Houston Defender: September 22, 2011

NATIONAL ARE SCHOOLS PREPARING BLACK BOYS FOR PRISON? P4

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source Volume 80 | Number 46

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BUFFALO SOLDIERS on Wheels

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TROY DAVIS

dies despite doubt

State of

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1,0ċƫ !..5ƫ .%!. hosts meetings

Deion Sanders starts schools

The Houston Independent School District wants to know what residents think, and is holding a series of meetings with Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier. The six “Community Conversations” take place in October in different parts of the city.

Topics of discussion include the district’s Strategic Direction, a set of goals adopted last year.

Former NFL and Major League Baseball star Deion Sanders is not content to work as a sports analyst and star in commercials. He was recently given the go-­ahead to open two charter schools in the Metroplex area. Sanders plans to locate both in traditionally underserved areas. The schools will serve at least 650 students each.

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P6 CHAG’S PLACE

Carl Richie, Kelli Rod and LaRence Snowden at the U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan stamp unveiling.

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Food Stepping up Your ‘Grilling Game

Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America

What’s influencing popular flavors on the grill this season? Big spice profiles, regional American twists, adventurous global inspirations and new tart-sweet combinations will be stoking the fires for a delicious grilling season.

by Melissa V. Harris-Perry “This book is concerned with understanding the emotional realities of black women’s lives in order to answer a political, not a personal, question: What does it mean to be a black woman and an American citizen?”

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with superintendent Houston  Independent  School  District  resi-­ dents  are  invited  to  attend  a  series  of  “Community  Con-­ versations�  with  Superintendent  Dr.  Terry  Grier  during  October.

The  meet-­ ings  will  address  the  district’s  progress  toward  accomplishing  the  goals  established  last  year  when  the  Board  of  Education  adopted  its  Strategic  Direction.

The  town  hall  format  will  allow  for  an  unscripted  two-­way  conversation  in  which  community  members  can  ask  questions  (in  person  or  via  e-­mail)  and  participate  in  the  discussion.

Developed  over  a  six-­month  period Â

in  partnership  with  the  community,  HISD’s  Strategic  Direc-­ WLRQ LGHQWLÂż HV Âż YH core  initiatives  designed  to  help  make  it  the  best  public  school  system  in  America.  Those  initiatives  are: 1  Effective  teacher  in  every  classroom 2  Effective  principal  in  every  school 3  Data-­driven  accountability 4  Rigorous  instructional  standards  and  supports 5  Culture  of  trust  through  action Grier  is  asking  HISD  residents  to  begin  the  dialogue  about  the  district’s  direc-­ tion  by  submitting  questions  via  e-­mail  to  contactus@houstonisd.org. Â

D.A. says no charges for Jolanda Jones

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Justice Dept. rules redistricting plan illegal Defender  News  Services The  U.S.  Department  of  Justice  recently  ruled  that  a  redistricting  plan  passed  by  the  Texas  legislature  is  illegal.  The  ruling  sets  the  stage  for  a  legal  showdown  to  determine  how  Texas  will  select  its  representatives  to  Congress.

The  Justice  Department  said  that  the  proposed  map  does  not  “maintain  or  increase  the  ability  of  minority  voters  to  elect  their  candidate  of  choice.�

Attorneys  for  the  state  had  defended  the Â

new  election  districts  drawn  by  the  Republi-­ can-­led  legislature,  saying  they  were  designed  within  the  law.

'HPRFUDWLF DQG PLQRULW\ JURXSV ¿ OHG D lawsuit  over  the  redistricting  maps,  alleging  new  voting  district  lines  are  illegally  discrimi-­ QDWRU\ EHFDXVH WKH\ FDPRXÀ DJH WKH VWDWHœV Hispanic  growth  during  the  past  decade.  The  plan  approved  by  the  legislature  does  not  contain  a  single  majority  Hispanic  district  in  the  Dallas-­Fort  Worth  area,  despite  the  fact  that  the  area  has  one  of  the  largest  Hispanic  populations  in  the  country.

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Houston  U.S.  Reps.  Sheila  Jackson  Lee  and  Gene  Green,  both  Democrats,  were  among  those  who  were  critical  of  the  plan,  especially  with  its  lack  of  representation  for  Hispanics.   Prior  to  the  ruling,  lawyers  wrapped  up  a  two-­week  trial  over  the  plan,  which  was  argued  before  a  three-­judge  federal  panel  in  San  Antonio.  The  judges  indicated  before  adjourning  that  they  would  wait  for  a  Justice  Department  decision  on  the  redistricting  maps  before  issu-­ ing  a  ruling.

After reviewing ethic complaints against Houston City Councilwoman Jolanda Jones, Harris County prosecutors concluded that criminal prosecution is not warranted. City Attorney David Feldman and the O∞ce of Inspector General had accused Jones of using city resources to promote her private law practice. Jones, who maintained her innocence, said she never used her role to benefit anything or anyone other than her constituents. “From the start, I have maintained that when the facts came to light, I would have acted within the acceptable standards of conduct and was always confident that the District Attorney would come to the same conclusion,� she said.

Texas Tea Party members want another special session Members of the Texas Tea Party want Gov. Rick Perry to call another special legislative session to ban sanctuary cities that protect illegant immigrants. “Gov. Perry needs to clarify his position on illegal immigration, and he needs to come back to Texas and to finish the people’s unfinished business,� said JoAnn Fleming, chair of the Tea Party Caucus Advisory Committee of the Texas Legislature. “The ball is in Gov. Perry’s court.� Legislation to ban sanctuary cities failed during the regular session and special session. A spokesperson for Perry said, “The governor already made this a priority, and the Legislature didn’t pick it up.�

1Ýƍ (+ĆŤ +( %!./ĆŤ+*ĆŤ $!!(/ An  exhibit  highlighting  the  untold  story  of  the  history  and  culture  of  African  Americans  and  motorcycles  was  held  at  the  Crowne  Plaza  Hotel.  Shown  at  the  event  are  (l.  to  r.)   Kenneth  “Dream  Makerâ€?  Thomas,  national  president,  Buffalo  Soldiers  Motor  Cycle  Club;Íž  Captain  Paul  Matthew,  founder,  Buffalo  Soldier  National  Museum,  and  Burl Â

Washington,  artist.  The  exhibit  featured  the  XQYHLOLQJ RI ³7KH %ULH¿ QJ ´ DQ RULJLQDO watercolor  painting  by  Washington.  He  is  known  for  capturing  the  history  of  Black  sol-­ diers,  cowboys  and  cowgirls,  and  aviators.  Washington  is  a  native  of  Somerville  and  an  art  graduate  of  the  University  of  Texas  at  Ar-­ lington  and  Texas  State  Technical  Institute.

Photo credit: NewsWireHouston

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011

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NAACP says there was too much doubt Defender News Services The  NAACP  continued  to  insist  there  were  too  many  holes  in  the  Troy  Davis  case  to  proceed  with  his  execution.

The  civil  rights  organization  con-­ demned  the  Georgia  State  Board  of  Pa-­ roles  and  Pardons  for  its  decision  to  deny  clemency  to  Davis  and  to  move  forward  with  the  execution  on  Sept.  21.  “We  are  appalled  and  outraged  by  the  Parole  Board’s  erroneous  deci-­ sion  to  uphold  the  state’s  death  sentence  to  murder  an  innocent  man,�  said  NAACP  President  and  CEO  Benjamin  Todd  Jealous.  “There  is  too  much  doubt  to  proceed  with  an  execution.  No  amount  of  delib-­ eration  will  change  the  fact  that  the  case  against  Mr.  Davis  has  too  many  holes.�

Jealous  added  that  the  case  does  not Â

bode  well  for  the  justice  system. “In  moments  of  immense  sadness,  moments  that  shake  the  foundation  of  our  faith  in  the  justice  system  and  in  mankind,  there  are  often  no  words  that  can  adequately  express  one’s  grief  and  outrage,â€?  said  Jealous.   In  a  case  that  garnered  national  attention,  seven  of  the  nine  witnesses  against  Davis  have  since  recanted  their  statements  incriminating  him,  several  citing  police  pressure  to  fabricate  state-­ ments.  At  least  three  of  the  jurors  from  Davis’s  trial  called  for  Davis  to  be  granted  clem-­ ency,  one  saying  that  if  she  knew  at  trial  what  she  knows  now,  Troy  Davis  would  have  been  found  not  guilty.  The  NAACP  Georgia  State  Confer-­ ence  had  been  at  the  forefront  of  calling  for  justice  on  behalf  of  Davis,  and  also  condemned  the  scheduled  execution,  citing  major  weak-­ nesses  in  the  case.   ³:H ÂżQG LW

unconscionable  that  the  Board  would  allow  this  execution  given  its  prior  ruling  and  despite  the  nearly  1,000,000  voices  calling  for  justice  –  including  40,000  from  Georgia  and  over  10,000  from  Savannah,  3,300  members  of  the  clergy  and  1,500  legal  professionals  –  in  support  of  Mr.  Davis,�  said  Edward  O.  Dubose,  president,  Georgia  State  Conference,  NAACP.   “To  allow  this  execution  to  go  forward  without  a  re-­examination  of  the  facts  and  the  alternate  suspect  is  an  injustice  to  both  families,  to  the  jurors  who  sentenced  Davis  to  death  and  to  the  people  of  Chatham  County.�

On  the  evening  of  Aug.  19,  1989,  6DYDQQDK SROLFH RIÂżFHU 0DUN $OOHQ MacPhail  was  gunned  down  while  he  worked  as  a  part-­time  security  guard.  To  date,  there  is  no  physical  evidence  connecting  Davis  to  the  crime  and  some  individuals  pointed  to  an  alter-­ nate  suspect  as  the  real  killer. “Troy’s  family  has  been  moved  by  the  efforts  of  the  NAACP  and  supporters  around  the  world,  and  our  thoughts  and  prayers  are  with  them  now  as  they  turn  to  look  into  the  face  of  the  cruelest  kind  of  injus-­ tice,â€?  he  said. Â

Are schools preparing Black boys for prison?

