Houston Defender: December 03, 2015

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KIRK WHALUM speaking at TSU commencement

P2 NATIONAL CORNELL WILLLIAM BROOKS demands justice in Chicago

P4 SPORTS SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP comes to Houston

P14 HS ZONE J.C. ANGULO gives Katy added dimension

DECEMBER 3, 2015 | FREE

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Volume 85 | Number 5

NICK CANNON stars in Spike Lee’s ‘Chi-Raq’ H PAGE 5

Sen. Royce West

Bland case update Dallas State Sen. Royce West said the investigation into the death of Sandra Bland will soon end. Read about his involvement in the case.

See when a grand jury is expected to reach a decision. Find out about the civil trial to be held in Houston.

Runoff candidates

focus on Blacks

What will candidates for mayor, city controller and City Council do for the Black community? Houstonarea voters return to the polls on Saturday, Dec. 12, to vote for candidates in the runoff election.

Read about their agendas and qualifications.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 3 | 2015

newstalk

Update on Sandra Bland investigation Dallas State Sen. Royce West, who is monitoring the case of Sandra Bland, said a grand jury could decide by the end of the year whether the evidence presented warrants a criminal trial.

In another aspect of the case, a civil lawsuit filed by Bland’s family will be heard in federal court on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. at 515 Rusk.

Local activists, including members of the Black United Front, are asking Houstonians to “pack the court” and show their Sen. Royce West support for the family.

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

An autopsy determined that Bland hung herself with a plastic garbage bag while in custody. Bland’s family and friends, however, disputed the autopsy finding. and said she was looking forward to a new job at Prairie View A&M University.

West said that following Bland’s death,

he decided “a bright light needed to be shone on the investigation that has civil rights advocates demanding justice and critics saying the victim and even her family were at fault.”

West convened a meeting of state and local law enforcement officials, elected officials and civil rights advocates on the PVAMU campus.

“We reviewed footage of the stop by Trooper Brian Encinia; heard and viewed the confrontation and arrest,” West said. “We saw time-condensed footage of the morning’s events in the area and hallway outside the cell where Bland died.

“Few in the room of 40-50 participants would deny that mistakes were made. I am comfortable in saying also that no one entered Ms. Bland’s cell on the morning that she expired prior to her being discovered unresponsive,” he said.

West said Encinia remains on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, and further disciplinary actions are contingent on its findings.

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Whalum in spotlight at TSU commencement Texas Southern University will hold its winter commencement ceremony at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 12 in the H&PE Arena. Kirk Whalum, a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and one of the university’s most outstanding graduates, will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters, the university’s highest honor, and serve as commencement speaker.

Whalum, a native of Memphis, grew up singing in his father’s church choir. He later attended TSU where he was a member of the Ocean of Soul Marching Band.

“The music I like to play and write encompasses the four elements I grew up with: Memphis R&B, gospel, rock, and jazz,” he said. “The emphasis, though, is on melody, period.”

Whalum has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Whitney Houston, Babyface, Nancy Wilson, Yolanda Adams, Take 6, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Barbra Streisand, Kirk Franklin, Edwin Hawkins, Quincy Jones, Al Green and Luther Vandross.

He also worked on a number of film scores, including those for “The Prince of Tides,” “Boyz n the Hood” and “The Bodyguard.”

Whalum will perform prior to commencement on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in TSU’s Sawyer Auditorium. Guests include Norman Brown and Gerald Albright. Visit www. kirkwhalum.com for ticket info.

Kirk Whalum

localbriefs THE POLICE SHOOTING of Jordan Baker has received renewed interest in Houston. Baker, an unarmed Black man, was shot and killed by HPD Officer Juventino Castro in January, 2014.

Castro was later no-billed by a grand jury. Local activists, including Deric Muhammad, recently demanded that a video of the deadly encounter in HPD’s possession be released to the public. In addition, Baker’s mother, Janet Baker, is suing HPD over the incident, and recently spoke out a press conference. The lawsuit alleges that the video provides evidence that Castro gave a false account of the encounter. Baker was 26 and has a 7-yearold son........HOMELESSNESS IN TEXAS has

decreased. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Texas communities reported a 32.6 percent decline in homelessness since 2010, the year President Obama launched Opening Doors, the nation’s first comprehensive strategy to prevent and end homelessness.

Also in Texas, veteran homelessness declined 51 percent between 2010 and 2015, family homelessness declined 32 percent and chronic homelessness fell 41 percent. “Texas has made great progress in combating homelessness,” said Tammye Treviño, HUD regional administrator. “We know that caring people are coming together, applying programs and compassion to end homelessness across the state.

And while there is much to be done, we know it is working,” she said……..A HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & KWANZAA CELEBRATION will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Almeda from Calumet to Southmore. Admission is free, and there will be fireworks, entertainment, food, photos with Santa, a fashion show and Kwanzaa Village. Shuttle parking is available. Last year’s event attracted more than 2,000 people. The celebration is hosted by Councilmember Dwight Boykins and sponsors include HEB, Houston First and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. For more information visit districtdholidayhouston.com or call 832-393-3001.

