Houston Defender: October 24, 2013

OBAMA’S SHOWDOWN WITH ‘TEAPUBLICANS’ IS JUST BEGINNING P6

OPINION

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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 82 | Number 52

OCTOBER 24, 2013 |FREE

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NEWSTALK REP. SYLVESTER TURNER sponsors Obamacare meeting

P2 FEATURE DR. THOMAS FREEMAN discusses education, excellence

P10

Mayoral race Annise Parker

CHAG’s PLACE OPINION

Ben Hall

Top contenders H Page 8

Veronica, Chris and “Ms. Chag” Chargois at a birthday party

P15

Visit faces

Keke Palmer stars in film

Doug Williams fired as coach

Former child star Keke Palmer first won acclaim for her role in “Akeelah and the Bee.” Now she’s all grown up and can be seen in a TV movie based on a true story. See which well-known character she portrays. Discover her thoughts on passionate people and guilty pleasures.

Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams gained fame as a star quarterback for Grambling University and in the NFL. Now Grambling has fired him as head coach in the midst of turmoil.

Read about the problems plaguing the football program. Discover why the team’s players are fed up.

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H Page 12

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 24 | 2013

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newstalk

HISD closing 20 magnet programs

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Defender News Services

wenty HISD magnet school programs that are not drawing enough students from outside their neighborhoods will be closed after the 2013-2014 school year under a plan recently announced.

The school programs enroll a combined 758 students from outside their attendance zones.

According to the district, non-zoned magnet students represent just 4 percent of the total enrollment at the 20 schools, far short of the 20-percent target established in HISD policy. Middle schools and high schools can also meet the enrollment target if they enroll at least 100 non-zoned magnet students per grade level.

The 20 schools are not expected to meet the mini-

mum enrollment requirement by the Oct. 25 deadline. Students who are currently enrolled in magnet programs that are being closed after the current school year will be allowed to continue attending those schools until they complete the highest grade level offered at those schools.

The 20 magnet programs have a combined magnet budget (including transportation costs) of about $4 million, which will be freed up for other academic purposes.

At the same time HISD is phasing out less popular magnet programs, the district is adding new magnet programs designed to meet current demand. Last month, HISD won a $12 million federal grant for six magnets that emphasize science, technology, engineering, and math instruction.

Magnet programs that are being eliminated

HCC building career center

Get help with Obamacare

An Affordable Care Act town hall meeting sponsored by State Rep. Sylvester Turner will be held Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Living Word Fellowship Church, 7350 W. T.C. Jester.

Information will be provided on health care options and enrollment assistance is available.

Those attending are asked to bring Social Security or green card numbers for all individuals in their households, W2 forms and pay stubs. For more information call 713-683-6363 or 512-463-0554.

after the current school year are located at the following schools: Burbank, Elrod, Law, Pleasantville, Wesley, and West University elementary schools; Attucks, Deady, Dowling, Holland, Jackson, Key, and Patrick Henry middle schools; and Jones, Lee, Madison, Sharpstown, Westbury, Wheatley and Worthing high schools.

In addition, the district has identified magnet programs that are not meeting minimum student achievement standards required for maintaining magnet status. Schools on this list are now on probationary status, pending improvement in student achievement during this school year.

The schools are: Crespo, Garden Villas, Helms, MacGregor, Pugh, Ross, and Wainwright elementary schools; Hogg and Long middle schools; and Kashmere, Scarborough, Sterling, and Washington high schools.

Defender News Services

State Rep. Sylvester Turner

Houston Community College recently broke ground on the Northwest College’s new Alief Career Center at 13803 Bissonnet. The building will be a state-of-the-art learning facility where students can train to qualify for certification in areas of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing.

In addition to offering HVAC, electrical and plumbing certificates at the center, HCC has developed a certified nursing assistant certificate at the existing Bissonnet campus. It created pathways for Alief ISD high school students to become CNAs and work at West Houston Medical Center with advancement opportunities in nursing or medicine

before graduation.

“Workforce development is in the best interest of the community, the state and the nation, said Alief Superintendent H.D. Chambers.

“We at Alief ISD are committed to finding opportunities for every student, to helping them find and develop meaningful skills to earn a meaningful wage for themselves and their families. And no wages are as meaningful as those available in these construction trades right now.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment outlooks for HVAC, electrical and plumbing are faster than the average for most occupations due to construction demand, retirement of more experienced workers and stricter laws with environmental concern.

localbriefs SOUTHEAST HOUSTON BUSINESS OWNERS near the intersection of MLK and Southseas Street are concerned about a rash of break-ins and burglaries in the area. Some of the crimes have been captured on videotape, such as the recent robbery of a cell phone store. The business owners are demanding a shorter response time from the police department. HPD said the typical response time has been about 33 minutes, which is the average city-wide……..METRO is making progress along the new North/Red extension of the Main Street light rail line, which will open in December.

Trains without passengers have begun testing the line before regular service begins, and residents are advised

to use extra care in the North Main/Fulton area. The 5.3 mile rail extension begins at UH-Downtown and ends at Northline Transit Center near Crosstimbers……..

HOMELESS HOUSTONIANS will receive help from Wells Fargo & Company through its NeighborhoodLIFT program. Donations totaling $760,000 will be made over three years to two local nonprofits to help end chronic homelessness. The Corporation for Supportive Housing will receive a $450,000 grant to develop 2,500 units of permanent housing, along with more than 2,800 units of general-population affordable housing . The Coalition for the Homeless Houston/Harris County will receive a grant of $310,000 to create and implement programs

that promote housing stability……..YATES HIGH SCHOOL is partnering with Cuney Homes and Texas Southern University in the development of a sustainability project. Participants recently gathered at TSU to introduce the project, which involves tree planting, building raised beds, distributing recycling receptacles and planting fruits and vegetables. “This project addresses multiple areas of student growth and development including the growing concern about childhood obesity and diets, hands-on learning, and the promotion of environmental issues,” said Donetrus Hill, principal of Yates. “This is also a great character-building opportunity for our students through service-learning.”

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OCTOBER 24 | 2013 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs REV. AL SHARPTON has temporarily moved to Chicago in an effort to help gun violence in urban neighborhoods. Sharpton reportedly leased an apartment on the West Side. “It’s to really encourage groups that are already doing work,” Sharpton said. “We’re not coming with a new program; we’re coming to put a spotlight and to support those that are doing it.” Martin Luther King III has also volunteered his services and plans to establish a temporary residence in the city, which has been plagued by homicides……..THE NAACP named Lorraine Miller as interim president and CEO while the search for the organization’s next leader begins. The tenure of current President Ben Jealous officially ends on Dec. 31. Miller has long been active in the NAACP as a national board member and Washington, D.C. branch president. She was the first AfricanAmerican clerk in the House of Representatives and worked in the Clinton White House as bureau chief at the Federal Communications Commission…….. FLORIDA OFFICIALS continue to investigate the escape of two convicted killers, Joseph Jenkins and Charles Walker. The men, who were both serving life sentences, are back in custody after using forged documents to walk out of the Franklin Correctional Facility. They were captured at a motel in Panama City Beach. Family members said they thought the releases were legitimate, and the convicts even spent time with their relatives. Law enforcement authorities are trying to determine who helped the prisoners escape, and expect to make more arrests in the case……..MILLIONS OF YOUNG PEOPLE in the United States are neither in school nor working. According to a report released by the bipartisan coalition Opportunity Nation, almost 6 million young people ages 16 to 24 are idle. Experts say idle youth are missing an opportunity to build skills they will need later in life.

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 52 OCTOBER 24, 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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President Obama is joined at the White House by Americans who have either benefited from the Affordable Care Act or who are helping others with the process.

Obama says healthcare website will improve

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Defender News Services

resident Obama admitted that the Affordable Care Act website has flaws, but said steps are being taken to solve the problem.

“The problem has been that the website that’s supposed to make it easy to apply for and purchase the insurance is not working the way it should for everybody.

And there’s no sugarcoating it,” he said.

“The website has been too slow and people have been getting stuck during the application process. There’s no excuse for the problems, and these problems are getting fixed.”

