Houston Defender: July 02, 2015

NATIONAL

SUPREME COURT ISSUES LANDMARK RULINGS IMPACTING NATION P3 defendernetwork.com

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Volume 84 | Number 31 JULY 2, 2015 |FREE

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NEWSTALK DR. ERICKA BROWN takes charge at Ben Taub

INDEPENDENCE DAY?

P2 ENTERTAINMENT STEPHEN ‘TWITCH’ BOSS plays male stripper

P5 FEATURE BISHOP MICHAEL CURRY leads Episcopal Church

P9 TOP EVENTS

Councilman Larry Green, Nicole Murphy and Councilman Jerry Davis at Urban League gala

P12

Freedom from the

CONFEDERATE FLAG H PAGE 6

President Obama reflects on grace President Obama delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral of slain South Carolina Pastor and State Sen. Clementa Pinckney.

Hear Obama’s reflections on grace and faith. Read about his recollections of Rev. Pinckney. See what he said about racial bias.

Montrezl Harrell drafted by Rockets Former Louisville power forward Montrezl Harrell was chosen second by the Rockets during the recent NBA draft. Find out why Harrell feels he’s prepared to play pro basketball. Discover why the team is excited about Harrell and top pick Sam Dekker.

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DEFENDER | JULY 2 | 2015

newstalk

Black women on the move

Doctor leads Ben Taub

Principal best in region

Dr. Ericka Brown, current administrator of Harris Health System’s Ambulatory Care Services, has been named the new head of the system’s Ben Taub Hospital.

She takes charge of a 586-licensed-bed facility and one of the nation’s premiere Level 1 trauma centers, one of only two such centers in greater Houston. Ben Taub is also one of the primary training facilities for residents and faculty from Baylor College of Medicine.

Brown began her career with Harris Health in 2012. Prior to that she served as medical director for a multi-specialty group practice in the Chicago area, and served on several governing bodies for the organization.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Temple University, a medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago and an MBA from Texas Woman’s University.

Angela Lundy-Jackson, principal of HISD’s North Houston Early College High School, was recently named Region 4 Secondary Principal of the Year. Region 4 consists of 50 school districts across seven counties.

She is now a candidate for the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals’ Principal of the Year award.

Lundy-Jackson was selected to represent the district based on her school’s academic ratings, overall student performance, advanced placement and SAT participation, and her leadership skills.

Lundy-Jackson launched her career in education with Teach for America in 1991.

She went on to become an HISD new teacher mentor, an English department chairperson, an instructional coordinator, a magnet coordinator, and the dean of instruction/assistant principal. She received her undergraduate degree and Masters of Public Administration from Grambling State University.

Texas officials fight gay marriage Texas’ highest-ranking elected officials are fighting the Supreme Court ruling allowing same-sex marriage in all 50 states based on religious beliefs.

Gov. Gregg Abbott issued a memo to state agency heads directing them to preserve religious liberty.

Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton said county clerks can refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples based on religious objections.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick agreed with Paxton, and said, “No public employee, judge or justice of the peace should be forced to participate in activity contrary to the covenants of their sincerely held religious beliefs.”

Following the Supreme Court ruling, Abbott tweeted that, “Marriage was defined by God. No man can redefine it. We will defend our religious liberties.”

In his memo to agency directors, he said Texans must be secure in the knowledge that their religious freedom is beyond the reach of government.

“The government must never pressure a person to abandon or violate his or her sincerely held religious beliefs regarding a topic such as marriage,” Abbott said.

Paxton said clerks who refuse to issue marriage licenses might be sued or fined.

“But, numerous lawyers stand ready to assist clerks defending their religious beliefs, in many cases on a pro-bono basis, and I will do everything I can from this office to be a public voice for those standing in defense of their rights,” Paxton said.

State supporters of the Supreme Court ruling include Congressman Al Green, State Sen. Rodney Ellis and State Reps. Garnet Coleman and Ron Reynolds.

“The Supreme Court took a long overdue step to recognize the human dignity of our gay and lesbian friends,” Ellis said. “No longer will they be considered second-class citizens, unable to marry the person they love. This sends a strong message to the world that equality under the law is one of the guiding principles of our nation’s Constitution.”

localbriefs TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs has been awarded a $100,000 planning grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The grant will support the development of the Gulf Coast HBCU/Community Equity Consortium. The consortium’s communityuniversity partnerships will address social inequality, vulnerability, health and well-being of children and families in selected urban communities in the five Gulf Coast states – Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida……..FEMA IS HIRING TEMPORARY WORKERS to assist with the state’s disaster recovery from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that

occurred in May and June. Jobs are available in the Houston, Austin and Denton offices in six categories: administrative/clerical, customer service, logistics, report writing, switchboard/help desk and technical/architecture/ engineering. Candidates must be 18 years of age or older and must be a U.S. citizen with valid I.D. Candidates will be required to complete a background investigation.

