Houston Defender: December 11, 2014

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NATIONAL ERIC HOLDER limits racial profiling

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New Civil Rights Movement

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P4 ENTERTAINMENT HENRY LOUIS GATES helps stars find roots

P5 HS ZONE CHARLIE BOOKER III prepares for semifinals

P9

TOP EVENTS

Kevin Whalum and Kirk Whalum at TSU concert

P11

Carroll Parrott Blue

Charlie Strong

helps S.E. Houston

gets bowl game

Because of Carroll Parrott Blue’s vision, the Southeast Houston Transformation Alliance (SEHTA) is helping to improve the community’s quality of life. See how the alliance has grown by leaps and bounds. Find out about its mission, vision and strategy for the future.

University of Texas first-year head coach Charlie Strong has led his team to the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl which comes to NRG Stadium.

Discover why the match-up with Arkansas brings backs memories from a bygone era. Learn why Strong is excited about the game.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 11 | 2014

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TSU students take a stand

By LAGLORIA WHEATFALL Defender

In support of the fight against police brutality and police killings of African-Americans, Houston demonstrators held a protest at Texas Southern University, part of a new Civil Rights Movement sweeping the country.

Local activist and author Deric Muhammad was pleased to see students take a stand.

“We believe that the college campus is the boot camp for most of your activists,” Muhammad said. “So many great ones, who we name streets after today, came from college campuses.

“And while it’s unfortunate that these young brothers had to die at the hands of these wicked officers, it’s a beautiful thing to see the consciousness of our young people being elevated at a time like this,” Muhammad said.

Speakers emphasized action items such as signing petitions and continuing protests so that HPD officers are held accountable.

Ashley Raggs, a TSU political science major, said students were asked to sign a petition to have HPD officers wear body camera monitors “so that more Michael Brown situations don’t occur.”

TSU’s Student Government Association (SGA), local elected officials, activists and students came together on the campus to demand accountability.

“It’s more important that we have less talk and more action,” said Damien Thaddeus, SGA executive vice president. “We want to go down to City Hall and protest and let them know every HPD officer needs to

TSU students held their hands up in a “don’t shoot” position during a campus protest.

have a body cam because we need to have transparency and safety for our young people.”

Student protesters and supporters marched from the flagpole to TSU’s student center chanting, “Hands up, don’t shoot.” During a die-in, protesters lay on the ground as a symbol of solidarity for Eric Garner, Michael Brown and other unarmed Blacks who have been killed by police officers.

SGA officials said that they will continue to protest until they are heard.

“It’s not always about our lives, it’s about the lives that are coming behind us,” Thaddeus said. “We’ve got to protect our children. The students here are fed up and are ready to stand up and speak up on behalf of our fallen brothers and sisters.”

Students demonstrated in solidarity with protestors across the country.

localbriefs A HOUSTON DOCTOR MISSING for a week was found safe in El Campo. Dr. Fehintola Omidele, a pediatric intern at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, called her sister and said she was unharmed.

There are reports that she disappeared because the pressure of her residency was too much to handle.

Omidele’s family issued a statement thanking all those involved for their support, and asked that “everyone please respect our privacy and allow us to regroup together as a family before sharing more details.”

Texas EquuSearch, a nonprofit search and rescue organization, called off volunteers who had mounted a massive search in the vicinity of Omidele’s apartment.

She went missing following a family dinner on Nov. 30..……..THREE HOUSTON-AREA CHARTER SCHOOLS are among 14 in Texas that have met the legislative criteria for mandatory revocation of their charter according to the Texas Education Agency.

Senate Bill 2, which was passed in 2013 by the Texas Legislature, requires mandatory revocation if a charter holder has failed to meet academic or financial accountability performance ratings for the three preceding school years. The area schools are the Girls & Boys Preparatory School, Medical Center Charter School and Northwest Preparatory Academy Charter School. A conservator is being appointed to all 14

charter schools……..RUSHION McDONALD, executive producer of the “Steve Harvey Show,” will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Houston Alumni Association.

McDonald received a math degree from UH in 1983 and worked as an executive with IBM. He began his entertainment career as a stand-up comedian in Houston. Other honorees are Aylwin Lewis, president and CEO of Potbelly Corp; Bill Worrell, Houston Rockets announcer; Ken Bailey, attorney and former UH quarterback; and Dominic Ng, chairman and CEO of East West Bancorp Inc. and East West Bank. The awards will be presented on May 2.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 11 | 2014

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national

U.S.briefs

Eric Garner’s family thankful for protesters

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he family of Eric Garner thanked protesters who have rallied across the country after a New York grand jury refused to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo for the July chokehold death of Garner.

