Houston Defender: April 07, 2011

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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source Volume 80 | Number 23

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NEWSTALK

NAACP Addressing police brutality

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PEACOCK RECORDS

Gangs in Houston impacting our schools Clarence Thomas’ Ex-girlfriend tells all Retired Washington Judge Lillian McEwen has published her memoir titled, “D.C. Unmasked & Undressed.” It’s a steamy tell-all chronicling her private life, and she pays particular attention to her longtime relationship with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

See what McEwen has to say about Thomas.

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Rich history recognized

P5 HEALTH

FEEDING BABY Breast pump or not?

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Pres. Obama

CHAG’S PLACE

Ready for 2012 election

President Barack Obama is all set to run again. Obama officially launched his reelection campaign with an email to supporters, and asked that they help him maintain the progress that has been made during his first term in office.

Acknowledging that the election is more that a year and half away, Obama said the time to start mobilizing for 2012 is now.

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NAACP’s Gary Bledsoe and Benjamin Jealous

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localbriefs Cleveland gang rape suspects in court Bond has been revoked for one of the suspects in the alleged gang rape of an 11-year-old girl.

Timothy Daray Ellis did not appear at the Liberty County Courthouse where he was scheduled for a docket call. Six other co-defendants were in court April 4th. Fourteen adults and five juveniles are charged in connection with the rapes that prosecutors say took place at least four times starting in September 2010. Since February, police have arrested individuals ranging from a middle-school student to a 27-year-old, accusing them of sexually assaulting the girl on at least four occasions starting in September in the town of Cleveland.

Council redistricting hearings coming up As Houston prepares to add two new City Council districts due to an increase in population, three public hearings have been scheduled to get citizen input on the redrawing of district lines. They will take place Wednesday, April 13, at 9 a.m., and Wednesday, April 20, at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall at 901 Bagby Street. Those who desire to speak at the hearings should reserve time by contacting the Office of the City Secretary at 832-393-1100.

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NAACP addresses

police brutality

By ASWAd WAlKER Defender

During its regional meeting held recently in Houston, the NAACP initiated a two-prong approach in its strategy to address police brutality. In addition to gathering testimony from victims of police brutality, the civil right organization disseminated information to the public on ways to interact with officers to reduce their chances of experiencing an escalation of force.

“We plan to take the information gathered and file a collective complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice,” said Robert Rooks, forum organizer and the National NAACP’s director of Criminal Justice Programs Advocacy and Research Department.

“The forum, which sought to have a discussion on recent police brutality issues in Houston and expand that conversation to touch on such issues from a national perspective, went well,” Rooks added. “We had a very good opening day crowd; very diverse, and from several states. And they left with the message that

police brutality is not just a local issue and neither are the solutions merely local.”

A pamphlet titled, “The NAACP Real World Guide to Interacting with Law Enforcement: The 411 on the Five-O,” was handed out to participants. In addition, testimonies from reported victims of po-

lice brutality were taken during the public hearing, as well as during one-on-one sessions with complainants and collegiate information gatherers.

The pamphlet contains tips for the general public on how to interact with police in various situations. Categories are titled, “In Your Car,” “On the Street,” “In Your Home,” and “If You are Arrested.” In addition, the pamphlet contains a nine-point “Do’s and Don’ts If You Are Approached by the Police.”

This list includes, “Do ask for a lawyer immediately upon being arrested or being placed into custody;” “Do stay calm and keep your emotions from getting the best of you – be courteous even if the police officer is not;” and, “Don’t make any statements about the incident without first having spoken to an attorney – anything you say will probably be held against you.”

No exact date has been set for when the NAACP will officially file the collective complaint of police brutality with the U.S. Department of Justice. However, the action is slated to take place later this year.

North Forest Supt. placed on leave

Fort Bend ISD makes major cuts From cuts in the classroom to layoffs to increasing class sizes, the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees made some very difficult decisions about its future. The school board said it would have preferred not to cut teachers first but they really had no choice because state law mandates that teachers not being retained the following year must know about it with at least 45 days remaining in the current school year. With a 5-2 vote, 68 people lost their jobs, saving the Fort Bend Independent School District $4.1 million. In all, more than 400 positions are gone -- most through attrition and voluntary resignations. The district says these are just the beginning of the cuts, which are dependent on how much the state takes from them.

It has been reported that Johnson, who formerly served as an associate commisNorth Forest Independent School sioner at the Texas Education Agency and District (NFISD) Superintendent Dr. Adheaded the La Marque school district, rain Johnson was placed on did not develop a healthy administrative leave recently working relationship with after a unanimous vote by the current board, which rethe seven-member district placed the board appointed board. The decision came

by Scott in November 2010. a mere four months after According to an ofNFISD emerged from state ficial statement from the control.

