Houston Defender: May 9, 2010

May 9 – 15, 2010 | FREE

Volume 79 Number 28

www.defendernetwork.com

STOP POLICE

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

BRUTALITY Photo: Arizona Informant

Students from Arizona and surrounding states protest new immigration bill that many say encourages racial profiling.

Az. immigration law under fire

By Floyd Alvin Galloway SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE ARIZONA INFORMANT

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - In the late 80’s Republican Governor Evan Mecham, set off a bomb that cost the state of Arizona millions of dollars in tourist and convention business when he repealed the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Photos: Quanell X

Eight Houston police are under investigation for the alleged beating of Chad Holley.

CHANGES NEEDED

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley DEFENDER

The family of a young man who says he was “savagely beaten” by eight Houston police officers say they hope a lawsuit will send a strong message that police brutality will not be tolerated. A lawsuit is expected to be filed any day now on behalf of 15year-old Chad Holley, who was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Holley has received the support of a coalition of Black community leaders who are calling for indictments against the eight officers. Representatives of ★BEATING, Page 7

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Houston City Council establish Civilian review board with subpoena and investigative power.

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State Reps. pass legislation to support the civilian review board in Houston.

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in April.

Under the measure, the Treasury Department is required to instruct U.S. executives at the WASHINGTON (NNPA) International Monetary Fund, President Obama has signed into the World Bank and other instilaw a bill calling for the United tutions to use the force and States to take the lead in forgivinfluential power of the United ing debt owed to international States to cancel Haiti’s debt. lenders by earthquake-ravaged The bill calls for Haiti to Haiti. receive aid in the form of grants The bill, signed April 26, urges until Feb. 1, 2015. Following major multinational institutions Barack that date, multilateral developto cancel all debt owed to them Obama ment institutions may resume

by Haiti and recommends that all aid in the form of new loans. aid to the country for the next The Treasury said at the five years be provided in the beginning of March that Haiti form of grants rather than loans. owed $828 million to several “The President’s signature on international institutions, this bill is further indication of according to the Associated the United States’ support for the Press.

Since then, one of those people of Haiti,” institutions, the Inter-American Congresswoman Maxine Waters Maxine Development Bank, said it (D-Calif.), who sponsored the Waters would forgive THE $447 milHouse version of the bill, said in lion Haiti owed it, and convert a statement. “I authored this legislation because Haiti’s immense debt remaining undistributed loans into burden would have severely impeded the grants.

Other organizations, including the country’s recovery efforts.”

World Bank and International Monetary The bill was approved in the House on Fund, have also begun to make moves to April 14 and passed the Senate earlier SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFROAMERICAN NEWSPAPERS

Call the Harris County District Attorney, Pat Lykos to request a speedy and thorough investigation.

stances,” lawyer Paul Aman said.

Prosecutors have declined to comment on the shooting, which sparked complaints of racial profiling against Cotton and the Bellaire Police Department. Cotton is white, Tolan is Black. Cotton has denied Tolan’s race affected his actions, and his lawyer said the officer fired when he thought his life was in danger.

A consultant hired by the city to compile its annual report to the state on racial Sgt. Jeff profiling later issued a report, concluding Cotton there was not enough information in

Jury selection has begun in the aggravated assault trial of Bellaire Police Sgt. Jeff Cotton, accused of shooting Robert Tolan in his parents’ driveway.

Cotton, 40, is charged with aggravated assault by a public servant. His attorney said the 10-year veteran officer is looking forward to having all of the evidence about the shooting come out.

“Sgt. Cotton acted as a reasonable police officer would have acted under the circum-

★BELLAIRE, Page 3

INTERVIEW

Soledad focuses on Haiti rescue

By Kam Williams

380,000 orphans, but that many have been sold into slavery. Their perilous predicament is the focus of Rescued, Soledad’s shocking special report, which is set to premiere on CNN on Saturday May 8th at 8 PM. Here, she talks about the riveting documentary, which will be voiceovered by Wyclef Jean and Edwidge Danticat and told from the perspectives of six-year-old orphan Candy Jeune and a freed slave named Marc Kenson Oliphi.

Kam Williams: Hi, Soledad, thanks again for the time.

Soledad O’Brien: You bet.

KW: How are the kids? Last time we spoke, they played such a big role, demanding your attention periodically during the interview.

SO: [Chuckles] They’re fine, thanks.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Since Haiti’s no longer front-page news, it’s very easy to forget about the fact that there’s an ongoing crisis there in the wake of the devastating earthquake which hit the island on January 12th. Fortunately, CNN’s Soledad O’Brien stands out as a journalist who has remained very committed to keeping the story of the country’s recovery on the front burner.

She recently returned to the region to investigate the plight of the disaster’s most vulnerable victims – the kids. Interviewing locals, missionaries, aid workers, bureaucrats and children themselves, Soledad discovered not only that Haiti now has about

★IMMIGRATION, Page 3

President Obama signs debt relief bill for Haiti

Bellaire officer on trial DEFENDER NEWSERVICE

Some protesters of the illegal-immigration bill signed by Republican Gov. Jan Brewer believe it will have the same effect on an already financially troubled state. On Friday, April 23, Gov. Brewer signed what is called the most stringent anti-immigration bill in the country. They have likened it to the South African

When I go back to Haiti in June and Sofia’s out of school, I’ll take her with me, which will be an interesting trip. And, from there, we’ll go to New Orleans, because she’s getting old enough to start touring some of the places I’ve worked.

KW: What interested you in covering this story?

SO: I don’t think you can walk around reporting on Haiti and be on the ground there, and not feel compelled by the story of the orphaned and abandoned children.

When I was there immediately after the earthquake, there was certainly nothing as heart-wrenching as seeing the ★SOLEDAD, Page 2

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MAY 9 – 15, 2010 | DEFENDER

Soledad

continued from page 1 condition of many of the kids, because it’s such a massive problem. So, I was eager to cover the story for CNN with a potential global audience of two billion people.

KW: Two things that shocked me watching an advance copy of the special: the sheer number of Haitian children without parents, 380,000, and the fact that about 300,000 of them are enslaved.

