Houston Defender: March 24, 2011

NATIONAL

BLACK LEGISLATORS SUPPORTED BY REPUBLICANS PROPOSE ‘SAGGING PANTS’ BILL • P4

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source Volume 80 | Number 21

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Entertainment

The Isiah Factor Broadcaster gives viewers voice

P5 NEWSTALK

New Civil Rights Leaders

Regional NAACP confab comes to Houston H Page 6

Farrakhan says handle Libya with care

Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan is once again speaking his mind. Farrakhan said President Barack Obama should be “careful” about how the U.S. government proceeds with its actions against Libya and its leader Moammar Gadhafi.

Hear what else Farrakhan has to say in light of the recent allied attack against Gadhafi’s forces and air defenses.

H Page

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Jessica Tata Captured!

Daycare ordinance on council table

P3

H.S. ZONE

North Shore Girls TEAM Sizzling at TSU Relays

P10 CHAG’S PLACE

NFL players ‘battle’ owners The nearly 3,000 players in the NFL are involved in a high-stakes, high-profile dispute with the 32 franchise owners. Like a fight between two heavyweight contenders, the two sides have squared off and both intend to win. At the heart of the conflict is how to divide the billions of dollars in revenue between players and owners. As talks continue, Max Edison takes an in-depth look at the dispute in Sports.

H Page 9

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Dr. Sterling Lands II swore in Bishop-Elect Rev. Robert Jefferson

P15

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WEEK OF MARCH 24 | 2011 DEFENDER

localbriefs City eyes settlement with Black firefighters Seven Black city firefighters passed over for promotion because they did not score high enough on a written exam will rise to captains’ ranks and get cash payments if the Houston City Council approves a lawsuit settlement. Lawyers for the city have negotiated a settlement that offers $301,165.12 in attorney’s fees and back pay.

They sued in 2008, arguing the city discriminated against them by using a racially biased test. The Fire Department will begin using a new exam this year that has been validated by a testing firm to assure that it does not produce results related to the race or ethnicity of the test takers.

Black population declining The Black population is declining in a growing number of major cities — more evidence that the settlement pattern of African Americans is changing as they disperse to suburbia and warmer parts of the nation. 2010 Census data released so far this year show that 20 of the 25 cities that have at least 250,000 people and a 20 percent Black population either lost more Blacks or gained fewer in the past decade than during the 1990s.

HPD alters process for police complaints Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland announced changes he hopes will make residents more comfortable in filing sworn affidavits alleging officer misconduct and another that could reduce police encounters that result in arrests or complaints. HPD is eliminating the perjury implication on the complaint form to address community concerns about being prosecuted for an incorrect detail. In addition, McClelland will require officers to call a supervisor to the scene before charging someone with resisting, evading or interfering with police action. The chief said he decided to make the changes after listening to community comments about excessive force and the police complaint process.

PBS Series honors Dr. Bernard Harris The PBS station will honor the first AfricanAmerican to walk in space, Dr. Bernard Harris, during its “HistoryMakers” series, which features living legends in the Black community. Harris’ story is one of triumph and dedication.

Harris went from heading his own research lab with NASA to working in a special division with the Air Force. In 1990, Harris was selected for a mission to space as part of an astronaut class of 23, selected out of 6,000 applicants. After two years of training, he went to space for the first time. Harris then went on to do a second mission where he was a payload commander and walked in space.

newstalk Daycare owner Tata awaits trial

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Before her capture, the U.S. Marshals A daycare owner Service had placed Tata on the U.S. Marshals’ on the 15 most wanted most wanted list is fugitives list with a reback in Houston, ward of up to $25,000. behind bars, while city They said capturing her officials contemplate was a top priority. a new ordinance that “When Jessica would make some Tata chose to flee from home day cares subject the consequences of to an annual safety her actions that left inspection. four innocent children Jessica Tata, 22, dead, we made her had been on the run capture a top priority,” since a fatal fire that said Geoffrey Shank, killed four children U.S. Marshals Service at her home day care acting assistant director center last month. Tata, of Investigative Operawho was captured in tions Division.

Nigeria and extradited The fire inspired to Texas March 23, was Lovell to propose andenied bond and will nual city safety inspecremain in the Harris Jessica Tata was emotional distressed while investigators questioned her about the tions for registered day house burning.

County Jail. care homes. If her proTata is facing more than 14 counts against her, including posal is passed, Houston would join other Texas cities — including charges of manslaughter, child abandonment, reckless injury to a Dallas, San Antonio and Austin — where such an inspections are child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. already required for one of the least regulated types of child care: Although a new city ordinance would not necessarily prevent the home-based day care operation. the sort of accident that happened at Tata’s home, City Council“It’ll be good because you will have people coming in on an woman Sue Lovell said it would bring greater scrutiny to the least- annual basis,” Lovell said. regulated type of child care operation.

