Houston Defender: December 13, 2017

NATIONAL

TEXAS RESIDENTS CAN CALL FOR DEC. 31ST HARVEY EXTENSION TO APPLY FOR OBAMACARE. P3

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Volume 87 | Number 7 DECEMBER 14, 2017 |FREE

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NEWSTALK JESSE JACKSON discusses Harvey recovery at the CBC Economic Summit

P2 ENTERTAINMENT KIM FIELDS talks being Blessed in new memoir

P5 H.S. ZONE TAMERIK WILLIAMS leading the team in Angleton

P13 TOP EVENTS

Embracing our

ELDERS H PAGE 8

Roland Martin

life after ‘NewsOne Now’

Yolanda Smith, Dr. James Douglas and Dr. Carolyn EvansShabazz at the NAACP’s Let’s Talk Education event.

P15

TV One said it would suspend production of “NewsOne Now,” its daily morning news program anchored by Martin. But the network says it’s not parting ways with the host and will find someplace else for his talents within the company.

Ed Oliver

wins Outland Trophy The Houston Cougars All American sophomore defensive linemen is the first Houston player to receive the award, given to the top interior lineman in college football. Oliver is UH’s third major award winner.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 14 | 2017

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newstalk

After-Harvey summit calls for funding “If you only provide funding to get us back to where we were, then you’re providing funding for failure,” Turner said, alluding to consistency of flood-inducing storms in Houston.

Turner asked CBC lawmakers to urge the federal administration not to punish Houston for being smart and industrious regarding the relatively fast debris clean-up, and highlighted the continued plight of seniors in mold-infested

impacted by natural disasters never reopen.

“I don’t know which number is the true number, but 40 percent and 25 percent is a lot. ouston recently hosted the And we know as a Black chamber that that’s Congressional Black Caucus even more significant in our community beFoundation’s (CBCF) fifth cause a lot of times our businesses start off economic summit, “After Hurrimore vulnerable.” cane Harvey: Economic Lessons To that issue, Jackson Lee mentioned legislaLearned.” The emerging theme was access to tion she’s pushing that seeks to offer area busifunding for a crisis that nesses relief. has not yet ended.

“We’ve introduced into Cathy Hughes, the appropriations a $1 billion CBCF vice chair and grant program to stand up the chair of Urban One (forsmall businesses of Houston merly Radio One), said and those impacted by Hurchoosing Houston as the ricane Harvey,” said Jackson event host was intenLee. tional.

Civil rights icon Rev. “Houston has been Jesse Jackson Sr. was on hand forgotten by major for the proceedings, as well, media, and Houston is offering his insights. one of the most impor“This is an ongoing crisis, tant cities in the United with more crisis coming,” States,” she said. “We Jackson said. “The cameras thought it was important have left but the problems to come here and tell the have not. And before we get story of those who are this one fixed another storm still in need, and hopewill soon be coming.” fully help refocus the Jackson called for a mass spotlight.” demonstration to let lawmakHughes said the fact ers know the $44 billion that Houston is Roland proposed is insufficient, and Martin’s hometown accepting anything less than played a part in the decithe funds needed would be sion as well. Martin’s “accepting short-term pleaMayor Sylvester Turner speaks at the CBCF summit and is joined by (l. to r.) Bishop James Dixon, Councilmember show, “NewsOne Now,” Amanda Edwards, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Photo credit: Aswad Walker sure for long-term pain.” broadcast live from the Turner, remains doggedly event. homes, residents with no insurance or FEMA optimistic, pointing to the possibilities for colCongresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the funds, and small businesses lacking resources. laborations between the City, faith communities, CBCF chair, stressed the need for additional Both Carlecia Wright, the city’s Director of non-profits and businesses. recovery funding. the Office of Business Opportunity and Court“I don’t know why the storm came, but I do “The fight we’re having [in D.C.] is to ney Rose Johnson, president of the Greater know this is an opportunity to leverage the dollars ensure that the $44 billion that has been offered Houston Black Chamber, spoke to the needs of that will be coming with the dollars that currently by the administration is not acceptable,” Jacksmall businesses post-Harvey. exist, not only to make our city more resilient son Lee said. “We’re standing as a delegation “When a small business closes, that affects when it comes to flooding but to build business saying no, we need between $61 billion and all family members because that’s where the economic capacity. $100 billion-plus for housing, transportation, jobs are, and the actual income is coming from “Because at the end of the day, what will save the infrastructure, the fixing of the bayous.” to rebuild,” said Johnson who quoted stats from us is putting people in a better position in their Mayor Sylvester Turner agreed that such the Small Business Association and FEMA that own lives so that they can take care of themfunding was inadequate. said respectively 25-40 percent of businesses selves and their families,” Turner said.