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DECEMBER 3 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Houstonian finalist for Principal of the Year remarkable work she is doing North Houston Early College to prepare students for a college High School Principal Angela academic setting and a 21st cenLundy-Jackson is among three tury global economy,” said HISD finalists for the Texas Association Chief Secondary School Officer of Secondary School Principals Esther Omogbehin.

(TASSP) High School Principal of “Her commitment to bridging the Year award. The winner will the achievement gap among ecobe announced this month. nomically disadvantaged students The TASSP recognizes outto ensure their success is changing standing principals and assistant lives and making an impact on her principals from across the state entire school community.” each year. Nominations, bestowed In September, North Houston by fellow school administrators, Early received its first National are based upon exemplary perforBlue Ribbons School Award from mance and outstanding leadership Angela Lundy-Jackson U.S. Department of Education in secondary education.

Lundy-Jackson was named the Region 4 SecSecretary Arne Duncan. The school was recognized ondary Principal of the Year in June, which made her for making notable improvements in closing the eligible for consideration at the state level. achievement gap among disadvantaged and minority “I am extremely honored to have been selected students. as a finalist among such an esteemed group of The school is also ranked by Children at Risk as colleagues,” Lundy-Jackson said. “The work that one of the top 10 schools in the greater Houston area. my school staff and I do is vital to the future of the As one of five early college campuses in HISD, the school offers students the opportunity to earn scholars we serve on a daily basis, and I do not take both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree this assignment lightly.” from Houston Community College.

“HISD is extremely proud of Angela and the

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PVAMU advisor honored Dr. Talitha J. Lewis, director of Engineering Student Services at Prairie View A&M University, received the Most Outstanding Advisor Vanguard Award from the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).

The award is presented annually to one advisor per region.

Lewis received the award at the Region V Fall Conference in Kansas City, Mo. in honor of her contributions to the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering and its students.

In addition, Prairie View NSBE member Mercedes Stevens received the Regional V Vanguard Award for community service work. Three PVAMU students serve on the regional board: Ayo Shoyinka, Dwayne McKinney Jr. and Aminah Adeyemi.

Dr. Talitha Lewis

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 3 | 2015

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national

U.S.briefs

Demonstrators protest the death of Laquan McDonald in Chicago. (Photo courtesy Trice Edney News Wire)

Chicago police chief fired amid protests Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel fired Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy after protestors and civil rights leaders, including Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., said McCarthy botched the investigation into the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Officer Jason Van Dyke.

“I have a lot of support and confidence in the work that he has done,” Emanuel said of McCarthy.

“But our goal is to build the trust and confidence with the public. At this point and this juncture for the city, given what we’re working on, he has become an issue rather than someone dealing with the issue.”

McCarthy’s firing came one week after a judged ordered the release of a year-old video that showed Van Dyke shoot McDonald 16 times on a Chicago street in October, 2014. Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder the same day the police dashcam video was released. He was released on a $1.5 million bond.

The city has been rocked by protests over the

shooting, including a large demonstration the day after Thanksgiving. Chanting “16 shots and a cover up,” 1,000 men and women marched down North Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s poshest shopping street. Protestors included Jackson and Chicago Congressman Bobby Rush.

Jackson said charging Van Dyke with murder was only a first step.

“This is not simply a case of one bad cop. Nine police officers were on the scene, yet not one reported the police violence. Instead, a police union spokesman alleged that McDonald lunged at the police with a knife. That false statement went unchallenged. Why?” Jackson said the truth must come out.

“First, appoint an independent special prosecutor to insure a fair prosecution,” he said. “Second, the federal investigation should probe not only the shooting of Laquan McDonald but also what appears to be the effort to cover it up. Those implicated from top to bottom should be held accountable.”

Black leaders demand justice in Chicago African-American leaders are calling for justice in the year-old shooting death of Chicago teenager Laquan McDonald.

NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks and nine other protestors were arrested and later released in Chicago in response to McDonald’s death.

“The NAACP has a long history of standing up for injustice by using all the tools for justice, common among which is civil disobedience,” Brooks said. “Sometimes, the best way for us to send a message to law enforcement in Chicago was to break the law.”

National Bar Association President Benjamin

Crump called for the resignation of Cook County State Attorney Anita Alvarez because of the long delay in filing murder charges against Officer Jason Van Dyke.

National Action Network founder Rev. Al Sharpton said the resignation of Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy was only a “deposit” on justice and not a full payment.

“The Chicago prosecutor needs to recuse himself and use the model we have established in New York to force the governor to appoint a special prosecutor, not only for the case of Laquan McDonald but for all cases relating to the fatalities of citizens at the hands of police,” Sharpton said.

PRESIDENT OBAMA joined 150 world leaders in Paris for the United Nations Conference on Climate Change. Obama urged his fellow leaders to reach a landmark deal to curb global warming. “I come here personally as the leader of the world’s biggest economy and second-biggest emitter to say that America not only acknowledges its role in climate change but embraces doing something about it,” Obama said. He also addressed economic issues associated with climate change, and said advancements need not come at the expense of the economy or individual livelihoods. “That’s what we seek in these next two weeks – not simply an agreement to roll back the pollution we put into the skies, but an agreement that helps us lift people from poverty without condemning the next generation to a planet that is beyond its capacity to repair,” he said……..MORE THAN 100 BLACK MINISTERS held a meeting at the Trump Tower with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Some of the ministers endorsed Trump after the session, which lasted more than two hours.

