Houston Defender: September 20, 2018

FEATURE

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M RECEIVES $1 MILLION FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES PROGRAM P5

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

Volume 87 | Number 47 SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 FREE

NEWSTALK ANTONIO ARMSTRONG JR. fights to prove innocence in parent’s murder

P2 ENTERTAINMENT REGINA KING takes home an Emmy

P6 H.S. SPORTS JAVONNE SHEPHERD among top tier offensive talent in HISD

REGISTER TO VOTE before Tues., Oct. 9

P15 TOP EVENTS

Gerald Womack, Rhonda Skillern Jones at Dr. D’s Prophetic Talk.

P16

BLACK WOMEN HOLD COURT

19 vie for Harris County judicial spots H PAGE 8

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

2

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

newstalk

VOTERS UNITE

Evidence could clear teen charged with murder Defender News Services

The defense team for a Bellaire teenager accused in the 2016 shooting deaths of his parents will present testimony from a family friend that alleges the child’s father was involved in a prostitution ring.

Antonio Armstrong Jr., 18, is accused of killing his parents, former NFL linebacker Antonio Armstrong Sr. and his wife Dawn Armstrong.

Police responded to a 911 call from the home on July 29, 2016, and found both shot to death.

Antonio Armstrong Jr. The teen, who called police while hiding in an upstairs closet, claimed he saw a masked man in his home and heard gunshots. The then16-year-old was charged with capital murder hours after

the shooting.

Maxine Adams, who knew the family, reportedly provided evidence to investigators at the Houston Police Department that, if proven to be true, could prove Armstrong may have been telling the truth about his parents’ murder, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Adams told investigators that Armstrong Sr. was involved in a prostitution ring and that it led to the shooting of him and his wife.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office recently released the information to prosecutors which included 50,000 pages of phone records. Defense attorneys filed a motion of dismissal, which was denied. The trial is set to begin in June 2019.

Dallas officials call for calm after protestors arrested uniform, said she mistakenly entered the wrong apartment and fired off two shots at Jean, who she believed to be Dallas County District Ata burglar. torney Faith Johnson is calling for Critics are blasting the police “calm” in the wake of an officerhandling of the investigation, claiming involved shooting that claimed the Guyger has been given preferential life of 26-year-old Botham Jean. treatment. They’ve also criticized the “I want to stress that a rush to officer’s version of events, saying it’s judgement serves no one. Dallas spun to portray her more positively.

Police Officer Amber Guyger has Johnson’s call for calm came after admitted to shooting and killing nine people were arrested for blocking Botham Jean,” she said. “It is now traffic during protests outside of AT&T up to my office to determine how Demonstrators march around AT&T Stadium prior to a Cowboys stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys and why it happened and how game. (Brandon Wade/AP) hosted the New York Giants. Nearly 100 justice can best be served.”

Sept. 6 in his South Side Flats apartment unit demonstrators protested police violence and Guyger, who has worked as an officer located one floor above her own. The officer, demanded the firing of Guyger. for nearly four years, fatally shot Jean on fresh off a long shift and still wearing her Defender News Services

Black women must go to the polls • Create capital infusions for small business

FACT: Between 1997 and 2015, the number of companies started by Black women grew by 322 percent, culminating in over 1.3 milli on businesses nationwide.

althcare crisis • Fund research fornhe are more likely to have FACT: Black wome the breast cancer and are an aggressive form of the er women to die from more likely than all oth ains rem lity maternal morta illness. The infant and k women. at crisis levels for Blac

• Establish equal

pay

FACT: Although more Black women working (52.9 perc are ent of Black workf orce), they’ve seen the la rgest decline in ea rnings between 2009-2014.

In 2014, Black wom en earned 77 cents for every dollar earned by w hi te women (down from 80 ce nts/dollar in 2009).

ool-to-prison • Address the sch pipeline ore likely to be

are m FACT: Black girls girls and hool than all other suspended from sc g Black ack girls and youn most other boys. Bl the general just 14 percent of women comprise fully yet they comprise youth population, en being om w g un and yo one-third of all girls le justice mitted to the juveni detained and com system.

ELECTION DAY Tuesday, Nov. 6

Look for the Defender’s “Voters Unite” story each week now through the election

localbriefs THE FBI HAS LAUNCHED A PUBLIC awareness campaign aimed at stopping people from posting online threats. The #ThinkBeforeYouPost initiative is designed to educate the public about the consequences of making threats to schools and other public places. In the aftermath of tragic shootings such as the one at Santa Fe High School, the FBI and law enforcement agencies around the country often see an increase in threats made to schools. When an investigation concludes there was a false or hoax threat made, a federal or state charge could be considered, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The Houston region

#ThinkBeforeYouPost campaign will include digital billboard advertisement and social media campaigns… …..A JOB FAIR hosted by State Sen. Borris Miles will be held Friday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m.-noon at Houston Community College Central Campus, 1300 Holman St. The event will also include a job skills workshop from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. for participants to learn how to write or revise a resume, interview and network. For more information call 713-665-8322……..FOUR HARRIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HEAD START centers (Baytown, Humble, La Porte and Tidwell) are recruiting students ages 3-5 for preschool

for the 2018-19 school year. In addition, Early Head Start services to children 6 weeks to 3 years of age are available at the Baytown Head Start Center. Head Start works to ensure future success for students both academically and socially and provides comprehensive health, education, nutrition and financial services to families. Healthy meals and snacks are provided for students during the day. The centers are located at 1725 N. Pruett St. in Baytown, 130 Atascocita in Humble, 927 South 1st St. in La Porte and 8302 John Ralston Road in Houston (Tidwell). For more information about registration call 713-672-9343 or visit www.hcde-texas.org/headstart.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018 | DEFENDER

3

4

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

national

U.S.briefs

Anita Hill speaks out on Kavanaugh controversy Defender News Services

Anita Hill called on the federal government to implement a “fair and neutral” way to investigate sexual misconduct complaints after allegations surfaced against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Hill, who accused Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas of workplace sexual harassment during his confirmation hearing in 1991, said she has seen “firsthand what happens when such a process is weaponized against an accuser and no one should have to endure that again.”

