WALTRIP HIGH SCHOOL GETS THE BALL IN PLAYMAKERS’ HANDS P11
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NATIONAL MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN addresses violence, mental health
Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
Volume 82 | Number 48
SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 |FREE
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Fall season
P3 ENTERTAINMENT STEVE McQUEEN directs movie about slavery
P5 CHAG’S PLACE OPINION
Black stars on TV H Page 6
Ava Cosey and Pastor Juanita Rasmus at Community Artists’ Collective luncheon
P12
Visit faces
Sheila Jackson Lee opposes cuts
Teddy Bridgewater leads team
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is speaking out against Republican efforts to cut billions of dollars from the food stamp program. See how many Americans could lose access to the program. Find out how you can make your voice heard in an effort to stop the attack on food stamps.
Louisville Cardinal quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is gaining national attention with his play on the field. Discover why the sky could be the limit for Bridgewater. Hear what football experts have to say about his skills and leadership. Learn how he keeps his ego in check.
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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 26 | 2013
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newstalk
‘Subway’ suspects behind bars
Students at Energized for STEM Academy receive information on digital literacy.
Defender News Services
Program helps bridge digital divide
M
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ore than 400 students at Energized for STEM Academy recently participated in digital literacy training workshops on such topics as Internet safety and use of social media. The event was sponsored by Comcast, which is re-launching Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption initiative for low-income families. Filemon Lopez, Comcast senior vice president of strategic operations, was joined by civic and community leaders in kicking off the program’s third year. The company also announced a partnership to open four new computer labs for students at the southeast and southwest campuses of the STEM academy. “Thanks to community leaders and schools nationwide, more than 220,000 families or 900,000 low-income Americans now have the opportunity to use the power of the Internet at home to get ahead in work, education, and life, just by doing things online that many of us take for granted, such as completing homework, applying for a
job, researching a health condition, or paying a bill,” Lopez said. “Together, with cities like Houston, we are making real and significant progress in closing the digital divide in America.” “I’m proud to stand here today and say the city of Houston is helping the nation close the digital divide,” said Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast in Houston. “But we still have work to do. There are still too many lowincome families in Houston who can benefit from getting online at home. So, I’m urging parents, educators, community leaders and other government officials to press on with this effort, spread the word and help increase broadband adoption.” Recent enhancements to Internet Essentials include increased speed, streamlined enrollment, expanded eligibility, creation of an online application tool and the establishment of Opportunity Cards. In Houston, Comcast is working with more than 500 schools and 50 community-based organizations to spread the word about the program and provide digital literacy training. For eligibility and other information visit InternetEssentials. com.
Details continue to emerge after the arrest of two teens in a robbery and shooting death of a man while he ate at a Subway restaurant in southeast Houston. According to the Houston Police Department, 17-year-olds Dante Wayne Talbert and Xavier Bernard Jones are charged with capital murder in the Sept. 17 shooting. They are accused of killing Christopher McGrew, 36. Police said while McGrew was eating, two men, later identified as Talbert and Jones, came into the restaurant armed with pistols to rob the business. After robbing employees, Jones attempted to check McGrew for valuables. A struggle ensued and McGrew was shot. Employees on duty locked themselves in a walk-in freezer when they heard gunshots. When they came out, they found McGrew dead and the suspects had already left the scene. Police estimate the robbers left the scene with less than $100. Family members described McGrew as a quiet, nice man who was a fixture in his community and a regular customer at the Subway restaurant. His sister, LaFreda McGrew, said her brother was known as the DVD Man. He was often seen riding his bicycle through the neighborhood and selling DVDs. Joe Jackson, McGrew’s brother, described him as “good people” and a “bright person” who was active in church. McGrew’s family said he was the type of person who would mind his own business and they believe he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
localbriefs A MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY center will open in Houston on Nov. 11. Houston Community College received a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish a local MBDA office. The center is designed to help businesses grow in size and scale, penetrate new markets, and access information on topics such as securing capital and competing for contracts. For more information call 713-7188267……..A FUNDING OPPORTUNITY is available for non-profits dedicated to community improvement and/or development in communities of color. Wells Fargo, in collaboration with NeighborWorks America, has launched an UrbanLIFT grant program aimed at
accelerating economic recovery and neighborhood stabilization in Houston and 24 other cities. More than $11 million has been committed to support neighborhood improvement efforts in markets severely impacted by the housing crisis. Financial support is available in four areas: single-family housing rehabilitation, demolition, neighborhood improvement and housing-related site improvement. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30. For information visit urbanapplication.org, call 202-733-6980 or email urbanapplication@nw.org......... STATE SEN. RODNEY ELLIS sent a letter to Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw regarding implementation of the voter ID law. The letter questions whether, as recent
reports have indicated, DPS will conduct warrant checks on Texans who visit a DPS driver license office to obtain a free election identification certificate. “I know that the legislature tasked DPS with a very difficult job. But Texas has a long and sad history of making it difficult for people to vote, so we’ve got to be extremely careful with how the voter ID law gets implemented,” Ellis said…….. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY has joined the Texas Education Consortium for Male Students of Color, a network of school districts, community colleges and public universities. The consortium works to foster academic success for Latino and African-American males, the groups least likely to attend college.
