Houston Defender: September 20, 2012 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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NATIONAL U.S. REP. AL GREEN addresses global unrest

HISD hosts community meetings on bond proposition P3

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Volume 81 | Number 47 WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20, 2012 |FREE

Healthy minority Texas Children’s kids Hospital on a mission H Page 6

ENTERTAINMENT NICKI MINAJ joins ‘American Idol’

P8 FEATURE OPINION

JESSE JACKSON negotiates prisoners’ release

P9 H.S. SPORTS

DEON HOLLIS shows his greatness

P11

President Obama

Selena Gomez

President Barack Obama is troubled by recent violent protests, such as the one that turned deadly at the U.S. Embassy in Libya. Find out what Obama has to say about protecting Americans in other parts of the word. Hear his thoughts on turmoil and religious freedom. Discover why he says “there is no excuse.”

At the age of 20, Selena Gomez is one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Though best known as a Disney kid, she has branched out into music and fashion. Selena enjoys other roles as well. How did she make history in 2009? What does she have to say about her latest project? And why was it a different experience?

condemns violence

enjoys each role

H Page 4

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Stella’s secrets

What to do this weekend

It’s a classic tale of young man/older woman. But there are some things you might not know when it comes to the making of “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” Find out defendernetwork.com

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

Make over your closet

Book TALK The Price of the Ticket: Barack Obama and Rise and Decline of Black Politics is written by Frederick C. Harris, a political science professor at Columbia University. Among other things, Harris suggests that Obama’s stand on certain issues undermined the efforts of civil rights pioneers. At www.defendernetwork.com.

Is your closet a mess? Check out these tips to organize and make over your closet. At defendernetwork.com.

Blackstreet Featuring Teddy Riley performs Saturday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m. at the Arena Theatre. Special guests are Ginuwine and Sentury.

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20 | 2012 | DEFENDER

newstalk Homeless veterans

receive affordable housing

Defender News Services

ayor Annise Parker was recently joined by representatives of the Houston Housing Authority and Goodwill Industries as well as other program partners in announcing that the city successfully housed 101 chronically homeless veterans in 100 days. Housing Houston’s Heroes was launched in May as a pilot project to determine the feasibility of local agencies working together to reduce the incidence of chronic homelessness in Houston, especially among returning veterans. Parker marked achievement of the milestone by bringing house warming gifts to four of the formerly homeless vets at their new homes in the Villas on Winkler. “There is no excuse for our returning heroes to be living on the streets upon returning home,” Parker said. “They risked their lives to protect us. Now it is our turn to make sure they have roofs over their heads and access to other assistance they may need. The success of this program is

proof of what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together.” The unprecedented effort involved nearly 20 governmental and nonprofit entities, including the City of Houston Office of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Community Development, and Houston Police Department Homeless Outreach Team. Also involved were the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Harris County Housing Authority, Harris County Community Services, Catholic Charities, SEARCH, the Housing Corporation, Career and Recovery Resources and Neighborhood Centers Inc. Additional support was provided by such organizations as Healthcare for the Homeless, Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority and the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/ Harris County. In addition to affordable housing, the program also provided access to social services and job assistance. It is estimated that nearly 2,000 veterans are homeless in the greater Houston area.

Local veterans (left to right) Alvin Gill, Elvin Black, Robert Harris and Willie Jefferson receive housewarming gifts in celebration of their new residences.

HISD hosts public meetings The Houston Independent School District has scheduled 10 “Community Conversations” for the public to learn more about the district’s proposal to modernize outdated high school buildings and build new schools to meet students’ needs across the city. The measure goes before voters on Nov. 6. Early voting begins Oct. 22. All informational meetings will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., and will include a presentation followed by a question-andanswer session. The dates and locations are: • Monday, Sept. 24 – Booker T. Washington High School (119 E.

39th Street) and Bellaire High School (5100 Maple, Bellaire) • Thursday, Sept. 27 – Davis High School (1101 Quitman) and Dowling Middle School (14000 Stancliff) • Monday, Oct. 1 – Lee High

School (6529 Beverly Hill) and Milby High School (1601 Broadway) • Tuesday, Oct. 2 – Sharpstown High School (7504 Bissonnet) and Yates High School (3703 Sampson) • Thursday, Oct. 4 – Austin High School (1700 Dumble) and Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th Street). The Hattie Mae White session will be broadcast live on HISD TV, Comcast cable channel 18, and AT&T Uverse channel 99. Questions about the proposition may also be submitted via email to bondinfo@houstonisd. org.