Then a law professor at the University of Oklahoma, Hill testified before the Clarence Thomas accuser Anita Hill is speaking out about allegations Senate Judiciary Committee that she had against Brett Kavanaugh. been sexually harassed by Thomas when she worked with him at the Education Decess into place that will allow the accusation to be partment and Equal Employment Opportreated seriously. tunity Commission. Thomas denied the allegations “Given the seriousness of these allegations, the and he was confirmed to the bench. government needs to find a fair and neutral way for A woman is accusing Kavanaugh of assaultcomplaints to be investigated,” Hill, now a profesing her when they were high schoolers in the early sor at Brandeis University, said in a statement.

1980s, and she relayed the claim in a letter to “The Senate Judiciary Committee should put in Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, place a process that enables anyone with a comwho received the note in July and referred it to the plaint of this nature to be heard.”

FBI. The woman accusing Kavanaugh, Christine Kavanaugh is a United States circuit judge Blasey Ford, agonized about going public. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Hill said, “The reluctance of someone to come Columbia Circuit. He has vehemently denied the forward demonstrates that even in the #MeToo era, allegation, saying in a statement: “I did not do this it remains incredibly difficult to report harassment, back in high school or at any time.” abuse or assault by people in power.”

However, Hill wants senators to put a pro-

A FORMER POLICE CHIEF IN FLORIDA is coming clean to framing Black men in unsolved cases. Former Biscayne Park Police Chief Raimundo Atesiano, 52, admitted in federal court to directing his officers to pin unsolved home and vehicle break-ins on three innocent Black men. His goal was reportedly to make his police agency look good. Atesiano made the admission as he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deprive three suspects of their civil rights. The former chief’s conviction typically carries a sentence of up to 10 years, but he is expected to receive less time behind bars……..A GOP SENATE CANDIDATE IN MISSISSIPPI WANTS BLACKS to stop “begging for federal government scraps.” Candidate Chris McDaniel reportedly made the comments during an edition of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” show taped live at the University of Mississippi.

Interviewer Eddie Glaude Jr., chairman of African-American studies at Princeton University, asked McDaniel how he would convince the Black people who make up 38 percent of the state that he is “not a danger to them.” McDaniel replied, “I am going to ask them, after 100 years, after 100 years of relying on big government to save you, where are you today? After 100 years of begging for federal government scraps, where are you today?” Audience members responded with a rousing chorus of boos……..PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP IS DOUBLING DOWN ON his claim that the official death toll from a devastating storm a year earlier in Puerto Rico was inflated and said the number of dead seemed to rise from double digits to 3,000 “like magic.” Public health experts have estimated that nearly 3,000 perished because of the effects of Hurricane Maria, but Trump said it’s the work of Democrats to discredit him. He said just six to 18 people had been reported dead when he visited two weeks after the October 2017 storm.

Trial begins in death of Black Chicago teen Defender News Services

fresh attention to the problems a troubled department has wrestled with for decades.

“It’s a new chapter but the same theme – police racism, violence and a code of silence,” said G. Flint Taylor, a civil rights lawyer and frequent critic of the Chicago

In a Chicago courtroom over the coming weeks, the spotlight will focus on one night in 2014, 16 gunshots, a white police officer, the death of a Black teenager and an essential question: Murder or selfdefense?

Chicago Police Officer Laquan McDonald was killed by Officer Jason Van Dyke. police.

Jason Van Dyke faces murder charges in the killing Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson acof 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, a shooting capknowledges mistakes have been made, especially tured in a silent dashcam video that stirred outrage, in Black and Latino neighborhoods, many of them upended politics and fueled the city’s racial tensions. beset by gangs and gun violence that have torWhile the jury trial that recently began revolves mented parts of Chicago in recent years. around the events of Oct. 20, 2014, it also draws

VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 47 SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer

Jodie B. Jiles

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

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

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018 | DEFENDER

PVAMU to get $1 million to launch initiative

Beto with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

Defender News Services

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded Prairie View A&M University a grant of $500,000 to support its effort to establish an AfricanAmerican Studies Initiative which will be housed in its Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences.

Inspired by the Mellon Foundation award, an anonymous donor pledged an added $250,000 to help fund the initiative. The donation is eligible for a $250,000 university match, bringing the total support for the initiative’s launch to $1 million.

The project is designed to selectively infuse African-American Studies content throughout the university’s liberal arts offerings. The initial concept for the program was conceived when PVAMU President Ruth J. Simmons called for its creation in her first campus-wide address.

Simmons, who directed AfroAmerican Studies at Princeton and chaired the African-American Studies Department Visiting Committee at Harvard, expressed surprise and disappointment that, given PVAMU’s cultural legacy, it did not have a formal program.

Funding from the Mellon Foundation, along with additional gifts and donations, will allow faculty to revise and expand existing courses in the PVAMU core curriculum, in addition to developing new courses within and across disciplines to form and propose an African-American Studies Program.

To ensure the success of the Initiative, highly respected scholars will work with a select cohort of PVAMU faculty to act as advisors, assist in establishing program priorities, review core course themes and hold public lectures and workshops reflecting their respective fields.

“By strategically embedding African-American theme-based courses within the core curriculum, all students will have an opportunity to select courses that expand their academic interests while enhancing their engagement in the humanities,” said James Palmer, interim provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.

Potential consultants include: Melanye Price, Rutgers University; Henry Louis Gates Jr., Harvard University; Paula J. Giddings, Smith College; Nell Irvin Painter, Princeton University; W.G. Selassie, Los Angeles City College, and Cornel West, Harvard University.

Beto O’Rourke

DEMOCRAT RUNNING TO REPRESENT ALL 28 MILLION TEXANS IN THE U.S. SENATE

Beto O’Rourke is a father and husband who has served communities as a small business owner, City Council member and now member of Congress.

Beto is running a grassroots campaign for U.S. Senate that has taken him to all 254 counties of Texas so that he can listen to and learn from those he wants to serve and represent.

