Houston Defender: November 07, 2019

FEATURE

NFL EARNS LOW SCORE FOR RACIAL, GENDER HIRING P9

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source www.defendernetwork.com

Volume 89 | Number 3 NOVEMBER 7, 2019 |FREE

NEWSTALK MARTHA CASTEX-TATUM wins District K City Council seat

P2 PRO SPORTS GAREON CONLEY makes impact with Texans

P10 Mayor Sylvester Turner

H.S. SPORTS JOSEPH SAM leading at Hightower

P11

Election 2019

Runoff set for Dec. 14 H PAGE 2

Kerry Washington TOP EVENTS

In new movie

State of Black Women health forum

The actress hopes her new Netflix film “American Son,” will shed more light of the plight of Black mothers raising sons. Racial profiling and class issues boil to the surface as a white cop casually brushes off Washington’s concerns about a potential police shooting.

Dr. Janice Beal and Dr. Carla Brailey at SOBW Health Forum

P12

H PAGE 4

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

Thirteen Houstonarea experts shared their expertise with an enthusiastic audience at the State of Black Women Health Forum at the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy. The experts answered audience questions about body, mind and soul.

H PAGE 6

2

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 7 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

newstalk Nov. 5th election recap

Candidates headed for runoff

H

Defender News Services

ouston voters will head back to the polls after few clearcut winners emerged in the Nov. 5th election. Voters were set to elect a mayor in Houston, decide on a transportation bond, numerous school bonds and a variety of state constitutional amendments.

The Harris County Clerk’s Office said people worked through the night to tabulate the votes, which were delayed because of a rule change by the Secretary of State’s Office.

Officials at the Clerk’s Office released the first unofficial results 12 hours after the polls closed.

According to the Texas State code, the candidates in the runoff election are those who receive the highest and second highest number of votes in the main election or who tie for the highest number of votes, the code states. The runoff has been scheduled for Dec. 14.

Mayor Sylvester Turner’s 47 percent of the vote was not enough to win outright against challenger Tony Buzbee, who won 28 percent of the vote. Turner needed to win 50 percent plus one vote to avoid a runoff.

The mayor released a statement after the runoff announcement. “To those who voted for me, thank you. To those who did not, I will work hard to earn your votes,” he said.

“The good news about this runoff is that Hou tonians have a very simple and very clear choice for mayor: An experienced leader who has been delivering for Houston for more than 30 years? Or a Donald Trump imitator who has no experience, no ideas and will say anything, do anything or spend anything to get elected?

I trust Houstonians to make the right decision for our city.”

Turner credited taking decisive action and a strong economy for helping him lead the vote. “I’ve had 10 million-plus dollars in negative ads spent against us, and yet the voters pretty much rejected that, which is good for our city,” Turner said.

Buzbee remained confident, saying that he would ultimately win in a runoff against Turner.

Election night winners included City Controller Chris Brown, City Councilmembers District E-Dave Martin, District G-Greg Travis, District I-Robert Gallegos, District K-Martha Castex-Tatum and HISD Position 3 Dani Hernandez and HISD Position 8 Judith Cruz.

CITY ELECTION HOUSTON MAYOR RACE *Sylvester Turner Tony Buzbee Bill King Dwight A. Boykins Victoria Romero

114,477 (47%) 69,264 (28% 33,723 (14%) 14,790 (6%) 2,950 (1%)

CITY ELECTION RACE WINNERS: Councilmembers District E-Dave Martin, District G-Greg Travis, District I-Robert Gallegos, District KMartha Castex-Tatum, City Controller Chris Brown

Raj Salhotra

44,799 (22%)

At-Large Position 2 David Robinson *Willie Davis

73,417 (38%) 53,085 (275)

At-Large Position 3 Michael Kubosh *Janaeya Carmouche

93,198 (48%) 42,483 (22%)

At-Large Position 4 Anthony Dolcefino *Letitia Plummer

39,608 (21%) 31,688 (16%)

43,004 (23%) 38,325 (20%)

CITY COUNCIL RACES District A Amy Peck George Harry Zoes

7,153 (45%) 2,605 (17%)

At-Large Position 5 Sallie Alcorn Eric Dick

District B *Tarsha Jackson *Cynthia Bailey

3, 306 (21%) 2,263 (14%)

District C Abbie Kamin Shelley Kennedy

HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE RACES District 1 Monica Flores Richart 8,876 (49%) Dave Wilson 5,830 (32%)

11,923 (32%) 5, 442 (14%)

District D *Carolyn Evans-Shabazz 3,892 (17%) *Brad “Scarface” Jordan 3,341 (15%) District F *Tiffany Thomas Van Huynh

3,592 (39%) 2,089 (23%)

District H Karla Cisneros Isabel Longoria

5,039 (38%) 3,586 (27%)

District J *Edward Pollard Sandra Rodriguez

1,903 (30%) 1,854 (30%)

At-Large Position 1 Mike Knox

73,580 (36%)

