Houston Defender: August 30, 2018

FEATURE

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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 87 | Number 44 AUGUST 30, 2018 FREE

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NEWSTALK SHEILA JACKSON LEE concerned about voter suppression

P2 FEATURE BEYONCE’ dishing out more scholarship money

P6 SPORTS ERIC DOOLEY ready to lead PV Panthers

P13 TOP EVENTS

Melanie Lawson

Living With Multiple Sclerosis H PAGE 8

Anyango Yarbo

performs at festival Classical music enthusiasts will get an opportunity to see YarboDavenport and other celebrated and talented principals, composers and performers of African descent at the Colour of Music festival.

James Harris and Mayor Sylvester Turner at the Mayor’s Jazz Brunch.

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HS Coaches

preview upcoming season Fans are ready for another exciting year in high school football. The Defender sat down with several Class 6A and 5A area head coaches to talk about the upcoming season and what fans can expect this year.

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ATTENTION VOTERS

Third Ward voter suppression blasted Defender News Services

Local Democratic leaders are blasting a state law that is putting voters in Third Ward at risk. Some Third Ward residents recently received notices from Harris County about voter registrations being suspended until they could provide proof of their residence to the county in order to vote in coming elections.

It’s all part of a Republican-led challenge in Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee the Texas Election Code allowing registered voters in Harris County to challenge the registration of other voters. According to the code, a registered voter may challenge the registration of another voter.

Alan Vera of the Harris County Republican Party delivered 4,000 challenges to the Harris County registrar.

“This law should be struck down,” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “If you have legitimate eligibility, you have the right to vote. This law is challenging and saying ‘I don’t like you and I’m going to file a challenge against you,’ no matter how weak that challenge is.”

Republicans say the Democratic voter registrar for Harris County, Ann Harris Bennett, “jumped the gun” and did not follow the law since thousands of voters received letters of registration suspension, instead of receiving a notice of 30 days to respond to proof of residency.

Vera is adamant that this isn’t a political attack.

“The goal is to make sure people are voting in the correct election. If there was something weird about your address, we challenged it,” Vera said.

However, the Harris County Democratic Party isn’t buying that.

“Republicans are taking advantage of a loophole,” Communications Director Odus Evbagharu said. “It al-

lows them to challenge voter registration, and they look for ways to continuously target minority voters.”

Erroneously or not, the challenge has resulted in some lawfully registered voters in minority neighborhoods seeing their right to vote jeopardized, so Jackson Lee is seeking federal intervenRegistrar Ann Harris Bennett tion.

“I’m asking Republicans and Dems to join in this effort that no single voter is denied the right to vote,” Jackson Lee said. “And for the Department of Justice to stand up and ask the state of Texas to stand down this law and have this law declared as an unconstitutional law. And to not allow mischief and mishap on people with bad attitudes about someone’s viewpoint or someone’s neighborhood or someone’s religion to be denied their right to vote.”

The Harris County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the affidavit concerning county residents.

“This is not just the Third Ward area, it’s all across Harris County,” said Bennett. “I have done my due diligence in sending out this letter. We are not there to take eligible people off the rolls. I will fight to make sure every eligible voter in Harris County is on that roll.

Bennett said a software glitch put some people in suspense mode when they went to check their voting status, but confirmed that the issue has been fixed.

“We want residents to go back and check to make sure they are showing as active,” she said. “But please rest easy that I will be protecting the voter rolls for residents in Harris County.”

The midterm election is Nov. 6, with early voting starting Oct. 22.

Excerpt from Bennett letter to voters …Complete the response form and return it to my office within 30 days. If your response indicates that you have moved within Harris County, your updated registration will become effective 30 days from the day the response form is received. You will be issued a new voting certificate and will be able to vote in your new precinct. If you have moved to another county, your response form will be forwarded to the voter registrar of your new county and your registration will be canceled in Harris County. If you do not respond at all to this notice, your registration will be canceled if you have not confirmed your address either by completing the response form or confirming your address when voting before November 3 following the second general election for state and county officers that occurs after the date the confirmation notice is mailed…

localbriefs VOTERS IN HARRIS COUNTY APPROVED the issuance of $2.5 billion in bonds to fund flood-control projects that might mitigate the damage caused by future storms. The bonds will fund projects that may include buyouts of homes in flood-prone areas, the expansion of local bayous and the construction of additional stormwater detention basins. A year ago, Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm and killed 68 people and caused an estimated $125 billion in damage in Texas. The bond referendum would help pay for projects to be chosen from a list of more than 230 proposals.

Passage of the measure means taxpayers would see

an average increase of $5 per year in their property taxes……A YEAR AFTER HARVEY, a growing share of affected residents say their lives are back on track, but three in 10 (30 percent) say their lives remain disrupted, finds a new Kaiser Family Foundation/ Episcopal Health Foundation survey of residents in 24 hard-hit Texas counties. The survey found that 70 percent of affected residents say their lives are largely or almost back to normal, up from 56 percent three months after the storm. Affected residents include those who reported property damage or income loss – about six in 10 (58 percent) of all residents across the

24-county area. Some, especially those who suffered severe damage to their homes, continue to struggle and 8 percent of all residents remain displaced from their pre-Harvey homes……..MISSOURI CITY HAS A NEW COMMUNITY CONNECTOR bus, which will bring personalized, curb-to-destination service to residents and visitors. This on-demand service allows individuals to travel anywhere within a zone, seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., all for $1.25. The new service will connect residents to jobs, grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, the new HCC Missouri City Campus and Metro’s local bus network.

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U.S.briefs

Andrew Gillum wins Democratic nomination for Florida governor Associated Press

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum upset a crowded field of well-funded candidates in Florida’s Democratic gubernatorial primary on Aug. 28, putting him a step away from becoming the state’s first Black governor.

His surprise victory sets up a November showdown with Republican Rep. Ron DeSantis, a favorite of President Donald Trump.

Gillum’s victory could further energize Black voters in a year when Democrats are already counting on high turnout among Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum was endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders. minorities to buoy the party in the November election. Gillum is governor. the party’s third Black gubernatorial nominee this year, Gillum, a favorite of progressives, spent the least along with Stacey Abrams in Georgia and Ben Jealous in of the five major Democratic candidates and had the Maryland. smallest television presence. He often said he was the DeSantis rode Trump’s endorsement to victory in only candidate in the race who wasn’t a millionaire or the GOP race, underscoring the president’s broad appeal billionaire, and won the endorsement of Vermont Sen. in Republican primaries. Trump cheered DeSantis’ vicBernie Sanders. tory on Twitter, writing: “Ron will be a fantastic GoverThe winner of the Florida governor’s race will give nor. On to November!” his party an advantage in a key political battleground DeSantis was one of several Republicans running in heading into the 2020 presidential campaign. contests Tuesday in Florida and Arizona – both imporDonna Shalala, who served as President Bill Clintant political battlegrounds – who hoped that cozying up ton’s Health and Human Services secretary, claimed the to the president would be rewarded by voters.