“It went longer only because of the love,” Trump said. “There were unbelievable solutions, I think, to problems that we will solve that other people won’t be able to solve.” Guests included Omarosa Manigault, a former competitor on Trump’s show “The Apprentice.” One prominent Baltimore pastor, Rev. Jamal Bryant, refused to attend, and called ministers who visited Trump “prostitutes” seeking fame.……..THE FIRST POLICE OFFICER charged in the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore recently headed to trial. William G. Porter, 26, is charged with manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment. Porter has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Gray sustained a severe spinal injury while being transported in a police van following his arrest last April and died a week later, prompting citywide protests.

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 5 DECEMBER 3, 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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DECEMBER 3 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Nick Cannon

entertainment

5

plays rapper in ‘Chi-Raq’

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

N

ick Cannon is a multi-faceted entertainer who wears many hats – comedian, TV host and producer, film star, director, entrepreneur, philanthropist and author.

Cannon made his first big screen appearance in Men in Black II, and was later seen in “Drumline” and “Bobby.” More recently he produced his first studio film, “School Dance,” and produced the sequel, “Drumline: A New Beat.” He is in production on the reboot of “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous.”

The San Diego native began performing at age 8 after his grandfather left him several instruments as a gift. Cannon headed for Hollywood at age 15 and landed gigs at such renowned comedy venues as the Improv, the Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store.

He landed his first TV gig as a series regular and writer on Nickelodeon’s long-running hit “All in “Chi-Raq.” That.” This trajectory culminated in the creation ays the title role Nick Cannon pl of “The Nick Cannon Show,” which he starred in, Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Hudson. directed and executive-produced.

KW: What interested you in Chi-Raq? Cannon currently hosts NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” NC: Even before I read a script, Spike Lee came to me which kicked off its 10th season last May. He and his ex-wife and said, “I want to save lives in Chicago, on the South Side.”

Mariah Carey have twins, Monroe and Moroccan.

And I was like, “I’m in! I don’t know what that is, but I’m in.”

Here, he talks about playing the title character in Spike Then, when I saw how he made the brave artistic choice to take Lee’s new film, “Chi-Raq.” It is a modernized adaptation of Aris- Aristophanes’ 2,500 year-old play, Lysistrata, and set it in modern tophanes’ classic Greek comedy, “Lysistrata,” in which a woman times, I thought that was brilliant and I felt honored to be able to brought an end to hostilities by persuading women of Greece to be a part of the project. withhold sexual favors from their mates until peace was declared.

KW: How did you prepare to play Chi-Raq? Lee’s movie addresses violence in Chicago. Cannon is NC: I really got to be a part of the community through gun-toting rapper Chi-Raq and Teyonah Parris is his love interest Spike and [longtime Chicago political activist] Father Michael Lysistrata. Other stars include Wesley Snipes, Angela Bassett, Pfleger who introduced me to some reformed gang members

Spike Lee’s ne with a twist. w film is an inner-city drama

turned leaders on the South side of Chicago. I lived with them. They came to my hotel and said, “Yo, let’s go! Let’s rock! We going! We have to show you every aspect of who we are and what we do.” I was able to jump in in a big way, and that’s what it was all about.

KW: How would you describe the film’s message?

NC: We want people to appreciate the value of life. A life is a life, and, like Spike says, “If we save one life with this film, then we’ve done our job.”

KW: Did you feel any heavy burden playing the title character in a Spike Lee film?

NC: I didn’t see it as a burden. I welcomed it as a challenge.

I also saw it as an honor for Spike to choose me for the role and to afford me an opportunity not only to display my skills as an actor but to be a part of a movement which really cares about people.

KW: How do you want to be remembered?

NC: As someone who made people smile and entertained them with his art.

what’sup The new boxing movie “Creed” made a strong showing at the box office. It earned $42 million, the best debut ever for a “Rocky” movie. It stars MICHAEL B. JORDAN, SYLVESTER STALLONE and PHYLICIA RASHAD. Jordan plays Adonis Johnson, the son of boxing champion Apollo Creed, who was played by CARL WEATHERS in the first four “Rocky” movies……..

THE WEEKND won Soul Train Awards for Best R&B/Soul Male Artist and Album of the Year for “Beauty Behind the Madness.” MARK RONSON and BRUNO MARS also took home two awards for Video of the Year and Song of the Year for “Uptown

Funk.” Other winners included JIDENNA, Best New Artist; KENDRICK LAMAR, Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year; JILL SCOTT, Best R&B/Soul Female Artist; SILENTO, Best Dance Performance, and LERAE, Best Gospel Song. COMMON and JOHN LEGEND won the Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award, and TYRESE took home the Centric Certified Award........ICE-T and his wife COCO AUSTIN welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Chanel Nicole. The couple married in 2002. They starred in the reality show “Ice Loves Coco,” and Ice-T has co-starred on “Law & Order: SVU” for 15 years……..BERRY

