Houston Defender: September 24, 2015

NEWSTALK

SETTEGAST COMMUNITY GETS FACELIFT WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING P2

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

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Volume 84 | Number 46 SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 |FREE

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NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA

praises Black women

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Morris Chestnut

V T L L FA

FEATURE

Taraji P. Henson

N O S SEA

ROLAND MARTIN honored by Black Press

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E6 H PAG

HS ZONE CALEB BLANTON makes catches for Manvel Viola Davis

Wesley Snipes

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Ben Carson

Greg Ward Jr.

Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson stands by his controversial comments about Muslims. Find out why he won’t back down. Hear what he says about American values. See why the nation’s largest Muslim advocacy group is condemning him.

University of Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. is guiding the team’s high-powered offense this year. Read about his interesting journey to the top. See what happened when he was “thrown into the fire.” Learn about the blessings he’s received.

upsets Muslims

H PAGE 4

leads UH attack

H PAGE 10

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TOP EVENTS

Frederick Barksdale, Vernita Harris, Charles Griggsby at the Greater Houston Black Chamber reception

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 24 | 2015

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newstalk

HISD board considers more bond funding

T

he HISD Board of Education in October will consider a proposal by district administrators to add $211 million in funding to the 2012 bond program, which would cover “unprecedented” and “unanticipated” inflationary construction costs.

The district said since 2012, when Houston voters approved HISD’s $1.89 billion bond program, it has seen a nearly 40 percent increase in building costs, from about $160 per square foot in 2012 to about $222 per square foot today.

Much of that spike is attributed to the region’s construction boom over the last several years, which has created a large demand for workers and materials. HISD said it is not alone in the situation, as other districts throughout the area are facing similar challenges with their building programs.

The district said it has already taken some steps to

mitigate the higher costs, including moving inflation and some reserve dollars to each project’s construction budget. However, there is still a shortfall, and the funding proposal would ensure all original commitments made in the bond program are fulfilled.

Voters in 2012 backed a plan to rebuild or renovate 40 schools across the city, including 29 high schools.

The program also includes technology upgrades, middle school restroom renovations and improvements to districtwide athletics facilities.

“Our goal has not changed,” said HISD Superintendent Terry Grier. “We will build the schools we promised when the bond program was approved in 2012. This additional funding will help us deliver on that promise and allow these projects to move forward immediately.”

Board of Education President Rhonda SkillernJones said the board is committed to making sure that

all campuses are built to meet their communities’ needs.

“When voters approved this bond nearly three years ago, no one predicted the magnitude of construction price inflation that we are seeing today,” Skillern-Jones said. “Fortunately, because of the district’s conservative fiscal management, we are in a position to address this issue without increasing the burden on our taxpayers.”

With the plan, HISD would issue $200 million in new maintenance debt that would not impact funding for any other school district needs, the district’s credit rating or tax rates paid by property owners. The remaining balance of $11 million would be taken from the reserve fund of the 2007 bond program.

If approved, the $211 million would be distributed proportionately to each school project’s original construction budget to support needs related to project scope.

Settegast gets new housing The Settegast community in Northeast Houston received a facelift with the addition of Villas at Colt Run, a new affordable housing property.

Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) Director Neal Rackleff recently joined residents and other officials in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 138-unit multifamily community, where abandoned, dilapidated apartments once stood.

According to the city, the property represents its continued success with public/ private partnerships to increase economic development, quality housing stock and transitoriented development throughout Houston.

HCDD partnered with LDG Develop-

ment, a developer of multifamily properties across the country, to bring the housing to fruition.

Villas of Colt Run is located on two bus lines, making local job centers, grocery stores and schools accessible for working individuals and their families. There is also an onsite business center, fitness center and two playgrounds within the gated community.

“The speed and success of leasing activity at Villas indicates the demand and need for affordable housing options within this area,” Rackleff added. “It’s the perfect example of what can happen when the public and private sectors join forces to address a need within our city.”

City officials and residents attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Villas at Colt Run.

localbriefs THE PRAIRIE VIEW CITY COUNCIL upheld its decision to rename University Drive after Sandra Bland, who was found dead in her Waller County jail cell on July 13. Her mysterious death occurred three days after she was stopped for a minor traffic violation, which led to her arrest. Last month, the city council voted to rename the street Sandra Bland Parkway, but decided to reconsider their action after strong opposition …….. MORE THAN 1.7 MILLION TEXAS CHILDREN lived in poverty in 2014, a number higher than in any other state except California, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau. In Texas, 33.4 percent of Hispanic

children, 32.5 percent of Black children, 23.2 percent of American Indian children, 11.9 percent of Asian children, and 20.8 percent of children of two or more races live in poverty, compared to 10.6 percent of white children……..CUNEY HOMES RESIDENTS will begin to benefit from a $3 million pilot grant awarded to the Houston Housing Authority.