By STARLA MUHAMMAD Special to NNPA

$ &KLFDJR PRWKHU UHFHQWO\ ÂżOHG D ODZ-­ suit  against  the  Chicago  Board  of  Education  alleging  a  public  school  security  guard  handcuffed  her  young  son  while  he  was  a  student  at  George  Washington  Carver  Primary  School  on  the  city’s  far  south  side.   The  attorney  representing  LaShanda  Smith  says  the  youngster  was  among  sev-­ eral  six  and  seven-­year-­olds  handcuffed  by  the  guard  for  allegedly  “talking  in  class.â€?   In  New  Orleans,  Sebastian  and  Robin  Weston  were  plaintiffs  in  a  2010  class-­  action  lawsuit  alleging  their  then  six-­ year-­old  son  was  handcuffed  and  shackled  to  a  chair  by  an  armed  security  guard  after  the  boy  argued  with  another  student  over  a  chair.  Are  these  incidents,  in  which  young  Black  boys  are  treated  like  common  crimi-­

nals  in  America’s  schools,  subconsciously  preparing  them  instead  for  life  behind  bars  in  the  criminal  justice  system?  “The  school  system  has  been  trans-­ formed  into  nothing  more  than  a  prison  preparation  industry,â€?  says  Umar  Abdullah  Johnson,  president  of  National  Movement  to  Save  Black  Boys.  “The  job  of  the  school  district  is  to  prep  the  children  for  prison  just  like  a  chef  preps  his  food  before  he  actually  cooks  it,â€?  -RKQVRQ D QDWLRQDOO\ FHUWLÂżHG SV\FKROR-­ gist,  told  the  Final  Call.  “Yes  We  Can:  The  2010  Schott  50  State  Report  on  Black  Males  in  Public  Education,â€?  states  that  Black  male  students  are  punished  more  severely  for  similar  infractions  than  their  white  peers.  Johnson  says  a  false  image  has  been  created  that  suggests  Black  boys  are  not  interested  in  being  educated.  Â

The  emotional  and  psychological  effects  on  children  from  unfair  and  out-­of-­ control  disciplinary  action  like  handcuff-­ ing  is  setting  them  up  for  criminality  he  explains.  ³7KH ÂżUVW WKLQJ WKDW W\SH RI EHKDYLRU does  is  it  socializes  the  boy  at  a  very  young  age  into  criminal  consciousness,â€?  Johnson  said.  “He  is  nurtured  by  the  school  into  an  understanding  that  his  role  in  society  is  that  of  a  criminal.â€?

Schools  are  the  number  one  referral  source  to  jail  and  juvenile  hall  for  Black  children  and  teens.   Therefore,  Johnson  urges  parents  to  meet  and  establish  a  rela-­ tionship  with  their  child’s  teacher.  “Once  you  meet  with  a  teacher,  just  the  vibration  from  that  teacher  [will]  let  you  know  whether  they’re  there  to  get  a  paycheck  or  whether  they’re  there  to  teach  your  child,�  he  said.

U.S.briefs Cornel West joins group looking for Obama challenger After accompanying Tavis Smiley on a poverty tour across the country, scholar Cornel West has turned his attention elsewhere. West has joined forces with consumer advocate Ralph Nader and the New Progressive Alliance. It is described as a grassroots campaign conceptualized to oppose President Barack Obama by endorsing an independent or third-party candidate. The group faults Obama for his actions during the recent debt ceiling negotiations, the military escalation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and for extending tax cuts first enacted by former President George W. Bush. The group said it is seeking “recognizable, articulate� candidates to debate Obama’s policies.

First Lady and restaurant chain promote good health Michelle Obama recently visited a restaurant in Maryland for an announcement in the quest for healthier food choices. Mrs. Obama unveiled a Partnership for Healthier America with Darden Restaurants, the company that operates Red Lobster, Olive Garden and other establishments. Darden has committed to a variety of changes designed to increase healthy meal content and decrease calories and sodium. Fruits or vegetables, for example, will become the default side dishes on children’s meals. “This is a breakthrough moment in the restaurant industry,� Obama said. “The changes [made] could impact the health and well-being of the entire generation of young people.�

Reports vary on alleged tryst between Palin and Rice Did former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin really have a fling with former NBA player Glen Rice? A book by author Joe McGinniss claims the ex-Alaska governor had a one-night stand with Rice when she covered him as a sports reporter 25 years ago. McGinniss also said Palin had a “fetish� for Black men. Rice refused to comment on the situation when reporters reached him at his Florida home, but he allegedly confirmed the relationship to McGinniss in the book. Palin’s husband Todd, however, said it isn’t so. “His book is full of disgusting lies, innuendo, and smears,� Palin said.

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Columnist Yvette Chargois ,+.0ĆŤ %0+./ Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Webmaster Corneleon Block

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011

defendernetwork.com

entertainment Multi-talented TourĂŠ talks

By KAM WILLIAMS Defender

Born  in  Boston  on  March  20,  1971,  TourĂŠ  is  a  cultural  critic  for  MSNBC,  as  well  as  the  host  of  a  couple  of  shows  on  Fuse-­ TV:  “Hip  Hop  Shopâ€?  and  “On  the  Record.â€?  A  contributing  editor  at  Rolling  Stone,  his  articles  appear  regularly  in  publications  rang-­ ing  from  the  New  York  Times  to  the  Village  Voice  to  the  New  Yorker.

TourĂŠ  is  also  the  author  of  a  collection  of  essays  called  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never  Drank  the  Kool-­ Aid,â&#x20AC;?  a  collection  of  short  stories  called  â&#x20AC;&#x153;The  Portable  Promised  Land,â&#x20AC;?  and  a  novel  titled  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Soul  City.â&#x20AC;?  Furthermore,  he  serves  on  the  Rock  &  Roll  Hall  of  Fame  Nominating  Committee,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Adjunct  Faculty  of  the  City  University  of  New  Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  Graduate  School  of  Journalism.             A  devoted  father,  TourĂŠ  lives  in  Brooklyn  with  his  wife,  Rita,  and  their  two  children,  Hendrix  and  Fairuz.  Here,  he  talks  about  his  new  book,  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  Afraid  of  Post-­ Blackness?â&#x20AC;?  KW:  What  inspired  you  to  write  the  book?  Let  me  guess,  the  incident  in  college  where  somebody  embarrassed  you  by  saying,  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shut  up,  TourĂŠ!  You  ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  Black!â&#x20AC;?  T:  <HDK WKDW ZDV GHÂż QLWHO\ DQ LQFLWLQJ incident.  I  had  already  been  thinking  very  actively  about  what  it  means  to  be  Black  since  I  was  very  young.  But  that  got  me  thinking  about  it  with  a  different  intensity  on  an  extremely  deep,  personal  level.  So,  that  sort  of  got  the  ball  rolling,  but  WKH PRUH VSHFLÂż F LQĂ&#x20AC; XHQFH ZDV WKH VXFFHVV RI

Barack  Obama  which  was  an  indication  to  me  that  something  had  changed  in  terms  of  race  and  what  it  meant  to  be  Black  in  America.  We  are  not  post-­racial,  but  some  things  have  changed.  For  instance,  I  think  the  younger  generation  has  a  more  progressive  attitude,  DQG WKDW GH¿ QLWHO\ SOD\HG WR %DUDFNœV IDYRU  KW:  How  can  so  many  in  the  period  you  describe  as  post-­ Blackness  give  up  being  boxed  in  by  race  if  they  have  neither  the  educa-­ tional  nor  economic  opportunities  to  leave  the  ghetto  locality?

