Houston Defender: October 10, 2013

COLLABORATIVE HELPS AREA RESIDENTS WITH ‘OBAMACARE’ P2

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Volume 82 | Number 50

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ENTERTAINMENT JA RULE stars in new movie

P5 FEATURE TAVIS SMILEY defended by church group

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CHAG’S PLACE OPINION

e b g n i g g a s d l u o h S

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Author Maco Faniel and Secunda Joseph at booksigning

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Visit faces

Kandi Eastman stays positive

Majic 102.1 radio personality Kandi Eastman recently opened up to listeners about her breast cancer diagnosis. Read how she has already “claimed” her healing. Hear her message of hope and good health to women. Discover how she is inspired by Maya Angelou.

Duane Brown defends QB At a time when some Houston Texan fans want to see quarterback Matt Schaub benched this season, Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown is standing by his embattled teammate. Find out what Brown has to say about Schaub’s ability. Learn his thoughts on being confident and comfortable.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 10 | 2013

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Kandi Eastman wants to inspire others Defender News Services

Collaborative helps with ‘Obamacare’

A

Defender News Services

collaborative comprised of 13 area organizations is helping residents in Harris and 12 surrounding counties explore affordable health insurance options through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The Gulf Coast Health Insurance Marketplace Collaborative provides navigators and certified application counselors to facilitate enrollment and answer questions about eligibility and insurance coverage as offered through the Affordable Care Act. It is estimated some 27 percent of residents in the 13-county region are uninsured.

Residents will have access to more than 40 insurance plans from which they may choose the coverage

level that best fits their budget. Participating agencies are using federal funds to target coordination of regional outreach efforts, including a special focus on geographically and linguistically isolated people.

The enrollment period runs through March 31, 2014.

Agencies comprising the collaborative are the Houston Department of Health and Human Services, Change Happens, Enroll America, Gateway to Care, Harris County Area Agency on Aging, Harris County Healthcare Alliance, Harris Health System, Houston Area Urban League, Memorial Hermann Health System, One Voice Texas, Texans Together, Texas Organizing Project and Vecino Health Centers.

For more information and to obtain enrollment assistance, visit EnrollGulfCoast.com or call 832393-5423 or toll-free 1-855-892-8082.

Popular Majic 102.1 radio personality Kandi Eastman hopes to inspire others as she takes a leave of absence to begin treatment for breast cancer.

Eastman’s announcement coincided with the observance of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She opened up about her diagnosis with a studio filled with family, friends and well-wishers.

She received calls from such supporters as Radio One founder Cathy Hughes, Robin Roberts, Tom Joyner, Jay Anthony Brown, Yolanda Adams, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Karen Jackson, founder of Sisters Network.

“I’ve been holding something back that I wanted to share with everyone,” Eastman said. “Maya Angelou has a poem called “Our Grandmothers” and I love one line in particular that says, ‘I come as one but I stand as 10,000 – 10,000 to the 10th power.’

“Today, I too come, representing beautiful, strong, amazing, powerful and yet gracious women across the globe diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Eastman revealed that her late grandmother and late aunt were both diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Only Kandi Eastman would be strong enough to share her personal health issue,” said Doug Abernethy, Radio One general manager and vice president.

“The sharing of her cancer diagnosis will prayerfully inspire others to realize the importance of early detection and screening. The Radio One family has huddled around her, and we look forward to her radio family joining us in prayers for her and her family.”

Eastman urged women to take control of their health.

“Schedule your mammogram today. Keep your appointment if you already have one…I’ve already claimed it. This cancer will be history,” she said.

Radio One is selling T-shirts and donating the profits to Sisters Network in Eastman’s name. For more information visit myhoustonmajic.com.

localbriefs TWO TEXAS CITIES are among the nation’s 10 poorest based on the annual American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Brownsville-Harlingen is No. 4 on the list with an average household income of $30,953. Nacogdoches is No. 8 on the list with an average income of $32,555. The median U.S. household income is $51,371. The No. 1 poorest city on the list is Lumberton, N.C. with an income of $28,293…….. VETERANS in the Tomball area can seek medical care at the new VA Outpatient Clinic at 1200 Main Street. The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center held a ribbon-cutting for the facility, which opens Oct. 15. It will serve

about 8,000 veterans in its first year, and will provide primary health care, mental health care, women’s specialty care, phlebotomy, X-ray, telemedicine, optometry and audiology services……..FORT BEND ISD will host its annual Academy Expo to give interested students in grades 5-9 and their families the opportunity to learn about academy programs for the 2014-2015 school year and the application process. The event is Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. at Wheeler Fieldhouse, 16403 Lexington Blvd. in Sugar Land. FBISD currently has seven academies offering programs such as digital media, engineering, gifted and talented,

medical science and math and science. Those who miss the expo can attend academy open houses throughout November. For more information visit fortbendisd.com…….FORT WORTH STATE SEN. WENDY DAVIS said she is “proud” to be running for governor “because I know that we can do better.” Davis announced her plans to challenge Attorney Greg Abbott onstage at the Wiley G. Thomas Jr. Coliseum, where she received her high school diploma more than three decades ago. Davis gained national attention over the summer with her filibuster against the state law calling for tighter abortion restrictions.

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OCTOBER 10 | 2013 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER announced plans to sue North Carolina over restrictive, new voting laws that critics say will suppress the minority vote. “The North Carolina law includes troubling new restrictions, such as provisions that will significantly reduce early voting days; eliminate same-day registration during early voting; impose a restrictive photo identification requirement for in-person voting; and prohibit the counting of otherwise legitimate provisional ballots that are mistakenly cast in the right county, but in the wrong precinct,” Holder said. In August, the Justice Department filed a suit against Texas over similar, restrictive voter ID regulations and redistricting plans that would dilute minority voting power……..THE SISTER OF THE WOMAN KILLED by Washington, D.C. officers after trying to ram her car through a White House barrier said police should not have used deadly force. Valarie Carey’s sister, Miriam Carey, was killed after leading Secret Service and police on a chase from the White House past the Capitol.

