Houston Defender: October 03, 2019

FEATURE

SERENA WILLIAMS WORKING TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT FINANCIAL ABUSE P4

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Volume 88 | Number 49 OCTOBER 3, 2019 |FREE

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NEWSTALK SYLVESTER TURNER responds to hiring allegations

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Nigel and Shane Mushambi

Annalise Bowers

NATIONAL DONALD TRUMP poll shows most disapprove on race relations

P3 H.S. SPORTS DOMINICK MARTIN a dual threat at Yates

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Princess Jackson

Tatum Bradberry

Tyla-Simone Crayton

HOUSTON

KIDS IN BUSINESS H PAGE 6

TOP EVENTS

Forest Whitaker

DeAndre Johnson

The acclaimed actor, director and producer returns to television in “Godfather of Harlem,” a 10-episode series about famed Harlem mob boss, Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson.

Texas Southern University quarterback DeAndre Johnson will be the first to tell you his collegiate career has been nothing like he envisioned. Here he talks about how his college career has taught him how to persevere.

plays Bumpy Johnson

seizing the opportunity

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Rhonda Arnold at An Evening with Michael Eric Dyson..

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H PAGE 5

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 3 | 2019

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newstalk

Remembering Sandeep Dhaliwal

Turner answers charges of overpaying intern Defender News Services

Mayor Sylvester Turner is responding to allegations that he signed off on an intern’s $95,000 annual salary.

Marvin Agumagu received a position as an intern in the management training program of the Houston Airport System, according to Turner. Agumagu was offered a position as senior staff analyst for the airport’s Executive Internship program, receiving a salary with benefits. He took the position in October 2018.

Turner, in a statement, said there are “94 Senior Staff Analysts positions in the City of Houston, of which 15 are at the Executive Level. The current salary range for Senior Staff Analysts is $74,256$131,325.”

Mayoral candidate Tony Buzbee blasted the hire, which was first reported by KPRC-TV. “The mayor claims he can’t find the money to pay

A Sikh sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty was an “American hero” who served “with dignity, honor and utmost respect,” according to one local leader.

Sandeep Dhaliwal, the first member of the Sikh community Sandeep Dhaliwal to become a Harris County sheriff’s deputy, was shot dead at a traffic stop recently in a “cold-blooded” attack, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. The man who allegedly shot Dhaliwal has been arrested but authorities have no clear motive.

In 2015 Dhaliwal became Harris County’s first sworn law enforcement officer to wear a turban.

for police, fire and floods, but based on three emails, he can hire an intern for 95K a year plus benefits,” Buzbee said. “He created this internship during a hiring freeze, he made up. We are going to have to ask him why.”

Turner said, “Mr. Marvin Agumagu’s salary is commensurate with his education and experience. He has three advanced degrees, including a bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree and a law degree. He also has experience in international relations and governmental affairs which is an asset for the City of Houston’s 5-star international airports.

“The City of Houston is proud of our record on recruiting, hiring and retaining qualified individuals,” Turner said. “We are especially proud of our intentional outreach to attract millennials who bring innovative ideas and energy to our workforce.”

Buzbee has asked the state to investigate.

Read the entire statement from Turner at www.

DefenderNetwork.com.

Jury convicts ex-officer who killed neighbor Associated Press

Botham Jean’s mother, Allison Jean, is embraced after a Dallas County jury found former officer Amber Guyger guilty of murder.

The family members of a man gunned down in his home by a white former Dallas police officer say they can finally get closure now that a jury has found that officer guilty of murder.

A jury reached the verdict in Amber Guyger’s high-profile trial for the killing of Botham Jean after six days of witness testimony but just a handful of hours of deliberation.

Cheers erupted in the courthouse as the verdict was announced, and someone yelled “Thank you, Jesus!”

Guyger sat alone, weeping, at the defense table. In Texas, the sentence for murder is from five to 99 years in prison.

The basic facts of the unusual shooting were not in dispute throughout the trial. In September 2018, Guyger walked up to Jean’s apartment – which was on the fourth floor, directly above hers on the third – and found the door unlocked. She was off duty but still dressed in her police uniform after a long shift when she shot Jean with her service weapon.