HHA and its community partners recently launched an initiative to address poverty at the complex.

Workforce Solutions will establish an on-site career center and case managers will work with residents on finding employment and accessing various services. Supporters of the initiative include Career &

Recovery Resources, Neighborhood Centers, Houston Community College, Texas Southern University and Houston Food Bank…….. HALLIBURTON HAS AGREED TO PAY more than $18 million in overtime wages to 1,016 employees nationwide. The Labor Department investigated the Houston-based company as part of a compliance initiative in the oil and gas industry. Investigators found that Halliburton incorrectly categorized employees in 28 job positions as exempt from overtime. The company did not pay overtime to the salaried employees when they worked more than 40 hours in a work week, a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

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SEPTEMBER 24 | 2015 | DEFENDER

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Texas Workforce Commission issues $48 million for training

Texas Lottery gives $1.2 billion to education

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced the availability of $48.5 million in job training funding from the Texas Legislature for Skills Development Fund grants during the 2016-17 biennium.

The fund provides training for high-demand occupations for Texas businesses and workers through collaboration among businesses, public community and technical colleges, local workforce development boards and economic development partners.

“Skills Development Fund grants are a valuable tool allowing Texas workers to obtain customized job training that meets the needs of employers,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar.

“This investment in the Texas workforce strengthens Texas businesses through partnerships with community colleges, while helping our state remain competitive.”

Over the next two years, TWC will administer $48.5 million in training dollars to support high-quality customized training for approximately 24,864 new and incumbent workers in Texas.

The Texas Lottery ended fiscal year 2015 by making its largest contributions to Texas education and veterans’ programs in the agency’s 23-year history.

“This is the 12th consecutive year that the Texas Lottery generated more than $1 billion in revenue for Texas,” said Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery.

“With this revenue transfer, the lottery has now contributed more than $18 billion to Texas public education and more than $52 million to Texas veterans.”

With $4.529 billion in gross sales, the lottery broke the sales record it set in the previous year, resulting in a contribution of $1.242 billion to Texas, the single largest annual transfer of revenue to the state.

“This year’s revenue transfer included $1.225 billion to the Foundation School Fund and $13.1 million to the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance,” said Grief. “These are the single largest annual revenue transfers to both causes.”

The Foundation School Fund, administered by the Texas Education Agency, funds the operational needs and special program services for Texas school districts.

“We are excited to celebrate 20 years of job-training grants through the Skills Development Fund,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “These grants allow workers to receive specialized training and in-demand certifications resulting in a highly skilled Texas workforce.”

From its inception in September

1995 through 2014, Skills Development Fund grants created or upgraded more than 316,000 jobs throughout Texas. The grants have assisted more than 4,074 employers with customized training needs.

Employers seeking more information about the Skills Development Fund can visit www.texasworkforce.org/skills.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 24 | 2015

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national

U.S.briefs

Carson stands by remarks about Muslim president

R

epublican presidential candidate Ben Carson is standing by his controversial comments about Muslims, and said the real problem is our “politically correct culture.”

“Sharia law [the legal system derived from the religious precepts of Islam] is completely antithetical to Americanism,” Carson said. “We need to fix America, and we need to get people to actually start listening and being capable of understanding our Constitution.”

Carson, a devout Christian, came under fire after saying that a Muslim should never be elected president of the United States. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called for Carson to drop out of the race.

“We call on our nation’s political leaders – across the political spectrum – to repudiate these unconstitutional and un-American statements and for Mr. Carson to withdraw from the presidential race,” said CAIR executive director Nihad Awad.

Carson was criticized for comments he made on “Meet the Press.” He said a president’s faith should matter to voters if it runs counter to the values and principles of America.

In response to a follow-up question about whether he would support a Muslim candidate for president, Carson said, “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.”

Carson later said he was referring to Muslims who had not rejected Sharia law.

“We don’t put people at the head of our country

Presidential candidate Ben Carson said he “would not advocate” electing a Muslim president.

whose faith might interfere with them carrying out the duties of the Constitution,” the retired neurosurgeon said.

