Houston Defender: December 20, 2012 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY KWANZAA & HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Volume 82 | Number 8

DECEMBER 20, 2012 | FREE

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2012 Year in Review

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 20 | 2012 |

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SATURDAY, DEC. 22 • PREVIEW DAY FRIDAY

In memoriam:

Deaths in 2012 Michael Petrizzo, owner

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and general manager of KCOH-Radio, died Jan. 11 at age 89. He began his career with KCOH as an accountant and was named general manager in 1976.

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Etta James,

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John S. Chase, an

architecture pioneer, died March 29 at age 87. He was the first AfricanAmerican to enroll in the University of Texas School of Architecture and the first to practice architecture in Texas.

Continued on Page 16

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12/14/12 7:36 PM

DECEMBER 20 | 2012 | DEFENDER

newstalk

Top 20

local stories of 2012 By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

From the beginning of January to the end of December, there was never a dull moment in the Houston area. Many of the issues impacting the African-American community sounded all too familiar – police brutality, threats to Black political power, educational concerns and neighborhood preservation. The Defender takes a look at the year’s top local stories in the order in which they occurred. City Council gets new look

Seven new Houston council members were inaugurated on Jan. 3 – Helena Brown, Andrew Burks, Jack Christie, Ellen Cohen, Jerry Davis, Larry Green and Michael Laster. Two of the council members beat incumbents and three won seats open because of term limits. Two others were elected to newly formed seats in Districts J and K, which were added due to the city’ s population growth recorded in the 2010 Census.

Supreme Court rejects maps

The highest court in the land threw out electoral maps drawn by federal judges in Texas that favored minorities, leaving the fate of Texas’ April primaries unclear. The Supreme Court instructed a lower court to take a fresh look at election maps it had drawn in place of a competing set of maps from the Texas Legislature. The justices said the lower court had not paid enough deference to the Legislature’s choices and had

improperly substituted its own values for those of elected officials. As a result, the Texas primary date was eventually moved to May 29.

Texas voter ID law blocked

The U.S. Department of Justice blocked Texas from implementing a new law requiring voters to present photo identification before casting ballots. Exercising powers granted by the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the DOJ informed state election officials that the law was “legally unenforceable.”

The state law approved in May 2011 required voters to show government-issued identification, which could include a driver’s license, military identification card, birth certificate with a photo, a current U.S. passport or a concealed handgun permit

North Forest stays open

Supporters of the North Forest Independent School District were pleased to learn that the district would not close on July 1. They were determined to see it remain open after Robert Scott, commissioner of the Texas Education Agency, retracted his directive issued last July for HISD to annex NFISD. The move elicited a chorus of positive responses from officials and supporters who vowed to meet the financial and academic expectations as outlined by the commissioner’s order.

Mother killed, baby taken

Verna McClain was charged with killing Kala

Community members protest following the acquittal of former HPD officer Andrew Blomberg in the beating of Chad Holley.

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Continued on Page 4

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 20 | 2012

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newstalk

Top 20 Local Stories... Continued from page 3 Golden-Schuchardt and snatching her threeday-old baby. McClain remained in jail facing a capital murder charge, which could carry a death sentence. Authorities said Golden-Schuchardt had just left a pediatric clinic in Spring when she was allegedly shot several times by McClain who then abducted her infant son, Keegan. McClain was reportedly desperate for a baby after suffering a miscarriage. Chad Holley is arrested a second time for burglary.

New dynamic in school violence

tice, some were arrested for obstructing the lobby of The videotaped fight the DA’s office. between two Thurgood A month after BlomMarshall High School berg was acquitted, Holley female students shed light made news again when he on school violence in and three other Black men general and violence perwere arrested for burglarizing petrated by girls in particua house in northwest Harris lar. Prosecutors filed charges Four Frenchy’s locations close. County. Holley posted $10,000 against both students, and the bail and walked out of the disturbing cell phone video county jail accompanied by activist Quanell X, of the fight filmed inside the Fort Bend County who attributed Holley’s behavior to the fact that school caused concern in the Black community. he refused to take prescribed medication. This new dynamic in school violence is troubling for two reasons. First, the phone video of the incident made the rounds on social media sites and Hobby Airport expansion approved local newscasts. Second, the increased aggression The City Council voted to allow Southwest in teenage girls points to a bigger problem. Airlines to build a $100 million expansion at Hobby Airport for international travel to Latin America. Southwest will design and build five new gates Policeman’s acquittal sparks and a customs facility to the city’s specifications. outrage United Airlines opposed the expansion, saying Andrew Blomberg, the first of four fired it would be detrimental to Bush Intercontinental Houston Police Department officers to stand trial Airport. A Houston Airport System study estimatin the videotaped beating of then 15-year-old robbery suspect Chad Holley, was found not guilty by ed the expansion would create more than 10,000 jobs and put $1.6 billion into the local economy. a local all-white jury. The beating angered many members of Houston’s Black community, who accused HPD of police brutality. The incident also gained national attention, as video captured by a surveillance camera showed officers hitting and kicking the Black teenager while he lay on the ground. The day after the verdict, protests erupted in front of the Harris County Criminal Justice Center. After activists met with Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos to discuss what they deemed a systemic pattern of gross miscarriages of jus-

Residents of Freedmen’s Town fight to preserve part of its history.

