Houston Defender: March 31, 2011 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

H.S. ZONE

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS IMPACTED BY ECONOMICS, PROGRAM CUTS PLANNED • P10

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source Volume 80 | Number 22

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ENTERTAINMENT

TABOO

Black Eyed Peas member gets party started

P5 NEWSTALK

“SAVE OUR STATE” RALLY In Austin Wed. April 6

P3 SPORTS

DON CHANEY Unsung pioneer in college basketball

State of Black America Urban League focuses on unemployment  PAGE 6 Marc Morial

P9 CHAG’S PLACE

Luncheon Chairs Diedra Fontaine and Winell Herron

P11

Beyoncé leaves dad’s Music World “Business is business and family is family.” With that, Matthew Knowles announced that his superstar daughter Beyoncé is leaving Houston-based Music World Entertainment, and he will no longer be her manager. “I love my daughter and am very proud of who she is and all that she has achieved,” Knowles said. “I look forward to her continued great success.” What does Beyoncé have to say? See more in Entertainment.  PAGE

Bishop T. D. Jakes speaks to churches Can your church make a mass announcement over Facebook or Twitter? If not, Bishop T.D. Jakes says, “What you don’t know can hurt you.” That’s also the title of a conference Jakes is hosting in Florida. Jakes said while the world is moving fast some churches are moving slow. Hear what else he has to say about 21st century ministries inside.  PAGE 4

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Revisiting Marks, Mississippi

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Marian Edelman

Did Beyonce make the right decision leaving Music World ?

Celebrate Easter with Cookie Pops For a fresh take on Easter treats, these eggshaped cookie pops will surprise and delight. Easy and delicious, each one is uniquely decorated-an unexpected way to say “Happy Easter!”.

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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 a 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 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. Look for the Defender at community locations, Krogers, Fiesta, Gerlands and soon CVS pharmacies.

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localbriefs Quanell X: New evidence in gang rape case Houston community activist Quanell X claims there are non-African American men who sexually assaulted an 11-year-old Cleveland girl. Those details were gathered from the victim’s Facebook page, Quanell X told a local news station. Those men, implicated in sexual encounters with the victim, have not been charged. The claim comes after allegations the Cleveland police investigation may be racially-charged. Nineteen men and boys have been charged with sexually assaulting the 11-year-old girl. The suspects range in age from middle school to 27 years old. The accused are expected back in court April 4 at 9 a.m.

Mayor wants churches, schools exempt from drainage fee Houston Mayor Annise Parker wants schools and churches to be exempt from paying a monthly drainage fee that was approved by voters in November. Proposition 1 passed by about 2,000 votes. The money will go toward improving infrastructure to reduce ﬂooding in the city. Parker initially said she would not allow exemptions except for those required by law. Under the original plan, churches and synagogues would have to pay the drainage fee. State agencies and institutions of higher learning, such as the University of Houston, would be exempt. The Houston Independent School District would not be exempt.

UH named one of America’s best colleges for undergrads The University of Houston has been named one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education, according to the Princeton Review, the widely-known education services company. The Princeton Review has chosen UH for inclusion in the forthcoming edition of its popular annual guidebook, “The Best 376 Colleges: 2012 Edition,” which will be available in bookstores in early August 2011.

‘Save Our State’ Rally Educators, state employees, labor advocate on Wed. April 6 By asWad WalKer Defender

local effort to persuade Austin legislators to prioritize education, health care, jobs, public safety and the environment, and take them off the budgetary chopping block is set for Wednesday, April 6 with the “Save Our State” march, rally and lobby day at the State Capitol Building in Austin. In the same spirit with which citizens from Wisconsin to California have been rallying their state governments, organizations have come together to let their voices be heard. “The objectives of this rally are twofold,” said Kymberlie Quong Charles, Special Projects Coordinator for the Center for Public Policy Priorities, “to give Texans an opportunity to express their outrage at what’s on the table and to show legislators the numbers of those in support of an alternative to a cut-first approach.” With the Texas State Employees Union and the Texas Forward Coalition taking the lead, several groups have coalesced to organize and host this event, including the

To attend the Save Our State event register online at the Texans Together website (http://ttef.convio.net).

