Houston Defender: April 21, 2011

NEWSTALK

STATE REDISTRICTING PLAN FALLS SHORT OF EXPECTATIONS...P3

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source Volume 80 | Number 25

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NATIONAL

NAACP Promotes financial freedom

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Top cop Six-year-old child shooting incident triggers concern

ENTERTAINMENT

MARIAH CAREY Joins “X Factor”

P5 H.S. ZONE

PEREZ, GRAY Find motivation

H Page 6 HISD Police Chief Jimmy Dotson

New coaches head PVA&M, TSU football

The Texas Southern Tigers and Prairie View A&M Panthers have both won SWAC football titles in successive years. Both have also named new head football coaches with similar pedigrees.

Heishma Northern is in charge at PV while Kevin Ramsey runs the show at TSU. Both coaches have been concentrating on spring football, but how will they fare in the fall?

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Pastor honored

as Suzette ‘Author of the Year’ Caldwell, associate pastor

at Windsor Village United Methodist Church and president of the Prayer Institute, believes that prayer can change lives. A book she wrote about the subject earned her the title of Author of the Year by Destiny Image Publishing. Her book is titled Praying to Change Your Life, and is helping readers understand the power of prayer.

H Page 5

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P11 CHAG’S PLACE

National Black Nurses executives Lola Jefferson and Dr. Debra Toney

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 21 | 2011

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In The Book Corner

Editorial cartoons

Lessons from an Improbable Life

by Governor Deval Patrick

News & Opinion What About the Workers?

“My life is often described as ‘improbable’ because I grew up in a broken home and in poverty...Of course, I acknowledge the unlikelihood of my good fortune. I also recognize the hard work and discipline that have made it possible..

Julianne Malveaux

Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com

Automotive highlight

Question of the Week Are Texas Lawmakers handling the budget crisis the right way?

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localbriefs Business Opportunities Office gets new leader After a nationwide search, Mayor Annise Parker has named Carlecia Wright as her choice to lead the city’s new Office of Business Opportunities (OBO). Wright comes to Houston from New York, where she has been serving the dual positions of executive director of certification and recruitment and executive director of policy, planning and operations for the city’s women-owned business enterprise program. Her broad experience also includes work for New York’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development and a nonprofit economic development organization charged with promoting and coordinating redevelopment of downtown Brooklyn.

The OBO replaces the former Department of Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance. Since the program’s inception, more than $4.1 billion has been awarded to MWBE firms.

Deadly day care fire draws second lawsuit A second lawsuit has been filed in connection with a Houston day care fire that killed four children in February.

April Jackson, whose 22-month-old suffered severe burns and permanent scars in the fire, is suing daycare operator Jessica Tata, Tata’s parents and Tata’s brother for neglect. The lawsuit, filed April 15, alleges that Tata’s parents and brother helped her set up and maintain the day care, knowing she wasn’t fit to operate it. Jackson is also suing Ronal Velasco, the owner of the home where the fire occurred. Tata faces multiple criminal charges in connection with the fire, including murder, reckless injury to a child, child abandonment and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. She was arrested in Nigeria in March and extradited back to Texas. Tata has pleaded not guilty and was being held in the Harris County Jail on $1 million bond.

She was set to appear in court again on May 12. The lawsuit did not specify how much money Jackson was seeking in damages.

Hispanic groups blast city’s redistricting plan Some Latino groups are blasting Houston’s redistricting plan, saying it violates the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The city released its proposed map of two brand new council districts. One would be a majority white district and the other mostly Black. Advocates argue the plan dilutes the Hispanic vote. Council members are scheduled to vote on the proposed map next month.

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County redistricting dilutes minority vote? a fair plan instead of one that includes bizarre districts that Next to state budget can cause voters to lose faith cuts, redistricting is the issue in their government,” said that has lawmakers’ and their a frustrated Coleman, just constituents’ attention. The days before public hearings first proposed Harris County on the redistricting map were redistricting map recently scheduled. released by the House of “I intend to work with the Representatives garnered a House leaders to allow more wave of opposition. To say input from our constituents that many lawmakers were who will be impacted for 10 displeased with the product is years by this process.” an understatement.

Legislators and com“At first glance, there munity members who oppose are districts with the prothe newly proposed changes posed House map that would Proposed Harris County State Rep. district seats. to Houston’s districts as they make Tom Delay blush,” said currently stand argue that the County 24 seats, contrary Houston State Rep. Jessica Farrar (District to the original instructions plan splits communities of 148). “Surely the final House plan won’t interest, and denies proper

by Chairman Solomons to resemble this one, because it does not representation to people of develop a 25-seat plan for respect the voters and it violates the stancolor who drove the populaHarris County,” Coleman dards established by the Voting Rights Act. said. tion growth in Texas for the Simply put, this is not a fair or legal plan.” past decade.