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DECEMBER 14 | 2017 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S 40-MINUTE VISIT to the Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum concluded a days-long controversy over his presence at an event that commemorated a milestone in the state’s difficult racial history. Civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba and Congressman Bennie Thompson, as well as other noteworthy Mississippians, boycotted the event, claiming the president did not support the spirit of the new institution and would only distract from the ceremony. The growing criticism of his visit led officials to create a separate private program for Trump and the public event occurred without the president. Trump said the museum recorded the “oppression, cruelty and injustice inflicted on the AfricanAmerican community.” He was joined at the event by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson…….THE MOTHER OF A BULLIED CHILD has gone into hiding after her racist past was discovered. Kimberly Jones posted a video of her son in tears as he talked about being bullied. But she didn’t bother to clean up her own Facebook page which had posts railing against Black people and lauding the Confederate flag. When the story first broke, several celebrities, including Cardi B, Chris Brown, Snoop Dog and T.I., lent their support. Jones has since closed her Facebook page and GoFundMe has put a hold on the $58,000 she raised……..A FLORIDA PIZZA HUT IS UNDER FIRE after it was revealed it would not make nighttime deliveries in Sistrunk, a predominantly Black area named in honor of Broward County’s first Black doctor, James Sistrunk. Critics say the move echoes a racist historic pattern of biased bans done in the name of business. Pizza Hut blamed high crime and the need to keep their drivers safe, but crime stats show the area is no more dangerous than any other.

Missed ObamaCare sign-up?

Call for Harvey extension Defender News Services

For millions of consumers eligible to enroll in the Affordable Care Act, time runs out on Dec. 15. But Texans get a reprieve because of Hurricane Harvey.

People living in hurricane-affected areas can get an extension to sign up by Dec. 31 by contacting the HealthCare. gov call center at 1-800-318-2596.

Enrollment fluctuates in the course of the year, but it’s estimated that 9 million to 10 million people currently have coverage through the ACA’s marketplaces. The markets cater to people who don’t have access to a job-based plan, and participation is expected to dip somewhat next year.

Consumer advocates have reported some glitches in the final days for “Obamacare” sign-ups, although the Trump administration largely seemed to be keeping its promise of a smooth enrollment experience.

Some consumers who successfully completed an application for financial assistance received a message saying they would likely be eligible to buy a health plan, “but none are available to you in your area.” That information was incorrect because every county in the nation currently has

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

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).

at least one health insurer offering plans under the Affordable Care Act for next year.

Dec. 15 is the last day to enroll for subsidized private coverage in 39 states served by the federal HealthCare.gov website. Consumer interest has remained brisk, even as the Trump administration cut the sign-up season in half, reducing it from roughly from 90 days to 45 days.

President Donald Trump came into office looking to dismantle Barack Obama’s health care law, but it survived. Now the administration is facing a crush of customers trying to enroll for 2018.

An administration official said the issue has been resolved, and HealthCare.gov is reaching out to the consumers affected to encourage them to complete their applications.

In many communities, bare-bones “bronze” plans are available for no monthly premium to those eligible for subsidies.

Black voters help lift Doug Jones to victory in Alabama Senate Race Defender News Services

VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 7 DECEMBER 14, 2017

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In a stunning victory aided by scandal, Democrat Doug Jones won Alabama’s special Senate election, beating back history, an embattled Republican opponent and President Donald Trump, who urgently endorsed GOP rebel Roy Moore despite a litany of sexual misconduct allegations. And a high Black voter turnout is being cited for Jones’ victory.

Thirty percent of Black voters turned out for the special election, a Doug Jones rarity considering President Barack Obama only received 28 percent Black voter turnout during the presidential election.

It was the first Democratic Senate victory in a quarter-century in Alabama, one of the reddest of red

states, and proved anew that party loyalty is anything but sure in the age of Trump.

The Republican loss was a major embarrassment for the president and a fresh wound for the nation’s already divided GOP. “We have shown not just around the state of Alabama, but we have shown the country the way — that we can be unified,” Jones declared as supporters in a Birmingham ballroom cheered.

Moore, meanwhile, refused to concede and raised the possibility of a recount during a brief appearance at a somber campaign party in Montgomery.

“It’s not over,” Moore said. He added, “We know that God is still in control.”

Jones takes over the seat previously held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The term expires in January of 2021.

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DECEMBER 14 | 2017 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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‘Blessed Life’

TV star Kim Fields releases book Defender News Services

When Kim Fields had the opportunity to audition for the role of Dorothy “Tootie” Ramsey on “The Facts of Life,” the child actress almost walked out.

Fields – best known for her roles on shows like “Facts of Life” and “Living Single” – released “Blessed Life,” which chronicles her early beginnings in Harlem and her journey in the entertainment industry.

The autobiography looks at her life from her first audition for a Mrs. Butterworth’s commercial to her life now.

She recounts her lack of confidence when auditioning for roles because she thought her Kim Fields with her husband Christopher and sons Sebastian and Quincy race would be an obstacle. industry.

“I was a little girl, I “When I was unsure, when the waters just seemed was a little Black girl, and I walked into this sea of to be so uncharted…And so for me, I didn’t want to be television-ready white girls. The perfect blonde hair a statistic. I didn’t want to be a has-been. There was a or brown eyes, blue eyes. And I just felt like, I’m not little ego involved,” Fields said. supposed to be here,” she said.

