Houston Defender: July 12, 2012

NATIONAL BRIEF

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CONGRESSMAN JESSE JACKSON JR. ASKED TO EXPLAIN ABSENCE P3

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Volume 81 | Number 37 WEEK OF JULY 12, 2012 | FREE

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NATIONAL SEN. RODNEY ELLIS testifies in D.C. trial

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TYLER PERRY returns as Madea

Understanding the

Affordable Care Act Ben Jealous leads NAACP As president and CEO of the NAACP, Ben Jealous spoke his mind during the organization’s national convention in Houston.

Jealous was one of many prominent speakers at the annual meeting. Find out what others at the convention had to say about some of America’s most pressing issues.

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ADRIAN PETERSON arrested and released

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Serena Williams wins again Tennis superstar Serena Williams continues to astound the sports world with her talent. Her most recent win, though impressive, tells only part of the story. Hear how she overcame adversity to emerge victorious. Learn about her “unbelievable journey” and discover her doubts and fears.

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John Rolfe, Congressman Al Green and Howard Jefferson at NAACP convention

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 12 | 2012

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Romney booed at convention

NAACP convention

Defender News Services

addresses voting, equality

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

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NAACP President and CEO Ben Jealous speaks during the national convention in Houston.

he NAACP’s 103rd National Convention, held this year in Houston, saw its share of highlights. They included dramatic and powerful addresses by political and civil rights leaders and a host of workshops aimed at empowering members for active participation in the November 2012 presidential election.

Ben Jealous, the organization’s president and CEO, encouraged members to help preserve voting power in the tradition of civil rights battles of the past.

“We must overwhelm the rising tide of voting suppression with the high tide of registration and mobilization and motivation and protection,” Jealous said.

“Simply put, the NAACP will never stand by as any state tries to encode discrimination into law.”

Jealous added that democracy is being attacked from within by attempts to buy elections and crush voting rights.

“There is no battle that is more important or urgent to the NAACP right now than the battle to preserve democracy itself,” Jealous said. “Let me be very clear, our right to vote is the right upon which our ability to defend every other right is leveraged.”

Attorney General Eric Holder also spoke at the convention. With the theme “NAACP: Your Power, Your Decision – Vote” serving as the programmatic backdrop, Holder held nothing back regarding his views on Texas’ new voter ID law, declaring that the edict hurts minorities.

Holder added that party politics, rather than the well-being of the nation, was and remains the driving force behind the Republican-led legislation many view as wanton acts of voter suppression.

“We will not allow political pretext to disenfranchise American citizens of

rights institution’s mission remains constant – to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination – but that the organization has developed a new game plan, adapting new strategies to address “this ‘new normal’ in American society.”

Convention participants were also treated to a memorable keynote address

by NAACP icon and Chairman Emeritus Julian Bond, who added his voice to the chorus of individuals urging active participation in the November election.

Notice of Public Hearing Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO)

their most precious rights,” said Holder, who identified Texas as the “center of our national debate” on voting rights issues.

Holder’s remarks came while the federal trial in the nation’s capital regarding Texas’ 2011 voter ID law witnessed its second day of arguments and testimony. He promised an aggressive fight from the Justice Department to enforce and protect voting rights.

“I don’t know what will happen as this case moves forward. But I can assure you that the Justice Department’s efforts to uphold and enforce voting rights will remain aggressive,” he said.

The wide breadth of challenges facing Blacks were articulated by Roslyn M. Brock, chairman of the NAACP’s National Board of Directors, during the convention’s opening mass meeting.

“Today, the enemies of justice are not lynching African Americans and practicing Jim Crow laws of segregation,” said Brock. “They are more sophisticated. But they are equally sinister.

They are erecting barriers to economic viability, educational quality, health care accessibility, judicial equity, and political opportunity. The opponents of justice are more refined, but they are equally threatening.”

Brock added that the iconic civil

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) will hold a Public Hearing on Friday, July 20, 2012 at Noon to receive public comment regarding the new 285 Kingsland Park & Ride route to Uptown, which will be effective Monday, October 1, 2012. Other changes effective October 1, 2012 include trip adjustments on Route 221 and route re-alignment on the 228.

Other changes effective Monday, August 27, 2012 to the following routes will be presented for informational purposes, including minor route re-alignments or extensions on Routes 59 and 68; additional trips or trip adjustments on Routes 25, 78, 217, 222, and 303; and running time adjustments on Route 42. The public meeting will be held in the METRO Board Room on the 2nd floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, TX (served by METRO Routes 3, 9, 11, 15, 24, 30, 44, 52, 56, 60, 66, 77, 78, 79, 88, 102, 108, 137, 249, and METRORail). The meeting will also be streamed live on RideMETRO.org.

Copies of proposed timetables and maps will be available Friday, July 6, 2012 for public review at the following locations: • Online - RideMETRO.org • METRO Administration Building - 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays • METRO Outreach Offices o Las Palmas Shopping Center at 6215 Harrisburg (served by Route 50) o Palm Center at 5330 Griggs, Suite A104 (served by Routes 5, 77) o 2613 Fulton (served by Routes 15, 78) How to Comment about the Service Change You may attend the public meeting or write to us

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was booed during his speech at the NAACP convention for criticizing President Obama and the Affordable Care Act. Romney received a polite reception from the crowd until he promised to “eliminate every non-essential, expensive program that I can find – and that includes Obamacare.”

