November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours

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Volume 85 | Number 4 NOVEMBER 26, 2015 |FREE

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NEWSTALK

‘THE WIZ’ “

H PAGE 8

REP. RON REYNOLDS placed in jail

Ne-Yo H Elijah Kelley H Amber Riley

David Alan Grier H Shanice Williams

Queen Latifah H Mary J. Blige H Common

Stephanie Mills H Uzo Aduba J.B. Bickerstaff

Houston activist Deric Muhammad is organizing a local movement to promote peace. See why Muhammad and other concerned citizens recently marched through Sunnyside.

Discover what they hope to accomplish. Find out when the next march is planned.

Rockets’ interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff is ready for the challenge of guiding the team. See why basketball is a family affair for Bickerstaff. Read his impressive resume. Hear what he says about former coach Kevin McHale, the man he replaced.

H PAGE 3

CENTERFOLD WORLD AIDS DAY more awareness needed

P8 OPINION JESSE JACKSON praises Missouri students

P13

Deric Muhammad

promotes peace

P3

TOP EVENTS

coaches Rockets

H PAGE 14

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Cary and Judge Clarease Yates with State Rep. Sylvester Turner at Men of Style Gala

P16

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 26 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

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High School for the Performing and Visual Arts creative writing student Andrew White was selected by Mayor Annise Parker as Houston’s first youth poet laureate.

The HSPVA senior was among 45 Houston-area student writers who applied for the Youth Poet Laureate Program, a new initiative offered by Writers in the Schools, in partnership with the Houston Public Library, the City of Houston and Parker.

“Andrew demonstrates a commitment to civic and community engagement, poetry and performance, human relations, diversity and education across Houston,” Parker said. “Houston needs more young voices speaking to young people, and I am confident and pleased he will use his talents be a national voice for this great city.”

White will receive a book deal from Penmanship Books to publish a collection of poems. He also will be awarded a podcast platform, a tablet PC, and a mentorship from Houston poet laureate Dr. Robin Davidson.

“As Houston’s first youth poet laureate, I hope I can spread the news that words matter,” White said. “Together we must write the poems that need to be heard, poems that will unite and inspire us.”

White is a student in HSPVA’s creative writing department. He regularly performs in school plays and takes playwriting and spoken word classes at the Alley Theatre.

He is a founding member of the Houston Art for the New Generation teen leadership group at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.

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NOVEMBER 26 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Stop the violence walks underway

newstalk

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

L

ocal activists Deric Muhammad and Pastor E.A. Deckard are organizing Stop the Violence Peace Walks to address escalating violence in the Black community. The most recent walk was held in Sunnyside, and concerned citizens of all ages participated.

Muhammad said the walks provide residents with a platform for expressing their disapproval and dissatisfaction with violence.

“I believe if we don’t deal with the demons within we will never be strong enough as a people to deal with the demons outside,” he said.

“We also want to create Deric Muhammad (left) and Pastor E.A. Deckard of Greenhouse International Church lead a platform where the commuthe most recent peace walk. (Photo by Jesse Muhammad) nity can come out and support recruit for the 10,000 and we’ve already started that. family members who have lost loved ones to sense“We have also started a ‘Stop the Beef’ conflict less violence,” Muhammad said. “Bullets don’t just resolution hotline. ‘Beef’ is street slang for conkill individuals. Bullets kill families as well, and flict,” Muhammad said. “So if there are two warring often, family members are left to nurse their wounds factions in a community, before it gets to the point alone.” where it’s violent or becomes murderous, they can Muhammad said the walks are part of a movecall the hotline and we will be able to dispatch brothment started at the 20th anniversary of the Million ers to that area to hopefully come in a talk to both Man March last month. parties and de-escalate the tension.”

“The honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan made The next peace walk is scheduled for Saturday, a call for 10,000 men who were willing to be trained Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. in Northeast Houston (exact locato go into the community as peacemakers to stop tion to come). For more information and to reach the the violence between warring factions,” Muhammad hotline call 832-305-7419 or contact dericmuhamsaid. “The peace walk is a platform where we can mad@yahoo.com

Reynolds sentenced to one year in jail A Montgomery County jury sentenced State Rep. Ron Reynolds of Missouri City to a year in jail and a fine of several thousand dollars after he was convicted of five counts of illegal solicitation of legal clients, also known as “ambulance chasing.”

After his sentence was read, Reynolds was escorted from the courtroom and taken to the county jail. He plans to appeal the case and continue his bid for reelection to another term in the Texas House.

He said the jury in his case disregarded evidence demonstrating that he did not know cases referred to him by Robert Valdez Sr. had been illegally solicited.

Though Reynolds is from Fort Bend County the trial was held in Montgomery County, Rep. Ron Reynolds where Valdez lived when he allegedly solicited clients for Reynolds and seven other Houston-area lawyers.

“It’s really a shock that the judges allowed the jury to convict me of that,” Reynolds said. “There wasn’t any evidence that would show I knew Robert Valdez was soliciting those clients.”

Reynolds was initially convicted of misdemeanor ambulance-chasing charges in November 2014, but that verdict was overturned after a judge declared a mistrial. Reynolds was indicted again on related charges last summer, and the recent trial was the result.

Reynolds was the first African-American elected state representative in Fort Bend County. He joined the Texas House in January 2011 and is serving his third term there. The House Democratic Caucus named him freshman of the year at the end of the 2011 session.

localbriefs CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED against Racqual Thompson, the mother of a 19-month-old girl who burned to death after being left unsupervised at a northeast Houston apartment. Thompson’s boyfriend, Cornell Malone, was charged with endangering a child as well. According to court documents, J’zyra Thompson was put in an oven by one of her 3-year-old siblings when the children were left alone. By the time emergency crews arrived after midnight, there was nothing they could do to save the toddler. J’zyra was covered in burns and died of her injuries. Three other children who were in the home have been taken into CPS custody ……..THE HOUSTON POLICE

DEPARTMENT is expanding community policing by exposing cadets to the city’s different cultures.