Democratic nomination in retiring Rep. Ileana RosGillum came from behind in a crowded and diverse Lehtinen’s district.

Democratic field. Former Rep. Gwen Graham, whose The primaries in both Florida and Arizona were father, Bob Graham, served as governor, had been hopclosely watched for signs of how the political battleing to position herself to become the state’s first female grounds might tilt in the 2020 presidential election.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY LEADERS VOTED TO LIMIT their own high-profile roles in choosing presidential nominees, giving even more weight to the outcome of state primaries and caucuses. The debate over the influence of party insiders known as superdelegates was evident of the fallout from the 2016 fight between eventual nominee Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. His supporters accused the party of tipping the scales in Clinton’s favor. The change comes with the November election nearing, when GOP control of Congress is at stake, and a potentially bruising nominating battle shaping up for 2020, when President Donald Trump is up for re-election……..ELECTION OFFICIALS IN A MAJORITY BLACK county in rural South Georgia took less than a minute to scrap a proposal to eliminate most of the local polling places, after the plan drew criticism from across the country. Concern about the proposal to close seven of the county’s nine voting locations was “overwhelming,” election officials said. The proposal came under fire because of the upcoming Georgia gubernatorial race where Stacey Abrams is running to become the nation’s first Black governor……..A FEDERAL COURT’S REJECTION OF NORTH CAROLINA’S GOP-rigged congressional district map has thrown in doubt 13 voting districts just months before the November midterm elections, along with prospects for the Republican and Democratic parties in the state and perhaps even the full US House of Representatives.

The three-judge panel’s reliance on an opinion

by Justice Elena Kagan -- which Chief Justice John Roberts had tried to undercut in the case last June -- represents a victory for challengers to partisan gerrymanders. It could embolden other judges who increasingly confront maps that were produced by sophisticated software and voter patterns to ensure that a single party prevails and election outcomes are essentially a foregone conclusion.

Black video game champ targeted by gunman Defender News Services

One of the men shot and killed at a gaming tournament in Jacksonville, Fla. was a popular video gaming champion from California who had won the national tournament, the Madden Classic, two years ago.

Eli “Trueboy” Clayton was among the victims killed at the EA Madden NFL 19 Classic video game tournament on Aug. 26.

The other victim was a former high school football player Taylor “SpotMePlzzz” Robertson who won $51,000 in his short gaming career.

Nine other people suffered gunshot wounds and two people were injured fleeing the area. The gunman, identified as 24-year-old David Katz, then killed himself.

The mass shooting occurred at the GLHF Game Bar where “gunfree zone” signs were posted throughout. Katz reportedly lost his game, left the bar, then returned 30 seconds later and began shooting.

Clayton was reportedly among the country’s top Madden players invited to participate in the first round of the qualifier.

VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 44 AUGUST 30, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer

Jodie B. Jiles

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Editor Max Edison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For 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).

Eli “Trueboy” Clayton

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McCain has mixed legacy in Black community birthplace and religion. He will be remembered as one of the few Republicans who openly criticized The death of Arizona U.S. Sen. President Donald Trump for calling John McCain elicited various Haiti and African nations “s---hole reactions from members of the countries.”

Black community. Some argued Democrats also cheered the that he was a respected and couradramatic moment on the Senate geous leader while others point floor in 2017 when McCain, while out his storied support of issues battling cancer, gave the thumbslike the Confederate Flag and down on the GOP vote to permavotes against making MLK Day a nently repeal Obamacare. national holiday.

Despite that, there was another McCain lost his battle with side to McCain. brain cancer on Aug. 25. The lawMcCain “has pretty well zero maker and Vietnam War hero, who relationship with the African-Amerran twice for U.S. president, died ican community that I know of,” at his home in Arizona at age 81.

Oscar Tillman, the former Arizona Black leaders offered their NAACP head, said in 2008. “I don’t support and condolences despite recall him ever attending any functhe mixed legacy. tion with the NAACP. Each year “Today we not only lost a war we send them an invitation [to an hero and savvy politician but a annual banquet], and each year they man that always put true Amerisay no.” can values before himself,” said The senator was also a NAACP President and CEO Der- The late U.S. Sen. John McCain embraced President Barack Obama after Obama defeated him in 2008. staunch opponent of the national rick Johnson said. “He was often Former President Barack Obama and the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Even after Presiopen to dialogue and conversation about some of Congressional Black Caucus tweeted statements dent Ronald Reagan finally decided to approve the this country’s most controversial issues, and he of support. McCain requested that Obama deliver bill for MLK Day, McCain voted against it. will forever be remembered for his fighting spirit. his eulogy.

He later regretted his opposition to celebrat“We send our condolences to the McCain Many recalled that McCain defended Obama ing the civil rights leader and he apologized for his family and the constituents he proudly served in on the campaign trail in 2008, when he shut down support in 2000 for keeping the Confederate flag Arizona for 33 years.” raised doubts about Obama’s FRO-17031-HoustonDefender-PricelessAdvice-9p75x6p5.pdf a 1“birther” 8/7/17 who 5:16 PM flying atop the South Carolina statehouse.

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Make summer go right with America’s Best-Selling Brand.

Superstars Beyoncé and Jay Z are helping high school seniors.

T:13” S:12”

Beyoncé and Jay Z give scholarships to students Defender News Service

Beyoncé and husband Jay Z may be raking in the dollars with their highly acclaimed On The Run II tour, but they are also pouring dollars back into communities all over the country.

The Carters announced a new scholarship program that will award $1 million in scholarships to “exceptional” high school seniors with financial needs. The scholarships of $100,000 each will go to one qualified student in each of the following cities: Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, Arlington, New Orleans, Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Clara and Seattle. Each of the cities is a site where the OTRII tour is appearing.

The Boys and Girls Club of America will choose the winners, according to the announcement. The students must demonstrate “academic excellence” and “financial need” so great that it threatens to prevent them from attending college for the 20182019 academic year.

This is not the first time that the power couple has extended outreach toward needy students. The Shawn Carter Foundation hosts tours to historically Black colleges and universities and offers scholarships to students headed to college. The organization was founded in 2003 by Jay Z and his mother, Gloria Carter.

