Houston Defender: September 19, 2013

BLACK GUNMAN WHO KILLED 12 AT D.C. NAVY YARD HAD MENTAL PROBLEMS P3

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Volume 82 | Number 47

NEWSTALK THELDON BRANCH named port commissioner

P2 FEATURE EARL CAMPBELL promotes diabetes education

Advancing minority business

P4 CHAG’S PLACE OPINION

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Kim Burrell shares the word As a noted gospel artist, Pastor Kim Burrell has produced hit records and performed before countless audiences. How does she balance her music and ministry? Why did she establish her local church?

What does she want people to remember about her close friend Whitney Houston?

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Willie Jefferson beats NFL odds Texan linebacker Willie Jefferson defied the pro football odds when he made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent. Read what he says about hard work and dedication. Find out what he enjoys about the game. Learn why his current position is far removed from his original goal.

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Dr. John Rudley, Congressman Al Green and honoree Dr. Thomas Freeman at TSU Founders Day

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013

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Sickle cell treatment options developed Defender News Services

Treatment for sickle cell disease has largely focused on managing pain and acute complications.

But current research, including several projects at Texas Children’s Hematology Center, is now aimed at developing more efficient and progressive forms of treatment that could potentially benefit patients around the world.

“Traditionally, treatment for sickle cell disease has been palliative, and there have not been a lot of options to prevent long-term complications,” said Dr. Alex George, assistant professor of pediatrics-hematology at Baylor College of Medicine and a physician with the sickle cell program at the Hematology Center.

“But we are starting to see new treatments that are focused on longterm maintenance, rather than just addressing acute crises.”

Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder in which red blood cells are irregularly shaped. These sickle-shaped cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, which can slow or block blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body, resulting in painful episodes, serious infections, chronic anemia and damage to body organs.

In the U.S., it is most common in African-Americans, with one in 500 African-American infants born with sickle cell disease. However, people of all ethnicities can be affected by the condition.

For years patients have had two primary treatment options. One is chronic blood transfusions. The other is hydroxyurea, a treatment designed to reduce the amount of sickle cells in the blood.

One study is looking into whether transfusion patients can be switched to hydroxyurea as a maintenance form of therapy.

The Hematology Center is also investigating a novel way of treating pain crises by targeting the underlying cause of the crises instead of focusing only on pain palliation. It involves a drug called MAST-188 that could potentially disrupt the log-jam of sickle red blood cells in the blood vessels.

A trial studying another way of using hydroxyurea also offers hope for more efficient treatment, George said.

Currently, patients start on a low dose of the drug and step up over time.

“We are essentially trying to find a better way of using a known medication, with the goal of simplifying the use of the drug to find the ideal dose long-term,” he said.

Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria is flanked by outgoing Commissioner Kase Lawal (left) and new Commissioner Theldon R. Branch III.

New Port Authority commissioner named Defender News Services

Businessman Theldon Branch III was appointed unanimously to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority by the Houston City Council.

Branch was named to the seat previously held by Kase Lawal, who served as a commissioner since 1999.

“I am pleased to welcome Commissioner Branch…as an integral member of our team,” Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria said. “I look forward to his service as we work together to create jobs, facilitate commerce, and make the Port of Houston Authority the most productive in the nation.”

Branch said, “I intend to be a voice for those small businesses working with labor to build the premier port in the nation,” he said.

Branch is the chairman and CEO of the Branch Companies, a holding company that oversees investments in real estate, financial assets, the automotive industry and construction.

He is the managing partner and member of the executive committee of Dufry Houston and Branch/ McGowen Ventures, which operates duty-free concessions and a bonded warehouse.

Branch served as chairman of the Rebuild Houston Oversight Committee and worked as an assistant director for the City of Houston Planning and Housing and the Community Development departments.

He also served as the chairman of the National Minority Franchise Owners Alliance and was the first African-American to become a Whataburger franchisee. Branch earned a B.S. in business administration from Huston-Tillotson College.

localbriefs THE HARRIS COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT, dba Harris Health System, will pay more than $4 million in back wages and liquidated damages to 4,573 technicians and nurses after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor found violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime and record-keeping provisions. Harris Health System failed to pay workers the correct overtime rate when they worked more than 40 hours a week……...

HISD is inviting students from the Children First Academy to enroll in the district. The charter school was recently closed by the Texas Education Agency because of safety concerns. Parents can log on to houstonisd.org for information or call 713-556-6734.

The Children First Academy was located at 7803 E. Little York …….. HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE and Alief ISD have partnered with the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA), a program that guides students through the process of starting their own business. HCC is conducting the ninemonth program at Alief Taylor High School with 24 students. YEA takes students between the ages of 14 and 18 through the process of launching a business or social movement over the course of an academic year. By the end of the class, students own and operate fully formed and functioning businesses……..THE ACLU OF TEXAS delivered a memorandum to public school superintendents

warning administrators about violating the U.S. Constitution through unwarranted drug tests and other searches of students. The memo said that students retain all constitutional rights on school grounds, including protection under the Fourth Amendment against unreasonable searches and seizures. “We’re all concerned about drugs in our schools, but school administrators can’t simply ignore the Constitution,” said Terri Burke, executive director of the ACLU of Texas. “The purpose of this letter is to remind them that those good intentions can’t get the best of our Constitution, which forbids unreasonable searches and intrusions on students’ privacy.”