T:  What  Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m  say-­ ing  is  that  you  have  the  ability  to  embody  black-­ ness  however  you  wish.  I  believe  [itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s]  right  that  you  see  greater  opportunity  for  education  and  advancement  as  you  go  up  the  class  scale,  but  America  is  the  land  of  rapid  class  ascension  within  a  generation,  within  a  decade, Â

even  within  a  year.  So,  I  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  think  this  only  applies  to  middle-­class  Black  people.  If  you  go  into  the  â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hood,  youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll  encounter  a  huge  variety  in  terms  of  blackness.â&#x20AC;?

KW:  Do  you  see  any  value  in  the  government  census  trying  to  keep  track  of  people  by  race  â&#x20AC;&#x201C;  Black,  white,  etcetera?  If  so,  how  can  we  truly  become  post-­ racial?

T:  I  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  think  the  goal  is  to  become  post-­racial.  I  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  want  a  world  in  which  weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  not  think-­ ing  about  race.  I  want  a  world  where  people  are  proud  to  be  who  they  are,  and  where  everybody  feels  comfort-­ able  imposing  the  beauty  of  their  culture  on  America.  The  goal  is  that  prejudice  based  around  those  differ-­ ences  ends.  Post-­racialism  is  not  the  goal,  because  itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  not Â

even  possible.    KW:  What  key  quality  do  you  believe  all  successful  people  share?   T:  The  ability  to  take  a  â&#x20AC;&#x153;no,â&#x20AC;?  because  in  order  to  become  successful  at  anything,  youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  going  to  experience  a  lot  of  setbacks  and  a  lot  of  doors  closing.  KW:  What  message  do  you  want  the  public  to  take  away  from  your  book?

T:  Two  things:  First,  I  want  the  Black  people  made  to  feel  like  outsiders  because  they  like  opera  or  sushi  or  scuba  diving  to  know  that  theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  not  weird  and  that  they  are  Black.  You  can  do  Black  and  be  Black  in  any  way  you  choose.  And  secondly,  I  want  the  self-­appointed,  volunteer  identity  cops  to  be  frozen  in  their  tracks,  because  theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  not  really  doing  the  race  a  service.  Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;  time  for  them  to  take  off  their  badges  and  let  people  be  %ODFN LQ ZKDWHYHU ZD\ WKH\ VHH Âż W KW:  What  advice  do  you  have  for  young  people  who  are  interested  in  entering  WKH Âż HOG RI MRXUQDOLVP" T:  Think  about  something  else  that  might  make  you  happy.  Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m  serious.  I  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  think  the  opportunities  are  there  to  make  a  comfortable  living  in  journalism  anymore.  KW:  What  was  the  best  business  deci-­ sion  you  ever  made?

T:  I  bought  some  shares  of  Google  and  Apple  a  few  years  ago.  Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  going  good  so  far.

KW:  What  advice  do  you  have  for  any-­ one  who  wants  to  follow  in  your  footsteps?

T:  Read  a  lot,  write  a  lot,  try  to  experi-­ ence  a  lot,  and  take  a  big  bite  from  the  buffet  of  life. Â

whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sup + Forbes names Tyler Perry richest man + Houston legend Archie Bell suing + R. Kelly opens up about next album in entertainment industry with $130 mil

record companies over royalties

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Black Pantiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;scaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; throat surgery

Tyler Perry, creator of the popular â&#x20AC;&#x153;Madeaâ&#x20AC;? franchise and TBS shows â&#x20AC;&#x153;House of Payneâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meet the Browns,â&#x20AC;? recently topped Forbes Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list of Entertainmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Highest Paid Men. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thanks to five movies he has cranked out over the past two years and two TV series, Perry earned $130 million between May 2010 and May 2011, which ranks him as the highest-earning man in entertainment for that time period,â&#x20AC;? the magazine wrote. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer came in second on the list with $113 million.

Perry is set to appear as detective Alex Cross in author James Pattersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;I, Alex Crossâ&#x20AC;? film. Cross was originally portrayed by Morgan Freeman in the films â&#x20AC;&#x153;Along Came a Spiderâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kiss the Girls.â&#x20AC;? Perry also has plans to launch his own television network tentatively titled Tyler TV.

Local music legend Archie Bell has filed suit against Philadelphia International Records and its sister company Gamble-Huâ&#x2030; Productions for money he claims they owe him. The court filing alleges the companies breached their contract with Bell by not paying him royalties and other fees.

He and his group, Archie Bell and the Drells, had a huge hit in the 1960s with the dance single, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tighten Up.â&#x20AC;? Members included Archieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother Lee Bell, along with James Wise, Joe Cross, Billy Butler, Lucious Larkins and Willie Pernell.

The group left Atlantic Records and recorded for TSOP, a subsidiary of Gamble and Huâ&#x2030; â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Philadelphia International Records. Their first hit was â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Could Dance All Night,â&#x20AC;? followed by â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Soul City Walkâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Groove.â&#x20AC;? Archie Bell and the Drells last performed together in 1979.

After undergoing throat surgery in July, R. Kelly is getting back on track with his next album. Kelly stopped by WGCIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Morning Riot radio show in Chicago for a rare interview. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was really scary,â&#x20AC;?

Kelly said of his surgery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the end of the Love Letter Tour, towards the end, I started feeling it. I thought I had a cold, but, man, I had like a cyst as big as a golf ball on my tonsils. The doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s though, they cut it out, they took care of me really good.â&#x20AC;?

Kelly revealed his 11th album will be titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Panties,â&#x20AC;? and the title says it all. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just did the whole Love Letter joint and everybody thinking, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oh thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the direction heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; now,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153; Kelly said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nah, that was a moment in timeâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

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defendernetwork.com

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011 | DEFENDER

diversity The state of

Minority Business

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

H

as  the  global  economic  downturn  negatively  affected  Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  minority  businesses?   If  so,  what  can  be  done  to  breathe  new  life  into  these  entrepre-­ neurial  efforts?   Richard  Huebner,  president  of  the  Houston  Minority  Supplier  Develop-­ ment  Council,  recently  spoke  to  the  Defender  about  the  state  of  minority  business  in  Houston.

Richard Huebner He  also  discussed  the  recently  held  HMSDC  Expo  2011  that  sought  to  provide  minority  business  owners  with  the  information  and  contacts  needed  to  take  their  businesses  to  the  next  level.  Huebner  said  that  despite  the  economy,  not  everyone  is  suffering,  and  minority  businesses  that  are  members  of  the  HMSDC  tend  to  be  plugged  into  larger  contracts.   â&#x20AC;&#x153;In  2011  some  minority-­owned  small  businesses  are  doing  quite  well,  but  it  depends  on  the  industry  youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  in,â&#x20AC;?  Huebner  said.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Retail  is  doing  poorly  because  no  oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Â

spending  money.  The  IT  industry  became  overcrowded;Íž  so  some  businesses  are  washing  out.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Still,  weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  actually  seeing  some  spending  again,  especially  with  suppli-­ ers  to  oil,  gas  and  transportation.   Private  industry  has  rebounded  a  little  bit,  but  government  contracting  fell  off  big-­time.   Government  agencies  are  really  having  a  tough  time.   But  this  year  private  industry  is  spending  a  little  more.â&#x20AC;?

Huebner  offered  additional  insight  into  minority  entrepreneurship.

Defender:  What  hurdles  besides  the  general  economic  downturn  provide  the  greatest  challenges  moving  forward  for  minority  Businesses?

Huebner:  Two  things  in  particular:  capacity  and  capital.   We  are  living  in  a  global  marketplace;Íž  itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  no  longer  a  local,  community  or  even  a  national  marketplace.   Businesses  have  to  meet  the  needs  of  contractors  on  a  global  scale.   Many  small,  minority-­owned  businesses  lack  that  capacity.   Contractors  want  to  know,  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are  you  large  enough  to  perform  on  my  contract?â&#x20AC;?   Accessing  capital  is  another  challenge.   Trying  to  get  any  capital  to  grow  your  business Â

in  todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  market  is  almost  impossible.   And  as  lending  criteria  has  increased  it  has  impeded  access  to  capital,  particularly  growth  capital.   2QH DUHD RI FKDOOHQJH WKDW PD\ EH KDUGHU WR GHÂż QH involves  what  industry  weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  in.   The  U.S.  moved  from  an  agrarian  society  to  an  industrial  society  to  a  knowledge-­ based  one.   Jobs  and  opportunities  changed  as  well.   We  have  to  ask  ourselves,  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are  we  in  the  right  industry?â&#x20AC;?   Part  RI WKH WKLQJ LV WR Âż QG WKH ULJKW PDUNHW IRU \RXU SURGXFWV DQG the  right  industry  for  your  talents.   In  IT,  for  example,  though  the  competition  is  crowded  over  here  you  may  have  more  of  a  market  overseas.   A  very  FRQJHVWHG Âż HOG RI FRPSHWLWRUV H[LVWV LQ GRZQVWUHDP EXVL QHVV >VXFK DV UHÂż QLQJ DQG VHOOLQJ RLO DQG RLO EDVHG SURG ucts].   Just  the  opposite  exists  in  upstream  business  [pulling  the  oil  out  of  the  ground.  Minority  businesses  should  set  their]  sights  on  where  the  business  is  instead  of  competing  LQ RYHUFURZGHG Âż HOGV $OVR PDQ\ RI RXU FRQWUDFWRUV DUH doing  much  better  overseas.   So,  is  our  opportunity  here  or  overseas?  Major  corporations  would  love  to  see  more  minority-­owned  drilling  companies,  or  even  one.   But  capi-­ WDO UHTXLUHPHQWV IRU VXFK D EXVLQHVV DUH VLJQLÂż FDQW Defender:  What  is  minority  supplier  development  and  how  does  it  relate  to  the  overall  success  of  minority  businesses?

