Houston Defender: March 14, 2010

March 14 – 20, 2010 | FREE

Volume 79 Number 20

www.defendernetwork.com

Deadline set for health care reform SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - President Obama hopes to see his controversial health care reform bill approved by March 18, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has said.

According to thehill.com, Gibbs said sweeping health care reform should move through Congress before the president leaves for a trip to Australia and Indonesia.

“We’re leaving on March 18 and we believe that we’re on schedule, based on our conversations that have been had with the Speaker of the House and the majority leader, that we’re on schedule to get Robert Gibbs something done before we leave,” Gibbs said.

The press secretary said Obama hopes the House will pass the Senate’s primary health care bill by that date, with a final bill to be signed by Easter.

Because Obama’s recent bipartisan health care reform summit failed to provoke any Republican converts, Democrats are turning to a political process called reconciliation, which would sidestep the need for Republican support.

The process would allow the Democraticmajority Congress to approve Obama’s proposed health care reform with a simple majority vote.

By Aswad Walker DEFENDER

T

he January earthquake in Haiti and its ongoing aftermath of suffering has elicited humanitarian aid from the global community, with the U.S. leading the way in terms of dollar value donations. Yet, amid the generosity, some voices within the U.S. are calling for a halt to the goodwill, declaring Haiti a beggar nation that is being enabled by aid. Others, however, argue that whatever economic or political dysfunction exists in Haiti is due in large part to the untold story of the historical relationship between Haiti and the U.S. Two recent forums on the topic of Haiti, one held at Rice University, the other at St. John’s Downtown, provided participants with food for thought on Haiti’s past, present and future.

Art Rascon, Emmy award-winning reporter and anchor for KTRK-TV’s Eyewitness News, who has covered major national and international events and natural disasters throughout the world, was the only Houston journalist to cover the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

“Clearly Haiti was one of the worst natural disasters I’ve ever covered,” said Rascon. “And I covered the Tsunami a few ★HAITI, Page 3

@ ★

defendernetwork.com Download and sign Citizens’ Petition for Haiti

Who’s Got Game?

Winners: Lee & Bellaire H.S.

By Monica L. Coleman DEFENDER

The boys’ basketball team at Lee High School and girls’ basketball team at Bellaire took home the bragging rights and $1,000 each at the conclusion of the “Who’s Got Game” partnership between DefenderNetwork.com and HISD. The alliance drew thousands of votes from community members, students, and school staffs before HISD’s best teams were elected.

Good News for Lee High School Lee High School Athletic Coordinator Bridgette Davis said the victory positively impacted what had been a dwindling school spirit around the campus. For the past several months, the school has made headlines after a couple of students arranged a murder-for-hire plot. Their boys’ basketball team was on the losing side of Yates’ controversial 170-35 win. And, to top things off, their principal was ★GAME, Page 7

Bellaire H.S. Girls basketball coach, Michael Cramer (far left) joins Bellaire Cardinals Girls and school principal, Tim Salem, to receive the $1000 winning check from Defender Web Promotion manager, Christie Wilson.

INTERVIEW

Mo’ Nique Oscar-Worthy!

By Kam Williams CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mo’Nique Imes was born on December 11, 1967 in Baltimore, which is where she started her showbiz career as a stand-up comedienne on a dare a couple of decades ago. From there, she gained visibility and immense popularity with performances on “Showtime at the Apollo,” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” “Apollo Comedy Hour” HBO’s “Snaps,” BET’s “Comic View,” The Montreal Comedy Festival and Uptown Comedy Club.

Her big break arrived in 1999 when she landed a starring role on the television series, “The Parkers.” During the show’s five-year run, Mo’Nique earned numerous awards, including four NAACP Image Awards as the Outstanding Actress in a Comedy

Photo:Todd Wawrychuk / ©A.M.P.A.S.

Best Supporting Actress winner Mo'Nique.

Click on Defendernetwork.com Weekend

Weekend

Monday

Michael Shinn

Business

Nicole C. Lee

Your Money Really Matters

Going from Employee to Entrepreneur

What Haitians Want

Series. Her film credits include “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins,” “Two Can Play That Game,” “Hair Show,” “Three Strikes,” “Baby Boy,” “Beerfest,” “Phat Girlz,” “Soul Plane,” “Irish Jam,” “Domino” and “Shadowboxer.”

As a voluptuous role model for Rubenesque females, Mo-Nique wrote the best-selling book Skinny Women Are Evil, as well as an equally-funny follow-up entitled Skinny Cooks Can’t Be Trusted. She also created, produced and emceed “Mo’Nique’s F.A.T. Chance,” America’s first, fullfigured, reality beauty pageant. Struck by the skyrocketing number of women behind bars, she brought her act to a prison to tape a comedy special called “I Coulda Been Your Cellmate” which aired on TV before later being released on DVD. Then, she delved further into the issue as the host of “Mo’Nique: Behind Bars” for the Oxygen television network. ★MO’NIQUE, Page 2

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Mo’Nique

continued from page 1 Here, she talks about “The Mo’Nique Show,” her new late-night talk show on BET, and about her Oscar-worthy performance in “Precious,” Lee Daniels’ spellbinding screen adaptation of Sapphire’s novel, Push.

Kam Williams: Hi Mo’Nique, thanks so much for the time.

Mo’Nique: Hey Kam! Thank you, baby!

KW: Congratulations on the new TV show.

M: Thank you!

KW: How would you describe the format? How are you dividing the time among monologues, interviews, and musical and other performances?

M: I can’t give you those numbers, baby, because the show is so unpredictable. We’re just having a great time.

KW: What interested you in doing a talk show?

M: Well, I’ve always wanted to do a talk show.

That was the whole focus from the very beginning.

First, I thought it’d be like Oprah Winfrey, but the comedienne in me wouldn’t let me do that. So, when my husband [Sidney Hicks] and I spoke with Loretha Jones [BET’s President of Programming], we said, “We want to do late-night. We want to have a party.”

KW: Speaking of partying, you were recently spotted in Manhattan partying at Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson’s Sugar Bar with Lee Daniels, Andre’ Leon Talley and some other folks. Did you have fun?

M: I had a blast, Kam. When you go to the Sugar Bar, the kid in you truly comes out.

KW: How much does it mean to you to have Oprah personally get behind the film in such a strong way.

M: It was a pleasure. She’s a powerhouse. She’s Oprah Winfrey. You know what that means. So, when she said, “I dig this,” I was very appreciative of it.

