Houston Defender: August 12, 2010

August 12 – 18, 2010 | FREE

Volume 79 Number 42

www.defendernetwork.com A SPECIAL REPORT

Katrina Hurricane pain level high after five years

By Bill Quigley, Davida Finger and Lance Hill NNPA SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS

NEW ORLEANS (NNPA) - It will be five years since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans on August 29. The impact remains quite painful for many. This article looks at what has happened since Katrina - not from the perspective of the higher ups looking down from their offices, but from the street level view of the people – a view which looks at the impact on the elderly, the renter, people of color, the disabled, the working and nonworking poor. So, while one commentator may happily say that the median income in New Orleans has risen since Katrina, a street level perspective recognizes that is because large numbers of the poorest people have not been able to return.

Director Spike Lee returns to New Orleans with a four-hour documentary, “If God is willing and da creek dont rise.” The film debuts in two parts on Mon., Aug. 23rd (8pm CT) and Tues., Aug. 24 (8pm CT) on HBO.

★KATRINA, Page 3

Photo: Charley Varlie/HBO

Black farmers dealt another blow

By Zenitha Prince SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Black farmers were again denied a $1.25 billion settlement in a racial bias case against the federal government, when Senate Republicans on August 5 failed to support a unanimous consent on the measure.

With Congress now in recess, those farmers have been put on hold again after waiting for more than a decade.

“The Black farmers simply do not have time to waste waiting for justice,” said John Boyd Jr., founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association, in a statement promising to continue agitating “every day until Congress acts.”

While the House has twice approved the bill, the Senate has proven slower to act. The money is the second round of funds dispersed from the 1999 settlement of a class action lawsuit that claimed widespread discrimination in the government’s award of loans to farmers. The suit is known as the Pigford case, after Timothy Pigford, a Black farmer from North Carolina who was an original plaintiff.

Roughly $1 billion has been paid to about

John Boyd, Jr. is leading the fight to help black farmers in their racial bias suit against the federal government.

16,000 farmers, with most getting payments of about $50,000. The new money would go to an estimated 70,000 or 80,000 more farmers who were denied earlier payments because they missed deadlines for filing. The amount of money each would get depends on how many claims are successfully filed.

In his statement, Boyd outlined the long

process farmers have faced in trying to claim the funds. “Seemingly obstacle after obstacle is placed before the Black farmers: • When the case was settled, the farmers were told, `Go to Congress;’ • When the House of Representatives passed ★BLACK FARMERS, Page 2

INTERVIEW

Crews enjoys the limelight

By Kam Williams CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Hailing from Flint, Michigan, Terry Crews has not only one of the most recognizable faces around, but maybe one of the most recognizable physiques as well. The handsome hunk is currently one of the busiest actors in Hollywood, having a trio of flicks released in August alone, namely, “The Expendables,” “Lottery Ticket” and “Middle Men.” He’s also starring in “Are We There Yet,” the hit, new TV sitcom airing on the TBS Network.

Prior to entering showbiz, Terry attended Western Michigan University, where he blossomed into a football phenom as a walk-on. Senior year, he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers, and then went on to enjoy a six-year career in the NFL. Since retiring from pro football, Terry has already compiled over 40 screen credits, including memorable performances

mostly flexing his pecs in “Training Day,” “Terminator Salvation,” “Street Kings,” “Get Smart,” “Idiocracy,” “Balls of Fury,” “Gamer,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “The Longest Yard,” “Deliver Us from Eva,” “Friday after Next,” “White Chicks,” “Malibu’s Most Wanted,” “Click” and “The Benchwarmers.”

And on TV, he’s appeared on “The District,” “My Wife and Kids,” “CSI: Miami,” “All of Us” and “Everybody Hates Chris.”

Terry and his wife, Rebecca, a former beauty queen and Christian recording artist, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. The couple lives in L.A. where they are raising their five children.

Kam Williams: Hey, Terry, thanks again for some time.

Terry Crews: Oh, you got it, my man, how’re you doin’?

KW: Very well, thanks. Gee, your career has really taken off since the last time we spoke.

TC: Brother, I’m hustling! ★CREWS, Page 2

Click on Defendernetwork.com Weekend

Weekend

Monday

George Curry

Health

Harry Alford

Anatomy of a Smear Campaign

Making Munchies Matter

Will President Obama Snub or Lead Africa?

John W. Roberts

New UH dean has big plans

By Aswad Walker On July 1st, Dr. John W. Roberts began his tenure as Dean of the University of Houston’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS). Before making his way to Houston, Roberts served as the Dean of Arts and Humanities and a professor of English at Ohio State University, where he earned his Ph.D. A product of Dillon, SC, Roberts earned his undergraduate degree from a small, liberal arts school in Tennessee—Tusculum College—before going on to earn his Masters degree from Columbia University. Along with a wealth of administrative experience and scholarly achievement, Roberts brings a commitment to provide CLASS students and faculty with an inclusive and diverse environment that provides the international exposures necessary to compete in today’s global economy.

Recently, the Defender had the opportunity to speak with Dean Roberts about his plans for CLASS. Defender: What are your priorities for CLASS? What do you see as CLASS’s biggest challenges and areas for growth?

Dr. John W. Roberts: Increasing student success, which means looking at all things that impact upon that success—class size, delivery of subject matter. As aligned with the priorities of our president, we are focused on increasing the number of students who are successful in attaining their educational aspirations.

Defender: It is said that throughout your career you have been engaged in activities and initiatives designed to support an inclusive educational and work environment. What is your plan for making such an environment more of a reality for CLASS, and for attracting more minority students and faculty?

Roberts: We have to really put a focus on taking advantage of opportunities to diversify ★ROBERTS, Page 7

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AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDER

Black farmers

Crews

the legislation, twice, the farmers were told,` Go to the Senate;’ • When the Senate placed the funding in the FEMA supplemental, the farmers were told, `Go find offsets;’ • When offsets were identified, the farmers were told, ‘Those are not the ‘right’ offsets, go find others;’ • When the farmers were placed in a stand-alone measure, the farmers were told, `You need 100% of the Senate to support it;’ • When the Senate placed the funding in the War supplemental, the farmers were told, `‘Not on this bill;’ and most recently • When the Senate failed to pass several unanimous consent measures, the farmers were told, `Later.’”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), introduced the Black farmers’ case along with legislation to fund the $3.4 billion class action settlement for Native Americans that suffered losses from mishandling of Indian Trust fund accounts at the Department of Interior. The legislation was introduced as a joint, standalone measure after appeals from the farmers who believed that righting such injustices should not be a “partisan” issue.