“If you’re a Christian and you’re running for president and you want to make this [country] into a theocracy, I’m not going to support you. I’m not going to advocate you being the president.

“Now, if someone has a Muslim background, and they’re willing to reject those tenets and to accept the way of life that we have, and clearly will swear to place our Constitution above their religion, then of course they will be considered infidels and heretics, but at least I would then be quite willing to support them,” Carson said.

Obama praises Black women as ‘foot soldiers’ NNPA News Service

During his speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Phoenix Awards Dinner, President Obama celebrated the role that Black women have played in American history and pledged to address challenges they face in the workplace and in the criminal justice system.

He also praised the leadership Black women displayed during the Civil Rights Movement, even though their contributions were often marginalized.

“Women were the foot soldiers,” he said. “Women strategized boycotts. Women organized marches. Even if they weren’t allowed to run the civil rights organiza-

tions on paper, behind the scenes they were the thinkers and the doers making things happen each and every day doing the work that nobody else wanted to do.

“They couldn’t prophesize from the pulpits, but they led the charge from the pews. They were no strangers to violence. They were on the front lines.”

Obama added: “The good news is, despite structural barriers of race and gender, women and girls of color have made real progress in recent years. The number of Black women-owned businesses has skyrocketed. Teen pregnancy rates among girls of color are down, while high school and four-year college graduation rates are up.”

SPELMAN COLLEGE in Atlanta was once again named the No. 1 HBCU by U.S. News and World Report’s annual ranking of Black colleges.

Completing the top 10 were Howard University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Tuskegee University, Xavier University, Fisk University, Claflin University, North Carolina A&T State University and Florida A&M University.

Prairie View A&M University was ranked No. 32 and Texas Southern University was ranked No. 48. U.S. News said its rankings system rests on two pillars: “quantitative measures that education experts have proposed as reliable indicators of academic quality, and our nonpartisan view of what matters in education.” The indicators used to measure academic quality fall into six categories: assessment by administrators at peer institutions, retention of students, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving……..FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY settled a lawsuit with the family of Robert Champion over the hazing death of the drum major in 2011. The settlement includes $1.1 million and an apology. FAMU will also add a commemorative plaque in Champion’s memory at a location on campus to be chosen by his family. The 26-yearold Champion died after band members beat him with fists and boards. His death led to criminal charges against 15 former members of the band.

The harshest sentence went to Dante Martin, who received more than six years in prison for manslaughter and felony hazing…….TWO SISTERS from North Carolina, Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway and Rochelle “Silk” Richardson, have become Internet sensations because of their support for Donald Trump. The Black women call themselves the “Stump for Trump Girls.”

Their YouTube channel boasts more than 15,000 subscribers and has garnered 2.9 million views.

Although Hardaway and Richardson said they have supported Democratic candidates before, on their website they state that the country has allowed “liberals to turn the ‘American dream’ into an ‘American nightmare.’ ”

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 46 SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing writers Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon

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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SEPTEMBER 24 | 2015 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Morris Chestnut

stars in TV’s ‘Rosewood’

F

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

or the past quarter-century, Morris Chestnut has worked in television and movies. He made his big screen debut in 1991 as Ricky Baker in “Boyz n the Hood.” He’s currently co-starring opposite Sanaa Lathan and Michael Ealy in the psychological thriller “The Perfect Guy.” Chestnut landed two of his three NAACP Image Award nominations for his unforgettable performances as Lance in “The Best Man” and “The Best Man Holiday.”

He is slated to reprise the role in the franchise’s third installment, “The Best Man Wedding.”

Chestnut, 46, is a native of Cerritos, Calif. and majored in drama and finance at California State University. He and his wife Pam have been married for 20 years and have two children.

Here, he talks about his new TV series “Rosewood,” where he plays the title character, Dr. Beaumont Rosewood Jr. KW: How much fun is it playing a doctor and driving around in that fantastic yellow convertible?

MC: It’s great! It’s a lot of fun. The character is witty, smart, and he has a great perspective on life and the world.

And driving around the streets in that convertible is a blast.

KW: Do you feel like you need to understand the medical aspects of the role?

MC: I definitely prefer comprehending the medical aspects of the dialogue to spewing out words without understanding what I’m saying and why I’m saying it. It makes the character more believable when I understand that. We have technical advisers on set at all times, and the writers often consult doctors while they’re working on the scripts. So, we definitely have authorities helping us get it right.

KW: Do you follow your character’s philosophy to live life to the fullest?