The BeyGood initiative, headed by Beyoncé, has created a merit program called the Formation Scholars Award. The program helps female students reach educational goals. Another program, the Homecoming Scholars Award, provides resources for students to study at HBCUs, according to the announcement.

Founded in 2013 during the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, BeyGood has a mission to set an example of “giving back and paying it forward” while empowering others to do the same with what they have in their own communities. BeyGood is built on the belief that “we are all in this together and each and every one of us can make a difference by giving back.”

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America is based in Atlanta and has been in existence for 150 years. The organization runs more than 4,300 clubs that serve about 4 million young people and provides mentoring and youth development programs during non-school hours. Clubs are located all over – in cities, towns, public housing and Native American lands as well as on military installations.

The OTRII tour comes to Houston on Sept. 15 & 16 and wraps up Oct. 4 in Seattle.

*2017 Calendar Year. **Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. 72 months at $13.89 per month per $1,000 financed regardless of down payment on 18MY Escape, 18MY Edge, 18MY Explorer. Ford Credit Bonus Cash requires Ford Credit Financing, not all buyers will qualify. For all offers, take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 9/4/2018. See dealer or go to BuyFordNow.com for qualifications and complete details. *** Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. 60 Months at $16.67 per month per $1,000 financed regardless of down payment is available on 18MY F-150, excludes Raptor. For all offers, take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 9/4/2018. See dealer or go to BuyFordNow.com for qualifications and complete details.

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The Colour of Music

Black classical festival comes to town Defender News Services

Classical music enthusiasts will get a rare opportunity to see celebrated and prodigiously talented principals, composers and performers of African descent as the Colour of Music festival comes to town Sept. 12-16 at the University of Houston.

Now in its sixth year, the festival offers a musical kaleidoscope highlighting the impact and historical significance of Black classical composers and performers on American and world culture.

Assembling acclaimed Black chamber ensemble players and artists to form the Colour of Music Orchestra, the five-day festival showcases some of the top Black classical musicians trained at some of the most prestigious music schools, conservatories and universities in the world.

Artists from France, Britain, Colombia, the Caribbean and the United States will perform orchestral and choral works, chamber, piano, organ, vocal recitals, and opportunities for community education.

Mayor Sylvester Turner has thrown city support behind the festival Rodrick Dixon with a $25,000 grant. Funding for the grant is provided by City of Houston Hotel Occupancy Taxes, part of which are dedicated to the arts.

“It is a thrill to celebrate the partnering of Colour of Music Festival and University of Houston to bring to Houston new voices and perspectives in classical music,” Turner said. “As the most diverse city in the country, we welcome this international festival of the highest caliber as it shines a bring light on the city.”

Highlights of the festival include: • An Ebony & Ivory Piano Recital featuring Gerard

Gerard Aimontche and Anyango Yarbo-Davenport

Aimontche, a prize-winner of international competitions. (Sept. 9) • A recital featuring acclaimed violinist Anyango Yarbo-Davenport, who has also performed around the world. (Sept. 11) • An all-female COM Festival Virtuosi extends a year-long tribute to opera sensation Leontyne Price, the most famous soprano of her generation and a major contributor to Black classical music advancement, and in honor of her work with composer Samuel Barber, featuring soprano Laquita Mitchell performing Barber’s Hermit Songs. (Sept. 12) • A Chamber Music Series featuring Aimontche and Yarbo-Davenport (Sept. 12) • A two-day morning symposium featuring leading experts and musicians which will highlight academic perspectives of the cultural contributions of Black artists (Sept. 13 and 15).

• Under the direction of Atlanta’s Morehouse College

Laquita Mitchell

conductor David E. Morrow, the finale honors Black composers of the past and the families and individuals affected by the 2017 Houston floods, featuring Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass” and Houston-based composer John L. Cornelius II’s “Judgement for String Orchestra” in memory of enslaved Africans who perished during the Middle Passage (Sept. 14).

• Opening of the festival’s Masterworks performance features Houston-based Maestro Kirk Smith conducting Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s orchestra and choral masterpiece “The Song of Hiawatha’s Overture” and “Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast” with soloist Rodrick Dixon (Sept. 15).

In partnership with HISD, the festival will engage the area’s K-12 school children with in-school programs and free performances.

The principal sponsors of the festival – the University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the Katherine G. McGovern College of the Arts – offer discounts and packages to attend the numerous concerts, with all UH students able to attend for free.

For more information and tickets visit www. colourofmusic.org.

what’sup A Washington judge denied TAVIS SMILEY’S request that PBS hand over documents from as far back as the early 2000s relating to all of the romantic relationships senior network personnel have had with subordinates. The request was deemed too broad by the judge. Smiley filed a lawsuit in February against PBS for terminating him amid sexual misconduct allegations. Smiley, who has since landed a new show deal, claims PBS was “racially hostile.” PBS disputes that and maintained it has the right to cancel a program on any grounds. The network said information related to its cause for giving Smiley the pink slip is irrelevant……..The

authenticity of songs released on the posthumous MICHAEL JACKSON album, “Michael,” is going to be decided on in court after Sony Music Entertainment was accused by a fan of releasing tracks that were not really Jackson’s. A civil suit that MJ follower Vera Servoa filed four years ago alleges songs from the 2010 album were sung by an impersonator. Servoa pointed the finger at longtime Jackson pal Eddie Cascio and his production company, Angelikson Productions LLC, saying they recorded the supposed faux MJ music and sold it through the late performer’s estate and Sony Music Entertainment.…….PERI “PEBBLES” REID

and Viacom reached an agreement in a contentious $40 million lawsuit filed shortly after the airing of VH1’s 2013 TLC biopic, “CrazySexyCool.” The case was reportedly closed once the judge received word that a deal had been reached, only a few weeks before the Sept. 24 trial date. Reid served as a former manager for TLC in the early stages of the group’s superstardom when they were signed to her production company, Pebbitone. Reid said the movie portrayed her as a “conniving and dishonest business woman who hoodwinked three innocent girls and exploited their talent for her own personal gain.”

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MELANIE LAWSON

Living With Multiple Sclerosis

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By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

TRK anchor Melanie Lawson been an on-air staple in the Houston community for more than 30 years. Fans know her as talented and committed and with an infectious spirit. But some days are an extreme struggle for Lawson because of difficulties with mobility and fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis.

As a young girl, Lawson did not dream of a career in broadcasting. Growing up in segregated Houston in the Third Ward during the 1950s, she said the thought never crossed her mind. So she headed off to college at Princeton to study politics. Then she went on to Columbia and after graduating with a joint degree in law and journalism, she accepted a position at a Wall Street law firm.