“But that’s exactly what Republicans have made it by blocking the long overdue settlement of lawsuits for minority farmers and Native American trust account holders which is fully paid for ... for the sixth time this year .”

He added, “I challenge my Republican colleagues to rise above their petty political calculations and think about those Americans who have suffered injustices for far too long.”

Boyd said most of the objections, including that of Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, who questioned the compensation of lawyers involved in the case, seem directed toward the Native Americans’ case and urged that Pigford be considered on its own.

“These cases deal with discrimination involving two separate government departments, two separate issues, and deal with very different groups of victims,” Boyd said. “While they both deserve to be resolved immediately, there is no reason why the Black farmers need to wait for a resolution of disputes over [the Native American bill] within the Senate when we have broad support for the Black farmers settlement funding.”

KW: Well, you deserve all the success that’s been coming your way.

It’s especially great to see you get a chance to exhibit your range playing a lead in your very own sitcom after being typecast in a lot of beefcake roles.

TC: Thank you. It feels kind of weird, because I feel like I’ve got this market all to myself right now, at least until some bigger dude comes along who’s funnier. They don’t even have a big, buff white guy with his own sitcom right now.

KW: Do you feel a little funny playing Nick on “Are We There Yet?”, Photo:David Lee given that the role was originated by Brandon T. Jackson, Bow Wow, Terry Crews and Keith David in Warner the show’s executive producer, Ice Bros. Pictures' Lottery Ticket (2010).

Cube, who is also in the cast?

TC: Yeah, at first, I felt a little funny when I got the call saying seen so much beefcake in one movie. they wanted me to play Nick who Cube played, steps?

TC: I’m telling everybody, “Bring your deodorant because a lot of people liked that movie and I just TC: Have resolve! Just be resilient, and never, to the theater, because it’s going to be funky from didn’t want to be the one to mess it up. But the fact ever, ever stop! all those dudes in there.” [Laughs] is, Cube has been validating me by letting me know KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

KW: Was it a nightmare on the set with so many that, “We want you to be you, just be Terry Crews TC: Buffalo rib-eye steaks, on the grill, is my big egos to juggle? and do what you do.” And the bonus of having him favorite meal, seriously. It has less fat, more vitaTC: No, it was awesome! Look, there are egos acting in the series kind of validates it and gives the mins and more protein than beef. It is wonderful. everywhere. There was definitely a pecking order, show his stamp of approval.

Look, it was what the Indians ate, and they were and when Stallone walked in, we were like, “All KW: So, you’re not intimidated by the presence on very healthy. It’s very good meat. hail!” He came in with his big forearms, pointing the set of the actor who originated the role?

KW: What do you consider your biggest accomand telling everybody where he wanted the cameras TC: No, no, never, never. The only thing intimiplishment? with his big cigar ablazing, and you just go, “This is dating about Cube is that he’s the father of gangsta’ TC: My family. When I look at my family, that’s Stallone!” with admiration, because none of us rap. You just worry about getting your lines right, or all life means, right there. would be here without this guy. That’s the thing, he he might shoot you. [Laughs] KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure? changed movies forever. And remember how he KW: How’s it working opposite Essence Atkins TC: Dessert. [LOL] wrote the first “Rocky” in a few days, and wouldn’t who plays your wife?

KW: How can your fans help you? sell the script even though he was starving, because TC: Let me tell you, I always wanted to work with TC: By just being respectful and cool. they wanted to put somebody else in the lead role.

Essence ever since seeing the way she was doing KW: What was the biggest obstacle you had to overTo see what he’s accomplished, dog, that’s what it’s comedy in “Dance Flick.” She’s so gorgeous, you come in life? all about. had to wonder whether she’s willing to get a little TC: Coming out of Flint, Michigan. I went back KW: Did you learn anything from working with ugly and whether I was getting a person I could there recently to visit my parents. The city’s still him? really bounce off of. But she’s been great! And I deteriorating, which is very, very sad to see.

TC: Yeah, he took me under his wing, and showed just really feel blessed to be working with this entire KW: How do you want to be remembered? me a lot of what being a star is all about. It’s really cast and crew, it’s been like a family.

TC: As a great father. about humility. He works the hardest. Like they say, KW: Well, one of your three movies opening this KW: Thanks again for the interview, Terry, and “To be king of all, you must be servant of all.” He month is “The Expendables,” co-starring Sylvester best of luck with all your many endeavors. was out there doing everything.

Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mickey Rourke, TC: Thank you, Kam, it was nice speaking with KW: How was it making “Lottery Ticket?”

Jason Statham, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Jet Li, Dolph you again. Take care.

TC: I have the greatest appreciation for [producLundgren, Bruce Willis and Randy Couture. I’ve never

continued from page 1

VOLUME 79 • NUMBER 42 AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles 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 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

continued from page 1

ers] Matt Alvarez and Ice Cube. They put me in “Friday after Next,” and now this, which I hope is just the start of a long, wonderful relationship. I love the urban comedies, because they keep you famous, keep you having fun, and keep you in love with the business. Those are my roots. I’ll always love doing those.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

TC: Wow! I think I’ve been asked almost everything. [LOL] KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

TC: I see a wrinkled head! [Giggles] KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

TC: Wow! That we would all be in Heaven.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your foot-

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AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDER

Katrina

continued from page 1 Five years after Katrina, tens of thousands of homes in New Orleans remain vacant or blighted. Tens of thousands of AfricanAmerican children who were in the public schools have not made it back, nor have their parents. New Orleans has lost at least 100,000 people. Thousands of elderly and disabled people have not made it back.

Affordable housing is not readily available so tens of thousands pay rents that are out of proportion to their wages. Race and gender remain excellent indicators of who is underpaid, who is a renter, who is in public school and who is low income.

