Houston Defender: October 31, 2019

FEATURE

TYLER PERRY TO HOST THE DEMOCRATIC DEBATES AT HIS ATLANTA STUDIOS P5

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Volume 89 | Number 2 OCTOBER 31, 2019 |FREE

NEWSTALK RODNEY ELLIS hopeful about bail reform

Nov. 5th

P2 NATIONAL

H PAGE 8

JOHN COYNERS former congressman dies at 90

P4 H.S. SPORTS AARON WILSON ball-hawking at Bellaire

P15

Prince

Tyson Chandler

The highly anticipated collaboration, “The Beautiful Ones,” is ready for Prince fans to read as many continue to mourn, propelling the 33-year-old journalist who co-wrote the book into the spotlight to explain how he sorted it all out.

The NBA veteran is bringing energy to the Rockets, constantly redefining his role within that new team. It can also seem daunting at times for Chandler, who signed with the Rockets this offseason as a backup in the post. Find out how he’s adjusting.

H PAGE 6

H PAGE 14

memoir released

brings new energy

TOP EVENTS

Licia Green and Yvette “Chag” Chargois at the signing of a book about Mickey Leland.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 31 | 2019

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Fate of bail lawsuit lies with judge “I’m proud to be a part of this historic effort to help build a better, safer system that will protect our Constitutional rights and our communiA federal judge will decide whether to grant final ties.” approval of the historic settlement in O’Donnell v.

Supporters of the proposed legal settlement Harris County, the lawsuit challenging the county’s that would ensure most Harris County misdemisdemeanor bail system. meanor defendants are quickly released and don’t A final fairness hearing in the lawsuit was recently languish behind bars because they can’t afford bail held in U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal’s court, and said that opponents are telling “scare stories” about followed Rosenthal’s preliminary approval of a prodangerous criminals to try and scuttle the deal. posed consent decree that would transform the county’s During the three-hour hearing, law enforcemisdemeanor bail system. ment officials told Rosenthal that they are in A staffer with Rosenthal’s court said she will County officials and bail reform advocates responding to the fairness hearing included favor of bail reform in Harris County, but that the make a final ruling at a later date, but did not specify (l. to r.) Criminal Court-at-Law Judge Darrell Jordan, County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, proposed settlement doesn’t do enough to ensure the when the decision could be announced. plaintiffs’ attorney Alec Karakatsanis, Court-at-Law Judge Genesis Draper and Carroll safety of the public and crime victims.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis said Robinson.

Under the agreement, nearly all misdemeanor the hearing was an important step in the fight for bail final fairness hearing in the bail reform lawsuit is a critical step defendants would be released on personal recognizance bonds reform. toward ending Harris County’s unfair and discriminatory misdethat require no money be paid, usually within a few hours after “After decades of unequal justice that destabilized famimeanor cash bail system that drove the mass incarceration of being taken into custody. lies, destroyed lives and made our communities less safe, the poor people and communities of color,” Ellis said.

Defender News Services

New light shed on death of Maleah tampering with a corpse and injury to a child/serious bodily New information has injury. been released detailing what At first, Vence happened to 4-year-old Maclaimed kidnappers had leah Davis of Houston before taken the girl. Nearly a she died. month later, on May 31, It was already deterVence reportedly shared mined that Maleah was where Maleah’s body injured when Derion Vence, with community activist 27, allegedly hit her with his The remains of 4-year-old Quanell X in a jailhouse Maleah Davis were found hand and a blunt object, but nearly one month after she meeting. court documents recently went missing.

Maleah’s remains released revealed that Vence were found in a trash also blocked her airway with bag, dumped on the side an unknown object. of an Arkansas road. Her cause of death Vence, the child’s stepfather, was ruled homicidal violence, however, remains in jail and is charged with Vence claimed it was an accident.

Defender News Services

FROST BANK THIRD WARD GROUNDBREAKING Frost Bank recently held a groundbreaking ceremony with bank executives, elected officials and local VIPs at its Third Ward Financial Center building site, 3432 Scott St. The new Third Ward center is part of Frost’s Houston-area expansion plan announced last year and is expected to open sometime in the first half of 2020. Frost currently operates 138 financial centers across Texas, including 39 in the Houston region.

localbriefs RENTERS IN TEXAS COUNTIES whose homes and property were damaged during Tropical Storm Imelda may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Aid is available to residents of Harris, Chambers, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Orange and San Jacinto counties who incurred losses from Sept.