HBCUs receive $228 M Defender News Services

Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University are among the 97 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that collectively received $227.9 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant is administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education. The nine Texas HBCUs receiving funding are: 1. Huston-Tillotson University, $1,985,989 2. Jarvis Christian College, $991,903 3. Paul Quinn College, $1,079,394 4. Prairie View A&M University, $4,334,301 5. Southwestern Christian College, $250,000 6. St. Philip’s College, $5,404,878 7. Texas College, $1,095,504 8. Texas Southern University, $4,438,376 9. Wiley College, $1,600,510

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Obama says violence won’t be tolerated Defender News Services

President Barack Obama had harsh words for those responsible for killing American diplomats in Libya. He also vowed to protect Americans in other parts of the world as angry demonstrators continued to protest an anti-Muslim film produced in the U.S. ridiculing the Prophet Muhammad. Protests have occurred in more than 20 countries, and spread from the Mideast to Southeast Asia. Demonstrators began by attacking U.S. Embassies in Cairo and Libya on Sept. 11. Four diplomats – including U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens – were killed in the attack on the American Consulate in Benghazi. U.S. and Libyan officials are still trying to determine who was behind the attack, and whether it was planned beforehand or sparked by the Californiaproduced film “Innocence of Muslims.” “This tragic attack takes place at a time of turmoil

and protest in many different countries,” Obama said. “I have made it clear that the United States has a profound respect for people of all faiths. We stand for religious freedom. And we reject the denigration of any religion – including Islam. ”Yet there is never any justification for violence,” Obama said. “There is no religion that condones the targeting of innocent men and women. There is no excuse for attacks on our embassies and consulates. And so long as I am Commanderin-Chief, the United States will never tolerate efforts to harm our fellow Americans.” Obama said his administration is doing whatever it can to protect Americans serving abroad. “We are in contact with governments around the globe, to strengthen our cooperation, and underscore that every nation has a responsibility to help us protect our people. We have moved forward with an effort to see that justice is done for those we lost, and we will

President Barack Obama visits State Department employees following the deaths of four Americans in Libya. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton stands at left.

not rest until that work is done,” he said. Obama also addressed the troubling global images of political unrest. “I know the images on our

televisions are disturbing,” he said. “But let us never forget that for every angry mob, there are millions who yearn for the freedom, and dignity, and hope that our flag represents.

“That is the cause of America – the ideals that took root in our founding; the opportunity that drew so many to our shores; and the awesome progress that we have promoted all across the globe,” he said.

Congressman Green addresses unrest market,” Green said. “The recent turmoil once again emphasizes, among Houston Congressman other important issues, the Al Green recently weighed importance of continuing in on the political unrest efforts for peace and stability occurring in various parts of in the region, as well as the the world. importance of the uninterruptGreen said unsettling ed flow of oil into the world’s events in the Middle East economy.” reached a breaking point Green noted the growing with the death of Americans response to the anti-Islamic in Libya. Congressman Al Green film “Innocence of Muslims.” “Continued unrest “The ugly film which mocks the could endanger the export and price of life of the Prophet Muhammad has been oil from Libya, the world’s fifth largest condemned by people of goodwill,” Green producer of oil, at a time when sanctions against Iran are already affecting the world said. “Slandering and making a mockery Defender News Services

of any religion is offensive, wrong, and not a justification for murder or violence.” In addition, Green touched on the political climate in Egypt. “The road to peace in the Middle East goes through many countries, one of which is Egypt,” he said. “Given Egypt’s proximity to Israel, the relationship of Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi’s government with Israel is particularly of paramount importance for many reasons. Green also shared his thoughts on world peace. “As events unfold, we must remember that although stability in the Middle East is an immediate objective, peace is our ultimate goal,” he said.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER 47 WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

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

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

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

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Romney calls Obama supporters freeloaders By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Editor-in-Chief