Obama said despite the glitches, “thousands of people” are signing up and saving money.

“Even as we redouble our efforts to get the site working as well as it’s supposed to, we’re also redoubling our efforts to make sure you can still buy the same quality, affordable insurance plans the old-fashioned way – offline, either over the phone or in person,” he said.

Obama listed four improvements: 1. IT experts from inside and outside government are assisting with the website.

2. Call centers now have more staffers to process applications or answer questions at 800-318-2596. Americans can also find out how to enroll in person by visiting www.localhelp.healthcare.gov.

3. Those who began the application process but couldn’t finish will be contacted with additional information.

4. Americans can preview plans and prices without completing an application, and can obtain premium estimates by answering a few simple questions.

Obama stressed that he has faith in the Affordable Care Act. “The product is good. The health insurance that’s being provided is good. It’s high quality and it’s affordable. People can save money, significant money, by getting insurance that’s being provided through these marketplaces. And we know that the demand is there,” he said.

Federal workers still impacted by shutdown

By JAZELLE HUNT NNPA Washington Correspondent

After being labeled “non-essential,” federal workers have returned to the essential job of running the government after House Republicans forced a 16day shutdown of the federal government by trying to defund the Affordable Care Act. Senate leaders from both parties reached a deal to raise the debt ceiling. The measure quickly passed the House and Senate and was signed into law by President Obama, allowing furloughed workers to return.

The government shutdown had a disproportion-

ate impact on Blacks, who make up 13.6 percent of the U.S. population and 17.7 percent of the federal workforce.

Speaking at the White House, Obama had this message for returning federal employees: “Thank you. Thanks for your service. Welcome back. What you do is important. It matters.”

In Atlanta, which has the highest number of federal employees outside of Washington, D.C., Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) visited federal employees in the cafeteria of the Richard Russell Federal Building on their first day back on the job.

“There was a huge turnout of employees,” Lewis

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Continued on Page 11

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 24 | 2013

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one

day sale

Election ID stations open Defender News Services

The Texas Secretary of State and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that two mobile stations issuing election identification certificates (EIC) will remain in Harris County weekdays now through Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

The two locations are at Holman Street Baptist Church, 3501 Holman, and Lone Star College’s Victory Center, 4141 Victory Drive.

EICs are available without charge to qualified Texas voters who do not already have an approved form of photo ID, which is now required for voting in person.

Applicants for an EIC will need to present proof of citizenship and identity.

The Nov. 5 election will be the first statewide election with photo ID requirements in effect.

In addition to the EIC mobile stations, several DPS driver license offices in Harris County will also be open on Saturdays (in addition to their regular business hours) until the Nov. 5 election from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in order to issue EICs only. Dates and times of EIC mobile stations are subject to change.

Check votetexas.gov for the latest dates, locations and times.

Many Texans already have an approved form of photo ID and will not need or qualify for an EIC. Acceptable forms of photo ID in addition to an EIC are: • Texas driver license issued by DPS • Texas personal identification card issued by DPS • Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS • United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph • United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph • United States passport For more information visit dps.texas.gov.

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OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible.

N3090176P.indd 1

10/15/13 11:33 AM

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OCTOBER 24 | 2013 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Keke Palmer stars in film about TLC

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day, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m.

KW: What interested you in “Crazy Sexy Cool?”

Were you a fan of TLC as a kid?

KP: Being a fan is exactly what made me want to do this film. I wanted to be a part of telling the story of a favorite group of mine.

KW: How did you prepare for the role? Is it hard to play a real-life person than a fictional character?

KP: I just watched a lot of old footage. I also spent a lot of time with Chilli and just observed her.

KW: What message do you think people will take away from “Crazy Sexy Cool?”

KP: You can do anything as long as you don’t stop believing. When it is meant to be, it will be. You just have to follow your heart.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

KP: Probably reality TV. KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

KP: Pancakes.

KW: What excites you?

KP: Passionate people.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

KP: For everyone in the world to love each other.

KW: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?

KP: No real fear of limitations.

KW: If you had to choose another profession, what would that be?

KP: Hairstyling.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

KP: Follow your heart’s truth with no need for personal gain other than the feeling produced when doing what you truly love.

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

orn in Harvey, Illinois in 1993, Lauren Keyana “Keke” Palmer has been wowing audiences since the tender age of 9. Keke first received acclaim when she starred as the title character in the sleeper hit “Akeelah and the Bee” opposite Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett.

Keke followed that powerful performance with lead roles in “The Longshots,” “Shrink” and “Joyful Noise.” She has also made memorable appearances in such films as “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” and “Madea’s Family Reunion,” as well as voiceover work in animated features like “Ice Age: Continental Drift.”

On TV, Keke played the title character on the hit Nickelodeon series “True Jackson VP,” and received four NAACP Awards for Best Actress in Children’s Television.” Her other television credits include “90210,” “Cold Case,” “Law & Order: SVU” and “ER.” Keke is currently starring in the DirectTV miniseries “Full Circle.” Musically, she is in the studio recording her second album with producer Bangladesh.

When she isn’t acting or singing, Keke is involved with the Boys & Girls Club of America, Saving Our Daughters, the YWCA and the Embrace Girls Foundation. She is an ambassador for the AIDS awareness and prevention organization, the Reid for Hope Foundation.

Here she talks about her latest outing as Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas in “Crazy Sexy Cool: The TLC Story,” a VH1 original movie about the famous girl group. It airs Sunday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. and Wednes-

what’sup LL COOL J has been nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. The Grammy Awardwinning rapper, who now stars on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” has released 13 albums. Other nominees include the disco and R&B band CHIC and the New Orleans funk band THE METERS. Music fans can participate in the selection process through Dec. 10 by casting their votes on such websites as rockhall.com. The induction ceremony will be held in April 2014 in New York City…….. Fox Network picked up nine additional episodes of the new cop comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” The show’s stars include ANDRE BRAUGHER and TERRY CREWS……..

KANYE WEST spared no expense in proposing to KIM KARDASHIAN. According to E! Online, he rented out San Francisco’s AT&T Park – home of the Giants baseball

team – and popped the question on the jumbo screen. It read, “PLEEEASE MARRY MEEE!!!” West presented Kardashian with a 15-carat diamond ring. The proposal included an orchestra and fireworks…….. TV One begins the new season of its award-winning music biography series “Unsung” with a profile of HEAVY D & THE BOYZ on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. The series offers portraits of singers and music acts whose success or legacy in the industry was cut short. Profiles airing on subsequent Wednesdays include LISA LISA & CULT JAM, Houston’s own GETO BOYS, THE DELFONICS and CECE PENISTON……..The controversy surrounding the lack of minority cast members on “Saturday Night Live” continues. In an interview with TV Guide, cast member KENAN THOMPSON blamed the show’s lack

of diversity on a lack of talented Black female comedians.

“It’s just a tough part of the business,” Thompson said.

“Like in auditions, they just never find ones that are ready.”

In the past, Thompson has portrayed such Black women as WHOOPI GOLDBERG and MAYA ANGELOU, but said he will no longer dress in drag. The show will temporarily feature a woman of color when “Scandal” star KERRY WASHINGTON hosts “SNL” on Nov. 2……..

“Captain Phillips,” the box office hit starring TOM HANKS, could make a star out of newcomer BARKHAD ABDI, who portrays the Somali pirate Muse. Abdi, a native of Somalia, moved to Minneapolis at age 14. Now 27, he was driving a limo when he heard the film’s casting director was looking for Somalis to appear in it. Abdi and three of his friends won roles in the film.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 24 | 2013

opinion

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Showdown with

‘Teapublicans’ is just beginning

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switching to cheaper alternatives…

“The President has also suggested ‘means-testing’ Medicare – that is, providing less of it to higher-income seniors.

This might be sensible. The danger is it becomes the start of a slippery slope that eventually turns Medicare into another type of Medicaid, a program perceived to be for the poor and therefore

By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Columnist

elieve it or not, President Obama’s decision to finally stand up to Teapublicans – a Republican Party hijacked by right-wing Tea Party zealots – in the latest standoff over the Affordable Care Act and the debt ceiling was the easy part.

