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Volume 83 | Number 49
OCTOBER 23, 2014 |FREE
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NEWSTALK
Governor’s Race
EARLY VOTING begins at 41 locations
Candidates tell
Why
BLACKS SHOULD VOTE
P2 FEATURE
Greg Abbott. Republican
EARNEST GIBSON convicted of fraud
Wendy Davis, Democrat
Lt. Governor’s Race P7 OPINION
for them
MARC MORIAL discusses voter ID laws
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Leticia Van de Putte, Democrat
Gina Bythewood directs film
Gina Prince-Bythewood made a name for herself by directing “Love & Basketball.” Her newest film, “Beyond the Lights,” is also a love story with a different twist. See what making it entailed. Find out why the film’s female star was perfect for the part.
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P11
Dan Patrick, Republican
DeMarco Murray breaks record
TOP EVENTS
Dallas Cowboys star running back DeMarco Murray recently rushed into the NFL record book. Discover the secret to Murray’s success. Read why he and the Cowboys are on a roll. Learn what he has to say about hard work and what lies ahead. Angela Joubert, Shawntell McWilliams and Renee Logan at CancerForward kickoff
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newstalk
Early voting begins, bring photo ID Early voting has started for the Nov. 4 election, and continues until Friday, Oct. 31. During this period, registered voters in Harris County can vote at any one of 41 sites. The Harris County Clerk’s office reminds voters that photo identification is required to vote at the polls early and on Election Day. State approved photo IDs for voting include: • Texas driver’s license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) • Texas personal identification card issued by DPS • Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS • U.S. military identification card containing the person’s photograph • U.S. citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph • United States passport • Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC) A free EIC is available at DPS driver’s license offices across the state. When applying for an EIC you will need proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and ID such as a voter registration card, Social Security card, school records or military records. For information and DPS locations visit www.dps.texas.gov or call 512-4242600. EICs will also be available at a mobile station that will be in Houston for six days in October and November. On Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 27 and 28, the station will be at the Harris County Mickey Leland Courthouse Annex from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The annex is located at 7300 N. Shepherd Drive. The mobile station will be at Holman Street Baptist Church on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The church is located at 3422 Holman. To find an early voting location visit www.HarrisVotes.com or call at 713-755-3150.
Bishop James Dixon II, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Dorris Ellis call for the preservation of Fourth Ward brick streets.
4th Ward, bricks set for removal By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender
Despite pleas from the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition (FPTC) and their community supporters, Mayor Annise Parker and Houston City Council, in an attempt to improve current street infrastructure, have approved plans to remove the historic bricks on Wilson and Andrews Streets. The bricks were laid by freed slaves in Fourth Ward over 100 years ago who were unable to get city officials to help renovate the area. The residents purchased the bricks for a dollar each and paved the road themselves. The City Public Works Department and Conrad Constructions were authorized to begin removing and destroying the bricks on Oct. 20.
“The Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition is gravely concerned about the urgent risk of destroying our heritage,” said Dorris Ellis, FTPC president. “This is problematic for our entire city and even our country, for this approved action by 16 City Council members and the mayor will erase an importance section of Houston’s history.” Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said that she is committed to ensuring the bricks will be preserved and that the city does “what is right” with its federal funding. “The bricks can be a shining and rustic example of the sweat and tears of those who made Houston great,” Jackson Lee said. “This is a thing of history and progress that tells people we live in a great city that can have neighborhoods like this.”
localbriefs THE CITY OF HOUSTON has revised its subpoenas in the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) repeal petition case. The disputed request has been narrowed to focus solely on communications related to HERO and the petition gathering process. Controversy arose when the city’s legal department launched proceedings to force ministers to hand over copies of documents, including sermons that they had produced regarding the ordinance. “The original subpoenas for sermons that were filed by pro bono attorneys helping the city prepare for the January trial in this case were far too broad. I support the right of the clergy to say whatever they want to say, even if I disagree
with them,” Parker said…….. MEMORIAL HERMANN Heart & Vascular Institute-Southwest and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital have received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR ACTION Registry-GWTG Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2014 for heart attack care. They are two of only 256 hospitals recognized nationwide. “We are honored to have our cardiac teams recognized for their hard work in caring for some of our most seriously ill patients,” said M. Michael Shabot, M.D., Memorial Hermann Health System chief medical officer……..CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST and professor Rev. James M. Lawson Jr. of Nashville will speak in Houston
on Monday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at Riverside United Methodist Church, 4920 Cullen Blvd. Lawson’s topic is “Recovering a Vision of Gandhi and His Meaning for the 21st Century.” The lecture is presented by Riverside and Project Row Houses. It is associated with the Menil Collection exhibition, “Experiments with Truth: Gandhi and Images of Nonviolence.” As a missionary in India, Lawson was influenced by the nonviolence philosophy of Mohandas Gandhi. He was a classmate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in graduate school and actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement. For information visit http://GandhisLegacyHouston.org/ or call 713-525-9400.
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OCTOBER 23 | 2014 | DEFENDER
Coming Together to Reduce Calories 2014 COMMITMENT to ACTION
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the Clinton Foundation and America’s leading beverage companies have come together to announce a landmark Clinton Global Initiative commitment to help fight obesity by reducing beverage calories consumed per person by 20 percent by 2025. The initiative will leverage the beverage companies’ marketing, innovation and distribution strengths to: • Increase consumer interest in and access to beverage options that can help them reduce calories, such as smaller portion sizes, water and other no- or lower-calorie options. • Provide calorie counts and promote calorie awareness and balance on all company-controlled equipment nationwide, this includes more than three million vending machines, self-serve fountain dispensers and retail coolers, within two years. • Focus on communities where the effort can have the greatest impact: where there is less interest in and/or access to beverage options that can help consumers reduce their calories. This commitment builds upon the beverage companies’ existing efforts to help address obesity including its partnership with the Alliance, which led to the Alliance School Beverage Guidelines and a 90 percent reduction of beverage calories in schools nationwide. The initiative will continue to help transform the beverage landscape in America and further our commitment to consumers, bringing meaningful solutions to families and communities nationwide.