Board: “In light of ongoing In 2008, Texas Educafiscal deficiencies, graduation Commissioner Robert tion rate concerns at North Scott took the helm of Forest High School, acNFISD as the district teecreditation issues, and time tered on the state of banksensitive staff reduction ruptcy. In doing so, Scott priorities, in the best interSuperintendent Dr. Adrain placed Johnson in charge Johnson est of the district, the Board and replaced the locally elected of Trustees felt it necessary trustees with a board of managers he apto move in a different direction by placing pointed. the Superintendent on paid administrative

By ASWAd WAlKER Defender

leave.”

It is not known what the board’s next move will be concerning Johnson. The board, however, has a history of firing or removing from the position four of the five previous NFISD superintendents. What is known, however, is that Coleman and other board members have expressed a desire to move in a different direction regarding the district’s leadership.

“Educating the students of NFISD continues to be the number one priority of the district,” said the official statement.

“The Board is confident that the district has capable and competent individuals who can continue day-to-day operations.”

Johnson reportedly earns $204,000 annually as superintendent, and will continue to receive remuneration during this process.

In the interim, Edna Forté, executive director of Federal & State Programs, will serve as the district’s acting superintendent.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 7 | 2011

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national

ClarenceThomas’

Ex discusses controversial memoir

R

By Kam Williams

etired Judge Lillian McEwen was born, reared and educated in Washington, D.C. Her stellar legal career includes stints as a prosecutor, Capitol Hill staff counsel, criminal defense attorney, law professor and federal judge.

McEwen recently published her memoir, “D.C. Unmasked & Undressed,” a steamy tell-all chronicling her sexually-adventurous private life, paying particular attention to her longtime relationship with now U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

In the process, McEwen belatedly resurrects the reputation of Anita Hill by offering proof that the disgraced law professor was telling the truth 20 years ago when she testified against Thomas during his controversial confirmation hearings.

KW: Why didn’t you approach Anita Hill to support her allegations in her time of need?

LE: There were other individuals who had worked with Clarence who were willing to testify at the confirmation hearings. So, I wasn’t the only one who could have corroborated Anita Hill’s testimony. Furthermore, long before the nomination, I was utterly convinced that she and Clarence had had a sexual relationship.

KW: Why so?

LE: There came a time during his tenure as chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that he began to complain vociferously about the behavior of Anita Hill at the office.

He would whine about it every day. He even

asked me on several occasions to come to the office to wait for him, because “Anita Hill has to see that I have another woman in my life now. It has to be made plain to her that we don’t have the same type of relationship we once had.”

KW: Do you think Hill testified out of bitterness as a woman scorned?

LE: I think it’s more complicated than that. I think Anita Hill never imagined that she would be the only person testifying against the man who had given her a job, who had been at her beck and call, and who had made sure that she was a successful attorney.

KW: Do you respect his intellect?

LE: When I left him, Clarence said he was envious and resentful of my ability to read for pleasure. It had been obvious to me that he had no real intellectual curiosity whatsoever and that the material he had to handle at the EEOC was fairly difficult for him to handle. At that time, he was making speeches all over the country in support of the Republican agenda, and he always employed a speechwriter to help him.

It was very difficult for him to process, focus on or to grasp complex ideas. This was a man who prided himself on his perceiving the world in very stark terms.

KW: In your opinion, is he arrogant or racist?

LE: One of his favorite sayings [about N-word and flies] is a chant that racist white people used to say while sitting on their porches to frighten and intimidate Black people passing by on the sidewalk. I regard that as self-hating, and a legacy of slavery.

U.S.briefs Rev. Jesse Jackson compares Memphis to Madison

On the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s death, Rev. Jesse Jackson noted that American workers honored the slain civil rights leader by standing in solidarity with public employees in Madison, Wis., and other states. “I was in Memphis at Dr. King’s side,” Jackson said, “and on Monday I was in Madison, for there is a straight line from Memphis to Madison … Teachers and nurses and sanitation workers are standing up against an attempt to strip them of their right to bargain collectively. Students have come to their aid, while protesting deep cuts in university and school budgets.” Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while in Memphis supporting striking sanitation workers.

Obama gets mixed reviews at Harlem appearances

The first president of African descent made his way to Harlem, and for many in the community, Barack Obama’s visit was nothing short of a big letdown.

While Harlem’s Black politicos were well represented at the Studio Museum, a scan of the audience showed that between 80 and 85 percent of the audience was neither African-American nor Latino. Earlier in the evening some 50 people forked over $30,800 each to attend a DNC fundraiser at a restaurant. A block away, more than 200 demonstrators – many of them unemployed – braved an icy wind chill factor.

State of Arizona bans race, sex-based abortions

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed an abortion bill into law banning abortions in that state based on the race and gender of the baby. Republican lawmakers in the state are convinced that race or gender-based abortions are occurring and point to the abortion rates among minorities. Some believe the law should have been enacted much sooner. Critics said there was no solid proof that race-based abortions, in which a pregnancy is terminated due to the baby being of an unwanted mixed race, are even occurring.