In the redistricting plan “I know Chairman [Burt] Solomons “Without question, proposed by Solomons and and the members of the Redistricting Texans deserve better than committee, Harris County Committee have worked hard and we all another redistricting plan that would lose representation have more steps to take in this process,” puts politics ahead of fair repbecause the plan pairs two said Houston State Rep. Garnet Coleman resentation for Texas voters,” incumbents who represent (District 147). “However, I am disappoint- predominantly minority Coleman said. “We’ll spend ed that the first Harris County House map Houston State Rep. Garnet time listening to our condistricts, an act Coleman produced by the House leadership was stituents about this map and says almost certainly violates Coleman (District 147) devised and designed without the input looking at compliance with the Voting Rights Act. of many members of the Harris County the Voting Rights Act, legally accepted “With a month left before this bill delegation. redistricting practices and protecting commust be considered by the House, the pub“This initial plan only allots Harris munities of interest.” lic should have an opportunity to demand

By Aswad Walker Defender

Katy students writing letters of protest

By Aswad Walker Defender

With Katy ISD officials poised to discipline student protesters showing their displeasure at recent teacher firings, students are choosing a new method for voicing their complaints – the pen.

Katy students have recently protested teacher firings resulting from school district budget cuts. A class walk-out was followed by students delivering their message to Katy ISD officials in person at the district’s

headquarters.

However, district officials said, “The grace period is over,” referring to the fact that they initially treated the student protests as a learning experience that called for no disciplinary action. Officials plan to cite any further acts of student protest.

In response, students are in the midst of organizing a letter-writing campaign to further voice their frustration with cuts that have already resulted in hundreds of teachers losing their jobs.

Cinco Ranch High School students comprise one group writing letters to Austin lawmakers. They expect their fellow Katy ISD students at both middle and high schools to follow suit in a mail campaign they hope will allow their message to be heard while keeping them out of trouble with district officials.

Katy ISD is facing a $50 million budget shortfall due to spending cuts in the state budget. The district plans to lay off a total of 500 teachers.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 21 | 2011

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national

NAACP center promotes

financial freedom WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to provide financial education and banking resources to consumers, the NAACP has opened a Financial Freedom Center as part of a groundbreaking agreement with Wells Fargo & Co. The Washington, D.C., center will serve as headquarters of the NAACP Financial Freedom Campaign, an initiative to influence change in the banking industry, prevent unfair and predatory mortgage lending practices, improve fair credit access, and promote sustainable homeownership in historically disadvantaged communities.

With the agreement, Wells Fargo became the first bank to endorse the NAACP’s Responsible Mortgage Lending Principles.

The agreement also includes a process for sharing data, assessing Wells Fargo’s

lending and servicing practices.

NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous said that by abiding by the principles, “Wells Fargo will set a new level of accountability and transparency for the industry and how they treat their customers.”

Jealous, who was in Houston recently, said the data being shared is part of “an intensive accountability process that they’re imposing on all of their branches and mortgage lenders across the country.”

The financial freedom center will provide workshops through partnerships with community groups in the D.C. area. The center will also serve as a base for NAACP units across the country to learn and organize around financial and economic empower-

ment.

Jealous said the local units will educate consumers on various aspects of financial literacy.

“Part of being an effective advocacy organization is making sure people in your community understand what their rights are, understand how to help themselves and get pointed in the right direction so you have less to advocate about,” he said.

Jealous added that consumers will have access to honest and ethical financial assistance in areas such as debt consolidation.

“You really only have two sets of organizations,” he said. “You have the debt consolidator with the infomercial on TV late at night that everybody has heard of, and then you have the good ones no one has heard about. Most people can’t find the good ones because they don’t have the budget to market themselves.”

Jealous said the NAACP wants to help rebuild communities while changing negative mortgage lending industry practices.

“We commend Wells Fargo for voluntarily providing us increased access to information on its business practices that will allow the NAACP to better assess its lending practices and continue our mandate of protecting and advocating for our communities,” he said.

Ben Jealous

Journey toward housing fairness continues

By Charlene Crowell NNPA Columnist

When the Center for Responsible Lending examined the demographics of the housing crisis, it determined that for every 100 African-American homeowners with a mortgage, 11 have either lost their homes or were at imminent risk of foreclosure. For Latino families, the figures were even worse – 17 of every 100 Latino homeowners with a mortgage are affected by foreclosures. From 2009 through 2012 African-American and Latino communities will together lose $350 billion due to depreciation in values from nearby foreclosures.