Go to www.healthiergeneration.org or www.deliveringchoices.org for more information.
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national
U.S.briefs
W. African travelers limited to 5 airports
I
n an effort to prevent the spread of Ebola in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security implemented new travel restrictions for travelers from three West African Ebolaaffected countries. Jeh Johnson, secretary of homeland security, announced that all passengers arriving in the U.S. whose travel originates in Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea will be required to fly into one of five airports that have the enhanced screening and additional resources in place. The airports are New York’s JFK, Newark, Dulles, Atlanta and Chicago. They account for Jeh Johnson, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, announced restrictions about 94 percent of travelers for travelers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. flying to the U.S. from the three countries, which have been hit the “I was impressed by their professionalism, hardest by the Ebola crisis. and their training and preparation for the enhanced “We are working closely with the airlines to screening,” Johnson said. “I reminded our CBP implement these restrictions with minimal travel officers to be vigilant in their efforts, and encourdisruption,” Johnson said. “If not already handled aged them to set a calm example for an American by the airlines, the few impacted travelers should public nervous about Ebola. I thanked these men contact the airlines for rebooking, as needed. and women for their service.” “We currently have in place measures to idenJohnson said his department continues to tify and screen anyone at all land, sea and air ports evaluate whether additional restrictions or added of entry into the United States who we have reason screening and precautionary measures are necesto believe has been present in Liberia, Sierra Leone sary to protect Americans from the deadly disease. or Guinea in the preceding 21 days,” he added. Thomas Eric Duncan was the first person in the Johnson said he conducted a conference call U.S. diagnosed with Ebola after arriving in Dallas with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Sept. 20 from Liberia. He died Oct. 8 and two officers at the five enhanced screening airports. nurses who treated him became infected.
Black images prompt support of voter ID AFRO Staff
White voters are more likely to say they support voter ID laws if primed with a picture of an AfricanAmerican voting versus a white person voting, according to a recent study. In order to examine the way bias might play a role in support for voter ID laws, researchers with the University of Delaware conducted an online survey of a nationally representative sample of 1,436 adults. Asked whether they favored, strongly favored, opposed, or strongly opposed voter ID laws, 67 percent of white respondents said they were in favor of
such laws when the survey question was accompanied by a picture of a white voter or no picture at all. When the survey question was accompanied by an image of a Black person voting, 73 percent of white voters said they favored voter ID laws, a statistically significant 6 percent increase. The study did not find a similar effect among Black or Latino respondents, but qualified that finding by noting that there were fewer Black and Latino respondents to the survey. Of the 1,436 respondents, 80 percent were white, 11 percent were AfricanAmerican, 7 percent were Hispanic and 2 percent were Asian.
THE WHITE HOUSE said it is taking steps to help America’s long-term unemployed get back to work. Labor Department figures show that of the 3 million longterm jobless Americans, about one-third have been unemployed for more than two years. In addition, 47 percent of all Blacks who are unemployed are considered longterm unemployed. President Obama issued a three-part call to action for employers, communities and to federal agencies to help find jobs. The Labor Department, for example, is making $170 million in grants available for public-private partnerships in 20 states and Puerto Rico for employment programs........THE PARENTS OF JORDAN DAVIS aren’t bothered by the fact their son’s killer did not get the death penalty. Michael Dunn, a 47-year-old white man, was recently sentenced to life in prison without parole for fatally shooting 17-yearold Jordan in an argument over loud music. The shooting took place in 2012 outside a Jacksonville convenience store. Ron Davis, Jordan’s father, believes vengeance belongs to the Lord. “Whether someone is bad or a monster or whatever it may be, I don’t have the right to take their life. Only God has that right,” Davis said…….. MOTHERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY gathered at the St. Louis County Justice Center recently to call for an end to violence. Organizers included Rev. Traci Blackmon of Christ the King United Church of Christ in Florissant, Mo. Blackmon said the idea to organize a march stemmed from ongoing dialogue about the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson. “There was rarely a time when I would go somewhere to speak that some mother wouldn’t stop me afterward and want to tell the story of her child being killed,” Blackmon said. “We began to pray about it and looked at all the lives that had been lost – not just Black lives.”
VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 49 OCTOBER 23, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Sports Editors Advertising/Client Relations Max Edison Selma Dodson Tyler Darrell K. Ardison Multimedia Coordinator Local Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Cierra Duncan Online Editor Interns ReShonda Billingsley Jazzi Black Art Director Michael Roman Tony Fernandez-Davila Velyjha Southern 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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OCTOBER 23 | 2014 | DEFENDER
Pd. Pol. Adv. paid for by Communications Workers of America Working Voices, 501 Third Street, N.W., Washington, DC. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
WE HAVE THE POWER TO PROTECT THE ONES WE LOVE. Our vote and the choices we make will decide if our children thrive, or are left behind. They’re counting on us to stand up and to vote . . . for their education, for their health care, Election Day is for their jobs, Tuesday, November 4. for their future. Early vote from October 20 – October 31.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 23 | 2014 defendernetwork.com
entertainment
Gina Prince-Bythewood
directs film ‘Beyond the Lights’ I needed an actress, given the depth of what her character goes through. She came in to audition two years ina Maria Prince-Bythewood ago, and she was phenomenal. I studied film at UCLA before saw the movie when I watched her. beginning her career as a She sang “Blackbird” as part of the writer for the TV sitcom, “A audition, and she knocked that out Different World.” In 2000, of the park, too. After hearing her she made a noteworthy directorial debut connection to the material, and her with the critically-acclaimed “Love & being raised by a single mother, it Basketball.” became obvious that she was the Her next feature was “The Secret Life one. of Bees” (2008), which also earned its KW: When I saw “Love & share of trophies, including Image Awards Basketball,” it was with an innerfor Best Picture and Best Director. city, all-Black audience that yelled Here, she talks about making her third back at the screen. Did you get to movie, “Beyond the Lights,” a romance see it that way? drama co-starring Gugu Mbata-Raw and GPB: Yes. The very first time I Nate Parker, which arrives in theaters on played the film for an audience was Nov. 14. at a mall in Crenshaw, so it was very KW: Why so long between films? scary. But once folks started talking GPB: Well, I didn’t expect it to take to the screen, it was fun. It was great this long. This one took a very long time. that the audience was that engaged. I started writing it in 2007. But I stopped KW: When you look in the mirto make “The Secret Life of Bees,” which ror, what do you see? took up a couple years before coming back GPB: I see a wife, a mom and a to this. Then, it was another four-year jourfilmmaker. ney between the writing and setting it up. KW: If you could have one The project was turned down by everybody Gina Prince-Bythewood (left) directed Nate Parker and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in “Beyond the Lights,” a love wish instantly granted, what would story about a music superstar and a policeman. a couple times. I was fighting, fighting and that be for? fighting for it until BET and Relativity finally be? I was dealing with two things in my life at the time. GPB: Happiness for my children. stepped up. Someone very close to me had tried to kill themself, KW: Is there anything that you promised yourself KW: What was the source of your inspiration for changed their mind halfway through, and was able to you’d do if you became famous, that you still haven’t the project? get themself to the hospital, thankfully. Going through done yet? GPB: A couple things. One, I knew I wanted to that with them, and researching suicide afterward, I was GPB: I hate to fly. I’m deathly afraid of it. And I write a love story. And I’ve always wanted to write a amazed to learn that 60 percent of people who succeed keep promising myself to take a fear of flying course music film. Some of my favorite films are musicals, at committing suicide try to change their mind. I thought because I have to fly around to promote each film, but I like “Walk the Line,” “The Rose” and “Lady Sings the that was a pretty important thing to explore. still haven’t done it. Blues.” I just love the way the music and the story fuel KW: How did you come to cast Gugu in the lead? KW: What advice do you have for anyone who each other. I wanted to do that with hip-hop, since it had Did you feel like you were taking a big chance since wants to follow in your footsteps? never been explored before. It was really marrying those she’s British and not a singer? GPB: Be passionate about your material, because two together. GPB: I found her in the auditions. My original you’re going to have to overcome a lot of no’s, and it’s The next question was: What’s the story going to plan was to go with a musical artist, but then I realized that passion that fuels the fight. By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender
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Former Riverside head, three others convicted A federal jury in Houston convicted the former president of Riverside General Hospital, his son, and two others for their participation in a $158 million Medicare fraud scheme involving false claims for mental health treatment. U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal of the Southern District of Texas presided over the trial. Ten defendants have now been convicted in connection with the scheme. Earnest Gibson III, his son Earnest Gibson IV and Regina Askew, 49, a group home owner, were each convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to pay kickbacks, as well as related counts of paying and receiving illegal kickbacks. Robert Crane, 58, a patient recruiter, was convicted of conspiracy to Earnest Gibson III pay and receive kickbacks. All four are scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 17, 2015. “The former president of Riverside hospital, his son, and their coconspirators systematically defrauded Medicare, treating mentally ill and disabled Americans like chits to be traded and cashed out to pad their own pockets,” said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell. “For over six years, the Gibsons and their co-conspirators stuck taxpayers with millions in hospital bills, purportedly for intensive psychiatric treatment. But the ‘treatment’ was a sham…”
Vote YES
3Creates More Jobs 3Reduces Congestion 3Improves Safety 3NO New Taxes 3NO New Debt 3NO Toll Roads
7
We open doors to a safer, healthier community.
New facilities will help Lone Star College continue to train healthcare professionals.
Endorsed by: Harris County Judge Ed Emmett Mayor Annise Parker, City of Houston State Senator John Whitmire State Senator Rodney Ellis State Senator Sylvia Garcia State Senator Dan Patrick State Senator Larry Taylor State Senator Glenn Hegar State Senator Joan Huffman State Representative Sylvester Turner State Representative Garnet Coleman State Representative Carol Alvarado State Representative Jessica Farrar State Representative Cecil Bell, Jr. State Representative Rick Miller State Representative Ron Reynolds State Representative Ed Thompson State Representative Phil Stephenson State Representative Patricia Harless State Representative Wayne Smith State Representative John Davis State Representative Bill Callegari State Representative Gene Wu State Representative Dwayne Bohac
www.infrastructuretexas.org Political ad paid for by Texas Infrastructure Now PAC.