NAACP meets in Houston

The NAACP convened its 103rd Annual National Convention in Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announces she survived Houston with the breast cancer. theme, “Your Power, Your Decision – Vote.” Highlights included addresses by political and civil rights leaders. Ben Jealous, the organization’s president and CEO, challenged members to fight back against efforts suppress voting rights. Vice President Joe Biden criticized attacks on the right in the wake of voter suppression efforts across the country, and also called for an end to racial profiling. Presidential candidate Mitt Romney was booed during his speech at the convention for criticizing President Obama and the Affordable Care Act.

New and improved schools proposed

Several historically Black high schools were among the 42 schools throughout Houston that would be rebuilt, renovated or renewed under an HISD $1.89 billion bond proposal for the November election. The bond package focused heavily on high schools which were designed to meet the needs of students in the 1950s. The proposal called for $577 million to completely replace eight high schools, including Madison, Sterling, Booker T. Washington and Yates. The proposal Texas Southern University celebrates its 85th anniversary.

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Continued on Page 18

DECEMBER 20 | 2012 | DEFENDER

national

National events

that dominated the news By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

On the national front, 2012 was a big year for news. Issues ranging from politics to race to same-sex marriage dominated the media. The Defender takes a look at the top 10 national news stories. 1. President Obama re-elected

After a contentious presidential race, President Barack Obama soared to victory over GOP contender Mitt Romney. The president rolled to a second term, winning more than 300 electoral votes. Obama triumphed despite a weak economy that plagued his first term and put a crimp in the middle-class dreams of millions. Speaking to cheering supporters in Chicago, Obama said: “While our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up. We have fought our way back. And we know in our hearts that, for the United States of America, the best is yet to come.”

2. Trayvon Martin death makes headlines

The fatal shooting of Trayvon President Barack Obama and family are happy to have four more years. Martin by George Zimmerman took place defense – received national and international attention. Allegaon the night of Feb. 26, in Sanford, Fla. Martin, 17, was walktions of racist motivation for both the shooting and police coning from the store when Zimmerman (working as a neighborduct, along with intense media reporting that was sometimes hood watchman) stopped him because he “looked suspicious.” inaccurate, contributed to public demands for Zimmerman’s Zimmerman called police, who told him to wait for officers arrest. He was eventually charged with second-degree murder to arrive. Instead, Zimmerman got out, followed Martin, an and faces a trial date of June 10, 2013. argument ensued and Zimmerman ended up fatally shooting the teen. 3. Gay marriage gains support The circumstances of Martin’s death, the initial deciPresident Barack Obama, the NAACP and numerous sion not to charge Zimmerman, and questions about Florida’s voters at the polls threw their support behind gay marriage. “Stand Your Ground” law – which Zimmerman used as a Less than two weeks after Obama announced his public sup-

port for same-sex marriage, the NAACP issued a statement which said it supports “marriage equality consistent with equal protection under the law provided under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.” A Politico and George Washington University poll lends support to a growing trend that Americans are evolving on gay rights – 40 percent of respondents said they support marriage equality. Thirty percent said they supported civil union. And during the election, several states voted in favor of gay marriage.

4. Hurricane Sandy wreaks havoc

Hurricane Sandy became a superstorm that devastated portions of the Caribbean and the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States during late October 2012, with lesser impacts in the Southeastern and Midwestern states and Eastern Canada. Sandy, classified as the 10th hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, was a Category 2 storm at its peak intensity. Preliminary estimates of losses due to damage and business interruption are estimated at $65.6 billion, making it the second-costliest hurricane, behind only Hurricane Katrina. At least 253 people were killed along the path of the storm in seven countries. Sandy killed at least 125 people in the United States, the majority in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Continued on Page 6

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 20 | 2012

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Top National Events... Continued from page 5

The death of Trayvon Martin saddens Black America.

Following Hurricane Sandy’s devastation President Obama visits Staten, N.Y.

The president wants tax increases for individuals earning 5. School more than $200,000 and families shootings earning more than $250,000. If shock, sadden no agreement is reached by Dec. nation 31, a series of income tax cuts The nation would expire across the board — mourned the loss of 20 raising rates on most Americans. children and six adults They would be coupled with Black voter turnout isn’t affected by voter ID attempts. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. has a rough year in 2012. killed by 20-yearsevere spending cuts across old Adam Lanza 11 in the United States, according to health care economists and government programs, the end of days before Christmas. Lanza opened fire at Sandy Hook policy analysts. the so-called holiday on part of the payroll tax withheld for Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., as students hid in Black and Latino Americans are expected to see subSocial Security, and an expiration of some unemployment corners and closets and listened helplessly to the sound of stantial gains in insurance coverage under the ACA. The bill benefits. gunfire. Earlier that morning, Lanza fatally shot his mother was designed to offer the greatest assistance to those with and took guns that belonged to her to the school, where he low and moderate incomes. It’s estimated that just over 48 9. Voter ID issues surface killed himself after the massacre. President Obama travpercent of the nearly 24 million people likely to gain health Voter IDs laws became a political flashpoint in 2012. eled to Connecticut to console the town’s residents and said insurance as the law’s provisions are implemented across the Supporters say the laws — which 30 states have now America failed to keep its children safe from harm. The country will be people of color. enacted in some form — are needed to combat voter fraud, slaughter prompted renewed calls for gun control. while critics see them as a tactic to disenfranchise voters.

