Houston Defender: September 10. 2015

HS ZONE NORTHBROOK RUNNING BACK ANTHONY WILLIAMS HAS BEST GAME EVER P15 defendernetwork.com

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 84 | Number 40 SEPTEMBER 10, 2015 | FREE

www.defendernetwork.com

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

NEWSTALK CHIEF CHARLES MCCLELLAND prays for police officers

P2

ENTERTAINMENT PRISCILLA SHIRER debuts in “War Room”

P6 SPORTS CECIL SHORTS III strengthens Texans’ lineup

SANAA LATHAN in ‘The Perfect Guy’ H PAGE 5

P14

Robbie Tolan case in court Sept. 14

TOP EVENTS

The Robbie Tolan police shooting case returns to the spotlight on Monday, Sept. 14, when Tolan’s lawsuit against a Bellaire officer and city officials goes to trial in a Houston federal court. The case has drawn national attention and charges of racial profiling.

Read about a journey of faith, as Robbie’s mom, Marian Tolan, speaks out. Learn why the case is historic from Benjamin Crump, the noted civil rights attorney representing

Warren Luckett and Wayne Luckett at Branwar wine tasting

P16

Marian Tolan & son Robbie

H PAGE 7-9

Benjamin Crump

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

2

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015

newstalk

defendernetwork.com

UBER, NAACP, Change Happens adding 5,000 jobs

By LAGLORIA WHEATFALL Defender

HPD Police Chief Charles McClelland supports prayer for law enforcement.

‘Pray for Police’ campaign launched In response to the murder of Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth, local law enforcement officials, elected officials and religious leaders launched a “Pray for Police” campaign.

As part of the campaign, 30,000 wristbands will be distributed to area residents as a sign of solidarity. The light blue wristbands read “Pray for Police” with the hashtag #P4P. For 24 hours, volunteers prayed with anyone who visited the Houston Police Officer’s Union to obtain a wristband.

A partnership with Uber, the NAACP Houston Branch, and Change Happens will create 5,000 new jobs in Houston within the next 12 months. The new initiative is recruiting eligible individuals to become drivers on the Uber platform and give the community additional transportation options.

“I consider Change Happens and the NAACP the ‘porch’ of the community,” said Rev. Leslie Smith, founder & CEO of Change Happens. “And so what we’re doing with UBER services and this partnership is bringing it to the porch, where the people are.”

Since launching in February 2014, Uber has connected Houstonians to more than 3.5 million rides. According to a recent report, the number of rides beginning in underserved neighborhoods increased significantly in the first half of 2015, with the average wait time in areas such as Third Ward under seven minutes.

Driver Lateefah Eburuche said the company provides economic opportunities for the community.

“I think it shows the possibilities for underprivileged people in underprivileged neighborhoods,” she said. “But we’re also providing jobs [and bringing] money into the community.

Supporters added that drivers can be their own boss and choose their own hours.

For more information visit t.uber.com/drivech.

“The men and women of law enforcement have a very difficult job but this showing here today reaffirms in my mind commitment and support of this community and I know the small majority is always in the corner of law enforcement,” said Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland.

“If we join together, join our voices, join our prayers, join our hands, we can heal not just this rift in law enforcement and citizens but across this nation,” said Houston Mayor Annise Parker. Let it start here, let it start now.”

Rev. Leslie Smith, Sarfraz Maredia, Councilman Dwight Boykins and Dr. James Douglas promote jobs through Uber.

localbriefs QUANELL X recently sponsored a fundraiser for murdered Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth.

“Many have raised the question why there has not been a response from the African-American community about Deputy Goforth,” he said. “Many of us have prayed for Deputy Goforth’s family, we grieve with his family. Many believe we are at war with the police, and that is not the case. We’re at war with police corruption, police brutality, bad cops, not good ones.

From everything that we’ve learned and we’ve seen, Deputy Goforth was a good one. He did not deserve to die like that,” he said……..TEXAS MINORITY

STUDENTS interested in law school can apply for a scholarship for a free Kaplan LSAT preparation course.

Texas Appleseed is assisting with the full cost of the course as part of its Diversity Legal Scholars program, which is aimed at diversifying the legal profession.

The scholarship is available three times a year, and this is the final round of 2015. Completed application materials must be postmarked by Sept. 30. Scholarship recipients must be Texas residents, a minority, apply to take the LSAT on the Dec. 5, test date, and must plan to enter law school by fall 2016. Details and the application form can be found at www.texasappleseed.

org/diversity-legal-scholars.........FORT BEND ISD is launching Attendance Counts, a campaign that coincides with Attendance Awareness Month. The campaign is designed to engage and educate parents, teachers, students and community members about the importance of good attendance. “Our district is here to support students and their families,” said Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre. “Building quality relationships with students and providing them with a rigorous learning environment are essential to helping students who want to come to school each day. We want students to know they are missed when they aren’t in class.”

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs AN OCTOBER 2016 trial has been scheduled for the wrongful death lawsuit brought against the city of Ferguson by Michael Brown’s parents. Former police officer Darren Wilson fatally shot 18-year-old Brown in August 2014.

Activists and residents of the St. Louis area observed the one-year anniversary of Brown’s death last month with demonstrations and vigils……..NEW JERSEY GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE said if he was mayor of New York City, he would bring back the stop-andfrisk practice that opponents criticized as racially discriminatory. Current NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio did away with the practice two years ago. Christie, who is also a Republican presidential candidate, said stop-and-frisk would empower the police, not undercut them.

“If police officers step over the line, then they deserve to be taken care of and prosecuted.

But this guy [de Blasio] presumes guilt on the part of the police officers before anything happens,” Christie said……..BLACK YOUTH experienced bigger employment gains over the summer than white and Hispanic youth, according to Valerie Wilson of the Economic Policy Institute. Wilson studied the seasonally unadjusted jobs numbers from June, July and August and discovered that Black youth 16-19 showed the largest gains among young people in employment-to-population ratio, the share of the population that is employed. Wilson said that the summer youth employment numbers are higher in general because the economy is doing better, but Black and Latino youth might have been more motivated to look for jobs by tough financial conditions at home……..DOZENS OF DISGRUNTLED Howard University students piled into the campus administration building to protest what they said was poor customer service and repeated failures in the financial aid office, campus housing and other student services.

Howard President Wayne Frederick apologized for the “shortcomings,” and said the university was working with students to resolve their complaints.

3

Black Methodist leaders organize for racial justice NNPA News Service

Flanked by images of the nine men and women murdered at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C., the four little girls killed in the 1963 bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., and other victims of racial violence, a coalition of Black Methodist leaders stepped squarely into the current fight for racial justice.

The coalition announced its social and political goals via a “Liberty and Justice for All” press conference in Washington, D.C. Comprised of representatives from the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.), African Methodist Episcopal Bishop John R. Bryant, senior bishop of the AME Church, appears at a press conference with fellow clergy members. A portrait of slain AME pastor and State Rep. Zion (A.M.E. Zion), and Christian Clementa Pinckney of Charleston, S.C. is in the background.

Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) churches, the coalition hopes to influence Congressional party leaders. federal, state, and local governments in “As people of faith we believe hearts can be changed,” changing biased and discriminatory policies. It also aims to said Bishop Lawrence Reddick of the C.M.E. Church. But call the faith community to political action. the problems and consequences of racism cannot and should At the press conference, faith leaders outlined a list of not wait for changes of heart alone. political demands, with criminal justice reform chief among “And as has been the case in the history of our nation, them. Others included a reversal of biased drug laws, body political leaders must act to do – in legislative action and cameras for all law enforcement and deployment of special fairness and equality – what changes of heart may be slow prosecutors in cases when police kill unarmed civilians. to do.”

