Houston Defender: May 19, 2011

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA STUDY LEADS TO BREAKTHROUGH IN TREATMENT P4

NATIONAL

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source Volume 80 | Number 29

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NEWSTALK

TEXAS LEGISLATIVE Internship Program

Final Days Rodney Ellis

Ron Reynolds

Garnet Coleman

Harold Dutton

P3 ENTERTAINMENT TAVIS SMILEY

What to expect as the legislative session ends

Reflects on life’s lessons

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Boys look to 2012

P5 SPORTS

NORTH SHORE

P11 CHAG’S PLACE

Vince Young

First Lady

Football legend Vince Young is committed to his hometown of Houston.

Though Young’s NFL career is in limbo – Bud Adams said Young will no longer be the Titans’ quarterback – he is staying busy.

Young’s foundation is sponsoring “Unity in the Community,” an annual weekend of activities promoting education. Young believes knowledge is power, and wants to share his message with area youth.

First Lady Michelle Obama is viewed as intelligent, strong-willed and accomplished. That is one of the results of a study on successful college-educated Black women. Nearly 90 percent of the women surveyed believe Mrs. Obama has helped dispel certain stereotypes of successful Black women.

She has also taught a generation of women how to handle conflict and criticism with grace and class.

believes in community

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Gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams releases new album.

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Texas Legislative Internship Program

Minority students experience state politics

By Leslie Rangel Defender he 2011 legislative session is coming to a close, debating hot issues such as budget cuts, education funding and sonogram bills. This year also marks the 20th year of Texas “growing” future movers and Christian Taylor Clyde Jiles Epernay Kyles shakers, nurturing them and teaching Anastasia Thomas them the ropes of state politics.

The Texas Legislative Internship Program (TLIP) began in 1990 as a way of allowing minority students to experience an up-close view of the public policy arena.

The program, sponsored by Houston State Sen. Rodney Ellis, was founded to promote diversity Felipe Nascimento Houston Tower Lisa Sherrod Tumi Wallace throughout the political realm.

Pictured are eight of the 60-plus TLIP interns.

“I think by and large state government is still too white. As diverse Current legislators that are a finalists and working with interns. on World Hunger and Peace at Texas as the state is, if you look at the staffs product of TLIP include State Rep. In addition, administrators Southern University, said the program of most members of the legislature, Amanda Hernandez Luna, Dpromote a strong work ethic among is well known throughout the country you don’t see a lot of diversity.” Ellis Houston; State Rep. Armando Walle, the interns, prepare them for real-life and is one of the most elite. said.

D-Houston; and State Rep. Ron policy-making and ensure that there Boney said the interns are Ellis said the program was deReynolds, D-Fort Bend County. are sufficient funds to award stipends “clearly mature and responsible,” signed to have goals similar to those In addition to working with to selected interns. The program and include excellent writers and of an internship program sponsored members of the legislature, interns allows students to receive academic researchers. by the late Congressman Mickey interact with the attorney general, credit for their participation.

“We have had some even write Leland, who was Ellis’ mentor. governor, judges and other officials.

“I have three [former interns] bills and that’s something interns Applicants to the TLIP program Ellis said their presence is that are members of the State Legisdon’t ordinarily get a chance to do in must mirror qualities that reflected inspiring. lature, so when you ask why I do it, I most programs” Boney said.

Leland’s character, including the “Sometimes on my worst day in want people to run for legislature, to The program is also unique bedesire to be a public servant. have key policy making positions, one the capitol, bad day in the press, can’t cause of the hands-on approach taken Jew Don Boney, associate get my bills out of committee, don’t to be a governor, or a senator or a big by administrators, who are responsidirector of the Mickey Leland Center have the votes to bring a bill onto the corporate exec,” Ellis said. ble for recruiting applicants, selecting

T

floor, I walk around the capitol and I see these young people and the look in their eyes,” Ellis said.

“And I know it won’t be long before they’ll be in the position that I’m in and in shoes that my colleagues now fill and I want them to benefit from lessons that those of us who are in office now have learned.”

The program started with only five interns and has now grown to 63 interns and more than $400,000 given to students as stipends.

Not only are students from universities across the country, but also from abroad. There are currently three students from Kenya, South Africa and Brazil.