Garner’s death, which was ruled a homicide, was captured on a cell phone camera. The grand jury’s verdict prompted more nationwide protests on the heels of events in Ferguson, Mo. Esaw Garner, the widow of Garner, observed protesters in Esaw Garner, the widow of Eric Garner, has received support from Rev. Al Sharpton.

New York.

“I see all these people yelling out, ‘Eric Garner, Eric Carr added that she was stuck in traffic on a Garner,’ “ she said. “I’m just like overwhelmed. I start crying. My son is like, ‘You New York highway after protesters caused a traffic jam. all right mom?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah I’m OK, but look She said one of the protesters apologized for at all the love that your father’s getting.’ “ delaying her. “I told them, don’t worry about it.

In response to the police shootings of GarJust do what you have to do. Keep on doing it, ner and others, a National March Against Police Violence is scheduled for Dec. 13 in Washington, but do it in peace.”

Sharpton said the families of those killed D.C. March organizers include Rev. Al Sharpby police under questionable circumstances are ton’s National Action Network (NAN). marching to obtain legislative relief.

Participants include the families of Michael “We’re not just out here hollering and Brown, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin and Garner. screaming,” Sharpton said. “We’re trying to get Gwen Carr, Garner’s mother, said she was something done.” also pleased with the response to the verdict in Despite its ruling, the New York grand jury her son’s case. did not have the last word. Attorney General Eric “It is just so awesome to see how the crowds Holder announced that the Justice Department were out there,” Carr said. “They are standing for my son. My heart is overflowing with joy. It’s will proceed with a federal civil rights investigation into Garner’s death. just a gracious feeling.”

Justice Department to limit profiling U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the Justice Department will take steps to bar profiling by federal law enforcement agencies, building upon a 2003 policy that previously only addressed the consideration of race and ethnicity in conducting federal investigations.

The new policy will address the use of other characteristics as well – including national origin, gender, religion, and sexual orientation – and applies a uniform standard to all law enforcement conducted by the department’s components.

The new guidance also applies to state and local law enforcement law officers who participate in federal law enforcement task forces.

Holder said that biased law enforcement practices

perpetuate negative stereotypes, promote mistrust of law enforcement and are counterproductive to good policing.

“I have repeatedly made it clear that racial profiling by law enforcement is not only wrong, it is misguided and ineffective – because it can mistakenly focus investigative efforts, waste precious resources and, ultimately, undermine the public trust,” Holder said.

“Particularly in light of recent incidents we’ve seen at the local level – and the concerns about trust in the criminal justice process which so many have raised throughout the nation – it’s imperative that we take every possible action to institute fair policing practices.”

THE NAACP said recent employment figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics emphasize the need for workers to collectively bargain for wages and benefits. Though the U.S. added 321,000 jobs in November, the overall unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.8 percent. The 11.1 percent unemployment rate for Blacks remains highest among all workers, compared to 4.9 percent for whites, 4.8 percent for Asians and 6.6 percent for Latinos. “Inequality in wages and income are undermining our country’s ability have long term and sustainable economic growth. Our businesses need consumers earning sufficient wages so that they can flourish and our families need higher wages so that wealth can be built for future generations,” said Dedrick Muhammad Sr., director of the NAACP Economic Department……..THE NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) filed a lawsuit with the Missouri Department of Public Safety demanding the permanent revocation of Darren Wilson’s peace officer license on the grounds that he committed a criminal act and did so under color of law with disregard for Michael Brown’s life or public safety.

A grand jury decided not to indict Wilson in the shooting death of Brown in Ferguson. The NBA said Wilson’s resignation is simply not enough and his mental state and judgment would place Black citizens in danger anywhere he works as an officer. “A close examination of Wilson’s actions on August 9, 2014 provides ample evidence that he is not qualified to continue as a law enforcement officer,” said Pamela Meanes, president of the NBA……..THE NATIONAL BLACK CAUCUS OF STATE LEGISLATORS (NBCSL) is calling on tech giants such as Google, Facebook, Twitter and others to diversify their workforces. The announcement comes on the heels of recently released statistics showing unequal representation of minority communities in the tech companies’ workforces. NBCSL recently held its annual legislative conference in Dallas.