Fields’ career in front of the camera has opened As she grew older, took on more roles, and esdoors for her to expand her repertoire and sit in the tablished a successful acting career, Fields dealt with director’s chair. Some of her director credits include body shaming behind the scenes. She says the media “Living Single,” “Kenan and Kel,” and “Tyler Perry’s “wasn’t very kind,” and she and her castmates were House of Payne.” She recently directed and starred in often called out for gaining weight. the Lifetime movie “Wrapped Up in Christmas.”

In “Blessed Life,” she credits her family and Fields also talks about her relationship with her others who were close to her with keeping her wellhusband, Christopher Morgan, which drew a lot of grounded as she transitioned into womanhood. She also says her family played an integral role in prevent- feedback during the couple’s brief stint on “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” ing her from indulging in a wild Hollywood lifestyle, “I’m very blessed which is why we used this title which damaged many of the other teenagers in the

because even in the valleys and in the midnight hour… you’re still blessed,” expressed Fields. “But being in the second marriage and all that Chris has poured into our lives and our children. He is an incredible human being.”

Although Fields has spent decades in the industry, she has no intentions of slowing down anytime soon.

She says she is “passionate about the gifts and talents that have been given to her” and wants to continue to leave her mark on the entertainment industry.

what’sup LETOYA LUCKETT is a married woman. She wed her Texas fiancé Tommicus Walker in Austin.

Luckett’s good friend Pastor JOHN GRAY, who told her Walker was going to be her husband when they first began dating, officiated the ceremony.

TANK sang “At Last” as Luckettt’s former Destiny’s Child bandmember LATAVIA ROBERSON attended…….PHAEDRA PARKS has no interest in returning to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

Parks said even if the opportunity was on the table, she wouldn’t be interested in returning to the hit Bravo reality TV series. Parks admitted constantly

being at odds with other women was starting to take a toll on her physically and make her sick and said now she has peace of mind and happiness. Parks was reportedly cut from the series in May following the drama surrounding rumors she helped to circulate that KANDI BURRUSS tried to drug PORSHA WILLIAMS in the hopes of taking advantage of her.

Parks isn’t unemployed, though. She still works as a lawyer, a mortician, and recently signed a contract with Wilhemina Modeling Agency........Black actors received Golden Globe nods for their roles, including ISSA RAE for her show, “Insecure,” which she stars and produces.

“Black-ish,” star ANTHONY ANDERSON and “The Shape of Water” Oscar-winning actress OCTAVIA SPENCER also were nominated. MARY J. BLIGE received an acting and singing nod for “Mudbound” and DANIEL KALUUYA got a nod for “Get Out.” The Golden Globes airs January 7, 2018 on NBC. REGINA HALL has joined the cast of New Line’s latest update in the “Shaft” franchise opposite SAMUEL L. JACKSON and JESSIE T. USHER. Hall will play a former girlfriend of John Shaft and the younger Shaft’s mother. ALEXANDRA SHIPP and the original Shaft, RICHARD ROUNDTREE, round out the cast.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 14 | 2017 defendernetwork.com

What’s next for Martin after cancellation?

Defender News Services

TV One, a cable network focused on African-American audiences, is suspending production of “NewsOne Now,” its daily morning news program anchored by native Houstonian Roland S. Martin. The final live show is slated for Thursday, Dec. 21.

The show, first conceived by TV One CEO Alfred Liggins, debuted in 2013, with a mission of offering a daily voice to AfricanAmericans interested in important political Roland Martin and social issues.

“Providing a platform for Black voices is in the DNA of our entire company,” said Liggins, in a statement. “We know there is a void in mainstream media and we plan to continue to be an outlet for Black news. Roland Martin will be a part of that plan.”

The program “struggled to attract a wide

audience,” said Michelle L. Rice, the interim general manager of TV One, in a statement.

“Like any other network, we had to make a difficult choice.”

TV One began making adjustments to the show in recent weeks, but the show “did not gain traction with advertisers and viewers,” the network said.

The network intends to “restructure ‘NewsOne Now’ in 2018 under a new format. Some staff cuts took place as a result of the decision, the network said. Martin is expected to stay on with TV One parent Urban One. “I am undoubtedly saddened by ‘NewsOne Now’ ending daily production,” said Martin. “We set out to give America, specifically Black America, a show that spoke to our issues, concerns and unique perspective. And we did just that.”

Industry should stop ignoring curvy women Defender News Services

Curvy actress Danielle Brooks doesn’t think the fashion industry has made a “wholehearted effort” to accommodate plus-sized women, and she thinks designers should try “harder.”

The 28-year-old, who plays Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black” tried “really hard” to work on her style when she first broke into the entertainment business, but it proved difficult because she felt there were not a lot of designers who would create garments to suit her body shape.

Brooks, who won Outstanding Featured Actress for her role in The Color Purple at the Musical Outer Critics Circle Award in 2016, told Vogue. com, “I haven’t been given an opportunity to wear these big-name designers; it Danielle Brooks has a has never been an option whether I had message for designers. a stylist or didn’t. A lot of people won’t design for me, no matter how many SAG awards, Tony nominations, Grammy wins; it doesn’t matter.”