The internship runs every spring semester and when the legislature is not in session, interns are given opportunities to work in other places such as Washington D.C., and New York.

Before beginning the internship, students undergo a five-day orientation program in Houston and Austin.

Throughout the semester, interns must meet with their mentors and undergo at least two evaluations to see their progress and give feedback on the program.

Applications are accepted beginning in late August or early September. Interested students can visit www. lelandcenter.org or www.rodneyellis. com/tlip.

localbriefs Report shows Houston cops stop Blacks more than others

City of Houston deal with firefighters prevents layoffs

State struggles with medical costs for older prisoners

Houston police stop Blacks more than any other racial or ethnic group, according to a report by the city’s police department. The report revealed that 33 percent of the nearly 494,000 people stopped in 2010 were African-American, despite Blacks comprising just 23 percent of the city’s population. Hispanics, totaling 44 percent of the population, nevertheless ranked behind African-Americans with 32 percent of the stops.

Whites ranked third with 30 percent of the total stops. Police officials say the numbers are skewed because more officers are deployed to patrol higher-crime areas, which are usually in minority communities.

Hundreds of firefighters will be able to keep their jobs after an agreement was reached with the City of Houston. The union agreed that firefighters will not receive raises for the next two years, although a raise of 1 percent is possible the third year. The odds of a deal being reached looked slim after talks broke down. However, Mayor Parker Annise Parker repeatedly said that she hoped to avoid laying off firefighters and police officers because of budget cuts. “Now, I can say for this budget year we will not be laying off firefighters,” Parker said.”

A growing population of elderly inmates is driving up prison medical care costs to the point that some Texas lawmakers would like to see more of those who are feeble and chronically ill released early. In the last decade, the number of inmates 55 and older has spiked as much as 8 percent each year, growing to about 12,500. With rising medical costs and dwindling state budgets, policy-makers and prison officials have struggled to keep pace. Elderly inmates make up 8 percent of the state’s prison population, yet they account for more than 30 percent of prison hospitalization costs.

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U.S.briefs

First Lady helps dispel stereotypes of Black women Defender News Services

In a first of its kind national study on the lives of successful, college-educated Black women, more than 87% of Black female survey respondents believe that First Lady Michelle Obama has helped dispel negative stereotypes of accomplished Black women in America.

The results of what author Sophia Nelson has dubbed as the “Age of Michelle Obama” survey are published in a new book titled “Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama.”

Nelson, a columnist, lawyer and political strategist, reveals a different side of Black women that provides historical, anecdotal and quantitative research on their lives in the 21st century.

She said Mrs. Obama has taught women of a new generation how to handle conflict and criticism with grace and class: “You don’t

have to shout back at your critics or crawl into the pit of mudslinging with them,” she said in an open letter to the First Lady.

“The best revenge (in life) is success, and success comes with a willingness to constantly

reinvent, reform, and redefine the rules of the game, how you play the game, and what you consider a “win” at the end of the game,” she said.

Nelson uses proprietary national research and real-life stories to reveal what drives and perpetuates common myths and misconceptions of Black women.

The survey showed that:  Fully 87% of professional Black women credited Michelle Obama with dispelling stereotypes about the accomplishments and actualities of being a Black woman in America.  The top descriptor words used in the 1,000 sample of all Americans to describe Obama chose the following words: wife & mother (82%), intelligent (76%), strong-willed (71%), and accomplished (70%).  White men had the least favorable opinions of Mrs. Obama and women in general (across race) had favorable responses toward her.

Sickle cell anemia:

Study leads to breakthrough in treatment

By AFRO Staff

Clinical trials conducted at Howard University’s College of Medicine and 12 other medical institutions across the nation have discovered a treatment that dramatically reduces pain, inflammation and hospitalization time and eases other symptoms in young children suffering from sickle cell anemia Doctors and medical clinicians in a four-year study found that using the drug hydroxycarbamide (also called hydroxyurea) in very young children with sickle cell anemia was safe and markedly reduced episodes of pain and other problems.

Hydroxycarbamide has been used in adults for several decades for a variety of cancer treatments and is approved for use in adults with sickle cell anemia.

The findings, which will be published in the next edition of The Lancet, the medical community’s leading refereed journal, suggest that use of hydroxycarbamide should now be the standard of care for all children with sickle cell disease.