District 2 *Rhonda Skillern Jones 7,423 (45%) Kathy Lynch Gunter 4,106 (25%) HISD SCHOOL RACES Winners: Position 3- Dani Hernandez, Position 8 - Judith Cruz, Position 2 *Kathy Blueford-Daniels 6,044 (42%) *John Curtis Gibbs 3,066 (22%) Position 4 *Patricia Allen *Matt Barnes

6,050 (31%) 5,837 (30%)

METRO PROPOSITION A Fot 67% Against 32% *Indicates African-American candidates

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 7 | 2019 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs THINGS ARE LOOKING SHAKY FOR SEN. KAMALA HARRIS, who is reportedly “hemorrhaging cash and in danger of lacking the resources to mount a competitive bid against better-funded rivals in Iowa.” Reports also say Harris has “laid off more than a dozen field organizers and shuttered three of four offices in New Hampshire.” Her campaign spokesman Nate Evan said, “Sen. Harris and this team set out with one goal – to win the nomination and defeat Donald Trump in 2020. To do so, the campaign has made a strategic decision to realign resources.” Harris has struggled in the polls and according to one, she is polling at 3 percent…….THE FORMER PHILADELPHIA STARBUCKS MANAGER who called the police on two Black real estate agents for not buying anything is suing the company, claiming her termination was racially discriminatory.

In April 2018, Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson were arrested when the store manager called 911 after demanding the men “make a purchase or leave.” Video of the arrest racked up over 10 million views, and demonstrators forced the store near Rittenhouse Square to shut down for a day, prompting the company to close over 8,000 locations across the nation for racial biased training. The manager at the center of the PR nightmare, Shannon Phillips, now says Starbucks “took steps to punish white employees who had not been involved in the arrests” to “convince the community that it had properly responded to the incident.”…….

MORE THAN 450 INMATES WALKED OUT the doors of prisons across Oklahoma as part of what state officials say is the largest single-day mass commutation in U.S. history. The release of inmates, all with convictions for low-level drug and property crimes, resulted from a bill signed by new Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt. The bill retroactively applied misdemeanor sentences for simple drug possession and low-level property crimes.

VOLUME 89 • NUMBER 3 NOVEMBER 7, 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).

3

Inmates have been fighting fires in parts of California.

California criticized for using inmate firefighters Defender News Services

California wildfires have been a major issue these past couple of years and although efforts at putting them out have been applauded, some critics are upset by the labor being used to get the job done.

The most recent fire was the Getty fire in Los Angeles. The natural disaster, which is named after the nearby Getty Center, affected some of the higher-income areas of L.A. with stars like LeBron James being forced to evacuate their homes.

Firefighters have been working diligently to put the fires out, however, what some people might not know is that California prison inmates make up a percentage of those fighting the fires.

Inmates have been helping fight wildfires since World War II, and inmates volunteer to receive the same entry-level training as seasonal firefighters.

Conservation camps recruit non-violent offenders who have obeyed prison rules. The camp includes inmates trained to fight fires, but also inmates working with other skills like clearing fallen trees or debris, restoring historical structures and maintaining parks.

According to Alexandra Powell, a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) spokesperson, inmate firefighters can earn between $2.90 and $5.12 per day from the CDCR, depending on their skill level.

If they’re actually in the midst of fighting fires, inmates receive anadditional $1 per hour, no matter the skill level. The money inmates received at training camps can be sent home or saved until they are released to parole. When fighting fires, inmates tend to work 24-hour shifts.

Inmates can also receive time off from their prison sentence by working in conservation camps.

Every one day served can translate to two days

off their sentence. Even inmates in the camps who aren’t actually firefighters can earn one day or credit for every day of good behavior.

Critics argue that it’s hard not to view the inmate firefighter and conservation program as an exploitation of labor, considering they provide around 3 million hours of response to fires and other emergencies and 7 million hours in community service initiatives.

This saves California taxpayers about $100 million. Meanwhile, similarly trained civilian firefighters putting their life at risk are getting paid way more. California civilian firefighters earn an average of $73,860 per year plus benefits.

One report obtained by Time Magazine shows that inmate firefighters are more likely to face certain safety risks. According to the data, more than 1,000 inmate firefighters required hospital care between June 2013 and August 2018. Inmates are also four times as likely, per capita, to suffer object-induced injuries such as bruises, cuts, dislocations and fractures compared to civilian firefighters working on the same fires.

In addition, inmate firefighters aren’t guaranteed a firefighting job once they’re out of prison.

Ramon Leija, a returning citizen who served time for a robbery conviction, said, “You’re not in a cell, you’re not in handcuffs or shackles or anything. You’re essentially free. That is the lucky part, but once you start analyzing the work that you’re doing and the treatment that you’re getting, and you try to transfer that out and get into an actual fire department – that is not necessarily happening.”

Inmates convicted of felonies can’t obtain an emergency medical technician license until they’ve been out of prison for 10 years, said the California EMS Authority.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

4

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 7 | 2019

entertainment

defendernetwork.com

‘American Son’ Kerry Washington plays concerned mom

K

Defender News Services

erry Washington hopes her new film “American Son” will shed more light on the plight of Black mothers raising sons.