Compiled by TriceEdneyWire.com, NNPA and AFRO Staff

Obama lays foundation for 2012 win Defender News Services

President Barack Obama said his recently launched reelection campaign is “more focused, and more innovative than anything we’ve built before.”

In an email announcing his candidacy, Obama asked supporters to help him begin the race and spread the word. His announcement came 20 months before the November, 2012 election.

“We’re doing this now,” he said, “because the politics we believe in does not start with expensive TV ads or extravaganzas, but with you – with people organizing block-by-block, talking to neighbors, co-workers, and friends. And that kind of campaign takes time to build.

“So even though I’m focused on the job you elected me to do, and the race may not reach full speed for a year or more,

the work of laying the foundation for our campaign must start today.”

Obama also asked supporters to help him maintain the progress that has been made during his first term in office.

“We’ve always known that lasting change wouldn’t come quickly or easily,” he said. “It never does. But as my administration and folks across the country fight to protect the progress we’ve made – and make more – we also need to begin mobilizing for 2012, long before the time comes for me to begin campaigning in earnest.”

Obama stressed the need to work together.

“This will be my final campaign, at least as a candidate,” he said. “But the cause of making a lasting difference for our families, our communities, and our country has never been about one person. And it will succeed only if we work together.”

VOLUME 80 • NUMBER • 23 APRIL 7 - APRIL 13, 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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what’sup H Lionsgate extends deal with filmmaker Tyler Perry

Lionsgate has extended its first-look movie and home entertainment deal with filmmaker Tyler Perry for at least another two years, continuing a partnership dating back to 2005. According to Variety, the agreement calls for Perry to deliver at least two more “Madea” movies, among other possible films. Perry’s 10 films for Lionsgate over the past six years have grossed more than $520 million at the North American box office while his DVDs have sold more than 40 million units. Lionsgate is releasing “Madea’s Big Happy Family” on April 22 and the upcoming comedy “We the Peeples,” which Perry produced. The deal also includes an option of additional films with Perry attached as a producer, writer, director or star to be made in conjunction with Perry’s production companies’ 34th Street Films, Very Perry Films, and Tyler Perry Studios.

H Knowles says no family beef, he’s just busy To prevent any rumors from spreading, Matthew Knowles, now the ex-manager of his daughter Beyoncé, released a statement stomping out any suspicions about there being a beef between the two. Some speculate that the pair’s relationship hasn’t recovered from a family scandal last year, when Knowles fathered a child while he was still married to the star’s mother, Tina. The baby was born three months after Tina Knowles filed for divorce. However, in his statement, Music World Entertainment’s top guy emphasized the elimination of duties was a mutual agreement. Knowles, who has been managing his daughter’s career since she was a teen, will have more time to focus on his growing gospel label and its artists.

H Toni Braxton to star in WE Network reality series

Toni Braxton has done quite a bit to stay above water and maintain her lifestyle without a dime in the bank and after filing bankruptcy. Braxton’s latest financial troubles came to light in October 2010, when she admitted to owing between $10 million and $50 million in unpaid debts. But she recently signed a deal for a new reality show, “Braxton Family Values,” with her sisters and her mother, to bring that cash flow back her way. The drama-filled show will premiere on April 12 on the WE Network.

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Peacock Records

Rich history recognized

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley Defender

L

ong before Motown, a Houstonian was busy showing America what Black music was really about. Now, the work of Don Robey and his record label, Peacock Records, is about to go down in history.

Robey founded Peacock Records in Houston in 1949. Producing legendary talent like Bobby Bland, Little Richard Bobby “Blue” Bland and Junior Parker, not only made the Peacock made its mark on the record label the largest Black-owned record label industry when there were few Africanin the country prior to the rise of Detroit’s American owned record companies and Motown label in the 1960s, but has earned few companies that aggressively marketed them a spot in Texas history as the Texas their music to a mainstream audience. The Historical Commission (THC) recognizes industry considered much of the music made the Peacock Record Label by awarding it an

by Blacks as “Race Records.”

Official Texas Historical Marker.

Peacock Records aggressively booked The designation honors the record label musicians, recorded the music, produced the as an important and educational part of local music, and marketed the music under the history. leadership of Robey.

“The Official Texas Historical Marker In 1945, Robey and partner Evelyn program helps bring attention to commuJohnson opened the Bronze Peacock Dinner nity treasures and the importance of their preservation,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the THC. “Awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of our n Bobby Bland state’s history. This designation n Little Richard is a tool that will increase public awareness of important cultural n Junior Parker resources.” n Betty Carter A dedication ceremony to commemorate the event will n Five Blind Boys be held on Saturday, April 16, of Mississippi 2011, at noon at 4120 Lyons n Mighty Clouds Avenue near Benson Street.