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SEPTEMBER 26 | 2013 | DEFENDER
national
U.S.briefs AN INVESTIGATION CONTINUES into reports that some of the gunman involved in the shopping mall terrorist attack in Kenya had ties to the U.S. At least 67 people were killed by members of the Somali terrorist group al-Shabab, which is closely aligned with alQaeda. “Our losses are immense,” said Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in a televised address to the nation. “We have been badly hurt, but we have been brave, united and strong. Kenya has stared down evil and triumphed. We have defeated our enemies and showed the whole world what we can accomplish.” Five attackers were killed and 11 suspects were taken into custody…….. AUTHORITIES IN CHICAGO are seeking answers to the violence wreaking havoc on the city. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said that if city officials wanted extra help, he would offer the use of the state police and National Guard to help curb the violence. Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy, however, said the city needs tougher gun laws, not extra police help. Chicago is now the murder capital of the nation, even though the homicide rate is actually down 21 percent compared to last year. The most recent outbreak of violence at a city park left 13 people injured from gunshot wounds……..MILLIONS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN and Latino families are facing increased financial instability due to the massive loss of wealth and assets within the housing market. That is one of the findings of a new report published by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers titled “The State of Housing in Black America.” According to the report, homeownership rates for African-Americans have dropped under 50 percent in 2004 to just above 43 percent today. From 2005 to 2009, African-American and Latino households lost 53 percent and 66 percent of their net worth, respectively, while white households lost just 16 percent.
VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 48 SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 Publisher Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Art Director Advertising/Client Relations Tony Fernandez-Davila Selma Dodson Tyler People Editor Strategic Alliance Manager Yvette Chargois Clyde Jiles Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Contributing Writer ReShonda Billingsley Aswad Walker The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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Food stamps under attack
T
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he NAACP joined Democrats in opposing a Republicanbacked bill slashing billions of dollars from the food stamp program. President Obama threated to veto the bill, which was passed by the House by a vote of 217 to 210. The bill, H.R. 3102, reduces spending for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $40 billion over the next the bill, which sets up a major battle in the Senate. 10 years. If it becomes “Voting against draconian cuts that will eliminate law, more than 6 million Americans, including children, eligibility for nearly 4 million Americans next year was veterans, seniors, low-income workers and the disabled, the right thing to do,” Jackson Lee said. “These devastatwould lose access to the SNAP program. ing cuts will harm children, seniors, veterans, and Ameri“Given that more than 46 million Americans – 16 cans looking for work.” million of them children Jackson Lee said other – are living in poverty To fight cuts to food assistance Americans will suffer as well. and more than 11 million programs, visit naacp.org and “Not only is this bill harmAmericans are currently click on “Take Action.” ful to the most vulnerable, it unemployed, it seems will weaken our nation’s farm counterproductive and and rural economies and jeopardize any chance at enactalmost cruel to take away such a crucial amount of ment of a new farm bill, to support our nation’s farmers, assistance without guaranteeing worker training or job ranchers, food security, conservation, rural communilocation assistance to struggling Americans,” said the ties,” she said. NAACP in a statement. Republican leaders said the bill is needed because The NAACP is asking citizens to call, email or fax the food stamp program, which costs nearly $80 billion their representatives in Washington and urge them to a year, is out of control, is a burden to the middle class, oppose the bill. and is being abused by too many recipients. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee voted against
Massacre highlights mental health issues Defender News Services
Though experts stress that the vast majority of people with mental illness are not violent, the mass shooting which occurred at the Washington Navy Yard has once again put the subject in the spotlight. Gunman Aaron Alexis, who was killed during the Sept. 16 rampage, has been described as a troubled man with a history of angry outbursts. He heard voices, struggled with paranoia and was convinced he was being followed. The Department of Veteran Affairs reported that Alexis, a Navy veteran, was treated for insomnia but never sought help for mental illness, despite his worsen-
ing mental health. Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund and an outspoken critic of gun violence, is among those calling for a stronger mental health system. Edelman said a colleague was among those in lockdown during the Navy Yard tragedy, as “a man with mental illness wielding a sawed-off shotgun killed 12 people and injured eight before being killed himself in our nation’s capital. “What is it going to take for us to stand up and say enough to this internal gun war of American against American?” Edelman asked. “What is it going to take to create a mental health system that prevents such tragedies from happening over and over?”
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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 26 | 2013 defendernetwork.com
Pinnacle Awards recognize businesses Defender News Services
The Greater Houston Black Chamber will recognize local businesses during the annual Pinnacle Awards Gala on Friday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Power Center. The keynote speaker is Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Radio One. Ten business owners are finalists for the Pinnacle Awards and four entrepreneurs are finalists for the Mack H. Hannah Jr. Upstart Business Awards. For information visit ghbcc. com or call 832-3504222. Note: In last week’s issue, some of the photos were misidentified. The correct photos are identified here.