Next comes the real fireworks over the budget. And, judging from the past, the Democrats are likely to wave the white flag of surrender, even before the first shot is fired.

Don’t forget that although Obama campaigned on the promise of extending the Bush tax cuts only for individuals earning less than $200,000 and couples making less than $250,000, which would cover 98 percent of all taxpayers, he eventually capitulated under Republican pressure, extending the Bush-era rates on incomes below $450,000 for families and $400,000 for individuals.

And in his unsuccessful effort to reach a grand bargain with House Speaker John Boehner in 2011, according to leaked confidential documents, Obama expressed a willingness to support cuts to TRICARE, the health insurance program for the military and military retirees; Social Security, Medicare, housing, nutritional assistance and other Steve Sack, The Minneapolis Star Tribune social programs.

Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich explained why he, vulnerable to budget cuts…” too, feels Obama will cave in to Republican demands.

Equally troubling are the signals the president is already “He’s already put on the table a way to reduce future Social sending on the budget.

Security payments by altering the way cost-of-living adjust“Keep in mind that the budget that we are going to pass ments are made – using the so-called ‘chained’ consumer price under any deal is going to be the Republican budget. It will have index, which assumes that when prices rise people economize by cuts that are much more substantial than Democrats would pre-

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fer,” Obama said two days before the government reopened.

“The Democrats have not asked for anything to reopen the government. The Democrats haven’t asked for anything for paying our bills on time.”

The last time I checked, the Senate and the executive branch were controlled by Democrats. Republicans control only the House. So why does President Obama feel that the nation will be stuck with a “Republican budget?”

Second, Obama correctly noted that Democrats have not asked for anything to reopen the government or raise the debt ceiling.

The tragedy is that Democrats usually won’t stand firm even when public opinion is on their side. The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press conducted a survey in March. According to Pew, 55 percent favored keeping Social Security and Medicare benefits as they are, 34 percent preferred taking steps to reduce the national debt, and 11 percent said both are equally important.

Yet, Obama is willing to make concessions on Social Security and Medicare.

With no demands on the table, it’s impossible to know what, if anything, is important to the Democratic Party anymore. That’s not the case with the Teapublicans. Love or hate them, they have clearly and forcefully stated they want to privatize Social Security, turn Medicare into a voucher system, and want deep cuts in social programs.

They have not only articulated their priorities, they have demonstrated with the shutdown how far they are willing to go to fight for their misguided beliefs.

What are Democrats willing to fight to the end for? If you find out, please let me know.

You’ve got the power! Vote!

ho will lead our city for the next two years?

You can help decide by taking a few minutes out of your day to cast your vote right now.

Early voting is underway and ends on Friday, Nov. 1. Take advantage of this opportunity by dropping by any of the polling sites across the city. If you can’t vote early, make sure you vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Whatever you do, DON’T FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID. If you don’t have the proper ID, obtain a free election ID offered by the Department of Public Safety.

During this election, you will select the team of individuals who will fix our neighborhoods, improve the quality of education for our children and determine the taxes we pay. This is a big job and should not be taken lightly because it impacts our quality of life.

Some countries do not have the privilege of voting for their leaders – dictators rule. In America, we have the privilege of voting, and our ancestors fought and died to ensure that we could do so.

There are those who want to diminish our voting

power or take this privilege away by asking for extra identification to vote and creating hurdles to keep us from voting. Do not let the actions of a group of Jim Crow throwbacks stop you from voting.

Once again, make sure you have the necessary ID. Visit dps.texas.gov to find out what you need and how you can get it.

You’ve got the power, so vote. Don’t let others determine your fate.

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OCTOBER 24 | 2013 | DEFENDER

Booker wins senate seat

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Homeland security head nominated

NNPA News Service

By AFRO Staff

Newark Mayor Cory Booker nabbed the coveted U.S. Senate seat in a hotly contested race against Republican hopeful Steve Lonegan in a special election in New Jersey. The gregarious mayor becomes the first African-American elected to the U.S. Senate since President Barack Obama.

Booker, 44, made his acceptance speech just two hours after polling centers across the state closed. He eventually garnered about 710,000 votes or about 55 percent compared to Lonegan’s 579,000. Booker will fill the vacant seat of longtime politico Frank Lautenberg, who died earlier this year.

The gregarious and charismatic outgoing mayor paid homage to his modest beginnings and paid tribute to his father, Cary, who recently died. He touched on some of his plans as the Garden State’s newest senator in Washington.

“I will join Senator Menendez in moving the people of New Jersey ahead,” he said. “But make no mistake,

Mayor Corey Booker

we have work to do!”

The mantra of “work to do” has long been a staple in dozens of Booker’s speeches, including one of his first speeches after becoming mayor in 2006.

Once the election results are certified, Booker could be sworn in as senator within the next 30 days. Newark City Council President Luis Quintana is expected to be appointed interim mayor once Booker departs for Washington.

President Barack Obama selected Jeh Johnson, a graduate of Morehouse and Columbia Law School, as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

If confirmed, Johnson, who retired from government to enter private practice, would come to the position with substantial experience.

He served as the Department of Defense’s top lawyer, supervising some 10,000 military and Jeh Johnson civilian attorneys. He advised Obama and two secretaries of defense and helped to develop several national security policies during Obama’s first term in office.

He is credited with leading the review and authorization of the report that led to the repeal in 2010 of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy toward homosexuals in the military.

Obama praised Johnson for his experience. He urged the Senate to move quickly to confirm Johnson, who would replace Janet Napolitano, who left the post in July to head the University of California system.

Harris County November 5, 2013 Joint Election Early Voting Schedule Oct. 21 - Oct. 25: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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Early Voting Hours of Operation Oct. 26: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. · Oct. 27: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

INSIDE LOOP 610

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2.

3.

4.

5.

·

October 28 - November 1: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

OUTSIDE BELTWAY 8

Main Office: Harris County Administration Bldg., 1001 Preston, 1st Flr, 77002 Downtown-North: Holy Name Catholic Church/Gym, 1912 Marion St., 77009 Kashmere: Kashmere Multi-Services Center, 4802 Lockwood Dr., 77026 Downtown-East: Ripley House, 4410 Navigation Blvd., 77011 Southeast Houston:H.C.C.S. Southeast College, Learning Hub, 6815 Rustic, Bldg. D, 77087 Palm Center: Justice of the Peace/Constable Entry,5300 Griggs Road, 77021 Astrodome Area: Fiesta Mart, Inc., 8130 Kirby Drive, 77054 Neartown:Metropolitan Multi-Services Center, 1475 W. Gray, 77019 Galleria: Harris County Public Health Environmental Services, 2223 West Loop South, 77027

21. Humble: Octavia Fields Branch Library, 1503 South Houston Ave., Humble, 77338 22. Kingwood: Kingwood Branch Library, 4400 Bens View Ln, Kingwood, 77345 23. Atascocita (*): Northeast Houston Baptist Church, 18000 W. Lake Houston Pkwy, Humble, 77346 6.

24. Crosby: Crosby ISD Administration Building, 706 Runneburg Rd., Crosby, 7.

77532 8.