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SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs NEW U.S. CENSUS BUREAU DATA finds that child poverty remains at record high levels. Children remain the poorest age group in the country with a poverty rate 21 percent higher than before the Great Recession.

There are 2.75 million more children living in poverty today than there were in 2007……..

PROPOSED LEGISLATION in Congress would ban food stamp recipients from buying junk food. Congressman Phil Roe of Tennessee proposed the Health Food Choices Act, and joins Republican members of Congress who are critical of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants and Children program (WIC).

Some Democrats are wary of Roe’s motives, but he claims that as a physician, he realizes the importance of healthy eating……..THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION announced a new leadership team for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Dr. George Cooper is the HBCU initiative’s new executive director and Dr. Ivory Toldson is deputy director. Cooper and Toldson will work with the HBCU Board of Advisors and assist Education Secretary Arne Duncan as a liaison between the executive branch and HBCUs across the country. “As executive director, I am committed to promoting excellence, innovation and sustainability of HBCUs,” Cooper said…….. THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION is making a $5 million investment in African-American-owned banking institutions as part of a broader effort to increase the availability of loans for businesses and individuals in African-American communities. Five banks will receive $1 million each: the Industrial Bank in Washington, D.C.; Liberty Bank & Trust Company in New Orleans; Mechanics & Farmers Bank in Durham, N.C.; Seaway Bank & Trust Company in Chicago, and City National Bank of New Jersey in Newark. The foundation is purchasing certificates of deposits and depositing them with the five selected banks. The certificates are FDIC insured.

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 47 SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 Publisher Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Art Director Advertising/Client Relations Tony Fernandez-Davila Selma Dodson Tyler People Editor Strategic Alliance Manager Yvette Chargois Clyde Jiles Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Contributing Writer ReShonda Billingsley Aswad Walker The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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Women mentioned as viable candidates to lead the NAACP include (l. to r.) Roslyn Brock, Sherrilyn Ifill and Julianne Malveaux.

NAACP urged to hire woman

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Defender News Services

s the NAACP ready for its first female leader? Some AfricanAmericans say it’s time.

With the recent resignation of President and CEO Ben Jealous, the 104-organization finds itself searching for new leadership.

BlackAmericaWeb.com readers are being asked to sign a petition asking the organization to select a woman. “It’s time for a radical change at the top,” wrote website columnist Michael Cottman. “The next president of the NAACP should be a woman.”

Among those mentioned as candidates are current NAACP

National Chair Roslyn Brock, former Bennett College president and columnist Julianne Malveaux and Sherrilyn Ifill, president and counsel-director of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Jealous is resigning effective Dec. 31 to spend more time with his wife and two children.

“Leadership knows when to step up and when to step down,” Jealous said. “This day I can say with pride that I’m prepared to step down and make room for the next person who will lead this organization to its next chapter.”

In the case of Brock, Cottman said perhaps the NAACP need only “look down the hall” where Brock works in

her Baltimore office.

Brock is the youngest person and fourth woman to serve as chair, and succeeded Julian Bond in the position. She has been involved with the NAACP more than 27 years and joined the organization as a freshman at Virginia Union University.

Cottman said the organization should evolve and move into the future with a woman at the helm.

“From Benjamin Hooks, to Benjamin Chavis, to Kweisi Mfume, to Benjamin Jealous, it’s not only time for the NAACP to elect a woman president, but there shouldn’t be another NAACP president named Benjamin either,” he said.

Navy Yard shooter had mental problems Defender News Services

Aaron Alexis

Aaron Alexis, the 34-year-old Black man with Texas ties who killed 12 people and injured eight at the Washington Navy Yard, suffered from serious mental issues, including paranoia. A month ago, he complained to Rhode Island police that people were talking to him through the walls.

Alexis had reportedly been undergoing mental health treatment but was not stripped of his security clearance. He was an IT employee at

a defense-related computer company and used a valid pass to get into the Navy Yard.

Officials continue to look for clues into the background and behavior of Alexis, who died during the Sept. 16 rampage. He lived for a period of time in Fort Worth, and in 2010, was charged in connection with a shooting at his apartment complex.

He told police he was cleaning his gun and it went off.

The motive for his D.C. killing spree remains a mystery.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

Campbell supports diabetes education Texas football legend Earl Campbell is urging those with diabetes and those at risk to educate themselves about the disease. He is promoting the Health for Life diabetes initiative, which establishes free diabetes education programs in Dallas, Houston and East Texas.

“You don’t have to die or suffer and you can control this disease when you know what to do,” Campbell said.

“Diabetes has attacked my family.

It has taken my mother and my sister.

My brother, Willie, is winning his fight with diabetes Earl Campbell because he has educated himself about the disease.”

Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) classes are being offered by various community service and health care organizations. The classes are sponsored by TMF Health Quality Institute under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The education project specifically targets AfricanAmerican Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. However, the free classes are available to everyone.

Twenty-five percent of African-American women over the age of 55 have the disease and 25 percent of all AfricanAmericans between the ages of 65 and 74 have diabetes.

African-Americans are more likely to die from the disease and more than twice as likely to suffer devastating complications, such as kidney disease, blindness and amputations.

A list of DSME class providers can be found on the TMF website at diabeteshealthforlife.org.