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 2 DECEMBER 11, 2014

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

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Local Coordinator Cierra Duncan Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

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 11 | 2014 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Henry Louis Gates helps celebrities find their roots

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

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r. Henry Louis Gates Jr. is a Harvard University professor, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, literary scholar, journalist, cultural critic and institution builder. Gates has authored 17 books and created 14 documentary films, including season two of “Finding Your Roots,” now airing on PBS. His six-part PBS documentary series, “The African-Americans: Many Rivers to Cross,” which he wrote, executive-produced and hosted, earned an Emmy Award, as well as Peabody and NAACP Image Awards.

Here, he talks about “Finding Your Roots.”

KW: Congrats on another fascinating season of “Finding Your Roots.” How Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. helps celebrities such as Angela Bassett explore their did you pick which luminaries to invite to genealogies. participate in the project?

Courtney never knew his father. He was put up for HLG: We picked them cold. I have a wonderful adoption. And frankly, that’s my favorite kind of team of producers. To tell you the truth, first, we just story, when it’s counter-intuitive. That’s why we’ve fantasize. Then, we sit down in my house with a big organized the episodes around those two principles. peg board with the names of all the people who said KW: It seems that your guests have a variety “Yes.” So, we never know whom we are going to get of reactions as each story and new fact is revealed. in advance.

Whose reaction to an uncovered story surprised you KW: How do you settle on the theme of each the most? episode?

HLG: Anderson Cooper, without a doubt. I told HLG: Usually, we first do the research and film him that his third great-grandfather, Burwell Boykin, everybody, and then organize the episodes internally. was a slave owner. First of all, Anderson was very For instance, Episode One was called, “In Search of saddened and disappointed that he descended from a Our Fathers.” You might wonder, what does Stephen slave owner. But his ancestors were from Alabama, King have in common with Courtney B. Vance? so I told him that was very common. I don’t think you Well, Stephen King’s father left when he was 2, and inherit the guilt of your ancestors. We merely reveal

whatever we find, without making any sort of judgment. What your ancestors did is what they did. That’s not on you…

KW: Has anybody ever tried to disagree with their DNA analysis?

HLG: No, but some people were shocked, particularly African-Americans, who believed they had Native American ancestry. They’re always disappointed.

KW: When I was growing up, it seemed like every other kid at school used to say he was part Cherokee.

HLG: The poor Cherokees. Everybody, white Americans and Black Americans, claim to be part Cherokee.

KW: Did any of your subjects ask you not to reveal something you found out about their family?

HLG: No, although I’m sure a few people would like to do so, if they could. But we’re PBS. We’re independent.

KW: Do you gather genealogical information about African-Americans differently from the way you do for other ethnicities?

How do you get past the obstacle of slavery?

HLG: Yes, we do, because African-Americans generally weren’t identified by name in the census prior to the abolition of slavery. So, we start with the 1870 census, which is the first in which Blacks appear with two names. Then you go back to 1860, and see whether there were any slave owners with the same surname, since, more often than not, most emancipated slaves kept the surname of their former owners.

Ironically, the key to finding one’s Black ancestry during slavery often involves finding the identity of the white man or woman who owned your ancestors.

That’s quite a fascinating paradox.

what’sup CHRIS ROCK’S new movie “Top Five” comes to theaters on Friday, Dec. 12. Rock plays a comedian who is determined to reinvent himself as a serious actor. His co-stars include ROSARIO DAWSON, GABRIELLE UNION and CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER. Celebrities with cameos include KEVIN HART………The ENSEMBLE THEATRE will present a one-night-only performance of “The North Star: An Urban Nativity,” on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m. at 3535 Main St. It is written by EKUNDAYO BANDELE and directed by EILEEN J. MORRIS. Filled with joyous songs and dance, the play is a modern-day telling of the Christmas story. For Information

visit www.EnsembleHouston.com or call 713-5200055……..The Grammy Award nominations were recently announced. BEYONCÉ and PHARRELL WILLIAMS were both nominated for Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Urban Album.

Nominees for Best R&B Performance include Beyoncé, CHRIS BROWN, JENNIFER HUDSON, USHER and LEDISI. Best Rap Performance nominees include DRAKE, KENDRICK LAMAR, LECRAE and CHILDISH GAMBINO (also known as actor DONALD GLOVER). Best Gospel Album nominees include ERICA CAMPBELL, RICKY DILLARD & NEW G and SMOKIE NORFUL. The Grammys will be held Feb. 8........NICKI

MINAJ, who received two Grammy nominations, will soon release a new album titled “The Pinkprint.”