Continued on page 8

Dallas mayor issues statement on domestic incident By lasHonda cooKs, The Dallas Examiner

Two months after the city’s biggest newspaper and its attorneys requested all records and police reports regarding a well-publicized domestic incident, it – and the rest of the world – can finally put their curiosity to rest and hear exactly what occurred that fateful evening in the mayor’s household.

The issue revolves around a tape concerning a confrontation between Mayor Dwaine Caraway and his wife, State Rep. Barbara Mallory Caraway. Immediately after the tape was released, the mayor issued an official statement, which read: “I have contended from the start that the recording contains deeply personal and private information. There is no public interest in this infor-

mation and I have made every effort to protect my family’s privacy. But I respect the ruling of the court and it’s time to move on. This morning, I assembled top City staff and asked them to join me in focusing on the important issues in front of our city – reducing crime, attracting jobs and businesses, getting through another tough budget year and moving Dallas forward. I will not be discussing this issue further.”

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Bishop T.D. Jakes

‘What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You’

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – What would your church do if there was a natural disaster or long-term weather-related shutdown? Would the ministers and deacons know how to get the word out or teach Bible study over the Internet? Is your church tech-savvy enough to make a mass announcement over Facebook, Twitter or Scream? These are just a few of the issues that will be addressed at Bishop T. D. Jakes’ latest Pastors and Leaders Conference, “What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You,” which takes place March 31-April 2 in Orlando. “I just see so many people who are going out to do 21st century ministry in a 20th century kind of way,” Jakes said in an interview with the Trice Edney News Wire. “Because the

world is moving so fast and the church often is not, I think it’s important that we keep up with the changing laws, with the changing trends, from the IRS to public relations to dealing with the myriad of things that are changing in every aspect of Christian leadership.” The conference at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center features a prominent list of who’s who in mega-church ministries, including Bishop I.V. Hilliard of Houston, Pastor Paula White, Donald Lawrence, Pastor Bill Hybels, Bishop Charles Blake, Dr. John Hagee, Dave Ramsey, First Lady Serita Jakes, and Bishop Jakes, who has more than 30,000 members at his Potter’s House in Dallas. The success of the speakers is not for the purpose of teaching attendees how to be like them, Jakes said. “Rather than seeking to be successful, we need to be working to be effective. And if in the process of being effective, we become successful, then so be it …” Acknowledging that some might be intimidated by tech talk, Jakes said they are simply new methods by which to spread the Gospel.

Death penalty opponent envisions end to executions ing the death penalty in his state. He then committed to the commutation of 15 death sentences of men currently on death row. (TriceEdneyWire.com) – A leading adAs the Illinois abolition takes effect July vocate for the abolition of the death penalty 1 – becoming the 16th state with no death says her organization believes that execupenalty – the NCADP is already scoping out tions could realistically end across the U. S. its next key battleground. Kansas, for exsomeday. ample, is now considering a repeal measure, “Virtually every state that has a death and Colorado recently came within one vote penalty is engaged in the debate at some of ending the death penalty. level,” Diann Rust-Tierney, executive direcTexas and Virginia are prioritized betor of the National Coalition to Abolish the cause they have especially high rates of death Death Penalty, told the Trice Edney News Diann Rust-Tierney sentences and executions. Wire after the recent abolition of the Illinois “It’s a hard choice because so much is happening death penalty. around the country,” Rust-Tierney said. “Our mission is “This grassroots effort that’s going on around the to help end the death penalty in those states where there is country is ultimately going to lead us to a new vision on how we approach these issues. That’s really the treasure at real opportunity because there’s leadership in the legislature and there’s a viable effort. We try and support those.” the end of the rainbow for all of us – that we’re going to While racial disparities have been the reason for have a clear-eyed approach to criminal justice that’s going much opposition over the years, Illinois and other states to be fair and consistent to all of our values.” Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn received widespread applause are also considering the risk of innocent people being executed. around the country after he signed legislation abolish-

U.S.briefs Alleged killers of Black newspaper editor on trial The confessed killer of Oakland Post editor Chauncey Bailey recently testified against two other men implicated in the case. Devaughndre Broussard pleaded guilty to killing Bailey in exchange for 25 years in prison and testimony against Yusuf Bey IV and Antoine Mackey. Bey is former leader of the Your Black Muslim Bakery where Broussard was a janitor. Although Broussard did not detail Bailey’s murder during his first day of testimony, he has admitted to shooting Bailey in 2007. Broussard alleged that Bey ordered him to murder Bailey because he had been working on a story about the bakery’s criminal history and financial woes.

