Houston Defender: October 4, 2018

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METRO APPROVES DISPARITY STUDY, FIRST STEP TOWARD MWBE PROGRAM P2

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

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Volume 87 | Number 49 OCTOBER 4, 2018 FREE

NEWSTALK GLENDA GLOVER brings AKA Mobile Mammogram Unit to town

P2 NATIONAL MAXINE WATERS fights back against allegations

P3 H.S. ZONE BOBBY WOLFE multi-talented DB at Madison

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TOP EVENTS

WHY MIDTERMS MATTER H PAGE 6

V. Michael McKay celebrating gospel He’s a staple on KTSU-radio, but McKay’s reach stretches across the country. Now, the talented gospel artist is celebrating the best in Houston’s music gospel scene. Find out details about his Celebration of Gospel.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and his daughter Ashley Turner, at his birthday celebration.

H PAGE 5

PVAMU leads SWAC West

The Panthers have made a significant step toward a division crown by defeating the defending champs, Grambling State University 22-16 in the State Fair Classic H PAGE 10

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 4 | 2018

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VOTERS UNITE

Metro votes to approve MWBE disparity study Defender News Service

Metro has voted to issue a request for a proposal to conduct a disparity study, the first step necessary for the transit agency to create a minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) program to replace its existing small/disadvantaged business enterprise program.

“It’s very important to Metro, and to me as Board chair, that we implement all possible measures to include all members of our community in our contracting opportunities,” said Metro Chair Carrin Patman.

“Although Metro currently has an inclusive and awardwinning program that has served as a model for others, a disparity study will tell us how we can additionally enhance opportunities for women, minorities, veterans and the disabled.”

County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who also initiated an ongoing disparity study for Harris County, hopes the move will level the playing field for historically disadvantaged firms.

“This is another promising step to ensuring that MWBEs have equitable opportunities to contract with the Metropolitan Transit Authority,” said Ellis.

Patman says Metro has a 35 percent small business goal on eligible contracts, a goal they have consistently met or exceeded.

“But we also recognize that does not mean there is no room for improvement,” Patman added.

Metro currently has 1446 certified small businesses of which 73 percent are minority-owned and 43 percent women-owned.

A disparity study will clarify any inequities in the contracting process and provide the basis to adopt a remedy, including a robust MWBE program.

AKA brings mobile mammogram to 3rd Ward

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender News

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by offering free mammograms to residents of the Third Ward community.

The sorority decided to focus on breast cancer because, according to the Centers for Disease Control, Black women are 40 percent more likely to die from the disease, despite doctors diagnosing the disease in African-American and white women at about the same rate.

Also, Black women are more often found to have triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive type that frequently returns after treatment. Through its Mobile Mammography Unit, the sorority hopes to decrease those alarming statistics.

“We tried self-examination, and that just doesn’t go far enough. We wanted women of color who can’t afford mammograms to have a way of receiving that care free of charge,” said Dr. Glenda Glover, international president for AKA. The mobile unit was the brainchild of Glover as part of the sorority’s national health programs. The South Central Region is the first region to host the AKA Mobile Mammography Van and Screening Event on the campus of Texas Southern University.

Over the next four years, the van will travel all over the United States. The goal is that it will reach all 10 regions.

Seniors urged to go to polls Elections are won based on the people who show up.

Those who are 65 and older usually show up in larger numbers than other age groups. More than half of American voters are usually 50-plus. As a result, their political clout is often greater than their number. Despite the turnout, one out of three senior citizens is not registered to vote on election day.

The reality is, voting is the best option to assure that major issues such as health care and financial security in retirement will be addressed fairly and successfully for seniors.

SUGGESTION: Contact two or more seniors you know and make sure they are registered to vote before Tuesday, Oct 9. Then request a mail ballot and assist seniors you know to mail their ballot. To encourage them to vote, here are few reasons “why” voting is important to them.

Protect Social Security Senior citizens have a vested interest in protecting the valuable benefits they receive from the fede ral government. “Ten thousand Americans are turn ing age 65 every day,” says Nancy Altman, president of the advocacy organization Social Security Works. “SSA should be opening new field offices, not simply maintaini ng them, and certainly not closing them.

Preserve Medicare year’s s elected during this Members of Congres future. ’s determine Medicare midterms could help ise om who will keep the pr Vote for candidates m and ste have paid into the sy made to those who s. ed their health care ne rely on Medicare for

Ora Douglas, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Glenda Glover, Kelly Parker (Assured Imaging) and Katina Semien tour the mobile unit.

“We were happy to be able to reach indigent communities and those who can’t afford breast exams,” said Katina Semien, South Central regional director for AKA. “Since the Affordable Care Act, many people assume that everyone automatically has insurance and that just isn’t true. So, we’re happy to be here providing a service,” Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, herself a breast cancer survivor and a member of AKA, applauded the unit because it provides outreach and education. She said the efforts support legislation she’s working on to educate about triple negative breast cancer.