He began his speech by telling NAACP members they would vote for him if they knew his heart.

“I believe that if you understood who I truly am in my heart, and if it were possible to fully communicate what I believe is in the real, enduring best interest of African-American families, you would vote for me for president,” he said.

(Because of its press deadline, the Defender was unable to include coverage of Vice President Joe Biden’s speech the following day.)

at METRO, ATTN: August 2012 Service Change, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. You may also fax your comments to (713) 652-7956 with a subject line referencing the August 2012 Service Change, or call METRO’s Customer Service line at (713) 635-4000 with your comments. Visit METRO’s website at RideMETRO.org to make comments.

Comments should be received by METRO no later than the date and time of the Public Meeting.

Help for People with Disabilities For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Please call (713) 750-4271 or (713) 635-6993 (for persons with a hearing impairment) a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public hearing.

Language Interpretation Any person who requires language interpretation or special communication accommodations is encouraged to contact METRO Community Outreach at 713-739-4018, or via email at na01@ridemetro.org. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your needs.

1. This Public Hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration’s Circular 9030.1D, published May 1, 2010, page IV-13.

2. METRO does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities.

3. METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its transit services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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WEEK OF July 12 | 2012 | DEFENDER

U.S.briefs FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT James Ammons submitted his resignation on the same day the parents of hazing victim Robert Champion sued the university. Ammons’ resignation takes effect on Oct. 11. School trustees gave Ammon a vote of no-confidence last month. Champion died in November after being beaten by fellow members of the Marching 100 band during a hazing ritual……..

CONGRESSMAN JESSE JACKSON JR. is facing mounting calls to provide details about his leave of absence from the House. The Chicago Democrat took medical leave in June for exhaustion. His office is now saying he is being treated at an inpatient medical facility for “physical and emotional ailments” and will require extended treatment. Colleagues such as Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat and senior member of the Illinois delegation, are now urging Jackson to explain what is keeping him from work. Jackson is the subject of a Capitol Hill ethics investigation over his ties to imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich…….. THE SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS is expected to worsen as more Americans receive coverage through the Affordable Care Act. “We have a looming shortage of primary care physicians in this country,” said Esther Dyer, executive director of National Medical Fellowships. “Within the next five to six years there will be a shortage of at least 40,000 primary care physicians.”

Further complicating the physician shortage is the roughly 80 million baby boomers aging into retirement, and the fact many of the existing primary care doctors are baby boomers themselves. In addition, more medical students are choosing specialties over primary care……..

THE BLACK UNEMPLOYMENT RATE increased to 14.4 percent in June, up from 13.6 percent in May. According to the U.S. Labor Department, Black unemployment is down from 16.2 percent in June 2011, but is still nearly double the current 7.4 percent unemployment rate for whites.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER 37 WEEK OF JULY 12, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker

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).

Court hears

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national

Texas voter ID law Defender News Services

A ruling is expected next month in the case of the Texas voter ID law recently argued before a special panel of three federal judges in Washington, D.C. The U.S. District Court judges will decide whether the law, known as SB 14, should be allowed to go into effect. Texas is suing Attorney General Eric Holder and the Justice Department, which blocked the voter ID law in March.

The case, Texas v. Holder, also has a Houston-area connection. Members of the Texas League of Young Voters and Black student organizers from Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University are serving as defendant-interveners in the lawsuit, and are represented by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

In addition, Houston State Sen. Rodney Ellis testified before the panel.

“Texas has a long and sad history of making it difficult for people to vote,” Ellis said prior to testifying.

“Voter ID laws are essentially no different than the poll tax and other

State Sen. Rodney Ellis

laws used in decades past to keep scores of lawful, legal Americans from voting. It was wrong then, it is wrong now and I hope the court will stand up and protect the right to vote for all Texans,” Ellis said.

The case sets the stage for a legal battle over the Voting Rights Act, and could pave the way for legal challenges by other states with voter ID laws.

Lawyers for Texas argue that the law, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, does not violate

the act. The controversial law would require voters to present “acceptable” forms of photo ID at the polls, including a driver’s license, U.S. passport or concealed-handgun license. A student ID could not be used.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, who filed suit against the Justice Department, defends the state voter ID law.

“The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that voter identification laws are constitutional,” Abbott said.

“Texas should be allowed the same authority other states have to protect the integrity of elections.”

Critics of such laws point out that nationally, 25 percent of AfricanAmerican voting age citizens do not have a government issued ID, compared to only 8 percent of white voting age citizens.

“This bill shows clear bias,” said Christina Sanders, director of the Texas League of Young Voters Education Fund. “While a student ID will not satisfy Texas’s proposed ID measure, a concealed handgun license will. We won’t stand idly by and let the state penalize its young people for pursuing higher education.”

Donations pour in after Zimmerman’s release Defender News Services

George Zimmerman’s lawyer said his client has received more than $36,000 in donations following his release from jail on $1 million bond.

Attorney Mark O’Mara wrote in a blog post that donations poured in after an emotional plea on his website. He also wrote that Zimmerman is at a “safe house” in Seminole County in Florida.

He was released from jail accompanied by two men, one of whom was his bondsman.