It wasn’t long before she saw practicing law wasn’t Melanie with Congressman Al Green, Mayor Sylvester for her and she returned to Houston and took a position Turner and Rev. Bill Lawson. as a general assignments reporter on Channel 13. She was in some difficult situation. They soon promoted to anchor of the weekday and midday shows – a rigorknew that I had always been ous schedule that she thought would be ended by an MS diagnosis. very open and transparent with According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS is an my church and community. Plus, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the they knew that it would be a flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. terrible secret to try and drag MS symptoms are variable and the most common symptoms are overaround. Some people already whelming fatigue, visual disturbances, altered sensation and difficulknew that I have some physities with mobility. The exact cause of MS is still unknown. cal challenges. I didn’t walk as Lawson refuses to let the disease rule her life. She talked with the gracefully as I should. There Defender about what it’s like living with MS. were times when I would stumDefender: How did you find out that you have MS and why did ble and fall. So, it just seemed you decide to go public? the natural thing to do – to go Melanie Lawson: I kept having strange symptoms. I would have ahead and be open about it. tingling and numbness in my arms and legs. I would tire easily. I kept Defender: How do you thinking, “something isn’t right.” When I would go to the doctor, they manage those painful days Melanie with Tina Knowles and Beyonce’. would say I was under a lot of stress and needed to exercise more and when you just rather stay in bed get my rest. I was convinced there was something more to it. So when and not go to work? the diagnoses finally came, it was tough to hear but it proved to me Lawson: I guess I’m like anybody else. You just get up and keep that there was a name to what I was feeling. At the time, I thought, going and it’s the alternative to just curling up in a ball. That’s never “That’s it, it’s the end of my career. I’m going to have to hang it up.” been who I am and there’s certainly some days where I think of a But my boss was so generous. He basically said, “Just tell us what you million things I would rather do than go to work but that’s everybody. need,” and they would figure it out. And that’s been their approach all I’ve always believed that you just have to keep going. You’ve got to along. do what you’ve got to do. And it’s important to show other people I decided to go public because my parents and some of my that you can still do it. It doesn’t matter. We all have something but friends pushed me to do so, saying I could help someone else perhaps we can’t succumb. We have to be able to get up and get going and do

Melanie plus ye

what

D word some L ety o speci I’ve c And lot of what peopl or ha and t I seem daugh what it’s going to be like?” I consider that my mi body whether it is in person, or on the phone, or that life goes on.

Defender: What has been the most difficult career and the disease?

Lawson: I suppose the same thing that most and working full-time, or taking care of an elderl There are days when I’m frustrated because I Journalism is a physical business. But, it does

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Background

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Hometown: Houston Parents: Wheeler Avenue Pastor Emeritus William “Bill” Lawson and the late Audrey Lawson Education: B.A. in Politics, Princeton University; Joint degree in Law and Journalism, Columbia University Career highlights: Traveled to Cuba, Panama and Africa, among other places.

Won three Emmys, including one for her coverage of President Bill Clinton’s visit to South Africa, the only local reporter in the nation to make that trip. Interviewed three U.S. presidents, poet Maya Angelou, Grammy Award-winners Destiny’s Child, former heavyweight champion George Foreman, director Spike Lee, journalists Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts, evangelists Joel and Victoria Osteen, TD Jakes, prima ballerinas Lauren Anderson and Misty Copeland, basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, producer/director Tyler Perry and actors Betty White, Anthony Anderson and Denzel Washington.

Organizations: Houston Museum of African American Culture, Houston Ballet, SHAPE Community Center, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Volunteer Houston, Houston Association of Black Journalists, Houston Chapter of the Links Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the American Leadership Forum.

Angelou Melanie with Maya

Anchoring in the

1980s.

e Lawson been an on-air staple in Houston for 30ears.

you have to do.

Defender: You have put actions behind your ds and become an advocate for MS. Was this ething you purposely decided to do?

Lawson: I’ve been involved with the MS Sociover the years. I can’t say that I’ve done anything ific. I haven’t done any major fundraisers, but certainly been involved in raising awareness. it’s an organization that I really admire. I think a f what I’ve done has been more one-on-one. It’s I call my mission. I’m always approached by le who I know have been diagnosed themselves ave had a family member or loved one diagnosed they want to talk about how I deal with it.

I will get people who call and say, “My daughter ms discouraged. Can you talk with her?” or “My hter just found out she has MS. Can you tell her ission to be able to sit down and talk to someemailing each other back and forth just to ensure

t part for you when it comes to managing your

t people deal with – having a chronic illness ly parent or a child while working full-time. can’t walk as fast or stand as long as I like. sn’t stop me from doing what I really need to

With longtime an

chor Dave Ward

Melanie at the ro

deo

About MS

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a long-lasting disease that can affect your brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves in your eyes. It can cause problems with vision, balance, muscle control, and other basic body functions.

Visit www.NationalMSSociety.com for more information. do. I can sit down and do an interview with the best of them. I can emcee programs well, even if I’m sitting down most of the time with the microphone. I just adjust my life. I try to live most days figuring out how I can make it work.

Defender: What do you think has contributed to your longevity in the Houston community?

e Houston area for over 85 years

Lawson: I have no way of knowing. I think that half of it is the fact that I don’t just live in the Houston community, but this is where I grew up. This community is very much a part of who I am, so perhaps I have more of a perspective. A lot of people that come through Houston go on to other markets. But this is home for me and I don’t plan to go anywhere.

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Petition seeks to overturn Cosby verdicts NNPA News Service

Bill Cosby isn’t giving up his fight to clear his name. While the comedian awaits his Sept. 24 sentencing on aggravated indecent assault charges, supporters have launched an online petition seeking 1,000 signatures to help spur an investigation into Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and Judge Steven O’Neill.

The petitioners cite the Sixth Amendment which states, in part, that an individual has a right to be confronted with the witnesses against him and to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

“We wanted to organize and galvanize people because many of us who followed the trial or actually attended the trial, like I did, were very troubled with how everything went down,” said Nicole Lawrence, who started the petition.

Lawrence seeks 1,000 signatures and, to date, she’s already gathered more than one-third of that total.

“It seemed as though Mr. Cosby didn’t have a chance in hell with this prosecution and judge along with mainstream media who purposely did not check the backgrounds of [Cosby’s accusers],” Lawrence said, echoing the sentiment previously expressed by Cosby’s wife, Camille, who in 2015 cautioned the

media to do just that.

Lawrence has started a group called “The Bill Cosby is Innocent” campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in an effort she hopes will expose what really happened at trial.

In April, a jury found Cosby guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault for a 2004 or 2003 incident between he and former Temple University employee Andrea Constand.

