Houston Defender: December 26, 2019

2019 YEAR IN

REVIEW

Volume 89 | Number 10

DECEMBER 26, 2019 | FREE

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

2

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 26 | 2019

TOP 10

defendernetwork.com

local

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

This year, two stories tied for the top spot locally – the results of the Nov. 5 election and subsequent Dec. 14 runoff and the takeover of HISD by the state. In other news, the Texas Legislature met, Democratic candidates debated at TSU and Tropical Storm Imelda hit the Gulf Coast hard.

Here are those stories and more.

Runoff results in power shift

is projected to be March 2020. The current and newly elected HISD school board members will be replaced with a board of managers (BOM) along with a superintendent appointed by TEA. Members of the community interested in serving on the BOM were invited to apply.

The appointed boar who will have the same powers and duties as the replaced elected school board.

As a result of the Dec. 14 runoff election, more minorities and women will wield power in City Hall. Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston’s second African American mayor, was reelected. Women will now make up half of the 16-member City Council and so will minorities. There are six African American councilmembers and two Hispanic councilmembers.

The District B seat held by termlimited Councilmember Jerry Davis is still being contested.

The power shift will take effect The 86th Texas Legislature met following the Jan. 2 inauguration. in Austin, and Houston-area Black Newly elected officials are already legislators addressed such issues as accepting applications for staff education, criminal justice reform and members. economic development.

Lawmakers Turner is moving forward with his passed two major pieces of legislation agenda for the city after easily winning that they had been working toward re-election against challenger Tony Mayor Sylvester Turner greeted supporters the night of the Nov. 5 election. He led the field of 12 candidates but for years – a finance boost and a Buzbee. was forced into a Dec. 14 runoff with Tony Buzbee, which he won. bill aimed at slowing the growth of Turner almost won re-election property taxes. The state’s two-year budget plan calls for spending roughly $250 billion outright in the initial Nov. 5 election, getting 47% of the vote to Buzbee’s 28% in a on priorities including public school funding, teacher salaries and early childhood crowded field. While the race leading up to the Nov. 5 vote was full of bluster between intervention programs.

Turner and Buzbee, the campaigning during the runoff was more subdued.

In seeking a second term, Turner touted guiding Houston through Hurricane Harvey and reducing the city’s huge pension debt as some of his accomplishments.

Texas Legislature holds biennial session

TEA calls for state takeover of HISD

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath announced plans to take over the state’s largest school district due to the HISD’s school board’s “failure of governance” (open meetings violations) and the low academic performance of Wheatley High School, which received seven consecutive “F” ratings. The timeline of the board placement

Tropical Storm Imelda paralyzes area

Five Gulf Coast deaths were blamed on Tropical Storm Imelda, which hit Texas in September. Residents navigated hazardous flooding that brought the region to a standstill, leaving hundreds of cars swamped and abandoned. Some residents whose homes were flooded by Hurricane Harvey two years earlier saw rain seeping into their houses again. The storm brought intense rain to southeastern Texas over three days, with some areas receiving more than 30 inches.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

defendernetwork.com

DEFENDER 26 | 2019 | DEFENDER

HISD learned that it would be taken over by the state and board members would be replaced with a board of managers in 2020.

3

Tropical Storm Imelda unleashed its fury, causing massive flooding in Houston and Beaumont.

Harris County bail reform approved

A district judge officially approved the historic Harris County bail reform agreement and consent decree that protects the constitutional rights of residents accused of minor offenses. The ruling came in spite of continued opposition from local Republican leaders. The ability to be freed on bail previously depended more upon the amount of money available to individuals than the nature of the offense. Those who could afford a hefty bail could walk out of jail while a person charged with the same, minor misdemeanor offense would be put in jail. Supporters pointed out that bail reform not only protects citizens’ rights but can lower crime rates and save taxpayer dollars.

Texas Southern hosts Democratic debate

Texas Southern University basked in the spotlight as the host of the Sept. 12 Democratic presidential debate. It was held in the Health and Physical Education (H&PE) Arena and broadcast live. The 10 candidates sparred over subjects including universal health care, gun control, foreign policy and President Donald Trump. The audience of approximately 3,500 included TSU students and administration, candidates’ political supporters, Democratic Party officials and community members.

Bail reform advocates responded to a fairness hearing in the case that transformed Harris County’s misdemeanor bail system.

Houston mourns loss of Maleah Davis Democratic candidates were g introduced durin the presidential debate at Texas ty.

Southern Universi

Kashmere High School bounces back

The city was saddened by the tragic loss of 4-year-old Maleah Davis, whose remains were found in Arkansas on May 21, nearly one month after she went missing. The search for Maleah began when she was reported missing on May 4.

Maleah’s mother’s ex-fiancé, Derion Vence, who was caring for Maleah while her mother was away, told police the little girl was abducted by three men, including one who knocked him out during a carjacking. Vence was charged with tampering with evidence and jailed. Officials later filed an injury to a child/ serious bodily injury charge against him.

Historically Black Kashmere High School celebrated its turnaround after eight years of underperforming. The school gained 29 points in its annual Texas Education Agency accountability score, Former Dallas offi cer unarmed Black ma Amber Guyger was convicted of earning a passing grade of 78. The observance of the passing grade fatally shooting an n, Botham Jean, in his apartment.

– under the moniker #KashmereOut2019 – drew a packed crowd of HISD officials, lawmakers, teachers, students and community members to Kashmere’s campus. “This is not where we prepare kids to go and meet some low expectation that the state may have,” said Kashmere Principal Reginald Bush. “But this is a facility where we prepare young people for life.”

Julia C. Hester House in Fifth Ward and SHAPE Community Center in Third Ward had reason to celebrate. Hester House observed its 75th anniversary with a Community Jubilee Festival. The center serves more than 1,500 residents annually and continues to focus on youth development, senior and social services and workforce development. SHAPE – SelfAmber Guyger, a white former Dallas police officer who shot her Black unarmed neighbor Help for African People through Education – observed its 50th anniversary to death in 2018, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison by the same jury that convicted her with the Pan-African Cultural Festival, a Founder’s Day Celebration and of murder. The shooting drew widespread attention because of the strange circumstances and International Cultural Gala. The center works to strengthen families and because it was one in a string of shootings of unarmed Black men by white police officers. communities, and more than 25,000 youth have benefited from programs Guyger claimed that she got off on the wrong floor, mistook Botham Jean’s apartment for her since its founding. own and thought he was a burglar. Jean’s apartment was located one floor below Guyger’s.