They left in a waiting SUV. “He is very happy to be out,” said Don West, another one of Zimmerman’s attor-

neys. “It’s been a very sobering experience spending the last month in jail.”

It was the second time Zimmerman had been in and out of jail. On April 20, he was granted bond and was released from jail three days later. His bail was revoked on June 1 after it was discovered that he and his wife had lied about his ability to post bond.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder for shooting Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teenager, on Feb. 26. Trayvon’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, said she was disappointed by the judge’s most recent decision to give Zimmerman another chance to leave prison before the trial.

George Zimmerman (center) walked out of jail on $1 million bond.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 12 | 2012

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entertainment

Tyler Perry

returns as Madea

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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

yler Perry’s inspirational journey from the hard streets of New Orleans to the heights of Hollywood’s A-list is the stuff of American legend.

Born into poverty and raised in a household scarred by abuse, he fought from a young age to find the strength, faith and perseverance that would later form the foundations of his much-acclaimed plays, films, books and shows.

Listen to Perry and you’ll hear a man who hasn’t forgotten about the people that have helped him reach the top of a mountain he could once only dream of climbing. He has donated generously to charities who focus on helping the homeless, including Perry Place, a 20-home community that he built for survivors of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

Perry practices what he preaches, and what he preaches has endeared him to millions of fans drawn by that unique blend of spiritual hope and down-home humor that continues to shape his inspiring life story and extraordinary body of work.

Here, he talks about his latest film, “Madea’s Witness Protection,“ which he not only wrote, directed and produced, but also stars in, playing three roles, including the sassy, straight-talking title character.

KW: Where did you come up with the inspired idea of mixing Madea with a family in the “Witness Protection Program?”

TP: I was having dinner with a friend, and we were talking about Bernie Madoff, and he said, “You know what would be a great punishment for Bernie Madoff? If he had to go live with Madea.” I thought, man, that’s a great concept!

I need to go write that script. And then when I asked myself who could play the Bernie Madoff character, of course, I thought of Eugene Levy.

Tyler Perry’s beloved Madea character is joined by Eugene Levy as George Needleman in “Madea’s Witness Protection.”

KW: How did you determine the casting? Looks like you went for a lot of veteran comedians this time out: Eugene Levy of the “American Pie” franchise, John Amos of “Good Times,” Marla Gibbs of “The Jeffersons,” Doris Roberts of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and even Charlie Sheen, if you don’t mind my mentioning him since he makes such a surprising cameo.

TP: That’s okay, since he’s only in the outtakes at the very end of the movie. But I was definitely looking for some heavyweights to help me carry the picture, and those were the right people to rely on. So, I’m pretty excited about it.

KW: What message do you want people to take away from “Madea’s Witness Protection Program?”

TP: What is clear to me is that it’s about everything in your life: work, and struggling, and paying attention to grinding, grinding, grinding. It takes their going into a simple situation, living with Madea, a woman who doesn’t even have Wi-Fi, to realize what family is, come back together, and get to know each other.

KW: Is there a new genre of movie that you would like to make in the future?

TP: Absolutely. It’s not a new genre, but a new genre for me: sci-fi. I have a great sci-fi story that I’m currently working on. I’m going to be all over the place… all over the place.

KW: What advice do you have for young people entering the movie industry who want to be multifaceted like you are?

TP: You have to want it more than breathing. Developing a good work ethic is key. Apply yourself at whatever you do, whether you’re a janitor or taking your first summer job, because that work ethic will be reflected in everything you do in life.

KW: How can your fans help you?

TP: I had one request when I started doing the plays. My prayer was: God let me do well enough to be able to take care of my mother. I was able to do that ‘til the day she died because of my audience. So, they’ve already done enough. All I ask for now is their continued support.

KW: What defines who you are?

TP: My faith in God. KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

TP: Don’t. They should be finding their own paths.

What’sup USHER is offering his ex-wife Tameka emotional support after Kyle Glover, Usher’s 11-year-old stepson with Tameka, was declared brain dead after a tragic accident on an Atlanta lake. The youngster was struck in the head by a passing jet ski while riding in an inner tube. “Tameka and Usher don’t get along, but in this circumstance Usher is coming to her side,” a source told Us Weekly. “Usher practically raised Kyle as his own. He’s known him for seven years. It is so sad what happened.” Usher and Tameka were involved in a heated custody dispute prior to the accident. They divorced in 2009 and have two sons together……..SPIKE LEE is planning a documentary on MICHAEL JACKSON’S “Bad” album in conjunction with the recording’s 25th anniversary in September. “We

have footage in this documentary that no one’s ever seen, stuff that Michael shot himself, behind-the-scenes stuff,” Lee said. He is interviewing such artists as KANYE WEST and MARIAH CAREY for the film……..BRANDY has a new album coming out in August titled “Two Eleven.” As for the significance of the title, February 11 is her birthday, as well as the day her idol WHITNEY HOUSTON died.

