July 4 – 10, 2010 | FREE
Volume 79 Number 36
www.defendernetwork.com REPORT
Black dropout rate soars By Gregory Dale
Elena Kagan
SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS
Kagan draws Black support
(NNPA) - New data from the U.S. Department of Education reveals that Black students continue to drop out of high school at a much higher rate than whites and nearly 40 percent fail to earn a high school diploma on time. According to the report, 234,121 white students in the United States dropped out of high school in 2008, the most recent year for which data was available, comprising 2.8 percent of all white students Arne Duncan enrolled in public high schools. That same year, there were 159,407 Black students who dropped out of high school, totaling 6.7 percent of all Black public high school students. The report also found that, nationwide, just fewer than 75 percent of all students received high school diplo-
By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
By Aswad Walker DEFENDER
“The critical lesson we must take away from the celebration of those whose names have been too often left out of the history books and conversations on the building and shaping of America is the power we each possess. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for,” — Kaleema Haidera Al-Nur
O
n July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass, the legendary abolitionist, statesman, and minister, gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. During his address Douglass asked, “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?” Douglass followed his question with a scathing commentary denouncing the obvious contradiction afoot in America at that time—the government-sanctioned institution of slavery operating in the land of liberty. To Douglass, ignoring the African American presence in America was criminal. Generations of respected scholars and historians during Douglass’ time and since have shared his angst over ignoring reality, and offered research painting a picture of a profound presence of African ★OUR STORY TOO, Page 5
★DROPOUTS, Page 5
WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Former Harvard Law School Dean Elena Kagan, President Obama’s pick for the U. S. Supreme Court, has gained more Black civil rights support as she goes before the U. S. Senate Judiciary Committee this week. Wade Henderson, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, who said in May that the LCCR would await decisions from more of its some 200 organizational members before it announces a formal endorsement, has released an updated statement announcing the organization’s endorsement of Kagan. “The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights today announces its support for the nomination of Elena Kagan to be Associate ★KAGAN, Page 5
Congress honors African-American slaves who built U.S. Capitol By Erica Brown NNPA SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Members of Congress and distinguished guests were on hand recently at the U. S. Capitol, to witness Congress’ first formal commemoration of the African-American slaves who built the capitol. Rep. John Lewis D-Ga., a renowned leader in the Civil Rights Movement and chairman of the Slave Task Force, an organization dedicated to commemorating the AfricanAmerican contributions to the capitol, unveiled two plaques on June 16, honoring the slaves whose labor greatly contributed to the alluring framework of the Capitol building. “With these plaques…we recognize the
blood sweat and toil of the enslaved AfricanAmericans that helped construct this embodiment of our democracy,” said Lewis. “…We are one step closer to realizing a dream of an all inclusive and more perfect union. “The history of the Capitol, like the history of our nation should be complete,” Lewis continued. “Thousands of visitors walk through our nation’s capitol without knowing the true history of its construction. Today that changes.” Along with Lewis, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid further emphasized Congress’ responsibility to expose the history of the nation’s capitol in its entirety. “In this place, where so much American history is written, it is our duty to ensure that none of it, no matter how foul, is erased from our national memory,” said Reid.
Photo: Erica Brown
Plaques recognizing the contributions of slave labor to the construction of the U. S. Capitol will be placed in "Emancipation Hall" in the Congressional Visitor's Center. They state: “This original exterior wall was constructed between 1793 and 1800 of sandstone quarried by laborers, including enslaved African-Americans, who were an important part of the workforce that built the United States Capitol."
INTERVIEW
Robinson: First Brother-in-Law By Kam Williams CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Craig Robinson was born in Chicago on April 21, 1962, to Fraser and Marian Robinson and raised in a modest home where he had to share a room with his younger sister, Michelle. With the help of devoted parents, who made major sacrifices on their behalf, both children were inspired to excel academically and were admitted to Princeton University. The six-feet-six-inch Craig was also a basketball phenom who was twice-voted the Ivy League Player of the Year during his college tenure. This meant that Michelle grew up in the shadow of her protective big brother. But today, those roles are reversed with Craig in the shadow of his world famous sibling, since she’s now the First Lady of the United States. After playing basketball professionally in
Europe, he earned an MBA from the University of Chicago, and entered the world of finance, where he enjoyed a meteoric rise until another dream beckoned, namely, to coaching. Craig spent two years as the head coach at Brown, where he spearheaded a revival of the school’s flagging program, winning more games in his first two years than any other head coach in the school’s basketball history before being named the Ivy League Basketball Coach of the Year. Currently, Craig, his kids and wife, Kelly, live in Oregon where he coaches Oregon State University’s men’s basketball team. Here, he discusses his autobiography, A Game of Character, and reflects about his career and about how his life has changed since his brother-in-law, Barack, became President. Kam Williams: Hey, thanks for the time. Much appreciated. Craig Robinson: Oh, my pleasure, man. Thank you for
Click on Defendernetwork.com Weekend
Weekend
Monday
Joseph Phillips
Relationships
Nicole Lee
Leadership Deficit
My Man Won't Spoil Me Anymore
Halliburton in Haiti
★ROBINSON, Page 2
2
JULY 4 – 10, 2010 | DEFENDER
Robinson