In a private discussion with millionaire donors, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney stereotyped those who voted for President Obama in 2008 as “victims” who want and expect a free ride from the federal government. The surreptitiously recorded video of Romney’s unusually candid remarks was obtained by Mother Jones magazine. Romney spoke and answered questions at a $50,000-a-plate fundraiser at the home of financier Marc Leder, who is partowner of the Philadelphia 76ers, in Boca Raton, Fla. on May 17. Replying to a donor’s question about strategy, the former Massachusetts governor replied: “There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it…And they will vote for this president no matter what…These are people who pay no income tax.” Romney added that his job “is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.” During a recent brief news conference, Romney said that his “off the cuff” comments were not “elegantly stated.” He did not back away from his controversial comments. Romney told reporters, “This is, of course, something I talk about a good deal in rallies and speeches and so forth, which is the president and I have very different approaches to the future of America and what it takes to ignite our economy and put people back to work.” Several of Romney’s charges were demonstratively false. The Tax Policy Center, a joint project between the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, stated last year: “Much has been made of TPC’s estimate that fully 46 percent of Americans will pay no federal individual income tax this year. Commentators have often misinterpreted that percentage as indicating that nearly half of Americans pay no taxes. In fact, however, many of those who don’t pay income tax do pay other taxes – federal payroll and excise taxes as well as state and local income, sales, and property taxes.” It also observed, “The large percentage of people not paying income tax is often blamed on tax breaks that zero out many households’ income tax bills and can even result in net payments from the government. While that’s the case for many households, a new TPC paper shows that about half of people who don’t owe income tax are off the rolls not because they take advantage of tax breaks but rather because they have low incomes.” In its fact checking of Romney’s charges, the Washington Post explained, “… this is one of these ‘facts’ that is not very informative. ‘Income taxes’ are just one type of tax that people pay, and for most working Americans – about threequarters – payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare far exceed what they pay in income taxes.” Jim Messina, Obama’s campaign manager, wasted little time responding to the video. “It’s shocking that a candidate for president

of the United States would go behind closed doors and declare to a group of wealthy donors that half the American people view themselves as ‘victims,’ entitled to handouts, and are unwilling to take ‘personal responsibility’ for their lives,” he said in a statement. “It’s hard to serve as president for all Americans when you’ve disdainfully written off half the nation.” In other remarks, Romney suggested that “women are open to supporting me,” but that “we are having a much harder time with Hispanic voters, and if the Hispanic voting bloc becomes as committed to the Democrats as the AfricanAmerican voting bloc has in the past, why, we’re in

trouble as a party and, I think, as a nation.” He said, “My dad, as you probably know, was the governor of Michigan and was the head of a car company. But he was born in Mexico, and, uh, had he been born of, uh, Mexican parents, I’d have a better shot at winning this.” The Post’s fact-check article debunked two other Romney assertions. “When Romney says 50 percent of people can’t get a job, he is greatly simplifying an Associated Press survey earlier this year that concluded that about 1.5 million, or 53.6 percent, of bachelor’s degree-holders under the age of 25 last year were jobless or underemployed. This

was the highest level in 11 years, since the dotcom bust in 2000. But underemployed is not the same as not getting a job,” the newspaper said. Secondly, Obama never promised that he would keep unemployment below 8 percent. In an earlier fact check of that claim, the Washington Post noted, “Interestingly, the information to disprove this claim exists on the Romney campaign Web site. Far from being anything that Obama said, the Romney campaign acknowledges that this 8 percent figure comes from a staff-written projection issued Jan. 9, 2009 – before Obama had taken the oath of office.”

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Healthy minority kid

Texas Children’s Hospital on a mis

hen it comes to Houston’s minority children, access to quality, comprehensive healthcare can be an unattainable privilege that most affluent residents take for granted. In communities where many parents have no insurance, limited insurance or lack medical facilities, treatment of their children’s ear infections or colds may seem a daunting task. But Texas Children’s Hospital, one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, is changing that reality with outreach programs to help these children get the medical treatment they deserve. Outreach programs include “medical homes,” mobile clinics, Dr. Cheryl Hardin and car seat inspection stations, all strategically placed in low-income areas where Black and Hispanic children are typically medically underserved. “Our hospital’s motto is to create a community of healthy children one neighborhood at a time,” said Dr. Cheryl Hardin, a pediatrician with Texas Children’s Pediatrics Corinthian Pointe, one of five medical practices included in the hospital’s Project Medical Home program. “It is very gratifying to know I work with a hospital system that is really concerned with providing healthcare to all children, even the neediest children,” Hardin said. “And that is exactly what this system is doing.” One hospital study revealed a disproportionately high number of minority, uninsured kids being treated at emergency rooms for conditions such as ear infections, colds or rashes. But such illnesses should be treated at a pediatrician’s office so medical history is established through continuous care, Hardin said. Many low-income areas, however, lack pediatricians, so Project Medical Home fills that void. Now, five Houston sites provide a “medical home” to families that might otherwise turn to emergency rooms for help. Besides Corinthian Pointe, healthcare homes are Texas Children’s Pediatrics Gulfgate, Cullen, Gulfton and Ripley House. No child is turned away, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. “The program has been successful because we know that the rate of ER visits in these areas has dropped by 25 percent,”