25. Wallisville Road: North Channel Branch Library, 15741 Wallisville Rd, 9.

77049 26. Baytown: Baytown Community Center, 2407 Market St, Baytown, 77520 27. Pasadena: Harris County Courthouse Annex #25, 7330 Spencer Highway, OUTSIDE LOOP 610 Pasadena, 77505 28. Clear Lake: Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Ln, 77062 10. Northeast Houston: Northeast Multi-Service Center, 9720 Spaulding St., Bldg 29. Alief: Henington-Alief Regional Library, 7979 South Kirkwood, 77072 #4, 77016 30. George Bush Park: Glen Cheek Education Building, 16002 Westheimer Pkwy, 11. Galena Park: Galena Park Library, 1500 Keene St., Galena Park, 77547 77082 12. Hobby Area: I.B.E.W. Hall #66, 4345 Allen Genoa Road, Pasadena, 77504 31. Far W. Houston: Nottingham Park, 926 Country Place Dr., 77079 13. Sunnyside: Sunnyside Multi-Purpose Center, 4605 Wilmington, 77051 32. Far West/Katy: Franz Rd Storefront, 19818 Franz Road, Katy, 77449 14. S. Houston Area: Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, 3810 W. Fuqua, 77045 33. Bear Creek: Bear Creek Park Community Center, 3055 Bear Creek Dr. at 15. SW. Houston: Bayland Park Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet Patterson Rd., 77084 (near Hillcroft), 77074 34. Jersey Village: City of Jersey Village-City Hall, 16327 Lakeview Drive, Jersey 16. Near West Side: Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive, 77042 Village, 77040 17. Spring Branch: Trini Mendenhall Sosa Comm. Center, 1414 Wirt Rd., 77055 35. Cypress: Cypress Top Park, 26026 Hempstead Hwy, Cypress, 77429 18. Victory Center (*): Lone Star College - Victory Center, 4141 Victory Dr.,77088 36. Northwest (*): Prairie View A&M University - Northwest, 9449 Grant Rd, 19. Acres Homes: Acres Homes Multi-Services Center, 6719 W. Montgomery Rd., 77070 77091 37. Tomball: Tomball Public Works Bldg, 501B James St., Tomball, 77375 20. North: Hardy Senior Center, 11901 West Hardy Rd., 77076 38. Cypress Creek: Champion Forest Baptist Church/Multi-Purpose Bldg., 4840 Strack Rd., 77069 * Indicates New Location 39. Far North: Champion Life Centre, 3031 FM 2920 Rd, Spring, 77388 40. Mercer Park (*): Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library, 22248 Aldine Westfield Rd., Humble 77338

Remember to BRING YOUR PHOTO ID to the polls For more information: www.HarrisVotes.com - 713.755.6965

STAN STANART Harris County Clerk

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 24 | 2013

cover

Mayor Annise Parker visits Blue Ridge Elementary School to recognize Elementary School Principal of the Year Deirdre Holloway (second from left) and to donate backpacks for a school supply drive.

Parker says city is a better place

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efender: What are the differences President of the United States. I’ve worked to solve between you and your opponents? problems that disproportionately affect the comParker: I respect each of my munity, such as HIV, lack of access to good jobs and opponents and prefer to let them disparities in infrastructure and government services speak for themselves. As for me, I between rich and poor neighborhoods. have been honored to serve as your My personal life is also intertwined in the commayor and I hope I’ve earned your support. munity. My children are African-American and I’m While other cities fell behind during the recesgrateful they grew up in a city we can all be proud sion, we worked together to change our city governof. African-American Houstonians have profoundly ment to help make Houston a better place to live. shaped our city’s values, identity and future and Today, we’re cleaning up parks, made Houston a better place for helping kids stay in school, all of us. upgrading hundreds of miles of Defender: What are your Education streets and building new police plans to address the major • B.A., Rice University and fire stations. We’re creating problems affecting the AfriExperience good local jobs with my Hire can-American community?

Houston First program. We’re Parker: Together, we’ve • Mayor since 2010 funding after-school programs made Houston a better place • City controller and rebuilding libraries to help – and there are still big chalour kids succeed. And we’re lenges to tackle. We’re creating • City councilmember tearing down thousands of abannew jobs and restoring many of Family doned buildings to make our the cuts we had to make durneighborhoods safer.

• Life partner Kathy ing the recession, but now we I would be deeply honored need to make sure our growing Hubbard; three to have your vote in November. economy allows us to improve adopted children Please join me and together, we schools, upgrade more roads, can continue to make Houston reduce congestion and make an even better place to live, our neighborhoods safer. work and raise a family!

Through Demolition Days and Make Safe SatDefender: Why should African-Americans vote urdays, we’ve demolished 2,500 abandoned buildfor you? ings and are going neighborhood-by-neighborhood Parker: As a mother, community leader, busiremoving blight, picking up trash and painting over nesswoman and mayor, I see every day how Housgraffiti. ton’s rich diversity is our city’s greatest strength – Our Hire Houston First program is creating and I’ve built a personal, professional and public life family-sustaining jobs and we’ve expanded our that is centered around the core values of diversity overall minority-contracting goal to a record 34 and inclusion. percent.

I’ve worked as a political activist to oppose Because many traditionally African-American discrimination, support affirmative action and make neighborhoods are underserved, we’re moving to a our government policies more fair and inclusive. I’ve “Worst First” model with a goal of fixing the worst worked to elect African-American candidates in evinfrastructure problems first, no matter what part of ery level of government, from the school board to the town they are in.

Mayora Annise Parker

Top con

By MARILY De

Houston voters go to the polls on Tuesday, N ners are Mayor Annise Parker and challenger B dates tell why they deserve the African-Americ

Seven others r

In addition to Mayor Annise Parker and challenger Ben Hall, seven other Houstonians are running for mayor.

They include (in alphabetical order) Don Cook, Green Party organizer and community activist; Eric Dick, insur-

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

rpage

9

defendernetwork.com

Ben Hall attends a rally in support of SHAPE Community Center, which survived a threat to its property. Hall successfully represented the center in the pro bono case.

Hall has a vision for Houston

al race Ben Hall

ntenders

YN MARSHALL efender

Nov. 5, to elect the next mayor. The two frontrunBen Hall. In a Q&A with the Defender, both candican vote.

run for mayor

ance lawyer, and Keryl Burgess Douglas, a lawyer and former director with the regional and local NAACP. The remaining candidates are Charyl Drab, Michael n Fitzsimmons, Derek Jenkins and Victoria Lane (no background information is available).

he Houston area for over 80 years

D

efender: What are the differences bepect nothing more than street repair and trash pick-up from tween you and your opponent? our city government. And unfortunately, even that’s not beHall: As a committed candidate who ing done well! The incumbent visits the African-American has a vision for our great city, I believe communities in an election year, makes promises she has that the mayor should focus not just on the no intention of keeping, and then ignores those communities past or the present, but rather on the future until she has to campaign again. That is unacceptable. of Houston. Unfortunately, the incumbent has not displayed We must demand more from our elected officials. during her last 16 years in public My vision for Houston includes the office, that she has any visionary whole city and especially the AfricanEducation solutions to fixing Houston’s loomAmerican communities that have ing challenges. been ignored by this mayor. These • J.D., Harvard Law I am the only candidate who communities deserve to be shining School has a plan to repair our streets, jewels of our city and be supplied with • Ph.D., Duke University promote economic growth, fix our the same advantages as the west side education system and address the corridor. Under a Hall administration, • M. Div., Duke Divinity many needs of our diverse comneighborhoods like Sunnyside, Acres School munities and neighborhoods – not Homes, Settegast, Denver Harbor, just those of the well-connected Northside and other areas will be the • B.A., University of SC at City Hall. The incumbent has new destinations that Houstonians will Experience divided the city and ignored comlook to for work, play and residence.

• Founder, Hall Law Firm munities for too long. Currently, 65 Defender: What are your plans percent of Houston is unsustainto address the major problems affect• City attorney able and as mayor, I will make ing the African-American commu• Special counsel, Port of sure that we encourage businesses nity? to become involved and put their Hall: It is unacceptable and Houston footprints in those areas to help inexcusable that so many HoustoFamily revitalize communities. nians still live in neighborhoods that • Married to Saundra Unlike the incumbent, a do not have ample job opportunities, Hall administration will take a convenient grocery stores or adequate Turner Hall; two sons leadership role in reducing crime infrastructure investment. Why is it in Houston and taking back our that areas like downtown and the Galstreets from criminals. Public safety is not only a delegated leria are thriving with new businesses and jobs and yet other task for the police. As mayor, I will support our officers and neighborhoods around Houston are completely ignored and deploy new face recognition technology to help deter crime forgotten by City Hall? even when law enforcement is not immediately available.

