Houston Defender: November 12, 2015

SPORTS

NFL DIVERSITY TAKES HIT WITH FIRINGS AS 2015 SEASON EVOLVES, P8

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NEWSTALK DWIGHT BOYKINS promotes Sunnyside TIRZ

BEN CARSON ON BLACK

P2 ENTERTAIMENT ALICE WALKER reflects on ‘Color Purple’

ISSUES

P5 FEATURE U.S. REP. AL GREEN attends New Orleans hearing

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Tom Joyner offers full ride

Cornel West speaks at UHD

The foundation started by radio personality Tom Joyner is once again offering a Free Ride scholarship that will cover all the expenses of an HBCU student.

See what Joyner is doing to make a student’s dreams come true. Get details on how to apply.

Dr. Cornel West, an outspoken activist, author and professor, shared his views on pressing issues during a speech at the University of Houston-Downtown. Hear Wests’ words of wisdom to students.

Find out what “grade” he gives President Barack Obama.

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TOP EVENTS

Curtis Flowers Jr., Ronnie Smith and Rev. Leslie Smith at Change Happens luncheon

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 12 | 2015

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Sunnyside community Bland family seeks dash cam video gets TIRZ The lawyer representing Sandra Bland’s family filed a motion in U.S. District Court asking the City of Prairie View for dash cam video and other information from her traffic stop of July 10.

Chicago attorney Cannon Lambert said there may be more video from Bland’s arrest that he has not seen.

“That’s a little troubling for us, and we want to test whether or not there’s some rational explanation for that,” he said.

The law firm representing the PV Police Department said they did not have to give up any information because of an ongoing investigation.

Bland, a 28-year-old from Naperville, Ill., was found dead in her Waller County jail cell on July 13. Her death occurred three days after she was stopped by Department of Public Safety officers for the minor traffic violation, which led to her arrest after allegedly assaulting an officer.

An autopsy determined that Bland hung herself with a plastic garbage bag while in custody. The case made national headlines, and protests were held in Waller County and beyond.

Bland’s family and friends disputed the autopsy finding, and insist that she was upbeat and looking forward to a new job at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University.

Cannon Lambert

UT plans Houston expansion, minority rule University of Texas System Chancellor William McRaven has big plans for UT. In a presentation to the system’s Board of Regents, McRaven outlined proposals that include expansion in Houston and a new rule that will require a woman or minority candidate be interviewed for every high-level position at its 14 universities and medical schools.

In an effort to increase the UT system’s presence in Houston, regents approved the acquisition of more than 300 acres near the Texas Medical Center.

“We have educational and research gems across our UT System portfolio that, if leveraged with key

sectors of health, energy and business in Houston, will allow us to accelerate discoveries and expand research and educational opportunities – complementing our existing UT health institutions – and significantly grow our state’s economic competitiveness,” McRaven said.

The system will also implement a “Rooney Rule” (similar to what exists in the NFL for hiring head coaches) for higher education and health care. McRaven said the rule will ensure that qualified women and minorities have an opportunity to be considered for every senior level position from dean and above.

Houston City Council voted unanimously to approve the creation of the Sunnyside Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 26.

The Sunnyside zone will contain approximately 3,142 acres of land (4.9 square miles) with a western boundary of SH 288, a northern boundary of Loop 610, an eastern boundary of Cullen, and a southern boundary of Fuqua.

Plans for the development of the TIRZ include the expenditure of public funds for project costs including the construction of new streets, storm Councilmember Dwight drainage improve- Boykins ments, cultural and public facility improvements, parks and other improvements. The 2015 taxable value of the area is approximately $200,180,051 and the duration of the TIRZ is to be 30 years.

“This is a great victory for the residents of Sunnyside and a move in the direction of bringing much needed economic development to the community,” said District D Councilmember Dwight Boykins.

“Sunnyside is a historic community.

However, over the years, there has been a lack of infrastructure and economic development, with many residents feeling as though the area has been underserved and overlooked.”

Boykins said his office is working with the mayor and administration to nominate and appoint members of the Sunnyside TIRZ board, who will represent community residents and businesses.

For more information call Boykins’ office at 832-393-3001.

localbriefs QUANELL X is joining two rape victims, along with their family, friends and supporters, in their quest for justice. The two women were assaulted at gunpoint at the Bellfort Plaza Apartments on Bellfort. One of the women was in the process of moving into the complex with the assistance of her cousin when they were both attacked. One of the suspects, John Anthony Hogan, has been captured by police, and refuses to reveal his accomplice.

The victims and supporters passed out a composite sketch of the other suspect at the apartment complex. …….. HOUSTON’S DOWNTOWN DISTRICT and Downtown Redevelopment Authority have

embarked on a series of capital improvements for the 19-block length of Main Street from Commerce to Pierce. The design and construction is funded by the Downtown Redevelopment District (TIRZ No. 3) with a total project budget of $12.1 million.