Now streaming on Netflix, the drama is adapted from Christopher Demos-Brown’s play, which the “Scandal” actress performed on Broadway last winter. Set entirely inside a police station, the story unfolds late one night as frantic mom Kendra Ellis-Connor (Washington) and her estranged white husband, Scott (Pasquale), search for answers about the mysterious disappearance of their teenage son.

Racial profiling and class issues boil to the surface as a white cop (Jeremy Jordan) casually brushes off Kendra’s concerns about a potential police shooting. Later, Kendra and Scott go toeto-toe over their perceived successes and failings as parents of a mixed-race child, debating the importance of his prep-school education, friends and appearance.

Washington served as executive producer of both versions of the project. She said she wanted to bring the story to Netflix because “this conversation about

thinking, “Oh, I thought that person was going to be a different race” or “I thought those circumstances were going to be different.” As audience members, we are forced to come face to face with our unconscious bias, and no one is immune.

Q: Growing up in the Bronx, can you remember a time when you first became aware of racial profiling, or your parents talked to you about the police?

Washington: The messages I got were much more subtle as a kid. I had to sort of piece together the dynamic, but it was all around me for sure. Obviously, I was aware of it before college, but I remember my roommate (at George Washington University) was from Vermont, and she was talking about the role of the police in her community. (She said) if they were in trouble, they would call the police, and how she always feels safe when she walks into a situation where there’s police.

I was like, “Wow, there are people in the world Kerry Washington is a mother searching for answers who have that experience? That’s actually how they in “American Son.” metabolize the presence of police?” If I am driving today in my car and there are police behind me, I’m our community and how we coexist going to pull over because I cannot stand the anxiety and love each other across cultural of driving with a police officer behind me. I can’t stand divides is [one] that should be had by it; it’s terrifying to me. And that’s being Kerry Washeveryone all over the world.” ington – chances are he or she watched “Scandal,” and In a recent USA Today interview, if something happened, I could afford a really good the 42-year-old chatted about how her lawyer. And yet, I’m still going to pull over. own experiences formed her role.

Q: Have you and your husband (former NFL Q: “American Son” tackles player Nnamdi Asomugha) discussed how to start themes we’ve seen many times before some of these conversations with your own kids? on stage and screen, including marWashington: Yes. I have a 13-year-old, a 5-yearriage, parenting, racism and police old and a 3-year-old, so obviously, they’re all very brutality. How do you feel it explores different kinds of conversations. But I want to take these topics in a new way? one step at a time and figure out how to walk in truth Kerry Washington: I really loved that there are and reality while also living in love and joy. That’s the so many surprises in the material. I feel like there’s dance. And that’s the dance I wish Scott and Kendra nobody who watches it and doesn’t find themselves could have figured out how to navigate.

what’sup Ever since Academy Award-winner CUBA GOODING JR. was accused in June of allegedly groping a woman at a bar, more women have come forward accusing him of putting his hands where they don’t belong. The “Boyz in the Hood” and “Jerry Maguire” actor was indicted on charges of inappropriately touching another woman, bringing his number of accusers to 15. Gooding is now charged with six misdemeanors, including three counts of third-degree sexual abuse and three counts of forcible touching. The 51-year-old pleaded not guilty to all charges…….Rapper and TV mogul, CURTIS “50 CENT” JACKSON is taking a dive into politics. 50 Cent was seen on

Capitol Hill recently meeting with House Speaker NANCY PELOSI and other lawmakers to advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment business. The 44 -year-old tweeted a photo of himself and Pelosi in the Capitol with the caption, “My #1 Lady Nancy Pelosi – Big Changes Coming.”……..“Harriet,” the new Harriet Tubman biopic directed by KASI LEMMONS, hit theaters this past weekend. But before the movie came out, there were critiques that it was historically incorrect and even calls to not see the film. Nonetheless, the film still brought in big money at the box office. The Focus Features film

brought in $12 million from 2,059 theaters, according to the Hollywood Reporter. That made “Harriet” the 13th-best opening ever for Focus. The film was only expected to bring in between $7.5 million to $9 million range. The movie’s producer pushed back against some of the narratives about the film that have recently surfaced.

“This is not a slave movie,” producer DEBRA MARTIN CHASE said. “This is a movie that says we cannot control the circumstances into which we are born, but we can control what we do once we get here.” It stars CYNTHIA ERIVO in the title role.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 7 | 2019 | DEFENDER

5

Student forum participants included Madison Nealy, Naylie Leal, Dr. Janice Beal, Chandra Hummons, YWCPA Principal Dr. April Williams, Dr. Jamil Joyner, Melinda Rushing, Kaiya Burden and Kyra Welch.

Women focus on well-being

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

The well-being of women took center stage at the SOBW evening Health Forum held at the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy.

The forum was sponsored by Texas Children’s Hospital, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Barbara Jordan Institute at Texas Southern University, Defender Network and the Young Women’s Preparatory Network.

Michelle Riley-Brown, executive vice president of Texas Children’s Hospital and the highest ranking African-American woman in the Texas Medical Center, said Texas Children’s was “honored and privileged” to be a sponsor of the event.