SO: It’s incredible, isn’t it? And that estimate is conservative. Some people put the number at around 1.5 million on the high side. That’s what I heard yesterday, but it’s just an educated guess at this point.

KW: What is the Haitian government doing about the fact that they have a situation where people are being enslaved?

SO: It’s such a hard thing for those of us in this country to get our minds around, but it’s completely legal. I’m sure you saw in the piece how the boy named Matthinson’s father sold him for about $12 dollars to go and be a slave for a complete stranger. But it’s an indication of just how devastating the poverty is in Haiti that that’s a viable option. It’s pervasive throughout the country. And unfortunately, it’s perfectly legal.

KW: Another segment I found compelling was the one about the missionary work of Bill and Suzette Manazarro. Why did you decide to include them?

SO: It was such a great story in a lot of ways, starting with Suzette and Bill’s philosophy of taking in children not to send them overseas for adoption, but to raise them right there so they can grow up to become productive, standup citizens and help rescue Haiti. The “Rescue” in our title refers not only to the Manazarros’ work but also the hope that the children might, in turn, rescue their own nation. I thought that was a very interesting strategy for a nation that’s just been through a devastating earthquake. It also helped that we came across a young man who had been shooting at their orphanage for a few years. His videotape enabled us to tell their story from 2007 to the present.

KW: You also said that about three-quarters of Haiti’s schools are in ruins. So, are the children being educated?

Photo: Jonathan Torgovnik

CNN Reporter Soledad O’Brien said she couldn’t help but be touched by the plight of Haiti’s children. Her special report, “Rescued” airs May 8th on CNN. SO: In some cases, yes. I’m not sure of the latest status on that, because the situation is changing very rapidly. But the official schools have been ruined. They collapsed in the earthquake. In fact, the entire infrastructure of the children’s lives have pretty much collapsed. So many people, like Bill and Suzette, have set up their own schools for the kids in their care.

KW: What does Haiti need right now?

SO: Well, Kam, how much time do you have?

KW: Then answer this, how can someone who wants to get involved help Haiti?

SO: There are so many churches that have missions in Haiti. I’d say reach out and find an organization whose work you like and get connected through them.

KW: What outcomes do you hope to have as a result of this special?

SO: I think one goal is just to keep the story of Haiti in the news, to keep people exposed to what’s going on in order to help

them recognize the depth of the problem for orphans in a really cohesive way.

KW: I understand, because I was torn between interviewing a movie star this week and this opportunity to talk to you about Haiti again. I’ll be honest, I seriously debated it.

SO: I won the toss-up, then. [Laughs] I love to be able to get out an important message so that another journalist asks himself, “Hmm? Should I interview a starlet with a new hit movie or do an interview about this important story that still needs to be told?” I love that you wrestled with that. And that I won. So, journalism lives! I’m excited about that.

KW: You previously mentioned the need for “opportunity” and “real infrastructure” in Haiti. I know it has not been long and it may be just a few starfish back in the sea but have you seen any improvements?

SO: Yes, I did see some minor improvements, but it’ll be more interesting to look

at the answer to that question when I go back next month.

KW: Do you think that a new, stronger Haiti will be a valuable ally to the US military?

SO: I think the answer is, yeah, probably, but that’s not the big problem right now.

What Haiti needs is infrastructural repair, not a new military base or a great jumpingoff point for U.S. Armed Forces. They need jobs for the people and care for the children, and a movement to address the child slavery issue. In my mind, all that stuff comes way before any questions about whether Haiti’s well-position to be a viable military base for the United States.

KW: What did you put down on your census form? Obama checked off “Black” when he is just as Black as white. How do you self-identify?

SO: I find the question really ridiculous.

All the schooling I have to do on this topic is wearing me out. Obama is Black. His mother was white. I am Black. My father is white. I’m going to give everybody a History 101 lesson. Some Black people have white blood in them. This has been going on for many generations, people.

Look at any family of Black people. They run a range of colors. This is why.

KW: You and all five of your siblings graduated from Harvard, so I have to ask you what you think about Stephanie Grace, the Harvard Law student who recently sent out an email stating that she believes Black people are genetically inferior to white people. Were you shocked by her statement?

SO: My first reaction was, “Well, who’s the dumb one?” If you’re going to talk about innate intelligence, maybe sending out that email is not the smart thing to do.

That would make me ask, who’s the stupid one in this equation? But am I shocked?

Sadly, no. I’m not even surprised.

KW: Well, Soledad, thanks again for another fun interview.

SO: Thank you so much for doing this story. We’re hoping that lots of folks watch “Rescued,” because it’ll be an indication that people want continued coverage of Haiti.

KW: I’ll certainly do my best to spread the word.

SO: Thanks, Kam, bye.

AUTO NEWS

MAY 9 – 15, 2010 | DEFENDER

3

By Darrell K. Ardison

2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara It’s an ultra-competitive market among the sports utility vehicles in the world.

The original Ford Explorer was the precedent that every other SUV measured itself by, and for good reason. The Explorer combined style, functionality and across-the-board appeal.

With a long list of illustrious predecessors like the Explorer, Toyota 4runner, GMC Tahoe and Chevrolet Trailblazer that hog most of the attention (and sales), it’s a tough road for upstarts like the 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xsport.

But thanks to inspired exterior styling, a comfortable interior layout and all-around solid performance, Suzuki has produced a genuine player in the Grand Vitara as a bargain basement option.

Even at the affordable (as-tested) price of $26,153, the Grand Vitara brings many of the amenities we’ve come to expect from larger, more expensive SUVs. Let’s begin with the interior. The seating position provides good sight lines and front legroom is more than ample. Features like a navigation system with 4.3-inch touch screen display, power/tilt slide sunroof and leather steering wheel with audio controls are what you might expect to see in larger, higher-priced SUVs. On the negative side, rear legroom leaves a little bit to be desired.

The Grand Vitara’s exterior is enhanced by the bold, Superman-like “S” in the middle of the front grille. Black roof rails and a rounded front hood add to the vehicle’s sporty presence.