I believe that all Houstonians are entitled to life, liberty, The fundamental difference between the incumbent and the pursuit of happiness. I also believe that it is hard to and myself is that I believe Houston can become even pursue happiness when the children of tax paying citizens greater and that every community can and should parcan’t safely play outside their own homes. ticipate in the growth and prosperity of our great city of In order to address the problems affecting the African Houston.

American community, we need visionary leadership, not Defender: Why should African-Americans vote empty promises. I am committed to driving businesses to for you? put their footprints in these communities so that everyone Hall: For too long, we have allowed ourselves to excan share in the wealth and abundance of Houston.

10 DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

Dr. Thomas Freeman is surrounded by past and present TSU students.

A conversation with

Dr. Thomas Freeman

W

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

hen Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington began preparing for his role in “The Great Debaters,” he searched for what he called the best debate coach “in the world.”

His search brought him to Dr. Thomas F. Freeman of Texas Southern University, a legendary professor and debate coach with more than 60 years of experience.

Freeman, who recently retired from TSU, served as a professor of psychology and philosophy. He also taught at Morehouse College, Virginia Union University, Houston Community College and Rice University.

At Morehouse, Freeman’s students included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freeman began his career at TSU in 1949 and went on to coach generations of award-winning debate students. Two of his students included the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and the late Congressman Mickey Leland.

In addition to his Freeman speaks lengthy education during TSU’s career, Freeman is the Honors Day longtime pastor of Convocation.

Mt. Horem Baptist Church.

Here, Freeman talks about education yesterday and today.

Defender: What should

ys at TSU. his early da

n during t top) is show Freeman (a

institutions of higher learning focus attention on related to Black students?

Freeman: There isn’t anything different they should focus on. Black students have to move into an international and intercultural world or society. Therefore, they need the same things that any other student needs. I would say special emphasis might be put on the development of strategies that will enable them to operate effectively in a society that involves interaction between people.

Defender: What advice do you give to young people?

Freeman: Some advice that would be valuable to young people is to have recognition of your capabilities and proceed in such a way that you do not allow others to define them. I would say that there is no substitute for excellence. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you do, excellence is respected and is often awarded.

I would advise to avoid the cult of mediocrity. You don’t want to be in the group that says just getting by is enough.

Defender: As a parent, preacher and professor, what advice do you have for families preparing their children for the future?

Freeman: Parents have responsibility of more than bringing a child into the world. They have a responsibility to nurture that child so that they become a responsible adult. So much of what happens in our society grows out of the lack of training and development within the home. In spite of broken families, we have a responsibility to develop a microcosm that will reflect itself in society.

Defender: How does the global, competitive environment in the debate world translate to the competition our children will face in their careers?

Freeman: When we go to Europe there are other

Freeman’s

schools there that have as much to offer as we have, and we have as much to offer as they have. Whatever the standards are, if one doesn’t measure up they lose. How does that translate? On a job there is a thing called “performance examination.” If you don’t perform at the highest levels, you don’t get the best jobs.

Defender: What has been the secret of the TSU debate team’s success all these years?

Freeman: There is no secret, but one of the things is the record before them. When they look back and see the teams that have maintained consistency of excellence of performance, they say to themselves, “I don’t want to be the one to break the tradition.” It is the desire of the students to uphold the reputation of the team that causes them to consistently rank high.

Defender: Why are speech classes important for every student to consider taking?

Freeman: Because everybody talks. The better you can talk, the better your chances are of convincing somebody else that you are the one who should be chosen. If you can’t speak well no one will ever pay any attention to you!

debate stu

dents hav e won worl

d-wide ac claim.

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OCTOBER 24 | 2013 | DEFENDER

11

Federal workers...Continued from page 3 said. “I apologized to them for what the Congress did, and I told them it must never, ever happen again.

Many people came up to me. Some needed a hug, some needed a little encouragement, and some even broke down in tears because of all the stress they had been facing.

“I told them they would continue to have my support, and I thanked them for the good work and their commitment to public service.”

The shutdown, the first in nearly two decades, had a different impact Richard Nock, a on federal workers. materials handling At one end was Rashonda Wilemployee on Capitol Hill, sits outside the Russell liams, a newlywed and the mother Senate Office Building of a 2-year-old and a 4-month old. during his lunch break.

“I was on edge, didn’t know (Photo by Freddie Allen/ NNPA) what to expect,” said Williams, an employee at the General Services Administration. “We knew [Conpressured by the temporary loss of wages is Penelope gress] would get it together, but we Dates, a U.S. Department of Agriculture employee just didn’t know if we would have retro pay.” two years from retirement.

As has been the case in past shutdowns, federal “I’m prepared for emergencies, and I’m really employees will receive retroactive pay for the time ready to retire. But I felt bad for people who were not they lost from work through no fault of their own. prepared,” she said.

“Now I’m on track to pay my mortgage late. We Being back at work, she said, is “like nothing ever would have been able to pay on time without the shuthappened.” down. We’re a new family, so we don’t have as much But something did happen. And creditors being savings as older people might,” Williams explained. creditors, were not interested in the excuses for late One of those “older” people who didn’t feel as

mysolutionis…

to always

payment, however legitimate or wellpublicized.

The shutdown began Oct. 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year. A week later, the Department of Homeland Security provided a letter for furloughed employees to show their creditors.

The shutdown affected non-employees as well, including contractors and those whose businesses depended on federal workers.

Sammy Soliman, a food cart owner who operates across the street from the Department of Transportation, is one such person.

“Everyone is glad to come back, and I am glad they are back,” he said. “The whole city was dead. I lost about 70 percent of my income.”

Richard Nock, who works in materials handling at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, said his furloughed time amounted to a paid minivacation, which is fine with him.

Monte Wallace, an employee at the Administration for Children and Families, is happy about returning to work but worried about the future.

“It feels good to be back but it’s left a bad taste in my mouth,” said Wallace. “Especially since things are still unsettled – this could happen again.

We shouldn’t bear the brunt of Congress’ lack of coming together.”

find

an open elliptical HCC Announces Chancellor Search HCCOpen Announces Chancellor Search and Public Forums and Open Public The HCC governing board will conduct openForums public forums throughout theSearch district’s service area HCC Announces Chancellor atHCC each of the six colleges. The purpose of theChancellor open public forums is to provide information about Announces Search The HCC governing board will conduct open public forums throughout the district’s service area the search process and to solicit the input of all members of HCC and the broader community. and Open Forums at each of the six colleges. Public The purpose of the open public forums is to provide information about The forums Open will also provide opportunity to Forums obtain input concerning the short and long-term and Public HCC Announces Chancellor Search the search process and to solicit the input of all members of HCC and the broader community. priorities for the College and ideal characteristics of thethroughout new chancellor.

This information The governing willthe conduct open the short district’s area The HCC forums will alsoboard provide opportunity to public obtain forums input concerning the andservice long-term The HCC governing board will conduct open public forums throughout the district’s service area will form the foundation for the development of the Chancellor Profile, which will be used by at each offor the six College colleges.and Thethe purpose the open public to provide information about and Open Public Forums priorities the ideal of characteristics of forums the newis chancellor.

This information at each of the six colleges.

The purpose of the open public forums is to provide information about candidates to apply for the position and by the Chancellor Search Advisory Committee members the search process and to solicit the input of all members of HCC and the broader community.

will form the foundation for the development of the Chancellor Profile, which will be used by the search process to solicit the inputto of obtain all members of HCC andthe theshort broader community. toThe evaluate application materials. forums alsoand provide opportunity inputSearch concerning andservice long-term HCC governing board conduct forums throughout the Committee district’s area candidates towill apply for the will position and open by thepublic Chancellor Advisory members The forums will also provide opportunity to obtain input concerning the shortThis andinformation long-term priorities the and ideal of characteristics of forums the newis chancellor. at offor the six College colleges.

Thethe purpose the open public to provide information about to each evaluate application materials. priorities for the College and the ideal characteristics of the new chancellor.

