Houston Defender: October 31, 2013 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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Volume 83 | Number 1

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OPINION GEORGE CURRY looks at GOP targets

P7 Dwight Boykins

Georgia Provost

Jerry Davis

Nov. 5th election

Blacks on the ballot Bruce Austin

H Page 8

FEATURE CONRAD MURRAY released from jail

Carolyn Evans-Shabazz

P10

CHAG’s PLACE OPINION

W. Clyde Lemon

Wanda Adams

Ronald Green

George Thomas recalls radio

Jeremy Lin subject of film

Local jazz trumpeter George Thomas has retired as longtime general manager of KTSU Radio. Find out how Thomas is spending his extra time. Hear what he has to say about the past and future. Read about listeners of color, public radio and Miles Davis.

Houston Rockets guard Jeremy Lin is the subject of a new documentary that explores his beliefs and rise to stardom. Get the details about “Linsanity.” Read Lin’s thoughts on the differences between Houston and New York City. Discover what he has to say about Jesus.

H Page 6

H Page 11

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Yolanda Smith and Rev. Reginald Lillie at NAACP gala

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 31 | 2013

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newstalk

Entrepreneurship summit scheduled

Defender News Services

one-day small business exchange and entrepreneurship summit exploring trends in digital leadership, alternative funding and strategic collaboration will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the United Way Houston, 50 Waugh Drive. It is sponsored by the Houston Area Urban League Entrepreneurship Center, in partnership with the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, National Urban League, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Wells Fargo, Port of Houston and UPS. Attendees will have the opportu-

nity to engage in interactive workshops and informative sessions on long-term financial and marketing strategies to keep one’s business profitable. Panelists include Daryl King (the Principle Partnering Group), William Traylor (AT&T), Cary Yates (Wells Fargo) and State Rep. Ron Reynolds. The keynote speaker is Eric Sonnier, a Harvard MBA and co-founder of Equity Endeavor. A community pitch will award a micro grant of $5,000 to help business owners create and grow jobs within the Houston area. The first 75 participants to register will receive a complimentary ticket to the luncheon. To determine eligibility call 713-393-8725 or email pyates@haul.org.

Take photo ID to vote Texas voters who go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, are required to show photo IDs to cast their ballots. Acceptable forms of photo ID are: • Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) • Texas election identification certificate 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 per-

son’s photograph • United States passport For those who do not have photo IDS, election identification certificates (EICs) are available from DPS driver license offices during regular business hours, on Saturdays at select locations, and at EIC mobile stations. Locally, EIC mobile station locations are at Holman Street Baptist Church, 3501 Holman, and Lone Star College’s Victory Center, 4141 Victory Drive. For information on voting locations call 713-755-6965 or visit harrisvotes.org. For information on EICs visit txdps.state.tx.us.

localbriefs THE HARRIS COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY is suing former CEO Guy Rankin and former board chair Odysseus Lanier for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty to taxpayers. The suit also names the consulting firm of which Lanier is a partner, McConnell, Jones, Lanier & Murphy (MJLM), as well the MFR Group. The suit is a counterclaim against ousted CEO Rankin, who sued the housing authority for failing to pay him severance. The suit said the hiring of MJLM violated housing authority policy because Lanier did not wait one year to perform work after resigning as chair. In addition, the suit names former board

chair Casey Wallace……..EARLY VOTING is a hit with area voters. According to County Clerk Stan Stanart, more than 45,000 people cast ballots the first week of early voting, and another 16,000 ballots were received by mail. “I believe this campaign to notify people to bring their photo ID to the polls has actually raised the public awareness that there’s an election,” Stanart said. Early voting is up in local Black communities as well, which some pundits attribute to the large number of Black candidates on the ballot……..STATE REP. SENFRONIA THOMPSON is speaking out about an important health issue. Thompson, a nine-year

breast cancer survivor, was the keynote speaker at the Governor’s Commission for Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month rally at the State Capitol. “As a breast cancer survivor, I strongly support the importance of conducting self-examinations and getting mammograms yearly to detect this disease early,” she said. “And while this month is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we know it is a year-round fight. Together we need to make everyone aware, no matter how old or how young, no matter what race, sex or religion; breast cancer does not discriminate and can be treated when detected early.”

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Many Southern Blacks will remain uninsured By Freddie Allen NNPA Washington Correspondent

Even if healthcare.gov, the web portal for federal health insurance exchange, worked perfectly, more than 5 million poor, uninsured adults, many of them Black, will continue to go without coverage, because they live in states that didn’t expand Medicaid, according to a recent brief by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Through the Affordable Care Act, the federal government agreed to pay 100 percent of the cost of the Medicaid expansion through 2016 and at least 90 percent through 2020. The Obama administration planned for nationwide expansion of Medicaid, the health insurance program that covers the poor and disabled, setting the Medicaid income eligibility at 138 percent of the federal poverty level, or roughly $27,000 for a family of three. In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that states could decide whether they want to expand Medicaid. More than half of the states, a majority in the southeast, decided not to expand Medicaid. That decision created a coverage gap affecting 27 percent of uninsured adults. “A fifth of people in the coverage gap reside in Texas, which has both a large uninsured population and very limited Medicaid eligibility. Fifteen percent live in Florida, eight percent in Georgia, six percent