Just as communities of color were targeted for high-cost subprime mortgage loans, now the high concentration

of foreclosed properties in these same communities has led to yet another dilemma: a disproportionate share of neglect among bank-owned foreclosures. Also know as real-estate owned (REO) properties, these formerly-occupied homes are bringing blight and contributing to further deterioration of the quality of life in communities of color.

A new report from the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) in Washington, D.C. describes an investigation of 624 bank-owned properties in four markets: Dayton, Ohio; Hartford, Connecticut; Maryland’s Price George’s County; and Richmond, Virginia. Field staff visited and evaluated the exterior condition of

REO properties in these markets based on a 100-point scale. The goal was to determine whether banks and their third-party contractors were equitably maintaining the properties owned.

In three of the four metro areas, properties located in either White or stably integrated neighborhoods were managed substantially better than those in communities of color. In the White or integrated communities, REO properties showed evidence of well-maintained lawns, secured entrances and professional sales marketing. By contrast in communities of color, poorly maintained yards, unsecured entrances, poor curb appeal and appearances of abandonment were evident.

U.S.briefs Obama details plan to reduce America’s deficit President Barack Obama wants to restore the nation’s fiscal health by reducing the federal budget deficit by $4 trillion in the next 12 years. Obama said his comprehensive plan will protect and strengthen America’s economy while rejecting the Republican approach to fiscal stability. Obama’s strategy also aims to cut health care spending by reducing wasteful subsidies and erroneous payments. It will cut spending on prescription drugs by using Medicare’s purchasing power to introduce more generic drugs to the market.

Strategy launched to decrease health disparities The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced strategic plans aimed at reducing health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities. The HHS Action Plan to Reduce Health Disparities outlines goals and actions the department will take. HHS also released the National Stakeholder Strategy for Achieving Health Equity, a common set of goals and objectives for public and private sector initiatives to help underserved groups reach their full health potential.

Minorities are more likely to suffer from serious illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, and are less likely to have access to quality health care.

Republican allegedly sent offensive Obama e-mail A California Republican Party official is under fire after allegations she sent an e-mail that included an altered photo depicting President Obama as an ape.

An e-mail reportedly sent by Marilyn Davenport shows a family portrait of chimpanzee parents and child, with Obama’s face artificially superimposed on the child. Text beneath the photo reads, “Now you know why no birth certificate.” When reached by the Associated Press, Davenport said she would provide a written statement with her response, but several hours later she had not issued one. Davenport, a Tea Party activist, represents the 72nd Assembly District in Orange County.

VOLUME 80 • NUMBER • 25 APRIL 21 - APRIL 27, 2011

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

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

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender audited By Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2011 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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WEEK OF APRIL 21 | 2011 DEFENDER

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entertainment

what’sup H Mariah Carey joins Simon Cowell’s ‘X Factor’ Mariah Carey has reportedly been confirmed as having some kind of “role” on Simon Cowell’s “X Factor.” For months, Cowell had been shooting down the rumors, citing her pregnancy as a reason she wasn’t being considered. But during a recent radio interview, he admitted that the singer would participate in some way. Carey makes two confirmed participants for the show, with stars such as ex-”Idol” co-judge Paula Abdul, Jessica Simpson, Nicki Minaj and UK star Cheryl Cole as rumored judges and Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger as a potential host. So far, record industry vet Antonio L.A. Reid has been confirmed as a judge for “X Factor.” Auditions for the show are currently taking place around the country; it begins airing on FOX in September.

H Ludacris joins campaign to restock New Orleans libraries Ludacris is supporting a campaign to help libraries in Louisiana restock their shelves as they continue to rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Many of the public institutions in the city of New Orleans were destroyed in the 2005 disaster and are still unable to replenish supplies six years later. Ludacris has joined forces with DoSomething.org to support the Epic Book Drive and he has filmed a public service announcement urging students to share their books.

H Luther Campbell announces run for Miami Mayor Luther Campbell, aka, “Uncle Luke,” has filed the necessary paperwork to run for mayor of Florida’s Miami-Dade County. The 50-year-old controversial ex-rapper and member of the 2-Live Crew, spoke to a crowd about being taken seriously as politician. Campbell says if he’s elected mayor, he’ll focus on revitalizing the small business environment, redeveloping the area by stabilizing neighborhoods and beautifying the visual aesthetic of the county. Additionally, he voiced his public safety concerns by proposing to build stronger links between the law and community, as well as provide affordable housing and encourage adults to engage with youth.