“My dream, as we move toward the 2018 election, is to have my bill and the effort of increased funding actually raise more numbers in getting our national institutes of health to focus on the very unique research of the triple negative breast cancer factor,” she said.

Reduce the cost of prescription drugs The average reta il price of a prescr iption drug taken to treat a ch ronic condition ha s reached $13,000 per year . According to re ports that’s mor than three times e what it was whe n landmark drug legislation was pa ssed in 2006. tirement al security in re Promote financi by boomba ing number of Despite the grow frastrucin t y, the retiremen ers retiring toda pension ith w dramatically ture has degraded y cuts. rit cu g and Social Se coverage declinin ith a w t en aring retirem e For households ne nc la ba t typical accoun at 401(k) plan, the th ts se as including any t en is only $111,000, em tir re into individual an th were rolled over ss le to s This translate accounts (IRAs). pplement retirement to su in th on m r pe $400 nefits.

Social Security be

Look for future Defender “Voters Unite” articles leading up to the Nov. 6 election.

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OCTOBER 4 | 2018 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs CHICAGO POLICE SAY THERE HAVE BEEN 102 fewer homicides and nearly 500 fewer shooting victims in the city this year, compared to the first nine months of 2017.

The department said that the drop continues a nearly two-year trend and adds the falling numbers are due largely to the expanded use of high-tech crime-fighting tools and the hiring of hundreds of new officers. The totals for September were particularly encouraging: 42 homicides compared to 60 in September 2017 and 260 shooting victims compared to 328 in the previous September ……..A MARYLAND CLINIC IS UNDER FIRE for denying treatment to a woman’s adoptive daughter because she was a different race than her guardian. Employees at Patient First urgent care clinic in Waldorf refused to believe that the woman, who is white, was the legal parent of the 12-yearold child, who is Black, the mother said.

They assumed that the two weren’t a family and actually asked for documents as proof of the guardianship, according to Karen Dresser, who took her daughter to the clinic. The employees’ skepticism and the unauthorized request has been very disappointing for Dresser, who reiterated that she was the child’s mother……..

SOME NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY students walked out of class to help bring awareness to what they said were unanswered questions about the recent shooting death of DeAndre Ballard, who was killed by a security guard on the night of Sept. 17 for allegedly breaking into cars in an apartment complex parking lot that was not on the HBCU’s campus. While the case was still under investigation, the security guard avoided criminal charges and has since returned to work after a brief placement on administrative duty following the shooting.

The company that employs the security guard defended the deadly shooting by saying it was self-defense.

VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 49 OCTOBER 4, 2018

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer

Jodie B. Jiles

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

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

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Congresswoman Waters lashes out at allegations NNPA News Service

California Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters went on the defensive when pundits and media friendly to President Donald Trump accused one of her staff members of secretly releasing the personal information of three Republican senators.

Waters and Trump have long feuded, with the president calling her names and Waters simply calling for his impeachment.

However, as the contentious confirmation hearings of Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh roared on, allegations continued.

While the testimony of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford – who accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault as a teen – took place in the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing room, South Carolina’s U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and his GOP counterparts, U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch and U.S. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, saw information that included their phone numbers and addresses leaked onto Wikipedia.

Gateway Pundit and RedState, both Trump-friendly sites, reported that the IP address responsible for the leak was associated with Waters’ office and a staff member was responsible.

Waters went on the offensive: “Lies, lies, and more despicable lies,” she said in a statement sent to various news outlets, including the NNPA Newswire.

“I am utterly disgusted by the spread of the completely false, absurd, and dangerous lies and conspiracy theories that are being pedaled by ultra-right-wing pundits, outlets, and websites who are promoting a fraudulent claim that a member of my staff was responsible for the release of the personal information of Members of the United States Senate on Wikipedia….

“The United States Capitol Police and our internal IT specialist have determined that the IP address in question does not belong to my office or anyone on my staff.

“The member of my staff – whose identity, personal information, and safety have been compromised as a result of these fraudulent and false allegations – was in no way responsible for the leak of this information.” she said.

“My office has alerted the appropriate authorities and law enforcement entities of these fraudulent claims. We will ensure that the perpetrators will be revealed, and that they will be held legally liable for all of their actions.”

Maxine Waters

Obama endorses more than 200 Democrats Defender News Services

Former President Barack Obama is expanding his influence ahead of November’s midterm elections. He recently released a second slate of endorsements for Democrats running for offices ranging from local to national, bringing the total to more than 300, including nine Texans.

The candidates that Obama endorsed stretch up and down the ballot, but he notably declined to wade into several races that have captivated national attention.

Among the most prominent candidates to win Obama’s support are Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic congressional candidate who won an upset primary victory this summer in New York; Andrew Gillum, the Tallahassee mayor who

is running for governor in Florida; and Kyrsten Sinema, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Arizona.

“Our incredible array of candidates up and down the ticket, all across the country, make up a movement of citizens who are younger, more diverse, more female than ever before,” Obama said.

Obama, however, did not endorse Rep. Beto O’Rourke, the Democrat challenging Sen. Ted Cruz in Texas, or Phil Bredesen, a former Democratic governor of Tennessee who is now running for Senate against Republican Rep. Marcia Blackburn.

