Houston Defender: April 28, 2011

NATIONAL

FINANCIAL ADVICE NOT REACHING BLACK AMERICA P4

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source Volume 80 | Number 26

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WEEK OF APRIL 28, 2011 | FREE

‘Misplaced Priorities’

NEWSTALK

AFRICANAMERICAN

New Eagle Scouts honored

P3

NAACP emphasizes education, not incarceration

ENTERTAINMENT

OLD SPICE Pitchman stars in Tyler Perry film

P5 H.S. ZONE

H Page 6

NORTH SHORE BOYS Leave tracks on the field

P11 CHAG’S PLACE

Miki Wilson and 100 Black Men Chapter Pres. Dr. Frazier Wilson

P12

Eddie Long case

TSU Lady Tigers

Prominent Atlanta Bishop Eddie Long made unwanted headlines when four young men alleged that Long coerced them into having sexual relations. Long denied the allegations, and said he would fight them vigorously. Now, there are reports that Long and his accusers are close to settling the matter in mediation instead of battling it out in a courtroom.

The Texas Southern Lady Tigers softball squad is one of the best teams in the nation, and recently captured its second consecutive SWAC Western Division title. The team is ranked high on the list in several NCAA categories, including Monica batting average and stolen bases.

Castillo Head coach Worley Barker talks about the team and its determination to win.

H Page 10

almost settled?

H Page

4

win title again

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 28 | 2011

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“by Dr. Rubin “Hurricane” Carter with Ken Klonsky

“You may have heard of me, Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter, as having been a professional prizefighter. That, along with having been a wrongly convicted person who had to spend twenty years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, is a fact...

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis

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Question of the Week Should the White House have released President Obama’s birth certificate?

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WEEK OF APRIL 28 | 2011 | DEFENDER

newstalk

localbriefs State Senator fights to saves sales tax holiday State Sen. Rodney Ellis says he will fight the proposed suspension of the state’s August school supplies sales tax holiday he created in 1999 unless lawmakers also consider ending tax breaks “for those who have the most in our society.” “We’ve got all kinds of little goodies, all kinds of tax breaks, and we are going to suspend the sales tax holiday that benefits the working class?” Ellis, D-Houston, asked. “Don’t balance the budget on the backs of the working class.” Ellis said he favors a comprehensive look at all tax loopholes, including one for natural gas that costs the state $1.2 billion a year, and another “green space” tax exemption that benefits country clubs.

He is sponsoring a constitutional amendment that would require the Legislature to review its tax exemptions periodically. Ellis made his comments in response to action by the Texas House Appropriations Committee to suspend the annual sales tax holiday for school supplies as part of a strategy to address the state’s $15 billion to $27 billion budget shortfall. The state comptroller’s office estimates that rolling back the holiday would save the state $110 million, based on an analysis of sales of the items exempted from sales tax.

Groups demand investigation into HPD-involved shootings Civil rights groups said Houston police officers are shooting too many civilians without justification and that the city is trying to cover up the size of the issue. According to civil rights attorney Randall Kallinen, since January 1 of 2004, city of Houston police officers have shot and wounded, or shot and killed, 163 citizens. The issue has come up again after a recent autopsy was released of the 2009 shooting of John Barnes at an apartment in northeast Houston. Critics say it is just one example of why an outside investigation of the department is needed. Barnes’ autopsy shows he was shot once in the chest and six times in the back. The Houston Police Dept. has not yet responded to the claim.

3

Young Black males encouraged

to become Boy Scouts for more than 20 years, and has seen the troop produce 23 Eagle Scouts. here is a growing call “Scouting teaches you for more Black youth how to care for yourself, exist to join the Boy Scouts. out in the world, make your Leaders and alumni own money,” said Walker, say scouting helps provide tools who was a Boy Scout as a that inner-city youth can use to youth in Cincinnati. “You excel in school, careers and life learn math, genealogy, and in general. respect for self and others.