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Pastor Suzette Caldwell named ‘Author of the Year’

W

Defender

indsor Village United Methodist Church Pastor Suzette Caldwell has always believed that prayer can change lives.

Hoping to convince others of the power of prayer, Caldwell penned a book that has now earned her the distinguished title of Author of the Year from Destiny Image Publishing.

Caldwell’s book, Praying to Change Your Life, has been receiving rave reviews since its release and now thousands of people have applauded her

literary work, bestowing her with the Author of the Year title.

For Caldwell, the distinction is greatly appreciated, but more than anything, she is moved by the lives that are changed through prayer.

“For too long, too many people, including believers, have viewed prayer as passive, ambiguous, and intrinsically ineffective. Well, kiss those days good-bye and start praying to change your life,” Caldwell said. “Prayer is the communications from your spirit to God. It’s a walking-talking relationship with God. Simply stated, prayer is a tool that allows us to communicate with God and for God.” “Suzette’s book is helping people understand the power of prayer to impact the world and the critical importance of prayer in everyday life,” said Don Nori, president and CEO of Destiny Image Publishing.

A committee from Destiny Image nominated more than 60 of its 600-plus authors to compete for the award. Eleven of the 60 authors were named finalists, one from each category entered. Over the course of the entire competition, which began in late 2010, more than 10,000 readers cast their votes. Pastor Suzette won a resounding 51 percent of the final vote.

Caldwell is board chair and president of the Prayer Institute, a non-profit, community-based organization that is committed to praying for people and teaching people how to pray. She is

also associate pastor of the 17,000-member Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, one of the largest United Methodist Churches in the nation.

Caldwell says she hopes readers of Praying to Change Your Life will experience the Lord’s desired intent for prayer: interactive, vibrant, and powerfully effective communication.

She hopes her liberating revelation about the Model Prayer (also known as the Lord’s Prayer) can literally transform how you pray, why you pray, and what happens when you pray.

“When you pray: 1) first acknowledge God as your Father and offer Him thanksgiving; 2) before you express your hurts and desires, talk about what He wants to accomplish in your life. Put your focus on His will, not yours; 3) now, pray for your needs and pour your heart out to Him; 4) ask for forgiveness and commit to forgiving others; 5) pray for His protection; and 6) finish with praise in a respectful and reverent way. Have faith that God heard you and expect results,” she said.

“Suzette is one of God’s most treasured gifts to the 21st century community. Her unswerving dedication to holiness and devout desire to help people live hopeful lives have propelled Suzette to write this life changing book. Pastor Suzette and God are great partners,” says Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell, senior pastor of Windsor Village and Suzette’s husband.

Visit defendernetwork.com to Register

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 21 | 2011

coverpage

HISD Top Cop Jimmy Do talks about school safety

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley Defender

T

he Houston Independ ent School District is working overtime to calm parental fears after a recent shooting at a Northeast Houston elementary school.

The shooting happened after a kindergartner at Betsy Ross Elementary brought a loaded gun to school. He and two others were injured when the gun fired after falling from his pocket as he sat down for lunch.

HISD Chief of Police Jimmy Dotson says the district remains committed to student safety, but admits the incident has them reevaluating school security.

“We’re having now to relook at our overall approach to providing security to the district,” Dotson said. “The district currently has fight-based management at every school campus where the principal is basically in charge of everything on that campus. So we’re looking at trying to centralize major components of security to where someone will be responsible for every campus, to work with the principal.

“When it comes to enforcing policies and procedures relating to security, that central component

has to be in place. Because right now, there are too many things that can fall through the gap when it comes to security,” Dotson said.

Forty-two kindergartners were having lunch in the cafeteria when the gun discharged. Two six-yearold boys were wounded, including the one who had the gun. The boy who brought the gun was injured in his foot and the other boy was grazed in his leg. A five-year-old girl was

the kids are safe when they come to school,” said Sandra Branch, whose daughter attends the school.

The idea of metal detectors in elementary schools is one that Dotson adamantly opposes.

“It is very drastic, it sends the wrong message,” he said. “You don’t want to start not trusting our young people, because at that age, you can damage them psychologically. At that age, they’ll grow up thinking ‘nobody trusts me.’

At this point I’m totally

matter what we do in the schools, if the children are not coming out of the home being prepared to adhere to policy and procedures, then we find ourselves right back increasing our risk.”

Dotson also urges parents to not underestimate their children when it comes to guns.

“If you’re going to have a gun in the house, you need to make sure it’s locked and someplace where it’s safe so children cannot get a hold

We have to realize that no matter what we do in the schools, if the children are not coming out of the home, being prepared to adhere to policy and procedures, then we find ourselves right back increasing our risk.”