For many, the honor is long Mighty Clouds of Joy of Joy overdue.

“My father would be proud,” said Robey’s daughter, DonaLeah Robey Fields. “We need to Club located on Erastus Street at Liberty preserve our future by remembering the past.

Road in Houston.

There’s a big difference between the music “That move may have been questionof the past and present, but all of that is part able in those days as two larger clubs, the of history. And people need to know about Eldorado Ballroom and the Club Matinee, it. The state of music is still growing and still already existed and offered entertainment to has valuable place in society.”

Houston’s African-American community,” From the first musical artists it signed, said James Ford Jr., who led the efforts to get like Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, to the Peacock Records recognized by the THC. acquiring of Duke Records in Memphis “It is a low squat building of no in 1952, Peacock Records became the particular architectural genre now owned dominant record label for many Africanby Charity Baptist Church. But the Bronze American musicians.

Peacock Artists

Peacock’s interior physical makeup, a stage in the center of the room much like a boxing arena, and the talent that it brought to that stage, quickly evolved it into a hit with the club going public,” he said.

The club became a venue that many of the touring Black musical artists gravitated to. The Bronze Peacock, doubling as a restaurant and recording studio, became a Mecca for African-American musical recording.

In 1953, Robey add Duke Records in Memphis to his holdings and created Back Beat Records as a subsidiary to Peacock. With the acquisition of Duke, Robey also acquired artists such as Bobby Bland, Johnny Ace, Willie Mae Thornton, Little Richard and Junior Parker.

Each of those artists has proven over the years to be a major headline maker in the recording industry. However, Johnny Ace’s recording of Pledging My Love brought a gold record to Duke-Peacock by 1960.

Key to the success of Peacock-Duke Records was the process that was implemented. The artist could be recorded at a number of studios from New York to California under Don Robey’s employment. The finished product could have come from a number of different production lines – Newark, N.J., Terre-Haute, Ind., Los Angeles, Nashville or Houston. Robey’s idea was to have conveniently located plants in order to expedite shipping of the records to an even larger number of distributors.

At the Houston headquarters, Peacock employed a six-press record pressing plant from 1952 to 1960. By 1960, there were 100 single artists contracted with the recording labels. Over a year’s period of time, Peacock controlled more than 500 persons, either in music writing, background singing, musicians, drivers, valets, road managers and others.

“Peacock’s existence for a little over 20 years is considered short-lived by some standards,” Ford said. “But it surely was a success story during a dark time in our American history when most Black musicians could only be recorded on a Black label or be offered on white labels as ‘race music.’ ”

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 7 | 2011

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Worthing shooting

sheds light on city’s gang problem

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley Defender

A

ccording to the Houston Police Department’s “Gang Tracker” database, there are roughly 234 gangs in Houston, boasting more than 10,000 members. Police believe some of those members are responsible for the recent fatal shooting at Worthing High School.

That shooting, which happened during a Powder Puff football game, left one person dead, five others injured, and authorities scrambling to combat a growing gang problem.

the gang problem is nothing new. In fact, the school was recently named one of the top two most dangerous schools in HISD in a survey of 1,604 teachers. Nearby Madison High School was the only other campus labeled dangerous in that survey published in January by the Houston Federation of Teachers

Tragedy on the field

The football game – where girls play against each other – was not sanctioned by the school and school was not in session at the time of the shooting.

Witnesses told police that a Ford Taurus full of young men drove onto the field and a brief fistfight broke out.

The fight appeared to be over before the shooting started, police say. Someone in the crowd of spectators may have fired back at the gunmen.

Officers later found a blood-stained Taurus at an apartment complex five miles away. Police couldn’t confirm whether the shooting victims were themselves part of a gang, but they say gang ties appear to be part the of the shooters’ motive.

No arrests have been made in the violent clash. Tremaine De Ante’ Paul, 18, a former Worthing student, died in the shooting in the school’s intramural field at 9215 Scott St. Paul, a former Worthing student, actually graduated last year from La Marque High, family members said.

“My son was a very smart, outgoing person,” said Tremaine’s mother, Lakeisha Paul. “He wasn’t a violent person, and he wasn’t in a gang. He was just getting his life together.”

A growing problem

Residents of the Sunnyside community where Worthing is located say

HISD schools range from dangerous to safe The Houston Federation of Teachers released a survey on the most dangerous/safest schools. Survey criteria included presence of gangs and drugs on campus, assaults against staff and threats to staff and their property.