Capital improvements will include new street lighting and landscaping elements throughout, along with new sidewalk finishes and roadway drainage improvements in certain blocks…….HARRIS COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS are asked to be on the lookout for property tax bills that are in the mail. The bills are due by Feb. 1, 2016. Residents can pay their bills by mail, by phone at 713-274-

2273, online at www.hctax.net or in person at any of the 16 Tax Assessor-Collector’s Offices. Taxpayers should review their tax bills carefully and determine if they are receiving the proper exemptions……..

TEXAS DRIVERS are urged to end the streak of daily fatalities. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, this month marks the grim milestone of at least one fatality on state roadways every day since Nov. 7, 2000. TxDOT reminds drivers to stay alert, obey traffic laws and take personal responsibility behind the wheel. The leading causes of fatalities are alcohol, distracted driving and lack of seat belt use.

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U.S.briefs THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE Affiliate Services Appeals Committee affirmed the NUL board’s decision to disaffiliate the Urban League of Greater Dallas (ULGD). According to the opinion, “ULGD has engaged in conduct that not only violates the Affiliation Agreement, but also threatens the reputation and goodwill of the National Urban League and its other affiliates.” Earlier this year, the NUL announced it was cutting ties with the Dallas affiliate because of “several serious concerns about the fiscal management and organizational governance.” The league also sued the Dallas affiliate for breach of contract and trademark infringement……..THE NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION is calling for diverse juries that accurately represent the racial composition of communities. The organization is citing a case in Oklahoma City where a white police officer, Daniel Holtzclaw, is on trial for raping and sexually assaulting multiple Black women with an all-white jury to determine his fate. “We must have juries that accurately depict the respective community,” said NBA President Benjamin Crump. “An improper composition of juries is nothing new in this country, but must be continuously challenged,” he said……..

HUNDREDS OF PROTESTORS gathered in New Iberia, La. to call for an end to police brutality and demand justice for 22-year-old Victor White III, who was fatally shot while handcuffed in the back seat of a police cruiser while in custody. Rev. Victor White Sr. and his family have been demanding answers from the Iberia Parish Sherriff’s Department since his son’s death in March, 2014, which was ruled a suicide. White said his son was not “Houdini” and could not have killed himself with his hands cuffed to the back and a gunshot wound that entered through the front. White is still petitioning for the Iberia Parish coroner to change the manner and cause of his son’s death from suicide to homicide.

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 2 NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing writers Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon

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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University of Missouri wins victory over racial turmoil The University of Missouri put new diversity initiatives in place as two top officials announced their resignations for not sufficiently addressing racial issues on campus.

Inspired by protests in Ferguson, students demonstrated for change at the Columbia, Mo. university, which has 35,000 students, 79 percent of them white.

Students also called for walk-outs and were supFootball players at the University of Missouri threatened to boycott games unless the university ported by some faculty president resigned. members. rupted a meeting of the Legion of Black Collegians, an University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe announced his resignation African-American student group, and used a racial slur when he was asked to leave. as a result of the turmoil, and Chancellor R. Bowen Frustrated with what they viewed as inaction by Loftin will transition into director for research facility the administration, about 30 Black members of the development.

“Recent circumstances, including serious concerns Missouri Tigers football team announced they wouldn’t play until Wolfe was gone. More members of the team, about the MU campus and its leadership, have created including white players and head coach Gary Pinkel, too much pain at Mizzou, which is my alma mater and supported the effort. the place I call home,” Wolfe said. “I sincerely wish it The university’s governing board has since anwas different, but events are such that the best course nounced initiatives to be implemented over the next 90 of action for the university at this time is for me to days to address the racial climate, including: resign.”

• A first-ever chief diversity, inclusion and equity The problems at UM have reportedly existed for officer will be appointed for the UM System. decades, but escalated two months ago when Student • A full review will be initiated of all UM System Government President Payton Head complained on policies as they relate to staff and student conduct.

Facebook about bigotry at the school after people rid• Additional support will be provided for students, ing in the back of a pickup truck shouted racial slurs at faculty and staff who have experienced discrimination him. and disparate treatment.

A month later, an intoxicated white student dis-

Joyner foundation offers full scholarship The Tom Joyner Foundation announced the Full Ride scholarship program that will cover all the expenses of one student planning to attend an HBCU in the fall of 2016.

“The cost of a college education isn’t getting any cheaper,” said Joyner, foundation chair and host of a nationally syndicated radio show. ”So, I want to help a graduating high school senior with a chance to attend a Black college to pursue their dreams.”

Last year’s winner, JoAnna Jones from Ashville, N.C., is attending Winston-Salem State University where she is pursuing a nursing degree.

Students will receive full tuition and stipends for up to 10 semesters to cover on-campus room and board and books. Students must meet the required academic standards each semester to renew the funds each year.

Applicants must have a minimum high school grade point average of 3.50 (on a 4.00 grade scale, excluding home school studies) and minimum SAT score of 2100 (combined math essay and verbal score) or ACT score of 30.