Houston portrayed Brandy’s fairy godmother in the 1997 TV movie “Cinderella.” She said the late singer inspired countless artists. “You know, it’s unfortunate some of the things she had to experience, but at the end of the day she blessed so many people,” Brandy said……... TEMPESTT BLEDSOE, who portrayed Vanessa Huxtable in “The Cosby Show,” is returning to NBC this fall. She and

ANTHONY ANDERSON are two of the stars of “Guys with Kids,” a sitcom about three 30-something fathers trying to hold on to their youth. In the show Bledsoe is a working mom married to Anderson, a stay-at-home dad raising four young sons. The actress recalls growing up on prime-time TV as BILL COSBY’S daughter. “That show was my childhood,” Bledsoe said. “It did so many things. It greatly influenced the kinds of projects I did. It helped form my core values, like my work ethic.” Speaking of Cosby, he turns 75 on July 12……..SAMUEL L. JACKSON and ANGELA BASSETT, who starred in “The Mountaintop” on Broadway, are in talks to star in “Black Nativity.” The film would be based on Langston Hughes’ 1960 gospel musical about faith and family.

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defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF JULY 12 | 2012 | DEFENDER

PV names new band director

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Defender News Services

After a nationwide search, Dr. Timothy Zachery has been chosen to lead the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm.

He will be tasked with enhancing the Marching Storm’s national reputation and shaping students, both academically and socially, while pushing them to higher levels of music performance.

Zachery previous served as an instructor of music-high brass and assistant band director at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Va., as well as director of the NSU Trumpet Ensemble and Jazz Combo.

He also served as an instructor of music theory at Tidewater Community College. Prior to teaching on the collegiate level, he was music instructor and band director at Norview Middle School in Norfolk.

A native of Alexandria, La., Zachery began playing the trumpet as a grade school student and went on to play with the Southern University Marching Band. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Norfolk State and his doctor of music arts degree from Indiana University.

Zachery was assigned to the United States Navy Band, and traveled around the world. He has performed with the Virginia Symphony, the David Baker Big Band, the Right On Band, the Great American Music Ensemble and the Atlantic Fleet Jazz Band, Concert Band, Ceremonial Band and Show Band.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 12 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Understanding the

coverp

Affordable Care Act T

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

uninsured than the general population.“ For the next two and half years, Americans will see the remaining provisions of the ACA take effect. According to the White House, the timeline is as follows:

he Affordable Care Act recently upheld by the Supreme Court is considered a victory for African October 1, 2012 Americans as well as President • Offer financial incentives to hospitals to Barack Obama. The number of improve the quality of care through a ValueBlacks without health insurance is expected to Based Purchasing program in traditional drop from 7.4 million to 3.4 million as a result of Medicare. Hospital performance is required to the historic law. be publicly reported, beginning with measures The legislation was originally signed into on treating heart attacks, law by Obama in March, heart failure, pneumonia, 2010. Some provisions surgical care, health-care are already in effect, associated infections, but the most important and patients’ perception benefits will be phased in of care.

Defender News Services beginning in 2014.

• Reduce paperwork The recent decision by Gov. Rick Perry to reject Obama said the and administrative two key components of the Affordable Care Act Affordable Care Act costs by instituting a will impact Texans in different ways.

(ACA) is good news for series of changes to In a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services the insured as well as the standardize billing and Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Perry wrote, “If uninsured. requiring health plans anyone was in doubt, we in Texas have no “If you’re one intention to implement so-called state exchanges to begin adopting and of the more than 250 implementing rules for or to expand Medicaid under Obamacare. million Americans who “I will not be party to socializing healthcare and the secure, confidential, already have health electronic exchange of bankrupting my state in direct contradiction to insurance, you will keep health information. Using our Constitution and our founding principles of your health insurance – limited government.” electronic health records this law will only make The ACA online healthcare exchanges will reduce paperwork it more secure and more are designed to offer a marketplace where and administrative affordable,” Obama said. consumers can comparison-shop for the best burdens, cut costs, reduce He also told the insurance deal. If Texas fails to implement an medical errors and most exchange, the federal government will step in uninsured what to importantly, improve the and establish one. expect. quality of care.

Perry’s decision to turn down an expansion of “If you’re one of • Create a voluntary the 30 million Americans Medicaid coverage is a different story. long-term care insurance According to experts at the University of who don’t yet have program called Houston Law Center, rejection of coverage could health insurance, starting (Community Living “create a Catch-22 for people with incomes in 2014 this law will Assistance Services and less than 100 percent of federal poverty level, offer you an array of Support) CLASS to because they may be ineligible for the subsidies quality, affordable, provide cash benefits available for people who seek insurance through private health insurance to adults who become the exchange. Thus the poorest of the uninsured plans to choose from.” will be even less able to secure insurance in the disabled.

Obama’s private market.”

January 1, 2013 enthusiasm for the The Texas Medical Association reports that • Expand the number ACA is shared by 25 percent of Texans lack health insurance, the of Americans receiving Dr. Cedric Bright, highest uninsured rate of any state. preventive care by president of the National providing new funding Medical Association, to state Medicaid programs that choose to cover an organization of more than 50,000 Black preventive services for patients at little or no cost. physicians.