Police said at the time, they did not know her 1-year-old daughter was in the car. The child was unharmed. Carey’s family said she had been suffering from postpartum depression since the birth of her daughter……..A MARYLAND-BASED BANK AGREED to pay $2.85 million to Black and Latino borrowers following allegations of discriminatory home lending practices. According to a complaint filed by the Justice Department, Chevy Chase Bank steered Blacks and Latino borrowers into home loan products that often cost more than loans that were offered to whites with similar backgrounds……..RAINBOW PUSH COALITION leaders urged automakers to add more African-American automotive dealers and suppliers during an annual summit in Detroit. Of the estimated 18,000 dealers in the U.S., just 261 were owned by African-Americans at the end of last year — down from about 750 before the recession, according to the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers.

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 50 OCTOBER 10, 2013 Publisher Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Art Director Advertising/Client Relations Tony Fernandez-Davila Selma Dodson Tyler People Editor Strategic Alliance Manager Yvette Chargois Clyde Jiles Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Contributing Writer ReShonda Billingsley Aswad Walker The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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Supreme Court starts term

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Defender News Services

he U.S. Supreme Court recently began its new term, and will hear two cases of special interest to African-Americans.

Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action. A new affirmative action case added to the high court’s docket concerns a voter initiative in Michigan that banned racial preferences in admissions to the state’s public universities. It also prohibits the use of race in employment and contracting.

Michigan is fighting to preserve the ban on racial preferences in education after a federal appeals court ruled that the constitutional ban is itself discriminatory. Unlike last term’s case involving the University of Texas admissions plan, the Michigan case does not

look at the viability of affirmative action. Instead, it focuses on whether opponents of racial preferences can preserve such a ban in the state constitution.

Mount Holly v. Mount Holly Gardens Citizens in Action. Mount Holly, N.J., is defending a plan to demolish and redevelop a crime-ridden, rundown housing development. A group of residents sued the township, alleging that it discriminates because it disproportionately affects African-American and Latino residents.

The residents argue that the township violated the Fair Housing Act because the redevelopment plan had a disparate impact on minorities. The township contends that the language of the Fair Housing Act does not cover disparate impact claims and that Congress never amended it to include such claims.

1 in 3 Black males could be headed to prison Defender News Services

A new report by the Sentencing Project reveals that if current incarceration trends continue, one out of every three Black American males born today can expect to spend time in prison.

The report was submitted to the U.N. Rights Commission by the Sentencing Project, a Washington, D.C. research and advocacy organization working for a fair and effective U.S. criminal justice system.

According to the report, the U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, dwarfing the

rate of nearly every other nation.

“Racial minorities are more likely than white Americans to be arrested; once arrested, they are more likely to be convicted; and once convicted, they are more likely to face stiff sentences,” the report said.

Overall, African-American males are six times more likely to be incarcerated than white males and 2.5 times more likely than Hispanic males.

“The source of such disparities is deeper and more systemic than explicit racial discrimination,” the report continued.

“The United States in effect operates two Continued on Page 6

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 10 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING 2013 PRESIDENT’S ALA

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what’sup “American Idol” 2003 winner RUBEN STUDDARD will be the first celebrity competitor on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” which kicks off its new season on Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. Studdard, who weighs 462 pounds, will also be the show’s heaviest contestant this season. The Birmingham, Ala. native said he has been overweight since age 10. He lost nearly 100 pounds in 2006 on a 1,200-1,500-calorie diet but gained the weight back. He said he looks forward to shopping for new clothes after he slims down on national TV……..Another “American Idol” alumnus, MANDISA, is finding success with her single “Overcomer,” which hit No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Singles chart. The song is described as a message of hope and perseverance, and its video features ROBIN ROBERTS and other celebrities who have undergone serious health issues. Mandisa made it to the top nine of “American Idol” in 2006…….HALLE BERRY and her husband OLIVIER MARTINEZ are the parents of a new baby boy, MACEO ROBERT MARTINEZ. Berry and Martinez, both 47, were married in July……..LAURYN HILL has been released from an all-female prison facility in Danbury, Conn., where she served three months for failing to pay federal income taxes.

She still faces three months of home confinement and a year of supervised probation. On the day of her release from prison Hill released a new song titled “Consumerism.” Hill said she wanted to “get this music out” while she was incarcerated.

OCTOBER 10 | 2013 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Ja Rule

loves ‘church girl’ in new film

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

B

orn in Queens in 1976, Jeffrey “Ja Rule” Atkins began rapping professionally while still in his teens, although he really made a big splash in 1999 with the release of “Venni Vetti Vecci.”

That solo album went platinum on the strength of the single “Holla Holla,” thereby kick starting an enviable musical career which has produced a half-dozen more studio albums while netting the popular hip-hop artist four Grammy nominations and counting.

He also collaborated on hit songs with everybody from J-Lo (“I’m Real”) to Christina Milian (“Between Me and You”) to Ashanti (“Always on Time”) to R. Kelly (“Wonderful”). Meanwhile, he expanded his repertoire to include acting, appearing in such films as “The Fast and the Furious,” “Scary Movie 3,” “Assault on Precinct 13” and “Shall we Dance.”

No stranger to controversy, Ja Rule also became embroiled in some famous feuds, most notably, with rival rapper 50 Cent. He was recently released from prison after spending a couple of years behind bars for tax evasion and gun possession.

Here, he talks about his new film, “I’m in Love with a Church Girl,” a faith-based tale of redemption chronicling the

real-life reformation of drug dealer-turned-pastor Galley Molina.