“We are committed to doing our part in educating and creating awareness about the current state of

health of African American women and children,” she said. “On behalf of our CEO Mark Wallace, he is one of the truest advocates for African American health and well-being I have ever met…”

Riley-Brown said that years ago, Texas Children’s recognized the need for increased access to quality health care, and has in place clinics, urgent care centers, pediatric patient care facilities, community hospitals, primary pediatric practices, a maternal intensive care unit and comprehensive obstetrics care.

Houston State Rep. Senfronia Thompson brought legislative greetings. She has long advocated for improved health care and discussed two bills she authored.

A 2017 law requires commercial insurance providers to cover 3-D mammography.

A 2019 law prohibits health plans from requiring “fail first” step therapy protocols for prescription

drugs for patients with stage-four advanced, metastatic cancer.

Thompson is also asking the state to invest $6 billion in brain research.

“We should be able to answer why there is an escalation of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder,” she said. “Everything originates in the brain. If that’s the problem, why don’t we study it and find a cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s and other diseases.”

Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles, Defender CEO and an SOBW founder, applauded the forum participants.

“We are grateful to our sponsors, advisers and other supporters for making the health forum a tremendous success,” she said. “It was informative and enjoyable and the YWCPA was a perfect venue. As the SOBW movement grows, we will continue to emphasize ‘the Power of US.’”

Young women get educated on health issues at forum Defender News Service

While the Defender’s State of Black Women Health Forum focused on the well-being of women, prior to the event, the focus was on youth at the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy.

Students from YWCPA participated in two separate forums, geared toward middle and high school girls. A student panel led the Q&A sessions with health experts Dr. Jamil Joyner, pediatrician, (Texas Children’s Hospital), Dr. Janice Beal, mental health counselor (Beal & Associates), Melinda Rushing, sickle cell social worker (Texas Children’s Hospital) and Chandra Hummons, advanced

practice provider clinical research (M.D. Anderson). The professionals responded to the student questions primarily centered around stress, depression, anxiety, bullying, diet/nutrition, and career tips on becoming a doctor. The students were also recognized for their vision boards created to share with the medical experts.

“According to experts, the stress of racism and sexism, coupled with the stress of being all things to all people, can take a toll on Black women’s health,” said Argentina James, one of the co-founders of the State of Black Women. “Black women are also disproportionately impacted by several factors from food deserts and the lack of access to

quality healthcare to life-threatening diseases such as cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and even maternal mortality. We want to start educating our women at a young age on how to address these issues.”

An open question and answer session allowed students in the audience to ask the health experts questions about everything from seeking mental health assistance, alternatives to counseling and coping mechanisms for schools.

The forum was sponsored by Texas Children’s Hospital, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Barbara Jordan Institute at Texas Southern University, Defender Network and the Young Women’s Preparatory Network.

6

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 7 | 2019

Body, Mind & Soul

State of Black Women

hosts health forum

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

T

Soul: Relationships, Sex & More

hirteen Houston-area experts shared their expertise with an enthusiastic audience at the State of Black Women Health Forum at the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy.

The experts answered questions received from the audience in three categories – physical health, mental health and sex, relationships and more. Panelists were: • Dr. Camille Cash, M.D., plastic surgeon • Dr. Crystal Hadnott, CNS, MPA, Ph.D., nutritionist, Synergy Total Holistic Health and Wellness • Dr. Oluchi Oke, M.D., assistant professor, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center • Dr. Rayne Rouce, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist, Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) • Dr. Wanda Mott, M.D., OB/GYN, Women’s Specialists of Houston, Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women: • Vivian Clark, social worker, TCH • Dr. Adiaha Spinks-Franklin, developmental-behavioral pediatrician, TCH • Dr. Gia Washington, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, TCH • Dr. Richelle Whittaker, psychologist, Provencial Counseling & Consulting • Dr. Janice Beal, Ph.D., Mental Health Counselor, Beal & Associates • Nettie Jones, M.S., L.P.C., Psychotherapy for Women • Dr. Alauna Curry, M.D., Psychiatrist and Life Coach • Dr. Grace Loudd, Social Work professor, Texas Southern University Here are excerpts from the panel discussions.

MENOPAUSE

Mott described menopause as the cessation of menstrual cycles, and said it usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 51.

Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.

“Many times, women will say, ‘I’ll wait, it’s going to go

Dr Janice Beal

Dr. Alauna Curry

“Based on type of breast cancer that you have and the size of it and whether it’s moved into the lymph nodes of your armpit, sometimes we start with chemotherapy to try and shrink it…We don’t always need to remove the full breast. Sometimes you can remove just the actual tumor and get radiation afterward,” she said.

Rouce, who treats cchildren and adolescents, said, “Fortunately, we are able to cure the vast majority of kids with cancer but we do have to expose them to radiation sometimes. We may also have to give them medications that may put them at risk for other illnesses.”

She said having access to potentially lifesaving therapies early on is important for cancer patients of all ages and stressed the need for African-Americans to benefit from cancer research by such means as clinical trials.