Lovell is proposing that all home-based child care owners pay It all began on Feb. 24, after a fire broke out at a day care $100, plus a $25 administration fee, for an annual fire inspection center operated by Tata. Initially, Tata told police she was in the by the Houston Fire Marshal. Currently, there is no annual inspecbathroom when the fire started, but investigators said she had left tion, as the state only comes in every other year. seven children unattended in the home to go shopping at Target.

“This will ensure the fact that they’ve been inspected and that When she returned, the fire was raging and the children were they’re safe, so parents can feel safe about taking their children to trapped inside. Elias Castillo, 20-month-old Kendyll Stradford, these facilities because the fire marshal has come in and done an who started going to the daycare two days before the fire, threeinspection,” Lovell said. year-old Shomari Dickerson and 19-month-old Elizabeth Kajoh She also said there would be an online database to see which died after the fire. Three others were injured. of the facilities have successfully completed the public safety Investigators said a pot of oil left on a burning stove sparked inspection. the blaze.

“Our goal in passing this ordinance is to make sure that all Two days after the fire, Tata – who has both U.S. and the children in the city of Houston that attend the home child care Nigerian citizenship – fled to Nigeria. She spent weeks on the run facilities are safe,” said Lovell. there and was arrested on March 19 and returned to Houston four Lovell says if an operator doesn’t comply with the public days later. She will likely be held in jail until her case goes to trial safety rules, there would be a $2,000 a day violation fee. The because she is a proven flight risk. proposed ordinance is being vetted by the city’s legal department Her brother in Houston said Tata turned herself in, but U.S. and should face City Council committee scrutiny in the next two Marshals said that wasn’t the case. weeks.

“We were feeding them some information as to Jessica Tata’s Tata operated one of Harris County’s 1,759 registered day possible whereabouts. With that information, Interpol agents in care homes. Such homes are inspected before opening and then Nigeria and Nigerian officials took Jessica Tata into custody and every two years by the Texas Department of Family and Protective we brought her back,” Deputy U.S. Marshal Alfredo Perez said.

Services.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 24 | 2011

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national

U.S.briefs

Farrakhan warns Pres.

Obama

New Orleans Police Dept. under fire

Defender News Services Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan said President Barack Obama should be “careful” about how the U.S. government proceeds with its actions against Libya.

A longtime friend of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, Farrakhan spoke on WVON radio in Chicago about America’s motives, and warned Obama to beware of how he handles the dissatisfaction of the Libyan people.

The U.S. and European nations recently attacked Gadhafi’s you can talk to a man that built a country over 42 years and ask forces and air defenses with cruise missiles and airstrikes in suphim to step down and get out? Can anybody ask you ... to step out port of an internal uprising. Gadhafi vowed to defend Libya from of the White House ‘cause they don’t want no Black face in the “crusader aggression.”

White House?”

Obama said military action was not his first choice and that In Obama’s public address to the American people, he he would not send U.S. ground troops to Libya. He also said the said he was proud to be a part of “a coalition that includes close “limited” military action was an international effort to protect allies and partners who are prepared to meet their responsibilLibyan civilians. ity to protect the people of Libya and uphold the mandate of the Farrakhan, however, said that there are those who want to international comsee Gadhafi and his family munity.” killed just like Sadaam HusAs Farseim was killed, and talked See Poll on defendernetwork.com rakhan ended the about the methodology. radio commentary, “You must remember dear he issued a warning to the president, saying: “Be careful brother people of America that whenever government wants you to think how you handle this situation because it is coming to America. and act in a certain way that would bring justification to an action It has already started. Look in Wisconsin, look in Ohio, look at they are already planning to make, they must make the person a what is going on in your country. And remember your words boogey man,” Farrakhan said. because the American people are arising against their own govAcknowledging that dissatisfaction exists in all countries, ernment.

Farrakhan added: “In every nation brothers and sisters there is “It’s not Muslims, it’s not Black people, it’s white militia that dissatisfaction. And what the CIA does is go into a country and are angry with their government,” Farrakhan said. “And they are move among the people that are dissatisfied to simulate a revolt well armed. Are you going to tell them ‘put their arms down against a leader that they don’t like because they want regime and let’s talk it over peacefully?’ I hope so. But if not, change.”

America will be bathed in blood, not because Farrakhan Farrakhan also said that America stood by idly during many said so but because the dissatisfaction in America has revolts in countries around the world including Israel’s bombing reached the boiling point. Be careful how you manipuof the Palestinians, Rwanda, and the Congo, accusing the United late the dissatisfaction in Libya and other parts of States of selective morality.

He asked Obama, “Who in the hell do you think you are that the Muslim world.”