17-23. There are federal grants that can help pay for temporary housing. The rental grants are for a 30-day period, subject to review until renters’ previous homes are livable or they find another home. Also, the SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to help Texas renters repair or replace disaster-damaged personal property, including automobiles. Both renters and homeowners

may also be eligible for Other Needs Assistance (ONA) through FEMA. Call 800-621-3362 or visit www.disasterassistance. gov........FORT BEND ISD HAS BEEN AWARDED a grant from the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division to establish eight school-based mental health centers at campuses in the Hightower, Marshall and Willowridge high school feeder patterns.

The nearly $1.5 million grant was awarded under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 and will be used to cover the cost of the mental health clinics startup as well as for the therapeutic services the clinic staff will provide. All district students, parents, and staff who have been victims of crimes, including victims of

domestic violence, witnesses to a crime or impacted by crime and victims of bullying, can receive counseling and therapeutic services from licensed clinicians at no charge. The district hopes to make services available in early January 2020……..

HOUSTON HAS BEEN AWARDED $9.7 MILLION from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD awarded a total of $17.6 million to four grantees in the Texas to protect children and families from lead-based paint and home health hazards. The City of Houston will be awarded $9,100,000 in Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program funding and $600,000 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding.

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OCTOBER 31 | 2019 | DEFENDER

JOIN US!

3

We recommend Sylvester Turner OCTOBER 20, 2019

do the right Turner was willing toas the hard thing even when it w Houston needs, thing. That’s the visionmend Sylvester and it’s why we recomr mayor.

Turner, once again, fo

We choose to rise above all the noise, wild accusations, deeply offensive attacks and latent — and sometimes blatant— bigotry.

Join us — and choose a mayor who is lifting every voice in Houston; a mayor who brings Houstonians together instead of trashing our city and pitting one group against another.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Congressman Al Green

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia

State Senator John Whitmire

State Senator.

Borris Miles

State Rep. Alma Allen

State Rep. Garnet Coleman

State Rep. Harold Dutton

State Rep. Ana Hernandez

State Rep. Christina Morales

State Rep. Ron Reynolds

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo

Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis

Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage

State Rep. Shawn Thierry

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson

State Rep. Hubert Vo

State Rep. Armando Walle

State Rep. Gene Wu

Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen

Constable Alan Rosen

Harris County Constable May Walker

Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale

Reverend William A. Lawson

Service Employees International Union TX

Houston Police Officers

VOTE TUESDAY

Municipal Employees

Meyerland Democrats

Sierra Club Houston & Lone Star Chapters

Latino Democrats Communication Workers

Houston 80-20 Asian American PAC

Houston GLBT Caucus

Planned Parenthood Texas Votes

SYLVESTER TURNER

FOR MAYOR

P O L . A DV. SY LVEST ER T U RN E R CA M PA I GN

Let’s unite behind the one candidate for mayor who is making a difference: MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 31 | 2019

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national

Former Congressman John Conyers dead at 90 people,” U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who now represents Conyers’ district, tweeted.

“Most of us from Michigan loved our conFormer U.S. Congressman John Conyers, who gressman,” said Hiram Jackson, president and led a 15-year fight to pass legislation that would CEO of Real Times Media. “He was idolized and make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a fedwas absolutely an icon. Not only was he an icon eral holiday, died on Oct. 27. He was 90. of the Civil Rights MoveThe longtime Michigan ment but we looked to him for Democrat represented what leadership. This is a massive is now the state’s 13th Conloss. All of us in business, the gressional District (which clergy, the community, respectincludes parts of western ed, admired and aspired to be Detroit) for more than 50 like John Conyers.” years. Conyers resigned in Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis 2017 following allegations Jr., president and CEO of the of sexual harassment against National Newspaper Publishformer employees. ers Association (NNPA), said, Conyers was born in “Congressman John Conyers Detroit in 1929. He was decades ago held the first U.S. elected to Congress in 1965 Congressional hearings on and immediately became a racially-motivated police bruforceful voice in the Civil tality; led the House judiciary Rights Movement, co-sponhearings on criminal justice soring the Voting Rights Act and prison reform in America; of that same year. was co-founder of the CongresConyers was the first sional Black Caucus (and was a African-American to chair leading congressional advothe powerful House Judicate for the freedom of Angela ciary Committee and helped Davis, the Wilmington Ten and spearhead the 1994 Violence The late John Conyers represented parts of Michigan for more than 50 years. all political prisoners in the against Women Act. United States.