A 3.2-liter V6 engine that produces 230 horsepower and 213 pounds-per-foot of torque matched with a five-speed automatic transmis-

GRAND VITARA: HIGHLIGHTS sion is quite competent and makes acceleration on the freeway rather effortlessly.

More than capable of handling off-road chores, the Grand Vitara possesses a four-mode full-time 4WD system with low range off-road gearing, hill hold control and hill descent control. A four-wheel independent suspension provides a smooth, un-small SUV-like ride.

Suzuki didn’t cut corners with safety and security features either.

Along with an electronic stability program and traction control system, the Grand Vitara’s brakes are among the best in its class, thanks to

an anti-lock system and electronic brake force distribution.

Other standard safety equipment includes dual stage front air bags, front seat side impact supplemental air bags, side curtain air bags with rollover sensor and a tire pressure monitoring system.

For good measure, the Grand Vitara earned five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the side front seat and crash rear seat categories.

Four stars were yielded in the frontal driver, crash passenger and rollover divisions.

Immigration

continued from page 1

Marian Tolan and son Robbie Tolan answer reporters’ questions at a news press conference.

Bellaire

continued from page 1 department statistics about arrests and traffic stops to indicate whether Bellaire officers conducted racial profiling. The Houston NAACP blasted the report as flawed.

The son of former major league player Bobby Tolan, Robert Tolan played baseball for Bellaire High School and was pursuing a professional baseball career at the time of the shooting.

After getting off work at a restaurant on Dec. 31, 2008, Tolan, then 23, and his cousin were stopped as he parked in his parents’ driveway about 2 a.m. Another officer had dispatchers look up the license plates on Tolan’s sport utility vehicle, but got wrong information, leading him to believe the vehicle was stolen.

Several officers approached Tolan and his cousin, who were ordered to the ground. As

Tolan’s family came out to explain the situation, Tolan’s mother was pushed against a wall, representatives for Tolan’s family have said. Tolan’s attorney Geoffrey Berg said when Tolan rose to protest, Cotton fired several times, striking Tolan once in the chest.

Berg said he expects Tolan to testify at Cotton’s trial. Berg is representing Tolan and his family in a lawsuit seeking damages from Cotton, another officer, the police chief, mayor and other Bellaire officials. The lawsuit alleges a culture of racism among Bellaire police and says police “engage in unconstitutional racial profiling and discrimination as a matter of policy.”

Berg said the lawsuit has been on hold as the family waits to see what happens in Cotton’s case. Cotton, free on $20,000 bond, remains on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the case, Bellaire police officials said.

apartheid rule when Blacks were required to carry proper papers justifyING them to be in certain areas or be arrested, beaten or worse.

The governor describes it as “another step forward in protecting the state of Arizona.”

But, many in the minority community say it will open the gates to racial profiling.

“I will not tolerate racial discrimination or racial profiling in the state of Arizona,” she said.

She also emphasized an amendment to the bill that prevents law enforcement personnel from using a person’s race as the only factor in implementing the law. “This protects all of us – every Arizona citizen and everyone here lawfully,” she said.

The bill, authored by Sen. Russell Pierce, who is also trying to eliminate ethnic studies in high schools and universities, says this bill will take the handcuffs off law enforcement and allow them to do their jobs without restrictions.

Opponents of the law, including Rep. Raul Grijalva (DAriz.), have said it amounts to “institutionalized discrimination and abuse.” But Brewer defended her decision as her only choice considering the federal government’s failure to secure the border.

MSRP base price $25,499 (as tested -$26,153) Engine 3.2-liter V6 Transmission Five-speed automatic Fuel economy 17 miles per gallon (city), 23 mpg (highway) Estimated annual fuel cost $2,051 (based on $2.60 per gallon)

During the Bush administration, the president tried to pass comprehensive immigration reform, but was met by opposition from his own party including Arizona senator Jon Kyl. Sen. John McCain had at one time endorsed immigration reform, but during a tough campaign re-election he has changed his tune regarding it to try to gain more support from the conservative side of his party.

On Thursday, April 22, close to a thousand students from high schools around the Valley participated in a hands on civics lesson. They walked out of classes, and marched to the capital to voice their opposition to the Senate Bill 1070. Protesters from as far away as California, Texas and New Mexico picketed at the capital to try and sway the governor to veto the bill.

A 24-year-old Black California resident came with a group called the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. “My parents are from Nigeria and they went through something similar in the 70’s and I think it’s wrong.

All it does is promote hate and fear.” The out-of-state contingent chanted, “Arizona We Got Your Back.”

Dory, a Black Arizona State University graduate student was protesting with 125 other people outside the downtown Sheraton Hotel in downtown

Phoenix where the governor was speaking at a dinner for Chicanos Por La Causa.

“I heard about the bill. I think it is an embarrassment. I think it’s wrong to be racial profiling people, and that’s what this bill will do. I’m an immigrant; I just don’t look like an immigrant. I think its wrong and I wanted to be heard.

Before Brewer signed the bill, President Obama called it “misguided” and said the legislation demonstrates why Congress must act soon to pass comprehensive immigration reform. He has ordered the Justice Department to look at the bill.

At a recent Rose Garden naturalization ceremony for members of the American military, President Obama warned that the bill “threatened to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.”

The bill will make it a state crime not to carry proof of legal immigration status and will require Arizona’s state and local police to ask about a person’s immigration status if there is “reasonable suspicion” that he or she is in the country illegally.

There are expected to be numerous challenges in the courts to the bill.

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VOLUME 79 • NUMBER 28 MAY 9 – 15, 2010

smart decision

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Columnist Yvette Chargois

Editor Von Jiles

Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

Associate Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Cale Carter

Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Webmaster Corneleon Block

By attending HCC for the first two years of their college education, students can save over $11,000. It’s like a free lesson in economics.

The Houston Defender Newspaper published by The Houston Defender Inc. Company (713) 663-6996. The Defender audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscriptions, send $60.00 — 1 year, to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston, TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All materials covered by 2009 copyright... (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

4

MAY 9 – 15, 2010 | DEFENDER

SPORTS

MAY 9 – 15, 2010 | DEFENDER

Max Edison

on Sports

Leadership 101 If anyone out there personally knows soon to be released, former #1 overall selection, most disappointing #1 draft pick in NFL history, Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell, share with him this portrait of what leadership at the quarterback position looks like, Vince Young.

