Houston Defender: November 08, 2012 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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Texas Children’s Hospital launches medical-legal partnership P2

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Volume 82 | Number 3 NOVEMBER 8, 2012 |FREE

NEWSTALK LAWRENCE MARSHALL headed to trial

Four more years H Page 10

P2 ENTERTAINMENT BYRON CAGE ministers through music

P5 SPORTS OPINION

TOYELLE WILSON coaches PV women

P12 CHAG’S PLACE

Kermit Crawford, Diedra Fontaine, Felicia Conley and Patrick Trahan at TSU gala

P15

Help for Houston veterans Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a day to honor the millions of men and women who have served in the U.S. military over the years. Amid the national celebration lies the reality of the challenges that far too many veterans face, especially minorities. Learn where local veterans can go to get help with employment.

Find out how they can obtain access to healthcare and affordable housing. See what one elected official is doing to champion the cause of veterans. Discover interesting facts and figures about the nation’s veterans, from their ethnicity to their income. H

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 8 | 2012

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Marshall, HISD headed to court next year Defender News Services

A jury trial for the civil case against HISD, board member Lawrence Marshall and others is scheduled for May 2013. They are being sued by the Gil Ramirez Group construction company, which alleges that Marshall received kickbacks from companies doing business with HISD through consulting fees paid to his campaign treasurer, Joyce Moss-Clay. Marshall is accused of voting to award contracts to firms that hired Moss-Clay, a retired HISD facilities manager. The Ramirez Group is accusing Marshall of bribery, money laundering, wire fraud and racketeering. Marshall continues to deny the allegations and has called the suit “baseless and Lawrence Marshall

without merit.” According to excerpts from the recent deposition of Moss-Clay obtained by the Houston Chronicle: • She gave Marshall 25 to 75 percent of what one company, RHJ-JOC paid her. (RHJ is also being sued by the Ramirez Group). • She gave him such a high percentage of her earnings because, “I felt obligated to, primarily because much of my development over the years, professional development associated with the personal experience I brought to the job, was the reason why I advanced through HISD.” • When asked about her consulting for the company Fort Bend Mechanical, which does air-conditioning and construction work for HISD, Moss-Clay said Marshall also shared in the proceeds of those fees. • When asked if Marshall agreed to vote to approve contracts for RHJ and Fort Bend Mechanical, she answered, “I don’t know what he agreed to, but not with me or not with, as far as I know, not with Pete (Medford, the owner of Fort Bend Mechanical). I can’t make that call for you. Marshall, a former HISD educator, joined the district as a teacher in 1955 and subsequently served as a principal, area superintendent, assistant superintendent, associate superintendent, and deputy superintendent before retiring in 1991. He also served as interim superintendent of the Kendleton Independent School District. Marshall was first elected to the HISD board in 1997. He was reelected to a fourth term in 2009, and served as president

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Texas Children’s launches legal partnership Defender News Services

Texas Children’s Hospital and the Houston Bar Association’s Houston Volunteer Lawyers recently announced the formation of a medical-legal partnership (MLP) that will provide low-income patients and their families with critical legal assistance. It is the first partnership of its kind to be offered in the Houston area. Through the program, a Volunteer Lawyers staff attorney will provide legal advice with assistance from outside pro bono lawyers. The project is being funded in part by a donation from Walmart, which created a successful MLP with Arkansas Children’s Hospital last year. “It has always been our mission to help low-income children with all of their medical needs and this program is just another example of how we are doing that,” said Mark A. Wallace, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital. “We appreciate the generous gift from Walmart for this beneficial medical-legal partnership that will bring much-needed support to these children who do not have another place to turn for this type of legal assistance.”

MLP is a unique health-care delivery model that brings physicians and lawyers together to tackle health issues that have legal, rather than medical solutions. Examples include negotiating with a landlord to address substandard living conditions, such as a mold infestation triggering a child’s asthma; helping a family secure Medicaid payment for a specialized wheelchair or home nursing services; or preparing legal guardianships to allow parents to continue making health care decisions for their children with special needs after they turn 18. The Texas Children’s MLP initially will provide legal aid to patients in five areas: Inpatient Rehabilitation, Fetal Center, Special Needs Primary Care Clinic, Retrovirology and Texas Children’s Pediatrics-Gulfgate. “Walmart is proud to support Texas Children’s Hospital to establish this important program,” said Jeff Gearhart, executive vice president and general counsel of Walmart. “We’ve seen firsthand through our work with Arkansas Children’s Hospital that the medical-legal partnership is making a difference.

Black Male Summit to be held Nov. 17 Defender News Services Local activist Deric Muhammad and Lone Star Community College will host the third annual Smart’N Up Black Male Summit on Education. It takes place Saturday, Nov. 17, at Lone Star Victory Center, 4141 Victory Drive. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and workshops begin at 10 a.m.

The purpose of the event is to inspire and encourage Black males to pursue knowledge inside and outside the classroom, and address the drop-out rate among minority male students. It will feature motivational speakers, on-site mentors, and GED and college entrance information. Admission is free. For registration or information visit www. blackmalesummit2012.eventbrite.com or call 832-338-6719. Deric Muhammad

localbriefs TO PROMOTE A SAFER CAMPUS, students, faculty and staff at the University of Houston will gather the evening of Monday, Nov. 12, for the annual Walk in the Dark event. Members of the campus community will meet at the main entrance of the University Center at 7 p.m., break into groups and then walk the campus. Each group will walk in a pre-assigned area to find and point out places that make them feel unsafe. Participants will report possible safety concerns, such as broken lights, uneven walkways or inoperable emergency phones. All the information will be compiled and submitted so repairs and improvements can be made. Organizers include the Student Government

Association and Department of Public Safety……..HOPE THROUGH GRACE, a non-profit dedicated to preventing colorectal cancer, will host its 9th annual symposium on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m. at the Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane. The topic is Health Care Reform: New Provisions for Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Treatment. The program includes a panel discussion, luncheon, testimonials and keynote address. For registration information call 713-668-HOPE (4673)…….. PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY’S Student Government Association created A “No Voice, No Vote” campaign, in which various organizations and members of

the administration were photographed with their mouths taped shut. On Election Day, students held a voter rally and marched to the polls together to cast their votes. Later, an election night watch party brought students, faculty, staff and local dignitaries together to await election results……... ADDITIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING is now available for Houstonians. New Hope Housing celebrated the opening of its sixth multi-family property, which is located in Foster Place near the University of Houston and Texas Southern University. The 160-unit single room occupancy apartment community provides affordable housing for adults living alone on a limited income.