WORKING TOGETHEr, beto believes we can achieve: « An economy that works for all Texans—one with good-paying jobs and a fair shot at economic success

« Guaranteed, universal health care for all so that every Texan can get the care they need

« A high-quality education for every single child by keeping public school dollars in public schools and ensuring educational equity

« Comprehensive justice system reform that ends mass

incarceration, private prisons, the federal prohibition on marijuana, mandatory minimums, and the cash bail system

VOTE NOVEMBER 6, 2018 | EARLY VOTE OCTOBER 22 - NOVEMBER 2 BETOFORTEXAS.com

PAID FOR BY BETO FOR TEXAS

5

6

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018 defendernetwork.com

entertainment

2018 Emmys prove diversity a work in progress Defender News Services

There was plenty of talk about diversity in Hollywood at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards, but the talk only translated into three wins for performers of color.

The show kicked off with an entire skit about how diverse this year’s nominees were and how Hollywood had solved its race issue.

“Saturday Night Live” cast members Kate McKinnon and Kenan Thompson did a jokey song and dance number titled “We Solved It.” “This year’s Emmy Awards has the most diverse group of nominees in Emmy history,” Thompson said. “Yes, indeedy. One step closer to a Black Sheldon. I’m going to go ahead and say it: We solved it.”

Thandie Newton They were joined by Ricky Martin, RuPaul, Kristen Bell, Tituss Burgess, Sterling K. Brown and Andy Samberg to point out all the ways Hollywood had overcome a lack of inclusion – and yet not.

Had either Issa Rae or Tracee Ellis Ross won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy, it would have been only the second time an African-American woman won the category since Isabel Sanford for “The Jeffersons” in 1981.

The award went to Rachel Brosnahan for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”

During their opening, co-hosts Michael Che and Colin Joust of “Saturday Night Live” got in some jabs as well, with Che joking that his mother didn’t watch the Emmys because it was mostly white people and they “don’t thank Jesus.”

After the first awards were given Che noted, “Six awards, all white winners. One lady won twice...No one thanked Jesus.”

Actress Regina King played off that joke when she won Outstand-

ing Lead Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie for her role in “Seven Seconds” and made sure to thank Jesus. King, who famously wrote about the lack of diversity at the Emmys in 2010, was genuinely stunned by her win, beating out, among others, the first Asian woman to ever be nominated in the category, Sandra Oh. “Say word,” she said as she began her unprepared acceptance speech.

But the evening would only result in two more wins for nominees of color, as RuPaul’s Drag Race scored Outstanding Reality Competition Series and Thandie Newton took home Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in “Westworld.”

One of the biggest hits of the evening was Che’s skit about the “Reparation Emmys,” which featured Marla Gibbs from “The Jeffersons” and “227,” Kadeem Hardison from “A Different World,” and John Witherspoon from “The Wayans Brothers.”

Che joked that the Emmys he gave out were awards taken back from Bill Cosby.

Heading into the Emmys, there was reason to be optimistic about the possibility of more inclusive winners.

Blacks fared much better at the non-televised Creative Arts Emmys, which took place Sept. 8 and 9 and resulted in more wins for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (including Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program), “United Shades of America With W. Kamau Bell,” “Atlanta,” “Dave Chappelle: Equanimity,” and even Procter & Gamble’s poignant My Black Is Beautiful ad, “The Talk.”

Black talent also dominated the acting categories of the Creative Arts Emmys, sweeping the Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress categories in both Comedy and Drama as Katt Williams (“Atlanta”), Ron Cephas Jones (“This Is Us”), Tiffany Haddish (“Saturday Night Live”) and Samira Wiley (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) all earned honors for their work.

Regina King

what’sup KIRK FRANKLIN is opening up about how forgiveness changed his relationship with his biological father, who put him up for adoption.

The 48-year-old gospel singer detailed in a lengthy Instagram post that he recently received an anonymous telephone call, informing him that his birth father, whom he resented for putting him up for adoption, had less than six months to live.

Franklin concluded that he was “wrong” because he “never took that fuel, and turn[ed] it into forgiveness and that is wrong. Wrong for him, me, and the God I proclaim to represent,” he wrote……..There

are new accusations against R. KELLY from his own brother. CAREY KELLY claims his brother sexually assaulted their cousin, who was 14 at the time. “Robert has a control problem and the only reason why he targets little girls, now that I’m older, I understand. He was molested. I was molested [too], but I didn’t turn out that way,” Carey said, alleging they were molested by one of their family members.

There were rumors that Kelly impregnated the 14-yearold but Carey said he could not confirm those reports ……..Forbes released its annual list of hip-hop’s biggest earners and some the names were surprising.

As expected, JAY-Z topped the list by raking in a whopping $76.5 million thanks to the success of “4:44” as well as the “Everything Is Love” album he dropped with his wife, BEYONCÉ. Following close behind is DIDDY, who earned a cool $64 million with the help of his lucrative beverage deals with Ciroc vodka, DeLeón tequila and Aquahydrate alkaline water.

KENDRICK LAMAR came in at No. 3, securing $58 million from deals with Nike and American Express as well as his successful solo tour. DRAKE came in at No. 4 with $47 million and J. COLE rounds out the top five with $35.5 million.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

T:9.75”

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018 | DEFENDER

7

T:13”

Bring It! available on Xfinity Stream app

grown-ish available on Xfinity Stream app

Streaming is always in session.

Xfinity takes you back to school with Black Film & TV with Xfinity On Demand. Just say, “HBCU” into your X1 Voice Remote to watch your favorite Black college films and TV shows, catch HBCU football games and Classics, and get a look into Greek life. And with customizable streaming TV, you can watch hit movies, top shows and live sports, at home or on-the-go.

With Xfinity X1, access Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora right from your TV. Xfinity makes enjoying your entertainment simple, easy, awesome.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity TV with X1 and On Demand required. ©2018 Comcast. No celebrity endorsement implied. All rights reserved.