Obama’s endorsement might not be helpful to Democrats competing in southern states, where the former president isn’t as popular.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 4 | 2018

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OCTOBER 4 | 2018 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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V. Michael McKay Celebrating Houston gospel music legends

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Defender News Services

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s nyone who knows gospel music in Houston knows about V. Michael McKay. For GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE HOUSTON nearly half a century, churches The Next Month throughout the country have A Month of Mondays been inspired by the words and music of OCTOBER 2018 McKay. As a conductor, clinician, speaker, songwriter and author, McKay has dediMonday, October 8th cated his life to a greater level of ministry.

McKay is a two-time Dove Award winHouston’s KTSU Radio Station ner and 2000 inductee into the Gospel Hall “A Salute to Houston Gospel Music Legends” of Fame. His songs have been performed Location: Goodhope Baptist Church by national artists such as Yolanda Adams, Time: 7pm Tramaine Hawkins, Albertina Walker, Shirley Cesar, Bishop Paul Morton, Byron Monday, October 15th Cage, Brian Courtney Wilson and Kathy Taylor.

Houston’s GMWA V. Michael McKay But McKay gets his greatest joy by “A Salute to Houston Gospel Music Millennials” a different language but at the same Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday sharing the gospel of others. He curLocation: The Power Center time, understands. It may be popular October 15th October 22nd October 29th October 8th rently does that on his own show, “Truth,” also because we, the cast, infuse inforTime: 7pm Houston KTSU GMWA Houston City of Houston Houston Sunday nights on KTSU-Radio. And now, mation, excitement, and humor for two Radio Station Mass presents Cultural Affairs Alliance he’s hosting “A Salute to Houston Gospel hours every Sunday night.

Monday, October 22nd presents “A Salute to Office & KTSU Network Music Legends” to celebrate the city’s rich Defender: How did you come up Music Diversity “A Houston Salute to Gospel Houston’s Radio Station presents musical heritage. with the idea for the Salute to Houston Houston Gospel TVA Gospel Music present “The After Here, he talks about his musical influLocation: Gospel Music Legends? ence and the upcoming Oct. 8 event that he MusicTime: Legends” Millennials” “A Celebration Party...Jeans 7pm McKay: We did the salute in says will be an affair to remember.

Location: Location: of Musical and Bling” February for Black History Month at Defender: Have you been involved in Good Hope October The Power Diversity” Location: KTSU recording studio. It only seated Monday, 29th gospel music most of your life?

Baptist Church Center Location: TBA 80 people. It was a unique way to bring KTSU, Houston Alliance Network & GMWA V. Michael McKay: My family has 3015 N 12401 S Post Pleasant Hill Time: 7pm everyone together. It was such a hit “The Way After Party” influenced me musically, and they’ve been Macgregor Oak, Houston Baptist Church Ticketed Event and Pastor D.Z. Cofield from Good “Jeans and Bling” making musical deposits into me my entire Houston 77004 77045 1510 Pannell St Hope Baptist Church felt the power of life. Being around them, getting their Location: Time: 7pm TBATime: 7pm Houston 77020 the experience and asked to repeat it at valuable life lessons, I discovered the gift Time: Free Will 7pm Ticketed Event Time: 7pm the church. I just wanted to trace the of writing and composing. My grandfalegacy of gospel music in the city of Offering Free Will ther was a Baptist preacher in Alexandria, Houston so it will be a celebration of Offering Louisiana. My grandmother would sing the music from [local] legends. We’ll also whole hymn as my grandfather narrated, recognize some living honorable mentelling the whole story, whether at home or tions, as well as leaders who’ve had an while riding in the car. I didn’t even know impact in the community and who may I was being taught. But from an early age, never have been celebrated.

McKay: The sustainability of God to keep me it was embedded in me.

The city has such a rich heritage of gospel muaround this long and this relevant has been phenomeDefender: You call what you do in the gospel sic.

There are some of us who will forever rememnal for me. It’s a responsibility. It’s beyond ego. Two music industry a gift. Why is that? ber Eugene Williams, Lee Ida Brown Campbell, things I know about God is that He orders and He McKay: It’s a part of something that God did.

Brenda Waters, Carl Preacher, Shirley Joiner, Hanq allows. Subsequently, He has ordered my steps and One cannot ask for this. He just did it. Did Michael Neal, Ronald Materre and many more. I wanted to allowed me the privilege to walk them out.

Jordan ask to be that guy? Kobe, Shaq, Tiger? That’s partner with my peers to trace and document our Defender: Your show on KTSU is extremely just a gift. That’s some stuff we can’t argue with. I city’s rich heritage.

So, there will be a core choir wouldn’t have chosen this route for myself, but it was popular. What makes it unique? leading everyone who attends in singing the songs McKay: I’ve been there since November and God’s choice for me. We’ve all learned to embrace of our deserving gospel legends.