KW: What interested you in “I’m in Love with a Church Girl?”

JR: First of all, I just enjoyed reading the script. Second, I also liked a lot of the parallels between me and the character Miles Montego. Those similarities convinced me that I would like to be a part of the project.

KW: Did making this film in-

fluence your spiritual relationship with your Higher Power?

JR: Absolutely! I’ve always been a spiritual person who believed in a Higher Power. So, I’ve always had my 1-on-1 with God, even if I wasn’t much of a religious person. But I would definitely have to say that this movie brought me even a little closer to God. KW: How did you prepare for the role?

JR: One of the things I did was Continued on Page 10

Photo credit: Michael Wilson

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 10 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

Black church group defends Smiley, West Defender News Services

The National Black Church Initiative, a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches, is standing by commentator Tavis Smiley and philosopher Dr. Cornel West as the two men continue to criticize the Obama administration.

The NBCI, which is comprised of 15 denominations and 15.7 million African-American churchgoers, said the Black community has not received the “respect and assistance” it deserves after giving Obama 98 percent of its vote in 2008 and 2012.

The organization also had harsh words for other African-American leaders.

“So-called African-American leaders like our dear brothers Rev. Al Sharpton, radio host Tom Joyner, and NAACP leader Ben Jealous have made the poor choice of cozying up to the Obama administration as the Black community has literally gone to hell in a hand basket,” it said.

“There is a dire need for them to stop criticizing Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West. These brothers are trying to force the administration to address the economic needs of the Black community and to treat African-Americans equally.”

Rev. Anthony Evans, president of NBCI says, said he is “ashamed” of the way West and Smiley have been treated.

Dr. Cornel West

Tavis Smiley

“Tavis Smiley and Cornel West are defenders of dignity and what is good and honorable in the Black community,” Evans said. “…These two brothers represent the Christ who cared and loved the poor. The church according to our Lord and savior must defend the poor. NBCI speaks for the poor. This is our job.”

NBCI said under the current administration,

Blacks have lost spending power, Black businesses have decreased and Black students are saddled with more debt.

“We love President Obama and his family,” the organization said. “We want him to do the right thing by us. We want President Obama to succeed, but he cannot do this by ignoring his most loyal supporters – his people.”

Prison... Continued from page 5 distinct criminal justice systems: one for wealthy people and another for poor people and minorities.”

While some data suggests that Black males tend to commit crimes at higher rates than other racial groups, other studies show that higher crime rates have more to do with socioeconomic factors than race – extremely disadvantaged neighborhoods experience higher rates of crime regardless of composition.

“Because African-Americans constitute a disproportionate share of those living in poverty in the United States, they are more likely to reside in lowincome communities in which socioeconomic factors contribute to higher crime rates.”

The report recommends that the U.S. adopt 10 measures to reduce racial bias in the criminal justice system: 1. Establish a National Criminal Justice Commission.

2. Scale back the War on Drugs.

3. Eliminate mandatory minimum sentences.

4. Abolish capital punishment.

5. Fully fund indigent defense agencies.

6. Adopt a policy requiring the use of racial impact statements.

7. Allow social framework evidence and structural reform litigation in trials.

8. Enact the Racial Profiling Act of 2013 reintroduced in the U.S. Senate.

9. Develop and implement training to reduce racial bias.

10. Adopt racial disparity-conscious policies.

Incarceration facts & figures • Today, the U.S. is 5 percent of the world population yet has 25 percent of the world’s prisoners.

• African-Americans represent 12 percent of the total population of drug users, but 38 percent of those arrested for drug offenses, and 59 percent of those in state prison for a drug offense.

• African-Americans serve virtually as much time in prison for a drug offense (58.7 months) as whites do for a violent offense (61.7 months).

• If African-Americans and Hispanics were incarcerated at the same rates of whites, today’s prison and jail populations would decline by approximately 50 percent.

• While Black youth account for 17 percent of the youth population, they represent 28 percent of juvenile arrests,

37 percent of the detained population, 38 percent of those in secure placement, and 58 percent of youth committed to state adult prison.

• The number of women in prison increased by 587 percent between 1980 and 2011, rising from 15,118 to 111,387.

• In 2011, Black women were incarcerated at 2.5 times the rate of white women (129 versus 51 per 100,000).

Hispanic women were incarcerated at 1.4 times the rate of white women (71 versus 51 per 100,000).

• An estimated 5.85 million Americans, or one in 40 adults, have currently or permanently lost their voting rights as a result of a felony conviction.

Sources: Sentencing Project, NAACP

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OCTOBER 10 | 2013 | DEFENDER

opinion

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David Fitzsimmons, The Arizona Star

It won’t hurt to pull up your pants

Affordable health care

is here to stay

W

By Marc H. Morial NNPA Columnist

e fought and won a battle three years ago to improve access to affordable health care for every American and finally it’s here. A key component of the Affordable Care Act took effect when the new Health Insurance Marketplace opened for business, allowing millions of Americans to shop for a variety of quality, affordable health plans that best meet their needs.

Here is how it works. First, if you are among the vast majority of Americans who already have health insurance that you like, you can keep it and you don’t have to change a thing. The only changes you will see are new benefits, better protections from insurance company abuses and more value for every dollar you spend on health care.

For example, you can no longer be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition and you can’t be canceled because you get sick. Young people can be covered by their parents up to age 26.

Most people will now be eligible for free preventive screenings blood pressure and cholesterol tests, mammograms, and colonoscopies.

Insurance companies will no longer be able to set a life-time dollar limit on what they spend for your essential health services. In addition, 47 million women will gain access to preventive health services. The law makes it illegal to charge women different rates than men. And seniors on Medicare will have access to cheaper drugs, and free preven-

tive care.