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NOVEMBER 8 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Was your home in the FORECLOSURE PROCESS in 2009-2010, and was your mortgage loan serviced by one of the companies listed here? America’s Servicing Co.

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If you believe foreclosure errors cost you money, you can request a free review of your mortgage foreclosure file by a neutral party. You give up nothing by requesting a review and waive no rights by accepting compensation.

IF AN ERROR IS FOUND, YOU COULD RECEIVE A PAYMENT OR OTHER COMPENSATION THAT MAY INCLUDE REFUNDED FEES, STOPPING OF A FORECLOSURE OR PAYMENTS UP TO $125,000 PLUS EQUITY.*

Visit IndependentForeclosureReview.com or call 1-888-952-9105 to request a review today. You must submit a Request for Review Form no later than December 31, 2012. Don’t pay for help to request a review. Federal bank regulators—the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury—are directing and monitoring the review process. For more information, go to the government websites: occ.gov/independentforeclosurereview or federalreserve.gov/consumerinfo/independent-foreclosure-review.htm If you need free help to complete the Request for Review Form, contact a HUD-approved nonprofit organization that helps homeowners in distress. Information about HUD-approved nonprofit organizations that can provide free assistance is available at makinghomeaffordable.gov/get-started/housing-expert or by calling 1-855-778-0855. Si usted habla español, tenemos representantes que pueden asistirle en su idioma para darle información sobre la Revisión Independiente de Ejecución Hipotecaria. Assistance is also available in over 200 languages, including: Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Hmong and Russian. 提供中文幫助。 한국어 도움을 제공합니다. Помощь на русском языке.

Trợ giúp hiện có bằng tiếng Việt. Peb muaj cov neeg hais lus Hmoob pab nej. Available ang tulong sa wikang Tagalog.

* Any payments made to you if errors in your foreclosure are found may be reported to the IRS and may have tax implications. Consult a tax advisor to discuss those implications.

An important message directed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

INDEPENDENT FORECLOSURE REVIEW

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 8 | 2012

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national

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will reside in the White House four more years.

Obama re-elected to second term By George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief After riding to victory in Ohio on the strength of his successful auto bailout plan and a come-from-behind victory in Virginia and possibly Florida, President Barack Obama was re-elected to a second term on Nov. 6. Obama was ahead of Republican challenger Mitt Romney by approximately 1 million votes in the general election, but is expected to win the Electoral College by a much larger margin when electors meet on Dec. 17 to officially determine who becomes the next president of the United States. Of the 538 electors, Obama needs only 270 to win. He is poised to collect approximately 322 votes in the Electoral College. Obama swept to victory on the strength of a progressive coalition of Blacks, Latinos, youth, unmarried women, Jews, union members and gay men and lesbians. He won about 40 percent of the white vote, down about 3 percent from 2008, and 69 percent of Latinos. Speaking to cheering supporters in Chicago, Obama said: “While our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up. We have fought our way back. And we know in our hearts that, for the United States of America, the best is yet to come.” Obama and Vice President Joe Biden carried most of the swing states, including: Michigan, Romney’s birthplace; Massachusetts, where Romney served as governor; New Hampshire, where Romney has a summer home; Wisconsin, the home state of Congressman Paul Ryan, the Republican vice presidential nominee, as well as Ohio, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Virginia. Obama was leading Romney in Florida by about 45,000 votes, or 0.53 percentage points, as of early Wednesday morning. At that time, 99 percent of the state’s 8.27 million votes had been counted. In a brief speech in Boston, Romney said, “I so wish that I had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country

in a different direction. But the nation chose another leader. So Ann and I join with you to earnestly pray for him and for this great nation.” Democrats maintained their majority in the Senate and Republicans kept their grip on the House. In closely watched races, two Republicans who had made controversial remarks about “legitimate rape” and abortion – Todd Akin in Missouri and Richard Mourdock in Indiana – were defeated in their Senate contests. Elizabeth Warren, an outspoken liberal, defeated Republican incumbent Scott Brown in Massachusetts. Rep. Tammy Baldwin will become the first known lesbian to serve in the U.S. Senate after defeating former Gov. Tommy Thompson in Wisconsin. In a major surprise, conservative Republican Congressman Allen West was trailing Democrat Patrick Murphy 159,959 to 157,578 with 99 percent of the vote counted as of Wednesday morning. West’s district was redrawn to include more Republican voters but apparently that won’t be enough to save his seat. Another Black conservative, Saratoga Springs, Utah Mayor Mia Love, lost her bid to unseat Rep. Jim Matheson, losing by less than 3,000 votes. Obama’s re-election probably means that the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” probably will not be repealed as Republicans had hoped. The president, who made two Supreme Court appointments in his first term, will most likely get an opportunity to make another appointment to the court, possibly two. Depending on who retires from the court, Obama’s appointments could alter the direction of the court, which has been drifting to the right. His first challenge will be a budget showdown with Republicans, who want to reduce the deficit solely through spending cuts. Obama, on the other hand, is insisting on a combination of cuts and increased revenue, including repeal of the Bush tax cuts that favor the wealthy. Exit polls showed that the economy was the top

issue on voters’ minds. The polls also showed that voters blamed George W. Bush more than Obama for the sluggish economy. In addition, voters also said they trust Obama more than Romney to protect the middle class. Obama’s re-election victory set off a round of speculation about what Republicans need to do to remain competitive in national politics. Republican strategist Alex Castellanos said on CNN, “This is not just going to be a loss for Mitt Romney… This is going to be a repudiation of the Republican Party. Democrats moved to the middle – new Democrats – and they transformed their party. Republicans are still the party of ‘no.’ We’re not seen as having enough solutions.” Since the election, everyone has been speculating on whether Tuesday’s outcome will increase the prospect of House Republicans working more closely with the White House. Although no one claimed to have the definitive answer to that question, there were signs that the rancor between the president and conservatives is not likely to evaporate soon.