Black rape victim receives apology after 70 years Nearly 70 years after an African-American woman from Alabama was gang-raped by seven White men, state officials and the current mayor of the town where the crime occurred issued an apology. Abbeville, Ala., Mayor Ryan Blalock and State Rep. Dexter Grimsley expressed their sorrow to 91-yearold Recy Taylor and her family at a news conference. In 1944, Taylor, then 24, was walking home from church when she was abducted, raped and left on the side of a road. Police declined to investigate the crime and allegedly harassed Taylor.

Report finds disparities in hunger across the U.S. As joblessness and poverty continue to hit Americans hard, nearly 8.4 million families across the country are hungry, according to a recent report by Feeding America, a hunger-relief organization. The “Map the Meal Gap” uses an interactive map of the U.S. to take a look at hunger issues at local levels. The report drew on data collected by the Department of Agriculture and the Census Bureau. Of the 50 counties with the highest number of “food-short” residents, one in four are at least one-third Hispanic and one in eight have at least one-third AfricanAmerican residents.

By Hazel Trice Edney

VOLUME 80 • NUMBER • 22 March 31 - APRIL 6, 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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entertainment

what’sup Last episode of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ is May 25

The final original episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” will air May 25. Winfrey announced live on the show in November 2009 that she would end its run after 25 years. She since has launched cable’s Oprah Winfrey Network. “The Oprah Winfrey Show” has been in reruns for the last few weeks. But Winfrey tweeted that she was “hard at work planning the final shows” and new episodes would begin April 7. The final episode brings an end to what has been television’s top-rated talk show for more than two decades. It airs in 145 countries worldwide.

Eddie Murphy gets comedy icon award

Comedy legend Eddie Murphy will be honored as the recipient of the inaugural Comedy Icon Award at the Comedy Awards, the first-ever multi-network, multi-platform event dedicated to honoring and celebrating the world of comedy. The distinguished award will be presented annually to a modern icon – an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to comedy and whose impact and innovations have changed the landscape and inspired future generations of entertainers. Murphy will be honored for his work in stand-up, sketch, film and television, among other numerous pioneering achievements.

L.A. Reid to judge Simon Cowell reality series

Island Def Jam chairman Antonio “L.A.” Reid will become a judge on the U.S. import of the Simon Cowell reality series, “The X Factor.” The 54-year-old music mogul is the first judge officially signed to the competition series. Reid has officially resigned from his post at Island Def Jam.

Black Eyed Peas’

Taboo gets the party started

By Kam Williams

aime Luis Gonzalez, aka Taboo, was born in East Los Angeles on July 14, 1975 to parents of Latino and Native-American ancestry. But he credits his beloved grandmother, Aurora, with nourishing his dream of becoming an entertainer from an early age. In 1995, Taboo was approached by will.i.am to form the Black Eyed Peas, the legendary hip-hop group which headlined at halftime at this year’s Super Bowl and whose never ending string of hits includes such Grammy-winners as “I Gotta Feeling,” “Let’s Get It Started,” “Boom Boom Pow” and “My Humps,” to name a few. The group’s other members are apl. de.ap and Fergie. A versatile talent, Taboo is not only a multilingual rapper, singer, dancer and MC, but also the designer of Taboo Deltah, a line of footwear found at Foot Action stores. Here, the devoted husband and father of two talks about “Fallin’ Up,” his recentlyreleased autobiography, and other matters. KW: I really enjoyed reading “Fallin’ Up.” It was so brutally honest, especially where you talked about bottoming out in your battle with substance abuse after becoming famous. What is the main message you want people to take away from the book? T: The main message is that the camaraderie you see between