live in North Carolina, and another six percent live in Ohio,” the brief said. More than half of all Blacks live in eight states: Texas, Florida, Georgia, New York, California, North Carolina, Illinois, and Maryland. According to the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, “The largest uninsured nonelderly Black populations reside in Florida (718,800), Texas (613,100), and Georgia (594,600). In addition, Blacks comprise a large share of the uninsured population in the District of Columbia (52%), Mississippi (48%), and Louisiana (42%).” Florida, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana chose not to expand Medicaid leaving billions of dol-

lars unspent, forcing many of their citizens to either go without health insurance or to sign up for health insurance on the federal-facilitated marketplace. According to the Kaiser Commission brief, “…With many states opting not to implement the Medicaid expansion, millions of adults will remain outside the reach of the ACA and continue to have limited, if any, option for health coverage: most do not have access to employer-based coverage through a job, few can afford coverage on their own, and most are currently ineligible for public coverage in their state.” The brief continued: “While a small share may be eligible to purchase subsidized coverage through the new Health Insurance Marketplaces, most have incomes below the poverty level and thus will be ineligible for these premium tax credits.” Rachel Garfield, a senior researcher with Kaiser, said that in all states there are people who will continue to be uninsured, because of their immigration status, people who opt to pay the penalty, or people who are exempt from the penalty. “One of the things that’s very important to keep in mind as the law is unfolding is how is outreach working,” Garfield said. “Are people aware of their coverage options? We are going to continue to shine a light on who is being left out and who is falling between the gaps for various reasons.”

Ford sponsors challenge for HBCU students Defender News Services

Are you a student attending a Historically Black College and University who’s interested in giving back to both your community and your university? If so, you are invited to enter the Ford Community Challenge Competition for HBCUs. The competition, which was developed in partnership with the Ford Motor Company Fund, will award up to $75,000 in scholarships, university and community grants to the first-place student team and its project. The program is conducted in partnership with the Tom Joyner and Rickey Smiley morning shows, and encourages HBCU students to design community projects that address pressing local needs.

Students are encouraged to creatively address a tangible, unmet community need that touches at least one of four areas: Mobility, alternative energy, sustainability/water and systematic approaches to meeting community needs. Scholarships will be awarded to the student team, and community grants will be awarded to nonprofits to support implementation of the winning projects. The four teams with the best ideas will be flown to Ford headquarters in December to present their ideas for final judging. Interested students can learn more about the competition and enter it by visiting blackamericaweb. com/hbcuchallenge or rickeysmileymorningshow.com/ hbcuchallenge by Nov. 10.

VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 1 OCTOBER 31, 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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OCTOBER 31 | 2013 | DEFENDER

entertainment

Houston beauty school comes to reality TV

Defender News Services

ranklin Beauty School has been a Texas institution for 98 years. TV viewers far and wide will get an inside look at the Houston-based business when “Houston Beauty” premieres Saturday, Nov. 2 at 9 p.m. on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. “Houston Beauty” follows Glenda “Miss J” Jemison, the owner and director of the school, and the staff and trainees that come from all walks of life. While trying to The cast of “Houston Beauty” can be found at Franklin Beauty School. balance school with their erratic home lives, many With the help of Ms. J and her staff, Franklin students do whatever it students are set on a path for success in both takes to make ends meet, including working behind cosmetology and life. Ms. J runs the school with makeup counters, as kitchen beauticians or exotic her husband and two sons, and is a mother figure to dancers. many of her students. According to the network, the Jemisons “run a Others featured on the show include: tight ship, but they aren’t always prepared for what • Ms. Eley, a good friend of the Jemisons and the will walk through their doors.” school’s drill sergeant

Glenda “Miss J” Jemison is the school’s matriarch and director.

• Ms. Burns, a woman of faith and mentor to students • Mia, a transgender student trying not to return to her life as an escort • Corey, a “diva” at the school who is passionate about hair • Jessica, a mother of two whose husband is deployed in Afghanistan • Queensley, an aspiring celebrity stylist struggling to help support her family Franklin Beauty School was founded by N. A. Franklin in 1915 and was one of the first private cosmetology schools to be licensed in the state of Texas. Its south campus is located on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and its north campus is located on Highway 6 North.

what’sup JENNIFER HUDSON, PATTI LaBELLE, KELLY ROWLAND and JANELLE MONAE are among the performers on BET’s special “Black Girls Rock!” It premieres Sunday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m., and is designed to promote positive images of women of color. LaBelle, QUEEN LATIFAH, VENUS WILLIAMS and MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN are among the honorees…….. CHRIS BROWN is out of jail after being arrested in Washington, D.C. for punching a man who tried to pose in a photograph with him. Prosecutors reduced Brown’s felony assault charge to a misdemeanor. Brown and his bodyguard were arrested outside a hotel after police responded to reports of a fight. Brown’s lawyer said his client committed no crime and will be exonerated of any wrongdoing. Brown is on probation for the 2009 beating of his girlfriend

RIHANNA……..Members of the acapella group TAKE 6 are celebrating their 25th anniversary in the music industry. Take 6 was formed on the campus of Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala. The sextet has won 10 Grammy Awards and two NAACP Image Awards. Member CLAUDE McKNIGHT, the brother of BRIAN McKNIGHT, said artists should strive for uniqueness. “What happens a lot of times is that people hear something and try to do something similar. Do what is uniquely yours. Do something that identifies you so that when people hear you, they don’t say you sound like so and so. You sound like you,” McKnight said……..Academy Award-winner OCTAVIA SPENCER will reprise the role of a mystery writer/amateur detective in “Murder She Wrote” on NBC. It would be the first regular TV role for Spencer, who won an Oscar for “The

Help.” Spencer will portray a hospital administrator who self-publishes her first mystery novel……...The recent premiere of “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” was the highest rated telecast on VH1 in over five years. In addition, TLC’s soundtrack for the film, “20,” jumped from No. 43 to No. 5 on the iTunes overall chart, and jumped to No. 1 on the R&B chart.…….. London native IDRIS ELBA will receive the Britannia Humanitarian Award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles. Elba’s charitable work includes supporting causes related to AIDS/HIV, disadvantaged youths, health and education. Elba won a Golden Globe for his role in the BBC America series “Luther.” He starred opposite BEYONCÉ in the film “Obsessed,” and also appeared in such films as “Pacific Rim,” “Thor” and “American Gangster.”