The jury that convicted Guyger was largely made up of women and people of color.

localbriefs AUTHORITIES ARE STILL TRYING TO DETERMINE what led an 11-year-old boy to collapse on a middle school football field and later die. Josiah Miles collapsed during a football event at Strack Middle School. Paramedics were able to revive him by performing CPR before transporting him to Texas Children’s Hospital in The Woodlands. The football event was not affiliated with the school, but Klein ISD trainers who were on campus rushed in to assist the student. “Last night, our loving, funny, charismatic Josiah Miles made his peaceful transition into Heaven,” his aunt, De’Lana Carter wrote on a GoFundMe page created in his honor. “Although our hearts are broken,

we know that God is in total control and we lean not on our own understanding. We sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support of love and prayers and ask that you continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we celebrate his life!” she said……..GOV. GREG ABBOTT REQUESTED A PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECLARATION for Texas counties that sustained widespread damage as a result of Tropical Storm Imelda floodwaters. The request includes individual assistance for those impacted by the storm. The six counties included in the request are Harris, Chambers, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery and Orange.

If granted, residents would be eligible for household

programs, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment and legal assistance, case management and direct federal assistance………THE FORT BEND ISD BOARD WILL HOST A LISTENING TOUR on Monday, Oct. 7, at Marshall High School, 1220 Buffalo Run. The tour begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes roundtable discussions, where parents and visitors can learn about Marshall’s Early College High School program, college preparation and more. The board’s monthly workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. and all attendees are invited to stay for the workshop. The annual event is open to the public. For more information visit www. fortbendisd.com.

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OCTOBER 3 | 2019 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE CORY BOOKER SAID HE’S hit the $1.7 million fundraising goal he recently set for his campaign, ensuring he has enough money to continue his White House bid. The New Jersey senator had said on Sept. 21 that if he failed to raise the money he would end his 2020 bid. The plea prompted support from politicians including former rival New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, who hopped on an all-staff phone call to encourage Booker’s team. Booker’s campaign manager said the money would go toward ballot access and hiring staff, among other things. Booker raised $4.5 million during the second quarter but spent nearly $1 million more than that……..

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE IS PLANNING CUTS TO EMPLOYEE SALARIES and retirement contributions for the next nine months to bolster student aid. The temporary furloughs will lead to a cost-savings of $3 million, according to the school. The school is also planning to impose a monthly furlough day for most professional staff and faculty members, and some staff roles will be absorbed. The announcement came just days after billionaire tech investor Robert F. Smith announced that his $34 million promise to eliminate student loan debt of the 2019 graduating class will also include the educational debt accrued by parents of those students……..NEW RESEARCH HAS EXPOSED how various forms of affirmative action benefitted a high percentage of white accepted applicants to Harvard University.

According to the research, in 2009 and 2014, 43 percent of white students accepted at the Ivy League school were athletes, legacy students or children of faculty and donors. Only 16 percent of admitted students of Black, Asian American or Hispanic origin fit that mold. The findings were based on data from a discrimination lawsuit filed by the Students for Fair Admissions.

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Most Americans disapprove of Trump on race relations Trump overall, according to the poll, conducted before the release of a rough transcript of a phone call showing Trump prodded the president of Large majorities of Black and Latino AmeriUkraine to investigate Democratic political rival cans think Donald Trump’s actions as president Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s have made things worse for people like them, and announcement that she would launch a formal about two-thirds of Americans overall disapprove impeachment inquiry. of how he’s handling race The poll provides a bleak relations, according to a new assessment of how the nation poll conducted by the Associviews Trump on race issues as ated Press-NORC Center for he runs for a second term and Public Affairs Research. repeatedly boasts of his popuAbout half of all Amerilarity among African-Americans cans think Trump’s actions and Latinos. have been bad for AfricanBut the poll shows few Americans, Muslims and Black Americans think that’s women, and slightly more true. Just 4 percent say they than half say they’ve been think Trump’s actions have been bad for Hispanics. good for African Americans in Trump’s 33 percent apgeneral, while 81 percent think proval rating on handling he’s made things worse. Similar race relations makes that one shares of Black Americans think of his worst issues in recent Trump has been bad for HispanAP-NORC polls. That stands ics, Muslims and women. in stark contrast to his han“He speaks nothing but hate dling of the economy: About rhetoric,” said Chris Smith, 38, half say they approve of his President Donald Trump has new low poll numbers. an African-American informahandling of that issue, while tion technology worker in Columbia, Tenn. “If the views of current economic conditions continue to leader of this country is free to speak like that, be rosy amid robust employment numbers and a there’s going to be people who think it’s okay to strong stock market. speak like that.”