continued from page 1 reading my book. KW: I really enjoyed it. How should I refer to you, as the First Brother-in-Law? CR: [Laughs] You can call me Craig, Coach, or whatever you like. KW: How does it feel, as a two-time Ivy League Player of the Year, to find yourself suddenly overshadowed by your sister for the first time? CR: It’s ironic, but it’s kind of fun for me. As I mentioned in the book, for most of her life, until just a few years ago, she was always known as Craig Robinson’s little sister. It’s much more fun being Michelle Obama’s big brother. KW: In reading the book, you emphasized the importance of both family and basketball in shaping your character. Which would you say played a bigger role? CR: I’d say the split is really about 70 percent family, 30 percent basketball. The foundation I learned from my parents. It just so happened that my father was into athletics, so he often used sports to reiterate some of the lessons he had already taught me at home. KW: How does it feel to be the First Lady’s brother? And, seeing politics up close and personal, do you have political aspirations of your own? CR: I’ll answer the second question first. I don’t have any political aspirations. I so much enjoy coaching. I feel so rewarded having the opportunity to help shape the lives of young people. As to how it feels to be the First Lady’s brother, it’s really been an eye-opener for me to work on the Presidential campaign, and to get an insider’s view of Washington and politics. It was humbling and quite an honor to be able to go around the country and talk about my family. And to see the inner workings of the White House, just from my own inquisitive point of view, has been really interesting. It’s been almost all positive. KW: What did you think of the issue of the New Yorker Magazine that came out during the campaign with the cover suggesting that your sister and Barack were terrorists? CR: It didn’t bother me, because I knew who my sister and brother-in-law were. While it might have been disturbing to some people, it really didn’t upset me. Whenever trailblazers are trying to break through a ceiling into uncharted territory, they have to be prepared for pushback and challenges, and for it not be pretty. KW: Have you ever read the book, The Rage of a Privileged Class, by Ellis Cose? He’s also from Chicago. The book talks about the frustrations encountered by many Black professionals upon entering the corporate world. I know plenty of folks like the ones he describes whose careers never fully flourished despite impressive credentials and their showing dedication. Why do you think you, your sister and President Obama have fared so differently? CR: I haven’t read the book, but I’m going to run out and try to find it. I certainly understand the point it sounds like he’s making. Having worked in corporate America, the only thing I can say is that growing up in our house, Michelle and I were taught to do our best, to be content with that, and not to gauge our success by how much money we made. And we saw that ethic demonstrated every day, watching our father getting up and going to work, despite his being disabled, and my mom working so hard, too. My parents’ prevailing mantra was self-confidence. They taught us not to let anybody else define us, and to not worry about what other people thought.
Craig Robinson and his sister, Michelle Obama, have always maintained a tight relationship. They credit their parents with instilling ambition and a hard-work ethic.
What that does is instill the confidence and determination that you need to compete when things are so much against you. KW: It makes me think of PBS anchorwoman Gwen Ifill’s memoir, where she recounted being greeted on the first day of work at a Boston newspaper by a note on her desk which read, “[N-word] go home!” Luckily, she wasn’t crushed by the insult like the racist undoubtedly hoped. The incident only served to strengthen her resolve. But not everybody is blessed with the combination of intelligence, grace and intestinal fortitude needed to survive and even flourish in a toxic environments like that. CR: You have to have the type of personality that doesn’t care about that sort of intimidation. It helps to feel in every fiber of your being that, “I’m here to do something that I’d love to do. And if you think this is going to scare me away, then you don’t know who I am.” KW: How has the family dynamic changed since your mother and sister moved to the White House? Also, are all family events now at your sister’s? CR: No, all family events are not at my sister’s, although things obviously have changed a little. Now, it’s a bit of a logistical nightmare to get together, but I still talk to my mother and sister at least once a week. And the things we speak about haven’t changed. It’s family stuff: parenting, the kids, and how they’re doing. KW: I forgot that you and your wife just had a baby. Congratulations! CR: Yep, in January, thank you. KW: Are you getting any sleep? CR: No, but I’m at the point where I don’t need a lot of sleep. KW: Do you have Secret Service following you around all the time? And how often each week do people reach out to you just to get to Barack? CR: I can’t comment about our security. As for the second question, people reach out to me incessantly to get through to Barack. Because I’m a coach, my contact information is easily accessible, and people write, call and send things to me constantly. KW: Who was best player you ever played against? Having read the book, I’d guess your answer is gonna be Michael Jordan. CR: Right. That was in a summer league game. KW: What was your greatest basketball
LEGAL NOTICE This Texas Lottery Commission Scratch-Off game will close on July 30, 2010. You have until January 26, 2011, to redeem any tickets for this game: Game #1221 $100,000 Super 7’s ($10) Overall Odds are 1 in 3.87 This Texas Lottery Commission Scratch-Off game will close on August 1, 2010. You have until January 29, 2011, to redeem any tickets for this game: Game #1204 Precious Pearl 7’s ($7) Overall Odds are 1 in 3.56 These Texas Lottery Commission Scratch-Off games will close on September 1, 2010. You have until February 28, 2011, to redeem any tickets for these games: Game #1169 Crazy Cash ($1) Overall Odds are 1 in 4.29 Game #1172 Super Wild 8’s ($5) Overall Odds are 1 in 3.84 Game #1199 Match & Win ($3) Overall Odds are 1 in 4.06 Game #1209 Super Deuces ($2) Overall Odds are 1 in 4.76 Game #1212 $50,000 Cash ($5) Overall Odds are 1 in 3.87 Game #1220 Match 3 Tripler ($1) Overall Odds are 1 in 4.76 The odds listed here are the overall odds of winning any prize in a game, including break-even prizes. Lottery retailers are authorized to redeem prizes of up to and including $599. Prizes of $600 or more must be claimed in person at a Lottery Claim Center or by mail with a completed Texas Lottery claim form; however, annuity prizes or prizes over $1,000,000 must be claimed in person at the Commission Headquarters in Austin. Call Customer Service at 1-800-37LOTTO or visit the Lottery Web site at www.txlottery.org for more information and location of nearest Claim Center. The Texas Lottery is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets, or for tickets lost in the mail. Tickets, transactions, players, and winners are subject to, and players and winners agree to abide by, all applicable laws, Commission rules, regulations, policies, directives, instructions, conditions, procedures, and final decisions of the Executive Director. A Scratch-Off game may continue to be sold even when all the top prizes have been claimed. Must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a Texas Lottery ticket. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. The Texas Lottery Supports Texas Education. ©2010 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.