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 31 | 2013

Thomas reflects on music,

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growth of KTSU

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

or more than 60 years, George Thomas has played the trumpet and loved jazz music. He has played with highly acclaimed artists such as Kirk Whalum, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Joe Sample. In 1995, Thomas became general manager at KTSU radio station, which broadcasts from Texas Southern University. He helped influence Houston’s perspective on jazz and transformed the radio station into a nationally known and respected company. In 2005, under Thomas’ leadership, KTSU opened an 18,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility. It now houses multiple production rooms, an announcer’s room, newsroom, multi-purpose center, internet studio and administrative suite. Thomas has retired from KTSU and was recently honored during a celebration at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Here, he reflects on music and radio. Defender: How did your career in the radio industry begin?

George Thomas

Thomas: I started in radio as an account executive at KYOK. It was one of the first Black radio stations in Houston. Defender: How has KTSU provided exposure for up and coming musical artists? Thomas: KTSU did not have the same restrictions as commercial radio stations. Public radio

stations have a freer range to play different music. In public radio we get to play the music people don’t hear all the time whereas in commercial radio you may hear the same music repeated. That’s the difference between public and commercial radio. One is driven by money and the other is driven by audience support. Defender: What are your hopes for the future of KTSU and other Black-operated radio stations? Thomas: The paradigm of radio is changing so rapidly. You don’t pay for the services you normally get on a radio station. You get in the car and cut on the radio. However, you also have things like satellite radio and internet radio and other places where you can get the same service. Radio, especially public radio, is going through a real change now because not only are you competing with commercial radio but also competing with getting the audience to contribute to the station. The future is complex because there are so many other media companies competing for the same audience. Defender: What are your plans post-retirement? Thomas: I plan to continue promoting and being Continued on Page 14

The Anti-Defamation League has been fighting hate for 100 years Anti-Defamation League, Southwest Region & Houston Symphony present

Houston In Concert Against HATE November 14, 2013, Jones Hall, 8:00 PM FEATURING

Robert Franz

Bun B

Alfre Woodard

Conductor

Musical Guest

Narrator

Marvin D. Nathan Centennial Honoree

An inspirational musical evening celebrating Houston heroes who champion respect & equality for all

Get your tickets NOW from $36 on our website!

HONORING MARVIN D. NATHAN WITH THE ADL CENTENNIAL AWARD AND

RECOGNIZING ADL CENTENNIAL HEROES PROMOTING CIVIL RIGHTS Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Reverend William A. Lawson

FIGHTING ANTI-SEMITISM Celina Fein Walter Kase Bill Morgan Naomi Warren

CHALLENGING HATE & BIGOTRY The Family of James Byrd, Jr. State Senator Rodney Ellis State Representative Senfronia Thompson

SUPPORTING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION Esther Campos Michael Feinberg Dr. Thomas Freeman Carol Shattuck

www.adl.org/houstoninconcert | #houstoninconcertagainsthate For Concert Dinner information, please contact ADL at 713.627.3490

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OCTOBER 31 | 2013 | DEFENDER

opinion Targeted programs

serve elderly, poor

By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Columnist

epublicans have made it clear that their next budget goal is to slash so-called entitlement programs. Democrats have failed to explain to the public that the misnamed programs are valuable and prevent millions of Americans, many of them elderly or children, from living in poverty. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) recently issued a report that found: “Social Security benefits play a vital role in reducing poverty. Without Social Security, 22.2 million more Americans would be poor, according to the latest available Census data (for 2012). “Although most of those whom Social Security keeps out of poverty are elderly, nearly a third are under age 65, including 1 million children. Depending on their design, reductions in Social Security benefits could significantly increase poverty, particularly among the elderly.” The report explained, “Almost 90 percent of people aged 65 and older receive some of their family income from Social Security. Without Social Security benefits, 44.4 percent of elderly Americans would have incomes below the official poverty line, all else being equal; with Social Security benefits, only 9.1 percent do. These benefits lift 15.3 million elderly Americans — including 9.0 million women – above the poverty line.” Medicare has proven equally as effective. Yet, Republicans like to pretend that the U.S. is quickly moving toward an entitlement society. CBPP issued a report last year titled, “Contrary to ‘Entitlement Society’ Rhetoric, Over Nine-Tenths of Entitlement Benefits Go to Elderly, Disabled, or Working Households.” It stated, “More than 90 percent of the benefit dollars that entitlement and other mandatory programs spend go to assist people who are elderly, seriously disabled, or members of working households — not to able-bodied, working-age