To have today’s it’s been a blast. Ernest Walker had the vision to those things. I’m a believer in discovering your gift, young gospel artists hear and experience, while bring me in so that I could be a mature voice that developing your gift and delivering your gift. others relive the music of our past is just going to be was still relevant but could connect both worlds, the Defender: How do you feel about being a staple phenomenal. mature and the young at heart, someone who speaks in the Houston Gospel community?

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 4 | 2018

Countdown to Nov. 6 election

Why this

MIDTERM MATTERS

was telling me to vote for. But I actually know the information happening and I just really want what’s best for my future now, so I know what to look ypically, voter turnout in the United forward to.”

States drops by 20 percent for Others define the 2018 midterms from a midterm elections compared to broader social perspective especially since they presidential year elections. Voting are taking place in the middle of President Donald advocates hope to see a reversal of Trump’s first term in office. that trend during this year’s midterms on Tuesday, “All 435 seats in the U.S. House of RepresenNov. 6. tatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate With the disastrous results of the 2014 will be contested, while 39 states [including Texas] midterms and the political stakes this year, some, and territorial governorships, as well as numerincluding former President Barack Obama, are ous other state and local elections, will also be Christina Sanders Dr. Carla Brailey calling this the most important election in our contested,” said Dr. Carla Brailey, vice chair of the lifetime, and others are even going so far as to Texas Democratic Party. label it the most important election in the history “This political era has demonstrated so many of the U.S. reasons why leadership matters, and how much furOne thing is certain – the sense of urgency ther we have to progress toward diversity in a way to get people to the polls is undeniable. that welcomes all people,” Brailey said.

“Many communities have been left so “Depending on how well Democrats do, the far behind, for so long, that they don’t have the party could kill the Republican legislative agenda in luxury of only voting during presidential elecCongress, gain new powers to investigate the Trump tions,” said Christina Sanders, Texas state director administration, get the ability to block Trump’s of Spread the Vote, a non-partisan, non-profit nominees from being confirmed, pass progressive organization that helps eligible voters obtain a state laws across the country, and be able to curb photo ID to cast their ballots. efforts to further gerrymander our state when the “Any time a candidate is asking for your census comes around,” she said. power, the power to speak on your behalf and Tracy Scott, director of the Black Women’s Carl Davis Gloria Onyekwere represent you, it is important. Midterms matter.

PAC, views voting this midterm as part of a modernAll elections matter.” day Civil Rights Movement, and as an opportunity for Black women With this urgency in mind, the University of Houston’s to flex their electoral muscle.

Graduate College of Social Work recently held a National Voter “We have more women of color seeking public office than ever Registration Day event seeking to drive more college students to before – 118 Black women in Texas,” Scott said. “This is our time in the polls either on Nov. 6 or during early voting Oct. 22 through this movement.”

Nov. 2.

Scott believes that along with issues such as student debt and Alan Dettlaff, the college’s dean, said political participation limited access to a middle-class lifestyle, the nation’s liberties and is a must. civility are at stake with this election, an assessment supported by “Our mission in the college is to prepare students to achieve Sanders. social, racial, economic and political justice,” he said. “I tell all our “Lately we have seen a lot of freedoms, principles and progress students that we live in a society where there is inequality and inthat we have made as a nation challenged,” Sanders said. “It’s uncerjustice all around us. And one of the ways to be a part of creating a tain how far this trend of archaic notions on race, justice and equity more just society is by voting for politicians who believe in justice, will go. We are seeing more questions about the value of Black lives.

Tracy Scott believe in equality.”

“Children are being torn away from their families like they are UH junior Gloria Onyekwere, a participant in the Voter Registration Day animals, as a form of punishment. Millennials are graduating with too much debt to event, views this year’s midterm as important for personal reasons. start a family and are projected for the first time in American history to make less “It’s important to me because at this current time I actually know what’s going than their parents, even with more schooling than any generation in our history,” on,” said Onyekwere. “The other times I voted I kind of just went off what my dad Sanders said.

T

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

“The weight of our challenges thr thrive and sustain ourselves as a societ ers focused on realistic solutions and s problems, we might not have an Amer cases, it is that serious. I’m sure citizen Puerto Rico would agree,” Sanders sai Carl Davis, founding director of A voter registration, education and mobil AME Church, named education, crimi healthcare as three major midterm issu response.

Davis believes there’s much work Democratic Party’s “blue wave” many

* Mil * Spread t

Last day

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BIG midterm issues

reatens our ability to live, ty. If we do not have leadsolving our sustainability rican society at all. In some ns in Flint, Michigan and id.

AME V-Alert, a national lization initiative of the inal justice reform and ues demanding voter

k needed to achieve the y progressives are hoping

for. Brailey, however, has a more optimistic take.

“According to a new study by the Pew Research Center, voter enthusiasm is at its highest level during any midterm in more than two decades. The blue wave is rising,” said Brailey who views Texas’s growing diversity as a sign that the conservative stronghold can be broken this November.

Brailey’s optimism is cautioned by the fact that historically, Texas has one of the nation’s lowest voter turnouts.

