Houston Defender: November 28, 2013

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OPINION ‘12 YEARS A SLAVE’ tells harsh truth about history

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BUSINESS ERIC LYONS steps down as chamber leader

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Are you ‘AIDS aware?’

CHAG’S PLACE OPINION

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Deric Muhammad helps males

Naomie Harris portrays Winnie

Local activist Deric Muhammad recently organized the fourth annual Black Male Summit. What was his message to participants?

What did those in attendance learn about making choices and acquiring life skills? How are playing chess and planning for success connected?

Movie-goers know Naomie Harris for her roles in such films as “Skyfall” and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequels. She will soon be seen in a new film where she plays Winnie Mandela. Hear what she says about her portrayal. Find out what she wants the audience to remember.

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Tennis legends Billie Jean King and Zina Garrison at tennis academy gala

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2013

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Summit stresses smart choices for Black males

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By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

lack males of all ages recently convened to receive advice on making intelligent choices, acquiring needed life skills and planning for success.

The fourth annual Smart’n Up Black Male Summit organized by activist Deric Muhammad took place at Lone Star College North Harris. One of its goals is to help change the mindset of Black males.

“You’ve got to know where you are going,” Muhammad told participants. “If you don’t know where you are going, somebody is building a place to put you.”

The summit included workshops on various topics. In “Chess for Success,” Cliff Campbell taught that life skills and

Black Male Summit organizer Deric Muhammad and three young participants make a point.

strategies could be taken from the game of chess. He is the owner of K.I.N.G. Chess League and a world-class chess player.

“Chess is strategy,” Campbell said. “Your life has to have strategy and planning too. If you’re going around doing what you want to do with no plan, someone is going to lead you where they want you to go.”

He said Black males should focus on having a “good appearance, good name and good word” and reevaluate their definitions of success.

“Success is being the best you can be,” Campbell said. “It is knowing your purpose in life, mastering it and completing your goals.”

Iman Khalis Rashaad discussed “Run Toward Fear: How to use Faith, Work Ethic and Goal Setting to Get What You Need.”

He is the spiritual leader for Ibrahim Islamic Center, a CPA,

entrepreneur and mentor.

“If we go to work and are only seeking money, we are in for a life of severe difficulty,” Rashaad said. “If we choose our careers thinking about the service potential and not the profit potential, we begin to become fulfilled and see more value in our work.

Rashaad said “old-school values” should be brought back.

“When I look at the way our youth are going today, it is evident we value playing rather than serious work,” he said.

Pastor E.A. Deckard of Greenhouse International Church led a workshop titled “Wake Up! Sounding the Alarm.”

He said young Black males should be aware of the obstacles they will inherently have to face.

“There is a major attack against you,” Deckard said. “There is somebody that would love nothing more than to destroy your future. This is your life; it’s not a game or a video.”

Inmate’s appeal for new hearing denied Defender News Services

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals recently denied death row inmate Duane Buck’s appeal for a new sentencing hearing free from racial bias.

Buck was sentenced to death in Harris County for two 1995 fatal shootings. Sentencing came after his trial prosecutor elicited testimony from a psychologist indicating that Buck was

more likely to be dangerous because he is Black.

Though there is no question of Buck’s guilt, supporters say no one can be sentenced to death because of his or her race.

Buck’s attorneys said they are “gravely disappointed” that the Texas court failed to recognize that his death sentence is the unconstitutional product of racial discrimination. They noted that thousands of Texans – including civil rights leaders, clergy members and former

judges and prosecutors – have called for new sentencing.

“We now urge the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to respect these calls and refrain from seeking an execution date for Mr. Buck,” his attorneys said.

The appeal filed by Buck cited a study that found racial bias in a disproportionate number of African-American death penalty cases in Harris County.

Duane Buck

localbriefs SHARPSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL is reeling from allegations involving child abuse. A teacher, Ysidoro Rosales-Motola, was arrested and charged with indecency with a child. According to court documents, two 17-yearold boys said Motola touched them inappropriately in October. Sharpstown principal Rob Gasparello was arrested on campus and charged with three counts of failure to report child abuse. He was released on $1,500 bail. Two assistant principals, Jason Thomson and Silvio Leiva, were also charged and released on bail. Gasparello gained national attention for his work at the school, and was featured on CNN and in a PBS documentary........

PROPOSED PAYDAY LENDING REGULATIONS

were recently unveiled by Mayor Annise Parker. The plan establishes minimum business practices for payday lending institutions and mirrors ordinances previously adopted in several other Texas cities. “Lenders deserve to make a profit on their investments, but not by charging astronomical interest rates to desperate consumers who have nowhere else to turn for emergency financial assistance,” Parker said. “The statewide model I am recommending for approval by Houston City Council achieves this balance.” Proposed regulations include requiring payday loan and auto title loan businesses to register with the city annually, limiting payday loans to 20 percent of the borrower’s gross monthly income,

and limiting single payment loan refinances and rollovers……..PREMATURITY OBSERVANCE MONTH is in November, and the Honey Child Prenatal Education Program at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church recently held its five-year reunion. The program is funded in part by the March of Dimes, and uses a spiritual approach to promote prenatal health and social support among pregnant African-American women. The curriculum includes nutrition, exercise, prenatal care, selfesteem, preterm birth, and labor and delivery. The rate of preterm births in the U.S. is highest among AfricanAmerican infants at 17.8 percent, and in Texas, the figure is 18.6 percent.

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national

U.S.briefs CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS Chair Marcia L. Fudge applauded the Senate’s recent vote to eliminate the use of filibuster and allow a simple majority vote on most executive and judicial nominees except for Supreme Court appointees. It did not affect the ability of senators to filibuster legislation.

“Today is a great day for democracy in our nation,” Fudge said. “No longer will a small group of obstructionists in the Senate hinder the democratic process from progressing in our nation. Of the 168 nominees that have been filibustered 86 occurred under previous presidents, but 82 have occurred under President Obama.” Democrats control the Senate with a 55-45 majority……..ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER slammed the United States’ high rate of incarceration during a meeting of security ministers in Colombia. “As we speak, roughly one out of every 100 American adults is behind bars,” Holder said. “Although the United States comprises just five percent of the world’s population, we incarcerate almost a quarter of the world’s prisoners. While few would dispute the fact that incarceration has a role to play in any comprehensive public safety strategy, it’s become evident that such widespread incarceration is both inadvisable and unsustainable.” Holder emphasized the Obama administration’s efforts to scale back mandatory minimum sentencing policies……..

CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN traveled to the Philippines as part of an official congressional delegation. The trip was organized by a House subcommittee. As one of the countries hardest hit by Typhoon Haiyan, the Philippines suffered the loss of more than 4,000 lives, and the displacement of more than 9.5 million residents.

“This is a great human tragedy that has saddened all people of good will,” Green said. “Though we have seen an impressive humanitarian effort by our nation and the international community, we must remain proactive in helping the Filipino people during this difficult time.”

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NAACP pact targets school-to-prison pipeline

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Defender News Services

he NAACP has brokered a groundbreaking collaborative agreement on school discipline with Broward County Public Schools in Florida, along with law enforcement and community partners. The agreement will serve as a model for school districts nationwide that aim to end the pipeline wreaking havoc in communities of color.

The school-to-prison pipeline refers to policies and practices that push children out of classrooms and into juvenile and criminal justice systems.

The NAACP agreement establishes proven alternatives to arresting students for misdemeanor infractions, including common-sense approaches such as counseling and mentorship.

It also highlights the role of school officials in determining when student infractions warrant an arrest versus school disciplinary measures, particularly for minor offenses.

Broward is one of three counties that comprise the Miami metropolitan area. It includes the nation’s sixth largest public school system, which had the highest number of school-related arrests in Florida in the 2011-2012 school year. Seventy-one percent of the 1,062 arrests made were for misdemeanor offenses.

According to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, students of color – particularly African-American boys – account for an overwhelming number of school-enforced punishments, as well as the majority of arrests for school-related incidents around the country. African-American students

overall are nearly three times as likely to be suspended as their white peers.

“We have worked tirelessly for eight years to close the school-to-prison pipeline in Broward County,” said Marsha Ellison, president of the NAACP’s Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Chapter.

“Today’s groundbreaking agreement…will save Broward County children from the type of disciplinary action that thwarts their professional growth and development by preventing them from getting a job, going to college, joining the military or becoming the successful adults they deserve to be. Children should be educated, not incarcerated.”

Leon Russell, vice chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors, said the agreement comes at a time when incarceration rates among minority populations have reached unprecedented proportions.

“Students shouldn’t be arrested and handcuffed for talking back in class,” Russell said. “I commend the efforts of all of the partners involved in the collaborative agreement for ensuring that we close the dangerous and irresponsible school-to-prison pipeline.”

Dr. Niaz Kasravi, criminal justice director for the NAACP, said the organization hopes law enforcement and educators nationwide will work with their communities to adopt similar measures.

“Too often, too many children in this country unnecessarily lose learning time and, too often, get criminalized for routine adolescent misbehavior,” she said.

Young Blacks wait longer in line to vote VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 5 NOVEMBER 28, 2013 Publisher Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Art Director Advertising/Client Relations Tony Fernandez-Davila Selma Dodson Tyler People Editor Strategic Alliance Manager Yvette Chargois Clyde Jiles Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Contributing Writer ReShonda Billingsley Cierra Duncan 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).