She also thinks more plus-sized models should appear in fashion campaigns.

Although Brooks has acknowledged some creative masterminds are “trying” to accommodate plus-sized customers, she thinks they need to try “harder.”

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Black women unite to address mental health

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Defender News Services

Chirlane McCray’s focus on mental health services is ambitious and in some ways, radical.

McCray, the wife of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, believes her job is to create systemic change, and making mental health one of the city’s core responsibilities is how she envisions creating that change.

McCray announced the latest component to ThriveNYC, her signature mental health initiative, Sisters Thrive, which harnesses the power and service of Black women to address the unmet mental health needs of the Black community.

McCray will spearhead a national coalition that brings together six historically Black service organizations: Jack and Jill of America Inc., the Eastern Area of The Links, Inc., and each of the nation’s historically Black sororities – Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Sigma Gamma Rho. “It’s hard for me to imagine any group, any demographic, that is more deeply involved in terms of service to the community than these women,” McCray said.

The initiative is significant because Black women are frequently an afterthought, if they are considered at all, in conversations about health, generally. With Sisters Thrive, McCray taps into their networks and their commitment to their communities to create a viable, sustainable solution.

One of the coalition’s first-year goals is to train 10,000 Black New Yorkers in Mental Health First Aid, a course that teaches people how to identify and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance-use disorders.

“We all know what to do if someone is bleeding, if somebody fractures a body part.

But we don’t know what to do if someone has a panic attack or someone is suffering from depression,” McCray says. “These are everyday skills that everyone should have.

“Since Black women are so often the caretakers of their family members and extended family members, it just makes total sense that it’s a win, win, win,” she adds.

McCray noted that African Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience serious mental health challenges than the general population.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 14 | 2017

EMBRACING OUR E Remember seniors this time of year

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender Social isolation and loneliness among older adults is a problem and can be exacerbated in the winter months. Add in elderly Houstonians recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey and it could make for a bleak holiday season. The Defender looks at issues facing the elderly locally and beyond, along with resources and ways to help.

HARVEY RECOVERY

Vulnerable older adults can be hit hardest during and after major disasters.

When Hurricane Harvey hit, Elijah Molin, 94, was trapped in his house with his daughter and water rose two feet above his head.

“It was the worst thing ever,” his granddaughter Angela Molin said. “We weren’t able to eat. He’s diabetic. He lost his medications. It was just awful.”

Angela Molin said she wanted to wade to safety, but they couldn’t take the chance of trying to get her grandfather through the floodwaters. And now – months after the disaster – she said he continues to struggle with what she considers post-traumatic stress.

“He hasn’t had an official diagnosis but I really do think he thought he was going to die a painful death and its affected him mentally. Not to mention, he had to go without his medication for days,” she said.

“It’s like everything that could go wrong, did go wrong, plus I had to take care of my children and my dad,” she said.

While age alone does not make people more vulnerable to disasters, many health issues that are common with aging do, including frailness, memory impairment, limited mobility and chronic illness. Sixty percent of Hurricane Katrina deaths were age 65 and older, and more older adults died after Hurricane Katrina and in the year after than any other age group.

A recent study by the Council on Aging found that older adults are affected by disasters well after storms or other h

threats have passed. But disaster response planning for communities and health care systems focuses on the immediate surge after the event, which varies with every disaster but typically lasts hours to days.

As flood waters in Texas peak and recede, public officials and healthcare providers should begin to plan now for older adults’ long-term medical needs, said Beverly Brownlow with the Harris County Area Agency on Aging.

“Beyond getting the electricity back on and patching up broken limbs, an adequate disaster response must understand and correct the ways in which disasters disrupt survivors’ normal living patterns in the extended period after the storm.”

LEARNING FROM DISASTERS

Understanding the connection between disasters and hospital admissions among older adults, and developing strategies to minimize hospitalizations, are issues of growing importance. Climate change is increasing the number and scale of natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and wildfires.

There were three times more natural disasters globally between 2000 and 2009

than from 1980 through 1989. And with the U.S. population over age 65 expected to double by 2060, helping older people stay safe through disasters will become increasingly important.

Previous disasters have shown that older adults are particularly vulnerable, especially if they need ongoing health care. During Hurricane Sandy in 2012, over 31 nursing homes closed, leaving more

than 4,500 residents in n Reports from Hurri tiple instances of critica medical-needs patients. cialized care were place Houston officials di when Hurricane Harvey adults have physical or hard for them to evacua or in a shelter, they do n This places them at grea term physical decline.

Health care services ly impacted by Harvey, of caring for the elderly closed or evacuated pati been evacuated. Ben Tau its infrastructure to prot

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need of emergency assistance. cane Matthew in 2016 documented mulal communication breakdowns for special For example, patients who needed speed in shelters with inadequate staffing. id not order a mandatory evacuation y approached. In any case, many older financial constraints that can make it ate. When they ride out a storm at home not have ready access to health services. ater risk of immediate injury and longer-

s along the Texas coast have been severewhich will only exacerbate the challenge y. Over 21 Texas hospitals have either ients. Multiple nursing homes have also ub Hospital, which had already upgraded tect against floodwaters, had to scramble

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How you can h

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elp

Conduc t p hysical che cks.

