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NEWSTALK
John Wiley PRICE
FBI investigation under way
P3 HEALTH
swimmer’s ear
Don’t underestimate
Ghetto plainsman alternative
Restoration vs. Incarceration
H Page 8
Sheriff’s Dept. deals with bias
County Sheriff Adrian Garcia has come up with an agreement to hire an outside expert to monitor his department’s internal affairs division, ending a federal inquiry into alleged religious and racial discrimination. Before Garcia took charge as sheriff, department emails that badmouthed religious, racial and ethnic groups prompted a U.S. Justice Department’s investigation. H Page 3
NAACP calls for anchors The NAACP is calling for more African-American anchors on national news shows, cable or broadcast networks. Benjamin Todd Jealous, president of the civil rights organization, is speaking out about the lack of Black anchors or hosts between the hours of 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. H Page 4
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Texas Supervisors Mother Peggy Lee and Mother Gladys Ross at International AIM Convention of the Church of God In Christ
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Sheriff’s dept. deals with discrimination By ASWAD WALKER Defender
T
he Harris County Commissioners Court is set to approve an agreement by County Sheriff Adrian Garcia to hire an outside expert to monitor his department’s internal affairs division, ending a federal inquiry into deputies’ alleged religious and racial discrimination. Before Garcia became Harris County’s top cop, the discovery of emails from sheriff’s commanders that denigrat-
ed religious, racial and ethnic groups prompted the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation. Adding to the urgency of the inquiry was the treatment of members of a Sikh family detained in late 2008 after calling deputies to their home to investigate a burglary. The Sheriff’s Department, per the agreement, is required to hire an internal affairs expert to develop diversity and cross-cultural awareness training for new cadets as well as veteran deputies. In addition, the internal affairs expert will review use of force and internal affairs procedures. To improve the handling of complaints against deputies from the public, how internal investigations are conducted and the training of officers who lead those investigations, the agreement requires a written report after an eightmonth review, which will serve as an outline for ongoing procedural growth. Garcia also agreed to invite Sikh and Muslim religious leaders to participate in the department’s Faith Leaders meeting, and create a Citizen Advisory Council to meet every two months to foster communications with the public. In 2008, leaders of the Muslim, African-American and Asian communities in Houston condemned emails sent from the staff of former Sheriff
localbriefs Redistricting could change Harris County precincts
Tommy Thomas that contained racial, ethnic and religious slurs. After the backlash from the public release of those emails, Thomas apologized for their insensitivity. Important to officials is the fact that the agreement stops short of the county having to officially admit wrongdoing. According to Assistant County Attorney John Odam, this aspect of the agreement will allow the county to avoid litigation to resolve issues raised by the Justice Department’s investigation. “We’re agreeing to a process whereby we will have an independent, third party, outside expert to review the internal affairs process and make recommendations to the sheriff as to a better process, including policies and procedures on use of force,” said Odam. It is anticipated that the monitor’s report will be released to the public. Kawaljeet Kaur, a member of the Sikh family detained during the Nov. 26, 2008, incident, considers the proposed agreement a positive step. “Understanding has to be created,” said Kaur, a 38-year-old accountant. “It’s great that this understanding is being agreed to. But an understanding is just an understanding unless it is implemented. So knowing it actually is being put into practice is extremely important.” Kaur was detained after a sheriff’s deputy “freaked out“ after seeing a small religious dagger called a Kirpan that she was wearing on the night of
Harris County Commissioners Court recently met to review proposed new boundaries for the county’s four precincts. The redistricting map could change the way precincts are divided, and is necessary for the county’s growing population. Thousands of residents could be represented by a different commissioner in order to equalize the precincts as required by law. Residents from precincts represented by Commissioners Jerry Eversole and Steve Radack would move to precincts represented by El Franco Lee and Jack Morman. The draft of the map will be the subject of four public hearings scheduled for July 25, 28 and 29, and Aug. 1.
Houston’s red-light cameras return; tickets follow Drivers who were relieved when Houston shut off its red-light cameras have reason to be concerned again. The cameras are back on and tickets will be issued. “This is a difficult decision,” Mayor Annise Parker said in making the announcement. Parker said the city would appeal a court ruling invalidating last fall’s vote to turn off the cameras. “I have decided the fiscally prudent path to take is to turn the cameras back on while also seeking a second chance for the voters in the courts,” she said. The city took in $10 million a year when the cameras were in operation.
DNA testing delays cases for Cleveland rape suspects Due to DNA testing delays, a judge recently pushed back until October the cases of seven men accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in the southeast Texas town of Cleveland. The seven men, part of a group of 19 charged in the assaults, appeared in state district court for status updates. Prosecutor Joe Warren asked for delays because it could be up to six weeks before DNA testing of evidence is complete. District Judge Mark Morefield reset the cases for Oct. 3. The case divided the community and made national headlines. A gag order is in effect.
Continued on Page 5
FBI continues John Wiley Price investigation By Aswad Walker Defender
John Wiley Price, the Dallas politician known for his bold stances for issues relative to his city’s Black community as well as an annual Kwanzaafest he sponsors, is under investigation by the FBI. Recently, the FBI subpoenaed several prominent Dallas-area Black business and political leaders to further their investigation of
Price, the first Black elected a Dallas county commissioner 26 years ago. Price’s home and office were raided as FBI agents sought information from computer and electronic data, tax returns, check registers, bank deposit slips, wire transfers, real estate purchases and sales, automobile purchases and sales and Kwanzaafest records. In addition, the federal agents sought records of business transacted between Price and the
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Millennium 2000 Art Gallery. Some of Dallas’ Black political and business elite were named as potential keys to the investigation, including: Kathy Nealy, Price’s chief political consultant and longtime close advisor to many southern Dallas politicos; art shop owner Karen Manning; political consultant Willis Johnson; DeMetris Continued on Page 5
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national
NAACP wants more Black anchors Defender News Services
NAACP President Benjamin Jealous recently spoke out about the lack of AfricanAmerican prime time news anchors or hosts on the major television networks. Currently, there are no Black hosts or anchors on any national news show, cable or broadcast network from the hours of 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., he noted. “The NAACP is deeply concerned with the lack of African-American journalists in prime time news, both on cable and national network news shows,” Jealous said. “In the spirit of awardwinning African-American journalists, from W.E.B. Dubois to Ed Bradley, the NAACP feels it is critical to bring this disparity, and the
broader trend reflected in the overall lack of people of color as prime time news anchors, to the attention of the top officials at all of the major broadcast and cable news stations.”