Four in 10 Americans said they approve of Associated Press

Black girl made story up about classmates Defender News Services

VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 49 OCTOBER 3, 2019 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers

Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Editors ReShonda Tate Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Jodie B. Jiles Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For digital subscriptions, visit www.DefenderNetwork.com/ subscribe. No paper subscriptions are available. All material covered by 2019 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

A 12-year-old Black girl who claimed three white classmates pinned her down and cut her dreadlocks has admitted the claims were fabricated, her school said.

“We can now confirm that the student who accused three of her classmates of assault has acknowledged that the allegations were false,” said Stephen Danish, head of Amari Allen Immanuel Christian School in Springfield, Va. The girl, Amari Allen, said white boys at the school pinned her to a playground slide, held her hands behind her

back, covered her mouth and clipped her hair, calling it “ugly” and “nappy.”

Amari’s aunt Lakeisha Allen said the family is “devastated” and “embarrassed.”

She said her niece had a verbal dispute with the boys but “embellished the story.”

The Allen family issued an apology to the boys, their parents and the school.

“To the broader community, who rallied in such passionate support for our daughter, we apologize for betraying your trust,” the family said.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 3 | 2019

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AKA raises $1 million for HBCUs in one day NNPA Newswire

For the second year in a row, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the oldest Greek-letter organization established by AfricanAmerican college-educated women, raised $1 million in just 24 hours during HBCU Impact Day. The sorority also has agreed to collaborate in the planning for the upcoming 80th anniversary celebration of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in 2020.

Dr. Glenda Glover, AKA international president, said the sorority would work with NNPA An AKA check for more than $1 million benefits Black colleges.

Chair Karen Carter Richards and cally Black Tennessee State University.

NNPA President and CEO Dr. Since its founding, the NNPA has advocated for Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. during its annual convention the Black Press while delivering news to millions of June 23-25, 2020 in New Orleans. people from the African-American perspective.

“When you need to know the positive stories – The AKAs have promoted support of HBCUs the real stories – about African-Americans, then you across the nation.

Glover has led a challenge for understand our dependence on the Black Press for our contributions as part of a four-year $10 million news,” said Glover, who is also president of historifundraising goal to benefit HBCUs.

Serena Williams

Williams raises financial abuse awareness Defender News Services

In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October), tennis great Serena Williams has partnered with the Allstate Foundation to address financial abuse. The subject isn’t addressed like physical or emotional abuse and as a foundation Purple Purse ambassador, Williams hopes to change that.

In a public service announcement, the Grand Slam champion pointed out the signs of financial abuse.

“Your partner takes out credit cards in your name and maxes them out. That’s a sign,” she said. “They take your paycheck and choose how to spend it. They deny you access to the bank account. They demand receipts for every little thing you buy. They forbid you from working. These are all signs of financial abuse.”

During a visit to the “Yes Girl!” podcast, Williams explained why financial abuse needs to be addressed more.

“Financial abuse affects 99 percent of most domestic violence cases,” she said. “That’s a huge number, and when I first heard that number, I was like, ‘How do I not know about it?’…I wanted to use my platform and my voice to let people know that financial abuse is not okay.”

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OCTOBER 3 | 2019 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Forest Whitaker is ‘Godfather of Harlem’

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right there, that they would be in a space that they knew was true.

I think I was talking about a cclaimed acChi-Lites song, “Have You Seen tor, director Her.” You know how it starts off and producer with this long talk: “One month Forest Whitaago today...walks to the movies... ker returns to maybe to the park...I have a seat television in “Godfather of at the same old bench to watch Harlem,” a 10-episode series the children play...tomorrow is about famed Harlem mob their future, but to me it’s another boss Ellsworth Raymond day...” I started talking about that, “Bumpy” Johnson. and relating it to rap, and then Johnson (1905-1968) me and [Michael] started singing was a well-read career that particular song. It turns out criminal originally born in that Michael Wright actually has South Carolina whose famhis own band and he’s a singer! ily moved to Harlem during So that discussion led to what he his formative years. In the decided to do in the room, which early 1930s he became the was to buy this project and do 10 principal lieutenant to mob episodes. boss Stephani St. Claire, Defender: How did you who was prominent in the prepare to play the role of Bumpy numbers racket in HarJohnson? lem. Johnson, nicknamed Academy-Award winner Forest Whitaker, who was born in Longview, Texas, portrays mob boss Bumpy Johnson on TV. Whitaker: I think the first “Bumpy” for a large bump part of it started with just the on his forehead, was beloved to do something about Bumpy Johnson and so I said research, because we were getting in Harlem for his generosity yeah, let’s explore it. And then we went and got Chris the script ready. So, I started studying him, reading with residents.