On the witness stand and in police statements, Constand flip-flopped repeatedly as to the type of relationship she had with the now 81-year-old comedian, who faces 10 years in prison for each of the three counts.

At one point, Constand told an investigator that she had never been alone with Cosby at his home except for that faithful night in which no one seems to remember exactly when it occurred.

During other testimony, she said she had been alone several times. While at first denying whether there had been any intimate contact, like kissing, Constand later admitted that there was.

Cosby’s team contends that if the star was going to drug her as had been charged, then why is it that he never attempted to have sexual intercourse.

Bill Cosby awaits his Sept. 24 sentencing.

Katherine Johnson of ‘Hidden Figures’ is 100 NNPA News Service

Katherine Johnson, who hand-crunched the numbers for America’s first manned space flight – a feat that finally received its big screen acknowledgement just two years ago – turned 100 on Aug. 26.

“We celebrate Alpha Kappa Alpha’s own, Katherine Johnson,” AKA leaders said in a statement. “She’s credited with crunching the numbers by hand that allowed NASA to launch the first U.S. astronauts into space. We are women of many firsts. First and finest.”

Many others paid tribute via statements and NASA math genius Katherine Johnson recently reached a milestone. social media.

“If you haven’t seen the movie about what “Katherine Johnson’s historic contributions to she and other brilliant Black women at NASA accomplished, be sure to watch the fabulous movie, the evolution of applied mathematics and aerospace science epitomizes her genius to overcome the sci‘Hidden Figures,’ in her honor,” said comic book entific challenges of her generation,” Chavis said. writer Grace Randolph.

“Today, African-American women in particu“I stand on your shoulders,” said Dr. Camille lar should be inspired by the example of Katherine Alleyne. “You blazed the trail which I and so many Johnson in STEM career fields. The NNPA salutes have had the privilege to walk on…Katherine, you Johnson’s transformative legacy that is no longer are my hero. I love, honor and salute you,” Alleyne hidden.” said.

The recipient of the 2015 National Medal of Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO Freedom, and a 2016 People Magazine honoree as of the National Newspaper Publishers Association being among the 25 Women Changing the World, (NNPA), also paid homage to Johnson.

Johnson enjoyed a brilliant 33-year career at NASA and her life story finally was told on the big screen in “Hidden Figures,” the awardwinning movie that starred Taraji P. Henson (as Johnson), Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe.

After leaving her teaching job in 1953, Johnson began working for NASA and was able to calculate the trajectory for numerous space missions, including for the space flight of Alan Shephard, the first American in space and the trajectory for the famed 1968 Apollo 11 flight to the Moon.

At an early age, Johnson developed enviable math skills so much so that even NASA officials wrote a story about her titled, “The girl who loved to count.”

“I counted everything. I counted the steps to the road, the steps up to church, the number of dishes and silverware I washed…anything that could be counted, I did,” Johnson said.

When astronaut John Glenn went to the moon, Johnson said her “Hidden Figures” crew acted as the computer for the mission. She said calculating everything involved in the flight became like a geometry problem.

“I felt most proud of the success of the Apollo mission. We had to determine so much. Where you were, where the moon would be and how fast the astronauts were going,” Johnson said.

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AUGUST 30 | 2018 | DEFENDER

11

Beat traffic while saving money and stress Houston-Galveston Area Council

This August marked Commute Solutions Month, an annual celebration hosted by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) aimed at helping commuters reduce stress, waste less time stuck in traffic, and save money by opting for alternatives to driving solo.

In a region that ranks as the 11th worst area in the nation for traffic, there are several options for drivers to upgrade their daily commute, such as vanpooling, carpooling, taking public transit, teleworking, biking or walking.

While Commute Solutions Month may be ending, it’s never too late to find a smarter way to get around the region.

Here are three smarter ways you can improve your commute year-round: 1. Vanpool or carpool Sharing a ride not only takes single-passenger vehicles off the road, but also gives you the added benefits of splitting up the cost of gas and freeing up time in your commute to relax, catch up on e-mails before the work

day begins or socialize with fellow riders when you’re not driving.

You can set up a carpool with neighbors and coworkers, or you can start or find an already-established vanpool through Metro Star.

2. Park and ride There are Metro Park & Rides all over the HoustonGalveston region that give easy access to the bus or rail

and may drop you off within walking distance of work or school. In addition to Metro, there are several other transit agencies in the region that can help get you where you’re going. By leaving your car behind at a Park & Ride, you can reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle and not worry about navigating through traffic.

3. Teleworking and flexible scheduling You can avoid traffic altogether by working from home or coming into the office before or after peak traffic rush hours.

If working from home or alternative work hours isn’t available at your place of employment, get in contact with your department or email commutesolutions@hgac.com. An H-GAC representative can visit the office to discuss how to implement simple commute solutions in the workplace.

H-GAC is the regional organization through which local governments consider issues and cooperate in solving area-wide problems. Through H-GAC, local governments also initiate efforts in anticipating and preventing problems, saving public funds. The 13-county H-GAC service region is growing, becoming more diverse and constantly changing.

For more information on commuting alternatives, follow @HGACmpo on Facebook and Twitter for tips or visit findasmarterwaytowork.org.

12

DEFENDER | AUGUST 30 | 2018

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TSU student opens exhibit at Row Houses Dreana Booker, a junior art major at Texas Southern University, is one

of seven college students who unveiled installations as part of the 2018 Summer

Studios initiative at Project Row Houses. The viewing period runs through Sept.

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16. All seven projects are free and open to the public in the 2500 block of Holman Street.

Booker’s exhibit theme – “What Does Freedom Cost?” – revolves around systematic oppression and other social issues that impact African-American society. She uses paintings and mixed media displays to draw a parallel between slavery and its continued legacy in the United States.

Booker says that she plans to transform the Row House into a slave cabin as a reminder that antebellum racial politics is part of modern life. This is her first major installation.

“My work is about

Dreana Booker

that made me who I am or how it impacts a community. My art is pain,” she said. “I want to use my platform to spread awareness. It’s important NOTICE TO BIDDERS to me, my family and my REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Bidders are invited to submit an offer for performance of a Unit Price community.”