KW: How do you do it? You’re already a mother, actress, author and comedienne, and now adding late night TV host. How you keep sane and healthy and how do you manage to juggle everything?

M: There is a great group of people that surrounds me, starting with my husband, who is my business partner and executive producer of the talk show. With our assistants and our staff in our home, we have a great team. So please believe me, I’d love to say, “Oh honey, I’m a superwoman!” But I’m so far from being a superwoman. It’s all the people who surround us are what make Mo’Nique work.

KW: Was it hard for you not to take you character home with you at the end of the day when you were shooting “Precious?”

MARCH 14 – 20, 2010 | DEFENDER

M: It wasn’t hard at all. We left it on the stage.

When Lee said “Cut!” that’s what it was.

KW: Did you stay in touch with any of the inmates from your stand-up show, “I Coulda Been Your Cellmate?”

M: When I was at the Sugar Bar the other night, I bumped into a woman who was in that prison when I was there. We hugged so tight, and she introduced me to her son.

KW: Do you have plans to do something like that again?

M: I don’t think I’ll do another one, because I think it was special in the moment for all of us.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

M: [Laughs] No! KW: Between the new TV show and the movie. I was totally blown away by your performance when I saw “Precious.” And I’ve never heard so much Oscarbuzz so far in advance of a picture’s release.

Everybody’s been talking about your Academy Awardworthy performance since last January when the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. How do you feel about all the buzz?

M: You know what? I’m excited about any buzz.

I was excited when Lee Daniels first called me up.

Just for the movie’s message to be told, that’s where the real excitement comes in for me.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

M: Kam, my favorite dish to cook is macaroni and cheese.

KW: How can your fans help you?

M: By realizing that they’re not my fans, but my bosses. I want them to know that I’m just as excited as they are when they ask for an autograph or take a picture with me, because I’m still that little girl who used to practice in the mirror.

KW: Speaking of mirrors, when you look in the mirror, what do you see?

M: [Laughs] I see somebody, baby, that’s full of life. I see somebody that still has a lot more growing to do and is willing to take it on. I see somebody that the universe said to her, “We’re going to give you this and see how you deal with it.” I see somebody who has an incredible husband, amazing kids and great people around her. So, when I look in that mirror, I be like, “For real?”

KW: How do you get through the tough times?

M: Fortunately, I don’t have no tough times.

KW: Thanks again, Mo’Nique and I’m expecting to be congratulating you on your Oscar, the next time I speak to you.

M: Thank you so much, Kam. Bless your heart, sugar.

Photo:Richard Harbaugh/©A.M.P.A.S.

Mo'Nique, Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress for her work in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," arrives with Sidney Hicks prior to the 82nd Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

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MARCH 14 – 20, 2010 | DEFENDER

Haiti

continued from page 1 years ago. But that was a 10 country event. The devastation in Haiti was so concentrated. It was all right there in Port-au-Prince. It was overwhelming; the likes of which people in the western hemisphere had never seen.”

As part of the first news team on the scene after the earthquake, Rascon said maintaining a reporter’s objective, emotional distance during interviews was difficult at best.

“My most memorable interview was with a person covered under tons of rubble.

We were talking through cracks in the rock; she yelling back her answers to us. But no one was there to rescue her. I returned twice, to check on her. Each time her voice got fainter. When I returned a third time, there was nothing.

And this happened everywhere; people could not remove the ruble fast enough.

Once I was talking to six people at once, and passing them bread through crevices. These interviews were shocking and overwhelming,” said Rascon.

“It made me wonder, if such an event happened in the U.S. would we respond with the same kind of resilience?”

Amid the outpouring of empathy and tangible relief for earthquake survivors have been calls for the U.S. to stop supporting Haiti due to the country’s long history of corruption, political instability and other self-destructive habits. This cold shoulder in Haiti’s recent time of need is unsettling to Haitian-born Jean-Marc Tribié, one of the panelists at Rice University’s forum, Haiti: Past, Present and Future, sponsored by Rice’s Office of Multicultural Community Relations and Public Affairs.

“U.S. citizens who say they don’t want to help Haiti make up a small minority, but make me very sad because in such a global, modern society we are all connected,” said Tribié. “I understand why some say that [stop giving aid] because U.S. has given the most money to Haiti and the money has not always been accounted for. Thus, some are reluctant when funds end up in some government officials’ pockets. But the magnitude and the scale of the earthquake is so huge that the eyes of the world are on

VOLUME 79 • NUMBER 20 MARCH 14 – 20, 2010 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Editor Von Jiles Associate Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Cale Carter Columnist Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Webmaster Corneleon Block The Houston Defender Newspaper published

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Haiti. I think it would be hard for money to go to the wrong hands with so many countries wanting to see how their money is working.”

Regarding Haiti’s current reality, Mawiyah Duperval, an activist who has been working in Haiti for 23 years, believes critical analysis is needed across the board before declaring that Haiti operates with a hand-out, entitlement mentality.

Duperval asserts that the majority of Haitian citizens are poor, yet wealth does exist there. Duperval, along with Sonceria Messiah Jiles, and pastors Aswad Walker, Michael Bowie and Connie Jackson, were panelists in a forum on Haiti organized by former Houston City Council woman Ada Edwards.

“One section of Haiti, above where the earthquake hit, has more millionaires per square foot than anywhere in the world,” said Duperval.

“The average work week for Haiti is six 12-hour days, with workers earning about $1.80 per/hr. Last year there

Visit defendernetwork.com to hear the 10 minute interview with RAYMOND JOSEPH as he discusses the current conditions in Haiti, how America can help, as well as the stability of the Haitian Government.

@ defendernetwork.com ★ were rallies to raise the Haiti minimum wage, but it didn’t happen because the U.S. didn’t want that to happen. Yet, the U.S., France and Canada all built brand new embassies in the past year in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The question we should ask is ‘Why?’” Duperval, as well as other panelists at both forums, cited a historic relationship between the U.S. and Haiti

that has been decidedly onesided in terms of economic benefit—with the winner overwhelmingly being the U.S. Many trace the roots of this relationship to the 1804 victory of the enslaved population of Haiti over Napoleon Bonaparte-led France.

“There is no doubt that when Haiti won its independence Haiti was maligned by everybody; policies adopted by most slaveholding coun-

tries reflected that they wanted nothing to do with Haiti,” said Edward Cox, associate professor of history at Rice.

Cox’s research includes Caribbean and AfricanAmerican history. Currently, Cox teaches a course on how natural disasters in the Caribbean impact the region’s economy, political systems and social structure from colonial times to the present.