HISD Police Chief Jimmy Dotson

injured in her knee.

The boy who brought the gun might have been injured by the bullet, while the other boy and the girl might have been injured by shrapnel, officials said.

Parents say they now hope for additional security measures such as metal detectors at the school, which has about 471 students.

“They need to take a lot more precautions. I know its elementary, but they need to do whatever they have to do to make sure that

opposed to putting metal detectors in elementary schools.”

Dotson says while the district works to do its part, parents must step up to the plate and do their part as well.

“They need to make sure that the children are coming to school to be prepared to learn and to not allow themselves to get caught up in any situation that could bring any harm on themselves or any of their fellow students,” Dotson said.

“We have to realize that no

of it, whether it’s a six-year-old or 16-year-old. Because we know that most of the weapons that find themselves on campus are coming out of someone’s home.”

While some Ross parents are also calling for more student searches, HISD says it is not feasible to implement student searches in a district of more than 200,000 students, and that the Ross shooting was a rare occurrence.

They have however, increased security and crisis counselors at the school and district officials say

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otson

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SAVINGS & VALUES NOW THROUGH SATURDAY they will be working with parents and the community to address any concerns.

The kindergartner who brought the gun could face disciplinary action including being sent to an alternative school for up to 180 days. District officials said that no punishment has been decided yet.

According to the HISD Student Handbook, students “under the age of 10 who bring firearms to school shall be expelled for a term of one year, and the term of the expulsion shall be modified in order to allow for their education in an HISD DAEP for a period of one year.”

DAEP is Disciplinary Alternative Education Program or alternative school. HISD has two DAEP elementary schools.

Houston police, meanwhile, have launched an investigation, although they say it is too soon to tell if any charges will be filed. Texas law is clear: having a gun within a child’s reach is a crime. A parent or a guardian of the student may now face felony charges.

The shooting has also garnered the attention of Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, founder and cochair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus.

“It is frightening that guns are being brought to our schools, and this incident calls for the need to have smarter and stronger regulations for firearms in Houston and America in order to prevent this from happening again,” Lee said.

“We must stop being intimidated by special interests groups and begin thinking of our children. The person responsible for allowing a gun to get into the hands of a kindergartner should be prosecuted immediately, and I stand ready to help the school and the families in any way,” Lee said.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 21 | 2011 defendernetwork.com

Participate in the Family Eats Study The Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine is looking for African-American families with 8-12 year old children to participate in an 8-session, internet program on healthy eating. You can participate from your home!

While you watch the Johnson family learn to eat healthy you may: • Access our nutrition website • Get healthy recipes • Complete online questionnares • Receive up to $70 for you and $70 for your child!

The University of Houston Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity won the Houston regional competition in the Sprite Step Off.

You will need: • A high–speed internet connection • An e-mail address For more information, call or email Mamie White at 713-798-0501 or mawhite@bcm.edu

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The University of Houston Delta Sigma Theta Sorority heads to D.C. for the finals in the Sprite Step Off competition.

Sprite Step Off regional winners announced Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority from The University of Houston, both took home top prizes in the annual Regional Sprite Step Off. The tournament-style competition took place recently at Texas Southern University and was part of a six-city tour which had teams from across the country competing for two $100,000 grand prizes in scholarships. The Alphas and Deltas will now advance to the national championship in Washington D.C. on May 21 where the top 12 teams – six fraternities and six sororities – will compete to see who will bring home the Sprite Step Off II crown.

“Sprite Step Off gives college students an outlet to showcase creative self-expression through the art of step while promoting the importance of higher education and being active,” said Augusto Elias, Sprite Brand director, Coca-Cola North America. “Sprite sees stepping as a vehicle to empower this

©2011 CenterPoint Energy 111071

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innovative generation to spark their creativity and fresh thinking while giving back to the community.”

In addition to stepping, each participating step team had to take part in community service at a local Boys & Girls Club in each host city. Sprite also presented each participating Boys & Girls Club with a $4,500 check and book donations.

Supporting community service initiatives has been a core element of the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s nine organizations since their founding. These organizations include: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. “Stepping has a uniquely Continued on page 9

defendernetwork.com DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 21 | 2011

Yates grad elected Morehouse College senior class president When Yates High School alumnus Jonathan Howard comes home on extended breaks from Atlanta’s Morehouse College, you can find him at Ryan Middle School and Yates encouraging students to succeed in school and go on to college.

On his next visit, he’ll have a new accomplishment to share with the students. Howard was just elected president of his senior class.