Conyers and 12 other “Conyers was a ConstituAfrican American members of the House of Representatives founded the Con- tional scholar and political visionary whose longstanding vision for freedom, justice and equality gressional Black Caucus in 1971. was unparalleled in the Congress of the United “We always knew where he stood on issues States,” Chavis said. of equality and civil rights in the fight for the NNPA Newswire

U.S.briefs PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP APPEARED AT BENEDICT COLLEGE, an HBCU in Columbia, S.C. While more than 200 people attended the event, only seven were students. Trump was at the school to receive an award. It was his first appearance at an HBCU and an effort to reach out beyond his usual base of support. The mayor of Columbia said the attendees were “brought in” from somewhere else. The school said they wanted more students to attend, but the White House maintained control of organizing the event.

As far as the event itself, Trump was named the winner of the Bipartisan Justice Award from the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center, a nonprofit organization founded by 20 Black Republicans and 20 Black Democrats in 2015.

The award is given annually to a public servant who has demonstrated the ability to work across the aisle to achieve meaningful progress in reforming the criminal justice system, according to the White House…….A NEW MEXICO POLICE OFFICER IS OFF THE FORCE after body camera footage captured him slamming an 11-year-old girl to the ground while ignoring school officials’ commands to release her. Farmington police officer Zachary Christensen resigned after bodycam footage taken on Aug. 27 showed him wrestling the sobbing girl after she was accused of being disruptive at her middle school, including taking extra milk from the cafeteria.…….A NEW REPORT REVEALED THAT BLACK PEDESTRIANS are disproportionately stopped and frisked on the streets of Chicago.

Even though Black people only represent about 30 percent of the city’s population, more than 70 percent of the stops initiated under the Chicago Police Department’s “stop and frisk” practice involved an African American pedestrian, according to the report. Only about 10 percent of those stop-and-frisk encounters involved a white pedestrian, with 20 percent being Hispanic, according to the report.

Most Americans oppose slavery reparations Associated Press

Few Americans are in favor of giving reparations to descendants of enslaved Black people in the United States, a poll shows, even as the idea has gained momentum among Democratic presidential contenders.

Only 29% of Americans say the government should pay cash reparations, according to the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.

The poll reveals a large divide between Americans of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Most Blacks, 74%, favor reparations, compared with 15% of whites. Among Hispanics, 44% favor reparations.

Poll respondents also were sharply divided by race on whether the U.S. government should issue an apology for slavery: 64% of white Americans oppose a government apology, while 77% of Blacks and 64% of Hispanics believe an apology is due. Overall, 46% of Americans favor and 52% oppose a national apology.

Alicia Cheek, 56, of Asheboro, N.C., who is Black, opposes both reparations and a government apology, saying white people today “can’t be liable for what their ancestors did.”

The nation is marking 400 years since the first slave ship sailed to what would become the United States in 1619. Over the next two centuries, more than 300,000 men, women and children were forcibly brought to the U.S. from Africa.

VOLUME 89 • NUMBER 2 OCTOBER 31, 2019 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers

Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Editors ReShonda Tate Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Jodie B. Jiles Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For digital subscriptions, visit www.DefenderNetwork.com/ subscribe. No paper subscriptions are available. All material covered by 2019 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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OCTOBER 31 | 2019 | DEFENDER

Tyler Perry Studios to host the next Democratic debate Defender News Service

The fifth Democratic presidential debate is slated to be held at the newly built Tyler Perry Studios next month, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams confirmed on Twitter.

The one-time Democratic challenger to Secretary of State-turned-Governor Brian Kemp tweeted that the filmmaker’s 330-acre Atlanta studios will host the Democratic debate on Nov. 20.

“Democratic Debate site is set: @TPStudios is a model for Georgia’s vibrant film industry, an engaged corporate Tyler Perry citizen and an exceptional location for our #DemDebate. Looking forward to welcoming the candidates to Georgia on November 20. #gapol,” read the former state representative’s tweet shared to the platform Oct. 25.

Perry has not publicly commented on the matter.

The Democratic debate being hosted at TPS comes just over a month after the actor/director himself stated he won’t ditch Atlanta as his filming hub simply because of the so-called Heartbeat Bill that has now been put on hold by lawmakers.

“Atlanta has been the dream. It has been the promised land,” Perry told The Associated Press regarding Kemp’s antiabortion law that bans the procedure at six weeks.

“So when I got here, this whole state and city has been amazing to me and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Also, I put $250 million in the ground here and in the studio.

So when you have a quarter of a billion dollars sat down in the ground, you can’t just up and leave.”