“We have a lot of work to do in making sure that every voter understands what’s at stake,” Brailey said. “We can’t afford to sit around and wait for 2020. We need to make big gains in the states this year. The stakes are high, and the consequences will be felt for years.”

DefenderNetwork.com

llennial creates tech to aid voter turnout the vote works to maximize voter turnout

y to register to vote: Tuesday, Oct. 9

e Houston area for over 85 years

• Trump legislative agenda – Though President Trump is not on the ballot this November many pundits argue that the 2018 midterms are all about Trump and his legislative agenda. Part of that agenda is the quietly successful run of conservative judges Trump has been able to nominate and get confirmed to federal positions nationally.

• Mueller investigation – The investigation into potential Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election led by special prosecutor Robert Mueller could be in danger of being circumvented according to some observers. A premature end to the investigation – which would deny Americans information on what did or did not happen – might depend on whether Democrats or Republicans win the majority of House and Senate seats in the November election.

• Voter suppression – Though the GOP has invested incredible amounts of resources and media energy into promoting the idea of massive voter fraud, research has shown it to be miniscule, especially in comparison to voter ID and other laws passed in many states making it more difficult, and sometimes impossible for registered voters to actually vote. Those who believe the GOP seeks to increase voter suppression efforts moving forward toward the 2020 presidential election hope to see a blue wave this November.

• Criminal justice reform – Conservatives have been vocal in their opposition to the Black Lives Matter Movement and any efforts to hold law enforcement members accountable for the killings of unarmed people of color. Moreover, the re-institution of the laws meant to maximize those locked up for minor offenses has already had a horrendous impact upon communities of color, all while those caught up in opioid additions (predominately poor whites) have been supported with empathy and medical supports rather than criminalized.

• DACA – Dreamers and other immigrants have a lot on the line with this midterm election. The separation of children from their parents, the locking up of youth in cages and the harsh closing of U.S. borders to those seeking asylum from violence will either continue and get ramped up, or be curbed dramatically depending on which party comes out victorious in November.

• Healthcare and the economy – Though two separate issues, both access to healthcare and access to the fruits of recent GOP tax cuts has been reduced for the majority of Americans (middle class, working class and poor), while the richest citizens have received the lion’s share of benefits. Whether this continues or whether the majority of citizens gain access will be determined by the November election results.

• 2020 Census – Information gathered by the U.S. census determines political representation and access to resources. Current GOP changes in census questions, according to pundits, will grossly under-count African Americans, and hence dramatically reduce political representation and access to the resources gained by said elected representatives. Though not as publicized, the 2020 census issue will have huge ramifications for at least a decade.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 4 | 2018 defendernetwork.com

Special visit to Texas Children’s

Botswana President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi (right) was greeted by Texas Children’s Hospital President and CEO Mark A. Wallace and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee during a visit to the hospital. Masisi met with clinical and executive leaders for a luncheon and tour of Texas Children’s Cancer Center to discuss health care in Botswana and the continued relationship between the groups. The visit marked an important moment in the recently launched Global HOPE program, a transformative initiative improving childhood cancer care in Botswana and throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The gathering also served as an opportunity to assess the progress made to help combat pediatric illnesses in Masisi’s country, including HIV/AIDS, cancer and hematologic diseases.

Wednesday, October 24 • 8:00 p.m. • Jones Hall For tickets, visit spahouston.org or call 713.227.4772

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OCTOBER 4 | 2018 | DEFENDER

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Study examines religion and Black men Defender News Services Black men are second only to Black women at the top of several measures of religious belief among Americans, a study said.

While men tend to be less religious than women, nearly 70 percent of Black men said they are religious – compared to 65 percent of Hispanic women and 55 percent of White woman –the Pew Research Center reported.

Black women are the most religious demographic in the nation at 80 percent, the analysis of 2014 data from more than 35,000 Americans across the county found.

Research has shown that men in the United States are generally less religious than women. And while this pattern holds true among Black Americans – Black women tend to be more religious than Black men – Black men are still a highly religious group.

In fact, Black men are not only more religious than white men, but they also tend to be more religious than white women, a Pew Research Center analysis shows. Black men are also more religious than Hispanic men and at least as religious as Hispanic women on a number of key indicators of religious observance.

About seven-in-10 (69 percent) Black men say religion is very important to them, compared with 80 percent of Black women. But Black men place more importance on religion than white women (55 percent) and Hispanic women (65 percent), according to the 2014 Religious Landscape Study.

The same dynamic holds true when it comes to belief in God. Roughly eightin-10 (78 percent) Black men say they believe in God with “absolute certainty,” a higher level of belief than is found among white women (67 percent) and Hispanic women (65 percent), though, again, lower than the level of belief seen among Black women (86 percent).

The center also uses a scale that combines responses to four questions – frequency of prayer, belief in God, attendance at religious services and importance of religion in their lives – to classify Americans’ levels of religious belief and practice as high, moderate or low.