Often, the elde rly will tell yo u they’re fine, physically goin when they aren g and seeing fo ’t. Only r yourself wil l let you know for sure Donate mo ney to a ca use.

You may not ha ve much time for volunteeri elderly. An ex ng but still wan cellent way is helps seniors. t to help the to donate money In some cases, to an organiza you may be ab your donation tion that le to specify ho spent, such as w you would for games or fo like od.

Spend qua lity time.

Many elderly people experi ence loneliness their experien or simply wan ces in life. Taki family membe t to share ng some time r, friend or ne to visit with an el ighbor at their Choose activi derly ho me is a great w ties you both enjoy. You co ay to help. crossword puzz ul d w atch a movie or les, play board TV show, wor games or just café, the mov k sit and talk. Ta ies, or another ke the person place if they ar out of their ho to a e able. This he use while spen lps get the pers ding some qual around the ne on ity time with yo ighborhood or u. Even a wal a ride to the groc your time. k ery story is a way to volunt eer Do a chore .

There are vari ous chores that you can help an dusting a high elderly person or hard-to-reac Christmas ligh with, from h place to mow ts. ing the lawn to hanging Bake and d ecorate.

Offer to help w ith holiday ba king and deco possible. Plan rating, at your to make some ea holiday music house if sy homemade and allow them decorations to to tell you stor o. Play ies of years go ne by.

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s for e c r u o s e R

seniors

AARP .org cy www.aarp ging Agen A tml a re A ty n ing/index.h g /A h lt a Harris Cou e h tontx.gov/ www.hous s r-ressource r Solutions io io n n e e /s S m s o a x Te tions.c seniorsolu www.texas ging ouncil on A C l a n o ti a N .org www.ncoa to provide food for patients.

Experiences like disasters have lasting impacts on older people. Many seniors are dependent on medical equipment requiring electrical power, from refrigeration for insulin to dialysis machines. Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes or emphysema may run out of the medications or home oxygen supplies they need to manage these conditions.

For now, the key priorities are to protect and support older adults and help them return to their normal routines as soon as possible. Past research has shown that some older adults bounce back quickly from disasters, while others struggle to return to baseline.

Planning for future disasters is essential, so that we can be more prepared and less reactive when the next superstorm looms.

HOLIDAY BLUES

Approximately six million people over 65 are depressed. Un-

the Houston area for over 85 years

fortunately, few seek treatment. Chronic health issues, feelings of loneliness, and loss of loved ones can exacerbate feelings of depression and make the holidays a very difficult time for some seniors.

The holiday season, however, offers many opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends. If you are a caregiver or family member of an aging loved one, you may observe a change in their mood or behavior during the holidays. You may notice unusual signs of fatigue or sadness or perhaps limited interest in the holiday season.

“The winter holiday season can intensify feelings of sadness, which aging seniors often experience,” Brownlow said.

For elderly who survived Harvey, this season is especially critical.

“The holidays themselves can be hard. Add in what many elderly people have just endured with Harvey and its imperative that we step up to help. With Harvey, Houstonians really stepped up for our elderly. We just have to continue to do that,” she said.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 14 | 2017 defendernetwork.com

Nominations open for unsung Harvey heroes Defender News Services

In honor of the outstanding achievements of Unsung Heroes in the African American community, Ford Motor Company is launching a search for Unsung Heroes in the Greater Houston Area.

The special edition of Ford Freedom Unsung will recognize the many heroic and selfless acts performed during Hurricane H arvey, and will honor and celebrate local individuals who went above and beyond to support the community during a difficult time.

Pamela Alexander, director of Community Development, Ford Motor Company Fund, recently joined local leaders to launch the unsung program.

“Houstonians truly came together to support their community during and after Harvey and we are proud to celebrate their selfless actions,” she said.

To be considered for an award, nominees should be people whose actions in response to Hurricane Harvey uplifted the greater Houston region.

Honorees will be recognized at a special event and program held in February 2018.

Nominations must be completed and postmarked or received by email no later than Jan. 22, 2018 in order to be considered by the Board of Judges. Recipients will be notified in early February.

To enter: • Submit the name and address, and telephone number of both your nominee and yourself as the nominator.

• Write a brief (500 words or less) compelling summary describing what distinguishes your nominee as an individual, including information that highlights how the nominee’s actions benefitted the lives of others during the Harvey crisis.

• Recipients must be present at the program in February 2018.

Mail Nominations to: Ford Motor Company World Headquarters Attention: Angela Polk, One American Road - 214-E1, Dearborn, MI 48126.

Nominations can also be submitted via email to apolk6@ford.com.

Plan promotes parks Defender News Services

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis hosted a series of workshops to outline the new Park-Smart Precinct One plan and gather community input about the effort to advance equitable access to quality parks and green spaces. Additional workshops will be scheduled in 2018.