All HPD cadets now participate in a bus tour across Houston to learn about the various communities and cultures they will soon be charged with protecting and serving. As part of the Cultural Diversity Bus Tour, cadets meet with guides from the Acres Homes, Montrose, Meyerland, Westside, Southwest and Eastside communities. At each stop, a guide instructs cadets on the history, culture and socioeconomics of a specific community. In addition, the guide explains how community members perceive police. Following a 30-minute instruction and subsequent question-and-answer

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period, the guide boards a bus and gives cadets a brief tour of the community……..TEXAS EMPLOYERS added 20,000 jobs in October according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

Texas’ unemployment rate, however, increased to 4.4 percent in October, up from 4.2 percent in September. Service industries led the state’s October job gains with the addition of 12,400 jobs in leisure and hospitality and 3,300 positions in the professional and business services industry.

The construction industry grew by 2,600 jobs in October. The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded the month’s lowest unemployment rate of 3.2 percent.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 26 | 2015

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national

U.S.briefs

Sharpton, CBC members support Syrian refugees As Americans continue to debate the plight of Syrian refugees, some Black leaders – including Rev. Al Sharpton and members of the Congressional Black Caucus – say those who seek refuge should be able to find it in the United States.

Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network, said NAN plans to convene a national summit of Black ministers to discuss recruitment of churches and members willing to provide sanctuaries for Syrian refugees fleeing violence in their homeland.

“When I see Syrian refugees who are in many cases children and seniors reaching out for help, it is against my religion to advocate ignoring them based on religion or nationality,” Sharpton said.

“You cannot support a ban on refugees, then

go to a church that claims to follow Jesus the next minute. Those two things are simply not compatible.

In fact, Joseph, Mary and Jesus were refugees themselves fleeing into Egypt. Had some of our governors and right-wing candidates been in charge then, I wonder if I would have ever even known my Lord and Savior.

“Today, when so many children, elderly, women and families are fleeing the devastation and horror in Syria and elsewhere, we cannot turn our backs on them, nor can we succumb to fear and panic,” Sharpton said.

North Carolina Congressman G.K. Butterfield, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said while America’s safety is a top priority, those who seek refuge should be able to find it here.

“To turn a blind eye to the struggles of others, regardless of where they are from, is sad and has no place in American society,” he said.

New York Congressman Gregory Meeks said the U.S. can seek greater security without losing its moral compass.

“As an African-American I know what it feels like to be a member of a community where people lived in fear for their safety and were oppressed by those in power,” Meeks said. “I want better for America and all nations that uphold the virtues of liberty. Turning our backs on Syrian refugees is not an option.”

Tamir Rice remembered one year later Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old Black youngster killed by a Cleveland police officer on Nov. 22, 2014, was remembered by family members and supporters at a prayer vigil on the first anniversary of his death.

The vigil was held at the park where Officer Timothy Loehmann shot Tamir as he carried a toy gun. Hundreds of people attended the vigil, and some held signs that read “Black Lives Matter” and “Stop the violence.” Tamir’s family released a dozen doves, symbolizing every year Tamir lived.

His grandfather, Eugene Rice, started the day off with prayer. His mother, Samaria Rice, thanked everyone for coming and encouraged

those who weren’t already involved in protests to join them.

Tamir’s family said his case has been stalled.

Supporters of the family have asked county prosecutor Tim McGinty to recuse himself from the case so he can be replaced with a special prosecutor to avoid bias.

Tamir’s cousin, LaTonya Goldsby, also created a Change.org petition in an effort to achieve justice.

“There is a long history in this country of prosecutors failing to fairly investigate and prosecute allegations of police misconduct,” Goldsby wrote in a letter to McGinty that she posted.

A WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ALERT for U.S. citizens has been issued by the State Department due to increased terrorist threats. The notice extends to Feb. 24 of next year, and comes after deadly attacks in Mali and Paris in the past two weeks.

The department cited threats from ISIS, al-Qaida and Boko Haram. “U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places,” the department said…….ATTORNEY GENERAL Loretta Lynch joined other officials in denouncing the terrorist attack at a luxury hotel in the capital of Mali. The attack was carried out by some 10 Islamic militants said to be seeking revenge for French military operations in the country since 2012. Before they were overwhelmed by Malian, French and U.S. coordinated actions, the militants took 170 hostages and killed at least 22, including one American. Lynch said the Department of Justice and the Obama Administration will coordinate with allies around the world to bring terrorists to justice. “We will continue our work to protect the American people. And we will continue to stand with all Americans in upholding the values that our nation represents,” she said…….A WASHINGTON, D.C. city councilman has introduced an amendment that would give 16-year-olds in the District the right to vote, and the bill is garnering support among residents. Charles Allen said he was motivated to draft the bill by a community activist upset by a spike in murders in the city’s neighborhoods.

“Sixteen-year-olds have many obligations of adults such as getting a driver’s license, having a job and paying taxes, and being liable for crimes that they commit,” Allen said. “So it makes sense to me that they should be able to have a voice on issues that matter to them.”

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 4 NOVEMBER 26, 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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Churches receive mental health education funding

organizations to identify and connect congregants with local behavioral resources for treatment and support. An additional goal is to support faith leaders in addressing their own mental wellness.

Ten of the organizations will each receive between $65,000 and $82,000 to be distributed over three years. The foundation

also selected one organization to coordinate the efforts statewide. The funds will be used to develop or enhance health ministries to include a mental health component.

“African American faithbased leaders are becoming increasingly proactive on mental health issues,” said Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., Hogg Foundation executive director and associate vice president for diversity and community engagement at UT Austin.

“The response to the announcement of this grant initiative has been positive, showing that faith-based communities are deeply interested in becoming educated leaders around mental health, recovery and wellness.”

The Hogg Foundation advances recovery and wellness by supporting mental health services, policy analysis, research and public education.

MD Anderson gets $22 million The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center was awarded more than $22 million in research grants from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

MD Anderson’s awards included $14.8 million for research, $6 million in recruitment funding and $1.4 million for evidence-based cancer prevention services. The CPRIT awards will fund studies in cancers of the liver, skin, pancreas, and ovary, as well as lymphoma, leukemia and other cancers.

“We are extremely grateful to the citizens of Texas for supporting truly important and life-saving cancer research. CPRIT is helping our gifted faculty in Making Cancer History,” said MD Anderson President Dr. Ronald DePinho.

