Houston Defender: September 01, 2011

H.S. ZONE

WHEATLEY HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS OFF TO A BETTER START IN 2011 P11

Volume 80 | Number 43

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 | FREE

NATIONAL

POWELL

Critical of Cheney’s new book

P4 FEATURE

LOCAL TEEN Becomes global explorer

P5

HEALTH

FOOD ALLERGIES In the classroom

Joe Sample & the Crusaders

return for a worthy cause

H Page 6

Dr. Carla Davis

P8 CHAG’S PLACE

Dr. Deavra Daughtry- Founder of the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation 5th Annual Summit

P12

Jolanda Jones allegedly mocked

Texans offense one of the best

Did City Attorney David Feldman mock Houston City Councilwoman Jolanda Jones during his office birthday party? Some people in attendance think so, and were dismayed when he showed up in big earrings like Jones wears, and went on endless rants. Feldman isn’t saying anything, but a spokesperson for Jones said if it’s true, they’re disappointed.

H Page 3

The Houston Texans have quietly assembled one of the better offensive lines in the NFL. Their names are Chris Myers, Mike Brisiel, Eric Winston, Wade Smith and Duane Brown, and they are a force behind the Texans powerful running game and passing attack. Coach Gary Kubiak said they don’t ask for a lot of credit. “They just do a good job.”

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1 | 2011

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1 | 2011 | DEFENDER

newstalk

Did he or didn’t he?

City attorney allegedly mocked council member

By Aswad Walker Defender

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eports coming from inside City Hall allege that Houston City Attorney David Feldman attended an office party mocking Houston City Councilmember Jolanda Jones to the amusement of some and the dismay and disbelief of others.

One report said that Feldman showed up at his birthday party wearing big hoop-like earrings. Another report stated that he wore long, feathered earrings. Both are styles regularly sported by Jones.

Sources agree that while in character Feldman went on long, endless rants, and walked around the office in a manner that let all in attendance know even without explicitly saying, who was the target of his display.

According to city workers who wish to remain nameless, several in attendance were offended by Feldman’s actions.

Others said that the show put on by Feldman was not only in poor taste and beneath the dignity of such a highranking city official, but bordered on being racist.

A statement released by the City of Houston, however, paints a different picture.

“There was a quarterly meeting of the legal department this week. Last week for his birthday, the city attorney was given a gag gift (a pair of feathered

earrings). Prior to heading into this week’s meeting he was dared to put the gag gift on. He did, walked into the meeting and took the gag gift off. The meeting proceeded and there was cake at the end of the meeting. The incident lasted 10-20 seconds. This was meant to inject some levity. No harm was intended,” stated City spokesperson Janice Evans.

Though the Office of Inspector General might be investigating the incident, the office chose not to comment on the issue when asked.

Calls to the city attorney’s office requesting a state-

Jolanda Jones

ment from Feldman were not returned.

Jones’ spokesperson, Kelly Cripe, was more than willing to speak on the incident.

“If this is true, we are disappointed by the actions of the city attorney. In his office, he should exude the highest standards of impartiality, justice and fairness. The people of Houston deserve better.”

According to Evans, Feldman never mentioned Jones by name, and wore the earrings at the party in an attempt to inject some levity into an office dealing with challenging times.

Though some in attendance at the party laughed during Feldman’s activities, others felt uncomfortable, Jones and Feldman reportedly have a history of being contentious toward one another.

Earlier this year Feldman conducted the investigation into allegations that Jones used her council office and staff to conduct business for her legal practice.

Jones recently filed a complaint against Feldman with the Texas Ethics Commission.

The allegations of Feldman’s misconduct led New Black Panther Party leader Quanell X to request that Mayor Annise Parker investigate the incident and fire Feldman.

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localbriefs Beyoncé prepares for baby Motherhood is on the horizon for superstar Beyoncé Knowles. The Houston native and her equally successful husband, rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z, are expecting a baby. She made the announcement at the Video Music Awards, where she arrived holding her belly and wearing a long, one-shoulder red dress. “I have a surprise,” she told photographers on the red carpet. A rep for Beyoncé later confirmed the news, saying, “I’m happy to say it’s true.” During an interview two months earlier on “Piers Morgan Tonight,” Beyoncé said she looked forward to being a mommy. “I always said I would have a baby at 30,” said the singer and actress, whose 30th birthday is Sept.

4. Beyoncé and Jay-Z (whose real name is Shawn Carter) married in 2008.

HISD considers significant changes to magnet schools The Houston Independent School District is considering overhauling its magnet school policy. During a recent workshop, the HISD board discussed a proposal that would make significant changes to the existing magnet school policy. One addition would be a more centralized approach for parents to apply for their children to attend any of the district’s 116 magnet programs. The proposal would also call for community input in establishing new magnet programs and modifying or eliminating existing ones. Superintendent Terry Grier said the main issues include whether individual programs are academically successful and attractive, whether campuses have adequate space and how the schools are funded.