While in high school, Howard played on the Yates football team but his scholarship to Morehouse is based on academics, not sports. That’s an important point that he makes to students as he gives them advice on how to succeed in school.

“When I was playing football at Yates, there was a sign that hung over the door to our locker room that few paid attention to,” he said. By my senior year, I began to realize just how important the words were.

“The sign said, ‘The reason most people fail is because they put off what they want most for what they want right now.’ ” Howard goes on to tell students: “Don’t say what I want most is to be a businessman but right now I want to let my pants sag, skip class, fight and talk any kind of way because that’s not how real businessmen behave. You have to act and

think like what you want to become.”

While in college, Howard has served as a mentor at an elementary school in Atlanta.

During his summer break he is a business intern at Texas Children’s Hospital. This year he’ll be working with senior executives on the hospital’s capital campaign and expansion projects.

After graduating from Morehouse next year, he plans to attend graduate school and earn a master’s degree combined with a law degree. He plans a career in health management and administration.

9

Jonathan Howard

Step Off

Continued from page 8

Sale Thursday, April 21 thru Saturday, April 23

positive impact on the college experience of our youth and we commend Sprite for its continued commitment to the National Pan-Hellenic Council and for partnering with the Greek community to build the art form in the right way,” said Jennifer M. Jones, NPHC National President.

“Sprite is showcasing the art of step and the creativity of our students to a national audience.

The program’s emphasis on service to our local communities is particularly important, with much needed outreach that promotes the benefits of physical fitness and education to the next generation of students.”

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Sale merchandise may not be available at all stores and is not available at RxPress Pharmacies and Pharmacy only locations. Sale prices may also be limited to your local newspaper distribution. Rain checks are not available at stores that do not carry the advertised item. Sale prices offered for the dates listed on the front page unless otherwise specified in the ad or on the coupon. Right reserved to limit all quantities on all items. Coupons must be presented at time of purchase. Regular prices quoted may vary by store. Items may not be exactly as pictured. Availability at Walgreens.com may differ. *Items advertised with Register Rewards or rebates are subject to conditions and limits established by the mfr. See coupon or rebate form for details. Call 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733) toll-free or visit www.walgreens.com/findastore for the location nearest you. While supplies last. ©WALGREEN CO., 2011, all rights reserved.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 21 | 2011

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sports

Interim head coach Kevin Ramsey now has the entire team to worry about.

Panther first year head coach Heishma Northern addresses the team during spring practice.

TSU, PVA&M conclude spring football with new coaches

T

By Max Edison Defender

he similarities between the two universities are undeniable.

They are both HBCUs located approximately 45 minutes apart.

Both have turned around football programs that had been mired in obscurity for years. They have both won SWAC football titles in successive years. Now they have both named new head football coaches with similar pedigrees.

The Prairie View A&M Panthers made defensive coordinator Heishma Northern their head coach in waiting during the 2010 season, then elevated him to head coach when 2009 SWAC Coach of the Year, Henry Frazier, moved on to greener pastures at North Carolina Central.

Kevin Ramsey coordinated the Texas Southern Tiger defense to the No. 1 unit in the entire nation (1AA). Now he assumes the top spot as interim head coach in 2011when 2010 SWAC Coach of the Year, Johnnie Cole, was unceremoniously forced to resign a few short weeks ago.

Both coaches are imminently qualified, The nation’s top defense is anchored by All-Conference DE Marquis Jackson (#7).

but they have landed in very precarious positions. Their fan bases have gotten a taste of the good life, namely winning football, championship football. Can these new leaders keep their respective squads on the championship track?

Only time will tell, but the first step toward those answers is spring football.

Panther coach Northern takes a different perspective toward spring practice now that he is the main man of the staff.

“My main focus now is managing my time,” Northern said. “I still will concentrate on the defense, but if I see some things on the offense that I’m not clear on I’ll get some clarity as to why we’re doing things a certain way.

My biggest thing with the offense will be situational football. Knowing what we’re doing in certain situations and why.”

Northern, an outstanding defensive player at Southern University, has installed former Jaguar offensive coordinator Mark Orlando to run the Panther attack, which will feature a pass-oriented attack.

“The attack will feature more short passing; screens, slants and quick outs,” Northern said. “We’re not going to pass for the sake of passing. We’re going to pass because that’s our best option. We will run the ball and we will run it till you show us you can stop us.”

Of course since defense has been Northern’s calling card, you would expect a strong performance from the defense this spring and that would be correct.