Other action areas included education reform, ecoAll faith leaders are encouraged to lead their connomic justice, gun control, and a restoration of broad voting gregations in National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath rights.

Weekend, which will be observed Dec.10-13. The coalition In tandem with its grassroots political approach, the also hopes to collaborate with community partners and other coalition aims to have its agenda addressed during the 2016 influential bodies to reach unchurched people. presidential campaign, and will also request meetings with

Gray’s family reaches $6.4 mil settlement VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 41 SEPTEMBER 10, 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).

The family of Freddie Gray reached a tentative $6.4 million wrongful death settlement with the city of Baltimore. The settlement came days after a judge ordered individual trials for six Baltimore police officers charged in Gray’s death.

Gray, a 25-year-old Black man, died on April 19 of a spinal injury sustained while in police custody. His death sparked protests and rioting in Baltimore. The settlement still needs the approval of a board that oversees city spending.

“The proposed settlement agreement going before the board of estimates should not be interpreted as a judgment on the guilt or innocence

of the officers facing trial,” Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said.

“This settlement is being proposed solely because it is in the best interest of the city, and avoids costly and protracted litigation that would only make it more difficult for our city to heal and potentially cost taxpayers many millions more in damages.”

Court documents show that Gray was arrested “without force or incident” at a complex in West Baltimore after an officer found a knife on him. Gray was placed in leg irons after an officer said he was becoming “irate” in the back of the van.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

4

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015 defendernetwork.com Join Plenti for free and start earning points today!

Plenti is a new way to get rewards at Macy’s and lots of other places! Join for free to earn points at one place and use them at another, all with a single rewards card.

See a Sales Associate or visit macys.com/plenti to sign up and get more details. Plenti points cannot be earned or used on fees and services or on some purchases, such as at certain food establishments and leased departments within Macy’s stores. To be eligible to join Plenti, you must be at least 13 years of age and have a residence in the United States or its territories, or Canada.

Plenti is only available in the United States and its territories..For complete terms and conditions, including a complete list of exclusions, see Sales Associate or visit macys.com/plentiinfo

ONE DAY

SALE 5O%-8O% OFF

Rev. Michael Waters

Lamar HS grad honored

by SMU Rev. Michael Waters of Dallas, a graduate of Lamar High School, will be honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award from SMU, the highest honor the university bestows upon its graduates.

Waters will receive the University’s Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes the outstanding achievements of an alumnus or alumna who has graduated in the past 15 years.

Three other SMU alumni will be honored alongside Waters during a campus ceremony coinciding with SMU’s homecoming and centennial celebration on Sept. 23-26.

Waters has emerged as a prominent leader in Dallas’ religious community. He earned a B.A. in political science and religious studies from SMU in 2002, followed by two degrees from the Perkins School of Theology, a Master of Divinity cum laude and Doctor of Ministry with honors.

Among numerous campus honors, Waters received SMU’s prestigious “M” Award. He also helped found SMU’s annual Civil Rights Pilgrimage for students to visit historic sites of the movement.

Drawing on the skills he learned as an SMU student body vice president and Perkins student body president, in 2008 Waters founded and became senior pastor of Joy Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal Church in Dallas, one of the fastest-growing A.M.E. churches in Texas.

Waters is also the award-winning author of “Freestyle: Reflections on Faith, Family, Justice, and Pop Culture,” and chair of Dallas’ Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. He was named by Ebony magazine among “30 Under 30” leaders and by Dallas Business Journal among “40 Under 40” business and community leaders.

STOREWIDE

SATURDAY,(IT’SSEPT. 12 SHOP 9AM-1OPM A SALE TOO BIG TO FIT IN A DAY!)

ALSO SHOP FRIDAY, SEPT. 11 FROM 9AM-1OPM HOURS MAY VARY BY STORE. VISIT MACYS.COM & CLICK ON STORES FOR LOCAL INFORMATION.

ONE DAY SALE

DEALS OF THE DAY

SPECIALLY SELECTED ITEMS PRICED SO LOW YOU DON’T NEED A SAVINGS PASS! AVAILABLE ALL DAY, BOTH DAYS!

5 HOURS ONLY! 9AM-2PM FRI & SAT

DOORBUSTERS GET HERE EARLY, WHILE THEY LAST OR, EXTRA SAVINGS ALL DAY FRIDAY OR SATURDAY SAVINGS PASS DISCOUNT DOESN’T APPLY TO DEALS OF THE DAY OR DOORBUSTERS CANNOT BE USED ON DOORBUSTERS OR DEALS OF THE DAY

WOW! $1O OFF

CANNOT BE USED ON DOORBUSTERS OR DEALS OF THE DAY

WOW! $2O OFF

SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL AND HOME ITEMS

SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL AND HOME ITEMS

$

$

YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE.

YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE.

1O OFF

VALID 9/11 OR 9/12/15. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER. Excludes: Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), specials, super buys, cosmetics/fragrances, electrics/electronics, floor coverings, furniture, mattresses, rugs. Also excludes: athletic apparel, shoes & accessories; Dallas Cowboys merchandise, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, Macy’s Backstage merchandise/locations, New Era, Nike on Field, previous purchases, selected licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, macys.com. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt.

When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $25 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

2O OFF

VALID 9/11 OR 9/12/15. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER. Excludes: Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), specials, super buys, cosmetics/fragrances, electrics/electronics, floor coverings, furniture, mattresses, rugs. Also excludes: athletic apparel, shoes & accessories; Dallas Cowboys merchandise, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, Macy’s Backstage merchandise/locations, New Era, Nike on Field, previous purchases, selected licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, macys.com. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt.

When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $50 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

BUY ONLINE, PICK UP IN-STORE NEED IT IN A HURRY? NOW YOU CAN SHOP AHEAD ON MACYS.COM AND PICK IT UP THE SAME DAY AT YOUR NEAREST MACY’S STORE. IT’S FAST, FREE AND EASY! DETAILS AT MACYS.COM/STOREPICKUP FREE SHIPPING & FREE RETURNS AT MACYS.COM! FREE SHIPPING WITH $50 PURCHASE. FREE RETURNS BY MAIL OR IN-STORE. U.S. ONLY. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; DETAILS AT MACYS.COM/FREE RETURNS

ONE DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 9/11 & 9/12/2015.

50715_N5080111J.indd 1

8/27/15 12:15 PM

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015 | DEFENDER

entertainment

5

Sanaa Lathan

stars in ‘The Perfect Guy’ There are so many.

KW: Are you interested in producing or directing in the future?

SL: Yes, I produced this picture, and I am actively developing other projects.

KW: What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome on your way up the show biz ladder?

SL: To hang in there on those days when I just didn’t feel like continuing. My first acting teacher in drama school said on the very first day of class that only 1 percent of people who try to make a living as actors actually do it. He said one of the keys to success is persevering. So, as low as I sometimes felt, I never really allowed myself to think about the possibility of giving up.

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

T

ony-Award nominee Sanaa Lathan delivers a striking presence and undeniable energy to each project she takes on and continues to build on an already impressive career. She recently completed production on two films.