“This vital funding also has proved to be a powerful force in attracting the nation’s best research talent to our institution. I applaud our investigators who were awarded funding, as well as all the scientists, clinicians and citizens who share our goal of ending cancer.”

This says iT all .

DO WE MOVE OUR CITY fORWaRD OR GO BaCK?

SylveSter turner

IT’s A CHOICE. Join us in supporT of sylvesTer:

Steve Costello

adrian Garcia

Leading Newspapers

Houston Teachers

Houston Police Officers

Houston firefighters

HBAD

Houston GLBT Political Caucus

Houston Black american Democrats

T

his is the biggest mayor’s race in decades and, for us, the choice couldn’t be more clear.

Sylvester Turner will fight to hire more police officers and expand community policing. His opponent Bill King, incredibly, will not.1 Sylvester will fight to raise the minimum wage. King will not.2

Sylvester will work to make life better for everyone — with safer streets, stronger schools and decent roads. King will cut job-training programs and retirement benefits — leaving middle-class families behind.3 Make the choice. Let’s help Sylvester Turner move our city forward.

went from sharing one room with eight brothers and sisters in Acres Homes to the University of Houston and then Harvard. He founded a successful small business and became a champion in our legislature for strong schools, quality health care and affordable electricity rates for seniors.

Pol. adv. SylveSter turner CamPaign. david minCberg, treaSurer

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health at the University of Texas at Austin has awarded $946,600 in grants to 11 faith-based organizations in Texas to increase awareness and perceptions of mental health, recovery and wellness in African-American communities.

Recipients include five Houston-area churches: • Bible Way Fellowship Baptist Church, $79,400 • Missouri City Baptist Church, $65,000 • Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, $79,000 • Wheeler Avenue Central City Comprehensive Community Center, $81,000 • Windsor Village United Methodist Church, $70,000 The goals of the initiative are to build on the unique strengths of churches and other faith-based

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NOVEMBER 26 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Bill King ran a savings

and loan that collapsed, and after people lost their life savings, King bought a yacht and named it “Hard Times”— mocking those who trusted him with their money.4

vOte eArly FOr SylveSter turner for MAyOr

Early Voting: DEcEmbEr 2–8  ElEction Day: Sat., DEcEmbEr 12 Information on Voting: SylvesterTurner.com/vote or call (281) 814-7459

DeleteBillKing.com/police; 2DeleteBillKing.com/minimum-wage; 3DeleteBillKing.com/middle-class-behind; 4DeleteBillKing.com/hard-times

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 26 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

entertainment

‘The Wiz’ comes to TV on Dec. 3 Some of entertainment’s biggest stars will appear in a live presentation of “The Wiz,” which airs Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. on NBC. The musical is based on the classic “The Wizard of Oz.” It was first seen on Broadway in 1975 and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It was made into a 1978 movie starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne.

NBC’s production stars Queen Latifah as the Wiz, the mysterious and powerful wizard who holds the keys to the Emerald City. Mary J. Blige will play Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West. David Alan Grier is the Cowardly Lion, Ne-Yo is the Tin Man, Elijah Kelley is the Scarecrow and Stephanie Mills (who played Dorothy on Broadway) is Auntie Em. Other stars include Common (Bouncer), Uzo Aduba (Glinda) and Amber Riley (Addaperle). Rising star Shanice Williams, who has trained in musical theater, is the new Dorothy.

Williams was selected out of hundreds of applicants nationwide who auditioned to portray the iconic role of a Kansas farm girl who gets swept up in a tornado and is sent to the mysterious land of Oz.

Stars of “The Wiz” include (l. to r.) David Alan Grier, Shanice Williams, Ne-Yo and Elijah Kelley.

Mary J. Blige is Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West.

Queen Latifah has the title role in the live holiday production.

what’sup NICKI MINAJ took home two American Music Awards. She won Favorite Artist-Rap/ Hip-Hop and Favorite Album-Rap/Hip-Hop for “The Pinkprint.” THE WEEKND also won two awards for Favorite Male Artist-Soul/R&B and Favorite Album-Soul/R&B for “Beauty Behind the Madness.” RIHANNA won Favorite Female Artist-Soul/R&B……..TAYE DIGGS started a controversy while promoting his children’s book “Mixed Me!” He revealed that he wants his 6-year-old son Walker to be labeled “mixed” instead of “Black.” “I think when you [call biracial people Black], you risk disrespecting

half of who you are,” he said. “I don’t want my son to be in a situation where he calls himself Black and everybody thinks he has a Black mom and a Black dad, and then when they see he has a white mother, they’re like, “What’s going on? Are you ashamed?” After negative Twitter comments poured in, Diggs responded by saying, “I am a proud Black man. I want my son to grow up to be a proud Black man if he so chooses. He has every right to be just as proud of his mother’s ‘blood’ as well.” Diggs’ ex-wife is Broadway star IDINA MENZEL……..The new series “The Player” starring WESLEY SNIPES has officially been

cancelled by NBC. The drama got off to a poor start in the ratings, averaging 4.86 million viewers in the 18-49 demographic. The second episode’s ratings were even worse with 4.58 million viewers and the numbers continued to decline……..JAMIE FOXX’S daughter Corinne will serve as Miss Golden Globe at the ceremony in January. She is a senior at the University of Southern California and also models. Miss Golden Globe, traditionally the daughter of a Hollywood star, appears on the telecast and assists during the ceremony. Foxx won a Golden Globe in 2005 for “Ray.” The awards ceremony will be held on Jan. 10.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 26 | 2015

cente

More awareness of disease needed

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

W

hen HIV/AIDS first garnered national exposure in the 1980s, many saw it as a death sentence, and the disease as a whole, as a worldwide pandemic.

While HIV/AIDS remains a serious threat, the stigma behind it has changed. Advances in drugs and treatment have changed the course of life with the disease. That’s why health officials are using World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 to try and get people to rethink HIV. Officials want to end outdated stereotypes, challenge myths and be positive about HIV, as well as draw attention to the tremendous toll the disease has taken, particularly on the African-American community.

“World AIDS Day is our opportunity to recognize some of the extraordinary people who support the cause and bring awareness to the community about HIV/AIDS,” said Kelly Young, CEO of AIDS Foundation Houston.

More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition.