GORDY announced that “Motown the Musical” is headed back to Broadway next July for an 18week stand. The show is currently touring across the country. “We tweaked a lot of stuff and the road show got tighter and tighter,” Gordy said. “And now it’s coming back to Broadway and we’re very happy about that because that’s where it started. It was raw and they accepted us and loved us, and so we’re so excited to get back to where it started when it was rough.” The musical chronicles how Gordy helped start the careers of DIANA ROSS, MICHAEL JACKSON, STEVIE WONDER, SMOKEY ROBINSON, MARVIN GAYE and many more.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 3 | 2015

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business

Top 10 financial tools for small businesses

F

inancial tools have the ability to transform a company’s operations, improve productivity, reduce costs and increase profit margins. It’s essential for small business owners to take advantage of the right tools and resources to more effectively plan for the future and overall success. Here are 10 financial tools from the SBA. 1. Accounting software – Organizing your business expenses in a computerized accounting system rather than paper-based accounting offers numerous benefits. With accounting software such as Intuit QuickBooks, a business can free up time by simplifying, automating, and tracking its key financial data. This is especially useful when tax season comes around.

2. Business plan software – Whether you aim to present a plan to an investor, create a plan to get your ideas in order or plan for growth or expansion, the business plan software you select should be simple to use and help you reach your goals.

3. Financial analysis – Knowing your numbers is the key to managing a successful business.

By keeping tabs on your profit and loss statement, cash flow statement and balance sheet all in one place, you will be able to see where your business stands – and take steps to stay profitable.

4. Inventory management – Every business needs an inventory management system. Whether you’re in wholesale, retail, service or basically any other industry, you have to keep track of your products. You can efficiently track inventory with cloud-based solutions available in the marketplace. Be sure to do your due diligence when choosing the right inventory tracking software for your business.

5. Invoicing software – Handling all billing by hand takes a great deal of time, and we all know that time is money. Invoicing software leaves little room for human mistakes, which means fewer missed payments or late payments will fall through the cracks. Just about every small business owner

can benefit from switching from paper invoicing to dedicated invoicing software.

6. Credit card processing – Customers expect to be able to pay for products and services using a credit card. Whether it’s a pointof-sale, mobile credit card reader, credit card terminal or online payments, it’s essential to first decide which methods of accepting credit cards for payment is best for your business.

7. Business credit card – “There are plenty of benefits to using a business credit card versus a personal credit card for your small business,” said Alison CahillRouse, a spokeswoman for Capital One. “You’ll also have access to business-specific benefits, such as employee cards and spending controls, and specialty service tailored to meet small businesses’ needs.”

8. Business debit card – For quick, convenient access to your business checking account, a business debit card is a must have tool for business owners. Business debit cards offer the power to make purchases at millions of locations worldwide. The funds are debited from your business checking account with transactions clearly outlined on your monthly checking account statement.

9. Business credit monitoring – It’s crucial for small business owners to keep a close eye on changes to their reports that could affect their company’s ability to obtain credit. Business credit reports and scores are dynamic. They regularly change based on a variety of criteria. Consider enrolling in an affordable monitoring service so you can review your company’s credit file to ensure it’s accurate and up to date.

10. Business credit check – Small business owners can protect their company’s cash flow by identifying their most creditworthy customers through business credit checks. Checking a company’s business credit report enables a small business owner to analyze a company’s current credit standing and make well informed credit decisions.

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Vote early

by Dec. 8 Early voting runs through Tuesday, Dec. 8 for the Dec. 12 runoff election. There are 31 locations where Houston and HISD residents registered to vote in Harris County can vote. The early voting locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Sunday, Dec. 6 when polls are open from 1 to 6 p.m.

“I encourage voters to do their homework on the candidates and take advantage of the days of early voting,” said Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart. “Voters can review their personal sample ballot at www.HarrisVotes.com.”

Voters can also call the Harris County Clerk’s office at 713-7556965.

City of Houston residents registered to vote in Ft. Bend County can vote at the location designated by the county election office. For more information visit www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

DECEMBER 3 | 2015 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 3 | 2015

cente

Mayor Bill King

Background: Lawyer with a varied business career. He earned a bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Houston. He served as mayor of Kemah and president of Southwest Airport Services.

“If elected, I will make sure that City Hall treats all of Houston’s neighborhoods equally. For too long, certain areas of town have lacked timely street repairs, drainage, and respectful police protection. That will change in a Bill King administration.”

Sylvester Turner

Background: Has served as a state representative since 1989. He attended the University of Houston and Harvard Law School. He later founded the Houston law firm of Barnes & Turner.

“As mayor, I’ll lead the fight to keep neighborhood schools open.

Our families need safe neighborhoods. As mayor, I’ll expand community policing and hire more police officers. I’ll equip every officer with a body camera and increase training in de-escalation techniques. And I’ll fight for reforms that emphasize job training and mental health treatment over incarceration. Our community needs a mayor who will fight for economic justice and opportunity. As mayor, I’ll fight to increase the minimum wage and partner with community colleges, unions and businesses on job training and apprenticeship programs.”

CANDI

SPEAK

Controller Chris Brown

Background: Is Houston’s chief deputy city controller and a member of the City of Houston’s Investment Committee. He earned a BBA in Finance from Texas Christian University and MBA from the University of Houston.