The Park-Smart Precinct One project will assess existing parks and trails, identify key barriers to using them, and

pinpoint green-space gaps. The project’s goal is to find ways to advance access to green spaces, which can help improve community well-being, build social connections and resilience, and expand environmental safeguards after Hurricane Harvey.

Park-Smart Precinct One, scheduled to be completed in early 2019, is a collaboration of Precinct One, the Trust for Public Land and the Houston Parks Board, and is partially funded by a grant from Houston Endowment.

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DECEMBER 14 | 2017 | DEFENDER

health

A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

11

Colorectal cancer shortens lives

By ANGELA MCGEE, M.D.

C

olorectal cancer remains the third most-common cause of cancerrelated deaths among men and women in the United States. Disturbingly, among racial and ethnic groups, African-American men and women have the highest rate of death from this cancer.

Who’s at risk?

Colonoscopy: the ‘gold standard.’

Lifestyle factors that increase your risks:

Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure to remove precancerous and cancerous abnormalities. If none are found, and depending on a patient’s overall health and family history, we usually recommend repeating the test every 10 years. Because every individual is different, ask your doctor about the schedule that’s right for you.

We aren’t completely sure why colorectal cancer develops more often in African-Americans.

However, several risk factors have been identified which increase a person’s chances of developing the disease.

Angela McGee, M.D.

What is colorectal cancer?

Most colorectal cancers begin as a small growth called a polyp on the inner linings of the colon or rectum. Cancer occurs when cells associated with the polyp become malignant and burrow into the wall of the colon or rectum.

Men and women are affected at about the same rate.

In most cases, colorectal cancers will not exhibit noticeable symptoms until the disease has advanced.

With more than 90 percent of new cases occurring in those older than 50, Kelsey-Seybold physicians recommend having regular colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50 – or sooner if there’s a family history of colorectal cancer.

• • • • • •

Getting older Eating excessive amounts of red meat, animal protein, or saturated fats Being overweight or obese Smoking Over-imbibing in alcoholic beverages Living an inactive, sedentary lifestyle

Help beat colorectal cancer with preventive screenings.

If a polyp is detected and removed, most colon cancers are prevented – hence the importance of having regular preventive screenings. At Kelsey-Seybold, we offer a variety of colorectal cancer screening techniques depending on the individual patient’s situation.

Colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” as the screening technique most preferred by the American College of Gastroenterology and Kelsey-Seybold gastroenterologists.

What you can do.

Colorectal cancer screening is your best medical defense. However, to decrease your chances of getting this form of cancer, commit to a regular exercise regimen, maintain a healthy weight, and eat high-fiber foods. Research suggests that eating 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day may help avert an initial occurrence.

Dr. McGee is a board-certified physician specializing in Gastroenterology. She cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center in Sugar Land. For appointments, call 713-442-0000.

Get KelseyConnected

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Being KelseyConnected makes your experience with us easy and convenient with: n

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24-Hour Appointment Scheduling: 713-442-0000 | kelsey-seybold.com

12

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 14 | 2017

sports

defendernetwork.com

UH Cougars Ed Oliver wins Outland Trophy

By MAX EDISON Defender

‘Tis the season to be jolly and if you’re a college football player it’s the season for postseason honors and the time to add additional hardware to the trophy case. For Houston Cougars All American sophomore defensive linemen Ed Oliver, Christmas came a few weeks early when he was recently awarded the Outland Trophy.

Since 1946 the Outland Trophy has been awarded to the top interior lineman in college football by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

Oliver, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound former Spring Westfield High School product, is the first Houston player to receive the Outland Trophy, as well as the first sophomore to ever win the award. Oliver is the fourth defensive tackle to win the trophy since 2007, following Pitt’s Aaron Donald (2013), Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh (2009) and LSU’s Glenn Dorsey (2007).

“Ed Oliver is one of the rising young stars in college football,” said FWAA President Dave Jones. “On the defensive line he is prolific. He is one of the most aggressive defenders in college football who someday will be in the National Football League.”

Oliver is UH’s third major award winner, following in the footsteps of Andre Ware, the 1989 Heisman Trophy winner, and 1976 Lombardi Trophy winner Wilson Whitley. Oliver has also been named the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was named a Walter Camp First Team AllAmerican, Houston’s first such honor since Andre Ware earned the honor in 1989.

In 2017, Oliver recorded 5.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, three pass breakups and seven quarterback hurries. Playing the nose spot in a three-man front, Oliver has totaled 69 tackles in 11 games this season, despite missing three quarters of one game and being limited in the next four with a knee injury.

For Cougar head coach Major Applewhite, Oliver’s accolade is no surprise.

“I’m not surprised. He’s the best lineman in college football. It is not even close,” Applewhite said. “Ed is just a tremendous player. He has a lot of great physical skill. He works to hone those skills every day. He is a technician. He has a 3.2 GPA over his first semesters and you don’t have to worry about him off the field.”

If you think Oliver’s own coach is biased, AAC conference rival Memphis head

University of Houston defensive lineman Ed Oliver received the Outland Trophy at the College Football Awards Show in Atlanta.

coach Mike Norvell offers his opinion.