Dangerous • Madison • Worthing • Hogg • Key • Sharpstown Middle School • Sugar Grove • Woodson Unsafe • Chavez • Jones • Kashmere • 9th Grade Academy • Sharpstown • Sam Houston • Sterling • Westbury • Wheatley

• Yates • Black • Fondren • Fonville • Hamilton • Henry • Long • Welch Somewhat Safe • Bellaire • BT Washington • CLC • Davis • DeBakey • Jordan • Lamar • LECJ • Milby • Waltrip • Westside

• Burbank • Clifton • Cullen • Fleming • Hartman • Johnston • Lanier • McReynolds • Pershing • Stevenson • Thomas • West Briar Extremely Safe • Carnegie • HSPVA • Pin Oak *Source Houston Federation of Teachers

union.

Some residents say two gangs – Early 103, from Yates High School, and the Murder Mob, from Worthing High School – have been feuding over the past year, with three shootings over the past two months.

Residents say they’ve asked for more security – to no avail.

Street gang experts faulted the Houston School Independent District for turning away help with the problem prior to the shooting.

“We tried to get in the school, but somehow it was said that gang programs [were] not wanted in the school system because we don’t want this school to be recognized as a gangrelated school,” said Reginald Gordon, who deals with gangs for State Rep. Borris Miles.

Gordon, who has been very vocal in his complaints, says HISD leaders chose their public image over student safety.

“It’s very frustrating,” he said. “It is a problem when you have that kind of red tape that you have to go to when you know the work that you have to do on dealing with gang members.”

Houston City Council Member Wanda Adams said that she was frustrated that the school’s principal seemed unaware of the many anti-gang measures that could have been fully in place before the shooting.

“We really need to implement some gang prevention programs because they’re recruiting youngsters as young as 10 years old to be a part of gangs in this community,” Adams said.

Worthing Principal Tamara Sterling disputed that claim, saying, “Our doors are always and have always been open.”

Combating the problem

H ISD says they are definitely addressing the gang problem in Worthing and other schools. Since the shooting, district officials say they have an increased police presence at the school, along with teams of counselors. A district spokesman also said the school has not had a lot of violent incidents and that school security includes

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                                                   

a gang unit that enforces dress codes, including a b an on gang colors.

In fact, the district has beefed up security because of threats of retaliation.

“HISD has increased security at various schools where authorities believe it is necessary, based on intelligence gathered from police and other sources.

We take threats of retaliation seriously and are responding appropriately,” said spokesman Jason Spencer.

“HISD’s Gang Suppression Unit works in partnership with anti-gang units from other Houston-area law enforcement agencies to combat gang activity in schools,” added HISD Police Chief Jimmy Dotson. “There are four

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 

 

                                                                   

                                                  

   

                          

                   

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  

                  

specialized officers on this team who use a three-pronged approach that focuses on suppression, enforcement and education.

“The HISD Gang Suppression Unit works with the schools to gather information and intelligence that they use in an effort to track gang activity that overflows from neighborhoods into schools,” Dotson said. “They also give educational presentations to staff and students at all schools. Right now, these officers are focused on preventing future incidences of gang violence on campus.”

Police said that people can remain anonymous in reporting gang activity online at www.stophoustongang.org.

 



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                                       

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                

       

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                     

                   

           

 

              

                  

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 



  

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 



                                                               

                         

 

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

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

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

                                                                     

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                                 

                 

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 

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

7

       

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

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

       

 

        



                                                           

                          

  



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     

    

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  

     



                                             

                          

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 7 | 2011

health

A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance

Should you use a breast pump to

feed your baby?

M any women today are making the decision to breastfeed their babies and often raise questions about whether they should pump and store milk.

“I initially tell moms that their baby is the best pump that they will have,” said Nancy Hurst, director of Texas Children’s Women’s Support Services and Milk Bank.

“Babies stimulate a mother’s body to produce just the right amount of milk to meet their needs. Pumping in addition to breastfeeding can potentially create a much higher milk volume than what the baby needs.”

But for many mothers, pumping breast milk is essential, especially if they will be separated from their hospitalized baby or have returned to work. Here are some situations that may call for a pump.

• The infant is not able to breastfeed directly. The pump acts as a mechanical baby to stimulate and maintain the mother’s milk volume until the baby can breastfeed directly.

• The baby is not breastfeeding well. If a baby is not breastfeeding long enough or effectively (sucking or latching-on problems) then the pump can provide the stimulation the mother needs to produce enough milk.

• Moms need to return to work outside the home.

Pump types

The type of pump depends on the circumstances and how long and often a mother needs to express milk.

• Hospital-grade electric pumps are available for rental and are the best for mothers who must pump long-term.

• Smaller electric and/or manual pumps will fit the bill for short-term or infrequent pumping.

Pumping help

Pumping breast milk does take practice, but today’s pumps are much easier to use and more comfortable than those of the past. Hurst said it is worth the extra effort to give babies the first step toward a lifetime of healthy nutrition.

Experts from the Texas Children’s Lactation Program can help mothers make the best decision for their baby.

