rate in Akron public schools. It sponsors a six-year program that provides mentoring, tutoring and after-school and summer school programs for at-risk youth. JP Morgan Chase provides technology staffers as volunteers to help ensure the kids stay on track for graduation.

The scholarship program is similarly leveraged.

The University of Akron guarantees a full scholarship for every student in the I Promise program who graduates from high school with the appropriate grades and test scores for admission.

Akron President Scott Scarborough said the university would join with the foundation to raise funds to support the scholarships. The first wave of students will come in 2021.

“These students have big dreams,” James said, “and I’m happy to do everything I can to help them get there. They’re going to have to earn it, but I’m excited to see what these kids can accomplish knowing that college is in their futures.”

James, who bypassed college to jump directly to the NBA, understands just how important this is.

“As a kid growing up in the inner city and a lot of African-American kids, you don’t really think past high school,” he said. “You don’t really know your future. You hear high school all the time, and you graduate high school and then you never think past that because either it’s not possible or your family’s not financially stable to even be able to support a kid going to college.”

Ohio.com reported on Tracy Griffin, a single mom raising three kids and working two jobs, who was nearly moved to tears by the announcement.

“Just to know I don’t have to worry about that…to suddenly find I’m a parent who doesn’t have to worry about their child’s future, it’s a blessing,” Griffin said. Hugging her daughter Bria, aged 10, she said, “I don’t want her to struggle like I did.”

“I’m so happy,” Bria exclaimed, adding that she wants to be either a veterinarian or a pediatrician.

Michele Campbell, the executive director of the Family Foundation, said James became visibly

emotional when discussing the impact the program could have on these kids.

“He has a chance to change their futures,” Campbell said. “Not everybody can be an NBA superstar, so to be able to provide the framework to make your dreams come true is overpowering.”

Many great athletes have difficulty dealing with the wealth and prominence that they suddenly gain at a very young age. We read often about their excesses and their mishaps. James is providing an exemplary model of what can be possible.

His focus on saving at-risk kids growing up in the inner city is clear. His core value that they must work hard to earn what they get is sound. His commitment that his foundation will give them the tools, tutors, support and resources to reach their potential is the game changer.

James has only begun to demonstrate his greatness on the court. And at a remarkably young age, with rare intelligence and grace, he is already creating his legacy off the court.

Thousands of young children growing up on hard streets with the deck stacked against them are being given a real chance because James has decided to be a hero not only on the court but in his community. Too often we hear about those who go wrong. Let’s celebrate LeBron James, who is surely going right.

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AUGUST 27 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Next Stop…

METRO’s New Bus Network!

METRO is proud to introduce its newly redesigned local bus system, complete with more frequent travel, better access to key destinations, and continuous service – seven days a week!

Now, riding is as easy as 1-2-3: 1. Call METRO Customer Care at 713-635-4000 to see how your route is changing or to plan a trip.

2. Visit RideMETRO.org and compare your old route to the new one using our dual trip planner.

3. Take us for a test drive and experience it for yourself.

Discover METRO’s New Bus Network, it’s a whole new way to ride.

More Service. Better Service. Your Service.

For more information, visit RideMETRO.org, or call 713-635-4000. facebook.com/ridemetro @metrohouston

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 27 | 2015

sports

TSU Tigers have no restrictions in 2015

I

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Coach Darrell Asberry

By MAX EDISON Defender

t has been a rough three years for Texas Southern University football and head coach Darrell Asberry. Hit with numerous NCAA violations, including restrictions on scholarships and practice time, as well as a ban from post-season play in 2013 and 2014, the Tiger program was put on lockdown.

In 2015 all debts to the NCAA have been paid and the Tigers are once again free to roam the SWAC jungle, desperate to devour another SWAC title.

Asberry compiled a stellar record as head coach at Division II Shaw University prior to arriving at TSU. His teams went 40-25 in six seasons and won three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships. Asberry’s previous record is in stark contrast to his 9-24 record (7-20 conference) as the top cat on Cleburne Street.

Entering his fourth campaign, Asberry feels a sense of relief that the “handcuffs” have been taken off the TSU program. Now the focus of the program takes on a new identity, playing for a division championship.

“Here at Texas Southern we understand what’s at stake,” Asberry said. “We have a bigger plan right now than what we’ve had in the past. I think we’re ready now to really step in, compete and get a great opportunity to make a push at the Western Division Championship.”

Asberry truly believes the 2015 Tigers have what it takes to win and win consistently. There will be no excuses for any shortcomings.