Florida ‘sagging pants’ bill proposed

By AFRO Staff

A bill banning sagging pants in state schools is again being considered by the Florida legislature. Democratic Rep. Hazelle Rogers introduced the bill, which she said is aimed at improving student responsibility.

House bill 61, which recently passed the K-20 Innovation Subcommittee unanimously, prohibits clothing that exposes “underwear or body parts in specified manner,” and will implement punitive actions for those who violate the dress code.

A companion bill has been introduced in the state Senate by Sen. Gary Siplin (D). Both Rogers and Siplin are Black. Penalties include verbal warning and a call to parents for the first offense; ineligibility for extracurricular activities for up to five days on the second offense and in-school suspension on the third offense, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

The NAACP has reportedly denounced the new law, saying it is unnecessary, a waste of time and that it will disproportionately affect Black males.

However, the bill appears to have the support of Florida’s Republican legislators. “There was an article about an 11-year-old girl who was gang-raped in Texas by 18 young men because she was dressed like a 21-year-old prostitute,” Republican Rep. Kathleen Passidomo told reporters.

However, Passidomo faced controversy for those comments, as some perceived that she was blaming the 11-year-old for her own rape. She claimed she was just trying to express how kids could be protected.

A recently released U.S. Department of Justice report on the New Orleans Police Department described it as wracked by a culture of incompetence and corruption that is “serious, systemic, wide-ranging and deeply rooted” and in need of complete reform.

The police force, which nearly completely collapsed when Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005, has been the subject of multiple investigations. Probes have led to criminal indictments and convictions of more than a dozen officers for unprovoked lethal and deadly use of force against innocent citizens.

Illinois abolishes the death penalty The movement to abolish the death penalty recently recorded a significant advance when Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation abolishing capital punishment. Behind the legislature’s action stood more than a decade of growing support for formally ending capital punishment in the state. That support mushroomed after investigations in the 1990s of 13 prisoners awaiting execution found that they were innocent or had been convicted improperly. Former Governor George Ryan imposed a moratorium in 2000 and three years later emptied the state’s death row, commuting the sentences of 167 inmates to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Clinton’s nonprofit leaving Harlem A fixture in the Harlem, N.Y., community for nearly 10 years, former President Bill Clinton is moving most of the operations of his nonprofit William J. Clinton Foundation to lower Manhattan to take advantage of more space and lower rent. According to the New York Times, the foundation will move a majority of its offices to the financial district in Manhattan. Clinton’s office, however, will remain on Harlem’s West 125th Street. The new property will boast 25,227 square feet of space, while his former building totaled 18,000 square feet. It will also be cheaper than the $40 per square foot rent the organization paid in Harlem.

Compiled from NNPA, defendersonline.com and Afro. com.

VOLUME 80 • NUMBER • 21 March 24 - 30, 2011

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Editor Von Jiles Associate Editors Reshonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Columnist Yvette Chargois Sport Editors Max Edison Darrel K. Ardison Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Webmaster Corneleon Block

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender 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 2011 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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WEEK OF MARCH 24 | 2011 DEFENDER

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entertainment

what’sup H Singer Chris Brown blows up after ABC interview ABC is defending its “Good Morning America” interview with Chris Brown in the wake of his violent behavior following the segment. Brown didn’t appreciate questions from host Robin Roberts regarding his beating of Rihanna. After the interview, he reportedly trashed his dressing room (a window was broken, with shards of glass falling into Times Square) and stormed out of the studios with his shirt off. GMA staffers say they approached Brown before his appearance and got the green light from him to ask a few questions about the Rihanna incident.

H Slim Thug accused of assault Houston rapper Slim Thug is being sued by a man who claims the rapper pistolwhipped him during a meeting. Clarence Evans has filed a lawsuit against the hiphop star and over allegations he was struck in the face with a pistol. Evans alleges Slim Thug, real name Stayve Jerome Thomas, then ordered his associates to take his money. Evans is seeking an undisclosed amount of money.

H Tupac Biopic to Hold Online Auditions Morgan Creek and Universal Pictures are having a hard time casting for an upcoming Tupac biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua.

Now, the companies are holding online auditions for the best person to play the role of the legendary rapper. While there are plenty of Hollywood actors to play the part, producers want a lesser-known artist for the role. To audition, visit InSearchOfTupac.com.

Applicants have to read a scene from the movie and perform a one-minute clip from a Tupac song. Videos should be no longer than five minutes. Deadline is April 30.

Coming up ….

The Ensemble Theater Jitney March 26–April 24 “Gypsy” cab drivers band together to earn a living as urban redevelopment threatens their livelihood with demolition. www.ensemblehouston.com

The Houston Improv Mark Curry March 24-March 27 Actor (“Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper”) and comedian performs. www.improv.com

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The Isiah factor

Broadcaster gives viewers a voice

paper. They want to hear about the back-story, or what doesn’t make the news, or what it took to ver since he was in a little boy, cover the story. I had no idea that it would take it Fox 26 News reporter Isiah Carey Birthdate: Oct. 17 off like it did,” he said. has known what he wanted to do Carey started the blog in 2005 after getting Education: Southern University in life – work in television news. an ugly email from the wife of a white fireEmployer: Fox 26 News It’s that passion for telling stories, fighter.