6. Eric Holder found in contempt

The House of Representatives voted to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt for refusing to turn over documents tied to the botched Fast and Furious gun-running sting – a discredited operation that has become a sharp point of contention between Democrats and Republicans in Washington. The House approved a pair of criminal and civil measures against the attorney general, marking the first time in American history that the head of the Justice Department has been held in contempt by Congress. House members approved the criminal contempt measure in a 255-67 vote. Almost every House Republican backed the measure, along with 17 Democrats. Shortly thereafter, the civil measure passed in a sharply polarized 258-95 vote.

7. Supreme Court upholds Affordable Care Act

In a largely unexpected turn, the U.S. Supreme Court declared nearly the entire Affordable Care Act a constitutional and fully legal shift in the American health care system. The court’s decision was dissected by legal scholars, health care experts, sharp-tongued commentators and ordinary Americans. But what may not be so widely discussed or understood is the sweeping effect that the court’s decision will likely have on minority health

8. Fiscal cliff sparks debate

After the costliest – and arguably the nastiest – campaign in history, Democrats retained control of the Senate and Republicans did the same in the House. The bipartisan division could potentially lead to more economic problems. Obama and Majority Leader Jim Boehner have been trying to come up with a solution to keep the country from going over what they call the fiscal cliff – mandatory cuts to domestic and military spending of $1.2 trillion over 10 years that begin in January unless Congress reaches a deal.

The laws, most of which have been passed in the last several years, require that registered voters show ID before they’re allowed to vote. Exactly what they need to show varies. Some states require a government-issued photo, while in others a current utility bill or bank statement is sufficient. Texas was among the states that took the issue to court, but the controversial voter ID bill was struck down by a threejudge panel in Washington D.C. which determined the bill would disenfranchise certain segments of the voting-age population.

10.Jesse Jackson Jr. resigns from Congress

Illinois U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. made news for an extended leave of absence from his House seat because of his bipolar disorder. Jackson later resigned. Jackson, a Chicago Democrat named after his civil rights leader father, dropped out of public life in June to get treatment for the disorder, although his aides first said he was suffering from exhaustion. He was still receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic when he was reelected to Congress with 63 percent of the vote in his district. Jackson is also being investigated for possible misuse of campaign funds. Attorney General Eric Holder is found in contempt of Congress and refuses to resign.

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DECEMBER 20 | 2012 | DEFENDER

entertainment

Top 10

entertainment stories of the year By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

2012 was full of highs and lows in the entertainment arena. From the rise and fall of popular icons, to goodbyes and hellos, the year was stock-ﬁlled with memorable entertainment stories. The Defender takes a look at the top ten. 1. Whitney Houston dies at 48

Superstar singer Whitney Houston was found dead Feb. 11 in a Beverly Hills hotel room just hours before she was scheduled to appear at an annual pre-Grammy party. Despite more than a decade of problems, including her divorce from Bobby Brown and numerous instances of erratic behavior, the 48-year-old six-time Grammy winner was working toward a potential comeback. She had just completed work on a remake of the film “Sparkle,” a project she’d worked to develop for years. Toxicology reports later showed that she had accidentally drowned in the bathtub due to the effects of chronic cocaine use and heart disease.

2. Beyoncé gives birth

Native Houstonian Beyoncé gave birth to a daughter named Blue Ivy on Jan. 7. She and her husband Jay-Z welcomed the most anticipated celebrity baby in a long time. Her very conception was announced in show business style with a red carpet bomb at the MTV VMAs in late summer 2011. One of the hardest working women in show business, Beyoncé headlined a show in Atlantic City less than five months after giving birth.

3. Octavia Spencer wins Academy Award “The Help” star Octavia Spencer nabbed the prize for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the 2012 Oscars on Feb. 26, beating out co-star Jessica Chastain, as well as “The Artist” star

Bérénice Bejo, “Bridesmaids” funny lady Melissa McCarthy and “Albert Nobbs” actress Janet McTeer. With tears in her eyes, she accepted the award, and became the sixth Black woman to win an Oscar. Whitney Houston dies Feb. 11 and is laid to rest following a televised funeral.

4. Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey new judges

“American Idol” went all out to hire superstars Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj as judges. But the two divas immediately bumped heads in a highly-publicized feud, and Carey said she feared for her life.Whether the “difference of opinion” was legit or not, it appears that the two have since resolved their issues and are moving forward with the show. Still, that’s not stopping the producers from promoting the tiff.

5. Robin Roberts has health issues

Popular news anchor Robin Roberts battled a number of health issues in 2012. The “Good Morning America” host, 51, was treated for a latent virus following a bone marrow transplant she had on Sept. 20 due to a rare blood disorder — myelodysplastic syndrome. On a leave of absence from the top rated morning show, she continues her recovery.

6. Rihanna back with Chris Brown

The sordid saga of Chris Brown and Rihanna has captivated audiences since 2009, when news of Brown’s assault of his then-girlfriend was splashed across the cover of every tabloid. After three years apart, the couple appear to have all but fully reconciled, releasing a duet entitled “Nobodies Business” on Rihanna’s new album, attending concerts together and even kissing each other

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Continued on Page 8

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 20 | 2012

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Top 10 Entertainment... Continued from page 7 during televised award shows. The two pop stars’ penchant for social media has contributed to the drama. Both Brown, 23, and Rihanna, 24, are active on Twitter and Instagram, instantly opening up direct access to their personal lives.