Graduating high school seniors can apply for the scholarship by visiting the Tom Joyner Foundation website – www.tomjoynerfoundation.org – to complete the application by Jan. 15, 2016.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 12 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

Cornel West on Obama, Black Lives Matter

By LAGLORIA WHEATFALL Defender

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r. Cornel West, an outspoken activist, author and professor, recently shared his views on pressing issues during a speech at the University of Houston-Downtown.

West, a professor of philosophy and Christian practice at Union Theological Seminary and professor emeritus at Princeton, addressed topics ranging from the Black Lives Matter movement to peace in the Middle East.

He also commended educators, saying that “being a teacher is a sacred calling.” He urged students to “be a long-distance runner in your education as you learn how to Socratically engage in critical reflection.”

West praised UHD as a university where students can learn to think independently.

“What kind of courage did you exemplify in the short time you were here?” he asked. “Did you have the courage to think critically for yourself? That’s the difference between high-quality education and cheap schooling. University of Houston-Downtown is not about cheap schooling. You want what the Greeks call paideia, that deep education, that turning of the soul.”

As an important figure in Black intellectualism, West has written more than 20 books and has edited 13. He has been a frequent guest on “Real Time With Bill Maher,” CNN, C-Span and “Democracy Now.” West joined forces with broadcaster Tavis Smiley for a Poverty Tour, where they visited various American cities to bring attention to economic injustice. West and Smiley have been vocal critics of President Obama, with West calling him a “Rockefeller Republican in blackface.”

In an interview with the Defender, West shared more of his thoughts.

Defender: How do you think the Black Lives Matter Movement should prioritize its agenda? How would you advise organizers to move forward?

West: The Black Lives Matter movement must stay in the streets as well as put pressure on the powers that be on the inside. We need an inside-outside strategy. We can just be solely outside and have no impact inside. We need both fronts.

Secondly, we have to recognize that when we talk about police brutality, and the accountability of police, we’re talking about being able to send police to jail when they kill innocent people. We’re not talking about just training, we’re not just talking about diversity exposure, but we’re talking about legal accountability.

Of course we agree with a fair trial but that’s the kind of pressure we’re talking about because we have to change the culture of police departments. They think that some how they can get away with it. No they need to go to jail the same way as if we kill anybody, we need to go to jail.

Defender: What should be done to strengthen police relations in the African- American community?

West: It would be nice if we had just control of the police in Black communities. And that does not necessarily mean just add more Black police, because we all know that some Black police officers don’t always do the right thing and some white police do, do the right thing. But what we need is more just control in our communities.

Defender: How do you respond to African-Americans who say you and Tavis Smiley have unfairly criticized President Obama?

West: I say you have to keep me and brother Tavis accountable.

But Obama’s relation to Wall Street, the drones, dropping bombs on innocent people and massive surveillance of each and every one of us is wrong, and I don’t care what color the president is, he just happens to be Black at the moment.

Defender: How would you grade the Obama Administration in terms of what it has done for African-Americans on a scale of A to F? West: He wouldn’t be on the dean’s list. I’d give him maybe a Bminus or C-plus. Yeah, C-plus.

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NOVEMBER 12 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Alice Walker

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Reflects on ‘The Color Purple’

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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

lice Walker won the Pulitzer Prize and the American Book Award for her third novel, “The Color Purple,” which was made into an internationally popular film

by Steven Spielberg released in 1985.

Her other best-selling novels, which have been translated into more than two dozen languages, include “By the Light of My Father’s Smile,” “Possessing the Secret of Joy” and “The Temple of My Familiar.”

Her most recent novel, “Now Is the Time to Open Your Heart,” was published in 2004. Walker is also the author of several collections of short stories, essays and poems as well as children’s books.

As an activist, Walker has been a participant in major movements of change, among them the Civil Rights Movement.

Here, she talks about “The Color Purple,” which is back on Broadway. The show will officially open on Dec. 10 and stars Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks.

KW: Do you have plans to continue the story of Celie in a “Color Purple” sequel?

AW: I prefer to write a family of novels, rather than sequels.

In this case, “The Color Purple,” “The Temple of My Familiar” and “Possessing the Secret of Joy” comprise that family. Celie and Shug, now happily married, before it was “legal” of course, appear in “The Temple of My Familiar.”

KW: What was the key motivation for “The Color Purple?”

AW: The love of my grandparents whose lives are honored in the novel. I lived with them when I was an 8 year-old. It also intrigued me that my grandfather was married to my step-grandmother but loved someone else. I was struck writing the novel to realize that many things change, but rarely the heart.

KW: What do you most want women in the diaspora to take away from your collection of essays, “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens?”

AW: Whatever helps them grow closer to who they really are. Gathering up all their ancestral sorrows and joys and walking

The Broadway production of Hudson, Cynt hia Erivo and “The Color Purple” stars Jennifer Danielle Broo ks.