The rapper is also excited about her Pinkprint tour which kicks off in March in Stockholm, Sweden. The tour features special guest TREY SONGZ. “It’s been way too long since I’ve seen my European ‘Barbz.’

I can’t wait to get back and party with all of you,” Minaj said……..Actor SHAD MOSS, also known as rapper BOW WOW, co-stars in CBS’ newest investigative series “CSI: Cyber.” The series debuts in March and goes inside the Cyber Crime Division of the FBI. Moss will play Brody “Baby Face” Nelson, a top hacker ordered by a judge to work with the division or go to prison.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 11 | 2014

SEHTA: Transforming Southeast Houston

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By EVAN TAYLOR Defender

outheast Houston has long been an integral part of Houston, as well as an area that thousands of African-Americans call home.

The Southeast Houston Transformation Alliance (SEHTA) wants to make the community’s quality of life better.

SEHTA is a collaborative effort bringing together residents and stakeholders to transform the area into a ‘healthy, vibrant and economically stable community.”

The organization evolved from a 2011 grant University of Houston professor Carroll Parrott Blue received from the National EndowGwen Fedrick ment for the Arts Our Town initiative.

“SEHTA was an opportunity for the nine civic clubs and the citizens to come together proactively about today and the future,” Blue said. “They could have a major voice and take a long range view of how their community can develop based on their needs.”

Blue said SEHTA has already made significant progress and garnered local and national recognition. “SEHTA has grown leaps and bounds in such a short time,” she said.

Blue added that the organization has a lot of work ahead and needs help to keep the transforming machine going.

“We need more volunteers and people bringing good ideas to our residentled initiative,” she said. “Join us for events, meetings held twice a month and go to our website, sehta.org.”

Community Coordinator Gwen Fed-

rick also stressed the need for volunteers and additional funding.

“We need more hands, bodies and hearts to complete the projects and plans ahead,” Fedrick said. “If we get the hands, bodies and hearts, we can raise the money.”

“We need to get more community members and stakeholders involved in the GO [Great Opportunity] Neighborhood Teams,” Fedrick added. “There is something for everybody.”

GO Neighborhoods is an initiative for revitalizing Houston communities. It takes a comprehensive community development approach that leverages resources by working across such sectors as housing, education and the environment.

In 2013, the OST/South Union of Southeast Houston was designated a GO Neighborhood. SEHTA serves as the Steering Committee in conjunction with Neighborhood Recovery Community Development Corporation as the convening agency.

SEHTA uses various methods to engage the Southeast Houston community.

The creation of its Pastoral Coalition, a group of 35 religious leaders, takes the message to the church and allows the members to share their concerns.

“To get the people, you really need to get the church, because people listen to their pastors and go to church,” Fedrick said.

OTHER PROJECTS

The Southeast Houston community is also aided by the Palm Center Farmers Market, sponsored by SEHTA Health

Verda Gaines, Cherish Townsend-Bey and Carroll Blue attend a Houston History Magazine premi

and Wellness Go Team with a GO Neighborhood Early Action Project grant.

Paulette Wagner, a GO Team leader and president of MacGregor Trails Civic Club, said the farmer’s market provides the area with more than just produce.

“One of the concerns of the area was it is a food desert [where affordable and nutritious food is difficult to obtain],” Wagner said.

“We always planned for it to be a garden, but we also wanted to teach people how to grow their own produce and host a farmer’s market to make high quality and affordable fruits and vegetables available,” she said.

SEHTA not only focuses on the health and wellness of their area residents, but also has a hand in the health of the environment.

SEHTA hosted an AW 2013. AWE is an acronym Environment. The event c tory of the area and the n mun “ the c Palm in M T. N at Pa trail and cal f hood C Jack Sen. and Pres provided the history of th The event could be co for the master plan SEHT GO Team is working on t

“SEHTA was an opportunity for the nine civic clubs and the citizens to come together proactively about today and the future. They could have a major voice...”

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About SEHTA Mission: The Southeast Houston Transformation Alliance is a collaborative effort that brings together residents and key stakeholders to transform the Southeast Houston area into a healthy, vibrant and economically stable community.

Vision: SEHTA envisions an engaged and informed community working together to transform Southeast Houston into a healthy, vibrant, safe and economically stable community – a place that nurtures and supports residents throughout their lives.

Boundaries: The service area is south of Old Spanish Trail, north of Interstate 610 South Loop, west of Mykawa Road and east of Interstate 288. Includes MacGregor Park, George T. Nelson Park and the Park at Palm Center.