NNPA News Service

As the American electorate becomes more diverse, new voting laws threaten to disenfranchise young Black and Latino voters in what a new report called “the largest wave of voter suppression since the enactment of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.” The report by OurTime.org and Advancement Project titled “The Time Tax,” details disparities in the excessive wait times that millennials (ages 18-29), especially those of color, endured to cast votes during the 2012 November elections.

In 2012, poll workers asked young, minority voters to show ID at higher rates than their white

peers. In states without photo ID requirements, more than 65 percent of young Blacks were asked to present ID, compared about 43 percent of young white voters.

In states where photo IDs were required to cast votes, about 94 percent of young Blacks were asked for their ID compared to a little more than 84 percent of young whites.

The report outlined a number of recommendations to upgrade the system, including online voter registration, same-day registration and expanding early voting opportunities.

It also endorsed federal standards requiring all states to accept student IDs, employee IDs, Veterans Administration IDs and certain non-photo IDs.

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Medal of Freedom winners honored NNPA News Service

During what he called one of his “favorite events every year,” President Obama presented 16 individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

The president praised Ernie Banks for his play in the Negro Leagues and for being the first Black player on the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball team.

C.T. Vivian, a Baptist minister and adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was honored for his work leading the Freedom Riders and his efforts to register Black voters in Alabama.

Obama recognized Bayard Rustin posthumously for his work and sacrifices during the Civil Rights Movement.

The president honored Oprah Winfrey for C.T. Vivian her incredible broadcast journalism career and charitable contributions.

President Bill Clinton earned his medal for public service that “was just getting started” when he left office.

Also honored were Ben Bradlee, former executive editor of the Oprah Winfrey Washington Post; the late Sen. Daniel Inouye (posthumously), the first Japanese American to serve in Congress; Daniel Kahneman, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002; Richard Lugar, a former senator who led Bill Clinton the effort to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons, and Loretta Lynn, the country music icon.

In addition, Obama recognized Mario Molina, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist and environmental scientist; Gloria Steinem, women’s rights activist and co-founder of Ms. magazine; Arturo Sandoval, a Grammy Award-winning jazz musician; Sally Ride (posthumously), the first American female astronaut; Dean Smith, the former head coach of the University of North Carolina basketball team, and Patricia Wald, the first woman to serve on the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for D.C.

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entertainment

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Naomie Harris

portrays Winnie Mandela in film

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gral to the anti-Apartheid movement.

KW: What do you want audiences to remember most about the movie?

NH: I hope that they remember this extraordinary period in history that should never, ever be repeated. And I hope that they take away from the film that freedom was hard won. I want people to remember to cherish their freedom.

In terms of Winnie, it’s not my place to judge her and some of the actions that she’s taken. What I wanted to do was show with as much compassion as possible a comprehensive and detailed portrayal of how she started out in life, why she made the choices she made, and who she ultimately became.

I hope to bring some understanding to the woman.

KW: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

s a critically acclaimed actress in film, television, and theater, Naomie Harris is making more of a name for herself with each of her successive, luminous performances. Last year, she starred as Bond girl Eve opposite Daniel Craig in the 007 feature “Skyfall.”

The London-born actress earned a degree in social and political science with honors from Cambridge University and trained at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

She enjoyed her breakthrough Idris Elba and Naomie Harris portray Nelson and Winnie Mandela in “Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom.” performance in 2002 in “28 Days Later,” and went on to receive further movie in Toronto, they asked me whether I wanted to critical acclaim for her role as Tia Dalma in “Pirates of do Mandela. I said, “Yeah!” because I really wanted like to star in? the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” and “Pirates of the to work with the same team again and also because I NH: If I could sing, I would do the remake of Caribbean: At World’s End.” wanted to be part of a film honoring Nelson Mandela’s “West Side Story” or “The Sound of Music,” because Here, she talks about her latest outing as Winnie life.

I’m obsessed with musicals. But unfortunately, I can’t Mandela opposite Idris Elba in “Mandela: A Long Walk KW: What did you know about Winnie Mandela sing or dance, so I don’t see that happening anytime to Freedom.” when you accepted the role? soon.

KW: What interested you in “Mandela: Long NH: I actually had no idea who Winnie Mandela KW: Was it a blessing or a bane to be cast as a Walk to Freedom?” was. Obviously, I knew she was Nelson Mandela’s wife, Bond girl?

NH: I’d made a film produced by Anant Singh but I thought the role was basically going to revolve NH: Definitely a blessing. I’m very proud of my and David Thompson and directed by Justin Chadwick around her supporting him. I had no idea that she was a role as Eve, and really enjoyed the experience. And it’s called “The First Grader.” And while promoting that political activist in her own right, and that she was intebeen a great boost for my career.

what’sup Jazz legends KIRK WHALUM and GERALD ALBRIGHT and R&B singer CHANTÉ MOORE will perform at Texas Southern University’s Christmas concert, “Gospel According to Jazz.” It will be held Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Sawyer Auditorium on the TSU campus. Whalum, a native of Memphis, attended TSU and played in the Ocean of Soul marching band.

After moving to Los Angeles, he played with such artists as AL JARREAU, LUTHER VANDROSS, QUINCY JONES and WHITNEY HOUSTON. He has released more than 25 solo recordings. Concert tickets start at $20 for students and $25 general admission. VIP and reserved seats are also available. Visit tsu.edu or call 713313-7970……..Rocker LENNY KRAVITZ continues to find success on the big screen. This past summer he

portrayed a butler in “Lee Daniels’ The Butler.” Kravitz can currently be seen in “Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” The sequel opened with $161.1 million at the box office, trouncing the competition……..RIHANNA was a winner at the American Music Awards. She won Favorite Female Artist-Soul/R&B, and took home the first AMA Icon Award. Rihanna’s mother, Monica Fenty, presented her with the award. She embraced her mother and thanked her supporters for keeping her sane. “I love you so much. You have no idea. You keep me driven.

You keep this thing special,” she said……..”Person of Interest” fans are still shocked by the death of TARAJI P. HENSON’S character, Detective Joss Carter. During an appearance on the “David Letterman Show,” Henson said her character’s days were numbered from the beginning.

“I knew when I signed on to the project that the character would have a beginning, middle and end,” she said. “I do more feature films and television is really not my thing...So I thought it would be the perfect venue for me to do a television show and not be stuck for seven years and still be able to do...whatever.” Henson said keeping Carter’s death a secret was like keeping a secret from her lover……..ALICIA KEYS visited a Philippine air force base to visit evacuees displaced by Typhoon Haiyan. She distributed crayons and coloring books to children at the base and encouraged fans around the world to donate to the typhoon victims…….. BILL COSBY brings his stand-up comedy routine to TV Land with a special on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. It will be his first full-length stand-up program in more than three decades.

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opinion

‘12 Years a Slave’

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By MARC H. MORIAL NNPA Columnist

a harsh truth

here have been a handful of books recounting the first-hand experiences of 17th- and 18th- century North American slaves.

These include “The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an Autobiography,” first published in 1845; “The Kidnapped Prince, the Life of Olaudah Equiano,” 1789; and “The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave,” 1849.

While not a first-person account, I would add to that list Alex Haley’s ground-breaking 1977 historical novel, “Roots: The Saga of an American Family.” All of these books offer personal accounts of the immoral capture, selling, enslavement and mistreatment of human beings of African ancestry here in America.

A recently re-discovered autobiography, “Twelve Years a Slave” by Solomon Northup describes a particularly heinous aspect of the slave-trade – the 1841 kidnapping and selling into captivity of Northup, a free Black man who had been living with his wife and children in relative comfort in New York.

The book has become a highly-acclaimed movie that has left both audiences and critics shaken by its unflinching depiction of the physical and psychological cruelties of slavery. I saw the movie during a premiere screening (during which several people were so disturbed that they walked out of the theater), was similarly moved and feel compelled to offer some thoughts on

both the historical and present-day relevance of the film.

Many may feel that there is no longer a need to revisit a time in our history that was so full of brutal hatred. But by looking the viciousness of slavery squarely in the eye, “12 Years a Slave” reveals much about the legacy it left behind and the resilience and humanity of

the Black and white heirs of this awful crime against humanity.

For example, is it not possible that sub-standard schools as well as the achievement gaps that persist in so many minority communities can be traced in part to the fact, as depicted in the movie, that for centuries American slaves were forbidden to read or write, punishable by beatings and worse – or that for another century after

slavery ended, legislated segregation fostered a separate and unequal society?

Could it be that some of the fear of slave rebellions that overseers and plantation owners had in the time of Solomon Northup laid the foundation for a lingering fear of Blacks held by some throughout our nation’s history?

Is that fear at the root of racial profiling or police brutality against Black males? Is that fear behind the 2012 killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin or the Nov. 2 killing of 19-year-old Renisha McBride, who was shot in the face by a white suburban Detroit homeowner after she knocked on his door early in the morning seeking help after a car crash?

This attack against Renisha McBride recalls the heart-breaking indignities endured by Black women slaves as shown in the movie, from routine rapes and beatings at the hands of their “masters” to auction-block separations from their children.