Jealous’ remarks came after CNN’s newly announced prime time news lineup, which continued a multi-network trend of excluding African-Americans. “As CNN announced [its] new schedule, a glaring omission was present — no African-Americans were hosts or anchors in their prime time lineup,” he said.
Jealous explained why the lack of anchors is cause for concern. “The NAACP is especially troubled because these prime time slots are among the most influential in daily news. Prime time hosts in cable often have the most latitude to express their opinions, and evening news anchors are traditionally seen as the most credible voices in weekday news broadcasts,” he said. “CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC, FOX News and MSNBC have shows scheduled every hour to discuss world news, financial news and political news, and occasionally have African-American commentators, but not one show in prime time is headlined or anchored by an African-American.” In the meantime, NAACP Hollywood Bureau Executive Director Vic Bulluck said the bureau “will be setting up meetings with the presidents of the news divisions to address this issue.”
Congress must act fast on debt ceiling Defender News Services With an Aug. 2 deadline looming, President Barack Obama recently declared that he would not sign a short-term extension of the nation’s debt ceiling. Instead, Obama wants congressional Republican leaders to accept tax increases in a long-range plan to reduce deficits over the next decade. “I will not sign a 30-day, or a 60-day, or a 90-day extension,” Obama said at a White House news conference. “That is just not an acceptable approach. This is the United States of America. We don’t manage our affairs in three-month increments.” The debt ceiling is the federal government’s legal limit on borrowing, and it is close to the limit of $14.3 trillion.
If the Aug. 2 deadline arrives without action from Congress, the administration says the U.S. would start to default on its obligations, and risk turmoil in global financial markets. Republicans agree that the debt limit must be raised, but are seeking deep spending cuts as part of the bargain. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has urged Congress to raise the legal borrowing limit soon “to protect the full faith and credit of the United States and avoid catastrophic economic consequences for citizens.” Though Republicans seem to be united in opposition to tax increases, Democrats disagreed with Obama’s willingness to include spending reductions on programs such as Medicare and Social Security as part of a deal.
At his news conference, Obama mentioned “trimming benefits” for seniors to make retirement programs sustainable for a longer period. Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who was headed back to Washington to get involved in the debate, said she believed a deal could be made without cutting programs like Medicaid and Medicare. She also talked about the consequences if the debt ceiling is not raised. “If we allow the debt ceiling not to be raised, the calamity in Houston, the fourth largest city is the nation, along with our major financial centers will be felt,” Lee said. “People will be laid off. Jobs will be lost in large numbers and businesses will be closed and industries will be hurt.”
U.S.briefs Atlanta rocked by public school cheating scandal Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal recently disclosed evidence of cheating on state standardized examinations in 80 percent of Atlanta’s public schools. A 10-month investigation singled out 178 principals and teachers for engaging in a pattern of cheating in 44 of the 56 schools scrutinized. Of the 178 educators, 82 admitted to wrongdoing. The object was apparently to make it appear that student test scores showed an improving mastery of math, reading, English/language arts, social studies and science. The educators could face criminal charges and termination of their teacher certifications. Some teachers who agreed to cooperate with investigators received immunity.
Drug test for Florida needy recipients under fire Mandatory drug testing for needy Florida residents seeking government assistance is less than two weeks old, but civil rights groups are stepping up their challenge of Gov. Rick Scott’s directive as unconstitutional. A lawsuit to overturn the law is expected to be filed by civil liberties advocates. Drug screening is required for residents who request Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds. The law would cover an estimated 113,000 residents, officials said. Jacksonville defense attorney Thomas Bell said the new law is based on the premise that all welfare recipients are on drugs. Scott said testing would save tax dollars.
Guineans upset over press treatment of hotel maid When former French IMF leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn was released from house arrest after new evidence challenged the charges against him for the attempted rape of an African hotel maid in New York, the move enraged many of her countrymen. Mamoudou Diallo, eldest brother of the Guinean maid, disputed the accusations against his sister that included headlines in the New York Post calling her a prostitute. “They’re nothing but lies, all to discredit my sister,” he said. A lawsuit has been filed against the Post, alleging slander. The alleged victim comes from the village of Thiacoule, 280 miles from the capital, Conakry.
VOLUME 80 • NUMBER • 34 JULY 14 - 20, 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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Sheriff’s Dept. Continued from page 3
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the incident. The deputy pointed a Taser gun at Kaur, called for backup, and when other deputies arrived they handcuffed Kaur and other family members, including her 60-year-old mother. No action was taken against the deputies who responded to the call for help from the Sikh family according to Sheriff’s Office spokesman Alan Bernstein. On that night, Kaur’s family had returned home to find their northwest Harris County house ransacked, with money and jewelry missing, prompting them to call the police. “A painstaking and detailed examination of the case resulted in no disciplinary action against HCSO employees,” said Bernstein. “However, the case did lead to institutional changes, including staff training on cultural diversity issues. Sheriff Adrian Garcia continues his tireless outreach to all kinds of cultural, religious and ethnic groups in Harris County.” Three weeks after the incident, and before he was sworn in to office, Sheriff-elect Garcia removed his shoes and put on a head covering – a sign of religious respect – during a visit to the Sikh Center of Houston. Garcia pledged to expand diversity training and investigate the complaint against deputies who harassed the Sikh family. “It’s unfortunate that we’re getting to know each other under these circumstances,” said Garcia, to members of the Sikh community. “When these types of circumstances occur, we all lose. The image of what should be American authority suffers.”
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FBI continues Price... Continued from page 3 Sampson, lawyer and partner at Linebarger, Goggin, Blair and Sampson LLC; Leon Backes, president, Provident Realty Advisors; prominent Dallas businessmen Jon Edmonds,
and Pettis Norman, a former Dallas Cowboy. State Sen. Royce West was also subpoenaed. “I have no idea what they are after, but they are going to do what they are going to do,” said West (D-Dallas). “What we can glean from this, at the very least, is that this is an extremely broad investigation into, for the most part, suspicions as to whether funds were used to pay John Wiley Price as a public official,” said Jeff Ansley, a former federal prosecutor specializing in public corruption. A blue-chip list of businesses investigators believe to be connected to Price were also named in the FBI subpoenas, including Walmart, Southwestern Bell, AT&T, Dell Services/ Perot Systems and American Airlines. When asked about the possible connection to Price, his attorney, Billy Ravkind joked, “I guess they are all rich enough to pay bribes.” Ravkind suggested that the case is not about bribery or extortion, but about women and sex. “I don’t think they are going to care about sex, but that’s what they are going to find out at the end of the day,” Ravkind said. Ansley believes that the subpoenas suggest the FBI believes there to be some connections between the parties called and Price. “It may be an entirely innocent and innocuous connection and it may be something far worse,” said Ansley.