In short, the challenges facing New Orleans after Katrina are the same ones facing millions of people of color, women, the elderly and disabled and their children across the U.S. Katrina just made these challenges clearer in New Orleans than in many other places. Here is where we are five years later: Overall population Five years after Katrina, the most liberal estimates are that 141,000 fewer people live in the metro New Orleans area. The actual population changes will not be clear until official Census Bureau findings are released in November, but it is safe to say that over 100,000 fewer live in the City of New Orleans.

The New Orleans metro area is made up of several parishes, primarily Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Tammany. Orleans had 455,000 people before Katrina. Now they have 354,000.

Jefferson had 451,000 before Katrina; now 443,000. Plaquemines had 28,000 before Katrina; now 20,000. St. Bernard had 64,000 before Katrina; now 40,000.

Displaced People Louisiana residents are located in more than 5,500 cities across the nation, the largest concentrations in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and San Antonio. A majority of displaced residents are women – 59 percent, compared to 41 percent men. A third earn less than $20,000 a year.

Lost Housing More than one in four residential addresses in New Orleans is vacant or blighted – by far the highest rate in the U.S. Though the numbers have been reduced somewhat in the last three years, 50,100 residential properties in New Orleans remain blighted or have no structure on them.

About 58 percent of city renters and 45 percent of suburban renters pay more than 35 percent of their pre-tax household income for housing. Households should spend less than

Photo: Harold Baquet

While New Orleans has successfully begun its rebuilding project, five years later, African-Americans are still struggling twice as hard as Whites.

30 percent of income on housing. Anything over 30 percent means that housing is not really affordable for that family and they are likely to cut back on other necessities.

Over 5,000 families are on the waiting list for traditional public housing and another 28,960 families are on the waiting list for housing vouchers – more than double what it was before Katrina and the government destruction of thousands of public housing apartments. Since the post-Katrina bulldozing of several major public housing developments, there has been more than a 75 percent reduction in the number of public housing apartments available.

Rebuilding Under Louisiana’s “Road Home” program to rebuild storm-damaged housing, rebuilding grants for homeowners on average fell about $35,000 short. The shortfall hit highly flooded, historically African-American communities particularly hard. The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center filed suit in 2008 against state and federal agencies charging that the grant policy was racially discriminatory and that Black homeowners received far smaller grants than White homeowners.

The judge in that case has opined that “on average, African-American homeowners received awards that fell farther short of the cost of repairing their homes than did White recipients.” The judge also found it “regret-

table that this effort” to rebuild New Orleans “appears to have proceeded in a manner that disadvantaged African-American homeowners who wish to repair their homes.”

At least 19,746 applications for rebuilding homes that are eligible for funding have not received any money from the Road Home Program grants.

Economic Health The metro area has 95,000 fewer jobs than before Katrina, down about 16 percent.

Black and Latino households earn incomes that are $26,000 (44 percent) and $15,000 (25 percent) lower than Whites. White household income is $56,000, Latino household income is $41,000 and AfricanAmerican household income is $35,000 in the metro New Orleans area.

New Orleans has a poverty rate of 23 percent more than double the national average of 11 percent. But because of the loss of people in New Orleans, there are now more poor people living in the surrounding suburban parishes than in the city.

Within New Orleans the majority of households are lower-income.

Public and Private Education The number of students in public schools in New Orleans, which are over 90 percent African-American, has declined by 43 percent since Katrina.

But an average increase of 5 percent a year in enrollment for the last two years (35,976

AUTO NEWS

to 38,051 from 2008-2009 alone) indicates that people whose children attend public schools continue to return as housing and employment opportunities allow.

In 2008, 85 percent of White students in New Orleans attended private schools, one of the highest percentages in a major city in the U.S. New Orleans now has more charter schools than any other public school system in the country. Of the 89 public schools in New Orleans, 48, more than half, are charter schools. In other words, sixty percent of students now attend privately managed but publicly funded schools. The Metro area has recovered 79 percent of public and private school enrollment.

People Receiving Public Assistance More than one-third of Social Security recipients who lived in New Orleans have not returned. There were 74,535 in 2004 and 47,000 in December 2009.

Medicaid recipients have declined by 31 percent: pre-Katrina enrollment in Medicaid in New Orleans was 134,249. December 2009 enrollment was 93,310.

Supplemental Security Income recipients are down from pre-Katrina 26,654 to 16,514 – a 38 percent decline.

Public Transportation Total ridership has declined to 65.7 percent – from over 33 million in 2004 to about 13 million projected for 2010.

Crime Violent crimes and property crimes have risen in New Orleans since Katrina and remain well above national rates.

The challenges of post-Katrina New Orleans reflect the problems of many urban and suburban areas of the US – insufficient affordable rents, racially segregated schools with falling populations, great disparities in income by color of households, serious pollution from corporations, and reductions in the public services like transportation.

Katrina made these more visible five years ago and continues to make a great illustration of America’s failures to treat all citizens with dignity and its failure to achieve our promise of liberty and justice for all.

Bill Quigley is legal director of the Center for Constitutional Rights and a law professor at Loyola University New Orleans; Davida Finger is also a law professor at Loyola University New Orleans; Lance Hill is executive director of the Southern Institute for Education and Research at Tulane University. They can be reached at quigley77@gmail.com; dfinger@loyno.edu; and lhill@tulane.edu respectively.

By Darrell K. Ardison

2010 Volkswagen Golf When the word came down the pike that I would be test-driving a Volkswagen product for the next seven days, several key words came to mind.

Safety, reliability and quality were at the top of the list.

I share some history with Volkswagen. It was a Volkswagen Beetle that took me through four years of college, nearly 250 miles from home back in the day.

Those were the good old days - no fears, no worries and no problems.

When the 2010 Volkswagen Golf arrived on the scene, it was like deja’ vu.

My daughter Kimberly was home for the weekend and she wanted to hang out with her dad.

So back and forth across this great city of ours we drove, and drove, and drove some more.