Dr. Sohail Rana, professor at the Department of Pediatrics at Howard University College of Medicine and director of pediatric hematology at Howard University Hospital, was one of the investigators on the study.

“This is a significant breakthrough in the treatment of this disease, particularly for our very young patients,” Rana said. “To be able to dramatically diminish the pain that these young children suffer because of this disease is truly an important step forward. We hope all clinicians will now adopt this treatment for their patients.”

Sickle cell anemia is most common in people of African or Mediterranean heritage and is also seen in people of South American, Central American, Caribbean and Middle Eastern ancestry.

In sickle cell anemia patients, the red blood cells develop abnormal shapes and are unable to pass through small blood vessels and cause blockage. These cells also break down faster than normal blood cells, leading to anemia.

Complications include severe pain, stroke, damage to different organs of body and premature death.

CBC emphasizes job creation during meeting with Obama The Congressional Black Caucus recently held its first full meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House. The CBC emphasized the importance of innovative job and wealth creation, especially for the African-American community, which is the hardest hit by the recession. The CBC proposed the idea of youth jobs through aid and clean-up of areas recently devastated by tornados and flooding.

Obama stressed his commitment to short and longterm strategies to ensure economic growth, thereby creating a more prosperous America. He also assured the Caucus of its critical role as a partner in addressing the country’s economic woes.

Renting becoming a nightmare for low-income Americans At a time when unemployment and bad credit have made home ownership impossible for many Americans, finding affordable places to rent is also a problem. New research shows that American renters on average must earn at least $18.46 an hour to afford a modest apartment, yet the average renter makes just $13.52 an hour according to “Out of Reach 2011,” a report released annually by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The study shows the mismatch between the rents available across the country and what low-income renters can afford.

$18.5 million lawsuit taken from wrongfully convicted man In 1985 Alan Newton, a Bronx, N.Y., man, was convicted of rape, robbery, and assault and was imprisoned for 22 years of a 40-year sentence before being cleared by DNA evidence and released in 2006. For his trouble, Newton was awarded $18.5 million in damages. Newton’s lawyers argued that the city had shown a reckless disregard for Newton’s rights because the system for safeguarding DNA evidence and a defendant’s access to it was slipshod.

But recently, federal judge Shira A. Scheindlin took away Newton’s compensation, ruling that Newton had not proved that any city employees “withheld evidence in deliberate contravention or disregard of his right to due process.” Newton’s lawyer says he plans to appeal the decision.

VOLUME 80 • NUMBER • 28 MAY 19- MAY 24, 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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entertainment

what’sup H CNN’s Don Lemon reveals

to the public that he’s gay

In a new book, “Transparent,” CNN anchor Don Lemon talks about his life and his sexuality, and he revealed that he is gay in an interview with the New York Times. In a recent tweet, Lemon, who has anchored in a variety of roles for CNN, linked to the Times article and wrote, “wanted to be the first to share with u. thanks for your support!!!” By coming out, Lemon becomes one of a tiny number of openly gay anchors on television; the list also includes Rachel Maddow and Thomas Roberts, both of MSNBC. In the interview, Lemon said that he has never hidden his sexuality from his co-workers at CNN, but decided to take a more public step after he felt that he could not write an inspirational book without being open about who he is. He said that he was particularly concerned about what the reaction in the Black community would be.

H Gordy spending $100 million for biographical musical?

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. is reportedly investing $100 million into a Broadway production, which will tell the story of his life and the label. The New York Post is reporting that the 81-year-old music mogul is developing the production to tell the true story on the inception and running of the label, which had 110 top 10 hits between 1961 and 1971. Gordy is believed to be working with former Universal Music CEO Doug Morris and Rent producer Kevin McCollum on the autobiographical story, which will be set against a backdrop of the ‘60s Civil Rights Movement in America.

H Star Jones may owe ex-

hubby $50K after comments on TV Star Jones’ ex-husband has decided to seek damages from her for supposedly trashing their marriage on television. Al Reynolds has filed paperwork after Star called their marriage “booty” on the “Wendy Williams Show” on the March 25th episode. According to sources, as part of their divorce agreement, they agreed, on her terms by the way, not to make any “disparaging remarks” about each other’s “personal, private or family life … including, without limitation, the other’s family, companies, dates, acquaintances, or future spouses.” Her lawyers insisted that any breach of this contract would require the offending party to pay a $50,000 penalty. Star said on the show, “You know what … the wedding was fabulous, but the marriage was kind of booty.”