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 3 NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer 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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NOVEMBER 8 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Byron Cage

entertainment

ministers through music By TERIA ROGERS Special to NNPA from the Afro-American

On a recent evening at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, Md., music minister Byron Cage counted down the tasks he needed to complete in preparation for a service. On this particular night, he readied for a special men’s worship service featuring Bishop Walter Scott Thomas and his men’s choir from New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore. “This is the calm before the storm. In the next 15 minutes it’s going to get extremely busy,” Cage said rushing out of his office and heading for a nearby staircase. For 15 years, Cage has served at Ebenezer under the leadership of Rev. Grainger Browning Jr. and Rev. Jo Ann Browning, helping to drive membership of the megachurch to more than 12,000. As if that didn’t keep him busy enough, Cage earlier this year accepted a similar post at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond, Va. He also continues to write and record music. “I direct two choirs there [Saint Paul’s] and two choirs here,” he said in an interview at Ebenezer. “Rehearsals are Monday at Ebenezer, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Richmond…I spend two Sundays here and two Sundays there.” His busy life, which includes rushing up and down I-95 between

Richmond and suburban Maryland, requires organization and scheduling. As he spoke, he inspected the choir stand at Ebenezer to ensure that it was ready for the night’s visitors. “When I came to Ebenezer, I was able to develop a new sound because they were very traditional,” he said. “Now we do everything from praise and worship to hymns, anthems and spirituals.” Besides his church work, Cage is a chart-topping gospel artist. He has released nine albums, the most recent, “Memoirs of a Worshipper,” in June. The current single, “Great and Mighty,” is currently No. 10 on the gospel singles charts. He has been nominated and won

several awards, including six Stellar Awards. The work as a church music minister is not as glamorous as his life as a top gospel artist. On this evening, he had the responsibility of opening the door to the choir room for Ebenezer’s King’s Men Choir and the adjoining room for the men’s choir of New Psalmist Baptist Church. He steamed clothes, inspected the choir performance area, checked dates for the men’s choir at Ebenezer, practiced a new arrangement of the hymn, “The Lord’s Prayer,” and updated details of an upcoming church visit. “We are wearing our blue bowties on Sunday,” he informed the Ebenezer men’s choir members. “If you don’t have one please see Brother Jefferson.” Cage said his priorities include extending his work into radio and television. He has been tapped to do the Sunday afternoon program on Praise 104.1 gospel radio in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Cage is working on a book, his first praise and worship conference and reality TV projects. “It’s been a great journey,” he said. “I am hosting my 50th birthday party next month and I’m just grateful to be around and as relevant as I have been in this industry. I’m certainly not complaining. I have three jobs when everybody is still looking for work. I just gotta take my adult naps when I can.” Byron Cage

whats’up ALICIA KEYS and her husband SWIZZ BEATZ were among the New Yorkers impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The power and water went out in their Manhattan penthouse so they left to stay with her mother. She said the storm taught her a lesson. “I think I learned that I’m not nearly as prepared as I need to be. God forbid there’s anything else coming – but if it did, I want to be more prepared about how to handle it and be able to ride it out,” she said…….. CHRIS ROCK’s recent satirical political video went viral, drawing more than 2 million viewers. The video, first broadcast on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” was a message for undecided white voters. In it, Rock said President BARACK OBAMA is actually Anglo because he had white grandparents, plays golf, wears mom jeans and owns a dog that is not a pit

bull or Rottweiler…….. ARSENIO HALL is scheduled to return to late night TV in fall 2013, and he already has a guest wish list. He would like to have former President BILL CLINTON play the saxophone while JAY-Z raps. Clinton made news in 1992 when he played the sax on Hall’s previous talk show …….. A film starring MORGAN FREEMAN and three other accomplished actors has started shooting in Las Vegas. Freeman will be joined by MICHAEL DOUGLAS, ROBERT DE NIRO and KEVIN KLINE in “Last Vegas,” which follows four old friends who decide to throw a bachelor party for the only one of them who has remained single. The four Hollywood icons have six Academy Award wins and 14 nominations between them. Freeman won a 2005 Best Supporting Actor Oscar

for “Million Dollar Baby” at the age of 67…….”America’s Got Talent,” the NBC variety series hosted by NICK CANNON, is beginning its nationwide search for season eight contestants. Auditions will be held in a dozen cities, and come to San Antonio on January 12-13. The competition is open to performers of all ages, including singers, musicians, magicians and jugglers. Last year’s finalists included a comedian and a family dog act. Details can be found at www. AGTauditions.com........THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE’S production of “Cinderella” will return by popular demand for the holidays. Performances will be updated with several new cast members and additional songs. The production runs Nov. 19 through Dec. 23. For information call 713-520-0055 or visit www.ensemblehouston.com.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 8 | 2012

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Local election recap: Victory, defeat Defender News Service

Houston voters let their voices be heard loud and clear in an election that is expected to reveal better-than-expected voter turnout. The HISD bond proposition passed by an overwhelming margin that will allow 38 campuses to be rebuilt or renovated, including several predominantly Black schools. In addition voters approved the METRO referendum, the Houston Community College bond proposal and the City of Houston bond proposal. Erica Lee One of the races most closely watched was for Harris County Sheriff. Adrian Garcia won re-election against Louis Guthrie, a Republican candidate he fired three years ago. Incumbent Democrat Vince Ryan fended off Republican Robert Talton in a close race to serve four years as Harris County’s civil attorney. Three incumbent county commissioners

Sheriff Adrian Garcia

kept their seats with commanding victories, including Precinct 1, Democrat El Franco Lee, who won an eighth four-year term on Commissioners Court against Republican Chuck Maricle. Erica Lee, a nonprofit organization executive, defeated Republican JuLuette BartlettPack, a college professor, for the Position 6, Precinct 1 seat.