Being the sportsman that I am, we had to take in a few games. Her friends were lighting up the cell GOLF: HIGHLIGHTS phone so we had to make a few stops. The Golf was more than up to MSRP base price Fuel economy the task. $19,190 (as tested23 miles per gallon (city), Equipped with a 2.5-liter, 170$21,165) 30 mpg (highway) horsepower, five-cylinder engine matched with a six-speed automatic Engine Combined fuel economy transmission, the Golf had more than 2.5-liter V5 26 miles per gallon enough firepower to meet our needs.

Transmission Kim asked if it was an eight-cylinSix-speed automatic der, because she knew it had way more power than her four-cylinder Dodge. with outside temperature display, power With its low stance, the Golf has a nice heated outside mirrors, height-adjustable ride accented by electro-mechanical power steering wheel column, remote keyless steering and independent front and rear susentry, dual illuminated front visor vanity pension. mirrors, front and rear reading lights and Standard features include cruise control, power windows with pinch protection. multifunction trip computer and compass Safety features include driver and front

passenger air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS), driver and front passenger side air bag (SRS), side curtain protection head impact air bags, head restraints for all seating positions, side protection door beams, tire pressure monitoring system and anti-theft alarm with immobilizer theft deterrent system.

A driver care option package added a power sunroof and heated front seats. My daughter figured if it had heated seats, it should have also had steering wheel mounted controls for the stereo. That’s about the only minus we could come up with.

Speaking of the audio system with in-dash single CD player with MP3 format capabili-

ty and surround sound, it’s as if you’re sitting in the middle of the band. You get to your destination and just sit in the car until the song concludes.

That’s what I’m talking about!

The 2010 Golf has earned five-star government safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the side front seat and crash rear seat categories. Four stars were awarded in the frontal driver, crash passenger and rollover divisions.

All this at a base price a little over $19,000.

This should come as no surprise. It is a Volkswagen.

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AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDER

SPORTS

AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDER

Max Edison

on Sports

HOF Ceremony Delivers There are very few sports events that consistently deliver a “must see TV” event, year in and year out. Right off the bat, nothing competes with the March Madness NCAA tournament for sheer excitement every year. Now they have some competition - the NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

This past weekend the NFL inducted the 2010 class into the shrine in Canton, Ohio.

Dick LeBeau, Rickey Jackson, Russ Grimm, John Randle, Floyd Little, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith all received their bronze busts.

Smith, the NFL’s All-Time leading rusher, was overwhelmed at the honor.

“Most people only dream,” Smith said. “I not only had my childhood dream, I did everything I could to fulfill it.”

Former Mississippi Valley All-American Jerry Rice also acknowledged the significance of the honor.

“I can honestly say this is the greatest team I have ever belonged to,” Rice said.

Former Detroit Lion cornerback and current Pittsburgh Steeler defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, was the oldest inductee.

“I am being inducted as a player and believe me, that makes me most proud,” said LeBeau, at 73, the oldest coordinator in the NFL. “I did that for 14 years, but for the last 38 years, I have been a football coach.”

Former Viking defensive end John Randle, a native of Mumford, Texas and an undrafted free agent from Texas A&I, it was the ultimate honor.

“I am so humbled by this

Case Keenum

on H.S. Sports Although Houston Yates suffered key losses to graduation from an offense that averaged more than 37 points per game in 2009, seven starters back on defense has head coach Ronald Miller brimming with confidence entering the 2010 season.

Three of the secondary’s four starters are back, including Carlos Brown and Terrell Stafford. That tandem combined for four interceptions last season. Running the ball against the Lions doesn’t promise to be any easier with nose tackle Rickey Jackson, defensive end Jamespaul Bryant and linebacker Malcom Howard leading the charge.

Miller hopes his defense can keep opponents’ scoring at a minimum until the offense can get some seasoning.

Sharpstown, district newcomer Houston Sterling and Waltrip figure to be the top contenders for the district’s four playoff berths.

Even with some question marks, Texas Football Magazine lists Yates as the hands-down favorite to win the District 21-4A title.

The 2009 season left a bad taste in the mouths of many Wheatley High School faithful after an ineligible player cost the Wildcats a first-round playoff victory. A 7-4 or better season would have tied for the school’s best finish since 1980.

Yet second-year head coach Cornelius McFarland has ★ARDISON, Page 7

2010 Cougars

Poised to do Great Things

By Max Edison DEFENDER

T James Cleveland

Tyrone Campbell

★EDISON, Page 6

Darrell Ardison

5

Matt Nicholson

he 2009 season was a season to remember for the Houston Cougar football faithful. The Coogs finished the season with a 10-4 record, going 6-2 in conference play, claiming the CUSA Western Division crown. Head coach Kevin Sumlin saw his troops rise as high as number 12 in the national polls. The Cougars became the only BCS non-Automatic Qualifier team to defeat three BCS AQ teams, defeating number five Oklahoma State in Stillwater, as well as Texas Tech at home and Mississippi State on the road.

The team got a record setting performance from quarterback Case Keenum, who led the nation in total offense for the second straight season, averaging more than 400 yards per game. He posted a school-record 5,671 passing yards with 44 touchdowns.

With his passing yardage, he became only the second player in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision history with multiple 5,000-yard passing seasons during his career. He enters the 2010 season on the cusp of setting many NCAA Division I-FBS passing and total offense career records.

For all the success the team enjoyed in 2009, it ended on a bittersweet note as they finished the season with consecutive losses; to East Carolina in the

CUSA Championship, 38-32 and to Air Force in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, 47-20.

For the 2010 campaign the Cougars return seven starters on offense and seven starters on defense. The Cougars are a very talented team that learned a valuable lesson on how to handle success in 2009.

“I said last year we were talented enough to win every game, but it was how we were going to handle it that would make the difference. We were in a situation where it was uncharted water for us,” Sumlin recounted.

“We’ve got coaches who have been through a lot, but players that had not been through what they had been through last year. They hadn’t seen national media, phone calls and people patting you on the back and all kinds of stuff.

“Sometimes dealing with success is more difficult than dealing with failure,” he continued. “My grandfather had a saying ‘let him find out for himself, then he’ll be easy to tell’. You can tell somebody what’s gonna’ happen and how to deal with stuff all you want, but it’s a heck of a lot easier once they’ve been through it. The majority of those guys are back and they have learned from those mistakes.”