“Despite this, each year around 6,000 people are diagnosed with HIV,” Young said.

“People do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many

people living with the condition.”

World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

“The good news is that we now have what it takes to break this epidemic and keep it from rebounding to prevent substantially more new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths and to eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination,” added Michel Sidibé, executive director of the United Nations program UNAIDS. According to the CDC, there are approximately 1.1 million Americans living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. That includes approximately 510,000 African-Americans, who are disproportionately affected by the disease.

Health Emergency

The issue is particularly prevalent in the South.

“If you’re HIV positive in the South, you have a higher risk of having a poor outcome mainly because of stigma, not wanting to get tested, failure to engage in treatment, insurance issues and poverty,” Young said.

The National Medical Association, an organization of more than 30,000 Black doctors, once declared the spread of HIV and AIDS in Black communities a public health emergency.

The rate of HIV infections diagnosed in the United States each year fell by one-third over the past decade, a recent study by the

World AIDS Da

RETHINKIN

HIV

Journal of American Medical Association, finds.

The reasons for the drop isn’t clear. It might mean fewer new infections are occurring. Or that most infected people already have been diagnosed so more testing won’t necessarily find many more cases.

The study also found that 16 out of every 100,000 people ages 13 and older were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2011, a steady decline from 24 out of 100,000 people in 2002. Declines were seen in the rates for men, women, whites, Blacks, Hispanics, heterosexuals, injection drug users and most age groups. The only group in which diagnoses increased was gay and bisexual men.

Young urges people to not get too comfortable with the declining numbers.

“Texas is still one of the top 15 cities for new HIV infections,” Young said.

“Our rates have been the same for about five years. The number of new cases has slowed down, but Houston has a long way to go.”

“Stigma remains a major barrier to HIV testing, condom use and other preventive strategies,” said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC’s Division

of HIV seeking HIV to

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V/AIDS Prevention. “It also discourages those living with HIV from g the care and treatment they need to stay healthy and avoid transmitting others,” he said.

S in Texas

More than 56,000 new HIV infections are reported each year. Approxi510,000 (44 percent) of those cases are with African-Americans. Accordhe most recent data available from the Texas Department of State Health s, over 65,000 Texas residents were living with HIV/AIDS. 2013, the majority of people living with AIDS in Texas were racial and minorities, with 34 percent of the living cases among Blacks and 30 percent Hispanics. Minorities also made up most of the new HIV diagnoses in with Black and Hispanic Texans comprising about 38 percent and 35 percent, ively. r. Thomas Giordano, the medical director of HIV Services for the Harris Hospital District, said routine testing is key to continuing the fight against

ng the Houston area for over 80 years

9

defendernetwork.com

WHERE TO

GO FOR HE

LP

The followin g agencies o ffer free or lo HIV and STD w-cost testing and education: • AIDS Foun dation Houst on 713- 623-67 96, aidshelp .org. (new and ou t of care clie nts only) • Fort Bend Family Hea lth Center 281-342-052 9, fbfhc.org • Harris Cou nty Hospita l District 713-873-416 5, harrishea lth.org • Houston A rea Commu nity Service 713-426-00 s 27, hacstxs.o rg • Legacy Co mmunity He alth 832- 548-510 0, legacycom Services munityhealt • Montrose h.org Counseling Center 713- 529-00 37, montrose cou • Northside Health Cente nselingcenter.org r 713-696-590 0, houstontx .gov • Sharpstow nH 713-780-560 ealth Services 0, houstontx .gov • St. Hope F oundation 713-778-130 0, offeringh ope.o • Sunnyside Health Cente rg r 713-732-500 0, houstontx .gov • Veteran’s Administrati on 713-791-1414 , houston.va .gov

STATS TELL THE STORY • African-Americans account for 54 percent of HIV cases in Houston/Harris County.

• One in 90 Houstonians is HIV positive.

• There are over 27,650 individuals known living with HIV/AIDS in Houston/Harris County • Every seven hours one person in Houston is infected with HIV. • Heterosexual contact accounts for 26 percent of reported HIV cases in Houston/Harris County and male-to-male contact accounts for 40 percent.

• Nationally, there are 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States.

• African Americans make up only 13.6 percent of the U.S. population, yet account for 52 percent of all new HIV/AIDS. • Young gay and bisexual Black men are the most severely affected subpopulation for HIV infection.

• HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for Black women ages 25 to 34.

Sources: AIDS Foundation Houston, City of Houston Health & Human Services

“There are probably 4,000 or so who have HIV but don’t know it. They’re not yet diagnosed,” he said. “We really need to do more routine testing of HIV. There’s probably another 4,000 who are not in routine care and so we need to try to get people who know they have HIV into routine care because that’s our best hope for prevention – getting people diagnosed so they don’t give the virus to anyone else and getting people under regular care so they don’t give the virus to anyone else.”

Sidibé reiterated the need to rethink HIV. “The good news is that we now have what it takes to break this epidemic and keep it from rebounding to prevent substantially more new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths and to eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination,” he said.

“Already we have reached 15.8 million people with life-saving treatment. And increasingly we are able to refine our efforts and be more precise in our ability to reach people who might otherwise be left behind. With this attention to location and population countries are able to redistribute opportunities to improve access.

“This is an exciting time in the AIDS response,” Sidibé said. “We are building momentum toward a sustainable, equitable and healthy future for all. “

“World AIDS Day is our opportunity to recognize some of the extraordinary people who support the cause and bring awareness to the community about HIV/ AIDS Kelly Young

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 26 | 2015

business

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28

Boost your holiday sales The peak holiday buying season is here. If you’re looking for ways to boost your sales, here are some tips from the Small Business Administration.

Focus on promotions that add value. Free gift wrapping with a minimum purchase is one example.

An invite to exclusive events or previews with every $50 purchase is another.

Team up with other businesses. Join forces for a sidewalk event or parade of stores. Think of ways to entice shoppers to visit each participating store or restaurant.

Promote trending products. Google Trends and Twitter Trends are useful ways of identifying the most talked about trends and focusing your inventory and marketing where it will get noticed. Look for ways to align social media messaging around hot topics.

Let your brand’s personality show. Weave your uniqueness and appeal into your holiday promotions, product/service lines, holiday décor and customer service.