Author and activist Alice Walker has sold more than 15 million books, and is best known for “The Color Purple.”

onward in appreciation and light. Having some sense of our freedoms being deeply longed for by countless generations of Black women who possessed none of them.

KW: Given your highly interesting, celebrated, complex life and thinking, what matters most to you at this point in your journey?

AW: Being free enough to pick up kindling for a fire I build myself.

KW: The PBS series “Finding Your Root” was fascinating and very educational. If the program revives, would you be interested in exploring your genealogy?

AW: I have sent in my materials to Henry Louis Gates, who requested I try this. I have mixed feelings, of course. There’s something invasive about this procedure I feel, and I’m concerned for the privacy of ancestors. I tell myself though that certain of my ancestors will not allow themselves to be found, so at best my genealogy will be a partial one. I also feel I know my own ancestors without the help of a DNA test. I’ve felt this way for a long time. Perhaps always.

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

AW: That humans could be more like the other animals of the planet, secure in knowing they are perfect as they are, just as they were made.

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

AW: Don’t want that.

what’sup JADA PINKETT SMITH will star in and executive produce a pilot for ABC titled “Murder Town.” She will portray a “beautiful and complicated” prosecutor who makes history as the first African-American district attorney in Wilmington, Del. Her most recent TV role was in “Gotham” on Fox…….. Miami officers seized assets from the mansion of rapper LIL WAYNE to help pay a $2 million court judgment involving his lease of a private jet. An inventory of items seized was not available. A judge ordered Lil Wayne – whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. – to pay more than $2 million to Signature Group LLC over

the leased jet after he stopped making the $55,000 monthly payments……..DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON and PATTI LABELLE open up about their lives on “Oprah’s “Master Class,” which airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on OWN. Johnson will appear on the Nov. 15 episode, and LaBelle will appear on the Nov. 22 episode. Guests are chosen by OPRAH WINFREY for their unique impact on the world and share the greatest lessons they’ve learned along the way, including their successes, failures, disappointments and heartbreaks……..

ANTHONY MACKIE is one of the stars of “Love the Coopers,” a new film about what happens

when four generations of a family come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration, and encounter a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events. The film stars DIANE KEATON and JOHN GOODMAN. Mackie can also be seen in the new film “Shelter.” He and JENNIFER CONNELLY play two homeless people who fall in love. …….CHIWETEL EJIOFOR of “12 Years a Slave” fame joins JULIA ROBERTS and NICOLE KIDMAN in “Secret in their Eyes.” In the film, a tight-knit team of rising investigators, along with their supervisor, is suddenly torn apart when one of their teenage daughters is brutally murdered.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 12 | 2015

Ben Carson, shown next to Donald Trump at a debate, leads all Republican candidates in many polls.

BEN CARSON ON BLACK ISSUES

Presidential candidate reveals agenda

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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

r. Ben Carson was born on September 18, 1951 in a povertystricken section of Detroit where he and his brother Curtis were raised by a single mom who worked two or three jobs at a time to keep a roof over their heads. Nevertheless, he managed to beat the odds and pursue his dream of becoming a physician.

Carson recently retired after a groundbreaking 35-year career as the director of neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins hospital.

Among his many accolades is the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.

He is also the author of nine books, including his latest, “A More Perfect Union,” which he co-wrote with his wife, Candy.

Here, he talks about that as well as his campaign for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination.

KW: What is the main message you wish to convey with this new book?

BC: Most Americans know we have a Constitution, but relatively few people know what’s in it, or the history behind it. That wasn’t always the case. There was a time when we taught civics and people actually studied the Constitution. Still, the Constitution is the document which actually defines

our liberties and defines the role of government. And it also constrains the government, because of its tendency to grow, concentrate and dominate the people.

Furthermore, our founders said that our system and our freedoms are based upon a well-educated populace. They warned that, if we ever became other than that, the nature of the country would quickly change. So, I’m trying to prevent the nature of the country from changing.

KW: If you become president, what would you do to support aging baby boomers, since so many have lost their jobs and homes and/or their health and have even ended up homeless or on welfare?

BC: The way we help everybody is by fixing the economy. The economy is a terrible drag on everything, including Social Security benefits. Everything is affected by it. If we can eliminate the unnecessary regulations, and I stress the word “unnecessary,” and fix the tax code so that we create an environment that is conducive to the entrepreneurial enterprise and capital investment, that will enable the boats of everybody to rise, including Baby Boomers.

KW: Do you perceive your calm demeanor to be an asset to your cam-

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Carson belong s to the SeventhDay Adventist Church.

N paign, or is it something that your aides have tried to get you to alter?

BC: There have been some people who think I should change who I am, but I’m not going to do that. I am who I am, and it seems to be resonating with a lot of people. It’s not really a matter of how loud you shout, it’s a matter of what you accomplish, and what has your life been like, which means a lot more than what you say it was like.