In order for the team to improve in 2010, they’ll need another record-setting performance from All-American ★COUGARS, Page 6

Is Houston ready for some High School Football in 2010?

By Darrell K. Ardison DEFENDER

When the conversation comes to constants among Class 5A football powerhouses in the greater Houston area, two names almost always surface. Katy and North Shore will eventually make their presence felt.

With eight starters back from a 2009 squad that finished 14-2 and earned a berth in the 5A Division II state title game, Katy head coach Gary Joseph has several impressive streaks that he’d like his Tigers to build on. Another double-digit win season would make nine in a row and 14 of the last 15.

The Tigers have been a model of consistency throughout the past 10 years. Katy has advanced to the High school football players throughout greater Houston are getting ready for the 2010 season that state quarterfinals in 12 of the last begins in two weeks.

13 seasons, including eight in a row dating back to 2002. some chinks in the armor in 2009 Ranch is ranked No. 8 in the pre- ing the 2010 campaign. Head coach Katy won four state division with two district losses (Beaumont season state poll. Head coach Don Greg McCaig is blessed with the titles from 2000 through 2009, West Brook, Port Arthur Memorial) Clayton has a dynamic runner in likes of running back Jermichael tying Celina and Southlake Carroll after going nearly a decade without K.C. Nlemchi, who rushed for Selders and quarterback Chucky for the most in Texas. The Tigers one. Yet with the return of key play- nearly 2,400 yards last season. Add Keeton. Selders rushed for more led the way with six appearances in ers like offensive lineman Sedrick that to 10 other returning starters than 1,400 yards and 21 touchthe state semifinal round. For the Flowers, cornerback Miketavius back along with an experienced downs last season and McCaig decade Katy compiled an outstandJones, linebacker Derrick Mathews defense and you could have the describes the two-time all-district ing 132-18 ledger for a .880 winand quarterback Keenon Gibson makings of a state champion. performer as a “fast and violent ning percentage. Only Celina along with the coaching stability Cinco Ranch and Katy will meet runner with a great burst of speed.”

(Class 3A) fared better with a 132supplied by head coach David in week 10 of the regular season to McCaig says that Keeton is elu14 mark (.904).

Aymond and his staff, the Mustangs decide the district title and playoff sive, athletic and one of the best in Joseph’s teams always have two only figure to get better. seedings. the Houston area. Keeton rushed factors in common – a punishing The 2010 edition of Dave Other Houston area schools to for 1,145 yards and six touchdowns rushing game and a terrific defense.

Campbell’s Texas Football make the Texas Football Magazine a year ago. Together , Selders and With running back Donovonn Magazine has Katy ranked No. 3 in 5A Top 25 preseason poll include Keeton comprise one of the top Young back in the fold along with its preseason state 5A poll while The Woodlands (No. 11), Lufkin high school backfields in Texas. the return of defensive stalwarts North Shore comes in at No. 9 and (No. 14), Cypress Creek (No. 16), Defensive lineman George Woods Nick Narcisse (DE) and Colt Beaumont West Brook is No. 10.

Clear Springs (No. 17) and Fort will anchor the Cougars’ defense.

Atwood (DB), Katy remains a However, Katy’s main competi- Bend Hightower (No. 20).

The Woodlands is led by star threat for another regional title. tion may come from within its own Cypress Creek is primed to put a North Shore finally displayed ★FOOTBALL Page 6 district (19-5A) where rival Cinco lot of points on the scoreboard dur-

SPORTS

6

Cougars

continued from page 5 QB Case Keenum. After the success that Keenum has had during his career, Sumlin still admires his passion to improve.

“He’s made strides every year he’s been here. He’s the first one in the door at the end of the year, wanting to know how he can get better. I don’t think there’s anybody who works harder than him in the off season. Not only on the field and in the weight room, but also watching video. Physically, he’s better and as a leader he’s grown from a lead-by-example guy to a more vocal leader. Our team respects him as much as a man as they do as a player. That’s the best compliment I can give any player I’ve ever coached. I don’t know how much better you can be than leading the country. I don’t think there’s a better statistic!”

Keenum is blessed to have a talented trio of receivers at his disposal. The trio of James Cleveland, Patrick Edwards and Tyron Carrier is the only receiving trio in school history to record 1,000-yard seasons in the same year.

Baytown product Cleveland, an All-American product, led the team in receptions (104), receiving yardage (1214) and touchdown receptions (14). The transfer from Trinity Valley C. C. immediately became Case’s favorite target. A relationship they developed from extensive summer workouts.

“It all started last summer when I enrolled in summer classes last June,” Cleveland recalled.

“We started spending a lot of time together,

Football

continued from page 5 running back Daniel Lasco and a defensive front seven that takes a backseat to no one.

Lufkin and The Woodlands will vie for supremacy in District 14-5A and contend for the Region II-5A crown.

Lufkin head coach John Outlaw has 10 starters back from an 8-3 squad that advanced to the bi-district round of the playoffs.

Lufkin’s best returning players include quarterback Deauntre Smiley, defensive end Darrell Kelly-Thomas and linebacker Tommie Mark.

Smiley has 17 TDs passing and 17 TDs rushing last season.

Fort Bend Hightower has experienced some of the most success among Houston area schools over the past decade with more than 90 victories.

Edison

continued from page 5 incredible honor, which I never thought was possible.

I’m a small-town kid whose dream came true.”

Washington Redskin guard Russ Grimm, a three-time Super Bowl winner and college teammate of fellow inductee Rickey Jackson at the University of Pittsburgh, counted his career in pro football as a privilege.

“It’s a privilege to play in the NFL,” said Grimm, now the assistant head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. “It’s been a privilege to coach in the NFL. It’s an honor to be selected here in Canton.”

Former New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49er linebacker Rickey Jackson, from tiny Pahokee, Florida, reaffirmed his selection to the prestigious Hall.

“I think I deserve to be up here,” Jackson said. “Football always has been my life. I see that in these guys up here [onstage], how they carried themselves. They set the standard.”

Running back Floyd Little, the Denver Bronco’s first franchise superstar, was literally speechless with his induction.