“You must remember the enslaved did the unthinkable; they fought for their freedom.

Slaveholding countries were concerned about how the Haitian example might inspire the enslaved in the U.S., and those in the colonies of the British and French. When Haiti finally negotiated terms with France to be recognized as a free country, France hit Haiti with an arduous economic embargo whose effects are still being felt,” added Cox. “The truth of the matter is Haiti defeated France, Spain and Britain in 1804, and thus had to be demonized,” said

Duperval.

In effect, Haiti was forced to pay reparations to France for winning its freedom; payments that lasted until 1947 (payments totaling $20 billion in today’s dollars). Along with France, the U.S. embargoed Haiti from 1804-1863.

In addition, President Woodrow Wilson ordered an invasion of Haiti in 1915, and U.S. troops occupied the island nation till 1934, controlling Haiti’s imports and exports, collecting taxes, and running many governmental institutions.

Edwards contends that Haitian-U.S. relations have been contentious and onesided for decades but does not view the 1804 Haitian victory as the culprit.

“I don’t think people today know about 1804,” said Edwards. “Negative policies toward Haiti reflect more a general disrespect for people of color.”

During the St. John’s forum presenters mentioned the ★HAITI, Page 4

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MARCH 14 – 20, 2010 | DEFENDER

Haiti

FACT

continued from page 3 U.S. profits gained and Haitian earnings lost during the rule of Haiti by dictators “Papa Doc” and “Baby Doc” Duvalier (1957-1986). During those years when many contend the U.S. backed the Duvaliers, 10,000 Haitians lost their lives via human rights violations while the pair ran up the country’s international debt into the billions.

As well, policies instituted by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund transformed Haiti from a producer nation into a consumer nation.

It’s once thriving agricultural industry that placed Haiti as a major world player in rice and sugar production, was undercut as Haiti was forced by international policies to import U.S. subsidized rice and sugar.

“The U.S. relationship with Haiti is the same as its relationship with Black people everywhere—very paternalistic and degrading. And it still continues.

Several companies, including companies contracted by Disney, run sweatshop there. It’s as if the assumption is made that wherever Blacks are in charge, we, the U.S., need to go in, regardless of international law. They did it to Cuba, Grenada, and Panama as well,” said Edwards.

Though author and former head of TransAfrica, Randall Robinson, contends in his book, An Unbroken Agony, that the ousting of democratically elected Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide falls under this same category of U.S. mistreatment of Haiti, others see more of a gray area.

“The people were happy at first with Aristide, and then grew dissatisfied.

When the U.S. returned him to power, some lauded it as a victory for democracy, while others did not,” said Tribié, a Rice alumnus who contends that the U.S. always tried to use Haiti as an example of democracy in the Western Hemisphere, and make sure elections happened properly.

Edwards believes that current assistance given to Haiti by the U.S. should not be viewed as aid but as payment for

In effect, Haiti was forced to pay reparations to France for winning its freedom; payments that lasted until 1947 (payments totaling $20 billion in today’s dollars). Along with France, the U.S. embargoed Haiti from 1804-1863. In addition, President Woodrow Wilson ordered an invasion of Haiti in 1915, and U.S. troops occupied the island nation till 1934, controlling Haiti’s imports and exports, collecting taxes, and running many governmental institutions.

Photo:Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson

First Lady Michelle Obama talks with Mrs. Elizabeth Preval, the First Lady of Haiti, in the Yellow Oval Room of the White House. past wrongs, and believes moving forward, a new relationship must emerge.

"Those concerned about the welfare of Haiti should petition our government to forgive all past Haitian debt, declare all monies given to Haiti from this day forward as grants rather than aid, and write to Walt Disney corporation to tell them to pay their Haitian workers at least minimum wage,” said Edwards. “It’s all about policy. The people we elect make the policy; and all the past negative dealings between our two countries have been driven by policy. We the people change the policy by changing those enacting policies we believe are unjust.

The issue for me is not what the U.S. does but how Blacks around the world respond.”

Duperval suggested that the U.S. allow minority-owned businesses to participate in the rebuilding of Haiti, and to begin investing in the land.

Rascon returned to the U.S. with a different take.

“I just recently returned from Haiti where they are very grateful for U.S. aid which has far surpassed aid from any

other nation. Still, they want to know what will happen when they are not front page news. Nine out of 10 Haitians I talked to want to become a U.S. commonwealth, like Puerto Rico. They believe under U.S. rule that they would be better off, and would be rid of the corruption that has plagued Haiti’s government,” stated Rascon.

Whatever course of action is taken, Cox is confident Haiti will survive.

“Even though Haiti is fading from the front pages there is still a lot of incredible work going on with aid coming in from the international community, with the U.S. still giving generously, and with the Caribbean community involved in huge efforts of relief work for their Caribbean kin as Jamaica serves as ground zero for these efforts. And despite the short-term challenges Haiti will rebuild. Historically, these nations bounce back and bounce back well.

Haiti will emerge with a stronger infrastructure, including better roads, houses, medical facilities, and educational system,” said Cox.

SPORTS

MARCH 14 – 20, 2010 | DEFENDER

Max Edison

on Sports

5

NFL Free Agency Gentlemen, start your spending

Panther Jewelry Earlier this week, the final jewel to the Prairie View 2009 championship season was finally bestowed, literally. In a grand ceremony, the team was presented their championship rings.

Under the leadership of head coach Henry Frazier III, the Panthers won the school’s first SWAC championship since 1964 with a 9-1 overall record. They finished the season ranked 15th nationally in the Sports Network’s FCS College Football Poll and second in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network Black College Poll.

“This will be a special moment in the lives of our players,” Frazier said. “The championship ring symbolizes the hard work and accomplishments of the players, coaches and support staff.”

By Max Edison DEFENDER

I

Coleman, All-Conference Despite a subpar record this season, Houston Cougar guard and Fort Bend Marshall grad, Aubrey Coleman has been the lone bright spot. Recently Coleman was named first team All Conference USA for the second consecutive year. This season, Coleman leads the Cougars, Conference USA and the nation with 26.0 points per game. He has posted nine 30-point games, including a career-high-tying 38-point effort at Tulane on Saturday ★EDISON, Page 6

Darrell Ardison

on H.S. Sports Fort Bend Bush head boys basketball coach Ronnie Courtney triumphantly hugged his son, Travis, moments after the Broncos converted a layup on an inbounds play with just over one second remaining in regulation to defeat top-rated Bellaire and earn the school’s first ever trip to the state basketball tournament.