Kenneth D. Wells, M.D., And by making Eagle Scout founder of Alken Health Reyou automatically qualify sources in Houston, advocates for college scholarships.” for scouting because of the Wells agreed that bebenefits it provided him. ing an Eagle Scout can open “Scouting opened my eyes many doors. to a vast world of opportunities that “When I see ‘Eagle Scout’ I otherwise might never have been on an individual’s biography exposed to growing up in or resume, I already South Central Los Angeles,” know something about said Wells. them,” he said. “I “My knowledge of sciknow they are a person entific subjects was expanded, of character and acand my interest in the health complishment. I know professions was jump-started he strives to live the through earning various Merit tenants of scouting Badges. Scouting provides and the responsibilian exceptional framework for ties that entails. positive character develop“I know that ment and citizenship.” you can depend on The first recorded Black Dr. Kenneth Wells is one of an Eagle Scout to Boy Scout troop dates to 1911 seven who will be honored see things through with the Outstanding Eagle to the finish. I know in Elizabeth City, N.J. Black Scout Award. participation since that time that I will want to meet has fluctuated. With the 100th them,” said Wells a 12-year armed anniversary of the first Black troop, supforces veteran and former U.S. porters are calling for more Black youth Army National Guard Flight Surto engage in scouting. geon of the Year.

Carstell Walker, a retiree, has been “In scouting, everyone is taught working with Boy Scout Troop 434 out and expected to take a leadership of Blue Ridge United Methodist Church role,” Wells added.

By Aswad Walker Defender

T

New Eagle Scouts to be honored The Eagle Scout Association of the Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC) will formally honor the newly emerged class of Eagle Scouts at a Gathering of Eagles Reception on Saturday, April 30, from 1-3 p.m. at the Berry Center, 8877 Barker-Cypress Road.

Tommy Spaulding, a best-selling author and Eagle Scout, will deliver the keynote address with inspirations from his book, “It’s Not Just Who You Know.”

The event’s theme is “Rising Stars Among Us.” The SHAC delivers the scouting program to more than 50,000 youth in the greater Houston area, and covers a 16-county area with the help of more than 20,000 volunteers and 1,300 chartered partners.

The program serves youth from first grade through age 20 in the areas of outdoor skills, personal fitness, leadership and lifelong ethical values.

For more information about the event visit www. samhoustonbsa.org/eagle-scout-event-2011.

“Everyone is given the chance to show and develop their potential.

The role of faith, family and country are central to this experience.”

“President Barack Obama was a Boy Scout,” Walker said. “Baseball legend Hank Aaron was an Eagle Scout as were several U.S. presidents. Scouting builds the kind of character we need to see more of in our Black youth.”

Lemonade Day teaches youth about entrepreneurship

By Aswad Walker Defender

On Sunday, May 1, Houston will experience Lemonade Day, a free and innovative communitywide program dedicated to teaching children how to start, own and operate their own business through the time-honored act of building and running a lemonade stand.

Several Houston companies and organizations

have signed on to encourage over 50,000 young entrepreneurs to start businesses on Lemonade Day. Imperial Sugar continues to be the leader in supporting Lemonade Day. The company, along with several other local sponsors, provides youth with free materials and support to build and run their businesses.

Other event supporters include HISD, YES Prep Public Schools, Spark Energy, KBR, Pappas Restaurants, Teach for America and BBVA Compass.

“At BBVA Compass, we work for a better future for people, with education being one of the main areas of focus for our corporate responsi-

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Continued on Page 8

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 28 | 2011

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national

U.S.briefs

Critics question effectiveness of Civil Rights Commission

By Kenneth J. Cooper Special to NNPA from America’s Wire

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Halfway through his term, President Barack Obama is moving to wrest control of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights from Republican appointees, but questions are being raised about its future and its ability to create a better America for victims of discrimination.

Due to what critics say is its unworkable structure, the commission has been largely ineffective in addressing civil rights issues, even with the recent addition of three Democratic members.

Commissioners unanimously elected a recent Obama appointee, Martin Castro, the new chairman. Still, critics have been pressing for adjustments that could end partisan gridlock while expanding the mission.

“The

commission of the 21st century can’t be the commission we had 50 years ago,” says Wade Henderson, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

The commission was created a half century ago to be an independent, bipartisan monitor empowered to investigate civil rights issues, publish reports, and advocate for fairer treatment of all citizens.