Huebner:  The  majority  of  our  minority  suppliers  are  Continued on Page 9

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011

defendernetwork.com

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011 | DEFENDER

diversity

9

$!ĆŤ 0 0!ĆŤ+"Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x2039;Continued from page 7 African  American  (43%),  compared  to  Latinos  (38%),  Asians  (17%),  and  Native  Americans  (2%).   That  means  African  American  businesses  should  be  winning  about  43%  of  the  supplier  contractsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and  they  are.   That  tells  me  what  weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  doing  is  working.   However,  even  though  Black  businesses  are  winning  43%  of  the  contracts  theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  only  obtaining  27%  of  the  dollar  volume  compared  to  Native  American  businesses  getting  20%.   Does  that  mean  contractors  prefer  Native  American  companies  over  Black  companies?   No.   It  means  [some]  Black  companies  are  in  the  wrong  industries.  Native  Ameri-­ cans  are  in  the  right  industries,  such  as  oil  country  tubular  bids,  that  generate  large  amounts  of  capital,  and  also  require  access  to  big  capital  to  get  in.   Generally,  African  Americans,  because  of  the  historic  lack  of  capital,  tend  to  be  in  industries  that  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  require  a  lot  RI FDSLWDO²VWDIÂż QJ FRQVXOWLQJ WUDLQLQJ ,7 7KRVH LQGXVWULHV are  really  down  right  now.   [HMSDC  has]  done  a  good  job  of  growing  companies  to  qualify  for  contracts.   Now  we  need  to  help  them  with  getting  in  the  right  industries,  gaining  capital,  turning  the  dollar  over  many  more  times  in  our  community,  forming  strategic  alliances,  and  developing  strategies  for  growing  wealth.

Defender:  Why  do  you  think  supplier  diversity  is  often  overlooked  during  discussions  on  equality  and  diversity?

Huebner:  Most  people  think  employment  when  talking  about  diversity,  not  realizing  minority  businesses  create  way  PRUH MREV IRU PLQRULWLHV WKDQ ODUJHU Âż UPV VHHNLQJ GLYHUVLW\ LQ their  hiring.   Supplier  diversity  helps  small  businesses  grow  and  succeed.   Small  businesses  create  way  more  jobs.   We Â

Houston Minority Supplier Development Council Ä&#x2018;ĆŤ +.)!.(5ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ +1/0+*ĆŤ %*+.%05ĆŤ 1/%*!//ĆŤ +1* %( Ä&#x2018;ĆŤ % $ . ĆŤ Ä&#x2039;ĆŤ 1! *!.Ä&#x152;ĆŤ .!/% !*0Ä&#x17D;ĆŤ +*/0 * !ĆŤ +*!/Ä&#x152;ĆŤ %.! 0+.ĆŤ +"ĆŤ !) !./$%,ĆŤ !.2% !/ Ä&#x2018;ĆŤ +ĆŤ ! +)!ĆŤ ĆŤ !) !.Ä?ĆŤ +1ĆŤ)1/0ĆŤ !ĆŤ *ĆŤ!0$*% ĆŤ)%*+.%05ĆŤ 3$+ĆŤ+3*/Ä&#x152;ĆŤ) * #!/Ä&#x152;ĆŤ * ĆŤ +*0.+(/ĆŤÄ&#x2020;Ä Ĺ&#x152;ĆŤ+"ĆŤ5+1.ĆŤ 1/%*!//ĆŤ * ĆŤ 5+1ĆŤ)1/0ĆŤ !ĆŤ ĆŤ Ä&#x2039; Ä&#x2039;ĆŤ %0%6!*Ä&#x2039;ĆŤ +1ĆŤ *ĆŤ+ 0 %*ĆŤ *ĆŤ ,,(% 0%+*ĆŤ 5ĆŤ ((%*#ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ ĆŤ+Ăž ĆŤĆŤ !/ĆŤ+.ĆŤ +3*(+ %*#ĆŤ%0ĆŤ".+)ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ3! /%0!Ä&#x2039;ĆŤ * !ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ ,,(% 0%+*ĆŤ%/ĆŤ +),(!0! Ä&#x152;ĆŤ.!01.*ĆŤ%0ĆŤ (+*#ĆŤ3%0$ĆŤ ((ĆŤ .!-1%.! ĆŤ + 1)!*0/ĆŤ * ĆŤ ĆŤÄ¸Ä Ä&#x2020;Ä&#x20AC;ĆŤ $! 'ĆŤ, 5 (!ĆŤ0+ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ +1/ÄĄ 0+*ĆŤ %*+.%05ĆŤ 1/%*!//ĆŤ +1* %(Ä&#x2039;ĆŤ ĆŤ/%0!ĆŤ2%/%0ĆŤ 5ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ %.! 0+.ĆŤ+"ĆŤ )!) !.ĆŤ/!.2% !/ĆŤ3%((ĆŤ !ĆŤ +* 1 0! Ä&#x2039;ĆŤ $!*Ä&#x152;ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ !.0%ßƍ 0%+*ĆŤ +),(% * !ĆŤ +))%00!!ĆŤ.!2%!3/ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ ,,(% 0%+*Ä&#x2039; Ä&#x2018;ĆŤ !.0%ßƍ 0%+*ĆŤ .+ !//Ä?ĆŤ 0ĆŤ*+.) ((5ĆŤ0 '!/ĆŤ ,,.+4%) 0!(5ĆŤÄ&#x192;Ä&#x20AC;ĆŤ 5/ĆŤ%"ĆŤ

ĆŤ.!-1!/0! ĆŤ%*"+.) 0%+*ĆŤ%/ĆŤ/1 )%00! ĆŤ3%0$ĆŤ0$!ƍĸÄ&#x2020;Ä&#x20AC;ĆŤ !.0%ßƍ 0%+*ĆŤ * ĆŤÄ¸Ä Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x20AC;ĆŤ)!) !./$%,ĆŤ"!!Ä&#x2039;ĆŤ +3!2!.Ä&#x152;ĆŤ%0ĆŤ *ĆŤ0 '!ĆŤ Ä&#x2026;ĆŤ0+ĆŤÄ&#x2021;ĆŤ3!!'/ĆŤ%"ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ + 1)!*0 0%+*ĆŤ.!-1!/0! ĆŤ%/ĆŤ%* +),(!0!Ä&#x2039; Ä&#x2018;ĆŤ !) !.ĆŤ !!/Ä?ĆŤ +1ĆŤ, 5ĆŤÄ¸Ä Ä&#x2020;Ä&#x20AC;ĆŤ+*!ĆŤ0%)!Ä&#x2039;ĆŤ $!ƍĸÄ&#x2020;Ä&#x20AC;ĆŤ%/ĆŤ"+.ĆŤ !.0%ÄĄ ßƍ 0%+*ĆŤ * ĆŤ0$!ĆŤÄ¸Ä Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x20AC;ĆŤ%/ĆŤ"+.ĆŤ)!) !./$%,ĆŤ1*(!//ĆŤ5+1ĆŤ .!ĆŤ %05ÄĄ !.0%ßƍ! ĆŤ3$!.! /ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ"!!ĆŤ3%((ĆŤ&1/0ĆŤ !ĆŤÄ¸Ä Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x20AC;ĆŤ"+.ĆŤ)!) !./$%,Ä&#x2039;ĆŤ Ä&#x2018;ĆŤ +*0 0ĆŤ *"+.) 0%+*Ä?ĆŤ $.!!ĆŤ %2!.3 5Ä&#x152;ĆŤ 1%0!ĆŤÄ&#x2020;Ä&#x2020;Ä&#x2020;ĆŤ +1/0+*Ä&#x152;ĆŤ ĆŤÄ&#x2C6;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x2020;Ä&#x2021;ĆŤÄ&#x2C6;Ä Ä&#x192;ÄĄÄ&#x201A;Ä&#x2C6;Ä ÄĄÄ&#x2C6;Ä&#x2030;Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x2020;ĆŤ%*"+ÄŽ$) Ä&#x2039;+.#

really  need  to  be  committed  to  growing  small  businesses  if  we  are  really  committed  to  creating  more  jobs.   Or  are  we  doing  this  because  we  have  to?   If  weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  serious  about  creating  jobs,  a  committed  dia-­ logue  around  minority  business  development  will  become  a  priority  beyond  EEOC  requirements.   The  question  is  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are  we  about  employment  or  compliance?â&#x20AC;?   Minority  business  devel-­ opment  is  as  important  today  as  itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  ever  been.   For  example, Â