While we wait for Russell to keep his weight under 290 (consistently) and give the Raiders a little bit of a return on their money, he can take a look at how VY approaches leadership from the quarterback position.

During recent workouts in Nashville, Vincent announced he would be taking a group of receivers, tight ends and running backs to either San Diego or Houston in an effort to bond, work on timing and better connect on and off the field. The players provide their own airfare and Vince will take care of everything else.

“I feel like it is best for us to get away and get to know each other and bond and get on the same page throwing and working out together,”’ #10 said. “And then after we take care of our football stuff in the morning, we get a chance to relax and talk and hang out together and do some things.”

Young feels independent efforts of this nature pay dividends in the future.

“So when the season comes around and we’re out there against an opponent, we all know each other from all that chemistry and relationship and spending time with one another.”

5

Aaron Glenn

Business Life Beyond the Gridiron

By Max Edison DEFENDER

L

ong before Aaron Glenn hung up his cleats, he realized he needed to prepare for life after football. Now, after patrolling NFL secondaries for 15 years with five teams, #31 is devoting the majority of his time to his business interests, which are diverse and rapidly expanding.

“I recently heard Pat Kirwan (former Jets GM) say something on Sirius Radio, that I’ve never said loudly, but I totally agreed with. ‘The NFL is not a career, it’s an opportunity to get a chance to set yourself up to start your career’,” Glenn shared. “Three or four years of your life playing football is not a career. I was blessed to play fifteen. I always wanted to make sure I found my niche, to get a chance to meet people in the business world and learn things from them.”

And Glenn has learned well. His business footprint is quite diverse. He operates five business entities under the umbrella 3131 Properties. Glennlock Foods, LTD, is a hospitality management company that owns and operates restaurant brands such as Frenchy’s and Williams Chicken.

Glennlock Foods also operates a catering division and offers restaurant management consulting services. Dallas Sports Agency is committed to providing the very best service to our professional athletes - both on and off the field. Glennlock Construction, LLC is a turnkey solution for site development construction services. Bowie Creative, LLC is a creative services company graphic design company. Aaron Glenn Foundation was designed to support and elevate the great work and vision of charities in the Houston market and throughout the state of Texas.

Recently, Glenn announced he is now the proud owner of Velocity Sports Performance Houston, with two locations, one in Missouri City and one in Cy-Fair.

Velocity is the largest provider of sports performance in the nation. They offer training in a positive, safe and professional environment. Their centers offer training in every sport, at all ages and at all skill levels.

★EDISON, Page 6

Photo: Houston Texans

#31 Aaron Glenn has successfully made the transition from gridiron to boardroom

Darrell Ardison

on H.S. Sports With five Houston area schools ranked in the final regular season state Class 5A coaches’ poll, hope remains alive that two 5A schools will advance to the state softball tournament in Austin.

The Woodlands figures to be a force in Region II-5A while Tomball and New Caney are still alive. Region III-5A is wide open with Bellaire, Fort Bend Elkins, Clements and Pearland seeking the grand prize.

Elkins was beset by injuries during the regular season, but the Knights could be ready for a long foray into the playoffs now that pitcher Nicole Gremillion is healthy and the team is on a 10-game winning streak. Two of those victories came over Clements last week to secure the top seed in District 23-5A. Second baseman Elizabeth Arana is the anchor of The Woodlands stout defense and she’s also hitting .352 with seven home runs. The Highlanders also boast stellar pitching in Paige McDuffee and freshman Kristen Clark.

Cinco Ranch found little resistance in District 17-5A and were undefeated in league play (10-0) while building momentum for the playoffs.

Clements senior pitcher Liz Paul is one of the ★ARDISON, Page 6

★GLENN, Page 6

Bellaire, The Woodlands charge into softball playoffs

The Bellaire softball team is flying high in the playoffs.

By Darrell K. Ardison DEFENDER

Bellaire’s Brien Tuffly and Richard Jorgensen of The Woodlands have a number of things in common.

Besides a long-standing friendship, they both serve as head coach of one of the state’s top girls high school softball teams.

In the final regular-season state softball coaches’ poll, The Woodlands dropped to No. 5 after being ranked No. 1 the previous four weeks. The Highlanders dropped their last regular-season game to New Caney.

Thus, Bellaire jumped three spots in the latest poll to No. 4 and became the highestranked Houston area school in the state Class

5A classification. Pearland (6), Elkins (8) and Cinco Ranch (9) are also ranked in the Top 10.

Both Bellaire and The Woodlands began the playoffs with impressive 2-0 sweeps in best-of-three first-round playoff series.

Bellaire topped Aldine Nimitz by scores of 15-0 and 10-0 while The Woodlands disposed of Klein Oak 7-0 and 11-0.

Bellaire junior ace Gabby Smith improved to 22-2 on the season with a 15-0 verdict in the series opener. Freshman Kristen West went to the circle in the series clincher and earned her third victory of the season (3-0).

“Gabby is more of a power pitcher with movement and has recorded over 260 strikeouts on the season,” Tuffly said. “She’s hav-

ing a great career and already committed to the University of Texas.

“This was the first playoff game that Kristen has ever thrown,” said Tuffly, who has guided the Cardinals to a 32-4 overall record and a second-round playoff matchup against the Katy-Stratford winner. “Kristen throws a lot of off-speed and drop balls so we expect to play defense behind her and not get as many strikeouts. Although she did get 10 today.”

Tuffly says good pitching and a quality defense are must-factors in building a team capable of a long playoff run.

“We’ve typically been a good hitting team ★BELLAIRE, Page 6

SPORTS

6

Glenn

continued from page 5

Photo: Houston Texans

Once an NFL ballhawk, Glenn now intercepts the competition with innovative business ideas.

Edison

continued from page 5 Titan wide-out Nate Washington, who worked with Young in Houston last offseason agrees the time spent together can be beneficial.