To apply visit www.workintexas.com, click on Search All Jobs and type FEMA……..A FREE READING RESOURCE is available online to encourage students to read during the summer. It’s called Find a Book, Texas, and is recommended by the Texas Education Agency.

Books are selected based on a child’s interests and reading

level. A search tool helps to build custom lists for readers and locate the selections at local public libraries. The resource utilizes the Lexile measure, which indicates the reading level of an individual or a book. It helps parents determine whether the text is too difficult, too easy or just right for a child. “Reading remains the one skill that can help combat the education summer slide for all students before the new school year,” said TEA Commissioner Michael Williams. “Through ‘Find a Book, Texas,’ TEA joins with school districts, libraries and other organizations statewide providing resources that stress the importance of reading during the summer months.” For information visit www.Lexile.com/fab/tx.

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JULY 2 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Obama reflects on grace, faith at Pinckney funeral

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uring his tribute to slain Pastor and State Sen. Clementa Pinckney, President Obama said that through grace, anything is possible and everything can change.

Obama delivered his impassioned eulogy before a national television audience and a packed arena at College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C. He also led mourners in singing a verse of “Amazing Grace.”

“This whole week, I’ve been reflecting on this idea of grace,” Obama said. “The grace of the families who lost loved ones. The grace that Reverend Pinckney would preach about in his sermons.”

Pinckney and eight others were massacred by Dylann Roof on June 18 during Bible study at historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Obama said he did not know Pinckney well, but met him in South Carolina when they both were younger. He recalled Pinckney’s graciousness, smile, reassuring baritone and deceptive sense of humor.

“We are here today to President and Mrs. Obama offer condolences to the wife and daughters of Pastor Clementa Pinckney. remember a man of God who lived by faith,” Obama said. “A man who believed in things not seen. A man “To the families of the fallen, the nation shares who believed there were better days ahead, off in the in your grief,” he said. “Our pain cuts that much distance. A man of service who persevered, knowing deeper because it happened in a church. The church full well he would not receive all those things he is and always has been the center of Africanwas promised, because he believed his efforts would American life – a place to call our own in a too often deliver a better life for those who followed.” hostile world, a sanctuary from so many hardships.”

Obama said all the murdered church members Obama touched on such issues as gun violence, were decent, God-fearing people full of life and hate, injustice and racism. kindness.

“Maybe we now realize the way racial bias can

VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 31 JULY 2, 2015

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

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall

Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

infect us even when we don’t realize it, so that we’re guarding against not just racial slurs, but we’re also guarding against the subtle impulse to call Johnny back for a job interview but not Jamal,” he said.

“By recognizing our common humanity by treating every child as important, regardless of the color of their skin or the station into which they were born, and to do what’s necessary to make opportunity real for every American, by doing that, we express God’s grace.”

Obama concluded by reciting the names of the nine victims, all of whom found grace.

“Through the example of their lives, they’ve now passed it on to us,” he said. “May we find ourselves worthy of that precious and extraordinary gift, as long as our lives endure.

May grace now lead them home. May God continue to shed His grace on the United States of America.”

national

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Supreme Court makes historic landmark rulings From the future of Obamacare to marriage equality for gays, the U.S. Supreme Court recently issued rulings that will go down in history.

In King v. Burwell, the high court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and preserved health care for millions of Americans. In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled that federal subsidies can be offered in states with their own health insurance exchanges as well as the 34 states with federal exchanges or marketplaces.

The ACA is now President Obama’s legacy, and he compared it to Medicare and Social Security. He added that the ruling was a victory for hardworking Americans.

“The point is, this is not an abstract thing anymore,” Obama said. “This is not a set of political talking points. This is reality. We can see how it is working. This law is working exactly as it’s supposed to.

“In many ways, this law is working better than we expected it to. For all the misinformation campaigns, all the doomsday predictions, all the talk of death panels and job destruction, for all the repeal attempts, this law is now helping tens of millions of Americans.”

In Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision that gives gay and lesbian couples the legal right to marry in all 50 states. Gay marriage supporters across the country celebrated the ruling, which came during LGBT Pride Month.

“No longer may this liberty be denied,” Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote for the majority. “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.”

Justice Antonin Scalia, however, called the decision a “threat to American democracy,” and said it robs citizens of “the freedom to govern themselves.”

Justice Clarence Thomas voted against the ACA and gay marriage.

In another important ruling, the court ruled that claims of racial discrimination in housing cases shouldn’t be limited by questions of intent.

The court affirmed a Court of Appeals decision in a case in which a nonprofit group said that the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs had contributed to “segregated housing patterns by allocating too many tax credits to housing in predominantly Black inner-city areas and too few in predominantly white suburban neighborhoods.”

The 5-4 ruling endorsed the notion that statistics and other evidence can be used to show decisions and practices have discriminatory effects without proving that they’re the result of discriminatory intentions.