City gets federal grant money for homeland security Houston received more than $66 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant will bring $41.4 million and the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) will bring $25 million to the region. The UASI program provides financial assistance to address the planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise needs of high-threat, high-density urban areas. The PSGP finances transportation infrastructure activities to implement security plans among port authorities, facility operators and state and local government agencies. The PSGP award is shared with the jurisdictions and private industry along the Houston Ship Channel.

Prairie View A&M University marks 135th anniversary Prairie View A&M University has reached a milestone as it celebrates the 135th anniversary of its opening. PVAMU is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in Texas. The Alta Vista Agricultural and Mechanical College was chartered in 1876 as an industrial college. Soon after, the state legislature provided for the reorganization of the college and made funds available for the training of school teachers. At the beginning of the century, the 26th Legislature authorized the creation of a four-year college, allowing students to receive degrees upon completion of educational requirements. Nearly 60,000 students have received a PVAMU degree.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1 | 2011

defendernetwork.com

national

Powell critical

of Cheney’s new book

C

Defender News Services

olin Powell, who served as secretary of state under former President George W. Bush, said the new book by former Vice President Dick Cheney levels “cheap shots” at colleagues and mischaracterizes events.

During an appearance on “Face the Nation,” Powell was asked about certain passages in Cheney’s book, “In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir.”

In the book, Cheney is critical of Bush administration officials, including Powell and his successor, Condoleezza Rice.

“They are cheap shots,” Powell said. He also dismissed Cheney’s prediction that the book would cause heads to explode around Washington.

“My head isn’t exploding.

I haven’t noticed any other heads exploding in Washington, D.C.,” Powell said.

Though Powell and Cheney

served in the same administration, their relationship soured in recent years. Powell took issue with Cheney’s suggestion that he had a tendency to withhold his views from Bush and aired them outside the administration instead.

“The president knows that I told him what I thought about every issue of the day,” Powell said.

Powell, a retired fourstar general, also challenges Cheney suggestion that he was pushed out of his Cabinet position at the end of Bush’s first term in office. “[Cheney] takes great credit for my resignation in 2004,” Powell said.

“Well, President Bush and I had always agreed that I would leave at the end of 2004.

I always intended to just serve one term.”

According to the Congressional Black Caucus – known as the “Conscience of the Congress” – its members have brought more than 40 job bills to the House floor since the beginning of the current session.

To that end, the CBC has sponsored town halls and job fairs around the country to ease the misery that the high unemployment has caused in their districts and beyond, as part of a jobs initiative thrust.

To date, the initiative has traveled to Cleveland, Detroit, Atlanta and Miami. Each stop has featured at least 100 employers with real and available jobs,

and thousands of eager jobs seekers.

CBC Chairman Emanuel Cleaver was scheduled to join Congresswomen Maxine Waters, Laura Richardson, and Karen Bass in Los Angeles, the final stop of the national effort.

Cleaver said the genesis of the jobs initiative tour was the devastating impact that the high unemployment was having in members’ districts. “[We] began to look at what we can do in terms of reducing the depression level unemployment among African Americans. We came to the conclusion that it was pointless to just complain and growl about the government’s lack of attention to this segment of the American population that is unable to find work,” he said.

Black man Democratic candidate for Mississippi gov.

A barrier was broken in Mississippi after a Black candidate won the party nomination to be governor of that state. Johnny DuPree, mayor of Hattiesburg, Miss., will be the Democratic candidate for governor. DuPree won a runoff to advance to the Nov. 8 general election against Republican candidate Phil Bryant, Mississippi’s current lieutenant governor.

DuPree has his work cut out for him in the general election. According to the Hattiesburg American, Bryant has already spent twice as much as DuPree and the other runoff opponent, Bill Luckett, combined. Republican Gov. Haley Barbour reached the term limits and cannot run for reelection.

Photos of Condolezza Rice found at Gadhafi compound Embattled Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is a big fan of former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Rebels who recently took control of Gadhafi’s compound found a photo album with pictures of Rice.

During a 2007 TV interview, Gadhafi expressed his admiration. “I support my darling black African woman,” he said. “I admire and am very proud of the way she leans back and gives orders to the Arab leaders. ... Leezza, Leezza, Leezza…” When Rice later visited Gadhafi at his home, he gave her a diamond ring, a locket with a likeness of himself and an inscribed edition of his political manifesto.

Surgeon General says women choosing hair over health

CBC stands up for jobs

By Yussuf J. Simmonds Special to the NNPA from the Los Angeles Sentinel

U.S.briefs

“So we decided that we would select five cities where unemployment was high, get major corporations to commit to hiring a large number of those individuals who came out and we would travel around the country with this job fair,” Cleaver said.

“The Congressional Black Caucus cannot tolerate this crisis,” said Waters.” That is why we are taking the unusual step of getting out of Washington and connecting our constituents directly with real jobs.