“I haven’t met a mother yet that loves to pump,” said Hurst. “But I have met thousands of committed and dedicated women who pump to ensure their baby gets the very best nutrition possible – their breast milk.”

Texas Children’s Lactation Program helps new and experienced mothers with pumping, providing online resources for information, consultations over the phone and in person, and breast pump rentals (including guidance on how to use the pump).

Visit www.texaschildrens.org/carecenters/milkbank to read more about breastfeeding and pumping tips.

healthnotes

Fire safety The recent stories of fire tragedies in the news serve as a reminder to be diligent about protecting our families from fire-related injuries. Seema Patel, manager of Texas Children’s Center for Childhood Injury Prevention, offers some fire-related tips to help keep your family safe.

• Ask your children what they would do if there is a fire. Some of the most common responses from elementary school children is to “stop, drop and roll.” While that may work if they are on fire, that technique will not help them if their home, daycare or surroundings are on fire.

• Do not leave children unattended in rooms when you are using fireplaces, candles or other heat sources. Children are naturally curious and may unintentionally start a fire if they are left unsupervised.

• Make sure that working smoke alarms are in every bedroom and on all levels of your home and the batteries are tested each month.

• There should be two ways out of every room (i.e. windows and doors).

• Create a fire escape plan with your children and practice it at least twice a year so that they will know what to do in case of a fire.

• Pick a “safe place” for every member of the family to meet outside.

• Frightened children may try to hide from the fire/smoke or go looking for other family members. Teach your children the “get out and stay out!” message. Tell them if there is a fire in the home, their biggest responsibility is to get to your family’s “safe place” outside so that you can find them.

To help you get started on your family’s fire escape plan, learn more from the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org.

Former NICU patient celebrates 20 years of service George Miller has had ties to Texas Children’s since birth, spending nearly six months in the NICU. So it’s no surprise that he has a special attachment to the hospital. Miller is a full-time member of the Texas Children’s family – he serves as the manager of technical support for Information Services. And he recently celebrated his 20th year of employment. Miller is recognized by many in the organization for his exceptional leadership, contagious positivity, passionate spirit and unwavering dedication.

It is evident that he is a firm believer of the Texas Children’s slogan, Service with Heart, and

goes above and beyond his job requirements to care for his team’s well-being, job performance, work environment and happiness.

Miller’s secrets to success

Have a dedicated mentor that you talk with regularly. Miller says that his mentors have played a key role in his personal and professional growth and he also encourages people to be a mentor to others.

Read the book “Think and grow rich, A Black Choice.” Miller says he has read this book hundreds of times and recommends every one read it. The book’s theme shares ways to control outcomes by managing thoughts.

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

George Miller (middle) was honored as a Texas Children’s Super Star Employee at the Texas Children’s Annual Employee Recognition Celebration.

WEEK OF APRIL 7 | 2011 DEFENDER

9

Texas Children’s Health Plan covers children from newborns to teenagers. We even cover adults and pregnant moms through STAR Medicaid. Families with children who qualify for CHIP pay $50 or less a year. Those who qualify for Medicaid pay nothing. CHIP and STAR Medicaid offer a wide range of benefits including checkups and shots, dental services, medications, and more.

With Texas Children’s Health Plan you also get: ■

Over 2,100 doctors.

■

A 24-hour nurse hotline.

■

Free transportation to doctor visits.

■

Pregnancy support program and classes.

■

Help losing weight through the Keep Fit Program.

■

Learn how to play soccer from the Houston Dynamo coaches.

■

Fun, free member events!

For more information, to receive an application, or to find an event in your

MK-1208-007

area, visit us online or call today.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 7 | 2011

defendernetwork.com

sports

Texans

continue to give back through the YMCA

A

By Max Edison Defender

s the Texans prepare for their 10th year as an NFL franchise they have yet to make a playoff appearance. Many fans feel the team is at a critical crossroad on the field. While the players and owners are engaged in a contentious labor dispute, the Texans organization continues to show a Super Bowl mentality when it comes to their work in the Houston community. No place is that commitment more evident than with the Texans YMCA. The Texans Y is located at the corner of Griggs and Martin Luther King in the Palm Center community of Third Ward. It opened earlier this year (Jan. 3) replacing the old South Central YMCA. The Texan QB Coach Gregg Knapp & Texan mascot Toro explain the game to commufacility is the first in the country named after an NFL nity youth on the new Y football field franchise.

The new facility is the first and most visible munity, there has not been much in terms of green space, so this result of a larger partnership between the Texans and was much needed and much appreciated, and it will be well-used the YMCA. In keeping with the Texans’ stated goal of being the in the decades to come.” most community-connected professional sports franchise in the Recently the “green space” portion of the facility was front world, the team selected the YMCA as its primary strategic comand center when the Texan Y unveiled the new football field, munity partner and will work with Y staff to develop programwhich is now officially open for play. ming to benefit those served by the facility.