“There are no words to describe the joy of experiencing this chapter, the highest honor ... everything else pales.”

For those fans of the NFL and fans of talented person’s who exemplify the American ideal of hard work, family, success and teamwork, very few events are equal to the NFL’s HOF production.

working on individual routes, instant credibility. I like the seven-on-seven and that actualenergy he has our guys playing ly paid off last season. This seawith, I like the scheme,” Coach son it’s going to be the exact Sumlin said. “The collegiate same, if not better.” game is very different from the For all the accolades in 2009, pro game, especially when you 2010’s goals are clearly defined come in as a coordinator pracfor J.C. ticing against our offense. It’s a “We didn’t win the conferlittle bit different than say ence last year. We won the when you’re lining up against West, but that wasn’t enough. the Philadelphia Eagles. I think We want to win the West again Kevin Sumlin for the first time since we’ve this year, but this time bring the been here my philosophy has conference championship changed, instead of scoring a home.” bunch of points and trying to keep people in While offense has been the hallmark of the front of us, I think we now have three phases Cougars success, in order for the team to have of aggressive football. We’re aggressive on a big year, they must make significant offense, we’ve been aggressive on special improvement on defense. To that end, Sumlin teams, I think we’ve blocked 11-12 kicks has tabbed Brian Stewart, a highly respected (punts) in the last two years and now I think former NFL defensive coordinator (Cowboys) we’ve got a defense that fulfills all three phasto redirect the team’s defensive efforts. es.”

Stewart has installed the 3-4 defense and For the 3-4 defense to be successful, the brought a defensive philosophy that Sumlin foundation is a big strong defensive front respects. three. Coach Sumlin feels they now have the “I like what Coach Stewart is doing, disguis- prerequisite size up front to make a difference. ing coverages and not just sitting there,” “I think our three defensive line starters Sumlin explained. “We’re not going to be a right now are legitimate guys,” Sumlin said. bend, but don’t break defense. We tried that “David Hunter is 295 lbs. (DT, 6’2”), Tyrone and it really didn’t work too well. Let’s try something else, we couldn’t be much worse.”

Of course the fact that Stewart has NFL pedigree is definitely an attention getter for his young troops.

“I think when he comes into the room its

Yet with the opening of the new Fort Bend Ridge Point High School this year (20102011), Hightower will soon lose some of its more productive neighborhoods in the territorial rights.

Hightower already lost head coach Shane Hallmark to Klein High School during the offseason and will have to replace 10 defensive starters. Barry Abercrombie takes over as head coach with an experienced offensive backfield led by running back John Parrham, quarterback Bralon Addison along with junior Joshua Wilhite and sophomore Jaquinn Henderson.

Addison was the District 235A offensive sophomore of the year in 2009. Yet Abercrombie and his staff will have to find a number of answers across the field if the two-time defending district champs are going to three-peat.

In just three years, Clear Springs has turned itself into one of the region’s elite programs and head coach Clint Hartman has 11 starters back from last year’s 11-3 5A Division II regional finalist.

Two-way performer Treveon Randle (LB/RB) and defensive back Sam Richardson lead an experienced group laden with college recruits.

CLASSIFIED HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston,Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 ‘ • Project 10-08-02 – RFP/Partnership Based Fine Arts Residencies, Performances, Field Trips And/Or Staff Development in Art, Music, Theater or Dance – with a deadline of 10 A.M.; August 25, 2010.The pre-proposal conference for this project will be held in room 2W26 on August 18, 2010 at 10 A.M. • Project 10-08-03 – E-Rate Consulting Service. The opening date and time for this project is August 25, 2010 @ 2:00 PM. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2C01 on August 18, 2010 starting at 1:00 pm.

• Project 10-08-04 –RFP– Workers Compensation Health Care Group – with a deadline of 11 A.M. September 8, 2010. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE32 at the above stated address on August 19, 2010 at 11 A.M. Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

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

The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com.

Scwyana Smith

NOTICE AND INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS The Houston Independent School District will receive lump sum bids from Contractors until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 1, 2010, at the Board Services Office, 4400 West 18th Street, 1C, Houston, Texas 77092 for the SPARK Park at Travis Elementary School. The work on this project consists of site clearing, grading, construction of a raised viewing platform and other site improvements, furnishings and associated site work. Forms, schedules and statements required by the District’s Business Development and Assistance Program will be received until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 1, 2010. Bids will be opened and read aloud at that time. Pre-bid conference attendance is MANDATORY. The Pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at Travis Elementary School, 3311 Beauchamp, Houston, Texas 77009-6613. Bid documents will be available on line Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at the HISD web site, www.houston.org. Click on “Doing Business with HISD. Once on the Materials Management page select “Procurement Services’ then ‘ Proposal Solicitation.

For additional information contact LaJuan A. Harris at (713) 676-9272.

Bid Notice for Demolition of Former Pilgrim Elementary School Houston Independent School District (HISD) The Houston Independent School District will receive bids from contractors for demolition of the former Pilgrim Elementary School. The work includes abatement, demolition and site work. Bids are due no later than 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, at 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Level 1, Houston, Texas 77092. Former Pilgrim Elementary School is located at 3315 Barrington Road, Houston, Texas 77056.

The bid package, which includes plans and specifications, will be available beginning Monday, August 16, 2010, and may be obtained from A&E The Graphics Complex, 4235 Richmond Avenue, Houston, Texas 77027, telephone (713) 621-0022. All information will be available electronically upon request to vault@aecomplex.com. Documents are also available from A&E on disk in pdf format or printed for a deposit of $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Any questions regarding bid documents are to be addressed to Carol Vick Architect, LLC, attn: Joe Fong, e-mail: jfong@vickarchitect.com, 2000 N Loop W, Suite 240, Houston, Texas 77018, office 713-316-9210, fax 713-316-0893.

The Competitive Bid process will be utilized as authorized in Senate Bill 669, Section 44.040 of the Texas Education Code.

Bids will be opened and the amounts read aloud at 2:00 p.m. on the due date. M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required by the project manual and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance, will be received at 2:00 p.m., on the due date at 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Level 1, Houston, Texas 77092. Proposals submitted without M/WBE Forms, properly completed, will be considered non-compliant.