“With the national unemployment rate at 9.2 percent, California’s rate at 12.1 percent, and the rate in the African American community at 16 percent, the CBC has made job creation our number one priority…”

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin is concerned about Black women who are avoiding physical activity because of the time and money spent on their hair. Benjamin, who is an African-American woman herself, made the comments at the Bronner Bros. International Hair Show in Atlanta. “Oftentimes you get women saying, ‘I can’t exercise today because I don’t want to sweat my hair back or get my hair wet’,” Benjamin said. She added that removing any barrier to physical activity is crucial to good health. According to government figures, nearly 50 percent of black women over age 20 are overweight or obese.

VOLUME 80 • NUMBER • 43 WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Associate Editors Reshonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1 | 2011 | DEFENDER

local teen becomes global explorer

By ASWAD WAlKER Defender Though advances in technology and transportation have made the world “smaller” and more accessible, global travel has yet to become the norm for some African-American teens and young adults.

After personally experiencing international travel, Booker T. Washington High School senior Roger Guillory II hopes to change that reality—and a whole lot more.

Guillory was selected, along with 29 other students, out of a nationwide pool of applicants, to take part in the Global Explorers program.

As a Global Explorer, Guillory and his fellow travelers received a scholarship from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to cover program fees and airfare for the once-in-a-lifetime, 21-day expedition to Cambodia.

Participants explored the effects of climate change on the developing world, examined sustainable development, argued the pros and cons of ecotourism, and engaged in meaningful service projects with a rural community.

Of the 30 students on the July trip, all four Black participants, including Guillory, are from the Houston area.

Commander of his school’s ROTC Program, member of Black Engineers, the National Honor Society, and Booker T. Washington’s soccer team, Guillory is an active participant in the New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church youth ministries.

He also possesses a heart for service, volunteering once a week in Memorial Hermann Hospital’s emergency room.

Guillory has also traveled to Chicago to build floors in a Roger Guillory II (left) visited Cambodia. building for the homeless and The main thing that interested me was to Puerto Rico to work with just getting out and exploring a new underprivileged children.

Recently, the Defender spoke with environment, one much different than my own. the 17 year-old Guillory, who plans to Defender: What did you expect to attend John Hopkins University and get out of your experience? earn study biochemistry or biomedical Guillory: When I first applied I engineering on his way to becoming a really thought I would get just a generic pediatric cardiologist. traveling experience, sort of like the Defender: How did you find out tourist thing that most people do when about the Global Explorers opportutraveling to other countries. What I nity, and what interested you about actually got out of the trip completely the trip? trumped my previous beliefs.

Guillory: I found out about the I think the most pressing life trip through my high school college lesson I took away from that expericoordinator. She informed us about ence is happiness isn’t measured in any it and when the application was due.

materialistic shape or form.

Those were some of the happiest people I’ve met, and the family I stayed with made roughly the equivalent of 30 U.S. dollars a month and they were on the higher end side of society.

When we asked most of the children whether or not they wanted to come to the U.S., they all said no. They were happy where they were with their families, and that sort of took us by surprise.

Defender: How did the trip change you for the

better?

Guillory: It changed me in a sense that now I’m more aware of the things I waste. Also, it made me really realize how blessed we are and how so much worse life could be for us. I am now more aware of my surroundings, and I do not take anything for granted. I appreciate what I have more and more every day.

Defender: What was the highlight of your trip?

Guillory: The food! So many fruits—such a variety—with almost no western-influenced dishes made

the experience that much more amazing.

Defender: How will your experiences affect how you serve the Black community and the greater Houston community?

Guillory: I now know that it is important for us not to forget where we came from, and who we are.

When I serve the greater Houston community I will make sure to instill that in everything I do.

Defender: Why is being a global citizen important to you?

Guillory: On that trip I realized something that people have been telling me all my life. The phrase, “You can make a difference,” has fresh new importance to me. I can make a huge difference in somebody else’s life, and I think that’s something not a lot of kids know. If everyone became just a little more aware as a global citizen this world would be a completely new, changed place.

Defender: What advice do you have for other teens who might be contemplating global travel?

Guillory: Take advantage of global travel; don’t be afraid of it.

It’s definitely an experience teens in this day and age should have. You definitely won’t regret it.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1 | 2011

coverpage

Joe Sample & The Crusaders return for a worthy cause until 1961 that the group recorded its first album, “Freedom Songs,” in commemoration of the then budding Civil Rights Movement.

The Crusaders enjoyed a long run of success well into the ‘80s before personal conflicts within the band led to a parting of ways. However, one member was determined to resurrect the group.

“Wilton and Joe are without a doubt two of the most creative and soulful people I’ve ever played with; we’ve been playing music together since we were preteens,” said Henderson, the group’s trombonist. “And since we’re getting up in age I wanted the opportunity

four or five years old, and Wilton since we were 11.

It’s a continuing conversation. Music is invigorating.”