Two institutions mark milestones

Dallas ex-officer sentenced for shooting neighbor

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

4

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 26 | 2019

TOP 10

defendernetwork.com

national

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

This has been a year to remember. From a contentious president to a large field of candidates vying to replace him, 2019 was definitely a big year for national news. The Defender takes a look at the top 10 stories.

Democrats work to impeach Trump

The political divide was massive in 2019 as an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump was initiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in September. The move came after a whistleblower alleged that Trump may have abused the power of the presidency by withholding military aid as a means of pressuring the newly elected president of Ukraine to perform two favors: pursue investigations of Joe Biden and his son Hunter, and to support a conspiracy theory that Ukraine, not Russia, was behind interference in the 2016 presidential election. On Dec.10, the House Judiciary Committee unveiled its articles of impeachment: one for abuse of power and one for obstruction of Congress. After a brutal back-and-forth along political lines – and Trump on a daily tirade – the committee voted to impeach. The measure isn’t expected to pass the Republican-controlled Senate when it comes before them in 2020.

Black Democrats run for president

Eleven years after Barack Obama electrified African American primary voters, Black Democrats are searching for a presidential candidate who can inspire them as he did and beat Trump. While polls show Obama’s former vice president, Joe Biden, was the Democratic favorite, three Blacks were hoping to topple Biden – Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Deval Patrick. All three struggled to catch on with voters and in November, Harris dropped out of the race.

Billionaire to pay off Morehouse grads’ loans

In May, the private-equity billionaire Robert F. Smith announced he would set up a grant to wipe out the entire Morehouse College class of 2019’s student loan debt. Then, he expanded that to also cover those students’ parents’ education debt. The gift cost Smith $34 million. Smith will make the donation to Morehouse’s new Student Success Program, which will in turn completely pay off all federal student loans borrowed by the 400 Morehouse students who

As the House voted to impeach him, Donald Trump calls the move a “partisan witch hunt.”

graduated in May, nearly all of whom are Black men, as well as loans owed by their parents and legal guardians.

Trump battles the ‘Squad’

President Trump set his sights on attacking four outspoken Democratic freshmen in Congress – U.S. Reps.

Rashida Tlaib (Mich.), Ilhan Omar (Minn.), Ayanna Pressley (Mass.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.) – who have carved a presence on Capitol Hill since their arrival in January. The women, who are notably all racial minorities, have little power to speak of in a caucus dominated by seasoned veteran lawmakers. Trump’s strategy is designed to hoist them up as the driving force behind the Democrats’ policy agenda in hopes of animating his conservative base

and, perhaps, alienating independent voters heading into the polls next year.

Congressman Elijah Cummings dies

Members of Congress bid a tearful farewell to U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, hailing the son of sharecroppers as a “master of the House.” The Maryland Democrat became the first African American lawmaker to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol. Cummings’ death at 68 on Oct. 17 stunned and saddened many on Capitol Hill accustomed to seeing him with the gavel as chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee or zipping by on his scooter between

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

defendernetwork.com

DEFENDER 26 | 2019 | DEFENDER

5

votes. His casket rested in National Statuary Hall for the service and was later moved to a passage directly in front of the House chamber, where he served for 23 years.

Blacks, Browns targeted in Dayton, El Paso

In August, a mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso killed 22 people and injured 24 and was the deadliest U.S. shooting in 2019. The perpetrator, 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, a white male, allegedly drove 11 hours to kill people of Mexican descent. The shooting was subsequently treated as an act of domestic terrorism by federal investigators. When in court, Crusius pled not guilty to committing the crime. Less than 24 hours later, another white man, Connor Stephen Betts, opened fire near a bar in Dayton, Ohio, killing nine people – six were Black – and wounding 17 others.

man Elijah

ongress Veteran C .

8 at age 6

s Cumming

died U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Kamala Harris were colleagues then competitors until she dropped out of the presidential race.

Calls for reparations intensify

The debate over reparations intensified in 2019. Though it was the topic of congressional discussions and presidential campaigns, few Americans are in favor of giving reparations to descendants of enslaved Black people in the United States, a poll shows, even as the idea has gained momentum among Democratic presidential contenders. Only 29% of Americans say the government should pay cash reparations, according to the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. Most Blacks, 74%, favor reparations, compared with 15% of white Americans. Among Hispanics, 44% favor reparations.

Government shutdown ends The year began in the midst of a nasty government shutdown. It started at the end of 2018 and was the longest in history, ending on Jan. 25. As for how it happened, when funding legislation to finance the government for the next fiscal year fails to pass, all government agencies are essentially forced to pause – which affects everything from museums, to national parks, to NASA. Some observers say the shutdown will be a major part of Trump’s presidential legacy.

Hurricane Dorian hits

Billionaire Robert F. Smith is paying the Morehouse class of 2019’s student loan debt.

A vigil was held for victims of the Dayton, Ohio mass shooting.

Deadly Hurricane Dorian, the most intense cyclone ever to hit Bahamas, was the most searched-for news event in 2019. The category 5 tropical storm was dubbed the worst natural disaster in the country’s history, destroying homes and major structures in its path. Striking at the end of August, the winds of the storm peaked at 185 miles per hour, and hit the Bahamas, the Southeastern United States and Atlantic Canada, causing serious damage to most of the regions it swept through. According to reports, damages from Hurricane Dorian cost somewhere between $1.5-$3 billion in restoration in the Caribbean.

Popeye’s chicken sandwich craving goes viral

If there’s one story that almost everyone knew about, it was the craze behind the Popeye’s chicken sandwich. After a viral social media post, the demand for the sandwich was unlike anything many had ever seen. Popeye’s couldn’t keep up with the demand and the sandwich was pulled for a while. When it returned, drive-thru lines stretched into the streets, people live-tweeted from their cars and chicken sandwich memes have hit what seems to be an all-time high.

Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas and hit the Carolina coast with heavy rain and strong wind.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

6

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 26 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

TOP entertainment 10

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

The entertainment industry was full of scandals and successes in 2019 as African Americans continued to make major moves in Hollywood and beyond. The Defender looks back at the biggest stories of the year.

R. Kelly arrested, scrutinized

It was a bad year for the R&B singer known as the “Pied Piper.” His luring of young girls finally caught up with him. Kelly was slapped with federal charges after seven women, including his ex-wife, appeared on a Lifetime documentary, and accused him of emotional and sexual abuse.

Kelly was vilified, arrested multiple times, sued, claimed he was penniless and will now face a May 18, 2020 trial on charges that he recruited underage girls and women to have sex with him, isolating and controlling them. The singer denied abuse allegations for decades before the latest charges.