The playing field was funded through a $100,000 grant Texans YMCA Board Chair Alan Bergeron shares what from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund and the Local Initiatives the relationship with the team has meant to the Y and the area it Support Council (LISC).

The Texans sponsored the YMCA’s serves. grant proposal to the NFL Youth Football Fund. BMC Software “This Y has meant so much to this community,” Bergeron contributed an additional $20,000 for the field, bringing the total said. “It is the former South Central YMCA that transformed into funding to $120,000. this beautiful facility. This facility serves a community of nearly Texan team president Jamey Rootes conveyed the NFL 250,000 people in this general area, and we have a little over franchise’s core philosophy.

33,000 members at this point. I think you’ll find that in this com“As an organization, we’ve got three primary objectives.”

The Texans reiterate their commitment to the community through the YMCA

Rootes said. “We want to win championships; we want to create memorable experiences for people; and we want to do great things for our community. Certainly, this field is a positive reflection of that opportunity for us to do great things for Houston, particularly for this area. As far as memories, there will be thousands and thousands of kids that will have memorable experiences in the game of football out here. And from time to time, people will win championships here. So this is clearly right up our alley in supporting an initiative like this. The NFL Grassroots Grant is such an important way for us to make a difference in our community and to grow the game of football from the grassroots level up.”

LISC executive director Amanda Timm shared her company’s involvement with projects such as the Texan Y. “Our mission is to build sustainable communities, which are places where families can live and work and raise their kids,” Timm said. “We do that through partnerships, with organizations at the neighborhood level, but also with city-wide amazing partners like the Houston Texans and BMC Software and the Y. We’re really excited to be part of this field. It is a critical piece of building a sustainable community here in the greater Third Ward. Our future leaders, the kids, need great places to play and be healthy, and places like this help families come together and be part of a great neighborhood.”

“Here in Houston, we’ve done seven fields, investing over $700,000 and leveraging each dollar multiple times,” Timm continued. “It attracts other investments into these communities, which is a critical part of building sustainable neighborhoods. Healthy communities are neighborhoods that help create a healthy and great city. We’re really excited to be part of this partnership and we look forward to continuing to work with the Texans and the YMCA and BMC Software.”

A tip of the hat to the Texans for their continued work in helping to make the city a better place for all Houstonians.

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

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h.s.zone

Porter Robinson Still producing winners after 35 years

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

Porter Robinson has produced winners on both the collegiate and high school levels in track and field for the past 35 years.

There was a time not too long ago that Robinson and other track coaches, particularly in the inner city, had a relatively large number of student-athletes to choose from.

That is not the case these days.

Robinson had to wait until Worthing’s playoff run in girls’ basketball ended before he could begin track practice. Nearly every one of his returning track and field competitors also played basketball.

This list included four-year lettermen Worthing head girls track and field coach Porter Robinson (top left) and assistant coach Leslie Harris (top right) along with team members Jenzell Nash, Kiara C. Smith, Ebonie Jenzel Nash, Kiara C. Smith, Ebonie Jones, Jones Sade Picquet, Sane Picquet, Lexus Griffin and Chloe Sanders.

Sade Picquet and Sane Picquet. Robinson also counted on sophomore Brittany meet at a time. Now we’re peaking at just the right time.”

Pickett from the basketball team and sophomore Lexus Griffin, a Robinson has been seen at virtually every big track and field holdover from last year. meet held in the Houston area over the past 35 years.

Several other team members showed up after track practice He coached the sport at Texas Southern University for 21 began. years. Since then he has coached the girls’ track and field team at Robinson says the dwindling numbers in track and field is Worthing High School. One year he coached both the boys’ and the direct result of more entertainment options for youngsters girls’ teams at Worthing. along with other sports for them to be involved in.

What he witnessed at the Pat Patterson Relays just Yet with fewer numbers, Robinson continues to produce reinforced the regimen he has set forth for all of his teams over winning competitors. the years.

At the 33rd annual Pat Patterson Relays held at the Joe Kelly “It’s always good to see the maturity of your team,” Butler Sports Complex last weekend, the Worthing girls claimed Robinson said. “Watching the upperclassmen show the lower four gold medals, one silver and one bronze. classmen how to execute at the track meet.”

Nash, the nation’s leading scorer in girls’ high school basWorthing’s winning 4x200-meter relay squad consisted ketball this season (37.7 points per game), placed first in the long of Griffin, Nash, Smith and Sane Piquet running the anchor jump, while running a leg on all three relay teams. leg.

Sane Picquet won the 1,600-meter run and Pickett earned a In the mile relay, Sane’s twin sister Sade caught the Yates bronze medal in the shot put. anchor leg down the stretch to win the gold medal.