The elder Courtney then told Houston sports radio talk-show host Ralph Cooper that he said No. 1 Bellaire was a lock to win Region III5A and make its first appearance at the state tournament.

Cooper replied “thanks for listening.”

All this came after Courtney designed a perfect play and his son passed to Chibuike Chidomere for perfect execution to seal a 55-53 nailbiter at the buzzer in the M.O. Campbell Center.

Chidomere’s game-winning basket was his only points in the contest.

Bush, 33-4, will play Friday at Austin’s Frank Erwin Center in the Class 5A state semifinals against Lewisville Marcus at 8:30 p.m.

While Bush will be making its first trip to the state tournament, Courtney is going back for the third time.

Courtney coached Willowridge to back-to-back state championships during the 2000 and 2001 seasons.

Meanwhile, Bellaire is left ★ARDISON, Page 6

Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Julius Peppers, #89 of the Carolina Panthers, walks off the field in the rain.

n case you missed it, last Friday marked the beginning of the NFL’s free agency period. In case you’re not a fan of the NFL (imagine that), free agency is closely akin to Christmas. Teams get to improve their teams by “cherry picking” the rosters of other teams key players whose contracts have expired and their existing teams are no longer interested in retaining them; most of the time because said player wants more money than their team is willing to pay. The free agency period, along with the player draft (April 22-24) are the key times that teams have an opportunity to improve their franchises.

The number one free agent this year is former Carolina Panther defensive end Julius Peppers (6’7” 283 lbs.) and the draft pick-strapped Chicago Bears wasted little time getting Peppers to sign on the dotted line. The Bears ponied up a reported $84 million reasons for Peppers to fall in love with the “Windy City!” The six-year deal is said to include approximately $40 million in guaranteed money, making him the league’s highest paid defensive player.

Peppers will be paired with Bear defensive stalwarts Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Tommie Harris, who have been to the Pro-Bowl a combined 14 times. He will also be coached a pair of coaches that boast Super Bowl pedigree, head coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. Obviously, Peppers was elated with his decision.

“I’m excited to be here (Chicago) and looking forward to doing big things,” Peppers intimated. “Getting to come to a place with a deep-rooted tradition of winning is a great thing for me. It’s one thing to play football in this league and make a living, but it’s a totally different thing to come to a place with a great tradition and rich football culture like the Bears.”

The Bears are without a first or second round draft pick ★SPORTS, Page 6

Ogwumike leads Cy-Fair to 5A supremacy

By Darrell K. Ardison DEFENDER

AUSTIN – The body language of Cy-Fair High School senior post Chiney Ogwumike was that of a champion.

That was in the pre-game warm-ups prior to the tipoff of the girls Class 5A state championship game between the Lady Bobcats and Fort Bend Hightower at the Erwin Center.

Ogwumike took shots from all her favorite spots on the floor the face-up jumper from the perimeter, the hook shot from inside the paint, the fadeaway baseline jumper and finally from the free-throw line. She made them all while shouting out encouragement to her teammates.

This came after Ogwumike scored 24 points, grabbed a 5A state-tournament record 25 rebounds and played all 32 minutes in Cy-Fair’s 54-50 victory over Cedar Hill that advanced the Lady Bobcats into the 2010 title game. She did miss seven of her 11 free-throw attempts in the game.

The title game would be a history-making event. It would also show that the top-ranked 5A school in Texas with the nation’s top recruit, was without peer on this day.

For the first time in the history of the University Interscholastic League girls basketball state 5A tournament, two Houston area schools would meet for the

Cy-Fair girls celebrate winning state championship. championship.

Hightower was seeking revenge after losing 66-61 to CyFair in the second game of the season. The Lady Hurricanes wouldn’t fare as well the second time around.

In a performance for the ages, Ogwumike dominated every phase of the game and finished with 31 points, 18 rebounds, four steals and three blocked shots with no turnovers.

The Stanford University commit even sank three of her five free-throw attempts as Cy-Fair cruised to a 65-41 win over

Hightower for the school’s second state championship in three years. Ogwumike was selected a unanimous Most Valuable Player.

Yet her Cy-Fair teammates provided plenty of help.

Ogwumike scored the first six points of the contest and the perimeter defense of guards Cassie Peoples, Aarika Reyna and Danika Cervenka completely disrupted Hightower’s offensive flow.

Peoples, a Texas commit who missed last year’s state tournament with a broken leg, nailed

the first of her four three-pointers in the game with two minutes, 33 seconds left in the opening quarter to give her team a 174 advantage.

Cy-Fair, 36-1, finished off the first eight minutes on a 19-0 run and led 27-4 going into the second stanza with Ogwumike leading the way with 14 first-quarter points.

“We always try to come out with a chip on our shoulders like someone is out to get us,” Ogwumike said. “We feed off of ★HIGH SCHOOL, Page 6

SPORTS

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Sports

continued from page 5 in 2010 because of the Jay Cutler deal, so for them free agency was a surefire way to improve their team. In addition to Peppers, they also signed former Minnesota running back Chester Taylor (4 yrs. $12.5 million, $ 7 million guaranteed) and former San Diego tight end Brandon Manumaleuna (five-year deal, terms not disclosed).

On the home front, the Texans lost one and kept one, during the initial days of free agency. Dunta Robinson, a staple in the secondary for six years has literally gone home, signing a sixyear deal with the Atlanta Falcons for a reported $57 million with a $22.5 million guarantee. Robinson’s grew up in nearby Athens, Georgia, an hour from Atlanta.

Robinson, who went through a contentious negotiating period with Texan GM Rick Smith last off- season, wasted little time signing with a squad that was a playoff team in 2008.

“It’s a blessing to be able to come home and play for the home team,” Robinson gushed. “It’s something you dream of as a youngster and for the

dream to come true is an amazing feeling for me.”

Robinson did, however, express gratitude for the time spent as a Texan.

“The thing I’ll miss the most other than the city of Houston is the relationships I built on and off the field with my teammates. I love them and I’m going to miss them. Thank you, Houston.”

Although the Texans lost a key defensive standout they were able to retain a key weapon on offense, receiver Kevin Walter. Walter had his share of suitors in free agency, but ultimately got the deal he wanted from the team that gave him a chance to be a starter in the NFL, the Texans.

“What I found out on Friday was there were some other teams that were interested, but it feels great that you’re wanted here,” #83 said. “It feels even better (that) you don’t have to move, we have a three month old daughter. I don’t have to learn a new system.

There’s a lot of factors that go into it, but I’m just glad to be back and ready to get to work.”