“The best thing about playing with Joe and Wayne is the feeling of the music, and the playing of oe Sample, Wayne Henderson and Wilton the music that can only be done by the original ones,” Felder, members of the legendary Jazz said saxophonist Wilton Felder. “It’s just not the same Crusaders, are proving that you can go home with others playing.” again.

Though the group took a 30-plus year hiatus, getOn the weekend of Sept. 9-10, one of the ting the old chemistry back didn’t take much effort. most iconic groups in the history of impro“All it took was us in a room, ‘Hey, you rememvisational jazz returns to Southeast Texas for a worthy ber this tune?’ and we were jamming,” said Henderson. cause.

Sample was amazed at how well the group The three acclaimed musicians are reuniting to sounded during the first gig back headline the 4th Annual Legacy Concert together at Yoshi’s, a famous jazz club honoring Henriette Delille and benefiting in Oakland. inner-city parochial schools. It takes place in “Playing the old songs with the Galveston. group all over the country, I could see The concert is sponsored by the Joe how my skills have further developed,” Sample Youth Organization (JSYO), a said Sample, the group’s pianist. I can non-profit organization born out of Sample’s hear the uniqueness of the music, playexperience seeing schools and neighborhoods The 4th Annual Legacy Concert, a weekend of jazz ing it better now with heightened skills. in disrepair and in need of funding just to and blues music, will take place in the Grand Opera “I’m 72 now but I continue to survive.

House in the historic Strand area of Galveston Island. grow and get better. It’s amazing.

“I remember when I was in grade Renowned guitarist David T. Walker will also perform, But Galveston in Southeast Texas is a school the state of Texas wanted to demonalong with the High School of Performing Arts Jazz homecoming,” Sample said. strate that separate was equal, so they put real Ensemble and Horace A. Young and the NBS Horns.

“It’s a wonderful thing to return to money into our schools,” recalled Sample. “I The weekend kicks off on Friday, Sept. 9, with a the roots and keep the legacy going; bewent to a brand new Wheatley High School. blues jam featuring Luther and the Healers. ing able to literally go back home, and But when I came back several years later it On Saturday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m., Joe Sample and the for such a good cause,” said Henderson. was in disrepair.”

Jazz Crusaders and special guests will perform. The In 2005, having recently returned A 1999 trip back home allowed Sample event closes with an after concert dance featuring Ken to his hometown of Houston, Sample to see firsthand public schools, in his estimaMoonshine and the Brotherhood Band. established JSYO to raise funds for tion, not properly funded, and thus unable The Moody Gardens Hotel is the official hotel and inner-city Black Catholic schools. In to give inner-city students a competitive offers discounts for those attending the Legacy the first three years, his small grassroots education.

Concert. For ticket information call the Grand Opera organization has been able to give over “I also saw the Catholic schools in need, House at 1-800-821-1894. $150,000 in desperately needed money especially with the older nuns who taught for to the schools involved – St. Mary’s, St. free dying off, and no nuns coming behind Peter the Apostle and St. Francis. them, which meant these schools would have to once again play with those cats.” to pay for quality teachers,” said Sample.

“I was asked by St. Mary’s to help raise funds for Educationally speaking their playground equipment. And when that little jam Together again Tondeliyn Johnson, principal of St. Peter, is apsession was successful the other Black catholic schools preciative of Sample’s giving spirit.

According to Sample, they talked and apologized asked, ‘What about us?’ So we organized one concert “I appreciate Mr. Sample because he gives back for anything that may have stood between them so the to help them all.” because he wants to, not because he’s forced to,” she group could reunite, which it did officially two years The annual concert already has a reputation for said. ago. They have been playing to packed houses and attracting top jazz and blues talent, including Lalah Ha“Funds garnered from the event will help our sold out venues all over the world ever since. The thaway, Randy Crawford and Rick Braun. This year, school upgrade our technology with smart boards and Legacy Concert, however, is their first back on home however, the Legacy Concert will host the reunion of computer software, provide additional reading, science turf.

Houston’s own Jazz Crusaders. and math materials, and other materials so that our stu“Playing with the Crusaders again is something The group, which also included Hubert Laws you can’t put into words,” Henderson said. “It’s like an dents can go beyond basic learning and actually receive in the original lineup, left Houston in 1958 bound for and experience life lessons – how their learning affects ongoing conversation. I’ve known Joe since we were fame and fortune in Los Angeles. However, it wasn’t

J

By Aswad Walker Defender

About Galveston Legacy Concert

(Top) Joe Sample’s former school was once the oldest historically Black Catholic school in Houston opening its doors in 1931 however it closed down in 2009 due to a lack of funding. Today, Sample raises money to help Black Catholic schools survive and thrive.

(Far right) The Crusaders: Live at Montreux 2003 release featured Joe Samples, Wilton Felder, Wayne Henderson and Ray Parker Jr. to name a few.

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

them in the real world.”

Sample gets emotional when recalling the high quality education he received at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School, E.O. Smith, Wheatley and then Texas Southern University.