The brilliance of the filmmakers is that they made no attempt to spin or varnish the harsh truth. Just as “The Diary of Anne Frank” has become must-reading for generations seeking an authentic look at the daily life of a Jewish fugitive during the reign of Nazi Germany, “12 Years a Slave” is a raw and real depiction of what life was like for American slaves.

It is a brutal and uncomfortable, yet necessary, look at a part of our nation’s history that has had an incalculable impact on our socialization as a country. Students, journalists and anyone seriously interested in American history should see this movie.

HIV/AIDS: There’s good news and bad news On Dec. 1, we will once again commemorate World AIDS Day. The observance provides a chance for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, show their support for those living with the disease and remember those who have died from it.

There’s good news to report about the disease.

In its recent annual update on the global epidemic, the United Nations Joint Program on AIDS reported that the number of new HIV infections is down, more people are getting the treatment they need, and fewer people died of AIDS-related illnesses

in 2012, compared to the peak in 2005.

Closer to home, the CDC reports that the number of new HIV infections among Black women in 2010 decreased 21 percent since 2008.

Unfortunately, there’s also bad news.

Black women continue to be far more affected by HIV than women of other ethnicities. At some point in their lifetimes, an estimated 1 in 32 Black women will be diagnosed with HIV infection, compared with 1 in 106 Hispanic women and 1 in 526 Anglo women.

Among men who have sex with men (MSM), Blacks have the highest risk of HIV, and young Black

MSM ages 13 to 24 are especially affected by HIV. According to the CDC, some of the HIV/AIDS prevention challenges impacting the Black community include stigma, fear, homophobia and negative perceptions about HIV testing.

Whatever the reason, we must put those fears and perceptions aside and focus on preventing the disease and saving lives.

We must learn the facts about HIV/AIDS. We must get tested. We must stop the risky behaviors that threaten our health. We must abstain from sex or practice safe sex. Our well-being depends on it.

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NOVEMBER 28 | 2012 | DEFENDER

‘Tis the season for smart shopping

By CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL NNPA Columnist

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‘Shop small’ in Houston Houston is a great place to shop, and residents are reminded to support area retailers during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.

Retail is a big deal in the Houston area. The most recent figures from the Texas Comptroller’s office show that: • The Gulf Coast region’s retail establishments generated $86.4 billion in gross sales.

• Harris County accounted for 72.4 percent of the total taxable sales in the region at $24.1 billion.

• The region had 272,171 retail employees earning total wages of $7.5 billion.

• Almost 73 percent of these employees were in Harris County where $5.6 billion of the total wages were paid.

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*Source: American Booksellers Association Indie Impact Study Series survey of independent, locally-owned business owners, conducted by Civic Economics, July 2012–Sept. 2013 © 2013 American Express Company.

HOW TO BUILD

PARKS WITH STUFFED ANIMALS

When you shop small and local, more than half the money you spend stays in the community, helping to support all sorts of local services, like the parks department.* It’s part of building a stronger, more vibrant neighborhood.

ShopSmall.com

FOUNDING PARTNER

Trim: 9.5"

Trim: 9.5”

’ve spent the last three years of this column sharing with you important facts about African-Americans’ consumer power. And, I know those of us who are certified blackbelts in the time-honored martial art of shopping, are fired up for the Black Friday super sales with our artillery of cash and/or credit cards in hand.

But first, let’s breathe deeply and think about this, especially in light of recent allegations of retail establishments questioning purchases made by Blacks, which have brought the very essence of our purchasing power under assault.

Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to understand what it means to be a conscious consumer – particularly during the busiest shopping season of the year.

These are a few important questions you should ask yourself before making any consumer decision: 1) Did I find this service or product in my neighborhood?

2) Does this company, network or business hire people who look like me?

3) Do I see positive images of myself reflected in the content this company or program promotes?

4) Does this company have a history of supporting causes that better my community?

5) Am I still willing to spend my limited time or hard earned dollars with this company if the answer to any of the above questions is no?

With that in mind, Nielsen’s Holiday Spending Forecast expects this shopping season to be financially stronger than last year, with dollar sales up about two percent.

Even though an increase in sales is predicted, 68 percent of shoppers who responded to the survey still feel as though they’re in a recession. Twenty percent of U.S. consumers say they have no cash to spare. Forty-eight percent report living comfortably or spending freely. Fifty-two percent of consumers are only buying on the basics.

Thirty percent of us across all income ranges say we’ll spend between $250-$500 on gifts this year. Twenty percent of consumers estimate they will spend between

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2013

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By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

en years ago, Jennifer decided to take up an offer by a clinic to be tested for AIDS. She never in her wildest dreams imagined the results would come back positive.

“I wasn’t an IV drug user, I didn’t have several sex partners, I had never had a blood transfusion. And when it came back positive, I thought it was a big mistake,” she said.

As it turned out, Jennifer had contracted the disease from a now ex-boyfriend and she’s spent the last few years living with the virus. Her situation is not unique.

One in five people living with HIV are unaware they are infected.

This year, in observance of Worlds AIDS Day on Sunday, Dec. 1, HIV/AIDS advocates are promoting awareness of the disease.

Sobering statistics

Houston ranks eighth nationally in the number of total reported AIDS cases, and 6 out of every 10 diagnosed HIV infections in the Houston/Harris County are among African-Americans. An estimated 1 in 90 Houstonians is living with HIV/AIDS. The numbers in Texas are no better. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, over 65,000 Texas residents were living with HIV/AIDS. The ongoing state budget crisis has exacerbated the challenges that people living with HIV/AIDS face in accessing care by weakening the state’s health services infrastructure, including significant cuts to the Medicaid budget during the last legislative session.

Nationally, an estimated 1.1 million Americans are infected with HIV/AIDS, according to the CDC, with more than 56,000 new HIV infections reported each year. There are approximately 1.1 million Americans living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, including approximately 510,000 (44 percent) African-Americans.

Blacks are disproportionately affected by HIV/ AIDS, a pattern that has deepened over time. Black women accounted for 30 percent of the estimated new HIV infections among all Blacks. Most (85 percent) were like Jennifer, and acquired it through heterosexual sex.

The estimated rate of new HIV infections for Black women was more than 15 times as high as the rate for white women, and more than three times as high as that of Latina women.

Black men accounted for 70 percent of the estimated new HIV infections among all Blacks. The estimated rate of new HIV infection for Black men was more than six and a half times as high as that of white men, and two and a half times as high as that of Latino men or Black women.

On average, it takes a decade for untreated HIV to progress to AIDS. Roughly one-third of Texans get late diagnoses, meaning they learn they have HIV, then AIDS in the same year.

“There are some studies that suggest that a lot of

the transmission of HIV occurs from those people who are undiagnosed. They are more likely to be infectious if they’re not on medications and they’re less likely to protect partners because they assume they’re not infected,” said Jeff Hitt, the state health department’s manager for HIV/STD prevention.

A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that Blacks were six times more likely to be very concerned about becoming infected with HIV than whites (38 percent to 6 percent). That same survey showed many misconceptions about HIV still persist.

For example, 27 percent of those interviewed thought HIV could be transmitted by sharing a drinking glass, 17 percent though the virus could be transmitted by touching a toilet seat and 14 percent believed they could become infected by being in the same swimming pool with someone HIV-positive. Of course, none of this is true. But it shows why ongoing HIV/AIDS education is necessary.

cover

Getting to zero

One of the ways communities around the world are trying to continue that education is by recognizing World AIDS Day each year. Implemented in 1988, the day is designed to highlight efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. The theme since 2011 has been “Getting to zero” – zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination.

Zero AIDS- related deaths.

“The potential for creative, connected and meaningful campaigning is really exciting,” said World AIDS Campaign Africa Director, Linda Mafu. “Our organization will focus on Zero AIDS Related Deaths, but the choice is there for others to pick a different zero or all three. It’s time to use our imaginations and let everyone know that Getting to Zero is a must,” she added.

The NAACP is involved in the fight against AIDS. NAACP leaders recently held a training session for faith leaders in the greater Houston community with information about the HIV crisis in the Black community and ways to address the epidemic with their congregations.

“One in 16 Black men will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime,” said Rev. Timothy Sloan,

Are you awa

s

will use w gations from the pulpit.”

As the initiative continues, ed U.S. cities; enlist the executive their congregations about the HIV It is hoped that such initiative

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

rpage

u ‘AIDS are?’

senior pastor at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church and an organizer with the NAACP initiative, The Black Church and HIV: The Social Justice Imperative.

“The numbers of new HIV cases are staggering for our community. We can no longer ignore what is happening in our churches; we need to start talking about HIV and encouraging our congregations to know their status.”

“For too long, life-saving conversations about HIV have been ignored in order to avoid uncomfortable conversations or fear of judgment,” added Shavon Arline-Bradley, senior director of health programs for the NAACP. “HIV is an issue of social justice and the tremendous racial disparities between Blacks and the rest of the country make this an epic struggle that requires a major response. We are prayerful that pastors from around the country what they have learned in these trainings and address HIV with their congre-

, the NAACP plans to train senior faith leaders in the 12 most highly-impactve leadership of the mainline denominations in the Black church to educate V crisis; and promote the initiative nationally. es will help decrease incidences of the disease and increase awareness.

he Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

9

Reduce your risk The Department of Health and Human Services recommends four ways to reduce the risk of HIV: • Abstain from sex, since sexual contact is the main way HIV is transmitted.