For the millions of Americans who currently have no health insurance, the new law offers a long-awaited lifeline of protection. As of Oct. 1, with a visit to the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.HealthCare.gov, you can learn if you can get lower costs based on your income, compare your coverage options side-by-side, and enroll.

When you use the marketplace, or “health insurance exchange,” as it is also called, you’ll fill out an application and see all the health plans available in your area. You’ll provide some information about your household size and income to find out if you can get lower costs on your monthly premiums for private insurance plans. You’ll learn if you qualify for lower out-of-pocket costs.

The marketplace can also tell you if you qualify for free or low-cost coverage available through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The open enrollment period runs through March 31, 2014. Coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2014.

You can also get help by phone, 24/7, by calling 1-800-318-2596. And local help can be found by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.Gov. President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law on March 23, 2010. It was upheld by the Supreme Court on June 28, 2012. While there will inevitably be some start-up wrinkles to iron out, this law is good for the health of the American people and good for the nation.

Congressional extremists bent on stopping its implementation are fighting a losing battle and only putting their own political futures at risk. Obamacare is here to stay.

Every generation has a popular fashion that has caused controversy. Anyone remember mini-skirts and go-go boots?

These days, countless young men choose to let their pants hang down and their underwear show. It has been said that sagging originated in prisons where belts are not allowed and was popularized by hip-hop artists.

Regardless of where the style originated, it can be seen everywhere – at the grocery store, on college campuses, at the movies.

Some young men even wear sagging pants to church.

The efforts by certain establishments to ban sagging pants on their premises continue to make headlines. Is it discriminatory? Is it racial profiling? Or is it something that needs to be done?

The reality is, no matter how you feel about the subject, what you wear is a reflection of YOU – your self-esteem, your personality, your values.

Dressing appropriately shows that you take pride in yourself, have self-confidence and know how to project a positive image.

People often judge you by what they see. It is important that our young people recognize that is how society is, whether it’s good or bad. To advance in today’s world you can adapt or you can fight an uphill battle. Learn to play the game and win.

If pulling your pants up will help you get a job, then pull them up. If pulling your pants up will give a police officer a better impression of you, then pull them up.

It’s hard enough being a Black man in today’s society. Don’t give anyone an excuse to discriminate against you or stereotype you.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 10 | 2013

cover

Attire prompts new rule at McDonald’s Defender News Services

Sagging pants is one reason why you won’t be served at two Houston McDonald’s locations and 25 Dallas locations.

The Houston restaurants, one near Westheimer and Kirkwood and the other at Main and Gray, recently instituted the new rule.

Signs placed on the doors read, “Pull your pants up or don’t come in. Try to have some decency and respect for others. No one wants to see

your underwear.” Children under the age of three are exempt.

The Dallas restaurants outlawed sagging in September, and posted signs that read, “No Sagging Allowed in This Restaurant. Thank You. Management.”

According to a McDonald’s spokesperson, restaurants are allowed to impose rules that are appropriate for their community. She added that McDonalds strives to create restaurants where everyone feels accepted and valued.

g a s d l Shou

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Houston activists give thoughts o

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

Local activists Omowale Luthuli-Allen and Deloyd Parker are concerned about the plight of young Black men. They believe that unfortunately, sagging pants can lead to negative stereotypes.

“Most young people who have sagging pants are not a part of the criminal class,” said Luthuli-Allen, co-founder of the International Youth Friendship and Development Program.

“However, it’s a question of perception. So many youth are engaged in oppositional and defiant behaviors that people who don’t have daily interaction with youth have bought into deep stereotypes about young people.”

Parker, co-founder and executive director of SHAPE Community Center, agrees.

He said that bans on sagging pants by certain establishments are another strike against

young men.

“By creating that rule, they’re creating another reason to mess with and profile young Black men,” Parker said.

Luthuli-Allen said policies banning customers from wearing sagging pants are “reactive rather proactive.”

He added that such policies are an attempt to protect companies’ customer bases and their ability to continue to remain profitable. He said that if a part of the customer base is offended by something, for example sagging pants, they will not continue to patronize the establishment.

“They are trying to make sure paying customers are not alienated because of something that is perceived as offensive,” Luthuli-Allen said.

Parker echoed his thoughts. “It has to be addressed in a way that does not turn away people,” he said.

Like Luthuli-Allen, Parker has the opportunity to interact with young people from the

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Bans on saggy pants become national issue

By EVAN TAYLOR Defender

e b g n i gg

? d e n

The efforts to ban saggy pants are almost as popular as the trend of sagging itself.

Many who oppose a ban consider it discriminatory and a threat to freedom of expression.

Those who support a ban often label sagging unsanitary, lewd and disrespectful.

In St. Louis, an alderman proposes to ban the attire. In New Jersey, a restaurant prohibits it. A Louisiana town enacts a public ordinance, and in a Florida city, law enforcement is on the look-out for pants revealing underwear.

Here is a look at some of the nationwide responses to sagging.

• Alderman Marlene Davis of the 19th Ward in St. Louis proposed legislation to ban people in public from wearing “pants below the waist which exposes the skin or undergarments which is likely to cause affront or alarm.” Davis claims it is not fair for citizens to have to see exposed skin or underwear. Those in violation would face a fine ranging between $100 and $500, or up to 90 days in jail.

On the other side of the argument in the 21st Ward, Alderman Antonio French said the proposal is a way to further criminalize young Black men. An official with the Missouri American Civil Liberties Union said the ordinance could violate the equal protection clause and have a discriminatory effect.

• Outside of Guilio’s Pizzeria in Dunellen, N.J. a sign says, “Saggy Pants Prohibited On These Premises!” The decision to post the sign was prompted by a youth saying there was no sign requiring him to pull up his pants before entering.

The restaurant has not seen a decrease in business since the

ban and remains dedicated to creating a “family restaurant environment.”