Exxon  Mobil  increased  spending  with  HMSDC  businesses  by  33%,  while  other  companies  reduced  their  spending.   That  says  Exxon  Mobil  made  a  concerted  effort  to  ¿ QG FRPSDQLHV ZKR FRXOG EULQJ WKHP EHWWHU YDOXH LQ WKHVH tight  economic  times,  and  they  found  them  in  the  minor-­ ity  community.   Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  a  huge  victory.   So  to  the  ques-­ tion,  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can  minority  companies  perform  [with  these  major  contracts]?â&#x20AC;?Absolutely.   Defender:  What  was  the  HMSDC  Expo  2011  and  why  should  owners  and  supporters  of  minority  businesses  look  to  attend  next  year?

Huebner:  It  was  a  combination  of  incredible  events  and  opportunities  including  20/20  Insight  Forums.   We  broke  down  the  Houston  economy  into  seven  sectors  and  brought  in  top  business  leaders  from  each  sector  to  tell  us  whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  happening  next  in  their  sector,  what  opportunities  do  they  see  coming,  and  how  do  we  best  approach  them.   The  luncheon  was  a  huge  networking  opportunity  to  meet  with  corporations,  contractors,  government  agencies,  and  other  businesses.

The  Early  Bird  Breakfast  allowed  small  business  own-­ ers  to  get  their  game  plan  and  strategy  together  for  the  Trade  Fair  &  Marketplace.   At  that  event,  corporations  rotated  in  over  1,200  decision-­makers  through  200  booths,  with  the  900  minority  business  owners  present  asking  questions,  gain-­ LQJ LQVLJKW DQG Âż JXULQJ RXW ZKHUH WKH\ Âż W LQ So  often  we  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  have  the  opportunity  to  ask  the  ques-­ tions.   At  the  EXPO  attendees  had  the  opportunity  to  ask  the  questions  and  explore  the  opportunities,  so  they  can  hit  the  nail  on  the  head  when  writing  up  business  proposals.

Blacks wield considerable consumer power Defender News Services

A  report  released  by  Nielsen  and  the  National  Newspaper  Publishers  Association  reveals  that  African  Americansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;  buying  power  is  expected  to  reach  $1.1  trillion  by  2015.  This  growing  economic  potential  presents  an  opportunity  for  Fortune  500  companies  to  examine  and  further  understand  WKLV LPSRUWDQW Ă&#x20AC; RXULVKLQJ PDUNHW VHJPHQW Likewise,  when  consumers  are  more  aware  of  their  buy-­ ing  power  it  can  help  them  make  informed  decisions  about  the  companies  they  want  to  support.  So  says  â&#x20AC;&#x153;The  State  of  the  African-­American  Consumer  Report.â&#x20AC;?  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Too  often,  companies  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  realize  the  inherent  differenc-­ es  of  our  community,  are  not  aware  of  the  market  size  impact  and  have  not  optimized  efforts  to  develop  messages  beyond  those  that  coincide  with  Black  History  Month,â&#x20AC;?  said  Cloves  Campbell,  NNPA  chairman.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;It  is  our  hope  that  by  collaborating  with  Nielsen,  weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll  be  able  to  tell  the  African-­American  consumer  story  in  a  manner  in  which  businesses  will  understand.  And  that  this  understand-­ ing  will  propel  those  in  the  C-­Suite  to  develop  stronger,  more  inclusive  strategies  that  optimize  their  market  growth  in  Black  communities,  which  would  be  a  win-­win  for  all  of  us.â&#x20AC;? Â

7KH UHSRUW WKH Âż UVW RI WKUHH DQQXDO LQVWDOOPHQWV LQ D three-­year  alliance  between  Nielsen  and  NNPA,  showcases  the  buying  and  media  habits  and  consumer  trends  of  African  Americans.  The  41st  Annual  Legislative  Congressional  Black  Caucus  Foundation  Conference  recent  activities  set  the  backdrop  for  the  announcement.  Flanked  by  civic,  business  and  legislative  leaders,  Nielsen Â

and  NNPA  executives  spoke  about  the  relevance  and  impor-­ tance  of  the  information  shared  in  the  report  and  the  fact  that  it  will  be  distributed  in  NNPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  200-­plus  publications,  reaching  millions  of  readers.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;We  see  this  alliance  with  NNPA  as  an  opportunity  to  share  valuable  insights,  unique  consumer  behavior  patterns  and  purchasing  trends  with  millions  of  readers,â&#x20AC;?  said  Susan  Whit-­ Continued on Page 11

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10

DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011 defendernetwork.com

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Consumer power..Continued from page 9 ing,  vice  chair,  Nielsen.   â&#x20AC;&#x153;By  sharing,  for  example,  that  African  Americans  over-­ index  in  several  key  areas,  including  television  viewing  and  mobile  phone  usage,  weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve  provided  a  better  picture  of  where  the  African-­American  community  can  leverage  that  buying  power  to  help  their  communities.  Likewise  the  information  literally  points  businesses  in  the  right  direction  for  growing  market  share  and  developing  long  range  strategies  for  reaching  this  important  demographic  group.â&#x20AC;?  Consumer  trends  included  in  the  report  include  eye-­opening  facts  such  as:  Â&#x2021; :LWK D EX\LQJ SRZHU RI QHDUO\ WULOOLRQ DQQXDOO\ LI $IULFDQ Americans  were  a  country,  theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d  be  the  16th  largest  country  in  the  world. Â&#x2021; 7KHUH ZHUH PLOOLRQ DFWLYH $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ ,QWHUQHW XVHUV in  July  2011  â&#x20AC;&#x201C;  76%  of  whom  visited  a  social  networking/blog  site. Â&#x2021; RI DOO $IULFDQ $PHULFDQV RZQ D VPDUW SKRQH Â&#x2021; $IULFDQ $PHULFDQV XVH PRUH WKDQ GRXEOH WKH DPRXQW RI PRELOH phone  voice  minutes  compared  to  whites  â&#x20AC;&#x201C;  1,298  minutes  a  month  vs.  606. Â&#x2021; $IULFDQ $PHULFDQV PDNH PRUH VKRSSLQJ WULSV WKDQ DOO RWKHU groups,  but  spend  less  money  per  trip.  Â&#x2021; 7KH QXPEHU RI $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ KRXVHKROGV HDUQLQJ or  higher  grew  by  almost  64%,  a  rate  close  to  12%  greater  than  the  change  in  the  overall  populationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  earning  between  2000  DQG 7KLV FRQWLQXHG JURZWK LQ DIĂ&#x20AC; XHQFH VRFLDO LQĂ&#x20AC; XHQFH and  household  income  will  continue  to  impact  the  communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  economic  power.

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011 | DEFENDER

diversity

Merger praised for helping close digital divide

A Â

JURZLQJ OHJLRQ RI HOHFWHG RIÂż FLDOV VD\ WKH EHQHÂż WV RI H[SDQGHG QH[W JHQHUDWLRQ * wireless  service  from  the  proposed  merger  of  AT&T  with  T-­Mobile  are  too  good  to  pass  up.   )HGHUDO DQG VWDWH RIÂż FHKROGHUV RI ERWK SDUWLHV including  26  state  governors  and  scores  of  federal  legislators,  say  the  transaction  would  boost  the  economy  and  create  jobs.   The  merger  also  has  won  the  backing  of  most  of  the  nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  leading  civil  rights  organizations,  as  well  as  advocates  for  rural  organizations,  educational  groups  and  business  organizations.   The  merger  â&#x20AC;&#x153;stands  to  bring  much  needed  relief  to  the  African-­American  community  by  helping  close  the  digital  divide  and  increasing  access  to  vital  services  in  urban  and  rural  communities,â&#x20AC;?  NAACP  senior  vice  president  Hilary  Shelton  told  the  FCC  in  a  recent  letter.

By  making  the  new  service  available  to  over  97  percent  of  the  U.S.  population,  the  merger  would  also  bring  the  country  to  the  edge  of  President  Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  goal  of  nearly  universal  high-­speed  wireless  broadband.