Keeping up with growth and demand. With Houston’s explosive population growth, the demand for healthcare professionals is at an all-time high. The 2014 Lone Star College Bond Referendum will fund the construction of new Advanced Technology Centers – where the next generation of healthcare workers and firstresponders will be trained. Lone Star College is working hard to keep up with area growth and continue to meet community needs. Learn how we will continue opening doors for a growing community at
LoneStar.edu/Election.
Vote Nov. 4
Look for the LSC Bond Referendum on the ballot. Early Voting Oct. 20-31 LSC-CyFair | LSC-Kingwood | LSC-Montgomery LSC-North Harris | LSC-Tomball LSC-University Park
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 23 | 2014
5
REASONS
Blacks Should
VOTE
For These Candidates In their own words, candidates share views
Governor’s Race Greg Abbott
Wendy Davis
Republican
Democrat
Attorney General Greg Abbott served as a Texas Supreme Court justice and Harris County state district judge. He received a B.B.A. in finance from the University of Texas and law degree from Vanderbilt University. He is married with one daughter.
Fort Worth State Sen. W Davis previously served on t City Council. She earned a B in English from Texas Christi University and graduated from Harvard Law School wi honors. She is the mother of daughters.
Reason 1
Reason 1
To make public education in Texas topranked in the country. I will empower parents, teachers, and principals by restoring genuine local control rather than centralized regulations and mandates. High-quality professional development for teachers, leadership training for principals, and digital learning opportunities for students are critical to building a 21st century education system.
Reason 2
To improve higher education and ensure that Texas four-year public universities hold five of the top 10 spots in the nation. According to the U.S. News and World Report ranking of public universities, four of the top 10 universities are located in California. The University of Texas at Austin is Texas’ highest ranked public university, tying with Ohio State University and Washington University at No. 16. My plan will elevate Texas universities.
Reason 3 To create more jobs and keep the Texas economy No. 1 in the nation by prioritizing schools, roads, and water, not by raising taxes, but by rightsizing government.
Reason 4 To keep Texans safe by securing
our border and curtailing spillover crime caused by transnational gangs and international drug cartels.
Reason 5
To increase funding for roads without raising new debt, taxes, fees or tolls.
I believe ev a quality education. My Grea designed to help recruit and Texas, expand high school ac ensure that every eligible 4-y day, quality pre-K, and reduc teachers can teach more and
Reason 2
I support th against the Texas voter ID law “poll tax” and “discriminator I’ve fought in court against d to dilute the voices of minori governor I will continue fight can exercise their hard-won,
Reason 3 I know the d
minimum wage would have raising my daughter Amber support the president’s prop from $7.25 to $10.10. No Tex about making ends meet wh
Reason 4 As governo
protections for the equal pay my desk. African-American w on the dollar compared to m national average. We must e paid the same as men for do
Reason 5
I will fight to It’s wasteful for Texas tax doll other states like New York an dollars should be used to imp healthcare for all Texans, and dollars home.
defendernetwork.com. Find out wh
defendernetwork.com • Serving th
erfold
Wendy the B.A. ian
with f two
very child deserves access to at Schools: Great Texas plan is d retain top-talent teachers in ccess through college credits, year old can enroll in fullce high-stakes testing so that d test less.
he Voting Rights Act and am w that was recently ruled a ry” [before being reinstated]. discriminatory maps designed ity Texans in my district. As ting to ensure that every Texan , constitutional right to vote.
difference an increase in the made in my life when I was alone at age 19. That’s why I posal to raise the minimum wage xas family should have to worry hen they’re working a full day.
or I will sign a bill outlining y of women the moment it hits women get paid about 59 cents men, far lower than the 79 cent ensure that all Texas women are oing the same work.
o expand Medicaid here in Texas. lars to go to fund Medicaid in nd California. I believe our tax prove access for affordable d as governor I will bring our tax
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Lt. Governor’s Race Dan Patrick Republican
Leticia Van de Putte
Democrat
Houston State Sen. Dan Patrick is a radio station owner, broadcaster and former TV sportscaster. He received a B.A. in English from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He is married with two children and three grandchildren.
San Antonio State Sen. Leticia San Miguel Van de Putte formerly served in the Texas House and is a practicing pharmacist. She received a Bachelor of Science from the UT College of Pharmacy. She is married with six children.
Reason 1
Reason 1
I believe in school choice for all Texans. No child should be trapped in a failing public school because of the neighborhood he or she lives in. I will expand public, charter and home-school education choices so parents have the choice to send their children to the very best schools possible. We want educational and economic opportunities for our children and ourselves. To live the American dream you need a good job. To have a good job, you need the right education. As lieutenant governor I will fight to ensure that everyone has good choices.
Reason 2
I will reform the high school curriculum so that students who do not plan to attend college can learn a skill and land a good-paying job in high-growth industries like energy, manufacturing, technology or health-care in order to earn a good living and raise a family.
Reason 3 I’m a Christian and believe in God, not
government. I support marriage between one man and one woman. I believe that we are all born in the image of God and I am proud to say I am pro-life.
Reason 4 I will lower property taxes so people
can keep more of the money they earn and continue to be able to afford to stay in their homes.
Reason 5
I will secure the border to protect American families and keep neighborhoods safe, which is a major concern among voters across the state. Terrorist threats and cartel-related crimes are a real and must be stopped.
I know that our students are not standardized. I believe that in order for our children to compete for local jobs in a globally competitive market, teachers must be given the freedom to teach, and students must be afforded the opportunity to learn. .
Reason 2
I know that we need a Texas solution that better utilizes our resources and increases access to health care, so that millions of hardworking Texans can have the opportunity to care for themselves and their families. One out of every four Texans lacks health insurance; our current system is unsustainable, bad for business, and bad for Texas families.