OBESITY/NUTRITION

Nettie Jones

Dr. Grace Loudd

away’ or ‘I’ll get something from across the counter.’ There are several things you can get; some will cut back on your symptoms but some will not. If you are not sleeping, you should see your doctor,” Mott said.

She added that caffeine, spicy foods, sugar and alcohol can cause hot flashes to become more intense.

CANCER

Oke said combination hormone replacement therapy comprised of estrogen and progestin can increase the risk of breast cancer especially if you’re on those medicines for longer than three years.

“Other risk factors for breast cancer include heavy alcohol use, obesity and smoking,” she said. “Some radiation exposure may also increase the risk for breast cancer.”

Oke said women should get mammograms starting at the age of 40 and women with a history of breast cancer or a gene that can cause the disease should get mammograms at 25 or 30.

African American women have the highest rates of obesity in America.

Hadnott said tackling the problem involves changing our thought process.

“We often say that it runs in the family,” she said. “What runs in the family are bad habits. [We must] change the bad habits that exist around food, which is a celebratory thing for us.

Food is the foundation of the way we show and give love…”

Hadnott said food additives can be good or bad, and beware of those that are chemically based, such MSG. “The best thing to do is to look at ingredients on [food labels],” she said. If you don’t know what an ingredient is you probably shouldn’t be eating that food. If you can’t pronounce it, don’t understand it or has a number behind it, it’s probably a chemical.

PLASTIC SURGERY

Cash said plastic surgery helps women address a particular area of concern.

“Plastic surgery is an opportunity to help women restore some self-confidence, their sexuality, their femininity,” she said.

Cash said it’s important to understand the difference between a plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon.

“I’m a plastic surgeon. I did five years of general surgery,

defendernetwork.com • Servin

defender network.com

7

Body: Physical Health

Dr. Camille Cash

Dr. Crystal Hadnott

two years of plastic surgery and am board certified in plastic surgery. I went through rigorous training that’s standardized.

Cosmetic surgeons sometimes are doctors or providers who decided to take a weekend course and do liposuction.”

She also addressed “butt shots,” injections filled with volumizing substances.

“Unfortunately, we have patients who have died because of these butt shots. Understanding who your provider is, what their training is, and understanding what is being injected into your body is extremely important,” she said.

Dr. Wanda Mott

Dr. Oluchi Oke

Mind: Mental Health

SUPERWOMAN SYNDROME

Several panelists addressed the plight of women who stretch themselves too thin by taking on too much. They also explored juggling or balancing different areas of life, such as careers, families and community involvement.

“This idea of the strong Black woman and Black Girl Magic is promoted,” Washington said. “You’re supposed to do any and everything and that brings stress on us.”

Clark recalled seeing a Facebook post that highlighted the issue.

“This mother was breastfeeding, cooking, and helping another child with homework, and all the responses were saying, ‘She’s a strong Black woman.’ Yes, she is, but it’s okay for her not to have to do everything all at the same time.’”

“Balance doesn’t really exist,” added Whittaker. “You don’t balance it all – you prioritize. Whatever you have to do at the

ng the Houston area for over 89 years

Whittaker said opening up about therapy can encourage others.

“That’s one of the things about Ratchet TV and ‘Real Housewives.’ A lot of that is making Black women more comfortable with going to see a therapist. It normalizes it. I have a T-shirt that says, ‘I believe in prayer and therapy.’”

TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS

MENTAL HEALTH

Spinks-Franklin said there is a significant connection between mind and body.

“Only in western cultures do we separate the two,” she said. “Your mind is in your brain and your brain is in your body.”

She noted that a number of mental health disorders first manifest as physical health disorders.

“If you have a child who has Monday through Friday headaches, they don’t want to go to school,” she said.

“Mental health disorders can also manifest as problems with the digestive system – stomach aches, constipation and diarrhea.

She listed depression as another illness that can affect the body.

“As your brain becomes depressed your body does too,” she said. “It affects your digestive system. It affects [sleep patterns]. We often say that anxiety keeps you from going to sleep and depression keeps you from staying asleep.”

Dr. Rayne Rouce

Vivian Clark

Dr. Adiaha Spinks-Franklin

Panelists discussed relationships characterized by negative behavior, particularly in families.

“At the end of the day your peace of mind is paramount,” Loudd said. “If there’s an opportunity to talk and work through some things, by all means try. But if you can’t it’s perfectly okay to say, ‘I’m going to step away and take care of me.’ It’s important to set healthy boundaries.”

Beal said enduring holidays sometimes requires recreating your own.

“Thanksgiving is coming up and you know Aunt Susie is going to say something that is going to make everybody upset,” she said. “We don’t have to endure things that are not pleasant. It’s okay to say ‘no’ sometimes, even to our family members.”

SEX

Audience members’ questions about sex included finding time for it and what to do if you don’t enjoy it.

“Sex is very important if you’re married,” Jones said.

“We have been taught as children that sex is bad. It’s an Dr. Gia Washington Dr. Rachelle Whittaker issue if [it involves] lack of sex drive, lack of interest, not initiating it because we’re uncomfortable with ourselves moment is the priority.” or if we’re not quite sure how to be sensual and sexual. It’s something that we need to talk about and we don’t. We need to get to know ourselves and our bodies.”