• Establish a national pilot program to encourage “The NMA has long been a champion for hospitals, doctors, and other providers to work the elimination of health disparities, and has led together to improve the coordination and quality the tireless fight for health equity,” Bright said. of patient care. Under payment “bundling,” “The ACA takes long strides toward achieving hospitals, doctors, and providers are paid a flat those goals, especially for African-American rate for an episode of care rather than the current and Hispanic patients who are more likely to be

What Perry’s rejection means

ACA provisions already

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he first provisions of the Affordable Care Act were implemented as early as September, 2010. Provisions already in effect include: • Preventing insurance companies from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions • Prohibiting insurance companies from dropping coverage because of mistakes on an application, technical mistakes or other errors • Providing consumers with an easy way to appeal to their insurance company and to an outside board if the company denies coverage or a claim • Providing a tax credit for small businesses and small non-profits to help them provide insurance benefits to their workers • Offering free preventive care where all new plans must cover certain services such as mammograms and colonoscopies without charging a deductible, co-pay or coinsurance • Preventing disease and illness through a new $15 billion Prevention and Public Health Fund which will invest in proven programs that can help keep Americans healthy • Cracking down on health care fraud and waste in Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP. • Providing access to insurance for uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions through a transitional high-risk pool program • Extending coverage for young adults who will be allowed to stay on their parents’ plan until they turn 26 years old unless they are offered insurance at work • Preserving employer coverage to help people who retire before age 65 maintain the affordable care they need

• Expanding the number of pr assistants through scholarsh underserved areas • Holding insurance companie • Allowing states to cover mor matching funds for covering • Giving rural health care prov that they can continue to ser • Providing certain free preven and personalized prevention • Improving care for Medicare the Community Care Transiti • Increasing healthcare access which allows states to offer h disabled individuals through nursing homes • Strengthening community he million new patients across t • Providing incentives for phys care organizations to better and illness and reduce unnec • Understanding and fighting or new federal health progra language data Source: The White House

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

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page Obama signed the Affordable Care Act on March 23, 2010. The Supreme Court upheld the law on June 28 of this year.

President Barack Obama spoke with American doctors about health care reform during a 2009 White House event.

How the ACA benefits Blacks

A in place

rimary care doctors, nurses and physician hips and loan repayments for those working in

es accountable for unreasonable rate hikes re people on Medicaid by increasing federal g low-income individuals and families viders the payments they need and ensure rve their communities ntive services such as annual wellness visits n plans for seniors on Medicare e seniors after they leave the hospital through tions Program s through a Community First Choice Option, home and community-based services to h Medicaid rather than institutional care in

ealth centers so they can serve some 20 the country sicians to join together to form accountable coordinate patient care, help prevent disease cessary hospital admissions health disparities by requiring any ongoing am to collect and report racial, ethnic and

ccording to the White House, the Affordable Care Act includes substantial benefits for Black Americans across the country.

Historically, Blacks have faced significant barriers to accessing affordable health insurance which have contributed to significant health disparities.

Twenty-one percent of Blacks were uninsured in 2009, and an estimated 20 percent did not have a regular doctor, compared with less than 16 percent of white Americans.

Under the new health care law, all Americans joining a new health care plan must be able to receive recommended preventive services, such as cancer, diabetes and blood pressure screenings, with no out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays or deductibles.

Already, 5.5 million African Americans now have coverage for preventive services without additional cost sharing. In addition: • The law bans insurance companies from imposing lifetime dollar limits on health benefits. Already, 10.4 million African

fragmented system where each service or test is billed separately to Medicare.

• Require states to pay primary care physicians no less than 100 percent of Medicare payment rates in 2013 and 2014 for primary care services. The increase is fully funded by the federal government.

October 1, 2013

• Provide additional funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program to continue coverage for children not eligible for Medicaid.

January 1, 2014

• Implement strong reforms that prohibit insurance companies from refusing to sell coverage or renew policies because of an individual’s pre-existing conditions. Also limits the ability of insurance companies to charge higher rates due to gender, health status or other factors.

• Prohibit insurance plans from imposing annual dollar limits on the amount of coverage an individual may receive.

• Prohibit insurers from dropping or limiting coverage because an individual chooses to participate in a clinical trial.

• Make care more affordable through tax credits for

e Houston area for over 80 years

Americans are free from worrying about lifetime limits on coverage thanks to the new health care law.

• Insurance companies are now required to allow parents to keep their children up to age 26 on their insurance plans. This means that over 2.5 million young adults have gained coverage because of the new health care law, including 410,000 African Americans.

• Affordable Insurance Exchanges, tax credits and Medicaid expansion will result in as many as 6.8 million African Americans becoming eligible to get health coverage.

• Under the new law, seniors can receive recommended preventive services such as flu shots, diabetes screenings, as well as a new Annual Wellness Visit, free of charge. That includes more than 2.4 million African Americans with Medicare.

• Nearly 26 percent of patients served by community health centers in 2010 were African American. The Affordable Care Act increases the funding available to the more than 1,100 community health centers in all 50 states.

people with incomes above 100 percent and below 400 percent of poverty ($43,000 for an individual or $88,000 for a family of four in 2010) who are not eligible for or offered other affordable coverage.

• Establish health insurance exchanges to open in each state to enable all Americans to easily shop for more affordable private insurance. Plans offered in the exchange provide at least a basic level of benefits and services. The exchanges will be designed to increase competition and consumer choice.

• Implement the second phase of the small business tax credit for qualified small businesses and small non-profit organizations. In this phase, the credit is up to 50 percent of the employer’s contribution to provide health insurance for employees. There is also up to a 35 percent credit for small nonprofit organizations.