A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at former Pilgrim Elementary School, 3315 Barrington Road, Houston, Texas 77056.

For additional information regarding this project, please contact Mr. Elvis Eaglin, at 713-5566526, or eeaglin@houstonisd.org.

Drawings and Specifications may be reviewed at the Reed Construction Data Electronic Plan Room and the following Houston locations: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, (713) 843-3700 McGraw Hill Construction Dodge Plan Room, 10106 Hempstead Rd., Ste.110, (713) 316 9411 Associated Builders & Contractors, 3910 Kirby, #131, (713) 523-6222 Revive Houston Plan Room, Roland W. Smith Bldg., Rm. 122, 5555 Community College Dr, Houston 77013, (281) 704-9269

AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDER

Campbell is 299 lbs. (DT, 6’1”) and Tonga (Matangi, DT) is 294 lbs., so we’re headed in the right direction. We’re on the right path and we’ll get more linebackers on the field with their speed.”

If the front 3 of the 3-4 are the foundation of the defense, the linebackers are the stars of the show. They create havoc and make plays all over the field. A concept that has returning inside ‘backer, starter Matt Nicholson excited.

“We’ve got lots of talented linebackers, so that plays to our strength,” Nicholson acknowledged. “In that sense the transition was better for the players we have. It’s really going to open things up for us, people really aren’t going to know what we’re doing and when we’re going to do it. That will definitely play to our advantage.”

Since Nicholson is a three-year letterman and two-year starter, he takes a very practical approach to the team’s 2010 prospects.

“We can’t get too ahead of ourselves. We’ve got to stay focused, be mature. We’ve got to win the first game on the schedule before we can worry about any of the rest of them.”

Truer words were never spoken and the Cougars seemed poised to take the next step forward.

7

AUGUST 12 –18, 2010 | DEFENDER

Roberts

continued from page 1 the student body and faculty and staff. Diversity must be part of the design, and overall program. When we have the opportunity to hire outstanding African-American faculty, we need to do it. We all need to make sure that we have an environment that is welcoming to a diverse faculty and student population.

There has to be sufficient support systems in place such as the African-American Studies Program, the Women’s Studies Program, and others. Moreover, we must make sure that we have more social activities available that reflect the interests and meet the needs of a diverse and international campus community.

Defender: What programs or initiatives do you plan to implement to provide CLASS students and faculty with even more global experiences, and why is this so critical for today’s and tomorrow’s graduates?

Roberts: Currently, I’m trying to figure out just what we are doing to internationalize the campus. I am hearing that we (UH) have a very diverse campus as this has been a priority for the university for quite some time. Still, we must make sure that all our students have an international experience, such as more opportunities for study abroad programs. And not just to the usual destinations, but offering many more opportunities to travel to and study in Asia and Africa.

These types of experiences and exposures are critical to making sure our students are equipped to enter the global marketplace. With a global economy, a reality the world our students will enter demands that they are able to maneuver successfully in such an environment.

Defender: What person(s) or past experiences influ-

Ardison

continued from page 5 some positions to fill following key losses at the skill positions. Center Wayne Blount III will have to lead an offensive line that must create room for inexperienced skill players.

Defensive back Devonte Potier registered five interception in 2009 and McFarland considers him to be a leader along with sophomore defensive lineman De’Xavier Lancaster.

Furr, Worthing, Jones and Washington figure to be the top contenders for the remaining three playoff berths in District 22-4A. Jones and Washington will have firstyear head coaches while Worthing head coach Brandon Ellis has a four-year starter in quarterback Kyle McDonald.

In District 20-5A, Lamar and Madison have been playoff mainstays forever. Yet Westside, Chavez, Westbury and Bellaire harbor playoff aspirations as well.

Lamar may have the edge in overall talent with the return of quarterback Bram Kohlhausen, running back Darren Ervin, offensive tackle Kourtlandt Atkins, defensive end Alonzo Mitchell and defensive back Earl Foster. Kohlhausen, Foster and Atkins have already pledged to the University of Houston while Ervin has committed to the University of California-Berkeley. Head coach Tom Nolen is 21 victories shy of the 300-plateau.

Madison head coach Ray Seals has nine starters back from a 6-4 squad that advanced to the playoffs.

Westside, Chavez and Westbury have seven starters back apiece from playoff squads in 2009.

enced you to pursue education as a career?

Roberts: Growing up in Dillon, SC, near Myrtle Beach, I experienced segregated schools for most of my life. In fact, I did not have my first white teacher until I attended college. But my teachers were excellent about encouraging students who evidenced intellectual promise to go forward in pursuit of higher education, and not just for the student’s personal benefit but also for the benefit of the Black community.

My teachers were my real role models through what they taught and the values they lived.

Defender: Do you have a mentor(s); if so, who?

Roberts: My grandfather was my greatest mentor. He had no formal education, and was a sharecropper. My dad died when I was a child, so I was raised by my grandfather. And he would always say, “Boy, you get your education. It can take you places.” Everyone around me saw me following in my

DR. JOHN W. ROBERTS:HIGHLIGHTS HOMETOWN Dillon, SC

EDUCATION Ohio State University, Ph.D. Columbia University, Masters Tusculum College, Undergraduate degree

BOOK AND ARTICLES PUBLISHED From Trickster to Badman: The Black Folk Hero in Slavery and Freedom From Hucklebuck to Hip Hop: Social Dance in the African American Community in Philadelphia African American Folklore in a Discourse of Folkness (in progress) Numerous articles, book reviews, and papers on African-American literature and American folklore

grandfather’s footsteps except him. He encouraged me constantly to get my education. And it has taken me places. I could never have imagined then that one day I would be sitting here as a dean at the University of Houston.

Defender: What word of advice do you have specifically for Black males who are facing challenges nationally regarding the importance of pursuing an education?

Roberts: I would tell them that education is a passport to wherever you want to go in life. I would tell young brothers, especially those wrestling with challenging situations and hard decisions that an education will provide them with a path toward whatever goal they have for their lives and their futures.

Defender: What is the most satisfying aspect of your job as an educator/administrator?