On this scale, Black men (70 percent) are less likely than Black women (83 percent) to be categorized as highly religious.

classifieds NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Hotel Asset Manager RFQ

Bidders are invited to submit an offer for performance of a Unit Price Contract to STRATUS KINGWOOD PLACE, L.P., located at the above address, for the following construction Project, PROPOSED ROCK CREEK DRIVE AND NORTHPARK DRIVE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL, Project Number: 0340.10.002-B, located in the CITY OF HOUSTON, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS

Houston First Corporation requests Statements of Qualification from firms with significant experience providing asset management services and oversight of large convention center hotels. Please visit https://www.houstonfirst.com/do-business for full details.

Bid Documents may be obtained from GURROLA REPROGRAPHICS, INC. located at 6161 WASHINGTON AVE, HOUSTON, TX 77007 from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9AM and 5PM. Bidders must reference project title and project number to order plans. Bidders will be responsible for any production costs. Bid Documents are made available only for the purpose of obtaining offers for this Project and does not grant a license for other purposes.

A NONMANDATORY pre-bid conference for bidders is scheduled to be held at 2:00PM local time, on OCTOBER 2 2018. All bidders (General Contractors, Subcontractors, and Suppliers) are invited to attend. The pre-bid conference will convene at 2500 SUMMER STREET, SUITE 2100, HOUSTON, TX 77007.

Sealed bids signed by an officer of the company and dated will be received by SHAUN THERIOT-SMITH, PROJECT MANAGER, at 2500 SUMMER STREET, SUITE 2100, HOUSTON, TX 77007 until 2:00PM local time, on OCTOBER 9 2018. Bids shall be accompanied by a security deposit in the form of a Cashier’s Check or Bidders Bond in the amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the bid submitted.

The successful bidder must furnish Payment and Performance Bonds on the forms provided in the amount of one-hundred percent (100%) each of the total Contract Price.

The above described construction will be performed in accordance with plans and specifications and any addenda thereto which may be issued up to forty-eight (48) hours prior to opening of bids.

Horizon International Group Owner’s Representative for Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

Is inviting all subcontractors to bid on the expansion of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Tellepsen Builders, L.P., has been selected

by Horizon as the CM@Risk General Contractor. The project consists of demolition of existing infrastructure, a new fully-developed Sanctuary, a shelled Christian Education Center, and associated sitework and is schedule for construction from fall of 2018 to spring of 2020. All parties interested in providing subcontracting or material supplier services must prequalify by contacting Mercedes Lopez-Berrios at mberrios@tellepsen.com with the email subject WABC Prequalification. Bids for this project are due on November 6th, 2018 at 2:00pm.

Potential teaming opportunities in the following trades:* •Concrete •Plumbing •Metals •HVAC •Finishes •Electrical •Structural Steel

*There are subcontracting opportunities in all trades on this project.

Horizon has been and will continue to be an advocate for minority, woman, and small business inclusion on both public and private projects. To that end, all parties involved are requiring the use of local minority and women owned firms in the construction of this project.

You do not need to be certified by a particular agency, but you should identify what level of participation you anticipate to be able to provide.

The use of teaming and mentor-protégé agreements for this project is highly encouraged.

For updates on the project, please enroll in the project website: www.wabc-expansion.com.

Please contact the following individuals for more information on the project: Project Updates: Morris Bennett Project Manager 713-660-8282 mbennett@hgiusa.com

Subcontractor Registration: Michael Brown Diversity Outreach Manager 713-660-8282 mbrown@hgiusa.com

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 1313 Main Renovations The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for the 1313 Main Renovations, located in Downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 11:00 AM, local time on Thursday, October 25, 2018 by the Director of Construction, Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted.

Beginning Thursday, October 4, 2018, Bid Documents will be available for pickup at 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bid Documents may also be examined at the Minority Business Development Agency Business Center (2302 Fannin Street, Suite 165, Houston, TX 77002) or viewed online at isqft.com.

A MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 09, 2018, at the project location at 1313 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002. All bidders (general contractors) are invited to attend. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from a bidder who did not attend the Pre-bid Conference. Late arrivals will not be admitted to the Pre-bid Conference.

Horizon International Group Is inviting all subcontractors to bid on the Administration & Maintenance Buildings for the Northeast Water Purification Plant (NEWPP) Expansion Project. The project consists of construction of a three-story, steel frame Administration facility with concrete decks, precast concrete walls, and metal roof deck with a membrane roof.

The 42,000 square-foot facility will also include, electric vehicle parking and charging, and perforated screen walls to provide wind debris protection and metal canopies on the breezeways.

The Administration Building of the facility will house offices, work stations, control room, and a sample lab. The Maintenance Building will house a Warehouse, Small Parts Shop, and 5-ton bridge crane.

Major features and components of each facility include, but not limited to: SCADA/Communications Workshop Control Room Water Quality Sample Lab

Offices Outdoor Terraces Walkways/platforms & handrail

All parties interested in providing subcontracting or material supplier services must contact Michael Brown at mbrown@hgiusa.com with the email subject “NEWPP Admin/Maintenance”. All information regarding this project will be provided electronically via bid invitations on Building Connected. Bids for this project are due on October 11th, 2018.