Contract to STRATUS KINGWOOD PLACE, L.P., located at the SIGNAGE PACKAGE Booker prefers above address, for the following construction Project, 12” WATER LINE TO SERVE ROCK CREEK DRIVE EXTENSION, Project NumTEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY acrylic paint because ber: 0340.10.002-A, located in the CITY OF HOUSTON, MONTGOM4681_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_0830.indd she can create specific LIBRARY/ LEARNING CENTER ERY COUNTY, TEXAS pigments. She often cries None Salazar / Eddie Jacobson University Library/ printed at 8-16-2018 11:47 AM 396-MB15 is the Construction Manager from Company

by Tommy Turner Construction for the Texas Southern Bid Documents may be obtained from GURROLA REPROGRAPHICS, Learning Center in Houston, Texas. You are invited to submit your Lump Sum Proposal (LSP) for all labor, INC. located at 6161 WASHINGTON AVE, HOUSTON, TX 77007 from while in the process of material, equipment, taxes, and other necessary items to complete the work in your trade for this project.

Monday to Friday between the hours of 9AM and 5PM. Bidders must approvals fonts & images creating and tries to find The LSP’s are to be in strict accordance with the Project Documents prepared by Moody Nolan (Project reference project title and project number to order plans. Bidders will creative dir Manual.

None W74681 Fonts Architect) and Turner Construction’s RFP Project be responsible for any production costs. Bid Documents are made colors that match her level art director None TEXAS LOTTERY Helvetica Neue LT Std (95 Black, 57 Condensed, 97 Blackonly for the purpose of obtaining offers for this Project and available library and learning five story plus 6th floor mechanical penthouse copywriter None SEPT EOG AD The project is a new construction 137,000sf Condensed, 87 Heavy Condensed, 77 Bold Condensed), Times a license for other purposes. of emotion. does not grant Cleburne Street,CRUZ Houston, TX 77004. This(Regular) Project will be constructaccount mgr VALERIE 4.79” x 3.25” center located on TSU’s campus at 3100 She joins fellow proofreader None ed on an active university campus where the work None will require careful coordination to successfully perform all A NONMANDATORY pre-bid conference for bidders is scheduled to None Images work while the university remains operational at all times. be held at 1:00PM local time, on SEPTEMBER 5 2018. All bidders students from Rice UniBW None (General Contractors, Subcontractors, and Suppliers) are invited to All Work must be performednotes and coordinated through Turner in strict accordance with Texas Southern HOUSTON DEFENDER versity, the University of attend. The pre-bid conference will convene at 2500 SUMMER Schedule, this RFP and the Contract Documents.

In the event of a NEWSPAPER University requirements, the Project Inks DUE: 08/23 STREET, SUITE 2100, HOUSTON, TX 77007.

Houston, University of Black None conflict, the most stringent requirement PUB: 08/30 will prevail.

Houston-Downtown and Sealed bids signed by an officer of the company and dated will be This proposal shall be in strict accordance with the Packages contained herein, this RFP and the Contract received by SHAUN THERIOT-SMITH, PROJECT MANAGER, at Documents. However, cost saving suggestions are acceptable and encouraged and are to be submitted as University of St. Thomas 2500 SUMMER STREET, SUITE 2100, HOUSTON, TX 77007 until voluntary alternates to the base plans and specifications. Please refer to the Request For Proposal Manual 1:00PM local time, on SEPTEMBER 12 2018.

Bids shall be accompain the Summer Studio for Instructions to Bidders, Insurance requirements, Proposal Forms, etc. nied by a security deposit in the form of a Cashier’s Check or Bidders suite 300 • austin, tx 78746 Residents program.

12.479.6024 Bond in the amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the bid subPROPOSAL DOCUMENTS mitted. The successful bidder must furnish Payment and Performance Project Row Houses Proposal documents may be downloaded from Building Connected. Contact Chris Compton at 713-358-8214 Bonds on the forms provided in the amount of one-hundred percent is a community plator ccompton@tcco.com for access to Turner’s Building Connected site. All Subcontractors will be (100%) each of the total Contract Price. required to complete the Turner Construction pre-qualification process prior to any issuance of a form designed to enrich The above described construction will be performed in accordance Subcontract. Please reference RFP for Pre-Qualification Instructions. lives through art with an with plans and specifications and any addenda thereto which may be BID RFI’s issued up to forty-eight (48) hours prior to opening of bids. emphasis on cultural idenBid RFI’s must be submitted on the RFI Form located in the RFI folder (in BuildingConnected) on or before tity and its impact on the th 10:00am Wednesday September 5 , 2018. urban landscape. It engages ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS PROPOSAL DUE DATE neighbors, artists, and enterHOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 10:00 AM TUESDAY September 11, 2018 prises in collective creative DOWNTOWN STREET LIGHT INFILL PROJECT Proposals are to be submitted to Turner Construction Company, 3505 Rosewood St. Houston, TX action to help materialize 77004, Attention: Chris Compton, or faxed to 713.840.8365 on or before the due date.

The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown sustainable opportunities in District”) will receive sealed bids for the Downtown Street Light Infill They may also be submitted by e-mail to houstonbids@tcco.com or ccompton@tcco.com with ‘TSU Project, located in Downtown Houston. Bids will be received until marginalized communities.

Library Learning Center – Signage Package’ in the subject line.

11:00 AM, local time on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 by the DirecPRH occupies a signifiTurner Construction Company reserves the right to utilize the following evaluation criteria when reviewing the tor of Planning & Design, Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 bids that are submitted: Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this cant footprint in Houston’s time will not be accepted. historic Third Ward, one of a) Subcontractor’s experience, Beginning Tuesday, September 4, 2018, Bid Documents will be the city’s oldest Africanb) Manpower & equipment availability for Project available at www.civcastusa.com. Any Addenda will be distributed c) Financial capability/performance history/litigation history through www.civcastusa.com. Bid Documents may also be examined American neighborhoods. d) Proposal amount at the Minority Business Development Agency Business Center (2302 e) Ability to meet the construction schedule The site encompasses five Fannin Street, Suite 165, Houston, TX 77002) or viewed online at f) Project approach isqft.com. city blocks and houses 39 g) Safety record/ EMR h) Historically Underutilized Business Subcontracting Plan, refer to Section 16 in RFP structures that serve as home A MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 10:00 AM on i) Completion of bid form Tuesday, September 11, 2018, in the Downtown District’s Conference base to a variety of commuThe bid will be awarded to the subcontractor which is determined to be qualified under the evaluation criteria Room, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas mentioned above and based upon the Scoring Criteria & Subcontractor Selection Sheet in Turner Construc77010. All bidders (general contractors) are invited to attend. Bids will nity-enriching initiatives, art tion’s RFP Project Manual. Turner Construction Company may have discussions with qualified subcontracbe ruled non-responsive if received from a bidder who did not attend programs, and neighborhood tors to clarify the bid that has been submitted and to assure full understanding of and responsiveness to the the Pre-bid Conference. Late arrivals will not be admitted to the bid solicitation. Turner Construction Company may negotiate with subcontractors that have been determined development activities.