Lucious Barnum Pennum Industries
Dannette Davis Kay Davis Associates
Kim Davis KD Company
Niles Dillard Superior Video Productions
Esther Francis CBIC Construction & Development
Renee Logans Access Data
Nikki Johnson Project Management Consultants Texas
Walter Johnson Project Management Consultants Texas
Jamal Thompson Velocity Unified Communications
Shirley Carter Williams Ultimate Touch Beauty Salon
Leslie Wilson IAM Brands Interactive
mile C. Browne E Emile C. Browne Photography
Leslie Phillips Obsidian Beauty Supply
Troi Taylor Taylor Construction Management
La Tanya Walker JOLT! Consultants & Business Advisors
Texas football legend Earl Campbell says
“Don’t let diabetes tackle your life. Get the power to be a winner over diabetes.”
Football great Earl Campbell (left) and his brother Willie, who now has control over his diabetes by learning diabetes self-management skills.
Learn how to take charge of your health and beat diabetes by calling 1-800-725-2633 and asking about the FREE Diabetes Self-management Education classes. Or, find classes at www.diabeteshealthforlife.org
This material was prepared by TMF Health Quality Institute, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Texas, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy. 10SOW-TX-EDC-13-67
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what’sup JENNIFER HUDSON released a new dance song titled “I Can’t Describe (The Way I Feel).” Hudson’s first album, self-titled, was certified gold and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. Her second album, “I Remember Me,” also went gold. T.I. raps on her new single, which is produced by multi-talented singer and musician PHARRELL WILLIAMS. Speaking of Williams, he has joined with Nickelodeon to design a fashion line based on the cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants. Williams gained experience in the fashion industry as co-founder of the brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream Footwear…….. JAY Z and BEYONCÉ, who were No. 1 on Forbes’ list of the top earning celebrity couples last year, have done it again this year. They earned $95 million between June 2012 and June 2013. Beyoncé earned $11 million more than her husband as a result of her world tour. KANYE WEST and KIM KARDASHIAN ranked No. 5 on the list with $35 million ……..The U.S. Postal Service is releasing a stamp featuring RAY CHARLES as part of the “Music Icons Forever” series. Charles died in 2004 at age 73……..A book review and signing featuring MACO L. FANIEL is Saturday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. at the African American Library at the Gregory School, 1300 Victor Street. Faniel is the author of “Hip Hop in Houston: The Origin and the Legacy.” For information visit thegregoryschool.org or call 832-393-1440.
SEPTEMBER 26 | 2013 | DEFENDER
entertainment
5
Steve McQueen
directs film about slavery By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender
A
rtist and filmmaker Steven McQueen was born in London in 1969. His critically-acclaimed directorial debut, “Hunger,” won the Camera d’Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. He followed that up with “Shame,” a well-received, thought-provoking drama about addiction and secrecy in the modern world. In addition to his movies, his artwork can be found in museum collections around the world. He and his wife, cultural critic Bianca Stigter, live in Amsterdam with their two children. Here, he talks about his latest film, “12 Years a Slave,” which recently won the People’s Choice Awards for Best Film and Best Director at the Toronto Film Festival. It based on the autobiography by Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Its stars include Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael K. Williams, Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt. KW: I’ve loved all three of your feature films. They are so different from each other and yet quite remarkable and memorable, each in its own way. SM: Thank you. Well, I do my best. I’m just happy that people are responding to the films as positively as they are. To be honest with you, it’s one of those things where we’re just happy to get them made. When you get to make something, you always hope people will go and see it. KW: What does it mean to you to be in charge of adapting Solomon Northup’s memoir? SM: I feel tremendously honored but I also feel a tremendous responsibility because through this film we can bring Solomon Northup’s memory to the surface. His story was buried for so long. When the book first came out in 1853, it was a phenomenal best-seller for its time, and
sold 27,000 copies in 18 months. But what happened was “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” was published the following year, and that was it for “12 Years a Slave.” It fell into obscurity. Academics knew about the memoir but it otherwise became lost. To me, it was always like the American Continued on Page 8
Steve McQueen
Photo credit: Michael Wilson