Brancato and Paul Eckstein to write a script, and they stuff about him, reading prison reports about him, Whitaker delivers an intense and introspective became the producers and the show runners. Once we looking at what his wife wrote about him – Mayme portrayal of the larger-than-life man, while also ofdid that, myself and Chris went in to talk to Michael [Johnson] wrote a book – and trying to get that on. fering a unique perspective on some of the prominent Wright [the president] at Epix.

Then I came into New York and I started to interplayers in Harlem who interacted with Johnson in his Defender: Music almost seems to be an addiview some of the guys who worked with him, who prime and colored his rich life story. were like mobsters alongside him, like Chisolm and Whitaker talks about going back in time to recre- tional character in the show. Was that intentional?

Whitaker: I started to explain to them how I Junebug and those guys. And then I went into Harlem ate Harlem in the 1960s for the critically-acclaimed wanted the music to surround the project, using music and started interviewing people and then slowly he series. from the time inside the scenes and score to augment started to form. He was a chess player, he was a poet, Defender: How did you come to get involved the mythic quality, but then using contemporary muand there were a lot of different things about his charwith this project? sic to sort of surround it to place us in the place that acter that were very complicated. And then I just tried Forest Whitaker: Markuann Smith and James everybody understood that it was relevant to them to let it all fall into place.

Acheson came to me with an idea that they wanted Defender News Services

what’sup Media mogul OPRAH WINFREY is investing in the futures of students who attend historically Black colleges and universities. Winfrey recently announced that she would donate $1.15 million to the United Negro College Fund in an effort to help HBCU students alleviate their financial burdens. The monumental announcement was shared during the 17th annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon, created in memory of the late poet and civil rights activist. It honors women who are making impactful changes in their local communities. The UNCF – a 75-yearold organization that is dedicated to funding scholarships for Black students who want to

further their education – aimed to raise $500,000 during the event and ended up raising $1.15 million. During her speech at the event, Winfrey shared that she would match the amount of money raised bringing the organization’s fundraising efforts to $2.3 million…….Comedian EDDIE MURPHY is expressing regret over some of his more outlandish material from his stand-up comedy films “Delirious” and “Raw.” He admitted that the jokes back then were controversial as he ripped into racial, gender and homophobic stereotypes, particularly about the LGBTQ community and the AIDS epidemic. It’s not the first time he’s publicly expressed remorse or guilt at some of his previous

material. He apologized in 1996 for some of his prior jokes……“Clueless” actress STACEY DASH was arrested for domestic violence. Dash is accused of hitting her fourth husband, lawyer Jeffrey Marty, in their Florida home. When police came to the residence, Dash was arrested when Marty was observed with scratches on his arm.

According to TMZ, Dash is said to have acted in self-defense when her husband assaulted her.

She called the police but was arrested because of the injuries to him. Dash, an outspoken conservative and former congressional candidate, supported President Donald Trump during the 2016 election.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 3 | 2019

IN BUSINESS KIDS Young entrepreneurs know value of hard work

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

W

ith school, sports and various other activities filling the day for many young people, the closest most kids ever get to entrepreneurship is setting up a lemonade stand on a hot summer afternoon or selling candy to friends at

school.

But for more and more young people, the spirit of entrepreneurship catches on at an early age. Today, more kid entrepreneurs in Houston are changing the small business landscape than ever.

Today’s “kidtrepreneurs” venture far beyond the lemonade stand. They manage staffs, snag national attention and are moguls in the making.

Check out these kids in business who are powerhouses in the making.

TYLA-SIMONE CRAYTON

Age: 15 Business: Sienna Sauce Type of business: Condiments industry Why she started her business: My favorite restaurant that sold wings in New York City closed and I tried to re-create the sauce and came up with something better.

Contact info: www.Siennasauce.com

ANNALISE BOWERS

Age: 11 Business: Everything Annalise Type of business: Author of “Annalise the Kid Detective.” Provides personalized poetry for people who may want to gift a poem to someone. Creates avatars for individuals and designs personalized journals.

Why she started her business: “I have had a passion for writing since I was 5. After sharing my writings and artwork, I started getting people from all walks of life requesting my services.