• Be monogamous and maintain a sexual relationship with only one person. Having only one sexual partner reduces your risk if you know that both of you are not infected with HIV and that neither of you has other sexual partners.

• Get tested and know your partner’s status. Talk about your HIV status before you have sex.

• Use condoms consistently and correctly (visit cdc.gov to learn how).

Where to go for help The following Houston Department of Health and Human Services locations offer HIV and STD testing and education (visit houstontx.gov/ health/).

Northside Health Center 8504 Schuller 713-696-5900 Sharpstown Health Services 6201 Bonhomme (South Tower, 3rd floor) 713-780-5600 Sunnyside Health Center 4605 Wilmington 713-732-5000

Contact the following organizations for more information.

AIDS Foundation Houston 713- 623-6796 (new and out of care clients only) aidshelp.org Fort Bend Family Health Center 281-342-0529 fbfhc.org Harris County Hospital District 713-873-4165 harrishealth.org Houston Area Community Services 713-426-0027 hacstxs.org

Legacy Community Health Services 713-830-3000 legacycommunityhealth.org Montrose Counseling Center 713-529-0037 montrosecounselingcenter.org St. Hope Foundation 713-778-1300 offeringhope.org UT Health Science Center 713- 500-6443 uthouston.edu Veteran’s Administration 713- 791-1414 houston.va.gov

Prevention challenges Although Blacks represent only 12 percent or the U.S. population, they comprise 44 percent of all people living with HIV. According to the CDC, Blacks face a number of challenges that contribute to the higher rates of HIV infection.

• The greater number of people living with HIV in Black communities and the fact that Blacks tend to have sex with partners of the same race/ethnicity means that they face a greater risk of HIV infection with each new sexual encounter.

• Black communities continue to experience higher rates of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared with other racial/ethnic communities in the United States. Having an STI can significantly increase the chance of getting or transmitting HIV. • The poverty rate is higher among Blacks. The

socioeconomic issues associated with poverty – including limited access to high-quality health care, housing, and HIV prevention education – directly and indirectly increase the risk for HIV infection, and affect the health of people living with and at risk for HIV infection.

• Lack of awareness of HIV status can affect HIV rates in communities. Late diagnosis of HIV infection is common, which results in missed opportunities to get early medical care and prevent transmission to others.

• Stigma, fear, discrimination, homophobia, and negative perceptions about HIV testing can also place too many Blacks at higher risk. Many at risk fear stigma more than infection, and may choose instead to hide their high-risk behavior rather than seek counseling and testing.

10

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

business

Black chamber president stepping down

E

Defender News Services

ric Lyons, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC), will step down effective Dec. 31. He will return to his entrepreneurial endeavors with Impact Strategies Consultants.

Lyons joined GHBC in May 2009 as the organization was beginning its rebranding process and membership drive.

A transition team has been formed to begin an exploratory search and frame a continuity plan for the organization. The team is cochaired by Thomas Jones, a partner with McConnell and Jones LLP and founding Advisory Board co-chair, and Vanessa Reed of Comerica Bank, a longstanding board member “I am proud to have served as a transformational leader with the rebranding of the chamber, expansion of programs such as the Houston Black Leadership Forum and the launch of the Houston Black

Leadership Institute, establishment of new strategic partnerships, and increased community engagement by working with members and volunteers to support chamber activities.” Lyons said.

“These efforts have led to an increased profile for the Greater Houston Black Chamber on the local, state, national and international level.”

Board chairman William Traylor said, “The members of the executive committee and the board of directors are grateful for Eric’s steadfast commitment and dedication to GHBC over the last five years.

“We’ve embarked on a robust transformational journey coming out of the recession, and Eric’s leadership through that process was laudable. He leaves the organization in a great place – poised for the next chapter in its almost 80-year journey. I am confident our transition team will find a successor who will be able to catalyze the transformation through this exciting entrepreneurial era.”

Eric Lyons

Various tax breaks set to expire this year You can find details about write-offs for qualified property in IRS Publication 946.

Defender News Services

Dozens of federal tax breaks are scheduled to end on Dec. 31 unless Congress extends them. No one knows for sure which ones, if any, will apply next year, so business owners should explore expiring rules and take advantage of them while they can.

Meet with your tax advisor to explore which expiring tax breaks you may want to use before the end of the year, and what steps you need to take to nail them down now Here is information from the Small Business Administration. on four of them.

Faster write-offs for buying needed equipment

Need to upgrade your computers? Provide staff with tablets and smartphones? Add new machinery?

You have two better ways to deduct your costs this year than merely depreciating the costs over a number of years: • Deduct up to $500,000 of the cost of qualified equipment (whether new or pre-owned) this year as long as you’re profitable. Next year, the deduction limit is scheduled to be $25,000.

• Deduct 50% of the cost of new qualified equipment, even if it adds to or creates a business loss.

Next year, this deduction is set to disappear entirely.

Tax credits for hiring certain workers

Faster write-offs for improving your facilities

Usually when you make capital improvements to your workspace, the cost can only be depreciated over a period of 39 years. However, for improvements to leaseholds, restaurants, and retail establishments, you can use any or all of the following rules as long as the improvements are completed before the end of this year: • $250,000 first-year expensing for eligible improvements • 50% bonus depreciation for eligible improvements • 15-year amortization period for any costs not deducted with first-year expensing or bonus depreciation

If you need more employees on your payroll and have projected the cost of this hiring after factoring in future health care obligations, think about hiring from certain targeted groups. Doing this may entitle you to a tax credit that can be used to offset your tax bill.

They include: • Work opportunity credit for hiring certain disadvantaged workers, including certain veterans.

• Indian employment credit if you hire an enrolled member, or spouse of an enrolled member, of an Indian tribe who performs services within an Indian reservation.

• Empowerment employment credit if your business is located within a federally-designated empowerment zone.

The amount of each credit and eligibility rules vary, but each requires that you hire an eligible employee before the end of this year.

Tax credit for doing research

If your company does research to create a new product, you may be eligible for a tax credit of up to 20% of increased research expenses. This credit is set to expire at the end of this year unless Congress extends it. While an extension is probable, it’s still smart to use the credit while you can. For more details see the instructions to IRS Form 6765.

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

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 28 | 2013 | DEFENDER

11

Be safe during the holidays With the holiday shopping season about to start, thieves are gearing up to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Here are some tips on playing it safe from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

• Do not carry large sums of cash, or a purse or wallet that can easily be grabbed.

Large wallets that protrude out of the back pocket and handbags that cannot be secured are prime targets while you are shopping or walking to and from your vehicle. Make sure that all valuables have been removed from your vehicle before leaving home.

• Be mindful of your parking spot and park as close as possible to the establishment doors. It is much safer to shop in the daytime hours but if you cannot avoid being out at night, make sure you park in a well-lit, hightraffic area.

• LOCK your car and TAKE your keys.

• Walk in and out of the shopping center with other shoppers. If you feel vulnerable, wait until someone is walking in or out or have a security guard escort you.

• Do not take packages to your car and return to shopping. Thieves watch the parking lot for this type of activity and target vehicles with valuables inside. Packages should be secured in the vehicle trunk only before leaving to go home or to another shopping center.

You do not want to arrive at another shopping center and be seen hiding and arranging your packages.

• When at a fueling station, do not leave your vehicle unlocked, not even while pumping gas. Thieves can gain access to a vehicle and snatch valuables inside in a matter of seconds. And, children should NEVER be left

unattended.

• When banking, make sure that you are aware of your surroundings when returning to the parking lot and watch to make sure you are not being followed. Thieves have been known to follow banking patrons to their next destination which, has resulted in robberies of the person and burglaries of vehicles.

• At home, park your vehicle in your garage. This significantly protects your vehicle from thieves. It only takes a few minutes for a criminal to break into your vehicle and take valuables and/or equipment. Never leave your garage door opener inside your vehicle. By doing so, you give criminals access to your home.

• Always lock the door between your garage and home. If someone does steal your car with the garage opener inside, they can gain easy access to your home.

Shopping...Continued from page 7 ....

10

hottest holiday items 1. Gift cards 2. Tech products 3. Toys 4. Food 5. Apparel 6. Video games 7. Cookware 8. Sporting goods 9. Jewelry 10. Alcoholic beverages

T:4.79”

year’s holiday shopping trends, are you among the 22 percent of U.S. consumers who have already begun holiday shopping? Or, do you find yourself among the 60 percent who love the adrenalin rush of crowds and last minute deals – or, just master procrastinators?

African-Americans are frequent shoppers, savvy digital users, high volume owners of smartphones and users of social media and voracious consumers of media – in other words, powerful consumers. We cannot expect different results if our consumption patterns and habits don’t change. It’s just that simple; no matter what time of year it is.

So, happy holiday shopping, but remember, the final decision to be a conscious consumer is yours to make.