Donate a percentage of sales to a local charity.

Use visual merchandising. Make everyone’s shopping easier and draw attention to popular items by using merchandising and signage to promote product lines and promotions.

defendernetwork.com

As entrepreneurs across the nation gear up for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28, a record number of shoppers are making plans to support their favorite local businesses.

According to a survey released by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and American Express, 45 percent of consumers who expect to shop on the day plan to spend more this year than they spent last year. Overall, consumers are planning to do 35 percent of their holiday shopping at small businesses Small Business Saturday was created

by American Express in 2010 as a response to business owners’ most pressing need – more customers. It is always held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

“Small Business Saturday has grown every year and it’s been a big boost to Main Street America,” said NFIB CEO and President Dan Danner.

You can also do this online by sending out newsletters.

Use countdowns as a motivator. In-store, via email, online or social media – build a sense of urgency with a holiday countdown. Think “12 Days of Christmas.” Give away prizes or showcase a different promotion every day.

Use gift cards. Appeal to last-minute shoppers and benefit from an invaluable source of new revenue.

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NOVEMBER 26 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Texas Southern earns landmark accreditation The Texas Southern University College of Education is listed among the most prestigious colleges and universities in the nation after receiving an accreditation from the largest accrediting body in the country.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) has given TSU the national Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accreditation until spring 2022.

TSU’s College of Education met all of the CAEP standards in undergraduate and graduate programs with no areas for improvement. The accreditation will make it easier for TSU graduates to earn board certification through the new National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

“We met the target level of excellence in clinical practice and field experiences for undergraduate teaching major,” said dean Dr. Lillian Poats. “The TSU faculty and staff in the College of Education

College of Education professors from TSU worked to achieve landmark accreditation.

(Photo by Earlie Hudnall)

are honored to have achieved this milestone.”

The mission of the College of Education is “to provide competent career professionals for effective service in urban schools.” The college

provides courses of study leading to academic degrees in four instructional departments: Counseling, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration & Foundations, and HealthT:9.75” and Kinesiology.

11

Charter schools face threat The Texas Education Agency has identified four of the state’s open-enrollment charter schools that meet the legislative criteria for mandatory revocation of their charter under Senate Bill 2. Included are two Houston schools – Fallbrook College Preparatory Academy and Victory Prep.

Senate Bill 2 requires mandatory revocation of a charter if a school has failed to meet academic or financial accountability performance ratings for the three preceding school years. Failure can include three years in one specific area (academic or financial), or any combination of the two.

In addition to initiating revocation hearings, a conservator is being appointed to all four charter schools. The appointed conservator will be responsible for overseeing the financial management and governance of the school to ensure it complies with state and federal law, attending board meetings and directing the board as necessary to address findings in a final report, and overseeing all close-out activities of the school.

Each school can request an informal review regarding the decision to revoke. If the decision to revoke is upheld, the issue would then be sent to the State Office of Administrative Hearings for a final hearing.

T:6.5”

For detailed game odds and information, visit txlottery.org or call 800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.

12

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 26 | 2015

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food

Indulge in holiday desserts Family Features

until well incorporated.

Add berries, pistachios and almonds to mixture. Fold in until well incorporated.

Spread mixture in baking pan and place in freezer for about 2-3 hours, or until hardened. Once hardened, remove bark from pan and either cut or break up into T:4.79” pieces. Allow to thaw about

5 minutes before eating.

Store remaining bark in freezer. You can experiment with any ingredients you have on hand, such as frozen cherries with dark chocolate chunks, frozen blueberries with unsweetened flaked coconut or dried cranberries with pecans.

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7/25/16

classified The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (The HARRIS CENTER)

(formerly know as MHMRA of Harris County) will be accepting proposals for the following:

Community Psychiatric Hospital Beds Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Department located at 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074, telephone (713) 970-7116 and/or via The HARRIS CENTER website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Monday, November 30, 2015. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Thursday, December 3, 2015. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 15, 2015 in a sealed envelope marked "PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2015, Community Psychiatric Hospital Beds”. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to James Blunt, C.P.M., Buyer II, via fax at (713) 970-7682 or E-mail questions to james.blunt@mhmraharris.org cc: sharon .brauner@mhmraharris.org. The HARRIS GROUP reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

T:3.25”

As a staple of the holidays, flavorful desserts bring a seasonal spread together like nothing else, and whipping up those desserts is a perfect time to spend some quality time with your family.

From cookies that are sure to quickly disappear to a classic cheesecake and a berry-inspired twist on a holiday favorite, an array of tantalizing desserts can keep your family and friends around the dinner table long after the main course has been devoured, and give your family a new activity to bond over.

2 cups plain, reduced-fat (2%) Greek yogurt 1 lemon, zest only 2 tablespoons honey 1 cup frozen raspberries 1/2 cup shelled pistachios 1/4 cup slivered almonds Line small baking pan with aluminum foil. In medium bowl, combine first 3 ingredients. Stir

Classic Cheesecake

Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 5 hours, 45 minutes (including refrigThe odds listed here are the overall odds of winning any prize in a game, including break-even prizes. Lottery retailers are authorized to redeem prizes of up to erating) and including $599. Prizes of $600 or more must be claimed in person at a Lottery Claim Center or by mail, with a completed Texas Lottery claim form; however, annuity prizes or prizes over $2,500,000 must be claimed in person at the Commission Headquarters in Austin. Call Customer Service at 1-800-375-6886 or Makes: 16 servings visit the Lottery website at txlottery.org for more information and location of nearest Claim Center. The Texas Lottery is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets, or for tickets lost in the mail. Tickets, transactions, players, and winners are subject to, and players and winners agree to abide by, all applicable laws, Commission 1 1/2 cups graham cracker rules, regulations, policies, directives, instructions, conditions, procedures, and final decisions of the Executive Director. A scratch ticket game may continue to be crumbs sold even when all the top prizes have been claimed. Must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a ticket. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and veterans. © 2015 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

3 tablespoons sugar 1/3 cup butter or margarine, NOTICE TO PROPOSERS melted Request for sub-contractor proposals for 4 packages (8 ounces Northeast College – North Forest Campus Project each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened “Durotech, Inc., as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for Houston Community College System, will receive proposals from subcontrac1 cup sugar tors and vendor trades for the Northeast College – North Forest 1 teaspoon1vanilla Campus Project, based on documents issued by PGAL Architects.