Americans who choose not to work. This figure has changed little in the past few years.” It stated, “The claim behind these critiques is clear: federal spending on entitlements and other mandatory programs through which individuals receive benefits is promoting laziness, creating a dependent class of Americans who are losing the desire to work and would rather collect government

benefits than find a job. “Such beliefs are starkly at odds with the basic facts regarding social programs,” the analysis finds. Federal budget and Census data show that, in 2010, 91 percent of the benefit dollars from entitlement and other mandatory programs went to the elderly (people 65 and over), the seriously disabled, and members of working households. People who are neither elderly nor disabled — and do not live in a working household — received only 9 percent of the benefits. The research also shatters another myth, the idea that entitlement programs shift resources for the middle class to the poor. Even with a sluggish economy, Congress seems unwilling to support those on food stamps, now called SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Under the 2009 Recovery Act, recipients received a 13.6 percent temporary boost in benefits. However, that provision is set to expire on Nov. 1, resulting in an $80 a month loss for a family of four. That means SNAP benefits will average less than $1.40 per person per meal in fiscal 2014. Instead of continuing to help those in dire need, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) introduced legislation in September cutting SNAP by at least $39 billion over the next decade. To his credit, President Obama has suggested a more balanced approach, with cuts being matched by closing some of the loopholes for the wealthy. According to the Tax Policy Center, the top fifth of the population receives 66 percent of tax-expenditure benefits, the middle 60 percent of the population receives a little more than 31 percent of tax-expenditure benefits, the bottom fifth receives just 2.8 percent of tax-expenditure benefits and the top 1 percent of the population receives 23.9 percent of taxexpenditure benefits. It’s time for President Obama and Democratic leaders to show that they can stand up to “Teapublicans” more than once.

Black candidates

Stepping up to the plate There are numerous local Black candidates on the ballot for this year’s Nov. 5 election. They include candidates for city government and school boards. We would like to commend them for having the courage to step up to the plate and seek election. It takes time, money, effort and determination to run for office. There are personal appearances to make, forums to attend and hands

to shake. Candidates must stay abreast of the issues and listen to their constituents’ concerns. Candidates are also placed under the microscope and can become targets for character assassination – and these are not high-paying positions they are seeking. It takes a serious commitment on their part. Voters also have a responsibility to elect the best candidates for office, whether that candidate is Black, Hispanic, Asian, Anglo or

Native American. Learn all you can about a candidate before voting. Do they care about the community? Do they have the necessary qualifications? Do you agree with their platforms? Do you agree with their vision? Once you have all the facts, go to the polls and vote, and don’t forget your photo ID, which is required to cast your ballot. We all have the power to make a difference.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 31 | 2013

Houston City Council District B

cover

Nov. 5th el

Blacks o Kathy Blueford-Daniels

Jerry Davis

Four candidates are vying for the District B seat. Kathy Blueford-Daniels is a retired postal worker and founder of BLAC MoM (Black, Latin, Asian and Caucasian Mourners of Murder). Jerry Davis, the incumbent, is founder of the nonprofit Making it Better and co-owner of the Breakfast

Joe Joseph

Kenneth Perkins

Klub, Reggae Hut, and Alley Kat Bar & Lounge. Joe Joseph is founder and CEO of Neighborhood Enrichment Xchange and president of Blocks Organizing Neighborhood Defense. Kenneth Perkins has experience as a police officer.

Local residents go to the polls on Tuesd amendments and two Harris County propo the Astrodome. African-American candidates are runni Independent School District and Houston C The Defender is highlighting the candid

District D

Dwight Boykins

Keith Caldwell

Lana Edwards

Georgia Provost

Assata Richards

Anthony Robinson

Twelve candidates are running for the seat held by Wanda Adams, who could not seek re-election due to term limits. Dwight Boykins is president and CEO of Boykins Consulting Firm and was as an appointee to the Hurricane Ike Relief Fund Board and Oversight Committee of ReBuild Houston. Keith Caldwell has experience as a health care manager and is delegation chair for Precinct 392 and sergeant at arms of Senatorial District 13. Lana Edwards is a retired HISD administrator and has been actively involved in the Democratic Party.

Ivis Johnson

Christina Sanders

Ivis Johnson has experience as a manager, business owner and contractor, and is founder of UrbanWorkforce.com and CityofHoustonemployees.com. Travis McGee is CEO of Jireh Community Life Center and president of Sunnyside Garden/Bayou Estates Civic Club. Larry McKinzie is an experienced teacher and medical technologist. He is a former precinct chairperson and Scott Terrace Civic Club member. Georgia Provost is a business owner, photojournalist and leader with the Texas Metropolitan Organization. Assata Richards is program manager of the Young

Travis McGee

Demetria Smith

Larry McKinzie

Kirk White

Mothers Residential Program at Project Row Houses and vice chair of the Houston Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Anthony Robinson is an Army veteran, lawyer and business owner. Christina Sanders has served as state director of the Texas League of Young Voters Education Fund and policy analyst for State Sen. Rodney Ellis. Demetria Smith is an experienced financial consultant, radio talk show host and founder of the Anti-Poverty Coalition Kirk White is community volunteer, bank branch supervisor, music studio owner and rapper.

defendernetwork.com â&#x20AC;˘ Serving th

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rpage

City Controller

lection

on the ballot By EVAN TAYLOR Defender

day, Nov. 5, to choose elected officials and vote on nine Texas constitutional ositions. One of those propositions involves the issuance of bonds to redevelop

The city controller is the second highest elected official in Houston city government and its chief financial officer. Ronald Green, the incumbent, was elected to the office in 2009 after serving three terms as an at-large council member. Ronald Green

HCC Board

ing for Houston City Council, city controller and the boards of the Houston Community College System. dates as a service to our readers, not as an endorsement.