LEGAL NOTICE

These Texas Lottery Commission Scratch-Off games will be closing soon:

Game #

Game Name / Odds

$

Official Close of Game

End Validations Date

1517

3X Multiplier Overall Odds are 1 in 3.78

$3

1/1/14

6/30/14

1401

Texas Lottery Black-Series IV Overall Odds are 1 in 3.29

$10

1/1/14

6/30/14

1513

Money Match Overall Odds are 1 in 4.38

$2

1/22/14

7/21/14

T:3.25”

$500- $1,000, with just six percent predicting that they’ll drop more than $1,000.

How, where and on what are we expected to spend our money?

Dollar stores are expected to enjoy a banner season, with 12 percent of consumers in households earning $50,000 or less, reporting plans to shop in these channels, versus four percent of consumers in households earning $100,000 and up.

Twenty percent of those consumers in the $100,000+ category say they will be shopping more online, compared to 15 percent of consumers in households earning less than $50,000.

Nielsen has traditionally been on point with holiday spending projections, successfully predicting five out of five category trends last year. The information is gathered from consumer surveys of more than 22,000 households of all demographic groups across the country and an analysis of 92 product categories with over $99 billion in sales.

Many of us enjoy putting smiles on faces with a little “holiday cheer,” so beer, liquor and wine sales are expected to contribute between $60 million and $70 to the bottom line this season.

Snacks and candy are expected to bring in $199 million and $95 million in sales, respectively. Sales of holiday treats like cheese, jams and jellies are also expected to jump. We love our canine-American and feline-American family members, so pet care is expected to grow by 5.3 percent and pet food 1.4 percent.

Now that we’ve talked about this

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas Education. © 2013 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

12

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2013 | defendernetwork.com HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM NOTICE OF RUNOFF TRUSTEE ELECTION

Precinct

ColS M

Votes In

Location

Address

City

Zip

THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTIES OF HARRIS AND FORT BEND HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM

0148

HCC5

0148

Roberts Elementary School

6000 Greenbriar St.

Houston

77030

0152

HCC1

0152

Shady Lane Park Community Ctr.

10220 Shady Lane

Houston

77093

0153

HCC1

0153

Janowski Elementary School

7500 Bauman Road

Houston

77076

0154

HCC3

0154

HCC Southeast College Building D

6815 Rustic Street

Houston

77087

0166

HCC1

0166

Saint Anne de Beaupre Catholic Church

2810 Link Road

Houston

77009

0172

HCC3

0231

Golfcrest Elementary School

7414 Fairway Street

Houston

77087

0175

HCC5

0175

Mark Twain Elementary School

7500 Braes Boulevard

Houston

77025

0176

HCC5

0176

Lovett Elementary School

8814 South Rice Avenue

Houston

77096

0177

HCC5

0177

Looscan Branch Library

2510 Willowick Road

Houston

77027

2223 West Loop South

Houston

77027

TO ALL THE DULY QUALIFIED, RESIDENT ELECTORS OF THE HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a runoff election will be held within and throughout the HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM on December 14, 2013, in accordance with the Texas Election Code, for the purpose of electing to the Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System one trustee for each of the positions in geographic districts I, III, and V of the Houston Community College System.

The position in geographic district I is to be filled for a term of office commencing January 1, 2014, and continuing until December 31, 2019. The position for geographic district III is to be filled for a term of office commencing January 1, 2014, and continuing until December 31, 2015. The position for geographic district V is to be filled for a term commencing January 1, 2014, and continuing until December 31, 2017.

The candidates for the position in geographic district I are Yolanda Navarro Flores and Zeph Capo.

The candidates for the position in geographic district III are Adriana Tamez and Herlinda Garcia.

The candidates for the position in geographic district V are Robert Glaser and Phil Kunetka.

On December 14, 2013, the polling locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. See Exhibit A attached hereto for Election Day Polling Places for the Houston Community College Board of Trustees Runoff Election.

The Harris County Elections Official, Stan Stanart, is hereby designated as the Early Voting Clerk to perform those functions for the Houston Community College System voters who are qualified under state and federal law in Harris County. Applications for ballots to be voted by mail should be mailed to: Stan Stanart Harris County Clerk Attn: Elections Division P. O. Box 1148 Houston, Texas 77251-1148 The main early voting polling place is: The Harris County Administration Building 1001 Preston, 1st Floor Houston, Texas 77002 See Exhibit B attached hereto for the times, dates, and locations for early voting.

EXHIBIT A: Election Day Polling Places Harris County Polling Places* Precinct

ColS M

Votes In

Location

Address

City

Zip

0005

HCC1

0005

Proctor Plaza Park Community Ctr.

803 West Temple St.

Houston

77095

0008

HCC5

0008

McNamara Elementary School

8714 McAvoy Dr.

Houston

77074

0015

HCC5

0015

Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church

5308 Buffalo Speedway

Houston

77005

0020

HCC3

0020

Trinity Episcopal Church

1015 Holman St.

Houston

77004

0021

HCC3

0021

YWCPA

1906 Cleburne St.

Houston

77004

0023

HCC3

0526

Raul Yzaguirre School for Success Tejano Ctr.

2950 Broadway Blvd.

Houston

77017

0024

HCC3

0020

Trinity Episcopal Church

1015 Holman St.

Houston

77004

0025

HCC3

0025

Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church

3202 Trulley Avenue

Houston

77004

0026

HCC3

0026

Knights of Columbus Hall 3077

420 Telephone Road

Houston

77023

0027

HCC3

0027

Eastwood Academy Charter High School

1315 Dumble St.

Houston

77023

0036

HCC3

0036

Daniel Ortiz Middle School

6767 Telephone Road

Houston

77061

0040

HCC5

0895

Poe Elementary School

5100 Hazard St.

Houston

77098

0054

HCC1

0054

SPJST Lodge #88

1435 Beall St.

Houston

77008

0057

HCC1

0057

John H Reagan High School Auditorium

413 East 13th St.

Houston

77008

0058

HCC1

0058

Love Park Community Ctr.

1000 West 12th St.

Houston

77008

0059

HCC1

0059

Field Elementary School

703 E. 17th St.

Houston

77008

0067

HCC3

0067

Brookline Elementary School

6301 South Loop 610 East

Houston

77087

0070

HCC1

0070

Memorial Elementary School

6401 Arnot St.

Houston

77007

0741

0071

HCC1

0071

IPSP

5525 Kansas St.

Houston

77007

0789

0072

HCC3

0072

Mason Park Community Ctr.

541 South 75th St.

Houston

77023

0073

HCC1

0073

Garden Oaks Elementary School

901 Sue Barnett Dr.

Houston

77018

0075

HCC1

0075

Helms Community Learning Ctr.

503 W 21st St.

Houston

77008

0078

HCC1

0078

Lindale Assembly of God Church

504 Caplin St.

Houston

77022

0086

HCC1

0086

Energy Institute High School

812 West 28th St.

Houston

77008

0903

0087

HCC5

0087

West University Elementary School

3756 University Blvd.

Houston

77005

0906

0089

HCC5

0089

Southside Place Park Clubhouse

3743 Garnet St.

Houston

77005

0094

HCC3

0181

Pearl Rucker Elementary School

5201 Vinett St.

Houston

77017

0105

HCC1

0105

Clark Park Community Ctr.

9718 Clark Road

Houston

77076

0107

HCC1

0107

Berry Elementary School

2310 Berry Road

Houston

77093

0122

HCC1

0122

John F Kennedy Elementary School

400 Victoria Dr.

Houston

77022

0128

HCC5

0128

Ctr.point Energy Community Ctr.

7001 5th St.

Bellaire

77401

0131

HCC3

0336

Residence Garage

1301 Vernage Road

Houston

77047

0133

HCC5

0133

West University Church of Christ

3407 Bissonet St.

Houston

77005

0183, 0214

0134

HCC3

0134

Garden Villas Park Community Ctr.

6720 South Haywood Dr.

Houston

77061

0801, 0815, 0820, 0825, 0831

0135

HCC5

0135

River Oaks Recreation Ctr.

3601 Locke Lane

Houston

0137 0142

HCC5 HCC3

0137 0211

Residence Inn Marriott Charlton Park Recreation Ctr.