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Tavis Smiley

reflects on life’s lessons

F

By Kam Williams

rom his celebrated conversations with world figures to his work to inspire the next generation of leaders as a broadcaster, author, publisher, advocate and philanthropist, Tavis Smiley continues to be a leading voice for change.

He is currently the host of his latenight television talk show on PBS as well as the host of a couple of radio programs syndicated by Public Radio International: “The Tavis Smiley Show” and “Smiley and West” alongside Dr. Cornel West.

This year, Smiley is celebrating his 20th year in broadcasting, and in conjunction with that anniversary he’s just published, “FAIL UP: 20 Lessons on Building Success from Failure.” In this revealing memoir, he recounts 20 instances of perceived “failures” which were, in fact, valuable “lessons” that shaped the principles and practices he employs every day.

Here, he shares his thoughts on a variety

of topics.

KW: I loved FAIL UP. I have to start by asking, who is the celebrity you refer to as “Mr. X“ in the book?

TS: Mr. X is Mr. X! I can’t tell you who he is, but the whole point of that story is a lesson I learned about how mistakes you make early in life can follow you. I wasn’t even in the broadcast business at the time.

So, be careful about gossiping because loose lips really do sink ships. Now that I’m in the business, and people talk about me, I know what it feels like to be the victim of gossip.

Mr. X is a major Hollywood player, but he won’t even come on my show. I had to learn those two lessons the hard way.

KW: Who was the other mysterious figure in the book who sent you that eightpage letter criticizing you about Obama?

Let me guess. Was it Oprah?

TS: Ha-ha-ha! That’s another person I can’t reveal, only because I do still regard her as a friend. She was wrong and what she wrote hurt me and brought me to tears. I included it in the book to make the point that sometimes even your friends don’t understand your calling, your purpose, your vocation. But you have to stand in your truth anyway, and they will eventually come around to understanding you, if you do it lovingly.

KW: How hard was it for you to open up about your failures?

TS: Very. This is my 15th book. None of the others required me to be this transparent, this open, this honest or this authentic. It was a very painful process, yet I thought it was important, because I feel blessed to be in

the broadcast business for 20 years. I believe that when you’re this blessed, you have an obligation to pay it forward. That’s what life is all about ultimately. What better way to celebrate 20 years than by sharing the lessons I learned from my 20 biggest failings.

KW: What are your thoughts about President Obama’s re-election campaign?

What are your expectations of and hopes for the Obama Administration as it relates to opportunities for Black people?

TS: I believed that President Obama was a good choice a couple of years ago because I felt that, as a Black man, if he could win, it would open up progressive possibilities in this country for a lot of people.

That was my major reason for believing his candidacy was a good thing. However, I don’t endorse candidates, given the type of work that I do.

My job is to hold people accountable.

I held him accountable when he ran in 2008, and I’m going to do it again this time. I respect the President because I know he has a lot on his plate. But at the end of the day, for me it fundamentally all comes down to whether he’s going to side with the strong or with the weak. When Wall Street needed his help, he responded. Black folks need his help in a major way, but he’s afraid to speak out forcefully on the issue of unemployment, even though African-Americans supported him the most, and are now hurting the most.

KW: How important is it to have a mentor, and who are some of yours?

TS: I believe mentors are terribly important. My two best mentors, one dead, one living, are Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Cornel West. Even though he died when I was a young child, I regard Dr. King as a mentor and I consider him the greatest American we’ve ever produced. Dr. West is my living mentor, and a dear and abiding friend.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 19 | 2011

coverpage

Legislative session final days

What to expect afterward

By Aswad Walker Defender

W

ith the final days of Texas’ 82nd Legislative Session ahead, four members of the Houston delegation offered future projections regarding how legislation currently being debated in committees will affect Blacks in Houston in the coming months and years.

State Sen. Rodney Ellis (District 13) Ellis predicted challenging times.

“This is going to be a very, very difficult [period] for people of color,” said Ellis, who views the budget as the legislation which will have the greatest impact on the Black community.

“The budget Ellis recklessly cuts health care for children and seniors, slashes funding for public schools and financial aid, and either eliminates or hobbles scores of programs vital to Texas families,” he said.