Website: www.theinsite.com digging deeper, and bringing about change “That email claimed I got the story about through his reporting that fuels Carey’s fire. her husband and the fire department wrong. I Hobbies: Working out, “I enjoy what I do so much,” Carey wrote her a really nice note back and said, ‘I watching movies, hanging said, “just waking up and going to cover the disagree with you, here are the facts.’ She wrote with family and friends news is all I’ve ever wanted to do since the me back, saying ‘I appreciate you taking the third grade.” time to respond and you really opened my eyes The Baton Rouge native made his debut and I’d like to put it up on my in front of the camera at the age of five, on a blog. That’s what prompted weekly local segment called “Thought for the Day” on WVLA-TV. me to start my own.”

But it wasn’t until a local TV journalist speaking to his class eventuCarey’s talents are not only recognized by ally inspired young Isiah to contact a Baton Rouge station, asking members of the community. His station has for a summer job. He got the job and worked at that station every even started a campaign promoting “The summer, for no credit, until he went away to college.

Isiah Factor.”

In college, Isiah continued his pursuit of a broadcasting career.

While Carey has received Before graduating from Southern University in Baton Rouge, he nationwide attention, the movie buff was already a news anchor and a reporter for the city’s WXOK-AM is content calling the Bayou City radio. home.

By 1990, Carey was news director and anchor at KQXL-AM “I’m enjoying Houston,” he and WYCT-FM, where he managed a small news staff. That same said. “If I had to describe what I’m year, he got his first real TV job as a reporter and public affairs talk doing, take the most fun you’ve show host at WVLA. In 1991, he re-joined WAFB-TV, the same ever had in your life, college or high station he shadowed as a third grader. He remained there for four school, that’s me today. And right years. He joined Houston’s KRIV-TV, Fox 26 News, in September now, I’m fine in Houston, but who 2001. knows what’s next for me.”

Carey is one of Houston’s most well known reporters – a title that he still has a hard time accepting.

“I tend to try and cover the stories that people care about but I still have a ways to go to be Houston’s most well known reporter,” he said.

Known for relentlessly digging for the story, Carey prides himself on giving voice to the people – even if it means sometimes making people mad.

“When I look for a story, it has to make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I want something that affects me, that affects others, not just what goes on in City Hall, but stories people will actually care about,” he said.

“Yes, I can catch a backlash sometimes, but that is a point of pride because they know I’m trying to get at the truth. While I work for a private company, I try to work for the people of Houston. I want to give them a voice. Not just a voice, but a bull horn.”

Carey has also taken his voice into the blogosphere – where his blog, the Insite, has become a go-to source for many seeking news and happenings in the Houston community.

“I started using it as my personal rant and from that, it took off and I realized that people wanted to hear more than just about news stories that they can get on TV or the news-

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley Defender

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Profile

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 24 | 2011

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coverpage

New Civil Rights Leaders Regional NAACP confab in Houston trains next generation

F

By Aswad Walker

rom March 31 – April 2 the NAACP’s Region VI will hold its 2011 Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institute (CRATI). The event will take place at Houston’s Crown Plaza Hotel Northwest Brookhollow (12801 Northwest Fwy, 77040). The theme for this year’s conference is “Civil Rights Under Siege: Planning for a Better Future.”

Advocacy volunteers from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico will be in attendance as the NAACP offers participants intense training opportunities that will focus on the organization’s five strategic initiatives: health, civic engagement, education, economic empowerment and criminal justice.

“Historically, the NAACP Texas has had a number of great victories lately, including integrating the Texas Rangers and defending the Voting Rights Act,” said Gary Bledsoe, President of NAACP Texas. “In the future I would like to see the NAACP have the latitude to change its fundamental thrust.

Surely, we would be concerned about internal ills in the community, but also effectively address issues from a lobby perspective for interests of concern in the African American community.”

CRATI seeks to equip the NAACP’s next generation of leaders via the event’s activities with the skills necessary to continue advancing the iconic organization’s legacy.

Speakers at the event will include Benjamin Todd Jealous, NAACP President & CEO; Roslyn Brock, NAACP Board Chair; Congressman Al Green; Dr. Joe Leonard, Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Civil Rights Department; Craig Watkins, Dallas County District Attorney; David Lopez, General

The Clara Luper Youth Luncheon on Friday, April 1st will celebrate 75 years of the NAACP Youth and College Division.