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feature
Howard Creecy
SCLC leader says organization needed By Stan Washington Special to the NNPA from The Atlanta Voice
ATLANTA – It seemed for a time that the iconic Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) had encountered an enemy more powerful than the Ku Klux Klan or the White Citizens Council – a foe that might finally destroy the organization that survived the assassination of its most famous leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ironically, this enemy was the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Charges of mismanagement and institutional infighting – largely over who should lead the historic civil rights group – appeared to threaten the viability of the Atlanta-based organization. The conflict, which ultimately landed in court, also delayed the installation of its president-elect Bernice King, the youngest daughter of the slain civil rights leader. When a Fulton County judge ruled last year on which board was legitimate, King opted not to be installed as president, saying that she and the courtsanctioned board had a difference of opinion on how she should govern. The board then appointed a new president, Atlanta minister and former Fulton County Chaplin Howard Creecy Jr., whose late father was involved in the Civil Rights Movement and was a college roommate of former SCLC president, Ralph D. Abernathy. Following are excerpts from an interview with Creecy. Q: Why did you decide to accept the position of
president? Creecy: Being on the inside, I knew the truth was not being told. The story was being spun inaccurately, and what we were fighting for in terms of the court struggle was not being reported by the press. The press made this an internal fight about personalities, politics, positions and power and that never was what the fight was about. It was about governing according to laws and the constitution of the organization. Q: Some people believe the organization has outlived its usefulness. How do you view the organization in the 21st century? Creecy: I often wonder how could that assertion be made by any credible thinker when, in reality, in many ways, statistically and demographically, as a people, we are worse off than we were 40 years ago. There are more homeless and hungry African Americans living on the streets or on the verge of being put into the streets today than there were in 1960. Why is that question always raised specifically in the Black community about Black organizations and institutions? No one is raising that question about the JDL or the ADL or the American Irish Catholic Society or the Italian American Society. Q: So, what are some of your plans to clear up the false notion that SCLC is not relevant? Creecy: The time is right for a new generation of leadership to emerge. I’m not the new genera-
tion of leadership. I’m the bridge between the past and the future. The first thing we have to do is re-brand ourselves and separate ourselves from our conflictual contemporary history. We want people to know that we are SCLC Today…[which] stands for Transforming Our Destiny through Activism and Youth.
Urban League conference focuses on jobs Defender New Services
The National Urban League is focusing on conquering the nation’s employment crisis during its upcoming annual conference. It takes place July 27-30 in Boston, and the theme is “Jobs Rebuild America.” The conference features four days of dialogue, workshops and forums on jobs, education reform, wellness and housing. “Each year the National Urban League Annual Conference attracts the nation’s thought leaders from the corporate and community sectors, to influence the national debate on issues that affect
urban and minority communities,” said Marc H. Morial, the organization’s president and CEO. “As the nation continues to recover from the Great Recession, no issue is more important than jobs – not only how best to bring jobs to the community, but to prepare the community for those jobs.” He added that the conference is an opportunity to experience the perspectives of business, political, and community leaders; connect with companies looking for savvy entrepreneurs and sharp business minds; and learn how to achieve true and lasting prosperity. A plenary session on education will feature
a conversation between Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Harvard professor and author Dr. Henry Louis “Skip” Gates. Other featured speakers are Suzanne dePasse, co-chair of dePasse Jones Entertainment; Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick; Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing Co.; Boston Mayor Thomas Menino; the Rev. Al Sharpton, and Dr. Charles Ogletree, Harvard law professor and director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice. A career fair, college fair, housing fair and expo hall are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.nul.org.
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entertainment Khomotso Manyaka A South African star is born
K
By Kam Williams
homotso Manyaka was born in 1996 in Elandsdoorn, South Africa, which is where she caught the eye of talent scouts while performing with a church choir. Encouraged to audition for the film “Life, Above All,” she ended up landing the picture’s lead role of Chanda. Khomotso proved to be a natural in front of the camera, and went on to earn the Best Actress Award at the Durban International Film Festival for her stunning debut performance. “Life, Above All” also made a big splash at Cannes, where it won the Francois Chalais Prize for life affirmation and journalism. The compelling, character-driven drama revolves around a 12-year-old girl who summons up the courage to fight the fear and shame poisoning relationships among members of her tight-knit community in the wake of an AIDS outbreak. Directed by South African filmmaker Oliver Schmitz, the movie is based on the award-winning novel “Chanda’s Secrets,” by Allan Stratton. Here, Khomotso talks about the picture which recently premiered at the Human Rights Watch Festival and will arrive in theaters on July 15. KW: What interested you in “Life, Above All?” KM: That the movie has a strong and powerful message to all people, and the bonding and love between the mother and daughter. KW: Tell me a little about the movie. KM: It’s about a young girl called Chanda who wants to bring people together, through the struggle against HIV/AIDS. KW: How would you describe your character, Chanda? KM: She’s a strong, intelligent, well-behaved girl.
KW: What message do you hope people will take away from the film? KM: It is that they must not keep secrets and that they must learn to be open with their families. KW: What was the most challenging aspect of playing Chanda? KM: It wasn’t challenging, but I learned a lot from it. KW: What does it mean to you to receive so much recognition and praise for your work at such a young age? KM: It is fun and I enjoy that they really admire me. KW: Congratulations on your much deserved Best Actress award at the Durban International Film Festival. When such a prestigious award goes to a 13-year-old, how does it change what would be your teen years, socially and professionally? KM: Well, I don’t think I would change, but I know that I would be seen as an example is South Africa. KW: How much of the story in “Life, Above All” was outside of your real-life experiences growing up and how much was already familiar to you and part of your awareness? KM: The familiar part is that I also have three siblings, but it’s only boys. I am also a first born at home. KW: Knowing that child stars very often get caught up in being a celebrity too early, what “stabilizers” exist for you to keep you from having that too intense time in the spotlight? KM: I think I need to be more careful in what I do in the public, so as to prevent people from talking or writing negative things about me.