In the past, the commission helped to shape the contours

of such major legislation as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1978 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

But, civil rights leaders say that under Bush, the panel strayed far from its original mission, ignoring such major developments as treatment of Black residents of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina while instead focusing on conservative ideological issues that reflected Bush administration positions.

Henderson’s organization has called for a legislative makeover that would require Senate confirmation of appointees, reset the membership at an odd number to avoid partisan deadlock, and expand the commission’s oversight to include gay rights and domestic obligations under international human rights treaties.

Wade Henderson

Financial advice not reaching Black America

By AFRO Staff

Only two out of every 10 AfricanAmericans are on a path to achieve their retirement goals, according to a survey of Blacks conducted by a major wealth manager.

The study, titled “The AfricanAmerican Financial Experience,” produced an alarming snapshot of Black Americans’ financial reality: African-Americans do not save as much money as Whites because they distrust the financial system, and are three times more likely to take money from their retirement plans to meet immediate needs.

The survey was conducted by Prudential Insurance of America and interviewed approximately 1,500

Blacks between the ages of 27 and 70 who earn more than $25,000 a year.

The study found that while Blacks invest conservatively and have scant relationships with financial planning professionals, their dreams of financial independence are more ambitious than those of Whites.

The survey concluded Blacks are twice as likely as Whites to dream of owning a business. It also found that 60 percent of African-Americans surveyed held less than $50,000 in a company retirement plan and only 23 percent of those interviewed said they have more than $100,000 in their bank account.

As a group, Blacks are likely to put money into retirement plans, but

they also expect their company to sponsor it. Sharon C. Taylor, senior vice president of human resources with Prudential, said that employers should do more to foster Black financial literacy.

“African-Americans are looking to their employers for information, advice, and tools to help bolster their savings and better plan for their financial goals,” Taylor said.

The report also shows that African-Americans are “independent learners” when it comes to making financial decisions. They tend to rely on books, financial websites and faith-based organizations. In a Black household, the woman is usually the person who makes financial decisions.

Obama launches national Black outreach program The Obama administration will reach out to AfricanAmericans in coming months in a campaign to tell what Obama is doing for them. Obama is sending Black senior White House advisors into Black communities across the U.S. to share stories about how the administration is working to enhance their quality of life. “We’re taking the White House on the road,” Michael Blake, Obama’s director of African-American Outreach, told BlackAmericaWeb. “There are a lot of positive and transformational initiatives to help the African-American community that people are not aware of.”

Publisher receives support in ongoing legal battle Scores of supporters, including members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the NAACP, family and friends, converged on Washington, D.C., to stand with a New York publisher during a hearing in federal court. Karl B. Rodney, CEO of Carib News and Carib News Foundation, entered into an agreement with the U.S. government that concluded a long investigation into a Caribbean business conference. Rodney arranged for members of Congress to attend the conference, including U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel. Rodney was charged with lying to a Congressional committee about who paid for travel expenses. Rodney blamed a lapse of judgment that he deeply regretted. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22.

New Birth closer to settlement in Eddie Long case There are new reports that mediation sessions could be close to an agreement in the sexual misconduct case of Bishop Eddie Long. Four young men have sued Long, his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and the LongFellows Youth Academy, alleging Long coerced them into having sexual relations. Last year all parties agreed to mediation. An agreement would avoid a lengthy and costly trial. If an agreement isn’t reached, the case could go to trial this summer.

VOLUME 80 • NUMBER • 26 APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 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 Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer 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 28 | 2011 DEFENDER

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entertainment

what’sup H Tyler Perry wishes Spike

had come to him ‘Man to Man’

Moments after ripping Spike Lee during a press conference for “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” Tyler Perry was asked if he at least had a conversation with the filmmaker to discuss their issues.

“You know what’s unfortunate about that is what I wish he had done was come to me,” said Perry.

“If he had an issue with what I was doing call me.

Man to man, let’s have a conversation. Don’t go public talking to people so that every time I’m asked a question, I’m asked ‘Spike Lee said.’ Every time somebody asks me anything about what I do, ‘Spike Lee said’. You know it’s getting pretty annoying to me. So, no I haven’t had a conversation with him. I only called him once to congratulate him on ‘Inside Man’ when it opened and tell him what a huge fan I was of his.”