Lee, the daughter of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, won the Democratic nomination in a runoff after a primary election in which the county tax assessor-collector acknowledged some voters were excluded because he used outdated district boundaries. In the congressional races, Jackson Lee easily won re-election, as did U.S. Rep. Al Green. Other incumbents winning by large margins were State Reps. Alma Allen, Senfronia Thompson, Sylvester Turner, Garnet Coleman and Ron Reynolds. State Sen. Rodney Ellis and State Reps. Borris Miles and Harold Dutton were unopposed. State Sen. Mario Gallegos, who died last month from complications of liver disease, was posthumously re-elected. Gov. Rick Perry will declare Gallegos’ seat vacant and call for a special election to fill it. Two incumbent judges barely retained their seats. Democrat Maria Jackson defeated Republican Brad Hart for judge, 339th District, and Democrat Al Bennett won against Republican Jeff Hastings in the 61st Judicial District.

Winning EXCELLENCE As a UH student-athlete, I was honored to make All-Conference USA First and Second teams. As a Broadcast Journalism major, I’m learning how to communicate the story, play-by-play.

I Choose Houston.

Chandace Tryon Broadcast Journalism, Class of 2013

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NOVEMBER 8 | 2012 | DEFENDER

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By ASWAD WALKER Defender In the waning days of the election, the Harris County Republican Party and True the Vote, a Texas Tea Party group, accused the NAACP Houston Branch and the Harris County Democratic Party of voter intimidation. The NAACP, however, denies the allegations, and says it will not be bullied by the conservative political groups. “The NAACP Houston Branch will not be intimidated by the Republican Party or its allies at “True the Vote,” said Rev. Reginald Lillie, branch president. James Douglas, local branch vice president and general counsel agreed. “The Houston Branch is not afraid of falsehoods and is fully prepared to defend the integrity of the NAACP on all fronts,” Douglas said. A poll watcher in the Acres Homes community claimed she saw individuals wearing NAACP shirts “take over” the polling place during early voting. Upon reporting the incident to True the Vote, the story quickly went national. Lillie offered a much different take on what transpired, stating that NAACP volunteers were in place to help seniors, and broke no rules. “If that were the case, for an elderly person who may be feeble or disabled to get assistance to stand up and exercise their right to vote, I don’t see how that should create such disdain,” said Lillie. “It is a shame that the NAACP Houston Branch and its volunteers are being attacked by a right wing extremist group for being Good Samaritans,” added Carroll G. Robinson, chairman of the Houston branch Political Affairs Committee. “The NAACP will continue to help elderly and disabled voters, as well as all other voters, exercise their right to vote,” Robinson said. The day before the election, the Harris County Republican Party filed a lawsuit against the Harris County Democratic Party because of what the local GOP’s chairman, Jared Woodfill, called “evidence of their blatant disregard for Texas election law.” “The Harris County Republican Party is closely monitoring the elections and taking appropriate actions regarding each issue that arises,” said Woodfill, in a prepared statement. “I don’t believe their accusations for a minute,” said Raymond Joseph, a resident of Sunnyside, commenting on the GOP charges. “Sounds like Republicans are trying to justify showing up at the polls and doing what they always do – trying to scare Black folk away from the polls.”

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 8 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Help for Houston veterans By ASWAD WALKER Defender

Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and it’s a day to honor the millions of men and women – living and deceased – who have served in the U.S. military. Amid the national celebration lies the reality of the challenges far too many veterans face, such as unemployment, homelessness and physical and mental illness. In the Houston area, various entities are working to meet the varied needs of veterans, from finding shelter to landing a job.

Healthcare

Houston’s Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center serves as the primary health care provider for more than 130,000 veterans in southeast Texas, along with countless others from around the country who are referred to the center. Its services include specialized diagnostic care, radiation therapy, surgery and medical treatment including cardiovascular surgery, gastrointestinal endoscopy, nuclear medicine, ophthalmology, and treatment of spinal cord injury and diseases. The center houses a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic along with numerous award-winning programs dealing with everything from cancer treatment and substance abuse to mental illness research. The center has 580 operating beds and a 40-bed residence for homeless veterans. Along with its main facility at 6900 Almeda Road, the Center has outpatient clinics in several nearby cities including Beaumont, Galveston and Lufkin.

Housing

Job fair for veterans Nov. 15 Workforce Solutions and the Texas Workforce Commission are partnering to host a Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair to connect area veterans and service members with local employers. It will be held at Reliant Center, Hall E, on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participation and parking is free for veterans who register online at www.wrksolutions.com/ redwhite&you. but I won’t be satisfied until all our heroes have a safe place to stay at night. To accomplish this goal we will need all of our community partners to remain engaged. Our homeless veterans also have a role to play by accepting the helping hand that is being offered to them.” “These brave men and women served our country, and now their lives are at risk on the same streets that thousands of us drive every day,” said Houston Housing Authority President & CEO Tory Gunsolley. “We cut through all the red tape and brought together all available resources to help these veterans find safe, affordable homes and a fresh start.”

to help veterans and their family members train for indemand jobs. The Incarcerated Veterans Training Program provides employment services to those who are currently incarcerated and within 18 months of release, or have been released from incarceration in the last six months. Goodwill also offers a Female Veteran and Veterans with Families Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program at 3000 Richmond, Suite 355 (832-900-7468). It provides employment services to homeless veterans who are female or custodial parents of minor children.