This information will search form the foundation forsolicit the development the Chancellor which will be used by the process and to the input of allofmembers of HCCProfile, and the broader community. will form thetofoundation forposition the development of the Chancellor Profile, which will bemembers used by candidates apply the and by to theobtain Chancellor Advisory The forums will alsofor provide opportunity inputSearch concerning the Committee short and long-term candidates to apply for the position and by the Chancellor Search Advisory Committee members The forumsforare scheduled as follows: to evaluate application materials. priorities the College and the ideal characteristics of the new chancellor. This information to evaluate application materials. will form theare foundation development of the Chancellor Profile, which will be used by The forums scheduledforasthe follows: candidates to apply for the position23, and by the Chancellor Search Advisory Committee members Wednesday, October 2013 HCC Northeast College HCC Coleman College materials.HCC Central College to evaluate application Wednesday, October 23, 2013 Learning HUB Science Building Pinemont Center Auditorium The forums are scheduled as follows: HCC Central College HCC Northeast College HCC Coleman College The forums scheduled as follows: 1300 Holman, Room 100 1265 Pinemont, Room 170 1900 Presslerare Street Learning HUB Science Building Pinemont Center Auditorium Houston, Texas 77004 Houston, Texas 77018 Houston, Texas 77030October Wednesday, 23, 2013 1300 Holman, Room 100 1265 Pinemont, Room 170 1900 Pressler Street 3:00 p.m.

– 4:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

– 7:00 College p.m.

7:30 – 8:30 a.m. October Wednesday, 23, 2013 The a.m. forums are College scheduled as follows: HCC Central College HCC Northeast HCC Coleman Houston, Texas 77004 Houston, Texas 77018 Houston, Texas 77030 HCC Central College HCC Northeast College HCC Coleman College Learning HUB Science Building Pinemont Auditorium 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. Center – 7:00 p.m.

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Learning HUB Science Building Pinemont CenterRoom 170 Auditorium 1300 Holman, Room 100 1265 Pinemont, 1900 Pressler Street Thursday, October 24, 2013 Wednesday, October 23, 2013 1300 Holman, Room 100 1265 Pinemont, Room 170 1900 Pressler Houston, Texas Houston, Texas College 77018 Houston, TexasStreet 77030 HCC Central College HCC Northeast HCC Coleman College HCC Northwest -77004 Spring Branch HCC Southwest HCC Southeast College Thursday, October 24, 2013 Houston, Texas 77004 Houston, Houston, Texas 3:00 p.m.HUB – 4:00 p.m. Building 6:00 Loop p.m. Texas –Auditorium 7:0077018 p.m.

7:30 a.m.

– 8:3077030 a.m.

Learning Science Pinemont Center Auditorium Commons Area West Learning HUB HCC Northwest Spring Branch HCC Southwest HCC Southeast 3:00 p.m.

– 4:00-p.m.

6:00 p.m.

– 7:00 College p.m.

7:30 a.m.

– 8:30College a.m.

1300W. Holman, Room 100 1265West Pinemont, Room 170 1900Rustic Pressler 1010 Sam Houston Pkwy N. 5601 Loop South 6815 St.Street Commons Area West Loop Auditorium Learning HUB Houston, Texas 77004 Houston, Texas 77018 Houston, Texas 77030 Houston, Texas 77043 Houston, Texas 77081 Houston, Texas 77087 Thursday, 10102013 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N. 5601 West Loop South 6815 Rustic St. October 24, Thursday, October 24, 2013 3:00 –– 4:00 6:00 p.m.

7:00p.m. p.m.

7:30 a.m.

8:30a.m. a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00-p.m. p.m.

6:00 ––7:00 8:00 ––9:00 HCC p.m.

Northwest Spring Branch HCCp.m.

Southwest College HCCa.m.

Southeast College Houston, Texas 77043 Houston, Texas 77081 Houston, Texas 77087 HCC Northwest Spring Branch HCC Southwest College HCC Southeast College Commons West p.m.

Loop–Auditorium Learning 12:00 p.m. Area – 1:00 p.m.

6:00 7:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m.HUB – 9:00 a.m.

Commons Area West Learning HUB 10102013 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N. 5601 Loop West Auditorium Loop South 6815 Rustic St. October 24, Thursday, Contact 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N. 5601 WestTexas Loop77081 South 6815 Rustic St. 77087 Houston, Texas 77043 Houston, Houston, Texas HCC Northwest -202-276-1983 Spring Branch (cell) HCC Southwest College HCC Southeast Collegenarcisa_polonio@acct.org, Narcisa Polonio, Ed.D., Houston, Texas 77043 Houston, Texas Houston, Texas 77087 Contact 12:00 p.m.

– 1:00 p.m.(office), 202-595-4300 6:00 p.m.

–Auditorium 7:0077081 p.m.

8:00 a.m.

– 9:00 a.m.lsavona@acct.org, Commons Area West Loop Learning HUB Laurie Savona, Ed.D., 202-775-4474 (cell) 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 202-276-1983 p.m.

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m.

– 9:00 Ed.D., a.m. narcisa_polonio@acct.org, Narcisa Polonio, 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N. (cell)5601 West Loop South 6815 Rustic St. M.A., Jlightner@acct.org, Jeremy Lightner, 202-775-6484 (office) Laurie Savona, (cell) 77081 Houston,202-775-4474 Texas 77043 (office), 202-595-4300 Houston, Texas Houston, TexasEd.D., 77087lsavona@acct.org, Contact Jeremy Lightner, 12:00 p.m.202-775-6484 – 1:00 p.m. (office) 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m.

– 9:00 M.A., a.m. Jlightner@acct.org, Contact Narcisa Polonio, Ed.D., narcisa_polonio@acct.org, 202-276-1983 (cell) Narcisa Polonio,Ed.D., Ed.D.,lsavona@acct.org, narcisa_polonio@acct.org, 202-276-1983 (cell) Laurie Savona, 202-775-4474 (office), 202-595-4300 (cell) Laurie Savona, Jeremy Lightner,Ed.D., M.A.,lsavona@acct.org, Jlightner@acct.org,202-775-4474 202-775-6484(office), (office)202-595-4300 (cell) Contact Jeremy Lightner, M.A., Jlightner@acct.org, 202-775-6484 (office) Narcisa Polonio, Ed.D., narcisa_polonio@acct.org, 202-276-1983 (cell) Laurie Savona, Ed.D., lsavona@acct.org, 202-775-4474 (office), 202-595-4300 (cell) Jeremy Lightner, M.A., Jlightner@acct.org, 202-775-6484 (office)

Join Us for the Open Public Forums Join Us for the Open Public Forums Join Join Us Us for for the the Open Open Public Public Forums Forums Join Us for the Open Public Forums

By working an alternative schedule, I’m helping my community and I get to the gym when it’s less crowded.

From saving fuel costs and avoiding traffic, there are so many reasons to try a Commute Solution for getting back and forth to work. From carpooling and vanpooling to teleworking, or from mass transit to biking, find the right Commute Solution for you.

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Defender ChanSearchFourms .indd 1

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12

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 24 | 2013

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sports

Grambling football in turmoil

G

By MAX EDISON Defender

rambling University is synonymous with college football – championship football. The program was built and carefully crafted for over 50 years by the legendary Eddie Robinson, one of the game’s greatest coaches.

Unfortunately, everything that Robinson carefully cultivated is in danger of being ruined as financial woes and a players’ revolt shake the university at its very foundation.

Recently, push came to shove when Grambling players refused to board the bus to travel to Jackson, Miss. for a scheduled contest against Jackson State. The game was cancelled and forfeited.

The root of the Grambling issue is money, not nearly enough of it. Louisiana State funding to the university has been reduced from $31.6 million to $13.8 million. Nearly 130 staff members have been laid off since 2008. Professors have been asked to carry increased workloads.

The athletic department has been adversely affected as well. In years past, money has been transferred from operating revenue to accommodate athletics, as much as $3.4 million per year.

This year, only $1.8 million could be transferred.

Another $1.2 million in auxiliary funds was moved to athletics, but that cannot be repeated next year.

Cost-cutting measures like this have caused Athletic Director Aaron James to make some tough decisions.

“Losing that money shows up in everything,”

James said. “It shows up in your recruiting budget, in the hotel you stay in, in the food you get.