8

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018

Judge Maria T. (Terri) Jackson, presiding judge, candidate for Court of Criminal Appeals

Judge Ramona Franklin, presiding judge, candidate for Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7

Lucia G. Bates, Erica Hughes, Sandra J. Peake, Cassandra Y. Hollemon, Jackson (black and white dress), Angela Graves Harrington, Dedra Dav Tonya Jones, Sharon Burney, Michelle Moore, Lori Chambers Gray, Tori Democratic judicial nominees who will appear on the Tuesday, Nov. 6,

Sandra Peake, candidate for district judge, 257th Judicial District (Family)

BLACK W HOLD C

Michelle Moore, candidate for district judge, 314th Judicial District (Juvenile)

19 vie for Harris Co Germaine Tanner, candidate for district judge, 311th Judicial District (Family)

Cassandra Y. Holleman, candidate for judge, County Criminal CourtAt-Law No. 12

Lucia Bates, Candidate for justice of the peace, Precinct No. 3, Place 2

Linda Marie Dunson, candidate for district judge, 309th Judicial District (Family)

By RESHONDA TA Defe

P

olitical history is being made in Harris County as a record 19 Black women are running for judge in the upcoming Nov. 6 election. It also marks the first time in history that 19 Black women are running for judicial seats in one county, which happens to be the third largest county in the United States.

“These are 19 qualified and intelligent African-American women running for various judicial seats in this November’s election,” said Odus Evbagharu with the Harris County Democratic Party.

“To celebrate this historical moment and to bring awareness to the candidates, the party created the Black Girl Magic Texas campaign. It’s imperative for our community to vote.”Evbagharu says the party is 110 percent behind these candidates.

“We understand that it’s the year of the woman, especially women of color,” he added. “Women of color have been the base of the party for generations now. It’s

important to promote that and we are behin The party has stepped up efforts, distr and utilizing social media. They have ing program where voters can text B updated information on different eve The Black Women’s PAC, a grou area, is also working to support the c “It’s been said over and over tha bone of the Democratic Party,” said A with the Black Women’s PAC. “It’s o ence in most elections. The time is n own. Not only on the local level, but Statewide, 131 Black women are working diligently to promote all of

Ft. Bend, Brazoria County Black women on the ballot

Dedra Davis, candidate for district judge, 270th Judicial District (Civil)

Lori Chambers Gray, candidate for district judge, 262nd Judicial District (Criminal)

w Toni M. Wallace, candidate for Fort Bend County Court-at-Law No. 4 w Judge Teana Watson, candidate for Fort Bend County Court-at-Law No. 5 w Judge F.J. Jones, candidate for justice of the peace, Brazoria County w Arnetta Hicks Murray, candidate for Brazoria County commissioner w Adrienne Bell, Congressional candidate, TX-14

Toni M. Wallace

Teana Watson

defendernetwork.com • Serving the

defendernetwork.com

9

Tonya Jones, candidate for judge, County Criminal Court-At-Law No. 15

Erica Hughes, candidate for judge, County Criminal Court-At-Law No. 3

Sharon M. Burney, candidate for justice of the peace, Precinct No. 7, Place 2

Ronnisha Bowman, candidate for judge, County Criminal Court-AtLaw No. 2

Latosha Lewis Payne, candidate for district judge, 55th Judicial District (Civil)

Shannon Baldwin, candidate for judge, County Criminal CourtAt-Law No. 4

Toria J. Finch, candidate for judge, County Criminal CourtAt-Law No. 9

LaShawn A. Williams, candidate for judge, County Civil Court-At-Law No. 3

, Germaine Tanner, Ronnisha Bowman, Linda Dunson, Judge Maria T. vis, Shannon Baldwin, Latosha Lewis Payne, Judge Ramona Franklin, ia J. Finch, and LaShawn A. Williams are the 19 African-American , midterm ballot in Harris County.

WOMEN COURT

ounty judicial spots

ATE BILLINGSLEY ender

ind them in every way possible.” ributing posters, mailers, door hangers e even developed a text messagBGMagic to 25827 to join and get ents throughout the county. up of 100 women leaders in the candidates. at Black women have been the backAudrie Lawton, Campaign Director our vote that has made the differnow to reinvest that energy into our t the state and national as well.” e running for office. The PAC is the candidates.

“We’re trying to link these women with other women in the community who can propel them to win,” Lawton said. “In addition to community events like our previous First Ladies Breakfast and candidates’ forums, we are attending church services and civic events as well as using the website and social media to get the word out about our candidates.”

Lawton said their efforts will culminate with a Women’s March on Oct. 27, where they are planning a march to the polls for the Saturday voting.

The PAC is open to any woman interested in working to support Black female candidates. Contact President Tracy Scott at BlackWomensPac@gmail.com to become part of the host and planning committee.

For more information on the candidates visit www.BlackWomensPacTX.org or www.harrisblackgirlmagic.com

ELECTION DAY:

TUESDAY, NOV. 6 Early voting begins

F.J. Jones

Arnetta Hicks Murray

e Houston area for over 85 years

Adrienne Bell

Angela Graves-Harrington, candidate for District Judge, 246th Judicial District

Tuesd., Oct. 22

010

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

Gentrification threatens Austin minorities munity activist, has seen the displacement of residents in the city’s Montopolis neighborhood as the East Riverside Drive Revitalized neighborhoods surcorridor has redeveloped in recent years. rounding Austin’s urban core provide He said the historically low-income affluent residents more housing options neighborhood has been transformed as decloser to downtown, increase developvelopers built housing for higher-income ers’ profits and fetch city hall additional newcomers. property tax revenue.

“They’re young, they’re professional, But all that infill redevelopment they’re clearly here to work in tech,” he is also pushing the city’s low-income said. “They’re here to make a real estate residents, who are often people of color, investment. They’re not interested in farther from the jobs and public services playing a role in the community.” that help people climb the socioecoThat neighborhood is one of several nomic ladder. areas highlighted in the report, which was That’s one of several conclusions compiled by three professors in the UT from “Uprooted,” a University of Texas architecture school’s Center for Sustainat Austin report on residential displaceable Development and UT law school’s ment.

Entrepreneurship and Community Devel“Absent major interventions by the opment Clinic.

