Houston Defender: October 06, 2001

HARRIS COUNTY NAMES NEW COMIMISSIONER JUDGE JACK CAGLE P3

LOCAL

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source Volume 80 | Number 48

www.defendernetwork.com

WEEK OF OCTOBER 6, 2011 | FREE

NEWSTALK

homeowners:

HOUSTON POLICE

gets money for more cops

Buying, selling & foreclosures

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NATIONAL

HERMAN CAIN gains attention, support

P4 ENTERTAINMENT

WHITNEY HOUSTON wanted for role

P6

Clarence Thomas prompts questions

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas could be on the hot seat.

Democratic lawmakers called for a federal investigation into Thomas’ failure to report his wife’s income, saying he might have violated ethics rules. The Democrats charge that Thomas failed to report nearly $700,000 of income earned by Virginia Thomas for work with a foundation.

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Derek Fisher seeks NBA deal As president of the NBA Players Association, Laker point guard Derek Fisher remains resolute that a deal can be completed in the midst of the current lockout. He admits, however, that there needs to be a greater sense of urgency. Meanwhile, NBA player training camp has been postponed indefinitely, and preseason games are being canceled.

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P7 CHAG’S PLACE

JCHH Executive Director Jennifer Holmes and Heavyweight Champ George Foreman at Julia C. Hester House annual luncheon.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011

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In The Book Corner

News & Opinion Herman Cain is Brainwashed and Brain Dead

How Could My Husband Be Gay?

by Ondrea L. Davis and J’son M. Lee “Have you ever ignored any red flags regarding your mate? ‘How Could My Husband Be Gay?’ may cause you to never make that mistake again.

Ondrea’s life is nothing short of a fairy tale. Ondrea soon discovers that her husband, Marceous King, is not the man she thought she married.”

Cartoon of the Week RJ Matson, Roll Call

2

By George Curry

Living

Question of the Week

Frighteningly Fun Halloween Ideas

Is Rick Perry being unfairly criticized?

Halloween is right around the corner, so it is time to carve out a spooky plan for your celebration.

As little ghosts, goblins, princesses, and pirates around the country get ready for trick-or-treating, here are a few ghoulishly good ideas that will make your next Halloween fright night a scream.

See more on: defendernetwork.com

Discover the T EXAS S OUTHERN U NIVERSITY PRESENTS THE

New Look, New Size, New Content, New Attitude Designed for your convenience, the new Defender is packaged in an easy to handle tabloid size, with a colorful contemporary flair featuring more content as we celebrate 80 years of service to the African-American community.

The new Defender logo with the large star reflects that “You Are the STAR.” Each week you are invited to share your opinions and comments on our stories and the issues confronting our city on the defendernetwork. com.. Let your voice be heard and invite others to join you.

Look for the Defender at community locations, Krogers, Fiesta, Gerlands and soon CVS pharmacies.

And visit our website

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D ISTINGUISHED A LUMNI AWARDS G ALA

Friday, October 21, 2011 RECEPTION 6:00 P.M. • DINNER 7:00 P.M. WESTIN GALLERIA HOTEL • GRAND BALLROOM 5060 WEST ALABAMA, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056 Individual tickets are $70 per person. For more information visit www.tsu.edu ⁄alumni, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 713-313-1363 or e-mail tsualumni@tsu.edu.

Honoring Notable Alumni

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS ..................................................MYRON ANDERSON COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ................................................DR. GREGORY L. DILLON THURGOOD MARSHALL SCHOOL OF LAW..........................................HARRY JOHNSON GRADUATE SCHOOL ......................................................DR. CHERYL DAVIS LEWIS BARBARA JORDAN/MICKEY LELAND SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS .............................................. REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY & HEALTH SCIENCES ..................................MATTHEW ROGERS JESSE H. JONES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ..........................................JOHN SCROGGINS COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ..........................ALBERT NELSON THOMPSON, JR. COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES ..........................JOHNETTA TINKER THOMAS FREEMAN HONORS COLLEGE ............................DR. MELANIE WILSON-LAWSON

Also Honoring Chapter Alumni

ATLANTA • AUSTIN • CHICAGO • DALLAS • FORT WORTH • MAROON AND GRAY SAN ANTONIO • METROPOLITAN HOUSTON • JESSE H. JONES CHAPTER OCEAN OF SOUL • GREATER LOS ANGELES • WASHINGTON, D.C.

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011 | DEFENDER

newstalk

HPD gets money for more cops

T

Defender News Services

he Houston Police D epartment recently received a $4.9 million federal grant to help fund the hiring of more police officers over the next three years.

The money will be used to train and hire 25 police cadets, and is in addition to a $9.9 million dollar grant previously received to hire 50 cadets. The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) awarded the grant.