Horizon has been and will continue to be an advocate for minority, woman, and small business inclusion on both public and private projects. The use of subcontractors certified by the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity as an MBE, WBE and/or SBE is required in the construction of this project. Due to the size of the bid packages, the use of teaming and mentor-protégé agreements for this project is highly encouraged.

Please contact the following individuals for more information on the project: Subcontractor Registration: Michael Brown, Diversity Outreach Manager 713-660-8282 mbrown@hgiusa.com

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 4 | 2018

sports

defendernetwork.com

The Prairie View A&M Panthers celebrated after defeating Grambling in the State Fair Classic.

PVAMU crushes Grambling, leads the SWAC West have a lot of respect for the coaches on the other side because I do know them well and I understand their body of work.

It was a hard-fought contest. I think more than anything, we gave fans the opportunity to see two good football teams compete.”

Known for their explosive offense, it was the Panther

“The guys played well and played hard. Hats off to the defensive coaches for putting a great game plan together and executing it. Of course, everything didn’t go as planned, but I ccording to most pundits the road to the thought the kids played hard for the whole game. That was a SWAC West division and subsequently to the great job on that side of the ball.” conference championship runs through GramOffensively, PVAMU quarterback Jalen Morton combling, which stands to reason since the Tigers pleted 23-of-34 passes for 269 yards with three have made shambles of touchdowns and one interception and also the competition, winning the champirushed 13 times for 62 yards. Dawonya Tucker, onship in back-to-back years (2016the leading rusher in all of Division I football, 2017). rushed 19 times for 72 yards and also caught If that is indeed the case, the Praithree passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. rie View A&M University Panthers For their efforts against Grambling, Green have made a significant step toward and Morton were named SWAC Defensive and a division crown by defeating the Offensive Players of the Week respectively. For defending champs 22-16 in the State Morton it was his second consecutive week Fair Classic. receiving the conference honor.

The Panthers (3-3 overall, 2-0 “Jalen has been doing a great job for us for SWAC) defeated Grambling (1-3, 1-1) the last couple of weeks,” Dooley said. “He just for the first time since 2013 and ended continues to grow as a football player, and as a their 26-game SWAC winning streak, young man. He has some things he has to corwhich began in 2015. For first-year rect, but he’s doing a great job for us. We’ll just head coach Eric Dooley, a former continue to grow him as an individual.

Grambling offensive coordinator, the “Willie Green came out and played one win was a special one. of his better games of the whole year,” Dooley “It’s always good to play in a added. “My hats off to him because he’s been classic of that magnitude,” Dooley working hard. He’s a senior, and a guy who goes said. “The State Fair Classic has been to work every day. He’s not going to say a whole good for the last five years I can recall. lot. He just works.”

Defensive end Willie Green played one of his best games this season. (Photos courtesy PVAMU) We knew what our challenge was The Grambling win is a huge victory for the because Grambling has been a championship football team defense that keyed this hard fought victory. The Panthers’ Panthers, but with five conference games remaining Dooley knows for the last few years. We knew what we were going to have defense kept Grambling out of the end zone until the fourth it’s not time for a parade just yet. to do. We were going to have to play for 60 minutes. I knew quarter, registering nine sacks, including 2.5 by DE Willie “It’s an accomplishment, but it’s a long season and this is just a they were going to be a well-coached disciplined football Green. part of it,” Dooley said. “This was a huge win, now we’ve just got to team.

“I think the game plan that those guys had going in was continue to grow and get better each game.”

“We had some challenges and we had some opportunigood and we studied some good film and had the opportunity After playing six consecutive road games to begin the season, ties to do some things, but we knew it wasn’t going to be to make some adjustments,” Dooley said. “It’s not very often PVAMU will enjoy a bye before hosting Southern on Saturday, easy by no stretch of the imagination,” Dooley continued. “I you get that opportunity [for a high number of sacks].

Oct. 13 at 5 p.m.

A

By MAX EDISON Defender

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

defendernetwork.com

OCTOBER 4 | 2018 | DEFENDER

h.s. sports

BOBBY WOLFE multi-talented Madison DB

When it seems that there is no play to be made, I’m going to make a play.”

Defender: Why do you love football? adison High School Wolfe: “It’s been my passion since two-way starter I was a little boy. I have been playing Bobby Wolfe football since I was about 4 years old changes personso growing up I used to do all types alities when he’s on of stuff around the house. I used to the football field. do spin moves around the couch “When I step on the turf it’s a difplaying with my momma and ferent feeling, a rush through my body stuff like that. It’s been this that turns me into a completely different way my entire life. Throughperson,” he said. “Outside of these pads out the environment I grew up in I’m one of the nicest individuals you will ever I’ve always stayed focused and meet but when we step on the turf I’m not that knew I wanted to make it to the nice.”

NFL and I wanted to feed my family.