In the independent feature “Ad Inexplorata,” she plays Emily Maddox, a captain on one of four spaceships making a one-way trip to Mars. In the highly anticipated sequel, “Now You See Me 2,” she plays FBI Agent Natalie Austin.

It was recently announced that she will star in and executive produce the screen adaptation of Omar Tyree’s “Flyy Girl” trilogy.

• Born Most recently, she was seen in the smash hit, in a nd dan 1971 to Broa “The Best Man Holiday,” with Taye Diggs, d c directo er Eleanor M way actress Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy and Morris Chestnut star in the psychological thriller “The Perfect Guy.” Terrence Howard, Regina Hall and Morris r/prod c Coy an ucer S • Earn d Chestnut. t e a d n E L at h a n n Morris Chestnut? glish d versity Here, she talks about her latest outing e g ree fro o SL: It was great! I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to work m Unidrama f California, opposite Michael Ealy and Chestnut in the psychological thriller B d erkele e g r e and look at that every day?

But as sexy and as hot as they are, e y • f r F and o ound e m Yale “The Perfect Guy.” arly TV they’re really great actors, too.

And they happen to be really cool o f “Famil work KW: What exactly is a perfect guy? And how is your perand “M y Matters,” “ on episodes fect guy in real life different from the one your character, Leah, human beings. Just nice guys.

NYPD o esha” KW: How would you describe your role of Leah?

Blue” • Earn is looking for in the movie? ed NA A SL: She is a professional woman, a lobbyist who wants it all.

C n P a t Im ion fo SL: I think there is no perfect guy. I believe that to be huage Aw ard no Her biological clock’s ticking and she’s in a relationship with Dave oppos r “Love and miman is to be imperfect. I find that I get to know people from the ite Om Basket a b [Chestnut] who’s kind of dragging his feet. So, they break it off. r • Othe all” inside out. So, I don’t really have a type. It’s more about how I r films Epps in “Disap feel when I’m with them. I like people who love to communicate She then meets this seemingly perfect guy [Ealy] with whom she pearin clude “The B g es “Some A and who have a good sense of humor. And I like a confident man, has amazing chemistry. He says and does all the right things during thing N cts,” “Brow t Man,” n e Su their whirlwind romance until the day she sees a side of him that’s w,” “Co somebody who is not afraid to stand by my side and then let me ntagio gar,” n” pretty scary. shine sometimes.

KW: Which African-American actress do you most admire?

KW: What was it like working with Michael Ealy and SL: I really love Viola Davis, Ruby Dee, Eartha Kitt.

Backg

round

what’sup BEYONCÉ recently turned 34, and JAY Z, SOLANGE, KELLY ROWLAND, MICHELLE WILLIAMS and other loved ones celebrated the occasion with a playlist of songs representing their most cherished moments with the singer.

The post, which also included reflections from Beyoncé’s parents and daughter, was posted on her website. Jay Z chose the song “Yellow,” a hit from the rock group Coldplay…….. Beyoncé lost her title of the most popular person on Instagram to KIM KARDASHIAN, who now has more than 44 million followers. Beyoncé has 43.9 million followers……..“Dancing With

the Stars,” which begins its new season Sept.

14 at 7 p.m. on ABC, announced its cast list.

Celebrity competitors include CHAKA KHAN and TAMAR BRAXTON. Khan, 62, has won 10 Grammys and sold 70 million records. Braxton, a Grammy-nominated singer, is a co-host of the talk show “The Real,” and appears on the reality show “Braxton Family Values.” Her sister TONI BRAXTON competed on “Dancing With the Stars” in 2008…….. NE-YO announced that he is engaged to his girlfriend Crystal Renay, and they’re expecting their first child together……...

IDRIS ELBA revealed that he nearly plunged to

his death while filming, “Beasts of No Nation,” which premieres on Netflix and at select U.S. theaters on Oct. 16. Elba portrays an African warlord who recruits a boy into his army of youth soldiers. While waiting for a scene to start, Elba leaned against a tree overlooking a waterfall, lost his footing and fell over a ledge. A narrow ridge saved him from a 90-foot drop. “I remember slipping and catching onto this big branch that was sticking up, and I literally was like, ‘Whoa!’ ” he recalled. “It was a moment where I was like, ‘This is the real deal.’ ” The movie is based on the novel

by Nigerian author Uzodinma Iweala.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

6

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

Priscilla Shirer debuts in film ‘War Room’

P

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

riscilla Shirer speaks at corporate conferences, organizations, and before Christian audiences across the United States and around the world. She is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a master’s in Biblical Studies.

After 10 years as a trainer and motivational speaker with Ziglar Training Systems, she and her husband Jerry founded Going Beyond Ministries.

She is also the author of “Life Interrupted,” “The Resolution for Women” and other spiritual books. She is the daughter of nationally known pastor Dr. Tony Evans.

Here, she talks about making her acting debut in the faith-based film “War Room,” which has taken the box office by storm.

KW: What interested you in “War Room?”

PS: I was initially drawn to this film because of the people who were behind it. The Kendrick brothers [Alex and Stephen] are such men of integrity…Their writing and commitment to excellence is obvious. Then, when I read this script, I was thrilled to see such emphatic emphasis on the

power of prayer.

KW: What message do you think people will take away from the film?

PS: I believe that people will leave the theater with a renewed desire to prioritize their prayer lives. They’ll become aware, maybe even for the first time, of the enemy’s tactics and schemes.

Then, they’ll want to craft their own war rooms and strategies to claim victory in their lives.

KW: You are a wife, mother, author, minister, and now an actress. How do you juggle all those responsibilities?

PS: Balance is a constant struggle for me. Just like it is for any working mother.

Most often, just when I feel like I’ve gotten a handle on things, they change. The children get older, their activities vary, my own schedule shifts and our travel or work demands escalate.

So, I’m learning that the only way to balance my life is to consistently ask the Lord what His priorities are for me and my family during that particular season and then discipline myself to orient everything around those priorities. This requires saying “no” to a lot of opportunities and invitations, both personal and occupational, that might jeopardize His priorities for this season.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

PS: Submit your gifts and talents back to the Lord. And then ask Him to open your eyes to see His opportunities for you. They will likely look different than what you anticipated – smaller, with less recognition and notoriety. Be willing to do them anyway.

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Defender exclusive

Tolans, Crump prepare for Sept. 14 trial

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

T

he Robbie Tolan case returns to the spotlight on Monday, Sept. 14, when Tolan’s lawsuit against a Bellaire police officer and city officials goes to trial. The case, which has drawn national attention and charges of racial profiling, will be heard in federal court at 515 Rusk.

Tolan is represented by noted Tallahassee, Fla. attorney Benjamin Crump, who has represented the families of slain Black males Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and others. He was recently sworn in as president of the Bobby and Marian Tolan, their son Robbie and attorney Benjamin Crump seek justice in the courtroom.

National Bar Association.

In 2008, Tolan, then a 23-year-old minor leaguer, was shot and seriously injured outside his parents’ home by Jeffrey Cotton, a white Bellaire police officer.

Cotton mistakenly believed Tolan was driving a stolen vehicle.

Tolan, the son of Bobby and Marian Tolan, planned to follow in the footsteps of his father, a former Major League Base2008 ball player. The shooting ended his dream of an MLB career .