Police Chief Charles A. McClelland Jr. appreciates the help.

“Anytime we can get assistance to fund more officers to patrol our neighborhoods, it is good news for HPD and the citizens we serve,” McClelland said. “The Houston Police Department is thankful for the assistance we have received from the Texas congressional delegation in securing this grant.”

Mayor Parker is also grateful for the grant.

“Having more officers on

Houston streets will certainly help our communities and, hopefully, further improve our crime statistics,” she said. “Public safety is my highest priority, but with the City’s limited funds, additional grant money goes a long way to help ensure the safety of our city.”

The award was made through the COPS Hiring Program, a competitive grant program that

provides funding directly to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire police officers dedicated to addressing specific crime and disorder challenges confronting communities.

For the 2011 program, 2,712 applications were received requesting more than $2 billion and 8,999 positions.

Funding decisions were based on an agency’s commitment to community policing, crime rates, changes in law enforcement budgets, and other local fiscal data, such as poverty, unemployment and foreclosure rates.

“Cities across the country are dealing with numerous challenges and we are pleased to be able to assist their public safety efforts,” said COPS Director Bernard Melekian.

“Creating and maintaining jobs is a key part of this program.

This funding helps support local departments in their efforts to increase their ranks, enhance their relationship with the community and directly address their public safety concerns.”

Houston job growth leads country Defender News Services

Data recently released by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics shows that Houston leads the nation in job growth, adding 65,000 jobs (nonfarm) between August of last year and this year.

Houston is followed by New York City (up 57,400 jobs in the past year), Boston (up 50,600), and Dallas-Fort Worth (up 50,200).

The report also found that

unemployment rates were lower in August than a year earlier in 262 of 372 metropolitan areas. The national unemployment rate in August was 9.1 percent, down from 9.5 percent a year earlier.

In addition, more than threefourths of America’s major metropolitan areas added jobs during the past 12 months.

Other Texas areas were represented on the list.

• The largest over-the-year

percentage decrease in employment was reported in Abilene (-4.7 percent), followed by Battle Creek, Mich. (-3.9 percent) and Missoula, Mont. (-3.8 percent).

• Twenty-five of 32 metropolitan divisions reported over-theyear employment gains. The largest increase occurred in New York-White Plains-Wayne, N.Y.- N.J. (+84,200), followed by Dallas-Plano-Irving (+35,100).

3

localbriefs Obama advisor Jarrett special guest at Houston event Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to President Barack Obama and director of the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, will be the special guest during the 5th Annual Zenith Awards Dinner hosted by the Greater Houston Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors. The event is Friday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. at the Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby. NAMC will recognize seven honorees. The purpose of the nonprofit trade association is to address the needs and concerns of minority contractors. Contact 713-439-0597 or namctexas.org for information. Jarrett also serves as chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls.

African-American chief justice defends Perry Gov. Rick Perry has been under fire over charges that his family’s Texas hunting camp was once named N----head. However Wallace Jefferson, the first Black chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court, said the hunting ranch name controversy is “much ado about nothing.” Jefferson also said that the implication that Rick Perry is insensitive to racial matters is wrong. Jefferson, who was appointed by Perry, said the presidential candidate “appreciates the role diversity plays in our state and nation.” A spokesman for Perry said the offensive name of the camp was painted over before Perry’s involvement in Texas politics.

Cagle starts work as new Precinct 4 commissioner Former civil court Judge Jack Cagle was recently sworn in as the new Precinct 4 county commissioner. Cagle replaces Jerry Eversole, who resigned from Commissioner’s Court and pleaded guilty to lying to an FBI agent.

Known as “Cactus Jack,” Cagle had served on the bench of Harris County Court-at-Law No. 1 since 2000. He was appointed commissioner by County Judge Ed Emmett, who said that he wanted a candidate with “mature judgment.” Emmett said that of the 70 or so people who expressed an interest in the job or were recommended to him, he seriously considered about a dozen.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011

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national

Herman Cain gains attention, support

R

Defender News Services

epublican presidential candidate Herman Cain continues to make headlines while garnering support

among voters.

First, the African-American businessman spoke his mind about other Blacks he said had been brainwashed.

“AfricanAmericans have been brainwashed into not being openminded, not even considering a con-

servative point of view,” Cain said. “I have received some of that same vitriol simply because I am running for the Republican nomination as a conservative.

“So it’s just brainwashing and people not being openminded, pure and simple,” he said, insisting that Blacks are assumed to be Democrats.

Cain went on to say that he’d spoken with many Black voters in his travels and he believes that a third of African-American voters would throw their support behind him.