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DEFENDER | JULY 2 | 2015

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Try low-hassle, low-cost business travel If your travel plans this summer include a trip for business, consider these tips for low-hassle, low-cost travel from the SBA. Sign up for cloud email and documents.

You can easily carry your emails, photos, graphics, and documents along with you.

Use noise cancelling earphones. Earphones that limit outside noise let you work no matter how many cranky babies are seated around you on the plane, or how many decibels are in that airport coffee shop.

Lunch is cheaper, make it your main meal.

At most restaurants lunch is considerably cheaper than dinner. Skip the evening meal with just a snack to tide you over.

Hit grocery stores instead of restaurants.

Eating grocery store food instead of restaurant food can be cheaper and healthier.

When traveling internationally use a translation app. Don’t count on everyone speaking English in your international

travels. There are translation apps you can use on your smartphone that will provide common travel phrases and requests to help you communicate.

Get a micro projector. If you give sales or customer presentations, you need some way to show your screen to a group. A micro-projector that can be used with a mobile device is a big help. Gone are the days of lugging a heavy projector around.

Bring an extra charger. No matter how many extra phone chargers you think you need, it’s easy to run out. If you’re traveling all day and taking

connecting flights, you may not be able to find charging stations at airports – and when you use a GPS app to navigate around in a rental car, it practically drains your smartphone battery in front of your eyes.

Learn to pack efficiently. Efficient packing can nearly double your space inside a suitcase or briefcase, which can also prevent costs associated with checked bags. Roll clothes in plastic bags to save space and keep wrinkles down. Place smaller items inside larger items to save space Email important items in advance. Always email yourself your full itinerary (including confirmation numbers), and a copy of your identification and your passport in advance. It’s a small step, but if you’ve ever had a briefcase left behind in a rental car or your pocket picked, you’ll appreciate this.

Don’t overlook the importance of “free.”

Some hotel chains offer free breakfast and free Wi-Fi so be sure to do your homework. Look for airlines that offer free checked bags.

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JULY 2 | 2015 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss

dances in ‘Magic Mike’ sequel off it’s pretty easy to get into character. Our choreographer, Alison Faulk, helped orn in tremendously to make sure we Montgomery, Ala. were still bringing it. in 1982, Stephen KW: When you’re cast Boss was always alongside so many other great spinning and dancers, what do you have to staying in motion as a child, do to stand out and put your which is how he earned the personal mark on a movie? nickname “tWitch.”

SB: Honestly, by just After studying dance getting down the only way at Southern Union State that I can, which I think I did Community College, he with my first solo team. That made his Hollywood debut was basically me free-styling. in Season 3 of the reality TV And when I free-style, that’s series “So You Think You just the way that I dance.

Can Dance” and was runnerNobody else dances like ” L. X X up in the finals in season e ik M that. So, I think that’s “Magic e stripper in al m a four. He later married his ys ra enough, doing me to the Boss port co-star on the show, dancer fullest.

Allison Holker.

KW: What message do you think people will take were doing a sequel, I just Boss parlayed his away from the film? put it out there that I was television success into a SB: It depends on what message you are open going to be a part of it.

And film career, appearing in to taking.

There’s the underlying buddy theme to this Also known as tWitc h, Stephen Boss is an I was excited. accomplished dancer and actor.

“Hairspray,” “Blades of film about taking a road trip with your boys for your KW: How would you Glory,” “Stomp the Yard 2” and last hurrah, and having a good time and being open for describe the character you several installments of the “Step Up” franchise. anything. There are a lot of unexpected twists and turns are portraying?

He has been featured as a guest DJ on “The Ellen and relationships formed due to unforeseen circumstances SB: Malik is the guy who kind of inspires Mike to DeGeneres Show” since last April. that actually work out for the better. mind his Ps and Qs in order to be able to prove that he’s Here, he talks about his latest outing opposite KW: We all got nicknames when we were young. How still a top-notch dancer.

Channing Tatum and Jada Pinkett Smith in “Magic do you feel about keeping yours?

KW: How do you prepare differently to play a Mike XXL.” The film about male strippers also features SB: I don’t mind it at all, because it’s a part of my being. stripper than to play the street dancer in “Step Up” or Michael Strahan, Donald Glover and Adam Rodriguez It’s become part of my persona, when it comes to dance. the fraternity step dancer in “Stomp the Yard 2?” among others.

KW: Is there anything that you promised yourself you’d SB: A lot of it has to do with the choreography. Once KW: What interested you in Magic Mike XXL? do if you became famous, that you still haven’t done yet? you’re on set with the extras who are ready to throw SB: I had never worked with anybody doing the film SB: Yes, to build a community center in my dollars and excited that you’re actually taking your shirt before, which was great. And then when I heard that they hometown.

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

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what’sup BEYONCÉ was a big winner at the 15th annual BET Awards. She won three awards: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Video of the Year and Video Director of the Year.