Contact info: www.facebook.com/ABowersATKD/

PRINCESS JACKSON

Age: 16 Business: Sock Out Poverty, Inc Type of business: Nonprofit organization distributing new socks to the less fortunate Why she started her business: While on a blanket drive with her mom, Princess noticed many homeless persons didn’t have socks to keep them warm. Because of her passion to give back to the community and her fondness for socks, Sock Out Poverty was created.

Contact Info: Sockoutpoverty.org

defendernetwork.com • Servin

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Help your kid start a business Starting a business can provide an invaluable life experience for kids, not to mention help them to develop practical skills like organization, money management, problem solving and communication.

If your budding entrepreneur shows interest in starting a business, don’t brush them off. The most important thing to remember is that the process should be fun.

Entrepreneurship is a labor of love, not just labor. It’s also about taking chances, making mistakes, learning from those mistakes and doing it all over again.

Here are some tips to help them get started.

TATUM BRADBERRY

Age: 15 Business: Certified yoga instructor Type of business: Teaches yoga classes, hosts yoga events and workshops and is available for conferences, camps, etc.

Why she started her business: Yoga can provide such clarity and centering and I wanted to help children tap into that.

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Let them pursue their passion when choosing a business. It’s important that your child is passionate about what he or she is doing. You want them to enjoy the experience and not lose interest. If your child doesn’t already have a specific business idea in mind, have them make a list of their favorite things to do. If they love animals, they could start a pet-walking or pet-sitting business. Maybe they want to make candles and sell them on Etsy. They could hold an acting workshop for younger kids in the neighborhood, teach music lessons or even design a mobile app. Resist the urge to say things won’t work or that no one would pay for their idea. This process is a learning experience; the end result doesn’t necessarily matter.

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Set goals and make a plan. Have your child think about all the nuts and bolts needed to turn their idea into a reality. What kind of equipment, supplies or training do they need? If they’ll be mowing lawns, what do they need – a lawn mower, gas for the lawn mower, etc.? If they’ll be babysitting, should they take a CPR or a first aid course beforehand? They should write down their goals for the business, including both financial goals and anything else they want to achieve. It will be fun and educational to revisit these goals later.

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Introduce the concept of money management. Help them resist the urge to immediately spend the money they earn. Introduce them to basic money management skills. Teenagers can keep track of income and business expenses. Younger kids can practice adding up price totals and counting change. If you helped financially start their business, make sure they itemize expenses and costs. You could even hold an investor meeting where your child pitches their idea to you and outlines their financial needs.

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Work on customer service and communication skills. Being an effective communicator and empathetic listener are essential building blocks for entrepreneurship. Help your child develop how to succinctly explain their product/service and understand their business’ value proposition. Stress the importance of customer service, and encourage your child to listen to and accommodate special requests when needed.

SHANE & NIGEL MUSHAMBI

Ages: 14, 12 Business: 2 Brothers in the Kitchen Type of business: Cupcake makers, authors of “Beyond the Kitchen” Why they started their business: “We are two brothers cooking in one kitchen and we’re taking on the baking industry. Don’t let our age fool you. We are qualified geniuses who are combining our love for science, math and cooking and masterminding some out-of-this-world desserts.”

Contact info: www.2brositk.com

ng the Houston area for over 88 years

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Manage the legal requirements. Child business owners are subject to the same rules and legal requirements as adults. You can find out if any local licensing or permits are needed by checking with your local city/county clerk’s office. In some cases, you may actually want to create an official company structure, but only if you’re concerned that the business will take off or put your family’s assets at risk.

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Pay taxes. If your child’s earnings are greater than $400, they’ll need to file their own tax return. Most likely, they won’t be in a position to owe any income tax, but they will need to pay self-employment tax. Help them prepare for this ahead of time, perhaps setting aside 15 percent of the earnings for tax time. In case you’re wondering, yes, you can still declare your child a dependent even if they file their own return.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 3 | 2019 defendernetwork.com

Cindy Clifford

Lauren Dillard

Argentina James

Sonny Messiah Jiles

Dr. Stacey N. Jones, M.D.

Myrtle Jones

Dr. Grenita Lathan

Ann Tanabe

State Rep. Shawn Thierry

Connie Kwan Wong

YWCA of Houston to honor Outstanding Women Defender News Services

The YWCA of Houston will hosts its 33rd Annual Outstanding Women’s Luncheon (OWL) on Friday, Oct. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Omni Hotel, 4 Riverway. The theme is “Owning Our Magic.” The guest speaker will be Pastor Mia K. Wright of the Fountain of Praise. Ten women and four community partners will be honored.