“We have the players,” Asberry said. “We have the coaches. We have the talent. We just Malik Cross, a wide receiver, will need to make sure we don’t beat ourselves. We are be a target of TSU’s quarterback. our worst enemy at times. Our ‘A’ game is going to be there. We want to win, huddle, pro-style offense. that’s the only thing on my The Tigers have a full agenda right now, winning. blown quarterback compeTrailblazer Althea Gibson subject We’ve won in the classtition with Jay Christophe, of documentary room, that’s behind us now.

Averion Hurts, Manny The next thing right now is Diaz and Johnathan Bowen winning football games.” all competing to be the man under center.

Asberry has reshuffled his coaching staff for the Whoever the eventual winner is will have senior 2015 season. He’s brought in former Prairie View A&M University head coach Heishma Northern as de- wideout Malik Cross and senior tight end Billy Rosenberg as targets. Sophomore Christian Eddison and fensive coordinator and former Jackson State assistant freshman Brad Woodard will lead a talented tandem of John Shannon as offensive coordinator. Both coaches have received awards as the nation’s top coordinator at running backs. Preseason All-SWAC candidate Glenn Jackson will anchor the offensive line. some point in their careers.

Defensively, Northern has found a cupOffensively, Shannon will employ a one-back, no-

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Amir Bloom, a defensive end, is a preseason All-SWAC player.

board full of talent featuring preseason All-SWAC defensive end Amir Bloom, a senior. Jarius Moore (senior) and Darian Claiborne (junior) will lead a stout group of linebackers. Sophomore Dondre Dobbins will be a ball hawk in the secondary.

“My biggest concern with this football team right now is not the talent, it’s me as a head coach trying to get them to jell,” Asberry said. “If I can continue to get this coaching staff to help me get these guys to jell as a football team, it’s scary how good this team can be.”

The Tigers open the season against conference rival PVAMU in the Labor Day Classic, Sept. 5 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

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AUGUST 27 | 2015 DEFENDER

sportsbriefs Bolt still the fastest With less than a year before the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, Jamaican Usain Bolt figured it was time to reassert his dominance.

Bolt used the stage at the World Athletic Championship games in Beijing, China to show he was prepared to defend his title as the world’s fastest man. Bolt defeated American Justin Gatlin in the 100 meters with a time of 9.79, which was.01 seconds faster than Gatlin. Usain was trailing for the majority of the race, but lunged forward at the tape to win the race. “It is all about running the race and getting it done,” he said. Bolt has battled nagging injuries for the last two years. During that time Gatlin, ruled the roost. Looks like Bolt is back.

Williams wins tune-up

Kalyn Greer does it all for for Austin H.S. volleyball the thick of things.

“I knew there was going to be some competition for the setter’s position because we had some people coming up from the junior varsity,” Greer said. “So I just had aria Villa knew she had a special to work hard in practice and go to extra private sessions talent on board in Kalyn Greer. Takoutside of school and practice my setting.” ing over as head volleyball coach at Greer began playing volleyball in the fourth grade HISD’s Austin High School following a and in the interim has developed a sense for what her team six-year stint as head coach at Furr High School, needs on the floor. When Washington drew even at a Villa observed the team last year as a fan game apiece in the third-place match, Greer knew and teacher at SFA. it was time for her to provide a spark.

“I worked at Austin last year Combining with outside hitter Jennifer and was able to watch a few games Olivarez (all-tournament selection), Greer when Kalyn was a freshman,” Villa and her teammates were able to regain said. “She was young and made a momentum and close out the match. few rookie mistakes along the way.

“We had to get our communicaYet I could see she had real potential. tion back up and really talk because for Birth date – Dec. 22, 1999 I knew she would be my setter this awhile we were dead,” Greer said. “We season.

Birth sign – Capricorn had to get the hype back going.”

“Now as a sophomore she does Her coach agrees that communicaFavorite subject – Math so much for us in terms of blocking, tion was one of the keys.

Possible career – Sports covering the floor and being a good “I like that they’re actually playing server,” Villa said. “Kalyn is a great agent as a team,” Villa said. “They are comasset to the team and she’s playing municating and seem to mesh very well Favorite athlete – Caitlin really well.” for me.”

Ogletree, University of Austin took third place in the Now the Lady Mustangs have 34th annual Houston ISD Varsity Cincinnati setter their eyes on a bigger prize. District 20Girls Volleyball Tournament that 5A is comprised of Austin, Jeff Davis, Favorite colors – Purple and included 20 schools. Victories over Lee, Madison, North Forest, Sharplime green Kashmere, Sam Houston and Chavez stown, Waltrip and Yates. vaulted the Lady Mustangs into the Favorite meal – Pasta “We definitely plan on taking the tournament semifinals against Lamar. district championship,” Villa said. “I How she relaxes – Plays with With a big edge in height Lamar know in the past that Madison was a smartphone advanced with a tough 26-24, 25-19 challenge and Yates was a challenge. verdict over Austin.