• U.S. Airways faces a lawsuit from an African-American college student who was arrested for his saggy pants on a San Francisco to New Mexico flight in 2011. Deshon Marman, a football player for the University of New Mexico, was removed from the flight. He said an airline employee yelled for him to pull up his pants while collecting board passes.

Marman claimed he was arrested and straightjacketed because of his choice of attire. The airline stood behind the employees saying they acted appropriately and the issue was crew compliance and not related to dress code • Louisiana’s Terrebone Parish council vote 8-1 to pass an ordinance banning saggy pants in public. Those in violation face $50 fine for the first offense, $100 fine for the second offense and for the third offense $100 fine and 16 hours of mandatory community service.

After the third offense a judge will determine the punishment for the offender. Council Vice Chair Russell Hornsby advised the council to check up on the policy in a year and possibly re-evaluate the ordinance’s need and impact.

• In Florida, Cocoa City Council granted police the authority to control the dress code of those in violation of a law banning saggy pants in public. Pants that expose underwear or skin more than three inches below the waistline on city property including sidewalks and streets are in violation of the law.

Critics say the ordinance will increase the chances of the police utilizing the ordinance as probable cause to check citizens. Offenders face a fine of $25 for the first offense, $75 for the third and $100 for each offense after the third.

on sagging

surrounding community. He also has rules in place about what to wear at the center. Sagging pants are not allowed and women cannot wear excessively revealing clothing.

“When they come into SHAPE I tell them I don’t want to see their underwear,” Parker said.

Luthuli-Allen said if youth have proper guidance they will understand they can be profiled solely based on their appearance.

“Youth who don’t have the proper guidance from adult mentors may not understand they can be profiled and victimized based on something as simple as sagging pants,” he said.

He added that as they did in the past, institutions of family, church and school should become more active in the lives of young people. If they do, youth would understand the importance of appearances and proper behavior in public.

“Kids are being socialized by popular culture,” Luthuli-Allen said. “They are having to learn what is required to be successful in this culture by trial and error.”

he Houston area for over 80 years

9

Deloyd Parker

Omowale Luthuli-Allen

10 DEFENDER | OCTOBER 10 | 2013

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Ja Rule... Continued from page 5 I went to church with Galley to called “Fresh out da Pen” and study him, because I thought I’d “Everything.” They’re availbe doing more preaching in the able on iTunes. film.

KW: What excites you?

KW: What message do you JR: I’m an adrenaline guy. think people will take away I like to do stuff that gets my from the film? blood pumping, like roller JR: This is really an inspicoasters or jumping out of rational film which is all about planes. I’m into all that crazy connecting with people who stuff. aren’t that much into church, KW: What was your best although it’s for church people, career decision? too. That’s the beauty of the JR: The best decision I film. ever made, period, was to get KW: Do you think if into the music business. gangsta rappers really fell in KW: If you could have one love with “church girls” they wish instantly granted, what might stop saying horrible and would that be for? abusive things about females in JR: It’d be a toss-up betheir songs? tween world peace and ending JR: Maybe. poverty.

KW: When you look in the KW: What key quality mirror, what do you see? do you believe all successful JR: That’s a tough question. people share?

I see a man that’s in the process JR: Selfishness. To be of growth, going from one end the best at what you do in any to another. field, and to accomplish the Ja Rule is a reformed drug dealer and Adrienne Bailon is the girl of his dreams in “I’m in Love with a Church Girl.”

KW: What is your guiltiest goals you set for yourself, you wrong. I can cook, I’m kinda nice on the burner, pleasure? have to be somewhat selfish. but I enjoy making breakfast.

JR: Chocolate lava cake.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone KW: What’s up for you next, musically?

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook? who wants to follow in your footsteps?

JR: Actually, I just dropped two new records JR: I’m a breakfast type of guy. Don’t get me JR: Walk carefully! Tread light!

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Education Edition OCTOBER 17 Don’t Miss It!

This unique ‘Higher Education’ edition will inform - High school students preparing for the future - Parents with financial aid questions - Returning students wondering ‘where to begin’ - Business professionals seeking advanced skills

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OCTOBER 10 | 2013 | DEFENDER

business

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How to make a business plan stand out Defender News Services

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hether you’re starting a business or growing an existing one, you need a business plan to serve as a roadmap to success. A business plan defines your company and identifies your goals.

It helps you allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen complications and make the right decisions.

A good business plan is also a crucial part of any loan package. It provides specific and organized information

about your company and how you will repay borrowed money. In addition, it can tell your sales personnel, suppliers and others about your operations and goals.

In general, there are nine components to a business plan: Executive summary, market analysis, company description, organization and management, marketing and sales, service or product line, funding request, financial projections and appendix.

Here are tips from the Small Business Administration on making your business plan stand out.

Workforce SolutionS can Help You find a career tHat paYS Did you know you could earn as much as $130,000 per year as an Engineer?

Or more than $100,000 per year as a Pharmacist?

Also, Registered Nurses or Chemical Plant Operators can earn wages almost twice the annual average for our region!

Workforce Solutions maintains extensive online materials concerning the four major industries of the Gulf Coast region — education, specialty construction, energy and health care—all of which are expected to produce the highest job growth and the highest salaries in the coming years.

Anyone who is preparing to enter the workforce for the first time or looking for new career opportunities can find a surplus of materials for planning a career at Workforce Solutions.

In our career offices throughout the Gulf Coast region, as well as on our Web site, detailed information on the hottest careers is easily accessible.

Workforce Solutions is an equal opportunity employer/ program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Relay Texas Numbers: 1-800-735-2989 (TDD) 1-800-735-2988 (voice) or 711

Whether you view the up-to-date information on the High-Skill, High-Growth Jobs in the region, visit the online Career Video Library, or watch the Learn How to Build Your Career Planning Video, your time spent with us — in person or online at wrksolutions.com — will leave you more informed and better prepared to pursue your career goals.