• Increase access to Medicaid. Americans who earn less than 133 percent of poverty (approximately $14,000 for an individual and $29,000 for a family of four) will be eligible to enroll in Medicaid. States will receive 100 percent federal funding for the first three years to support the expanded coverage, phasing to 90 percent

federal funding in subsequent years.

• Promote individual responsibility. Most individuals who can afford it will be required to obtain basic health insurance coverage or pay a fee to help offset the costs of caring for uninsured Americans. If affordable coverage is not available to an individual, they will be eligible for an exemption.

• Ensure free choice. Workers who cannot afford the coverage provided by their employer may take whatever funds their employer might have contributed to their insurance to help purchase a more affordable plan in the new health insurance exchanges.

January 1, 2015

• Pay physicians based on value not volume. A new provision will tie physician payments to the quality of care they provide. Physicians will see their payments modified to reflect the quality of care they provide so that providers who provide higher value care will receive higher payments than those who provide lower quality care.

For more information on the Affordable Care Act visit www.healthcare.gov.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 12 | 2012

health

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A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance

Coping when your baby is in the NICU

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hen a baby is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), parents may feel overwhelmed seeing their baby go through tests and procedures and being attached to IVs and wires.

Dr. Leslie Harris, neonatologist at Texas Children’s Newborn Center, shares below her top coping strategies for parents with a baby in the NICU: Don’t forget to take care of yourself. “You need to be wellrested and ready to care for your baby when he or she comes home,” says Harris. It is normal to feel very guilty about leaving your baby in the hospital and returning home yourself, but remember that your baby is getting rest in the hospital and you need to get rest at home. This may mean going to bed a little earlier, or taking a morning nap before visiting your baby.

When your doctor says you’re ready, resume light exercise at least three times a week. “It will improve your state of mind, reduce stress and make you a better parent,” she says.

Eat and serve your family simple, healthy meals such as cereal, soups, salads and sandwiches and don’t hesitate to accept frozen casseroles or other meals from family members and friends who would like to help. Don’t

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forget about drinking enough water to stay hydrated.

Ask for and accept help from family members and friends who would like to assist with household chores, running errands or caring for pets.

Decide on a pediatrician before your baby is discharged and meet with him or her prior to bringing your baby home and make sure to keep all of your OB/ GYN follow-up appointments, even though it is hard to leave your baby for them.

Returning to work while your baby is still in the NICU may be very challenging.

“Remember that by working, you are not only providing income for your

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child, but you also are modeling the importance of responsibility and contribution to society for him or her,” says Harris.

Be aware that you may be more prone to post-partum depression and anxiety if your baby is in the NICU and that other psychiatric conditions also may be affected by the stress of infant hospitalization. Psychiatric and psychological services are available at The Women’s Place, a center for reproductive psychiatry at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women. For urgent needs, call the Hope Line at 1-800-PPD-MOMS (1-800-773-6667), a free, confidential resource for postpartum depression and anxiety.

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healthnotes Autism and bullying: Building positive social experiences The unfortunate reality is countless kids are bullied each day. But kids with autism are especially vulnerable.

Diane Murrell, clinical social worker in the Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital, works with families who have a child with a chronic illness and says parents often come to her to talk about the loneliness of their child and their concerns surrounding their child being isolated.

“When a child is isolated there are greater chances for that child to be set up for bullying,” said Murrell. Murrell gives parents some simple suggestions including the following possibility.

Set up a movie date with your child and a kid from school or the neighborhood.

Explain your situation and child’s diagnosis to the other parent so they are on board and understand your goal of creating a successful social encounter.

Take both kids to the movie. Movies are great because no one expects interaction during the movie, so there are no awkward silences, no inappropriate remarks and no arguing.

Take your guest home right after the movie. This limits the children’s time together and helps avoid a playtime where things might go wrong. Both kids will feel it was fun and both will associate it as a positive experience.

It takes time and lots of small steps to build on this. Perhaps next time they can go for ice cream afterwards, allowing a brief 12 minutes of playtime. You always want to bring encounters to a close while they are succeeding and not the moment they start to go downhill.

Be sure to tailor this to your child’s interests and strengths. “As parents, everyone needs a friend to sit and talk with to help figure out the best approach for your individual child,” said Murrell. “A social worker, counselor or classroom teacher as well as family members and friends can all help with this. Even a little bit of a push in the right direction can go a long way for children with autism looking for a friend.”

What to do when eating for two Now that Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women is open for business, it’s time to talk about the building blocks of healthy moms and babies – proper nutrition! All pregnant women have different nutritional needs, but Lisa Hastings, registered dietitian at Texas Children’s Hospital, offers a few general guidelines to help get moms-to-be started on the path to a healthy pregnancy.

• Calories: The number of extra calories needed is different for every pregnant woman, but a good rule of thumb is to add around 300 calories

per day in the second trimester (a peanut butter and jelly sandwich) and 500 calories in the third trimester (a small meal).

• Fat: It’s important to eat healthy fats while pregnant – like olive oil, canola oil, nuts and avocado. Fat should provide less than 30 percent of the total daily calories. Be sure to talk to your doctor before adding any supplements.

• Fluids: Drinking eight to 10 cups each day is recommended during pregnancy.

Also, limit caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg per day. That’s about one

medium (12 oz.) coffee, three cups of black tea or three cans of soda per day.