Bruce Austin

There are three AfricanAmericans vying for Houston Community College trustee positions.

District II

Larry Green

Andrew Burks Jr.

Trebor Gordon

Ann Williams

Roy Cormier

Bruce Austin, the incumbent, is board chairman. He is former director of Harris Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Housing and Community Development and an adjunct professor at TSU and UH-Clear Lake.

District V

Roy A. Cormier is a paramedic and former firefighter with the Houston Fire Department.

District VII

Ann Williams is a business analyst/IT control auditor and member of the Alief ISD board.

HISD Board J. Brad Batteau

C.O. Bradford

District K Larry Green, the incumbent, former CEO of Houston Works USA and former district director with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, is unopposed. At Large Position 2 Andrew Burks Jr., the incumbent, is a minister and telephone company owner who is active in several civic clubs. Trebor Gordon is a minister and Army veteran who is involved in various community organizations.

he Houston area for At Large Position 3 over 80 years

Carolyn Evans-Shabazz

J. Brad Batteau has experience in real estate development and property management and is a community volunteer. At Large Position 4 C.O. Bradford, the incumbent, is an attorney, public safety and security consultant and former Houston police chief. At Large Position 5 Carolyn Evans-Shabazz is a TSU adjunct professor, former HISD teacher and education chair with the NAACP Houston Branch.

Wanda Adams

W. Clyde Lemon

Three candidates are vying for the District IX seat held by Larry Marshall, who is not running for re-election. Wanda Adams, who is leaving City Council, teaches political science at TSU.

Coretta Mallet-Fontenot

W. Clyde Lemon, an attorney, was the District IX trustee before Marshall. Coretta Mallet-Fontenot is a teacher at James H. Law Elementary School.

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 31 | 2013

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Caravan celebrates

African ancestry

Willie “Mukasa Dada” Ricks, an original member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), speaks during the event.

During the Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors in Galveston, participants observe the “door of no return,” symbolizing the enslavement of Africans.

Defender News Services

he National Black United Front (NBUF) recently sponsored the 16th annual Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors on the shores of Galveston, where enslaved Africans were once brought to the United States. Nearly 250 participants dressed in white paid homage to their ancestors and African-Americans who made a difference through the years. The caravan also honored NBUF founders Baba Seydou N’Joya and Baba Jitu Weusi and community activist Ayana Ade, all of whom died this year. The caravan is an interfaith ancestral commemoration that focuses on three areas:

• To offer praise and thanksgiving to the Creator and revered African ancestors • To educate the community on African spirituality, history and culture • To invoke blessings for our community in all worthy endeavors. This year, the caravan began at the NBUF “Black House.” Participants came from such cities as Atlanta, Dallas, San Antonio, Tulsa, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Tupelo, Miss. The ceremony began at the beach with prayers from various faiths such as Christianity, Islam, Hebrew and the Kemetic tradition. The ceremony was based on the West African culture of Yoruba. It included a presentation from the Kouman Kele African Dance & Drum Ensemble and a symbolic walk through “the door of no return.”

Participants pray during the annual event, which is held the third Saturday in October.

Murray released, hopes to practice again Defender News Services

Dr. Conrad Murray was recently released from the Los Angeles County jail after serving two years of a four-year sentence for causing Michael Jackson’s death. Murray, who operated a clinic in Acres Homes, hopes to get his medical licenses reinstated in Texas, California and Nevada. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Nov. 2011 and was sentenced to county jail. A jury concluded that Murray’s negligence led to Jackson’s death from an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol. Murray

became eligible for parole because of California sentencing rules. A sheriff’s spokesman described Murray as an exemplary inmate. He was kept away from the general inmate population during his time in the jail. Murray, now 60, was hired as Jackson’s personal physician in 2009. According to court documents, over the course of six weeks, he administered a nightly intravenous drip of propofol to Jackson. Jackson died on June 25, 2009 of acute propofol intoxication. He also had traces of six prescription drugs in his system. Murray’s attorney, Valerie Wass, said she is optimistic about his future. “I believe he will practice medicine again someday, somewhere,” she said.

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OCTOBER 31 | 2013 | DEFENDER

Rocket Jeremy Lin

subject of documentary By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

eremy Lin was born in Los Angeles in 1988 to Taiwanese immigrant parents. Encouraged by his father, he developed a love of basketball at an early age. Raised in a Christian family, Jeremy said his faith guided and supported him as he chased his hoop dream of playing basketball in the NBA. Known for his relentless work off court and on, the young phenom led his Palo Alto high school team to a state title against a nationallyranked, overwhelming favorite. Despite his all-state level of play, no Division 1 college recruited Lin. So he enrolled in Harvard University, which does not offer athletic scholarships. Undrafted by the NBA out of college, he nevertheless impressed scouts in the summer league, going up against the No. 1 draft pick. He was eventually signed – but later cut – by the Golden State Warriors. A brief stint in Houston ended unceremoniously on Christmas Day, 2011. Lin was subsequently picked up by the New York Knicks. In early 2012, on the verge of being cut again, he rose to prominence as a starter, unlikely team leader and improbable NBA sensation. “Linsanity” was born. Lin returned to the Rockets as a starting point guard and landed a three-year, $25 million deal. Whether facing racial taunts as a child, or being underestimated on the court, Lin consistently points to his faith as his means of dealing with both disappointment and success. Here, he talks about “Linsanity,” the new documentary chronicling both his commitment to Christ and his meteoric rise to superstardom. KW: Why did you allow a film crew to shoot this documentary, especially since they started following you around while you were still at Harvard, well before you became an overnight NBA sensation? JL: I agreed to film after my rookie year in Golden State. I was more used to cameras and felt that my journey to the NBA was a story worth sharing. Little did we know how much bigger the platform and documentary would become after “Linsanity.” KW: You were raised by a father who loved basketball and a mother who encouraged you to pursue your dream. But would you say that they put even

(Left) Guard Jeremy Lin is the subject of a documentary titled “Linsanity.”