Reason 3 I believe Texas veterans should receive
the health care they need and have earned, have access to education, and get college credit for their military service. As the chair of the Senate Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee for over a decade, I know of the great sacrifices that our brave men and women have made in service to our country, and that it takes a family to serve and defend our nation.
Reason 4 I know that relying on borrowed money
is not smart for our state’s economy. Our growing transportation needs can no longer be addressed by taking on more debt. It is time for the state to develop a plan to address Texas’ infrastructure challenges, while remaining fiscally responsible and avoiding increased debt. I will lead our state toward making smart investments in roads and bridges that keep Texans moving forward.
Reason 5
I believe that growing a smart economy requires a pro-business environment that stimulates rather than stifles business growth. I understand that Texas needs to balance keeping taxes low and fair while also investing in job creation.
hy NOT to vote for their opponents
he Houston area for over 80 years
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 23 | 2014
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Church bombing survivor visits Imani School because you’re constantly thinking about what happened.” After high school, Rudolph arah Collins Rudolph, the was still insecure about her apsurvivor of a 1963 deadly pearance and began using mariBirmingham, Ala. church juana and excessively drinking. bombing that spurred supShe said after being invited to port for the Civil Rights Act the folchurch and accepting Christ she lowing year, recently visited the Imani “had no fear” and stopped drinkSchool in Houston to share her story. ing and smoking. On Sunday, Sept. 15, 1963, “God brought me out of Rudolph (12 at the time) was in the that,” Rudolph said. “I could have restroom with her sister Addie Mae been one of those killed but God Collins when a bomb exploded in the spared my life on that day. I know 16th Street Baptist Church in BirHe spared my life so that I could mingham, which was a meeting place speak to young people about that for civil rights organizers. time in history.” The bomb killed Collins’ sister As for the perpetrators, (14), Cynthia Wesley (14), Carole Birmingham white supremacists Robertson (14) and Denise McNair were suspected in the church (11). Outrage over their deaths inbombing, but calls for them to be creased support for the Civil Rights brought to justice went unanMovement. swered for more than a decade. “That Sunday my sister Janie, Ad- Birmingham bombing survivor Sarah Collins Rudolph speaks to local Imani School students. In 1977, Ku Klux Klan leader die and I walked to church having such Robert E. Chambliss was brought eye. She went to school a week after her hospital a good time,” Rudolph said. “We were laughing all the release. to trial for the bombings and convicted of murder. way to church, never knowing that was the last time He died in prison in 1985. The case was later re“The children didn’t act like I was any differwe’d see Addie.” opened and two other former Klan members, Bobby ent, it was just the teachers,” Rudolph said. “They The bombing had lifelong effects on Rudolph. Frank Cherry and Thomas Blanton, were eventuwere angry because I couldn’t learn like I did She was hospitalized for two months following the in- before the bombing. They didn’t understand that ally brought to trial. Both were sentenced to four life cident, missed her sister’s funeral and lost her right being in something like that takes your mind away terms in prison. T:9.75”
S
By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender
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opinion
11
Blacks should tell Democrats
‘Pay to play’
The first message of this editorial is VOTE! This is a right our Black elders and ancestors fought and died for. It is our responsibility to look out for ourselves and our families’ needs through utilizing our political power to influence change on policies and issues impacting us. So VOTE early or on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The second message of this editorial is that the Democratic candidates and party’s treatment of the Black community borders on gross negligence. African-American voters in Texas have been loyal to the Democratic Party to a fault. The numbers don’t lie. Our commitment has been based on the common goals we share of providing adequate healthcare, quality education, job development and more. Granted, the Republicans with their strong Tea Party influence have made it clear Adam Zyglis, The Buffalo News to Blacks, people of color, women and the LGBT community that the GOP is not interup to Black community leaders and elected officials in ested in our issues or us for that matter. Some say an effort to secure the Black vote. Black folks don’t have much choice but to go with the Our Black elected officials should not allow Democratic Party and their candidates. themselves to be pimped and placed in a line-up on We do have a choice in how we are treated. You campaign brochures to influence Black folks and their are either a part of the solution or part of the problem. constituents to vote for these candidates. Most of the If you stand by and allow yourself and the community time all they get in return from these candidates is a to be treated in a manner that takes you for granted “Thank you” and short-term memory loss when they and values you politically but not economically, then need something. shame on you. We understand the political game is about money, Each election year, the candidates parade through access and power. We understand that it is a world Black churches and organizations’ events, snuggling where you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.
One respected Black political leader said it is all about the money – YOU HAVE TO PAY TO PLAY. It’s time for Democratic candidates and the Democratic Party to pay – pay by doing business with Black businesses, hiring Black staff and making donations to the churches they visit. Our institutions and business have Black employees which equates to Black voters. Thank GOD for labor and other organizations like the Communications Workers of America Working Voices, where Blacks have a vested interest. They understand the importance of the Black vote and invest in the Black community. And there are some candidates who will extend an invitation to the community to vote for them and invest their money. Thank you for the respect you have shown the Black community and our voters. Yes, the big political campaigns are dominated by the donations of the rich and richer. And granted, we need to get in the game by pooling our dollars to gain the influence we need. But, we still should have Democratic candidates pay to play by making an economic investment in our community. There is still time to correct the problem during this election and there will be other elections. So, no excuses. Please stop pontificating and start putting your money where your mouth is. PAY TO PLAY because the Black community has demonstrated repeatedly that we will vote.