H Oprah flooded with requests to

put cancelled ABC soaps on OWN

Oprah Winfrey has taken to her YouTube page to tell folks she cannot be Captain Save-a-Soap.

Once ABC announced that its long-running soap operas “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” would be cancelled, fans of the shows began bombarding the talk show queen with requests for her to air them on OWN. Winfrey made a video explaining why she just can’t.

“I understand what it feels like to have a show you love off the air, I appreciate that you all think I could save the soaps,” says Oprah. “But here is the bone marrow truth. The soaps have been an institution in broadcast history and television because they had the support of the audience.”

Winfrey then lays out the unfortunate ratings statistics. “Believe me, if there was a dime left to be made from them on broadcast television it would still be happening. I will not be taking on the responsibility of trying to revive an institution that for all intent and all purpose indicates that that time has come for it to be over. So thank you for believing I could save them. But I really can’t.”

H ‘Waiting to Exhale’ sequel

to premiere next year

“Waiting to Exhale” fans, get ready for another phenomenal blow-out flick of the follow-up to the first grown-n-sexy story. Terry McMillan, author of the original 1992 novel and film featuring the ladies’ favorite group of girls, Whitney, Angela, Loretta, and Lela, announced that Getting to Happy is next on the line of tear jerking, drama spewing, on screen “sista-friend” chick flicks.

The plot follows Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria as they attempt to bring balance to love and life and finally find their true happiness.

McMillan teased on Twitter that she’s just about finished with the theater version of the film and should be up on the big screen some time next year. Loretta Devine and Angela Bassett have confirmed their involvement in the new production.

Coming up ….

Lauryn Hill in Concert House of Blues, May 4 @ 8 pm Charlie Murphy Comedy Show The Houston Improv, May 6 www.improv.com

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Isaiah Mustafa Old Spice pitchman stars in Tyler Perry film

N

By Kam Williams

FL player-turned-actor Isaiah Mustafa became famous almost overnight in 2010 as the result of starring in a series of Emmy-winning Old Spice TV commercials.

Serving as pitchman for the phenomenally-successful “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” campaign also transformed Mustafa into an Internet sensation.

Soon thereafter, he was named one of People Magazine’s Most Beautiful People of 2010, and Tyler Perry announced on “Oprah” that Isaiah would be playing a lead role in “Madea’s Big Happy Family.”

Additionally, he will be seen in July in “Horrible Bosses” opposite Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman and Kevin Spacey.

Here, he reflects upon his meteoric rise and his performance as Calvin in the latest Tyler Perry movie.

KW: What interested you in “Madea’s Big Happy Family?”

IM: Other than the fact that I’m in it? Everything. What wouldn’t interest me about it?

People really love Madea movies and get a kick out of them. They’re phenomenally successful. People get excited when a new one’s coming out. So, for me to be in that also, can you imagine?

KW: Tell me a little about your character, Calvin?

IM: He’s just a genuinely good guy. If it needs to be done, ask Calvin.

KW: How was it like being directed by Tyler Perry?

IM: For me, it was probably the best possible intro into playing a lead in a movie. The process was very educational for me, and he made it flow naturally. He was both easy to work with and to get along with. So, it was awesome for him to be so patient with me. All in all, it

was a really great experience.

KW: And how did you like working with such a big-name cast?

IM: It was an honor. I was like, “Wow!” and just grateful to have the opportunity to play with so many people whose work I’ve admired for so long.

KW: The Old Spice commercials are pretty fast-paced and upbeat. How many takes to get it perfectly done and how is it possible for you and the crew to not crack up laughing during the shoots?

IM: In terms of the takes, we normally rehearse several times over the course of four or five days so that by the last day it’s like a well-oiled machine. And as far as cracking up, if I laugh halfway through, it would ruin the take and everybody would have to reset. And that reset is about 15 to 25 minutes.

So, there’s a lot of pressure to nail it. You don’t want to mess up.

KW: Where did you take harder hits – on the football field as a wide receiver or on the set shooting those Old Spice ads as an actor?

IM: In acting, the hits you take are in doing the same thing over and over and over again. Football is different, but at some point you’re going to need a hot bath and a massage after any sort of grueling activity.