MC: I do. I like to live life to the fullest like

Rosewood. Because he’ll be dying soon, he’s living each day as if it’s his last. However, unlike Rosewood, I have kids and a family. For that reason, Rosewood doesn’t really get close to people. I don’t take my time on earth and each day that I breathe for granted, although I think there are times when I could appreciate it a little bit more.

KW: How is it starring in your own TV series? Is it a bit of a grind?

MC: I think grind is an understatement. There’s an extreme amount of work that goes into doing a television show, especially as a lead. I’m working 12 or 13-hour days during the week, And over the weekend, you’re preparing for the following week. You don’t really have any days off.

So, yeah, it is a grind.

KW: Do you have any advice for aspiring young Black actors who want to make it in Hollywood?

MC: People ask me this question all the time. I’d say focus on the work. People focus on the end result a lot of the time, because they want it here and they want it now. In fact, they want it yesterday. But they don’t really appreciate all the effort that goes into getting it. Initially, they’ll say, “I’ll do whatever it takes.” But then, when you say, “Okay, do this, do that, do this,” they respond with, “Oh, that’s a lot.” Well, you want a lot. Just focus on becoming the best actor you can be. I always feel that, when actors focus on the work, they’re going to get opportunities.

KW: Is there anything you’d like your fans to know about you?

MC: I think they know a great deal about me. One thing they might not know is that I’m somewhat shy, which plays a part in a lot of things.

what’sup VIOLA DAVIS made TV history by becoming the first African-American to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in “How to Get Away With Murder.” In her acceptance speech, Davis thanked show creator SHONDA RHIMES for helping redefine Black women. Noting the need for more opportunity, she quoted abolitionist HARRIET TUBMAN who said, “I can’t seem to get over that line.” Davis thanked other Black actresses such as TARIJI P. HENSON, KERRY WASHINGTON and HALLE BERRY for “taking us over that line.” Other African-Americans who took home Emmys were REGINA KING and

UZO ADUBA. King won Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for her role on “American Crime.” Abuda of “Orange is the New Black” won for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series……..TRACY MORGAN returned to the Emmy stage as a presenter 15 months after a crash that left him with serious injuries. “Thanks to my doctors and my beautiful wife, I’m here standing on my own two feet,” he said……..Singer CHAKA KHAN and her partner KEO MOTSEPE were the first couple eliminated from season 21 of “Dancing With The Stars” after receiving the lowest number of votes……..The ENSEMBLE THEATRE presents

the romantic comedy “Platanos Y Collard Greens” through Oct. 18 at 3535 Main Street. It tells the story of a Black man and Latino woman who fall in love and are caught in the midst of stereotypes and prejudice. For ticket information visit www. ensemblehouston.com........ JANET JACKSON continues with her “Unbreakable” tour despite an ear problem that forced her to travel by bus instead of plane. Jackson kicked off the tour in August in Vancouver, and will end it next June in New York.

She will release her album “Unbreakable” on Oct. 2.

Jackson will perform at Houston’s Toyota Center on Jan. 23.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 24 | 2015

(PHOTO CTSY. ST. LOUIS AMERICAN)

Blacks on new shows

FALL TV

The fall television season has arrived, and it features some

familiar faces and newcomers. Black actors and actresses appear on a variety of news shows this season. Some shows are already airing and others will debut in October, November and beyond.

Here are stars to watch in alphabetical order:

SEASON

n Tone Bell & Bresha Webb

can be seen in “Truth Be Told,” a comedy about two diverse couples who are best friends. It premieres Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. on NBC. n Mehcad Brooks, an Austin

native, plays the love interest of Superman’s cousin in “Supergirl,” which debuts Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. on CBS. n Tisha Campbell-Martin portrays

a physician’s employee in the sitcom “Dr. Ken,” which begins Oct. 2 at 7:30 on ABC.

ne

in is o pbell-Mart Tisha Cam of “Dr. Ken.” of the stars

n Morris Chestnut, Gabrielle

Dennis & Lorraine Toussaint star in “Rosewood, a drama about a Miami pathologist. It airs Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Fox.

Trevor Noah “Daily Show anchors the ”

n Aunjanue Ellis is the assistant direc-

tor of the FBI Academy in “Quantico,” airing Sunday at 9 p.m. on ABC. n Meagan Good portrays a detective

in the sci-fi series “Minority Report,” based on the 2002 film. It airs Monday at 8 p.m. on Fox. n Hill Harper is a special agent in

“Limitless,” in which a man takes a drug that gives him special powers.

It airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. on Fox.

n Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Rob

Brown & Ukweli Roach star in “Blindspot,” a show about a tattooed woman shrouded in mystery. It airs Monday at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Meagan Go star in “Minod and Stark Sands ority Report .”

n Kelly Jenrette & Christina Milian can be seen in “Grandfa-

n Trevor Noah takes over for Jon Stewart as host

thered,” a comedy about a bachelor who discovers he’s a father and grandfather. It airs Tuesday at 7 p.m. on Fox.

of the “Daily Show,” which debuts Sept. 28 at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central.

n Jill Marie Jones co-stars in the horror series “Ash vs. Evil Dead,”

n Niecy Nash & Keke Palmer star in the horror comedy “Scream

which debuts Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. on Starz.

Queens,” which airs Tuesday at 7 p.m. on Fox.

n Delroy Lindo & Miranda Rae Mayo can be seen in the prime-

n Wesley Snipes plays a pit boss in “The Player,” an action series

time soap opera “Blood & Oil, airing Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC.

set in Las Vegas. It airs Thursday at 8 p.m. on NBC.

n S. Epatha Merkeson & Yaya DaCosta star in the medical drama

n William Allen Young is

“Chicago Med,” which debuts Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

a doctor in “Code Black,” a medical drama debuting Sept. 30 at 9 p.m. on CBS

e rson & Trace

de Anthony An

Ellis Ross

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erfold

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25 returning network stars

Wesley Snipes stars in “The Player.”

Kerry Wash in

he Houston area for over 80 years

gton

Laz Alonso, “The Mysteries of Laura,” NBC. Anthony Anderson, “Black-ish,” ABC Nicole Beharie, “Sleepy Hollow,” Fox Andre Braugher, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Fox Rocky Carroll, “NCIS,” CBS Terry Crews, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Fox Viola Davis, “How to Get Away With Murder,” ABC Laurence Fishburne, “Black-ish,” ABC Shelita Grant, “NCIS New Orleans,” CBS Taraji P. Henson, “Empire,” Fox Terrence Howard, “Empire,” Fox Ice-T, Law & Order SVU, NBC Tamala Jones, “Castle,” ABC Harry Lennix, “The Blacklist,” NBC. LL Cool J, “NCIS L.A.,” CBS Daryl Chill Mitchell, “NCIS New Orleans,” CBS Shemar Moore, “Criminal Minds,” CBS Shad Moss, “CSI Cyber,” CBS CCH Pounder, “NCIS New Orleans,” CBS Tracee Ellis Ross, “Black-ish,” ABC Tamara Taylor, “Bones,” Fox Eamonn Walker, “Chicago Fire,” NBC Kerry Washington, “Scandal,” ABC Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC Reno Wilson, “Mike & Molly,” CBS

LL Cool J

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 24 | 2015 defendernetwork.com Music & Arts

NNPA President Benjamin Chavis and chair Denise Rolark Barnes present Roland Martin with a Leadership Award.

Is bidding on RFP # 15-06-12 Musical instruments, supplies and accessories for the Houston Independent School District. We are looking for possible M/WBE subcontractors to provide Musical Instrument sales and service. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Tom Lynge at tlynge@musicarts.com.

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

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



Project 15-07-02 – RFP/ Awards, Trophies and Promotional Items – with a deadline of 2 PM, October 16, 2015. A pre-proposal conference will be held on October 2, 2015 at 9:30 AM in room 1E01 at The Hattie Mae White Building, 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, Texas 77092



Project 15-08-35 – Armored Car Services – with a deadline of 2 P.M. October 13, 2015. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2C10 at the above stated address on September 28, 2015 at 9:00 A.M.



Project 15-09-03 RFP –Plumbing Services with a deadline of 2 P.M., October 8, 2015. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in room 2E26 at 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, Texas 77092 on September 29, 2015 at 10:30 AM.

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

To access, go to: Departments > Procurement Services > Bid Opportunities.

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

MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY

Black newspaper publishers recognize five luminaries NNPA News Service

will be accepting Proposals for the following service:

Roof Replacement at MHMRA of Harris County Facility: Pasadena Cottages A & B SCOPE OF WORK: MHMRA plans to replace the Roofs at MHMRA of Harris County Facility: Pasadena Cottages A & B. Contractor is to remove existing roofs and install new roofing.

All Specifications and Drawings may be secured from MHMRA, Purchasing Services, 1st floor, located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7300, and/or via MHMRA website http://www.mhmraharris.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Tuesday, September 29, 2015. A Site Visit is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 12 , 2015 at 2122 Wichita, Pasadena, Texas 77502 .

Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Department by 10:00 am, on Monday, October 26, 2015, at 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 (NEW ADDRESS) in a sealed envelope marked “REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – Monday, October 26, 2015 for Roof Replacements at MHMRA of Harris County Facilities: “ Pasadena Cottages A & B”. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to James Blunt, Buyer II, via fax at (713) 970-7682 or E-mail questions to james.blunt@mhmraharris.org (cc:) sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves the rights to reject any and/or all proposals it deems to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) honored five Black luminaries with Leadership Awards during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference.

Honored were ballet dancer Misty Copeland, journalist Roland Martin, Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards, activist/writer Rahiel Tesfamariam and CBC Foundation CEO A. Sh-

uanise Washington.

Denise Rolark Barnes, chair of the NNPA and Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the NNPA, emceed the event.

Martin was the first honoree of the night to address the audience.

“For folks who don’t know, I’ve actually run three Black papers,” Martin said. “I’ve always made it clear that the first dollar I earned in media was from a Black newspaper. My first television dollar was from a company that was

Black-owned.

“When I’m sitting in the White House with the president, I’m sitting representing Black media, not mainstream media. I have never allowed white media to validate my skill set,” Martin said.

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SEPTEMBER 24 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Next Stop…

METRO’s New Bus Network!

METRO is proud to introduce its newly redesigned local bus system, complete with more frequent travel, better access to key destinations, and continuous service – seven days a week!

Now, riding is as easy as 1-2-3: 1. Call METRO Customer Care at 713-635-4000 to see how your route is changing or to plan a trip.

2. Visit RideMETRO.org and compare your old route to the new one using our dual trip planner.

3. Take us for a test drive and experience it for yourself.

Discover METRO’s New Bus Network, it’s a whole new way to ride.

More Service. Better Service. Your Service.

For more information, visit RideMETRO.org, or call 713-635-4000. facebook.com/ridemetro @metrohouston

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 24 | 2015

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sports

Ward guides UH Cougar offense center. He started the remaining eight games at quarterback, including the Armed Forces Bowl against Pittsburgh. The Cougar record during that stint was 6-2, including the bowl win. ` he Houston Cougars are 2-0 this season, including With a finish like that one would think there wouldn’t an impressive come-from-behind road victory over be much debate on who the starter would be going into spring Louisville. First-year head coach Tom Herman’s workouts. Wrong. New top cat Tom Herman demanded open high flying offense is averaging 43 points per game. competition at all positions, including quarterback. Still, Ward The man guiding the Cougars high octane attack is was not deterred. junior quarterback Greg Ward Jr. “From the things that Coach Herman has done with the The talented signal caller from Tyler John Tyler is in his three quarterbacks at Ohio State, I knew he could push me to a second season as quarterback, limit I have never been pushed but it hasn’t been an easy ride to to,” Ward said. “I was grateful the top spot. that he came. Knowing he was An extremely talented bringing [offensive coordinator Astros gearing up for playoffs and versatile athlete, Ward was Major] Applewhite with him a three-star recruit by ESPN, was just a blessing and another Rivals, Scout and 247Sports. He was rated the No. 3 quarterstep in my game where I could improve and take it to another back in the state of Texas (2012) by Dave Campbell Magazine. level.”

Despite his success in high school, many thought his 5-foot-11, Ward and teammate Adam Schulz waged an aggressive 185-pound frame would be to slight to make it as a Division I competition for the starters spot, but when it was all said and quarterback. done Ward won the starting job.

As a freshman in 2013, Ward saw time as the backup quar“[Schulz] is a great competitor,” Ward said. “He’s a great terback, played receiver and saw time as a punt returner. quarterback. He and I battled it out during camp, summer Last season Ward was a starter at wide receiver for the first workouts and in the spring. We didn’t know how it was going five games. After starting the season with an underwhelming 2-3 to go. I’m just blessed to be a part of this team as the starting record, Ward replaced an underachieving John O’Korn under quarterback.”

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By MAX EDISON Defender

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Greg Ward Jr.

Herman noted the amazing progress Ward has made at the quarterback position.

“What gets lost with Greg sometimes is that he spent the first year and a half playing wide receiver and for the half of year that he played quarterback,” Herman said. “There isn’t really a whole lot of learning or improving you can do when you are thrown into the fire there in the middle of the season.