Kevin will reportedly receive $ 21.5 million over 5 years, with $ 8 million guaranteed.

Walter in four years with the Texans

Ardison

continued from page 5

mulling over what might have been.

With the score tied at 53 late in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals got a defensive stop and called a timeout with two minutes, 13 seconds left. Bellaire held the ball until 23.4 seconds remained and called another timeout.

They missed a contested close-range shot with seven seconds to go and Bush sprinted downcourt and a floating runner was blocked out of bounds by Bellaire center Tobi Oyedeji with 1.3 seconds left.

That was all the Broncos would need.

Yates Boys Join The Party In Austin On the way to its second consecutive trip to the Class 4A state basketball tournament in Austin, the defending state champions set several more records.

Yates defeated La Marque 101-83 to win its second straight Region III-4A title in front of a standing-room-only crowd of more than 6,000 at Katy’s Merrell Center.

For the 56th consecutive game, Yates emerged victorious and for the 14th straight game, the Lions surpassed the 100-point plateau, tying the national record held by Hobbs, N.M. Brandon “Snap” Peters turned in a superb performance for the Lions with 33 points, eight rebounds and four steals.

Yates, 32-0, will face Lewisville The Colony in the 4A state semifinal round.

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Bids will be received on or before April 15, 2010 at 2 PM at: Clark Design/Build, LLC 7880 Airport Blvd.

Houston,TX 77061 ATTN: Bush Elevators Bid Bids will be received for the following trades: • • • • • • •

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has emerged as the perfect complement to Pro-Bowler Andre Johnson.

He had 60 receptions for 899 yards and 8 TD’s and averaged 15 yards per catch in 2008. In 2009 missed two games because of injury, but still finished with 53 receptions for 611 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Head coach Gary Kubiak admires the way Walter has developed into a solid NFL receiver.

“He came here, earned his way and became a starter and has become a very productive player in this league,” Kubiak said. “He stands for everything we want to be at his team. He’s accountable, he’s a hard worker. You get everything he’s got, weekend and week out and to me he’s still in the best years of his career. All of those things added up to us keeping him going here in Houston.”

The Texans also resigned punter Matt Turk.

Expect the team to attempt to sign a cornerback in free agency, to replace the departed Robinson. They also will be looking to find help in the offensive line. Areas that are not addressed in free agency will certainly be high priority item in the upcoming Players Draft.

High School

continued from page 5

• • • • • • •

Masonry Mechanical and Plumbing Paint and Coatings Pavement Markings Roofing Steel and Miscellaneous Metals Trash Chutes

Visit www.HASexpansion.com for more information regarding important dates for the project or contact Michael Rivera, Procurement Manager, via email at michael.rivera@clarkconstruction.com.

Pre-Bid meeting will be held at Clark’s trailers at 4800 Wright Road,Houston TX,77032. Bid packages and drawings will be available after March 22, 2010. Bid documents can be purchased from Ridgeways15534 West Hardy, Houston, TX, (281) 447-4441 or requested from Clark at the pre-bid meeting. Bid bonds or bid securities are required. City of Houston certified M/W/SBE participation is highly encouraged.

COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL NOTICE FOR Renovation work at Burbank Middle School

Houston Independent School District (HISD) The Houston Independent School District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for work on the Burbank Middle School. The work includes site improvements and repairs, additional parking, mechanical, electrical & plumbing improvements and repairs, exterior window upgrades, exterior wall repairs and cleaning, roofing, ADA compliance, interior finishes improvements and repairs, auditorium and laboratory classroom upgrades, safety and security improvements, fire and life safety improvements, technology and public address system improvements, hazardous materials abatement. Proposals are due no later than12:00 noon on April 8, 2010 at the Board Services Offices, 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Level 1 South, Houston, Texas 77092. Burbank Middle School is located at 315 Berry Road, Houston, Texas 77022 The Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (RFCSP), which includes plans and specifications, will be available beginning Monday, March 8, 2010, and may be obtained from Ridgways, Inc. 2900 Smith Street, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77006/www.ridgways.com/, 713.782.8580 upon refundable deposit of $100.00 for each set of plans and specifications. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Any questions regarding bid documents are to be addressed to Steve Nguyen, voice 713.426.7494, fax 713.850.7308, email steven@kirksey.com.

The Competitive Sealed Proposal process will be utilized as authorized in Senate Bill 669, Section 44.039 of the Texas Education Code. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process enables HISD to select contractors on the basis of price and qualifications/methodology.

Price proposals will be opened and the amounts read aloud at 2:00 PM on the due date. Following opening of proposals, HISD will conduct its evaluation and scoring of contractor proposals in relation to the selection criteria published in the RFCSP. HISD will select the Proposal that offers the best value to HISD based on the published selection criteria and on the ranking evaluation.

M/WBE Forms, schedules and statements, as required by Section AB of the RFCSP and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance, will be received at 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 8, 2010, at the Board Services Office, 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Level 1 South, Houston, Texas 77092. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT M/WBE FORMS, PROPERLY COMPLETED, MAY BE CONSIDERED NOT RESPONSIVE. A pre-proposal conference will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2010, at Burbank Middle School, 315 Berry Road, Houston,Texas 77022 at 3:30PM.

MARCH 14 – 20, 2010 | DEFENDER

each other’s energy and try to keep it going and going. It’s important for us to get hustle points and the energy that we brought came from everywhere.

“Even Cassie, the most silent person on the team, was yelling and screaming,” Ogwumike said. “It was a great moment for us to come out strong and know that we can beat this team.”

Much to the chagrin of the Lady Hurricanes, it didn’t get any better in the second quarter.

Peoples connected on three more three-pointers before intermission and the last gave Cy-Fair an insurmountable 45-9 edge with 38 seconds remaining in the first half.

Hightower’s Tyler Gilbert drove the baseline for a layup as time expired and the Lady Hurricanes faced a 34-point deficit (45-11) at the break.

GAME OVER!

Edison

continued from page 5 during the regular-season finale, and is tied for fourth in Houston history with 12 30-point games during his career. He already ranks 15th on the school’s career scoring chart with 1,400 points in only 62 games and needs only 36 more points to become the greatest two-year scorer in Houston history.

Although known for his offensive prowess, Coleman also is a leader on the defensive side of the court. He leads the league and ranks second in the country with 2.7 steals per game and tops the Cougars with 7.5 rebounds per game, good enough to rank eighth in the league. If he can regain the national lead in steals by the end of the season, Coleman would become the first player in NCAA Division I history to lead the country in both scoring and steals in the same season.