“The Sisters of the Holy Family educated me – a group of Black nuns out of New Orleans.

They were excellent teachers who worked for free,” said Sample of the nuns led by Henriette Delille, who is currently a candidate for canonization to become the first African- American Saint born on American soil.

Sample’s former school was once the oldest historically Black Catholic school in Houston, first opening its doors in 1931.

However, due to a lack of funding the school closed down in 2009.

Sample hopes that funds raised by the annual Legacy Concert will

he Houston area for over 80 years

help other inner city Catholic schools avoid a similar fate.

Henderson is excited about playing for new ears.

“We’ve got that audience of older ears. But now little hip hoppers, seeing that so many of our songs have been sampled, we’ll be able to keep speaking with our instruments to a new generation,” said Henderson.

“It’s beautiful helping young Black youth while also allowing them to hear what we created even before they were born, having

to come up with a brand of music – we’re like the cocreators of funk fusion – and impress upon their minds the need to embrace our heritage. Jazz is the only real art form that [we] can lay claim was created in this country,” Henderson said.

For Sample, the reunion concert celebrates three legacies – the legacy of the nuns, his old school, and the music of southeast Texas.

“Wherever I go in the world, I let people know that what I am is because of the education, love and support I got from this place,” said Sample.

Prior to and during the concert weekend, members of the Crusaders will participate in several days of taped interviews to record the history of the group. In the words of Sample, it will come, “straight from the horse’s mouth.”

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1 | 2011

health

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A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance

Teaching responsibility to preschoolers

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reschool is an important age for children to learn responsibilities that will teach them important skills for the future. Children can learn at an early age how to solve problems, think critically and learn from their own mistakes. As the child grows older, he or she can accomplish bigger tasks, ultimately paving the way for a responsible selfsustaining adulthood.

“Teaching simple independent living skills at a young age can help a child learn to take care of themselves on their own,” said Dr. Adiaha Spinks-Franklin, assistant professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and a physician Young children can help with chores around the house. in the Meyer Center for skills by helping children pick up Developmental Pediatrics at Texas Children’s Hospital. “Many trash and toys. After providing assistance in the beginning, encourage parents do not realize that there are them to do it by themselves. simple chores young children are capable of completing.”

Below, Dr. Spinks-Franklin lists Age 3 – Laundry responsibilities that parents can help Most parents do not realize that children learn at early ages. at age 3, a child can help with laundry. Have them help put their clothes away in drawers and eventually Age 2 – Cleaning up learn how to match socks. It is key Generally at age 2, children can to keep the chore simple and provide learn how to clean up. This is a very small goals to accomplish so they simple way to teach responsibility are not overwhelmed. at an early age. Demonstrate these

Age 4 – Preparing their food

At four years, a child is perfectly capable of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, pouring their own bowl of cereal and even using the toaster.

“With adult supervision, these are perfectly appropriate tasks to give your child,” said Spinks-Franklin.

Also, let them pick out their clothes. A parent may need to help button, zip and tie, but give the child some responsibility in the dressing process.

Other skills they can learn include bathing, brushing their teeth and helping clean their room. A 4-yearold can even help sort laundry by colors – whites versus darks.

Age 5 – Dishes

At this age, children can help set the table, bring empty plates to the sink when finished eating and unload silverware from the dishwasher.

Also, encourage your child to bring their trash can down from their room or bathroom and empty it into the large kitchen trash. Always let your child know that you are proud of them for making an effort to be responsible.

healthnotes Preventing asthma attacks at school The first month of school can be a tough adjustment for everyone and an especially troublesome experience for parents of children with asthma. Asthma attacks at school can be scary, preparation is key. Below are precautions that children, parents and teachers can take to help alleviate some of the worry.

Children • Carry an emergency inhaler (albuterol) at all times, especially at school. Children with asthma are allowed to carry their rescue medication with them during the school day and should not have to turn it in to a nurse.

• Use an albuterol inhaler 15 to 20 minutes before recess if the child is an exercise-induced asthmatic.

Parents should ask the pediatrician if the child falls in this subset of asthmatics.

• Do not share medication with friends or classmates, under any circumstances.

• Let friends know to inform an adult if an attack occurs.

Parents • Speak face-to-face with the teacher and school nurse about your child’s conditions as early as possible.

• Teach your child to be aware of the fact that they have asthma and how to recognize symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath).

Teachers • Review class rosters and be aware of any asthmatic students in the class. Background research can prevent hesitation or panic during an asthma attack.

• Recognize symptoms of an asthma attack. It is not always shortness of breath or wheezing out loud – constant coughing can be a symptom.

• Stay calm. Children take cues from how adults react. Even if a child does not have their rescue inhaler, stay calm, sit them down and get them into a comfortable environment. Call 911 if the child continues to have trouble breathing.