KW: What would be your number one priority after being sworn in as president?

BC: First, I’d call for a joint session of Congress to make sure they understand that we serve the people, that the people don’t serve us, and that everything we do is going to be oriented towards re-establishing the people at the pinnacle of the government.

KW: Mitt Romney only garnered 17 percent of the entire minority vote in 2012. What is the Republican Party doing to attract more non-white voters, particularly African-Americans?

BC: I think it is incumbent upon the Republican Party to go out into non-traditional neighborhoods, as I’ve been doing, to talk about how people can become empowered as opposed to remaining in a dependent position. Fifty or 60 years of the progressive ideology has not resulted in the improvement of the position of the Black community. In fact,

he Houston area for over 80 years

it has deteriorated.

I want to demonstrate how we can use education and how we can use resources more effectively by turning dollars over two or three times in the community as a way of creating wealth. I also want to show how having a baby out of wedlock usually terminates the mother’s education and sends the child into a spiral of poverty. These are the kinds of issues which must be talked about and must be dealt with, and I’ve been on the forefront of that.

KW: What do you attribute your rise in the polls to?

BC: I attribute it to common sense, my talking about issues that are relevant to the American people, and to my being a nonpolitician. People are tired of all the political speak.

KW: Why do you often use slavery to make analogies to current issues, like when you suggested that Obamacare was the worst thing that happened to AfricanAmericans since slavery?

BC: Because I think most people miss the implications of Obamacare, and I wanted to dramatically bring what’s going on to their attention. What you have is a situation where the country is supposed to always be of, by and for the people with the government functioning as facilitator of our interests.

But with Obamacare, the government reversed it, and said, “This is what we’re doing. We don’t care what you think. If you don’t like it, too bad.” That now puts the government in the driver’s seat, and the people in a dependent position which the founders never intended. That fundamentally changes the character of America. And,

if we accept that, it will only be the beginning of some pretty dramatic changes.

KW: What plans do you have to reverse the high African-American incarceration rate if elected president?

BC: For one thing, we need to reconsider why we incarcerate non-violent criminals in the same facilities as violent ones.

That really provides them a “university” where they can learn how to be professional criminals who are dangerous to society.

Non-violent offenders still need to pay for the crimes they committed and to be rehabilitated, but we need to be thinking about prisons in a very, very different way.

KW: What is your plan for the inner cities? How would you help people who are stuck in the cycle of poverty to move up the ladder?

BC: Well, for one, we need to get the economy moving again. One of the ways is to recognize that we have the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world.

We need to bring back the over $2.1 trillion dollars overseas which won’t come back as long as we have that high corporate tax rate.

What I would do is declare a six-month hiatus on those taxes, so that that money could be repatriated. And I would only require that 10 percent of it be invested in enterprise zones to create jobs for unemployed people on welfare. That would, by far, be the biggest job stimulus for the poor.

KW: What are you looking for in a running mate?

BC: I would be looking for someone who has the same philosophy as I do. I don’t think like a politician. Most politicians would think, “Which running mate could bring me this or that constituency?” I don’t think that way at all, and I probably never will.

KW: When was the last time you personally felt the effects of racism?

BC: The last time I looked at a newspaper and read what the progressives are saying about me.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 12 | 2015

sports

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Texans’ General Manager Rick Smith (along with head coach Bill O’Brien) has come under fire from some fans because of the team’s season.

NFL diversity takes hit as season evolves Sheldon White, the Lions’ vice president of pro personnel and a 19-year veteran of the organization, will be the team’s acting general Former Houston Oiler head coach Jerry Glanmanager and is African-American. ville once quipped to an official that the NFL stood At Indy, the Colts were counting on this seafor “Not for Long” if he continued to make poor son being one where they challenged the New calls. In large measure Glanville was correct – winEngland Patriots for AFC supremacy. They ning is everything in the NFL. brought in running back Frank Gore and Though the league has made great strides in former Texan Andre Johnson to fortify diversity in its hiring policies, the bottom line when the offense. it comes to job security is winning, and two promiA 3-5 record and an injury to nent African-Americans have already been fired in quarterback Andrew Luck are causDetroit and Indianapolis. ing panic in the Colts organization.

At the halfway mark of the season, there are Somebody had to take the fall and some franchises that have virtually written off the the scapegoat was offensive coor2015 season and started to clean house either in dinator Pep Hamilton, an Africantheir front office or coaching staff. Other franchises American. that feel like their teams need a spark will fire a Hamilton, who once served as head coach or assistant coach in hopes of lighting a an assistant coach at Howard Univerfire under their team. sity, has been viewed as one of the top In Houston, the Texans are a disappointing 3-5 young head coaching candidates in the and have yet to beat a team league. with a winning record. In John Wooten, chairman addition, they have been of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, totally embarrassed, losing the advocacy organization that asHEAD COACHES to Atlanta and Miami in sists the NFL on its diversity hiring Todd Bowles, NY Jets games that were decided at policy, weighed in on the firing of the half. Fans have called Jim Caldwell, Detroit Lions Mayhew and Hamilton. for the heads of GM Rick Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals “We recognize that it’s the naSmith, who is Africanture of the business,” Wooten said.