City of Austin and other stakeholders, The study comes weeks after Austin these residents –who are largely lowGarden Street in East Austin sits in one of several neighborhoods identified as being vulnerable to City Council hit the pause button on an income persons of color – will be pushed gentrification. attempted overhaul of Austin’s land-use out farther away from opportunity and regulations, an initiative called CodeNEXT. dislocated from their communities,” the redevelopment that attracts residents with higher incomes One of its goals was stemming the city’s rising housing report says. and educations in such large numbers that property costs costs.

“In the process, neighborhoods that have historically increase and the physical and cultural attributes of a Austin voters in November will decide seven bond been home to African-American and Hispanic residents neighborhood change. measures worth a collective $925 million. One of the meawill lose their cultural character and become enclaves for “While there is disagreement about the potential sures would set aside $250 million for affordable housing. largely white and wealthier residents.” benefits of rising property values and building upgrades McGhee, a Montopolis resident, is among several activists Austin City Council commissioned the report last and who receives these benefits, there is broad consensus who have presented city leaders with their own ideas. year as the city, like many in the United States, grapples that displacement is an undesirable side effect,” the report Dubbed the “People’s Plan,” it also calls for the city to with several factors fueling housing unaffordability. The says. build low-income housing on government-owned land. report focuses on gentrification, which generally refers to Fred McGhee, a historical archaeologist and comTexas Tribune

HBCUs granted $8.6 million to conserve historic sites

attention Parents!

Do you want to help your child excel in school?

Interested in learning about community resources that can support your family?

Defender News Services

The National Park Service is providing 18 historically Black colleges and universities with grants in efforts to conserve historic buildings and statues that live on campuses.

According to Diverse Issues in Higher Education, the grants, which total $8.6 million, will be put toward the revitalization of structures as well as projects that are relative to preservation.

The grant money was provided through the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund. Among the HBCUs selected for the grants are Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, Hampton University, Virginia State University, Delaware State University and others.

“HBCUs have played an important role in our country’s pursuit of equality, civil rights, and higher education for all Americans,” said National Park Service Deputy Director P. Daniel Smith.

“These grants will help restore and enhance landmark buildings that are a source of pride on campuses in nine states.” Howard University plans on using the grant to upgrade its Founders Library.

There has been a concerted effort to involve HBCUs in preserving Black sites across the country. In July, a program dubbed “Preservation in Practice” was created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Park Service and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation as an avenue to empower HBCU students to pursue careers in preservation.

Want to learn about the wide variety of programs and initiatives HISD offers?

THEN come to our new Parent University!

To pre-register and learn more, visit HoustonISD.org/ParentUniversity

save the dates

Fall sessions: 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 Kickoff event at all HISD schools Please contact your school for start time and details

All families grades K-12 encouraged to attend

Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018 Fonville MS Austin HS Westbury HS Sterling HS North Forest HS Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018 Washington HS Milby HS Pin Oak MS Wisdom HS Yates HS

free dinner & resource fair 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.

More sessions will be scheduled next semester.

Parents can attend any location!

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018 | DEFENDER

11

Return of Obama: Good or bad for Democrats?

Associated Press

Former Pressident Barack Obama

Nearly two years out of the White House, former President Barack Obama is facing another political test.

To the delight of many Democrats, he’s stepped back into the fray that former presidents often try to avoid, campaigning for Democratic candidates ahead of the midterms and blasting the political culture of the Trump era.

But Obama’s return poses challenges for both the former president and his party. For one, Obama has struggled to turn admiration for him into votes when he’s not on the ballot. Democrats lost significant ground in the 2010 and 2014 midterms and his enthusiastic campaigning for Hillary Clinton didn’t carry her across the finish line in 2016.

Perhaps more importantly, Obama’s public re-entry into politics could serve as a motivating factor for Republicans, potentially handing the GOP a gift at a time when they face an uphill battle to maintain their grip on Congress.

“This is perfect for us,” said U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, a Pennsylvania Republican running for the Senate. “It will energize Republicans as a reminder.”

For their part, Democrats say an Obama visit is a huge boon. Massive crowds give candidates and the party a chance to organize, update contact lists, motivate new donors and boost

volunteerism.

Michael Halle, the campaign manager for Richard Cordray, the Democratic candidate for governor in Ohio, said Obama’s visit sent a message about the stakes of the race, which could have implications for redistricting and voting rights in the future.

“First and foremost, it’s important for the people who live in Ohio,” he said. “But secondly, there are also significant national implications, and I think the [former] president weighed those in making the decision.”

An aide to the former president said Obama is aware that he does not have a strong record of aiding Democrats in midterm elections and that his presence can have the effect of galvanizing Republican voters.

The aide said Obama would take a strategic approach to the midterm races and pointed to the light footprint that the former president kept earlier in his post-presidency. That’s when he recorded a get-out-the-vote robocall for Democrat Doug Jones, rather than travel to Alabama to appear with Jones ahead of his upset Senate victory. The aide cast the decision as an example of how Obama could still lend his voice in a part of the country where he is less popular.

Scott Mulhauser, who served as Vice President Joe Biden’s deputy chief of staff during the 2012 election, said Obama left office as the “most admired man in the country, and his popularity has only increased since.”

MARCUS USED TO STAY LATE AT SCHOOL TO WORK ON HIS HISTORY REPORT. NOW HE DOES HIS RESEARCH FROM HIS BEDROOM.

LEARN MORE. DO MORE. SHARE MORE. Internet EssentialsSM from Comcast brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home and greater access to what’s important to you. You may qualify if you have at least one child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program or if you receive HUD housing assistance.

APPLY NOW AT InternetEssentials.com 1-855-8-INTERNET

© 2017 Comcast. All rights reserved. Internet Essentials is a program to provide home Internet service for families. It is not a school program, and is not endorsed or required by your school. Your school is not responsible for Internet Essentials accounts.

CIE_Consumer ad_Marcus_4.79x6.5.indd 1

7/7/17 3:23 PM

Your Trusted Health Care Team from Pregnancy to Pediatrics Free Pregnancy Testing Comprehensive OB/Maternity & Pediatric Services Personalized Care for Each Mom & Child

Make an appointment at a clinic near you today!