KW: How has smelling like a man changed your life?

IM: That’s an interesting question because that implies that I haven’t always been a man. Well, considering that I’ve always been a male, it hasn’t

changed all that much. Maybe it’s a little more dynamic. How about that?

KW: How has life in general changed for you since Old Spice?

Do you get stopped in public a lot?

IM: It’s not that different.

Sometimes people come up and talk to me and say they like my work.

And I smile back and say, “Thank you.” People are very polite.

KW: What was it like to make People Magazine’s “Most Beautiful People” list last year?

IM: It was an honor that someone would categorize me as a beautiful person.

KW: How do you want to be remembered?

IM: I just want to be remembered.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 28 | 2011

coverpage

Misplaced Priorities: Education, not incarceration

NAACP says downsize prisons, use money for schools it.”

“Misplaced Priorities” tracks the steady shift of state funds away from education and toward the t a time criminal justice system. when schools Researchers have found that across the over-incarceration most ofcountry are ten impacts vulnerable and experiencminority populations, and ing budget cuts, the money that it destabilizes commuspent on prisons continues nities. to increase. The NAACP The report is part of says America needs to get the “Smart and Safe Camits priorities straight. paign,” and the NAACP In a recently released is urging report titled Americans to “Misplaced sign a petiPriorities,” the tion that urges NAACP examgovernors to ines the escaadopt recomlating levels of mendations prison spendthat will help ing and its n Study the problem. policymakimpact on state n Create reinvestment commissions. ers in all 50 budgets and the n Eliminate disparities in drug laws. states downsize nation’s chiln Increase earned time for prisoners. prison populadren. Houston tions and shift is one of six n Support youth violence reduction programs. the savings cities profiled n Reform sentencing and drug policies. to education in the report. n Divert certain drug-involved individuals to treatment. budgets.

During a n Shorten prison terms.

The trip to Houscivil rights ton, NAACP n Increase parole release rates. organization President and n Reduce revoked probations of people under also released CEO Benjamin community supervision. billboards with Todd Jealous n such messages Support reentry and the sealing of records. said dollars as, “Welcome saved through to America, smarter crimihome to 5% of nal justice polithe world’s people and 25 cies should be sent “straight School District superintendent. % of the world’s prisoners. over” to public education Other advocates inThere is a better way.” systems. cluded representatives of Jealous called the “We’ve pushed this Americans for Tax Reform, current prison system a practice of impoverishthe United States Student “failure.” ing our state treasuries and Association, Prison Fel“We know that impoverishing the minds lowship and the California over the last 30 years, the of our children for a genCorrectional Peace Officers strategy of warehousing eration and a half,” Jealous Association. said. “It’s high time to stop Continued on page 9

By Marilyn Marshall Defender

A

The NAACP released the report during a press conference in Washington, D.C. Jealous was joined by what he described as “a very powerful bi-partisan group of advocates.” They included Dr. Rod Paige, who formerly served as U.S. secretary of education, Texas Southern University School of Education dean, and Houston Independent

Recommendations for criminal justice reform

“We know that over the last 30 years, the strategy of warehousing people who have violated the law is a failure.”

Benjamin Todd Jealous

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7

Neil Patrick Harris

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 28 | 2011 defendernetwork.com

Lemonade

Continued from page 3 bility initiatives,” said Mark Montgomery, the firm’s Houston City president. “As such, we wholeheartedly support Lemonade Day, understanding the instructional education, practical experience and immediate success that children receive through it.”

Though African-American participation in past Lemonade Days has been good, organizers expect an increase this year.

Participants also have the opportunity to donate a portion of their profits to the local charity of their choice.

Additionally, after covering their expenses and paying back their investors, children are encouraged to open a youth savings account.

The goal of Lemonade Day 2011 is to have 50,000 new entrepreneurs hit the streets of Houston on May 1.

Lemonade Day was born in Houston in 2007, and was inspired by local entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael

Holthouse. Since then the program has expand to 28 cities nationwide, with Houston still boasting the largest number of participants annually.

“Lemonade Day is a day of learning and celebrating our future. We recognize that the success of this effort is dependent upon so many businesses and individuals in our city. We are truly honored and humbled by the support of our local sponsors who are committed corporate citizens and understand the role they play in helping develop the leaders of tomorrow,” said Clare Sullivan, board chair of Lemonade Day Houston.