Continued on Page 12
what’sup H Spike Lee can’t get sequel financed, H Aretha Franklin still wants Halle
hasn’t made movie in three years
Berry to portray in her film biography
H Ice Cube collaborates with charity
Filmmaker Spike Lee can’t find the money to make movies. Lee hasn’t made a feature film in three years. His biggest hit, “Inside Man,” starred Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster and Clive Owen. Lee said Washington and Foster were on board for a sequel. “But we can’t get the sequel made. And one thing Hollywood does well is sequels…We tried many times. It’s not going to happen.” Lee also set his sights on biopics about baseball legend Jackie Robinson and soul icon James Brown, but has been unable to secure financing. Lee’s comments were made during a Q&A with Charlie Rose during the PromaxBDA annual marketing conference, where Lee received a lifetime achievement award for his work.
The Queen of Soul hasn’t given up on Halle Berry. Referring to a film on her life, Aretha Franklin told McCleans Magazine, “I do have approval over who is going to play me. [Jennifer] Hudson and Fantasia are two of the people being considered but Halle Berry is back in the game. I saw her at the curtain of Oprah’s farewell event and she let me know that she still wants to play the role and she didn’t know that she wasn’t expected to sing. I told her, ‘No, we never expected you to sing, we already knew you weren’t a singer!’ However, I do think she could pull it off.” Despite health issues, Aretha has released her 38th studio album, “A Woman Falling Out of Love.”
Actor, producer and rapper Ice Cube also has an interest in art and philanthropy. He recently revealed artwork for a charity collaboration with RareInk today, including pieces inspired by his music catalog, to help in the ongoing fight against AIDS. Each piece of art was signed by Cube himself, and proceeds from their sale will go to the Minority AIDS Project (MAP). The pieces, which include reinterpretations of album covers and a portrait of Cube, range from $300 to $700. MAP is the first community-based HIV/ AIDS organization established and managed by people of color in the U.S. The primary focus has been the AfricanAmerican and Latino communities in Central and South Central Los Angeles.
to benefit L.A. Minority AIDS Project
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 14 | 2011
coverpage
Ghetto plainsman alternative:
Restoration vs. Incarceration
St. John’s Downtown Pastor Rudy Rasmus (above, center) joins Houston GPRC participants. Far right, Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan greets founder Jarid Manos, who is also shown below.
“Commitment, perseverance, endurance, and a strong work ethic – this program makes you more who you are and who you should be,” said Estaban Park Jarid Manos was a depressed and troubled crew member Brian Partee. soul, who sought escape from the violence of the For Calvin Glenn, Restoration Not Incarceration n Create safe places for people and wildlife. inner city in the plains of the American West. There, helped him mature. Work to protect, restore and connect wildlands. however, Manos found an even greater level of “It’s about time for me to grow up, mature and n Protect, teach and serve children. Ensure children’s interacdestruction—to the environment. just get a hold of myself; slow down a little bit and ention with Nature, making sure they learn that Nature is not A last-ditch effort to save his own life set joy life instead of tearing it up. Working out here, that’s made up of objects but is a community of living beings and Manos on a mission to create safe places where he going to change something about you,” said Glenn. interwoven relationships that includes us. saw none so that he and others could find hope and “As participants come out here and work in n Understand consequences of actions; accept personal restoration. The result was a dual-track program, this project it’s like they rejuvenate themselves by responsibility. now over a decade old, that restores damaged youth rejuvenating the earth,” said GPRC Manager Fredysia n Strive to cause less pain to others, whether it is to people, by putting them to work restoring damaged environWright. animals, yourself or Earth. ments. “Though we’re still a new program we’ve so far n Embrace vitality. Eat clean and low on the food chain Manos currently lives in Houston and Fort shown 100 percent success in the pilot,” said Manos, (preferably plant-based), reject factory farming, reduce your Worth. He describes himself as an author, green an advocate for nature-based work therapy over carbon footprint, exercise daily, drink at least half a gallon of leader, health advocate, youth worker, vegan athlete incarceration or more traditional methods pure water each day. and father. of dealing with troubled youth. n Embrace earned confidence and humility; reject arrogance, After various stints between street violence and His story is one that inplains violence, Manos decided he no longer wanted waste, violence, hatred and ugliness. volves an incredible climb from n Live like a watershed; become an ecosystem participant any part of the violence to self, others or planet earth. homelessness, prostitution, drug He founded the Great Plains Restoration Committee wherever you live. dealing and despair to one of (GPRC) to create the safe spaces he could not find. n Embrace physical work; fear no mental challenge (don’t be personal and social transforThe GPRC has given birth to programs taken for a fool because of willful ignorance, such as with “gremation. designed to transform individuals by creating openwashing”); connect meaningfully within your community. At various points in portunities for them to transform neighboring plains n Fight Environmental Injustice pollution as the act of viohis journey, Manos lived and areas suffering from nature on decline. lence it is. in Corpus Christi, New One of the GPRC’s programs is Restoration n Seek peace and health-based solutions over endless conYork, Los Angeles, and Not Incarceration, based here in Houston. flict; claim the same over endless despair. several rural mid-western Modeled after the GPRC’s Plains Youth n Give thanks; enjoy gracious Earth. cities. His living early on, InterACTION program, serving the endangered n Seek silence, wisdom, deeper thought and personal however, was colored by 2,000-acre Fort Worth Prairie Park and surrounding a deep self-loathing and growth for the rest of your life ecosystem, Restoration Not Incarceration enlists feeling of total insignifitroubled youth to find healing by helping heal the cance. plains and grasslands. so much trauma or problems or suffering of people. So why “I used to be so Restoration Not Incarceration is a three-tiered initiative not heal both at the same time,” said Manos. “Houston was alienated, scared, self-hating targeting the restoration of Greater Houston’s prairies, bayous, literally built on a Garden of Eden. We seek to bring back that and hopeless that I was on my wetlands and Gulf Coast shore in conjunction with recovery, life.” way out by the age of seven,” rehabilitation and recidivism reduction of young adults and The main project for local program participants has been said Manos who contemplated juveniles in the Harris County Corrections System. Estaban Park in Sunnyside. Started in August 2010 on land suicide at a very young age. In the U.S., an average of $ 88,000 is spent per year indonated by Pastors Rudy and Juanita Rasmus of St. John’s His formative years were carcerating a juvenile while $9,000 is spent per year educating Downtown, the Estaban Park project is the GPRC’s first spent living a self-described a student. coastal prairie restoration park in Houston. Though the park late-1800s lifestyle, using washtubs, “Out here in Houston there’s less than one percent of is nearing completion, program participants believe their lives tin buckets and handmade utensils to survive. the native coastal prairie left, and yet at the same time there’s are just beginning. His rural background, however, is difficult to By Aswad Walker Defender