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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 26 | 2013
cover
Blacks featured on new N
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ew television shows are debuting day and night during the new season, and a number of AfricanAmericans can be seen on the major networks and in syndication. Some shows are already airing and others will debut in October and November. Here’s a look at stars to watch, both newcomers and familiar faces. Nonso Anozie is featured in “Dracula,” which premieres Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. on NBC. He is the best friend of Dracula, who poses as an American in London. Nicole Beharie & Orlando Jones portray law enforcement officials in “Sleepy Hollow,” airing Monday at 8 p.m. on Fox. It is an update of Washington Irving’s tale. Andre Braugher & Terry Crews are two stars of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” which airs Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. on Fox. Both portray New York police officers. Billy Brown plays an intimidating, quick-tempered accomplice in “Hostages,” a show about a family kidnapped by a rogue FBI agent. It airs Monday at 9 p.m. on CBS. Charles Michael Davis is a vampire’s former protégé in “The Originals,” a spin-off of “The Vampire Diaries.” It premieres Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. on the CW. Michael Ealy is a highly evolved android in “Almost Human,” a futuristic police drama. It premieres Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. on Fox. Jason George is a detective in “Witches of East End,” a drama premiering Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. on Lifetime. Terry Crews Arsenio Hall has returned to late night TV. His syndicated & Andre Braugher talk show airs weeknights at 10 p.m. on KIAH-Channel 39. co-star in Echo Kellum portrays the co-worker of a divorced dad “Brooklyn on “Sean Saves the World,” which debuts Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. on Nine-Nine.” NBC. NeNe Leakes stars in the reality show “I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding,” which airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Bravo. Harry Lennix heads the FBI in “The Blacklist,” a show about a criminal who strikes a deal with authorities. It airs Monday at 9 p.m. on NBC. Wendell Pierce is a TV executive on “The Michael J. Fox Hollow.” ) join “Sleepy Beharie (right Show,” a comedy about a news anchor. It airs Thursday at 8:30 le co Ni & ft) s (le Orlando Jone p.m. on NBC. Queen Latifah has already found ratings success with her syndicated talk show, which can be seen Monday-Friday at 2 p.m. on KPRC-Channel 2. J.B. Smoove is a family friend in “The Millers,” a sitcom about a son and his parents. It premieres Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. on CBS. The Tankard family stars in “Thicker Than Water,” a reality show about a blended Black family premiering Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. on Bravo. Isiah Whitlock Jr. portrays a service station manager in “Lucky 7,” a show about seven people who win the lottery. It airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. on ABC. Blair Unde Blair Underwood stars in the drama “Ironside,” the rwood & ca st star in a remake about a detective in a wheelchair. It premieres Oct. 2 at remake of “Ironside.” 9 p.m. on NBC.
Echo Kellu m Saves the Wo
ca J.B. Smoove (left)
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returning stars on hit shows
1. Yvette Nicole Brown, “Community,” NBC 2. Joy Bryant, “Parenthood,” NBC 3. Rocky Carroll, “NCIS,” CBS 4. Giancarlo Esposito, “Revolution,” NBC 5. Cee Lo Green, “The Voice,” NBC 6. Taraji P. Henson, “Person of Interest,” CBS 7. Penny Johnson Jerald, “Castle,” ABC 8. Tamala Jones, “Castle,” ABC 9. LL Cool J, “NCIS L.A.,” CBS 10. Shemar Moore, “Criminal Minds,” CBS
11. Lamorne Morris, “The New Girl,” Fox 12. Cleo King, “Mike & Molly,” CBS 13. James Pickens Jr., “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC 14. Amber Riley, “Glee,” Fox 15. Columbus Short, “Scandal,” ABC 16. Tamara Taylor, “Bones,” Fox 17. Eamonn Walker, “Chicago Fire,” NBC 18. Kerry Washington, “Scandal,” ABC 19. Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC 20. Reno Wilson, “Mike & Molly,” CBS
(center) ap pears in “S orld.” ean
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Kerry Washington & Columbus Short return in “Scandal.”
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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 26 | 2013 defendernetwork.com
McQueen..Continued from page 5
“I also feel a tremendous responsibility because through this film we can bring Solomon Northup’s memory to the surface.” certain humanity and gentility about him that I needed for the lead role. Solomon was a person who maintained
his humanity whatever his circumstances, and I needed someone of that same caliber, because he would be
tested to the breaking point. I needed an actor who could hold up during those moments of extreme stress.