(Top) The film chronicles Lin’s commitment to Christ and rise to stardom.

“Faith, family, academics and then sports were the order of priorities in my family.” Lin said he felt that his journey to the NBA “was a story worth sharing.”

more of an emphasis on faith, family and academics? JL: Absolutely. Faith, family, academics and then sports were the order of priorities in my family. My parents really stuck to these principles when raising me and my two brothers. As long as we took care of everything, they let us play as much basketball as we wanted. KW: What’s the difference between playing for a New York team and playing for the Rockets, a Texas team? JL: The biggest difference is the change in culture in terms of the city. New York is fast- paced, with enthusiastic fans and lots of media attention. Houston is

slower-paced and there’s more of a Southern culture to the city. But both cities have unbelievable food. KW: What was your best career decision? JL: My best career decision was probably not giving up when I wanted to. God as well as my family and friends were there for me during my toughest times. KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps? JL: First, get to know who Jesus Christ is, or at least explore a relationship with Him. Second, have fun! Third, pursue your passion wholeheartedly. Never let someone else tell you what you aren’t capable of.

SPORTS EDITORS IN THE NATION

Defender

Darrell Ardison & Max Edison | NNPA: Black Press of America

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 31 | 2013

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sports Bralon Addison

Former Hightower star Addison excels at Oregon

By MAX EDISON Defender

he Oregon Ducks are the nation’s No. 2 ranked team in college football. They boast a potent offense that scores points like it’s an EA Sports video game. A key component of the Ducks explosive offensive attack is a resident of Missouri City, sophomore wide receiver Bralon Addison. Addison, an All-State and All-American quarterback at Hightower High School, led the Hurricanes to the state finals as a senior in 2011. He then decided to take his electrifying talent to the great northwest and football powerhouse Oregon. He has emerged as a versatile starter in his second season. For many Addison fans, his decision to attend Oregon was a major surprise. He had previously given a non-binding verbal commitment to Texas A&M University, but a coaching change in College Station caused Addison to reevaluate his decision and the Ducks were the benefactor. “I thought Oregon would be a good place for me because of the style of play and [its] wide open offense with talented players,” he said. “I knew the reputation of the program and it was something I knew I wanted to be a part of.” For many skilled position athletes, the reputation of Oregon and its elite pool of talent would have been intimidating. It was not an issue for Addison. “There was never any doubt about fitting in with the caliber of guys that were already here,” he said. “I was confident in my ability. I probably could have gone some place where I could have gotten the ball a whole lot more, but winning was important to me.” At Oregon, Addison had to adjust to learning a complicated new offense and a new position as well, wide receiver. His experience as a quarterback worked to his advantage.

Addison, now a wide receiver at the University of Oregon, played quarterback at Hightower High School. (Photos by Eric Evans)

“Playing quarterback in high school definitely helped me with the transition to receiver,” he said. “Understanding defensive schemes, reading coverages, knowing where the soft spots are in a secondary rotation – all those things that you learn as a quarterback are invaluable to a receiver running routes.” An unselfish player, Addison has blossomed into a complete receiver. He not only runs great routes, but he catches the ball consistently. At 5-feet-10 and 181 pounds, he has developed a reputation as an outstanding downfield blocker and draws comparisons to former Steeler Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward. “When I was in high school our coach used to always get on our receivers about the importance of blocking down field. When I got [to Oregon] I heard

the same thing from [offensive coordinator Scott Frost]. With our talent at running back a key block downfield can mean the difference between a short gain and a big play.” Through eight games, the Ducks are undefeated and Addison is tied for the team lead in receptions (38 for 609 yards and 7 TDs). Apparently, he didn’t feel like he was busy enough so he convinced the Oregon coaching staff to let him try his hand at returning punts. “Returning punts has always been one of my favorite things to do, but I hadn’t done it much since my sophomore year in high school,” he said. “My junior year was when I moved to quarterback I was too valuable to the team to continue. I talked to the coaches last year and told them if they ever needed me to I could. This year they gave me a chance and I think they’ve been pretty pleased.” They are pleased. Addison now leads the Pac-12 conference in punt returns averaging 19 yards per return. He was named Pac-12 Player of the Week (special teams) after tying a school-record when he returned two punts for touchdowns (142 yards gained) against Cal, including a career-high return of 75 yards. After coming close to winning a state championship in high school, Addison has set his sights on loftier heights at Oregon. “The goal is to win our conference title first and then hopefully, have a shot at a national title. If I can accomplish that it will make up for missing out in high school.”

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs North Shore hosts La Porte This game has decided the District 21-5A championship the past three years and this year is no different. La Porte has one district loss to Deer Park while North Shore is unbeaten (8-0) and ranked among the state’s Top Five Class 5A schools. The game will be played at Galena Park ISD Stadium on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. La Porte will try to create running lanes for Britt Grant who is coming off a 205-yard, two touchdown performance in the Bulldogs’ 35-14 victory over Channelview. After trailing Beaumont West Brook 7-0, North Shore scored a total of 40 points in the second and third quarters to win 4614. Micah Long had TD runs of nine and six yards to fuel the Mustangs.