The rise and fall of voter ID laws By MARC H. MORIAL NNPA Columnist
Recently, voter ID laws that could have disenfranchised nearly a million voters in the Nov. 4 midterm elections in two states – Texas and Wisconsin – were ruled unconstitutional. These voting rights victories were critical because of the traditional challenges and unprecedented high stakes associated with this year’s midterms. Then, in a low blow to voting rights across the nation, a federal appeals court blocked the lower court’s decision and cleared the way for Texas to enforce its suppressive voter ID requirements in the upcoming November elections.
The Texas law requires all voters to present a photo ID before being allowed into the voting booth. In the past, voters could demonstrate their identities in various ways. Now, only a small number of documents are permissible – shockingly, gun permits, but not student IDs, are acceptable. Despite many attempts to keep certain groups from the polls, champions for democracy and civil rights – such as the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law – continue to fight to protect our voting rights. We must also continue to build on the momentum of 2012 when, for the first time in history, African-Americans voted at a higher rate than whites.
The repeal of the Texas voter ID law, considered to be the most restrictive in the nation, could have added to that momentum – if it had been upheld. In striking down the law, U.S. District Judge Nelva Ramos ruled that the difficult and expensive effort to obtain photo IDs from more than 600,000 Texas citizens, many of whom are poor, amounted to an unconstitutional poll tax. She also debunked the law’s bogus claim of preventing voter fraud. Voter suppression and disenfranchisement far outweigh any trumped up and spurious claims of election day confusion. The first step in ensuring our voices are heard is ensuring our votes are cast. Don’t let anything keep you from the polls on Nov. 4 – even in Texas.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 23 | 2014
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Affordable Care Act enrollment to start Beginning Nov. 15, uninsured or underinsured Texans will once again be able to enroll in the Affordable Care Act – also known as Obamacare – and find a healthcare plan that fits their needs and budget. Open enrollment runs through Feb. 15, 2015. Here are four things every Texan needs to know from Enroll America, a healthcare enrollment coalition. Every plan through the Affordable Care Act must cover 10 essential benefits. They include doctors’ visits, preventive care, medications, emergency room visits, maternity care and more. And no plan can deny you coverage based on a preexisting condition such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma.
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Financial assistance is available to help you pay for your plan. To find what you could qualify for through the Affordable Care Act, can check out Get Covered America’s calculator tool at www.getcoveredamerica.org/calculator.
In-person help is available to help you understand your options and enroll in a plan. You can find someone near you by using the locator tool at www.getcoveredamerica.org/ locator. You can start thinking now about what kind of plan fits your needs and budget. To get a better understanding of health insurance visit www.getcoveredamerica.org.
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OCTOBER 23 | 2014 | DEFENDER
Black Panther Party hosts Houston reunion
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By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender
he Houston Black Panther Party Alumni Chapter and the National Association of the Black Panther Party (BPP) will celebrate their 48th Annual Reunion in Houston on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25. This year’s conference will feature co-founder and chairman Bobby Seale, a panel discussion featuring prior and emerging leaders, and a Project Row House dedication to Ayanna Ade. The event will pay tribute to Carl B. Hampton, founder of the People’s Party II. Houston community leaders will also be honored, including Kofi Taharka of the National Black United Front and Deloyd Parker, founder of SHAPE Community Center. The BPP reunion banquet is Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at CWA Local 6222 Hall, 1730 Jefferson. Historian and scholar Dr. Gerald Horne will be the keynote speaker. Horne is the author of more than 40 books and 100 scholarly articles and reviews, including “The CounterRevolution of 1776.” Admission is $10 for the lecture only and $25 for the banquet.
Oct. 25 events will be held at the El Dorado Ballroom, 2310 Elgin. The Carl B. Hampton Tour & Ayanna Ade: Larger Than Life Revolutionary Imprint Tour is at 4 p.m. A panel discussion with BPP Leaders is at 6 p.m. Seale is the special guest. “The theme of our reunion is on common ground,” said John Crear, former aide to Seale. “[The party’s] slogan was ‘All power to the people.’ We were inclusive of all races and of all people.” The BPP was co-founded in 1966 by Seale and Huey P. Newton. Crear said the organization was started as a response to the “rapid police brutality going on in the community. “J. Edgar Hoover said the Black Panther Party was the greatest threat to the internal security of the United States in the history of the United States,” Crear said. “But he also said that our greatest weapon was our survival programs. The more things change, the more they stay the same. We still need more people out there fighting for civil rights.” For information on the reunion call 832-356-3277 or visit www.eventbrite. com/e/national-black-panther-party48th-anniversary-reunion-banquet-tickets-13542396673?ref=elink.
Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale will participate in the Houston reunion.