moment as a player? CR: The NCAA Tournament my senior year, when we won two games, including an upset of Oklahoma State, is my fondest memory from my playing days.. KW: Do you think your brother-in-law is doing enough in response to the crisis in the Gulf. CR: That’s a loaded question that I’d prefer not to answer. KW: When you visit the White House, do you stay over? And if so, in what room? CR: I’ve only spent the night there once, and I stayed in the Lincoln bedroom. I imagine I would stay there any time I’m invited, because it’s got the biggest bed. KW: When life seems most challenging, who gets you through those difficult times? CR: I would have to say my family, specifically, my wife, my mom and my kids. KW: What leadership/management style do you commit to and why? CR: As a coach, it involves a lot more teaching and instructing than it did when I
was in the business world. I try to get my players to do things that they wouldn’t be able to do on their own. KW: What is your primary goal as coach of the Oregon State Beavers? CR: The primary goal is to compete for the national championship. That’s the ultimate goal. But I’d say that right now we’re just trying to compete for the Pac-10 championship every year. KW: Is recruiting easier or harder, being the First Brother-in-Law? CR: We’re still trying to figure that out, but being related to the President and First Lady of the United States certainly gives me some brand awareness. KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? CR: When I look in the mirror, I hope I’m doing the right thing. I see someone who’s trying to do his best to leave a mark which helps rather than hurts people. KW: What was it like sharing a room with Michelle as a child? CR: It was a lot of fun. We were very close. My parents never pitted us against each other, so it was a really easygoing childhood. Because she became First Lady, people want me to say that I predicted it back then. But I didn’t. KW: What is your favorite dish to cook? CR: Fried chicken. KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? CR: That my dad could have lived to see all the stuff that’s going on for us right now. CR: Do you ever wish you could get your anonymity back? KW: [Laughs] Yeah, sometimes, for my daughter’s sake. When we go out to dinner, she would love to make sure we share some quality time together. But sometimes, that’s just not possible, between my being a basketball coach, and my sister being the First Lady. KW: How do you want to be remembered? CR: As somebody who gave more than he took. KW: Thanks again, Craig, good luck in the Pac-10 next season, and give my best to your sister and brother-in-law. CR: Alright, man, I appreciate it. This was fun.
SPORTS
JULY 4 – 10, 2010 | DEFENDER
Max Edison
on Sports
More Good News for Rockets While the Rockets are happy with obtaining Patrick Patterson in the recent draft, they are turning back flips and grinning from ear to ear over another bit of player news! All-Star center Yao Ming has announced he will not opt out of his Rockets contract. Yao, who is entering the final year of a five year contact, could have opted out and become a free agent. Of course the talented, yet injuryriddled big man missed the entire 2009-2010 season after undergoing foot surgery. He is scheduled to make $17.69 million this upcoming season. “My decision is very clear, I am going to stay with the Rockets,” Yao said. “Why? Because everything we’ve done in the past I feel very comfortable with and also I believe our GM (Daryl Morey) will bring us more talent for helping us build a championship team.” He also intimated a certain loyalty to the city of Houston. “I keep saying after I came here after 2002, I said this community gave me a very warm feeling, almost like home and the people here treat, not just me, treat this team so nice, supporting us whether we are losing or we are winning,” Yao said. “I feel we are very strong in the city.” GM Daryl Morey is obviously pleased his All-Star has agreed to stay put, if only for one year. “He’s the centerpiece of the Rockets, the foundation of our franchise,” Morey said. “We’re looking forward to great things from him next season.” Of course the fact that Yao will be back should help when ★EDISON, Page 4
Darrell Ardison
on H.S. Sports Cy-Fair’s Chiney Ogwumike led the USA Women’s U-18 national basketball team past Argentina 91-32 in the opening game of the FIBA Americas U-18 Championships. Ogwumike scored 15 points and hauled in 12 rebounds in the game played at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Every American player scored in the game, nine had at least six points and the bench provided more than half (46) of the team’s points. Stefanie Dolson added 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting and Kayla McBride had 10 points. 5a North Tops At Habca Event The Class 5A Northeast and Northwest clubs won their respective games in the Houston Area Baseball Coaches Association all-star festivities held at Reckling Park on the campus of Rice University. The Northwest defeated Southeast 12-4 after scoring 11 runs in the first three innings. Klein Oak first baseman Garrett Harrison set the tone for the Northwest with a three-run homer in the first. Cy-Fair center fielder Matt Cardamone added a two-run double in the second inning and Klein first baseman eric fisher notched a two-run double in the third. The 5A Northeast all-stars, coached by Aldine coach Dennis Theaker, defeated the ★ARDISON, Page 4
3
Patrick Patterson The Rockets get their man By Max Edison DEFENDER
The NBA Draft was held last week and for the first time since 2006, the Rockets had a lottery pick (14th overall). Amid all the hype and rumor that team GM Daryl Morey would pull a rabbit out of his hat and trade up into the top five, the Rockets held pat and selected a player they had targeted and didn’t expect would be available. Patrick Patterson, a 6’9”, 235 lbs. power forward from the University of Kentucky was the object of the team’s affection. Patterson was one of five Wildcats that were chosen in the first round, a first in draft history. The Washington DC native averaged 16.1 points (.585, 617-1054 FG; .329, 24-73 3FG), 8.2 rebounds and 1.57 blocks in 97 career games (97 starts) at Kentucky. He was a two-time All-SEC First-Team pick as a junior and sophomore, as well as a Second-Team selection as a freshman. He was a 2007 McDonald’s All-American as a high school senior. “We can’t believe it worked out the way it did. We are extremely happy. He was our number-one guy we were targeting (with 14th pick),” said Rockets Director of Scouting Gerald Madkins on Patterson. “One good thing that we loved about the kid is that if you look over his career, he has been the number-one guy, the go-to guy and he has been a guy that can fill a role. This year, with all the freshmen coming in, they kind of took the hype away from him and he didn’t skip a beat. He was just as productive, his approach never changed. Those are the kind of guys we love in our locker room. Guys with a straight-forward approach, they don’t worry about what role they take on. They just show up for work every day and do Kentucky big man Patrick Patterson is the Rockets first round pick