The Atlanta-hosted Democratic debate, co-hosted by The Washington Post and MSNBC, will be held on Nov. 20 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

WE HAVE A PLAN FOR

TRAFFIC. 500 miles*

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75 miles of new METRORapid

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21 new or improved suburban

Park & Rides and transit centers

16 miles of light rail,

with a METRORail extension to Hobby Airport

110 miles of a Regional Express

Network including two-way HOV Lanes

290 miles of BOOST and

Signature bus service, plus accessibility and usability improvements for the disabled and seniors

It's in the MOVING FORWARD PLAN. Find out more at:

METRONext.org *Approximate mileage; pending final implementation

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 31 | 2019

entertainment

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Posthumous Prince memoir ready for fans said. “There’s this kind of brokenness that he’s always working to repair.”

Prince had big ideas for the book, considering at one time a “how to” on making it in the music business without selling your soul. At another point, he suggested that he and Piepenbring figure out a way to end racism. At still another, he wanted to focus on the importance of creative freedom.

Prince wrote on other subjects as well, including puberty (his stepfather took him to R-rated movies at a drive-in as a stand-in for the birds and bees talk), the blackouts and seizures he had as a child and his first kiss, with a girl of just 5 or 6. They’d play house.

Piepenbring wrote The recently released memoir “The a lengthy introduction Beautiful Ones” was in its early explaining his encounters stages when Prince died. with Prince and how the book was completed. He wasn’t allowed to take notes during their first meeting so he was forced to reconstruct the conversation.

There’s also an early outline he wrote for the 1984 film “Purple Rain” with an even darker story line than the one that made it onto screens. The film, based loosely on his life, won Prince an Oscar for best original sound score.

As for what might have been, Piepenbring said, “I think we would have gotten more of his story than we’ve ever seen, and I think we would have gotten not just this book but a number of books from him.

He told me that he wanted to write a lot of books, and I really think he was serious about that.”

Associated Press

Panic, joy, shock: Dan Piepenbring felt them all when Prince plucked him to collaborate on his first memoir, followed by more shock and profound sadness at news of the superstar’s death while the book was in its early stages.

Though the project was thrown into chaos when Prince died on April 21, 2016, of an accidental drug overdose, his estate ultimately decided to press on, allowing Piepenbring and his publishing team free access to the pieces of his life left behind at his beloved Paisley Park, including the contents of his vault.

Now, the highly anticipated collaboration, “The Beautiful Ones,” is ready for Prince fans to read as many continue to mourn, propelling the 33-year-old journalist into the spotlight to explain how he sorted it all out.

“There was a sense even from the start that it couldn’t really be happening,” Piepenbring said.

The book from Spiegel & Grau includes no bombshells, though Prince very much wanted to provide some, and a mere 28 memoir pages written in his elegant script and quirky style.

Their last conversation was just four days before Prince died. It was focused on his parents and their conflicting influences in his life. His father, John L. Nelson, was a disciplined, God-fearing jazz musician with an explosive temper. His mother, Mattie Della Shaw, was a beautiful, fun-loving party girl with a stubborn, irrational streak, and a sneaky flair, as Prince wrote: “She would spend up what little $ the family had 4 survival on partying with her friends, then trespass in2 my bedroom, ‘borrow’ my personal $ that eye’d gotten from babysitting local kids, & then chastise me 4 even questioning her regarding the broken promises she made 2 pay me back.”

The tumultuous nature of his parents’ relationship had a lasting impact.

Their conflicts, divorce when he was 7 and the dual impact on Prince and his work is the book’s prevailing theme.

“So much of his writing is about division in some way and the fight to make oneself whole again,” Piepenbring

what’sup GAYLE KING is speaking out about her notorious R. KELLY interview, where he lost it after her line of questions. King told a radio station, she never thought Kelly was going to hurt her, but she was worried that he might “accidentally hurt” her. King also believes the singer’s actions weren’t contrived and they were completely real. “I really think that we were watching him having a breakdown in real time,” she said. Kelly is currently locked up at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago and has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges against him….... Though NORTH

WEST is surrounded by a family of beauty influencers, her father does not want his 6-year-old cashing in on the dynasty just yet. Both KANYE WEST and KIM KARDASHIAN say disagreements over how their daughter dressed or adorned her face have turned into a “big fight.” The two have finally agreed that North won’t be allowed to play in makeup or wear crop tops at her age. While Kanye was preparing for his album release, “Jesus Is King,” he touched on the issue while explaining that his new spiritual approach to his life has changed how he views everything, including parenting…….