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SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Kim Burrell

spreads the gospel through ministry, music

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By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

s a pastor and award-winning gospel artist, Houstonian Kim Burrell is using her “anointing” to spread the word about God. Over the years, Burrell has produced such hits as “I Keep Holding On,” “Anything,” “Victory” and “I’ll Be There.” Her most recent project, “The Love Album” won a Dove Award and two Stellar Awards, and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

She serves as a mentor on BET’s “Sunday Best” gospel music competition, and has shared the stage with such gospel stars as Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker, Donnie McClurkin, Karen Clark-Sheard, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin and Marvin Winans.

She has worked with secular artists such as Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, George Duke and Whitney Houston, and delivered a touching tribute to Houston when she sang at her nationally televised funeral.

Burrell has been preaching since the age of 16, and in 2010, she established the Love and Liberty Fellowship Church, located on Homestead Road.

The church has four basic beliefs: the Bible, the Trinity, salvation and water baptism. It also has a nontraditional Sunday worship time, 4 p.m.

She began her music career with the Greater

“I would like my greatest impact to be for people to remember the Creator and to remember why He created them.”

Emmanuel C.O.G.I.C. Choir. She was later featured on numerous recordings with the Gospel Music Workshop of America Youth Choir, Trinity Temple Full Gospel Mass Choir of Dallas, and Houston’s Inspirational Sounds Mass Choir.

Here, she talks about her music and ministry today.

Defender: What artists, gospel and secular, did you grow up listening to, and which artist was the greatest influence on your singing style?

Burrell: I grew up listening to the classics of the Clark Sisters, the Hawkins family, Shirley Caesar and other similar artists. I was allowed to listen to Stevie Wonder, DeBarge and many oth-

Kim Burrell

ers. The greatest influence on my singing style is Stevie Wonder. He was the most influential through choices of notes, which gave me the most interest in music.

Defender: How do you balance being pastor of a church with your other endeavors?

Burrell: God gave me the time that we start which is always in the evening at 4p.m…The time that my church starts makes it easy. I have a very good, mature church that knows how to operate with or without me. I am trying to train my church to not Continued on Page 6

what’sup SEAN “DIDDY” COMBS lost $1 million in a high-stakes Las Vegas dice game with rapper RICK ROSS. Combs posted a video on his Instagram page which showed him rolling dice and presenting Ross with a handwritten note which read, “To RR, I owe you $1,000,000. Sean Combs.”

The rappers where in Vegas for the FLOYD MAYWEATHER fight……..BEYONCÉ let her audience know that the show must go on after an aggressive fan pulled her offstage during a concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Security personnel helped her back up and she finished her song, “Irreplaceable.” Beyoncé then went over to the man who pulled her down and shook his hand……...IMANI HAKIM, the young actress who played CHRIS ROCK’S little sister on “Everybody Hates Chris,” will portray Olympic gold medalist GABRIELLE DOUGLAS in an upcoming Lifetime

movie. “The Gabby Douglas Story” is set to air in 2014.

REGINA KING plays the role of Gabby’s mother and S. EPATHA MERKERSON plays her grandmother……..

JOHN LEGEND married his girlfriend of six years, model CHRISSY TEIGEN, during a lavish outdoor ceremony in Italy. The bride, whose work includes modeling for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, wore different Vera Wang gowns for the ceremony, reception and after-party. Guests included KANYE WEST and STEVIE WONDER……..

DANNY GLOVER portrays the father of BLAIR UNDERWOOD in “Ironside,” the remake of the TV series about a paraplegic police officer. Underwood stars in the title role, and Glover will appear in a flashback sequence. The show premieres Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. on NBC……...The BET sitcom “Reed Between the Lines” has been cancelled. The

show originally starred MALCOLM JAMAL WARNER as an English professor and TRACEE ELLIS ROSS as his wife, a psychologist. Ross left the show after the first season…….. Hundreds of fans gathered on Hollywood Boulevard to witness the unveiling of BARRY WHITE’S star on the Walk of Fame. White, a Galveston native, grew up in Los Angeles. He gained fame with such hits as “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” and “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe.” He died in 2003 at age 58…….THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE, 3535 Main St., presents its youth production of the fairytale “The Last Prince of Soulville.”

Performances are at 11 a.m. on four consecutive Saturdays – Sept. 21, Sept. 28, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12. Shows are performed by members of the Young Performers Program. Tickets are $10. Visit ensemblehouston.com or call 713-520-0055.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

Sample headlines Galveston concert Defender News Services

Joe Sample

Acclaimed jazz pianist Joe Sample will headline the fifth annual Henriette Delille Legacy Concert at the historic Galveston Opera House on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 8 p.m.

The concert benefits the Joe Sample Youth Organization, a non-profit that provides scholarships and other financial aid to local inner city schools.

Joining Sample’s trio onstage will be Ray Parker Jr. of “Ghostbusters” and “Jack and Jill” fame, Houston vocalist Jewel Brown, and Houston musicians Horace Alexander Young and Andre Hayward.

Sample and Brown were recently inducted into the Houston Press Texas Music Hall of Fame.

Sample is a founding member of the Jazz Crusaders as well as a successful solo

artist. The Crusaders originated in Houston, and other members included Stix Hooper (drums), Wilton Felder (saxophone) and Wayne Henderson (trombone). One of the group’s biggest hits was 1979’s “Street Life,” with Randy Crawford as featured singer.

Concert tickets start at $60. For more information visit thegrand.com or call 409770-5056.

Burrell...

Continued from page 5

be a co-dependent church on my talents and anointing.

Defender: Do you have any upcoming projects we can look forward to?