★PATTERSON, Page 4
Houston high schools highlight reel in 2009-10 By Darrell K. Ardison DEFENDER
It all began in the fall with Katy and Brenham eventually playing in state championship high school football games. Neither school would win a title, but the best was yet to come. When the school year resumed following the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Houston area student-athletes took it to another level. The morning after New Year’s, fans began lining up a 7 a.m. for a boys basketball game between Houston Austin and the defending Class 4A state champion Yates Lions that was slated to begin three hours later. Yates was beginning defense of its District 21-4A title and had just returned from traveling nearly 5,000 miles over the holidays to win two prestigious tournaments. Joseph Young scored a gamehigh 43 points as Yates defeated The defending Class 4A state basketball champion Yates Lions won holiday tournaments in Hawaii Huntsville Butler 108-77 in the and Alabama. finals of the T-Mobile Invitational in Homewood, Ala. Trailing 28-27 three quarters in the tournament national attention. Some critics countered with saying that pressure in the second quarter, Yates scored semifinals. Yates exploded for 31 cited a lack of sportsmanship. defense was why the Lions were 22 unanswered points to get the fourth-quarter points to win 95-88. The 170 points set a single-game experiencing success and would be rout underway. Facing nationally-ranked state scoring record previously held instrumental if they were to win There would be many routs to Philadelphia Neumann-Goretti in by Hardin-Jefferson High School another state title. follow, including a 139-51 win over the tournament championship (166) against Hardin in 1992. Yates Sell-out crowds would attend Austin. game, Yates trailed once again led 100-12 at halftime and the Yates games for the remainder of Prior to their journey to Alabama, going into the final eight minutes. Lions established another state the season. Yates traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii Young converted two free throws record for points in a half. The largest crowd in state tournato compete in the Iolani Classic. with seven seconds remaining in Lee head coach Jacques Armant ment history (16,755) watched the Playing four games in five days, the regulation to secure a 97-96 victory. said the Lions shouldn’t continue to Lions rally from behind to defeat Lions won all four while rallying En route to winning back-to-back press full-court and score at will Lancaster 92-73 in the Erwin from behind in two of the games. state championships, there would when they have opponents down by Center. Yates trailed by as many as The Lions trailed Orange County be controversy. A 170-35 rout of large margins. Lutheran (Calif.) by six points after ★HIGHTLIGHT, Page 4 Houston Lee brought local and Yates head coach Greg Wise
SPORTS
4
Edison
Patterson
trying to attract free agents. “Obviously, Yao Ming is an unbelievable piece to have on our roster,” Morey said. “We feel like we’re a great destination. We don’t really feel like the underdog. Any free agent, when they take the time to look through their options — they all will — they are going to see us as a very interesting option. Obviously, a great roster that’s ready to win.” The key to Yao’s return is how he will respond to his surgically repaired foot. “My focus is still on my foot rehab. I feel much better. I feel I improved so much in the last couple of months. I need to find a lot of information about my foot, about the way I play, how to improve myself after another injury. It’s a little bit complicated after this injury.” There are some fans out there that would just as soon let the big center head out of town, complaining that he’s always hurt and has not lifted the team to success in the playoffs. Well that’s true, but it’s not like you can run over to the Galleria, stop by the Seven foot center shop and pick up a quality big man that can consistently give you 20 and 10 and make clutch free throws. Take a look around the league. Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, that’s about it. And remember, while you’re sitting around crying about Yao this and Yao that; you could be the Portland Trailblazers with the biggest, youngest, overhyped, overpaid stiff in the league, (this side of Eric Dampier) Greg Oden. He always hurt and when he’s well, he plays like he’s hurt! So lets hope Yao can stay reasonably healthy this season, Morey can continue to add quality pieces around him and let’s just see what happens. Of course if Yao Ming doesn’t hold up his end of the bargain, he’ll be somebody else’s problem this time next year, and we’ll be $17 million under the salary cap!
the best they can, and he’s proven that over his time in college.” Needless to say, Morey is pleased that Patterson was still available. “We are really excited to have Patrick. He was a guy we had very high on our board and we were working hard to move up to get him but teams were fighting us to move up, and we feel like we almost lucked out that he made it to us. He was the top guy available when we picked,” Morey explained. “He is an unbelievably versatile guy. He played two years at (the) center at a very high level at Kentucky and then played at the four next to Cousins and Orton this year. He was very productive in either role. He can score in a bunch of ways … face-up, back to the basket, can step out to the college three, so he has range. All young players need to improve defensively, but we see him as eventually a plus-defender in the league.” Morey further describes what he thinks makes Patterson a valuable commodity. “I think his versatility and his work ethic. His ability to play multiple spots, although we see him primarily as a four in the NBA. His ability to play at the elbow, play with his back to the basket, space the floor and then
continued from page 3
continued from page 3
JULY 4 – 10, 2010 | DEFENDER