To schedule an appointment with a career counselor, call our toll free number at 1-888-469-JOBS (5627).

For quick access to our career planning resources, visit: wrksolutions.com/jobs/careerplanning.aspx

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Be clear about what you have to offer.

Beyond basic products or services, what are you really selling?

Consider this example: Your town probably has several restaurants all selling one fundamental product, food. But each is targeted at a different need or clientele.

One might be a drivethru fast food restaurant, perhaps another sells pizza in a rustic Italian kitchen, and maybe there’s a fine dining seafood restaurant. All these restaurants sell meals, but they sell them to targeted clientele looking for the unique qualities each has to offer. What they are really selling is a combination of product, value, ambience and brand experience.

When starting a business, be sure to understand what makes your business unique. What needs does your product or service fulfill? What benefits and differentiators will help your business stand out from the crowd?

Learn to strategize.

It’s important to clearly define what you are selling. You do not want to become a jackof-all trades and master of none because this can have a negative impact on business growth. As a smaller business, it’s often a better strategy to divide your products or services into manageable market niches. Small operations can then offer specialized goods and services that are attractive to a specific group of

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classified Are you HIV+?

At least 18 years old? Has it been more than 12 months since you've seen a doctor for HIV? If so, you may be eligible for a confidential HIV survey & earn an incentive for your time. For information or to complete the survey, call: (713) 572-3729 M-F, 8am-4pm. Survey ends 10/31/13.

When starting a business, be sure to understand what makes your business unique. What needs does your product or service fulfill? What benefits and differentiators will help your business stand out from the crowd?

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prospective buyers.

Identify your niche.

Creating a niche for your business is essential to success. Often, business owners can identify a niche based on their own market knowledge, but it can also be helpful to conduct a market survey with potential customers to uncover untapped needs. During your research process, identify the following: • Areas in your competitors are already wellestablished • Areas being ignored by your competitors • Potential opportunities for your business

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 10 | 2013

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sports Left tackle Duane Brown

Houston Texans, we have a problem

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By MAX EDISON Defender

t’s almost painful to write this story in the wake of another epic Texans meltdown to a quality opponent on national TV. As the team approaches the bye week in two weeks, who among us thought the “Super Bowl-bound” Texans would be struggling to stay above .500? To paraphrase that immortal quote from the movie “Apollo 13,” “Houston, we have a problem.”

The Texans record stands at 2-3, having lost three consecutive games, all to playoff-caliber opponents. In two of those contests they have not only been defeated, but embarrassed.

The latest evidence to be submitted to the jury is a 34-3 pasting applied by the San Francisco 49ers. How often can it be said that a game between two presumably Super Bowl contending teams could be so utterly one-sided that the outcome was sealed after one quarter of play?

The Texans now find themselves in third place in the AFC South, looking up at the Titans (second) and the surging Colts (first). With games on the horizon against the unpredictable Rams and the resurgent Chiefs, coach Gary Kubiak and crew need to do something quickly to abort a season on the verge of spiraling out of control as the half-way point of the season approaches.

At this point last season the Texans were a sparkling 6-1 at the bye week en route to an 11-1 record through the first 13 weeks of the season.

The poster boy for Texan futility is quarterback Matt Schaub. To say that Schaub has performed horribly at this point of the season is putting it mildly. No. 8 wasted little time maneuvering his way into the record books against the 49ers, albeit for the wrong reasons. He now holds the record for consecutive games (four) throwing a pick-six interception.

Throughout the travails Schaub has endured, his coach and teammates have stood steadfastly behind him.

“I think he’s been a good player in this league for a long, long time,” Kubiak said.

“He’s played really well for this organization.

QB Matt Schaub (No. 8) is under fire for throwing interceptions.

He’s helped this organization become a winner.

I have to evaluate what’s going on, what we’re doing, how we’re doing it. That’s my responsibility, but I believe in him as a person. I believe in him as a player. He’s done it before, and I’ve seen guys work through this stuff. I’ve got to do everything I can to help him work through it.”

Pro-Bowl left tackle Duane Brown also sup-

ports Schaub.

“I protect for him and cheer him on,” Brown said. “That is my job. Matt is my guy and he will continue to be. I am still confident in his ability; I still have faith in him. All that I can do is keep him confident and comfortable in the pocket and that is what I am going to do.”

The embattled QB is grateful for the confidence the coach and team have shown in him during these trying times.

“That’s huge,” Schaub said of Kubiak’s support. “We’ve been through a lot together and we are going to continue to go through a lot together.

I’ll fight tooth and nail for him and anyone in this locker room. I’ve been around these guys for more than a few years now. We’ve shed a lot of blood, sweat and tears and we’re going to keep fighting. It’s a long season and by no means is anything all said and done.”

Expect a renewed sense of urgency from the team, but the schedule-makers have not given them an easy row to hoe. Two of their next three games are against teams with winning records, K.C. and Indy.

How much longer will the coach and team pledge their undying loyalty to a quarterback who’s not giving them the best chance to win? The bye week is always a great time to make a major personnel change. I’m just saying.

Coach Gary Kubiak continues to stand by Schaub.

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h.s.zone Reagan Bulldogs want 2013 to be memorable

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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fter back-toback, 200-yard plus rushing games against Wheatley (233) and Milby (226), it doesn’t take long for standout running back Tavon Dodd to explain why he and the Reagan Bulldogs are experiencing success.

“My offensive line makes it a little easier,” Dodd said.