In the early hours of Dec. 31, Robbie Tolan After a long legal battle, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that and his cousin, Anthony Cooper, were returnthe 5th Circuit Court of Appeals must revisit the case, and said ing to the Tolan home. Bellaire Officer John a civil lawsuit filed by Tolan was unconstitutionally dismissed C. Edwards mistakenly thought Robbie was without adequately weighing evidence presented by Tolan. driving a stolen car after Edwards, who was Crump said with Tolan’s lawsuit, “We hope to give the suspicious about the vehicle, entered the family some sense of justice. Marian Tolan has always believed wrong license plate number to check it. that they deserve to have their day in court where they are able Edwards drew his pistol and ordered Robbie to present the evidence to a jury. and his cousin to the ground. Robbie’s parents “It is very important because there needs to be some came outside and tried to explain that the car Crump, who has argued numerous civil rights cases, said the deterrent for officers treating our citizens and our community was theirs and that they lived at the house.

Tolans deserve their day in court. differently than they would treat other citizens of other comCotton arrived at the scene. Robbie was munities.” shot

by Cotton as he started to get up from “Her faith was so strong that she got me to believe,” Crump said Tolan’s case is a perfect example of “driving the ground, protesting the treatment of his Crump continued. “She said ‘If you just get on the case I know while Black.” mother who he said was pushed toward the we can win.’ ” “This whole ‘driving while Black’ phenomenon in garage.

The bullet travelled through Robbie’s Crump reiterated that it’s “incredible” if the Supreme America when it comes to policing simply must stop,” he said. lung, and punctured his liver, where it “You cannot justify discrimination and prejudice against certain Court hears a case because of the small percentage accepted. remains today.

“Then it’s miraculous if the Supreme Court rules in your ethnic groups in our country. favor and give a unanimous decision,” he said. “For them to all “With this civil case we pray that we can expose it so it 2009 agree that this case should be reinstated and this family should doesn’t continue to happen. Our Black and Brown children On April 6, a Harris County grand jury indicted have their day in court and have this case decided by a jury, must be able to live free as Americans without having their Cotton for the shooting and charged him with that’s what’s so historic.”

Fourth Amendment rights violated against unreasonable search aggravated assault by a public servant.

Crump added that he has a lot of admiration for the Tolan and seizure. family.

Crump said he is not asking for a monetary amount.

2010 “This is one of the best families – Black, white or Hispanic “That will be decided by the jury,” he said. “This is about On May 11, jurors deliberated for nearly four hours – that we can offer in America,” he said. “How can you deny so much more than money to the Tolan family.” before finding Cotton not guilty. their day in court?”

A HISTORIC CASE Crump also addressed the Black Lives Matter movement.

Crump noted the historic aspect of the Tolan case – the 2012 “Our children’s lives should matter just as much as anyfact that the Supreme Court even heard the case, ruled against On April 2, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit in body else’s,” he said. “The goal of the movement should be to police officers and rendered a unanimous decision. Crump said which the Tolans had sued the officers, the Bellaire say that our children deserve the same respect and protection of it all began with Marian Tolan’s faith and determination. police chief and mayor claiming their civil and the law as anybody else’s children.

“When I was working on Trayvon’s case Mrs. Tolan conconstitutional rights were violated.

“We should treat life as the precious commodity that it is. tinued to call me to try and get me involved,” he recalled. “I re2014 We never know what plans or what destiny God has for that member giving her a very honest assessment that the Supreme On May 5, The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the life and we should make sure it is preserved to the best of our Court hadn’t ruled against police in over a decade.

5th U.S. District Court must hear the Tolans’ lawsuit “She had the faith of a mustard seed and is the real hero in ability.” again and take in to account whether Robbie’s civil Crump added that Robbie Tolan’s life matters, “and I think all of this. At the end of the day it was Marian Tolan’s faith that rights were indeed violated.

God left Robbie on this earth for a reason.”

I believe was everything in this case. She never wavered.

Tolan case timeline

7

8

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015

cente

A journ

ROBBIE TOLA

M

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

arian Tolan believes in miracles. She c it a miracle that her son Robbie – an un young Black man shot by a white polic 2008 – survived the injury. She said it that her family survived the ordeal, and Supreme Court reinstated their civil law Now, as their case goes to court on Sept. 14, she continu on her faith in the quest for justice.

“When you are determined to fight for change you have the way,” she said. “If you don’t go all the way you’ll never what God will do to help you. Even in this tragedy there we miracles. Because I trust God I’ve already won.”

The shooting has taken an emotional and financial toll o close-knit family. They sold their Bellaire home to pay for a fees for an appeal, and are leasing a house. When their civil dismissed, they were ordered to pay the officer’s court fees $7,000.

Tolan said the support of her Windsor Village United Methodist Church family helped her cope throughout the ordeal. “That’s where my strength came from,” she said.

Tolan is a native of Liberty, Texas and graduated from Houston’s Kashmere High School. She majored in television communications at the University of Houston and after college, worked as a TV reporter in Beaumont and San Diego.

Her husband, former MLB player Bobby Tolan, played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates. After Robbie was born, Marian Tolan quit her job to care for him.

In an interview with the Defender, she talked about the tragedy and her hope for the future.

Defender: As a mother, share with us some of the expe and feelings you have had during this journey.

M. Tolan: The first thing is Robbie was raised to be a su He was taught right from wrong. He knew he wanted to be a player. It was hard to see his goals just go out the window. T pain in your heart like you can’t imagine.

Then when [Officer Jeffrey Cotton] was found not guilt like Robbie was shot again. I can’t explain the pain. I can’t nights I went to bed and couldn’t sleep or woke up because bad dream that really happened. There was nothing in this w could have prepared me for that. Nothing.

We came out of the house in our pajamas [the night of t ing] and were certain we could take care of it. We thought o identified ourselves and let them know it was our home, our son, they would say it was a mistake. But that never happen like law enforcement didn’t know we lived there; it’s not lik hidden in a corner. We were very visible in the community.

It was so unreasonable. Robbie wasn’t engaged in crimi

Th mind that first mout call

Marian Tolan and her son Robbie have weathered the storm through faith.

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

erfold

defendernetwork.com

ney of faith

AN’S MOM SPEAKS

onsiders narmed ceman in t’s a miracle d that the wsuit. ues to rely

e to go all r know ere a lot of

on the attorney’s l case was of almost

and he didn’t have a criminal background. We had lived there 15 years when Robbie was shot and not one of us had even gotten a parking ticket or speeding ticket. We were law-abiding citizens and we thought we were in a safe neighborhood.

Defender: What advice do you have for other mothers after going through this ordeal?

M. Tolan: For me, I knew I had to focus on the greater good. I asked God to use me for change. I knew I couldn’t focus on just us. It had to be about real change so hopefully no one else had to go through what I went through.

And, [other mothers] have to pray for discernment. They have to be careful who they’re around because everybody is not going to encourage you and everybody is not going to support you. Be mindful of who’s in your court. I was discouraged from selling our house and going before the 5th Circuit Court because we weren’t going to win.

Defender: Expound on the miracles you mentioned.

M. Tolan: It was a miracle that the officer, a proud member of the NRA, shot Robbie at close range and only wounded him. The moment my mind comprehended that he was hit, the first words out of my mouth were, ‘Robbie, call on the name of Jesus.’ I started praying for him and then I started saying the Lord’s Prayer over and over and over again. I said it loud because I wanted him to hear my voice. I wanted him to know I was nearby and I didn’t want him to give up.

At the hospital, a surgical tech came out and told us, “Know your son is going to be okay.”

He said when they rolled him into the operating room, he and a nurse could visibly see angels that came in like a swirl. That was prayer.