defend all fours in ences at the league and some Kentucky have fives give us real prepared him for flexibility. Plus, the adjustments gives him a real he’ll have to chance to be a very make joining his solid starter in the new team. league, potentially “I can adapt to more.” anything. I’m For Patrick used to change; Patterson, hearing as far as offense, his name called by going from an Patrick Patterson NBA Commissioner inside-out to an David Stern was a i n s i d e - i n dream come true. offense,” Patrick shared. “I’m “I can’t stop smiling. I’m shak- able to take a step back, surround ing on the inside,” said Patterson myself with All-Stars and highon being drafted by the Rockets. caliber players and be able to “Finally, my dream has come perform and still play with them. true (being drafted). I’m just So I definitely feel my first two extremely grateful for being years (at Kentucky) allowed me here. I’m truly blessed, needless to adapt and also my last year to say, and I’m happy. I just can’t caused me to be more openwait to get started and be a part minded and able to perform on of this great team.” the court with other players who A fan of the NBA, Patterson are better than me.” comes to town with a good feel Patrick agrees with the scoutfor his new team’s history and ing report that touts his versatilitradition. ty. “What comes to mind when I “I’m a very versatile four-man think about the Rockets is just who can face-up, extend his tradition, history and success,” game to the perimeter and shoot added Patterson. “Tradition. threes, and post-up in the post, Hakeem (Olajuwon) and all the score around the rim, rebound great players who have played and just do whatever is asked of there. The history and just the me. I’m trying to make this team love for the game. The support better and make myself better as from the city. The city loves to well.” win and the organization loves to Patrick Patterson joins a win. They have a great fan sup- Rocket front court that already port. Sports are all over the place includes a former Kentucky in Houston.” standout, Chuck Hays. Patterson believes his experi“That was the first thing that I
realized when they said my name, man I get to play alongside Chuck. He’s one of the alltime favorite Kentucky players and one of mine, too.” It’s important to note for all of his athletic prowess, Patterson still managed to earn his degree in communications in a mere three years. He has a solid reputation has a high character guy on and off the court. Patterson grew up in a household with parents that that had military backgrounds and their belief in discipline helped mold his character. “It was just all the discipline in the household. Whenever I messed up and did something wrong, I was punished for it,” he recalled. “I definitely think that set me straight at a young age and opened my eyes to make me realize the type of person I needed to be in order to be successful and also a great person and a great citizen.” With the draft behind him, Morey now turns his attention toward free agency. The date for signing NBA free agents is July 1 and the team plans to be aggressive players. “We definitely are going to stay aggressive with free agency and we feel like we should hopefully be able to get something accomplished there,” Morey said. “We’re happy about the fact that we were able to add a player of Patrick’s very high caliber and still give ourselves every opportunity in free agency.”
Ardison
continued from page 3 Southwest 9-5. Morton Ranch coach Jim Janczak led the Northwest all-stars and admitted there wasn’t a lot of coaching going on. He said that you put the players in a lineup, an order, and get out of the way so they can perform. Fox Earns State Softball Honor Fort Bend Baptist pitcher Rachel Fox was recently named the 2009-10 Gatorade Texas High School Softball Player of the Year. The 25th annual award honors the best high school athletes, recognizes academic achievement and outstanding character on and off the field in addition to exemplary athletic accomplishments. Fox also won the award as a junior last year making her a finalist for the award for the second consecutive year. The five-foot-4 pitcher led her team to a third consecutive TAPPS 4A state championship and fourth finals appearance in four years. She’s committed to playing collegiately at the University of Texas in Austin. Fox was also recently named the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation High School Athlete of the Year.
CLASSIFIED
Cy-Fair girls celebrate winning state championship.
Highlight
continued from page 3 six points (57-51) in the third quarter and lost Young for a brief period due to a head injury. Yet Young came back into the contest with four minutes, seven seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Lions clinging to a 71-70 advantage. After one more lead change, Yates would run off 19 unanswered points and close out the game on a 21-1 spurt. Brandon “Snap” Peters was named championship game Most Valuable Player following a 37-point, 13-rebound performance. In the 5A championship game, Wise’s good friend Ronnie Courtney was guiding Fort Bend Bush to the school’s first state championship in any sport. Courtney coached Willowridge to state titles in 2000-2001. Broncos’ senior guard Darius Richardson scored 19 points as Bush advanced to the title game with a 45-43 victory over Flower Mound Marcus in the tournament semifinals. Bush defeated Garland Lakeview Centennial 65-58 in the championship final as Richardson had 25 points and Jordan Clark added 20 points and 11 rebounds. Richardson was named 5A title game MVP. A week earlier, the Cy-Fair girls went to Austin and faced another Houston area school in the Class 5A state championship game. In a performance for the ages, Chiney Ogwumike dominated every phase of the game and finished with 31 points, 18 rebounds, four steals and three blocked shots as Cy-Fair defeated Hightower 6541. Ogwumike also came up big in the tournament semifinals. While playing all 32
minutes, Ogwumike tallied 24 points, grabbed a 5A state-tournament record 25 rebounds as the Lady Bobcats knocked out Cedar Hill 54-50. The Stanford University recruit was selected a unanimous championship game Most Valuable Player. At the annual state track and field meet in Austin, the Houston hit parade gathered steam with the North Shore boys and Westbury girls claiming state championships. Senior DeAndrew White was a driving force in North Shore’s first state track title. White won medals in all four of his events, including a gold medal in the long jump and a silver medal in the 200-meter dash. The North Shore foursome of Larry Stephens, Tim Cornett, Devon Gibson and Jaylon Hicks got the Mustangs off to a good start in the meet’s first event by placing second in the 400-meter relay with a time of 41.37 seconds. De Soto won the gold medal with a time of 40.74 seconds. Westbury’s girls were led by Christy Udoh, who anchored two gold-medal winning relay teams, in addition to winning a gold medal in the 200-meter dash. The Lady Rebels won their first state crown since 2000. Dulles junior sprinter Sheroid Evans won gold medals in the 100-meter dash (10.39) and the 200-meter dash (20.82). Two Houston area schools advanced to the Class 5A state baseball tournament. Klein and Clements both came up empty in their bids to bring home a state title. Corpus Christi Carroll defeated Clements 4-3 in the semifinals and Klein 5-2 in the championship game. However, Brenham won the school’s seventh state baseball title with a 2-1 victory over Corpus Christi Calallen in the 4A title game.