It means you take a bus to games like last weekend [in Indianapolis].

“We could have spent another $70,000 and taken a charter plane to Indianapolis or we can use that money to help some of the minor sports,” James explained. “Football coaches don’t like that. They say they bring in the money and they want to spend it all, but we have to look at the entire athletic department.”

To make matters worse, a fundraising effort by head coach Doug Williams to handle much needed improvements to the weight room floor was rebuffed and Williams was fired.

The Grambling Legends, an alumni group that is not university-affiliated, raised $11,000 to replace badly worn flooring in the facility.

The same group had ponied up funds for new flooring for the locker room in 2012. The material was purchased, but James and school president Dr. Frank Pogue refused to accept the offering because Williams did not follow the proper university procedure.

The players have now organized and put together an extensive list of grievances. Most of the issues involve sanitation issues, such as mold and mildew through-

out the athletic facility and uniforms not being properly cleaned. In addition, decaying facilities, excessively long bus trips to away games and a lack of adequate food during trips are among the list of concerns.

In the wake of the boycott, interim head coach George Ragsdale, was fired and replaced by defensive coordinator Dennis Winston, the team’s third coach this season.

After missing multiple practices recently, the team, at the insistence of Williams, has agreed to return to practice and continue the season, while efforts are made to resolve their concerns.

Doug Williams, a star quarterback at Grambling and in the NFL, has been fired as the university’s head football coach amid turmoil.

Remembering ‘Bum’ The late Bum Phillips

By MAX EDISON Defender

Houston lost one of its most iconic sports figures with the death of former Oiler head coach O.A. “Bum” Phillips on Oct. 18.

Phillips, who led the Oilers to the AFC championship game in successive years, was larger than life during the “Luv Ya Blue” days. He later coached the New Orleans Saints.

He was known for his cowboy attire and white Stetson hat.

He never wore the hat inside because according to him, “Mama always said you don’t wear your hat indoors.”

Phillips became the Oilers head coach in 1975, which is when I first met him. I was a freshman communications student at

Sam Houston State University. The Oilers had come to Huntsville to announce they were moving training camp to our campus.

I had just arrived at a communications class and the professor told me to head over to the student center for the luncheon; the camera crew was already there. My job was to interview the new coach. I was wearing a pair of apron overalls, earth shoes, near shoulder-length braids and a tennis cap and didn’t have time to go back to the room and change.

I went to that luncheon – which was attended by the top political figures in Walker County – and after it was over I interviewed Phillips. He didn’t gawk at my appearance. He was as cordial and friendly as if I was a national reporter in a tailored suit.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

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h.s.zone

OCTOBER 24 | 2013 DEFENDER

13

sportsbriefs Bush to battle Elkins Bush was a preseason pick to win District 23-5A. Elkins was picked to finish in the middle of an eight-school race. Undefeated Bush (7-0) and oncebeaten Elkins (6-1) will bring 4-0 district ledgers into a matchup (Oct. 25) at Hall Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Bush is coming off a 72-33 victory over Clements. The Broncos finished with nearly 600 yards of total offense, including 400 rushing yards. Quarterback Ronald Monroe rushed for 146 yards on 11 carries and scored on a one-yard TD run.

Monroe passed for 198 yards on 12-of-23 passing and five touchdowns, including two to twin brother Donald Monroe. Elkins will face an unbeaten district opponent for the second week in a row. The Knights defeated Hightower 21-7 recently with quarterback Jonathan Giles running for two scores and passing for another.

Old rivals meet in 20-5A Worthing head coach Brandon Ellis is joined by star players (l. to r.) Alfred Robertson, Traveon Auzenne and Yzerick Oliver.

Worthing flying high after seven-on-seven success we knew we were something special,” Robertson said. “I knew I could pass successfully during seven-on-seven my freshman year.

When they double-team somebody, I just go through my reads The recipe for success during the 2013 season is easy to and find the open man.” pinpoint for Worthing head football coach Brandon Ellis.

Yzerick Oliver excels on offense, defense and special teams A tough non-district schedule that included Huffman and for the Colts. Against Sterling he caught eight passes for 175 St. Pius (the Ft. Bend Marshall game was cancelled due to severe yards, including TD passes of 34, 34 and 38 yards. The senior weather) is part of it. Eighteen of the 24 varsity players are all-district performer recorded an interception on defense and seniors that have either started or played significantly since they returned kicks throughout the contest. were freshmen, which is another key part of the puzzle. Superior “I like scoring touchdowns, but I really like returning punts conditioning is a must because as many as eight starters play both and kickoffs because of the ways. challenge of 11 guys trying Yet Ellis doesn’t to get me,” Oliver said. “I hesitate to reveal why just like to score.” for Brandon Ellis’ thoughts on the no-huddle offense. coming off a 4-6 season in Traveon Auzenne 2012, the Colts have scored had six receptions for 117 30 or more points in four consecutive victories over Washington, yards and a 23-yard TD pass against Sterling. Roderick MaxKashmere, Yates and Sterling. Worthing is in line for an outright well rushed for 123 yards on nine carries and a 19-yard TD run.

District 23-3A championship with three weeks remaining in the Darius Washington reeled in a 27-yard TD pass. regular season.

“We push each other in conditioning drills before and after “It all started with seven-on-seven the past three years,” he practice,” Auzenne said. “That helps us when we go no-huddle said. “We’ve been working at it day in and day out all summer and try to confuse the defense. They’re trying to catch their breath long and it’s finally clicking and transferring into the fall. We and we’re attack mode. We get matchups in our favor that way.” have a quarterback who has grown up and has control of the Worthing’s defense led by Auzenne, Oliver, Arthur Bradoffense.” shaw, Keith Turner, Brandon Smith and Ajee Jordan recorded its Worthing quarterback Alfred Robertson is one of the few first shutout of the season. non-seniors on Worthing’s 2013 varsity football roster. In the The Colts will play Scarborough for homecoming (Oct. Colts’ 62-0 victory over Sterling, Robertson completed 16-of-24 26) at Butler Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. The regular passes for 312 yards and five touchdowns. Guiding Worthing’s season will conclude with games against Jones (Nov. 2) and no-huddle, fast-paced attack, Robertson added the game’s first Furr (Nov. 9). points on a two-yard TD run.

“We’re not trying to get ahead of ourselves,” Ellis said. “I “When we went 15-0 in seven-on-seven over the summer, tell my players to take one dream at a time.”

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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Lamar and Madison will square off at Delmar Stadium (Oct. 26) with a 6 p.m. kickoff. These two District 20-5A rivals used to meet annually for the outright district championship for a span of more than two decades. That era came to a close when former Madison quarterback Vince Young graduated in 2002 and headed to the University of Texas. While Madison has remained a playoff team in the expanded format with four schools advancing to the postseason from each Class 5A district, Lamar has elevated its game to play in a state championship final at the end of the 2012 season. Madison is coming off a 27-7 victory over Westbury while unbeaten Lamar knocked off Sam Houston 49-7.

World Series match-up set Baseball season is still going strong, and the World Series match-up recently began. The Boston Red Sox and the St Louis Cardinals are the participants in the 109th version of the fall classic. The Sox will be led offensively by David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury and Shane Victorino. John Lackey, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Jake Peavy will lead a veteran pitching staff. The Cardinals offense will be led by former Astros Carlos Beltran, Yadier Molina, Matt Holiday and David Freese. The Cards pitching staff features Adam Wainwright, Randy Choate, Edward Mujica and John Axford. Expect an outstanding series featuring two of MLB’s most successful franchises.

Bud Adams dies Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers owner K. S. “Bud” Adams died Oct. 21. He was 90 years old. Adams was a founding member of the American Football League, bringing the professional game to Houston.

Adams’ 409 wins were the most of any current NFL owner. He moved his franchise to Nashville in 1997 after he didn’t get the stadium deal he coveted in Houston. In 2000 the Titans, led by quarterback Steve McNair, led the team to their only Super Bowl appearance, losing to the St Louis Rams. “As a founding owner of the AFL that began play in 1960, Bud saw the potential of pro football and brought the game to new cities and new heights of popularity,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 24 | 2013

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business

Cyber security tips: Protect your business

T

Defender News Services

he Internet allows businesses of all sizes and from any location to reach new and larger markets and provides opportunities to work more efficiently by using computer-based tools.