We plan to be right in the middle of it.”

Austin rebounded to claim the Greer is convinced that Austin is third-place trophy with a 25-15, the team to beat in 20-5A. 18-25, 25-19 win over Booker “I believe we can take it. We T. Washington. As usual, the can win the district title,” See other big winners in volleyball sophomore setter was right in she said.

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

M

About Kalyn Greer

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In a tune-up for the U.S. Open, tennis queen Serena Williams defeated Simona Halep 6-3, 7-6 (5) to claim her second consecutive WTA Cincinnati tournament. Williams is trying to become the first player since Steffi Graf in 1988 to pull off a Grand Slam sweep. “I’m ready,” Williams said. “I don’t care if I win or lose or break even. I’m ready to start it, get it over with and be done and go on to the next event. But I’m so ready for New York. I prefer to have this pressure than the pressure of not winning,” she said. The U.S. Open will be held Aug. 31-Sept. 13 in New York’s Flushing Meadows.

Manvel loaded again For the Manvel High School varsity football team, it’s the same song, different verse.

When the Mavericks host Spring Westfield on Aug. 28 in the 2015 season opener at Alvin Memorial Stadium, the Manvel roster will include nine seniors who have already committed to Football Bowl Subdivision schools.

That group includes quarterback D’Eriq King (TCU), wide receiver Reggie Hemphill-Mapps (Texas), offensive linemen Austin Myers (TCU) and Mackenzie Nworah (Missouri), and defensive end Hasaun Glasgow (Houston). Even 6-foot-6 backup quarterback Kyle Trask has verbally committed to Florida.

Deontay Anderson is one of the top prep safeties in the country and he’s considering offers from LSU, Texas, Texas A&M, Mississippi and Southern California. By national signing day there will be a few more Mavericks going to Division I schools. Manvel is 26-2 since 2013 and hasn’t lost a district game in four years.

Yet those two lopsided losses have both come against Katy in the regional finals. Manvel head coach Kirk Martin says that the season will be a failure if the Mavs don’t win a state championship.

Sissom takes over Randy Cunningham retired last spring following 34 years of coaching. He was the only head football coach Fort Bend Travis had ever known and the Tigers went 56-37 in seven varsity campaigns. This includes a district title in 2010 and four playoff appearances.

Now former Bellaire coach Trey Sissom takes over with a host of new players and a new direction. Travis graduated 45 lettermen and there may be an adjustment period as the players learn new schemes.

tournament

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 27 | 2015

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business

Black chamber, auto dealers sign agreement U. S. Black Chamber President/CEO Ron Busby signs a memorandum of understanding with National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers President Damon Lester while Marc Bland of IHS Automotive looks on.

By HAZEL TRICE EDNEY Special to the Defender

T

his year alone, AfricanAmericans are projected to spend as much as $24 billion on new cars and other vehicles from America’s auto industry. Yet, research shows that, commensurate with their spending, Black consumers have little to show for their support of car dealerships, except the shiny new purchases in their driveways.

That’s the reason that a new agreement between the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. and the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers was established to start solving that problem.

The purpose of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) is to forge relationships with Black vendors and suppliers with hopes to “open millions of dollars of opportunity to Black businesses across the nation,” said Ron Busby, president/CEO of the USBC. “The end goal of these agreements is to leverage USBC’s professional relationships to provide more tangible contracting opportunities for our small business members and to facilitate collaboration in the Black community,” Busby said.

The announcement of the MOU took place at a press conference sponsored by Hyundai North America during the USBC’s recent 2015 School of Chamber and Business Management, an annual gathering with a goal of fostering growth of small Black

businesses and economic development across the country.

Busby explained what the new MOU means to Black auto dealers and the Black community as a whole.

“The amount that African-Americans spend on vehicles is inappropriately unequal as it relates back to the number of dealerships that we own as well as the amount of money that those particular brands market to the African-American consumer,” Busby said.

“And so what we hope that this does – this new relationship that we’ve established – is we want to showcase the power of the African-American dollar and recirculate that dollar so that our Black dealers can now increase the number of employees that they have working on their staffs.”

NAMAD President Damon Lester added that there has been a drastic decrease in Black-owned dealerships. There were only 252 at the end of 2014. That’s down from a peak ownership of 795 in 2005.

Marc Bland, vice president for diversity and inclusion for

Improve your business credit scores 3. Improve your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of outstanding balances on all credit cards divided by the sum of each card’s limit, and expressed as a percentage. Work to keep your credit utilization low, preferably under 30 percent.

Lenders want to see that your company can properly manage its debts.

4. Increase your credit limit. Usually after the first six months of opening a credit account you can request a credit limit increase. An increase in credit availability lowers your credit utilization ratio, which ultimately improves your business credit ratings.