Pre-bid Conference. to be qualified in order to obtain a final and best offer. However, negotiations shall not alter the original scope For more information of work as defined in the contractor’s original bid documents as provided by Turner Construction Company.

Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95-336 (March 29, 1995) Turner Construction Company will select the subcontractor which is determined to be the most advantageous and Exec. Order No.1‑2 (June 14, 1995), and City of Houston Affirm- visit https://project rowto the successful completion of the Project based upon the evaluation criteria set forth in Section 1 Instruction ative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Busito Bidders and need not necessarily accept the lowest priced subcontractor. The subcontractor whose proness Enterprise (M/WBE) Procedures (June 1995). The successful houses.org/public/summerposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the successful, timely and efficient completion of the Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an studios.

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Project, taking into account the evaluation factors, shall be selected. Upon selection of a subcontractor, the subcontractor will be required to sign Turner Construction’s standard subcontract agreement.

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AUGUST 30 | 2018 | DEFENDER

sports

13

PVAMU coach Dooley prepared for great things

By MAX EDISON Defender

When you spend time around new Prairie View A&M University head coach Eric Dooley you can’t help but be impressed with his overall confidence. Clearly it comes from being a winner at every level of his football career. Given his resume it’s hard to bet against him and what he will accomplish at PVAMU. As a player at Grambling, Dooley was coached by the legendary Eddie Robinson and won two SWAC championships. Most recently as offensive coordinator at Grambling he was a vital part of three consecutive SWAC Western Division titles (2015-17), two SWAC Championships (2016-17) and an HBCU National Championship (2016).

At Grambling, his offenses averaged at least 31 points per game in all four seasons, and ranked first or second in the SWAC in scoring offense each of the last three seasons. In 2016, he was named American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year.

Because he was a known commodity within the conference it has led to an easy transition of power at PVAMU. “The transition has been smooth,” Dooley said. “It helps to have played in this conference and know some of the young men on this team. Knowing the success we’ve had played a huge role.

Knowing your background and your body of work makes a huge difference. It makes them more receptive to what you bring to the table.”

The schedule-makers didn’t do the Panthers any favors this season. They start the season with six consecutive games on the road, two of those against FBS (Division I) opponents. Dooley seems undaunted by the challenge.

“I’ve always been taught you play the hand you’re dealt. I accept the challenge,” Dooley said. “I know it’s an extremely difficult schedule. I know we’re on the road for the first six games, but we’ve got to play wherever we go. Our motto has always been ‘spot the ball.’ That means spot the ball and let’s play football wherever we may be.

“We prepare for every opponent the same way,” he continued. “There’s no big or small opponent. We plan to play all out for 60 minutes. When we do that, we have an opportunity to win.”

Coach Eric Dooley is in his first season at the helm. (Photos courtesy Prairie View A&M University)

Receiver Tristan Wallace

That mentality was on display when PVAMU started the season against Rice.

Dooley’s Panthers lost a heartbreaker 31-28 on a last-second field goal after dominating the Owls offensively for a large portion of the game.

“I thought it was a hard-fought game,” Dooley said. “We had a couple of turnovers [fumble, snap out of the end zone] that changde the complexity of the game. That’s football – limiting turnovers and creating turnovers. Overall, I’m proud of the kids.

They fought hard.”

With Dooley as the head coach expect PVAMU to be explosive offensively. QB Jalen Morton flashes the type of RPO (run, pass, option) skills that make

Quarterback Jalen Morton

him a total package threat. Against Rice he was 16 of 28 passes for 244 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed 12 times for 53 yards.

They have big-time playmakers in receiver Tristen Wallace and running backs Dawonya Tucker and Bernard Goodwater. Christian Rice, Danny Garza and Corbin Finlayson figure to be stalwarts on the offensive line.

In recent years the Panthers have been known for explosive offense but have been lacking defensively. New defensive coordinator Henry Miller will have an experienced group to help him reverse that trend. Jermaine Jackson and Ronald Collins will lead an experienced group on the defensive line. Anthony Stubbs and Willie Green are anchors at linebacker.

Dooley feels his secondary is where the power of the defense lies.

“I think the strength of our team defensively is the secondary,” he said. “We have some talented young men back there that are very competitive. They did a great job in the spring and that’s continued into the fall camp.”

Ju’Anthony Parker, Reggie Stubblefield, Jaylen Harris and Will Skinner are as good as any secondary group in the conference.

The Panthers are locked and loaded this season. Dooley knows what it takes to win it all. We will see if he can rally his troops to get there.

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14

DEFENDER | AUGUST 30 | 2018

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H.S. sports

High school

FOOTBALL COACHES’

season preview

6A

By JODIE B. JILES Defender In what is sure to be another exciting year in high school football, the Defender sat down with several Class 6A and 5A area head coaches to talk about the upcoming season. They were asked what fans can expect from each team’s offense and defense this year.

Defense

Offense

JOHN KAY – NORTH SHORE “Come out and protect the ball.

We’re always trying to run the football first. So, I would really like to see us run the football well, protect the football, execute the short game and just play mistake-free offensive football.”

“Number one, stay healthy. I think everyone at this time of year is looking to stay healthy and make sure the kids are doing things to work on their execution but most importantly staying healthy. I would like to see us tackle well, execute coverages and play well with our hands. The kids have been hitting each other through spring ball and fall camp so we will see what they will do against some better competition this season. The seniors that have the most experience like Tony Bradford Jr. and Jordan Revels and our guys in the secondary like Dorian Hewitt, Keeyon Stewart and Rayveon Shelton are some guys that have a chance to do some things because of their experience.”

STEPHEN DIXON – HEIGHTS “First and foremost is the running game. We have a special running back in Emunn Parker who definitely has some blazing speed. So, I think our running game is going to be better this year than it was last year. We have some weapons on the outside, not as many as we had last year but we definitely have some weapons to get some things done. But I am definitely looking forward to step up in our running game this year.”

“Defensively it’s pressure, pressure, pressure.

We didn’t blitz as much last year, but this year we are going to get back to what we have done in the past and have been successful at, and see if teams can handle our pressure. We are going to come at teams from all angles whether it’s from the secondary or whether it’s from the linebacker spot.

We are going to send more pressure this year than we have in the past.”

MICHAEL LINDSEY – LAMAR “We have two quarterbacks who are competing for the job.