According to Ellis, the proposed budget slashes state funding

for education by 9.4 percent, health and human services programs by 17.5 percent, and provides schools with nearly $8 billion less than they need to operate. Ellis estimates that as a result, tens of thousands of teachers and support personnel will be fired.

“The budget cuts Medicaid reimbursement rates to doctors by 10 percent and nursing home funding by 34 percent. Nursing homes – perhaps hundreds of them – will close. Hospitals across Texas are going to cut back services and are considering layoffs to make up for the loss of state funding,” he said.

“It slashes funding for TEXAS Grants and other college financial aid, slamming the door of opportunity in the face of 80,000 college students,” added Ellis. “Those in charge are telling our disabled children, the elderly and infirmed in nursing homes, teachers, parents and students in public school and at universities, ‘Sorry, you’re on your own.’ ” Ellis said that he will continue to oppose efforts to cut vital programs because the budget fails Texas, particularly communities of color.

State Rep. Ron Reynolds (District 27) Freshman legislator Reynolds of Fort Bend County offered similar sentiments.

“The makeup of this session’s set of legislative priori-

ties should give pause and concern to AfricanAmericans throughout the state of Texas,” said Reynolds.

“With the state Reynolds facing a budget shortfall between $13-27 billion, we face the imminent reality of devastating cuts to public education, healthcare, and elderly and disabled care.

“Cuts in these areas stand to have an even more dramatic impact on Blacks across the state,” he said.

“In addition to that, proposed re-

ductions in funding for early childhood and higher education would have a more significant impact on African-American children from low-income families.”

Reynolds, however, does see some positives coming out of Austin during these last days, including legislation (CSHB 3678) that would result in a significant reduction in costs for prescription medication.

Still, Reynolds views the 20122013 budget as issue number one, and believes voters can still have an impact on its final outcome by calling lawmakers and urging them to do everything within their power to avoid making draconian cuts to healthcare and public education.

Redistricting is an issue some lawmakers feel will have a significant, decade-long impact on Houston-area Blacks due to the implications for local and state elections.

“Several minority legislators, including myself, are concerned that the proposed redistricting maps stand to dilute minority voting power by ‘packing’ districts, which is the drawing of a district with an overwhelming number of members of a minority group – more than necessary to elect a candidate of their choice,” Reynolds said.

“The end result of this, is these population groups are prevented from

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defendernetwork.com DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 19 | 2011

having the opportunity to have an impact on elections in other districts, thereby diminishing the influence of minority voters overall.”

Reynolds summed up what lies ahead.

“The final days of this legislative session are going to be highly intense,” he said. “There are a number of issues that the legislature has to address before May 31st; issues including the budget, redistricting, school funding, higher education, the state tax code, and sunset reviews of various commissions.

“Citizens need to stay engaged and make sure they do their part by calling on their elected representatives to advocate for the issues affecting them either directly or indirectly.”

State Rep. Garnet Coleman (District 147) Coleman, who identified Reynolds and State Rep. Naomi Gonzalez (District 76) as freshmen legislators who show real leadership promise, views the fallColeman out from this legislative session as a step backward for Texas education.

“Education is the pinnacle of success,” said Coleman. “Unfortunately, after this session, our community will experi-

ence a huge setback. The Republican budget makes draconian cuts to public education. This means that more students will be crammed into overcrowded classrooms and many of the people we rely on, including bus drivers, counselors and teachers, could lose their jobs.

“As public universities are forced to increase tuition, Texas families will

have to shell out more money to pay for college,” he continued. “Meanwhile, less financial assistance will be available for our children to access college. Communities of color and lower and middle-income families will hurt most.”

Coleman said he and other lawmakers will continue to vote their beliefs.

9

“The recurring theme of this session has been ‘legislation that helps business and hurts people.’ In the waning days of this session, we’re expecting partisan battling over redistricting and public education.

“Democrats will continue to fight legislation that will hurt our children and diminish the quality of an education in Texas. We’ll also fight against Continued on page 9

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 19 | 2011

entertainment

Film showcases desegregation in Houston

By Aswad Walker Defender

The unique history of Houston’s desegregation will be showcased during the showing of the documentary “The Strange Demise of Jim Crow.” The Our Image Film and Arts Organization will host the screening, which will be followed by a questionand-answer sesHouston native Marc Newsome, co-founder of Our sion.