Burrell: I have a new single coming out titled “Don’t Count Me Out.” I also have a new album coming out, which I have not titled.

Defender: What is the greatest impact you would like to have on others’ lives?

Burrell: I would like my greatest impact to be for people to remember the Creator and to remember why He created them.

The biggest impact I’d like to leave with them is my genuineness and my ability to show uncompromising and agape love.

Defender: What made you decide to start Love and Liberty Church?

Burrell: I was compelled and coerced by the leading of the Spirit of God to meet the needs of people. I felt the need for my talents as well as my anointing to be carried out and my calling to be made sure.

Defender: What do you say to those who still have an issue with women pastors?

Burrell: I haven’t met too many and if I have, they did not make that information available to me. In my opinion, being a pastor is spiritual choice and not a gender choice. Therefore, I don’t have very much to share with those who are opposed to it because it is evident I won’t be able to reach them and time is very valuable to me.

Defender: You were close to the late, great Whitney Houston.

What is the one thing you think people should remember about her?

Burrell: People should remember there was value to her personality, spirit and her heart for people. The most important thing is that she loved God and she loved people.

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SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013 | DEFENDER

Pinnacle Awards recognize businesses Defender News Services

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he Greater Houston Black Chamber will recognize local businesses and their owners during the annual Pinnacle Awards Gala on Friday, Oct. 11, at the Power Center.

The keynote speaker is Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Radio One, which owns and operates 55 broadcast stations in 16 U.S. urban markets.

Ten business owners are finalists for the Pinnacle Awards and four entrepreneurs are finalists for the Mack H. Hannah Jr. Upstart Business Awards. Two entities will be recognized for advocacy work, and five individuals will Continued on Page 10

Lucious Barnum

Dannette Davis

Kim Davis

Niles Dillard

Esther Francis

Renee Logans

Nikki Johnson

Walter Johnson

Jamal Thompson

Shirley Carter Williams

Emile Brown

Leslie Phillips

Troi Taylor

LaTanya Walker

Leslie Phillips

Texas football legend Earl Campbell says

“Don’t let diabetes tackle your life.

Get the power to be a winner over diabetes.”

Football great Earl Campbell (left) and his brother Willie, who now has control over his diabetes by learning diabetes self-management skills.

Learn how to take charge of your health and beat diabetes by calling 1-800-725-2633 and asking about the FREE Diabetes Self-management Education classes.

Or, find classes at www.diabeteshealthforlife.org

This material was prepared by TMF Health Quality Institute, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Texas, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy. 10SOW-TX-EDC-13-67

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013

cover

George Wyche of ARVO Realty Advisors meets representatives of Chevron Real Estate Services.

Expo 2013 connects MBEs, corporations persistence, perseverance, commitment to customer service, and commitment to growing themselves one step ahead of inority entrepregrowing their businesses. neurs seeking to HMSDC has conducted a survey of expand their busidecision-makers of major corporations in nesses will gather what characteristics they would need to for Expo 2013, the see in a business that would cause them annual business event sponsored by to want to do business with that busithe Houston Minority Supplier Develness. Top five criteria were identified as opment Council (HMSDC).

(1) value proposition, (2) capability and This year, it takes place Oct. 1-2 capacity, (3) quality delivery, (4) risk at the George R. Brown Convention management, and (5) business continuity.

Center. Richard Huebner, HMSDC Defender: What are the benefits of Richard Huebner president, says the event will help attending Expo? minority business enterprises (MBEs) Huebner: Access to information, with the greatest challenge facing them today – access insight, business opportunities and relationships. MBEs to opportunities. will learn new strategies for marketing and growing “Many MBEs are excellent in what they do, but their businesses. They will gain insight into new delack the relationships that drive business growth,” velopments in seven sectors of Houston’s economy, the Huebner said. opportunities they create, and how to position MBEs to Expo will bring MBEs face to face with major cor- participate in those opportunities. And they will be able porations, while showcasto forge meaningful business ing trends and emerging relationships with decisionFor more information on business opportunities, makers in Houston’s top Expo 2013 visit and providing resources corporations and government affiliate.nmsdc.org/hmsdc/ for financial growth. agencies.

HMSDC, estabDefender: What has lished in 1973, is a been the secret of Expo’s non-profit organization for MBEs and major corporasuccess all these years? tions interested in establishing relationships. Members Huebner: Expo brings buyers and sellers together include more than 200 major corporations and 1,000 in a unique, results-focused format. Major corporations minority businesses. are able to identify new, proven sources of products and The organization is one of 39 regional affiliates of services while MBEs are able to have direct contact the National Minority Supplier Development Council. with decision makers that are often difficult, if not imHere, Huebner talks about taking care of business. possible to reach otherwise. Expo is about connections Defender: What are the top characteristics of suc- and collaborations that drive business success. cessful business owners?

Defender: What are the benefits of MBE certifiHuebner: Top characteristics include patience, cation through HMSDC?

By BUCK BEDIA Defender

M

Advancing busin

Kimberly Duck of BP talks with Juuhi Ajuja and Cherri Cross of Wise Men Consultants.

Huebner: Certification is about integrity – validating that a company is legitimately owned, managed and controlled by minorities. It also provides the MBE with credibility in having an independent third party validate what the MBE says it does. Finally, certification gets MBEs included in corporate supplier diversity programs and avails them of the programs and support of organizations such as HMSDC. Defender: Why is it advantageous for corporations to become members of HMSDC?