Counsel, EEOC Washington; and Mr. Hillary O. Shelton, Director, NAACP Washington, Senior VP Advocacy & Policy.

CRATI will feature a Public Health Summit, Gospel Revival, Town Hall Hearing on Police Misconduct, and a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the NAACP’s Youth & College Division. In addition, there will be a Major Taylor Bike Ride on the last day of the event—a 10-mile ride led by regional state presidents and Senator Rodney Ellis.

But the bulk of the training will take place in CRATI’s workshops which will focus on New Energy, Legal Redress, Economic Development, Redistricting, HIV/ AIDS and Branch Administration.

There will also be special sessions for youth and college-aged attendees.

During 2010 the NAACP Texas rallied members and members of the general citizenry around opposing the then proposed changes to the state’s public school social studies curriculum and textbooks— changes that were viewed as greatly diminishing the presence in classroom discussions of the historical

local and national contributions of Blacks, Latinos and women.

Bledsoe and other NAACP officers view the 2011 CRATI as providing participants with specific tools that can make them more effective at advocating for such issues with legislators and others decision makers.

Lauren Timmons, a 20 year old mother and aspiring college student, was inspired by the NAACP’s efforts regarding the Texas Textbook battle, and hopes to attend this year’s CRATI. “I have always chosen to stay on the sidelines and let others get involved in political issues,” said Timmons. “But seeing how people my age and younger were so active trying to get people to understand the importance of our state textbook changes inspired me to want to get more active.”

Timmons who has friends that are members of the NAACP is looking forward to CRATI’s lineup of activities.

“I can’t wait for the workshops. I want to see how I can make a difference,” said Timmons.

“We have 18 national

The regional conference will cover issues such as: labor, domestic abuse, health, redistricting, economic development, and energy.

NAACP staff members coming to attend along with members from five states,” said Carolyn Scantlebury, a member of the NAACP Texas executive committee. “So it’s going to be a powerful event.”

CRATI is blending its conference with the National NAACP Health, Membership and Stakeholder Relationship Department’s “Let it Rise” 10-City Tour. That initiative has three components: Faith Leaders Roundtable Discussion; Revival; and Health Summit & Membership Drive.

“In the next 100 years I would like to see the NAACP be effective at reaching out to both political parties, and take the

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issues of race out of the political debate. Issues of humanity need to be made part of the humanitarian process. Right now, that’s not there. We talk about hate crimes and denigrating people, denying rights of citizenship because of their color or background, those things should just be understood as children of God as part of the human race. I’m really saddened by what I see in reference to the hostility against President Obama, fueled by racial hostility, and it shows us just how much further we have to go,” said Bledsoe.

For more information about CRATI visit www.texasnaacp.org or call 512-322-9547.

WEEK OF MARCH 24 | 2011 DEFENDER

NAACP Public Agenda n Thursday,

March 31, 2011 Public Hearing on Police Misconduct 1-4 p.m.

Texas Southern University Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs Walt McCoy Auditorium 10 City Tour Gospel Revival 7:30 pm Northwest Community of Faith Church 1023 Pinemont Drive, Houston, Tx. 77018 Saturday, April 2, 2011

Crowne Plaza Northwest Brookhollow 12801 Northwest Freeway, Houston, Tx. 77040

Cordially Invites You to Attend His

Health Fair (Two locations) 10 am – 4 pm *Good Hope Baptist Church 3015 North MacGregor Way, Houston, Tx. 77004 *Crowne Plaza Northwest Brookhollow 12801 Northwest Freeway, Houston, Tx. 77040

EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC) TOWN HALL MEETINGS In conjunction with: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), The Chinese Community Center, West Orem YMCA, Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, Neighborhood Tax Centers, United Way of Greater Houston, and the Baker-Ripley Neighborhood Center

Friday, April 8, 2011 10:00am-12:00pm Sunnyside Multi-Service Center 4605 Wilmington St. Houston, TX 77051 12:00pm-2:00pm Baker-Ripley Neighborhood Center 6500 Rookin St. Houston, TX 77074

NAACP Conference Registration n

Saturday, April 9, 2011 11:00am-1:00pm West Orem YMCA 5801 West Orem Dr. Houston, TX 77085 1:00pm-3:00pm Chinese Community Center 9800 Town Park Dr. Houston, TX 77036

IRS DEADLINE TO FILE 2010 INCOME TAXES IS APRIL 18, 2011!!!

n

Major Taylor Bike Ride 7 am Register online @ biketexas,org Note: Bike and helmet provided if registered

CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN

Entire Conference (workshops/meals/ receptions) $175 Ticket Prices Breakfast $25 Lunch $40 Banquet $65 All public events are free.