T:4.79”
LEGAL NOTICE Stars of “12 Years a Slave” include (l. to r.) Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
diaspora of people displaced by the slave trades. I’m part of that family. It’s our story. It’s a global story. KW: How did you
settle on Chiwetel as Solomon Northrup? SM: Chiwetel was always the one I wanted to make the movie with because there’s a
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equivalent of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” That’s why it became my passion to get this film made. KW: How do you establish a healthy balance between history and drama? SM: By relying on the book. As a filmmaker I was interested in illustrating the history of what slavery was about, which was slave labor. In the background of one frame, for example, you see sugar cane. In the second plantation, you see logging. And on the third location, we see corn. So, at the same time you’re following Solomon’s adventure of trying to get home, in the background you simultaneously see the horrors and pains of what slavery was about. KW: What interested you as a Brit in an African-American story? SM: The story’s not just an AfricanAmerican story. It’s a universal story. It’s a world story. My parents are from the West Indies. My father’s from Grenada, which is where Malcolm X’s mother was born. My mother was born in Trinidad, which is where Stokely Carmichael, the man who coined the phrase “Black Power!” was born. Sidney Poitier was born in the Bahamas. I’m part of that
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Remember, BRING YOUR PHOTO ID to the polls
Texas requires voters to present an approved form of photo identification to vote in person. To facilitate the voter qualification process when Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors YOU go to the poll, YOU should: 1 no.TX8105_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_0926.indd and vendors for construction of the following project CM 2013 1. Review the list of approved Photo IDs and make sure YOU (984) on IH 45 @ IH 610E, bid date is October 8, 2013. Quotations None printed at 9-18-2013 5:04 PM may be mailed to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., TOMMY-MPRO from one. by Tommy Salazar / Eddie Jacobson saved1701 at Directors have Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 or faxed to (512) 707-0798 2. Make sure YOUR State Approved Photo ID is current; With the or emailed to bbiisw@bbiius.com. DBE/HUB contractors are job info fonts & images exception ofapprovals the U.S. citizenship certificate, the Photo ID must be encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are # creative dir None TX8105 Fonts available to be reviewed at TxDOT jobPlans On-line: current or have expired no more than 60 days. None client art director TEXAS LOTTERY Helvetica (Black), Helvetica Neue (Medium, Bold, www.txdot.gov/business/letting-bids/plans-online.html None headline/tag OCTOBER EOG AD copywriter Condensed, 57 Condensed), Arial (Regular) 3. Verify that the name the Voter Registrar has on file for YOU account mgr NORMA VARGAS E.O.E. For information contact Brian Ficzeri at (512)trim 707-0797. 4.79” x 3.25” matches the name on one of the State approved Photo IDs. YOU bleed proofreader None None Images live None None may visit https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/sos/SOSACManager color setup BW notes ‘Voter Name and Address’. to update YOUR vendor/pub HOUSTON DEFENDER Inks Black media type NEWSPAPER Houston/Harris County Continuum of Care 2013, DUE: 09/19 die cut None PUB: 09/26 713.274.9550; county.clerk@cco.hctx.net For more information: Application for New Housing Projects
Invitation for Bids
In anticipation of the FY2013 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Continuum of Care (CoC), the Coalition for206the Homeless oftx 78701 east ninth street • austin, 512.479.6200 f 512.479.6024 Houston/Harris County acting as the lead agencytPrepared on bybehalf of the LatinWorks Marketing, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved. Houston/Harris County CoC is seeking Request for Applications (RFA) for new permanent housing projects. Funding for new permanent housing projects in the 2013 CoC competition is limited. The only funding for new projects will come from the reallocation of existing project funding. HUD has indicated that new permanent supportive housing projects must target 100% chronically homeless persons. HUD may allow new rapid rehousing projects serving homeless families only under certain circumstances. Applicants may apply for new permanent housing projects for 100% chronically homeless persons or rapid rehousing projects serving homeless families. Funds for reallocation will come from grantees voluntarily reallocating existing funding and from grantees whose scores do not meet threshold standards on the renewal evaluation process. Therefore, the amount of funding available is undetermined at this time. Final funding criteria and project selection are subject to the release of the NOFA expected mid-October. Applications are available for download at http:// www.homelesshouston.org/continuum-of-care/funding/coc-nofa/. Please contact Thuan Huynh at thuynh@homelesshouston.org for any questions or additional information. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE by 4:00 p.m., October 3, 2013 and should be sent electronically to Thuan Huynh at: thuynh@homelesshouston.org.
APPROVED CREDENTIALS FOR VOTING IN TEXAS Texas Driver License
Texas Concealed handgun license
Texas Election Identification Certificate
U.S. Military Identification
Voters who currently do not have an approved form of photo ID may apply for an Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at no charge with the Department of Public Safety. For more information: Call (512) 424-2600 or visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/electionID.htm
Texas Personal Identification
STAN STANART Harris County Clerk
U.S. Citizenship Certificate U.S. Passport www. HarrisVotes. com
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SEPTEMBER 26 | 2013 | DEFENDER
Report examines Black consumer habits
N
Defender News Services
• The reverse migration continues as younger, college-educated Black professionals head south. Marketers have an opportunity to develop a “southern strategy” to connect with the more than 10 million AfricanAmericans in 10 key southern markets. • While being receptive to trying new products, Blacks commit 18 percent of their annual retail dollars to store brands and continue to show resiliency in specific nonedible categories such as ethnic hair and beauty aids, where they are more likely to spend nine times more than other groups. • From Facebook, Integral and Twitter, to education and career websites, cyberspace provides a critical outlet for companies to engage Blacks of all ages. • No group watches more television than African-Americans (37 percent more),
ielsen’s third report on African-American consumers reveals that their purchasing behaviors and viewing patterns are indeed different from the total market population. Companies and marketers seeking to establish meaningful connections with this important consumer group can further enhance a brand’s ability to grow by understanding these unique differentiating demographic, shopping, buying, viewing, digital, and mobile trends. Further understanding of the various generations and gender dynamics within the population is also essential for marketers who want to maximize business opportunities. Despite historically To see the full report high unemployment rates, Blacks have shown resilVisit defendernetwork.com iency in their ability to perAbout Us severe as consumers. Black buying power continues to who lean heavily toward programming that increase, rising from its current $1 trillion includes diverse characters and casts. Black level to a forecasted $1.3 trillion by 2017. women watch more television than their The ongoing population growth and male counterparts. increases in educational attainment are key • Of the $75 billion spent on television, factors in the increase of African-Amerimagazine, internet, and radio advertising, can’s consumer power. Notable highlights only $2.24 billion of it was spent with from the report include the following: media focused on Black audiences. Black • While Black men continue to dominate businesses, agencies and media continue as the economic leaders in the Black comto wrestle with this disparity as it is not munity, Black women yield a tremendous reflective of the overall, high consumption amount of power as they have attained impressive gains in education, employment, patterns and behavioral trends of the Black consumer. and business ownership.