“For the last 11 years, I have worked at City Hall for Ronald Green, first as his chief of staff on City Council, and most recently as chief deputy city controller. I have witnessed firsthand his commitment to expanding economic opportunity and achieving greater fairness in city contracting and delivery of projects to neighborhoods. I share that commitment, and if elected it will be a priority for me.”

Bill Frazer

Background: CPA with a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas. He served as controller and CFO for a variety of companies, and was CFO of CBRE Capital Markets.

“I will work to rebuild trust in the financial management of the city. This will empower the people to encourage their elected officials to promote economic development and to deliver a fair level of essential services in the underserved parts of the city. My audit teams will conduct meaningful audits to insure neighborhood programs are meeting their stated goals. All departments will receive meaningful audits to guard against wasteful spending.”

By MARIL D

Houston-area voters return to the polls on Saturda cast their votes for mayor, controller, City Councilmem races with African-American candidates along with th question in 1 “If elected, what will you do fo

City Council At L Mike Knox

Background: Operates a consulting business focused on gang and youth v and served with the Houston Police Department for 15 years. He is a graduat University of Houston Downtown and Houston Community College.

“During this campaign I have had the opportunity to explore many asp of city government. Among the surprises I have found is the fact that not o single minority-owned business is identified as a City of Houston prime ve I see the establishment of minority business obtaining prime vendor status city projects as an engine that could drive the creation of jobs in underserv areas of the city.”

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At Large Position 2 Willie Davis

Background: Is founder/senior pastor of MacGregor Palm Community Baptist Church and served as president of the Minister’s Advisory Board to the Mayor.

He attended TSU and received a bachelor’s and master’s in Theology from Texas School of Theology.

“I will first address the budget problem with the new administration because our communities have not gotten their fair share. I will work to ensure several things that my opponent has failed to do, including bringing affordable and low-income housing to the African-American community, new businesses to produce jobs and grocery food chains that are absent in our community. Last but certainly not least, I will ensure that we have police protection and that we have better police and people relationships. We must also provide an infrastructure that is for everyone and not just a few.”

IDATES

David Robinson

K OUT

LYN MARSHALL Defender

ay, Dec. 12, to vote for candidates in the runoff. They will mbers and HISD trustees. The Defender is spotlighting city he race for controller. We asked candidates to answer one 100 words or less: r the African-American community?”

Background: Incumbent and Council’s representative on the Houston First Board. He served on the City of Houston Planning Commission. He received a B.A. in Architecture from Yale and a Master of Architecture from Rice University.

“As your Council member and as a neighborhood volunteer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with dedicated people across this city who share my commitment to making Houston an even greater place. I believe that all Houstonians deserve equal access to great parks, facilities, and well-maintained streets. Unfortunately, the ReBuild program has neglected many African-American neighborhoods. I’m dedicated to working with city officials to ensure that city funds are fairly distributed so that underserved neighborhoods have improved streets, drainage and sidewalks. My experience as an architect and community leader makes me uniquely capable of getting the job done.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Large Position 1

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Georgia Provost

Background: Is a business owner, photojournalist, community activist, volunteer and founder of Five E’S of Economics Institute. She is a graduate of Texas Southern’s School of Technology and a retired educator.

“The first thing I will do is conduct a major city-wide clean-up campaign in the Black communities. I will promote economic development and stress the importance of providing core services because for years, services have been poor or non-existent. I will form a partnership with school districts for neighborhood schools and conduct regular job fairs and community awareness forums. I will encourage builders to build affordable housing for home ownership and rental.

I will take steps to remove abandoned buildings and replace them with new businesses or housing. I will promote afterschool and summer programs using city parks and churches.”

ng the Houston area for over 80 years

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 3 | 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

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At Large Position 5

At Large Position 4

Jack Christie

Amanda Edwards

Background: Attorney at Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP. She earned a political science degree from Emory University. She worked for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in Washington before earning a degree from Harvard Law School.

“If elected, I plan to empower Houston’s African-American community by (1) helping to facilitate job growth and increased opportunity for business, (2) helping to responsibly revitalize some of our neglected neighborhoods and communities, and (3) addressing quality of life issues and gaps in policy that impact life outcomes in our community. Finally, it is critical to note that while we seek to bring resources to be brought into our neighborhoods, we must make sure that neighborhood residents are at the table so that they can benefit from improvements and solutions.”

Roy Morales

Background: Retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who served as a Harris County school trustee and chief technology officer, City of Houston Emergency Center. He earned degrees in psychology, computer science and space operations.

Background: Incumbent who is a businessman, community leader and chiropractic physician with a degree from Texas Chiropractic College. He served on the State Board of Education and the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees.

“If re-elected, I will continue 34 years of involvement with and service to Houston’s African-American community by being present, accessible, and listening to your concerns and aspirations. I will continue to promote job creation across all sectors and skill levels, support housing opportunities for seniors and those on the verge of homelessness, and foster healthier living opportunities by supporting parks and incentivizing grocery store development in underserved areas. I will advocate for continued improvement of transportation options for those who need them most, vote for after-school programs, and fully support the city’s roll-out of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper program.”