“It is quite an honor to recognize women who are global game changers in their fields,” said Dr. Janice Beal, YWCA

Houston board member and OWL luncheon chair.

The honorees for 2019 are: Dr. Grenita Lathan, interim superintendent, HISD; Cindy Clifford, president, the Clifford Group; Myrtle Jones, senior VP, Halliburton; Connie Kwan Wong, CEO and Publisher, CKW LUXE Magazine; Dr. Stacey Jones, M.D.; State Rep. Shawn Thierry; Argentina James, president and CEO, HillDay PR; Anna Tanabe, CEO, Bio Houston, and Lauren Dillard, Outstanding Youth.

The Dorothy Height Legacy Award

will be presented to Defender CEO and Publisher Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles for her unwavering commitment to the community.

Proceeds from the OWL benefit the YWCA’s Choice program, a residential program for young women who are homeless; Meals on Wheels, which provides more than 1,500 meals daily to area elders, and the TechGyrls/STEM program for local teen girls.

For more information call 713-8689922.

Defender to be pilot partner in media project Defender News Services

Accelerate Local, designed to reinvent business models for news, announced its first stand-alone project – a six-month digital transformation lab for African-American newspapers.

The Defender will join other members of the Black Press – the Atlanta Voice, Dallas Weekly, New York Amsterdam News and Washington Informer – to serve as pilot partners in the unique lab.

According to a recent Local Media Association survey, African-American newspaper owners, like many other media outlets, are concerned about the future of their publica-

tions and struggle with digital transformation.

Only 9.5 percent of their revenue comes from digital. The five pilot partners have been in business an average of 75-plus years and have strong ties to their communities.

“The Black Press, like the rest of the local media industry, needs help when it comes to digital transformation strategies,” said Nancy Lane, president of Local Media Association.

“We are delighted to launch the first industry effort focused on a strong digital future for publishers of color. We invite other funders, R&D partners and philanthropists to join our efforts and help this important segment of the local media industry.”

Accelerate Local, owned by LMA, will

invest six figures in the lab that will feature three phases over six months: • Assessment and analysis of short-andlong term opportunities conducted by Accelerate Local’s managing director, Peter Newton (former chief operating officer for GateHouse Media and former executive at Monster.com and The Boston Globe).

• A testing phase in which publisher will choose two to three projects designed to drive digital revenue and/or audience in collaboration with Newton, based on a customized report that he will deliver to each participant.

• Debriefing, industry playbook and a 12to 18-month roadmap plan for each publisher.

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OCTOBER 3 | 2019 | DEFENDER

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California college athletes to get endorsements Associated Press

Defying the NCAA, California has opened the way for college athletes to hire agents and make money from endorsement deals with sneaker companies, soft drink makers and other sponsors, just like the pros.

The first-in-the-nation law, signed

by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and set to take effect in 2023, could upend amateur sports in the U.S. and trigger a legal challenge.

Newsom and others cast it as an attempt to bring more fairness to bigmoney college athletics and let players share in the wealth they create for their schools. Critics have long complained that schools are getting rich off the backs of athletes – often, Black athletes struggling to get by financially.

“Other college students with a talent, whether it be literature, music, or technological innovation, can monetize their skill and hard work,” he said.

“Student athletes, however, are prohibited from being compensated while their respective colleges and universities make millions, often at great risk to athletes’ health, academics and professional careers.”

He predicted other states will introduce similar legislation. Two lawmakers in South Carolina have

already announced plans to do so.

The NCAA, which asked the governor to veto the bill, responded by saying it will consider its “next steps.” It did not elaborate.

The NCAA, which has 1,100 member schools and claims nearly a half-million athletes, said it is working to “make adjustments to NCAA name, image and likeness rules that are both realistic in modern society and tied to higher education.” But it said any such changes should be made at a national level through the

NCAA, not through a patchwork of state laws.

California’s law applies to students at both public and private universities in the state and covers all sports.

It bars schools from kicking athletes off the team if they get paid. It does not apply to community colleges and prohibits athletes from accepting endorsement deals that conflict with their schools’ existing contracts.