7. Katt Williams in trouble

Funnyman Katt Williams continued to make headlines following a series of run-ins with the law, erratic behavior and no-shows at concerts. Arrested for a reckless driving charge, Williams was also accused of striking a man with a microphone during his stand-up gig at the Paramount Theater in Seattle. Video also captured him smacking a Target employee, then taking off on a motorized cart. Williams was arrested in November on suspicion of battery at a sports bar, and he had another brush with cops in December for his alleged involvement in a bar brawl in Seattle. Williams also shocked fans in December by announcing he is quitting stand-up comedy and cutting short his current U.S. tour. He quickly unretired but hasn’t stopped getting into trouble.

Beyoncé becomes the proud mother of Blue Ivy Carter. Roland Martin is suspended by CNN for tweets.

8. Reality TV up and down

BET remained dominant among Black viewers, but the network abandoned celebrity-focused reality programming after it proved polarizing, instead pursuing a slate of scripted series. But the move caused BET to see a decline in ratings among its key demographic decline as VH1 has made gains with shows like “Basketball Wives” and “Love & Hip Hop.” While the reality genre isn’t race-specific, the most popular shows on VH1 feature Black characters and have large Black audiences. The antics featured on these reality series have sparked a growing backlash: viewers have created petitions demanding VH1 cancel shows, advertisers have pulled ads and critics blast the network for promoting crass and negative images of Black women. In “Love & Hip Hop” punches are thrown and heels are used as weapons, just as in “Basketball Wives,” which has become VH1’s analogue to Bravo’s popular “Real Housewives” franchise. In a bid to balance out the negative portrayals with more positive ones, VH1 rolled out more wholesome reality series such as “What Chili Wants,” “Fantasia for Real” and “La La’s Full Court” and “Styled by June” — but none has generated the same buzz or resounding success.

Octavia Spencer wins an Oscar for her role in “The Help.”

9. Roland Martin suspended

CNN suspended Roland Martin for a month in the wake of the pundit’s controversial Super Bowl tweets. Calling the tweets “regrettable and offensive,” CNN took Martin off the air for a while. Martin caused an outcry by tweeting that people should “smack the ish” out of any male fans of an underwear ad starring soccer star David Beckham. He also made fun of a New England Patriots player who arrived wearing a pink jumpsuit. “He needs a visit from #teamwhipdatass,” Martin wrote. Gay rights groups such as GLAAD accused him of condoning anti-gay violence, and pointed to columns he had written, such as one in which he compared homosexuality to alcoholism. Martin first said that he was merely making fun of soccer players, and then issued an apology.

10. Black talk show hosts debut

A slew of color was added to the daytime lineup in 2012. Steve Harvey and Trisha Goddard each debuted their own

Rihanna and Chris Brown get cozy again.

Michael Strahan lands a gig with Kelly Ripa.

daytime talk shows on NBC/Universal; add this to Wendy Williams’ show on Fox, and network TV can now claim the daytime talk shows with solo Black hosts. Toss in Michael Strahan co-hosting, “Live!” with Kelly Ripa; “The Talk,” co-hosted by Sheryl Underwood and Aisha Tyler, and “The View,” co-hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd, that figure rises to eight. And there’s more. The network TV talk shows-with-Black-hosts market will become a bit more crowded next year, when Queen Latifah’s Will Smith-produced daytime talk show is supposed to debut.

New talk show host Steve Harvey gives up stand-up comedy.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 20 | 2012

For Event Coverage...visit

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Shelia Harvey, Demetta Landry, Elvin Franklin, Jr., Iris Allen and Marian Harper…..(FREEDOM FUND BREAKFAST)

Winston Labbe’, Brandy Buck, June Christensen and Sonceria Messiah Jiles….. (SALUTING BLACK MUSIC, DANCE AND ART)

Marianne Walker, Marylyn Harris, Kelly P. H (A DIAMOND SALUTE)

Judges Tina Knowles, Jeffery Williams, Danielle Burns and Cesar Galindo….. (WEARABLE ART)

Judson W. Robinson, III and Cora Robinson….. (EMPOWERING HEARTS, MINDS & LIVES)

Glynn Turner, Jackie Phillips, Melissa Greg Bebel…..(A GLAMOROUS AFFAIR)

YEAR IN REVIEW…..2012 was an exciting year for many individuals, businesses and organizations. Here are 10 events that were featured online at defendernetwork. com for your viewing pleasure……… FREEDOM FUND BREAKFAST...... The Northeast Family YMCA Center Board hosted their 23rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Fund Breakfast at Union Station at Minute Maid Park. Awards were presented to several outstanding citizens. Kudos to Iris Allen, Marian Harper, Elvin Franklin, Jr., Shelia Dansby Harvey, Demetta Landry and others for a successful event...... SALUTING BLACK MUSIC, DANCE AND ART……. The Defender along with the Society for the Performing Arts, Andrews Kurth LLP and AmegyBank of Texas hosted “Saluting Black Music, Dance and Art” at the Gregory School African American Library. We salute Sonceria Messiah Jiles, CEO Defender Media Group; Winston Labbe’, vice president commercial banking with AmegyBank; attorney Brandy Buck, Andrews Kurth LLP; June Christensen, SPA executive director, and Danielle Burns, curator, for a wonderful evening saluting African-American Houstonians…..A DIAMOND SALUTE…..The Ivy League Educational & Charities Foundation founded by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., XI Alpha Omega Chapter, presented their Fourth Annual Educators’ Ball at the Norris Conference Center. Twelve distinguished leaders who sparkle in community service were honored to include, Dr. Kimberly Agnew Borders, Marvin Alexander, Jr., Regina Carrington, Dr. Sophia Davis Fields, Marylyn Harris, Kelly P. Hodges,