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

rpage

> 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., MBE Boot camp > 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Coaching Corner > 1 p.m.-5 p.m., 20/20 Insight Forums > 2 p.m. -5 p.m., Corporate Seminar > 5:30 p.m. -9 p.m., Best of Class Reception

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Visit defendernetwork.com for Metro’s corporate membership involvement Huebner: HMSDC will introduce corporations to MBEs who can improve their performance, reduce their costs, increase their profits, expand their market share, and bring them more business.

HMSDC corporate members also benefit from gaining insight on marketplace trends and opportunities and creating stronger community relations and reputation while improving the quality of life for all Houstonians.

Defender: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Huebner: Believe in yourself and your dreams. See it, believe it and pursue it with relentless determination and confidence. Commit yourself to being the best! And be prepared to work hard not just in your business, but in growing your business.

Build a network that will yield opportunities and surround yourself with resources that will help you achieve long term sustainable growth. Be there for the long haul. Be patient but persistent. Above all else, trust yourself and be confident in yourself.

You can succeed.

he Houston area for over 80 years

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Expo schedule of events Tuesday, Oct. 1

g minority ness

defendernetwork.com

Wednesday, Oct. 2

> 7:15 a.m.-8:20 a.m., Early Bird Energizer Breakfast > 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. , Marketplace > 9 a.m.-4 p.m., One-to-One Sessions > 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Rigel Awards Luncheon

ideas for growing your business

For entrepreneurs who have successfully started a business and are ready to take the next step, the Small Business Administration offers 10 ideas for branching out. Choosing the right one will depend on the type of business you own, available resources, and how much money, time and resources you’re willing to invest all over again.

1 2 3 4 5

Open another location. If you feel confident that your current business location is under control, consider expanding by opening a new location.

Offer your business as a franchise or business opportunity.

Franchising your business will allow for growth without requiring you to manage the new location.

License your product. This can be an effective, low-cost growth medium, particularly if you have a service product or branded product.

Form an alliance. Aligning yourself with a similar type of business can be a powerful way to expand quickly.

Diversify. Diversifying allows you to have multiple streams of income that can often fill seasonal voids and increase sales and profit margins. Ways to diversify

include importing/exporting yours or others’ products, teaching adult education classes or becoming a paid speaker or columnist.

Target other markets. Use your imagination to determine what other markets could use your product.

Win a government contract..

Work with small business development experts to help determine the types of contracts available to you.

Merge with or acquire another business. Investigate companies that are similar to yours or complement yours.

Expand globally. Locate a foreign distributor who can carry your product and resell it in their domestic markets.

Expand to the Internet. Be sure that your business has an online presence in order to maximize your exposure.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

Pinnacle...Continued from page 7 receive special awards.

The Pinnacle Award finalists are: Lucious Barnum, Pennum Industries – Provides engineering, design, and fabrication services to the Oil and Gas Industry.

Dannette Davis, Kay Davis Associates – Provides project/move management and furniture, fixtures, and equipment consulting.

Kim Davis, the KD Company – A media communications consulting company.

Niles Dillard, Superior Video Productions – Provides visual media solutions and event photography services.

Esther Francis, CBIC Construction & Development – Provides construction project management.

Renee Logans, Access Data – Provides IT consulting, construction services and government services.

Walter and Nikki Johnson, Project Management Consultants Texas – Provides construction management services.

Jamal Thompson, Velocity Unified Communications –– Provides managed information systems technology services.

Shirley Carter Williams, Ultimate Touch Beauty Salon – A full-

Emile Browne, Emile Brown Photography – Provides photographic services.

Leslie Phillips, Obsidian Beauty Supply – Distributes premium beauty products.

The chamber’s Advocate Award will be presented to the City of Houston and CenterPoint Energy for supporting African-American small businesses.

Other honorees will include:

Annette Cluff, Varnett School, Endurance Award; Darryl King, Principle Partnering Group, Excellence Award; State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Mickey Leland Entrepreneurial Public Leadership Award; Keith Davis, D-mars. com, Chairman’s Innovation Award, and Roosevelt Petry Jr., GP Industrial Contractors, Business Trailblazer Award .

For ticket information visit ghbcc. com or call 832-350-4222.

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Cathy Hughes

service beauty salon.

Leslie Wilson, IAM Brands Interactive – A full-service, global interactive and digital marketing agency.

The Mack H. Hannah Jr. Upstart Business Award recognizes a business that has been in operation less than two years. Finalists are: Troi Taylor, Taylor Construction Management – Provides facility project management and consulting.

La Tanya Walker, JOLT! Consultants & Business Advisors – Provides staffing solutions to businesses.

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It’s your future.

No matter your passion, HCC can help turn your dreams into reality.

If you’re just getting started, or starting a new chapter, we have the skills and knowledge that meet your goals and your schedule. HCC has convenient locations and hundreds of programs and degree plans.

What are you waiting for?

Go get it. It’s yours.

Workforce SolutionS can Help You find a career tHat paYS Did you know you could earn as much as $130,000 per year as an Engineer?

Or more than $100,000 per year as a Pharmacist?

Also, Registered Nurses or Chemical Plant Operators can earn wages almost twice the annual average for our region!

Workforce Solutions maintains extensive online materials concerning the four major industries of the Gulf Coast region — education, specialty construction, energy and health care— all of which are expected to produce the highest job growth and the highest salaries in the coming years.