Wolfe, a Texas A&M-bound star defensive back, also plays I just love the passion.” on offense as a wide receiver and running back. Borrowing the Defender: Why did you choose to take title from rapper Travis Scott’s No. 1 hit “Sicko Mode,” he defines your talents to Texas A&M? the phrase every time he hits the gridiron and becomes a different Wolfe: “Coach Jimbo Fisher. I don’t person, hence the reason he jams to the song over and over again as think people outside of Houston really know a part of his pre-game ritual. what we’re building In Madison’s 30-7 victory at Texas A&M. It’s DefenderNetwork.com over Milby, Wolfe went “Sicko different. We’re about See highlights of Milby vs. Madison Mode” on both sides of the line of to bring back the wreck& Worthing vs. Yates. scrimmage scoring a touchdown ing crew. They think LSU is catch as a receiver and scooping an DBU [defensive back univerinterception as a defensive back. sity]. We’re about to make A&M DBU.” “The only thing I was thinking when the ball was in the air Defender: Any thoughts on the upcoming matchup is ‘Sicko Mode.’ I go up and catch the ball like Julio Jones, my against Manvel. favorite receiver, so I’m going to make plays.”

Wolfe: That matchup is going to really bring out the The Defender spoke with Wolfe after the Milby game to “Sicko Mode.” I’m ready to play. Manvel is where the real discuss his performance on the field, his thoughts on the upcoming competition is. I want to see someone on the other side of match against Manvel and his overall love of the game. the ball who is bigger than me and stronger than me because Defender: How would you describe your style of play? that is what tests if you are that real dog or if you’re just all Wolfe: “As an athlete I would describe my style of play as un- talk. I like the bully to bully – you know what I’m talking predictable and imperturbable. At any moment I can make a play. about.

By Jodie B. Jiles Defender

M

Wolfe scored a TD and intercepted the ball against Milby.

Defensive back Bobby Wolfe plays on offense as well.

About Wolfe

Class: 2019 Twitter: @iambobbywolfe1 NFL players he likes to watch: Marshon Lattimore, Xavier Rhodes, Earl Thomas Favorite Food: Pizza Favorite sport to watch on TV: Baseball Favorite subject: History Dream job after football: Brain surgeon World problem he would solve: Take homeless people off the streets and give them somewhere to stay

Wolfe meets the press after the game.

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

11

12

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 4 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

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

topevents

MAYOR TURNER’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION……..Scores of friends voter turnout for the upcoming midterm elections to celebrate her birthday and supporters gathered recently at the Marriot Marquis Houston for Mayor with friends via a birthday luncheon. The intimate affair was held at Lucille’s, Sylvester Turner’s birthday celebration. Recognized nationally as one of the and participants not only enjoyed good food and good company, but did most effective mayors in the country for his ability to effectively deal with everything possible to make the guest of honor feel loved and appreciated. natural disasters, economic challenges and the responsibilities of leading the Some of those in attendance included Defender CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles, city’s efforts to host multiple major sporting events, Turner took in the well Tiffany Williams, Misty Starks and many more……..PITCH ME WITH wishes, fellowship and all-around positive feeling in the room as he celebrated YOUR BEST SHOT……..Business owners, public relations professionals the blessing of another year. The theme for the evening and others took advantage of an opportunity to see if their was reflected by the words on Turner’s birthday cake Defender TOP EVENTS story ideas were newsworthy enough to pique a reporter’s More photos on defendernetwork.com which read “Promises Made, Promises Kept.” Attendees interest by participating in the Pitch Me With Your Best Shot included daughter Ashley Turner, Jim “Mattress Mack” competition. A panel of journalists from Houston-area media McIngvale, Dr. Rod Paige, Stephanie Nellons-Paige, outlets – Isiah Carey (KRIV-TV), Tera Stidum (KPRC-TV), Judge Zinetta Burney, Marvalette Hunter, Elijah Williams, Cheryl Creuzot, Chris McDonald (KIAH-TV) and Aswad Walker (Defender) – served as judges of the event organized by publicist Misty Starks (3B Resources Group Ellis Hubbard, LaTanya Miles, Reggie Wilson, Wash Allen, Leslie Bacon, State Sen. Borris Miles, Claude Cummings and many others……..DR. Public Relations) and moderated by Kim Bardakian (Kapor Center). Pitchers CARLA BRAILEY’S BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON……..Texas Democratic and attendees included Nile Dixon, Tiffany Washington, Bridgett Joe, Pamela Gaither, Zina Broussard, Markita Samuel and many others.

Party Vice Chair Dr. Carla Brailey took a pause from working to maximize

Mayor Sylvester Turner, Ashley Turner

Elijah Williams, Marvalette Hunter, Stephanie Nellons-Paige, Dr. Rod Paige

Carla Brailey and friends

Carla Brailey, Sonny Messiah Jiles

Isiah Carey, Zina Broussard, Tera Stidum, Chris McDonald

Misty Starks, Tiffany Washington, Kim Bardakian

Cydonii Fairfax Miles, State Sen. Borris Miles, Anna James

Friends surround the guest of honor

Falaq Gaither, Pamela Gaither

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