“For all intents and purposes he is basically a freshman mentally when it comes to playing quarterback. He has come a long way in the nine months that we have been here.”

Regardless of Ward’s experience as quarterback on the collegiate level, Herman acknowledged his ability as a leader.

“Our kids feed off his energy,” Herman continued. “The one thing that I take away from the game is that Greg is an unbelievable competitor. He wants to win, not just for himself, but for his teammates and for his university.

“He takes a tremendous amount of pride in being the quarterback at the University of Houston,” Herman said. “When he is in the game, you get this feeling from the kids, the players, that ‘Hey, we are never out of it as long as No. 1 is back there taking snaps,’ and that is a good thing.”

University of Houston quarterback Ward is a versatile athlete. (Photos courtesy University of Houston).

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SEPTEMBER 24 | 2015 | DEFENDER

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs Rockets sign players

Manvel receiver Blanton rewarded for patience

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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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See top five schools in Defender’s ll he wanted was an opportunity. By Class 6A poll his own admission, Manvel wide receiver Caleb Blanton had only been Stadium. With less than four minutes remainon the field for two plays in the ing in the first quarter, Blanton heard his Mavericks’ first two games number called. of the 2015 high school football season Moments later, Blanton was on the against Spring Westfield and North Shore. receiving end of a 20-yard touchdown The junior didn’t mope, pout or secpass from all-state quarterback D’Eriq ond guess the coaching staff. As a starting King. On the Mavericks’ next possession, member of the school’s varsity basketball King and Blanton connected on a 13-yard squad (shooting guard) last year, Blanton TD pass with 10 minutes, 35 seconds left had taken a year off from playing football. in the second quarter.

It was a decision that he would To complete the first-half eventually regret. trifecta, Blanton hauled in a “Football is my first 10-yard TD pass from backup love and taking a year off quarterback Kyle Trask with and just playing basketball less than two minutes left in didn’t feel right,” Blanton the second quarter. “After said. “I had to come back the first one I just wanted to it.” more,” he said. “I wanted to Gaining playing time make the most of the opportuon a state-ranked Class 6A nity.” team that is one of the most Manvel led 48-0 at halftime en talent-laden in the state is route to a 75-7 victory. an ambitious task to say the “Caleb is a really good player, least. Yet Blanton remained but he didn’t play last year so he steadfast in his quest to make it was a little bit behind,” said Manvel happen. head coach Kirk Martin. “He was a Playing behind Manvel basketball kid that came out for the starting receivers Keylon team. But we’ve got three Division Stokes and Sean Dykes, I (college) receivers that he’s been Blanton continued to work playing behind. hard in practice to hone “He’s starting to figure out what his skills and make up for he’s doing now. It’s not just about lost time. “I’m a good team Birth date – April 4, 1999 running fast and catching the ball,” player,” he said.

Birth sign – Aries Martin said. “We changed some “I’m working hard on things with routes and depth and Favorite color – Red the practice field or in the spacing and alignment. That’s part weight room every day. I Favorite school subject – Math of being a receiver too. Those are bring hard work, dedication some of the things he had to catch Possible college major – and a little swagger to the up on.” team. I’m basically playing Petroleum or chemical Martin believes that Blanton has for my brothers,” Blanton engineering a bright future on the football team. said. “I call my teammates “We believe in him and he made Favorite athlete – Bralon my brothers.” the most of his opportunities in this In the third game of Addison, University of Oregon game,” Martin said. “Caleb is going the season, Manvel opened to do great things not only this year receiver its District 22-6A schedule but next year. I’m glad he’s on my against Dobie at Pasadena Favorite food – Cereal team.”

ISD’s Veterans Memorial

Facts about Caleb Blanton

Solve a world problem – Racism

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With just a few short weeks before the Rockets begin training camp, GM Daryl Morey has been busy signing players. Morey recently signed forward Montrezl Harrell. He was selected by the Rockets with the 32nd overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft following his junior season at Louisville. He averaged 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds while earning All-ACC Second Team honors as well as being named the inaugural recipient of the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award. Morey also has inked Will Cummings, a 6-foot-2 guard from Temple; Denzel Livingston, a 6-foot-4 guard from the University of Incarnate Word; Joshua Smith, a 6-foot-10 center from Georgetown, and Chris Walker, a 6-foot-10 forward from Florida.