Demographics: All ages, 80 percent AfricanAmerican and average income of $30,000.

Funding: SEHTA is a 501 (c)(3) organization whose budget is mostly derived from donations.

Stakeholders: Residents, business owners and those interested in Super Neighborhood 68.

Strategy: After becoming a Great Opportunity (GO) Neighborhood in 2013, SEHTA uses the GO Team System to focus its efforts on creating and maintaining a thriving neighborhood inside and out in the following categories: Arts, culture, history and media – Will focus on the OST/South Union’s history while creating

ier event focusing on Southeast Houston.

WE Inspiring Event in m for Arts, Wellness and celebrated the rich hisnew ventures the comnity was involved in.

“It was the opening of community garden at m Center, entertainment MacGregor Park, George Nelson Park and the Park alm Center and a bike connecting the parks community with historifacts about the neighbord,” said Fedrick.

Congresswoman Sheila kson Lee and State . Rodney Ellis attended the Texas Trailblazers servation Association he community. onsidered a run-through TA’s Strollin’ and Rollin’ thanks to technical as-

sistance provided by the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program Award.

Strollin’ and Rollin’ has conducted surveys of the area and residents to develop a master plan to connect the parks and historical landmarks in the OST/South Union area.

“The plan is to improve walkability, the safety of bike riding and access to public transit while promoting active living,” said Fedrick.

Their continuous efforts are greatly needed.

According to Walk Score.com, the OST/South Union area is the 39th most walkable area in Houston and is considered car-dependent. The area scored a 50 for a walk score, 44 for transit score and 52 for bike score. All of the scores are out of 100.

In comparison to the most walkable area in Houston, Midtown’s scores were nearly doubled, 81 for a walk score, 82 for transit score and 71 for a bike score.

Through their efforts, SEHTA is working to help improve life in Southeast Houston for the present and future.

he Houston area for over 80 years

and preserving its art and culture.

Housing and neighborhood – Will be engaged in working to protect and improve current housing, attract new residential development and grow home ownership in the community.

Safety and clean-up – Is tasked with keeping the community including the Kuhlman Gully safe and clean for all of its residents and visitors.

Health and wellness – Will zone in on active lifestyles, encouraging healthy eating habits, access to quality health care, connections to city transportation and fostering healthy economic development.

Education and youth – Will partner with schools, teachers and parents to focus resources on the prosperity of the next generation.

Economic development, family income and wealth – Is committed to bringing economic development to the area and increasing the knowledge of individuals and families to make financial and wealth building decisions.

Leadership and civic engagement – Will foster community and civic engagement in the decision making and action planning of the area and the allocation of the neighborhood’s resources.

Strollin’ and Rollin’ – Is determined to connect area parks, increase access to public transportation and build a working walkable infrastructure in the neighborhood.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 11 | 2014 com

sports

Texas, Arkansas in classic bowl game

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By MAX EDISON Defender

he University of Texas vs. the University of Arkansas is a college football rivalry that conjures up a bygone era when national championships hung in the balance for the victor.

The AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl has selected these two former Southwest Conference titans to participate in their 2014 classic, pitting representatives from the SEC and Big 12. The two teams first met in 1894 (Texas won 54-0) and last played in 2008 (Texas won 52-10).

The Texas Bowl will be played on Monday, Dec. 29, at 8 p.m. at NRG Stadium and will be televised nationally on ESPN. Both teams finished the season with identical 6-6 records. It will be the first bowl game for the Longhorns under first-year head coach Charlie Strong. Meanwhile, it will be the first bowl game for Arkansas under second-year head coach Bret Bielema.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Texas Longhorns and the Arkansas Razorbacks to the 2014 AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl for our first-ever Big 12 vs. SEC game,” Texas Bowl president Jamey Rootes said. “This is a tremendous matchup between two storied programs with large and loyal fan bases.”

Bielema is pleased to renew a matchup that has such historical context, and spoke of a time when UT head coach Darrell Royal faced Arkansas head coach Frank Broyles.

“We’re very, very excited to be a part of such a special game – a game that means a lot to our fans, our alumni,” Bielema said. “For us to have a chance to jump into that [history] is pretty cool. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Strong.”

Playing one of the nation’s most difficult schedules, Bielema believes his team has grown from the experience.

“We are part of the West Division in the Southeastern Conference...Our kids really enjoyed the opportunity to play such a competitive schedule,” Bielema said.

“It definitely made us better in the long run.