2939 Westpark Dr. 8200 Park Place Blvd.

Houston Houston

Combos

0836

0024

0198

0749

0178

HCC5

0178

Harris County Public Health Environmental Building

0179

HCC1

0179

Freed Park Clubhouse

6818 Shadyvilla Lane

Houston

77055

0181

HCC3

0181

Pearl Rucker Elementary School

5201 Vinett Street

Houston

77017

0182

HCC5

0182

Horn Elementary School

4530 Holly Street

Bellaire

77401

0183

HCC5

0133

West University Church of Christ

3407 Bissonet Street

Houston

77005

0184

HCC1

0184

Independence Hall Apartments

6 Burress Street

Houston

77022

0189

HCC1

0189

Oak Forest Elementary School

1401 West 43rd Street

Houston

77018

0193

HCC3

0193

Third Ward Multi Service Center

3611 Ennis Street

Houston

77004

0198

HCC3

0025

Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church

3202 TrulleyAvenue

Houston

77004

0203

HCC3

0203

Juan Sequin Elementary School

5905 Waltrip Street

Houston

77087

0204

HCC1

0204

To Be Determined

0206

HCC1

0206

Monte Beach Park Community Center

915 Northwood Street

Houston

77009

0207

HCC1

0207

Saint Albans Episcopal Church

420 Woodard Street

Houston

77009

0211

HCC3

0211

Charlton Park Recreation Center

8200 Park Place Boulevard

Houston

77017

0214

HCC5

0133

West University Church of Christ

3407 Bissonet Street

Houston

77005

0215

HCC5

0215

Faith American Lutheran Church

4600 Bellaire Boulevard

Bellaire

77401

0217

HCC5

0217

Saint Anne Catholic Church

2140 Westheimer Road

Houston

77098

0218

HCC3

0218

J P Henderson Elementary School

1800 Dismuke Street

Houston

77023

5333 Berry Creek Drive

Houston

77017

1024

0766, 0945, 0946

0142

HCC3

0221

0222

HCC5

0222

To Be Determined

0226

HCC3

0226

Ingrando Park Recreation Center

7302 Keller Street

Houston

77012

0227

HCC5

0227

River Oaks Elementary School

2008 Kirby Drive

Houston

77019

0231

HCC3

0231

Golfcrest Elementary School

7414 Fairway Street

Houston

77087

0172

Pershing Middle School

3838 Bluebonnet Boulevard

Houston

77053

0956

0232

HCC5

0232

0247

HCC3

0247

Cuney Homes Community Center

3260 Truxillo Street

Houston

77004

0256

HCC5

0256

William S Sutton Elementary School

7402 Albacore Drive

Houston

77074

0677

El Mesias United Methodist Church

406 East Rittenhouse Street

Houston

77076

4925 Bellaire Boulevard

Bellaire

77401

HCC1

0938

0268

HCC5

0268

Christ Church Presbyterian Fellowship Hall

0275

HCC3

0275

Glenbrook United Methodist Church

8635 Glen Valley Drive

Houston

77061

0281

HCC5

0281

Kolter Elementary School

9710 Runnymeade Drive

Houston

77096

0282

HCC5

0282

Briarmeadow Elementary School

3601 Dunvale Road

Houston

77063

0285

HCC3

0285

J P Cornelius Elementary School

7475 Westover Street

Houston

77087

0292

HCC3

0292

R W Dick Dowling Middle School

14000 Stancliff Street

Houston

77045

0297

HCC5

0297

Sharpstown Park Community Center

6600 Harbor Town Drive

Houston

77036

0433

0298

HCC5

0298

Waldo Emerson Elementary School

9533 Skyline Drive

Houston

77063

0686

0304

HCC5

0304

Herod Elementary School

5627 Jason Street

Houston

77096

0308

HCC3

0308

Courtyard by Marriott Houston Hobby

9190 Gulf Freeway

Houston

77017

0316

HCC5

0316

To Be Determined

0317

HCC5

0317

American Russian Cultural Exchange

9649 Hillcroft Street

Houston

77096

0324

HCC1

0324

Durham Elementary School

4803 Brinkman Street

Houston

77018

0325

HCC1

0325

High School Ahead Academy

5320 Yale Street

Houston

77091

0326

HCC1

0677

El Mesias United Methodist Church

406 E. Rittenhouse Street

Houston

77076

0329

HCC3

0329

W I Stevenson Middle School

9595 Winkler Drive

Houston

77017

0335

HCC5

0335

Braeburn Elementary School

7707 Rampart Street

Houston

77081

0341

HCC1

0341

0343

HCC3

0343

Burbank Elementary School Houston Gulf Coast Building & Construction Trade Sylvan Rodriguez Jr Elementary School