Roger Law, Robert Morgan, Jr., Dr. Shawn F. Simmons, Sonya Stevenson, Uneeda Talley and Marianne Walker……CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENTS…….The University of Houston Black Alumni Association hosted their 23rd Annual Scholarships and Awards Gala by presenting the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award to Dr. Kelly Coleman, DeMonica D. Gladney Marlon Harrison, Wayne Luckett, Francis Page Jr., Keith Wade and Michale Young. Those responsible for its success included UH President Dr. Renu Khator, UHBAA President Join Yvette Chargois Vonda G. Mays and gala chairs Dr. Bernard Events of the Week A. Harris Jr. and Tamecia Glover Harris....... More photos on defendernetwork.com GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY…..In June, 2012, See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church celebrated with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. its 50th anniversary. A special tribute was given to the Founding Pastor, Rev. William Lawson and his wife, Audrey, his successor, Rev. Dr. Marcus Cosby and his wife, Audrey, and several charter members, including Carol Sulaiman, Charlotte KellyBryant, Dorothy Booker, Frances Jackson and Helen and Dr. Jesse Cashaw, to name a few. It’s worth mentioning that the church has had only two pastors in the 50 years of providing spiritual guidance and leadership to all who enters its doors….. WEARABLE ART…..Art patrons, artists, and fashionistas got the wow treatment

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splace

Hodges and Sonya Stevenson…..

ggs, Patricia McGill and D’Artagnan

Temecia Glover Harris, Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. and Vonda G. Mays….. (CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENTS)

Ardie Segars and Algenita Scott Davis…..(THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME)

when the exciting world of wearable art stepped out for the second annual competition “For the Sake of Art 2012.” The event was held at the University Museum at Texas Southern University. The artists were challenged to create improvisational designs inspired by works of art from the University Museum’s permanent collection. Many thanks to Alvia Wardlaw, director of the University Museum, and hosts of the evening, Joy Sewing, Lloyd Gite and Tony Whitaker. An incredible panel of judges included Danielle Burns, curator for the African American Library at the Gregory School, as well as the Houston Museum of African American Culture; Cesar Galindo, designer to the stars; Tina Knowles, acclaimed visionary designer and Jeffery Williams, season two winner of BRAVO TV’s “Fashion Show” with Isaac Mizrahi...... EMPOWERING HEARTS, MINDS & LIVES…..The Houston Area Urban League celebrated its 44th Annual Equal Opportunity Day Gala and chose the theme “Empowering Hearts Minds & Lives.” This year’s honorees included Macy’s, AT&T, The Lewis Group LLP, Capital One Bank and Dr. Benjamin L. Hall III. Over 750 folks attended this grand event and to top the evening off, American Idol, Ruben Studdard provided the entertainment....... A GLAMOROUS AFFAIR……. Several hundred folks gathered at the Hilton Americas Hotel for an evening full of bright stars and electrifying entertainment hosted by the Ensemble Theatre. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to actor and entertainer Ben Vereen. Emmy Award-winning actor Glynn Turman received the Legacy Award.

he Houston area for over 80 years

Rev. William and Audrey Lawson and Audrey and Rev. Dr. Marcus Cosby….. (GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY)

UNCF Exec. Dir. Juana Collins and Gala Chair Merele Yarborough….. (REVEILLON GALA)

Melissa Greggs was presented with the Rising Star Award and Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line was the Corporate Partner of the Year recipient. Those responsible for the huge success of this glamorous affair included Jackie Phillips, Shauna and Morris Clark, Sharon Murphy, D’Artagnan Bebel, Argentina James, Eileen Morris, and Janette Cosley.…..THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME…….Houston Habitat for Humanity addresses the need for affordable housing by building safe, decent homes that are accessible to hard-working Houston families earning approximately 60 percent and below median income. The “There’s No Place Like Home” Gala was born out of the desire to celebrate 25 years of providing homes to low-income families throughout Houston. A unique collaborative project comprised of 25 artists came together to celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary and to honor its mission….. REVEILLON GALA…..The Leadership Council members of UNCF and honorary chairs Anita and Gerald Smith, Y. Ping Sun and David Leebron along with gala chair Merele Yarborough hosted the 2012 UNCF Reveillon Gala. The John and Drucie Chase Young Builders Award was presented to Michael Feinberg, co-founder of KIPP Academy, and the Excellence in Education Award was presented to the legacy of Dr. John B. Coleman, whose son, State Rep. Garnet Coleman, accepted on behalf of his father. Special thanks to Juana Collins, UNCF area development director. It was reported that the gala raised nearly $500,000. A fabulous event!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, Happy Holidays!

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 20 | 2012

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sports

Top 10

college & pro sports stories By MAX EDISON Defender

He had blossomed into an exciting young star in a short period of time with New York. Shortly before the beginning of the season the club pulled off the blockbuster trade of the year, packaging Kevin Martin, rookie Jeremy Lamb and a parcel of draft picks to Oklahoma City for All Star and Olympic gold medalist James Harden. He was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year and was an integral part of Oklahoma’s playoff run.