Now to have the opportunity to cap it off this year with a team like Texas and the value of their name and what they bring is truly incredible.”

For Strong, the road to Houston was filled with challenges. The ‘Horns overcame a slow

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Charlie Strong

start at the beginning of the season to become bowl eligible.

“For us to struggle early and then somehow find a way to get to six wins and being able to go to the Texas Bowl is really exciting, not only for our players but also for our fan base,” Strong said.

The opportunity to play in a bowl game close to home and in the heart of their recruiting base was too good for the Longhorns to pass up.

“Not being very far from Austin is really good,” Strong said.

“It’s always good when you go to a city where you recruit a lot.”

After to falling to No. 5-ranked TCU in the regular season finale, Strong is hopeful that his team will perform better and conclude the season on a winning note.

“We have to play well,” Strong said. “We didn’t play well in the last game, so we need to go out and play well. For some of the seniors, this will be the last time they play a college football game. I always look back at them because of what they have helped us get to at this point. I just want to make sure we end it playing right and play well for them.

“Our whole focus is to win this football and end up with a winning record. It’s about the seniors. You want to send them out the right way,” Strong said.

Strong’s UT Longhorns will face the Arkansas Razorbacks at NRG Stadium.

Bret Bielema

Bielema said Arkansas’ competitive schedule has benefitted his team.

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DECEMBER 11 | 2014 DEFENDER

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Cypress Ranch, Westfield head to state semifinals ance. The Mustangs will face powerhouse Converse Judson (10-4) in the San Antonio Alamodome with the winner advancing to the Class 6A Division I state championship game. ive Houston area high school football teams Emotions ran high in the all-Spring ISD Class 6A Divihave advanced to the state semifinals in search of sion II Region II title game between Spring High School a championship in 2014. and rival Westfield. With Westfield leading 24-0 and only Spring Westfield, Katy, Cypress Ranch, one minute remaining before halftime, a fracas broke out Crosby and Navasota are still alive after capturbetween frustrated teammates on the Spring sideline. ing regional titles in the fourth round of the state playoffs.

When play resumed in the second half, Spring scored Cypress Ranch rallied from a two-touchdown first-half 19 unanswered points and held Westfield scoreless to come deficit to score 31 unanswered points and survive a late up five points short (24-19).

Dickinson uprising to advance with a 31-28 victory.

Westfield defensive tackle Ed Oliver scored a touchSenior running back Charlie Booker III rushed for a down, registered a key quarterback sack and anchored the game-high 187 yards on 30 carries and was instrumental Mustangs’ defense to secure a date against defending state in Cypress Ranch maintaining possession of the ball in the champion Cedar Hill in the fourth quarter when Dickstate semifinals. The game inson had sliced a 17-point will be played in Georgetown. deficit down to three.

“Everybody was sleep“There’s always a lot To see what adversities Spring, ing on us after we lost the of momentum changes in the Westfield faced season opener to Manvel,” game; that’s the way the game Oliver said. “It was like goes,” Booker said. “Two great teams were playing each other and we just try to battle they were looking out of a box and not able to see the big picture. Our middle linebacker wasn’t there and our quarterback no matter what happens in the game. back was learning a new offense.

“We knew they were a good team,” Booker said.

“We had all kinds of issues and people were thinking “There are no bad teams in the fourth round of the playoffs. that Westfield had fallen off. I hope Cedar Hill sleeps on Our hats are off to them. We knew we had to strap down us,” Oliver said. “I’m 2-0 in that stadium and I want to go and be real physical in the game. My linemen make my back and christen my territory.” job real easy. I can’t do anything without them. When my Katy will take on Cibolo Steele in a Class 6A Divilinemen and the receivers are blocking like that, I have the sion II state semifinal at NRG Stadium after demolishing easiest job on the field.”

Manvel 45-17 in the regional final. JoVanni Stewart was the Fellow Cypress Ranch running back Chandler Thomas Tigers’ leading tackler and helped corral Manvel’s normally had scoring runs of 39 and 21 yards and finished with 95 high-powered offense. yards on 12 carries.

“Manvel likes to get to the sideline and my coaches “We wanted to establish our running game and as the told me I was going to play a big part in this game with my game wore on I was excited to see what we were accomplishing,” said Cypress Ranch center Chris Lane. “They had edge defense,” Stewart said. “I just played my part and took advantage of the opportunities.” some big players out there and I respect them. I wanted to Crosby will face Cedar Park in a Class 5A Division II do whatever I could to help us win.” state semifinal while Navasota will take on Liberty Hill in “The victory improved Cypress Ranch to 12-2 on the season and clinched the school’s first state semifinal appear- a Class 4A Division I state semifinal matchup.