SEEKING THERAPY Curry said some women who have problems with sex may Panelists discussed the stigma often associated with seeking have been introduced to it in an unhealthy way. therapy for mental health issues. “[They have] had sexual experiences of molestation, “Sometimes you have to make decisions for yourself without harassment, rape or other types of unwelcome sexual informing your family members, without getting permission from experiences.

If you go through a traumatic experience your your friends and people who are connected to you,” Washington brain will be tuned to look for a situation that is similar… said.

Maybe you don’t want to have sex because that touch or that “One thing we have to get over is thinking that the life we feeling is taking you back to something that happened a long have is good enough even though a part of us knows that it isn’t; time ago.” having that quiet discontent or dissatisfaction and not knowing Beal agreed. “Most of the time when someone doesn’t like what to do.” something it’s because it creates a negative sensation inside of Clark said women must know what they can and cannot do. you,” she said.

“Mental health means staying healthy,” she said. “If you have “Is there a physical health problem? Is there pain? [Is] there the flu or diabetes you go to a doctor. When you have something an issue in the relationship and you might not be feeling attracted going on mentally or emotionally, it’s okay to seek help. Most to that person?

I wouldn’t say ‘I don’t like sex.’ I would say let’s mental illnesses are treatable with medication and therapy. We have explore what happens when you engage in sex.” to stop the stigma and do what’s best for us.”

8

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 7 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

100 Black Men-Houston host collegiate forum Defender News Service

More than 200 students and recent graduates had the opportunity to network with some of Houston’s more prominent business, civic and community leaders, thanks to the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston’s Collegiate 100 program.

“We decided to host the conference to provide economic, leaderMembers of the 100 Black Men of Houston gather at the forum. ship and recruiting opportunities The event was corporate America and in the for Collegiate 100 designed to help students the community. T chapters to help create the from the University of The primary purpose next generation of leaders Houston, Texas Southern of the Collegiate 100 in the community,” said University, Prairie View program is to provide an Roderick Marshall of 100 A&M and Huston-Tillotavenue for 100 Black Men Black Men Metropolitan son College learn how to to continue their group Houston. be successful leaders in mentoring to students

HOUSTON 2019

Celebrate investing in America’s future by getting students to and through college.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2019

PRESENTED BY

Hilton Americas Hotel ENTERTAINMENT | BLACK TIE ATTIRE

E XC E L LE N CE I N E DUCATI ON AWA RD H ON OREE Bubba Silberstein, President and CEO, The Silberstein Group JO H N A N D DRUCI E CHA SE YOUN G B UI L DERS AWARD HONOREE Henry Keculah Jr., CEO, 4.0 GPA LLC K E E P E RS OF THE FL A M E CORPORATE HONOREE Shell

For more information, please contact us at 713.942.UNCF or juana.collins@uncf.org.

as they transition from high school to college, supporting the Mentoring the 100 Way Across a Lifetime initiatives.

A bevy of speakers – including Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, local judges, educators and business leaders – spent time with the students.

“Each Collegiate 100 member gained the ability to hear multiple

speakers around topics of interest, such as economic development, leadership development, education, networking and recruitment opportunities,”

Marshall said.

“The conference provided a platform for the students to establish a professional network and/ or community.”

classifieds PHILLIPS & SONS REALTY CO. BUILD YOUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRUSTEE LIQUIDATION PROPERTY SALE • 6210, 6212, 6214 LAURA KOPPE ST. (BLDGS & LOT) - $207K • 3810 CAVALCADE ST. (RESTAURANT, PARKING LOT) - $185K • 4530 DEWBERRY ST. (RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERICAL) - $110K • 4005 KING ST. BUILDING (COMMERICAL) - $70K • 6701, 6711 WEAVER RD. (BLDG. & LOTS) - $65K • 4603 LEFFINGWELL ST. (OLD HOUSE & LARGE LOT) - $40K • 7410 PEACHTREE ST. (LARGE LOT) - $30K • 6817 ROANOAKE ST. (LOT) - $15K • 0 BOBBY BURNS (LOT) - $15K • 19407 BANKS ST.(LOT) - $12K

CALL JAMES PHILLIPS, BROKER OFFICE (713) 433-5696 CELL (832) 654-8014

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 7 | 2019 | DEFENDER

NFL earns low score for racial, gender hiring Associated Press

Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers is one of a few Black head coaches in the NFL.

The NFL received its lowest overall score in racial and gender hiring practices in 15 years, according a new diversity report.

The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport recently released its annual racial and gender report card, giving the NFL a B for racial hiring practices and a Cplus for gender hiring practices. This gave the NFL a combined B-minus grade for its overall score of 79.3%, a notable decrease from its score of 81.6% last year.

Most notably, the B for racial hiring practices broke a streak of nine consecutive years of earning an A-minus or higher. The NFL’s score for race was 82.3%, 6.7 percentage points lower than last year’s score of 89%. The score for gender was 76%, a two-percentage point increase from 2018.

“Almost all of this is attributed to a drop in head coaches of color and general managers of color, because we put additional weight on those positions,” Lapchick told the Associated Press.