Actor BRANDON T. JACKSON has been out of the limelight for a bit, and he thinks it’s partly due to God’s vengeance on him for previously playing a gay character, among other things. The “Tropic Thunder” star played a down-low gay rapper in the hit comedy movie, and wore a dress in the 2011 comedy “Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son,” with MARTIN LAWRENCE. He said since he assumed the roles, he has had bad luck in life because he broke a religious law. Jackson, who identifies as a Black Hebrew Israelite, says he regrets going against God but has repented.

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OCTOBER 31 | 2019 | DEFENDER

$55,000 reward offered in armored car robbery

VOTE FOR

Defender News Services

A cash reward of up to $55,000 is being offered through Crime Stoppers of Houston for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the individuals responsible for the robbery and murder of a Loomis armored car courier.

The incident happened on Thursday, Oct. 24, at approximately 1:43 p.m. in the parking lot of a Popeyes restaurant located at 5026 Antoine Dr. in northwest Houston.

The armored car courier was exiting the restaurant when he was approached by three armed men who shot him in the neck and took the bag of money he was carrying.

The suspects fled the location in a tan-colored SUV which was later recovered by law enforcement. The courier later died at an area hospital.

The suspects had their faces covered. Two of them were armed with a pistol, a third was armed with a rifle.

METRO

Investigators are also looking for the driver of a second get-away vehicle.

The FBI Violent Crime Task Force is asking anyone with information about the identification and/or location of the individuals involved in the deadly robbery to send tips to Crime Stoppers.

Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crimestoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous.

MORE TRANSIT LESS TRAFFIC BETTER ROADS

THE METRO PROPOSITION is part of a bold new plan for sustainable transit solutions that will provide more transportation choices for more people, connecting them to jobs, education and healthcare — all while improving our

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economy, environment, quality of life, and competitiveness with other urban areas.

THE METRO PROPOSITION IS PROUDLY ENDORSED BY: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Congressman Al Green Mayor Sylvester Turner Commissioner Rodney Ellis

classifieds NOTICE TO BIDDERS All interested parties are encouraged to attend any scheduled pre-bid and/or pre- proposal conference(s). It is the interested party’s responsibility to ensure they have secured and thoroughly reviewed all solicitation documents prior to any scheduled conference(s). Interested parties can download all forms and specifications from the Internet at http://purchasing.houstontx.gov. Downloading these documents will ensure all interested parties will automatically receive any updates via e-mail.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS – Sealed submissions will be received in the Office of the City Secretary, City Hall Annex, Public Level, 900 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002, due at time the time listed on the RFQ. Submittals Due – Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 2:00 P.M.

Lead Hazard Reduction Program for the City of Houston Health Department – Strategic Procurement Division – S72-Q29102 – 24% MWBE Goal – Pre-Submission Conference will be October 29, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at 900 Bagby St, 3rd Floor Conference Room 382, Houston, Texas 77002. Interested parties may contact Yvette Smith at 832.393.8765 or email at Yvette.Smith@houstontx.gov.

Harris County AFL-CIO Houston Area Urban League Houston Black American Democrats NAACP Houston Branch

State Senator Borris Miles Service Employees International Union State Representative Garnet Coleman Former Mayor Lee P. Brown

Transport Workers Union Local 260

Learn more at www.VoteForMetro.com.

Pol. adv. Moving to the Future PAC

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 31 | 2019

MAYOR

Nov. 5th e

Why Blacks

There are 12 Houstonians running for mayor.

Crawford said the main question surrounding candidates in the race is, “Who can make Houston thrive and grow in the 21st century? He said major issues include the crime rate and police and community relations, along with education.

“Another major issue is infrastructure improvements,” Crawford said. “With climate change the city is going to be dealing with flooding for some time and the candidate who can best speak to how the city is going to be able to deal with flood control and drainage should be the candidate who will win the election.”

Murray echoed Crawford’s thoughts on what the pressing issues are but questioned whether they are being addressed.

“We currently see a mayor’s race that is filled with slanderous rhetoric yet no real debate on issues of environmental sustainability, Dr. Malachi Crawford, PhD

By MARILYN flood control or crime and Defen safety,” Murray said.

“Voting in this race is important for Houstonians to keep moving Houston forward. When you lection Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and area residents w go to the ballot box reflect on who you believe City of Houston elected officials, scho will be the person to fight for Houston and who The Defender asked three political scientist will best represent your voice as the city continues African Americans should vote: Dr. Malachi Cra to traverse budget issues and systemic changes,” she said.