“Defensively, it all starts with their defensive tackle, Ed Oliver, who I think is probably the most impactful player in our conference, and one of the most impactful defensive linemen in the country,” Norvell said.

“At any of the schools I’ve coached at, if we were playing this young man, I’d say he’s one of the best defensive linemen, regardless of conference, regardless of where they are; he’s a phenomenal player,” Norvell said.

“And when you take a phenomenal player and you surround him with so many other explosive athletes that can create problems with their defensive scheme, it leads you to some sleepless nights.”

Oliver has been called one of the most aggressive defenders in college football.

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h.s.zone Angleton RB Williams endorses team concept “He’s been consistently good as a solid leader and player in everything that he’s done from day one,” Roark said. “He might be as hard a worker as we have Angleton running back TaMerik Williams wants on this football team. He’s a heck of a player but he’s to set the record straight. an even better kid.”

It has been said the senior and SMU recruit carAngleton will need all hands on deck taking on ried the unbeaten Wildcats for more than a month 13-0 Manvel. following the absence of five-star safety/running back B.J. Foster is rounding back into form following and University of Texas pledge B.J. Foster with an a three touchdown, 126-yard rushing effort against injury.

Richmond Foster (9-4). He added six receptions for Williams will enter the All-Brazoria County high 89 additional yards. school football state semifinal game against Manvel Meanwhile, the Angleton defense limited Foswith more than 1,700 yards rushter to 100 total yards and 10 ing and 21 touchdowns on the first downs in the contest. The season.

Falcons had 91 rushing yards “I wouldn’t call it carrying on 40 attempts and only nine the team because I couldn’t do yards passing on two completed it alone,” Williams said, after passes.

Birth date – Aug. 12, 1999 Angleton defeated District 27-5A Angleton defensive back Birth sign – Leo rival Foster for the second time Evrin Hawkins supplied two in five weeks and eliminated the Favorite subject – History interceptions and more than 30 Falcons 41-10 at NRG Stadium to return yards.

Favorite meal – Chicken win the Region IV-5A Division I Manvel’s defense figures fingers crown. to be on high alert this week Possible college major – “The great blocking of my with the tandem of Foster and Communications offensive line and the tailback Williams a threat to score from If he could solve any world filling in at the time [Jordan anywhere on the field.

Jones] were big factors,” Wilproblem – Hunger “It’s going to be a good liams said. “It was an all-around one,” Foster said. “This is a If he could be any famous team effort while B.J. was gone good feeling for our team and person for a day – David and we’re glad to have him back our community.”

Johnson (Arizona Cardinals) now.”

Angleton (13-0) defeated Foster 34-7 on the road in the first meeting. With both Foster and Williams in the lineup the Wildcats broke open a close game at halftime (1010) with 31 unanswered points in the second half.

Williams finished with 118 yards on 13 carries, including a late 63-yard burst for a touchdown. “I came into this season wanting to have a great senior year and finish out strong,” he said.

“I want to get Angleton a state championship because I knew we had a good chance this year,” Williams said.

Angleton advances to the state semifinals for the first time since 1958.

“TaMerik brings leadership to the team number one and character,” said Angleton head coach Ryan Roark. “He’s one of our team captains and he’s an explosive back.

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

about TaMerik Williams

DECEMBER 14 | 2017 | DEFENDER

13

sportsbriefs Serena gets Nike honor Nike announced the names of four new structures as part of its campus expansion in Beaverton, Ore. Two buildings honor champion athletes Serena Williams and Sebastian Coe, and a new fitness center is named after Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski. A new parking garage celebrates the sporting heritage of New York City. Williams has been a Nike athlete since December 2003. Her record in tennis majors is an unmatched 23 singles titles, solidifies her stature as one of greatest athletes of all time and one of the most inspiring people in sport. When completed, the Serena Williams Building will be the biggest structure at WHQ at more than one million square feet covering nearly three city blocks. It is expected to open in 2019. In an Instagram post, Williams said she was “honored and grateful” for the naming of the building.

NFL not hurting Just a quick note to all the pro football naysayers, boycotters and fans mad at anthem protesters. The NFL is alive, well and still profiting as only the NFL can. Consider this: Verizon will pay $2.5 billion over five years to provide live home-market streaming of NFL games while Verizon-owned Yahoo Sports and AOL will also stream games to smartphones, tablets, computers and web-connected TVs. Non-Verizon customers will be able to watch games on Yahoo and AOL. The deal is roughly twice the annual price of the company’s previous deal with the league.

Marshall loses Fort Bend Marshall scored 47 points in the Class 5A Div. II Region III final against College Station. Yet it was a scoreless third quarter and an omnipresent Marquez Perez that proved to be the Buffalos undoing. Marshall led 34-21 at halftime. But for the second year in a row College Station rallied in the second half for a narrow victory (49-47) and a berth in the state semifinals. Perez, the College Station quarterback, scored the last of his five rushing touchdowns on a five-yard TD run with 7:42 left in the fourth quarter to give the Cougars a 42-34 advantage. Marshall pulled within 42-40 moments later on a 67-yard jet sweep by Devon Achane at the 7:03 mark. Perez, also playing defense, stopped Marshall quarterback Jabari James on a two-point conversion run attempt to preserve the lead. Perez then hit Brandon Williams on an 8-yard TD pass with 1:40 remaining to make the score 49-40.