With you when

Announced  by  the  companies  in  March,  the  merger  must  be  approved  by  the  Federal  Communications  Commission  and  the  Justice  Department.   â&#x20AC;&#x153;For  consumers,  combining  the  two  companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;  infrastructure  and  spectrum  holdings  promises  clear  EHQHÂż WV LQ VHUYLFH TXDOLW\ $GGHG VSHFWUXP FDSDFLW\ DQG greater  coverage  will  help  address  network  congestion  and  should  result  in  fewer  dropped  calls,â&#x20AC;?  Connecticut  Democratic  Gov.  Dannel  Malloy  said  in  a  letter  to  the  FCC. Last  month,  76  Democratic  members  of  Congress  VDLG WKH HQKDQFHG VHUYLFHV Ă&#x20AC; RZLQJ IURP WKH PHUJHU would  â&#x20AC;&#x153;create  thousands  of  jobs,  including  many  good  SD\LQJ XQLRQ MREV ZLWK VROLG EHQHÂż WV ´ The  letter,  whose  signers  represent  31  states,  Puerto  Rico  and  the  Virgin  Islands  and  includes  19  members  of  the  Congressional  Black  Caucus,  noted  that  â&#x20AC;&#x153;the  potential  for  ubiquitous,  wireless  broadband  WKURXJKRXW RXU QDWLRQ ZRXOG EH D VLJQLÂż FDQW EHQHÂż W IRU millions  of  Americans  that  may  not  otherwise  see  those  EHQHÂż WV LQFOXGLQJ RXU FRQVWLWXHQWV OLYLQJ LQ UXUDO DQG underserved  communities.â&#x20AC;?

you,re  prepared  for  the  unexpected

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011 defendernetwork.com

Student loan default rates increase At  public  institutions,  the  default  rate  increased  from  6  percent  to  7.2  percent,  and  from  Figures  recently  4  percent  to  4.6  percent  among  released  by  the  De-­ VWXGHQWV DW SULYDWH QRW IRU SURÂżW partment  of  Education  colleges. reveal  that  the  Students  borrowers  number  of  bor-­ â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to ensure are  being  hit  by  two  rowers  default-­ that all students sides  â&#x20AC;&#x201C;  cash-­strapped  ing  on  federal  are able to access institutions  raising  student  loans  has  and enroll in quality tuition  and  high  un-­ jumped  sharply. employment  making  it  7KH ÂżJXUHV programs that harder  for  graduates  to  are  the  latest  prepare them for ÂżQG MREV indication  that  well-paying jobs â&#x20AC;&#x153;These  hard  rising  college  so they can enter economic  times  have  tuition  costs,  the workforce and made  it  even  more  low  graduation  compete in our GLIÂżFXOW IRU VWXGHQW rates  and  poor  global marketplace.â&#x20AC;? borrowers  to  repay  job  prospects  are  U.S. Secretary of their  loans,  and  thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  causing  more  Education Arne Duncan. why  implementing  students  to  be-­ education  reforms  and  protecting  the  come  overwhelmed  by  debt. maximum  Pell  grant  is  more  impor-­ The  national  two-­year  cohort  tant  than  ever,â&#x20AC;?  said  U.S.  Secretary  default  rate  rose  to  8.8  percent  last  of  Education  Arne  Duncan. \HDU IURP SHUFHQW LQ ÂżVFDO â&#x20AC;&#x153;We  need  to  ensure  that  all  stu-­ Driving  the  overall  increase  was  dents  are  able  to  access  and  enroll  in  the  number  of  students  who  borrow  quality  programs  that  prepare  them  from  the  government  to  attend  for-­ for  well-­paying  jobs  so  they  can  SURÂżW FROOHJHV enter  the  workforce  and  compete  in Â

Defender News Services

E V E RY THING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW IS HERE. THE GOLDMAN SACHS 10,000 SMALL BUSINESSES PROGRAM IS IN HOUSTON. APPLY TODAY. Goldman Sachs is pleased to announce open enrollment for the next 10,000 Small Businesses program in Houston. The program, led by Houston Community College, is designed to give local small business owners the resources to grow.

Participants in the 10,000 Small Businesses program will gain practical business knowledge, skills and insight that can be put to work immediately. The program also offers participants access to capital, experienced mentoring and unique networking opportunities.

10,000 Small Businesses is committed to supporting small businesses across the country to drive job creation and growth. Learn about the application process and apply today at www.hccs.edu/10KSB.

10KSB_Defender

4.79 x 6.5

our  global  marketplace.â&#x20AC;?

Steps  are  being  taken  to  help  students.

The  Obama  Administration  has  H[SDQGHG Ă&#x20AC;H[LEOH RSWLRQV IRU ERU-­ rowers  through  the  income-­based  repayment  plan,  which  makes  loan  payments  more  affordable  by  cap-­ ping  the  montly  payment  at  an  amount  based  on  income  and  family Â

size.

Through  a  series  of  regulations  ¿QDOL]HG RYHU WKH SDVW \HDU WKH 'H-­ partment  of  Education  has  tightened  loopholes  to  protect  students  from  misleading  recruiting  practices,  and  established  rules  that  require  colleges  to  better  prepare  students  for  gainful  employment  or  risk  losing  access  to  federal  student  aid.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) Public Hearing for FY2012 Operating & Capital Budgets The Public Hearing for METROâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FY2012 Operating & Capital Budgets will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2011, at 9:00 am in the METRO Board Room on the 2nd Floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, TX. METROâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FY2012 Operating & Capital Budgets will be available for public review beginning September 15, 2011 at METRO headquarters at 1900 Main Street on the 14th Floor by contacting Rosa Diaz at 713-739-4918.

Also, you are urged to visit METROâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website www.ridemetro.org to view the document and make comments.

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011 DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

opinion

A few pointers for

)%*+.%05ƫ 1/%*!//!/

Parker, Florida Today

pointofview

13

T

imes are hard and things are not what they used to be. But you can look at the glass as half full or half empty. Thank God there is something in the glass.

We recommend you take a proactive approach and understand that you are in a unique position – a SRVLWLRQ WR UHGH¿ QH ZKR DQG ZKDW \RX DUH DV D PLQRU ity business owner. And here are a few pointers.

Point One: Review and Cut Your Expenses.

Seriously review your expenses and determine what you are spending money on – every dime. Then ask FROOHDJXHV DQG XVH WKH ,QWHUQHW WR ¿ QG RWKHU DOWHUQD tives that are less expensive. Ask yourself the hard question about every product and service you use: Do I really need this? Can I do it another way? Re-­ PHPEHU GR QRW VDFUL¿ FH TXDOLW\ DV \RX FXW EHFDXVH you will lose in the end. Consider outsourcing. The big boys are doing it – why not you.

Point Two: Use Technology. Explore the op-­ portunities and ease that technology has to offer from accounting and payroll services, to postage, rental space, presentations and more. The savings are unbelievable but you have to be willing to take the challenge.

Yes, it is a learning curve and for some it is harder than others. But in today’s business arena it is about meeting the customer’s needs and mak-­ ing money at the same time. If you are not making money, you need to make a change.

Point Three: Look at Your Business Model and see if it is still the best way for you to make money.

There may be other revenue opportunities you can in-­ corporate into your arsenal of products and services.

Point Four: Establish Strategic Alliances and Partnerships. There are those who share a common goal and mission that together you can create a win-­ win relationship. Important: Make sure everyone knows the rules and guidelines.

Finally, Point Five: Be true to Yourself. When it is all said and done you have to be happy with what you have created because it is your company and a UHÀ HFWLRQ RI \RX Go for it.

Debilitating poverty %/ƫ +..+/%2!

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist he fall of the Roman Em-­ pire is best captured in the SKUDVH WKDW ³1HUR ¿ GGOHG while Rome burned.” Set on pursuing his own plea-­ sures and indulgences, Nero could not see the walls crumbling around him.

Similarly, our leaders seem oblivious to the walls crashing in on us, bicker-­ ing about the way that relief on our employment situation should be struc-­ tured, while poverty rates are soaring.

The data that came out last Tuesday included no surprises, but in some ways, it was a stunning indict-­ ment of the economic gridlock that has plagued us for the past year. While Congress has been yammering on about debt ceilings, more and more Americans are without work;; more and more have experienced poverty.

The poverty rate rose from 14.3 percent to 15.1 percent between 2009 and 2010. That means that the number of poor Americans grew by 2.6 mil-­

T

lion people, from 43.6 million to 46.2 million.

For the past three years the poverty rate has continued to rise, and income has continue to decline. In the past year, the average income has dropped by 2.3 percent to $49,445. Of course, the African-­American level of income saw a steeper decline, from $33,122 to $32,068, or by 3.2 percent.