It’s also a miracle that we’re still standing and we haven’t lost our minds.

Defender: What can the Black community do to help Robbie and your family going forward?

M. Tolan: I would like to see members of the Black community support us when we go to trial. I would like to see them line the halls, line the streets, and let the court system know that the community cares. We urge our local elected officials to attend the trial and support us in our fight for justice as well. Because Robbie lived he has a voice. The young men who were murdered cannot testify.

Defender: After the legal battles are over, what are you going to do to ensure Robbie’s tragedy is not forgotten?

M. Tolan: Robbie has written a book and I’m writing a book. I also want to start a foundation to help victims’ families. Even when an officer is indicted for a crime, money comes from everywhere to support him and his family. I’m here to tell you nobody is raising money for the victims. I want to be a source of strength and information for their families.

he moment my d comprehended t he was hit, the words out of my th were, ‘Robbie, on the name of Jesus.’ family’s

eriences

uccess. a baseball There is

y it felt explain the it was a world that

he shootonce we r car, our ned. It’s not ke we were

inal activity

The Tolan trial begins at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 515 Rusk, Judge Melinda Harmon’s courtroom

he Houston area for over 80 years

Marian, B o baseball bby and Robbie To player lik lan have e a Universit y and in th his dad, and playe lways been close .R d at Bella e minor le ire High S obbie planned to agues. chool, Pra b irie View e a pro A&M

Marian To

lan left a

career in b

roadcast

journalism

to care fo

r little Ro

bbie.

9

10

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015

defendernetwork.com

business

Choosing the right name for your business Selecting a name is an important step in the business planning process. Not only should you pick a name that reflects your brand identity, but you also need to ensure it is properly registered and protected for the long term. You should also give a thought to whether it’s web-ready. Is the domain name even available?

Here are five tips to help you pick, register, and protect your business name from the SBA. 1. Build brand awareness. Many businesses start out as freelancers, solo operations, or partnerships. In these cases, it’s easy to fall back on your own name as your business name. While there’s nothing wrong with this, it makes it tougher to present a professional image and build brand awareness.

2. Ask yourself three questions. First, how will your name look on the web, as part of a logo, on social media? Second, what connotations does it evoke? Is your name too corporate or not corporate enough?

Does it reflect your business philosophy and culture?

Does it appeal to your market? Third, is it unique?

Pick a name that hasn’t been claimed by others, online or offline. A quick web search and domain name search will alert you to any existing use.

3. Check for trademarks. Trademark infringement can carry a high cost for your business. Before you pick a name, use the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s trademark search tool to see if a similar name, or variations of it, is trademarked. A trademark protects words, names, symbols, and logos that

SBA, AARP host webinar A free “Ask the Experts” webinar for encore entrepreneurs will be held Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 1 p.m. It is sponsored by the SBA and AARP, and will cover such topics as business plans, securing financing, marketing and finding a mentor.

Encore entrepreneurs over the age of 50 comprise one of the nation’s fastest growing groups of business owners.

Send your questions to moneywebinars@aarp.org before the event to help guide the focus of the discussion. Representatives from the SBA and AARP, along with small business owners, will also take questions live during the webinar.

If you can’t make the webinar on the scheduled day, you can still register to receive the link to the recording and listen later at your convenience.

For information visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/events/webinars/.

distinguish goods and services. Your name is one of your most valuable business assets, so it’s worth protecting. You can file for a trademark for less than $300. Visit www.uspto. gov.

4. If you intend to incorporate your business, you’ll need to contact your state filing office to check whether your intended business name has already been claimed and is in use. If you find a business operating under your proposed name, you may still be able to use it, provided your business and the existing business offer different goods/services or are located in different regions.

5. Register your new business name as a DBA (Doing Business As). This process shouldn’t be confused with incorporation and it doesn’t provide trademark protection. It is simply the process of letting your state government know that you are doing business as a name other than your personal name or the legal name of your partnership or corporation. If you are operating under your own name, then you can skip the process.

Wells Fargo creates banking initiative Wells Fargo & Company announced its ‘Steps to Better Banking’ initiative, which makes the experience of opening an account easier for the millions of consumers who choose a banking relationship with the company.

“More than a year ago, we set out to look at every experience a checking or savings account customer might have as they open an account, and our goal was to make the experience simple and easy,” said Erin Constantine, head of Consumer Checking and Savings for Wells Fargo.

“We listened and learned a lot, and ‘Steps to Better Banking’ is the result, which sets the tone for how we help customers succeed financially.”

For example, most recently, a new customized welcome email was introduced that is sent to a customer within one hour of opening a checking or savings account. It includes a summary of the deposit accounts opened with Wells

Fargo, and details about how to avoid service fees.

The email provides several ways to contact the bank, including online, by phone and by visiting a branch. Other enhancements have included: • Updated consumer account agreement and fee and information schedule • Paperless new account disclosure kits, which are emailed during the account opening • A guide to common checking account fees in English and Spanish New Wells Fargo customers have additional opportunities to make managing their accounts easy, including a checking account quick start guide, automatic linkage of new accounts to the customer’s secure online banking session, and timely alerts for eligible account transactions.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015 | DEFENDER

11

HISD seeks magnet application change HISD aims to simplify its magnet preventing some students from knowing school application process by moving to where they will attend school until well into a priority-based system that was recently the summer. unveiled by school trustees.

To help parents and students learn more Under the new system, parents would about the schools to which they are applying be required to rank the schools to which and better prioritize them prior to the magthey are applying. If students qualify for net application deadline, all HISD campuses multiple schools, they would only be acare invited to host weekly School Choice cepted to the one that was ranked highest on tours this fall. their application.

Held every Thursday with the excepStudents, however, could remain on tion of Thanksgiving, the tours will begin wait lists for any higher-ranked schools Oct. 8 and run through Dec. 10. Elementary without immediate available space, as long and K-8 tours will be held at 9 a.m., while secondary tours will be held at 1 p.m. Four as they were eligible and qualified to attend.

The changes are designed to prevent School Choice open houses also will be held students from receiving multiple acceptancthroughout the fall.

For more information visit www.houses, which slows down the overall process tonisd.org/schoolchoice. and ties up potentially available seats, T:4.79”

Ava Duvernay Arts & Entertainment (not shown) Jeff Johnson Trailblazer Marc Morial Humanitarian

Marvin Sapp Living Legend Caroyln Hunter Owner-Operator

TSU student recognized

Texas Southern University public affairs student Francis Vazquez (left), pictured with TSU President Dr. John Rudley, has been accepted into the 2015-2016 HBCU All-Star program for the White House Initiative on HBCUs. In addition, Vazquez was recently presented a certificate of appreciation by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs for his contributions to the advancement of U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba.

Tori Turner Community Choice Youth Award Winner

T:8.5”

Aaron Johnson Community Choice Youth Award Winner

The biggest rewards happen off stage.

For McDonald’s® 365Black® Award recipients, being selfless is the reward.

Please join us as we applaud their tireless dedication to being deeply rooted in the community and inspiring others to keep giving back the lovin’ to the places they call home. To find out more, visit 365Black.com.

Home Instruction for Parents Of Preschool Youngsters   

©2015 McDonald’s

HIPPY and all of its materials and books are free.

Learn easy and proven ways to support your child’s learning every day, on your own.

You never have to leave your home-we’ll come to you!