televised audience of more than hundred million people at the Super Bowl? T: Yes, we’re in talks with NASA about doing a free concert on the moon in 2014. [chuckles]. The truth is we’ve been blessed with so many opportunities that the time has arrived for each us to bring some notoriety to ourselves, individually, and to explore whatever we’ve ever wanted to do artistically on our own, but always knowing that that in turn will ultimately reflect on the mother ship, which is the Black Eyed Peas. KW: How do we issue what you call “dreamcatchers” – or their equivalent – to youngsters so they don’t get their dreams dashed? T: I think it all starts with a flame that burns within each of us. The dreamcatcher my grandmother placed over my bed as a child simply served as a metaphor. It doesn’t have to be a dreamcatcher, literally. The dreamcatcher could be the people you surround yourself with. Or it could be you motivating yourself to pursue a passion like music or another form See more interview of artistic on defendernetwork expression. KW: Where do you think you would be without the support of your grandmother growing up? T: Well, I really doubt that I’d be speaking to you right now, if my grandmother hadn’t been in my life.

will, apl and me onstage is a direct reflection of the friendship we’ve enjoyed over the years. We’ve overcome a lot through good times and bad times. It’s an uplifting memoir with a lot of anecdotes telling you to dream big and to follow your dreams, because the sky’s the limit, no matter what you want out of life KW: The sky may be the limit for others, but are there any challenges left for the Black Eyed Peas to conquer after performing in front of a

Beyoncé leaves Music World

&B superstar and native Houstonian Beyoncé Knowles and her father recently announced that he will no longer be her manager and she is departing from Music World Entertainment. “Business is business and family is family,” said Matthew Knowles in a written statement. “I love my daughter and am very proud of who she is and all that she has achieved. I look forward to her continued great success.” Beyoncé, a Grammywinning artist who topped Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Madonna last year with

earnings estimated at $87 million, issued her own statement. “I am grateful for everything he has taught me,’’ Beyoncé said of her dad. “I grew up watching both he and my mother manage and own their own businesses. They were hardworking entrepreneurs and I will continue to follow in their footsteps.’’ “He is my father for life and I love my dad dearly,” her statement continued. Knowles says he will focus on gospel and inspirational music with his roster of artists, including Trin-i-tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, Juanita Bynum, Micah Stampley, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Pastor Rudy and others. Beyoncé’s new manager was not identified.

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State of Black America National Urban League focuses on unemployment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With Black unemployment numbers nearly double that of whites, the National Urban League’s recent State of Black America report shows that the ravages of the recession are impacting minorities much worse than the

rest of the nation. The Urban League said the solution to the crisis is providing employment, and encouraged the nation’s leaders to act swiftly and support a $168 billion plan it has to generate jobs to make sure no one is left behind or left out of economic recovery efforts. “These are tough times in America and they require a powerful and immediate response,” said Marc H. Morial, Urban League president and CEO. “The government has bailed out Wall Street. It’s time to act swiftly and do something for Main Street, which includes a strong, focused jobs plan. “There can be no true economic recovery in this country without addressing the dire jobs situation in urban America,” Morial said. The report coincides with the Urban League’s

National Urban League Six-point Plan for Creating Jobs

Birthdate: Oct. 17 1. Direct funding for job creation 2. Expansion of SBA Community Express Loan Program 3. Creation of green empowerment zones 4. Expansion of housing counselors nationwide 5. Expansion of Youth Summer Jobs Program 6. Creation of 100 urban job academies

centennial initiative, “I Am Empowered,” which includes a goal for the nation to achieve access for every American to a quality job with a living wage and good benefits by 2025. The Urban League proposes its “Plan for Creating Jobs” as a solution to the crisis in urban communities. The plan is another initiative by the organization to build on its legacy of bringing economic opportunity and equality to minority communities. Judson Robinson III, president and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League, traveled to Washington, D.C., to join others in lobbying for economic opportunity. He encouraged Houstonians to make their voices

heard as well. “I would encourage everyone to notify their congresspersons and their senators of the dire need to reauthorize workforce inclusion legislation,” Robinson said. “We also need to make sure that the budget cuts being talked about do not impact Americans’ ability to continue to work. Budget cuts not only cut programs, but positions that go with those programs.” Robinson said that in Houston, the Urban League would continue to move forward with efforts to assist those in underserved communities. He said programs such as those provided by the League are needed now more than ever, whether it’s in the area of job training, employment, housing, education or entrepreneurial development. The State of Black America report, which measures disparities between Blacks and whites in areas of economics, education, health, civic engagement and social justice, included a Hispanic index for the first time. While they still lag behind, with an overall Equal-