R. Kelly went to jail in Chicago for sexual abuse charges.

Jussie Smollett arrested for hoax, released

Former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett also had a very bad year. He told police that he was attacked in Chicago by two white men who physically attacked him after using racial and homophobic slurs, poured an unknown chemical substance on him and tied a rope around his neck. Smollett was later indicted for allegedly paying two Nigerian-American brothers to stage a fake hate crime assault on him and filing a false police report. Smollett’s defense team reached a deal with prosecutors in which all charges were dropped in return for Smollett performing community service and forfeiting his $10,000 bond. Initially, Smollett garnered support from fans and celebrities but as the case unfolded, he saw his reputation tarnished and he was eventually removed from “Empire.”

Jussie Smollett’s reputation was tarnished over a fake hate crime.

‘Us’ is a box office hit

Jordan Peele did it again. After the success of “Get Out,” the director returned with the horror flick, “Us,” which became an instant box office hit. Written and directed by Peele, the film starring Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, Elisabeth Moss and Tim Heidecker follows Adelaide Wilson (Nyong’o) and her family, who are attacked by a group of menacing doppelgängers. It was a commercial success, grossing $255.1 million worldwide against a budget of $20 million, and received praise for Peele’s screenplay and direction, as well as the musical score and Nyong’o’s performance.

Tyler Perry opens Atlanta studio Hollywood stars came out in full force for the

grand opening of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.

The red carpet buzz surrounded Perry’s historymaking as the first African American actor-directorwriter-producer to own a studio outright with no partners or corporate backing. A-list stars shared their admiration and support for Perry. The 330-acre studio has 12 soundstages, all named after iconic African American legends in the industry: Cicely Tyson, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Smith, Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis and Diahann Carroll. On another note, Perry said farewell to his beloved Madea character in 2019.

Beyoncé among stars in ‘The Lion King’

The 2019 musical directed and produced by Jon

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

defendernetwork.com

DEFENDER 26 | 2019 | DEFENDER

“Power” fans prep ared

to say goodbye to

7

the Starz crime dr ama.

Lupita Nyong’o played two roles in Jordan Peele’s scary movie “Us.”

Beyoncé was the vo

ice of Nala in “The

Lion King” remak e.

Favreau was a computer-generated remake of Disney’s traditionally animated 1994 film of the same name. The film stars the voices of Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard and others, as well as James Earl Jones reprising his role from the original film. The plot follows Simba, a young lion who must embrace his role as the rightful king of his native land following the murder of his father, Mufasa, at the hands of his uncle, Scar. The film grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide, surpassing” Frozen” as the highestgrossing animated film, and is also the second highest-grossing film of 2019, highest-grossing PGrated film and seventh-highest of all-time.

Eddie Murphy returns in ‘Dolemite’

Eddie Murphy returned to the screen with “Dolemite Is My Name,” a biographical movie about filmmaker Rudy Ray Moore, best known for portraying the character of Dolemite in both his stand-up routine and a series of blaxploitation films. The film had a limited release before digital streaming by Netflix. It received positive reviews from critics, with praise for Murphy’s comeback performance (his first film in three years), as well as its screenplay, costumes and sense of humor. It was chosen by both National Board of Review and Time Magazine as one of the ten best films of the year. The film received

Adams Morning The “Yolanda

Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion PictureMusical or Comedy and Best Actor for Murphy.

Last season of ‘Power,’ ‘Empire,’ ‘Orange is the New Black’

Some fan favorites announced that they were coming to an end in 2019. Popular shows “Orange Is the New Black,” “Empire” and “Power” will all conclude soon.

The Netflix hit “OITNB” ended in July, with Fox’s hiphop soap opera and Starz’s 50 Cent-produced hit ending their runs with their upcoming respective sixth seasons.

Both “OITNB” and “Empire” are pretty much wrapped, but with rapper 50 Cent at the helm of “Power,” don’t be surprised if he changes his mind.

Kanye West finds Jesus, Sunday Service

Kanye West’s artistic journey has been a wild ride.

He’s arguably one of the most significant artists of the last 20 years and certainly one of the most unpredictable. In the past year, though, we’ve seen the most surprising turn yet: West said he’s become a born-again Christian. His concerts are now gospel-infused “Sunday Services,” and his

Show” moved

19. to KTSU in 20

latest album is titled “Jesus Is King.” He travels the country promoting the gospel and performed at Houston’s Lakewood Church in November.

‘Yolanda Adams Morning Show’ moves to KTSU

Texas Southern University’s public radio station KTSU 90.9 FM pulled off a major programming coup, snagging the nationally syndicated “Yolanda Adams Morning Show,” which kicked off broadcasting from its new home on Sept. 16.

The show airs every weekday morning from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., and features Adams and her on-air partner in crime, comedian Marcus D. Wiley.

A$AP Rocky sparks international attention

Rapper A$AP Rocky was found guilty in an assault case in Sweden for assaulting a man during a street fight in Stockholm in June. The music star and his crew claimed self-defense, but the court saw it differently.

The case captured international attention and President Donald Trump even got involved. Rocky was behind bars for a month while the case played out and required to pay restitution to the victim and cover Sweden’s court expenses. He’s also on probation for two years.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

8

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 26 | 2019

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

Gary Miller, Christen Blackledge (Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals Casino Night)

Daisy Stiner, Barry Mandel (Hester House 75th Anniversary Jubilee)

topev

Tammie Kahn, State Rep. Garnet Coleman, Sonny Messiah Jiles (Children’s Museum MLK Celebration)

Carlotta Brown, Michael Harris, Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford, Eugene Anderson (African American Mayors Association Annual Conference)