PVAMU hires coach Prairie View A&M University recently announced the hiring of Duane Williams as head tennis coach. Williams is no stranger to PVAU, having served as an assistant coach for the Panthers and Lady Panthers from 2009 to 2013. He comes to PVAMU from the Masters International Tennis Academy in The Woodlands, where he was the head tennis coach. A native of Barbados, Williams brings a wealth of experience as a player and coach, and experienced success in both collegiate and international competition. Williams is a 2002 graduate of Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., where he was part of three America East Conference championships as a player.

North Shore ready Don’t be confused or fooled by North Shore beginning the season 1-3 for the second year in a row. The 1-3 Mustangs will host Beaumont West Brook at Galena Park ISD Stadium to begin its District 21-6A ledger in the throes of a three-game losing streak. After opening the 2015 season with a win over Clear Springs, the Mustangs have suffered setbacks in recent weeks to Manvel, Spring Westfield and Euless Trinity. All three schools have been state ranked at some point this season and Euless Trinity is currently ranked No. 4 among Class 6A schools. North Shore had leads in all three games, including a 25-20 advantage over Trinity in the first half following three Maciah Long touchdown runs and an Aaron Cuevas field goal. The Mustangs have played arguably the toughest non-district schedule in the state.

Second-year head coach Jon Kay knows the secret to winning a state title is building for a strong finish.

Channelview piling up numbers on offense Channelview will host Port Arthur Memorial at Maddry Stadium to open league play coming off an impressive outing against Aldine.

Falcons’ quarterback Jalen Hurts led his team to its fourth consecutive victory with five touchdowns (two rushing and three passing), including 392 yards total offense, as Channelview prevailed 82-14. The Falcons rolled up 722 yards total offense with 28 first downs, 490 rushing yards, 232 passing yards and 56 points in the first half. Channelview has also registered wins over Dayton, South Houston and Vidor.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 24 | 2015

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

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CHAMBER CELEBRATES 80TH YEAR……..The Greater Houston Black This event is apart of a larger movement undertaken by the Barbara Bush Houston Chamber of Commerce honored its 80 year-legacy with a presentation and reception Literacy Foundation as the local veterans help to enhance the classroom experience at the Buffalo Soldiers Museum. The event included special recognitions from for students in the community. Participants included LaKisha Kellyn, LeAndrea chamber officials, a champagne toast and live musical performances by Kenneth Williams, KIPP co-founder Mike Feinberg, Neil Bush, Tiffany George Prados, Gayle and Phillip Hall of Music Doing Good. Those in attendance included Elaine Edwin Henderson, the Barbara Bush Foundation Young Professional members and Barber, Vernita Harris, Rev. William Lawson, Kris Green, Kevin Riles, Joi numerous volunteers………TOP LADIES OF DISTINCTION GRANDPARENTS Beasley, Councilman Larry Green, Rep. Sylvester LUNCHEON…….. The Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Houston Turner, LaMetrice Dopson, Courtney Johnson Rose, Chapter celebrated 50 years of service to the Houston community Defender TOP EVENTS More photos on defendernetwork.com Se7en the Poet, Warren Luckett, John Norwood, with a Senior Citizens/Grandparent Day Luncheon at the Third Ward See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Jim Wyatt, Charles Griggsby, James Donatto Jr. and Multipurpose Center. The event recognized the seniors for their with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. a host of chamber members and guests………KIPP volunteering and service in the community. Receiving awards were ZENITH & THE MISSION CONTINUES HONORS Evelyn Smalley, Amy Thomas, Beatrice Young, Addie Millican and VETERANS……..The Mission Continues nonprofit organization in partnership Bennie Collins. Other guests included Ronique Williams, Nia Gordon, Jacqueline with KIPP Zenith honored over 100 post-September 11th veterans as they volunteered Gordon, Andrew Kelson, Debra Kelson, Paula Harris, Earnestine Randle-Forest, to help build a library on the KIPP campus. This initiative celebrates National Bobbie Moorehead and Audrie Lawton. Entertainment was provided by Drumgoole Literacy Month as each organization’s goal is to help tackle Houston’s literacy crisis. and Company and the Third Ward Line Dancers.

Frederick Barksdale, Vernita Harris, Charles Griggsby

LaKisha Kellyn, LeAndrea Williams

Errol Allen II, LaMetrice Dopson

Kenneth Gayle, Se7en the Poet

Tiffany George Prados, Edwin Henderson

Mike Feinberg, Neil Bush

Audrie Lawton, Bobbie Moorehead, Debra Kelson, Beatrice Young, Earnestine Randle-Forest, Faye Bryant

Jaylan Wright

Ronique Williams

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