216 Tidwell Road

Houston

77022

2704 Sutherland Street

Houston

77023

5858 Chimney Rock Road

Houston

77081

7550 Seuss Drive

Houston

77025

HCC1

0345

0350

HCC5

0350

The Rice School

77027

0360

HCC5

0137

Residence Inn Marriott

2939 Westpark Drive

Houston

77005

77005

0361

HCC5

0361

Rice Memorial Center

Houston

77005

0379

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center

Rice University Entrance 20 6723 Whitefriars Drive

Houston

77087

77017

0094, 0527

0221

0345

0360

0714

Meadowcreek Village Park Community Center

0261

775

Combos

0379

HCC3

0850, 1039

1046

0826, 0835

0871

0798

defendernetwork.com Precinct

ColS M

Votes In

0389

HCC3

0389

0403 0421

HCC5 HCC5

0403 0567

NOVEMBER 28 | 2013 | DEFENDER Combos

Precinct

ColS M

Votes In

Location

Address

City

Zip

Combos

0839

HCC5

0839

Alanza Brook Apartments

3030 Dunvale Street

Houston

77063

1054

0849

Mountain Top Ministries

8420 Almeda Genoa Road

Houston

77075

HCC3

0275

Glenbrook United Methodist Church

8635 Glen Valley Drive

Houston

77061

HCC3

0343

Houston Gulf Coast Building & Construction Trade

2704 Sutherland Street

Houston

77023

Location

Address

City

Zip

University of Houston University Center

4800 Calhoun Road Entrance 1

Houston

77004

Westbury Baptist Church

10425 Hillcroft Street

Houston

77096

0849

HCC3

The Hilton Southwest

6780 Southwest Freeway

Houston

77074

0850

0424

HCC1

0424

Housman Elementary School

6705 Housman Street

Houston

77055

0871

0430

HCC5

0430

Jane Long Academy

6501 Bellaire Boulevard

Houston

77074

0895

HCC5

0895

Poe Elementary School

5100 Hazard Street

Houston

77098

Houston

77081

0539

0896

HCC5

0895

Poe Elementary School

5100 Hazard Street

Houston

77098

Houston

77057

0546

0902

HCC1

0902

Sinclair Elementary School

6410 Grovewood Lane

Houston

77008

0903

HCC1

0086

Energy Institute High School

812 West 28th Street

Houston

77008

Houston

77005

0431

HCC1

0431

Burnett Bayland Community Center

6200 Chimney Rock Drive

0432

HCC1

0432

Pilgrim Academy

6302 Skyline Drive

0433

HCC5

0297

0434

HCC1

0434

0448

HCC1

0501

HCC1

Sharpstown Park Community Center

6600 Harbor Town Drive

Houston

77036

0906

HCC5

0087

West University Elementary School

3756 University Boulevard

0909

HCC1

0787

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

215 Rittenhouse Street

Houston

77076

77007

0910

HCC1

0787

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

215 Rittenhouse Street

Houston

77076

0927

HCC1

0663

Garden Oaks Baptist Church

3206 North Shepherd Drive

Houston

77018

0938

HCC5

0256

William S Sutton Elementary School

7402 Albacore Drive

Houston

77074

0943

HCC1

0730

To Be Determined

Hampton Inn Galleria

4500 Post Oak Parkway

Houston

77027

0448

Black Middle School

1575 Chantilly Lane

Houston

77018

0501

Mount Sinai Baptist Church Family Life Center

902 West 8th Street

Houston

0505

HCC1

0505

Wainwright Elementary School

0507

HCC5

0507

5330 Milwee Street

Houston

77092

Margaret Collins Elementary School

9829 Town Park Drive

Houston

77036

2950 Broadway Boulevard

Houston

77017

Houston

77017

0945

HCC3

0203

Juan Sequin Elementary School

5905 Waltrip Street

Houston

77087

77081

0946

HCC3

0203

Juan Sequin Elementary School

5905 Waltrip Street

Houston

77087

3838 Bluebonnet Boulevard

Houston

77053

0526

HCC3

0526

Raul Yzaguirre School for Success Tejano Center

0527

HCC3

0181

Pearl Rucker Elementary School

5201 Vinett Street

Burnett Bayland Community Center

6200 Chimney Rock Drive

Houston

Herrera Elementary School

525 Bennington Street

Houston

77022

6302 Skyline Drive

Houston

77057

0539

HCC1

0431

0989

0543

HCC1

0543

0546

HCC1

0432

Pilgrim Academy

0973, 1004

0023

0778

0956

HCC5

0232

Pershing Middle School

0973

HCC1

0505

Wainwright Elementary School

5330 Milwee Street

Houston

77092

0559

HCC5

0559

Judson W Robinson Jr Westchase Library

3223 Wilcrest Drive

Houston

77042

0974

HCC1

0663

Garden Oaks Baptist Church

3206 North Shepherd Drive

Houston

77018

0566

HCC5

0566

Sneed Elementary School

9855 Pagewood Lane

Houston

77042

0989

HCC1

0448

Black Middle School

1575 Chantilly Lane

Houston

77018

0567

The Hilton Southwest

Houston

77074

0421

0990

HCC5

0311

Ed White Elementary School

9001 Triola Lane

Houston

77036

0569

Saint George Place Elementary School

6780 Southwest Freeway 5430 Hidalgo Street

Houston

77056

0684

1004

HCC1

0505

Wainwright Elementary School

5330 Milwee Street

Houston

77092

HCC3

0402

Cullen Missionary Baptist Church

13233 Cullen Boulevard

Houston

77047

0567 0569

HCC5 HCC1

0570

HCC5

0570

Pin Oak Middle School

4601 Glenmont Drive

Bellaire

77401

1010

0578

HCC1

0578

Candlelight Park Community Center

1520 Candlelight Lane

Houston

77018

1024

HCC1

0189

Oak Forest Elementary School

1401 West 43rd Street

Houston

77018

0579

Rittenhouse Baptist Church

Houston

77091

1039

HCC3

0275

Glenbrook United Methodist Church

8635 Glen Valley Drive

Houston

77061

0288

Reagan Webb Mading Elementary School

513 West Rittenhouse Road 8511 Crestmont Street

Houston

77033

1046

HCC3

0285

J P Cornelius Elementary School

7475 Westover Street

Houston

77087

1048

HCC1

0795

American Legion Post 586

708 E. Parker Road

Houston

77076

1049

HCC1

0787

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

215 Rittenhouse Street

Houston

77076

1050

HCC3

1058

J C Mitchell Elementary School

10900 Gulfdale Drive

Houston

77075

1054

HCC5

0839

Alanza Brook Apartments

3030 Dunvale Street

Houston

77063

HCC3

1058

J C Mitchell Elementary School

10900 Gulfdale Drive

Houston

77075

0579 0607 0630

HCC1 HCC3 HCC3

0402

Cullen Missionary Baptist Church

13233 Cullen Boulevard

Houston

77048

3206 North Shepherd Drive

Houston

77018

808 Frawley Street

Houston

77009

Houston

77076

0663

HCC1

0663

Garden Oaks Baptist Church

0676

HCC1

0637

William Booth Garden Apartments

0677 0683

HCC1 HCC1

0677

El Mesias United Methodist Church

0677

El Mesias United Methodist Church

406 East Rittenhouse Street 406 East Rittenhouse Street

0927, 0974

0261, 0683

Houston

77076

1058

5430 Hidalgo Street

Houston

77056

* Subject to change until Election Day.

0684

HCC1

0569

Saint George Place Elementary School

0686

HCC5

0298

Waldo Emerson Elementary School

9533 Skyline Drive

Houston

77063

0702

HCC1

0171

Hill Zion Missionary Baptist Church

8317 Curry Road

Houston

77093

EXHIBIT B: Early Voting Information

0710

HCC1

0710

Saint Lukes Missionary Baptist Church

714 Detering Street

Houston

77007

December 14, 2013 Runoff Election - Early Voting Locations

0714

HCC1

0152

Shady Lane Park Community Center

10220 Shady Lane

Houston

77093

15500 Vandalia Way

Houston

77053

0722

HCC3

0722

Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church

0730

HCC1

0730

To Be Determined

0741

HCC1

0070

Memorial Elementary School

6401 Arnot Street

Houston

77007

0749

HCC3

0036

Daniel Ortiz Middle School

6767 Telephone Road

Houston

77061

0766

HCC3

0203

Juan Sequin Elementary School

5905 Waltrip Street

Houston

77087

0774

HCC3

1058

J C Mitchell Elementary School

10900 Gulfdale Drive

Houston

77075

0775

HCC1

0107

Berry Elementary School

2310 Berry Road

Houston

0778

HCC1

0543

Herrera Elementary School

525 Bennington Street

Houston

0779

HCC1

0779

Hardy Street Senior Citizens Center

11901 West Hardy Road

Houston

0787

HCC1

0787

0789

HCC1

0071

0795

HCC1

0795

0798

HCC3

0379

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center

0801

HCC3

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

Location

Address

City

0040, 0896

0774, 1050

Zip

Harris County Administration Building

1001 Preston, 1st Floor

Houston

77002

Kingwood Branch Library

4400 Bens View Lane

Kingwood

77345

Freeman Branch Library

16616 Diana Lane

Houston

77062

Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center

3810 West Fuqua

Houston

77045

Nottingham Park

926 Country Place Drive

Houston

77079

Harris County Public Health Environmental Services

2223 West Loop South

Houston

77027

77093

Metropolitan Multi-Service Center

1475 West Gray

Houston

77019

77022

Bayland Park Community Center

6400 Bissonnet

Houston

77074

77076

Tracy Gee Community Center

3599 Westcenter Drive

Houston

77042

Trini Mendenhall Sosa Community Center

1414 Wirt Road

Houston

77055

Acres Home Multi-Services Center

6719 West Montgomery

Houston

77091

0909, 0910, 1049

215 Rittenhouse Street

Houston

77076

IPSP

5525 Kansas Street

Houston

77007

American Legion Post 586

708 East Parker Road

Houston

77060

Lone Star College - Victory Center*

4141 Victory Drive

Houston

77088

6723 Whitefriars Drive

Houston

77087

Hardy Senior Center

11901 W. Hardy Road

Houston

77076

6720 South Haywood Drive

Houston

77061

Northeast Multi-Service Center

9720 Spaulding St., Bldg. #4

Houston

77016

9850 Meadowglen Lane

Houston

77042

Kashmere Multi-Services Center

4802 Lockwood Drive

Houston

77026

Houston

77061

Ripley House

4410 Navigation Boulevard

Houston

77011

Houston

77061

H.C.C.S. Southeast College, Learning Hub

6815 Rustic, Bldg. D

Houston

77087

0134

Garden Villas Park Community Center

1048

0807

HCC5

0807

Sunset Shadows Apartments Clubhouse

0815

HCC3

0134

Garden Villas Park Community Center

0820

HCC3

0134

Garden Villas Park Community Center

0822

HCC3

0822

Alcott Elementary School

5859 Bellfort Street

Houston

77033

Fiesta Mart, Inc.

8130 Kirby

Houston

77054

6720 South Haywood Drive 6720 South Haywood Drive

0825

HCC3

0134

Garden Villas Park Community Center

6720 South Haywood Drive

Houston

77061

Sunnyside Multi-Service Center

4605 Wilmington

Houston

77051

0826

HCC5

0335

Braeburn Elementary School

7707 Rampart Street

Houston

77081

Palm Center

5300 Griggs Road

Houston

77021

0831

HCC3

0134

Garden Villas Park Community Center

6720 South Haywood Drive

Houston

77061

Holy Name Church

1912 Marion Street

Houston

77009

0835

HCC5

0335

Braeburn Elementary School

7707 Rampart Street

Houston

77081

Hennington-Alief Regional Library

7979 South Kirkwood

Houston

77072

0836

HCC5

0008

McNamara Elementary School

8714 McAvoy Drive

Houston

77074

0837

HCC5

0540

Judson Robinson Junior Community Center

2020 Hermann Drive

Houston

77004

Dates and Times of Early Voting Wednesday, December 4, 2013, through Saturday, December 7, 2013: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 8, 2013: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Monday, December 9, 2013, through Tuesday, December 10, 2013: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

13

14

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

sports

Jackson State, Southern collide in championship

I

By MAX EDISON Defender

t’s being billed as the place “where game time meets show time.” However you choose to describe, it the SWAC football championship on Dec. 7 at Reliant Stadium should be an epic matchup.

The game features two of the conferences more legendary football programs, Southern University and Jackson State. It will also put on display two of the more rabid fan bases in all of HBCU, the Southern nation and the legion of Jackson State alums and friends.

Revenge will be the championship game’s subplot, since Jackson State won the regular season meeting in Baton Rouge 19-14. That matchup was a defensive showdown with JSU holding Southern, a prolific offensive team, to just 102 yards on the ground.

For Jackson State the game will be one of vindication.

The Tigers under head coach Rick Comegy have captured the East division for the second consecutive year. They lost a heartbreaking championship game in overtime to Arkansas Pine Bluff in 2012, after controlling the game for three quarters.

“Our focus is to win the championship,” coach Comegy explained. “It’s something that we dreamed of when we started in August. We’re happy to be representing the East again this year. We didn’t get it done last year and I thank God we have an opportunity to bring home a victory this year.”

The Tigers dominated SWAC competition this season, winning 7 consecutive games before losing in the regular season finale to in state rival Alcorn 48-33. Now the Tigers must regain their swagger.

“We were disappointed that we couldn’t win our final game. Sometimes things happen for a reason, but we will regroup, look to improve the areas we identified as weakness and come to Houston prepared to win.”

The team’s playmakers include cornerback Qua Cox. For the Southern Jaguars it will be like déjà vu. The championship game will be the Jag’s second game played in Reliant Stadium this year (they opened against UH) and their third in Houston (against TSU). It also shows the resiliency of a proud program that had fallen on hard times but is roaring back to prominence. The contest will be the Jaguars first championship game since 2003.

After a 0-2 start in 2012, head coach Stump Mitchell was fired and defensive coordinator Dawson Odums was named interim head coach. Odums seized the opportunity and the team responded with a 4-5 record. Odums was rewarded with a two-year contract and has the Jaguars playing for the title in his first full year at the helm.

For Odums the key to success is simple.

“I think you’ve got to chase perfection if you’re a coach,”

Jackson State coach Rick Comegy leads the Tigers in the 2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship on Dec. 7 at Reliant Stadium.

Jackson State co rnerback Qua Cox led SWAC in interceptions last season.

Southern coach Dawson Odums has the Jaguars playing for the title in his first full year at the helm.

terback Dray Southern quar . ar Ye Player of the

that and we’ll worry about tomorrow when we get there,” he continued. “If you worry about tomorrow, you’re going to mess up today. If we put enough today’s together we’ll be ready on Saturday’s.”