Food allergies in the classroom Now that the excitement of the first day of school has passed, a child may come home and let you know of a friend who has food allergies. Nearly 1 in 13 children has food allergies, and there is a good chance that it affects several students at your child’s school.

It is important for all parents take precautions and teach their children how to handle food allergies at school.

Dr. Carla Davis, a food allergy specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital, provides tips for students to ensure that

everyone is healthy and safe.

Food allergies are serious. It is important for all parents to teach their children that any medical condition, specifically food allergies, is serious and should not be teased or joked about.

Wash hands continuously. All students in the classroom of a child with food allergies or close to them in the lunch room needs to wash their hands after eating. Many children with allergies can have a reaction when touched by their friends if hands were not

washed properly.

Do not share food. Parents need to instruct children that sharing food is not acceptable. While it may seem fun, sharing food can be dangerous.

Have children talk with their friends about food allergies and be willing to help out if they learn that one of their friends is allergic.

If a student is in trouble in the classroom and choking, blooming with hives or having trouble breathing, instruct your child to notify an adult immediately.

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Dr. Carla Davis

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1 | 2011 | DEFENDER

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Big coverage for the he little ones.

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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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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For more information, to receive an application, or to find an event in your area, visit us online or call today.

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10

DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1 | 2011

defendernetwork.com

sports

Texan offensive line: The center of attention

By MAX EDISON Defender

[Winston] and Duane [Brown], so that’s been encouraging for us to get him back.”

The coach also singled out guard Wade Smith (FA from Kansas City), the newcomer of the group, who joined the unit last season. Smith started all 16 games in 2010 at left guard and solidified the final spot in the unit.

“He’s a hell of a player. He’s very athletic. That’s what we want. He’s very comfortable with what we’re doing. His leadership skills to me have taken over.”

Kubiak is also quick to point out the contribution

When a running back (Arian Foster) leads the NFL in rushing with 1,615 yards, you would think they’d get a little bit of credit.

When a quarterback (Matt Schaub) throws for over 4300 yards for the second straight year, you would think they would get acknowledged more.

Well allow us to shock the pro football world. The Houston Texans have quietly assembled one of the better offensive lines in the NFL. The five-man tandem of center Chris Myers (6’4” 295 lbs.), right guard Mike Brisiel (6’5” 300 lbs,), right tackle Eric Winston (6’5” 314 lbs.), left guard Wade Smith (6’4” 296 lbs.) and left tackle Duane Brown (6’4” 315 lbs) is the force behind the Texans power running game and big play passing attack.

Rashad Butler (6’4” 308 lbs.) is the No. 1 backup at both tackle positions and has starter experience.

Antoine Caldwell (6’ 3” 304 lbs.) is the No. 1 backup at guard.

So far during the preseason, the combined running back tandem of Foster, Tate, Ward and Ogbonnaya have averaged just over five yards per carry. Once again The Texans O-line has blossomed into one of the NFL’s best. it is an indication that the offensive line is coming into its own, a fact that head coach Gary Kubiak has also observed. of offensive line coach John Benton “They’ve played a lot of football together, so to the unit’s success. that’s important,” Kubiak said. “Keep our fingers “John Benton does a hell of a crossed here. We’ve been fortunate. If they can stay job, doesn’t get enough credit for the together and keep working together, they’re going to job he does,” Kubiak said. “Let’s be a dang good group in this league. They don’t ask see. We’ve got a lot of football to for a lot of credit. They just do a good job. That’s why play, but let’s see. We’re heading in the they’re pretty good.” right direction.”

“Our first group is pretty solid,” Kubiak continCenter Chris Myers believes the ued. “[Mike] Brisiel and [Antoine] Caldwell are bathard work his line mates put in during tling as they have through last year and they’re battling the NFL lockout has contributed to their again this camp. I think [Rashad] Butler’s come back precision work during preseason. and been exceptional. I think he’s pushing both Eric “We missed OTAs and mini-camp, but

we’re a veteran group that stayed in good shape so when training camp started the work we put in paid off. We feel like we’re just picking up from where we left off last year.”

Left tackle Duane Brown feels the group’s national anonymity is not a big issue, but the proof of their success is in the results.

“We have a great deal of pride as an offensive unit,” Brown said. “Our goal is to protect Matt and create lanes for Arian to run. When they have success it’s a direct reflection of our hard work.

“It doesn’t matter what back lines up behind us, our role doesn’t change. Our team goal is to make the playoffs this year. When that happens any additional notoriety that comes with that will be welcome.”

Duane Brown (76), Eric Winston (73), Antoine Caldwell (62), Wade Smith (74) & Rashad Butler (78) are key components of the Texans offensive success.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1 | 2011 DEFENDER

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h.s.zone

11

sportsbriefs

Wheatley off to a better start in 2011

Jackson.

By DARRELL K. ARDISON “They were bottling up our Defender running game in the first quarter and Wheatley High School the coaches told us to spread the field head football coach Cornelius because we were faster than they were,” McFarland didn’t have to search Davis said. “So we did that and we long for an incentive to begin did it for coach Newsome because he the 2011 high school football wasn’t able to make it tonight.” season.