By ELESKA AUBESPIN Defender

Hardin said. “That is because children have a medical home with trusted pediatricians, medical staff and even social workers who can help families navigate the healthcare system at each site.” Still, parents may face financial, work or transportation hurdles to healthcare. So Texas Children’s Hospital built two mobile clinics to provide free exams, shots, non-emergency care, referrals and nutrition education. They help children up to age 18 who have no insurance, said Dr. Sanghamitra Misra, medical director of Texas Children’s Mobile Clinic program. SuperKids Mobile Clinic serves the mostly Hispanic Gulfton area in southwest Houston. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile parks in Houston’s southeast Hobby airport area, where Blacks and Hispanics reside. The clinics travel to other areas during summer months. “Even if families had private insurance at one time, there might be a sudden job loss and there is no way to pay for healthcare,” Misra said. “We are taking care of families who have fallen through the cracks of the healthcare system.” Recently, Texas Children’s partnered with Toyota and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to bring the national safety program, Buckle Up for Life, to Houston. Research shows that Black and Hispanic children are more likely than other children to die in motor vehicle crashes. Studies also show that Black and Hispanic children are significantly less likely than non-African American and non-Hispanic children to be buckled up in seat belts or car seats. Nationally, in crashes that killed children under age 14, seat belt use was lower among Blacks than among all other race or ethnic groups. The grant-funded Buckle Up for Life campaign will identify three Hispanic and three Black churches to pilot the Houston program, said Mary Frost, assistant director of Trauma Services and the Center for Childhood Injury Prevention at Texas Children’s Hospital. “This program fits very nicely with what we do in our

Health issues facin When it comes to specific childhood health conditions there are numerous disparities between whites and minorities. Comprehensive studies reveal that Black and Hispanic children suffer more from problems such as behavioral issues, tooth decay, diabetes and obesity. According to the Children’s Defense Fund, infants born to Black mothers are twice as likely to be born at low birth weight as infants born to Anglo mothers, and more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday. In the United States, 20 percent of Puerto Rican children have asthma, followed by 13 percent of Black children, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The national childhood average is 8 percent. In a question and answer session with the Defender, Dr. Cheryl Hardin, a pediatrician with Texas Children’s Pediatrics Corinthian Pointe, talked about particular health issues facing African-

American and His Defender: What issues facing Blac Hardin: Lack of a continuous health a medical home. child health cover ethnicity persist, t have had an undu impact on the hea children compared Although studies only a small perce children in Americ health, Black child twice as likely as w in only fair or poo children are 50 pe Defender: Wha health issues for m Hardin: Obesity, health and oral he Defender: Woul these health issue minority kids? Hardin: Obesity all socioeconomic groups, and if unt

system already,” said Frost, noting another hospital program that places car seat inspection stations around Houston to teach parents how to properly install them. “We hope to partner with churches in areas where we have found gaps in the usage of our inspection stations.” At inspection sites, about 4,400 child safety seats are checked yearly, and 1,500 free infant/booster seats go to needy families, Frost said. Child safety is important at home as well. The Kohl’s Safe at Home Program provides safe sleep awareness and home safety education for Houston’s parents of infants and toddlers. Free classes, offered through partnerships in low-income communities, cover topics such as the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and childproofing homes. “There is a committee that meets every week to review

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spanic children. t is the top health ck children? adequate, h care coverage and As disparities in rage by race and these outcomes uly negative alth of minority d to white children. have found that entage of all ca are in fair or poor dren are more than white children to be or health, and Latino ercent more likely. at are other top minority children? , asthma, mental ealth. ld you consider es a crisis for

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increases the future risk of heart disease and diabetes. Mental health is also a crisis across all groups, though especially minority groups. Defender: What factors play into these health issues facing minority children? Hardin: Lack of prioritization of our children. No child living in America should have to go without basic needs. Difficulty navigating the health care system in this country and poverty [are other factors]. Defender: What are some tips for raising a healthy child? Hardin: Establish care for your child with a trusted medical home. This is important for all children, and critical for promotion of wellness and prevention and management of chronic disease. Focus on education [especially early childhood education]. Children who do well in school are more likely to avoid the “cradle to prison” pipeline. Seek prompt treatment of mental health issues affecting children and caregivers.

child deaths in Houston and it allows us to look at these deaths from various perspectives,” said Frost of the Center for Childhood Injury Prevention at Texas Children’s. “We look at where it happened, what were the circumstances and what needs to be done to provide a safer environment,” she added. “That’s how we target what particular areas of town we are going to focus on when educating residents.” Ultimately, Texas Children’s is hoping such programs address the economic, cultural and, where appropriate, language barriers to motor vehicle and home safety, along with overall health of kids. “The mission of our hospital really drives what we do and that is creating a community of healthy children through creating a community of safe children,” Frost said. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.

e Houston area for over 80 years

Janell Howard, 7-year-old London Robinson and 4-year-old Paris Robinson appreciate Texas Children’s services.