“Defensively a plus this spring would be Ramsey likes what he has seen. the play of our defensive line and our second“Dontavious Parker, a transfer from Troy ary,” he added. “Jarvis Wilson and Adrian State, was redshirted last year and he has done Hamilton were two standouts along the dereally well this spring. He’s very attentive to fensive line. In the secondary Moses Ellis and details and ran the offense really well. Riko Breon Johnson had excellent springs as well.”

Smalls, who started in the championship At Texas Southern, the charismatic Kevin game, also competed very well this spring.”

Ramsey has stepped into the role as head Defensively the Tigers will be blessed coach and has hit the game running in spring with a talented group once again this season, a workouts. fact that pleases coach Ramsey.

“Now I’m taking my role to a director’s “I’m happy with how we looked on derole, directing the whole program,” Ramsey fense this fall. We’ve got talent in all of the key said. “I’m working with the same energy I areas. Our front line is still solid,” he said. had as a defensive coordinator. We’re trying to “We’re blessed to have Marquis Jackson raise the overall football IQ of our team. We’re and Jonathan Hollins back who were both going to raise the bar for guys knowing their All-Conference performers back to anchor assignments and alignments.” our front line. William Parker had a good Now that he has dominion spring at linebacker. Zack Gallow, anover the offensive side of the ball, other first team All-Conference guy, will Ramsey’s philosophy will be very anchor our backend.” simple: “Keep your tool box full.”

“We want our tool box full, in Can the Tigers repeat as the sense that if something isn’t working champions? Will the Panthers we’ve got to go to the tool box regain their edge? Only time will and get another tool. We’ve tell how good each local progot to be able to adapt. We’re gram is, but one thing for sure, going to run the ball ‘cause both TSU and PV’s programs that’s what we do best. We’ve are on sound footing with got to have tools in the arsenal that can Ramsey and Northern at the combat eight man fronts, as well as helm. being able to attack weaknesses in coverage.”

Offensively the Tigers started the search to replace departed Panther DB Moses two-year starter Arvell Nelson at Ellis intercepts a pass in spring drills. quarterback this spring and

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WEEK OF APRIL 21 | 2011 DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs

Track stars Perez, Gray

find motivation

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

MIRTHA PEREZ PERSONAL FAVORITES

Mirtha Perez was suffering from a classic case of burnout.

Competing in track and field since she was 10 years old, Perez concluded her junior year at Jefferson Davis High School with a fifth-place finish in the 100-meter dash at the regional meet.

“I wasn’t satisfied with those results so I rededicated myself because I wanted my senior year to be my time to shine,” Perez said. “I give the credit to all my coaches. I ran hills and came to practice every day.”

The extra effort and concentration paid off as Perez qualified for the upcoming Region III-4A meet in four events. At the District 21-4A meet held at Barnett Stadium, Perez won gold medals in the 100- and 200-meter dashes along with winning the long jump title. She also ran a leg on Davis’ bronze-medal winning 4X200-meter relay.

“The 100-meter dash is my favorite race because I like to run the straightaway,” Perez said. “I want to do well at the regional meet and go on to the state meet,” she said.

Sam Houston State University in Huntsville will host the regional meet.

Perez says she’s considering Prairie View A&M, Texas A&M and Paul Quinn University as possible colleges to attend.

DEANTE GRAY PERSONAL FAVORITES n Subject in school: Math n Career: Broadcast journalism n Color: Blue n Chill activities: Video games,

ping pong n Birthdate: Feb. 27, 1994

11

n Subject in school: Math n Career: Nursing n Color: Purple n Chill activities: Television, computer,

the gym n Birthdate: May 27, 1992

Deante Gray of Westside High School didn’t have to look very far for the proper motivation to have an outstanding senior year in track and field.

The Westside girls’ track team has produced state gold medal winners like Diamond Dixon, who graduated last year.

Gray believes it is time for the Westside boys’ track team to make its presence felt.

“The girls have overshadowed us, but we have some good boy athletes at the school as well,” Gray said.

“I wasn’t able to get started with everybody else because I was recovering from a stress fracture injury that I got in football,” he said. “But my results have been getting better and better each week.”

Gray’s 2011 season peaked at the District 20-5A meet when he claimed gold medals in the long jump, 100-meter

Reynolds to be honored at Reagan sports banquet Former Reagan High School two-sport star Craig Reynolds will be the guest of honor at the school’s spring sports banquet on May 4 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria. Reynolds was an all-city selection in both basketball and baseball while a student-athlete at Reagan and the school will retire his No. 2 high school jersey during the festivities. The 1971 Reagan graduate was drafted out of high school by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played for the Pirates, Seattle Mariners and 11 seasons for the Houston Astros.

Tickets for the dinner are $10.