CHRIS BROWN also won three awards: Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, Fandemonium Award and Viewers’ Choice Award. NICKI MINAJ won Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and KENDRICK LAMAR won Best Male Hip-Hop Artist. TERRENCE HOWARD won Best Actor and TARAJI P. HENSON won Best Actress. “Selma” won Best Movie and COMMON and JOHN LEGEND won Best Collaboration for “Glory.” JIMMY JAM and TERRY LEWIS presented JANET JACKSON with the Ultimate Icon: Music

Dance Visual Award. TOM JOYNER received the Humanitarian Award……..“Lip Sync Battle,” which airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on the Spike TV Channel, returns July 9 with new episodes. The show is hosted

by LL COOL J, and an upcoming matchup features JUSTIN BIEBER vs. DEION SANDERS……..

Gospel singer and minister DONNIE McCLURKIN disagrees with the Supreme Court’s landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage across America, and posted his objection on Facebook. “GOD has set the only standard for marriage to be between man and woman, in biology, in physiology, in history, biblically & scripturally and that I will NEVER speak against,”

he said. As a child, McClurkin was sexually abused by two male relatives. He said the molestation caused him to struggle with homosexuality and God delivered him……..JORDIN SPARKS, “American Idol’s” season six winner, is releasing a new album titled “Right Here, Right Now.” Sparks sang several songs off the album during a recent L.A. performance. One new song, “They Don’t Give,” is collaboration with BABYFACE……RICHARD LEE, director of bands at Texas Southern University, served as guest conductor and clinician of the Bahamas All-Stars Marching Band.

The band presented a concert on the Island of New Providence, and Lee conducted two pieces.

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DEFENDER | JULY 2 | 2015

INDEPENDENCE DAY?

Freedom from the

CONFEDERATE

Local historians shed light on s

W

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

ith America’s ultimate celebration of independence upon us – the 4th of July— many African-Americans are wondering just how real freedom is with the Confederate Flag still waving across the country.

Images of Dylann Roof, the confessed killer of nine members of Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church, proudly waving the stars and bars conflicts with recent footage of educator Bree Newsome taking it upon herself to remove that same flag from the South Carolina State Capitol Building.

Even the son of this country’s most iconic segregationist, Strom Thurmond, has called for South Carolina to permanently remove the flag from the capitol. Global forces such as Wal-Mart, Amazon, and even NASCAR have distanced themselves from the flag’s legacy.

Yet, there are still voices defending the flag’s honor and message. In Texas, the Sons of Confederate Veterans continue to lobby for specialty license plates featuring the flag even though the Supreme Court ruled the state had the right to reject such plates.

The Defender spoke to two University of Houston history professors – Dr. Gerald Horne and Dr. Nancy Beck Young – to explore this symbol that brings so much pain to some and so much pride to others.

Defender: What does the Confederate flag represent?

Horne: It represents treason against the United States, and the support of slavery, because secessionists thought the U.S. was moving toward its abolition. It represents racism, plain and simple.

Young: The flag was not used much beyond Confederate soldier reunions until the 1940s and things started happening in the country that caused another generation of racist, mostly white southerners, to use the flag as a symbol of protest against increasing steps the U.S. government was taking toward Civil Rights reform, particularly President Truman’s move to desegregate the military by executive order.

Also, in the 1940 presidential election, there was a split in the Democratic Party with many white southerners forming the Dixiecrat Party with a platform to continue segregation. Their presidential candidate was Strom Thurmond, and they used the Confederate Flag as their symbol.

Defender: Are we trying to eliminate or rewrite part of American history by eliminating the flag?

Horne: Nobody is saying the Confederate States of America didn’t exist. However, usually when you lose a war you’re not celebrated. In fact, often times you’re executed.

However, because of the limitations of the government at that time, they sought reconciliation between the north an south, and made concessions to those on the losing side o war. There are probably more statues in t south honoring the Confederacy than stat celebrating the U.S. Defender: Why is there such a deni that the flag symbolizes racism and an endorsement of slavery?

Young: Maybe they’re some misgui souls who slept through history class, or weren’t regular consumers of the news in the ‘50s and ‘60s. I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt to some. I’m much le charitable to political leaders, many of w are simply appealing to a certain politica constituency. Some people deny the obvi because they don’t want to deal with the implications of their stance.

Defender: In what ways has Housto and Texas embraced the Confederacy?

Horne: They have embraced it with both arms. There are statues, buildings, streets, all over Houston honoring the confederacy. Even in Austin, at the state capitol and the supposedly liberal campus of the University of Texas, the are monuments and buildings celebrating the Confederac Texas, it should be remembered, seceded from Mexico o

“Nobody is saying the Confederate States of America didn’t exist. However, usually when you lose a war you’re not celebrated. In fact, often times you’re executed.”

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Houston area symbols remain Across Texas, the South continues to rise with symbols celebrating the Confederacy everywhere. Houston, one of the most ethnically diverse cities in America, has vestiges of the Confederacy all around. Here is a partial listing.