While median Black income dropped by more than a thousand dollars a year, white income, from a higher perch, saw a lesser decline of about $900, or from $52,717 to $51,846, about 1.7 percent. With much less, African Americans are hit much harder.

Thus, while the overall poverty rate is 15.1 percent, it is 27.4 percent for African Americans, 26.6 percent for Hispanics, and 9.9 percent for whites. More than 40 percent of African-­American children live in poverty. There are further indications of increased poverty and dire news for years to come.

There are 2 million more “doubled up” households, meaning that more than one family is living in the same home. Yes, we used to do this “back in the day,” but today entire families are moving in together because of economic exigencies. Nearly a third of those families headed by women are in poverty, and women are still earning 77 percent of what men earn.

Those who are poor are victims of a corroded economy. While many would like to blame the 46.2 million Americans who are experiencing poverty, the real culprit is our nation’s economic failure.

This does not mean that we should give up. It means that we should organize and galvanize ourselves to take our economy back.

Dozens of congressional representa-­ tives have ignored the poverty data, but they wouldn’t be able to ignore it if we grabbed their attention. More than 40 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. planned a Poor People’s Campaign.

Who will plan it now?

nextweekonlineopinions nextweekonline Discouraging News on Child Poverty

Marian Wright Edelman

President Obama’s American Jobs Act a Good Start

Blacks is beautiful all Over the World

Harry C. Alford

Marc Morial

Silver Lining in Obama Poll Numbers

George E. Curry

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14

DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011

defendernetwork.com

sports

Deion Sanders

A noted pitch man, Sanders will sell the concept of quality education to inner city youth

turns his attention to education

By MAX EDISON Defender

To say that Deion Sanders was a great athlete is an understatement. An outstanding Major League baseball player, he once played in an NFL game and baseball playoff game on the same day.

As an NFL cornerback/wide receiver/ return specialist he was one of the greatest cover corners of all time and was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Sanders’ appeal off the field has been equally as impressive.

As a sports analyst with the NFL Network he is insightful, witty and of course very well dressed.

Hall of Famer Deion Sanders will open Prime U Prep Academy in 2012. Photo Credit NFL.com

As a pitch man for Direct TV he is comical, yet amusingly on point for his product, the NFL Sunday Ticket.

Now the multi-­talented Sanders has decided to enter into an arena where the stakes are decidedly higher, education. Sanders was recently granted a charter to open a charter school in the Metroplex area by the Texas Board of Education.

Sanders plans to open two schools in 2012 for kindergarten-­12 students.

Both will be located in traditionally underserved areas. One of the schools will be located in Fort Worth at Charity Church and the other located in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. The schools will serve between 650-­1000 students each.

Sanders, who has been active in area youth league

sports, said his interest in education began to take shape while watching over 1200 kids try out for youth football.

“I sat up in the top of the bleachers and said, ‘This would be wonderful if we would educate these kids,” the Hall of Famer recalled. “We could marry the two. Why can’t we do such a thing?”

The good news from the board of education was music to “Prime Time’s” ears, as evidence by his joyful tweet.

“GOD IS GOOD! WE GOT IT WE GOT IT WE GOT IT! IM IN TEARS LORD I THANK U LORD I THANK U! PRIMEU PREP ACADEMY WILL OPEN IN 2012 K-­12 FREE FREE” In the midst of his jubilation Sanders never lost site of his main focus, the education of underserved youth. “[The notification] was pretty much one of the best moments of my life because it’s not about you,” Sanders said. “It’s about the countless number of kids that will be blessed from this school.”

Of course the move was not without its detractors.

There were some who thought Sanders’ celebrity status unfairly influenced the education board’s decision.

Board member Mavis Knight (D-­Dallas) reconciled her vote thusly.

“I had to wrestle with myself to keep from penalizing opportunities for students because of the

celebrity involved. There are probably more resources coming to the students because of it.”

Long-­time Dallas resident and former Cowboy and NFL executive John Wooten admires the Sanders group’s involvement in education.

“I have a great deal of admiration for Deion and what he’s attempting to do in the field of education,” Wooten said. “Deion lives on the far north side of town, yet he is one of the few guys that regularly travels south of the Trinity River [inner city] to spend time and resources with those kids.

“My grandchildren also attend a charter school that Deion’s group has an affiliation with and I’ve been very impressed with the quality of their education.”

The schools will be called, appropriately enough, Prime U Prep Academy.

In typical “Prime Time” persona, Sanders will seek to provide nothing but a first-­class environment for students to matriculate.

“We plan on marrying the best of teachers academically, some of the best students academically, some of the best athletes together – the best attitudes, the best passion and desire all intertwined to educate these guys to raise company CEOs, and not employees,” Sanders said.

Somehow, based on his past list of accomplishments, you just get the feeling Sanders and his future students will be very successful.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011

defendernetwork.com

$Ä&#x2039;/Ä&#x2039;6+*!

sportsbriefs Top-ranked College Park girls spank Kingwood

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is the start of games that count

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender The  dress  rehearsal  is  over  and  the  formalities  have  been  concluded.

Houston  area  high  school  football  teams  have  been  pointing  to  this  moment  since  two-­a-­day  practices  in  the  searing  August  heat.  Now  the  season  gets  more  interesting  as  most  area  teams  begin  district  play  with  a  goal  of  qualifying  for  the  postseason.

Six  of  the  toughest  district  races  include  13-­5A,  24-­4A,  22-­ 4A,  20-­5A,  21-­5A  and  19-­5A. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  a  look  at  some  intriguing  match-­ups  this  week  that  could  help  determine  who  secures  a  playoff  berth  come  November.

KLEIN  COLLINS  vs.  KLEIN  OAK,  Sept.  23,  Klein  Memorial  Stadium,  7  p.m.

These  two  District  13-­5A  powerhouses  were  preseason  SLFNV WR ¿QLVK LQ OHDJXH SOD\ Both  schools  are  coming  off  a  bye  week.

Klein  Collins,  the  Houston  areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  top-­ranked  Class  5A  school,  improved  to  3-­0  a  week  earlier  with  a  dominating  49-­23  victory  over  Willowridge.  Five  different  Tigers  scored  touchdowns  in  the  fracas,  including  two  short  TD  runs  from  Shane  Rhodes.  Rhett  3HWWHUVRQ NLFNHG ÂżHOG JRDOV IURP 26  and  38  yards  out.

Quarterback  Tyler  Stehlig  completed  17-­of-­25  passes  for  202  yards  and  a  touchdown.

Klein  Oak  had  the  misfortune  of  running  up  against  North  Shore,  which  was  still  smarting  from  an  opening-­ game  beatdown  by  Katy.  The  Mustangs  utilized  their  quick-­scoring  ability  to  sting  the  Klein  Oak  defense  for  three  long  scoring  plays.  Larry  McDuffey  caught  TD  passes  of  78  and  30  yards  from  quarterback  Micah  Thomas.  Davonte  Milton  added  a  67-­yard  TD  run.

The  Klein  Oak  defense  PXVW VRPHKRZ ¿QG D ZD\ WR FRQWDLQ WKH RIIHQVLYH ¿UHSRZHU

of  Klein  Collins  to  have  a  chance  to  win  this  game.  LA  MARQUE  vs.  MANVEL,  Sept.  23,  Alvin  Memorial  Stadium,  7  p.m.

Manvel  tuned  up  for  this  weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  showdown  by  pounding  Sharpstown  42-­0.  The  Cowboysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;  two-­headed  tandem  at  quarterback  of  Julian  Walker  and  Shane  McCarley  were  both  HIÂżFLHQW DV 0DQYHO LPSURYHG WR 4-­0  on  the  season.

Walker  completed  10-­of-­ 12  passes  for  216  yards  and  a  touchdown.  McCarley  was  5-­of-­ 8  for  132  yards  and  two  TDs. La  Marque  running  back  Tim  Wright  rushed  for  161  yards  and  three  touchdowns  in  the  Cougarsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;  68-­3  win  over  Brazosport  at  Hopper  Stadium.  Wright  averaged  over  16  yards  per  carry  for  La  Marque.

Manvel,  La  Marque,  Dawson,  Friendswood,  Santa  Fe  and  Texas  City  are  all  capable  of  winning  games  in  this  district.  La  Marque  and  Friendswood  each  won  regional  titles  last  season.

7KLV ¿JXUHV WR EH D high-­scoring  affair  with  the  team  owning  the  football  last  in  position  to  secure  a  victory.

LAMAR  vs.  CHAVEZ,  Sept.  22,  Barnett  Stadium,  7  p.m.

Chavez  is  2-­1  on  the  season  with  victories  over  Clear  Lake  and  MacArthur.  Lamar  opened  with  a  win  over  Clear  Brook  and  followed  that  with  close  losses  to  Elkins  and  Brenham.