(832) 548 5000

LegacyCommunityHealth.org

12

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

Poor, minorities still struggle after Harvey tween $22,000 and $25,000 a year.

The help many have received from FEMA isn’t enough to rebuild their While residents of the East Coast are homes. dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Before Harvey, “there was a Florence, some Black Houstonians hit by great need here in the community, Hurricane Harvey know all too well the voids to be filled. So now you are gochallenges that lay ahead. It has been just ing to put a hurricane on top of this?” over a year since Harvey made landfall said Keith Downey, president of the in Texas and Blacks are disproportionKashmere Gardens Super Neighborately still displaced from their homes. hood, a local community group.

Shirley Paley is one of those who Houston Mayor Sylvester knows the struggle after the story. PreTurner said providing housing for Harvey, her life was already a struggle. economically struggling residents The 61-year-old former postal worker remains one of his key concerns. was raising her 17-year-old autistic The city is set to receive $1.1 grandson while dealing with a workbillion in Community Development place injury that left her legally blind, Block Grant, or CDBG, fundon disability and in need of three cornea ing from the federal government transplants. for housing needs. Under federal Harvey’s torrential rainfall flooded guidelines, 70 percent of CDBG Paley’s modest home near Kashmere funds must be used for projects that Gardens, one of Houston’s historibenefit low- and moderate-income cally African-American neighborhoods, individuals. forcing her to live out of her SUV for Paley, left, talks about surviving through Hurricane Harvey as she stands inside her home, which is But Houston likely won’t get more than a month and triggering severe Shirley being repaired from flood damage. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) that funding for months. And the $1.1 depression and anxiety in her 12-year-old savings and were more likely to have flood or homeownbillion won’t be enough, Turner said. granddaughter that led to several suicide ers insurance, low-income residents have been more Texas Housers, a nonprofit focused on housing, exattempts. reliant on a patchwork of organizations to meet their pressed concern that the state’s long-term recovery plan Still unable to move back home and desperate to recovery needs. undercounted the unmet needs of the poorest residents speed up the repair process, Paley has accumulated thou“If you were living on the edge and lost everything, by using a formula that didn’t consider any damage of sands of dollars in debt from high-interest payday and car you really are back to square one,” said Elena Marks, less than $8,000 to homes and $2,000 for renters. Texas title loans. president and CEO of the Episcopal Health Foundation.

Housers says its analysis found low-income homeown“I was trying to keep this straight, strong face. But in A survey of residents from 24 of Texas’ hardest-hit ers suffered an average of $7,000 in damage, while the end, I would just die at night,” Paley said. counties that was conducted by Episcopal Health and higher income homeowners had average damages of Harvey has been described as the storm that didn’t the Kaiser Family Foundation in June and July found $13,500. discriminate, inflicting an estimated $125 billion in total that 40 percent of Hispanics and 60 percent of AfricanPaley said that since Harvey hit, she has often felt damage on rich and poor alike. But community leaders Americans said they weren’t getting the help they need, like her life was sinking in quicksand. say that in the year since the storm came ashore, those including assistance for home repairs and with complet“I see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Paley, in the poorest afflicted areas are having a harder time ing applications for aid. who hopes to be back in her home by October. recovering.

The median income in Kashmere Gardens is beAssociated Press contributed to this report Unlike wealthier homeowners who could draw on Defender News Services

Stay prepared during hurricane season Defender News Services

Hurricane season doesn’t officially end until Nov. 30, and Gulf Coast residents are reminded that the most important thing to protect in a disaster is your life and the lives of those around you.

Here is some advice from FEMA. 1. Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Your kit should include sufficient water, a three-day supply of non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, first aid kit, medications and numerous other items. Visit www.ready.gov/ build-a-kit.

2. Know your surroundings.

3. Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.

4. Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.

5. Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.

6. Make plans to secure your property.

7. Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.

8. Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.

9. Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.

10. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

11. Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.

12. Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

13. Install a generator for emergencies.

14. If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.

15. Consider building a safe room.

For more information visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018 | DEFENDER

13

Naomi Osaka doesn’t want to be whitewashed Defender News Services

Naomi Osaka has been adamant about embracing both her Asian and Black heritages, conceding that while she represents Japan in sporting events, she doesn’t identify solely as Japanese.

She proudly reps her Haitian side.

After her Grand Slam win, one reporter asked how she balanced “Japanese culture” and “U.S. culture.” Osaka quickly set the record straight by answering, “My dad’s Haitian, so I grew up in a Haitian household in New York,” Osaka said during a press conference, following her U.S. Open quarterfinal win.

“I lived with my grandma. And my mom’s Japanese and I grew up with the Japanese culture too, and if you’re saying American, I guess because I lived in America, I also have that, too…I hope I answered your question. I don’t know.”

In a separate instance, another reporter not only mistakenly referred to Osaka’s non-existent New York roots (she grew up in Florida), he completely neglected her Haitian side, so Osaka had to “represent.”

Osaka beat her childhood idol Serena Williams 6-2, 6-4 in the controversial final of U.S. Open after the veteran received a code violation for coaching. Williams called chair umpire Carlos Ramos a “thief” in a show of frustration that saw her smashing her racket.

Speaking in Tokyo recently, Osaka, who became Japan’s first Grand Slam singles champion, recalled her nervousness during the trophy ceremony, “I feel like there was just a lot of emotions. I couldn’t really pinpoint it at the time, I just felt very overwhelmed.

“I’m grateful that people care or sympathize but I don’t really think there was anything to be sad about,” said Osaka. “I don’t feel like I would’ve liked to savor the moment more – I think I do things my own way and everyone is different in their own way so I don’t really have any regrets.”

Osaka, who has risen from 19th to seventh in the new world rankings, had said during the acceptance speech: “Hi, I’m Naomi… this is probably going to be the worst acceptance speech of all time.”

Referring to her speech, she said, “I’m kind of notorious – I’m not that great at trophy ceremonies. Even in Indian Wells it was a

Osaka defeated Serena Williams in a controversial U.S. Open finals match.

little bit different I guess from everyone else.