He also believes that the link between Blacks and Democrats is not as solid as it once was. “More and more Black Americans are thinking for themselves. And that’s a good thing,” he said.

“I do believe a third would vote for me based upon my

own anecdotal feedback,” he went on to say. “Now, they won’t be voting for me because I’m Black. They’ll be voting for me because of my policies.”

Later, Cain zeroed in on Texas Gov. Rick Perry after the use of the N-word surfaced in connection with property leased for hunting by the Perry family.

Cain slammed Perry for being insensitive to Blacks. There “isn’t a more vile, negative word than the N-word and for him to leave it there as long as he did before, I hear, that they finally painted over it, is just plain insensitive to a lot of Black people in this country,” Cain said.

Some voters like what Cain has to say. One national poll showed Cain tied with Perry for 16 percent of Republican voters.

Cain rose 12 points in the monthly survey, while Perry dropped 13 points.

Another poll showed Cain tied with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney with 17 percent support among GOP voters.

As another indication of Cain’s popularity, his new memoir landed among the top 10 Best Sellers on the Amazon.com list. The book is titled, “This Is Herman Cain! My Journey to the White House.”

Herman Cain

U.S.briefs March for jobs will precede MLK Memorial dedication The National Urban League and the National Action Network (NAN), along with partners in labor, education, civil rights, and clergy from across the country, will hold a rally and march for jobs and justice on Saturday, Oct. 15, in Washington, D.C. It takes place the day before the unveiling of the King Memorial on the National Mall.

The rally begins at 11 a.m. at the National Sylvan Theater, and the march will travel to the King Memorial site. NAN leader Rev. Al Sharpton said the march is an answer to President Barack Obama’s call for support of the jobs proposal he introduced.

BET’s Johnson rejects Obama’s desire to tax the rich Robert Johnson, founder of BET and former Charlotte Bobcats owner, disagrees with President Obama’s proposal to tax the wealthy as part of his plan to tame the federal debt. During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Johnson suggested that Obama “recalibrate his message” so as not to “demean” the accomplishments of many hardworking Americans. “I didn’t go in to business to create a public policy success for either party, Republican or Democrat,” Johnson said. “I went in business to create jobs and opportunity, create opportunity, create value for myself and my investors. And that’s what the president should be praising...”

Army names its first Black female two-star general Maj. Gen Marcia M. Anderson became the first African-American woman to receive a second star as a general in the U.S. Army during a ceremony at Fort Knox. Anderson served as the Human Resources Command’s deputy commanding general. She is moving to the office of the chief of the U.S. Army Reserve in Washington, D.C. “I firmly believe that we are never in control of very much,” Anderson said. “The most we can do is have a set of values and beliefs, and adhere to them as closely as possible.” Anderson was described as a leader, officer, lawyer, wife, mother, grandmother and “great American.”

Democrats seek investigation of Clarence Thomas Twenty Democratic lawmakers recently called for a federal investigation into Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ failure to report his wife’s income, saying he might have violated the court’s ethics rules.

Led by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), the Democrats sent a letter to the Judicial Conference of the United States, which frames guidelines for the administration of federal courts.

They requested that the

conference refer Thomas’ noncompliance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to the Department of Justice.

The letter specifically charges Thomas failed to report nearly $700,000 of income earned by his wife, Virginia Thomas, for her work for the conservative Heritage Foundation from 2003 to 2007.

“Due to the simplicity of the disclosure requirements, along with Justice Thomas’s high level

of legal training and experience, it is reasonable to infer that his failure to disclose his wife’s income for two decades was willful,” the lawmakers wrote.

Slaughter said in a statement that Thomas’ failure to disclose his wife’s income “is suspicious, and according to law, requires further investigation. To accept Justice Thomas’s explanation without doing the required due diligence would be irresponsible.”

Continued on Page 5

VOLUME 80 • NUMBER • 48 WEEK OF OCTOBER 6, 2011

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

Columnist Yvette Chargois Sport Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Webmaster Corneleon Block

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender audited By Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2011 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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DNC chair:

Democrats must respect Blacks

By Erica Butler AFRO Staff Writer

President Barack Obama is facing tough criticism from some prominent Black leaders who said he has forgotten the poor. This onslaught makes the work of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Black vote more significant than ever for the 2012 presidential race.

During a roundtable discussion at the committee’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-Fla.) said the Democratic Party should not use Blacks just for a vote in the 2012 election.

Instead, she said, members should get to know the community and fight against voter suppression laws that affect not just African Americans, but everyone.

“The Black community leadership all across the country, my colleagues, just get rightfully frustrated with the fact that too often [Democrats] show up at the last minute in the Black community,” she said.

“We spend many, many months taking for granted that the Black community is going to be there, all we have to do is flip the switch. I think that’s disrespectful.”