**FREE Tax Preparation and Electronic Filing for Quick Refund** What to Bring With You:

Photo ID Social Security Cards or Tax ID # for Yourself and Each Dependent  Your Current W-2 and/or 1099s  

  

Last Year’s Tax Return Voided Check for Direct Deposit Employer ID Number or SS Number of Childcare Providers

Qualification for the Earned Income Tax Credit: Must have filed a tax return, even if you did not earn enough money to be obligated to file a tax return. The Earned Income Credit (EIC), is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families.

For more information, please contact: The Office of Congressman Al Green

3003 South Loop West, Suite 460 Houston, TX 77054 (713) 383-9234

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 24 | 2011

Discover the New Look, New Size, New Content, New Attitude Designed for your convenience, the new Defender is packaged in an easy to handle tabloid size, with colorful contemporary flair featuring more content as we celebrate 80 years of service to the African-American community.

The new Defender logo with the large star reflects that “You Are the STAR.� Each week you are invited to share your opinions and comments on our stories and the issues confronting our city on the defendernetwork.com. Let your voice be heard and invite others to join you.

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WEEK OF MARCH 24 | 2011 DEFENDER

sports

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NFL labor strife: The NFL has locked out their players and the union has decertified.

Owners vs. players

By Max Edison Defender

I

f you’re a sports fan you know by now that the NFL is currently involved in a contentious conflict between the 32 franchise owners and the NFL Players Association, the union that represents the nearly 3,000 players. Like a fight between two heavyweight contenders, the two sides have squared off and both intend to win.

The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) the two sides entered into in 2006 could have continued through the 2012 season, however it gave both the NFL and the NFLPA an option to shorten the deal by Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA President DeMaurice Smith lead the charge for their respective groups. one or two years. The owners NFL Commissioner Roger opted out of the agreement at Goodell said the NFL has generthe end of the 2011 post-season. ated $3.6 billion in incremental revAt the heart of the dispute between enue since 2006 and claimed that the sides is how to divide the bil$2.6 billion has gone to the players. lions of dollars in revenue between “The owners are actually $200 players and owners. Owners want million worse off than they were in the players to recognize increased 2006,” he said. “So the system isn’t costs for infrastructure projects working for one side.” such as new stadiums and interna“Economic conditions, howtional ventures, while players don’t ever, have changed dramatically believe that owners are facing the inside and outside the NFL since financial strife they claim. The 2006 when we negotiated the last owners are asking for an additional CBA,” the commissioner explained. $1 billion over the current $1 bil“A 10 percent unemployment rate lion they are receiving out of the hurts us all. Fans have limited annual $9 billion in annual NFL budgets and rightly want the most revenue for their money. I get it.”

The owners want the players While what Goodell says is to give back some of the concestrue in theory, NFLPA president sions they gained in 2006 and of DeMaurice Smith wants tangible course the players are having no proof and he believes they haven’t part of it. The players want the received it. owners to open their financial Commissioner Goodell has repeatedly stated that the route to labor peace “As businessmen, we asked would come through negotiation, not litigation. Unfortunately, Mr. Smith and the books and show them concrete the owners two years ago to conNFLPA disagree. evidence that they are losing sider two basic tenets to getting a players,” Smith said. until the last moment, we were money. The owners maintain they fair deal – financial transparency “Financial transparency would rebutted. And as for health and have given the union enough data and the health and safety of our help us reach a compromise. Even safety, that’s a non-negotiable issue. to prove their point.

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To our players, I will not ever yield on this point. There is no price tag for your arms, legs, backs, necks, shoulders and brains,” Smith said.

Within the last 10 days for the first time, the owners offered “audited profitability data’’ on all 32 teams for the union to study. What the union wants is much more, something described as “audited full financial statements’’ from the 32 teams.

A major and somewhat unlikely ally for the NFLPA has been U.S. District Court Judge David Doty. An 81-year-old ex-U.S. Marine, Doty is held in high regard within his profession. Three years ago, Judge Doty ruled Michael Vick could keep the $16 million in roster bonuses he received from the Atlanta Falcons because he received them before he was convicted of felony dog fighting charges and drew a prison sentence.

Recently, Doty ruled that $4 billion in future TV revenue the NFL owners had access to in the event of a lockout violated the terms of the collective bargaining deal.

Commissioner Goodell has repeatedly said that the route to labor peace would come through negotiation, not litigation. Unfortunately, Mr. Smith and the NFLPA disagree.

They’ve officially decertified and they await the outcome of an April 3 hearing before U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson.

If the NFLPA is granted injunctive relief at the April court date, the existing CBA will be reinstated while the case winds through the legal process.

One thing is or sure, NFL fans will have football on time in the fall. The money is just too large for the two sides not to be able to reach a CBA that works for everybody.