A&M University; Dr. Creshema Murray, PhD, associate pro Stein noted the influence of political parties in Downtown, and Dr. Robert Stein, PhD, Lena Gohlman the election.

“One issue that looms larger than it ever has is that this is a non-partisan race and yet party is becoming a dominant factor,” he said. “The city years of advocating for resources for our roads, is so Democratic and virtually all elected officedealing with public safety concerns, fiscal responholders from the city of Houston – state, county sibility, city expansion and poverty.” and federal – are Democrats.”

The threatened Crawford listed job growth and small business Education Agency c growth as two issues incoming councilmembers the board of trustee will have to address and reiterated the importance “Everything an of proper drainage. Concerning candidates, he said Murray said several City Council races will Stein said.

“We all it’s interesting that a number of faculty members impact communities with large African American is about to take ove from Texas Southern are running for office. populations, including Districts D and K. She governing body wil Stein said it’s interesting “how many people said District D, for example, is one of the largest HISD for the next p are running” period. districts, and encompasses parts of the Museum year or two or three “We’ve never seen this many people challenge District, Medical Center and Third Ward.

Stein added tha incumbents and I think that is because of the four“The servant-leader elected to serve in this ously been divided, year term of office,” he said. “The big change is district will be expected to chart a new path for people like to hear, when you’re in office for four years instead of two, the district and think about innovative measures race and ethnicity.” people are not going to be willing to wait you out Dr. Creshema Murray, PhD to deal with flooding, illegal dumping, technology Crawford said t so incumbents are seeing significant challenges.” enhancements and economic growth,” she said. for board members.

Four seats that are being vacated have a large number of candi“Other races are just as important and all have “How do you make any type of l dates. There are 11 candidates on the ballot in At Large Position 4, implications on how Houstonians view themasked.

“That’s going to be the most d 14 candidates on the ballot in District B, 13 on the ballot in District selves. These council seats will represent four Murray said that although there i C and 16 candidates in District D.

E

HISD BOAR

CITY COUNCIL

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election

s must vote

vironment and think about the fact that Houston is moving from the fourth largest city in the country to the third, when we look at our public transportation system, this bond measure is extremely important.”

Stein believes the measure will pass.

“By downplaying rail and playing up the bus usage, Metro is able to make a very convincing argument, which is that if you get people on buses and off of single-occupancy vehicles you will reduce traffic congestion. There are a lot of people who support reducing traffic congestion who will never use a bus or rail.

And that is clearly what is giving Metro’s bond very high levels of support.”

He added that African Americans and Hispanics tend to be heavier users of mass transit, whether it’s bus or rail.

WHY WE SHOULD VOTE

Murray said African Americans should vote on Nov. 5 “and in every subsequent municipal, state and national election because our voice Dr. Robert Stein, PhD MARSHALL and our vote matter.

“I recall voting in my first election in 2002 at nder the age of 18 in Montgomery, Alabama,” she said. “I drove my 89-year-old great-grandfather to the polls will exercise their right to vote. Included on the ballot are and we stood in adjacent voting booths casting our ool board trustees and the Metro bond measure. ballots in a gubernatorial election that still has political and legal implications in the state of Alabama to ts to analyze what’s at stake in the election and tell why this very day. awford, PhD, assistant professor of History, Prairie View “Why should African Americans vote? I think ofessor, Corporate Communication, University of Houstonabout my countless family members who never had Fox Professor of Political Science at Rice University. the ability to vote, I think about the Black bodies that walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama for my right to vote. I think about the Black and Brown bodies being murdered at the hands of state will take over HISD and the candidates vying for trustee posipolice bullets that will never vote. I think about iltions will be left powerless,” Houstonians should still vote for the legal dumping taking place in my community, and best candidates. victims of Houston flooding. But most importantly, takeover of HISD by the Texas “Even if trustees are elected and stripped of their power in I think about my great-grandfather and the sacrifices continues to cast a shadow on 2020, Commissioner Mike Morath could reinstate their power at any he and countless others made just so I could safely es. moment and the district must be prepared to have leaders in place engage in my civic duty,” Murray said. d nothing is at stake in HISD,” that will fight to restore faith and prosperity in our classrooms and Crawford also stressed the difference that voting expect that TEA under state law schools,” Murray said. can make. er the governing body. A new “Voters must be forward thinking in this election and express “At the local level by far, African Americans can ll be responsible for running whether they want new leadership to direct change or if they are have an impact on the quality of life as well as the period of time and it could be a pleased with the current progress HISD is making.” responsiveness of our elected officials to our cone.” cerns,” he said. at the current board has obviStein agreed that Black votes matter. , “and though it’s not something “This is an election in which our second AfricanA $3.5 billion bond measure is on the ballot to expand Metro , it was clearly divided along American mayor is pretty much under siege and if services, enhance mobility and ease traffic congestion. The proposi” Black voters do not vote at rates I would expect them tion includes more light rail to connect with local bus routes, new the road ahead will be difficult to vote at – 27% of the vote share should be African community connectors to increase transit access with personalized American – then I have every reason to believe that bus service and bus stop improvements. long-term, strategic plans?” he the mayor will not only be in a runoff but could be in “I feel that there is not enough attention surrounding this very difficult issue.” trouble,” Stein said. important measure,” Murray said. “When we think about the enis a “looming feeling that the