GPRC Twelve Components of Ecological Health:
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detect these days, after years of being hardened on some of the country’s most notorious city streets, where Manos fell deeper into despair, selling drugs and even selling himself. “When I was little I didn’t realize people had relationships. I thought people were just something you had to get through. I didn’t realize that people loved each other, talked to each other and really meant what they said, like it was a normal thing. I knew that there were just three certain things about the world: everybody was a threat, the world is a hostile and dangerous place, and things were guaranteed to shift for the worst at any moment without warning,” said Manos. “I lived my life entirely in the jungle—the edges of America’s hardened streets, and America’s silenced open country—her lost prairies, plains and deserts of Texas and the rest of the American West.” Manos’ self-hatred stemmed from holding secrets
he Houston area for over 80 years
about his sexual orientation, and “feelings of absolute meaningless to his existence,” he said. “I sought refuge in nature from that chaos in my own life. I was going to disappear out into the American West and never talk to anybody again. But I found a far worse war zone. And people don’t realize that there is so much devastation and suffering that goes on out there, including prairie-dog killing cults, people shooting animals from helicopters, and the almost total destruction of wild nature. “There’s such a Job-like experience of pain and suffering [out there]. So if there is no safe place you come to a point where you explode and implode at the same time or you decide to work to create safe places. Manos cites numerous studies that show nature-based therapy producing individuals with far lower percentages of recidivism that those participating in mentor or skill-training programs. “Your mental and physical health is improved in nature. The lack of contact with nature causes higher levels of disease and social dysfunction. Our program lends itself to addressing very serious problems including depression and anger issues. Work in nature helps people build a sense of their own abilities, and a consciousness of the power of their own actions. “Where most people lack those breathing moments in their
lives, our participants build stamina to deal with life’s shatter moments when challenges hit you. With stamina and resilience our participants can then make better life decisions as they begin to see something powerful in themselves. Manos’ work has been recognized nationally. As author of “Ghetto Plainsman” and founder/CEO of the GPRC, he has been written about in the New York Times, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, USA Today, Smithsonian, Congressional Quarterly, Houston Chronicle, Albuquerque Journal, Grist, Yes! and other publications. “I could be out robbing and killing just like everybody else—like so many criminals, corporations and complicit bystanders. If it hadn’t been for the spiritual help of God and Mother Earth, and consistent affirmations from random mamas, momentary grandmothers and distant brothers on the street I wouldn’t be here today,” said Manos. Manos’ GPRC seeks to serve 10,000 young people over the next five years through direct ecological health programming. “Less than one percent of America’s native coastal prairie ecosystem remains. At the same time, there is tremendous jail overcrowding by low-level offenders. In Restoration Not Incarceration, prairies and people restore each other,” said Manos. Manos was recently appointed to a Relevancy Committee by the Obama Administration where he will devise ways to help youth connect with the outdoors. The GPRC just signed an MOU with the Army Corp of Engineers to work on two tracts of land totaling 40,000 acres. “We seek to not only create 20 new green jobs but to create with that land a green jewel of wilderness,” said Manos.
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 14 | 2011
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health
A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance
Diagnosed twice for a reason Breaking the news that a child has cancer is extremely difficult for anyone, but telling a child cancer survivor that they have been diagnosed for the second time can break anyone’s heart. It is stories like Devin Duncan’s that inspire patients, doctors and staff at Texas Children’s Hospital to keep fighting for cures. Devin Duncan allowed herself to cry only one tear when she heard at 17 years old that she was diagnosed with Leukemia for the second time in her life. She was finishing her junior year of high school, dancing on the drill team and hoping to go to the University of Texas
when her family was told that she would spend the next eighteen months in the hospital enduring vigorous chemotherapy treatments. Although Devin will have spent a quarter of her life in the hospital, she remains determined – she beat cancer once as a toddler, and she set out to beat it again. “I truly believe that I was given this disease twice for a
Cancer patient Devin Duncan beams a smile at her senior prom despite going through chemotherapy treatments for the second time.
reason,” said Devin. “Surviving cancer, enduring the pain and sickness of chemo, watching while our new best friend loses their battle, the uncertainty of what will happen to us, and the need for us to grow up more quickly than any child should, all mold cancer patients into who we are.” Positivity is the reason that keeps her smiling, even as chemotherapy leaves her nauseous, dizzy and exhausted. “I know that I am the only one who can control whether I am happy or not,” Devin said. “And I choose to be happy.” Doctors and nurses describe Devin as energetic and upbeat. She maintains her positive attitude even during rounds of treatment that leave most teenagers frustrated and grumpy because of the social and physical effects of battling cancer. “Devin is a true blessing to have on our floor and is a role model and inspiration for the other patients,” said Beth Golden, a nurse on Devin’s floor. “It is places like Texas Children’s that give us the strength to fight our fight day to day,” said Devin. “Having cancer and being in the hospital has changed my life. It’s people like the staff at Texas Children’s who give us the will to fight, the hope for a better tomorrow, and put us one step closer to finding a cure.”
healthnotes New food guide: MyPlate The USDA recently replaced the Food Guide Pyramid with the new and improved MyPlate, which is similar to the recommended food guide from dietitians at Texas Children’s Hospital. Roberta Anding, Texas Children’s director of Sports Nutrition, provides a summary of the new MyPlate recommendations:
½ plate: vegetables and fruit Vegetables and fruits are key sources of fiber and fluid for children. Many parents find it difficult to get their children to eat vegetables, but continuous exposure is key. Even if a child does not like broccoli initially, keep offering it to them because their taste can change.
¼ plate: whole grains Whole grains can include 100 percent whole wheat bread, oatmeal and even popcorn. If your child will not eat whole wheat pasta, try brands that have a mix of whole wheat and white flours.
¼ plate: lean protein Lean protein is important for growth and development, but it is important to not eat more than what is necessary since it can be a source of extra calories and fat. Lean protein can include chicken, fish, some red meats, beans, legumes and tofu. For red meats, choose “loin” selections such as pork or beef tenderloin.
Drink options The best drink choices for kids are water or milk that is skim or 1 percent fat. Sweet drinks including lemonade, fruit punch, sweet tea, soft drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks should only be consumed on occasion. Sports drinks are appropriate for outdoor exercise but are not lunch beverages.