Lapchick noted there are currently only four people of color in head coaching positions, down from a record-tying eight to start the 2017 and 2018 seasons. players in the league are who are people

of color to start the 2019 season, a decrease from four in 2018 and six in 2017.

“That’s concerning,” Lapchick said.

In an attempt to progressively continue diversity and inclusion efforts, the NFL made improvements to the Rooney Rule forcing teams to go outside their own organizations to interview a candidate of color or to interview a candidate who is on the league’s career development advisory panel list, Lapchick said.

Lapchick also noted that NFL is preparing to announce an executive vice president and chief people officer to strategically lead all of the various initiatives related to diversity and inclusion across the league. This role, previously held by Robert Gulliver, highlights the increased emphasis on continuing the League’s progress when it comes to improving diversity and inclusion as a workplace and in all aspects of its business, according to Lapchick.

Lapchick also said hiring trends tend to be cyclical, so he’s optimistic more people of color will be added in the next hiring cycle in 2020.

If not, he said, it might be time for players to get involved.

The report notes that more than 70 percent of the players in the league in a league are people of color, representing a major discrepancy in comparisons to the number of coaches and general managers who are people of color.

MEMBER FDIC

The key element in every personal loan?

The person.

Unmatched service. Multiple loan options.

And a trusted partner to help you find the right one.

Talk to a Frost banker at (800) 51-FROST or visit your nearest financial center.

9

10

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 7 | 2019

sports

defendernetwork.com

New Texan

Gareon Conley makes impact in secondary

A

Gareon Conley

By TERRANCE HARRIS Defender

couple of weeks ago, Texans cornerback Gareon Conley probably didn’t know how to feel after being unceremoniously traded from the Oakland Raiders – the team that had made him a first-round pick in 2017.

But two games into his tenure with the Texans, Conley’s new surroundings and circumstance are growing on him.

“I feel like it’s just a new vibe, new mentality,” he said. “Coming around new guys, just learning the system and contributing to a good defensive team.”

While he was stunned at being traded in the middle of the season, he understands it’s just part of the business.

“It just prepares you, mentally. I feel like it makes you mentally stronger,” Conley said. “You can go in one way, complaining or go in a positive way. I feel like I’ve just got to take it more positive and just do whatever I can to learn the playbook and get a win.”

The Texans were in desperate need when they traded a third-round pick to acquire Conley from the Raiders two weeks ago – days before they were to play the Raiders at home. The Texans secondary was riddled with injuries to both starting cornerbacks Bradley Roby and Jonathan Joseph and safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. when they pulled the trigger on the trade.

Conley has been everything they have needed.

In his first two games, he has recorded 12 tackles and four passes defensed playing primarily in Roby’s spot. He perhaps made the play of the game during the 26-3 win over the Jaguars in London when he broke up a potential scoring pass on a fourth and ten play in the second half.

Conley finished with a team-high eight tackles and two passes defensed in the win over the Jaguars.

“I think anytime you come in the middle of the year and into a new team, new environment, you’re moving, there’s a lot of different things that go on. It’s not easy to be traded,” said Texans coach Bill O’Brien. “He’s come in here, he’s a good guy, he’s

Conley, a recent Texans acquisition, is focused on helping the team improve any way he can.

a quiet guy, he works hard, he’s a good learner and he’s a good football player.”

Conley, who was a bit up and down during his three seasons with the Raiders, said he has put the trade behind him and is focused on helping the Texans improve any way he can.

He recently played opposite Joseph, who returned to the lineup after struggling with hamstring and neck issues. He will back up Roby, who Conley played with at Ohio State and the two are close friends, and Joseph and possibly play some nickel back once the secondary is healthy.

“As a corner, you’ve got to be confident in this league,” said Conley, who has 22 passes defensed in his three seasons.

So far defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel has seemed as impressed with his new cornerback as he can get.

“He seems like a very nice kid,” Crennel said.

“He’s got a good football background. He played at Ohio State and did a good job there. He’s been in the league. This is his third year, I believe. Of what I’ve seen so far, he looks like he feels comfortable being outside covering the receivers that he has had to.”

Follow Terrance Harris on Twitter @ terranceharris.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 7 | 2019 | DEFENDER

sports

11

Ft. Bend Hightower coach

Joseph Sam helps program rebound We didn’t do the best job of showing that tonight. Learning how to be organized. Learning how to teach kids life values not only in the game of football but also beyond the game of ort Bend Hightower head football coach Joseph football. We have to raise these kids to be men first.

Sam has made a name for himself this season as Defender: What was clicking during your mid-season one of the new coaches in the greater Houston win streak? area.