2019 TOP EVENTS……..Houstonians were busy in 2019. There were celebrations of every kind to attend, along with galas, groundbreakings, book signings, breakfasts, luncheons, conferences, summits and exhibits. Here are 10 Top Events covered by the Defender……..HAULYP’S ANNUAL CASINO NIGHT……..The Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals hosted Casino Night, “Noir: A Night of Black Excellence,” at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. The event raised funds in support of HAUL and HAULYP’s service efforts, including youth enrichment, education, small business development, firsttime homebuyers and health awareness. Great casino games, entertainment, food and networking were enjoyed by attendees, including event coordinator Christen Blackledge, Gary Miller, Deion Dorsett, Genae Wilburn, Jalisa Ray, Taisha Walker, Paige Hubbard, Casaundra and Jeremy Johnson, Dr. Gwendolyn Alfred, Elizabeth Fletcher, Samantha Williams and Chalice Ebow …….CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON MLK DAY CELEBRATION……..State Rep. Garnet Coleman and the Children’s Museum of Houston hosted its 23rd Annual MLK Day Celebration where Defender Publisher and CEO Sonny Messiah-Jiles received the coveted Carry-A-Kid Award. MLK Gardere Oratorical Contest winner Nyla Johnson performed her winning speech. Dr. Jason Oby of the Houston Ebony Opera Guild performed two selections. Museum director Tammie Kahn welcomed attendees, including Judge Lori Chambers Gray, Jodie Jiles, Jodie B. Jiles, Clyde Jiles, Andrea and Roux Jiles, Clydette Messiah, C.J. Messiah, State Rep. Ana Hernandez, Kristi Rangel, Ann McClellan, Margo Williams Hubbard, Dominique Hawkins and Anecia Castro…..H-E-B THIRD WARD GROUNDBREAKING……..City leaders participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new H-E-B located in Third Ward at Highway 288 and N. MacGregor Way. Scott McClelland, president of H-E-B Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Councilmember Dwight Boykins, former Mayor Annise Parker, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, H-E-B’s Winell Herron, James Harris and others took part in the ceremony making way for the 90,000 square-foot store slated to open in nine months. Other attendees included……..MICHELLE OBAMA’S I AM BECOMING TOUR…….Former First Lady Michelle Obama brought her “I Am Becoming” tour to Toyota Center. The packed house welcomed her as she shared stories and life lessons from her

Terry Williams, Third Ward Gro

Thomas Freeman, Clarice Freeman, TSU debate team (Dr. F 100th Birthday Celebration)

childhood to adulthood. Before wowing the Toyota Center crow club. She also had a surprise meeting with students from Worthi Thompson, Dr. Reagan Flowers, Amber Slaughter, Ava Gra Madison Nealy, LaRence Snowden, Miara Shaw, Franka B ANNIVERSARY GALA……..The Imani School, founded by Williams, celebrated its 30th Anniversary “Portraits of Excellen the school’s journey of excellence through recognition of studen aries. Attendees included Dr. MarFerguson, Tori Hicks, honorary Miles, Anita and Gerald Smith, More photos on def Al Green, Marcus Davis, Tiffany LIA C. HESTER HOUSE 75th Julia C. Hester House, one of cultural institutions, celebrated its 75th anniversary with a jubile offer a performance by the Cirque Zuma Zuma, a family-friend Director Daisy Stiner and Discovery Green Director Barry Ma Turner Steele, Tia Bonham, Raegen Porter, Robin Porter, A Deputies Leo Zerangue and Jovanna Thomas…….. AFRICA CONFERENCE……..Mayor Sylvester Turner hosted the Af George R. Brown and Hilton Americas Hotel. The AAMA Lega event and honorees included Prairie View A&M University Pre

Defender TO

defendernetwork.com • Serving the

9

vents

Mayor Sylvester Turner, Scott McClelland, Armando Jasso (H-E-B oundbreaking)

Freeman’s

LaRence Snowden, former First Lady Michelle Obama (I Am Becoming Tour)

Brian Courtney Wilson, Susan Taylor, Helen Stagg (Change Happens Fall Luncheon)

wd, FLOTUS had brunch with the HTX Book and Brunch book hing High School. Attendees included Rose Spencer, Dr. Lisa aves, Pastor Mia Wright, Dr. Carla Brailey, Tera Stidum, Baly and Cherie Jones……..THE IMANI SCHOOL 30th y Pastor Kirbyjohn Caldwell and directed by Patricia Hogan nce” Gala at the Power Center. The gala featured a portrayal of nts, teachers, parents, alumni and community friends and visioncus Cosby, Dr. James Dixon, Taylor chairs Cydonni and State Sen. Borris U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and endernetwork.com Taylor and Randy Fuller…….. JUANNIVERSARY……..Fifth Ward’s Houston’s most historically significant ee festival. Discovery Green partnered with Hester House to dly, high-energy show with pulsing African music. Hester House andel welcomed an enthusiastic crowd that included Dorothy Ana Yanez Correa, Dorothy Edwards, Ronnie Jackson and AN AMERICAN MAYORS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL frican American Mayors Association Annual Conference at the gacy Awards Dinner was one of the highlights of the three-day esident Dr. Ruth Simmons and former judge of Texas District

OP EVENTS

e Houston area for over 89 years

Connie Williams, Patricia Hogan Williams, Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell (Imani School 30th Anniversary Gala)

Licia Green, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Deloyd Parker, Dianne Jackson (SHAPE Center 50th Anniversary International Cultural Gala)

Court 228 Marc Carter. Seen at the event were Valerie Jarrett, Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford, Argentina James, Melinda Spaulding, Felix Chevalier, Ernest Walker, Gene Lewis, Larry Payne, Darryl Carter, Carlotta Brown, Michael Harris and a host of others…….. DR. THOMAS FREEMAN’S 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION……..

The iconic Dr. Thomas F. Freeman celebrated his 100th birthday in grand fashion. Among those honoring the pastor and legendary Texas Southern University debate coach were current and former students, Mt. Horem Baptist Church members and TSU family and friends. One of the biggest celebrations took place in TSU’s Sterling Student Life Center. Attendees at the various gatherings included Clarice Freeman, County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts, Jonathan Martin, Deshara Goss, Marc Newsome, Andrea Shelton and Angela Daniels…….CHANGE HAPPENS FALL LUNCHEON……..Change Happens (CH) held its 15th Annual Fall Luncheon at the Junior League to celebrate 30 years of empowering people to help themselves. The wall-to-wall guests were treated to a powerful keynote address by the Susan Taylor, former editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine, and a soul-stirring performance by gospel artist Brian Courtney Wilson accompanied by the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy’s choir. Attendees included emcee Debra Duncan, CH CEO Helen Stagg, Gabrielle Gunn, Dr. Elwyn Lee, Christine Smith, Taler Jones, LaMarcus Newman, Phylicia Coleman, Kim Topps and Laolu Davies……..SHAPE 50TH ANNIVERSARY INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL GALA……..Celebrating five decades of service, SHAPE Community Center held its 50th Anniversary International Cultural Gala at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. Deloyd Parker (executive director) and Nedzra Ward (board chair) welcomed attendees including keynote speaker Dr. Abdul (Robert) Muhammad, Rev. William Lawson, Kofi Taharka, County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Licia Green, Pastor D.Z. Cofield and Tori Moore-Cofield, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Dr. Shaka Nkenge, Bola Patrick, Sister Mama Sonya, P.K. McCary, Anthony Collier, Tanja Simmons and Shondra Muhammad.

10

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 26 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

in memoriam

Deaths in 2019 Defender News Services

This year, we said goodbye to men and women who had an impact on the local, state and national levels. They ranged from doctors to authors to rappers, and all were achievers in their respective fields.