“These are tough times in America and they require a powerful and immediate response.” Marc H. Morial National Urban League President and CEO

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Judson Robinson III

ity Index of 75.5 percent, Hispanics are faring better than Blacks, whose overall Equality Index was 71.8 percent. In many of the categories in the report, Blacks either made no progress or lost ground. The Urban League’s comprehensive six-point plan addresses the most urgent needs of American families in economic crisis by investing in direct job creation, job training for the chronically unemployed, greater access to credit for small businesses and additional counseling relief for those caught in the backlog of the foreclosure process. The plan also suggests tax incentives for clean energy equipment manufacturers who employ individuals in the targeted communities. The six points specificially call for: direct funding for job creation, expansion of the Small Business Administration’s Community Express Loan Program, creation of green empowerment zones, expansion of housing counselors nationwide, expansion of the Youth Summer Jobs Program and the creation of 100 urban job academies. “We are not a think tank or a talk tank but a ‘do’ tank,” Morial said. “As a civil rights organization we have always been about bringing economic opportunities to the communities that we serve. And as we celebrate 100 years of service we will remain steadfast in that commitment.”

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 31 | 2011

TSU showcases Fine Arts Defender News Service

Texas Southern University is celebrating the origin, history and legacy of the Fine Arts Department in a spectacular 75-minute performance produced by a talented TSU team of faculty, staff, students working alongside gifted local directors, choreographers and musical talents. The theme for this year’s TSU Honors is: “Inspiration Revealed: Portraits of Art,” which encompasses seeing the invisible, and feeling the intangible. This exotic story follows the TSU arts programs through their founding, struggles and triumphs and begins with the hopes and dreams of the founding faculty of TSU’s Fine Arts Department: Music, Theatre and Visual Arts: honorees John Biggers, Campbell Tolbert, and Ollington Smith. The audience will be dazzled by a song on piano, a spoken word piece with flute accompaniment by Vanessa German; a breath-taking musical scene from Westside Story. There will be songs and dancing that features Ensemble and TSU dancers, singers and actors. The audience will be moved by the rhythmic Drums of Sweetwater and the poetic renderings performed

Kirk Whalum

John Biggers

Kermit Oliver

TSU Honors - Thurs. April 7 @ 6 p.m. Wortham Center Downtown For ticket info. call 713-313-4257 or visit

www.tsu.edu/honors

by honoree and TSU alumnus Thomas Meloncon, who will be accompanied by dancers and saxophonists swaying and playing to the sounds of his spoken word. In honor of TSU alumnus and honoree Kermit Oliver, the full spec-

tacle of the TSU Honors event will be captured in a painting produced during the production by artist and TSU staff member Maya Watson. The painting will be auctioned off following the performance. There will also be a video montage representing each department;

‘Save Our State’ Rally... of these cuts on their lives. The proposed cuts are going to affect all of us in a big way, not just five years down the road, but right now,” said Charles. Event hosts are encouraging citizens to attend, even offering a free chartered bus ride to Austin. Moreover, participants are asked to bring their family and friends. “Several of my teacher friends in Austin have already received pink slips. We’ve got to get the message out that our quality of life is at stake. Cuts will mean both public and private sector job losses,” add Charles. Once participants arrive in Austin on April 6, they will participate in a march from Waterloo Park to the Capitol beginning at 11am. From 12noon to 1pm a rally will be held on the Capitol’s South Steps. Immediately afterwards, attendees will enter the Capitol to meet with legisla-

tive offices to make their case for maintaining state funding for education, health care and the addition issues of focus by looking for additional revenue sources like using the state’s rainy day fund. “Individuals interested in

followed by the awards presentations by TSU President Dr. John Rudley. The grand finale will be a special presentation by the World Renowned Ocean of Soul Band and a very special performance by honoree and TSU alumnus Kirk Whalum, who along with and his son Kyle and nephew Kenneth will present a special gospel jazz performance. Whalum won a Grammy for Best Gospel Song, “It’s What I Do.” For additional information regarding ticketing and sponsorship packages for this event please call 713 313-4257, or visit the TSU Honors website at www.tsu.edu/honors.