Plate size Children do not need to eat as much as adults and thus do not need a large dinner plate for their food. Consider using a salad plate for children seven and younger. Visit www.choosemyplate.gov for more information.
The reality of swimmer’s ear Although swimmer’s ear is a common summer infection, it is important for parents to realize that it can be excruciatingly painful and should not be underestimated. Swimmer’s ear is an infection of bacterial growth caused by trapped water in the ear. Children can experience a sharp, stabbing feeling, which is especially painful since ears have a large supply of nerves. Texas Children’s Otolaryngologist Dr. Ellen Friedman advises parents to treat swimmer’s ear immediately to reduce pain and eliminate any effect on a child’s hearing, as well as to stop the spread of infection. To help prevent your child from getting swimmer’s ear,
Dr. Friedman recommends drying the ears with a towel or cool hair dryer immediately after bathing or swimming, using ear plugs while swimming, and treating it with ear drops that are specifically designed for swimmer’s ear and can be found at drugstores. Alcohol or vinegar diluted drops are good to clean bacteria out of ears, but can be very painful if the child has any hidden abrasion in their ear canal. Remember that the lining of children’s ear canals is very thin and can be easily damaged from fingers, cotton swabs or other objects in their ears. Parent should always use caution in caring for children’s ears. If pain from swimmer’s ear is not controlled by over-the-counter medicines, see your pediatrician.
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Texas Children’s Health Plan covers children from newborns to teenagers. We even cover adults and pregnant moms through STAR Medicaid. Families with children who qualify for CHIP pay $50 or less a year. Those who qualify for Medicaid pay nothing. CHIP and STAR Medicaid offer a wide range of benefits including checkups and shots, dental services, medications, and more. With Texas Children’s Health Plan you also get: ■
Over 2,100 doctors.
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A 24-hour nurse hotline.
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Free transportation to doctor visits.
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Pregnancy support program and classes.
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Help losing weight through the Keep Fit Program.
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Learn how to play soccer from the Houston Dynamo coaches.
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Fun, free member events!
For more information, to receive an application, or to
MK-1208-007
find an event in your area, visit us online or call today.
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 14 | 2011
Khomotso...Continued from page 7 KW: Had you ever acted professionally before you won the casting call for “Life, Above All?” KM: No, I have never acted before this. This was the first time acting, and the first time I was ever in a movie. KW: Is there any one actress whose career you would like to emulate? KM: I would like to be like Harriet Manamela. She acted the part of the neighbor in the movie, or like Lerato Mvelase, who played my mother. KW: Before working on this film, were you already aware of the fallout of AIDS in terms of the social ostracism of the victims
and their family members? KM: I knew about AIDS for a long time because my mom is an HIV/AIDS counselor. We talk about it a lot. KW: Would you consider being an actor/activist to promote education about AIDS, based on the problems outlined in the film and the book? KM: Yes, because it would help people who don’t know about HIV/AIDS. KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? KM: I would wish that everyone could believe in God as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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opinion
Sheriff Garcia leading in the right direction
A
n agreement by Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia demonstrates he is a leader who is walking the talk, not just talking the talk. Pending approval of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the sheriff will hire an outside expert to develop diversity and cross cultural awareness training for new cadets and monitor the department’s internal affairs division reviewing use of force. For years there have been accusations of discrimination within the rank and file of the sheriff’s department. The claims have resulted in apologies, denials, or silence; none of which addresses the real issue – changing the culture of the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. Of equal importance, aside from the monitoring and new training, Sheriff Garcia will document the progress after an eight-month review. Too often people assume that progress is made because a program is put into place, but if there is no method of measuring the progress or accomplishments achieved, you can’t tell if you have succeeded or failed. The conclusion is “you cannot manage what you cannot measure.” In addition, the use of a third party to conduct the reviews and make the recommendations is commendable because “self-policing” is not considered a good faith effort to change. Now, it is clear that the big white elephant in the room was the U.S. Department’s investigation, which was prompted before Sheriff Garcia’s took office, but certainly influenced the urgency to respond. However, how a person responds determines if they are being proactive or reactive. With this agreement, the training, monitoring and reporting is a proactive approach, which is refreshingly different from the reactive apologies, denials and silence we have experienced in the past. Sheriff Garcia, we applaud your leadership and appreciate your efforts to address the issue of changing the culture of the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. It will not happen overnight but this is one big step in the right direction.
David Fitzsimmons, The Arizona Star
pointofview
13
Unemployment: Racing toward the bottom
W
By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist
hile a Department of Education program embraces “a race to the top,” our nation’s current stance toward our 14 million officially unemployed people represents nothing less than a race to the bottom. We are content to report, month after month, unemployment rates in excess of nine percent, to use questionable language to describe tepid performance, and to assuage ourselves with myths that the economy is in recovery because GDP growth is up. Imagine that one of our children came home from school with a report card that showed a drop from a C- to a D, and she reported her grades as “substantially unchanged.” She would, substantially, find her allowance cut, her study hours increased, her privileges restricted. But when high unemployment continues month after month, an unsatisfactory outcome in and of itself, we hear nonsense and platitudes. Fourteen million people are just the tip of the iceberg. When we look at those who are discouraged, dropped out of the labor market, and all of that, we are looking at something closer to 20 million people. Among African Americans we are looking at more than one in four without work, and in inner cities, we are
looking at nearly one in two men who do not work. Employers won’t create jobs, government won’t create jobs, and rhetoric won’t put people back to work. Then, what are we to do? If traditional job creation will not fill the void, we must consider the possibility of encouraging entrepreneurship so that people can be trained to create jobs for themselves. Enslaved people were some of our nation’s original entrepreneurs. What kind of job creation ability did it take for some of us to purchase ourselves. Throughout our history, there are people who never joined the Fortune 500, but who created jobs and opportunities for themselves and for others through entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship will not replace traditional employment; indeed, entrepreneurs create employment opportunities for those who do not have them. Even as this administration grapples with our tepid economy, it seems that there ought to be some conversation about encouraging entrepreneurs to create value in an economy that seems to devalue the lives, and efforts of at least 20 million of our citizens, those who want to work but can find nothing. Our economy is racing to the bottom because we have failed to pay attention to the details, to the small stuff, to the individuals who are being ground down and spit out by this economy.