• Dowling Street, Dowling Middle School and a Dowling statue that stands on the backside of Hermann Park, near the fifth green of the golf course, all honor Lt. Richard “Dick” Dowling, an Irish immigrant, Houston barkeep and Confederate hero.

• Tuam Street, which like Dowling, borders Emancipation Park, was named after Dowling’s birthplace in Galway, Ireland.

• Lee High School was formerly named Robert E. Lee High school after the

Confederate commander.

• Johnston Middle School is after named Confederate Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston.

• Jefferson Davis High School and Jeff Davis County are named after the president of the Confederacy.

• Spirit of the Confederacy, a bronze statue of an angel with a sword, stands in Sam Houston Park, erected by the Robert E. Lee Chapter No. 186 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

• Confederate Memorial of the Wind is being erected in nearby Orange, Texas off I-10. The Sons of Confederate Veterans, who built it, say when complete it will fly eight Confederate flags.

• Dignified Resignation, a monument outside the Galveston County courthouse, was erected to honor the soldiers and sailors of the Confederacy.

FLAG

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the whole issue of slavery. Mexico was moving to abolish slavery, and Texas wanted to maintain slavery.

Defender: Why did it take a tragedy like the Charleston church shooting to “take down the flag?”

Horne: It was the drama of it, the brutality of it. It was also the fact that Charleston was a political assassination. So, South Carolina had to move to take down the flag, and then others moved.

Defender: Is such a focus on the removal of the Confederate Flag a good or bad thing?

Horne: It’s a great thing. But if we stop there, we haven’t accomplished much.

Young: I’m concerned this debate could become an excuse not to deal with income and educational inequality, much more important issues. The flag is going to become a relic of history in most southern states by the end of the year.

But I could see more conservative-minded politicians saying, “We gave you what you wanted with the flag. What more do you want?”

Defender: What kind of emotional damage does repeated exposure to a symbol of hate do to Black people’s minds and spirits, and what can we do to counteract it?

Horne: I’m not sure what it does to Black minds and spirits, but to poor and working class whites, it reinforces white supremacy, their backwardness, lack of class consciousness, and helps to make this country and the world a worse place.

he Houston area for over 80 years

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Five flag facts

The Confederate flag that has sparked a national debate was never the official flag of the Confederacy. Also called the rebel flag, the Southern cross and the Dixie flag, it was actually the battle flag of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.

Following the Civil War, the flag was used mostly at veterans’ events and to commemorate fallen Confederate soldiers.

The flag took on new associations in the 1940s, when it began to appear more frequently in contexts unrelated

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to the Civil War, such as University of Mississippi football games.

In 1948, the flag became the symbol of the newly-formed States Rights Democratic Party, also known as the Dixiecrats.

It was only after Brown vs. Board of Education and the Civil Rights Movement that South Carolinians put the flag on the statehouse. Other southerners adopted the battle flag as resistance to desegregation.

Source: Defender Files

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Excludes: Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), specials, super buys, cosmetics/fragrances, electrics/electronics, floor coverings, furniture, mattresses, rugs. Also excludes: athletic apparel, shoes & accessories; Dallas Cowboys merchandise, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, Macy’s Backstage merchandise/ locations, New Era, Nike on Field, previous purchases, selected licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discountor credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES. TEXT “CPN” TO 62297 TO GET COUPONS, SALES ALERTS & MORE! Max 3 msgs/wk. Msg & data rates may apply. By texting CPN from my mobile number, I agree to receive marketing text messages generated by an automated dialer from Macy’s to this number. I understand that consent is not required to make a purchase. Text STOP to 62297 to cancel. Text HELP to 62297 for help. Terms & conditions at macys.com/mobilehelp Privacy policy at macys.com/privacypolicy

MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: FOURTH EXCLUSIONS MAY DIFFER ON MACYS.COM

Free air conditioners for seniors, the disabled The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) will distribute 315 portable air conditioners to Houston-area seniors and disabled residents.

Donations of $25,000 by Reliant and $75,000 by the Harris County Area Agency on Aging, a division of HDHHS, are funding the distribution of the air conditioners. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to the heat.

HDHHS recommends that adults check on elderly relatives, friends or neighbors for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Others who are particularly vulnerable include infants and children up to four years of age, those who are overweight and people with heart and respiratory problems.

To apply for an air conditioner call 832393-4301.

VALID 6/28-7/5/15

‡EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE PASSES.

FREE SHIPPING + FREE RETURNS AT MACYS.COM!

Free shipping with $75 purchase. Free returns by mail or in-store. U.S. only. Exclusions apply; details at macys.com/freeshipping

Give $3 to provide a book for a child and get $1O off†† a $3O purchase PLUS 2O% or 15% off†† storewide!

“Be Book Smart” this Summer! Macy’s and Reading Is Fundamental invite you to help spark a child’s imagination. From June 21-July 12, 100% of your $3 donation benefits Reading Is Fundamental to provide books to children in need. Together we’ve given more than 1O million books since 2004! ††Exclusions and restrictions apply; see Sales Associate for details. Learn more at macys.com/RIF

JULY 4TH SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 6/28-7/5/2015.

OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible.

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defendernetwork.com

JULY 2 | 2015 | DEFENDER

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Episcopal Church elects Black presiding bishop

ABTCO-031 July DefenderAd 4.79x6.5 MECH.pdf

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6/26/15

William Smith Colleges and a Master children, the creation of networks of Divinity degree from the Berkeley of family day care providers and Divinity School at Yale. educational centers, and the brokering He was ordained to the diaconate of millions of dollars of investment in in Buffalo and to the priesthood in inner-city neighborhoods.

Winston-Salem, N.C. He began his Curry has also been active in ministry as deacon-in-charge and issues of social justice, speaking out was a rector in Winston-Salem and on immigration policy and marriage Baltimore. equality.

In his parish ministries, Curry He and his wife, Sharon, have was active in the founding of two adult daughters, Rachel and ecumenical summer day camps for T:4.79” Elizabeth.

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Diocese of North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry was recently elected the first African-American presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church’s General Convention.

The Episcopal Church has 1.9 million members, and is part of an 80-million member worldwide fellowship.

Curry, 62, said his historic selection was “a sign of our church growing more deeply in the spirit of God and in the movement of God’s spirit in our world.” He will be installed on Nov. 1 and will serve a nine-year term.

Curry said the Episcopal Church is where he learned about Jesus.

“This is a good and Bishop Michael Curry wonderful church and we are good and wonderful God and there really is a Jesus, and we people and I thank God to be one of the are part of the Jesus movement. Nothing baptized among you,” Curry said. can stop the movement of God’s love in “We’ve got a society where there this world.” are challenges before us and there are Curry was born in Chicago and crises all around us. And the church has attended public schools in Buffalo, challenges before it,” he said. “We got a N.Y. He earned a B.A. from Hobart and

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and veterans. © 2015 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

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job info W41191 TEXAS LOTTERY JULY EOG AD 4.79” x 3.25” None None BW HOUSTON DEFENDER NEWSPAPER None

206 east ninth street • austin, tx 78701 t 512.479.6200 f 512.479.6024

Prepared by LatinWorks Marketing, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved.

Allegiance Bank Texas delivers financial products that best fit your company whether you are expanding, acquiring a new company or purchasing equipment.

Big business or small, you can rely on Allegiance.

Please call us today at 281-894-3200. www.allegiancebanktexas.com/def

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fonts & images creative dir art director copywriter account mgr proofreader

notes DUE: 06/25 PUB: 07/02

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Fonts Helvetica Neue LT Std (95 Black, 57 Condensed, Condensed, 77 Bold Condensed), Arial (Regular) Images None Inks Black

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DEFENDER | JULY 2 | 2015

defendernetwork.com

sportsbriefs Miami Heat president Pat Riley chats with Justise Winslow.

classified HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18 th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1

Harden, Watt receive 2015 ESPY Award nominations Houston will be well represented at the 2015 ESPY Awards presented by ESPN. Two local standouts were nominated as the very best in their respective sports. James Harden of the Rockets has been nominated in the category of Best NBA player. He will compete with Steph Curry, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. J.J. Watt was nominated as a candidate in the Best NFL Player category. His competition is Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, DeMarco Murray and Antonio Brown. In addition, Watt’s name was placed in nomination for the Best Male Athlete category. His competition will come from Steph Curry, LeBron James and Aaron Rodgers. Fans can vote online for their favorites at www.espn.com through July 15. The ESPY presentations will be shown that night at 7 pm.

University of Houston Cougar basketball travels to China For the first time in school history, the University of Houston Cougar men’s basketball team will visit China.

The Cougars will play four games in mid-August and enjoy the culture of the Anhui Province. Head coach Kelvin Sampson’s troops will face the Chinese National team and the Jiangshu Dragons of the Chinese Basketball Association in a two-week visit to the Anhui Province. “This is a great opportunity for our program in many ways,” Sampson said. “Most of our guys have never left the United States, so to fly halfway around the world to enjoy another culture will be an educational experience.”

Local stars drafted into NBA Congratulations go out to Justise Winslow, Joseph Young and Andrew Harrison, local stars who heard their names called recently in the NBA draft. Winslow, a St. John’s High School graduate, led Duke to a national title as a freshman. He was the highest drafted local player, going to the Miami Heat with the 10th pick overall. The Indiana Pacers selected former Jack Yates High School standout Joseph Young in the second round (43rd overall). Young, whose college career began at the University of Houston, played his final two seasons at Oregon. He was Pac-12 MVP his senior campaign. Kentucky’s Andrew Harrison, a point guard from Fort Bend Travis, was drafted in the second round (44th overall) to the Phoenix Suns. Andrew and his twin brother Aaron were two-year starters on a Kentucky team that went to back-to-back Final Fours, losing to UConn in the finals as freshmen and to Wisconsin in the semi-finals this season.