Astros celebrate Jackie Robinson Day in a big way Congratulations to the Astros for a splendid celebration on April 15th commemorating the historic accomplishment of Jackie Robinson breaking the color line in Major League Baseball.

Among the dignitaries on hand was Hall of Famer Monte Irvin, 91, who now resides in Houston. He broke into the majors two years after Robinson in 1949 with the New York Giants. Irvin explains the significance of Robinson’s success. “Jackie was given a chance to play and he succeeded,” Irvin said. “It gave hope to all the rest of us who came after him.

He made it possible for Willie Mays and Hank Aaron, Dave Winfield, Minnie Minosa, Don Newcombe and the Latin American players to participate in this wonderful game. He made it better, not just baseball, but all the other sports as well.”

Texans generosity keeps on giving as school gets new field dash, 200-meter dash and the 4X100meter relay.

The Westside junior will advance in all four events to the Region III-5A meet at newly-renovated Turner Stadium in Humble.

“I’ll be working on finishing my races better,” Gray said. “That’s one of the main things I’ll be concentrating on leading up to regionals.”

A slot receiver on the Wolves football team, Gray says that he’s considering Texas Tech, Baylor, Oregon State, Utah and the University of Houston among other schools.

“I’ll be in a leadership role with the team next season and I’m looking forward to that,” he said.

Recent results indicate that Gray is doing a good job of leading by example right now.

Two weeks ago we highlighted the Texans generosity, donating a new field for the Texan YMCA in Palm Center. Well they have duplicated that effort, this time on the Northeast section of the city. KIPP Houston, the Houston Texans and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) recently dedicated a new field at Kipp’s Houston’s Polaris Academy. The playing field was funded through a $100,000 Grassroots Grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund and LISC. KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open-enrollment, collegepreparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. KIPP Houston supports 19 schools, including eight elementary schools, eight middle schools and three high schools.

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

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 21 | 2011

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For Event Coverage ..visit

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Dr. Docia Rudley, Ruby and Kirk Whalum and Dr. John Rudley

Curry Glassell and Christopher Mayes

Minnie Jefferson and Lisa Jefferson

chag’splace

Dr. John Rudley, Hazel Biggers and Dr. Docia Rudley

Drs. John and Docia Rudley and Barbara and Thomas Meloncon

Diana Espitia, Ken Tolson and Dr. Reagan Flowers

National Black Nurses executives Lola Jefferson and Dr. Debra Toney

Dr. Fraizer Wilson and Mike Alverez

Pamela Cormier, Lola Jefferson, Diane Barber and Beulah Redrick

TSU HONORS…….The theme for this year’s (Photos by Earlie Hudnall)......... WELCOME TO TSU Honors was “Inspiration Revealed: Portraits of HOUSTON……The board of directors of CSTEM Art.” It encompassed seeing the invisible, and feeling along with the founder and president, Dr. Reagan the intangible in a spectacular Flowers, hosted a welcome reception for 75-minute performance produced Ken Tolson, White House appointee to the Join Yvette Chargois by a talented TSU team of President’s advisory board on Historically Events of the Week faculty, staff, students working Black Colleges and Universities. Since More photos on defendernetwork.com alongside gifted local directors, 2002, CSTEM has operated as a nonchoreographers, and musical profit organization providing services See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. talents. The Inspiration Award/ to teachers and students in areas of Art was presented posthumously communication, science, technology, to Dr. John Biggers, Theater/ engineering and mathematics (CSTEM).

Dance, Ollington Smith, and Music, Campbell “Skeets” Attendees included Dr. Frazier Wilson, Mike Alverez, Tolbert. The Revelation Award/Art was presented to Jamese Shearin, Nelson Bowman, Curry Glassell, Kermit Oliver, Theater/Dance, Thomas Meloncon, Jennifer and Willie Miles, Jerry Davis, Dr. James and Music, Kirk Whalum. A spectacular show!

Douglas and Roland Garcia. Continued success!........

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION…The Fort Bend County Black Nurses Association recently celebrated their 10th anniversary by hosting a black/white ball that was attended by over 500 guests. We salute founder and executive director, Lola Jefferson, chapter president, Pamela Cormier, and national president, Debra Toney. Several students received scholarships, and special awards were presented to outstanding chapter members. Congrats!.........CONDOLENCES.........

Our prayers are with the families of Glenda Faye Purham-Brown and Emelda Lemon who recently celebrated their homegoing. Think of it this way, they both have new positions, they’re now your guardian angels appointed by God to look after all of you. God Bless!.......From Chag’s Place to your place, Ciao Darling!

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