Facts about Texas Children’s Hospital Texas Children’s Texas Children’s Heart Center Hospital is distinguished implanted its first Berlin as one of the top Heart on Sept. 27, 2005 in pediatric hospitals in the one of the smallest babies country for patient care, to ever receive the device. education and research. • Texas Children’s Hospital It is recognized in was the first pediatric multiple pediatric hospital in the nation to subspecialties, including implant an artificial heart in the Cancer and Heart June 2011. Centers, and operates • The Department of Surgery the largest primary at Texas Children’s Hospital pediatric care network in performs more than 22,000 the country. operative cases and 90,000 Other facts about outpatient clinic visits each Texas Children’s Hospital year. include: • Texas Children’s is the only • A $1.5 billion expansion children’s hospital system to opened the Jan and Dan operate five Project Medical Duncan Neurological Home practices within its Isaiah Bowie visits TCPA Corinthian PointeResearch Institute, Texas primary care network – each Project Medical Home. Children’s Pavilion for of which offers preventive Women, and Texas Children’s Hospital West and primary care services at little or no Campus. charge. This innovative model that has been • The hospital is ranked among the nation’s created provides affordable, convenient, top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World community-based pediatric health care Report and Parents magazine. to children in medically underserved • According to US News & World Report, neighborhoods. Texas Children’s is ranked the No. 4 children’s • With funding of more than $100 million hospital in the nation and No. 1 in Texas and annually and more than 800,000 square the Southwest, with eight of out of the 10 feet of lab space, Texas Children’s and BCM subspecialties evaluated ranking in the top 10. principal investigators are conducting over • Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston led a 1,000 clinical, basic science and translational 17-hospital national Investigational research projects at any given moment. Device Exemption (IDE) study on the Learn more about Texas Children’s Hospital at German-manufactured Berlin Heart EXCOR www.defendernetwork.com. Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device (VAD).

DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20 | 2012

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Minaj considers ‘Idol’ real deal Defender News Services

Selena Gomez enjoys every role By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

One of Hollywood’s brightest young stars, Selena Gomez has Texas roots. Born in 1992 in Grand Prairie and raised by a single mom, she got her start in show business as Gianna on “Barney & Friends.” She made her screen debut soon thereafter in “Spy Kids 3-D,” and subsequently appeared on such TV shows as “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” “Hannah Montana” and “The

Selena Gomez

Suite Life on Deck,” before skyrocketing to fame starring as Alex on the Disney Channel’s Emmy-winning sitcom, “Wizards of Waverly Place.” In 2009, Selena became the youngest UNICEF Goodwill ambassador in history at 17. The following year, she launched her very own fashion line, the Dream Out Loud Collection. In terms of her private life, Selena has long been romantically-linked to pop idol Justin Bieber, and the couple was recently rumored to be building a love nest together in the San Fernando Valley. Here, she talks about her new movie, “Hotel Transylvania,” an animated adventure where she plays Mavis, the daughter of Dracula who falls in love with an ordinary human, over her father’s objections. KW: What interested you in “Hotel Transylvania?” SG: It had a really good script, it’s really funny, and has an amazing cast, so it was kind of a no-brainer. KW: How would you describe the movie? SG: I think it’s a really cute fatherdaughter film that kinda touches on growing up, and on experiencing your daughter wanting to have independence. It’s a really sweet story that daughters and dads can relate to. KW: Your new movie combines comedy and horror. Did you have a lot of fun working on this film? SG: Yes, and for that particular reason. I love scary movies, so I really enjoyed

New “American Idol” judge Nicki Minaj said she’s never been a big singing competition fan, but she couldn’t resist the opportunity to join the Fox reality show. “This is such a credible brand,” she said. “It’s really serious; it’s real deal. It’s not anything else other than really looking for talent. If I can be a part of that I’m really down for it.” She made the comments during a press conference in New York Nicki Minaj City, where she was joined by fellow judges Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson and Keith Urban, and host Ryan Seacrest. Minaj and Carey dismissed rumors of a behind-the-scenes battle between them. “How can you feud in two days?” Carey asked. “I think a feud takes a little longer [to build].” In just two years Minaj has become one of the hottest artists in the music industry. The rapper, singer and songwriter released her debut album, “Pink Friday,” in November 2010. She is the first female solo artist to have seven singles on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time. Her seventh single, “Super Bass,” has been certified quadruple-platinum and sold more than four million copies. Known for her outlandish outfits and colorful hair, Minaj said appearing on Idol will give her a chance “to wear a whole bunch of different wigs.”

being a part of a project that puts a twist on the scary formula. KW: How did you find it portraying an animated character for the first time? SG: It was different for me, since I had never done something like that before. So, I enjoyed it. It was new. I would love to do it again. It was great. KW: You’ve already been acclaimed for singing and dancing, for acting on TV and film, for fashion, for your charity ambassadorship and you’re only 20 years old. What’s left for the rest of your life? SG: I don’t know. I guess I’m just sort of figuring it out. But I do enjoy everything I’ve been doing, and I feel very, very blessed.