Anyone who is preparing to enter the workforce for the first time or looking for new career opportunities can find a surplus of materials for planning a career at Workforce Solutions.

Your journey begins here.

In our career offices throughout the Gulf Coast region, as well as on our Web site, detailed information on the hottest careers is easily accessible.

Workforce Solutions is an equal opportunity employer/ program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Relay Texas Numbers: 1-800-735-2989 (TDD) 1-800-735-2988 (voice) or 711

visit hccs.edu to learn about our logistics program

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Whether you view the up-to-date information on the High-Skill, High-Growth Jobs in the region, visit the online Career Video Library, or watch the Learn How to Build Your Career Planning Video, your time spent with us — in person or online at wrksolutions.com — will leave you more informed and better prepared to pursue your career goals.

To schedule an appointment with a career counselor, call our toll free number at 1-888-469-JOBS (5627).

For quick access to our career planning resources, visit: wrksolutions.com/jobs/careerplanning.aspx

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SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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Men at Work available on xfinity.com/tv The Hero available on XFINITY™ TV Player app.

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Offer ends 9/22/13, New residential customers only. Not available in all areas. Requires subscription to XFINITY Starter XF Triple Play with XFINITY TV Digital Starter, XFINITY Internet Performance, and XFINITY Unlimited® Voice. After 12 months, monthly service charge for Starter XF Triple Play goes to $119.99 for months 13-24. Additional outlet fee applies to multi-room viewing. X1 DVR service fee (which includes HD Technology fee) waived during first 6 months. After 6 months, X1 DVR service steps to $9.95 for months 7-12, then regular monthly charge applies; currently $19.95 applies to X1 DVR Service. After promotional periods, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular charges apply.

Comcast’s current monthly charge for the Starter XF Triple Play is $144.95. Service limited to a single outlet. Equipment, installation, taxes, franchise fees and other applicable charges (e.g., per-call or international charges) extra. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. StreampixTM not available on TV in some areas. Internet: Wi-Fi claim based on August 2012 study of comparable in-home wireless routers by Allion Test Labs. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Voice: $29.95 activation fee may apply. Service (including 911/emergency services) may not function after an extended power outage. Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month’s recurring and standard installation charges up to $500. Call for restrictions and details. ©2013 Comcast. All rights reserved. The Hero and the TBS and TNT logos are trademarks of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Celebrity endorsements not implied.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013

sports

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A.J. Bouye

Texan rookies Bouye, Jefferson overcome

P

By MAX EDISON Defender

laying in the NFL is not an entitlement. It’s a dogeat-dog process where many are called, but few are chosen. For those who are undrafted rookie free agents, the odds are severely limited, yet A.J. Bouye and Willie Jefferson have defied the odds and made

the team.

Hailing from Central Florida, cornerback Bouye (6-feet, 190 pounds) was a longshot to make the team. A second team All-Conference USA performer as a senior, Bouye joined a roster that was top heavy with talented secondary performers.

Nevertheless, Bouye came to Texan rookie mini-camp brimming with a cornerback’s greatest ally, confidence. He was determined to make the 53-man active roster.

“From the beginning I always thought I was going to make the team. That’s how you have to come in thinking, that you’re going to make the team,” Bouye said.

“I knew there was going to be a lot of competition and it was going to be a grind every day. I knew I was going to have to put in work, but I had confidence in my ability.

“It’s a big opportunity,” he said. “A lot of people thought I wasn’t going to make it and very few thought I would. I’m trying to take advantage of it, have fun, and help this team win any way I can. If that’s playing specials teams, then I’m OK with that.”

Bouye credits his veteran secondary mates for helping him with his transition. “[Johnathan Joseph] has been very helpful showing me some technical things about playing the position and Ed [Reed] has pointed out some things that have been very helpful. Over-

all, all of the guys have been very supportive.”

Outside linebacker Willie Jefferson’s situation is even more intriguing because the Beaumont native is a converted wide receiver that only played defense his final two years in college.

Jefferson [6-feet-5, 240 pounds) played wide receiver for two years at Baylor before transferring to Stephen F. Austin where he was converted to defensive end. He was named Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year in 2011 and first-team AllSouthland Conference as a senior in 2012.

After such a radical position change, Jefferson was elated to make the squad as an outside linebacker.

“When I officially made the team, I was so happy; a lot of hard work and dedication paid off,” he said. “A lot of old things from my past fell off my shoulders. I was blessed just to be a part of the team, be a part of the organization and to get that call saying I was part of the 53.”

Jefferson’s odds of making the squad were slim from day one with two drafted teammates, Sam Montgomery (third round, 95 overall) and Trevardo Bouye, a cornerback, talks with Texan Ed Reed.

Williams (fourth round, 147 overall) all playing the Randy Moss,” Jefferson recalled. “I say things happen for a same position. Jefferson was not deterred. reason. Now, I’m on the other side of the ball chasing down “I just wanted to come into OTAs and make my presence quarterbacks and trying to knock down passes and everything. known,” he said. “I wanted to come in and show I have the ability the play just as hard, just as fast as those two. It ended up It will all work out the same way. Catching touchdowns is fun, but sacking quarterbacks and getting tackles for a loss is a lot of that I made the 53 with those two.” fun too.”

Now that he has made an NFL roster as a defender, JefFor Bouye and Jefferson, overcoming the odds and playferson is far removed from his original goal. ing in the NFL is big fun.

“I always wanted to be a receiver. I wanted to be like

Jefferson, a linebacker, says he is blessed to be part of the team.