“We’ve been talking about all the guys going somewhere to isolate ourselves and to buckle down,” Washington said. “It is really the mental thing. … It should make us all a lot better.”

Gee, it sounds so simple, maybe Vince can package this type of thinking and sell it to JaMarcus. I understand one thing he doesn’t have is money problems!

Dynamo Charity The Houston Dynamo are

holding a Champions of Hope event on May 22 with proceeds benefitting the Leukemia & Lymphona Society. Spearheaded by senior vice president Rocky Harris, midfielder Richard Mulrooney, and president/general manager Oliver Luck, the Dynamo have set a goal of raising $20,000 for Harris’ Leukemia & Lymphona Society Man of the Year campaign. Dynamo Charities will match all contributions up to $5,000.

The cause is near to Harris because his mother, La Verne Abe Harris, was recently diagnosed with an incurable form of leukemia.

Both Mulrooney, honorary campaign manager, and Luck, honorary campaign

Ardison

continued from page 5 Houston area’s top hurlers and she has recorded more than 350 strikeouts this year. The Rangers swept perennially powerhouse Brazoswood 11-4 and 2-0 in first-round playoff action.

Among the contenders in Region III4A, Angleton, Santa Fe, Barbers Hill and Montgomery are all capable of making it to the state tournament.

“I am truly excited to be the new owner of Velocity Sports Performance in Houston,” Glenn declared. “This is the place I grew up playing sports and it means so much to have the opportunity to give back to those athletes that want to go to the next level. My team and I have huge plans for the expansion of the Velocity name, as well as locations. We are thrilled about what we offer in sports performance training! I invite you to join me and experience the finest quality of sport performance training available in the Houston area.”

For Aaron Glenn, becoming involved in his business ventures has helped ease his transition away from football.

“It gives me the drive to compete and be the best that I can be. It’s just a different industry that I compete in now. For example, with Frenchy’s, I look at other places, competition like Popeye’s, KFC, Hartz and I say what do we have to do to make ourselves stand out, to be better than those guys. The result is our fast casual concept at our location across from Reliant Stadium.

It’s the first one done in the city, it’s been quite successful and we’re pretty proud of it.”

Glenn, now that he has retired, maintains the same type of aggressive style in management that made him a first round draft pick and a three-time Pro Bowler. He’s more than just a figurehead or a celebrity endorser.

chair, lost fathers to leukemia.

“When I first got word of Rocky putting together a campaign for the L&L Society, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of,” Mulrooney said. “I recently lost my father to leukemia after he battled this disease for nine years, and I truly believe he could have lived longer with more funding for research by this society. I was fortunate enough to have him for the last half of those nine years due to the medicines that were being developed and the doctors that were being educated daily on the disease. But I also believe that with more funding and research put toward this, my father could have lived for

Tight district races have all five schools primed for a state run.

Angleton made the state championship game last season under new head coach Cindy Rubio. The Wildcats held off Santa Fe, Manvel and Friendswood in rugged District 24-4A to finish as the top seed.

Santa Fe swept El Campo 9-0 and 30 to advance to the area round of the playoffs. Friendswood defeated Bay City in game three of its best-of-three first-round playoff series 1-0 to

Bellaire

continued from page 5 with good pitching but our defense and team speed have been suspect,” Tuffly said. “This year we’ve got all facets of the game. We’ve got good team speed, we’ve got the hitting and pitching and we’ve got the defense. Now we’ve just got to get some breaks. Good pitching and timely hitting can carry you a long way if you’re solid in the other areas.”

Nimitz (9-15) had few opportunities to make things happen against the favored Cardinals.

“Everything they put in play we fielded cleanly and even when they put a runner on base, we take pride in putting zeros on the scoreboard,” Tuffly said. “We tell our outfielders to try and limit base hits to singles so we can work our way out of trouble. We haven’t made an error in the last three games and if we can keep that up, we’ll give ourselves a chance to go a long way.”

In addition to leading the Cardinals in pitching, Smith led Bellaire in hitting with a .533 batting average in the regular season. Mackenzie Sher (.482 with nine home runs), Victoria Granchelli (.408), Elizabeth Caggiano (.392) and Michaela Granchelli (.351) have also been stellar in Bellaire’s hit parade.

The Woodlands was equally effective in its first-round playoff series against Klein Oak. Although Oak wasn’t operating at the same level as last season when the Panthers advanced to the regional semifinals before being upset by CyFair, Jorgenson and his team were not going to underestimate their opponent.

“I have a lot of respect for their program and I know that coach (Javier) Vela will always have his team competitive,” Jorgenson said, prior to game one.

The Woodlands won game one (7-0) at Klein Oak before returning home to clinch the series (11-0).

Sophomore Paige McDuffee improved to 23-1 on the season as she was the winning pitcher in both games. McDuffee

MAY 9 – 15, 2010 | DEFENDER

“If I put my name on it, I’m going to make decisions on it,” #31 quipped! “A lot of guys stay in the background and they really don’t know what’s going on, that’s a problem for me. When I was still playing, I had Jason Medlock, the president of my company and a great guy, handle things.

Now that I’ve retired, we work as a team to get things done. The way this company goes is under my call. If we’re going to fall, let it be on me and no one else!”

As an athlete that excelled in a team sport, Aaron Glenn understands the value of great teammates and is quick to acknowledge the role of his company’s president, Jason Medlock.

“It all starts with Jason to be honest with you,” Glenn explained. “He was the guy that held everything together while I was playing. He had a lot of hats to wear. It was quite a challenge, but he stepped up and got things done. Even when it’s things I don’t want to hear, he’s upfront with me. I tell him all the time how much I appreciate him.”

When it comes to former athletes and business success, the ultimate role model is former Laker Hall of Famer, turned business mogul Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

Glenn has been motivated and inspired by the success Johnson has had and seeks to emulate him in his own way.

“Magic is the guy,” AG proclaimed.

“I’ve had a chance to have a conversation with him and he taught me a lot. Little things, like how to handle myself in various situations. How to carry yourself in public,

years or could have beaten this disease in due time. To help other people, funds must be raised, and I believe this campaign will help bring us closer to beating it for good.”