Lemonade Day is a part of Prepared 4 Life, a nonprofit that provides fun, proactive and experiential programs infused with life skills, character education and entrepreneurship. For more information visit www.

LemonadeDay.org or contact JC Perez at 713-400-9327 or jcperez@prepared4life.org.

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!

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 Texas Lottery Commission Invites You to Attend: “Doing Business texas style” spot Bid Fair in conjunction with: DFW Minority Supplier Development Council’s ACCESS 2011

The Texas Lottery invites small, historically underutilized, and minority-owned businesses to participate in a spot bid fair held in conjunction with the DFW Minority Supplier Development Council’s ACCESS 2011. Businesses will have a unique opportunity to compete for bid awards and network with state agencies and institutions of higher education.

Location: Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas 500 West Las Colinas Blvd | Irving, TX This event is FREE of charge!

Bids available for view at: http://www.utexas.edu/administration/hub

For more information contact: Annette Smith 512.471.2850 asmith@austin.utexas.edu or Tiffany Mays 512.471.2863 tiffany.dockery@austin.utexas.edu ©2011 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

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Monday, May 9, 2011 | 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Tuesday, May 10, 2011 | 8:30 am - 11:30 am & 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

defendernetwork.com DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 28 | 2011

Misplaced

9

Continued from page 6

people who have violated the law is a failure,” he said. “You can look at Florida and New York over the past decade. The prison population in Florida has gone up significantly and crime has gone up 16 percent.

In New York the prison population has gone down significantly because they’ve changed the sentencing laws and crime has gone down 16 percent.”

The NAACP report listed recommendations for criminal justice reform. They include: • Eliminate disparities in drug laws. Support efforts to abolish disparities in sentencing between crack and powder cocaine at the state and federal level.

• Increase earned time. Support reforms that would allow prisoners to earn an earlier release by participating in educational and vocational programming as well as drug and mental health treatment.

• Support youth violence reduction programs. Support policies to develop a comprehensive plan for implementing prevention and intervention strategies for at-risk youth to prevent gang activity and criminal justice involvement.

• Shorten prison terms. Send young offenders who would otherwise receive mandatory sentences to structured programs to help them earn their GED and shave time off their prison sentences.

Jealous cited statistics that emphasize the country’s growing prison population.

“A white person in America today is more likely to be locked up than a Black person in South Africa at the height of apartheid,” he said. “A Black person in America today is five times more likely to be behind bars than a Black person in South Africa at the height of apartheid.”

He reiterated that the U.S. must shift its focus.

“Let’s make sure our states understand that the top priority has to be education,” Jealous said. “Incarceration should be something we only do in this country as a last resort, when we’ve tried everything else and there is simply nothing else we can do but lock somebody up.”

Mothers Day

Sale

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10

DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 28 | 2011

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sports

Lady Tigers win

SWAC Western champs again The team is ranked 9th among all NCAA Division I softball programs with a .340 batting average. TSU is 4th in triples per game (0.4), 8th in stolen bases per game (2.26), 31st in scoring (5.86) and 43rd in slugging percentage (.260).

Head coach Worley Barker believes that the team’s lack of success in last year’s post-season conference tournament has fueled their desire in 2011.

“We brought a core group of kids back from last year, who returned with the right attitude,” Barker explained. “Going 0-2 in the tournament last season after winning the division title was a real disappointment for the entire program. We thought we were a much better ball club than that and it was very hurtful.

“We told the kids, ‘take that same disappointment and those hurt feelings home with you during the summer and bring that back with you in the fall and be ready to work.’ I think they did and they’ve responded very well.”

Coach Barker thinks a key contest earlier in the season against an arch rival provided the motivation for their success.

“We played Prairie View earlier in the season. We won the first game 9-0. In the second game we were winning 7-0 and allowed them to come back and beat us. We know we let one get away from us and I made some strate-

By Max Edison Defender

Don’t look now but the Texas Southern Lady Tigers softball squad is quietly establishing itself as one of the best teams not only in the SWAC, but the nation as well. The team recently captured its second consecutive SWAC Western Division title.