Black media slighted by advertisers NNPA News Service
Although annual Black spending is projected to rise from its current $1 trillion to $1.3 trillion by 2017, advertisers allot only 3 percent of their $2.2 billion yearly budget to media aimed at Black audiences, a new Nielsen report has found. The study, “Resilient, Receptive and Relevant: The African-American Consumer 2013 Report,” was released at the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Weekend by Nielsen and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). The findings were released by Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, senior vice-president, public affairs and government relations for Nielsen, and Cloves Campbell, chairman of the NNPA and publisher of the Arizona Informant. “Advertising expenditures geared specifically toward Black audiences reflected only three percent of advertising dollars spent,” the report
stated. “Advertisers spent $75 billion on television, radio, internet, and magazine ads in 2012, with only $2.24 billion of that spent with media focused on Black audiences.” The report said if consumption patterns dictated a company’s advertising budget, then spending with the Black media should be: • 44 percent higher on education and career websites • 38 percent higher on streaming websites • 37 percent higher on television (with special emphasis on cable) • 15 percent higher on mobile phone advertising. Businesses that bypass the Black media, the report said, limit their potential growth. “Companies mistakenly believe there are no language barriers, that a general market ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy is an effective way to reach African-Americans” the Nielsen study said. “Just the opposite is true.” The Nielsen study names the 20 companies
that do the most advertising with Black media: 1. Procter & Gamble ($75.32 million) 2. L’Oreal ($52.34 million) 3. McDonald’s ($38.24 million) 4. Unilever ($31.48 million) 5. U.S. Government ($28.36) 6. Berkshire/Hathaway ($27.81 million) 7. Comcast ($27.69) million) 8. Hershey ($27.01 million) 9. PepsiCo ($25.07 million) 10. Walmart ($24.40 million) 11. Fiat ($23.60 million) 12. AT&T ($22.49 million) 13. Verizon Communications ($22.08 million) 14. Toyota ($21.43 million) 15. General Motors ($20.81 million) 16. Sony ($19.88 million) 17. Johnson & Johnson ($19.59 million) 18. Ford ($19.11 million) 19. Allstate ($19.06 million) 20. National Amusements, Inc. ($18.92 million)
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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 26 | 2013
sports
Louisville quarterback Bridgewater rising star
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Teddy Bridgewater
By MAX EDISON Defender
he football season is in full bloom in the collegiate and professional ranks and the cream has already started to rise to the top. The most frequently mentioned quarterback among experts around the nation is Teddy Bridgewater, the riflearmed quarterback of the No. 7-ranked, undefeated Louisville Cardinals. For many of those who do not follow college football closely, the name Bridgewater probably doesn’t resonate like Braxton Miller (Ohio State) or Marcus Mariota (Oregon), but among those searching for the next Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson or Robert Griffin III, Bridgewater is clearly at the top of the list. Under the direction of head coach Charlie Strong, the baby-faced, soft spoken junior from Miami has transformed Louisville into a top 10 power. Despite the fact that they aren’t from a conference with a great football legacy (American Athletic Conference, formerly the Big East) Bridgewater and the Cardinals served notice when they embarrassed No. 3-ranked Florida in last year’s Sugar Bowl 33-23. Bridgewater surgically dissected the With his size, accuracy and leadership, Bridgewater could be the top pick in the NFL draft. Gators defense and was named the game’s MVP. At 6-feet-3 and a tad under 200 pounds, for him. Bridgewater has shown the type of quality perforSince his MVP play in the Sugar Bowl, Bridgemance under pressure that could make him the No. 1 water has come to grips with the publicity his perforpick in next year’s draft. mance brought him and has embraced the role as the “Right now he’s the ‘sure-fire’ No. 1 quarterback team’s unquestioned leader. to be taken in the 2014 NFL draft,” said CBS analyst “I have a complete understanding for it now,” he Spencer Tillman. “Size, accuracy, smarts and leadersaid. “I’ve accepted this role and all the responsibiliship – he’s the total package.” ties that come with it. The attention comes with the You would be hard pressed to find a bigger role. I’ve become more of a demanding leader, I’ve supporter of Bridgewater than Strong, the man who become more vocal. I won’t tolerate any bad reps in recruited him to Louisville. practice.” “I think that Teddy is an amazing young man, but Don’t expect Bridgewater to become a rowdy, he’s a very humble young man,” Strong said. “If you ego-driven star. His focus is on gaining an edge and look at him, just watching him grow over the years, becoming a better player. he’s loaded with a ton of athletic ability. “I’m a homebody. I’ll sit in the house and play “He really didn’t want this team and he didn’t NCAA football all day,” he said. “A lot of people look want to be the leader of his team [as a freshman], but at as me just playing a video game. I [see] it as me just the way he’s grown and developed, he has no taking extra reps, virtual reps. Since I can’t be on the choice now. And he’s ready to welcome that chalpractice field 24-7, I call it virtual reps.” lenge. It’s been fun to just watch his development.” The Cardinals are off to a 4-0 record and BridgeFor all of the accolades Bridgewater is almost a water has played flawlessly. He opened the season with reluctant college star, seemingly embarrassed by all the a five-touchdown, 355-yard passing outing against hoopla. He asked the Louisville sports information deOhio University and has not looked back. partment to not create a Heisman Trophy PR campaign “He has great poise,” Ohio coach Frank Solich
said. “He’s got excellent height. He moves well and never gets frustrated, and has a great arm. He seems to know the offense extremely well, so he really has the whole package.” As Bridgewater and the Cardinals prepare to enter conference play they will have to guard against overconfidence. They will be the team to beat in the inaugural season of the American Athletic Conference, and all eyes will on No. 5, Teddy Bridgewater.