Notice of Proposed Goal for the Participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Federal Transit Administration Assisted Contracts VOLUME 79 • NUMBER 36 JULY 4 – 10, 2010
Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles
As required by Section 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 26, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County has determined a proposed overall goal of 12% for the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE’s) in its FY11 – FY13 contracts which are funded by U.S. Department of Transportation. The proposed goal and its rationale are available for inspection during normal business hours at the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Headquarters, 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002; in Room 2023. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County and the Federal Transit Administration will accept written comments on the proposed goal through July 30, 2010. Written comments may be directed to Metropolitan Transit Authority Office of Small Business, Attention: Karen Hudson, P.O. Box 61429, Houston, Texas 77208-1429 or Federal Transit Administration: Attention: William Jones, 819 Taylor Street, Suite 8A36, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
Editor Von Jiles Associate Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Cale Carter Columnist Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Webmaster Corneleon Block
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).
NOTICE TO BID SpawGlass Construction Corporation, General Contractor, is soliciting for subcontractor and supplier bids from qualified companies including Small Business, Minority/Women Business Enterprises, MBE/SBE/WBE/AABE/HUBS for the Utility Production Equipment-The University of Texas Medical Branch. Bids will be received until 2:00 PM on Monday,July 12,2010. Work includes the renovation of the existing Central Plant. The work includes demolition, paving, concrete work, masonry, structural steel, waterproofing, insulation, doors & hardware, drywall, acoustical, specialties and MEP. Plans, specifications, bonding and insurance requirements are available for review at the SpawGlass plan room at 13800 West Rd., Houston, Texas. Plans are also available for viewing at the ABC, AGC and FW Dodge plan rooms. Plans may be purchased at A&E Reprographics, 4235 Richmond Rd, Houston, Texas 77027, Phone 713-579-1234. Please direct all inquiries to Dale Seyler at 281-970-5300,fax 281-517-8282 or by email to dale.seyler@spawglass.com. SPAWGLASS CONSTRUCTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
5
JULY 4 – 10, 2010 | DEFENDER
Kagan
continued from page 1 Justice of the United States Supreme Court and urges her speedy confirmation. “In every step of her career, Elena Kagan has highly distinguished herself through her outstanding intellectual credentials, her independence of thought, and her strong respect for the rule of law. She is fully qualified and ready to serve on the Supreme Court,� Henderson said in the statement. This adds to a significant list of civil rights organizations,
which have chosen to back Kagan, despite deep concerns that Obama failed to continue diversifying the court by nominating a Black woman. The NAACP also endorsed Kagan while the Black Women’s Roundtable, led by Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civil Participation, expressed strong disappointment that the court still has no Black female justice. The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund also came out in support of Kagan last week despite some reservations.
Dropouts
continued from page 1 mas within four years. That number ranged from 91 percent for Asian and Pacific Islander students and 81 percent for white students, to 63.5 percent for Hispanic students and 61.5 percent for Black students. “Today’s report confirms that our nation faces a dropout crisis. When 25 percent of our students—and almost 40 percent of our Black and Hispanic students—fail to graduate [from] school on time, we know that too many of our schools are failing to offer their students a world-class education,� Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education said in a statement. American Indians and Alaska Natives
had the highest dropout rate at 7.3 percent, while Asian and Pacific Islanders had the lowest at 2.4 percent. The dropout rate for Hispanics was 6 percent. Louisiana had the highest reported dropout rate at nearly 7.5 percent, while Indiana and New Jersey were tied for the lowest at 1.7 percent. In Maryland, statewide aggregate data for the class of 2006 showed there were 10,000 more first graders than graduating students; 19,000 more 9th graders than graduating seniors and 3,000 more 12th graders than graduating seniors. The dropout crisis has been an ongoing issue in the United States. A study released by the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University in Boston and the Alternative Schools Network in Chicago
Our story too
continued from page 1 American contributions to the founding and shaping of America and the world. Yet the seminal works of individuals like J.A. Rodgers, Carter G. Woodson, John Henrik Clarke, Ivan Van Sertima, Yosef ben Jochannon, John Jackson, Asa Hilliard and a litany of other scholars still goes untaught and undiscovered, leaving students, their teachers and the general public believing that American history is solely a red, white and blue phenomenon—with an emphasis on the white. The recent changes to the Texas public school curriculum adopted by the State Board of Education possess the potential of ignoring all the more the contributions of African Americans to the founding, growing and continued development of this country. Yet, scholars are still raising their voices to share a different telling of history—one that affirms the many and varied contributions of African Americans. Malachi Crawford, professor and assistant director of the University of Houston’s African American Studies Program, believes Charles Hamilton Houston is but one of many figures in history whose contributions to the shaping of America should be celebrated. “Charles Hamilton Houston is not talked about a lot in mainstream American history, but he was in a huge way responsible for changing the political, social and racial landscape in this country,� said Crawford. “When we talk about dismantling the barriers to education, public transportation and employment, he really had the strategic and tactical intelligence to successfully challenge Plessy vs. Ferguson (the 1896 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the doctrine of “separate but equal.�).� Crawford, a University of MissouriColumbia Ph.D. candidate, believes that Houston is one of the chief architects of how Americans of all hues view the character and content of freedom in this country. “We don’t know more about Houston because he didn’t lead a mass movement. He was a lawyer by trade who worked for the NAACP. Also, his principle means of communication with Blacks was through Crisis Magazine which meant you had to be literate to receive his message. But during the 1930s and 40s many were not. The other reason he is not as known as he should be, I don’t think that when it comes to freedom and democracy African Americans are given due credit in terms of what we’ve done historically for this country to make those concepts real for our lives as Americans,� stated Crawford. Crawford believes he knows why more African Americans today still aren’t familiar with Houston. “It wasn’t until 1989 that Genna Rae McNeil published her thesis on Charles Hamilton Houston—a bio on his life and what he did for Civil Rights. So it’s only been in the last 20 years or so that we have had any research on him. We do know about some of his students, however, such as Thurgood Marshall.