• Avoid: Always avoid alcohol and tobacco products. Hazardous foods (raw meat/eggs, undercooked or spoiled food, unpasteurized dairy, deli meats) also should be avoided because your body is much more susceptible to food-borne illness while pregnant.

Also avoid large fish like king mackerel, swordfish, shark and tilefish as they may contain higher levels of mercury.

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defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF JULY 12 | 2011 | DEFENDER

MPR385_PMH_Defender Ad_Layout 2 2/24/11 5:14 PM Page 1

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 12 | 2012

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sports

Serena triumphs to win 5th Wimbledon

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By MAX EDISON Defender

erena Williams recently captured her fifth Wimbledon crown. That feat, though impressive, tells only a part of the story that exhibits the immense courage and perseverance that Williams represents.

Her win on the grass courts at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club truly demonstrates the heart of a champion who has overcome a life-threatening illness to once again leave little doubt about who is the most dominant player in her sport.

Tiger Woods’ personal transgressions have significantly slowed his assault on the record books. LeBron James’ buy into his own hype machine delayed his championship development.

Consider if you will the physical obstacles Serena overcame.

A few days after winning her fourth Wimbledon crown in 2010, Serena, while leaving a restaurant in Germany, severely cut both feet on some broken glass. The injury required two surgeries on her right foot. She later developed blood clots in her lungs.

While injecting herself with blood thinner to resolve the clots, she developed blood gathering under the skin in the area around her stomach.

This led to yet another procedure. One begins to see that winning the latest championship at Wimbledon was no ordinary triumph.

Serena recounted those dark days when she wondered

Serena shares a moment with her coach and dad, Richard, after winning the 2012 singles championship.

if she would ever regain her championship form.

“I just remember I was on the couch and I didn’t leave for two days…I was praying, like, ‘I can’t take any more. I’ve endured enough. Let me be able to get through this,’” Serena recalled.

“It’s been an unbelievable journey for me,” she continued. “Just from being that far down, the lowest of the lows, to

Serena Williams overcomes physical ailments to win her fifth Wimbledon championship.

come here and win today is just amazing. I still can’t believe I was able to do this. It hasn’t sunk in. But this is special. I couldn’t ask for anything else.”

Her father and coach Richard Williams paints a much darker picture of which few tennis fans were actually aware.

“I really thought Serena was going to die,” he said. “This is the most important tournament that Serena would ever win…because Serena didn’t think she’d ever play tennis again. She told me so.”

Serena ended a two-year Majors drought defeating Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 5-7, 6-2. The win at Wimbledon was Serena’s 14th Majors title.

If Serena’s own personal health issues were not enough, she has also had to come to grips with sister Venus’ medical problems (an autoimmune disease) as well.

The two sisters have turned Wimbledon into their personal home away from home. Either Serena or Venus has reached the finals in 11 of the past 13 tournaments. They have taken the title nine times.

Despite losing in the first round of singles competition, Venus partnered with Serena and they captured the Wimbledon doubles championship.

With 14 Major titles, Serena now sets her sights on tennis history. She is four titles behind Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, and eight behind record holder Steffi Graf (22).

Serena turns 31 in September. She is the oldest women’s singles champion at any major tournament since Martina Navratilova was 33 when she won Wimbledon in 1990.

With all their accomplishments, one has to wonder why Serena and Venus – the most dominant tennis players of their generation – don’t receive more accolades for their resilience and ability.

The next stop for both is representing their country at the Summer Olympics in London later this month.

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WEEK OF JULY 12 | 2012 DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Peterson arrested, released

Diving is another competitive event at the Junior Olympics.

Track and field is the biggest event at the Junior Olympics.

AAU Junior Olympics

come to Houston Defender News Services

An estimated 15,000 competitors from across the country will converge on Houston for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games from July 25-Aug. 4 at five area venues.

The games are the largest national multi-sporting event conducted for youth, and some 30,000 spectators are expected to view the activities.

“The AAU Junior Olympic Games [feature] the nation’s most outstanding athletes year in and year out,” said Chairman Paul Campbell. “This event provides a unique opportunity for youth athletes of different sports to come together. Track and field is the leading sport in the event with around 10,000 athletes, making it the largest meet in the United States.”

According to the AAU, the economic impact for the local hosts of the Junior Olympics is estimated at more than $40 million.

“We are very excited about hosting the Junior Olympics in Houston,” said Greg Ortale, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This further validates Houston as a top-tier city for major sporting events. We look forward to a long-standing relationship with AAU.” The Junior Olympics track and field and multi-events all take place at Humble High School’s Turner Stadium.

Field hockey will be held at Kinkaid High School, diving and swimming will be held at Pearland Natatorium, and bowling takes place at Palace

Viking running back Adrian Peterson was arrested here in H-town recently. The former OU All-American and Palestine native was charged with resisting arrest after he allegedly refused to leave a downtown bar at closing time. He was released from jail on a $1,000 bond. Houston Police Department spokesperson Kese Smith said that Peterson would probably end up with a fine because the charge is a misdemeanor. Smith said Peterson was at a downtown nightclub when an off-duty Houston police officer working security asked Peterson and a group of people he was with to leave because the club had closed. The officer left to tell other patrons to depart the club before returning to Peterson’s group again to tell them to go. Smith said Peterson turned around and told the officer that he heard him the first time and pushed him in the shoulder, causing him to stumble. The officer told Peterson he was under arrest and to put his hands behind his back. Peterson began yelling, pulled away and “assumed an aggressive stance,” so another off-duty officer came to help. Peterson continued to struggle with both. It ultimately took three officers to subdue the big back, similar to what it takes to tackle him on the gridiron. Peterson later tweeted, “’A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.’” He tweeted again and wrote, “Thank you for waiting for the facts. Truth will surface.” Peterson has retained high-profile attorney Rusty Hardin to defend him.