William Jackson earned a reputa Even though the tion as a lockdown cornerback last Wildcats finished as 2010 season on his way to being selected firstDistrict 22-4A champions with team all-district. Yet McFarland says he a 5-1 mark in league play, it was first saw Jackson in middle school as a the beginning of last season that wide receiver and the Wheatley coachmost concerned McFarland. ing staff decided to utilize his immense

“When we played Wheatley head coach Cornelius McFarland with playmakers skills on both sides of the ball.

Galveston Ball last year it was William Jackson (#1) and Jessie Davis (#3).

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to a hard-fought game, but we came play both ways because I was blessed with out on the bottom,” McFarland said. “I had to remind the kids how the ability to do it,” Jackson said. “We came out against Ball with a bad it felt coming off the field after the game. chip on our shoulders as seniors because we wanted to show them we

“That got us off to a slow start and we eventually were weren’t little boys anymore.

0-4 to start the season,” McFarland said. “We were able to bounce Jackson is looking forward to playing La Marque, Westbury, back, but nobody wants to start out in a hole.”

Yates and all the schools in District 22-4A.

Fast forward to last weekend’s season opener between “Those teams don’t scare us. They put on pads the same way Galveston Ball and Wheatley at Barnett Stadium. Following a scorewe put on pads,” said the 6-foot-2 Jackson. “We’re going to come less first quarter, Ball took a 7-0 advantage on quarterback Dedrick out the same way we did against Ball and hopefully come away with Hayes’ one-yard TD run with nine minutes, 29 seconds left in the some victories.” second stanza.

Ball led 7-6 at intermission when Wheatley senior quarterback Jessie Davis got the Wildcats on the scoreboard with a classifieds four-yard TD run.

Wheatley scored the first 19 points of the second  half with Christon Norwood returning a fumble 59 yards for a   touchdown, Davis adding a 24-yard touchdown run and two-way  performer William Jackson catching a spectacular 70-yard TD pass  from Davis.  “We got on the players a little bit at halftime and they re sponded,” McFarland said. “We had the pride of Fifth Ward on our  shoulders tonight. We had a nice showing in the stands from our            school and the community. The coaching staff did a great job.              “Offensive coordinator Jeffrey Newsome suffered chest pains           last night and wasn’t able to make it to the game,” McFarland said.  “When we got into the locker room with the kids, it got a little emo              tional. This win is for coach Newsome.”            Wheatley prevailed 25-13 over Galveston Ball and faces 2010            Class 4A state title game qualifier La Marque Friday at Delmar              Stadium (7 p.m.).           It doesn’t get any easier for the Wildcats who will take on  Westbury and Yates prior to a bye week and opening district play   Oct. 1 against Worthing at Butler Stadium (6 p.m.).           “We don’t back down from competition,” McFarland said.  “Sometimes we take it on the chin and other times we fight back like            we did tonight against Galveston Ball. Our kids have a lot of fight in  them and I look forward to playing La Marque.  “They have a new coach in Mike Jackson that comes over                    from Chavez so we’re very familiar with him,” McFarland said.  “He’s got a heck of a group down there led by running back Tim  Wright. I like to face good competition because if we make the                          playoffs, I want my kids to be used to playing them.”            Davis, who was the game’s leading rusher with 132 yards on  20 carries and two touchdowns against Ball, said spreading the field   and utilizing Wheatley’s team speed was a key adjustment in the  2011 season opener. Davis added 89 passing yards and a TD pass to 

Houston area high school football previews continue District 24-5A Pearland wasn’t the preseason pick to win the 2010 District 24-5A championship, Clear Springs was. That didn’t prevent the Oilers from winning the Class 5A Division I state title last year with a perfect 16-0 record. Pearland opened the 2011 season by scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter en route to a 45-24 victory over Madison, while Dawson upended Clear Springs 34-14. Both Pearland and Clear Springs will likely qualify for the postseason in 2011. Clear Creek, Dickinson and Brazoswood are favorites to battle for the remaining two playoff berths. Creek has 15 returning starters and Dickinson has a potent offense led by quarterback Charles Barkmann and running back Tyrell Preston.

District 23-5A Hightower is seeking a fourth consecutive district championship. Yet nearly every school in this 10-team district could qualify for a playoff berth. Fort Bend Travis is led by 6-foot-6 quarterback Kyle Coulter, who will settle in as a full-time starter after splitting time last season. Fort Bend Elkins has blue-chip personnel led by defensive back Corey Thompson and offensive lineman Michael Matthews, son of NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews. Fort Bend Bush has a slew of playmakers led by running back Jalynn McCain. Hightower lost a nail-biting 42-41 decision to Eisenhower to open the 2011 season. That won’t sit well with Hurricanes quarterback Bralon Addison.