Call 713-967-5298 or visit HoustonISD.org/HIPPY for more details

12

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

Controlling diabetes is a balancing act According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 29 million Americans have diabetes. What may be more alarming, more than a quarter of those don’t realize they have it.

“Some people aren’t quick to recognize diabetes because the symptoms can vary from individual to individual,” says Dr. Lakshmi Seshadri, M.D., internist, affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital.

“Some may just not feel well, for others it may be an infection that won’t heal. Some people are afraid to see their doctor and that’s the biggest mistake they make, ignoring the symptoms.”

African-Americans are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as whites. It is a condition in which the body doesn’t properly process food into energy. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use as energy. The pancreas is an organ that produces insulin which helps to get the glucose

Uninsured Texans delay health care Texans without health insurance are twice as likely to skip seeking primary and mental health care because of cost. That’s one of the findings of a new survey by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Episcopal Health Foundation.

The report found that in the past year, 32 percent of uninsured adult Texans said they skipped primary care due to costs, compared with 16 percent of adults who have health insurance.

When it comes to mental health care or counseling, 12 percent of uninsured Texans said they had delayed care, compared with 6 percent of adults with insurance.

“Lack of access to affordable primary and mental health care services are welldocumented problems for all Texans, especially the uninsured,” said Elena Marks, president and CEO of the Episcopal Health Foundation and a fellow at the Baker Institute.

“In the case of primary care, the uninsured may be waiting to seek care when they’re sicker and need more intensive and expensive care. That’s concerning because basic health care services are usually less expensive and can help prevent more serious health problems.’

The survey also found that 28 percent of uninsured adults said they had trouble paying medical bills in the past year, compared with 18 percent of insured Texans who said they had the same difficulties.

classifieds Harris County Community Services Department Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Pre-Qualification Submittals to provide Home Repairs

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS September 10, 2015 The Harris County Community Services Department seeks to prequalify responsible contractors for participation in the Harris County Home Repair Program for the following categories: 1) Neighborhood Stabilization Repair; 2) Minor Repair; 3) Major Rehabilitation; and 4) Health & Safety Improvements. The mission of the Harris County Home Repair program is to provide assistance to low-to- moderate income homeowners for the purpose of providing decent, safe and sanitary housing conditions as well as improving their quality of life.

The Harris County Home Repair Program will provide assistance under the following home repair categories: 

Neighborhood Stabilization Repair: Provide up to $20,000 to make County acquired vacant foreclosed homes decent, safe and habitable and to prepare the home for sale or occupancy. Goal: 10 units/year



Minor Repair: Provide up to $20,000 assistance in the form of a grant for minor home repairs to owner occupied homes, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, handicap accessibility improvements, mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements.

Goal: 40 units/year



Major Rehabilitation/Reconstruction: Provide up to $135,000* assistance in the form of a grant or deferred loan for major home rehabilitation/reconstruction for housing structures deemed unsafe or severely defective. Goal: 10-15 units/year in targeted geographic areas. *Procured through the Harris County Purchasing Department and subject to Commissioners Court approval.



Health & Safety Improvements: Provide assistance up to $40,000 in the form of a grant for the purpose of repairing / replacing water wells and septic systems that are not functioning and/or have received a citation for health and safety violations.

Goal: 10 units/year.

The program will operate on a continuous annual basis using multiple contractors. This project will be federally funded by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department through the Harris County Community Services Department (HCCSD).

Applicable requirements include, but are not limited to, Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968, and contracting with small, minority, and disadvantaged firms.

All Contractors who are interested in participating in the Home Repair Program must complete a pre-qualification submittal, provide all documentation requested, and be approved by the Harris County Community Services Department to be on the Qualified Contractors List for the Home Repair Program. A meeting to review program rules, requirements and qualifications will be held on Friday, September 25, 2015 10:00 AM at the Harris County Community Services Department 8410 Lantern Point, Houston, TX, 77054 Filing of Submittals All applications must be filed with the Harris County Community Services Department, Attention: Housing Construction and Inspection Services, 8410 Lantern Point, Houston, Texas, 77054, on or before 4:30 p.m., October 9, 2015.

Pre-qualification packages may be obtained by contacting Adriana Villuendas at (713) 578-2000, via Email at adriana.villuendas@csd.hctx.net, or may be downloaded from the Harris County Community Services Department’s Website at www.csd.hctx.net.

into the cells of our body.

When you have diabetes, either the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or the insulin produced isn’t being used efficiently which can cause sugar to build up in the blood.

Diabetes can lead to serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and lower-extremity amputations.

What are the symptoms of diabetes? Doctors often refer to the three P’s, polydipsia, polyuria and polyphagia or excessive thirst, frequent urination and hunger. Unexplained weight loss, blurred vision and increased infections can also be signs of diabetes.

“The good news is diabetes is treatable if the patient can follow the plan,” Seshadri said. “You have to find the right combination of diet, lifestyle and medication for the individual. It’s truly a team effort among the patient and the doctor to manage diabetes.”

Seshadri said if you notice any of the symptoms associated with diabetes it’s important to tell your doctor.

“You can live a very healthy, productive life with diabetes,” Seshadri said. “You just have to take control.”

REQUEST FOR BIDS HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Downtown Street Team Program PROCUREMENT # 2016-821.200 The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for the Downtown Public Street Team Program performed in downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 2:00pm, local time on Thursday, October 15, 2015, at the Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and read at 1:05pm on the same day in the Downtown District Board Room. There will be a mandatory pre-proposal meeting at 10:00 AM on September 22, 2015 at the office of the Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. For those who are outside the Greater Houston area and cannot attend contact Scott Finke at: sfinke@downtowndistrict.org for teleconference information.

Questions concerning bids must be submitted prior to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2015, by email to: gcook@downtowndistrict.org or mailed to: Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010.

Answers to questions will be sent to all vendors who attended the Preproposal meeting. Bid packages can be picked up at Downtown District beginning on September 8, 2015 or by contacting Sr. Director of Operations, Gary Cook at gcook@downtowndistrict.org.

REQUEST FOR BIDS HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Downtown Public Safety Guide Program Request for Proposal PROCUREMENT # 2016-818.200 The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for the Downtown Public Safety Guide Program performed in downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 1:00pm, local time on Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at the Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and read at 1:05pm on the same day in the Downtown District Board Room. There will be a mandatory pre -proposal meeting at 10:00 AM on September 15, 2015 at the office of the Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. For those who are outside the Greater Houston area and cannot attend contact Scott Finke at: sfinke@downtowndistrict.org for teleconference information.

Questions concerning bids must be submitted prior to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22, 2015, by email to: gcook@downtowndistrict.org or mailed to: Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010.

Answers to questions will be sent to all vendors who attended the Pre-proposal meeting. Bid packages can be picked up at Downtown District beginning on September 1, 2015 or by contacting Sr. Director of Operations, Gary Cook at gcook@downtowndistrict.org.

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015 | DEFENDER

opinion

13

Demonizing ‘Black Lives Matter’

By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Columnist

L

ed by Fox News, conservatives are trying to discredit the #Black Lives Matter Movement by claiming incorrectly that it is a Black hate group that encourages the killing of police officers.

On the Aug. 31 edition of “Fox & Friends,” Elizabeth Hasselbeck asked, “Why has the Black Lives Movement – Black Lives Matter Movement – not been classified yet as a hate group? I mean, how much more has to go in this direction before someone actually labels it as such?”

Conservative pundit Katie Pavlich, without a thread of evidence, told Fox’s Megyn Kelly on Sept. 2 that Black Lives Matter is “a movement that promotes the execution of police officers.”