“Chiney is a great player and she got us going like she has all season,” Peoples said. “We knew that we had to help her since this was her last game. We came out with a defensefirst mentality and just wanted to give it all we had.”

A game Hightower squad tried to battle back in the second half and outscored Cy-Fair 30-20, but the damage had been done. Six Hightower players scored five or more points. Yet none reached double figures. Azalea Hall led the way with eight points.

“We talked about it earlier in the day during the gameplan session and the kids wanted to come out and pressure Hightower,” said Cy-Fair coach Ann Roubique. “They wanted to press and get after them.

“I thought we could, but unless they’re going to buy into it, you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Roubique said. “Anytime someone wants to play defense, I think you have to go with that.”

Cy-Fair qualified for the state bas-

Cougars Offer Clinic Attention high school football coaches, the University of Houston football program announced earlier this week that it would conduct its 3rd Annual Coaches Clinic on March 26-27, as a precursor to the commencement of spring football practice.

The two-day event will be held on the UH campus in the Carl Lewis Auditorium inside the Athletics/Alumni Center and will feature guest speakers from the professional, college and high school levels. The featured guest speaker is Frank Bush, defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans.

For more information please contact the UH Football Office at 713-7439388or visit the official Cougar Coaches Clinic website at http://www.uhcougars.com/s ports/m-footbl/spec-rel/2010coaches-clinic.html.

ketball tournament in all four of Ogwumike’s seasons on the team.

The first two years her sister Nneka was the team’s star player and the Lady Bobcats lost to Rockwall in overtime in the 2007 final and defeated DeSoto in the 2008 state title game.

Mansfield Summit defeated CyFair in the 2009 state tournament semifinals before knocking off Aldine Nimitz to win the state crown. Summit was also the only school to beat Cy-Fair (63-56) this season.

“This group of kids made their minds up that we were going to get this done,” Roubique said. “We’re not an intimidating group at all but they work together. It’s amazing what can happen when you have a group of kids that are on the same page.”

Chiney will join Nneka at Stanford next fall with her head held high.

“I have dreamed of being here and I’m loving every second of it,” Chiney said.

CLASSIFIED HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Houston Independent School District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for work on the Installation of Synthetic Turf System at Butler and Barnett Stadiums.The work includes installing a synthetic turf system which include demolition, grading, drainage, and a detention pond..

Proposals are due no later than 2:00 PM on March 31, 2010 at the Board Services Offices, 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Level 1 South, Houston,Texas 77092. Project locations are the Butler Stadium at 13755 South Main, Houston, Texas 77035 and the Barnett Stadium at 6800 Fairway, Houston,Texas 77087.

The Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (Project # 10-03-07), which includes plans and specifications,will be available beginning Monday,March 8,2010 and may be obtained from Johnston,LLC,800 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 150, Houston, Texas 77042, (713)532-2466 office, 713532-9006 fax upon a nonrefundable deposit of $100.00 for each set of plans and specifications. Checks should be made payable to Johnston, LLC. Any questions regarding bid documents are to be addressed to Brent Dahl.

The Competitive Sealed Proposal process will be utilized as authorized in Senate Bill 669, Section 44.039 of the Texas Education Code. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process enables HISD to select contractors on the basis of price and qualifications/methodology.

Price proposals will be opened and the amounts read aloud at 2:00 PM on the due date. Following opening of proposals, HISD will conduct its evaluation and scoring of contractor proposals in relation to the selection criteria published in the RFCSP. HISD will select the Proposal (s) that offers the best value to HISD based on the published selection criteria and on the ranking evaluation.

A pre-proposal conference and walk-thru will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at the Butler Sports Complex, 13755 South Main, Houston, Texas 77035 at 10:00 a. m. A walk-thru at Barnett Stadium will immediately follow.

Drawings and Specifications for the RFCSP may also be reviewed at: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, (713) 843-3700 F.W. Dodge Plan Room, 4101 Greenbriar, Suite 320, (713) 529-4895

BID OR PROPOSAL NOTICE FOR Allen-Kennedy Consolidated Elementary School

Houston Independent School District (HISD) Comex Corporation as Construction Manager-at-Risk for HISD, in accordance with Texas Education Code Section 44.038, will receive bids or proposals from subcontractors for replacement of AllenKennedy Elementary School. The work includes construction of a new 2-story school and site work. Bids or proposals are due no later than 4:00 p.m.on Friday,April 2,2010 at the offices of Comex Construction, 9841 Spencer Hwy, La Porte, TX, 77571, phone (281) 479-2322, attention David Walker.

The plans and specifications will be available beginning Monday, March 8, 2010, and may be obtained from Ridgway’s, 2900 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006, (713) 782-8580 or www.plot@ridgways.com, upon refundable deposit of $250.00 for each set of printed plans and specifications.

Documents in pdf format are also available from Ridgway’s on disk for a deposit of $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Requests for access to on-line documents and any questions regarding documents are to be addressed to Comex, phone (281) 479-2322, and fax (281) 4792069, attention David Walker.

M/WBE documents as described below will be received until 4:00 p.m. on the due date. There will be no public opening of bids or proposals. All bids or proposals shall be available after award of contract or the 7th day after final selection of bids or proposals, whichever is later. After receipt of bids or proposals, Comex will conduct its evaluation of the subcontractor bids or proposals in relation to the project requirements and will select the bid(s) or proposal(s) that offers the best value to HISD. Comex Corporation, is committed to meeting the M/WBE goals set for this project. M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required by the package documents, shall accompany each bid or proposal that is submitted. BIDS OR PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION AND IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED MAY BE CONSIDERED NON-RESPONSIVE. A pre-bid/proposal conference will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Construction Services, 3500 Tampa, Houston,TX 77021.