D’Angelo Harrison comes home Former Fort Bend Dulles All-State performer D’Angelo Harrison has signed a free agent contract with the Rock-

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Project 15-05-06 RFP – Janitorial Floor Chemicals, Cleaners & Supplies with deadline of 2:00 P.M., July 22, 2015. The preproposal conference for this project will be in Room 2C12 at the above stated address on July 7, 2015 at 10:00 A.M.

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Project 15-06-01 RFP – Horizontal /Vertical Louver Blinds; & Installation with deadline of 10:00 A.M., July 22, 2015. The preproposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE32 at the above stated address on July 8, 2015 at 2:00 P.M.

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Project 15-06-02 RFP – Supplemental Maintenance Painting Services with deadline of 10:00 A.M., July 22, 2015. The preproposal conference for this project will be in Room 3C04 at the above stated address on July 8, 2015 at 10:00 A.M.

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Project 15-06-12 – RFP/Musical Instruments Supplies & Accessories, Choral Music Instrument & Accessories, Music Electronic & Accessories, Rental Lease & Repair of Musical Instrument with a deadline of 3:00 PM; July 15, 2015. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 1E02 at the above stated address on July 7, 2015 at 12 noon.

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

To access, go to Departments, Procurement Services, Bid Opportunities.

ets. Harrison, who attended St. John’s, was undrafted in the recent NBA draft. The 6-foot-4 Harrison is the third all-time leading scorer in St. John’s history behind Chris Mullin and Malik Sealy. “I’m just motivated, excited for an opportunity,” Harrison said. “I have to show I can play alongside a point guard and facilitate when I need to and knock down shots. I had to make a decision. I just feel like [ Houston ] fits my playing style.”

James Harden has been nominated for an ESPY Award.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

Competitive Sealed Proposal Notice for Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy Project Number: 15-06-18

Houston Independent School District (HISD) The Houston Independent School District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for work at Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy. The work includes, but is not limited to, New Construction – Demolition of Existing Site Utilities, Earthwork, Site Utilities, Concrete, Structural Steel, Masonry, Roofing, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Finishes, Elevators, Fire Suppression, and Exterior Improvements. Proposals are due no later than Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services #C1, Houston, TX 77092. The price proposals will be opened and the amounts read aloud.

Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy is located at 520 Mercury Drive, Houston, TX 77013.

The Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (RFCSP), which includes plans and specifications, will be available beginning Saturday, June 27, 2015, and may be obtained from ARC Document Solutions, 2900 Smith Street #100, Houston, TX 72006, phone: 713-782-8580 upon refundable deposit of $350.00 for each set of plans and specifications. Deposit checks should be made payable to: HISD. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from ARC Document Solutions on disk for a Fee of $50.00. Any questions regarding documents are to be addressed to Harrison and Kornberg Architects, 3131 Eastside Street, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77098, Charles Jacobs, cjacobs@harrisonkornberg.com, phone: 713-229-0688 – extension , fax: 713-229-0692.

The Competitive S e a l ed Proposal process will be utilized as authorized in Senate Bill 1093, Legislative Session 83-2013, Chapter 2269, Subchapter D, of Texas Government Code. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process enables HISD to select contractors on the basis of price and qualifications/methodology.

M/WBE Forms, schedules and statements, as required by Section AB of the RFCSP, and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance will be received at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2015, in the Board Services Office #C1, 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT M/WBE FORMS PROPERLY COMPLETED WILL BE CONSIDERED NON RESPONSIVE. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at Associated General Contractors (AGC) Office located at 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092.

For additional information regarding this project, please contact Wm. “Earl” Finley at wfinley@houstonisd.org.

Drawings and Specifications for the RFCSP may be reviewed at the following Houston locations: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092, (713) 843-3700.

HISD Construction Services Office (Bond), 3200 Center, Houston, TX 77007, (713) 556-9250.

McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com.

Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby #131, Houston, TX 77098, (832) 613-0201.

defendernetwork.com

JULY 2 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Rockets add new faces with draft

sports

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Houston Rocket draft picks Montrezl Harrell and Sam Dekker join GM Daryl Morey.

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

transition, finish at a high rate, really puts pressure on a defense with his ability and versatility to attack with either hand,” Morey continued.

“Montrezl led the country in dunks the last two years.

He’s somebody who defends at a high level and can play in transition.”

Both players bring college experience from the highest levels of competition. Dekker’s Wisconsin Badgers are in the physical

he 2015 NBA draft has come and gone and the Rockets have added a pair of new faces to the mix.

They drafted Wisconsin small forward Sam Dekker (6-feet- 9, 230 pounds) with the 18th pick in the first round. With the second pick of the second round (32nd overall), they selected Louisville power forward Montrezl Harrell (6feet-7, 240).

The question remains if Dekker and Harrell find their way onto the Former NFL star Warren Sapp in opening day roster or will they spend trouble again the majority of their rookie season toiling in the developmental league?