W52715_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_1126.indd 4 eggs A Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Thursday, None printed at November 11-17-2015 1:46 PM TOMMY-MB15 from

by Tommy Salazar / Eddie Jacobson saved at 19, 2015 at 2.00 P.M., local time at the HCC Northeast 1 cup canned cherries North Forest Voc-Tech Campus, 6010 Little York Rd., Houston, TX Heat oven to 325 F. 77016. job info approvals fonts & images Mix grahamjobcrumbs, sugar creative dir None # W52715 Fonts Proposals and qualification statements will be received by Durotech, art director None client into botTEXAS LOTTERY Helvetica Neue LT Std (95 Black, 57 Condensed, 97 Black and butter; press Inc., until 2:00 P.M. local time on Wednesday, December 09, 2015, in None copywriter headline/tag DEC EOG AD Condensed, 77 Bold Condensed), Arial (Regular) the presence of the Owner and Architect at the offices of Durotech, tom of 9-inch springform trim account mgr MEGAN TRUMETER 4.79” x 3.25” Inc. at 11931 Wickchester Lane, #205, Houston, TX 77043-4501. bleed proofreader None None Images pan. Beat cream cheese, Proposals may be emailed to bids@durotechgc.com or faxed to live None None 281-496-5637. Prevailing wage rates in conformance with Texas law color setup sugar and vanilla with BW notes will be paid on this project. All proposals shall remain valid for sixty vendor/pub HOUSTON DEFENDER Inks mixer until blended.

(60) days.

Black media type Add NEWSPAPER DUE: 11/19 cut None PUB: 11/26 eggs, one atdie a time, mixing Durotech, Inc. is committed to meeting the SBE goals set for this project and encourages all SBE firms to submit a proposal for this on low speed after each unproject. til blended. Pour over crust.

Drawings and Specifications will be available for review at the offices Bake 1 hour,206oreastuntil center ninth street • austin, tx 78701 of Durotech, Inc., and at the plan rooms of AGC, Dodge Data & f 512.479.6024 is almost set.t 512.479.6200 Run knife Analytics, Virtual Builders Exchange, Brazos Valley Contractors Association, Construction Data and CMD Group. Contact Sidhesh around rim of pan to loosen Kakodkar (sidheshk@durotechgc.com) or Alan Montgomery cake; cool before removing (alanm@durotechgc.com) at 281-558-6892 for information on this project. rim. Refrigerate 4 hours.

The Owner, Architect/Engineer and Construction Manager reserve the Top with canned cherries, if right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any informalities and desired. irregularities in the proposal process, and to make the awards in the Prepared by LatinWorks Marketing, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved.

Raspberry Greek Yogurt Bark (Recipe courtesy of NourishRDs.com)

best interest of HCC. By submitting a proposal, each proposer agrees to waive any claim it has or may have against the Owner, the Architect/Engineer, Construction Manager and their respective employees arising out of or in connection with the administration, evaluation, or recommendation of any proposal; waiver of any requirements under the Proposal Documents, or the Contract Documents; acceptance or rejection of any proposals; and award of a Contract.”

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NOVEMBER 26 | 2015 | DEFENDER

opinion

13

Students, athletes teach lesson in

nonviolent change

P

By REV. JESSE JACKSON SR.

aul Robeson. Muhammad Ali. Bill Russell. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Jim Brown. Curt Flood. Hank Aaron.

The “Black 14” at the University of Wyoming. The St. Louis Rams.

Michael Sam. Tommy Smith and John Carlos, black-gloved fists in the air. LeBron James and Derrick Rose, wearing “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirts.

These are only a few of the most visible African-American athletes who risked their positions, their high status in our culture, their endorsements and their high salaries in the cause of civil rights and equal justice.

Not all the athletes that championed fair play were African-American, of course. Roberto Clemente comes to mind immediately.

Bill Walton spoke out against the Vietnam War. Billie Jean King stood up for women’s equality in sports. Brooklyn Dodgers captain Pee Wee Reese stood by Jackie Robinson out on the ball field, making it clear that the color line had been crossed for good.

Now the University of Missouri football team has shown us what real “Tigers” do when it’s time to pick up the hammer of justice.

These African-American players stood by the student protesters and hunger striker Jonathan Butler. Interestingly, their white teammates and their white coach, Gary Pinkel, then joined the cause, too. And change came to the campus.

The students and the athletes showed that they had studied Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement. They were disciplined, nonviolent, focused – and they used their leverage to demand a role in their own educations.

Strategically, they chose a moment to act when they had leverage over a million dollars in potential TV revenues. It was smart organizing, and it worked. As the old saying goes, rabbit hunting is a lot less fun when the rabbit has a gun.

In this case, of course, the “gun” was nonviolent protest against racial injustice.

African-American athletes showed their clout.

A sleeping giant awoke.

Today’s colleges spend a lot of time recruiting African-American athletes but much less time recruiting young African-American scholars. No expense is spared to develop a young halfback,

but fewer and fewer Pell Grants are available to support young chemists. Good athletes are awarded scholarships (unless they get hurt), while their universities reap millions in tickets sales and revenue from jerseys and sports bling.

Athletic departments are supposed to be appendages of universities, but it often appears that the reverse is true. African-American players are empowered on the field, but much less so in the classroom.

Think about college basketball. The entire sports world focuses on “March Madness,” when integrated teams from all over the nation compete for sports glory. But what about “May Sadness,” when graduation time comes and many athletes are left behind and left out.

Meanwhile, good minority students – and many good white students – struggle to pay excessive tuition and fees, too often ending up buried under massive loans which will hem them in for decades.

On Saturday afternoons, those of us who are sports fans choose to root for our teams based on

uniform color rather than skin color. This was not always so. It’s a change in American culture that deserves celebration.

And it teaches us a lesson for the rest of society, because young African-Americans can compete and excel when the playing field is level, when the rules are public, when the goals are transparent, when the referees are fair.

Our sports playing fields are level, and our teams are diverse, multicultural, multiracial and successful. Our societal playing fields are not so level, are less diverse, and the rewards are less evenly shared. College campuses are good places to learn this lesson and to begin to discuss how to do better.