The Dynamo will also be offering a Champions of Hope game-day package for the May 22 game against D.C. United. The package will include a ceramic Dynamo beer stein, a pregame drink, and a ticket to the game, all for $49.99.

Items from Dynamo players will also be auctioned off after the May 22 game, with proceeds benefitting the Harris fundraising campaign. More information is available at HoustonDynamo.com/LLS.

advance.

In the smaller classes, Splendora, Huffman and defending state champion Needville appear to be the favorites in Class 3A while in 2A Danbury has been ranked No. 1 in the state for the past seven weeks.

Baseball Rankings Bellaire is ranked No. 10 in the latest Baseball America High School Top 25 Poll.

Klein dropped two spots and comes in at No. 11.

survived a potential threat in the top of the first inning in game two when Klein Oak loaded the bases after two outs.

“Paige pitched the whole game (seven innings) in the first game and she hadn’t done that in a while because we had shortened games (mercy rule) in nine of the 15 district games we played,” Jorgenson said. “She was in a real groove in that game and we didn’t want to take her out.

“Yet we could see that she wasn’t as sharp in the first inning of game two. But she actually gets tougher when runners are in scoring position,” Jorgenson said. “Paige is a sophomore who has already committed to LSU and she pours it on when the other team is threatening.”

Jorgenson said his team may have benefited from a lateseason loss to New Caney. The Highlanders improved to 332 on the season with the first-round playoff victories over Klein Oak. “It was a hiccup for us after playing well all season,” he said. “We didn’t come out and play real well, we were kind of flat (against New Caney).

“So we had a wake-up call in practice last week and the girls knew they didn’t play well. We didn’t have to say much to them,” Jorgenson said. “We’ve got a great group of girls.”

The Highlanders utilized the same formula against Klein Oak that had bode well for them during the regular season – great hitting, pitching and defense.

The Woodlands will face the winner of the Cy-FairGeorgetown series in the second round of the playoffs.

“We spend a lot of time in practice on our defense because defense wins championships,” Jorgenson said. “That’s always been my philosophy and we expect our players to be perfect in executing defensively.

“We’re a young team (two seniors start) and that’s a big thing to be good on defense and not throw the ball around aimlessly,” he said.

making sure you always have business cards and are shaking people’s hand. Being personable and friendly in public, not standoffish and being serious about what you’re doing. Because of his insight, I’ve been able to be a part of something that is far bigger than I expected. He (Magic) is the icon when it comes to athletes who want to be businessmen.”

As successful as Aaron Glenn has been, there is one goal that he still has his sight set on.

“My ultimate goal is to be part of the ownership group of an NFL franchise. In about 10 years, that’s what I’ll be looking to do. That’s exactly where I hope to be.”

For an undersized kid from the north side (Aldine Nimitz), who attended Navarro College en route to Texas A & M, Glenn realizes how far he has risen.

“You can achieve anything you want to achieve if you put your mind to it,” Aaron extolled. “I know it’s a cliché, but if you have the drive and will to work hard you can do it, I’m proof of it. I strived for it, but I never expected it (professional success) to happen as big as it has. Once I tasted it, I wanted more. I realize I’ve been blessed by the good Lord tremendously, in a number of different ways and I never take that for granted. I encourage every kid out there that has a dream, whether it sports, the classroom or business to go for it; don’t let anyone hold you back.”

CLASSIFIED IF YOU USED TYPE 2 DIABETES DRUG AVANDIA AND SUFFERED A STROKE OR HEART ATTACK you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727

Advertise in the Defender

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR HOTEL ASSET MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Houston Convention Center Hotel Corporation (HCCHC) invites written proposals for providing Asset Management Services in connection with operation of the Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel with the goal of achieving optimal performance from HCCHC’s hospitality investment.

Proposals are solicited for these services for the HCCHC in accordance with the terms, conditions and instructions as set forth in this request for proposal.

The Request for Qualifications may be obtained by contacting Dolores Kerr with HCCHC at (713) 577-6153 or by emailing request to dolores.kerr@hilton.com. Proposals should be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time on May 21, 2010. Proposals delivered after such time may not be considered.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONSULTANTS RFQ The Houston Independent School District will receive sealed qualifications/proposals from Professional Services Consultants to provide testing and balancing services related to mechanical systems for the 2007 Facilities Capital Program. Project Number 10-BP-04-01The Request for Qualifications/Proposals will be available beginning Monday, May 3, 2010 TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.houstonisd.org Step 1: Select “Doing Business with HISD” Step 2: Select “Proposal Solicitations Download” Step 3: Follow the instructions to register and download a copy of the RFQ. Copies of the RFQ may also be obtained from the Houston Independent School District at: Houston Independent School District, Front Desk 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092-8501 A pre-submittal conference will be held at 4400 West 18th Street, Board Auditorium at 10:00 AM Friday, May 14, 2010 All responses must be submitted no later than 12 Noon on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 to the Office of Board Services Houston Independent School District 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092-8501 Questions concerning this RFQ may be submitted via email to Bill Kuykendall (wkuykend@houstonisd.org)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR PROJECT 10-05-02 TO PROVIDE TOTAL HEALTH BENEFIT AND ADVANCED STRATEGIES The Houston Independent School District (“HISD”) will receive Request for Proposals from health insurance carriers, third party administrators, and other health improvement vendors on behalf of The Health Care Partnership (THCP) until Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at the Board Services Office, 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, Texas 77092.

The Districts of THCP will select the proposal that offers the best value to the Districts based on the selection and evaluation criteria. In general, the offering firm(s) will submit best and final proposals for the specific benefits scope of services for which you are proposing. The scope of services requested includes: • • • • • • • • •

Fully insured and Self Funded Health Care Services EPOs, PPOs, and Consumer Directed Health plans High Performance Network Stop Loss Health Reimbursement Arrangements Flexible Spending Accounts Second Opinion Services Tele-Medicine Convenience clinics

The Districts currently participating in this RFP are Houston Independent School District, Aldine Independent School District, and Katy Independent School District.