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METRO BOND MEASURE

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Rockets Tyson Chandler still brings energy

By TERRANCE HARRIS Defender

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Tyson Chandler, an NBA player since 2001, signed with the Rockets in the offseason.

t might not be easy traveling the road NBA veteran Tyson Chandler has these 19 years, bouncing from team to team and constantly redefining your role within that new team.

It can also seem daunting at times for Chandler, who signed with the Rockets this offseason as a backup in the post. But when he thinks about it being difficult, he thinks of his grandfather, whom he refers to as Poppa, and the backbreaking work he did working the Chandler has played with nine different teams, including the Lakers family farm in central California. mates from when the two were together in New York.

Chandler had a “Not only is he a luxury coming off the bench, front row view while living on the farm with his but just his attitude in practice and how he approachgrandfather until he was 9. es the game and he does have a ring,” D’Antoni said.

“I watched my Poppa work a tractor for years “He has seen everything; he has been through every out there in the field day after day after day no mattype situation. ter what the weather was like, there was never any “Being with him in New York, I know what he excuses. He just showed up,” said Chandler, who is can do and I know he focuses in at the right time. He now with his ninth NBA team. is just the perfect teammate and the perfect guy to “So, it’s always just tugged at my heart so I kind coach.” of ran with it.”

For Chandler, D’Antoni’s high-scoring up and Chandler, who recently turned 37, is still running down brand of basketball is perfect for him even with the best of them. The 7-foot new addition was after all of these years. brought in to play defense, rebound and bring energy “Knowing coach and having played for him off the bench. in New York, that was one of my most fun times So far, he hasn’t disappointed with the fastplaying basketball,” said Chandler of why he chose paced Rockets.

Houston this offseason.

“Being able to get back with “Just being back, this offense fits my style and him, I know where he is at and what this will mean the players fit my style,” said Chandler, who spent for him this year if they can bring one home and then last season with the Lakers. “I’m going to try to do the young guys wanting to be a part of that in the everything to get this team over the hump.” locker room, it kind of all came together.”

Chandler is backing up Clint Capela in the post Chandler, who has been in the league since but his role within the framework of the team is 2001, seems to be particularly enjoying this stop and much bigger. Make no mistake he is here to bring watching Harden and Westbrook take this next step leadership and to be a calming voice in the locker in their careers. room that is dominated by the large personalities of “I’ve watched Russ come up, same thing with James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

James.

I remember having conversations with him Chandler, who won an NBA championship with when he was young,” said Chandler, who clearly the Dallas Mavericks during the 2010-11 season and hasn’t lost his sense of humor. “So, to be here while an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2012, he is in his prime and I’m in my prime. It’s a blessing will be the voice of reason within the team circle to be here.” when one is needed. That is one of the many reasons Follow Terrance Harris on Twitter Rockets Mike D’Antoni wanted Chandler here after @terranceharris. coaching him and seeing his connections with team-

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sports Bellaire defensive back

Aaron Wilson is a ball hawk

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By JODIE B. JILES Defender

ellaire senior free safety Aaron Wilson was a ballhawking spoiler in Bellaire’s 36-29 victory over Westside.

Wilson finished the night with three interceptions. His biggest interception came in the fourth quarter, when Westside drove toward a game-tying score with less than a minute to go in the game.

Westside’s quarterback Akeem Benjamin threw up a jump ball in the end zone that could have gone either way, but it was Wilson who came away with the ball that capped off the win for the Cardinals.