Drew Woodcox, who will be a junior, and Troy Tisdale. They both received playing time last year but we’re looking for one of those guys to take the reins at quarterback. Cameron Keener, our running back, was our backup last year. Cameron is looking for a big season and can really run the ball well. He has an awesome sophomore backup as well, Jaquon Marion. Our receiving core has really improved tremendously. Ka’Veon Griffin, our junior outside receiver No. 80, is looking for a breakout season. James Johnson has waited his turn and he’ll be on the other side of the ball as an outside receiver. Slot receiver Zane Knipe recently committed to Rice University. We’re looking for some big things from him.

“We lost six out of the back seven, so three linebackers will be new and three of the defensive backs will be new. Our only returner is Alex Hogan, who started last year and played in every game. He’s a dangerous guy in the return game and he’s our leader in the secondary. Joining Alex will be Joe Wilson, who will play both offense and defense. Joe will start at safety and slot receiver. Joe is a tremendous leader for us. Up front, we love Kenneth Dotson. He will anchor our defensive line along with Trevon Johnson. Trevon is one of the best defensive linemen in the city.

He just isn’t quite the size as some of those other guys but Trevon will make a lot of noise. He’s about 6-feet-2, 240 pounds.

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defendernetwork.com

AUGUST 30 | 2018 | DEFENDER

H.S. sports

15

High school

FOOTBALL COACHES’

season preview

5A

Defense

Offense

KEVIN HALL – MANVEL “We have a left tackle Layden Robinson. There’s not a better left tackle in the country. He is phenomenal.

Then of course we have Josh Coltrin at quarterback. He brings a little different dynamic in that Josh can run the ball and also throws a really good football. We have two running backs who are back with experience. Garrison Johnson is the bigger of the two, more of a bruising back.

Then we have Ladarius Owens, who is more of a speed guy, but they’re both physical, they’re both fast, they’re both great kids and they work hard. We are going to have to rely a little bit more on the running game. We lost all four receivers and we’re having to replace them. Getting good is not an event; it’s a process that takes time.”

“Defensively we are putting in a new scheme. We are still going to do some things that we have done in the past but our personnel that we have now dictates a change of what we do and our kids are in the process of learning. It’s been a pretty steep learning curve. Kori Roberson is a big, smart football player. He can play any position on the defensive line. He plays hard. We’re gonna try to put him in the best position we can that helps our defense out. Jermaine Brown is one of our returning starters on defense. He was an outside linebacker for us and he is moving to inside linebacker. He is so incredibly fast and athletic. He stands to have a tremendous senior year.”

JAMES WILLIAMS – FORT BEND MARSHALL “It’s the same as we have been doing. Always start with the run game and control the line of scrimmage. We have some spread formations but we’re going to run the ball and control the line of scrimmage and be physical. That sets up everything else on the outside with our skilled guys and downfield throws but it all starts at the line of scrimmage.

We expect to hopefully have quite a wide-open offense with some good things happening and a lot of points on the board.”

“As I said with the offense we’re going to control the line of scrimmage and try our best to be physical up front, be sure tacklers, be disciplined and to be right in our assignments. If we can get that done with our guys I think good things will happen.”

defendernetwork.com VIDEO: Star players talk about the new season

SHAWN NARCISSE – MADISON “On the offense we’re going to be okay; we just need to find that niche. This year we are going with the attitude that we are going to play both sides of the ball. You can’t play one side of the ball, you have to play offense and defense. Due to depth,we are just going to put the best 11 on the field. That’s our goal – put the best 11 on the field. We are just going to roll like that and hope we can get something going.”

“This year they are going to be well-coached. I brought in a defensive coordinator by the name of Julius Keggins, who is very knowledgeable of defenses and offense. I just brought somebody who’s going to bring energy to the defense. That’s a special group. We have 10 seniors who were starters and we’re just looking for big things. The most important thing is that the kids are going to be taught right and they are going to know what their assignment is and their alignment is.”

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16

DEFENDER | AUGUST 30 | 2018

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

topevents

HOUSTON BLACK HERITAGE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL……..

Turner promised even more with next year’s expansion of the event to an entire weekend The Houston Black Heritage Music & Arts Festival – an annual celebration of appreciating the diversity of jazz in the nation’s most diverse city. Attendees included of African-American culture expressed through art, music, education, poetry, legendary local jazz artist Bubbha Thomas, Donna Franklin and Ernest Walker food and community – held this year’s festivities at the George R. Brown (KTSU), James Harris, Cindy George, Linda K. Brown, Harris County Commissioner Convention Center. Themed villages centered around empowerment, health Rodney Ellis, Licia Green, Whitney Mercilus (Houston Texans), Councilmembers and wellness, cultural arts, and more enriched attendees as the festival paid Martha Castex Tatum and Jerry Davis, Janice Weaver and many more…….. homage to community trailblazers via its Black Heritage Honors program and WOMEN IN THE NAACP FASHION SHOW….. The Women in the NAACP entertained with performers Stokley Williams, Lalah (W.I.N.) held a fashion show at Emancipation Park celebrating Hathaway, J. Paul Jr., Jessica Reedy, Earnest Pugh Defender TOP EVENTS the organization’s 100th anniversary. The event’s theme, “Tipping More photos on defendernetwork.com and Vincent Powell. Event founder Richard Andrews Our Hats to 100 Years of Advocacy,” was evident throughout welcomed attendees who included Zina Garrison, DJ the afternoon, with fashions that reflected the changing times, an Nicky Nice, State Rep. Shawn Thierry, Bwagilo Hairston MLK speech excerpt by Anthony Collier, and awards honoring and many others……..MAYOR’S JAZZ BRUNCH……..The Hobby Center local change agents. Attendees included event coordinator Alane Lillie, MC Dr. for the Performing Arts played host to this year’s Mayor’s Jazz Brunch, an event Carlotta Brown, Lashica Velazquez, Adfanie Smith Gray, Carrie Jackson, Johnola featuring a performance by students from the Summer Jazz Program, tasty food Straight, Janeze Murray, Dominique Hammons, Carol Mims Galloway, Carolyn and a special performance by national recording jazz artist Helen Sung. Though Scantlebury, Brian Seymour, Jaimi Canady, Simone Hall, Joycelyn Russell, the packed house enjoyed every minute of the festivities, Mayor Sylvester Zona Jefferson and countless others.

Black Don’t Crack Attendees, Zina Garrison

Richard Andrews, Stokley Williams

Mayor Sylvester Turner, Helen Sung and Ernest Walker.

Lashica Velazquez, Adfanie Smith Gray, Alane Lillie, Dr. Carollta Brown

Cindy George, Linda K. Brown

Christian Cargile, Chrissee Cargile, Janeze Murray

Lalah Hathaway, Attendee

State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Bubbha Thomas, Dr. Jonita Reynolds

Kelsi Sadler, Miah Holt, Mia Sloan

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