The pre-proposal conference will be held on Tuesday,May 4,2010 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in HISD’s Hattie Mae White Administration Building, 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, Texas, room 2E26.

Proposals may be obtained by visiting and following the instructions on the HISD procurement website at http://www.houstonisd.org/portal/site/materialsmanagement after noon on Tuesday, April 27, 2010.

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 ‘ • Project 10-04-10 - RFP - Concessions Food Athletics Department – with a deadline of 10 A.M. May 26, 2010. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE32 at the above stated address on May 10, 2010 at 10 A.M. • Project 10-05-07 – Kitchen Equipment Plumbing Parts– with a deadline of 10 A.M. May 26, 2010. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE51 at the above stated address on May 10, 2010 at 10 A.M. • Project 10-05-08 – RFP Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Services 2:00 P.M. May 26, 2010. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 West 18th Street, Texas 77092, Room 3C12 on March 11, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. • RFP / Project 10-06-01 – Broker Services for Auto, General and School Professional Legal Liability with a deadline of 2 P.M. June 15, 2010. The pre-proposal conference is at 1:30 P.M. on May 18, 2010 in Room 3C04 at the above stated address • RFP / Project 10-07-01 – Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance with a deadline of 2 P.M. July 1, 2010. The pre-proposal conference is at 3:00 P.M. on May 18, 2010 in Room 3C04 at the above stated address.

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

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

Scwyana Smith

7

MAY 9 – 15, 2010 | DEFENDER

Beating

★

continued from page 1 the NAACP’s Houston branch, the Nation of Islam and other groups said they have confidence in the legal system and will continue working to ensure the officers are prosecuted.

“We will not allow anyone to come into our communities, hurt our families and then walk away,” Carolyn Scantlebury, president of the NAACP Houston chapter, said at a recent news conference. “We are going to stay on top of this. We are here to fight.”

Excessive force?

The case began in March, when Holley was arrested after authorities say he burglarized a townhouse. Police say they had to briefly chase Holley after he was spotted in the vicinity of the crime. Holley says he surrendered, lying down on the ground with his hands behind his head. That’s when he says the officers began beating him.

“We have a young man who did not resist arrest, who was just brutalized by policemen.

We are hoping that when the public does get the opportunity to learn the truth, we will have a jury that will convict the police officers that were involved and treat them like the criminals that they are,” said James Douglas, legal counsel for the Houston branch of the NAACP One sergeant and seven officers were suspended with pay after the beating.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office and the Houston Police Internal Affairs Division are conducting separate investigations.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Police Chief Charles McClelland have promised a thorough investigation of the incident.

“I want to assure the public we will be transparent and open with our findings once the ongoing investigation is completed,” McClelland said in a statement. He said the FBI has been contacted about the incident and they are actively monitoring this case.

Donna Hawkins, a spokeswoman for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, said her office is not commenting on the case. She did not know how long its investigation would take.

Caught on tape Community activists say the alleged beating was captured by a surveillance camera at a self-storage business in southwest Houston.

@

defendernetwork.com Find out what officers are accused in the beating of Chad Holley and how long they’ve been on the force.

Monday on defendernetwork.com0 Photo: Quanell X

Fifteen-year-old Chad Holley says he suffered numerous bruises as a result of his beating by HPD officers.

The video has not been made public, but activists say it shows officers beating and kicking the teenager, who was handcuffed.

“It’s reaping time in the Houston Police Department,” added activist Quanell X. “How many brothers have you beat and tased unjustly and it was never on tape? How many have you knocked in the head with your taser guns and your weapons who were unarmed and not resisting arrest and it’s not on tape?

These same men, you see high-fiving one another and congratulating one another for their conquest in beating this young man. We say to them, you’re on tape this time.”

Parker, who’s seen the video, has said she was disturbed by it. Quanell says he hopes the district attorney is disturbed enough to act.

“We say to Ms. Pat Lykos, we want to see indictments because me, as a father, if my child calls me an m-f or a dirty name, and I decided to whip and discipline my child like they whipped this young child out on the scene, I would be locked up, under the jail, seeking a lawyer and seeking bond money,” Quanell said. “So I’m saying, if I can go to jail, for doing much less, these officers need to be held accountable.”

The teenager’s mother has said her son’s nose was fractured, and he had multiple bruises and limped after the beating. Pictures of the teen’s face and head show him with a bright red right eye and a deep cut or gash on his right temple. The photographs did not show other bruises or injuries or swelling on the teenager’s face and head.

“The darkness of his skin would make it

seem (the injuries are) not that bad,” Quanell X said. “But it doesn’t lessen the brutality of the incident.”

Wilvin Carter, the teenager’s attorney, said the videotape will be released once various legal issues are sorted out. The taped recording of the alleged beating sits inside the Harris County District Attorney’s office, being reviewed by the police integrity unit.

Seeking justice The community leaders say they want more than just justice for the teen, they want a change to come to the Houston Police Department.

“We need the community to help us in passing legislation that would give us the ammunition that is needed to fight police corruption, police brutality, police misconduct and police excessive use of force,” Quanell said. “It takes a legislative change in Austin to make this happen. So we want our state reps to help us in this. So we’re calling on the Houston City Council to endorse and support a civilian review board with subpoena and investigative power. Not a civilian review committee that has no investigative power.

That’s a toothless tiger. What we want is a board with investigative and subpoena power.”

The teenager, now 16, and his mother have not spoken to the media, but their attorney says those who want to blast his client for committing the crime in the first place need to remember four words: innocent until proven guilty.

“With regards to the criminal act, that’s an allegation. As of right now, he has the pre-

sumption of innocence. Those are allegations that have not been substantiated,” Carter said.

“Every person in this country has certain constitutional rights,” added Douglas. “Even if a person is in the process of committing a crime, when the police show up, if that person is on the ground all they can do is cuff him and arrest him. It doesn’t give them the right to brutalize a person just because they committed a crime.”

“No police officer has been authorized by the constitution, or by the city, or by the citizens to be judge, jury, arresting officer then executioner. They don’t have that right,” said Quanell X. The community leaders did commend Chief McClelland, who placed the officers on leave.