Legal services

As an example of its ongoing efforts, the Houston Bar Association (HBA) recently held a free legal advice clinic for all Harris County veterans. At such clinics, volunteer attorneys provide legal advice on such issues as family law, wills and probate, consumer issues, landlord/tenant law, worker’s compensation, tax issues, bankruptcy, and veterans’ benefits and disability claims. Additionally, the HBA sponsors weekly legal advice clinics at the VA Medical Center, monthly legal advice clinics at the US VETS at Midtown Terrace residential facility, and quarterly legal advice clinics at DeGeorge at Union Station residential facility, as well as at standdowns and other veterans’ gatherings. Vets in need of more information on veteran services and upcoming legal clinics can call the HBA’s Houston Volunteer Lawyers at 713-228-0735 or visit the HBA website, www.hba.org.

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, roughly 56 percent of all homeless veterans are African American or Hispanic, despite only accounting for 12.8 percent and 15.4 percent of the U.S. population respectively. Employment Roughly 1.5 million other veterans are considered According to a report by the Department of Labor, at risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support Black veterans, who make up only 11.9 percent of the networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or entire veteran labor force, accounted for 17.5 percent of substandard housing. overall veteran unemployment in 2010. Locally, the City of Houston, the Houston Housing Locally, Goodwill Houston offers three programs for Authority, Harris County, HUD, the VA and numerous veterans at Midtown Terrace, 4640 Main Street (713-699community organizations have joined together to develop 6351). Partnering with the United States Veterans Initiaa plan to find homes and social services for veterans living tive-Houston, a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program in danger on Houston’s streets. provides veterans with job training and placement. More than 200 homeless veterans now have a place to Through Operation: Good Jobs and Veterans Serviccall home as a result of the initiative. es, Goodwill and the Wal-Mart Foundation fund programs “The original goal was to house 100 homeless vets Learn more about help for veterans at in 100 days,” said Mayor Annise Parker. “We have www.defendernetwork.com now doubled that number,

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rpage Green stresses veterans’ issues Houston Congressman Al Green is championing the cause of veterans. He has been busy garnering bipartisan support to pass the Homes for Heroes Act of 2011 (HR 3298), which improves and strengthens the collaboration between the VA and Housing and Urban Development on the issue of homeless veterans. Earlier this year, Green, in conjunction with the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, hosted an event that provided homeless veterans with information about VA services while enjoying entertainment and other activities. Green recently spoke with the Defender about his concerns. Defender: Why has this issue of getting help and homes for homeless veterans been such a passion of yours? Green: We are the land of the free because we are the home of our brave troops. I believe it is important that we do all that we can to provide for the men and women who sacrifice life and limb for the preservation of our quality of life. The very least a grateful nation can do for our service members returning home is to ensure that they have access to housing, healthcare, good jobs, and supportive services. Homelessness among veterans continues to be an issue we must address. Defender: Is there any other legislation or initiatives of which you are part that speak to this issue? Green: In September 2012, I introduced H.R. 6381, the Housing Assistance Congressman Al Green says veterans deserve assistance where needed. for Veterans Act of 2012 (HAVEN Act). This $20 million, five-year initiative Green: As I attend events around the city on Veterans Day, I will continue to call to would provide funding for home modifications for our disabled and low-income the public’s attention to the plight of homeless veterans across the nation. I will attend a veterans. My bill passed the House of Representatives as an amendment to H.R. 6361, ceremony at Windsor Village [Kingdom Builders Center], where I will present medals on September 19, 2012. There is also the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of to brave men and women who have fought to protect our freedoms and liberties here in 2012, introduced by Rep. Joe Heck from Nevada, which I supported. The HAVEN Act America. I also plan to attend the City of Houston’s regional Veterans Day commemoand Rep. Heck’s bill are both pending in the Senate. ration events, which are slated to include a program as well as a parade that will honor Defender: Do you have any plans for Veterans Day that speak to raising awareour veterans. ness to the plight of homeless vets?

Veterans by the numbers How many veterans live in the United States? What is their race and ethnicity? Where do they live? The following facts and figures were compiled by the 2010 Census, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Labor Department. 21.8 million – Number of military veterans in the United States. 1.6 million – Number of female veterans. 2.4 million – Number of Black veterans. Additionally, 1.2 million veterans were Hispanic; 265,000 were Asian; 156,000 were American Indian or Alaska Native; 28,000 were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; and 17.5 million were non-Hispanic white. 9 million – Number of veterans 65 and older. At the other end of the age spectrum, 1.7 million were younger than 35. 56 – Percent of homeless veterans who are African American and Hispanic. 17.5 – Percent of unemployed Black veterans. 7.6 million – Number of Vietnam-era veterans. Thirty-five percent of all living veterans served during this time (1964-1975). In addition, 4.8 million served during the Gulf War (1990-present), 2.1 million in World War II (1941-1945), 2.6 million in the Korean War (1950-1953) and 5.5 million in peacetime only. 3 – Number of states with 1 million or more veterans. These states are California (2 million), Florida (1.6 million) and Texas (1.6 million). 26 – Percent of veterans 25 and older with at

Houston area for over 80 years

least a bachelor’s degree. 92 – Percent of veterans 25 and older with a high school diploma or higher. $35,367 – Annual median income of veterans, in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars. 9.6 million – Number of veterans 18 to 64 in the labor force. 15.8 million – Number of veterans who voted in the 2008 presidential election. Seventy-one percent of veterans cast a ballot in the presidential election. 12.4 million – Number of veterans who voted in the 2010 congressional election. Fifty-seven percent of veterans voted in the 2010 congressional election. 9 – Percent of all U.S. nonfarm firms that are majority owned by veterans. Veteranowned firms comprised an estimated 2.4 million of the 27.1 million nonfarm businesses nationwide.

Diversity is a hallmark of the U.S. military.