Lovie Smith, Tampa Bay Bucs American, and second-year “The total structure in professional Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill O’Brien. sports is based on wins and losses GENERAL MANAGERS The saving grace for the and football is no different. When Ray Farmer, Cleveland Browns Texans is the AFC South is teams don’t win there have to be Reggie McKenzie, Oakland Raiders far and away the worst divichanges. We don’t always agree Ozzie Newsome, Baltimore Ravens sion in the NFL. The Colts with them, but we accept them.

Jerry Reese, New York Giants lead the South with a dismal “We are encouraged that Rick Smith, Houston Texans 4-5 record. Despite their 3-5 Sheldon White, who has worked Doug Whaley, Buffalo Bills record the Texans are just a with Mayhew for a number of Sheldon White, Detroit Lions game out of first place. years, will get an opportunity to The Detroit Lions were (interim) show what he can do as the interim a playoff team in 2014 GM.” with an 11-5 record. This Wooten said there is no shortseason they lost their first five games and have a age of qualified minority candidates for current and 1-7 record. They have the most diverse front office future openings. in the NFL with an African-American GM Martin “Our top head coaching candidates right now Mayhew, head coach Jim Caldwell and defensive are Hue Jackson, offensive coordinator with the coordinator Teryl Austin.

Bengals and George Edwards, defensive coordinator Mayhew and team president Tom Lewand were with the Vikings. Both are guiding their respective recently fired, and two weeks ago the Lions fired of- teams toward the playoffs. Mark Ross, vice presifensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive line dent of player evaluation for the New York Giants, coaches Jeremiah Washburn and Terry Hefferman. [is another] top GM candidate we would recomA decision on Caldwell’s future will be made at the mend. end of the season.

“In addition we know that the Lions have an

By MAX EDISON Defender

Martin Mayhew lost his GM job with the Detroit Lions.

Blacks at the top

Pep Hamilton was fired as Indianapolis’ offensive coordinator.

opening for team president. We would recommend Vikings COO Kevin Warren and Bob Wallace, former legal counsel with the St Louis Cardinals and the Rams, who has also worked in the NFL office for that position.”

The pipeline of minority candidates in the NFL remains strong. Now they just need an opportunity to succeed or fail based on their merit.

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h.s.zone State football title roads lead to Houston

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

T

he 2015 Texas high school football regular season is over.

Now the six-week state championship journey that will eventually lead to Houston’s NRG Stadium begins for schools throughout the Lone Star State.

Ten of the 12 University Interscholastic League championships will be held at NRG Stadium from Dec. 17-19. The two Class A division state title games will be held in Abilene.

The opening or bi-district round of the playoffs begins Nov. 12 when HISD schools Wheatley and Worthing comPearland Hig pete in Class 4A playoff games. h sive tackle Hudson seek School cornerback Ja School offen to watch. h r’re ig s playoff su H Wheatley will host El ar m La er ay pl ccess. a is n III Dixie Woote Campo at Butler Stadium (7:30 p.m.) in a 4A Division I Region III sion I Region III contest. bracket.

Worthing will face Orangefield at See what schools achieved milestones The 7-3 a neutral site (Barbers Hill High during 2015 season Mustangs will School, 7:30 p.m.) in a 4A Division open the playoffs II Region III matchup.

Friday at Galena Park ISD Stadium against Dobie (7 The bulk of the first-round games will be held on p.m.). Cinco Ranch (9-1) looms as a possible secondFriday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 14. round opponent.

One key change to the Class 6A playoffs this seaPearland (10-0), Dickinson (9-1) and Lamar (9-1) son is home-field advantage in the first round. For this are in the bottom half of the Class 6A Division I Reseason only, the higher seeded team in each matchup, gion III bracket. Lamar head coach Tom Nolen said this has the option of playing the game at its home field or would be a rebuilding year for his team. All the Texans agree to a neutral site. did was reload the artillery.

Schools like Lamar, Katy, Hightower, Pearland, In the Class 5A Division I Region III playoff field Manvel, Dickinson, Clear Creek and North Shore will play in stadiums where they normally host games. After George Ranch (10-0) and Stratford (9-1) are on the opposite ends of the playoff bracket and could potentially each weekend the playoff field in each bracket gets cut meet in the regional final. Temple, Fort Bend Elkins in half.

“It’s one and done if you’re not careful,” said Katy and C.E. King could have something to say about that.

State-ranked Crosby (10-0), Magnolia (9-1) head coach Gary Joseph, whose unbeaten Tigers (10-0) and North Forest (9-1) are the favorites in the Class 5A will face Westside (4-6) Friday at Rhodes Stadium.