“I have to commend the chief because he did more on accident than I believe (former chief) Hurtt would’ve done on purpose. So that’s a positive first step for the police chief because he had the courage to send home eight at one time. I have to applaud the brother for that because I know people are angry at him for making that bold decision. Now, it’s Lykos’ turn. There is no way in the world these men cannot be indicted for violating this young man’s human and civil rights,” Quanell said.

Deloyd Parker of the SHAPE Community Center, says it’s time for the brutality to end, and he’s hoping the public will get vocal in their support of a change in HPD. “I’ve been here many times before, many press conferences, addressing this very issue.

You get real tired and you begin to wonder is this not a systemic problem and we know that it is. So we not only want a civilian review board we want City Council to work hard for those parties involved in the process of developing a healthy, substantive law so that somebody can be held accountable,” Parker said. “Protest is fine, demonstration is fine.

Speaking out is fine. But we need something that’s going to deal with the systemic problem. “ Added Deric Muhammad, “We want an immediate end to police brutality and mob attacks against the black man and woman throughout the United States of America.

Key word, mob. That is what happened to this young man. He was attacked by a mob, the biggest gang in the city.”

8

EDUCATING OUR FUTURE……..That’s exactly what the 100 Black Men Metropolitan Houston Chapter is doing. At their 3rd Annual Black Tie Scholarship Gala, they presented scholarships to Doug James, JaMarcus Payton, Terrence Webber, James Wright II, Michael Cooper, Malcolm Decuire, Drew Herron and Zachary Price. These deserving young men exemplify a high level of character and integrity and the desire to succeed.

They also honored several outstanding individuals who have positively influenced the community through leadership.

Receiving the Mentoring Award was Roynell Young, President and CEO of Pro-Vision, Inc., the Education Award was presented to Bruce A. Austin, Trustee, District II, Houston Community College System, the Economic Development Award was presented to Jodie L. Jiles, Managing Director of RBC Capital Markets, Dr. Matthew Plummer, D,M,D., M. P. H. was honored with the Health and Wellness Award and Deavra Daughtry, President and CEO of Excellent Care Management received the Phenomenal Woman Award. Fabulous Gala!........WHO’S WHO…….If you want to know, then you need a copy of the Fourth Edition of Who’s Who in Black Houston. Hundreds of Houston’s ordinary folks who have achieved extraordinary results are featured in the publication and attended the official unveiling reception of this 300-page publication celebrating African-American achievements.

Since this edition focuses on education, the foreword is written by Dr. John M. Rudley, President of Texas Southern University and the introduction is written

by Dr. George C. Wright, President of Prairie View A&M University. It also includes a special tribute to Dr. Thomas Freeman, Debate Team Coach and Interim Dean of the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College at Texas Southern University. We salute Phyllis Bailey, Houston’s Associate Publisher and Real Time Media Company executives, Hiram Jackson, CEO, Cassandra Bozeman, COO and Carter Womack, Vice President of Market Development.

Spotted at the event were Police Chief Charles McClelland, Janis and Levi Benton, Jade Gold, Wayne Brown, Dr. James Wilson, Carol Campbell, Dr. Margaret and Raymond Fisher, Cheryl Harris, Dr. Willie Trotty, Cheryl and Dr. Howard Harris, Lorenza Phillips Butler Sr., Lorenza Phillips, Jr., Vern Swisher and Leonard Bailey, to name a few. Congrats!.......A SPRING TEA.……The 3rd Annual Spring Tea hosted by Precinct One Commissioner El Franco Lee was held at the Mickey Leland Memorial Park for over 170 seniors. They dressed up in their Sunday best including some fabulous hats and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon in the park.

They were treated with a delicious lunch, tea poured by Precinct One staff, door prizes and a contest for the most unique tea cup and most beautiful hat.

Entertainment included a performance by the Senior Drama Group from a play written by Thomas Meloncon and a poetry reading written by Bruce Austin. In the mix were Liz Arceneaux, Isia Bell, Ollie Broussard, Phyllis Grant, Cynthia Malbrough, Barbara J. Bradey, Verdeal Perkins, Melva Mathis and Ella Johnson. Special thanks to Delsie Stoute, Director of the Seniors Program for a great afternoon……. DYNAMIC DUO COACHES…….Father and son, Alvin Brooks, Jr. and Alvin Brooks, III will be living close to each other. Alvin, Jr. has returned to the University of Houston as the associate head basketball coach and his son Alvin, III has been named assistant coach at Sam Houston State University. Alvin, Jr. is said to be one of the most respected people in the coaching profession and a great mentor.

He’s prepared many young men to play professional basketball both in the NBA and overseas. They’re quite excited about their new coaching roles. Continued Success!.........Have a great week and remember to watch CROSSROADS on Channel 13 Sunday morning with Melanie Lawson for your event covered

by Ms. Chag. Also check out our website at defendernetwork.com to view the “Event of the Week.”…..From Chag’s Place to your place, Ciao Darling!

MAY 9 – 15, 2010 | DEFENDER

Amna Plummer-Mays and Honoree Dr. Matthew Plummer

Honoree Roynell Young

Honoree Deavra Daughtry and Ebone Daughtry

Attorney Ben Hall, Jackie Hoyer and Larry Payne

Leonard and Phyllis Bailey, Cassandra Bozeman and Carter Womack

Lorenza Phillips Butler, Sr. and Lonenza Butler, Jr.

Levi and Janis Benton and Police Chief Charles McClelland

Thomas Meloncon, Delsie Stoute and El Franco Lee

Maud Doomes and Arline Hunter

Tavarus Newsom and Albert E. Dotson

Howard Jefferson, Patricia Davis, Honoree Bruce Austin and Dr. Mary Spangler

Dr. Frazier Wilson, Darnell Joseph and Mark Williams

Dr. John M. Rudley and Dr. George C. Wright

Honoree Jodie Jiles and Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Dr. Howard Harris, Cheryl Harris and Dr. Willie Trotty

Liz Arceneaux, Isia Bell and Ollie Broussard

Verdeal Perkins, Melva Mathis and Ella Johnson

Phyllis Grant, Cynthia Malbrough and Barbara Bradey