Drawings and Specifications for the RFCSP may be reviewed at the Reed Construction Data Electronic Plan Room and the following Houston locations:

Drawings and Specifications may be reviewed at: Comex Corporation, 9841 Spencer Hwy, La Porte, TX, 77571, (281) 479-2322 and the following Houston locations:

A.O. Phillips & Associates, 4615 S.W. Freeway, Suite 510, (713) 622-8532 Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, (713) 843-3700 McGraw Hill Construction Dodge Plan Room, 10106 Hempstead Rd., Ste.110, (713) 316 9411 Associated Builders & Contractors, 3910 Kirby, #131, (713) 523-6222 Alliance of Minority Contractors of Houston, 1616 West 22nd Street (713) 802-4145 Revive Houston Plan Room, Roland W. Smith Bldg., Rm. 122, 555 Community College Dr., Houston,TX 77013, (281) 704-9269 Hispanic Contractor’s Association, 7 Parker Road (713) 699-2732

A.O. Phillips & Associates, 4615 S.W. Freeway, Suite 510, (713) 621-8532 Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, (713) 843-3700 McGraw Hill Construction Dodge Plan Room, 10106 Hempstead Rd., Ste.110, (713) 316 9411 Associated Builders & Contractors, 3910 Kirby, #131, (713) 523-6222 Alliance of Minority Contractors of Houston, 1616 West 22nd Street (713) 802-4145 Revive Houston Plan Room, Roland W. Smith Bldg., Rm. 122, 555 Community College Dr., Houston,TX 77013, (281) 704-9269 Hispanic Contractor’s Association, 7 Parker Road (713) 699-2732

FREE TUTORING SERVICES!

ELIGIBLE HOUSTON ISD STUDENTS CAN RECEIVE TUTORING IN READING, WRITING, MATH AND/OR SCIENCE BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL, ON WEEKENDS, OR ONLINE AT THE FOLLOWING HOUSTON ISD SCHOOLS: CLC MS, DOWLING MS, EDISON MS, HOLLAND MS, PRO-VISION MS, RYAN MS, AUSTIN HS, CHAVEZ HS, CLC HS, DAVIS HS, JONES HS, LEE HS, MADISON HS, SHARPSTOWN HS, STERLING HS, WESTBURY HS, WHEATLEY HS, WORTHING HS, AND YATES HS. IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL'S PRINCIPAL, THE CAMPUS CONTACT PERSON FOR SES, OR YOU CAN CALL HISD'S DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL FUNDING AT 713-556-6928.

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston,Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 ‘ • Project 10-03-08 – Hosting Service Upgrade for Moodle – with a deadline of 10 a.m. March 31, 2010. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE32 at the above stated address on March 24, 2010 at 10 a.m.

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

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

Scwyana Smith

BID OR PROPOSAL NOTICE FOR Roosevelt Elementary School

Houston Independent School District (HISD) Gamma Construction as Construction Manager-at-Risk for HISD, in accordance with Texas Education Code Section 44.038, will receive bids or proposals from subcontractors for replacement of Roosevelt Elementary School. The work includes construction of a new 2-story school and site work. Bids or proposals are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at the offices of Gamma Construction, 2808 Joanel St., Houston,TX., phone (713) 963-0086, attention David Oaks.

The plans and specifications will be available beginning Monday, March 8, 2010, and may be obtained from A & E Graphis Complex, (713) 529-1234 or www.aecomplex.com, upon refundable deposit of $250.00 for each set of printed plans and specifications. Documents in pdf format are also available from A & E Graphics on disk for a deposit of $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Requests for access to on-line documents and any questions regarding documents are to be addressed to Gamma Construction, 2808 Joanel St., Houston,TX., phone (713) 963-0086, fax (713) 963-0961, Attn: David Oaks.

M/WBE documents as described below will be received until 4:00 p.m. on the due date. There will be no public opening of bids or proposals. All bids or proposals shall be available after award of contract or the 7th day after final selection of bids or proposals, whichever is later. After receipt of bids or proposals, Gamma Construction will conduct its evaluation of the subcontractor bids or proposals in relation to the project requirements and will select the bid(s) or proposal(s) that offers the best value to HISD. Gamma Construction, is committed to meeting the M/WBE goals set for this project. M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required by the package documents, shall accompany each bid or proposal that is submitted. BIDS OR PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION AND IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED MAY BE CONSIDERED NON-RESPONSIVE. A pre-bid/proposal conference will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, March 22, 2010, at Construction Services, 3500 Tampa, Houston, TX 77021.

Drawings and Specifications may be reviewed at: Gamma Construction, 2808 Joanel St., Houston,TX., phone (713) 963-0086, and the following Houston locations: A.O. Phillips & Associates, 4615 S.W. Freeway, Suite 510, (713) 621-8532 Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, (713) 843-3700 McGraw Hill Construction Dodge Plan Room, 10106 Hempstead Rd., Ste.110, (713) 316 9411 Associated Builders & Contractors, 3910 Kirby, #131, (713) 523-6222 Alliance of Minority Contractors of Houston, 1616 West 22nd Street (713) 802-4145 Revive Houston Plan Room, Roland W. Smith Bldg., Rm. 122, 555 Community College Dr., Houston, TX 77013, (281) 704-9269 Hispanic Contractor’s Association, 7 Parker Road (713) 699-2732

7

MARCH 14 – 20, 2010 | DEFENDER

Game

continued from page 1 fired.

“Because of so much of the negative publicity that our school has received, this was like a breath of fresh air,” Davis said.

When the boy’s basketball team at Lee High School received the news that they won the “Who’s Got Game” contest, the news spread throughout the entire campus.

“The boys were excited. They were telling their friends and came and told me, ‘Coach Davis, we won, we won.’ They thought they were going to get a share of the $1,000, but when we told them they weren’t, they were a little down but excited nonetheless,” Davis added.

Davis said that Lee High School Principal Paul Castor, who could not be reached for comment, contributed largely to the school’s success as he cheered the team on during hard times. The school will put the money into a booster fund and use it for uniforms or other items needed by the team, she said.

“Thanks to everyone who voted for us,” Davis added. “I don’t know what the reasons were, but whatever they were, I am so thankful. [The community] could have easily voted for the number one [performing] team, but they just saw something in our team. For whatever little reason it was, it made a big impact on our team.”

Basketball Fever at Bellaire High School “Over here at Bellaire, it’s all basketball,” said Michael Cramer.

The Bellaire High School Athletic Coordinator said everyone was excited to see the girl’s basketball team win “Who’s Got Game.” Cramer said the victory means a lot to the girls because it’s good to see the community support them when they are such a young team, mostly freshmen and sophomore players.

“When you see that the girls came in [first place] with ‘Who’s Got Game’, that was nothing but positive for the team. It says that there’s somebody out there that’s watching us.”

Bellaire High School Principal Tim Salem said that winning is a true reflection of the power of community support for students.

“We’re honored to be selected by the com-

munity for this award. I think it shows just how far-reaching Bellaire students can be among the community,” he said.

Bellaire high school athletic coordinators said they will also use the $1,000 award will be used to buy uniforms and other items needed by the teams.

Continued Community Support Needed Through “Who’s Got Game,” Defender Web Promotion Manager Christie Wilson said she saw an actuality of the much-needed community support for the HISD sports program.