Sharon Moses

Background: Attorney, former transportation executive and liaison for the city’s Solid Waste Management Department. She earned a law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and M.S. in Transportation Planning and Management from TSU. “As Council member for At-Large Position 5, I plan to invest in our communities by working with school districts to ensure that our students are receiving quality education. I will continue advancements of our communities by listening to the people and involving the leaders in the decisions in City Council. I will work closely with various agencies to ensure that our communities are included in their planning process. I will address matters such as illegal dumping, poor street infrastructure and police protection for our areas. In our communities, I will continue to put integrity into motion and “Keep Houston Strong!”

“I pledge to fight for the African-American community just as I did for our country. City Hall must do the following: (1) Stop taking tax dollars from our African-American community and give nothing back in return. (2) Stop intentionally overlooking the terrible roads (3) Provide equal police protection in African-American neighborhoods (4) Protect women’s rights by not allowing men in women’s restrooms.”

Vote earlyin the Runoff Election: December 2–8

We’ve got a job to finish!

If you voted in November, thank you! — but it’s not over yet. We need you to vote again.

And if you didn’t vote in November, you can still vote in this runoff election.

Please vote early December 2-8. election Day is saturDay, December 12.

Join us and let’s finish the job of electing Sylvester Turner as our next mayor!

Houston Chronicle • Houston Firefighters • Houston Police Officers Houston Teachers • Houston Municipal Employees • AFL-CIO Houston LGBT Political Caucus • Communication Workers of America Houston Black American Democrats • Harris County Tejano Democrats • African American Police Officers League • Afro American Sheriff’s Deputy League • Coalition of Police & Sheriffs • Harris County Council of Organizations • Harris County Democratic Party Latino Labor Leadership Council of SE Texas • Pleasantville Voters League • Texas Democratic Party • Texas Organizing Project • SEIU Texas • And more than 2,500 other organizations, faith leaders, community leaders and neighbors in every corner of Houston!

Former Sheriff Adrian Garcia

State rep.

Alma Allen

Councilmember Stephen Costello

Congressman Al Green

Congressman Gene Green

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee

Former Mayor Lee Brown

State rep.

State rep.

State rep.

State rep.

State rep.

State rep.

Carol Alvarado Garnet Coleman Harold Dutton Jessica Farrar Ana Hernandez Borris Miles

State Senator rodney Ellis

State rep.

Hubert Vo

State Senator Sylvia Garcia

State Senator John Whitmire

State rep.

Armando Walle

State rep.

Gene Wu

For information about voting, visit www.Sylvesterturner.com/vote or call our voter hotline at (281) 814-7459.

P O L . A D V. S y LV E S T E r T U r n E r C A M P A I G n . D A V I D M I n C B E r G , T r E A S U r E r

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DECEMBER 3 | 2015 | DEFENDER

UH students designing Sunnyside urban farm Houston’s Sunnyside community is rich with history and culture.

Yet few grocery outlets and limited options for fresh fruits and vegetables contribute to the area’s status as a food desert. That may change in the near future with the proposal of a local non-profit organization to develop an urban farm in the neighborhoods.

Students from the University of Houston’s Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture have been hard at work this semester developing designs for the planned urban farm site.

Led by architecture professor Susan Rogers, students visited a two-anda-half acre site at Cullen and Bellfort to gain insights on the neighboring community.

The concept for the future farm site would include a market space,

fields, barn, greenhouse, office space and a facility aimed at educational activities.

Rogers’ students will share their ideas with members of the community and partnering organization Recipe for Success, a non-profit group aimed at promoting healthy eating in Houston.

“There are different elements to this project that are all very important,” Rogers said. “The farm, the site and the educational activities are crucial to the design. Students have to take these elements into consideration as they create something that’s amazing and wonderful for the people who live in the neighborhood and in Houston.”

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 3 | 2015 defendernetwork.com

Keep food, insulin down during holidays Don’t let holiday feasts come back to haunt you. Planning meals can help those with acid reflux and diabetes enjoy festive foods, said experts at Baylor College of Medicine.

“Advanced meal planning will ensure that people with stricter diets have items to enjoy,” said Dr. Mohamed Othman, an assistant professor of medicine-gastroenterology at Baylor.

Acid reflux occurs when contents of the stomach come back up into the esophagus, which can result in heartburn or belly discomfort.

“Do not lay down immediately after your meal,” Othman said. “It takes four hours for the stomach to empty solid contents and two hours for liquid content.”

For those with diabetes, overindulgence can lead to more serious health concerns, said Dr. Alan Garber, professor of medicine, diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism at Baylor.

“Holiday food tends to be rich in carbohydrates and fats, and both of these may increase insulin requirements,” he said. “You should be aware of the amount of sugar in holiday treats.”

If suffering from acid reflux, Othman recommended avoiding chocolate, mint, fried foods, wine and coffee.

Diabetics can manage holiday eating by consuming sugar-free foods, avoiding high-fat foods, controlling portions and avoiding alcoholic drinks.

Keep yourself

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Also learn about n Seminars to discuss Memorial Hermann Advantage plans n Neuropsychological testing for concussions n HPV and cancer n Diabetes growth among African-Americans Brought to you by:

Learn to limit sugar Family Features

You probably realize that eating too many sugary foods and gaining weight go hand in hand.

Too much sugar can also harm your health in other ways, leading to problems such as tooth decay, obesity and depression.

There are two types of sugar.