Roberts: Being able to get things done that make a real difference in the lives of faculty and students. As a faculty member you can directly affect the lives of students.

As an administrator you can affect the total environment in which students learn and in which faculty members work. I enjoy that thoroughly; being able to make a difference in the lives of so many people.

Defender: How will UH’s pursuit of Tier One status help or hinder UH’s recruitment of more African American and Latino students?

Roberts: It will certainly help because Tier One status goes directly toward strengthening our reputation as an institution. Tier One status broadens opportunities for everyone—students, faculty and staff. It allows us the opportunity to educate more students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. And employers today are looking for students who are highly educated, not just slightly

educated. Tier One status allows us the opportunity to graduate more highly educated students.

Defender: What plans do you have to increase the number of minority faculty in CLASS? Is being aware of the opportunities for diversity enough?

Roberts: Being aware of those opportunities is step number one. Having a commitment to diversity is step two. And for some, their approach to diversity is monolithic, meaning the only time they consider hiring an African American faculty member is when the subject matter is inherently African American focused such as African American Studies.

We have to realize that there are African American scholars out there who bring with them an expertise in economics, quantum physics and other disciplines. We have to view every faculty opening as an opportunity to increase faculty diversity.

8

STILL STANDING…….After a trying and challenging year, many women-owned entrepreneurs had to balance major lifestyle changes, health issues, motherhood and even working a full-time job while growing their business, but they’re “Still Standing.” That is why the 2010 One Woman National Business Conference chose this as their theme. The conference was hosted by the Texas Business Alliance and held at the Omni Hotel. No one could be prouder that it’s Founder/CEO, Jeffrey L. Boney as women registered by the hundreds to attend this magnificent event. Each attendee was treated to a wealth of knowledge, empowering sessions and major connections to survive and thrive in today’s economy. Some of the workshop participants included Dr. Michael P. Williams, Dr. Letitia Plummer, Judge Clarease Rankin Yates, Je’Caryous Johnson, Denise Malone, Marilyn Logan, Dr. Donetta Pool Goodall, Jasmine Green, Christal Jackson and Dr. Wendy Johnson, to name a few. In addition to being a speaker, Artist Reginald Adams conducted a live painting experience. Gloves on and hands dipped in vibrant colors, attendees were able to create a beautiful canvas titled “A Creation in the Vortex,” that was later auctioned.

During the conference, awards were presented to several individuals. Chairman/CEO of CAMAC International Corporation and Port of Houston Authority, Commissioner Kase L. Lawal was honored with the Soaring Eagle Award and Sue Habib, CEO, Lexis Florist, Inc. received the Still Standing Award. Other award recipients included Cheryl Linville, Small Business Liaison Officer, United Space Alliance, James Harris, Director, Supplier Diversity, H-E-B, Eva Milko, Director, Procurement, MillerCoors LLC, Michelle Sourie Robinson, Director, Supplier Diversity, The Home Depot and Jewel Smith, Manager, Supplier Diversity, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. received the Soaring Heights Award. Before a panel of judges, several women were asked to give a one-minute presentation about their business. When all was said and done, Marilyn Harris, who started a business to assist women veterans was awarded with the Shark Tank Award. Actress and Director, Kim Fields was one of the luncheon speakers and Damali Keith, Fox 26 Anchor and Reporter was the mistress of ceremonies.

Great Conference!.........WHERE IS IT? ..........Houston’s historic “This Is It” Restaurant moved to 2712 Blodgett in the heart of Third Ward, formerly known as the Family Café. The rich legacy began in 1959 by the late Frank and Mattie Jones and continues under the management of the Jones’ grandson, Craig Joseph, Sr. and his wife Georgette. The Joseph’s hosted their official “Grand Re-Opening” by hosting a VIP Reception in their stylishly renovated restaurant. In the mix were Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Kathy Hubbard, State Rep. Alma Allen, Controller Ronald Green, Chief Rick Flanagan, Ruby Side, Gladys Jackson, Carolyn Scantlebury, Sandra Strachan, Dr. James Douglas, Louis Marshall, Claudette Sims, Percy Creuzot, Carol Guess and Kathryn Griffin. The entertainment was provided by Joe Carmouche. See ya at This Is It!........YOUTH BASKETBALL CLINIC…….The National Basketball Retired Players Association-Houston Chapter hosted their Legends of Basketball Youth Basketball Clinic 2010. The chapter partnered with Wells Fargo, State Farm and other local business in an effort to give back to the community by providing its youth an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of basketball from some of basketballs’ legends, as well as, to learn invaluable lessons that can directly be applied in their everyday lives.

Coaching and facilitating the clinic over a four-day period included Moses Malone, David Lattin, Robert Reid, Major Jones, John Egan, Allen Leavell, Rodney McCray, Ollie Taylor and Howard Smith.

Oh, WNBA star player, Phyllis Dallas also coached. Spotted on the floor were Karen Lowe, Jarel Francis, Cary Yates, Kimberly Barnett, Boyce Catchings, Kamren Cohen, Bridgett Joe, Jordan Jones, Andrew Nguyen, Jaymin Jones, Luke Weinzierl, Gabriela Lowe, Caleb Land and Kevin Lorder. Keep up the good work!......... 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!

AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDER

Actress and Director Kim Fields

Artists Ms. Chag and Reginald Adams

Honorees James Harris and Jewel Smith

Honoree Sue Habib and Damali Keith

Loretta Gurnell and Karen Franklin

Zawadi Bryant and Councilmember Wanda Adams

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Ruby Side, Craig and Georgette Joseph and Controller Ronald Green

State Rep. Alma Allen and Joe Carmouche

Kathy Hubbard and Craig Joseph

Honoree Michelle Sourie Robinson

Carolyn Scantlebury and Sandra Strachan

Craig Joseph, Sr. and Georgette Joseph

Bridgett Joe, Kamren Cohen and Robert Reid

Jordan Jones, Jaymin Jones, Andrew Nguyen, Cary Yates, Luke Weinzierl,Gabriella Lowe and Bryce Catchings

Mike Jones, Karen Lowe and Major Jones

Phyllis Dallas, Caleb Lang and Kevin Loder