nextweekonlineopinions The Promise of Freedom Schools
Marian Wright Edelman
Success begins within
by Farrah Gray
South Sudan: An African American Opportunity
Miss Dot was more than a neighbor
George Curry
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 14 | 2011
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sports
Leslie Frazier
NFL coach continues SWAC tradition place for me, that door was going to be opened. I really believe Minnesota he Southwestern is the right place for me. Athletic Conference It was difficult being (SWAC) has long been turned down, but I didn’t known as the small lose heart. I patiently college conference waited and now it’s been that produces titans in the NFL. presented to me.” Throughout the 90-year history of John Wooten, a the conference, the names, just in 50-year veteran of the recent history, roll off like a who’s NFL as a player and who of NFL stars. former NFL front office They include Michael Straexecutive, now chairs the han, Jerry Rice, Doug Williams, Fritz Pollard Alliance, Walter Payton and Steve McNair, the advocacy group that just to name a few. While the list promotes diversity in of superstars is illustrious, a new job opportunities in NFL element has been added to that hisfront offices. He believes tory – the SWAC’s first NFL head Leslie Frazier is the real coach, Leslie Frazier, an Alcorn deal. Brave who debuts this season as “He’s a great the main man for the Minnesota leader of men and has an Vikings. outstanding knowledge Frazier, who succeeded Mike of the game,” Wooten Frazier will be tasked with turning the Vikings fortunes around . Photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings. Tomlin as defensive coordinator said. He has character Mike Singletary. It’s been a long journey and I’ve had some of the Vikings, was elevated to the attributes that remind me of ups and downs along the way. I’ve been really fortunate and top spot during the off-season after serving as interim head coach [Tom] Landry and coach [Tony] Dungy. I think all those things have prepared me to be the head coach for the final six games of the 2010 season. Frazier was inducted into the SWAC Hall of Fame in coach of the Minnesota Vikings and I can’t wait to He earned a Super Bowl ring as a starting 2007. He values the years spent competing in the conference. kick off the season.” cornerback with the 1985 Chicago Bears. He was “I’m so grateful for my time at Alcorn and playing in Frazier has been a top head coaching an All-American cornerback at Alcorn teaming the Southwestern Athletic Conference. I learned so much. I candidate for several years and was reported as a with Roynell Young (Philadelphia Eagles) to form competed against some of the best players in the country. I finalist on three different occasions with franone of the most dominant corner tandems in college got a great education, obtained my degree in business adminchises, but was not selected. He credits his faith for istration from Alcorn. football. keeping him grounded during professional After stints that saw him serve as “It was just a great experience – the history, the tradiadversity. an assistant coach in Philadelphia, tion, the competition, the halftime, all just a lot of great “My faith is what helped me Cincinnati and Indianapolis, Frazier memories playing in the SWAC.” get through those moments,” is now a head coach and he brings Coach Frazier is acutely aware of his place in NFL Frazier said. “It was a goal of that experience to the sideline. history. He is the eighth head coach in Viking history. He is a mine to one day be a head “I’ve been around a member of the growing fraternity of African-American head coach, but I always said lot of successful situations, coaches, including Super Bowl winners Dungy and Tomlin to myself that when going back to my days at and participants Lovie Smith and Jim Caldwell. the Lord has the Alcorn State University “The guys you mentioned have been trailblazers,” right Frazier said. “It’s an honor to be recognized with those guys. with Merino (the Godfather) Casem as my head coach,” Two have won Super Bowls and hopefully we can bring one Frazier recalled. “I’ve been to Minnesota. I know what this opportunity means to our around a lot of great coaches. culture. I played for Mike Ditka and I want to honor what I know I stand for as a person and had Buddy Ryan as my if I do that, the people at Alcorn, the SWAC conference and coordinator. the Minnesota fans will be proud of the job we anticipate “I’ve played with doing.” great players as well; guys like Walter Payton and Former Alcorn standout Leslie Frazier is introduced as By MAX EDISON Defender
T
Viking head coach. Photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings.
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h.s.zone Safety under scrutiny in high school football By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender New safety measures will be enforced during the 2011 high school football season in Texas. The University Interscholastic League, the governing body for sports and other extracurricular activities in Texas secondary public schools, has adopted new regulations for concussion management. The Texas State Board of Education approved guidelines set forth by the National Federation of State High School Associations. These guidelines state that a student-athlete who suffered a concussion would not be allowed to return to the same game. Previous rules allowed an athlete to return Medical professionals and not coaches will decide when players suffering concussions will play again. if he was symptom-free after 15 minutes of evaluating and testing. been considered, but these are costly and not foolproof. They don’t Last May, the Texas House of Representatives passed House always reveal potential problems. Bill 2038, sponsored by State Rep. Walter Price of Amarillo, which Former West Orange-Stark quarterback Reggie Garrett died not only bans players suffering concussions from playing anymore from heart failure during a game in the 2010 season. According that day, but also requires each school district to establish a concusto a report from Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Garrett sion management committee that will clear student-athletes to return suffered from a condition called arrhythmogenic right ventricular to play based on a decision of medical professionals. cardiomyopathy. This causes the right side of the heart to begin Thus, doctors and athletic trainers will make the call and not beating abnormally, leading to heart failure and sudden death. coaches. Heat issues are a bit more manageable. Under the old rules, a player wasn’t allowed to return to action Many schools are now weighing players before and after if he was knocked unconscious, had a headache or didn’t have a practice to monitor fluid loss. Players who lose more than three clear head. Yet studies show that in 90 percent of concussions, the percent of their body weight will have their participation curtailed patient does not lose consciousness. until they hydrate. “There was a gap there,” Price said. “Now we have a process Less emphasis will be given to practicing in pads during hot in place to educate the kids, parents, coaches and trainers along with weather while more teams will resort to shorts, helmets and pospresenting standards that will help kids recover and avoid long-term sibly shoulder pads during two-a-days. side effects.” The state wide budget crunch has forced many schools to Dr. David Lintner, an orthopedic surgeon and chief of Method- reduce their training staffs. But that doesn’t include the athletic ist Hospital’s Center for Sports Medicine in Houston, says there’s a trainer. pecking order of medical concerns for student-athletes aspiring to “If you can afford to play football, you’d better be able to play football. afford an athletic trainer,” said Mike Carroll, a state representa“Before the season, we focus on heart issues. Then as practice tive with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. “With all and the season in August nears, we worry about the heat. Once the the concussion and heat issues, schools need to have a trainer on season begins, we worry about concussions,” he said. “All three are staff,” Carroll said. really scary issues.” Lintner believes we’re seeing more concussions in high school football because tackling techniques of leading with the head have not been discouraged. “ A rules change can diminish those things,” he said. “Look back at the game 15 years ago when spearing with the helmet was outlawed. Cervical spinal injuries decreased dramatically without the game being compromised.” Further steps are now in place to reduce the risk of injury to young athletes. Two months ago, more than 3,000 high school and middle school student-athletes poured into Reliant Stadium for their UIL mandated pre-participation physical examinations, provided by a staff of 45 doctors and dozens of volunteer technicians. At a cost of $15 apiece, youngsters were able to consult with cardiologists, orthopedists, neurologists and other specialists, to discuss a variety of topics that can go wrong during a contact sport. In recent years, the UIL has mandated rest periods between practices in an effort to prevent heat issues. Mandatory cardiac screenings for student-athletes have
classified
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sportsbriefs District 21-4A: HISD 2011 high school football preview Yates is once again the favorite to win the district title despite the loss of 17 multi-year lettermen. Junior running back Arthur Lockett will be relied upon to lead the offense behind the blocking of LaFrance Harris. Maurice White and Joshua Simmons will battle for the starting quarterback position. The Lions haven’t missed the playoffs since the late 1970s. Waltrip quarterback Cristian Rodriguez and Reagan quarterback Tyron Washington should have their teams in playoff contention. Austin and Sharpstown will also be in the playoff hunt. That means one school will come up short of expectations.