At a news conference on Aug. 30, the Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman acknowledged that no motive had been established for the previous day’s fatal shooting of Deputy Sheriff Darren H. Goforth outside of Houston. But that did not prevent him from linking the brutal cop murder to the grassroots group dedicated to curtailing violence.

He said, “This rhetoric has gotten out of control.”

So much so, he said, “to the point where calculated, cold-blooded assassination of police officers happens.” Hickman added, “We’ve heard Black lives matter, all lives matter. Well, cops’ lives matter, too.

So, how about we drop the qualifier and just say lives matter?”

Of course, there is not a scintilla of evidence that the Black Lives Matter Movement has at any point remotely supported the killing of law enforcement officers. Rather, they have highlighted the troubling number of unarmed African-Americans killed by police officers. And for that, they should be commended, not condemned.

After studying FBI data, USAToday found, “Nearly two times a week in the United States, a white police officer killed a black person during a seven-year period ending in 2012…The reports show that 18 percent of the blacks killed during those seven

years were under age 21, compared to 8.7 percent of whites.”

Despite the highly-publicized killing of police officers in Texas and Illinois, the number of law enforcement officers killed over the first eight months of 2015 is 16 percent lower than it was over a similar period in 2014, according to FBI figures compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

So far, 26 officers have been killed this year by firearms, down from 31 over a similar period last year.

More officers – 38 – died this year in traffic-related incidents than by gunfire and another 21 died from other causes.

Felony killings of law enforcement officers decreased by 50 percent from 1992 to 2013, from 10,000 to 5,000 annually.

In an attempt to shift the emphasis from the unjustified police killing of unarmed African- Americans, conservatives are raising the issue of so-called Black-on-Black crime – as if that’s an issue that truly concerns them.

Fox reporter Doug McKelway said on Sept. 1, “The often heard mantra that ‘Black Lives Matter,’ some say, falls flat when you consider just how many

Blacks are killing other Blacks. That remains the majority of homicides across the country.”

Larry Elder, a Black conservative, made the same point, the same day on the same network: “This is about people whining and bitching and moaning about nonsense. If they really want to talk about Black Lives Matter, the fact is that last year 6,000 Black people murdered other Black people. Where are they on that? And the number one preventable cause of death for young black men is homicide at the hands of other Black men.”

If Elder and McKelway wanted to be accurate, they would have pointed out that just as most Blacks kill other Blacks, most whites kill other whites. Yet, there is no mention of white-onwhite crime.

According to 2013 figures compiled by the FBI, of the 3,005 white homicide victims, 2,509 – 83 percent – were killed by Whites. Of the 2,491 Black homicides that year, 2,245 – 90 percent – were committed by Black assailants.

It’s not just a matter of Blacks killing other Blacks and whites killing other whites – most homicides are committed by people who know their victim. The assailant is usually an acquaintance, spouse, or other family member.

In its annual report Black homicides, issued in January, the Washington-based Violence Policy Center found that in cases where the relationship between the killer and victim was known, 70 percent of the victims were killed by someone they knew; only 30 percent were killed by strangers.

Furthermore, 52 percent of the homicides involved an argument between the victim and the offender.

In an editorial, the New York Times accused “the Republican Party and its acolytes in the news media” of trying to demonize the Black Lives Matter Movement.

It said, “They [Black Lives Matter] are not asserting that Black lives are more precious than white lives.

They are underlining an indisputable fact – that the lives of Black citizens in this country historically have not mattered, and have been discounted and devalued.”

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

14

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015

sports

defendernetwork.com

Texan wide receivers: Strength in numbers

F

practice. They know how to handle themselves on and off the field. They’re teaching me things that I don’t know so that’s good.”

Veteran Washington feels fans will be pleasantly surprised when they see the offense and how the new receiver weapons will be utilized.

“A lot of people look at this team and they know our defense,” Washington said. “They know the big names and they know what they expect of us. At the same time, we have an outstanding offense at this time that we believe in. We have a lot of playmakers, a lot of speed, and a lot of guys that can make a heck of a lot of plays.

“It’s really just a matter of us being where we’re supposed to be at the same time,” Washington said. ”I know I’ve said it before, but this

By Max EDISON Defender

or 12 seasons Andre Johnson was the standard bearer at wide receiver for the Houston Texan franchise. A perennial Pro Bowler, Johnson has moved on to greener pastures with AFC South rival, the Indianapolis Colts.

With Johnson’s departure the Texans will now employ a wider array of receiver talent to successfully offset the void left by Johnson in the passing game, and some believe there will be an improvement.

The Texans open the season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Sept. 13 at noon in NRG Stadium. The receiver corps in 2015 will primarily feature DeAndre Hopkins, a Pro Bowl alternate in 2014, and free agent acquisition Nate Washington, an 11-year veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion as the starters.

Hopkins and Washington will be joined by former Jacksonville Jaguar Cecil Shorts III, a dynamic playmaker, when the team goes to their three-wide package. Together the trio has the potential to be the most explosive receiver unit in team history.

Head Coach Bill O’Brien said he likes what he has seen with the new trio of wideouts.

“What I like is you’ve got some good veteran leadership in there with [the trio],” O’Brien said. “Guys like Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts have come in, worked really hard and picked up our offense. I really like that group.”

Despite the overall individual success enjoyed by Johnson, he never had a complementary player opposite him until Hopkins appeared on the scene two years ago. Hopkins, a first-round selection in 2013, has evolved into one of the NFL’s top young talents. Mature beyond his years, Hopkins keeps a focused and determined mindset.

“I’ve still got the mindset I had since I was a rookie, and that’s to come out here and dominate,” Hopkins said. “Preparation is key. I think the last couple years have prepared me for this situation in a lot of ways.

“Being behind a future Hall of Famer in Andre Johnson and picking his brain every day, that helped a lot. I think he’s given me all the tools to succeed in the NFL.” With the departure of Johnson, Hopkins is glad to have a pair of veteran receivers in Washington and Shorts to balance the scales.

“In college, those were some of the receivers that I looked up to,” Hopkins recalled. “To get an opportunity to play with them is awesome.

“They showed me a lot of leadership in the way they

DeAndre Hopkins

Nate Wash

ington

defendernetwork.com Five NFL teams to watch

Cecil Shorts III

is a great system. I’ve been in the league for 10 years now. This is going on my 11th. I’ve experienced a lot of offenses and the way [offensive coordinator] George Godsey calls plays, I think it gives us an opportunity to be great. We have the guys in the locker room that can make the plays.”

With Pro-Bowl running back Arian Foster out until October, the Texans will need its receivers and quarterback Brian Hoyer to take up the slack in the offense.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015 | DEFENDER

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs Is Lawson missing link?

Recently acquired point guard Ty Lawson feels he can be the missing link that can help land the Rockets into the NBA Finals. A personal friend to James Harden, Lawson had let it be known the he was interested in joining the team. “Before I even came to the team, I was talking to James Harden. I was like, ‘Man get me over there.’ I’ll be that piece to get over the hump.” The Rockets sent the Nuggets four backups in exchange for Lawson, who agreed to make the final year of his contract in the 2016-17 season worth $13.2 million, non-guaranteed . Lawson recently served a 30-day stint in an alcohol rehabilitation facility and after receiving two DUI tickets in six months

Brady suspension lifted U. S. District Judge Richard M. Berman recently reached a decision to erase Patriot quarterback Tom Brady’s four-game suspension from “Deflategate.” Berman concluded NFL commissioner Roger Goodell went too far in affirming punishment of the Super Bowl-winning quarterback, criticizing him for dispensing “his own brand of industrial justice.” Brady had long maintained that he played no role in a conspiracy to deflate footballs below the allowable limit at last season’s AFC championship game. Berman acknowledged “several significant legal deficiencies’’ in the league’s handling of the controversy, including no advance notice of potential penalties, the refusal to produce a key witness and the apparent first-ever discipline of a player based on a finding of “general awareness’’ of someone else’s wrongdoing.