COMING TUESDAY
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 23 | 2014
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Dallas Cowboys, Murray on a roll
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By MAX EDISON Defender
he Dallas Cowboys, winners of six consecutive games, are the NFL’s hottest team. The franchise known as “America’s team” is currently a halfgame ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. After losing to the 49ers in the season opener the Cowboys have come roaring back. Along the way they crushed perennial NFC power New Orleans and defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks in Seattle. As the season approaches its midway point the Cowboys are playing at a level that could propel them into the playoffs for the first time in five years. Not only are the Cowboy’s winning, but they’re doing it in a way that is very familiar to the style that caused them to win three Super Bowl titles in the ‘90s.Simply stated, the Cowboys have rediscovered their passion for the running game and head coach Jason Garrett has remained committed to it. For a team to rush the ball effectively it requires two important components: an outstanding offensive line and a bell-cow running back. The Cowboys have both. The Cowboy offensive line is littered with high draft picks that have proven their worth. In addition, similar to the O-lines of the ‘90s, they are large – averaging 6-feet-4, 317 pounds –and extremely physical. Running back DeMarco Murray has been able to stay healthy and when he does he is one of the NFL’s top backs. The fourth-year back is putting up numbers and dominating games in a manner that reminds Cowboy faithful of the great Emmitt Smith. Consider this: Murray is the first running back in NFL history to start a season with seven straight 100-yard games, breaking the 56-yearold record established by the iconic Jim Brown. Through seven games, Murray leads the league with 913 yards on 187 carries, an average of 4.9 yards every time he touches the ball. Head coach Garrett realizes he has something special in Murray. “DeMarco’s just doing a fantastic job for us,” Garrett said. “He’s seeing softness in the defense. He’s feeling things. He’s getting north and south. He’s finishing runs. “Sometimes when a run [is only one or two yards] a back can get frustrated, but he’s still believing in the runs and making sure he’s giving every one of them a chance. As the game goes
Running back DeMarco Murray has helped lead the Dallas Cowboys to the best record in the NFL at 6-1.
“I think we did this as a group,” Murray said. “So it’s hard for me to accept this individually, and I definitely wish those guys [O-line] were here [being interviewed]. They’re a huge part of this, along with the tight ends, the receivers, and the entire coaching staff. I definitely give a lot of credit to those guys…But there’s a lot of hard work that needs to be done. It’s a long season.” It is a very long season, but with a solid running game, it makes offensive weapons such as quarterback Tony Romo, tight end Jason Witten and receivers Dez Bryant and Terrance WilMurray (No. 29) became the first back in NFL history to start a season with seven straight liams even more lethal. 100-yard games. Offensive fire power comon, you see him having more and more success.” bined with an improving defense make the Murray, to his credit, disdains personal acCowboys a team to watch. One word of caution, colades, choosing to explain his success in the however: we still have the second half of the context of team. season yet to play.
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OCTOBER 23 | 2014 DEFENDER
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Navasota’s Dickson two-sport star feel for varsity competition,” Dickson said. “I consider myself having a breakout season right now. “It’s just about hard work and practicing hard renDavian Dickson is as humble as he is every week,” he said. “Then take what you’ve learned multi-talented. That’s quite a combination for to the field on game day. I’m a blessed young man and someone who’s being touted as the best there thankful to be athletic.” is in Texas. Football or basketball, Dickson says he really Dickson attends Navasota High School and plays doesn’t have a favorite sport. football and basketball for the Rattlers’ varsity squads. “It’s in the moment when I’m playing either On the football field he’s a starting wide receiver and sport,” he said. “When I’m playing football, I like it safety. When the season shifts to basketball, Dickson the most and when I’m playing basketball, I like it the takes his human highlight reel performances indoors most.” and converts into a high-flying guard/swingman. Dickson’s favorite professional football team is In less than two years, the mild-mannered junior the Denver Broncos. “I really like the way Peyton has already made a name for himself. Manning works the offense and how his receivers As a freshman Dickson played on the sub-varsity catch for him,” Dickson said. and was one of the late-season call-ups as the Rattlers “I tell my quarterback if he can put [the football] steamrolled to a Class 3A state football championship. in the air, I’ll go get it for him. It’s my job to come He witnessed greatness from the sidelines. Now he’s down with it.” creating his own brand of Dickson is a Pisces magic. (born March 18, 1998) Dickson was a whose favorite subject in full-time starter in both school is history. He’s leanFind out what 4A schools made the top five list football and basketball ing toward a college major as a sophomore. Among in either communications or his accomplishments was broadcast journalism. a three-touchdown performance against Yates Navasota head football coach Lee Fein football and a 26-point explosion versus the dora said nothing Dickson does in athletics eventual state champion Lions in basketball. surprises him. “He’s the real deal,” said Yates basketball “I knew when TrenDavian was a sevcoach Greg Wise. “There is no doubt about enth grader that he had special abilities,” that.” Fedora said. “What impresses me most Barnett Sports Complex assistant stadium about him is his work ethic. It’s not about director George Walker Jr. went even further in him, it’s about his teammates. He reminds his assessment of Dickson. me a lot of the guys we had on “TrenDavian Dickson that 2012 state championis the best high school ship team. two-sport athlete in the “He knows he’s entire state,” Walker said. going to face teams that “I’d put him up against are going to double- and anybody.” triple-team him,” FeNavasota recently travdora said. “If he doesn’t eled to Houston and played have a catch in the game, Sterling High School at it’s not going to upset him Barnett Stadium. as long as we get the vicThe state’s top-ranked tory.” Class 4A team rolled to a Fedora added that lopsided victory as Dickson when Dickson finishes his touched the ball four times playing days at Navasota and scored four touchdowns High School, he’ll attend on passes of 31, 86, 38 and 55 Baylor University on a footyards from quarterback Shelton ball scholarship. Eppler. TrenDavian Dickson is a football and “Last year I was just getting a
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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
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Hurts named player of week With time running out and trailing district rival North Shore 48-42 in week seven, Channelview needed a miracle. Junior quarterback Jalen Hurts came to the rescue when he threw a 35-yard “Hail Mary” deflected touchdown pass to wide receiver Bryant Valentine as time expired to secure the Falcons’ 49-48 victory. The win avenged a 59-0 loss to North Shore last year and marked Channelview’s first ever victory over North Shore in seven previous meetings. The Falcons improved to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in District 21-6A, guaranteeing the first winning football season in 20 years. Hurts finished with 145 rushing yards on 29 carries and a touchdown along with 217 passing yards on 13of-32 passing with two TDs. “Jalen knew we didn’t have any timeouts left and still made the big play in the final minute,” said Channelview head coach Averion Hurts (Jalen’s father). For his efforts, the 6-foot-3, 197-pounder has been named the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week. Hurts maintains a 3.55 grade-point average in the classroom and also participates in power-lifting and track. His older brother Averion Jr. also won the award in 2011.