General Manager Daryl Morey is Small forward excited about the team’s latest selections.

Dekker, drafted in the first round, “One of the things the Rockets are about is winning played at Wisconsin. and these guys are winners on the highest stage,” Morey said. “Montrezl has won a national title and Sam made it to the final game [of the NCAA championship].

“We felt quite fortunate that with our picks, which were a little bit later in the draft than normal, we were able to get two very productive winners,” Morey said.

“Sam’s a guy who is very versatile offensively. He can attack off the catch in

defendernetwork.com

Power forward Harrell, drafted in the second round, played at Louisville.

Big 10 conference. Harrell’s Louisville Cardinals play in the ultra-competitive ACC. To a man they both feel their college experience should greatly enhance their transition into the NBA. “We both went to schools that were always on prime time,” Dekker said. “We both went to Final Four’s. I went to two and he won a national title. Big rivalry games, packed houses, people want to beat us, so that doesn’t faze us much anymore. I think that was very good for our growth. I think that will carry over well for us.”

“Going to the University of Louisville three years definitely helped me out,” Harrell said. “[Coach Rick Pitino] was also a pro coach, and being able to learn and go in that system has helped me out a lot. We definitely have been on the big stage, faced a lot of adversity through the years we’ve been in college basketball and I definitely feel it’s prepared us for this moment.”

The next stop for both Dekker and Harrell will be the Summer League in Las Vegas.

With the draft now in the rear view mirror, Morey and company have still not addressed the team’s most glaring need, a quality point guard. Rumors continue to persist that the Rockets are close to signing Real Madrid’s Sergio Llull, the top guard in the Euroleague. The Rockets acquired Llull’s rights from the Denver Nuggets in 2009.

Also with the NBA’s free agency period in its infant stages, expect Morey and company to be ever vigilant to make a move should the opportunity present itself to land a blue chip player.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

12

DEFENDER | JULY 2 | 2015

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

topevents

JACK’N FOR BEATS’COMPETITION……..Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey made students were also awarded scholarships ranging from $1,875 to $7,000. Guests included its stop in Houston for the Jack’N for Beats mobile studio talent competition. The national Congressman Al Green, Jodie Jiles, Ray Purser, Yolanda Green, Alvia Wardlaw, competition is looking for the best unsigned hip hop talent to enter, and the top contestants Bryce Kennard, Rev. Dr. Joseph Ratliff, Michael Pearson and Derrick Reed. from each city will be invited back to compete for a $10,000 cash prize as well as a studio Congrats!........ URBAN LEAGUE GALA……..The Houston Area Urban League session with notable producer DJ Khaled. The contest will continue throughout the (HAUL) held Its Equal Opportunity Day Gala at the Hilton Americas-Downtown hotel. summer and for more information, visit www.jacknforbeats.com. Those in attendance The night’s theme of “Building a Legacy, Celebrating our Community,” was showcased included host/A&R AJ Ahmed, rapper Bun B, Houston winner as the organization made guests aware of the many services provided Retro Kash, D-Risha, G-Hustler, Zone, Trail Blaze and a host

by HAUL through entertainment. Organization leaders and supporters Defender TOP EVENTS showed off their skills in a non-competitive, fun and exciting dance for of MCs and supporters………MOREHOUSE MEN HONOR More photos on defendernetwork.com FATHERS……..The Houston Morehouse Alumni Association a cause. KPRC’s Khambrel Marshall and Syan Rhodes emceed the See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ (HMAA) recognized a crowd of distinguished men at their fourth event. Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell, Dr. Teddy McDavid, and former with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. annual “Honoring Our Fathers” Father’s Day brunch. State Rep. president George H.W. Bush all received awards. Those in attendance Sylvester Turner gave a memorable speech as the event honored included Judson Robinson III, Yolanda Smith, Barbara Lewis, Caritha Hawthorne, Cary Yates, Kristyn Page, Dr. Karen Hofmeister, Chris Young, these outstanding fathers and community leaders. FOX 26’s Melinda Spaulding emceed the event. Tony Chase, Eric Lyons, Omar Reid, Cedric Joubert and James Robertson Rev. Byron Stevenson, Councilmembers Larry Green and Jerry Davis, Nicole Murphy were among those receiving awards. Two high school students and two Morehouse and Ray Shackleford.

Bun B and AJ Ahmed

Retro Kash, D-Risha, Trail Blaze, Zone, G Hustler and AJ Ahmed

Felix Chevalier and Melinda Spaulding

Cary Yates, Dr. Karen Hofmeister, Turner Caldwell, Kristyn Page and Judson Robinson III

Winner Retro Kash and AJ Ahmed

Michael Harris, Pastor Joe Ratliff, Wayne Luckett and Jodie Jiles

Will Norwod, Tony Chase and Bryce Kennard

Eric Goodie, Tiffany Williams and Brandon Morris

Councilmember Larry Green, Nicole Murphy and Councilmember Jerry Davis

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