We have learned to survive apart as individuals; but in the globalized 21st century – where most people are yellow, brown, Black, non-Christian, poor, female, young and don’t speak English – we need to learn how to live together to prosper.

The Missouri student/athlete protests taught us a lesson in nonviolent change. We should learn from it.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

14

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 26 | 2015

sports

defendernetwork.com

Bickerstaff ready to take charge of Rockets

I

By MAX EDISON Defender

t was only 11 games into the season and the Rockets were a horribly underachieving New interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said he is ready for the challenge.

4-7, with lopsided losses to some of the NBA’s worst teams.

As a result, coach Kevin McHale, despite leading the team to the Western Conference finals last Bickerstaff served as a Charlotte Bobcats’ season, was shown the door. assistant coach with his father, Bernie.

With that move, top assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff has been elevated to interim head coach.

Bickerstaff, whose initials stand for John-Blair, is the son of longtime NBA head coach and assistant coach Bernie Bickerstaff.

He joined the Rockets staff in 2011, coming to the team after a five-year stint as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was regarded by NBA insiders as a rising star in the coaching ranks.

Rockets’ General Manager Daryl Morey named er n s at 9 in Denv Bickerstaff interim head iate seaso g e ll o • Born 197 c o is first tw 17-year-old coach for the remainder of the • Played h rsity; as a e iv n ivision U te ta season. In addition, assistant t N C AA D s e g Oregon S n u o y was the coach Chris Finch was profreshman y of moted to associate head coach. t Universit a r e I player re a c college Finch is also in his fifth season • Finished 1) (1991-200 and 6.1 with the Rockets after spending Minnesota veraged 10.9 points a in field r, two seasons as head coach of • As senio ile pacing the team Kevin McHale was fired after a disappointing start to the new season. h w the Rockets NBA Development rebounds d . a e g ro b ta n io e League affiliate, Rio Grande goal perc sis on rad shots, getting to the free throw line, hitting our threes job. He allowed color analy nesota Timberd e id v Valley ro P in • M r and getting to the rim.” me to work, he fo 03-04 “We had to make the tough casts in 20 In order to achieve his style of play Bickerstaff said pushed me. r e en is fath call, “Morey explained. “What wolves wh ssistant coach to h s a the team has to return to its basic fundamentals.

“When he w -07); sa was the best thing to be done to ats (2004 c • Served a b o B “We got to get back to our base,” he said. “That’s had opportunities e tt harlo get our season on track? We think with the C istant coach in NBA where we got off to a slow start. We didn’t do the things rto speak pube b im a ss J.B. Bickerstaff is the best person to ach with T o youngest c t n we needed to do in the beginning under the assumption ta licly about me is s as as lead us out of where we’re at.”

• Worked ) that guys may have already known what we were doing. he always spoke 11 0 007-2 Bickerstaff, 36, feels he is ready wolves (2 So we went back to the basics, to the pure fundamentals highly of me, so for the challenge in part because of of it. We’ll get great at those things again and then we’ll I’m indebted to the relationship he had with his formove forward.” him for the opportunity. Over 12 mer boss, McHale. During his time Bickerstaff stressed an intangible that needs to be years I’ve prepared myself for this moment.” with the Rockets, McHale compiled a Bickerstaff explained what the blueprint of his team present for success. regular season mark of 323-193.

“We think we can be more energetic, more posishould look like.

“The great thing about working for Mac is that tive, more uplifting to one another,” he said. “When you “[It should be a] tough-minded defensive team he gave me freedom to work,” Bickerstaff said. “He look at the good teams, the good teams are always pickthat turns people over,” he said. “We want to get out allowed you to prepare yourself to be a head coach. He ing each other up. They’re always patting each other on in transition, play quick, play fast. We’re not in a always told me his job was to get me a head coaching hurry just to do things quickly. Then we’re taking our the butt. That’s the team we want to be.”

. Bicke B .

J t u o b A

rstaff

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NOVEMBER 26 | 2015 | DEFENDER

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Thomas keeps improving for George Ranch defendernetwork.com

U

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

nbeaten football teams tend to have a plethora of highlights during the course of a season. George Ranch head football coach Ricky Tullos has a personal favorite that he likes to share.

“DJ Thomas has been a wonderful asset to us this season,” he said. “He didn’t play for us last year because he was playing basketball. We got him out this year and we’re really proud of his effort and how far along he’s come in a very short amount of time.

“He gets better and better every game and we’re excited and glad that he’s out there playing for us,” Tullos said. “We’re proud to have him.”

At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Thomas came out and earned a starting position at defensive end for the 11-0 Longhorns, who have wins over Fort Bend Bush and Nederland through the first two rounds of the 2015 Texas high school football playoffs.

Despite a relative short history (the school opened in the fall of 2010), George Ranch, a member of the Lamar Consolidated ISD, has quickly become a high school football powerhouse in the greater Houston area and a fixture in the state rankings.

The Longhorns came into the 2015 postseason ranked No. 2 in the Houston area among Class 5A schools and No. 3 in the state.

Becoming a key player on a squad that returned DJ Thomas so many experienced parts

15

What high school wins football playoff game for the first time in 43 years? from a team that went four rounds into the postseason a year ago is a significant achievement.

“The main factor I bring to the team is energy,” Thomas said. “I’ve got a high motor and if I can’t make a play, maybe I can put one of my teammates in a position to make a play for us.

“We pride ourselves on preparation for each opponent,” Thomas said. “Being prepared and never overlooking anybody. Each week we look forward to a new challenge,” Thomas said.

Thomas admits that one of his personal highlights this season came during a 55-14 bi-district win over Fort Bend Bush at Mercer Stadium when he sacked Broncos’ quarterback Wade Freeman for an eightyard loss in the second quarter.

“I had a couple of other tackles for losses in the game but that sack was definitely a highlight for me,” Thomas said. “Anything to contribute to my team winning is good enough for me.”

Thomas is a fan of Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware. “I enjoy watching him play,” Thomas said.

“He competes at a high level.”

A Libra who likes to rest or take a nap in his spare time, Thomas says his favorite subject in school is science. He hasn’t decided on a college major or a college yet, but he will in the near future.