Neither combatant wants to be known as the one that killed the goose laying the golden eggs.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 24 | 2011

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs TSU Relays tidbits

North Shore girls sizzle at TSU relays

Recovering from an injury suffered during football season that forced him to miss six games, Evans competed in the 400-meter dash and t was supposed to be the year won in a time of 48.88 seconds. for somebody else. Yet the It wasn’t exactly a pleasant North Shore girls’ 4x100 meter experience for Evans, who experirelay foursome failed to receive enced an upset stomach following the memo. the race.

All four North Shore girls Evans announced that he echoed that sentiment following the would continue competing in Lady Mustangs stunning victory the 400-meters along with the in their specialty before a capacity 300-meter intermediate hurdles for crowd and against a star-studded the remainder of the season. He field in the 60th annual Texas Southalso revealed that he intends to play ern Relays. football at the University of Texas Eisenhower came into the race along with running track. having posted the fifth fastest time in A wide receiver in high school, the nation earlier in the season.

Evans plans to make the switch in “Our coach told us before the college to defense where he’ll be in race that the talk going around the North Shore 4X100 relay foursome left-to-right: Raquel Sims, Courtney the secondary. stadium was Eisenhower, HightBradley, Mona Landry, and Desiree Horne.

“I like to hit people,” he said. ower or Fort Bend Marshall was going said.

“When I got the stick, I could feel people Etc. to win the race,” said junior Mona on both sides.

I couldn’t believe that I passed up Westside High School sprinter Rushell Landry, who ran the second leg for North the Marshall runner. That made me feel good Harvey won her heat in the 100-meter dash at Shore. “They doubted us and basically had and I was able to pick up speed from there.” the TSU Relays in a time of 12.77 seconds. thrown us under the bus. All that did was pump The North Shore girls admitted that Harvey is related to longtime TSU athletic us up.” they’ve listened all season to the exploits of trainer John “Doc” Harvey. She said former As the anchor legs came down the final Westside standout Diamond Dixon served as straightaway, five runners were closely bunched Eisenhower, Hightower, Westbury and Fort Bend Marshall. her mentor last year when she was a freshman. together and nearly everyone in the stands rose “We’re like sisters and we just kept workSpring Westfield’s India Daniels, the to their feet as one. It was a photo finish and the defending Class 5A state 100-meter champion, crowd anxiously waited for the meet announcer ing hard to improve and wait for our time to shine,” Bradley said. “We are really looking took home gold medals in the 100- (12.26) and to deliver the news. the 200-meter dash (24.61) at the TSU Relays.

North Shore’s quartet of Landry, freshman forward to the remainder of the season with the district, regional and state meets coming up.”

North Shore boys’ senior sprinter Jaylon Desiree Horn along with seniors Courtney North Shore also registered wins in the Hicks said he didn’t mean to sound cocky Bradley and anchor Raquel Sims held off the boys’ 100-meter dash and the boys’ 4x200 relay. when responding to a question from the media competition with a gold-medal winning time of The only disappointment came in the boys’ at the TSU Relays.

47.55 seconds against a stiff tailwind. High4x100-meter relay when senior Miketavius Hicks was asked how many times he had tower (47.64) placed second and Fort Bend Jones suffered a hamstring injury and pulled up been beaten this season after blowing away the Marshall (47.65) came in third. before passing the baton in the middle of the competition in the 100-meter dash at the TSU “We came into the meet concentrating on race.

Relays. making good handoffs because if every team is TSU Relays tidbits “I guess I’m undefeated so far,” he said, equal in foot speed, good handoffs are the difDulles senior Sheroid Evans, the defendhesitatingly. ference between winning and losing,” Bradley ing Class 5A state champion in the 100- and “I’ve still got room for improvement. I said.

200-meters, made his 2011 track and field debut ran a 10.70 today and my personal record is “It was up to me to take it home,” Sims at the TSU Relays.

10.50.”

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

I

Dulles senior Sheroid Evans, the defending Class 5A state champion in the 100- and 200-meters, made his 2011 track and field debut at the TSU Relays.

Recovering from an injury suffered during football season that forced him to miss six games, Evans competed in the 400-meter dash and won in a time of 48.88 seconds.

Evans announced that he would continue competing in the 400-meters along with the 300-meter intermediate hurdles for the remainder of the season. He also revealed that he intends to play football at the University of Texas along with running track.

Westside High School sprinter Rushell Harvey won her heat in the 100-meter dash at the TSU Relays in a time of 12.77 seconds.

Harvey is related to longtime TSU athletic trainer John “Doc” Harvey. She said former Westside standout Diamond Dixon served as her mentor last year when she was a freshman. Spring Westfield’s India Daniels, the defending Class 5A state 100-meter champion, took home gold medals in the 100- (12.26) and the 200-meter dash (24.61) at the TSU Relays.

North Shore boys’ senior sprinter Jaylon Hicks said he didn’t mean to sound cocky when responding to a question from the media at the TSU Relays.