Willie Jefferson

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h.s.zone S.F. Austin Mustangs primed for turnaround

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

I

t was one of those rare moments that had been three years in the making.

The Stephen F. Austin Mustangs varsity football team was on the good side of a lopsided score. There was an endless stream of smiles and beaming faces on the Austin sideline. The Austin marching band played enthusiastically throughout the night and the Mustangs’ fans stood and cheered their team’s victory.

When the final seconds ticked off the clock, Austin owned a 47-0 victory over Lee to improve to 2-1 on the season and 1-0 in District 21-4A. Coming off a 1-9 campaign in 2012, the Mustangs are starting to see a turnaround.

“We took our lumps the last couple of years as we had our young guys playing,” said Austin third-year head coach Jason Baggett. “We had to rebuild with these guys and they got older and they got better. They’re all juniors and seniors now so we’re finally kind of putting it together and doing an amazing job.”

Isai Gutierrez, a three-year starter at quarterback, got the Mustangs rolling against Lee with a 10yard touchdown pass to Terry Teel in the first quarter. Teel would later add a 25-yard TD run just before halftime to give Austin a 21-0 edge at intermission.

Gutierrez completed all four passes he attempted in the contest, including three for touchdowns. Alex Benavides and Taaron Timmons had TD receptions of 76 and 36 yards, respectively.

Two-way performer Kevin Sowell Jr. rushed for 162 yards on 11 carries and ran for a 96-yard TD run the first time he touched the ball. Sowell added TD runs of 38 and seven yards later in the game while playing cornerback on defense.

SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Kinkaid’s Granato honored Houston Kinkaid junior quarterback J.T. Granato is the Houston area’s first 2013 Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Week award winner. Recipients are selected based on their performance on the field and their leadership off the field. Granato has led the Falcons to a 3-0 start, including a 42-30 win over Houston Christian. In the second game, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder rallied Kinkaid from a 20-10 halftime deficit to a 39-38 overtime victory over perennial Class 3A powerhouse Bellville. Granato connected on 35-of-60 passes for 451 yards and four touchdowns, including the game winner in the extra session. In the season opener against St. Pius, Granato threw for 436 yards and four TDs. The first junior to be chosen captain during head coach Stephen Hill’s tenure, Granato possesses a 3.5 GPA, plays the guitar, sends care packages to the troops in Afghanistan and was offered a scholarship to attend Rice University.

Fieldhouse fast-tracked The HISD Board of Education unanimously voted to fast-track the construction of a new DelmarTusa Fieldhouse by immediately demolishing the existing facility located at 2020 Mangum Road.

Design for the new facility is currently underway. The old fieldhouse was built in 1958 and is in poor condition. The final sporting events at Delmar will be Sept. 24. Football games will not be affected. Events after Sept. 24 will be shifted to the Mark Anthony Pavilion on the Forest Brook Middle School campus at 7525 Tidwell Road. The replacement facility is expected to open on the old site in late 2016.

Lewis returns to UH Austin head coach Jason Baggett (center) commends players such as quarterback Isai Gutierrez (left) and running back/cornerback Kevin Sowell Jr. (Photo by Darrell K. Ardison)

generated 346 yards of offense themselves.

“I just told the offensive line that they had to block for Kevin,” Gutierrez said. “He can’t do anything without them. They all did their jobs and we worked as a team.

“My team just needs to know that I’m playing with confidence that I’ll make the right Visit defendernetwork.com decisions and if I mess up, for Coach Jason’s Baggett’s thoughts on managing a blowout victory. that’s why we have the next play and another down,” Gutierrez said. the house.

“We were able to execute on “Our quarterback threw three offense because the offensive line touchdown passes tonight,” Baggett put their feet on the opponents’ said. “But the biggest thing about neck and wouldn’t let them get up,” him that I’m most proud is that Sowell said. through three games, he’s yet to The Mustangs returned a disthrow an interception. He’s making trict-best 18 starters from last season good decisions.” and going forward that experience The Austin defense limited Lee will be crucial in upcoming district to 44 yards total offense with Sowcontests against Waltrip (Sept. 20), ell and Quaylon Beckley leading Davis (Sept.

28), North Forest (Oct. the charge.

4) and Wheatley (Oct. 12).

Meanwhile, the Mustangs “Kevin’s been averaging about seven yards per carry this season,” Baggett said. “He’d have a lot more, but in the first two games he had about 200 yards of offense called back because of holding penalties. He got his karma tonight because he took several big ones to

University of Houston head track and field coach Leroy Burrell recently announced that Olympian and Cougar great Carl Lewis has joined the track program as a volunteer coach. Lewis joins a staff of eight former Houston track and field alumni and will work with the sprinters and jumpers.

“Carl had indicated to me last spring that he was planning on moving back to Houston,” Burrell said. “That was an excellent opportunity for us to really sit down and give him a more active role with the program.” Lewis is known as one of the greatest athletes in the world winning 10 Olympic medals, nine of those gold, and 10 world championship medals.

Mayweather unstoppable If there ever was any doubt in your mind that Floyd “Money” Mayweather was the most dominant boxer of his generation, wake up and smell the coffee. Mayweather totally outclassed challenger Canelo Alvarez, winning their recent fight on a majority decision. Many experts thought that a 36-year-old Mayweather would be in for the fight of his life against the 23-year-old Mexican superstar, but his ability and experience were just too much for Alvarez. Mayweather’s record is now an unblemished 45-0, with 26 KOs. Of course, they don’t call Mayweather “Money” for nothing.