Division II Region III field. Crosby advanced to the “You have to take care of business.”

Katy and Hightower could meet in a battle of Class state semifinals last year before succumbing to Cedar Park. The Cougars open against Lumberton Friday at 6A Division II Region III undefeated teams in the third Texans Drive Stadium in New Caney (7:30 p.m.). round of the playoffs.

Defending Class 4A Division I state champion After starting the season 0-3, albeit against qualNavasota (10-0) is seeking its third state title since ity competition, North Shore enters the playoffs on 2012. Unbeaten Stafford (10-0) could be a secondthe wings of a seven-game winning streak and would round opponent for the Rattlers. appear to have a favorable draw in the Class 6A Divi-

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NOVEMBER 12 | 2015 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Astros farm system No. 1 The Houston Astros have been named the Best Farm System of the 2015 season by MiLB.com.

The Astros had a standout season in the minor leagues, posting the best combined overall minor league record among all 30 organizations during the regular season with a 502-405 (.553) mark.

Of the Astros seven playoff teams, Triple A Fresno and Rookie Level Greeneville each captured championship titles in their respective leagues.

The farm system played a large role in the team’s success at the Major League level in 2015, as rookies Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers, Preston Tucker and Vince Velasquez all made significant contributions that helped push the club to its first playoff appearance in a decade.

Harden Player of Week The NBA recently announced that James Harden has been named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from Monday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 8. It is the ninth time in his career that Harden has received Player of the Week honors, all coming with Houston. Harden helped the Rockets to a 4-0 mark last week, including wins vs. Oklahoma City on Monday, Nov. 2 and at the L.A. Clippers on Saturday, Nov. 7. For the week, he averaged 38.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.50 steals in 41.0 minutes per game while shooting 46.4% from the floor, 34.9% from 3-point range and 84.5% from the line .He had back to back 40 point efforts, scoring 43 against Sacramento and 46 against the LA Clippers.

Lamar’s Heymach wins Lamar High School junior Julia Heymach ran away from the field at the University Interscholastic League Class 6A cross country championships held at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

On a rain-soaked course, Heymach was the class of the field and her winning time of 18 minutes, 19.62 seconds was 25 seconds ahead of runnerup Reagan Kappel (18:44.94) of Cinco Ranch. It was the gold medal Heymach had waited nearly three years to claim after finishing second as a freshman and third as a sophomore. “It was really exciting this year to be able to get first place,” Heymach said. “I’ve always enjoyed running in this meet and look forward to coming back here next year.” Heymach won the one-mile and twomile races at the state track meet last May.

The Woodlands dominates

Of the top 11 finishers at the boys Class 6A cross country state championships, five had The Woodlands written across the front of their tshirts. Daniel Golden of The Woodlands claimed the gold medal with a time of 16 minutes, 17.06 seconds. Teammate Noah Wells (16:18.93) finished second and brought home the silver medal. William Hunsdale, Matthew McClellan and Nicholas Enochs crossed the finish line within mere seconds of one another in the ninth, tenth and eleventh slots. The Woodlands scored 24 points and rejected Southlake Carroll’s bid for a fifth consecutive state title. “I looked back over my shoulder at one point and saw four of our guys right behind me,” Golden said. “That motivation kept me going.”

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 12 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

Palm Center market, garden transform community

By TERRY GARNER Special to the Defender

W

e all know that fresh fruits and vegetables play a key role in staying healthy and living a longer and more enjoyable life. However, having readily accessible nutritious foods still is a challenge for some communities where large grocery chains refuse to locate their stores. These areas have been deemed “food deserts” for lack of having enough viable stores that sell healthy foods.

What is being done to address the lack of accessibility to healthy foods?

During the past two years, the Southeast Houston Transformation Alliance (SEHTA) has put together two exciting and new programs that provide residents in the OST/South Union area and greater Houston with better access to healthy foods.

With gardening and our own farmer’s market, we are creating and developing resources that can empower and transform communities. By growing, sharing, and selling our own produce, we hope to develop economic opportunities for the community as well.

Gardening can also bridge gaps

between young and old by helping our youth develop and pass on a lifelong skill they need and can use – how to grow food. A recent visitor to our garden whose children attend KIPP Liberation School told us that “my nephew and daughter had a blast at the garden, and I may have a shot at getting them to eat more vegetables now!”

Our goal is to start 25 backyard gardens by June of 2016. To make this goal a reality, we will offer Gardening 101 classes every third Saturday of the month at Palm Center Community Garden, 5400 Griggs at Beekman.

Our next class will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 from 10-11:30 a.m. We provide participants with free soil evaluations, technical assistance and education to start their own home garden. Backyard gardeners will reap the benefits of fresh eating, agriculture education, active living, and family fun.

If you want to know more about our community garden and farmer’s market, “like” the Palm Center Farmer’s Market on Facebook, visit sehta.org or call 832483-6051.