Continued from page 3

the opportunities for action following the April 6 rally are encouraged to sign up for email alerts at www.txforward,org,” shared Charles. Those who live in the Houston area planning to attend the SaveT:5.78” Our State event

are encouraged to register online at the Texans Together website (http://ttef.convio.net). For more info, contact Kymberlie Quong Charles, Special Projects Coordinator for the Center for Public Policy Priorities at quongcharles@cppp.org.

LEGAL NOTICE

These Texas Lottery Commission Scratch-Off games will be closing soon: GAME #

GAME NAME / ODDS

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For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas Education. © 2011 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

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T:2.82”

Center for Public Policy Priorities, Cover Texas Now, Save Texas Schools, Texas Organizing Project, Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Texas Impact, Texas League of Young Voters, Texas AFL-CIO, and Texas State Teachers Associations. l issues at stake in Texas include the future of community health clinics, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, community colleges, and parks, many of which are slated to close if the proposed budget in the legislature passes. Event organizers, who have set 10,000 rally participants as their goal, fear that thousands of people will lose their jobs, devastating families and entire communities. “Legislators hear a lot from paid advocates, but it’s much more meaningful for them to hear from constituents. It’s also an opportunity to educate the populace on impact

Thomas Meloncon

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WEEK OF MARCH 31 | 2011 DEFENDER

Don Chaney

sports

Unsung pioneer in college basketball arena

By maX edison Defender

orty three years ago on Jan. 20, 1988, Houston and the Astrodome were the center of the college basketball universe. An event billed as the “Game of the Century” pitted an unbeaten UCLA team against an unbeaten squad from the University of Houston. It featured two future NBA Hall of Famers in Bruins center Lew Alcindor (now Kareem Abdul Jabbar) and Cougar center Elvin “Big E” Hayes. The match-up was the first collegiate regular season basketball game shown in prime time to a nationwide television audience. With more than 50,000 fans in attendance, the contest signaled the arrival of the college hoops game as a national product. Now all eyes are on H-town again as the Final Four invades the city and sets up in Reliant Stadium, in the shadows of the Astrodome. The event itself, along with the entire March Madness tournament, is now a multibillion dollar industry seen by millions of fans around the world. Former Rockets coach Don Chaney, a two-time AllAmerican at the University of Houston and a participant in the Game of the Century, marvels to this day at the significance that single event had on the college game. “At the time that we played we had no idea it would get to this point and this magnitude,” Chaney recalled. “We played the game, but we really didn’t think about the impact it would make at the time. The college game now is huge and that game was the exposure that put the college game on the map. It’s a big-time sport.” Not only was Chaney an unsung pioneer in the explosion of the game’s popularity, he and Cougar teammate Hayes were historic figures, becoming the first African-American hoopsters to play at UH in 1964. A scholastic and Parade All-American out of Baton Rouge, Chaney was more than ready to explore life outside of the Bayou State. “I wanted to get out of Louisiana. I wanted to go away to school, but I had no idea my selection to come to the University of Houston would have the type of impact that its had on my life, not just my career,” Chaney said. Chaney was recruited and played for legendary Houston coach Guy V. Lewis. To this day Chaney looks up to Lewis. “I have a lot of respect for the man because at the time he brought in Elvin and me it was not a very popular decision. You would have to really feel very comfortable with yourself to be able do something like that. For that I have a great deal of respect for him. “Secondly when we first got to the University of Houston, Guy Lewis played basically a walk-up, half court game,” Chaney said. “When he brought the two of us in we were running players. He had to change his of-