Texas Southern is 14-3 in conference and 23-24 overall, which is the best in its division.

Mississippi Valley, in the Eastern Division, is the only SWAC team with a better record (15-2 conference and 22-19 overall).

The Lady Tigers’ success has put the SWAC Champions on the map nationally.

gic mistakes, so we felt we owed them one,” Barker said.

“We played them again in early April and that week of practice every kid had a whole different mentality. I could tell that series was going to be a big one for us. In the three-game series we run-ruled them twice, in the first two games and won the third game as well. I felt that series was the turning point of our season.”

Barker also is relieved that his team’s wake-up call came at just the right time.

“As a coach you always want to make sure that the kids are getting where you’re trying to go,” Barker said. “You use a number of teaching mechanisms. You try the soft approach, if that doesn’t work, you try the hard approach, you try yelling, really a variety of things to get their attention.

“When the light finally comes on, it’s like, we’re there! It’s just like a parent, it’s like a feeling that you just can’t explain. We work on certain things every day in practice and to see us practice hard and then carry those teaching points into a game and execute, it’s really a great feeling.”

Unlike in seasons past, Barker feels teamwork has been their No. 1 strength in 2011.

“We don’t rely on one or two kids like we did last year.

When we had three or four kids that pretty much carried us and they slumped in the tournament we didn’t have anyone to pick up the slack. This year I feel our biggest strength is how we’ve come together as a team,” Barker said.

“We’re really playing well as a team both offensively, defensively as well as our pitching staff.

I just feel like we’re just a regular group of kids where everybody is doing their part to make it happen.”

Even though Barker speaks to the teamwork aspect of success, several Lady Tigers rank among the nation’s best. Monica Castillo (FR., Leander, TX) ranks 20th as the toughest player to strikeout and 46th with a .420 batting average.

Yesenia Torres (Jr., Edinburg, TX) holds the most rankings for the Lady Tigers. She’s 43rd in triples (3.0), 52nd with a .418 batting average and 69th for runs batted in per game (0.97).

Jessica Haynes

Fitima Alvizo (FR., Sugar

Monica Castillo

Yesenia Torres

Land, TX) ranks 42nd in toughest player to strike out. Jessica Haynes (SO, Houston, TX) is 43rd in triples (3.0) and JoAnn Herrera (FR, San Benito, TX) ranks 40th in saves (2.0).

The Lady Tigers travel to Irondale, AL, for the 2011 SWAC Championship Tournament, May 5-8.

The trio of Jessica Haynes (13), Monica Castillo (14) & Yesenia Torres (20) have been instrumental in teams success.

Lady Tigers coach Worley Barker has guided his troops to back to back division titles.

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WEEK OF APRIL 28 | 2011 DEFENDER

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Boys’ track and field

11

North Shore looks to repeat

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

tion. Teammate Darius Hyacinth (Louisiana Tech) challenged him every week and now he’s his own top competition.

“It’s really been different this year because it’s more like I’m competing with what I did the last week,” Davis said.

Davis won state with a leap of 50 feet, four-and-a-half inches. He won the recent District 21-5A meet with an effort of 51-9. It’s his work ethic and focus on returning to Austin (state meet) that have served as an example to his teammates according to North Shore head coach Garrett Cross.

“A lot of our kids look up to him because of what he accomplished last year,” Cross said. “But he’s mature enough to understand what happened last year doesn’t mean anything right now.”

The Mustangs have

The North Shore High School boys’ track and field team won the 2010 state and Region III-5A team titles with DeAndrew White (Alabama), Tim Cornett (UNLV) and Larry Stephens (Oklahoma State) leading the way.

Those three cornerstones graduated, leaving some huge shoes to fill for the Mustangs’ current squad.

Yet Jaylon Hicks, Jermaine Authorlee and defending Class 5A state triple jump champion Devante Davis have more than filled the void.

“We lost a lot of great speed, but we put other people in to fill their spots and they knew what they had to do for us to try and repeat and come close to what we were last year,” Davis said. “So far we’re doing a pretty good job.”