Schools score big Houston-area high school football teams have been lighting up the scoreboard in the opening two weeks of the 2015 season. Atascocita held Clear Falls scoreless while putting up 79 points.

Strake Jesuit also scored 70 points in a win over Aldine. Worthing (66), Klein Collins (62) and Dickinson (61) also posted eye-popping scores in their respective season openers. Ten other schools scores at least 50 points in week one.

Cypress Lakes, determined not to go winless in 2015, amped up 68 points in a victory over Mayde Creek in week two. Cy Lakes quarterback Le’teddrian Solomon accounted for seven touchdowns in the contest, throwing for 236 yards and five TDs and running for two more. Spring pounded Aldine Nimitz 63-0 while Rosenberg Terry and Dulles combined for 103 points in Terry’s 54-49 victory.

The Woodlands defends While some schools are allowing 14 points in two minutes, The Woodlands has only given up 14 points in two games to open the 2015 season. The Highlanders began with a 28-7 win over Cy-Fair.

The defense took center stage in a 34-7 victory over Dekaney. The first three touchdowns of the game were all scored by The Woodlands’ defense including a Zac Yglecias 44-yard interception return, Antoine Winfield’s 32-yard fumble return for a touchdown and Connor Binney’s 33-yard interception return. Winfield added another fumble recovery in the game as The Woodlands limited Dekaney to 228 yards total offense. A 70yard touchdown pass from Dekaney quarterback Adrian Hardy to receiver Aaron Cephus in the second quarter was the lone touchdown for the Wildcats.

15

Anthony Williams answers Northbrook bell

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

A

defendernetwork.com New season offers schools winning alternatives

nthony Williams didn’t quite know what to expect going into the secmore times in the contest that Northbrook would ond game of the 2015 season eventually win 41-14. against Milby.

Williams added TD runs of 21, nine The sophomore runand six yards. He finished the game ning back for Northbrook High School with 178 yards on 20 carries and had wanted to be more productive than he one reception for four yards. He also was in a season-opening 27-6 loss to had a fumble in the second quarter.

Spring Woods. “I actually was bad, “This is the best game I’ve had very bad,” he said. “I had seven carries in high school ball,” Williams said. for 11 yards and no touch“Once on the freshmen team I downs. “But I did have had 198 yards against seven or eight recepSam Houston but only tions.” two touchdowns.”

Hopes for a Northbrook better performance led Milby 27-6 at in week two were intermission. suddenly tempered “I was conby a domestic accerned about Milby cident he suffered at coming in because home the day before they scored 30 points the game. Williams on Worthing in the knew he wasn’t going to season opener,” said be 100 percent physiNorthbrook head coach cally by the time the two Dave Cope. “We played teams lined up at Barnett hard and the game rolled Stadium. out in our favor this time.

Less than four min“Anthony did a great utes into the opening quarjob for us. As a sophomore ter any doubts Williams he’s learning a lot about varhad were quickly erased sity football and how to run the when he took his second ball. We just want him to hang carry of the game 54 yards onto that thing,” Cope said. for a touchdown. North“He’s doing a heck of a job for brook had its first lead (6us and we love him.”

0) of the 2015 season and Track and field was the things were starting to look first sport Williams tried. He promising. didn’t play organized football “I really didn’t feel too Birth date – Feb. 15, 2000 until he was 11 or 12 years good going into the game old. “I was a track runner first Birth sign – Aquarius because I didn’t think I and then I decided to play could run at full speed,” Favorite subject at school – Math football because my uncles did Williams said. “But when it and they inspired me,” he People he looks up to – Mother, the game first started I had said. grandparents and uncle a lot of support from the He’s already learned a offensive line. They blocked Possible career – valuable lesson just two games for me and I was able to get into his first varsity season. If Psychiatrist into the end zone.” he has any doubts, consult his This same scenario NFL players he enjoys watching – offensive line. would be repeated three

About Anthony Williams

Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson World problem to solve – ISIS

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

16

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 10 | 2015

defendernetwork.com

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

topevents

MEN OF STYLE PARTY……..The 2015 Men of Style Announcement Party for the relationships and grow their professional network. Founders Mark Martin and Tristen Nov. 21 gala was recently held at Bayway Lincoln Volvo to celebrate and reveal this Sutton host these monthly mixers to connect people in various industries as well as year’s honorees. The Men of Style honorees are professional and civic-minded men who those seeking new job opportunities. Guests included O.J. Lozano, Larry O’Neal, are being recognized for their fashion savvy and contribution to the community. Judge Onedia Gage, Keinon Stewart, Stephen Mosby, C.C. Sutton, Leslie Thompson, Clarease Yates is founder of the event, which benefits the Texas Children’s Sickle Cell Terrilyn Reynolds, Fola Lawson, Sterling Carter, Stanford Wiley III and LeVone Center. The list of honorees included Eric Baker, Rob Cravaritis, Claude Cummings, Campbell. ……..BRANWAR WINE TASTING…….. Father and son duo Wayne Rev. Ron Eagleton, John Jamail Jr., Phillip McCulloch, and Warren Luckett of Branwar Wines held a portfolio tasting at Keith Edward McWilliams, Scott Minnix, Kevin Murray, Peli Peli restaurant in the Galleria. Branwar Wines is launching their Defender TOP EVENTS Tom O’Connor, Rob Paiva, Pastor Byron Stevenson, and hand-selected fall portfolio which has expanded from South African More photos on defendernetwork.com living legends D’Artagnan Bebel and Dr. David Poplack. imports to other regions such as the United States, Chile, Argentina, See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Other guests included Cary Yates, Congresswoman Sheila Italy and Spain. Guests also had the opportunity to indulge in with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Jackson Lee and Dr. Elwyn Lee. South African cuisine and enjoy live entertainment. Those in Congrats!.........MOVERS & SHAKERS NETWORKING attendance included Eduardo Varas, Lawrence McQueen, Lynette Brooks, Renia Butler, Bridgett Jones, KG Smooth, Mark Martin, Seneca MIXER………The Movers and Shakers of Greater Houston organization hosted a networking mixer at 1919 Wine & Mixology Bar. The event invited young Dunmore, Raynese Edwards, Tenecia Nicole and a host of other wine connoisseurs African-American professionals and entrepreneurs to mix and mingle, help establish and enthusiasts.

Cary Yates, Judge Clarease Yates, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Elwyn Lee

D’Artagnan Bebel, Scott Minnix

Stephen Mosby, Tristen Sutton, C.C. Sutton, Mark Martin

Warren Luckett, Wayne Luckett

Constance Charles, Bridgett Joe, Bridget Chapital

O.J. Lozano, Larry O’Neal, Onedia Gage, Mark Martin, Keinon Stewart

Lawrence McQueen, Seneca Dunmore

Leslie Thompson, Terrilyn Reynolds

Lynette Brooks, Renia Butler

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years