Terry Garner is a master gardener and farmer’s market manager who has been established community gardens throughout the Houston area.

Green visits New Orleans, commends Houston Houston Congressman Al Green joined his colleagues at the House Financial Services Housing and Insurance Subcommittee for a hearing titled “New Orleans: Ten Years After the Storm.”

The hearing examined the Congressman Al Green, Blaine Luetkemeyer and Emanuel Cleaver, along ongoing response with Congresswoman Maxine Waters, meet residents from the New – at the local, state, Orleans Housing Authority. and federal governhousing stock that existed assistance to rebuild. ment levels – to the prior to Hurricane Katrina housing needs of residents Additionally, renters had has been restored,” Green affected by Hurricane Ka- to contend with landlords said. who had the ultimate autrina. Prior to the hearing, thority on whether rental Green also recogGreen and his colleagues units would be rebuilt. nized the efforts of the were given a tour of the “Due to numerCity of Houston to help city by the Housing Auous cases where private residents of New Orleans thority of New Orleans. landlords and the public who were displaced by “There is no doubt housing authority did Katrina. that the large-scale not rebuild, available “I am proud to say displacement of families housing stock in the city that my hometown of because of Hurricane decreased, which caused Houston greeted the vicKatrina has been a sigtims of Hurricane Katrina nificant challenge,” Green affordability issues across New Orleans. To date, with open arms,” Green said. “The burden of this according to the Houssaid. “City officials assistdisplacement was largely ing Authority of New ed 250,000 Louisianans in carried by homeowners Orleans, approximately the aftermath of Hurricane and renters because they 26 percent of the public Katrina, and the immediate did not have adequate

response included opening the Houston Astrodome as a place of temporary housing and donating millions in services, goods and housing.”

Terry Garner invites Houstonians to learn about gardening at Palm Center Community Garden.

classified Telecommunication Services (RFP)

Houston First Corporation requests proposals from experienced entities to provide telecommunication services at its facilities, including the George R. Brown Convention Center.

RFP documents are available online at www.houstonfirst.com/do-business.

Questions should be submitted by e-mail to bids@houstonfirst.com.

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

topevents

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HMSDC EXPO LUNCHEON……..The Houston Minority Supplier of The Links shared their expertise on leadership development, organizational Development Council hosted this year’s business expo at the George R. effectiveness and civic responsibility during the three-day intensive training.

Brown Convention Center. The two-day expo ended with the Rigel Awards Guests included Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris, Mynetta Burney Edwards, luncheon to highlight stand-out suppliers and corporate team members. Guests Susan Branch, Tayna Longino, Iris Cross, Carol Guess, Pamela Cotton, enjoyed their meal as musician Michael Pickett sang the national anthem.

Lisa Willis Rogers, Alta Alexander, Belinda Marks-Griffin, Freda Brooks, Jonathan Sprinkles was the keynote speaker. Those and Elaine Mosley and a host of members. ……..CHANGE in attendance included Richard Huebner, Kim Davis, FALL LUNCHEON……..Change Happens, Defender TOP EVENTS HAPPENS Layle McKelvey, Annie Lidge, Patricia Thompson, a nonprofit that transforms the lives of families and children More photos on defendernetwork.com Mike Kaiman, Chris Haas, Karla Hamblin, Erica in the highest-risk communities, hosted their 11th Annual See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Bourne, Anderson Parada, Forrest Cooper, Richard Fall Luncheon at the Junior League of Houston. This year with Melanie Lawson on Sunday Morning the organization honored community partner Roderick Miles, Undra Billingsley, Austion Zhao, Jeanette Brown of UPS. Attendees enjoyed lunch as praise dancers Harris and Kelley Taylor……..LINKS LEADERSHIP performed. Guests also had the opportunity to bid in the silent auction. Jerome SUMMIT……..The Links, Inc. assembled their 2015 National Leadership Gray emceed the event. Those in attendance included Rev. Leslie Smith, Summit at the Westin Galleria with members from across the country for an Kerri Bridgwater, Downey Bridgwater, Curtis Flowers Jr., Ronnie Smith, intimate gathering on leadership in the 21st century titled Cultivating Healthy Marva Rasberry, Cherise Roberts, Angelia Reese, Sonya Santee, Stephen Leadership: Our Prescription for the Future. Distinguished leaders including former and current HBCU presidents along with five past national presidents Smith, Anita Bates and Marina Coryat.

Richard Huebner

Carol Guess, Iris Cross

Anderson Parada, Erica Bourne, Karla Hamblin

Alta Alexander, Lisa Willis-Rogers, Pamela Cotton

Curtis Flowers Jr., Ronnie Smith, Rev. Leslie Smith

Marva Rasberry, Cherise Roberts

Jeanette Harris, Kelley Taylor

Belinda Marks-Griffin, Freda Brooks

Stephen Smith, Jerome Gray

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 12 | 2015 defendernetwork.com