1. Texans make playoffs, find success

For the first time in franchise history the Houston Texans made the playoffs. After winning the AFC South for the first time, the Texans defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 31-10 before a sellout crowd at Reliant Stadium in the opening round of the playoffs. The win was heightened by the fact that third-string quarterback T.J. Yates, starting for an injured Matt Schaub, led the offense. The following week the Texans traveled to Baltimore where they lost a closely contested game to the Ravens, 20-13. The loss concluded the most successful season in team history.

2. Gabby Douglas wins Olympic gold

5. The Texans 2012 season successful

Andre Johnson and Arian Foster help the Texans win.

Nicknamed the “Flying Squirrel,” 16-year-old Gabrielle Douglas wowed the fans at the Summer Olympics in London. Douglas led a talented U.S. gymnastics team to the gold medal in the all-around team category. She then captured gold in the individual all around category. She is the first African-American to win gold in both events. As a result of her Olympic success, the diminutive native of Virginia Beach has tremendous commercial success. She was featured on the special edition box of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and is part of a new ad campaign for Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. She also has a two-book deal with Harper Collins’ Zondervan.

3. A&M’s Johnny Manziel wins Heisman Trophy Texas A&M University’s record-setting redshirt quarterback Johnny Manziel became the first freshman

to win the prestigious award. The Kerrville native has thrown for 3,419 yards and 24 touchdowns and run for 1,181 yards and 19 more scores to become the first freshman, first SEC player and fifth player to throw for 3,000 yards and run for 1,000 in a season. A relatively unheralded player at the beginning of the season, Manziel saw his reputation skyrocket as he torched defenses in college football’s toughest conference, the SEC.

4. Houston Rockets get Lin, Harden

Were it not for these moves the Rockets would have probably missed the top 10 all together; that’s how irrelevant they had become. They traded or released almost all of their valuable assets in an ill-fated attempt at landing free agent center Dwight Howard. They then turned their attention to landing New York Knick free agent point guard Jeremy Lin, who had been in Rocket training camp, but was released before the season began.

Although the season has not concluded, the team has had a record-setting year. At last count they were tied with Atlanta for the best record in the NFL and boast the best record in the AFC. They have a two-game lead in the AFC South division. The 11 win total is the highest win total in franchise history. It’s conceivable that the team could have home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

6. Texas A&M football rocks the SEC

Raise your hand real high if you saw this coming in January. The Aggies were predicted to be merely cannon fodder for their powerful brethren in the SEC in their debut season, but that was before coach Kevin Sumlin was hired. The former UH Cougar top cat installed his explosive brand of the spread offense, installed Johnny “Football” Manziel at quarterback and 10 wins later, Sumlin and company have turned the joke on the SEC. The Aggies beat No. 1 ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa, en route to 10-2 record, No. 9 national ranking and a Cotton Bowl date with Oklahoma in January.

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Continued on Page 13

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DECEMBER 20 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Pro Sports... Continued from page 12 7. U.S. sprinters bounce back in summer games

Four years ago at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, the female sprinters from Jamaica literally blew the U.S. women off the track, totally dominating the sprints and relays. Many experts predicted a duplicate performance in London at the 2012 Games. The young ladies from the USA weren’t having it! The American women captured silver and bronze in the 100 meters, gold and bronze in the 200 meters, gold and bronze in the 400 meters. If that wasn’t impressive enough the team of Madison, Felix, Jeter and Knight set a world record (40.82) en route to gold in the4 x100 meter relay. The team of Trotter, Felix, McCorory and Richards-Ross set a world record (3:16.87) en route to gold in the 4x400 relay.

8. TSU hires Cooper-Dyke, Davis for basketball

In an effort to beef up the fortunes of their men’s and women’s basketball programs, Texas Southern University hired Cynthia Cooper-Dyke to coach the women hoopsters and Mike Davis to oversee the men. Cooper-Dyke was a Hall of Fame player with the Houston Comets and has had successful coaching stints at Prairie View A&M University and North Carolina Wilmington. She inherits a TSU women’s program that is currently in the doldrums. Davis comes to TSU after stints at Alabama Birmingham and Indiana. He has extensive NCAA tournament experience, having carried the Hoosiers to the NCAA finals in 2002.

Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas brings home the Olympic gold.

Jeremy Lin and James Harden join the Rockets.

9. Lebron, Miami Heat win NBA title

After eight years of futility, Lebron James can finally say that he is an NBA champion. The Heat defeated the Oklahoma Thunder 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. James averaged 28.6 pts, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists in the 5 games. James closed out his summer by winning Olympic gold in London. James was also named the Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated. The “chosen one” has finally arrived.

10. TSU moves to BBVA Compass Stadium Texas Southern football went from being virtually homeless to the Taj Mahal of FCS football stadiums, the new BBVA Compass Stadium earlier this fall. The $80 million, state-of- -the-art stadium is the home of the Tigers and the Houston Dynamo. Hats off to TSU president Dr. John Rudley, Athletic Director Charles McClelland, Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee and all those who helped make the dream a reality. Honorable mention: The Dynamo loss to the L.A. Galaxy for the second consecutive year in the MLS championship game, the Astros celebrated their 50th anniversary, Usain Bolt continued his dominance in track & field, the N.Y. Giants won their second Super Bowl in five years, the San Francisco Giants captured the World Series and the NCAA imposed significant sanctions on the TSU football and basketball program.