Kashmere to battle Yates Kashmere coach Garry Dunham is joined by quarterback A’Darrion Christie and DB Albert Davis. (Photo by Darrell K. Ardison)

Kashmere’s Dunham looking for leaders

Another Kashmere senior leader is Albert Davis, who recorded two interceptions against Jones. “He had a good game,” Dunham said. “He’s stepped up his game. We played him at running back for three years and this year we moved oing into the District 23-3A showdown him to defensive back. He also does a good job as our with rival Yates, Kashmere head football punter.” coach Garry Dunham is still searching for Davis, who also kicks the extra points, takes his senior one missing element from his team. leadership role seriously. The 4-3 Rams are coming “I just want to help the team out by doing my part,” he off a 34-22 victory over Jones, a must-win as Kashmere said. “I wasn’t thinking about making interceptions going into closes in on a berth in the postseason. the game. I wanted us to play solid defense and make them “Both teams had a lot to play for and Jones work for whatever they got. played us tough,” Dunham said. “The winner is almost “We have a lot of underclassmen on the team and the guaranteed a spot in the seniors have to provide playoffs. We had our the leadership,” Davis share of turnovers and said. “This is our senior we kind of played flat in to find out how coach Dunham fields three year and we don’t my opinion. But a win is teams with an enrollment of less than 500. want to just make the a win.” playoffs. We want to go Kashmere quarterfar in the playoffs.” back A’Darrion Christie rushed for a team-high 90 yards on Senior linebacker Marquel Green intercepted a Jones pass 13 carries and scored the first three touchdowns of the game and returned it 16 yards for a touchdown to give Kashmere a against Jones. Yet Dunham said the junior missed some opcommanding 28-8 edge in the third quarter against Jones. portunities in the passing game. Christie completed 3-of-10 Kashmere meets Yates Nov. 2 at Barnett Stadium with a passes for 65 yards. 6 p.m. kickoff. The Rams close out the regular season Nov. 8 “[Christie] was making the wrong decision on some against Sterling at Dyer Stadium. Kashmere is 3-2 in District of his reads,” Dunham said. “We made some adjustments at 23-3A. One more district win will secure Kashmere a playoff halftime and he came back and did what we needed him to berth. do. Christie is looking forward to the challenge of playing “We need a few more leaders on this team,” Dunham Yates with so much on the line. said. “A lot of people don’t understand. Christie and some of “These are the kind of games that the players look forthe others are young kids. So we’ve been working on leaderward to. If our defense plays like they did today and can give ship lately. Jeremiah Stevenson provides it on defense. But I our offense some momentum, we should be able to score and don’t have it on offense.” beat them,” Christie said.

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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Fans may need to take a calculator to keep up with the scoring in this battle of perennial playoff qualifiers. Yates employs a two-quarterback tandem in junior Anthony Franklin and senior Brandon Hayes. Both will try to get the ball in the hands of wide receiver Ma’Cajah Freeman who is a touchdown-making machine. Bruce Wilson is the Lions’ top running back. Kashmere defensive back Albert Davis figures to spend a lot of time shadowing Freeman in this contest. Defensive end Jeremiah Stevenson anchors the Rams’ run defense. Kashmere quarterback A’Darrion Christie will have to be on his “A” game passing the football to open up the rushing game led by Donyel Glaspie. Wide receiver Joseph Cormier is one of Christie’s favorite targets. Kashmere is the defending District 23-3A champion.

Wallace wins in NASCAR Darrell Wallace Jr. became the second Black driver to win a national NASCAR event and the first since 1963 when he recently won the truck series race at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. A product of NASCAR’s diversity program, the 20-year-old Wallace said the significance of his accomplishment has taken a little time to sink in. “It hasn’t hit me yet,” he said. “I guess [it will] tomorrow or whatever. It usually takes a couple days for a big win to settle in.” Wendell Scott won a race in Jacksonville, Fla. in 1963 in the sport’s premier series to become the first Africa-American to win a national event.

Serena wraps up season Serena Williams finished a simply dominant year of tennis recently winning her 11th title when she captured her second consecutive WTA Championships. She became the eighth woman to win 11 or more titles in a year and the first since Martina Hingis had 12 in 1997. Serena concluded the season with a phenomenal 78-4 record, and is the No. 1 ranked female player. The win brought her prize money total for the year to $12,385,572, the third highest earning year total in history, male or female. “It was an awesome year of tennis,” Williams proclaimed. The amazing thing about Serena’s year of dominance is the fact that she’s playing the best tennis of her career at the “advanced” age of 32.

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Thomas...Continued from page 6

Notice of Public Hearing

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at 12 noon to receive public comment about proposed January 2014 service changes. The proposed service changes include: Implementation of new Sunday service on the 32; a new weekday route, the 71 Cottage Grove; METRO Day Pass schedule adjustments (to be adjusted as required); schedule changes to the 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 18, 32, 46, 49, 52, 53, 56, 59, 65, 70, 78, 81, 82, 87, 108, 132, 137, 163, 214, 216, 217, 219, 221, and 222 bus routes; route changes to the 18, 50, 52, 53, 66, 70, 78, 81, 82, 132, 216, and 219 bus routes; closure of the Pinemont Park & Ride Lot; and equipment changes to the 6, 70, 72, 75, 83, and 102 bus routes.

involved in music. I plan to continue the Corporation for Public Broadcastplaying with my band, George Thomas ing, National Public Radio and Public & Friends, and promoting jazz music. Radio International. We were also able Defender: Which artists influto get a grant from Corporation for enced your music? Public Broadcasting and get the station Thomas: I’m a Miles Davis fan. certified. This meant that we could get He was a trumpet player I admired programming from NPR and Public coming up during the 1950s and ‘60s Radio International. We created proDefender: What have been some grams that were specifically designed of the highlights of your career? for audiences of color. That was a great Thomas: KTSU would be a main achievement in getting the powers highlight. When I came to KTSU it that be to fund the African-American was just a radio station. We managed public radio consortium and to present to get the radio station affiliated with T:4.79”programs to audiences of color.