Image Film and Arts Organization, is a graphic artist at It takes place his alma mater, Texas Southern University. Newsome is also a professional photographer, author and awardThursday, May 26, at 7 p.m. at the winning movie director. sity law student Eldreway Houston Museum Stearns launched sit-ins of African American Culand boycotts of downtown ture, 4807 Caroline. stores. While students “The film will dewere on the “frontlines.” a pict the fact that not all group of older Black busithe civil rights victories ness leaders seof the ‘60s cretly financed were won their efforts and at the cost simultaneously of vicious opened quiet beatings discussions and mass with Housarrests,” ton’s powersaid Marc ful Downtown Newsome, Business Alfounder of liance led by an Our Image. old-time political “fixer,” “The movie reveals Bob Dundas. how many Southern cities, Newsome believes particularly Houston, were the documentary depicts desegregated in a much the dramatic events that quieter, much more stealth helped shape Houston into fashion with behind-thethe city that it is today. scenes negotiations, secret Newsome will serve deals, and controversial as screening co-host along news black-outs. I think with Our Image co-foundthe film offers a great case er Monie Henderson. For study in how lasting urban more information visit the power is really wielded.” website at www.ourimageThe film reveals that fest.com or call 713-280Houston students led by 5225.

Texas Southern Univer-

Marc Newsome and Monie Henderson, co-founders of Our Image Film and Arts Organization, are seen here with hip hop artist Talib Kweli who was a featured presenter during their organization’s film festival last November.

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

Final days...

defendernetwork.com DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 19 | 2011

Continued from page 7 on the future of Texas will be felt for many years to come.

“For Black Texans, this session can only be described as disastrous,” said Dutton.

“For example, the legislature was unwilling to fund the level of services that meets even the current needs of public education students and

redistricting maps that dilute the political influence of communities of color,” said Coleman.

State Rep. Harold Dutton (District 142) Dutton, who echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, believes that the negative impact of this legislative session

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

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

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

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                                                             

   

   

teachers, senior citizens in nursing homes, and financial aid for higher education students is unmatched in legislative history.

“While the efDutton fect on all Texans will be horrendous, it should come as no surprise that Black Texans will be disproportionately affected by the lack of will of the legislature to secure additional revenue.”

Dutton pointed out that Texas currently ranks 44th in per capita spending on public education and will plummet to 50th out of

the 50 states if the current budget is approved.

“Estimates are that the budget will result in about 40,000 seniors thrown out of nursing homes. The state’s spending on Medicaid is such that thousands of children will be ineligible for health care except at county hospitals and many physicians will decline to treat patients because of the reduced Medicaid reimbursement rates,” said Dutton, who sees negative effects on education and gen-

9

eral poverty rates as well.

“Students who are largely dependent on financial aid to pursue a college degree will be increasingly denied that opportunity because the Texas Legislature reduced such funding. The poverty rate among both African-American and Hispanic Texans is already three times that of Anglos.

Sadly, the Texas Legislature did nothing to address the current inequities. And even worst, the prospects are more likely that the current disparities will become more aggravated in Texas’ future,” added Dutton.

The Ryan White Planning Council Invites You to meet Houston Public Leaders and Make Public Comment on…

Part A, Part B & State Services Service Definitions for 2012 Also learn about the 2011 Houston Area HIV/AIDS Needs Assessment

7:00pm, Tuesday, May 24, 2011

These televised Public Hearings will be held at the Houston City Hall Annex City Council Chambers 900 Bagby Street, Public Level in Downtown Houston For more information or to register for Free Childcare or Transportation PLEASE CALL IN ADVANCE: Phone: 713-572-3724 * Fax: 713-572-3740 * TTY: 713-572-2813 Ryan White Planning Council Office of Support 2223 West Loop South, Suite 240; Houston, TX 77027 www.rwpcHouston.org

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

Smart DeciSion HCCfacultyfacts.org

At HCC, our faculty knows the theory

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 

yet applies the practice of real world

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

experience in the very same classroom.

We are preparing students to be the next generation of thinkers and doers.