Hicks was asked how many times he had been beaten this season after blowing away the competition in the 100-meter dash at the TSU Relays. “I guess I’m undefeated so far,” he said, hesitatingly.

“I’ve still got room for improvement.

I ran a 10.70 today and my personal record is 10.50.”

Barry Bonds heads to trial again It’s been 5 years since former San Francisco leftfielder Barry Bonds retired from the major leagues. Bonds, MLB’s all-time homerun leader, now seeks to make the transition from the dugout to the courtroom and he hopes to have the same type of success.

The much anticipated federal trial, the criminal case of USA v. Bonds, has begun recently in San Francisco.

The heart of the matter, a perjury case, involves whether or not Bonds knowingly used performance enhancing drugs. Expect tales of sex , lies and denial!

Join Darrell Ardison and Max Edison for the “Daily Word” in high school, college and pro sports.

See More On www. defendernetwork.com

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WEEK OF MARCH 24 | 2011 DEFENDER

For Event Coverage ..visit

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Bishop-Elect Rev. Robert Jefferson and First Lady Myrtle Jefferson

Bishop Sterling Lands II and Bishop-Elect Robert Jefferson

Commissioner El Franco Lee, El Franco Lee II and Christian Chargois

chag’splace

Lola Jefferson, Lisa Jefferson, Vernitta Lenor and Robertine Jefferson

G. Allen Mack, Sharon Harrison and Thomas Meloncon

Dolly Spencer, Alycia Bryant, Connie Broussard, Shirley Payne and Sandra Hart

INAUGURAL SERVICE………Dr. Sterling Lands II, international presiding bishop of Family Life International Fellowship, Inc., traveled to Houston from Austin to preside over the inaugural services to swear in Bishop-Elect Rev. Robert Jefferson, pastor of Cullen Missionary Baptist Church, and a host of elected officers as they begin to organize a fellowship of churches with a commitment to developing Christ-centered families of high integrity. Dr. Gusta Booker, senior pastor of Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church, was the keynote speaker at this momentous occasion. We salute Bishop-Elect Jefferson and First Lady Myrtle Jefferson. God Bless!..............

URBAN MANNERIST……….El Franco Lee II has a unique artistic style intended to set his work apart from “pop art” and “folk art” by depicting real-life events

Founding Charter Member Ozell Taylor

Marsha Williams, Merlee Hill and James Boykins

Jean Fowler, Rebecca Porter and Shirley Bell

consequentially, addressing the needs of fine art audiences who demand cultural and innovative renderings of the unexpected. His works invite you to go beyond your comfort zone and visit those who have a much greater story to share with us. His Urban Mannerist art pieces were shown in an exhibit at Tom Bass Park recently and folks had the opportunity to view them and visit with the artist. Continued Success! .....…….. NATIONAL WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT………The Galena Park/Houston Metroplex Chapter of National Women of Achievement, Inc., hosted the 26th South Central Regional Conference at the Hilton Houston Southwest Hotel. About 100 women attended to discuss an aggressive agenda for the coming year.

State Rep. Dr. Alma Allen delivered the keynote address.

Kudos to chapter president, Jean Fowler; South Central Region director, Shirley Hudson Bell; national president, Rebecca Taylor Porter; founding charter member, Ozell Taylor; mistress of ceremonies, Pamela Barrett, and all committee co-chairs. Great conference!..........

Join Yvette Chargois

Events of the Week

More photos on defendernetwork.com See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 24 | 2011

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(ET) and ends 5/31/11 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). To enter random sweepstakes drawing: Push the blue OnStar button located in your vehicle and register with a live operator. Ten (10) Grand Prizes: A GM vehicle of each winner’s choice, not to exceed $131,681 USD/$130,937 CAD not including cash supplements. Each vehicle prize winner will in addition receive a cash supplement of $25,000 USD/$24,858 CAD. Maximum VRV of all prizes: $1,566,810 USD/$1,557,957 CAD. Odds of winning a vehicle prize depend on the total number of entries received. Alternate means of entry: hand-print your complete name, address, city, state, ZIP/postal code, e-mail address, date of birth, and phone number on a 3" x 5" card or paper and mail your entry via first-class mail with sufficient postage in a No. 10 business-size envelope to: “OnStar PUSHON SWEEPSTAKES,” P.O. Box 1202, Franklin, TN 37065. One entry per outer mailing envelope. Limit three (3) entries per person regardless of entry method; limit one (1) entry via the blue OnStar button per vehicle. Preprinted entry forms will be disqualified. Subject to additional restrictions contained in Official Rules, available at onstar.com. The marks of General Motors, its divisions, slogans, emblems, vehicle model names, vehicle body designs and other marks appearing in this advertisement are the trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors, its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors. ©2011 General Motors. ©2011 OnStar. All rights reserved.