“I’m running behind 6-foot-9, 325-pound Gewhite Stallworth and I can use my speed to the edge. Then I can make people miss in the open field. The Reagan two-way star Tavon Dodd and coach Stephen Dixon are determined to win the district coaches are doing a good job of calling plays to make me use championship. and North Texas to play either running back or defenmy talent and I just went out sive back. and executed.”

“Tavon is a phenomenal talent and on top of that Following a 35-21 setback to Westside in the he’s a great kid,” said Reagan head coach Stephen 2013 season opener, Reagan has reeled off victories Dixon. “He’s definitely the heart and soul of our over Jones, North Forest, Wheatley and Milby. The football team, both offensively and defensively.” last three are District 21-4A contests with SharpDodd is one of 21 seniors on the Reagan roster. stown (Oct. 11), Austin (Oct. 19) and Lee (Oct. 26) Many are four-year starters like he is. “We’ve made looming on the horizon. the playoffs the past two years and these kids have The Bulldogs are in position to run the table and grown up a lot,” Dixon said. They’re seniors now and secure a third consecutive trip to the postseason as headed towards greatness. Several of those guys will the district champion. have an opportunity to play college ball.”

“We’re going to win the district championship Reagan has two capable quarterbacks, including this year,” Dodd said. “That’s a guarantee.” senior Eric Duran and sophomore Shane Johnson.

There’s been talk that a Nov. 2 encounter with The Bulldogs’ defense is Waltrip at Delmar led by Dodd and lineStadium could backers Emanuel Castillo be for the district and Robert Revels. title. “We’re just for more from coach Stephen Dixon.

“Johnson just turned itching for that 15 years old and he’s a game to come really smart kid,” Dixon and we’ve got it said. “He’s probably going to end up being 6-3 or 6-4 circled on the calendar,” Dodd said. “We know Waland have a chance to play in college. He knows our trip can’t play with us, but in their heads, they think playbook they can compete with us.

Dixon and his staff received some somber news “We’re going to show District 21-4A why we’re following the Milby game when sophomore wide the champs,” Dodd said.

Dodd gained 226 yards on 14 carries with touch- receiver Patrick Roberts was injured after catching a 31-yard pass from Johnson. down runs of 25, 17, 57 and 60 yards against Milby.

“He probably tore his ACL and is out for the In the Wheatley game, Dodd finished with 233 yards year,” Dixon said. “Patrick is a very good player on seven carries and three scores. along the same caliber as Dodd. We just have to keep The 5-foot-8, 185-pounder has already secured that train rolling and get him back next year.” scholarship offers from Prairie View A&M, UTSA

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OCTOBER 10 | 2013 | DEFENDER

11 13

sportsbriefs Texas City plays Friendswood The Friendswood Mustangs will be the next opponent for that “Mack truck” otherwise known as the Texas City Stingarees. Kicko≠ for the Oct. 11 District 244A showdown in Friendswood is set for 7 p.m. The state-ranked Stings are coming o≠ a 44-14 pounding of Pearland Dawson, the preseason pick to win the district championship. Dawson, a Class 4A powerhouse since opening its doors six years ago, isn’t used to being treated so rudely. Texas City rallied from an early deficit to score 37 unanswered from the second quarter on to win the game going away. The Stings improved to 5-0 with the Foreman twins doing much of the damage.

Armanti Foreman scored the game’s first touchdown on a 51-yard run and later added a 31-yard TD run en route to 148 rushing yards. In between he intercepted three passes and returned one of them for a score.

D’Onta Foreman registered a 15-yard TD reception and a two-yard TD run.

Yates faces Worthing In the late 1950s, Evan E. Worthing High School opened in Sunnyside to relieve enrollment pressure on Jack Yates High School in Third Ward. The schools’ histories have been intertwined ever since. The first time Worthing defeated Yates in football was 1972. While Yates has a decided edge in the season series, the action has been fairly even over the past two decades. The next encounter will take place Oct. 11 at Butler Stadium with the inside track to the District 23-3A championship at stake. Kicko≠ is set for 7 p.m.

College ball on the horizon Don’t look now but the college basketball season is just around the corner. Most local universities recently began preseason workouts. Coach James Dickey, beginning his fourth season at the University of Houston, is expecting his biggest season to date. Expect junior forward TaShawn Thomas and sophomore swingman Danuel House to be key contributors. At Texas Southern University second-year coach Mike Davis has been stockpiling talent and figures to improve on last year’s conference best record of 16-2 in SWAC play. The Tigers will be eligible for postseason play this year and will be the favorite to win it all. Expect big things from Aaric Murray and Julian Reese among others.

Rockets on world tour If you were planning to go by the Toyota Center and check on James, Dwight and the new look Rockets in preseason play you’re going to have to hold up. The team is on an international swing that will see them play preseason games in Manila, Philippines and Taipei, Taiwan. The opponent in both games will be the Indiana Pacers. Since the days of Yao Ming the Rockets have been a popular franchise in the Asia-Pacific region and with the play of James Harden and the addition of Jeremy Lin and Dwight Howard, that popularity has not diminished. The NBA has done a tremendous job expanding its brand globally and this tour is the latest example featuring two of the league’s best teams.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 10 | 2013

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AKA Debutante Scholarship Cotillion Elegant, Intelligent & Poised Young Women

Bottom Row (left to right) Bianca Beal, Mecca Price, Ebone’ Bailey, Rachel Dooley, Taylor Barnett Middle Row: Courtney Hollingsworth, Moriah Sells Top Row: Alexandria Hawkins, Ashley Animashaun, Karmah Stokes, Javan Hamilton, Josephine Okon, Hayla Hunter, Ciarra Sampa

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Presents 14 Debutantes

lpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter formally presented 14 outstanding “Cultured Pearls of Elegance” debutantes to society at their 14th Biennial Debutante Scholarship Cotillion. The cotillion was held at the Wortham Theater Center this past summer.