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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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Bay Area Christian falls Trinity Christian utilized big plays on both sides of the ball to defeat Bay Area Christian 54-18 in the TAPPS Division III private-school state championship game in Corsicana. Bay Area Christian (12-2) was led by quarterback Tyler Neubauer who amassed 315 yards total offense with 195 rushing yards combined with 120 passing yards. However, seven turnovers were too much to overcome as Bay Area Christian trailed 21-9 at intermission.

Trinity Christian improved to 13-1 by returning two interceptions for touchdowns and scoring three times from beyond 39 yards out. The Cedar Hill school never trailed in the game and jumped out to a 14-3 edge on Jon Cole’s 64-yard TD reception and Cameron Allen’s 39-yard TD reception. A 50-yard interception return for a score provided the halftime score.

Two teams come up short Temple led from start to finish and eliminated George Ranch 28-14 in the Class 5A Division I Regional III final in Round Rock. The 12-2 Longhorns faced an uphill battle after starting quarterback Timon Nolan was injured in the second quarter and did not return to the game. George Ranch leaned on running back Darius Anderson with the absence of Nolan and the junior rushed for a game-high 154 yards on 20 carries and his 16-yard TD run with four minutes, six seconds remaining in the fourth quarter brought George Ranch within 21-7. Klein Oak went toe-to-toe with unbeaten Dallas Skyline (14-0) in the first half and only trailed 28-20 at halftime. Yet the 10-4 Panthers were outscored 10-0 in the second half.

UH Cougars fire Levine University of Houston head football coach Tony Levine has been relieved of his duties after three years with the Cougars. The announcement was made by UH Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades. In three years under Levine, UH finished 21-17. Houston finished its inaugural season in the American Athletic Conference in fourth place with a record of 5-3 before finishing fifth with an identical record in this year’s revamped league. “The expectations of our program have changed over the last five years with the opening of TDECU Stadium and the current college football landscape,” Rhoades said.

Alcorn wins SWAC title A reported crowd of 39,583 saw Alcorn State University defeat Southern University 38-24 in an exciting SWAC football championship game recently at NRG Stadium. The win marked the first time in 20 years that Alcorn won the conference title. Alcorn quarterback John Gibbs Jr., a Houston native, was named the game’s Offensive MVP. The former Booker T. Washington standout completed 20 of 30 passes for 245 yards and threw three touchdowns.

He also rushed for 132 yards on 16 carries becoming the first quarterback in Alcorn history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Gibbs was excited to return to Houston and play for the SWAC title. “I’m proud to come home and represent Studewood, Acres Home, Booker T. and all of HISD,” Gibbs said. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity.”

Charlie Booker III, Cypress Ranch

Chris Lane, Cypress Ranch

Ed Oliver, Westfield

JoVanni Stewart, Katy

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 11 | 2014 defendernetwork.com

Children’s Museum hosts holiday activities The Children’s Museum of Houston, located at 1500 Binz, offers kids and their families a number of activities during the holiday season. They include: Seasons of Sharing –The museum explores holidays celebrated around the world through Dec. 18. Activities include live performances and interactive workshops. Times vary.

Visit the Grinch – Dr. Seuss’ colorful character is hanging out at the museum. Kids can take a picture with the Grinch and post it for a chance to win prizes. Visiting hours are Dec. 14 from 12:30-5:30 p.m., Dec. 22-23 and 26-30 from 10:30 a.m.5:30 p.m., and Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) from 1-3 p.m.

Selfies With Santa – Kids are invited to make and wear elf hats and get their cameras ready to take an #ElfieSelfie with Santa. The action takes place Saturday, Dec. 13 and 20 from noon to 4 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Meet Santa’s Reindeer – The museum presents a live reindeer on Sunday, Dec. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. Kids can make antlers to wear and take photos of Santa with his reindeer (no feeding or petting allowed).

Milk & Cookies With Santa – On Wednesday, Dec. 24 kids can enjoy a snack with Santa before he embarks on his annual journey around the world. It takes place from 1 to 3 p.m.

General admission is $9 per person and $8 for seniors.

Children under age 1 and museum members are admitted free.

Everyone is admitted free each Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information visit www.cmhouston.org or call 713-522-1138.