� During Houston’s six year tenure as vicedean of the Howard University Law School (1929-35), the institution was training almost a quarter of the nation’s Black law students. “Often we get caught up in our professions but don’t know those who paved the way. Many Black lawyers and law students have never heard of him. Also, there has been a tendency by Black historians to play up great orators rather than those who were great legal strategists,� added Crawford, who also believes a historical figure with whom most are more familiar still does not get his fair share of credit for his influence upon shaping America. “Malcolm X, in the tradition of Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam (NOI), questioned the moral, ethical and intellectual authority and superiority of whites,� said Crawford. “America cannot have an honest conversation about who it is or where it’s going unless Blacks can face our own demons in terms of the things we’ve gone through and who we are; and until whites and Blacks can have a frank discussion about history. This is what Malcolm brought. I think that while it may not be appreciated now it will be in the future,� said Crawford. Like Crawford who celebrated the lawyer
“I don’t think that when it comes to freedom and democracy African Americans are given due credit in terms of what we’ve done historically for this country to make those concepts real for our lives as Americans.� – Malachi Crawford
“There are so many nameless, faceless individuals who have had an impact on the shaping of this nation whose struggles, sacrifices and contributions we’ll never know.� –Qiyamah Rahman
on May 5, 2009 stated that, “America is currently in the throes of a persistent high school dropout crisis that has been a long time in the making, with substantial disparities in dropout rates across race, ethnic and income groups and geographic areas.� That report found that in 2007, 16 percent of people between the ages of 16 and 24 are high school dropouts, with a wide majority being men and more than 18 percent of them Black. “I believe that improving our nation’s graduation rate is absolutely essential to the future of our economy and the future of our nation,� Duncan said in a statement. “I look forward to working with educators across America to raise graduation rates and improve the lives of millions of high school students.�
titled, The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Women Who Started It,� said Rahman. “Robinson was a member of the Women’s Political Council that was very instrumental in the leadership of the Boycott.� Al-Nur believes the Women’s Club Movement of the 1960s was a huge force during the Civil Rights Movement that has not received its due. “Women have been historically relegated to the background when discussing historical contributions. However, these Women’s Club members were the activists who organized and prepared the organizations for Dr. King and others to step in and assume the role of spokesperson,� said Al-Nur. Rahman concurred. “It is important to celebrate the contributions of our leaders, but we must also realize that we are all leaders. Too often we get caught up into that ‘one leader’ mentality and we have seen how limiting that can be. But when we see ourselves as leaders we then perceive what we do and how we live our lives differently. There are so many nameless, faceless individuals who have had an impact on the shaping of this nation whose struggles, sacrifices and contributions we’ll never know,� added Rahman. “The critical lesson we must take away from the celebration of those whose names have been too often left out of the history books and conversations on the building and shaping of America is the power we each possess. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for,� said Al-Nur.
Houston, Kaleema Haidera Al-Nur, the gardens she tended in our backvisiting professor of community advoyard, and the food coops we became a cacy at the University of Texas at part of so that even on welfare we Austin, focused on attorneys as well. were able to eat healthy foods. That “The laws of a country tell the story was very progressive,â€? said Al-Nur. of a people and their values, as much Qiyamah Rahman, Al-Nur’s mother, as their religious texts and practices,â€? is a professor at the Meadville said Al-Nur. “The enslavement of Lombard Theological School in Kaleema Africans was legally sanctioned as are Chicago. Rahman, like her daughter, other crimes committed against Black Haidera Al-Nur believes there have been legions of populations. Thus, I lift up our Black significant though unheralded change warrior lawyers, who consciously chose to agents whose works still impact our lives. learn and navigate the legal system as a tool of “Jo Ann Robinson was one of the most Black liberation; and whom have consistently prominent leaders of the Montgomery Bus throughout the original Black human rights Boycott and wrote a book about her experience movement, civil rights movement, Black Power movement and into times we have not yet named and claimed, fought on the front line and shoulder to shoulder with activists and change-makers.â€? Al-Nur believes African American lawyers’ contributions to America have been critical, especially in light of Blacks’ one-time legal status in the U.S. as property and chattel—objects of commerce—but not as holders of rights. H O U S T O N - G A LV E S T O N A R E A C O U N C I L Al-Nur specifically names attorneys Thurgood Marshall, Margaret Burnham, and Gay Notice of Proposed Goal for the Participation McDougall as individuals whose works should of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in U.S. be known. Department of Transportation Assisted Contracts “Marshall labored tirelessly and advocated zealously for the human rights of Black folks from the revolutionary days of the NAACP, As required by Section 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 26, the when its struggle was a ‘human rights’ and ‘anti-colonial’ fight taken to the doors of the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Transportation Department United Nations; to his ascent to the Supreme has determined a proposed overall goal for the participation of Court as a Justice with the power to influence Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in its contracts for ďŹ nancial decisions that impact our daily experience,â€? assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): state Al-Nur, who also includes an attorney still living and practicing law among her list of s FOR &ISCAL 9EAR CONTRACTS FOR lNANCIAL those who have shaped the character of this assistance provided through the Federal Aviation country. Administration (FAA), Federal Highway Administration “I call forth attorney Margaret Burnham (FHWA), and Federal Transit Authority (FTA). who represented Angela Davis and is now actively prosecuting those civil rights era, vioThe proposed goal and its rationale are available for review between lent racist, white supremacists who thought AM AND PM -ONDAY THROUGH &RIDAY AT 4IMMONS ,ANE