Natural sugar is found in fruits, milk and some whole grains.

Added sugar is in processed foods and drinks, such as cookies, cereals and soda. It can be as addictive as drugs, tobacco or alcohol because it affects the same regions of the brain.

When you consume too much added sugar, your liver has to work extra hard to process it. Excess

sugar in the liver often turns into fat, which can lead to liver damage or other health concerns, such as high cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease. It can also overload and damage your pancreas. There are ways to limit sugar.

• Skip sugary cereals at breakfast and opt for a protein-rich meal instead.

• Take healthy snacks to work such as frozen grapes, trail mix, yogurt, almonds, apple slices or peanut butter with celery sticks.

• Instead of pie, donuts or cake, reaching for fresh fruit, low-fat frozen yogurt or a fruit and yogurt parfait.

• Skip sodas, juices, energy drinks and sports drinks that are high in sugar

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DECEMBER 3 | 2015 | DEFENDER

MacGregor area Christmas Home Tour is Dec. 13 Houston’s Blue Triangle Garden Club will present its annual Christmas Home Tour on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 1-5 p.m. Three homes in the historic Riverside Terrace/ MacGregor area of Houston are decorated by club members for public viewing.

Traditional and eclectic Christmas décor will be shown in a selection of architecturally significant homes handpicked to create a festive holiday showcase. The tour features complementary parking and Metro trolley transportation to each of the three homes.

Riverside Terrace traces its roots to the 1930s when it was developed by four of Houston’s most prominent Jewish families.

Desegregation brought a demographic shift to the area, which became home to many prominent African-Americans.

The Blue Triangle Garden Club was founded in 1937 and began the Christmas Home Tour as a fundraising event in 1961. A portion of proceeds from the tour benefit the Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Center at 3005 McGowen Street.

Tour guests can park their cars and hop the trolley at the R.F. Austin Professional Plaza, 4500 Old Spanish Trail at Blythewood. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased the day of the show at each home or in advance from any club member. For information call 713-748-6006.

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sports

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Alcorn, Grambling clash in SWAC football championship

I

By MAX EDISON Defender

t’s being billed as Judgment Day but it could easily have been labeled Revenge Day. Whatever you choose to call it, the bottom line is the Alcorn State Braves will take on the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, Dec. 5 at NRG Stadium for the SWAC football championship.

Kickoff is at 3 p.m., and as an added bonus there will be a Battle of the Bands at halftime and a post-game concert featuring R&B icon R. Kelly.

Based on recent history, it’s safe to assume that regardless of who fans are rooting for, they’re going to witness an outstanding contest.

Last season Alcorn captured the SWAC title, but one of their two conference losses was to Grambling by a score of 28-21.

In mid-October of this year, the Braves and Tigers faced off in a much anticipated game in Lorman, Miss. Both teams were a perfect 4-0 and it took a blocked extra point in overtime for Grambling to win 35-34. The outcome left many to wonder what a rematch in Houston would look like.

Coach Jay Hopson’s Alcorn Braves return to Houston as the defending conference champions. They finished the SWAC season with a 7-2 conference record and as winners of four out of their last five conference games.

The Grambling Tigers, coached by Broderick Fobbs, will arrive in town with a perfect 9-0 conference record. They can become the first team to finish with a perfect conference record since they accomplished that very same feat in 2008.

The Alcorn offense has managed to stay on track, despite losing Allroderick Conference quarterback John Gibbs Jr. of Houston to injury. Sophomore QB g coach B Gramblin s to win the SWAC pe Lenorris Footman has done an admirable job in Gibbs’ absence. Footman can Fobbs ho ip. sh n io p m a ch hurt you with his legs as well as his arm. He accounted for 260 total yards and four touchdowns in a recent win over Texas Southern University on the road, 65-13.

There’s a chance Gibbs might return for the championship. Either way, Alcorn’s offense packs a potent punch. Senior running back Darryan Ragsdale has rushed for over a 1,000 yards on the season. The Braves finished the conference regular season averaging 42.9 points per game, good enough to be No. 3 in total offense in the SWAC. Linebackers Darien Anderson and Damon Watkins, along with safety Anthony Williams Jr., lead a Braves defense that is No. 1 in the conference.

The Grambling offense is ranked second in the conference averaging 43.2 points per game. The Tigers offense flourishes under the dynamic playmaking ability of senior quarterback Jonathan Williams.

Coach Fobbs marvels at his quarterback’s poise under pressure. “[Williams] never ceases to amaze me,” Fobbs said.

“He is a coach on the field and we need that. He is a heck of a football player.”

Defensively, Grambling ranks third in scoring defense, allowing Alcorn quarterback Lenorris Footman leads the offense. opponents 31 points per game. LB Arkez Cooper, safety Guy Stallworth and DE Michael Jolivet anchor a stout bend-but –not-break G-Men defense.

For more information on the game and Asberry leaving TSU, Herman other related activities visit staying at UH www.swacfootball.org.

Grambling qu arterback Jo Williams is a playmaker nathan .

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Alcorn coach Jay Hopson guides the defending conference champions.