District 22-4A: HISD 2011 high school football preview Wheatley and Kashmere have the most returning starters coming back and figure to place 1-2 in the standings. Wheatley has seven returning starters on each side of the ball while Kashmere has 10 starters back on defense and Anthony Wiltz back at quarterback after throwing for 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns a year ago. Washington has a seasoned offensive line but new skill personnel to break in. Worthing will be bolstered by a junior varsity that won district last year. The Colts have qualified for the playoffs in seven of the past 10 years. Jones and Furr will have new quarterbacks.
Cougar gridiron stars are players to watch this season Don’t look now, but no less than three Houston Cougar gridiron stars have been tabbed on national watch lists for excellence at their positions. Senior quarterback Case Keenum was named to the Watch List for the Maxwell Award, given annually to the nation’s top offensive player. Senior Patrick Edwards was one of 75 players nationally named to the Watch List for the Biletnikoff Award presented to the country’s top receiver. Senior center Chris Thompson was named to the Outland Trophy Watch List by the Football Writers Association of America. Keenum will be on the radar for every offensive award as the signal caller closes in on the NCAA all-time records for total offense, passing yards and touchdowns thrown.Edwards was the Cougars’ top receiver in 2010, posting team highs of 71 catches for 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns. Thompson has been a fixture on the Cougars’ offensive front since 2008. A year ago, he played a key role in helping lead the Cougar offense to top-15 national rankings in passing offense, total offense and scoring offense.
Prairie View hurdler Thompson excels at Oregon meet Prairie View A&M freshman hurdler Sylvonna Thompson finished fourth overall in the 400-meter hurdles at the annual USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore. recently. Thompson ran a personal best time of 1:00.27 in the finals to finish fourth. In the preliminary rounds, Thompson finished third in her heat with a mark of 1:01.59. “Sylvonna had a great meet as she represented Prairie View A&M well,” said head women’s track coach Angela Williams. “She ran her personal best in both the semifinals and the finals.” As a result of her fourth-place finish, Thompson is an alternate for the 2011 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships in Florida which begins July 22.
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 14 | 2011
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chag’splace
HOUSTON HOSTS CONVENTION…….The Texas made this a successful convention! Y’all come back!........ 13 Local Auxiliaries In Ministry (AIM) hosted nearly FOR COLORED WOMEN……One hundred and six 25,000 attendees for the International AIM Convention of years old and still going strong, the National Association the Church of God in Christ. Under of Colored Women’s and Youth Clubs, the spiritual leadership of Presiding Inc. is the oldest Black women’s Join Yvette Chargois Bishop J. Drew Sheard, International organization in the United States. The Events of the Week AIM chairman, this annual summer state convention was hosted by the More photos on defendernetwork.com convention is geared toward spiritual Texas Association of Women’s and See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads enrichment, training, education, Youth Clubs. By forming a federation with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. and fellowship. The goal of AIM is of independent women’s clubs, the aim effectiveness in ministry and their was to work together to improve the mission is to advance Kingdom work homes and the moral and social life in through worship, evangelism, discipleship and service. We the communities of Texas. Georgia Nolan serves as state president, Evelyn Rising is the national president and Gloria salute Rev. Carl Davis, local AIM chairman, Bishop Rufus Kyles, prelate of the Texas Southeast No. 1 Ecclesiastical Marques is president of the Southwest Region. Community Jurisdiction, and all pastors and committee members who Service Awards were presented to Pastor Dumas Miles
Bishop Shelton Bady, Louisa and Bishop Rufus Kyles and Lee and Rev. Johnny Tates
Rev. Carl Davis, Karen Clark-Sheard, Bishop J. Drew Sheard and Bishop Rufus Kyles
Felecia Carter, Jackie Pope, Georgia Nolan, Evelyn Rising, Gloria Marquez and Beatrice Mayes
Mr. & Mrs. Harold Vincent Armstrong, II
and Sharon Robinson-Phillips and Beatrice Daniels. The Family of the Year award was presented to the Cossey family, Hall of Fame Inductees included Sheryl Brads, Rose Daniels and Ruth Dotson and this year’s scholarship recipient was Bernard McGregor. Congratulations and continued success!.......HAPPILY EVER AFTER…… Wendy Lanell Lewis and Harold Vincent Armstrong II were united in marriage at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. The lovely ceremony was performed by Rev. Marcus Cosby and Rev. Robert McGee. The bride is the daughter of Toni Lewis and the late Vernon Dwayne Lewis Sr. and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Vincent Armstrong Sr. The reception was held at The Houston Club. Wishing you a beautiful future, made up of one happy day after another!........From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!.......
Patricia Grayson, Bernard McGregor and Shirley Payne
Toni Lewis, Wendy Armstrong and Rev. Marcus Cosby
Texas Supervisors Mother Peggy Lee and Mother Gladys Ross
State President Georgia Nolan and National President Evelyn Rising
Victor Duane Lewis, Wendy Lewis Armstrong and Vernon Dwayne Lewis, Jr.
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