Lebron James (right) celebrates NBA title with Dwayne Wade.

Johnny Manziel wins the Heisman and leads the Aggies. TSU finds a football home at BBVA Compass Stadium.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 20 | 2012

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h.s.zone

Top 10

high school sports stories By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

From football to baseball, softball to track, Houston-area high schools provided fans with excitement throughout the year. Here are the Defender’s top 10 high school sports stories of 2012. 1. Dekaney brings in New Year with championship

Okay, technically this event occurred on Dec. 17, 2011. Yet here in the Lone Star State, a state high school football title is worth ringing in the New Year, particularly, when it’s a program that’s only four years old. Spring Dekaney High School overcame a bad case of nerves and a seven-point deficit to defeat defending state champion Cibolo Steele 34-14 in the Class 5A Division II title game and ensure that Houston’s holiday stocking didn’t come up empty. Wildcats’ running back Trey Williams was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after rushing 203 yards on 25 carries and scoring three touchdowns. Dekaney’s Jarrett Irving intercepted two passes in the game and was selected defensive MVP. Four Houston area high schools made the trek to Cowboys Stadium for state championship weekend in Arlington, including Hempstead, Manvel and Fort Bend Hightower. Dekaney was the only one that returned a champion.

2. Lamar makes HISD “Houston Proud”

Head coach Tom Nolen called it the most important Redskins’ victory since Lamar won a state football championship in 1953. Quarterback Darrell Colbert said the win validated that good football is played in the Houston Independent School District. A near-capacity crowd at Pasadena Memorial Veterans Stadium witnessed Lamar’s 28-7 win in the Class 5A Division I Region III title game against perennial powerhouse North Shore that catapulted the Redskins into the 5A state semifinals. Lamar led 7-0 at halftime on the strength of a

29-yard touchdown pass from Colbert to wide receiver Shelby Walker. With a defense led by Zelt Minor, Brandon Martinez, Ira Lewis, Lee Stanton, Charles Onyyekwelu, Cedric Lancaster, Cravon Rogers, John Bonney, Derrick Carmouche, Jack Anderson, Holton Hill and Gregory Gibson, Nolen says he told his team at intermission that one more touchdown would put the team in good shape. “We did a good job of putting them in third-and-long situations,” Nolen said. “They don’t like being in those type of situations.”

Cory Mitchell’s one-yard TD run at the 5:24 mark of the third quarter gave Lamar a 14-0 advantage. An 81-yard TD pass from Colbert to Daijon Druhet with 53 seconds left in the third stanza put Lamar up 21-0. Colbert closed out the Redskins’ scoring with a 42-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. “We ran the ball better this week than we have the last couple of weeks,” Nolen said. “Darrell played really well, the offensive line executed and all of our running backs did the job. To be still playing this time of the year is great. We’re about to take final exams and now the kids get to take a trip to Austin.”

3. Cy-Fair ISD makes history

Darrell Colbert, Lamar

For the first time in the history of the Cy-Fair Independent School District, four schools advanced to the third round of the state high school baseball playoffs. Langham Creek, Cypress Woods, Cypress Ranch and Cypress Creek accomplished the feat and gave their respective communities an occasion to savor. Cypress Ranch went on to claim the school’s first state championship in any sport.

4. Deer Park, Klein Collins qualify for tournament

Two Houston-area schools advanced to the Class 5A girls’ state high school softball tournament in Austin. Klein Collins erupted for seven firstinning runs and coasted to an 8-1 victory over The Woodlands to dethrone the defending state champions in a one-game playoff at the University of Houston. Tigers’ pitcher Taylor Grissom went the distance and allowed just one base runner past second base. Deer Park swept its best-of-three regional final series with Pearland by scores of 1-0 and 2-0. Deer Park pitcher

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DECEMBER 20 | 2012 DEFENDER

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Yates boys advance to the state title game.

Caitlin Plocheck was masterful in the game one win allowing two hits and retiring the last eight batters that she faced. The Deer prevented Pearland from making its fourth consecutive trip to the state tournament. Deer Park went on to win the 2012 Skylar Ross-Ranson Class 5A state softball championship.

North Forest is 10-0 during the regular season.

Terrell Clement, Kempner

5. Yates, Travis boys, Dekaney girls advance to title games

The Dekaney girls lost their season opener to North Shore and then won 40 consecutive games to earn a berth in the Class 5A state title game against Duncanville. That’s where the dream season came to an end as Duncanville captured the title with a rousing 69-31 victory at the Erwin Center in Austin. A week later, the Yates and Fort Bend Travis boys had their shot at a title. Yates, the No. 1-ranked Class 4A school in Texas, led nearly the entire game before succumbing to Dallas Kimball 78-75. Fort Bend Travis, led by twins Aaron and Andrew Harrison, faced Flower Mound Marcus in the 5A championship game. Phil Forte scored 24 points and was named the game’s MVP after leading the Marauders’ to a 56-52 victory over Travis.