Before the governor signed it, the NCAA warned that the law would give California universities an unfair recruiting advantage, which could prompt the association to bar them from competition. Powerhouses like the University of Southern California, UCLA, Stanford and the University of California, Berkeley, could find themselves banned.

Democratic State Sen. Nancy Skinner, the bill’s author, said it rights a longtime wrong: “For decades, college sports have generated billions for all involved except the very people most responsible for creating the wealth. That’s wrong.”

The NCAA does let some athletes accept money in some instances. Tennis players can accept up to $10,000 in prize money per year, and Olympians can accept winnings from competitions.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 3 | 2019 defendernetwork.com

sports

TSU quarterback DeAndre Johnson makes most of opportunity

By TERRANCE HARRIS Defender

T

exas Southern University quarterback DeAndre Johnson would be the first to tell you his collegiate career has been nothing like he

envisioned.

Johnson, a fifth-year senior and graduate student at TSU, said he has grown immensely since beginning this journey as a highly touted freshman at Florida State to now in his first and only season leading the Tigers. He just wants to make the most of the opportunity.

“It’s been a marathon,” said Johnson, whose collegiate career has spanned five years and four colleges. “It’s just been a matter of continuously growing.

The best thing about my college career is that I was able to learn multiple offenses throughout my four to five years of college. So, it was just adding more tools into my arsenal.

“My college career has taught me how to persevere, how to overcome all types of obstacles, no matter if it’s physically, mentally or emotionally. I learned how to stay the course.”

Johnson is ready to pour all of the highs and disappointments he has endured since starting with the Seminoles into his final college opportunity with the Tigers. So far, the results – the Tigers have stumbled off to a 0-4 start – haven’t been what Johnson would have wanted but he seems optimistic that his team will turn it around as they get into SWAC play.

“We still have a fairly young team.

My team is pretty much filled with transfers,” said Johnson,who transferred from Florida Atlantic in January. “ “It takes some time just to get clicking, to get rolling.

“It’s easy to go from camp and practice but to transition to the game it’s a whole new speed and type of chemistry that we have. Right now, we Johnson said his college career has taught him how to persevere. (Photos courtesy TSU) are just now picking that up. I feel like we are heading in the right direction and showing. everything is going to be okay going forward.”

He entered the week as the SWAC’s second-leading Johnson, who never made it to his freshman season passer, having thrown for 1,161 yards, seven touchdowns at Florida State due to a bar fight and only played sparand two interceptions while completing nearly 62 percent ingly during his two years under Lane Kiffin at FAU, is of his passes through the first four games. going through growing pains on the field but the talent is “He’s doing well. He is one of the top quarterbacks

DeAndre Johnson

in the league, he is leading our team,” said TSU coach Clarence McKinney. “We are excited to have him.

I wish I had him for more than one year but he is doing a pretty good job for us.”

Winning aside, the experience so far has been everything Johnson had hoped it would be when he made the decision to leave FAU for an opportunity to get on the field.

“It was all about opportunity,” said Johnson, who was a major subject of the Netflix show “Last Chance U” during his only season at East Mississippi Community College.

“Going forward I felt like this was the right move and my family felt that way. I really liked coach McKinney and his staff and I got to sit down with coach [David] Marsh and his offense and I saw the skilled players coach McKinney was bringing in and I said, ‘Why not?’ This is a whole new culture around here so I just wanted to be a part of this.”

McKinney said Johnson’s past was never an issue.

“We didn’t bring up his past and he did not bring up his past,” McKinney said.

“To us this was not a second chance for him, this was another chance. He had already shown at two other universities that he could be model a citizen…We are more focused on his future.”

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OCTOBER 3 | 2019 | DEFENDER

H.S. sports Yates QB Dominick Martin a dual threat

By JODIE B. JILES Defender

ack Yates High School sophomore quarterback Dominick Martin is an under-the-radar, dualthreat talent who is more than capable of making plays with his arm as well as his legs.

In the 40-13 Yates victory over cross-street rival Worthing, Martin’s skill sets were on full display when he ran in a touchdown to start the game and later scored three passing touchdowns.

Yates head coach M.J. Hickey Jr. appreciates Martin’s talent.

“He is a young guy who will sometimes make mistakes but is very coachable,” Hickey said. “He is a leader who never quits and that is why I enjoy working with him.”

The Defender spoke with Martin after the Scott Street Classic to discuss his fourtouchdown performance against Worthing, how he has faced the challenges of being tasked to play quarterback as a sophomore and JY’s next matchup against Stafford.