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h.s.zone Waltrip gets the ball in playmakers’ hands By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
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hough his team led by seven points in a key District 214A contest against Stephen F. Austin going into intermission, Waltrip head coach Milton Dailey left the field at the Barnett Stadium shaking his head in disgust. “At the outset I was a little bit disappointed because we were flat and only able to put seven points on the scoreboard going into halftime,” Dailey said. “I was not a happy camper.” With the Rams due to get the second-half kickoff, Dailey and his coaching staff scripted a recipe for success. Junior runWaltrip coach Milton Dailey (center) depends on players such as Malik Jarmon (left) and ning back Malik Jarmon had run Chuckie Graves (right). the ball seven times for 22 yards “I was a bit slow in the first half,” Jarmon said. in the first half. Senior Josh Helton had supplied the “We all were a little slow. But in the second half we only points with a 28-yard touchdown sprint with came out good and I was able to follow my blocksix minutes, 10 seconds left in the first quarter. ing.” A bigger dose of the former seemed to be in The Waltrip defense limited Austin to 137 order. yards total offense. Junior Xavier Smith had two Starting from their own 25-yard line, Jarmon interceptions for the Rams. Sophomore defensive ran the ball on six back Chuckie Graves consecutive plays to returned an intercepget to the Austin 34. tion 95 yards for a Helton ran for four touchdown to end to learn why Waltrip coach Milton Dailey yards followed by the scoring in Wala 28-yard pass play feels his team’s future is bright. trip’s 34-7 victory from quarterback that improved the Trelon Johnson to Rams to 2-1 on the receiver Benjamin Lemond. With a first-and-goal season, including 2-0 in district play. at the Austin 2, Helton gained a yard before Jarmon “I saw a clear lane ahead of me and I just ran scored on a one-yard TD run. straight to the end zone,” Graves said. “I think I The blueprint for the second half had been eshelped my team out a little bit.” tablished. Jarmon would score two additional rushWaltrip faces Lee on Sept. 27 at Dyer Stadium. ing touchdowns in the second half while amassing Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The following week will be 109 yards on 19 carries. the Rams’ bye week before resuming action Oct. 12 “Malik has been productive for me the entire against Jeff Davis. season,” Dailey said. “He’s averaging over 100 The Waltrip defense will need to continue yards per game. For him to come out in the second playing well in the coming weeks as the offense half and put up the yards that he did is not a surevolves. Dailey was the defensive coordinator for prise to me. He can do much more and I’m expectthe Rams prior to becoming head coach for the ing more from him.” 2012 season. The game was originally scheduled for Sept. “I’m defensive minded and I guess that’s why 20, but had to be postponed until 1 p.m. the next I’m harder on the defensive players, especially the day due to severe lightning in the Houston area. linebackers,” Dailey said.
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SEPTEMBER 26 | 2013 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs Rogers is three-sport star Raevyn Rogers isn’t about to rest on her laurels. The Kinkaid High School three-sport star is currently playing volleyball. She was a starting forward on the Kinkaid girls basketball team that has won consecutive Southwest Preparatory Conference Division I championships the past two seasons. However, her best sport is track and field where she is a three-time champion in the 800-meter run and a two-time winner in the 400-meter dash. In addition to her individual events, Rogers also ran legs on two Kinkaid medal-winning relay teams. In her first taste of international competition recently, Rogers placed in the 800-meter run and ran a leg on the victorious Team USA medley relay at the International Association of Athletics Federations’ World Youth Championships held in Donetsk, Ukraine. Rogers ran a personal of two minutes, 3.02 seconds in the 800. “I ran an incredible race,” she said. “I’m happy about it.” Rogers has big plans for the future. She wants to make the World Junior Team in 2014 and has her sights set on qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. “That’s my dream – to represent my country in Brazil,” she said.