Last year Davis didn’t have to look very far for good competi-

won every meet they’ve entered in 2011 and will head into the Region III-5A meet May 2-3 at

Humble ISD’s Turner Stadium as heavy favorites to repeat as regional champions.

“We don’t think so much about the people we lost as we do about trying to improve in each meet,” said Hicks, who has already posted a personal best 10.42 seconds in the 100-meter dash this season. That’s only three-hundredths of a second off the state-winning time last year set by Sheroid Evans of Dulles.

Evans has shifted his focus to the hurdles this year leaving Hicks as a frontrunner to claim regional and state titles in the 100-meter dash.

Hicks and Authorlee are also key members of the Mustangs’ 400and 800-meter relays that both won District 21-5A titles. The 400 won the District 21-5A meet with the state’s best time of 41.10 seconds.

Jaylon Hicks is a key member of the Mustangs’ 400 and 800-meter relays.

classifieds

North Shore’s 800-meter relay set a school record (one minute, 25.42 seconds) at the 2011 Rice University Victor Lopez Classic.

Both marks were set without Oklahoma State signee Miketavius Jones, who injured a hamstring at the Texas Southern Relays and hasn’t run since. Jones is expected back for the regional meet.

“He [Jones] gives us a great start out of the blocks and he’s consistent,” Cross said. “So he’s really going to help us.”

Chris Dever, Larry McDuffey and Tarence McElroy will also play significant roles in the Mustangs’ plan to repeat as regional and state champions.

“We don’t really think about winning the meet,” Davis said.

“We just think about doing the best we possibly can in our individual events, and as a team when we’re running on the relays, and winning is going to come with us doing what we’re supposed to do.”

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T:2.82”

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

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12

DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 28 | 2011

defendernetwork.com

For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

MENTORING YOUNG MEN……….The 100 role model and phenomenal woman. Several students Black Men Metropolitan Houston celebrated their who exemplify a high level of character and integrity 4th annual gala at the Museum of Fine Arts. Their and a desire to succeed received scholarships. We theme this year, “It Takes A salute the gala’s honorary chairs, Andrea Village – Raising Leaders and former Mayor Bill White, chapter Join Yvette Chargois Through Mentoring,” speaks president, Dr. Frazier Wilson, and the Events of the Week volumes to how the men of entire membership for a successful event.

More photos on defendernetwork.com the organization continue Keep up the good work!........ SILVER See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads to lead by example through ANNIVERSARY……..The first with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. their successful programs, official event in celebration of the Harris initiatives and continuous County Precinct One Street Olympics acts of giving. Five outstanding leaders and mentors was the 25th Annual Participating Agency Luncheon with over 50 agencies in attendance. These agencies, were honored: Dr. Archie Blanson, education; Rep. located throughout Harris County, are preparing Sylvester Turner, mentoring; Sherman Lewis III, for approximately 8,000 young folks that will be economic development; Dr. Elgin Wells, DDS, competing in this year’s “Final Summer Games” to health and wellness, and Judge Vanessa Gilmore,

Andrea White, Vanessa Gilmore and Bill White

Connie Fortune and Anita Dixon

2011-2012 Queen Annette Chenevert

be held in August. No one could be prouder of this program than its founder, Commissioner El Franco Lee and board chair, Ms. Chag. Good luck to all our youth!......A SHOWCASE OF FASHION……..

Callie Lewis Watson, founder/president/CEO, and the Forty Plus Models, Inc., presented their 18th Annual Scholarship Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel. A record-breaking crowd of 1,400 ladies and some men attended this fabulous event. The organization awarded $15,000 in scholarships to graduating high school students who are in need, and presented the 2011-2012 king and queen. King Robert Williams and Queen Annette Payne Chenevert received the honors. Continued success!..........From Chag’s Place to your place, Ciao Darling!

Honorees Dr. Elgin Wells, Dr. Archie Blanson, Judge Vanessa Gilmore and Rep. Sylvester Turner

Miki Wilson and Chapter President Dr. Frazier Wilson

David Benson, John Beaudion, Commissioner El Franco Lee, Brian Rego, Connie Thomas and David Matthews

Forty-Plus Models Vernitta Lenor and Vivian Singleton

Jo Ann Newsome and Doug Earle

Marguerite Grice and Callie Lewis Watson

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