U.S. Olympic basketball team set

Bowling Lanes.

The remaining events are at the George R. Brown Convention Center, and include baton twirling, cheerleading, gymnastics, jump rope, karate, powerlifting, table tennis, taekwondo, trampoline and tumbling, weightlifting and wrestling.

Founded in 1888, the AAU is dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs for all ages.

More than 500,000 participants and 50,000 volunteers share the organization’s philosophy of “Sports for All, Forever.”

The first Junior Olympic Games were held in 1967. AAU alumni include Carl Lewis, Evelyn Ashford, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Allan Iverson and Lisa Leslie.

For more information on the games visit www.aaujrogames.org.

Amateur athletes from across America will compete in the Junior Olympic Games.

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo recently announced the 12-man U.S. Olympic team men’s basketball roster. The members are: Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers); James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder); Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers); LeBron James (Miami Heat); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves); Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers); Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder); and Deron Williams (Brooklyn Nets). The USA roster features five members of the 2008 gold medalist U.S. Olympic team (Anthony, Bryant, James, Paul and Williams), five members of the gold medalist 2010 World Championship team (Chandler, Durant, Iguodala, Love and Westbrook), and two newcomers (Griffin and Harden).

Astros are No. 1 at the bottom

Gymnasts will compete for medals at the Junior Olympics.

The MLB All-Star game was held earlier this week.

The game is generally acknowledged as the halfway point of the season. With a record of 33-53 the Astros are the officially the worst team in all of professional baseball. For the second consecutive season they are on pace to lose 100 games, a franchise record. The Astros rank close to the bottom in virtually every offensive category in baseball. Second baseman Jose Altuve is the team’s only legitimate All-Star. In the second half of the year expect to see a slew of young players called up from the minors.

Also expect manager Brad Mills to be fired.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 12 | 2012

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For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

Reginald Lillie, president, NAACP Houston Branch; YOUR POWER, YOUR DECISION - VOTE…..

Yolanda Smith, executive director; Congressman The Houston Chapter of the NAACP was the host Al Green; Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee; chapter for the NAACP 103rd Annual Convention.

Howard Jefferson, national board member; Gary The theme, “Your Power, Your Decision -Vote,” Bledsoe, Texas president; Pastor represented the freedom for which Kirbyjon Caldwell, chairman of men and women have suffered Join Yvette Chargois the national convention Blue Ribbon and died. For an entire week, Events of the Week Committee, and all volunteers thousands of delegates attended More photos on defendernetwork.com for making this a productive seminars, workshops, mini-summits See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads convention. Additionally, we salute and meetings. They were also with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

Roslyn Brock, chairman of the dazzled by the warm and friendly national board of directors, Leon hospitality for which Houstonians Russell, chairman of the convention are known. At the end of each day, planning committee and Benjamin Jealous, NAACP attendees gathered at events like the host chapter’s president and CEO. Continued success!.....LINKING opening reception at Minute Maid Park, the chairman’s UP WITH AARP…..As we all know, AARP is a reception at the Wortham Theatre, the president nonprofit, nonpartisan social welfare organization with and CEO’s reception, Armed Services and Veterans a membership that helps people 50 and over improve Affairs dinner, college chapter reception, Gospel their lives. The National Links, Inc. partnered with Extravaganza and finally the closing awards dinner.

AARP and created the “Are You Ready?” program, We applaud all of our local folks, including Rev.

a comprehensive program created to give their membership all the tools and resources needed to live life to the fullest with emphasis on health and wellness, financial stability and caregiving. The Houston Chapter of The Links, Inc. was one of the chapters to pilot this program which has now become a national initiative for the organization. At a recent reception attendees included national and local representatives from AARP; Ollie Besterio, state president; Rob Romasco, national board president; Lorna Hankins, Western Area communications and public relations chair, The Links; Charlene Hunter James, member of the Texas executive council; Edna Kane-Williams, vice president, multicultural markets and engagement, and Bob Jackson, Texas state director. Also in attendance were several chapter presidents, Janice Hall, Sharon Owens, Angela Joubert, Irene Oakley Johnson and Carolyn Grovey-Brown, and about 100 chapter members. Continued success to you also! From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

John Rolfe, Congressman Al Green and Howard Jefferson

NAACP-Houston Chapter President Rev. Reginald Lillie and Convention Chair Leon Russell

Rev. Reginald Lillie, Benjamin Jealous, Yolanda Smith and Dr. John Rudley

Don and Tina Middleton

Audrey Jefferson, Connie Cochran and Troy Toole

Bob Jackson, Edna Kane-Williams, Lorraine Cortes and Rob Romasco

Charlene Hunter James and Carole Dodson

Chapter Presidents Janice Hall, Sharon Owens, Angela Joubert, Irene Johnson and Carolyn Brown

Cheryl McNair and Lorna Hankins

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