District 23-4A Angleton began the Ryan Roark era as head coach with an impressive 42-28 victory at Friendswood. Roark brings in a wing-T offense and an emphasis on weights and conditioning.

Running back Ryan Jackson opened the scoring by catching a 15-yard TD pass from quarterback T.J. Austin in the first quarter. Jackson added a 65-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. Austin was an efficient eight-of-11 for 106 yards and three touchdowns against perennial powerhouse Friendswood. Rosenberg Terry, El Campo, Richmond Foster and Lamar Consolidated will vie for the other three playoff berths.

TSU Tigers ranked No. 3, PV Panthers No. 7 in national poll As the college football season kicks off officially this week, two local teams have been acknowledged nationally. The Boxtorow HBCU FCS (Div IAA) preseason Coaches Top 10 Poll lists Texas Southern as the No. 3 school in the nation among HBCUs. Prairie View A&M has been voted the No. 7 ranked team. Both TSU and PV have won the SWAC championship in successive years. Defending HBCU champion BethuneCookman has been tabbed as the top team in the nation.

South Carolina State comes in at No. 2, followed by TSU, Florida A & M, Grambling, Jackson State, PV, Alabama State, Hampton and Norfolk State.

UH Cougars recognize 25 members of All-Decade team The University of Houston Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is honoring a 25-man All-Decade team from the years 2001-2010. The All-Decade team boasts seven AllAmericans in receivers Donnie Avery, Brandon Middleton, Patrick Edwards and Tyron Carrier, quarterback Kevin Kolb, running back Anthony Alridge and defensive lineman Phillip Hunt. There are 12 members of the team that earned FirstTeam All-Conference honors during their career, including all four receivers. Ten players went on to careers in the National Football League with six currently on rosters — Avery, Kolb, Hunt, offensive linemen Rex Hadnot and Sebastian Vollmer, and defensive back Stanford Routt. Winners for the team were selected by fan voting, which took place over the summer. To view the entire 25-member team go to UHCougars.com

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INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT…….The 5th Annual seminars plus a night of star-studded celebrity entertainment International Financial & Leadership Summit hosted by the that culminated with the International Leadership Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation (TWEF) was Awards. TWEF is a non-profit organization geared toward held at the InterContinental Hotel with over 1,500 registered mentoring families from all works of life, helping them to participants. This year’s theme was, reach their fullest potential in the areas Join Yvette Chargois “Economic Empowerment Through of personal development, business, Diversity and Inclusion.” Some of education, finances, and socio-economic Events of the Week the most influential people from the development. We salute Dr. Deavra More photos on defendernetwork.com corporate, financial, business, media and A. Daughtry, CEO, philanthropist See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads entertainment industries participated in and founder. Congratulations and with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. continued success!...........A SPECIAL this one-of-a-kind leadership summit, TRIBUTE……..Family and friends including Les Brown, Ron Isley, Kem surprised Coach Porter Robinson Jr. for his 60th birthday Owens, Kim Burrell, John Maxwell, Attorney Benjamin with a celebration at Brady’s Landing that was fit for a king.

Hall, Donald Bowers, Cheryl Creuzot, Pastors Remus When Coach Robinson came to Texas Southern University, and Mia Wright, Dr. Myles Munroe and Cary and Judge he met up with the renowned late Coach Dave Bethany and Clarease Yates, to name a few. The four-day summit offered a million-dollar roundtable, informative workshops and the rest is history. They shared the love for track and field

Debra E. Player and Marilyn Logan

Ruth and Dr. Myles Munroe

Norma Harris-Huger and Judy Dyer

Dr. Deavra Daughtry and Judge Clarease and Cary Yates

TWEF CEO, Philanthropist and Founder, Dr. Deavra Daughtry

ShaMarian, Porter, Sandy and ShaVondra Robinson

throughout their coaching career where they won 46 SWAC conference titles. Coach Robinson has produced winners on both the collegiate and high school levels for the past 35 years. He was the girls swim coach and assistant track & field and cross-country coach at TSU and is currently the girls track & field coach at Worthing High School and president for the USA Track & Field Gulf Association.

Those sharing this celebration with him included his wife, Sandy, daughters ShaMarian and ShaVondra Robinson, mother, Viola Robinson, sister, Vylene Robinson Jackson, friends Joyce Bethany, Dave Jarrett Bethany, Dr. Ramsi and DeVonte Taylor, Danielle Guerra, Marques Ward, Jennifer Aitsebaomo, Donna Cyphers, Willie Richardson, Ronnie Evans, Nugent Cotton, Karen Hawkins, Norma HarrisHughes, Judy Dyer and Henry Ward, to name a few. Happy B-Day Coach!.........From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Dwight Pledger, Marilyn Logan, Johnny Wimbrey, Ona Brown and Dr. Charles Phillips

Dr. Ramsi Taylor, DeVonte Taylor, Joyce Bethany and Dave Jarrett Bethany

Viola Robinson and Vylene Robinson Jackson

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