The success of Southern in the championship game will rest squarely on the play of SWAC preseason Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback Dray Joseph.

“I will hang the success of our offense on Dray Joseph’s shoulders any day of the week,” Odums said. “He’s the best quarterback in our conference.”

The matchup is set and only time will tell who the next SWAC champion will be. One thing is for sure – the fur will be flying in Reliant Stadium.

ensive ’s preseason Off seph was SWAC

Jo

he said. “If we put a perfect game together then nobody can beat us. That’s why execution is so important. Execution and communication are areas we’re continuing to get better at.

Proper execution will give you perfection.”

The perfect execution comes from hard work and preparation on the practice field during the week. Again Odums approach is basic and simple.

“Just be the best you can be today, let’s concentrate on

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

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone Area teams hopeful in high school playoffs

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

T

he races for the high school football state championships are underway.

As we enter the third round of the postseason, here are some notable performances from around the greater Houston area.

On the heels of its second consecutive undefeated regular season, Lamar avoided the first-round playoff struggles from a year ago when the Redskins barely slipped by Seven Lakes and put a 38-14 thumping on Morton Ranch. Lamar took a 10-0 record into a second-round matchup with Alief Taylor.

Reagan was the only other member of the Houston Independent School District to advance to the second round, as the Bulldogs held off Tomball Memorial 7-0. Reagan’s 10-1 record is the school’s best in four decades and gave the Bulldogs an opportunity to avenge a 72-7 playoff loss to Pearland Dawson two years ago.

Dawson has notched 13 playoff wins since 2009. To compete with the likes of Dawson, Reagan has gone back to the drawing board to get bigger, stronger and deeper. A lack Reagan running back Tavon Dodd and coach Stephen Dixon seek playoff success. of depth is a problem at a number of we had the opportunity to have six of our schools HISD schools. get in.”

“We feel like Reagan has a name now and that Fort Bend ISD was formerly a 10-school Class we can compete with anybody,” said Bulldogs head coach Stephen Dixon. “HISD has some up-and-com- 5A district. Six of those schools could have qualified as 4A schools in the last University Interschoing schools, and we’re one of those schools.” lastic League (UIL) re-alignment. However, Elkins, Reagan was 7-4 last year and lost in the first Dulles and Bush remained in 5A so Fort Bend ISD round of the playoffs to Tomball. The Bulldogs could comprise an eight-school district. are among a host of teams that hope to play after Marshall was the state’s smallest 5A school in Thanksgiving. the previous alignment and is the smallest 4A school “It won’t feel like we’re on the big stage [in] in the latest alignment. Willowridge struggled in that kind of atmosphere for the first time,” said Class 5A and moved down to 4A. Ridge Point is the standout running back Tavon Dodd. last Fort Bend ISD school to open and made the playThe Fort Bend Independent School District got offs in only the second year of varsity competition. the playoffs off to a roaring start as all six schools “A lack of athletes was never a problem in Fort that qualified for the postseason won their firstround games. Austin, Bush, Elkins, Hightower, Mar- Bend,” said Fort Bend Austin head coach Dan Schshall and Ridge Point advanced to the second round. reiber. “Everyone is just starting to get some depth.

That changes things.”

“We want kids to have positive experiences High school football fans in the Sugar Land, and we want to create those experiences,” said Fort Missouri City and Richmond areas are hoping to Bend ISD athletic director Philip O’Neal. “By havhave an extended run in the playoffs. ing teams split up, being kid-centered, it’s neat that

NOVEMBER 28 | 2013 DEFENDER

15

sportsbriefs Friendswood falls With its eighth regional volleyball crown in hand, Friendswood headed to the Class 4A state tournament in Garland with hopes of bringing home that elusive state championship. What better present to give head coach Kelly Beck, who remained home while expecting her second child. The only problem was that Friendswood drew former Class 5A powerhouse Amarillo in the state semifinals and the Sandies earned the right to play for their 4A title after winning eight 5A championships in 14 state appearances. Amarillo turned back Friendswood at the Culwell Center. Friendswood (32-15) faced a rare size disadvantage against Amarillo and it altered the way the Mustangs approached the match.

“That was a surprise for us. You have to play smart, stay behind the ball and know where the blockers are,” said Friendswood coach Shayna Sheppard.

Clear Falls grows up fast Clear Falls made the Class 4A regional quarterfinals in its first varsity volleyball season. Last year after moving up to Class 5A, Clear Falls advanced to the Region III-5A championship match. In 2013, the Knights have qualified for the state volleyball tournament as regional champs. “The kids had a big vision and a big goal for themselves,” said Clear Falls coach Lyndsey Hodges. “This is something we’ve always talked about, reaching for the highest goals.

Obviously, we want to win the state title. But to get there is just as much a part of it as winning it.” Top players include Morgan St. Germain, Katie Bludau, Rachel Bobo, Kylee Reid, Alyssa Enneking and Skyler Tankersley.

Civil Rights Game coming Major League Baseball announced that the Houston Astros will host the 2014 Civil Rights Game and ancillary activities, a series of events developed

by MLB to pay tribute to those who fought on and off the field for equal rights for all Americans. The event is another example of the Houston Astros supporting MLB initiatives geared toward highlighting diversity. The game will be played between the Astros and the Baltimore Orioles at Minute Maid Park on May 30, 2014, airing nationally on MLB Network. Other activities include an awards luncheon, roundtable discussion and youth baseball event.

NFL tackles the N-word The Fritz Pollard Alliance, the organization that helps regulate NFL diversity programs, issued a statement regarding recent incidents in Miami and Washington involving use of the N-word. “A number of game day officials have brought to our attention the disturbing trend of racial epithets, including the ‘N’ word, being commonly used on the field during games,” the statement said. “As former players (along with thousands of others) who have worked hard in different eras of the game to leave proud legacies for those who follow us, we are appalled and extremely disappointed to learn that the worst and most derogatory word ever spoken in our country is being used during games as well as casually in the locker room. We must eliminate the use of this horrible word in our wonderful game.

Please join us to help make the NFL a great place to work and play.”

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16

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

For Event Coverage...visit

defendernetwork.com

Men of Style Dr. John Stanford Jr. and Judge Marc Carter

chag’splace

Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher and Atty. Raymond Fisher

Tennis legends Billie Jean King and Zina Garrison

Jimmy and Marie Wynn, Dairanetta Spain and Marian Harper

Cary and Clarease Rankin Yates and Shannon and Mark Wallace

Kim Davis and Calvin Murphy

Robert Duncan, Jodie Jiles and K.C. Carroll

Wischnesky along with honorary chairpersons LET THE FASHIONS BEGIN…..The 17th annual Kristyn and Francis Page Jr. and Judge Michael Let The Fashion Begin, Inc. men of style gala was McSpadden and Anne Van Horn for a great held at Hotel ZaZa. The event recognizes and gala. Continued success!.....ZINA GARRISON honors men who are accomplished leaders in ACADEMY…..Legendary tennis their communities and have an player and native Houstonian Zina outstanding sense of style. The Join Yvette Chargois Garrison celebrated both her 20th 2013 men of style included Events of the Week anniversary of the Zina Garrison Michael Aldridge, James Banks, More photos on defendernetwork.com Academy (ZGA) and her 50th Astley Blair, Judge Marc See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads birthday with a gala titled “A Story Carter, Mark Christensen, with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. of Love.” The event was held Keith Davis Sr., John Jamil Jr., at the Houstonian Hotel. Tennis Danny Nguyen, Chester Pitts, legend Billie Jean King attended Carroll Robinson, Dr. Stephen and was presented with the “Service with Love” Simko, Dr. John Stanford Jr., R. G. Thomas and award for her contributions to the ZGA program, Gilad Zadok. The 2013 living legends were Dr. her championship endeavors on and off the court James Douglas, Nelson Jones, Mark Wallace and for being an ideal role model for today’s youth. and Darryl Wischnewsky. All funds raised Other sports celebrities attending including Carl benefit the Texas Children’s Sickle Cell Center in its search for a cure. Kudos to the founder/ Lewis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Pam Shriver, director Clarease Rankin Yates, gala chairs Chester Pitts and Travis Johnson. We salute gala Vanessa Hall, Constance Charles and Linda chair Kim Davis and wish a happy birthday to

Zina Garrison and Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Stacy and Bo Porter

Zina!..... BO PORTER’S FOUNDATION…..The Bo Porter S.E.L.F. Foundation held its first annual “A Legacy Lasts Forever” dinner at the Hilton America Hotel. Porter, manager of the Houston Astros, formed the organization with his wife Stacey, a co-founder and a Houston native. S.E.L.F. stands for Sports, Education, Life-skills and Faith with emphasis on mentoring and coaching young students. Transwestern chairman Robert Duncan served as honorary chair. The room was filled with prominent athletes from every sport. Former Iowa head football coach Hayden Fry was honored and the featured keynote speaker was Andre Nolan Dawson “The Hawk”, eight-time National Baseball League All-Star. Also among the attendees were Houston baseball great Jimmy Wynn and his wife Marie, Vernita Harris, Gary Sheffield, Ken Coffey and his wife Brenda, Pastor D.Z. Cofield, Bo Porter’s mother Beverly, and Gracie Saenz along with her daughter Marissa. Congrats!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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