Every  victory  in  this  district  puts  you  a  step  closer  to  the  playoffs.  Bellaire,  Westside,  Westbury  and  Lamar  will  be  ¿JKWLQJ LW RXW IRU WKH WRS VSRW in  the  district  standings  with  Chavez  and  Madison  in  hot  pursuit.

Demun  Mercer  can  make  plays  with  his  arm  or  his  feet  for  the  Lobos  at  quarterback.  He  threw  for  20  touchdowns  last  season  and  ran  for  12  more  scores.

Lamar  is  led  by  defensive  HQG &KLPD 8]RZLKH D ¿UVW WHDP all-­district  selection  last  year.

The  Redskins  must  be  able Â

to  match  the  Chavez  scoring  power.

SEVEN  LAKES  vs.  KATY,  Sept.  23,  Rhodes  Stadium,  7  p.m.

Katy  proved  it  could  still  dominate  a  good  opponent  last  week  without  standout  running  back  Adam  Taylor,  who  will  miss  the  remainder  of  the  2011  season  with  a  torn  ACL  in  his  left  knee.

The  tandem  of  senior  Cody  Gomez  and  freshman  Rodney  Anderson  replaced  Taylor  and  shredded  the  Beaumont  West  Brook  in  a  42-­7  rout  at  Rhodes  Stadium.

Seven  Lakes  has  playmakers  in  quarterback  Kaleb  Morton  and  running  back  Denzel  Guillard.

The  Spartans  will  need Â

WR SOD\ D QHDU Ă&#x20AC;DZOHVV JDPH to  win.

WORTHING  vs.  JONES,  Sept.  24,  Barnett  Stadium,  6  p.m.

The  winner  of  this  annual  grudge  match  will  likely  secure  a  playoff  berth  in  District  22-­4A. Wheatley,  Kashmere  and  Booker  T.  Washington  appear  to  be  virtual  locks  for  the  postseason,  which  adds  to  the  importance  of  this  game.

DEER  PARK  vs.  LA  PORTE,  Sept.  23,  Bulldog  Stadium,  7  p.m.

Although  these  two  schools  are  no  longer  in  the  same  district,  these  two  neighboring  communities  look  forward  to  owning  bragging  rights  after  winning  this  contest.

classified

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College Park is the Houston areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top-rated girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; high school volleyball team. Trailing 18-14 in the first set against area-rankedKingwood, Michelle Griffith helped reverse the momentum by delivering 10 consecutive serving points for the Cavaliers. Griffith had four aces in that run and ended the match with seven. Kingwood was never able to recover as Kingwood prevailed 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-13). Katie Mitchell and Taylor Erwin were also instrumental in the College Park victory. Each finished with nine kills apiece, as the Cavaliers had 37 kills to just 15 for the Mustangs.

Fort Bend Bush makes history by beating Kempner Bush had never beaten Kempner in football.

Trailing by a point in the fourth quarter, Bush called on its field-goal kicker to rally for a victory. Alex Gomez booted field goals of 22 and 38 yards in the final stanza to improve Bush to 3-1 on the season. Despite being limited to 154 yards total offense in the contest, Bush recorded its first win over Kempner in football.

After missing the Chavez game due to injury, Bush running back Jalynn McCain returned to action and rushed for a game-high 103 yards on 22 carries and scored on a nine-yard run in the second quarter.

Elkins suddenly on a roll with three straight wins After opening the season with a heartbreaking one-point loss to Dayton, Fort Bend Elkins has rebounded with three consecutive victories. Following wins over Lamar and Clear Brook, the Knights opened their District 23-5A ledger with a 28-17 victory over rival Dulles. The game was tied 14-14 at intermission and the teams played a scoreless third quarter. However, Elkins quarterback Jake Burkhalter tossed two fourth-quarter touchdown passes to seal the win. Burkhalter finished with four TD passes in the contest on 19-of-32 passing for 247 yards and no interceptions. Elkins faces Clements this week.

Jason Bourgeois selected by Astros for Clemente The Houston Astros have selected Jason Bourgeois as the team nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented

by Chevrolet. The award goes to the player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement. Bourgeois, a Houston native, is honored to be the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nominee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Growing up, baseball was big part of my youth. I loved playing the game and much of what I learned about myself and life is because my family and other adults took time to teach me and make me a better player and a better person,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am grateful to be in a position, right here in my hometown, to do for kids today what others did for me.

Clemente was a tremendous player and his commitment to helping others is a great example of giving back. I am honored to be the Astros nominee for the 2011 Roberto Clemente Award.â&#x20AC;?

16

DEFENDER | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 | 2011

defendernetwork.com

For Event Coverage...visit

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$ #Ä&#x161;/place

USPS  COMMEMORATIVE  STAMP  Willie  Jordan,  Eddie  Henry,  Lillian  Poats,  Merline  UNVEILEDâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;ŚThe  late  Congresswoman  Barbara  Pitre  and  Roscette  Holman,  to  name  a  few.   A  deserving  Jordan  was  remembered  during  a  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women  for  Barbara  honor!...........

Breakfastâ&#x20AC;?  at  the  Hilton  Americas  ART  SHOWâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś.An  original  abstract  art  +RWHO IROORZHG E\ WKH RIÂżFLDO exhibit  and  jewelry  show  was  hosted  by  artist  Join Yvette Chargois unveiling  of  her  Black  Heritage  Coline  Creuzot  and  jewelry  designer  Judy  Events of the Week Stamp  at  Texas  Southern  McConnell  at  Mockingbird  Bistro.   These  More photos on defendernetwork.com University.   Along  with  the  beautiful  works  of  art  were  captivating.   In  See Events on KTRK Ch.13â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossroads over  300  folks  that  attended  the  the  mix  enjoying  it  all  were  the  Creuzot  with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. breakfast,  special  guests  included  family,  Cheryl,  Percy  III  and  IV,  Wayne  Congresswoman  Sheila  Jackson  McConnell,  Byronne  Hearn,  Bryce  Lee,  who  introduced  legislation  that  requested  that  Barbara  Kennard,  Sharmagne  Taylor  and  Merele  Yarborough.   be  honored  with  a  commemorative  stamp,  Myrlie  Evers-­ Great  show!........................

Williams,  Dr.  John  Rudley,  Luci  Baines  Johnson,  Dr.  KALEIDOSCOPE  OF  MUSICâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś.The  Young  Thomas  F.  Freeman,  Rev.  Gwen  Pierre,  Mae  Frances  Harmonies  of  Houston  hosted  its  2nd  Annual  Kaleidoscope  Rowlett,  Algenita  Scott  Davis,  LaRence  Snowden,  of  Music  at  Sherman  Clay  Piano.   Founded  by  Fayetta  Rose  Mary  McGowan,  Georgia  Provost,  Carl  Richie,  Allen LQ WKH QRQ SURÂżW RUJDQL]DWLRQ LV GHGLFDWHG WR

Carl Richie, Kelli Rod and LaRence Snowden

Artist Coline Creuzot and Percy Creuzot IV

Dr. John Rudley and Algenita Scott Davis

Byronne Hearn and Cheryl Creuzot

Breylon Reed, Reagan Dennis and Janiya Alexander with Joe Carmouche

Front Row, Sharisse Beavers, Edgar Lopez and Josiah Martinez...Back Row, Fayette Allen, Dehner Franks, Jr. and Kenneth Onigbinde

developing  and  nurturing  the  musical  talents  of  youth  ages  nine-­16  and  emphasizes  the  relationships  between  the  study  of  music  and  academic  achievement  while  bringing  the  MR\ RI PXVLF WR WKH ZRUOG 7KH IXQ ÂżOOHG HYHQLQJ IHDWXUHG jazz,  classical,  spirituals,  disco  and  reggae  music  performed  by  the  children,  Farhan  Ahmed,  Janella  Alfred,  Dehner  Franks,  Edgar  Lopez,  Sharisse  Beavers,  Mahdi  Bey,  Kenneth  Onigbinde,  Josiah  Wade  and  Lily  Ubani-­ Ukoma,  and  accompanied  by  pianist  Dehner  Franks  Sr.,  bass  player  Eric  Elder  and  drummer  Kyle  Turner  Jr.   Special  guest  performers  included  Kyle  Turner  Sr.,  Joe  Carmouche  and  Mickey  Moseley.   Sheldon  Nunn,  KTSU  music  director,  served  as  master  of  ceremonies  and  the  event  was  sponsored  by  the  Houston  League  of  Business  and  Professional  Women,  Inc.   Continued  success!.........From  Chagâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  Place  to  your  place,  have  a  blessed  week!

Dr. Thomas Freeman, The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. John Rudley, Luci Baines Johnson and Myrlie Evers-Williams

Wayne McConnell and Designer Judy McConnell

Lily Ubani-Ukoma, Janella Alfred, Mahdi Bey and Farhan Ahmed with Fayette Allen

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