Worthing ex never gave up Mitchell Bell was not recruited when he played his final football game at Worthing High School. Yet he refused to give up and became a two-time allconference offensive tackle at Navarro Community College. Then Baylor, Arkansas and Louisiana Tech among others attempted to lure Bell to their campuses and Tech won out. The 354-pound senior tackle is currently starting for the 4-3 Bulldogs.
World Series begins The 2014 World Series has begun. The question is how many sports fans really care? The series matchup is compelling enough. The Kansas City Royals, long the doormat of the AL Central division, are a wild card entry that captured lightning in a bottle to become the AL representative. The San Francisco Giants, winners of the NL West, are on a quest to win their third World Series crown in five years (previous wins were in 2010 and 2012). While the play may be outstanding, one still has to wonder about the interest in baseball, even championship baseball in mid-October. Once the only game in town, the World Series now competes with the NFL, college and high school football, and the beginning of the NBA and NHL seasons.
Moore, Hebert honored Texas Southern University’s Jarius Moore and Prairie View A&M University’s Johnta Hebert were acknowledged as top SWAC Players of the Week. Moore is the top defender for the week and Hebert the top specialist. Moore had a breakout game against Alcorn State University in a losing effort. He racked up 13 tackles, including two for a loss and two pass breakups as the Tigers were defeated by the Braves 40-25. Hebert got the Panthers off on a positive note by returning the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in the Panthers’ 52-19 win at Mississippi Valley State. He also had a 53yard return.
basketball standout at Navasota High School.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 23 | 2014
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
CANCERFORWARD went uptown at the Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure Kickoff her mom Brenda Vance. Some of the out-of-town guests included Ebony Editor-in-Chief honoring the 2014 Houston Forward Movers: Margo Hilliard Alford, retired senior VP of Mitzi Miller, Atlanta Tribune Editor Pat Lottier, Precise Communications Senior VP Tracey Community Health & Wellness with Harris Health; Rev. Preston Allen, director of Wheeler Bowen and Interactive One blogger Danielle Young. The local folks seen in the audience Ave. Baptist Church Non-profits & Community Development; Ron Raloochi, Karr Transand in “O Town” were Spoil Latina Editor-in-Chief Yvonne Guidry, Toni Williams, Pastor portation; Janet Cockrell, community volunteer; Rebecca Cooke, RoundTableau; Michael Mia Wright, Cheryl Thomas, Astros executive Marian Harper, twins Pam Whitaker Francisco, International Energy Ventures Mgmt.; Bob Gower, Ensysce Biosciences, and and Paula Handy, Sheila Lyle, Sandra Sampson, Daina Spry, daughter/mother combo Ann Hamilton Meyn, patient advocate. As the benefactor of the Shanyce and Denise Walker, Maegon Miller, Annette Cluff and fashionable affair, CancerForward, an internet-based platform, is able the Rasmus group: Morgan, Juanita and Dr. Ryan Rasmus HarDefender TOP EVENTS to continue to connect and educate cancer survivors, sharing informaris…..THE IMANI SCHOOL was captivated by the visit of the More photos on defendernetwork.com tion that empowers them. Board members Shawntell McWilliams, survivor of the 1963 Birmingham bombing that killed four little girls See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Trey Velasco and Denise Monteleone were all smiles as friends and and shocked the country. Sarah Collins Rudolph, who was 12 years with Melanie Lawson on Sunday Morning supporters gathered. Seen in the crowd were Jack Rains, Dr. Lois old at the time of the attack, shared her story of being “the fifth girl in Moore, Renee Logan, Cedric and Angela Joubert and a host of oththe bathroom that day” and added, “I would have lost my life, too, if ers…..OPRAH’S THE LIFE YOU WANT WEEKEND was an init hadn’t been for God.” Ms. Rudolph’s visit was underwritten by the spiring and uplifting experience as women from far and near gathered to hear about the things Honey Brown Foundation and its founder Tammy Lang Campbell, who honored Ms. Ruthat matter in life –things like joy, resilience, awe, connection and gratitude. Toyota was one dolph at the “Eyes on the Prize: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act” of the lead sponsors and was represented well by National Manager of African American banquet. Community of Faith Pastor James Dixon was on hand along with Saundra Hall, Business Strategy Alva Adams-Mason and Gulf States Toyota Exec. Vonda Lee along with Imani School Director Patricia Williams, Shar-day Campbell and artist Doyle Burley.
Shawntell McWilliams, Margo Hilliard Alford and Denise Monteleone
Brenda Vance, Pat Lottier and Vonda Lee
Artist Doyle Burley
Angela Joubert, Shawntell McWilliams and Renee Logan
Maegon Miller and Annette Cluff
Imani students and Sarah Collins Rudolph
Paulette Fredrick, Agnes Johnson and Kelly Johnson
Morgan Rasmus, Pastor Juanita Rasmus, Sonny Messiah Jiles and Dr. Ryan Rasmus Harris
Tammie Campbell, Ms. Rudolph, Saundra Hall and Patricia Williams
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