What’sup USHER and SHAKIRA can be seen on the NBC’s “The Voice” next season. The two multi-talented entertainers will fill in for CEE LO GREEN and CHRISTINA AGUILERA, who will take a hiatus to work on other projects. Green will concentrate on new music and a scripted comedy series about his life, while Aguilera will tour and promote her latest album. NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt said the network was “thrilled” to welcome the two new coaches. “Doing two backto-back cycles of this show requires a tremendous amount of time, and we are happy to accommodate

the commitments made by Christina and Cee Lo,” Greenblatt said……...Usher also received some good news in the ongoing court battle with his ex-wife TAMEKA RAYMOND. Her latest request for a retrial in her custody battle with Usher was rejected by the judge in the case. She asked for another trial after he was awarded primary custody of their two children…….. JESSE L. MARTIN, a former “Law & Order” star, returns to NBC this fall in the musical drama “Smash.” Martin will be seen in six episodes and plays an artistic director. Martin knows all about the theater; he was one of the stars of “Rent” on Broadway,

and also appeared in “The Merchant of Venice” and “A Winter’s Tale” in New York. Martin most recently appeared in the film “Joyful Noise” starring QUEEN LATIFAH……..SHERRI SHEPHERD has launched a wig collection called Luxhair Now. Shepherd, a cohost of “The View,” said she played an instrumental role in designing the collection. “Wigs have always been a part of my life and have become a staple accessory in my closet. I can remember being a little girl and hearing all the commotion in my house from my mom, aunts and grandmother when picking out their wigs for the day.”

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Jackson negotiates prisoners’ release from Gambia Defender News Services After a face-toface appeal by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, the president of Gambia agreed to release two American citizens into Jackson’s custody and return to the United States with him. The men were serving long prison sentences in the West African nation. One of the Americans, Amadou Scattred Janneh, a former professor at the University of Tennessee, was serving a life sentence for treason. Janneh has dual American and Gambia citizenship as does the other imprisoned American, Tamsir Jasseh, who was serving a 20-year sentence for treason. Tamsir is also a U.S. veteran and served in Desert Storm. Gambia President Dr. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh said that because of his respect for Jackson, he would allow the men to leave on a flight to Brussels and then on to New York. The president also agreed to extend indefinitely a moratorium on the death penalty and the execution of 38 death row prisoners, and re-affirmed his commitment to allow the United Nations to investigate the disappearance of a Gambian newspaper reporter shortly after being arrested by local authorities six years ago. Jackson said it was “a special joy” to able to bring the Americans home to their families. “It was not a legal, but humanitarian plea,” Jackson said. “Those once scheduled to die are now set to live. Those serving

“Those once scheduled to die are now set to live. Those serving sentences of 20 years to life are now scheduled to go home to their families. For that we thank God.” sentences of 20 years to life are now scheduled to go home to their families. For that we thank God.” It is the sixth time Jackson has traveled abroad to negotiate the release of U.S. citizens and people from other countries held captive – in Syria, Iraq, Yugoslavia, Cuba and Liberia, and now Gambia. U.S. Ambassador to Gambia, Edward “Ned” Alford, applauded Jackson’s successful mission, saying that “Jackson came as a private citizen. We very much welcomed his visit and his effort. He has a good track record of doing humanitarian interventions, and this is another one.” Jammeh has been under intense international pressure the last several weeks after announcing he planned to execute all 47 inmates

Rev. Jesse Jackson meets with Dr. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, president of Gambia.

on the country’s death row. In late August, nine inmates, including a woman, were executed by firing squad. A delegation of Americans traveled to Gambia to plead for mercy. A day before the delegation arrived in Gambia, the president suspended the executions. After meeting with Jackson for hours in his office in the Gambian State House, Jammeh agreed to extend the moratorium indefinitely. Jackson thanked the president for his “gesture of hope,’’ adding, “these cases should not be allowed to divert’’ the world’s attention from the many “good stories’’ of Gambia, including a free health care system, education and economic development. “The arrow is pointing upward,’’ Jackson said.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) Public Hearing for FY2013 Operating & Capital Budgets The Public Hearing for METRO’s FY2013 Operating & Capital Budgets will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. in the METRO Board Room on the 2nd floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, TX. METRO’s FY2013 Operating & Capital Budgets is currently available for public review at METRO headquarters at 1900 Main Street on the 14th floor. Contact Rosa Diaz at 713-739-4840. Also, you are urged to visit METRO’s website www.ridemetro. org to view the documents and make comments.

DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20 | 2012 com

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TSU football debuts new stadium

By MAX EDISON Defender

exas Southern University, which is commemorating its 85th anniversary, recently marked a new milestone – the inaugural football game in BBVA Compass Stadium, the new home of TSU football. Although the Tigers were defeated by Jackson State 45-35 in an action-filled affair, the real story on game day was the stadium itself, a state-of-the-art facility that rivals any of its kind in the nation. Patrons were treated to all of the amenities most often associated with larger professional stadiums. Even those driving by could not escape the giant electronic video board that proclaimed this was the home of Tiger football and a game was about to go down. For loyal alums and fans of Tiger football the stadium is the manifestation of a dream come true, and many openly questioned if it would ever happen. After years of wandering around the city, playing in everything from makeshift stadiums on campus to high school venues, the Tiger faithful made it through the wilderness and finally reached the “Promised Land.” TSU President Dr. John Rudley acknowledges the significance of the opening game and the co-

operative effort to get there. “This is a historic day,” Rudley said. “We’ve been working on this deal since 2008 with [County Commissioner] El Franco Lee, [former Commissioner] Sylvia Garcia and the Dynamo organization.” Rudley thanked others who helped make the stadium deal a reality, including Harris CountyHouston Sports Authority board members Matt Rogers and Pastor Manson Johnson, Mayor Annise Parker and former Mayor Bill White. “We thank all of those who have lent their support. It’s about time TSU had this kind of facility,” he

said. Rudley clarified any misinformation that might be circulating about TSU’s interest in the stadium. “It’s not a place we’re renting. We’re part owners here,” he said. Manson Johnson also praised the collective process that made the stadium dream come true. “It starts with great leadership in order to get great results,” Johnson shared. “El Franco Lee [a TSU alum] was invalu-

Fred Plummer (No. 1) scores a touchdown against Jackson State.

able in his efforts. Matt Rogers, my colleague on the board and myself are both TSU products. We had many others persons with ‘maroon and gray’ backgrounds help in the process, but cooperative leadership at the top got it done.” Charles O’Saw is another alum who is proud of the stadium. O’Saw played football at TSU from 1962-1965 and is a former Maroon and Gray club president. “The stadium is simply tremendous,” O’Saw said. “After years of wandering around town, playing everywhere, we have a stable place that we can call the home of TSU football. A facility this nice should automatically be a bonus for us when it comes to recruiting. There is nothing in our conference that even comes close.” Winn Frazier, VP/sales manager at KTRK Channel 13 and a 1972 TSU graduate and season ticket holder, emphasizes the positive effect the stadium will have. “The stadium is an outstanding accomplishment and symbol of the progressive, positive things happening at TSU,” Frazier said. “ Not only will the stadium be a benefit helping us recruit quality student-athletes to the football program, but also students that see this as a symbol of a positive direction for the university, something they want to be apart of. “My challenge now is for alums and friends of Tiger football to buy season tickets and come to the games.” The stadium is now open, the Tigers are playing and Coach Darrell Asberry and staff are doing their very best to bring a winner to town. President Rudley hopes the TSU faithful will support their efforts. “Now is the time for the community to respond in a positive way to all of the work we’ve put into this process,” Rudley said. “We have a stadium that is equal if not better any stadium of a university our size, certainly among HBCU’s. Now we need the community, friends and alums of Texas Southern to come to the games and support this program.”

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20 | 2012 DEFENDER

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Hollins shows greatness on, off field By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

He has an insatiable desire to read. Although he scored 1590 on the SAT college entrance examination, he admittedly could have scored higher, except that the math portion proved to be a bit challenging. Dave Campbell’s 2012 “Texas Football Magazine” selected him Super Team Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Fort Bend Marshall head football coach James Williams says his star defensive end has the greatest speed off the snap he’s ever witnessed. His name is Deon Hollins. For all the accolades, you couldn’t meet a more down-to-earth and level-headed teenager. “I want people to remember me as being very respectful,” Hollins said. “I don’t want to be known as a jerk.” After spending his first two years at Jack Yates High School, Hollins transferred to Marshall High School where he encountered defensive line coach Jason Davis. “Deon’s always been a good athlete, but he came here last year and Coach Davis taught him a lot about playing defensive end,” Williams said. “Coach Davis played in the NFL and he gave Deon tips on hand placement, using his feet and getting leverage. Toward the end of the season, Deon was unstoppable.” “His [speed off the snap] is one of the fastest I’ve ever seen,” Williams said. “I’ve had quite a few college coaches come by and tell me the same thing. Deon is a student of the game. He stays by Coach Davis’ hip and he wants to get