Whether a business is thinking of adopting cloud computing or just using email and maintaining a website, cyber security should be a part of the plan. Theft of digital information has become the most commonly reported frauds, surpassing physical theft.

Every business that uses the Internet is responsible for creating a culture of security that will enhance business and consumer confidence.

Here are some cyber security tips for businesses from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

1. Train employees in security principles.

Establish basic security practices to protect sensitive business information and communicate them to all employees on a regular basis. Establish rules of behavior describing how to handle and protect customer information and other vital data. Clearly detail the penalties for violating business cyber security policies.

2. Protect computers from viruses and spyware. Install, use and regularly update antivirus and antispyware software on every computer used in your business. Such software is readily available online from a variety of vendors. Most software packages now offer subscriptions to “security service” applications, which provide additional layers of protection. Set the antivirus software to automatically check for updates at a scheduled time of low computer usage, and then set the software to do a scan after the software update.

3. Provide firewall security for your Internet connection. A firewall is set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network. Install and maintain firewalls between your internal network and the Internet. If employees work from home, ensure that their home systems are protected by firewalls.

Install firewalls on all computers including laptops used in conducting your business.

4. Download and install software updates.

All operating system vendors regularly provide patches and updates to their products to correct security problems and improve functionality.

Every business that uses the Internet is responsible for creating a culture of security that will enhance business and consumer confidence.

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.

Configure all software to install such updates automatically.

5. Make backup copies of important data and information. Regularly back up the data on every computer used in your business. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files and accounts receivable/ payable files.

6. Control physical access to computers and network components. Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals.

Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft, so make sure they are stored and locked up when unattended.

7. Secure Wi-Fi networks. If you have a WiFi network for your workplace make sure it is secure and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). In addition, make sure to turn on the encryption so that passwords are required for access. Lastly, it is critical to change the administrative password that was on the device when it was first purchased.

8. Require individual user accounts for each employee. Set up a separate account for each individual and require that strong passwords be used for each account. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel.

9. Limit employee access to information and limit authority to install software.

Do not provide any one employee with access to all data systems. Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems that they need for their jobs, and should not be able to install any software without permission.

10. Regularly change passwords. Over time, passwords that stay the same will be shared among coworkers and can be easily hacked. Change passwords at least every three months.

LEGAL NOTICE Neighborhood Centers Inc. (AGENCY), a non-profit human services organization, announces a Request for Proposal (RFP) #13-13 for Vehicle Rental Services. Interested Vendors can submit a proposal for (RFP) #13-13 for Vehicle Rental Services. The deadline for submitting a proposal is November 25, 2013 by 12:00 PM (CST)*. To receive RFP #13-13, e-mail RFP #13-13, email Ashia Brown, Supply Chain Manager, at abrown@neighborhood-centers.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS INC. ENCOURAGES SMALL AND HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES TO APPLY.

Invitation for Bids Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors and vendors for construction of the following control no. 0050-06-081 on US 290 Segment 9 from East of Mueschke Rd to East of Telge Rd, bid date is November 5, 2013. Quotations may be mailed to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., 1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 or faxed to (512) 707-0798 or emailed to bbiisw@bbiius.com. DBE/HUB contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are available to be reviewed at TxDOT Plans On-line: www.txdot.gov/business/letting-bids/plans-online.html E.O.E. For information contact Brian Ficzeri at (512) 707-0797.

Notice of Revised Record of Decision US 290 Corridor FM 2920 to IH 610, Harris County

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a Revised Record of Decision (ROD) for the US 290 Corridor Project from FM 2920 to IH 610 in Harris County, Texas, CSJ 0050-09-069, etc. In the Revised ROD issued September 26, 2013, the FHWA approved the September 2013 Re-evaluation of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), and the construction of the interim phase project and other design changes. The interim phase project is placement of tolled managed lanes in the center of the expanded US 290 main lanes from IH 610 to SH 99. The Revised ROD supplements the design changes into the previously approved Selected Alternative for the US 290 Corridor Project. This decision confirms that the design changes do not constitute a significant change as described in 23 CFR § 771.129(c).

The 2013 Re-evaluation, Revised ROD, and FEIS are available for review and reproduction at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Houston District Headquarters, 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007 or the US 290 Program Management Consultant office at 2950 North Loop West, Suite 1150, Houston, TX 77092.

Documents are also available for review at www.my290.com. For further information, please contact the US 290 Program office at 1-866-958-7290.

OCTOBER 24 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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chag’splace

Tamesha Brown and Michael Stewart

Charles Lang, Beverly Simon and James Lang

Keith and Shawntell McWilliams

Honoree Dr. Grace Butler, Beth Moore and Dr. Olethia McKenzie

Nohemi McRae and Brett Hickmon

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The Chargois’ Veronica, Chris and Ms. Chag

PRESIDENT’S GALA…..Texas Southern University Walker Entertainment Group, Vincent Powell, Regina President Dr. John M. Rudley hosted the 2013 Belle, Howard Hewett and Chris Walker. Over 600 TSU President’s Gala by honoring six distinguished folks attended the event that was held at the Westin alumni and six community partners who represent Galleria Hotel. Fabulous gala!.....I’M MOVING excellence in achievement. The CANCERFORWARD!.....That’s alumni honorees receiving awards the rallying cry from the summer of Join Yvette Chargois included Ricky Anderson/ Legal 2010 when three Texans touched by Events of the Week Profession; Winfred Frazier/ cancer launched CancerForward: The More photos on defendernetwork.com Media Leader; Dale Hawkins Foundation For Cancer Survivors.

See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads CancerForward is an Internet-based Long/National Community with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. platform that connects and educates Volunteer; Alice G. Mendoza/ cancer survivors, sharing information Health and Pharmacy; Perry that empowers them to move forward with their lives.

J. Miller/Public Administration and Gerald W. By joining the survivor network on the CancerForward Womack/Entrepreneurial Spirit. CenterPoint Energy site at cancerforward.org, individuals can connect to received the Corporate Partner award, Keith J. Davis share experiences and information. Vice president Sr./Media Trendsetter Partner, Houston Endowment/ and general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bobby Philanthropic Partner, the Port of Houston/Legal Dees, hosted a champagne reception honoring several Partner, Rev. William A. and Audrey H. Lawson/ individuals who are cancer survivors. Our own Dr. Community Partners and Roosevelt Petry Jr. and Grace Butler, a 14-year colon cancer survivor and Marlene Petry/Innovative Leadership Partner. founder of Hope Through Grace, Inc,. received the Entertainment was provided by Natalie Foreman,

Dr. Docia Rudley and TSU president Dr. John Rudley

Wondy Weston and Denna Lawal

B-Day girl Charlotte and Nathaniel Raggette

Forward Mover award. The organization’s founder and chair Beth Moore, Shawntell and Keith McWilliams, Dr. Olethia McKenzie, Rachelle Kelly, Anya Calloway-Edwards, Denna Lawal, Wondy Weston, Kelly Hodges, and about 200 individuals attend the event. With CancerForward, no survivor is ever alone.

Continued success!.....B-DAY CELEBRATION…..

Nathaniel Raggette gave his wife Charlotte a fabulous “Roaring ‘20s” theme party to celebrate her 40th birthday. The event was held at The Lakes at County Place and attended by family and friends. Attendees included Alice and Daniel Melchor, Christian Benitez, Alssa Benitez, Gail and Alfred Raggette, Frank, Brooks and Brad Dozier, Sanya and DJ Delahoussaye, Jackie and John Victorian, Joey Victorian, Brandon Jagnanan, Elys Bustos, Veronica and Chris Chargois and Nohemi McRae and Brett Hickmon. The evening was filled with lots of fun and fellowship. The entertainment was provided by Eugene Jack Jr., aka Jblue2. Happy B-Day!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 24 | 2013

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