I’ve played a lot more matches between then and now.

“I’m a little bit more mature now so of course having that experience helps – and being more confident in yourself too,” Osaka added. “I’ve played here for many years and got to the final once, so this tournament is very special to me.”

Despite controversy surrounding her defeat of Serena Williams, Osaka isn’t sitting down.

She just became a brand ambassador for Nissan and she’s set to sign a new clothing deal with Addidas – the largest in the history of women’s tennis, worth $8.5 million per year.

Williams herself was ranked atop Forbes’ most recent list of highest-paid female athletes with approximately $18 million in 2017-18 earnings. According to Chief Marketer, she is under contract with Nike for what was reported to be $55 million for up to eight years.

Osaka is still relatively new to the international spotlight despite her U.S. Open stardom. She had her first noted breakthrough at the 2014 Bank of the West Classic, where she beat former U.S. Open winner Samantha Stosur, then appeared in her first Women’s Tennis Association final two years later.

This year, she emerged as a nationally-ranked star, upsetting Maria Sharapova at the Indian Wells tourney and cruising to the U.S. Open victory.

Naomi Osaka is Japan’s first Grand Slam singles champion.

classifieds NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids, in duplicate, addressed to Greater Southeast Management District will be received at 5445 Almeda Rd, #503, Houston, TX 77004, until 2:00 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 2:05 PM on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 to provide District Landscape Maintenance and Repair. CD’s can be picked up free of charge at the District’s office at 5445 Almeda Rd, #503, Houston, TX 77004 or at M2L Associates Inc., 8955 Katy Freeway, Suite 300 Houston, Texas 77040. The right is reserved, as the interest of the District may require, to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at the District’s office noted above. Additionally, prospective bidders may submit questions per the requirements of the bid documents. Only those bidders that sign for and pickup bid documents at one of the addresses noted above will receive addenda or the bid information.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

LANDSCAPE DESIGN CONSULTANTS FOR SOUTHERN DOWNTOWN PARK IN

DOWNTOWN, HOUSTON FOR THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / TIRZ NO.3 The Downtown Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) will receive Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from design consultants for the preparation and issuance of sealed construction and bidding documents for a Southern Downtown Park in Downtown Houston, Texas.

Statements of Qualifications will be received until 2:00 P.M., local time on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, by Ryan Leach, Executive Director, Downtown Redevelopment Authority, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Qualifications received after this time will not be accepted.

Respective of this advertisement, telephone, mail, email queries or requests for information will not be addressed by the Authority.

Osaka is the daughter of a Haitian father and Japanese mother.

Beginning Monday, September 24, 2018, this project’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) may be reviewed and downloaded as an electronic file from the Authority’s website: http://www.downtowntirz.com.

A mandatory Qualifications Pre-submittal Conference is scheduled for 2:00 PM, Tuesday, October 2, 2018, to be held at the Authority’s offices. Following this conference, queries or requests for information will be addressed by the Authority, pursuant to the instructions provided in the RFQ. Based on the Qualifications submitted, an evaluation and selection committee will identify up to three qualifying consultants for a second-stage interview to be held in late-October. The Authority will award the contract to the selected consultant based on the qualifications and interview performance.

14

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018 com

sports

defendernetwork.

Astros prepare to defend title in playoffs

By MAX EDISON Defender

W

ith slightly over a week remaining in the regular season, the reigning world champion Houston Astros are angling toward the playoffs and an opportunity to defend their title.

This time a year ago again the team had the best record in the AL and thought they could make it to the World Series. This year the team knows exactly what it takes and is eagerly awaiting the opportunity.

The Astros have been pushed more by the competition in the AL West this season. The second-place Oakland A’s and the third-place Seattle Mariners have enjoyed success in the second half of the season and have keep the Astros on their toes.

The Astros recently took two out of three games from NL West contender Arizona in what can be termed a healthy tuneup for the playoffs.

“This was a really good series for us to dial it in against a really good team,” said manager A.J. Hinch. “I know they’ve scuffled lately, but they’ve been in the mix the entire year. We needed to play well to win the series, and we did.”

Unlike last year, the Astros were hit hard by the injury bug this season. At one point during the second half of the season the Astros had AL MVP Jose Altuve and All-Stars Carlos Correa and George Springer on the disabled list.

During that critical point, a new star emerged on the scene and helped carry the team until the big three healed. All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman stepped into the spotlight and carried the team offensively.

In just his second year in the majors, Bregman, 24, has forced his way into the MVP conversation. He has gone from batting .214 in April to .294 currently. In 11games this month alone Bregman is hitting .366 with 5 homers and 14 RBI. So far this year Alex has 50 doubles, 100 RBI and 100 runs scored.

“At the beginning of this year, I was taking pitches,” Bregman said. “I wasn’t really

looking to do damage and only swinging in the strike zone. I was taking good pitches that I could do damage with, and then ending up walking. I wasn’t hitting enough line drives.

When you hit line drives, good things happen.”

The signs are there that the bats are beginning to heat up. Springer has raised his batting average 20 points in the last week and a half. Altuve is rounding back into MVP form.

Marwin Gonzalez, Yuli Gurriel, Tyler White and Tony Kemp are contributing key hits in the clutch.

Nobody in MLB has a deeper, more talented starting pitching staff than the Astros.

Justin Verlander, Dallas Keuchel, Charlie Morton and Gerrit Cole are all battle tested. If that weren’t enough, curve ball master Lance McCullers is expected to be healthy in time for the playoffs.

General manager Jeff Luhnow fortified the bullpen by trading for reliever Ryan Pressly and closer Roberto Osuna. Flame throwing middle reliever Josh James, brought up from Triple A Fresno, has shown he’s ready to be a prime time performer.

“We’ve settled in nicely,” Hinch said.

“September always makes you feel good that you have enough people, but both the guys we’ve had before and the guys we’ve added have given us as strong a bullpen as I’ve had while I’ve been the manager here.”

As the dog days of summer wane and the leaves begin to slowly turn brown, be of good cheer. The Astros are primed for the playoffs and ready to defend their title as world champions.