BUSHWICK BILL

The diminutive, one-eyed rapper and member of Houston’s Geto Boys, who found success with hits like “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” and “Six Feet Deep,” died June 9 at age 52. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Born Richard Shaw in Kingston, Jamaica, he moved to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick as a child and adopted the name before relocating to Houston. He joined Rap-A-Lot Records in the 1980s, teaming with Scarface (Brad Jordan) and Willie D (William Dennis). He released six solo albums from 1992 to 2010.

JOHN CONYERS

The longtime congressman who fought for civil rights died Oct. 27 at age 90. Known as the dean of the Congressional Black Caucus, Conyers became one of only six Black House members when he first won election by 108 votes in 1964. He regularly won elections in Detroit with more than 80% of the vote.

After a 15-year fight, he won passage of legislation declaring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a national holiday. He resigned in 2017 amid allegations that he sexually harassed staffers and used taxpayer money to settle a claim.

CARROLL PARROTT BLUE

The scholar, producer, author and filmmaker with an interest in Southeast Houston history and revitalization died Dec. 12. Her background included Rice University scholar-inresidence and University of Houston research professor. She helped establish the Southeast Houston Transformation Alliance (SEHTA).

She used story mapping to tell stories of Third Ward and Hurricane Harvey. Blue, a Yates High School graduate, linked Yates, UH and Ryan Middle School faculty and students with design professionals as part of the Third Ward Arts Initiative.

GIFFORD “MAX” EDISON JR. The Defender’s award-winning pro and college sports editor died on June 21 at age 63. Edison wrote about football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis, soccer, golf, boxing, auto racing and the Olympics. When the Defender started the weekly sports program “Gimme A Minute,” Edison created the segment, “Go Sit Down.” Edison, also a broadcast journalist, often appeared on local sports shows. He taught school full-time at Elsik High School in Alief ISD. Prior to that he taught at Hightower High School in Fort Bend ISD.

DIAHANN CARROLL

The singer and actress who won a Tony Award, received an Oscar nomination for the 1974 movie “Claudine” and made TV history on “Julia” and “Dynasty,” died Oct. 4 at age 84. She played Julia Baker, a widowed nurse raising a son, on the NBC comedy that debuted in 1968. She won a Golden Globe for her work. She played Dominique Deveraux – the first prominently featured Black character on a primetime soap opera – on ABC’s Dynasty and its spinoff “The Colbys.” Her recent roles included TV’s “White Collar” and the film “We the Peeples”.

FREEDA FOREMAN

The daughter of boxing legend George Foreman died March 9 at age 42. Her death was ruled a suicide and listed as asphyxia by hanging. She was found unresponsive by a family member at her Atascocita home.

Freeda followed Foreman in his footsteps, beginning to box professionally as a middleweight beginning in 2000. She won her first five fights before losing her sixth fight in 2001.

She promptly retired after the loss, settling for a pro record of 5-1 with three KOs to focus on her family.

JOHN CHASE JR.

The administration manager for Security and Emergency Preparedness at Hobby Airport and adjunct professor at Thurgood Marshall School of Law died Jan. 2 at age 66. He was the son of the late John Chase Sr., the first African American licensed to practice architecture in Texas. John Chase Jr. began his professional career in banking. He worked with the mayoral campaigns of Fred Hofheinz and Kathy Whitmire and served in both administrations. He operated a private law practice and was a City of Houston municipal judge.

CASSANDRA HOLLEMON

The Houston judge who was part of the historic wave of Black women candidates who swept into office in 2018, died Feb. 11 at age 57. One colleague said she died after a struggle with “health issues.” Hollemon was one of 17 women in a group of candidates who won seats in Harris County courtrooms.

Holleman, who practiced criminal law for more than two decades, was assigned to Harris County Criminal Court of Law 12. She came to the bench focused on doing her part to reform the criminal justice system in Texas’ largest county.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

LEAH CHASE

The New Orleans chef known for her Creole cuisine died June 1 at age 96. She was co-owner of Dooky Chase’s restaurant, a hub for the Black community and a meeting place for Civil Rights Movement organizers.

Chase married into the restaurant in 1946 and transformed it into a refined dining establishment. At the time, New Orleans restaurants were segregated. Famous customers included Duke Ellington, Justice Thurgood Marshall, James Baldwin, Ray Charles, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

NIPSEY HUSSLE

The Grammy-nominated rapper whose real name was Ermias Joseph Asghedom died from gunshot wounds on March 31 in Los Angeles. He was 33. News of Hussle’s death went viral and led to an online outpouring of grief. Hussle was an entrepreneur, community activist and father of two. He had a violent past and spoke publicly about his long affiliation with the Rollin’ 60s, an L.A.-area gang. More recently, it seemed as though Hussle had distanced himself from the gang. The suspect in his murder, Eric Holder, was arrested.

defendernetwork.com

JAMES INGRAM

DEFENDER 26 | 2019 | DEFENDER

DR. EDITH IRBY JONES

JOHNNY “LAM” JONES

TONI MORRISON

The speedy two-sport star at the University of Texas and a 1976 Olympic gold medalist died March 15 at age 60 after a long battle with cancer. He was a member of the U.S. 400-meter relay team and a world-class sprinter who once won four events at a Southwest Conference meet. Jones, a football standout at UT, was the second pick in the 1980 draft by the New York Jets and played wide receiver for five years. He was given the nickname “Lam” because of his hometown, Lampasas. Jones’ track exploits at Lampasas High School were legendary.

FRANK ROBINSON

JOHN SINGLETON

KRISTOFF ST. JOHN

BESSIE SWINDLE

GEORGE THOMAS

WILLIAM “BILL” THOMAS

DETRIA WARD

JEAN WILKINS-DEMBER

DARRYAL WILLIAMS

JOHN WITHERSPOON

The first African-American manager in Major League Baseball and the only player to win MVP in both leagues died Feb. 7 at age 83. An outfielder and first baseman, Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 in his first year of eligibility. He ranked 10th on the career home runs list with 586. He won the Triple Crown with the Baltimore Orioles in 1966 and became the first Black manager in MLB history in 1975 with the Cleveland Indians.

He served as MLB’s executive vice president of baseball development.

The former TSU football coach and athletic director died Jan. 18 at age 70. Thomas was the second all-time winningest coach in TSU football history. He coached the Tigers for 10 seasons, taking charge in 1994. His best season was in 2000, when he guided the Tigers to an 8-3 record, capping a string of five consecutive winning seasons for TSU. He later became dean of Student Services.