Kids enjoy ‘Annie’

In celebration of Change Happens’ 25th anniversary, the Defender and Sony Pictures presented 50 passes to “Annie” to the organization’s children and parents. The kids were all smiles as they received posters, passes, stuffed animals, stickers and activity booklets. Above, CEO Rev. Leslie Smith is joined by (l. to r.) Trelyn Harvey, Taylor Baldwin, Janiya Latson, Alexia Williams and Nilyne Steel. “Annie” is a remake of the classic film and stars Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz and Quvenzhane’ Wallis in the title role.

TELEWORKING A Quick Change with Long-Lasting, Cost-Cutting Results Most of us have heard the phrase “change takes time.”

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Employees who work from home usually have less tardiness and absenteeism while, employers experience the benefit of better recruitment and retention and fewer office space problems.

Your time is truly valuable, so start your telework program today. Call 1-877-512-7333 or visit mysolutionis.com to find out how your business can begin or expand your existing teleworking program.

Bring the library to his living room.

With Internet at home, kids won’t need to walk or ride their bike just to do their homework online. Your kids deserve the chance to do their homework on a computer at home.

With Internet EssentialsSM from Comcast, your family can:

• Do homework

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You may qualify for Internet Essentials if your child is eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program.

To learn more or apply, visit: InternetEssentials.com

Or call: 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) © 2014 Comcast. All rights reserved.

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DECEMBER 11 | 2014 DEFENDER

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

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performed the chart- topping gospel anthem, “Falling in Love With Jesus” SWAC HALL OF FAME RECEPTION……..The Southwestern Athletic and the 2011 Grammy winning-Best Gospel Song, “It’s What I Do.” TSU Conference (SWAC) kicked off its championship game events by honoring the 2014 Hall of Fame inductees for their many contributions to the conference. President Dr. John Rudley and wife Docia as well as members of the TSU Jazz Ensemble were among the many who enjoyed the concert……..

The reception highlighted honorees from various sports fields within the HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING-KWANZAA CELEBRATION……..The SWAC, which is comprised of historically Black colleges and universities.

District D Office hosted the 1st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Kwanzaa The list of honorees included Alphonso “Al” Ford, Regina Y. WellsCelebration on Almeda Road between Palm and Prospect.

Huston, Ernie “The Big Cat” Ladd, Jeffery Moore, Roscoe Nance, Ray Seals, and Aeneas Williams.

Defender TOP EVENTS The fun-filled family event included live music from Bryan Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers, Kwanzaa SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp, Southern University’s More photos on defendernetwork.com Drummers and Dancers, Coldwell Elementary, Orion See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Chairman Charlie Granger, Tom Sprague with Houston with Melanie Lawson on Sunday Morning the Band featuring Leroy Allen and the University of Sports Authority, James Harris, Barbara Granger, Houston AcaBellas as well as music from DJ Supa Star and Winslow Jefferies were all in attendance……..TSU and DJ Elevated. Council Member Dwight Boykins PRESENTS KIRK WHALUM……..The Texas Southern conducted the tree-lighting ceremony, along with Santa and Ms. Claus.

University Office of Communications held a concert, A Gospel According to State Rep. Sylvester Turner, National Black United Front leader Kofi Jazz Christmas, at the Sawyer Auditorium. The Christmas concert featured Taharka and emcee Amber Shaw of KCOH helped make the community jazz legends Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, singer/song writer Shelea, event a success. along with John Stoddart and Kevin Whalum. Whalum and special guests

Hose Dyer, honoree Jeffery Moore and Mario Kirksey

Kevin Whalum and Kirk Whalum

Ms. Claus and Dwight Boykins

Regina Y. Wells-Huston and Edward Carter

Dr. John Rudley, wife Docia Rudley and Chris Walker

Kofi Taharka, Mawiyah Michaud, Jinaki Muhammad and Folade Madzimoyo

Honoree Ray Seals

Shelea Frazier and John Stoddart

Faheem T. Williams and Minister Robert Muhammad

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STAY CONNECTED. THE CHEVROLET MALIBU

When you’re driving in a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, “The Highest Ranked Midsize Car in Initial Quality,” 1 conversation flows freely. Combine your Bluetooth-connected iPhone® and available Siri Eyes Free2 with voice command, you can make your point while still keeping your eyes on the road. #THENEW CONNECTED

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among midsize cars in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality StudySM. Study based on responses from 86,118 new-vehicle owners, measuring 239 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February-May 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. 2Requires available Chevrolet MyLink and compatible iPhone running iOS 6 or later. Apple, the Apple logo, Siri and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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