Alex Bregman is an MVP candidate

Pitcher Josh James is a flame throwing rookie

George Springer is all hustle heading into the playoffs

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

defendernetwork.com

h.s. sports

o-LINE T Houston top tier

TALENT

By JODIE B. JILES Defender

his year, some of the best players coming out of the Houston area are not your typical prospects breaking records in rushing, passing or receiving touchdowns. Instead, this talent can be found in the trenches on the offensive line.

Here, the Defender looks at a few notable offensive linemen in different school districts who are sure to make some noise going forward.

SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018 | DEFENDER

15

KENYON GREEN, OT Senior offensive tackle and Texas A&M commit Kenyon Green from Atascocita High School (Humble ISD) is nationally ranked No. 1 for his position and No. 3 overall according to the ESPN 300.

JAVONNE SHEPHERD North Forest-HISD

Defender: How would you describe your style of play as an offensive lineman?

Shepherd: Just be me…It’s really a mode I get into when I think about stuff and then I just get there.

Defender: What goes through your mind when you see an opening for a pancake?

Shepherd: I own you fool. I own you. You’re mine.

His coach Clifton Terrell comments: “At 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, it takes a lot to get around him. He has good footwork and he is just a phenomenal player. He plays mean, he plays mad and that is exactly what we want out of our offensive tackle.”

A few facts about Shepherd: OT North Forest (HISD); College Commitment: University of Texas; NFL offensive lineman he crafts his game after: “No one. I just be me.”

LAYDEN ROBINSON Manvel-Alvin ISD

Defender: How would you describe your style of play as an offensive lineman?

Robinson: As a pass blocker my style is patient, trying to wait and make the move off of the defensive lineman. Then as a run blocker, hitting. I like hitting. No running away from contact.

Defender: What goes through your mind when you see an opening for a pancake?

Robinson: All the losses that we had and just anything that bothers me from the past like the state championship game and stuff from last week in that game against Crosby.

Stuff like that runs through my head and what should I do right now that I couldn’t do last week.

His coach Kevin Hall comments: “There is not a better left tackle in the country. He is phenomenal, his work ethic is off the charts, his skill level and his intelligence are second to none. I think he is going to be the best offensive lineman I have ever coached or coached against.”

A few facts about Robinson: OT/OG Manvel (Alvin ISD); College commitment: Texas A&M; Dream job after football: ESPN commentator, coach and o-line trainer; NFL offensive linemen he admires: Tyron Smith, Larry Allen

ALSO OUTSTANDING: AREA OFFENSIVE LINEMEN IN THE CLASS OF 2019 TYLER JOHNSON

Oak Ridge H.S. (Conroe ISD) University of Texas commit

ANDREW COKER

Katy HS (Katy ISD) Texas Christian Univ. commit

RODQUICE CHANEY Elsik HS (Alief ISD) uncommitted

For crowd and game photos visit Instagram: @DefenderHighSchoolSports

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

16

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 20 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

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

topevents

DR. D’S EMPOWER TALK PROPHETIC VOICES SPEAK……..Rev. Dr. same age. Event organizer Anna Coppotelli welcomed supporters and attendees James Dixon and the Community of Faith Church hosted Dr. D’s Empower Talk alike including Carla Ferrell (“Steve Harvey Morning Show”), Candace Price Prophetic Voices Speak, a discussion on big topics of the day, featuring a panel (iHeart Radio), Lady BG (104.5 Kiss FM), Kim Roxie (The Rose), Dana Tyson headlined by Rev. Al Sharpton. Bail reform, immigration reform, education (Sunny 99.1 FM), Tarshia Boutte, Veronica Simmons, Rachelle Compton, reform and human trafficking were just some of the topics discussed. Panelists Taylar Byrd, Jasmin Brooks, Stacie Morris, Ashley Small and countless Commissioner Rodney Ellis, NAACP Houston President James Douglas, State others…….. DEFENDER EXPERIENCE: ON THE RUN II TOUR……..

Sen. Sylvia Garcia, Judge Darrell Jordan, Kimberly Barnes Henson and Brittany Minor, winner of the Defender Experience: On The Run II Tour (OTRII), filmmaker/activist Jacquelyn Aluotto were joined by attendees and her sister Jade Minor enjoyed the star treatment rolled Trustee Rhonda Skillern Jones, Gerald Womack, Kimberly by the Defender for an unforgettable evening. Along with Defender TOP EVENTS out Keys, Hope Lang, Deandre Green, Frances Fowlertwo floor seats to see Beyoncé and Jay-Z up close, Brittany More photos on defendernetwork.com Carter and many more……..SISTA STRUT HOUSTON received a dozen roses and balloon bouquet from Defender 3K BREAST CANCER WALK……..The Inaugural CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles. On concert night, Brittany and Jade Cracker Barrel Sista Strut 3K Breast Cancer Walk, held at Memorial Park, was were transported in an SUV limo by Bryan Taylor of Taylor Elite Transportation to the dining destination, Pappas Steakhouse. Upon their red carpet arrival to an overwhelming success heightening public awareness about the issues of breast cancer in women of color, and providing information on community resources. dinner, Brittany and Jade enjoyed a delicious meal complete with special appetizers Studies show that Black women are more likely to get breast cancer at a younger brought to the table by general manager Alan Fletcher. Then it was onto the soldout concert that Brittany described as “out of this world.” age and have a death rate from breast cancer twice that of Caucasian women of the

James Dixon, Rev. Al Sharpton, Sylvia Garcia, Rodney Ellis and other attendees

Gerald Womack, Trustee Rhonda Skillern Jones

Carla Ferrell, Ashley Smith, Candace Price

Cyndy Hawkins Ramos, Veronica Simmons, Beverly Rideaux, Cherelle Darby

Jade Minor, Bryan Taylor, winner Brittany Minor

Jade and Brittany strike a pose

Keshia Powell-Byerly, Kirk Ward, Tonya Dixon

Angela Wattley, Rachelle Compton, Kim Strain

Brittany and Jade with Alan Fletcher

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years