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DECEMBER 3 | 2015 | DEFENDER

h.s.zone

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sportsbriefs Kobe Bryant leaving NBA

Receiver Angulo gives Katy added dimension final. Katy has won seven state football championships behind a bruising downhill rushing attack that tends to wear down the opposition. .C. Angulo knows what he needs to do in order With a defense that has shut out nine opponents to contribute to another Katy High School state during the 2015 season combined with a vaunted football championship. rushing attack led by senior Kyle Porter and freshman The 6-foot, 165-pound junior wide receiver Deondrick Glass and an emerging passing game led by contrived a personal checklist as he prepared for Doiron, Angulo and Mullins, the prevailing thought is his first season of varsity football. this could be the best Katy team ever.

“I knew the intensity level had to be high,” he said.

“We love hearing that kind of stuff,” Angulo said.

“I also knew that the childish, immature things were “We’re going to try and get the job done.” going to have to drop and I would have to step up and Katy won its seventh state football title in 2012 be real if I wanted to be part of with a victory over a state championship team.”

Cedar Hill. The past Over the past two two years Cedar Hill See what players will be crucial to weeks in Katy’s playoff wins defeated Katy in the championship success over Cypress Ranch and state championship Friendswood, Angulo scored game. Cedar Hill multiple touchdowns in each game. was eliminated by Southlake Carroll Nursing a 17-13 lead over Cypress Ranch in the first round of the 2015 playoffs. just before halftime, Angulo combined with Katy Yet the championship road is quarterback Garrett Doiron and two-way performer riddled with potential potholes in JoVanni Stewart on a hook-and-ladder play that the form of Manvel, Cibolo Steele covered 55 yards and gave the Tigers a 24-13 edge and Lake Travis. If nothing else, the at intermission.

Tigers have learned over the years that “They executed that play very well,” said nothing is a given.

Katy head coach Gary Joseph. “It’s “Ever since Cedar Hill something we work on all the lost there’s been a lot of time so it’s a credit to the kids.” talk around the team Unbeaten Katy broke open about that,” Angulo a 24-20 game in the second said. “We have half by scoring 35 unanswered to take care of our points to close out the 59-20 win business.” over Cypress Ranch.

In the Region III Class 6A Division II semifinal win over Friendswood (66-0), Angulo caught TD passes of 78 and 18 yards from Doiron, who tossed another to Tony Mullins.

“We knew the passing game Birth date – was going to be a factor in this March 6, 1999 game,” Angulo said.

“We have a lot of scoring Birth sign– Pisces threats in the receiving corps Favorite subject– and you can’t cover all of us.

Math Throughout the season we’ve Music preference– been working on our passing game because it gives us another Rap dimension. Now we either run or Social media pass,” Angulo said. preference – That’s a daunting thought for Twitter, Instagram upcoming opponents as the 13-0 j.C. Angulo Tigers prepare to meet Manvel in the Region III-6A Division II

J

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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About J.C. Angulo

After 20 years and five NBA titles Kobe Bryant has decided that this season will be his last. “Finally, I just had to just accept the fact that I don’t want to do this anymore, and I’m OK with that,” he said. “Once I accepted that, then it became time to t let everybody know. I mean, why not? It takes a load off my shoulders and everybody else’s. It’s just the right thing to do.” Bryant was drafted straight out of Lower Merion (Philadelphia) High School by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13th pick in the 1996 draft.

Laker GM Jerry West immediately traded starting center Vlade Divac to the Hornets for Bryant. He has been a 17-time NBA AllStar selection and an NBA MVP. He will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play the game

Texans’ game moved When you win four consecutive games it’s amazing how your popularity increases.

Just ask the Texans. NBC noticed the team’s success and is moving the Texans’ Dec. 13 contest against the New England Patriots to the prime time Sunday night broadcast, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. The Texans were originally scheduled to host the game at noon. It will be the team’s fourth appearance on SNF, as they played twice in the prime time contest in 2012 and 2013. It will be the third time the Sunday nighter on NBC will happen in Houston.

Katy, Manvel compete For the third year in a row Katy and Manvel will meet in the region finals. The Class 6A Division II Region III championship game is set for Dec. 4 at NRG Stadium with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. The previous two meetings have resulted in Katy blowout victories as the Tigers prevailed 56-14 in 2013 and 45-17 in 2014. Once again, Manvel (11-2) features a prolific offense that has scored 216 points over the past three weeks. That’s an average of more than 70 points per game in wins over Channelview, Clear Creek and Strake Jesuit. Unbeaten Katy (13-0) has shut out nine opponents this season, including Friendswood and talented quarterback Tyler Page 66-0 in the regional semifinals.

Containing Manvel quarterback D’Eriq King may prove to be more difficult but the Tigers have history on their side. “Hopefully, we can be better this time,” said Manvel coach Kirk Martin. “We played poorly both times before. They ‘whupped’ us and made us like it.”

Two teams advance Ridge Point (Class 5A Division II Region III) and Atascocita (Class 6A Division I Region II) have advanced to the high school football playoff regional finals for the first time in school history. Atascocita had two playoff wins before this season and now own three more wins in the postseason going into this weekend’s game with Austin Westlake. Atascocita defeated Garland Rowlett 31-24 in overtime to advance past the third round. Ridge Point outlasted A&M Consolidated 35-27 to qualify for the regional finals against Angleton.

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