fense to accommodate what he brought in. I think for a coach to show that type of flexibility, that’s enormous.” Chaney added that he is still “upset” at the fact that Lewis is not in the Hall of Fame. He also shared his memories of Elvin Hayes. “My game changed once I got to the University of Houston. I came there as an offensive player. As a freshman I averaged 25 points a game. By my sophomore season my game changed. Elvin was such a dominant inside player, the offense revolved around him and we adopted an inside/out type game. As a result I didn’t get a lot of shots and I wasn’t a big part of the offense,” Chaney said. “I started concentrating on defense because you really want to contribute more. I think that ended up being a blessing in disguise, because I really excelled at playing defense. I got drafted by the Celtics (1968, 1st round, 12th pick overall) because of my defense.” As a result of his Cougar foundation Chaney has been immensely successful. A twotime NBA champion (1969 and 1974, Celtics) and NBA Coach of the Year (1991, Rockets) are just some of his professional accolades. As he reviews the current college game he has one small criticism. “I’m a stickler for fundamentals,” he said. “The modern day player is bigger, stronger, more athletic, more skilled, in terms of doing things more things with the ball, but I think a lot of them are lacking in basic fundamentals. “A lot of players, once they get to the NBA from college, they have to go back a little bit and Top: Chaney’s defensive ability helped the re-learn the game from the Cougars become a major college power and fundamentals perspective. win two NBA titles. Middle: Houston Cougar Just having natural talent and athletic Don Chaney was an integral part of the Game of the Century that propelled college basability is not going to get you very ketball into the national spotlight. Bottom: far in the NBA because you have so Chaney’s college success was a foundation many great athletes.” for future success as a NBA player.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 31 | 2011

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sportsbriefs Final Four field is set for Reliant

Economics

It all started two weeks ago with 68 teams, all with the same goal: play in Houston the first weekend in April. Now we have the Final Four and the entire nation is buzzing with anticipation. Not only do we have Cinderella, Virginia Commonwealth (28-11), still in the dance, but her older sister Butler (27-9) is still dropping it like it’s hot. Perennial powerhouses UConn (30-9) & Kentucky (29-8) are also set to do the tango. It’s about to go down in Reliant Stadium.

High school athletic programs impacted expensive of all the sports,” said a District 22-4A head coach, who requested wo years ago, anonymity. “That’s one of the troubled U.S. the reasons baseball has lost economy sent popularity in the inner city.” professionals from There’s talk around all fields scurrying to the emthe district about the posployment offices of school sible combining of schools districts across America, with declining enrollincluding those in the Lone ments located in the same Star State. geographical areas. That The teaching profession move could be met with was viewed as a safe career stiff resistance because of virtually void of layoffs and territorial issues. wages had improved signifiYet has any thought cantly over the past decade. been given to combining What a difference 24 baseball programs? months make. “You could Due to a state budgettake the kids interested in Baseball is one of the more expensive sports. Players have to buy their own gloves, ary deficit, the Houston shoes and protective gear. playing baseball at Sterling, Independent School District Jones and Worthing for having a trickle-down effect on high-school (HISD) faces massive layoffs. The largest instance,” the coach said. “Those schools are athletics. public school district in Texas and nearly every 10 minutes away from each other. Bus those A head football coach at one of HISD’s other school district in the U.S. will be forced kids to one campus during the athletic period most prominent high schools told the Houston to lay off maintenance staff, cafeteria personor right after school and you’ll end up with a Defender that he was informed that several nel, administrators and even teachers. pretty decent team. middle school football program will be shut Class sizes are projected to range “That way you could save money down in the near future. from 30 to 35 students per teacher during the without killing the sport,” the coach said. Can you imagine how high school foot2011-2012 school year. Many veteran teachers In HISD, Bellaire, Lamar, Westside ball programs will be impacted by the loss of are opting to retire early rather than endure the and Milby are the competitive baseball profootball at their feeder schools? changing landscape of public education. grams in Class 5A, while Waltrip is the class Other high school sports are already feel“I never thought the teaching profession of HISD’s two 4A districts. ing the crunch. would be impacted this way,” said a five-year Other baseball combinations One southeast Houston high school baseEnglish teacher and Rice University graduate, that could work in HISD include Madison, ball team didn’t receive belts, socks or its usual who received a letter of dismissal from her Westbury and Sharpstown. How about Yates, allotment of baseballs this season. A check principal. “With so many teachers being laid Austin and Chavez? Then there’s Jeff Davis, with other HISD baseball coaches revealed a off throughout the city, it’s going to be tough to Reagan and Sam Houston. similar dearth of equipment. find a job.” A little creativity would make this “Baseball is an expensive sport to play. The tightening of the budget is already thing work. Next to golf, it might be the second most