“Not only did we have a great turnout of online voters, we also had an increased number of attendees at the games. During games, cheerleaders and dance teams helped promote the competition by tossing ‘Who’s Got Game’ mini-balls and t-shirts to the crowd.

This further exploded the excitement around the games by encouraging the attendants to get involved,” Wilson said.

Wilson further encouraged community support: “Parents, teachers, alumni and anyone else with a love of sports should come and support our Houston youth. You don’t know how much your presence means to each player,” she said. “Throughout the competition, I noticed a higher level of pride from the players, knowing that the media took time to focus on their athletic accomplishments. Just think of how prideful they will become if all stands were filled with die-hard high school sports fans every game.”

HISD Athletic Director Daryl Wade said the community support shown during the competition reinforces the positive things happening among HISD students.

“As long as kids are involved [in sports and other positive activities], they will stay safe,” he said.

Wade also thanks Defendernetwork.com for presenting the idea of “Who’s Got Game”.

“We have some great programs, several sell-out crowds this year. The impact [“Who’s Got Game?”] had on school spirit was huge,” he said. “We appreciate the partnership and look forward to bigger and greater things with the Defender and Houston ISD.”

8

MACY’S “CELEBRATES YOU”..…..Macy’s Galleria at Hildago hosted Sheila P. Coates, author of Mama Always Said Be Your Own Brand and creator of the “Be Your Own Brand.” The “Celebrates You” event honored African Americans, past and present who have made an impact on their communities and have inspired others to be their best selves. A panel of successful African-American trailblazers gathered to discuss their amazing stories that inspired and encouraged everyone to be their best that included, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Carla Land, Francis Page Jr., Judson Robinson III and Rosalyn Bazzelle. Great Event!.........TABLE TALK…….The 13th Annual Table Talk sponsored by the University of Houston Friends of Women’s Studies was recently held. The event featured 50 women conducting 50 conversations with 500 women and shared their successes with the ladies at their tables. Some of the conversationalists included Dr. Abenaa Brewster, Mayor Annise Parker, Dr. Joanie Hare and Joy Sewing, to name a few. Included in these conversations were Dr. Sonia Sloan, Shannon Buggs, Sherea Poston, Diedra Fontaine, Pauline Higgins, Yava Scott, Gwen Brown, Stephanie Bundage, Lynette Hutchinson, Shatamia Adams and Christina Johnson.

Continued Success!.......HEART OF GOLD……….Neighborhood Centers, Inc., Houston’s largest human services organization hosted their annual “Heart of Gold” Luncheon. The organization brings resources, education and connection to more than 237,000 people throughout the region each year and chose a fitting theme, Every Heart Counts.” We salute Angela Blanchard, President & CEO, Emelda Douglas, Senior Vice President & CDO and the entire NCI staff for the outstanding services the organization provides through working directly with communities to nurture growth and independence. Spotted at the luncheon were Denise Bates, Andrea Gillis, Libby Wright, Stasha Scruggs, Ernest Walker, Margaret Spivey, Mary Griffin, Ty Houston, Will Matthews and Pat Eleby. Kim Davis, Senior Producer, KPRC Local 2, welcomed the sell-out crown and did a splendid job of serving as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Congrats and keep up the good work!......2010 LAST MARDI GRAS BALL…….The Houston Area Urban League Guild hosted its 12th Annual Mardi Gras Ball, sponsored by H.E.B. at Brady’s Landing. This year’s honorary chairs Judge Clarease Rankin Yates and her husband, banker Cary P. Yates shared accolades along with Dr. J. D. and Pat Collins, corporate honorees Winell Herron and Doug Herron and long-time supporters, Shirley and Pervis Thomas who received special recognition. In attendance were HAUL President & CEO Judson Robinson, III, Cora Robinson, Barbara Seymour, Dr. Monica Williams, Sylvia and Errol Brooks, Sydna Paul, Joan Green and event chair Bobby Scott and co-chair Mary Gallentine David.

Continued success to you also!........VIP KICK-OFF…….The Ivy League Educational & Charities Foundation recently held a grand VIP kick-off reception for its up-coming 2nd Annual Educators’ Ball.

Foundation Chair and bestselling author, ReShonda Tate Billingsley greeted the 18 “Stars in Education,” that will be honored on March 27, 2010 at Norris Conference Center-CityCentre Houston in Town and Country Lane. Event Chairpersons, Larissa Estes, Alicia Cyrus and Tomayia Montgomery introduced the outstanding educators to a crowd of well wishers.

Included were school based teachers, coordinators, principals, professors and educational leaders. You can call 713-451-0995 or email Larissa Estes at ILECF@ivyleagueeducationalandcharitiesfoundation.com for more information. We salute all educators!.........NEWS FLASH……..Due to the heavy snows in the Northeast and Midwest, the production schedule of Who’s Who in Black Houston has fallen behind. The unveiling and reception of the Fourth Edition of Who’s Who in Black Houston will be held on Monday, April 26th at the Four Seasons Hotel downtown. Mark your calendar!.......Have a great week and remember to watch CROSSROADS on Channel 13 Sunday morning with Melanie Lawson for your event covered by Ms. Chag. Also check out our website at defendernetwork.com to view the “Event of the Week.”…..From Chag’s Place to your place, Ciao Darling!

MARCH 14 – 20, 2010 | DEFENDER

Author Sheila P. Coats

Kristyn Page

Conversationalist Dr. Joanie Hare and Dr. Sonia Sloan

Conversationalist Joy Sewing and Shannon Buggs

Gwen Brown and Stephanie Bundage

Pauline Higgins and Yava Scott

Carla Lane, Francis Page Jr., Rosalyn Bazzelle and Judson Robinson

Sherea Poston, Conversationalist Mayor Annise Parker and Diedra Fontaine

Lynette Hutchinson, Shatamia Adams,Conversationalist Dr. Abenaa Brewster and Christina Johnson

Angela Blanchard and Andrea Gillis

Emelda Douglas, Libby Wright and Stasha Scruggs

Kim Davis and Denise Bates

Will Matthews and Pat Eleby

Ernest Walker, Margaret Spivey, Mary Griffin and Ty Houston

D'Anderia Dunham, Bobby Scott and Mary Gallentine David

Dr. J. D. Collins, Pat Collins, Judge Clarease Rankin Yates and Cary Yates

ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Warner Ervin and Pamela McGee

Pervis and Shirley Thomas

Winell and Doug Herron

Tomayia Montgomery, Alicia Cyrus and Larissa Estes