6. Houston hurdlers shine at state track meet

Langham Creek’s Skylar Ross-Ranson, Terrell Clement of Fort Bend Kempner and Alaysha Johnson of Spring Westfield earned gold medals in the hurdles at the Class 5A state track and field meet before a crowd of 14,217 at Mike Myers Stadium in Austin. Ross-Ranson, a junior, won the 100-meter hurdles in a time of 13.74 seconds. Johnson was runner-up in a time of 13.84 seconds. Johnson came back to win the gold medal in the 300-meter hurdles in a time of 41.83 seconds and said: “Before the race, I told myself that this is a

Adam Taylor, Katy

state meet and I’ve done all this hard work. I deserve whatever I get.” Clement, a relative of Class 5A 300-meter hurdle state record holder Kerron Clement of La Porte (35.47 seconds in 2003), won the silver medal in the 300-meter hurdles (37.12 seconds) and claimed the gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles (13.90 seconds). “I was a little nervous at first but I wasn’t intimidated,” Clement said. “Soon as that gun went off, all the anxiety went away.”

7. North Forest surges to 10-0 regular season

There was some speculation that the North Forest Independent School District wouldn’t be in existence for the 2012-2013 school year. There was more conjecture that the Bulldogs’ varsity football team wouldn’t qualify for the playoffs and finish below Sharpstown, Reagan, Wheatley and Waltrip in District 21-4A. North Forest quickly dispelled any negative notions and bludgeoned its way to a perfect 10-0 regular season and a first-round 41-23 playoff victory over Fort Bend Ridge Point. The Bulldogs’ season came to an end the following week with a 26-25 loss to Rosenberg Terry as a two-point conversion at the end of the game came up short.

8. Katy gets revenge on La Porte

When La Porte upset Katy 9-7 in the 2011 Class 5A Division II Region III semifinals, some thought the previously unbeaten Tigers had lost some of their swagger. Alert: Katy is back and even better! Twelve months later, the Tigers sent a powerful message in dominating La Porte 55-10 at Reliant Stadium in the 2012 Class 5A Division III

Region III semifinals. The six-time state champions had reached the region final nine straight years before falling to La Porte last year. Katy defensive end Matt Dimon, wide receiver Kyle Fulks, quarterback Kiley Huddleston and running back Adam Taylor made sure it wouldn’t happen again. Diamonisha Sophus, Wheatley Katy outgained La Porte 462-41 and limited the Bulldogs to one first down. Fulks caught a 72-yard TD pass from Huddleston. Taylor, who missed last year’s game with an injury, rushed for 216 yards on 23 carries and scored three touchdowns. “We wanted to do it for last year’s seniors,” Taylor said. “We’re not just playing for ourselves.” Huddleston threw for 172 yards and two scores. “You get behind these guys and it’s not a good situation,” said La Porte head coach Jeff LaReau.

9. Wheatley girls make history

Diamonisha Sophus scored a game-high 37 points, including 13 of her team’s 17 points in the fourth quarter, to lead the Wheatley Lady Wildcats to a 68-58 victory over Lamar Consolidated and into the regional quarterfinals for the fist time in school history. The Wheatley girls’ varsity basketball team had never before advanced past the second round of the state playoffs. “Diamonisha just put the team on her shoulders and carried us to the victory,” said Wheatley coach Rueben Stiff.

10. Fort Bend ISD AD retires

Fort Bend ISD Athletic Director Keith Kilgore retired last January. A staunch supporter of the Defender’s coverage of high school athletics over the years, Kilgore had been the AD since 1993 and witnessed 15 state championships during his tenure. Six new high schools and athletic programs have been added to the district, including Hightower, Marshall, Bush, Travis, Elkins and Austin, since Kilgore became AD. Kilgore has also been instrumental in the opening of Hall Stadium, Hopson Fieldhouse and Don Cook Natatorium.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 20 | 2012

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In Memoriam... Continued from page 2 Dr. Zeb Poindexter Jr. , a

dental pioneer, died April 28 at age 83. He was the first AfricanAmerican graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental Branch and the first Black member of the Houston District Dental Society.

Donna Summer, the “Queen

of Disco,” died May 17 of cancer at age 63. She released a string of dance hits in the 1970s, including “I Feel Love,” “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff” and “Bad Girls.” Her first hit was “Love to Love You.”

Margarette Robinson, a

local leader and businesswoman who completed the City Council term of her late husband Judson W. Robinson Jr., died May 28 at age 76. She was also the first Black operating room nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Dr. Marion Henry, an

institution at the Prairie View A&M University campus for 55 years, died June 3. He was director of teacher certification and a professor of educational research at PVAMU.

Rodney King, whose

videotaped beating by Los Angeles police in 1991 sparked riots after the acquittal of

the four officers involved, died June 17. He was 47. His death was the result of accidental drowning, although alcohol and drugs found in his system were contributing factors.

Rev. Robert Jefferson,

a community leader and cofounder of Ministers Against Crime, died June 21 at age 70. He was founder and pastor of Cullen Missionary Baptist Church.

Rev. J.J. Roberson,

founder and pastor emeritus of Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, died July 10 at age 94. He served as president of the Baptist Ministers Association of Houston and Vicinity.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS From The

Scholarship Gala & Dance

Sherman Hemsley,

known to TV audiences as George Jefferson, died July 24 at age 74. “The Jeffersons” aired from 1975 to 1985. He later starred in the sitcom “Amen” from 1986 to 1991. Hemsley wasn’t buried until four months after his death due to a battle over his estate.