Defender: How would you describe your style of play as a quarterback?

Martin: I want to play like Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. I want to be able to run when I have to and be able to throw the ball.

Defender: Walk us through the first touchdown you ran that kicked off the explosive night for the offense.

Martin: Before the play even started, I saw that they were playing outside, so I just ran it up the gut and got in there.

Defender: How do you distinguish between when to look for open receivers to pass to or take off and run?

Martin: When I see that the play is not developing and things don’t look like they are supposed to look with the receivers, I just take off and run.

Defender: You’re just a sophomore. How have you faced the challenge of leading the offense?

Martin: At practice we go hard. We started out with a little patch of grass when we were just out there working on footwork and For game and crowd photos follow lateral drills. Since then we just build the offense up to put IG: @DefenderHighSchoolSports it together because we worked really hard for this.

Defender: Any thoughts about your next opponent Stafford?

Martin: I haven’t watched film on them yet, but we are going to get it figured out. game. down in the

Martin threw three touchdowns in the 40-13 win over Worthing.

About Martin

Twitter: @tuddaa2 Favorite musical artist: NBA Youngboy Favorite food: Homemade fried chicken Favorite subject: Science Hobbies: Playing NBA2k Shout-outs: “Mom, dad, Football Kings, Coach Speed, Uncle Twon, J.P., B.J., Devon, Cam, Tookie”

t off for a firs ) Martin took mie Aggison m Ji by s to (Pho

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 3 | 2019

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

topevents

A CONVERSATION WITH MICHAEL ERIC DYSON……..In celebration of its proudly promoted the richness of the heart of Africa in celebration of the 59th anniversary 30th Anniversary, Change Happens! launched its “Thinking Brilliantly, Changing the of Nigeria’s independence. Attendees included Ali Baba (African King of Comedy), World Speaker Series” with “A Conversation with Michael Eric Dyson.” The New Abike Sowemimo, Danielle Woodard, Michael Ainabe, MC PC, Daniel and Precious York Times bestselling author, minister and Georgetown University professor offered Nwosuh, Jourdan and Brandi Gabriel, Bode Otubu and countless others…….. a “sermon on race and redemption” that was followed by a Q&A session with Larry WHEN YOUR SOUL SPEAKS WOMEN’S CONFERENCE……..Recognizing Payne, host of Dialogue Houston (HCC TV). Held at Texas Southern University’s that pain in one’s present circumstance need not be their permanent reality, the inaugural Sawyer Auditorium, the event also included a VIP reception and book signing. Attendees “When Your Soul Speaks Women’s Conference” offered participants pathways towards included Dr. Rhea Lawson, Pastor Linda Davis, Alicia Lewis, self-empowerment, showing them how to use one’s pain to grow.

Dr. Elwyn Lee, Marcus Davis, LeMarcus Newman, Seneca event, held at the United Way of Greater Houston, featured a Defender TOP EVENTS The Dunmore, Ifueko Omorogbe, Gabrielle Gunn, Oyinda lecture and book signing by Kirsten Westbrook along with several More photos on defendernetwork.com Adebo, Karen Hickman and many more……..NIGERIA empowerment workshops including a “What a Man Thinks” panel CULTURAL PARADE & FESTIVAL……..Culturally Naija, of men discussing relationships and a session entitled “The Art of WeLEAD and Wazobia African Market invited family and friends to witness a rich Making Your House Your Home.” Female-owned businesses and vendors were also cultural experience through a street-wide celebration in Downtown Houston – the spotlighted. Attendees included Dr. Deborah Wilson, Mary Garrett, Elicia WestbrookNigeria Cultural Parade & Festival. The invitation was taken up by scores of people who Thomas, Christina Turner, Auset and Ausar Neteru, Michelle Davis, Michelle joined festivities in Root Memorial Square (across from the Toyota Center) where they Alexander, Ashanti Hughes, Karamoko Mills and others.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Rhonda Arnold

MC PC, Ali Baba

Ebony Lyons Edmond, Marcus Davis

Eniola Awe, Sola Awe, Olaniyi Awe, Tolani Awe

Elicia Westbrook-Thomas, Kirsten Westbrook, Christina Turner

Mary Garrett, Dr. Deborah Wilson

Dawn Singleton, Gabrielle Gunn

Abike Sowemimo, Rev. Dr. Prince A.Z.K. Adekoya II

Auset Neteru, Ausar Neteru

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