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

Bellaire softballers prepare for playoffs The Bellaire High School girls’ softball team improved to 21-4 on the season with a big District 20-5A victory over rival Lamar. A Houston area powerhouse for the past decade, Bellaire has made an early exit from the playoffs the last three years. Head coach Brian Tuffly is hoping the Lady Cardinals can get over the hump this season. Leading the way is senior pitcher Gabby Smith, who signed with Texas earlier this year.

Former Westside standout fuels A&M Sydney Colson, a 5-foot-8 senior guard from Westside High School, is one of the main reasons why the Texas A&M women’s basketball team advanced to the “Elite Eight” this season. The team’s starting point guard averaged eight points, 2.4 steals and a Big 12-leading 6.3 assists per game. A&M’s offense averaged 78.6 points per game this season and Colson was the straw that stirred the drink. “She’s instant offense,” said A&M coach Gary Blair. “She’s very good in the transition game.”

Smoke at TSU, could fire(d) be next?

More rumors are coming from Texas Southern that the only man to bring a championship to the football program in more than 40 years is about to be fired. SWAC Coach of the Year Johnnie Cole is supposedly on his way out and nobody really seems to know why. Both the basketball and football program are being investigated by the NCAA, but why fire the only winner you’ve had in almost 50 years before the findings of the investigation are revealed? Something smells fishy.

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

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WEEK OF MARCH 31 | 2011 DEFENDER

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defendernetwork.com KICKING IT UP A NOTCH…….The University of Houston Black Alumni Association did just that, and not only celebrated the successes of some of UHBAA’s alumni, but also because the university has been recognized as a Tier One Research University by the Carnegie Foundation. At their 22nd Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala, several students received scholarships and some distinguished individuals were honored. The honorees included Tommy J. Brooks Sr., W. H. “Bill” Easter III, Larry V. Green, Je’Caryous Johnson, Nnete Inyangumia, Jason Phillips, Shawn Taylor and Dr. Evelyn E. Thornton. We salute alumni president, Vonda G. Mays, and the gala honorary chairs, State Reps. Alma Allen and Sylvester Turner, and Earl M. Cummings and Ricky A. Raven for a very successful event. Congrats!........ SIXTY YEARS AND

GOING STRONG…….The Houston Chapter of The Links, Inc., recently celebrated their 60th anniversary at the Omni Hotel. The United States Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Regina M. Benjamin, was the keynote speaker. Following her address a conversation with her was held and led by chapter members Katishia CosleyTrigg and Sharron Melton. About 500 folks attended this luncheon, which put a big smile on the faces of chapter president, Jacquelyn Alton, and luncheon cochairs, Diedra Fontaine and Winell Herron. Continued success!........ BACK FOR THEIR FUTURE…….The 2011 Covenant House Texas Gala was held at the Hilton Americas Hotel with special guest speaker Abraham Ligon, former Covenant House Texas resident. He told his story about how the organization helped him advance

Earl Cummings, Je’Caryous Johnson, Larry Green, Bill Easter III, Shawn Taylor and Ricky Raven

Jacqueline Alton and U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Dr. Regina Benjamin

James and Carolyn Campbell

chag’splace from being homeless to a successful individual. After more than 26 years, Covenant House continues to open its doors and launch new programs to prepare homeless youth for independent living. We salute the Covenant House!........

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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.

The Honorable Alma Allen and Sylvester Turner and Vonda Mays

Sharron Melton and Katishia Cosley-Trigg

Max and Judeene Edison

UH Regent Jarvis Hollingsworth and Andrea Hollingsworth

Luncheon Chairs Diedra Fontaine and Winell Herron

Special Guest Speaker Abraham Ligon

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 31 | 2011

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