Thomas played middle linebacker at Tennessee State University. He was head coach there for five seasons and athletic director.

The director, screenwriter and producer known for the 1991 film “Boyz n the Hood” died April 29 at age 51 after suffering a stroke. He received an Oscar nomination for Best Director for “Boyz n the Hood.”

His other films included “Higher Learning,” “Shaft,” “Baby Boy,” “Four Brothers” and “Hustle & Flow.” Singleton directed action films such as “2 Fast 2 Furious” and TV shows such as “Empire.” He co-created the FX series “Snowfall” and executiveproduced the documentary “L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later.”

The award-winning Houston actress died Nov. 17 at age 57. In addition to her work with the Ensemble Theatre and other local theater groups, she was a radio talent with KTSU and announcer for half-time performances at TSU football games. She later served as general manager of Music World Entertainment and was most recently theater arts coordinator at Energized for STEM Academy High School. She began performing with the Ensemble in the mid1980s with the play “It’s Showdown Time” directed by founder George Hawkins.

The star of the long-running CBS soap opera “The Young and the Restless” was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Feb. 3. He was 52. The cause of death was hypertrophic heart disease and alcohol was a factor. St. John played Neil Winters on “The Young and the Restless” and was a two-time Daytime Emmy winner and 10-time NAACP Image Award-winner. He made his TV debut at age 8 on the sitcom “That’s My Mama.” He also starred in the series “Charlie and Company” with Flip Wilson and Gladys Knight and “The Bad News Bears.”

The Third Ward activist known affectionately as “Mother Dember” died Feb. 10 at age 89. She was often seen at local rallies and protests wearing her signature hat covered with buttons that championed various causes. Mrs. Wilkins-Dember stood side-by-side with other activists, whether she was protesting police brutality, calling for the abolishment of the death penalty or seeking answers in the death of Sandra Bland. She was actively involved with the National Black United Front and SHAPE Community Center.

The acclaimed novelist whose imaginative power in “Beloved,” ‘’Song of Solomon,” “Tar Baby,” “Paradise,” “Sula” and other works dramatized the pursuit of freedom within the boundaries of race died Aug. 5 at age 88.

She was nearly 40 when her first novel, “The Bluest Eye,” was published. By her early 60s, after just six novels, she had become the first Black woman to receive the Nobel literature prize, praised in 1993 by the Swedish academy for her “visionary force.” Morrison won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for “Beloved.”

JESSYE NORMAN

The nationally known medical pioneer who established a practice in Houston’s Third Ward died July 15 at age 91. She was remembered as a dedicated physician who cared about her community. Dr. Jones was the first Black student to attend the University of Arkansas School of Medicine, the first Black woman resident at Baylor College of Medicine and the first woman president of the National Medical Association. Her enrollment in a white Southern medical school made headlines yet she still encountered segregation.

The soulful, smooth voice behind R&B hits like “Just Once,” died Jan. 29 at age 66. He had brain cancer. Ingram got his start as a musician and played keyboards for Ray Charles. He was nominated for 14 Grammy Awards, winning for Best Male R&B Performance for “One Hundred Ways” and Best R&B Performance for a Duo or Group for “Yah Mo B There.” His duet with Patti Austin, “How Do You Keep the Music Playing,” earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. He co-wrote Michael Jackson’s hit “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing).”

The Sunnyside community leader died March 28 at age 79. She was a longtime activist and volunteer and joined the staff of Congressman Al Green in 2005. Her involvement included serving as president of the Southeast Coalition of Civic Clubs, president of the Cloverland Civic Club, vice president of St. Francis 55 Plus Seniors and precinct judge for Precinct 271. She lobbied against a concrete plant because of health concerns and fought for park renovations. A street and community center were named in her honor.

The noted Houston substance specialist died Jan. 15 at age 65. He was CEO of Williams Resources and established the Cocaine Deliverance Ministry at Windsor Village. He worked with the Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston, coordinated the substance abuse program at Covenant Glen UMC and assisted with programs at Lily Grove and Pentecostal Baptist Church.

He founded Men Making a Difference Support Group, facilitated groups for the NBA Rookie Transition Program and volunteered with the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

11

The international opera star died Sept. 30 age at 74. The New York Metropolitan Opera described Norman as “one of the great sopranos of the past half-century.” Norman won four Grammy awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. She won a scholarship to Howard University where she studied voice. She made her operatic debut in 1969 in Berlin and sang the title role in “Aïda.” By the mid-1980s she was one of the most popular sopranos in the world and many of her performances were televised.

The general manager of KTSU 90.9 FM for 18 years died April 13 at age 80. Under Thomas’ leadership, the station based on the campus of Texas Southern University experienced a major increase in funding and programming, and grew to have the largest African-American audience of any U.S. public radio station. Thomas was instrumental in helping establish the African-American Public Radio Consortium. He was a musician and jazz enthusiast who performed locally for 40 years with his group, George Thomas & Friends.

The actor and comedian who played Ice Cube’s father in the “Friday” films died Oct. 27 at age 77. He co-starred in the original “Friday” and the sequels “Next Friday” and “Friday After Next.” He was expected to reprise his role in the final franchise installment, “Last Friday.” Witherspoon appeared on “The Wayans Bros.” TV series and voiced the grandfather on “The Boondocks” animated series. He did stints on “The Tracy Morgan Show” and “The First Family.” His other film roles included “Boomerang” and “Little Man.”

12

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 26 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

pro & college TOP sports 10

By DEFENDER STAFF

What a difference a year makes. When 2019 began, Chris Paul still played with the Rockets, we hadn’t heard much from Colin Kaepernick since his Nike endorsement deal and Tiger Woods hadn’t won a major tournament in years. All that changed in what has been another busy year in the college/pro sports worlds. Let’s take a look at the top stories.

Simone Biles added to her collection of international gymnastics medals.

Simone Biles still the best

Spring native Simone Biles again demonstrated why she’s the world’s top gymnast. In July, she captured gold at the U.S. Classic, maintaining a six-year winning streak. In August, she proved her dominance by winning the U.S. women’s gymnastics championships. Even though she had an off night on the opening night, she still ended up in first place. “I still get really frustrated because I know how good I am and how well I can do,” she said. In October, she won her 25th world medal at the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, and became the most decorated gymnast ever.

Astros return to World Series

The Houston Astros hoped to become World Series champions for the second time in three years but lost Game 7 to the Washington Nationals by a 6-2 score. The Astros won Games 3, 4 and 5, all in D.C. They clinched the American League championship by beating the Yankees and had the best record in Major League Baseball. The team dealt with two scandals in 2019.