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

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

Dept. Chair for Health Information Distinguished Author

&

Dr. Carla Tyson-Howard

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

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             

           

     

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 

Defender Summer 2011 ad.indd 1

5/5/11 12:29 PM

10

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 19 | 2011

defendernetwork.com

sports

Vince Young

committed to hometown

Vince Young Foundation teams with Generation Texas to bring “Unity to the Community.”

By Max Edison Defender

A two-time Pro Bowler, Young has never forgot his Houston roots.

While the NFL season is being held hostage by the owners’ lockout of the players and his own career is in limbo, Houston football legend Vince Young has not wavered on his commitment to continually give back to his hometown.

This weekend Young’s foundation sponsors his annual weekend of activities titled “Unity in the Community.” The weekend is designed to promote continued education in the Houston community.

Activities include a youth football and cheer camp, the Rock Your Future Scholarship Gala, which will honor local students with scholarships and celebrate education success stories, and will culminate with Community Family Fun Day featuring food and games.

Young, a two-time Pro Bowler, explained why such activities are important to him.

“My foundation is something my Mom and I started right after

my first year in the NFL,” Young said. “It’s important to let the young ones know we care about them a whole lot. So many people helped me when I was their age that I want to always try and give something back.

My events are free to the public. You just have to go by area HEB’s to get tickets” This year Young has partnered with Generation Texas, an Austinbased group that promotes college and career readiness.

“It’s all about education right now, that’s our whole motive,” he said. “Knowledge is power and you need to have it. That’s why we have partnered with Generation Texas.

They have some real innovative ideas that I think our kids can benefit from in preparing themselves for college and a career.”

Young, while discussing the reason he attempts to reinvest in his community, is quick to praise Madison High School, the place that was his foundation.

“The teachers at Madison always tried to encourage me and give me knowledge,” Young recalled. “Coach [Ray] Seals was like a father-figure to me. He gave me a tremendous amount of knowledge that I have relied on heavily to this day. The way

I was helped by Coach Seals and the teachers at Madison is the same type of things I want to share through my foundation with other kids.”

Young also credits his mentor, former Tennessee Titan quarterback, the late Steve McNair, as a person who always encouraged him to back.

“Steve was like a big brother to me,” Young said. “He stressed to me over and over the importance of giving back to the community. Sharing with me how it always gave him a good feeling to see the smiles on the kids faces. That’s another reason I believe in giving back. Even though Steve is no longer here, I try and keep his legacy alive through my foundation by helping kids in the community.”

Young believes in keeping his message simple, using the sage words of experience that were imparted to him.

“All they have to do is pay attention, listen and stay focused,” he said. “I’m not saying they can’t have fun, but the biggest thing is to listen to people that are older than you who are only trying to help you.”

For more info on the VY “Unity in the Community” Weekend, go to www.vyfoundation.com.

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WEEK OF MAY 19 | 2011 DEFENDER

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Junior Jermaine Authorlee

North Shore boys looking ahead to 2012

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender AUSTIN – In the aftermath of celebrating a second consecutive Class 5A state boys track and field team championship in 2011, North Shore’s returning members are already envisioning a three-peat in 2012.

Junior Jermaine Authorlee won the boys 200-meter dash in a personalrecord time of 21 seconds flat to hold off Eric Hawkins of Longview (21.10) and Ahmed Ali of Alief Hastings (21.22).

Running out of lane five, Authorlee said he got a glimmer of hope early on in the race when he caught the competitor in lane six coming out of the curve. His older brother, Anthony Authorlee, was a state 200-meter champion for Houston Sterling in 1997.

“I wasn’t completely recovered from the 4x200 relay, but I wanted to give my best effort in the curve and hope for the best down the stretch,” Authorlee said.

“Once I made up the stagger, I knew that I could win the race. I was surprised that I beat my PR that I ran at regionals.

“Now we’re thinking why not come back and do it again,” Authorlee said. “My brother has been my main inspiration in track.

He told me that if I trained hard, I could beat all of his records.”

First-year head coach Garrett Cross said that despite losing four Division I athletes to graduation following last year’s first state track and field boys team title, he saw evidence during the fall weight-room program that North Shore could possibly repeat.

“Every day we talk about focusing on ourselves and not worrying about things out of our control,” Cross said. “We can’t control what everybody else does on the track. We can only control what we do.