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 8 | 2012

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business

Jobs report shows slow growth By FREDDIE ALLEN NNPA Washington Correspondent

Voters were still waiting to elect the next president of the United States when the Labor Department’s monthly jobs report, issued four days before the election, provided a glimpse into what the American economy might look like over the next four years. The unemployment rate increased from 7.8 percent in September to 7.9 percent in October, but economists say that it was for all the right reasons. More workers rejoined the labor force and the economy added 171,000 jobs. In addition, the Labor Department amended the August jobs number from 142,000 to 192,000 and the September figures from 114,000 to 148,000. Even with the uptick in the unemployment rate to 7.9 percent, economists point out that more people joined the labor

force, which signals that “discouraged workers” are getting back in the game. “If you’re out there looking for work and there is none, it’s harder to keep trying,” said Tim Sullivan, federal policy coordinator for United for a Fair Economy, a nonpartisan organization that promotes economic justice and equality. “Even, if you’ve stopped looking for work and you find out that your friend got a job you think, ‘Okay, well, maybe I can, too.’ ” As more Americans find work and the economy climbs slowly out of the Great Recession, some economists wonder if the depression in the Black community will ever be addressed. The Black unemployment rate increased from the September mark of 13.4 percent to 14.3 percent compared with the white unemployment rate that remained unchanged during that period at 7 percent. “It points out a glaring moral failing for the country that a lot of people would prefer to just ignore,” said Sullivan. “It’s

easier to say that we live in a post-racial country. It’s easier to ignore it than to confront it.” Economists caution against looking at the unemployment rate in a bubble, however. The share of the Black population that was employed improved from 53 percent in September to 53.4 percent in October. The share of the white population that was employed in October was 59.5 percent, a slight increase from the 59.4 percent in September. The share of Black men with jobs increased from 57.5 percent in September to 58.1 percent in October compared to the share of white men, which saw a slight increase from September (59.4 percent to 59.5 percent). However, the unemployment rate for Black women jumped from 10.9 percent in September to 12.4 percent in October, much of it attributed to the number of Black women looking for work. Like Black men, the share of Black women that found work also increased, from 55.3 percent to 55.9 percent.

Supplier development council honors Ford, others Defender News Services The National Minority Supplier Development Council presented Ford Motor Company with its prestigious “Corporation of the Year” award at a blacktie awards banquet which capped its four-day conference and business opportunity fair in Denver. The NMSDC award honors major corporations that are dedicated to improving the overall participation of Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American suppliers in the global corporate supply chain. “Presenting this award to Ford is a fitting way to continue celebrating our 40th anniversary,” said NMSDC President Joset B. Wright. “Ford has been a true supporter of NMSDC’s supplier diversity initiatives for more than 30 years. “In 2012 Ford took its efforts to a new level, embodying an absolute model of minority supplier development and collaboration with its company policies, supplier investment, technology support, and creation of joint ventures and strategic

manager, supplier diversity and learning and development at Chrysler Group LLC, received the Minority Supplier Development Leader of the Year award. Four top minority businesses were recognized as National Suppliers of the Year and 12 minority businesses were honored as Regional Suppliers of the Year. The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council earned Regional Council of the Year honors. Officials with Ford Motor Company join National Minority Supplier Development Council representatives and others at the NMSDC banquet.

alliances,” Wright said. Crippled by the economic downturn that began in 2007, Ford has steadily regained its presence among the world’s leading automakers. In 2011, Ford purchased a company record $5.08 billion in goods and services from more than 400 certified minority business enterprises (MBEs), a 31 percent growth over 2010. Since 1996, the company has spent more than $50 billion with certified MBEs. Prior to 2011, Ford facilitated 13 joint

ventures/strategic alliances to increase MBE-to-MBE business opportunities as well as MBE and major corporations. In support of NMSDC and its network of 36 affiliate councils in 2011, the company volunteered more than 5,000 hours for more than 36 committees and events. The automaker sponsored three MBEs for membership in NMSDC’s Corporate Plus Program and participates on NMSDC’s International Program Advisory Committee. Kevin Bell, senior

901 Sue Barnett ● Houston, TX 77018-5415 ● 713-696-2930

Public Montessori PK 3-7th Grades

APPLY NOW

Applications for students 3 years old through 7th grade are available now Both online at www.Houstonisd.org or at the school office. Completed applications with all of the required forms are due back January 11, 3012 to be included in the lottery. Parents of New Applicants are asked to attend one of our new Applicant orientations, either January 29 or February 9.

RESERVE A TOUR Tours of the school are held on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. through April 4, 2013 Contact the school to RSVP for a Thursday morning tour.

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‘Runaway slave’ cartoon labeled racist

NOVEMBER 8 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Special to NNPA from Our Weekly

The New York Post recently published what some are calling the most profoundly disrespectful and racist cartoon ever about President Barack Obama. The cartoon depicts an angry white man on horseback (Mitt Romney) chasing down a terrified skinny Black man fleeing on foot (President Obama), and the Romney figure is aiming an assault rifle and attached bayonet at the Obama figure’s backside. “The cartoon clearly evokes an image from the Old South of an overseer or slave catcher chasing down a runaway slave,” says a report by two interpreters of code language and political cartoons. “Don’t believe the Post if they claim this is just payback satire on the president’s quip about horses and bayonets that exposed Romney’s ignorance of defense issues,” said Dennis King, one of the authors of the report, referring to the final presidential campaign debate. The report said the Post cartoon was an example of “the knee-jerk hatred of Obama by so many Republicans [that] goes back to group fantasies of the rebellious slave, or in this case of the uppity educated n-----, who must be put back in his place.” The cartoonist, Sean Delonas, was accused of racism in 2009 when one of his cartoons depicted a rabid chimpanzee dying on a sidewalk after being shot by New York cops. The caption strongly implied that the chimp was meant to represent President Obama. The Post said it was sorry people were offended, but never fully apologized.

Following his acceptance speech, President Obama was joined by his family onstage.

Excerpts from Obama’s speech ‘Best is yet to come’

“Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America the best is yet to come.”

Challenger Mitt Romney

“In the weeks ahead, I also look forward to sitting down with Governor Romney to talk about where we can work together to move this country forward.”

Vice President Joe Biden

“I want to thank my friend and partner of the last four years, America’s happy warrior, the best vice president anybody could ever hope for, Joe Biden.