He pocketed a cool $41.5 million for his effort, the biggest purse ever. In addition, Mayweather gets a cut of what appears to be another record pay-per-view audience.

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14 DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013

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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

24/7

classified LEGAL NOTICE Neighborhood Centers Inc. (AGENCY), a non-profit human services organization, announces a Request for Proposal (RFP) #13-12 Playground Service and Installation.

A “mandatory” Vendors Conference is scheduled for Monday, October 7, 2013 @ 10:00 AM (CST). The deadline for submitting a proposal is Monday, October 28, 2013 by 12:00 PM (CST). To receive RFP #13-12, e-mail Ashia Brown, Supply Chain Manager, at abrown@neighborhood-centers.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS INC. ENCOURAGES SMALL AND HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES TO APPLY.

MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY

will be accepting Request for Proposal for the following:

FULL DISK ENCRYPTION LICENSES Specifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Department located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Houston, Texas 77074 and/or via MHMRA website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Monday, September 23, 2013. The Request for Proposal (RFP) must be submitted to Purchasing Department, Room 100, 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by, Thursday, October 10, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. in a sealed envelope marked "RFP DO NOT OPEN “FULL DISK ENCRYPTION SOFTWARE”.

Any questions pertaining to this RFP should be addressed in writing to Joycie Sheba, Buyer II / Sharon Brauner, Buyer III via fax (713) 970-7682 or email questions to joycie.sheba@mhmraharris.org, cc: sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves the rights to reject any and/or all offers it deems to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1

 Project 13-08-08 RFP – Janitorial & Chemical Supplies – Toilet Paper & Hand Towels with a deadline of 10 A.M., September 25, 2013.

 The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in

Room 3W26 at the above stated address on October 2, 2013 at 10 AM.

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com.

SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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For Event Coverage...visit

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Dr. John Rudley, Congressman Al Green, Dr. Thomas Freeman and TSU Regent Glenn Lewis

Lorenza Butler, Tanya Allen and James Smith

Yulanda Mitchell, Paul Charles and Naomi Hardy

chag’splace

Dr. Carlotta Freeman , Dr. Thomas Freeman, Corey Freeman and Clarice Freeman

Carla Lane and Shirley Williams

15

Eva Pickens and Dr. Freeman (TSU photos by Earlie Hudnall)

Wilma Evans, Kathryn Franklin, Donnell Cooper and Christina Hall

Catherine LeBlanc, Star Jones, Audrey Dillard Hines and Bonnie St. John

Retirement!.....CORPORATE APPRECIATION LIVING LEGEND…..Texas Southern University celLUNCHEON…..The North Houston Frontiers Club, ebrated its 2013 Honors Day Convocation by honoring Inc. (NHFC) recently hosted a corporate appreciation retiring debate coach Dr. Thomas F. Freeman for his luncheon at Masraff’s restaurant to six decades of teaching and mentorthank their many corporate sponing students. Dr. Freeman, a profesJoin Yvette Chargois sor of psychology and philosophy sors. NHFC is a non-profit service at TSU, has taught at Morehouse organization dedicated to providing Events of the Week College, Virginia Union University, educational and charitable assistance More photos on defendernetwork.com Houston Community College and to needy minority students in the See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Rice University. At Morehouse, he greater Houston area. In January, 2013 with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. taught one of the world’s greatest the organization celebrated their 25th orators and most inspiring leadyear of serving Houston’s youth. Lane ers, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. At TSU, his famous Staffing, Reliant Energy, Amerigroup, Marathon Oil and students included Congresswoman Barbara Jordan Branwar International representatives were just a few and Congressman Mickey Leland. Denzel Washingof the corporate sponsors in attendance. Those spotted ton also sought Dr. Freeman’s guidance for his role in dining on a delicious lunch included president Wilma the movie “The Great Debaters.” During the ceremony, Evans, Lorenza Butler, Donnell Cooper, Christina Congressman Al Green presented Dr. Freeman with a Hall, Tanya Allen, James Smith, Carla Lane, Shirley flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Following the cerWilliams, Kathryn Franklin, Tim Fisher, Michelle emony, Dr. Freeman was joined by past and present Garcia, Wayne Luckett, Wilma Evans and Elizamembers of his award-winning debate teams. Happy beth Campbell, to name a few. Continued success!.....

Conference co-chairs Michael Williams and Vernita Harris

EMPOWERING VISIONARIES…..Highly regarded as one of the nation’s largest business and professional events, the 35th Annual National Black MBA Association (NBNBAA) Conference & Exposition matches job seekers with opportunities with some of the country’s leading talent, NBMBAA members and Fortune 500 corporations. With the theme “Courageous Leadership: Owning Your Own Success,” this year’s conference hosted some of the brightest minds and national thought leaders. It offered development, both professionally and personally, of industry best practices to prepare, distinguish and position attendees for advancement in a global workforce. Over 10,000 folks attended this year’s event. Some of the nation’s renowned and respected leaders included NBMBAA board chair Audrey Dillard Hines, Bonnie St. John, Benjamin Crump, Star Jones, Catherine LeBlanc, Robert L. Johnson and Judy Smith. Kudos to NBMBAA-Houston Chapter conference co-chairs Vernita Harris and Michael Williams. Great conference!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 19 | 2013

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