5. Keep your business T:4.79” profile up to date.

Your busi-

LEGAL NOTICE

ness profile contains your company’s banking and payment data, and critical information that other businesses, suppliers, and lenders use when deciding whether to extend credit to your company and on what terms.

The number of years you have been in business, number of employees, and gross annual sale should always be up to date.

These Texas Lottery Commission Scratch-Off games will be closing soon:

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For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and veterans. © 2015 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

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

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

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

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

All interested persons are invited to attend the public meetings. Written comments about this project may be submitted at the meeting.

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

T:3.25”

Having strong business credit scores and ratings are key to getting approved for credit and financing for your company.

In the same way that personal credit scores serves as a financial report card, your business credit scores grade the creditworthiness of your business.

Here are five ways to improve your business credit scores and ratings from the SBA. 1. Make prompt payments. The promptness with which a company pays its bills is one of the driving factors that impact business credit ratings.

For maximum impact, pay invoices ahead of the due date.

2. Add positive trade references. Adding positive payment experiences that your company has with suppliers, vendors, or business partners may have a positive impact to your business credit ratings and scores. Although not all vendors and suppliers share payment data with a business creditreporting agency, you have the opportunity to add trade references to your company’s Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) credit file.

IHS Automotive, which provides statistics and information on the automobile industry among others, said African-Americans represent about 8 percent of all new vehicles sold in the United States. By April of this year, Blacks had bought 373,901 vehicles, which, at a conservative $25,000 per vehicle, could end up at $24 billion by the end of this year.

He said the eight top brands selling most to African-Americans are Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Kia, Hyundai and Dodge.

Another issue often discussed in USBC circles is the question of how to convince African-American consumers to support Black-owned businesses. With an estimated spending power of $1.1 trillion, African-American economic power continues to grow exponentially.

But, according to the USBC, the average African-American dollar only stays six hours within the Black community.

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

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

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AUGUST 27 | 2015 D EFENDER

topevents

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

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NAREB WELCOME RECEPTION………..The National Association of Real experience included workshop presentations on financial literacy, career preparation, Estate Brokers (NAREB) kicked off its 68th annual convention at the President’s and visits to the Downtown Aquarium, NASA, and the University Museum at Texas Welcome Reception, held at the Wortham Theater. The convention was themed around Southern University. Those in attendance included Karen Franklin, Sophia Washington “Empowering realists to make a change” as the organization seeks to bring attention to Williams, Robert Horry, Susan L. Taylor, Nola Edwards, Brian Manning, Rev. keeping homeownership desirable, affordable and obtainable for all Americans. Houston James Dixon, Cassandra Caloca, Carroll Robinson and Sheila Page ………

Black Real Estate Association (HBREA) local board chair Gerald Womack emceed DIAMONDS AND PEARLS HAIR CUT CHARITY……….In preparation for back the event. The turnout exceeded expectations and guests included to school, the Diamonds and Pearls Mothers, along with HISD NAREB President Donnell Spivey, HBREA President John Guess Defender TOP EVENTS Trustee Wanda Adams, hosted a Hair Kut, Back Pack and School III, Ira Thomas, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, C. Renee Supply Charity event benefitting underprivileged African- American More photos on defendernetwork.com Wilson, Larry Butler, Eduardo Castaneda, Duane Webb, students. The event aligned with the organization’s mission, which is See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ with Melanie Lawson on Sunday Morning Michael Innis-Thompson, Rick Sharga, Courtney Johnson to enrich, educate, empower, celebrate and unite women and children of all ages to be catalysts for positive change. It featured various Rose, Rose Dixon, Congressman Al Green, Pastor Kirbyjon activities, backpack giveaways and special appearances by Houston Texan players and H. Caldwell and Antoine Thompson ………..WORLD YOUTH FOUNDATION cheerleaders. The event was held at the Kut-N-Zone Barber Shop. Those in attendance LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE……..The World Youth Foundation Inc., in included Yvette Adams, CleRenda McGrady, Iris Malika, Tiffany Massie, Corey partnership with NAREB, presented a youth academy leadership conference with the Grant, Ben Parker Jr., Lynwood Adams Jr., Michael Perry, Devon Parker, John theme, “The Leader in You.” The event was designed to celebrate, grow, engage and Gibbs and other community supporters. empower youth from ages 7 through 18 from Houston and Beyond. The three-day

John Guess III and Shag Bogany

Susan L. Taylor and Donnell Spivey

Former Houston Rocket Robert Horry and attendees

Yvette Adams, John Gibbs and Wanda Adams

Congressman Al Green and Algenita Davis

Karen Franklin

Lynwood P-nut Adams

Nola Edwards

DJ Def Jam Blaster

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 27 | 2015

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