Bellaire head football coach Herb Kunz wasn’t surprised by the performance from his senior leader.

“Aaron provides a tremendous amount of leadership. He is a great football player and he showed that tonight,” Kunz said. “He has outstanding ball skills and is one of the finest safeties I have ever coached.”

The Defender spoke with Wilson after the Cardinals win over Westside to discuss his

style of play, his performance of the night and his upcoming matchup against Heights.

Defender: How would you describe your style of play as a safety?

Wilson: I just try to be a ball hawk because I like to go up and get the ball.

Defender: How were you able to have such a dominant performance against Westside?

Wilson: My team did it all. They were where they were supposed to be and I was able to make plays. They put me in the perfect position and I capped off on it.

Defender: Walk us through that fourth quarter interception that sealed your victory?

Wilson: It was the last drive. We were up and I saw the ball go up in the air. All that I thought in my head is that I have to go and get that in this game. And I went up and got it.

Defender: How does a win like this help in your next matchup against Heights?

Wilson: We want to finish this season as strong as possible going into the playoffs. We would like to end with a “W” [win’] so that we can keep rolling and eventually make a run in the playoffs and win a ring.

Aaron Wilson capped off the game with his third interception.

About Wilson

Twitter: @awilson01 College status: Uncommitted Interests: Art, working out, studying Favorite artists: Cardi B, Young Thug World problem he would solve: Hunger

Wilson celebrated intercepting the ball with teammates. (Photos by Jimmie Aggison)

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

topevents

NAACP HOUSTON 2019 FREEDOM FUND DINNER ……..The NAACP and other foreign lands impacted politics for Blacks in America. The event at Ellis’ home Houston 2019 Freedom Fund Dinner, a black-tie affair held at the Hilton Americas Hotel, provided a warm and supportive backdrop for the scholar and his work. Attendees included celebrated advocacy in many forms by some of Houston’s best and brightest. Honorees Jarrett Leland, Silvia and Victor Trevino, Yvette “Chag” Chargois, Erin Patterson, included Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson (Mickey Leland Humanitarian Deshara Goss, Clarice Freeman, Marcia Johnson, Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts, Award), Belinda Everette (Housing & Economic Development), Dr. Grenita Lathan Carroll Robinson, Doug Erwing, Dr. Docia Rudley and more……..GET OUT THE (Education Advocate) and more. Honorary chair Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with VOTE HOUSTON RALLY……..A coalition of Houston partners, including PoliChic Yolanda Smith (NAACP Houston executive director) and the capacity crowd celebrated Engagement Fund, Houston Area Urban League, Black Voters Matter Education Fund, the event theme, “We the People, Preparing for the Next 100,” Color of Change, Justice or Else, Radio One Houston and NAACP throughout the evening. Attendees included Howard Jefferson, Dr. Defense Fund, sponsored Get Out the Vote Houston, a day Defender TOP EVENTS Legal Luckett Johnson, Carolyn Scantlebury, Khambrel Marshall, involving neighborhood canvasing, workshops and presentations and a More photos on defendernetwork.com Shavonda and James Harris, Dr. John and Judy Foston high-energy rally on the steps of Texas Southern University’s Student Stanford, Dee Owens, Janaeya Carmouche, Anthony Collier, Center, all designed to maximize voter turnout for the upcoming Danat Spears and scores more…….. MICKEY LELAND BOOK SIGNING……..

Nov. 5 election. Action and advocacy were the words of the day for attendees, including Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and his wife Licia Green along with Alison Deric Muhammad, Sasha Legette, Dorothy Cook, Congressman Al Green, Argentina James, Roger Harris, Monica Hill, Letha Gilmore, Marcus Nash, Tamira Augustine, Leland Brisco hosted a book signing for Dr. Benjamin Talton, author of “In This Land of Plenty,” a book about the late Congressman Mickey Leland and how his work in Africa Krystal Lyons, Ron John, Tanika Keys and more.

Eugene Howard, Howard Jefferson, Leonard James, Dr. Luckett Johnson

LaRence Snowden, Dr. Benjamin Talton

Dr. John Stanford Jr., Judy Stanford, Shavonda Harris, James Harris

Alison Leland Brisco and friends

Cha’Mira Keener, Elisabeth Johnson, Porschia Harris

Dee Owens, Joycelyn Williams, Pat Garris, Dagon Garris

Licia Green, Yvette “Chag” Chargois

Marcus Nash, Lateryka Hudson, Xante Wallace

Krystal Lyons, Shanda Harden, Dorothy Cook

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