they had escaped accountability for their 3UITE (OUSTON 4EXAS 4HE INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR crimes,� shared Al-Nur. INSPECTION AT THIS LOCATION UNTIL *ULY 4O VIEW THE PROPOSED Al-Nur also highlighted a colleague of goal online visit www.h-gac.com/transportation (Click on Public Houston’s, attorney Gay McDougall, UN Information). Independent Expert on Minority Affairs. As cocounsel with Houston, McDougall argued the s ( '!# IS HOSTING A WORKSHOP FOR $"%S THAT PROVIDE case before the Inter-American Commission on Engineering, Planning, Advertising, and Public Relations Human Rights, charging the U.S. government SERVICES ON 4UESDAY *ULY FROM PM TO with “crimes against humanity� on behalf of victims and survivors of the Tulsa Race Riots, PM AT THE ( '!# OFlCES 4IMMONS ,ANE ND the white-on-Black violence that ensued after &LOOR #ONFERENCE 2OOM ! (OUSTON 4EXAS the destroying of the famed Black Wall Street. Al-Bur also mentioned the National s ! PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 4UESDAY *ULY
Conference on Black Lawyers for their work in FROM PM TO PM AT THE ( '!# OFlCES AT ND 1968 of gathering and mobilizing lawyers who &LOOR #ONFERENCE 2OOM ! (OUSTON 4EXAS held vigils outside of jailhouses demanding the safe release of falsely arrested and tortured community members while constantly asserting the humanity of Blacks. H-GAC and the DOT (through FAA, Federal Aviation Administration “These days, Black attorneys comprise about FHWA, and FTA) will accept written Civil Rights Staff, ASW-9 4-6 percent of attorneys in the country and this comments on the goal from June 2601 Meacham Boulevard number is in decline. Meanwhile, we are well 14, 2010 to July 30, 2010. Written Fort Worth, Texas 76137 overrepresented as defendants and detainees. comments can be directed to the Federal Highway Administration But, from Dred Scott to Jena 6, we must stay agencies below: 300 East 8th Street, Room 826 vigilant on this front. And on the occasion of Houston-Galveston Area Council OR Austin, Texas 78701 July 4th, remember that we are still walking the Transportation Department road to Freedom,� added Al-Nur, who counts Federal Transit Administration ATTN: Ms. Lydia Abebe (DBELO) her mother as one of the many ordinary citizens 819 Taylor Street, Room 8A36 P.O. Box 22777 who have made an extraordinary impact upon Fort Worth, Texas 76102 Houston, Texas 77227 our nation. dbelo@h-gac.com “My mother gave me my first introduction to activism; she was a single mother raising three kids on welfare yet still served her community; and one of the things she exposed us to were
8
LIFTING AS WE CLIMB……..This was the theme for the 39th Annual National Association of Black Accountants when about 1,500 of them convened here in Houston. They broke new ground as their leaders charted the course for the organization’s future, deepened connections and provided greater value for members and corporate partners with new convention programming. NABA has the unique privilege of representing the interests of more than 100,000 minorities in furthering their educational, professional and career aspirations in the related business fields of accounting, consulting, finance and information technology. Houston Chapter President, Gene Padgett and local convention co-chair, Felicia Farrar were all smiles at its success. Over $197,035 in scholarships were awarded, at least 100 members participated in a day-long service to the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity Preparatory Academy for boys by painting the school…indoors, participants attended numerous workshops, luncheons, receptions and awards ceremonies honoring the nation’s top financial wizards. In the mix at the Lifetime Membership Reception hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank, were Founder, Frank Ross, NABA National President, Walter Smith, National Director, Calvin Harris, Jr., Executive Director, Gregory Johnson, Jackie Hoyer, Donald Bowers, Dominique Harvey, Lamont Waddell, Ja’Nice Sparks, Robert Dunlap, Yosief Ghirmai, Verna Green and Ken Bouyer. Over 80 exhibitors participated in NABA Expo to include Cargill, Grant Thornton LLP, IRS, State Farm, MetLife, Deutsche Bank, GE Capital, Johnson & Johnson, Walmart Stores, Spectra Energy Corp and Well Fargo Bank, to name a few. Continued Success!.......JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION……..Many activities took place celebrating African-American freedom, education and achievement including Wells Fargo & Company, who hosted a local Media Luncheon during the NABA Convention. The company leaders shared their involvement, commitment and financial success to the Houston African-American community as well as their current local community efforts. Attendees at this event included Regional President of Greater Houston, Glenn Godkin, Senior VP of Market Growth & Development Manager, Cary Yates, Senior VP and Business Banking Manager, Shaun Coard and Senior VP of Diverse Segments Enterprise Marketing, Michelle Thornhill. Wells Fargo was named the world’s 14th most admired company by Fortune magazine in 2009 and one of the top 50 companies for diversity by Diversity Inc. magazine form 2002-2009 as well as receiving several other honors. Continued success to you also!.......TRIBUTE TO OUTSTANDING FATHERS………Over 300 folks filled the ballroom of the Junior League of Houston for the 2010 Texas Spring Cypress Chapter of the Links, Inc. as they honored several outstanding fathers. The sixth annual event, chaired by Carolyn Grant celebrated the contributions El Franco Lee, Harris County Precinct One Commissioner, Gerald W. McElvy, Retired President of ExxonMobil Foundation, Albert Myres, Senior VP of Government and Public Affairs, RRI Energy, Inc. Val Thompson, Executive Director of International Trade Center and Cary Yates, Senior VP of Market Growth and Development with Wells Fargo Bank. The first- time recipient of the Beloved Community Award was presented to Allen R. Parker, Sr. Additionally, five $2,000 scholarships were awarded to the 2010 graduates of Booker T. Washington High School. Kudos wereas given to outgoing President, Pamela Davis and a warm welcome was given to incoming President, Angela Joubert. Congratulations!........ 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!
JUNE 27 – JULY 3, 2010 | DEFENDER
Calvin Harris Jr., Verna Greer, Gene Padgett and Ken Bouyer
Jackie Hoyer, Gene Padgett and Dominique Harvey
Ja'Nice Sparks and Lamont Waddell
Robert Dunlap, Frank Ross and Yosief Ghirmai
Sharmagne Taylor and Donald Bowers
D'Mar Phillips and Claire Fontenot
Gregory Johnson and Walter Smith
Johnique Lang
Cary Yates and Glenn Godkin
Ronald Chiles and Carla Cargle
Shaun Coard, Hugh Rowden and Michelle Thornhill
Honoree Albert Myres and Pamela Davis
Honoree Cary Yates and Clearese Yates
Angela and Cedric Joubert
Pamela and Bailey Davis