Michelle, Sasha & Malia Obama

work there is to do and the future that lies ahead.”

Problems to be solved

“You elected us to focus on your jobs, not ours. And in the coming weeks and months, I am looking forward to reaching out and working with leaders of both parties to meet the challenges we can only solve together. Reducing our deficit. Reforming our tax code. Fixing our immigration system. Freeing ourselves from foreign oil. We’ve got more work to do.”

Keep hope alive

“I have never been more hopeful about America. And I ask you to sustain that hope. I’m not talking about blind optimism, the kind of hope that just ignores the enormity of the tasks ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. I’m not talking about the wishful idealism that allows us to just sit on the sidelines or shirk from a fight.”

“I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the woman who agreed to marry me 20 years ago. Let me say this publicly: Michelle, I have never loved you more. I have never been prouder to watch the rest of America fall in love with you, too, as our nation’s first lady. “Sasha and Malia, before our very eyes you’re growing up to become two strong, smart beautiful young women, just like your mom. And I’m so proud of you guys. But I will say that for now one dog’s probably enough.”

Multi-cultural America

Determined, inspired

Moving forward

“Whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you, I have learned from you, and you’ve made me a better president. And with your stories and your struggles, I return to the White House more determined and more inspired than ever about the

“I believe we can keep the promise of our founders, the idea that if you’re willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or where you love. It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, able, disabled, gay or straight, you can make it here in America if you’re willing to try.”

“Together with your help and God’s grace we will continue our journey forward and remind the world just why it is that we live in the greatest nation on Earth. Thank you, America. God bless you. God bless these United States.”

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 8 | 2012

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sports

Expect double trouble from PV basketball By MAX EDISON Defender

Even though the college football season is still going strong, one can hear the distinct sound of basketballs being dribbled on campuses around the nation. College basketball practice has begun and soon the great journey toward March Madness will begin. In the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) the experts have cast their preseason votes for the top teams in their league and Prairie View A&M University has been voted No. 1 on both sides of the ledger, men and women. The SWAC preseason polls provide evidence of just how far the basketball programs have come at PV. The coaches of both programs hope to make the preseason predictions come true. For women’s head coach Toyelle Wilson, the résumé simply continues to grow. Preparing for Wilson’s third season at the helm, the Lady Panthers continue to be an elite program among mid-major universities and Wilson is among the nation’s brightest young coaching stars. At just 31, Wilson has captured the SWAC’s postseason tournament in consecutive seasons and twice represented the conference in the NCAA tournament. “We’re pleased to be rated number one in the preseason rankings,” Wilson said. “I think it speaks volumes for the hard work the coaches and players have put in to build our program into a quality, winning program. “Now our goal is to continue to work hard in our preparation for the season to help make this team live up to our potential. Our players know what’s at stake and I think we have a chance to have a very good season.” This year the preseason accolades are well deserved because the Lady Panthers are loaded. They return their entire team from last season, including all five starters. That includes All-Conference standout senior Latia Williams (5-feet-10), who has been tabbed preseason Player of the Year and Kiara Etienne (5-feet-10) who is also a preseason All-SWAC first team performer. Expect Jeanette Jackson (5-feet-7), Larissa Scott (6-feet), JaQuandria Williams (5-feet-8) and Michaela Burton (5-feet-9) to all make significant contributions this season. “One of the strengths of our

Senior standout Latia Williams

team is our experience,” Wilson said. “Our players have been together and played through difficult times. “They have survived tough preseason schedules, the long conference grind and the pressure of the conference tournament, not to mention playing UConn in the NCAA on the road. Now we’ve got to buckle down, work hard and get ready to do it again this year.” In his seventh year as head coach of the Panther men’s program, Byron Rimm II has seen the program come a long way. He inherited a program that was at rock bottom, but has worked tirelessly to build a solid organization. Last year the team finished No. 3 during conference competition. They return all but two players from last year, including all five starters. He is pleased that the Panthers have received a measure of preseason notoriety. “I’m excited about this year. On paper, this is probably one my best teams since I’ve been here,” said Rimm. “We’ve been voted number one [in the SWAC] in a few publications and that’s great but our approach at practice is to work hard every day and improve every game.” The Panthers’ cupboard is stocked with talent. Senior Jourdan DeMuynck (6-feet-6) and Junior Louis Munks (6-feet3) lead a talent-laden group of backcourt performers that will be enhanced with the addition of University of Oklahoma transfer Carl Blair (senior 6-feet-2). Junior Jules Montgomery (6-feet-11), DeMondre Chapman (junior 6-feet-7), Mayol Riathin (senior 6-feet-9), Josh Eleby (senior 6-feet-9) and Wesley Afolayan (freshman 6-feet-7) provide size and toughness up front. Ironically, even though the Panthers are predicted to win the title, they don’t have a single player named to the preseason All-Conference team. Coach Rimm believes he’s partially to blame. “I’m a guy who likes the ball moving around,” Rimm said. “We swing the ball around, work the ball in and out. I don’t like one guy taking a hundred shots. I’m sure that hurts our guys when it comes to individual honors because we have guys that could easily score in the 20s, but the way we play and share the ball it doesn’t happen.” Both coaches want it to be known that basketball is alive and well at Prairie View and if you’re looking for outstanding college action, look no further than “the Hill.”