The team allegedly employed a sophisticated sign-stealing process involving the use of a video camera in center field at Minute Maid Park in 2017. The Astros also fired assistant general manager

The Astros were ecstatic after winning Game 6 of the series against the Yankees.

Brandon Taubman, who was accused of verbally accosting female journalists.

Rockets go through changes

Two months after a series-ending playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Rockets made headlines again by trading Chris Paul to the Oklahoma Thunder for Russell Westbrook in a swapping of top point guards. The Thunder also received firstround picks in 2024 and 2026. The trade reunited Westbrook with James Harden. They were Thunder teammates for three seasons, the last of those being the 2011-12 campaign when Oklahoma City lost to Miami in the NBA Finals. Westbrook said he was ready to do whatever was necessary to make the move to Houston work.

Tigers Woods wins Masters

Tiger Woods rallied to win the Masters for the fifth time, a comeback that went well beyond the two-shot deficit he erased before a delirious audience that watched memories turn into reality at Augusta National. It had been nearly 11 years since he won his last major and 14 years since the green Masters jacket was slipped over his red shirt. He closed with a 2-par under 70 for a one-shot victory. Woods became, at 43, the oldest Masters champion since

Jack Nicklaus won the tournament at age 46 in 1986.

UH Cougars reach Sweet 16

When the University of Houston basketball team beat Ohio State 74-59 in a second-round Midwest Region game, it marked the first time in 35 years that UH reached the Sweet 16.

It was the Cougars’ 33rd win of the season, breaking the school’s season record set by the 1983-84 team. UH went on to suffer a heartbreaking loss to Kentucky, falling 62-58. UH coach Kelvin Sampson was proud of what his team accomplished. “Sometime in coaching you just get blessed with a great group of kids. I mean a great, great group of kids. It’s such a blessing and an honor for me to coach these kids this season, and I say ‘thank you’ to them for letting me go along on the ride…”

Texans make it to playoffs two years in a row

The Texans began the new year as winners of their third AFC South division title in four years. The team took an 11-5 regular season record into the wild card game with their division rivals, the Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis gave Texan quarterback Deshaun

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

defendernetwork.com

DEFENDER 26 | 2019 | DEFENDER

Division rivals Houston and Indianapolis faced off during Wild Card Weekend.

13

Prairie View A&M defeated Texas Southern for the SWAC basketball title.

Watson fits throughout the game, sacking him three times. The Colts won 21-7. As the new season began, the Texans were favored to win the AFC again, especially after the sudden retirement of Indy quarterback Andrew Luck. Heading into December, the Texans were tied with the Tennessee Titans for the division lead.

PVAMU, TSU battle in basketball

Prairie View A&M University (22-12) topped Texas Southern University (21-13) in a thrilling 92-86 contest to win the 2019 Toyota SWAC Basketball Tournament. Gary Blackston of PVAMU was named tournament MVP. Other all-tournament team members were Dennis Jones and Devonte Patterson of PVAMU and Jalyn Patterson and Jeremy Combs of TSU. The win took coach Byron Smith and the Panthers to March Madness for the first time since 1998.

PVAMU was defeated by Fairleigh Dickinson 82-76 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Kaepernick’s NFL workout derailed

The NFL scheduled a workout with former pro quarterback Colin Kaepernick in Atlanta. Kaepernick has been out of the league since 2016, when he protested police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem. Kaepernick ended up holding his own workout 60 miles from the Atlanta Falcons’ facility where the session was originally scheduled to take place and the league said he was a no-show. Kaepernick’s team said they believed the NFL cared more about creating the impression it wanted to give him a chance than actually giving him a legitimate opportunity. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stood by the legitimacy of the workout. “It was about opportunity, a credible opportunity.”

Goodell said. “He chose not to take it, and I understand that.”

Coco Gauff was defeated by Naomi Osaka during an emotional U.S. Open game.

College athletes closer to getting paid

The NCAA took a major step toward allowing college athletes to cash in on their fame, voting to permit them to “benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness.” The nation’s largest governing body for college sports and its member schools now must figure out how to allow athletes to profit – something they have fought against doing for years – while still maintaining rules regarding amateurism. The NCAA Board of Governors directed each of the NCAA’s three divisions to create the necessary new rules and have them in place no later than January 2021. The move came after California opened the way for college athletes to hire agents and make money from endorsement deals.

Tennis pros shine in 2019

Younger stars Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff and veteran Serena Williams were players to watch in 2019. Ranked third in the world, Osaka began the year with a second straight Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Osaka, who was born to a Japanese mother and a Haitian father, will give up her U.S. citizenship to represent Japan in the Tokyo Summer Olympics next year. Gauff, a 15-yearold from Georgia, was on fire at Wimbledon, knocking out five-time champion Venus Williams in the first round before losing in the fourth round. In the U.S. Open, she was defeated by Osaka in the third round. Serena Williams advanced at Wimbledon before being defeated in the finals. Though Williams lost her bid for what would have been her sixth U.S. Open Singles title, her legacy as the greatest tennis player of all time remained intact.

The Rockets reunited Russell Westbrook and James Harden after trading Chris Paul to Oklahoma. Chris Paul to Oklahoma.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

Tiger Woods to resurfaced rs te win the Mas time t rs fi e th r fo s. ar ye in 14

14

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 26 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

high school TOP sports 10

By JODIE B. JILES Defender

There was lots of excitement in area high school sports, from North Shore shocking Duncanville with its state championship winning Hail Mary touchdown to Strake Jesuit track phenom Matthew Boling possibly putting himself on the map as the next fastest man alive. Here are the top 10 sports stories for 2019.

North Shore wins state on Hail Mary

goalie Blaise Mucho and attacking forward Israel Okoroji.

Kingwood pitcher Masyn Winn All-American

The North Shore football team went undefeated in 2018-19 and took home the state title in a thrilling 41-36 win against Duncanville that came down to a last second 45-yard Hail Mary pass from quarterback Dematrius Davis to wide receiver A.J. Carter in the corner of the end zone. When Carter was asked what went on in his head while the ball was in the air he said, “Big-time players make big-time plays.”

Junior Arkansas commit Masyn Winn performed above and beyond the call of duty as a pitcher and infielder, which earned him a secondteam selection for All USA Baseball. Winn batted a .439 average with two home runs and 26 RBIs. On the mound, Winn went 13-0 with 62 strikeouts in district play and an 0.18 ERA.

Matthew Boling raises eyebrows

Zach Evans No. 1 prospect in U.S.