Sam: Once we got on our little winning streak I think After 11 years of being groomed up by a our kids were hungry. They wanted to win, but just didn’t plethora of high school coaches and programs, Sam proved know how to finish. I think our heads blew up a little bit and himself a success as both a defensive coordinator and reour kids have to understand that people aren’t just gonna lay cruiter. Sam became the defensive coordinator and recruiting down because you have Hightower Hurricanes across your coordinator at Mansfield Legacy High School, one of the chest. [They are going to] strap it up even harder because Dallas area’s powerhouse programs. they feel like you are the top dog now and they want to take During the 2019 offseason, Hightower pulled the you down. trigger and hired Sam as Defender: In looking its head football coach. Beat the good, bad and ugly, For game & crowd photos fore Sam could even coach what did you learn about a game, Dave Campbell’s visit IG: @DefenderHighSchoolSports your guys in the loss to Texas Football Magazine Shadow Creek? recognized him as one of Sam: The ugly was its Best 40 Coaches Under that we didn’t respond to adversity very well and it disap40. Talk about pressure. pointed me because all season we have been doing a really Under Hightower’s previous regime, the school went good job. The good was that I think we played hard. Our 3-8 last season. This season Sam has coached the Hurricanes mantra is “E.A.T.” (Effort-Attitude-Toughness), and we only to a 5-4 overall record with a 4-2 record in district play. got one part of that done today. We gave 100% effort but our The Defender spoke with Sam after the Hurricanes attitudes were not tough at all. suffered a tough loss to last season’s state title contender Defender: What does a game like this do for you Shadow Creek and discussed his journey to Hightower and moving ahead into the playoffs? his stellar first season as a head coach.

Sam: It could be a positive because there are only two Defender: Who were some of the people who helped ways to go from this type of game. I don’t think our kids make you the coach you are today? were scared at all. I just think the hype surrounding the game Sam: Rodney Webb, Randy Jackson, Cody Groves, made it personal for the kids since they are cross-town rivals.

Chris Milson, Sammy LeWatson and Cody Moore.

I think it is time to circle the wagons and some of these kids What did you learn from the coaches who mentored are going to have to grow up a little bit and some of us as you? coaches need to look within ourselves and fix some things. I Sam: It’s all about teaching kids how to be resilient. think our kids will respond next week.

F

Coach Joseph Sam took charge of Hightower High School football this season.

By JODIE B. JILES Defender

Hightower has already recorded more wins than the previous season. (Photos by Jimmie Aggison)

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

12

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 7 | 2019 defendernetwork.com

STATE OF BLACK WOMEN HEALTH FORUM 2019 THE STATE OF BLACK WOMEN HEALTH FORUM hosted by the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy (YWCPA) featured student assemblies and an adult program. Sponsors were Texas Children’s Hospital, Pavilion for Women, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Barbara Jordan Institute at Texas Southern University, HillDayPR and the Houston Defender Network. YWCPA Principal Dr. April Williams rolled out the red carpet for morning participants. Defender Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley presented the spoken word. M.D. Anderson provided a lung demonstration showing the impact of vaping/smoking conducted by Oneak Henigan and Jeanette Lastrape. For the evening forum, DJ SupaStar put the beats together while encouraging attendees to engage with health screening partners Kelsey Seybold Clinics and HEB Pharmacies. Totally You and Arnetta Meekins provide chair massages. HISD Interim Superintendent Dr.

PHOTOS BY VICKY PINK

Grenita Lathan greeted guests. Texas Children’s Hospital Executive Vice President Michelle Riley-Brown kicked off the forum with an insightful video on women and children’s Health. The MCs for the night were Defender CEO Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles and ReShonda Tate Billingsley, who introduced an impressive team of panelists. SOBW co-founders Argentina James and Carla Brailey and the Defender’s Margo Williams presented crowd-size awards to YWCPA ($3,000), Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church ($1,000) and TSU HER Organization ($500). Others in attendance included Audrey Cosby, Adrienne Cosby, Dr. Reagan Flowers, Dr. Joanie Hare, Dr. Tyeshia Babineaux, Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth, Marilyn Marshall, Valerie Madison, Michelle Barnes, Jacqueline Bostic, Shandra Livingston, Barbara Seymour-Harris, Sharon Owens, Jacqueline Preston and Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz.

DJ SupaStar YWCPA Student assemblies’ panelists

Dr. April Williams, Dr. Grenita Lathan ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Michelle Riley-Brown

Stephanie Ochoa, Alicia Guzman Florez, Argentina James, Kaliyah Rucker, Sonny Messiah

Carla Carter, Dr. Sonji Brown and Tonya Janice

Jeanette Lastrape explains the MD Anderson Lung Demo to Kyra Welch, Ashley Martinez, Faith Afolabi, Lupita Virgen

Audrey and Adrienne Cosby along with Arva and Janell Howard

DJ SupaStar

Jolanda Jones with sister

State Rep Senfronia Thompson

AKAs were represented at the SOBW Health Forum

Audience members

Arnetta Meekins

Barbara Seymour Harris and other SOBW attendees

Michelle Barnes

SOBW attendees

Vision Board winners: Camila Guzman, Citlally Estrada, Zoe Francis-Smith, Sonny Jiles and Maya Kogo

Crowd Size Winners were presented checks. Pictured: Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church First Lady Audrey Marie Cosby, Kanisha Bailey, YWCPA Principal Dr. April Williams, Sonny MessiahJiles, and Jennifer Trejo.

SOBW Health Forum group shot of participants, attendees and sponsors

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years