Men’s Coach Byron Rimm

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Women’s Coach Toyelle Wilson

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h.s.zone

Hollins named

‘Semper Fidelis’ All-American By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

Marshall High School defensive end Deon Hollins Jr. has been selected a “Semper Fidelis” High School All-American by the U.S. Marine Corps. The presentation was made during a recent ceremony held in the Fort Bend ISD school’s auditorium before a gathering of Hollins’ family, friends, classmates, teammates and a host of special guests. Athletic coordinator and head football coach James Williams served as master of ceremony. Fort Bend ISD Assistant Superintendent Rhonda McWilliams and Director of Athletics Philip O’Neal offered remarks during the ceremony. Vivian Burly represented Houston area politicians and proclaimed Nov. 2, 2012 Deon Hollins Jr. Day. Marine Corps representatives announced that Hollins earned “Semper Fidelis” All-American status based on his considerable accomplishments on the football field and in the classroom. Hollins has a 3.9 grade-point average while taking mostly advanced placement and college-prep classes. He has chosen to attend UCLA next fall. The Marshall Buffalos have won nine consecutive games to open the 2012 season and are currently leading District 22-4A with one game remaining in the regular season. Victories over Chavez, Alief Elsik, Worthing, Tomball, Ridge Point, Stratford, Tomball Memorial, Spring Woods and Northbrook have vaulted Marshall near the top of the Houston area Class 4A rankings. Hollins was selected the Texas Football Magazine Preseason Super Team Defensive Player of the Year. Trailing Stratford with less than six minutes to play, Hollins pressured the quarterback into throwing an interception that was returned for a game-winning touchdown.

NOVEMBER 8 | 2012 DEFENDER

sportsbriefs Linebacker earns honor Deoundrei Davis, a linebacker for Cypress Woods High School, has been selected to play in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl set for Jan. 5 at the San Antonio Alamodome. The game will be televised live on NBC at noon. A U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour team will visit Cypress Woods on Nov. 9 in the school’s Commons area to honor Davis before his teammates, classmates, fans and family during a pep rally. The event is slated to start at 7:05 a.m. The school is located at 16825 Spring Cypress Road in Cypress. Andrew Luck, Jamaal Charles and Percy Harvin are all former U.S. Army All-Americans. The 2012 game drew a crowd of 39,011 to the Alamodome and was the most-watched sporting event on television that weekend outside of the NFL playoffs.

Powers bite the dust

Representatives of the U.S. Marine Corps bowl join Hollins.

Satcherwhite. “He only weighed three pounds at birth and they didn’t think he was going to make it. “To see him grow into what he has become is surprising. I’m proud of how smart he is, very respectful, a Christian kid who loves God first, family, school and football. It’s going to be hard letting him go off to Deon Hollins Jr. is flanked by his father Deon Hollins Sr. college, but I’m going to and mother NaToya Frederick-Satcherwhite. make sure he has a laptop so that we can communiThe “Semper Fidelis” Allcate.” American Bowl is set for Jan. 4, Deon Hollins Sr. is ready for 2013 in Carson City, Calif. The the regular season to end and the game will be telecast on the NFL postseason to begin. “The team is Network at 6 p.m. playing so well right now. I think “This was an absolutely they can contend for a state title,” tremendous occasion and I’m very he said. thankful for it,” Hollins said. “I’m “I’m extremely proud of Deon happy that my friends, family and and all of his accomplishments. teammates were able to share it with He’s worked so hard and Deon has me.” been a true testament to what a stuBoth of Deon’s parents were on dent-athlete should be. I believe his hand to help celebrate the moment. hard work ethic will serve him well “I’m definitely excited about as he goes forth in the future. I’m what has happened considering his confident in the UCLA coaching daddy and I were young parents and staff that they will take care of Deon Deon was a premature child,” said as he begins his college career.” Deon’s mother, NaToya Frederick-

North Shore, Klein Collins, Clear Creek and Foster all suffered the same fate heading into the final week of the regular season. All are ranked teams and all four tasted the agony of defeat as the regular season winds down. North Shore, the Houston area’s No. two-ranked Class A school, dropped its second straight game to La Porte, this time by a score of 27-10. La Porte won 38-30 last season en route to its first district championship in 11 years. Klein upset District 13-5A rival Klein Collins 44-41 as Bearkats’ quarterback Rainer Ausmus tossed four touchdown passes while Othello Gibson and David Hamm each rushed for 100 yards. Brazoswood defeated Clear Creek 35-28 while Angleton annihilated Foster 57-21.

Relief for Cowboy fans? For the benefit of all of the longsuffering Dallas Cowboy fans suffering through yet another disappointing season (3-5), help could be on the way. The NFL recently voided the contract extension of suspended New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. This move makes Payton a coaching free agent when his contract expires at the end of this season. This is good news for Cowboy fans because the scenario is now set for owner Jerry Jones to fire current coach Jason Garrett at season’s end and hire Payton, a former Cowboy assistant coach with a Super Bowl championship on his résumé. Payton, a real offensive mastermind, could possibly retain defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and the team could possibly restore some of its historic luster.

RIP Coach Powell Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Texas Southern University bowling Coach Robert Powell, who died recently after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 62. Powell’s head coaching career at TSU was one of the most successful in university and SWAC history. Powell became the women’s bowling head coach in 1999. Since then, the Lady Tigers have won four SWAC Championships and one runner-up finish. His teams won back-to-back SWAC championship titles in 2000 and 2001 and again in 2005 and 2006. Powell is survived by his wife Toni Harris-Powell, mother Loretta, brothers Stacy and Allen, seven children, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 8 | 2012

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McNeil joins Garrison academy Defender News Services

Former pro Lori McNeil has joined Houston’s Zina Garrison Academy as director of tennis. In her new role, McNeil will coach, mentor, and inspire young players attending the academy. “We address every area of development,” McNeil said. “We want to nurture the complete individual, both on and off the court. That’s the beauty of sports – you learn life skills, discipline, and self-worth. It’s not just forehands and backhands.” After learning tennis alongside her close friend Garrison under the tutelage of American Tennis Association champion John Wilkerson, McNeil went on to an impressive collegiate and professional career.

Scholarship Gala & Dance

She won three Big Eight championship titles while attending Oklahoma State University. As a pro, McNeil won 12 World Tennis Association tour singles titles and 40 career doubles titles, including the mixed doubles championship at the French Open. Following her retirement in 2002 after a 17-year professional career, McNeil served as the assistant coach of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Tennis Team in 2004 and 2008. She also worked as a coach for the United States Tennis Association from 2004 through 2012. The Zina Garrison Academy will host a gala luncheon at the Houstonian Hotel on Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. For tickets and information call 713-857-3167.