“These kids got in the weight room during the fall and their power cleans went up and their squats went up,” said Cross, who was on the North Shore staff last year. “We could see their stride patterns opening up and increasing from what it was last year. The kids really developed and were able to step in for the kids we lost last year.”

North Shore’s Jaylon Hicks easily won the 5A boys 100-meter dash in a time of 10.15 seconds to outdistance runner-up Cameron Burrell of Fort Bend Ridge Point (10.34).

Mustangs’ teammate Devante Davis won the 5A triple-jump

Jaylon Hicks

Devante Davis competition for the second year in a row by leaping 51 feet, 3.75 inches on his final jump to surpass John Horton of Copperas Cove (51-1.75).

Davis will take his immense talents to Nevada-Las Vegas this fall on a football scholarship while Hicks is headed to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to run track and major in animation.

“I’ve been drawing longer than I’ve been running track and going there enables me to be able to do both,” Hicks said. “It’s a Division II school.”

Davis won last year’s triple jump with an effort of 50 feet, four-and-a-half inches.

“I knew that I had to jump well in order for our team to have a chance a repeating as team champions,” Davis said.

“We knew Copperas Cove was going to challenge us, but winning two relays and three individual events put us in a great position to get the job done.”

North Shore began the running finals by winning the 4x100 relay in a time of 40.22 seconds. The Mustangs’ foursome of Hicks, Authorlee, Maiketavius Jones and anchor Larry Mcduffey held off runner-up Copperas Cove (40.89).

The same North Shore unit won the 4x200 relay (1:24.45) to defeat Copperas Cove (1:24.84) again.

The Mustangs amassed 73 points in the team standings to outdistanced Copperas Cove (51) by 22 points. Klein Forest and Southlake Carroll tied for third place with 24 points.

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

Coach Garrett Cross

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 19 | 2011

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Former NFBPA Presidents Joyce Bethany, Ms. Chag and Mary Ann Donatto

Elaine and Gene Norman

chag’splace

Former NFBPA Presidents Toni Lewis, Keith Bynam, Lenoria Walker and Naomi Hines

Gospel Recording Artist Yolanda Adams

Evelyn Hicks, Austyn Hicks and Darreyn Flowers

Ramona Crayton and Deseree Thomas

NFBPA Chapter President Jeana Nellons and Stephen Williams

Major and Tammy Adams

Rhonda Nwosu and Pastor Mia Wright

organization continues to provide progressive SILVER ANNIVERSARY….The Houston advancement of Black public leadership in local Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public and state government. Continued success!..............

Administrators (NFBPA) was chartered 25 years ago LISTENING PARTY……… in Chicago. To commemorate this Award-winning gospel singer milestone, chapter president Jeana Join Yvette Chargois Yolanda Adams hosted a listening Nellons thought it most fitting to Events of the Week party to celebrate the release of honor all former presidents at their More photos on defendernetwork.com her new album, “Becoming.” The monthly meeting. The honorees See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads event was held at the Sanctuary included Major Brock, Mary Ann with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

Lounge and was attended by Donatto, Ms. Chag, Joyce Bethany, family, friends, and fans. You Naomi Hines, Lenoria Walker, Keith Bynam, Bonita Cade and can wake up weekday mornings Toni Lewis. Also, advisory board member Stephen at 5 a.m. with Yolanda by listening to Praise Williams, director of the City of Houston’s Health & Houston, FM 92.1. Fabulous lady and a fabulous Human Services department, delivered a presentation party!..........SPARKLES OF LIFE…….The first on “Childhood Obesity” to the membership. The annual Mother’s Heart Brunch was held at the Villa

Ballrooms to celebrate the journey to parenthood.

Sparkles of Life, Inc., is a non-profit organization that supports women who struggle with delayed parenting and issues with infertility. Founder Rhonda LewisNwosu and her husband Ral experienced many problems before becoming parents. Their experiences led to launching this program and no one could be happier than adoptive mother, Evelyn Hicks, baby Austyn Hicks, and birth mother, Darreyn Flowers.

We salute Sparkles of Life!........KUDOS…..The Suburban Sugar Land Women organization recently presented scholarships to graduating seniors from Thurgood Marshall High School. The recipients included Olewafemi Adunbarin, Cameron Batiste and Chelsea Crittle. Congrats!....... From Chag’s Place to your place, Ciao Darling!.......

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