These days he listens to Dr. Dre quite a bit and his favorite social media is Twitter.

When asked if there is something about himself that most people don’t know he said, “I can cook shrimp pretty well. I can cook it a variety of ways too.”

Strahan in Houston Dec. 2 Texas Southern University alum, NFL Hall of Famer and national media celebrity Michael Strahan comes to Houston on Wednesday, Dec. 2 to promote his new book “Wake up Happy.”

Strahan will appear at Barnes and Noble in River Oaks, 2023 West Gray, from 5-6:30 pm. The book chronicles Strahan’s personal journey from childhood to the present. He shares tidbits of advice that he’s received from family, peers and coaches. He shares his secret to being happy by doling out the “Strahan Rules” such as the importance of routines and visualization. He discusses “doing better today than yesterday, regularly reinventing ourselves and never thinking it’s too late, or we’re too old to make a change.” TSU is asking all fans to wear a university shirt to the signing.

UH renovations approved The University of Houston men’s and women’s basketball programs moved closer to a new facility when school regents approved the start of the design process for the renovation of Hofheinz Pavilion. Regents approved a project budget of up to $60 million with an anonymous donor pledging a $20 million gift to facilitate the arena’s renovation. Design work is scheduled to begin in March 2016 with construction starting one year later. Plans for the Cougars’ home facility during the 2017-18 seasons have not been finalized and will be announced at a later date. The renovated facility is expected to be ready for game competition for the beginning of the 2018-19 seasons.

Area schools advance Fort Bend Austin earned its first trip to the state high school volleyball tournament by outlasting Katy Seven Lakes 15-25, 25-19, 25-15, 22-25, 15-13 in the Class 6A Region III championship at the Campbell Center.

Paige Swinney, Erin Mulcahey and Madison Rhoder played key roles for the Bulldogs. In a stunner from the campus of Sam Houston State University in Hunstville, Conroe Oak Ridge ended The Woodlands’ two-year reign as state champions by sweeping the Highlanders 25-17, 25-22, 25-18 in the Region II-6A finals.

The War Eagles utilized a strong service game led by Carly Graham and Raigen Cianciulli (four aces each) to capture the regional title.

Oak Ridge’s Molly Russell and Brooke Clarke combined for 16 kills. George Ranch won the Region III-5A title with a 22-25, 25-20, 18-25, 25-21, 15-9 victory over Barbers Hill. Columbus advanced to the Class 4A state tournament by eliminating Sealy 22-25, 25-18, 26-24, 3230 in San Antonio.

Elliott in bowl game Jordan Elliott, a senior defensive lineman at Westside High School, has been selected to play in the 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in the San Antonio Alamodome. Elliott is one of 90 student-athletes chosen from throughout the nation and joins Frank Ileanacho (Class of 2014) as the only two Westside players to be selected for the honor. “Jordan has an impressive academic record to go along with his outstanding athleticism on the football field,” said Westside communications liaison Jane Miller.

The 2016 Army All-American Bowl is set for Jan. 9 at noon.

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16

DEFENDER NOVEMBER 26 | 2015

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

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RAK HOUSTON HUMANITARIAN AWARDS……..Houston Random Act of Kindness audience. KPRC Channel 2’s Khambrel Marshall emceed the event. Guests included Jerry (RAK) partnered with Goodspire to host the inaugural Humanitarian Awards Reception at the Lea, Mike Holland, Tom Kurz, Bryan Hines, Kenny Ward, Ronald Gee, Kim Upcharge, Royal Sonesta Hotel. The night celebrated several honorees who have made a local impact.

Wendi Gradney, Reginald Cross, Carolyn Garrard and Judeene Edison……..2015 MEN RAK efforts are to engage communities, businesses and organizations to work together to OF STYLE GALA……..Let The Fashions Begin Men of Style Gala was recently held deliver a message of happiness and hope in order to create change. FOX 26 News reporter at the J.W. Marriott in the Galleria to honor the 2015 awards recipients. The Men of Style Isiah Carey emceed the event. Those in attendance included RAK founder Treveia McCurdy, honorees are professional and civic-minded men who are being recognized for their fashion Jarrell Liner, Pete Ells, Bertha Kelly, Shawn Aker, Willie Mae savvy and contribution to the community. The organization is an avid Armitage, Kamlyn Patrick, Miriam Patrick, Kimberley Fields, of bringing funding and awareness to finding a cure for sickle Defender TOP EVENTS supporter Janice Peterson, Sherry Burns, Dawana Lewis, Sharolyn Gentry, cell disease.

FOX 26’s Jose Grinan and Rita Garcia were master and More photos on defendernetwork.com Chataria Geason, Marcus Rodgers and a host of others…….. mistress of ceremony. This year’s honorees included Eric Baker, Rob See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ COVENANT HOUSE SLEEP OUT FOR HOMELESS……..

Cravaritis, Claude Cummings Jr., Philip McCulloch, Keith Edwards with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Covenant House held the 25th annual Candlelight Vigil & Rally McWilliams, Scott Minix, Kevin Murray, Tom O’Connor, Rob Paiva, for Homeless Youth on its local campus on Lovett Blvd. Over 60 Pastor Byron Stevenson, D’Artagnan Bebel and Dr. David Poplack. execs participated in the sleep out to encourage solidarity with homeless kids, nationwide. The The guest list included Judge Clarease Yates, Cary Yates, Bridget Chapital, Shawntell program included entertainment by Wayne Watson and words from Astro business operations McWilliams, Constance Charles, Judy Foston, Harriet Gertner, Fred Hoyer, Sonya president Reid Ryan. Covenant House youth shared their personal stories of courage to the Stevenson, Jamay Fishback and Yekcira Burnon.

Bertha Kelly, Shawn Aker, Sandra Hines, Willie Mae Armitage

Judeene Edison, Bryan Hines

Treveia McCurdy, Jarrell Liner

Kim Upcharge, Wendi Gradney, Reginald Cross

Cary and Judge Clarease Yates, State Rep. Sylvester Turner

Claude Cummings Jr., John Standford

Chataria Geason, Shari D. Bihms

Khambrel Marshall

Bridgett Jones, KG Smooth

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