LEGAL NOTICE

The public hearing will be held in the METRO Board Room on the 2nd floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, TX (served by METRO Routes 3, 9, 11, 15, 24, 30, 44, 52, 56, 60, 66, 77, 78, 79, 88, 102, 108, 137, 249, and METRORail). The meeting will also be streamed live on www.RideMETRO.org.

Game #

Game Name / Odds

Official Close of Game

End Validations Date

1441

The Golden Ticket Overall Odds are 1 in 3.33

$10

11/8/13

5/7/14

1517

3X Multiplier Overall Odds are 1 in 3.78

1/1/14

6/30/14

1401

Texas Lottery Black-Series IV Overall Odds are 1 in 3.29

$10

1/1/14

6/30/14

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas Education. © 2013 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

How to Comment about the Service Change You may attend the public hearing, or write to us at METRO, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Include “ATTN: January 2014 Service Changes” as appropriate. You may also fax your comments to (713) 652-7956 with a subject line referencing the January 2014 Service Change, call METRO’s Customer Service line at (713) 6354000 with your comments or visit METRO’s website at 1 TX8105_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_1031.indd RideMETRO.org to make comments. Comments should be received by METRO no later than the date and time of the Public 10-23-2013 2:43 PM TOMMY-MPRO from saved at Meeting. job info

Help for People with Disabilities For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Please call (713) 750-4271 or (713) 635-6993 (for persons with a hearing impairment) a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public hearing. job # client headline/tag trim bleed live color setup vendor/pub media type die cut

2. METRO does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities. 3. METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its transit services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

RideMETRO.org | 713.635.4000

Tommy Salazar / Eddie Jacobson

approvals

TX8105 TEXAS LOTTERY NOVEMBER EOG AD 4.79” x 3.25” None None BW HOUSTON DEFENDER NEWSPAPER None

Language Interpretation Any person who requires language interpretation or special communication accommodations is encouraged to contact METRO 206 east ninth street • austin, tx 78701 Community Outreach at (713) 739-4018, or via email at t 512.479.6200 f 512.479.6024 km13@ridemetro.org. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your needs. 1. This public hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration’s Circular 9030.1D, published May 1, 2010, page IV-13.

T:3.25”

Copies of proposed timetables and maps will be available Friday, October 25, 2013 for public review at the following locations: • Online - RideMETRO.org • METRO Administration Building - 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays, and at our three METRO Outreach Offices located in: ○ Las Palmas Shopping Center at 6215 Harrisburg (served by Route 50) ○ Palm Center at 5330 Griggs, Suite A104 (served by Routes 5, 77) ○ 2613 Fulton (served by Routes 15, 78)

These Texas Lottery Commission Scratch-Off games will be closing soon:

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OCTOBER 31 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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defendernetwork.com WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED….. With this year’s theme, “We Shall Not Be Moved,” the NAACP Houston Branch celebrated its 95th Annual Freedom Fund Awards gala at the Hilton Americas Hotel. Anthony Chase, chairman and CEO of ChaseSource, received the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award. The President’s Award was presented to attorney Taft Foley, the Foley Law Firm; Adrian Garcia, Harris County Sheriff and Charles McClelland, Houston Police chief. Over 600 folks attended this fabulous gala, including Defender Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles, Becky McClanahan, Rev. William Lawson, Rev. Dr. Marcus Cosby, Howard Jefferson, Dr. James Douglas and Congressman Al Green. We salute the honorary co-chairs Jodie Jiles and David McClanahan, NAACP Houston Branch president Rev. Reginald Lillie and executive director Yolanda Smith for a spectacular event. Continued success!..... PARTY TIME.....Messieurs et Mesdames Social Club was established in 1975 to provide social and recreational events for its members and their families. Charter members of the club had ties to Louisiana and were looking for a way to celebrate marriage and family with others, so each month a member couple hosts a meeting in their home, where there is always great food and fellowship. One of their popular events is a costume party where you let your imagination run wild and dress as your favorite character. Check out our website at defendernetwork.com to see all the characters. Members include Josena and Richard Auzenne, Taffney and Tyron Battle, Crystal and Roderick Brown, Lestavia and Andre’ Duplantier, Devra and Jon-Al Duplantier, Melanie and Bruce Johnson, Michelle and Steven Peterson, Lesia and Cleveland Robinson, GiGi and Leonard Scott, Dawana and Carl Scott and Jakki and Tim Warren. Great party!

chag’splace

Jodie and Sonceria Messiah-Jiles and Becky and David McClanahan

Taft Foley II, Anthony Chase, Charles McClelland and Adrian Garcia

Yolanda Smith and Rev. Reginald Lillie

Roderick and Crystal Donatto Brown

Join Yvette Chargois

Events of the Week

More photos on defendernetwork.com See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

Cleveland and Lesia Robinson and Michelle and Steve Peterson

Leonard and GiGi Scott

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