Volleyball rivals to meet Football isn’t the only high school sport in season. Two of the Houston area’s top Class 5A girls’ volleyball programs will meet on Oct. 1. Clear Lake will visit District 24-5A rival Clear Falls at 6:30 p.m. The two schools met in the regional final last year with Clear Lake advancing to state. Both are loaded again.
Bayou Bucket rivalry ends A sad end has come to a local collegiate sports rivalry. The University of Houston vs. Rice football game played for the old Bayou Bucket and city bragging rights has concluded. The rivalry began in 1971 and the Bayou Bucket trophy was created in 1974 to add extra incentive for the winner. The series ended because the Cougars have moved out of Conference USA and now compete in the newly formed American Athletic Conference. Rice will remain in C-USA. Conference obligations have created scheduling problems and no future date has been announced to possibly resume the event. For the record, the Cougars won last weekend’s game in a thrilling contest 31-26. The Cougars lead the series 29-11.
Flanders sets record Sam Houston State All-American running back Timothy Flanders became the all-time Southland Conference rushing leader recently, setting the mark in the Bearkats 52-21 win against Incarnate Word. The senior from Midwest City, Okla. rushed for 157 yards on 15 carries and scored twice. Flanders surpassed former record holder Claude Mathis of Southwest Texas (now known as Texas State) with a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter before setting the new league record at 4,720 yards. To date, Flanders has rushed 820 times for 4,720 yards and 59 touchdowns. Flanders also owns the conference’s career marks for rushing TDs (59), total touchdowns (63) and points (378). He stands as the FCS active career rushing leader.
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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 26 | 2013
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chag’splace
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE…..The Houston cent Flannory and Hailey Nelson. Over 200 individuals Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administra- attended the symposium, including Dr. Beverly Ford and tors (NFBPA) recently held a symposium titled “Commither family, Anthony Hall, Vicki Rivers, Byron Marshall, ment to Excellence: The Next Generation of Leadership.” Stacy Rodgers, Bonita Cade, Toni Lewis, Naomi Hines, The one-day symposium consisted Lenoria Walker and Keith Bynam, to of motivational speeches, exciting name a few. Kudos to chapter president Join Yvette Chargois workshops, thought-provoking panels Jeana Nellons and the entire membership Events of the Week and the Star of Success luncheon. Dr. for an excellent symposium. Continued More photos on defendernetwork.com Roderick Paige, former U.S. Secresuccess!.....THREADS OF CREATIVSee Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads tary of Education, was the keynote ITY-PATTERNS OF SUCCESS….. with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. speaker and the honorees included Rev. This was the theme for the Community Edwin Davis/Community Service; Artists’ Collective luncheon held at the Fred Rodgers/Entrepreneur; Latrice Junior League of Houston. The mission Martin/Young Entrepreneur; Lois Bullock/Humanitarian; of the organization is to provide the educational and cultural Eric Dargan/Public Service and Waynette Chan/Presilink among African-American artists and all communities, dent’s award. A scholarship was established in memory of inspiring unlimited creativity. Founders/artists Michelle Ulysses G. Ford III, former City of Houston Solid Waste/ Barnes and Dr. Sarah Trotty were all smiles as they greeted Public Works department director and chapter member, and over 200 attendees. Spotted at the luncheon were Pastor was presented to Nickea Bradley and Courtney Lytle. Juanita Rasmus, Naomi Carrier, Diem Jones, Brenda Receiving chapter scholarships were Sydney Haney, VinCoffey, Mychell Taylor, Ava Cosey and Winell and Doug
Vicki Rivers, Dr. Beverly Ford and Jeana Nellons
Artists Michelle Barnes and Dr. Sarah Trotty
Phyllis Williams, Deon Dillard and Phyllis Bailey
Atty. Anthony Hall and Dr. Rod Paige
Artist Ava Cosey and Pastor Juanita Rasmus
Chris Dare and Rev. Wanda Bess
Herron. Gary Tinterow, director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston was the keynote speaker. Tierney Malone, host of KPFT-Radio’s “Houston Jazz Spotlight,” was the emcee, and Kijana Wiseman provided the entertainment. We salute the honorary chair, artist Angelbert Metoyer, and co-chair Geri Hooks for an outstanding luncheon. Continued success to you also!.....AN EVENING OF PURPOSE AND PROSPERITY…..Rev. Wanda J. Bess, senior pastor of Blueridge United Methodist Church, hosted a gala at the Bayou City Event Center that was attended by several hundred folks. The church honored community activist Sandra Massie with its Community award. Management consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton, Reginald Van Lee, received the Humanitarian award, and retired senior pastor Rev. Homer D. Williams was presented with the Spiritual Leadership award. Channel 13 News anchor Melanie Lawson was the mistress of ceremony and entertainment was provided by The Saxman, Karen Taylor and Drumgoole and Co. Great event!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!
Founders Earline Montgomery, Joyce Bethany, Yvette Chargois and Mary Ann Donato
Geri Hooks and artist Angelbert Metoyer
Honorees Rev. Homer Williams, Sandra Massie and Reginald Van Lee
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