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory senior North Shore beat Duncanville for the state title. sprinter and long jumper Matthew Boling, managed to advance to the state championship game and lost to a University of Georgia commit, raised Duncanville by a score of 73-69. eyebrows across the board as he lifted fans to their feet each time he is called upon to perform. Boling helped lead the Crusaders individually, winning back-to-back gold medals in the 100-meter dash at the Texas Southern University Relays and Texas Relays. In addition, Boling was a team player, closing out the fourth leg of the 4x100-meter Fort Bend Marshall broke the national high school relay team that went undefeated at the TSU and Texas Relays. record for the 4x100-meter boys’ relay at the Texas At the state track meet, Boling took home a gold medal in the Southern University Relays then followed up by breaking 100-meter dash with a wind-aided 9.98 second time, and tied their own record time and time again at the Victor Lopez the state long jump record with a 25-foot, 4.5 inch gold medal Rice Relays the next week with a 40.39-second time. At leap. the state track meet, Marshall closed the season with gold medal finishes in the 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter relays.

Marshall HS breaks national track record

Klein Forest, North Shore, Yates go state

Klein Forest, North Shore and Yates represented Houston basketball and earned a spot in the final four of the state tournament. In the semifinal round, North Shore was eliminated

by Duncanville. Yates was eliminated in the semifinals by Oak Cliff Faith and Family. Klein Forest was the only team that

Sharpstown makes soccer playoffs

Sharpstown High School was the last HISD team standing in the soccer playoffs this past season at the state semifinal tournament in Waco. A big reason for the Apollos’ success was

North Shore running back Zach Evans, arguably one of the most dominant high school football players in the country, was named the No. 1 pound-for-pound high school prospect in the nation by nearly every single recruiting site in the country. Evans is currently considering colleges such as Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma and LSU.

Demond Demas sits out season

Senior wide receiver Demond Demas, a Texas A&M commit and another top national prospect, transferred from North Forest High School to Tomball High School for his senior season of play. However, the transfer was later denied by a UIL committee, which informed Demas he must either return to North Forest or sit out his senior season at Tomball.

Demas and his camp appealed the decision with HISD, but the UIL decision was upheld.

Golfer Zoe Slaughter

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

defendernetwork.com

DEFENDER 26 | 2019 | DEFENDER

15

Strake Jesuit’s Matthew Boling took the area track world by storm.

nsfer

is tra ut after h mas sat o mond De

rest’s De North Fo . d was denie

Klein Forest point forward Calvin Solomon, who earned a scholarship offer to SFA, was interviewed by the Defender’s Jodie B. Jiles.

stands out

Spring Branch Memorial golfer Zoe Slaughter, a University of Houston commit, was recognized as the UIL 5A and 6A Player of the Year and finished second at the Class 6A State Championships with a score of 3 under 141 at Legacy Hills Golf Club in Georgetown.

Katy QB suspended for racial remark

Bronson McClelland, Katy High School’s starting quarterback since 2018, was suspended for two games and stripped of his status of captain when he directed the “N” word at a student on an opposing team on a social media post on Snapchat. The post followed Katy’s 35-30 win over cross-town district rival Katy Tompkins. The video was subsequently taken off of Snapchat by McClelland and then re-uploaded to Twitter by a Katy Tompkins player. The next day McClelland recanted his statement with a

d Fort Ben Marshall ck boy’s tra ke ro b m tea l a nationa record.

Photos by Jimmie Aggison

Kingwood p team All-A itcher Masyn Winn was name merican. d second

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

Spring Branch Memorial’s Zoe Slaughter finished second in the 6A state tournament.

16

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 26 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

events

Defender events reach out to community

Participants in the State of Black Women Roundtable strategized and networked at the Federal Reserve Bank.

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

The Defender upheld its standing as Houston’s Leading Black Information Source by reaching out to minority community members across Houston in 2019. Events included: • State of Black Women – More than 100 Houstonarea women of vision gathered at the State of Black Women (SOBW) Roundtable sponsored by the Defender Network and the Barbara Jordan Institute at Texas Southern University and hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas-Houston Branch. Inspired by the initiative’s slogan, “The Power of US,” the SOBW was established to give voice to the collective power of Black women. Follow-up events included an Hour of Power Reception, a State Legislative Agenda Breakfast at the Ensemble Theatre and two Health Forums at the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy.

• Conversations & Coffee – Dallas State Sen. Royce West and Houston State Sen. Borris Miles gave a legislative update at Conversations & Coffee held at Houston Community College exploring topics such as education, young Black males and state contracts. Harris County Commissioners Adrian Garcia and Rodney Ellis discussed Blacks and Browns: Our Common Ground at another installment of Conversations & Coffee held at HCC. Subjects included building relationships, myths and realities and Harvey recovery money.

• State of Black Houston – Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo addressed issues facing African Americans in the city and county at the State of Black Houston at the Power Center. Topics included flooding, economic development, housing, the 2020 Census and criminal justice.

• Ministers of Music Extraordinaire Awards – The Defender and a panel of gospel peers selected Ministers of Music Extraordinaire in four categories: boutique/small, mid-size, large and mega churches. Honorees were Glenda Taylor, The Genesis Church; Eleanor Lee, True Light Missionary Baptist; Mark Taylor, Good Hope Missionary Baptist and Lydia Alston, Brentwood Baptist. V. Michael McKay’s “Hymns for Him Now” served as the backdrop for the presentation, held at Good Hope.

Photos by Aswad Walker & Vicky Pink

Dallas State Sen. Royce West and Houston State Sen. Borris Miles were interviewed by Defender Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley at Conversations & Coffee held at Houston Community College.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and County Judge Lina Hidalgo offered insight at the State of Black Houston at the Power Center.

SOBW founders Argentina James, Dr. Carla Brailey and Defender CEO Sonny Messiah-Jiles joined Michelle Riley-Brown, executive vice president of Texas Children’s Hospital, at an Hour of Power at Grotto.

Harris County Commissioners Adrian Garcia (left) and Rodney Ellis (right) greeted former City Councilmember Ben Reyes at Blacks and Browns: Common Ground – Conversations & Coffee held at HCC.

State Reps. Shawn Thierry and Senfronia Thompson discuss Black women’s political agenda with Defender CEO Sonceria Messiah Jiles.

Defender Ministers of Music Extraordinaire Mark Taylor, Eleanor Lee, Glenda Taylor and Lydia Alston were honored at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

Attendees at an SOBW student Health Forum at Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy included Madison Nealy, Naylie Leal, Dr. Janice Beal, Chandra Hummons, YWCPA Principal Dr. April Williams, Dr. Jamil Joyner, Melinda Rushing, Kaiya Burden and Kyra Welch.

Experts who discussed “Body, Mind and Soul” gathered at the SOBW evening Health Forum.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years