Worthing won the 4x200-meter relay and 4x400-meter relay.

The Houston Independent School District track and field The Lady Colts placed second in the 4x100-meter relay. meets were originally scheduled to be held at Barnett Stadium.

“We’re gearing for the upcoming district meet,” Robinson A sink hole near the finish line is under repair and the meet said. “We had five other invitational meets and took them one could be moved to Butler Stadium.

WEEK OF APRIL 7 | 2011 DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs The Woodlands girls win in soccer

Due to superior conditioning and sheer hustle, the Woodlands girls defeated Austin Bowie 3-1 to advance to the regional quarterfinals against Klein Oak. A rematch of the 2010 girls’ state Class 5A state semifinals, the contest between the Woodlands and Austin Bowie proved to be one-sided because of the speed and unrelenting defensive pressure provided by the Lady Highlanders. The Woodlands constantly got to loose balls and rarely allowed the Bulldogs to put together an offensive attack.

Colson comes up big for Texas A&M

Former Westside High School standout basketball player Sydney Colson had seen better days in her career. Trying to get Texas A&M into its first ever NCAA championship game, Colson ran into a clean pick set by Stanford forward Nwecka Ogumike and had to leave the game. When Colson returned, all she did was feed a teammate for the game-winning basket in the Lady Aggies’ 63-62 victory. Texas A&M advanced to the NCAA women’s title game against Notre Dame.

Astros prepare to celebrate Robinson

April 15 of every year marks the day back in 1947 when Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier.

On this April 15, the Houston Astros will host several activities honoring Robinson’s legacy. The Jackie Robinson Day festivities will commemorate the milestone celebrated league-wide by all Major League Baseball clubs. The Astros will play host to the San Diego Padres. Fans can join the celebration and take advantage of special Jackie Robinson Day ticket pricing by visiting www.astros.com/jackie and using the special ticket password: jackie. Tickets begin at $7.

Will the real Tiger show up?

The Masters are on the horizon and one has to wonder if the real Tiger Woods will show up.

You remember Tiger don’t you? Once the most dominant golfer on the face of the earth. One has to wonder what ever happened to that guy. Every since his marital issues hit the fan (Thanksgiving ’09) that guy has been missing in action. We’ve seen enough of Eldrick Woods stumbling around in tournaments for the last year. Now is the time for someone to find “Tiger” Woods and tell him they’re teeing up at Augusta this week and he needs to represent!

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

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 7 | 2011

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chag’splace

Melvin and Frances Plummerx

Honorees Melanie Lawson, John Guess, Jr. and Ginni Mithoff

Eric Lyons, Jacqueline Carpenter and James Garavaglia

Carol Galloway, Dr. Rod Paige and Stephanie Paige

HCCC President & CEO, Eric Lyons and NCAA Executive, Dr. Bernard Franklin

Howard Jefferson and Yolanda Smith

CRAFTING A LEGACY……..The Houston Chamber Foundation recently held their 35th Annual Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) hosted its Educational Achievement Awards Luncheon at Spring Luncheon by honoring Melanie Lawson and the Power Center and presented scholarships to 10 her partner, John Guess Jr., along with Ginni and graduating high school students. The presentation of Richard Mithoff at the River Oaks Country Club. scholarships was made by president and CEO, Eric Both couples are passionate Lyons, and vice president of collectors of fine arts and crafts, public affairs/Comerica Bank, Join Yvette Chargois especially glass art, and items James Garavaglia, who also from their collection have been served as honorary chair along More photos on defendernetwork.com featured in exhibitions around the with Jacqueline Carpenter, world. HCCC is a non- profit arts director of the NCAA See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads organization founded to advance Division I Men’s Basketball with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. education about the process, Championship. Dr. Bernard product and history of craft. We W. Franklin, executive vice salute these art collectors!........ EDUCATIONAL president of NCAA Membership & StudentACHIEVEMENT…….The Houston Citizens Athlete Affairs/chief inclusion officer, delivered

Events of the Week

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Reginald and Rhonda Adams

Scholarship Winners Brionne Doyle and Christian Fuller

NAACP Executives, Gary Bledsoe and Benjamin Jealous

the keynote address. Congrats!......... REGIONAL CONFERENCE…….The NAACP Southwestern Region VI held its 2011 Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institute (CRATI) at the Crown Plaza Hotel, and chose the theme: “Civil Rights Under Siege: Planning For A Better Future.” President and CEO of the NAACP, Benjamin T. Jealous, delivered the keynote address at their annual Freedom Fund banquet. Gary Bledsoe, president of the Texas NAACP, was all smiles at the success of the conference. Continued success!..........

CONDOLENCES……..Our prayers are with State Rep. Alma Allen and her family for the loss of her husband, Lawrence Allen Sr. Think of it this way, he’s now your guardian angel appointed by God to look after all of you. God bless!.......

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