Throughout the debutante season the young women participated in an array of events, including an interactive etiquette workshop, a guided tour of the Fine Arts Museum, an essay contest, and community service projects.

They also worshipped at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church.

The debutantes and their mothers were honored at a mother-daughter reception held at the Junior League of Houston, and enjoyed social events at Qwashae’s Boutique along with numerous other social events hosted by family and friends.

Elegantly dressed in white ball gowns, opera gloves and pearls, each debutante was presented by her father, followed by charming waltzes with the entire court, escorts and fathers. Melanie Lawson, KTRV-13 Chanel 13 news

anchor, served as emcee.

Debutante scholarship winners Ashley Animashaun, Taylor Barnett and Bianca Beal received $5,000 in scholarships collectively. Rachel Dooley received the essay competition award and Javan Hamilton was recognized as “Miss Congeniality.”

Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter president Marianne Young Walker, debutante chair, Ivy Ricketts, co-chair Gwendolyn Climmons-Johnson and the Debutante Committee were commended for a memorable season culminating with the cotillion.

Members of the 2013 “Cultured Pearls of Elegance” Debutante Court are: Ashley Animashaun, daughter of Kazeem Animashaun and Chandra Cameron, presented by Thomas Carter, was escorted by Geoffrey Phillips.

Ebone’ Bailey, daughter of Rahn and Theresa Bailey, was escorted by Carrington Ransfer.

Taylor Barnett, daughter of Charles and Mary Barnett, was escorted by Caremon Ridley.

Bianca Beal, daughter of Bennie L. Beal, III and An-

gela LaCour, was escorted by Greyland Lightfoot.

Rachel Dooley, daughter of Percy and Angela Castille, was escorted by Fred Galloway.

Javan Hamilton, daughter of Matthew Fritsch and Denise Hamilton, was escorted by Elon Pope.

Alexandria Hawkins, daughter of Larry and Wandell Hawkins, was escorted by Christopher Jackson.

Courtney Hollingsworth, daughter of Jarvis and Andrea Hollingsworth, was escorted by Cameron Bell.

Hayla Hunter, daughter of Donald and Marilyn Hunter, was escorted by Madison Johnson.

Josephine Okon, daughter of Sylvanus and Grace Okon, was escorted by Udeme Okon.

Mecca Price, daughter of Bobby and Shelley Price, was escorted by Tyler Treadwell.

Ciarra Sampa, daughter of Marquies and Yolanda Sampa, was escorted by John Sampa.

Moriah Sells, daughter of Travis Sells and LaTricia Williams, was escorted by Chase Simon.

Karmah Stokes, daughter of LeBarian and Carrie Stokes, was escorted by LeBarian J. Stokes.

OCTOBER 10 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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chag’splace

For Event Coverage...visit

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Living legends Katherine Beck and Vivian Lois Harrison

Living legends Addie Vester, Errol Brooks and Dr. Bettye Lewis

Mary Domio and Janice Gambrell

Delaina Allen, First Lady Lacrecia Smith and Bonita Billings

Shamika Mitchell and Latoya Joseph

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Dr. Daville Taylor and Trena Foster

LIVING LEGENDS…..Blue Triangle MultiSouth Union Missionary Baptist Church is Cultural Association, Inc. (the first branch celebrating its15th anniversary this year, so of Houston’s YWCA), hosted its 2013 LivFirst Lady Lacrecia Smith decided to host ing Legends luncheon. This year’s honorees a different kind of event for the members of included Dr. Alma Allen, the congregation. Since she Lynn Jackson Bell, Katherloves to cook and does so almost Join Yvette Chargois ine Beck, Earline Bradford, every day, she hosted a cookEvents of the Week Errol Brooks, Willie Burgs, ing show titled “Cooking with More photos on defendernetwork.com Lynda Wright Gittens, VivCrecia.” With the assistance of See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads ian Lois Harrison, Velma a few members from the audiwith Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

Jackson, Howard Jefference Lacrecia demonstrated a son, Deloris Jolivet, Dr. few quick and easy dishes that Bettye Davis Lewis, Ernestyne Bell Terry, included Crecia cobbler, Crecia quick cabLeroy Thornton Jr., Addie Marie Wattsbage and Crecia pan-seared pork chops and Vester and Alice Walker. The event was held chicken breast. Afterward the audience dined at the Bayou City Event Center and attended on the delicious meal. Some attendees inby over 300 folks. We salute board president cluded Felicia Robinson, Janice Gambrell, Charlotte Kelly Bryant, event chair Booker Mary Domio, Delaina Allen, Bonita Billings Lynne Graves and the entire membership for a and Erika Gambrell. Great show and great fabulous and memorable luncheon. Congratucooking!........CHAG’S BOOKSHELF….. lations!.....COOKING WITH CRECIA…..

Maco L. Faniel, a native Houstonian, is an

Chair Booker Lynne Graves and board president Charlotte Bryant

Erika Gambrell and Felecia Robinson

Author Maco Faniel and Secunda Joseph

emerging scholar, writer, speaker and advocate.

Maco’s new book, “Hip Hop in Houston: The Origin and Legacy,” examines the history of Houston’s hip-hop culture from its beginnings in the early 1980s to 1991. He explores the nature of Houston hip-hop to discover how it came about, why it’s notable and what it reveals about the life experiences of urban young people in Houston during the 1980s. Maco is a first-year doctoral student in history at Rutgers University and he holds an M.A. in history from Texas Southern University and a B.A. in speech and communications from Texas A&M University. The book-signing event was held at the African-American Library at the Gregory School and was attended by Secunda Joseph, Fly Boi Trey, Pat Jasper, Hattie Godine, Cedric Gullas, Carlos Garza and Drs. Pamela and Floyd Atkins, to name a few. Great book!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 10 | 2013

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