better. He wants to absorb everything. He wants to be the best in the state.” At 6-feet and 225 pounds, Hollins is every opposing quarterback’s nightmare. Williams says college coaches are divided on whether to leave him at defensive end or switch him to a stand-up position (linebacker or possibly safety) on the collegiate level. “My dad and I discussed it and we both feel linebacker may be my future position,” Hollins said. “Both of my grandfathers are 6-feet-4. But even if I don’t grow another inch, I’m confident with where I am.” Hollins is also confident with where his Marshall Buffalos are at

in the 2012 season. Coming off a 15-14 victory over Alief Elsik, the Buffalos are preparing to play in a new district, thanks to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) bi-annual re-alignment. After playing on the Class 5A level every year since the school opened, Marshall has made the switch to Class 4A. District 22-4A is comprised of eight schools from three different school districts. Marshall, Willowridge and Ridge Point represent Fort Bend ISD. Stratford, Northbrook and Spring Woods come from Spring Branch ISD while Tomball and Tomball Memorial also join the fold. “I like the new alignment because we have different cultures, different playing styles and different coaching staffs,” Hollins said. “Regardless of the switch, we were poised to have a good season anyway. We’ve got a plethora of good players – one committed to Baylor and another to Texas Tech. Along with some good talent, we’re playing together now.” Hollins has verbally committed to UCLA. He currently has a 3.9 grade point average and is taking AP and college credit classes. In his spare time he loves to read, including entire series of books. His favorite NFL player is Denver Broncos quarterback and former Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning. That partly explains why Hollins wears No. 8. “I used to wear no. 18 at Yates. I took the one off to get a fresh start at new school,” he said. “I like the cerebral part of the game and that’s what Peyton represents. I’m always trying to learn something that will give me an edge. There’s always something else you can learn to improve as a person and a player.” Deon Hollins is a star defensive end with Marshall High School.

Lamar Redskins look good The Lamar Redskins were one of the surprise teams in 2011 as they advanced to the Class 5A regional semifinals and repeated as district champions. With 11 returning starters, including quarterback Darrell Colbert and cornerback Cedric Lancaster, the Redskins improved to 3-0 with a 26-24 victory at Beaumont West Brook and will face Alief Elsik. Head coach Tom Nolen is one of the winningest high school football coaches in the greater Houston area. “We have a good bunch of kids,” Nolen said.”That can carry you a long way.”

St.Thomas ends losing streak St. Thomas High School plays rival Strake Jesuit every year in football and once owned a 25-9-1 advantage in the series. Yet coming into the 2012 season, the Eagles hadn’t won since 1999 (27-7). After last year’s 31-26 victory, Strake Jesuit’s winning streak climbed to 14 straight. Sophomore kicker Jack Brady changed all that when he booted a 37-yard field goal to cap a 17-14 win over the Eagles’ arch rivals. “I didn’t see the ball go through the uprights,” Brady said. “I heard the crowd and that’s when I knew. Then chaos broke lose and the whole sideline is going nuts and we’re running all over the field. The coaches had to get us under control because there were still five second left.”

Etcetera There were upsets galore in high school football. Clear Springs defeated highly-ranked La Porte 32-8 and Langham Creek rallied for a 32-31 victory over District 17-5A rival Cypress Woods. Memorial knocked off Pearland 20-8.

Southern fires Mitchell Never let it be said that the folks that run the athletic department at Southern University are indecisive. Southern fired head football coach Stump Mitchell recently, two games into the 2012 season. Mitchell, in the third and final guaranteed year of a contract paying him $200,000 per year, was 0-2 for 2012 and was 6-18 during his tenure at Southern. The firing occurred less than 24 hours after the Jaguars lost their home opener to SWAC conference rival Mississippi Valley 6-0. It was only the second time in 20 years that the Delta Devils had defeated the Jaguars. Defensive coordinator Dawson Odums has been named the interim head coach.

Orakpo out for season Former Lamar High School standout and University of Texas All-American Brian Orakpo is done for the season after tearing his pectoral muscle near his left shoulder in the 31-28 loss against the Rams last week. The Redskins linebacker, a two-time Pro Bowler in his fourth season, has emerged as a team leader in Washington. Orakpo, a first-round draft pick in 2009, had at least 8½ sacks in each of his first three NFL seasons. He had surgery on the same shoulder after a suffering similar injury last year. The recovery time for the injury is four months. After the game, Redskin head coach Mike Shanahan expressed his concern. “He’s obviously everything you look for in a Pro Bowl player,” Shanahan said. “And we’ll miss him.”

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