Henry Thomas caught a 25-yard scoring strike from James with 10 seconds left to close within two points again (49-47) but the Buffalos could not recover the onside kick and College Station prevailed.

“You can’t give up 49 points in the regional final and expect to win,” said Marshall head coach James Williams.

Kinkaid repeats Kinkaid knocked off Lutheran North 54-45 in the finals of the 2017 HISD Girls Basketball Tournament to claim the title for the second year in a row.

The Lady Falcons rolled past Northside, Willowridge and Lamar in pool play. A 67-36 verdict over Bellaire followed in the semifinals.

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14

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 14 | 2017 defendernetwork.com

MARCUS USED TO STAY LATE AT SCHOOL TO WORK ON HIS HISTORY REPORT. NOW HE DOES HIS RESEARCH FROM HIS BEDROOM.

LEARN MORE. DO MORE. SHARE MORE. Simone Biles

Simone Biles fulfills cheerleading dream Defender News Services

Simone Biles addressed a bucket list item recently when she suited up and took the field with the Houston Texans cheerleaders.

The Olympic gymnast, who also competed on season 24 of “Dancing With the Stars,” performed as the squad’s first-ever honorary member during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium.

Biles donned the cheerleaders’ signature uniform: navy blue cheer shorts, a cropped Texans top, metallic pom poms and the legendary red boots.

“Simone, as our first honorary Houston Texans cheerleader, we would like to present you with some legendary red boots,” one of the veteran dancers told her in a video, as Biles accepted.

Although the Texans lost 26-16 to the 49ers, Biles clearly had a personal victory.

Internet EssentialsSM from Comcast brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home and greater access to what’s important to you. You may qualify if you have at least one child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program or if you receive HUD housing assistance.

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DECEMBER 14 | 2017 DEFENDER

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

topevents

15

LET’S TALK EDUCATION……..The NAACP Houston Branch hosted “Let’s Talk grooved to the live music and the vibe that exuded empowerment. Attendees included Education” as part of their Quarterly Conversational Series gathering community leaders, Eureka Gilkey, Ryan Dennis, Andrew Speckhard, Theola Petteway, Warren Luckett, politicians and activists with expertise in the area of focused discussion. The dinner Dr. Elwyn Lee, Shawn Owens, Dawn Malone, Devaron Yates, Reena Bhushan, Gail and conversation held at the Carl Walker Jr. Multi-Purpose Center featured a panel of Brown, Stewart Jenkins, Alicia Hooper, Deepak Doshi, Gislaine Williams, Maia superintendents from area ISDs, including Richard Carranza (HISD), H.D. Chambers Shelby, Glen Taylor and many more……..56th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOUR OF (Alief), Charles Dupre (Fort Bend), and Angi Williams (Galena HOMES……..The Blue Triangle Garden Club (BTGC) hosted the 56th Park). Attendees included Dr. James Douglas, Yolanda Smith, Annual Christmas Tour of Homes, showcasing the decked halls of Third Anthony Collier, Ellis Douglas, Houston Community College Defender TOP EVENTS Ward-area homes, spreading holiday cheer and raising money for the Trustee Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Terrill North, HISD Blue Triangle Community Center. BTGC President Bola Patrick said More photos on defendernetwork.com Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, Artis Petterway, Sheria proceeds will go toward restoring the center’s John Biggers mural that Hatcher, Porschia Harris and many more.……..COCKTAILS was damaged during Hurricane Harvey. The festive décors, welcoming IN THE COURTYARD…….Project Row Houses gathered supporters together amid spirit of the homeowners, trolley-taxi service and treats of wassail and cookies added to the cool music, adult hot chocolate and holiday treats to lift spirits and raise money for the non- experience of attendees who included Renee Steward, Carolyn White, Melanie Flowers, profit organization that offers an array of programming designed to make PRH the catalyst Carol Sadler, Brenda King, Pamela Ulmer, Helen Gobert, Brandy Hare, Angela for transforming community through the celebration of art and African-American history Conway, Susan Bynam, Paulette Eagleton, Blaire Roberts, Darvin Mayo, Elvena and culture. PRH staff and board members, artists, entrepreneurs, and people of all stripes Mayo, Jaime Middleton Lawler and others.

Yolanda Smith, Dr. James Douglas, Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz

Dr. Dina Alsowayei, Eureka Gilkey, Tony Chase

Bola Patrick, Renee Steward

Ann Williams, Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones

Renita Thornton, Theola Petteway, Shannice Prince

Renee Lewis, Darvin Mayo, Elvena Mayo

Ellis Douglas, Superintendent Richard Carranza

Chanler Langham, Juni Langham

Pamela Ulmer, Cassye Provost, Tiffany Bourgeois

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16

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 14 | 2017 defendernetwork.com

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