The Florida representative, originally from New York, said the party would bring in campaign poll workers who genuinely would like to know the community they are working in.

Most senior staff members within the campaign are African Americans, according to Michael Blake, the deputy director of Project Vote for the Obama for America Campaign.

The DNC’s message this time around to persuade voters to re-elect the president will have to be clearer than before. Wasserman-Schultz said the Americans Job Act would benefit African Americans the most by directly impacting Black small business owners.

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Democrats... Continued from page 4 Slaughter also called it “absurd” to suggest that Thomas may not have known how to fill out the forms.

“It is reasonable, in every sense of the word, to believe that a member of the highest court in the land should know how to propClarenceThomas erly disclose almost $700,000 worth of income,” Slaughter said.

Thomas’ wife has come under scrutiny before, and questions arose whether her advocacy for conservative causes created a conflict of interest for her husband.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011

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business

bizbriefs

Communities fight predatory lending

By Charlene Crowell NNPA Columnist

N

ew data from the U.S. Census Bureau announced that 46 million Americans now live in poverty. It is the largest number in the 52 years for which poverty estimates have been published. Since 2007, poverty has increased in 46 states and today affects one of every four American children.

As it grips more and younger Americans, there is also evidence that poverty is speaking with a southern accent. The South is now home to 1.5 million of the 2.6 million people who became poor from 2009 to 2010.

In the meantime, the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee all have a higher per capita concentration of payday loan shops than elsewhere in the U.S. With a profusion of local payday stores strategically located in low-income neighborhoods, the payday loan business model depends on borrowers who are unable

to both repay the lender and have enough money to make it to the next payday. The trap of recycled debt is also how billions are taken each year from poor people.

Earlier this year, a report by the Center for Responsible Lending found that payday loan borrowers are indebted for more than half of the year on average, even though each individual payday loan typically must be repaid within two weeks.

Fortunately, in 17 other states and the District of Columbia, laws have been enacted to cap these highcost loans with double-digit interest.

Now some cities are choosing to either rein in payday lending by

enacting local ordinances or offer alternative small dollar loan programs.

For example, when the Texas Legislature failed to enact meaningful payday reform, the Dallas City Council unanimously passed an ordinance this June that changed both loan terms and the amount of loans.

As a result, the City of Dallas imposes payday loan limits and restrictions on store locations will also limit how many payday stores can be located near residences and highways.

Fair Community Credit, a new nonprofit corporation in Kansas City, is working with a local bank, service organizations and a church to offer low-income borrowers access to loans at interest rates no higher than 36 percent.

And in the Big Apple, a new program called “Borrow and Save” is teaching low-income borrowers that they too can save money and lessen the financial need for loans.

These local initiatives remind me of an adage as old as it is true: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

NAACP hosts virtual career fair The NAACP is sponsoring a virtual career fair for young professionals and recent college graduates.

It is part of NAACPConnect, the social media hub for the organization’s youth and young adults. It also helps them develop the skills needed to meet various challenges that face African Americans and other youth of color.

The virtual career rair is free and features career opportunities from a cross section of employers

across the country.

“NAACPConnect is a great opportunity for college graduates to explore opportunities in this highly competitive job market,” said project manager Larry Brown Jr. “Our virtual fair allows you to interact with top employers anytime during the month of October.

We encourage all young professionals to participate and take advantage of [it].”

Candidates can register at

http://naacpjobfinder.com/ConnectCareerFair. Applicants are encouraged to upload their resume so employers can connect directly with them and visit often.

Participating employers include Boeing Aircraft, Land ’O Lakes, Bank of America, Covenant Healthcare, Quintiles, United Water, Chesapeake Energy, United Water, Allscripts, FOX Group, Realogy, City of Cambridge CemcoLift, Arrow Electronics, Amica Insurance and many more.

More African Americans needed in technology field The Black community is being encouraged to groom young engineers and scientists in order to expand diversity in the technology sector.

“The important thing is not to be the CEO of Xerox,” eAccess founder John W. Templeton told IBTimes. “The important thing is to be the one who creates the next imaging device.”

Templeton said “offshoring” in Latin America and Asia has contributed to the decline of diversity. The number of African Americans who hold jobs in Silicon Valley, the San Francisco Bay region that holds the world’s largest technology companies, has declined. “The best way to interest young African Americans in technology is by setting a personal example,” said Calvin Phelps, chairman of the National Society of Black Engineers.

IRS requires tax preparers to meet certain standards The Internal Revenue Service is clamping down on the tax preparer industry. In the past, tax preparers in many states were not required to have training or prove of competency. The IRS has started rolling out competency tests for hundreds of thousands of tax preparers nationwide. Next year, continuing education requirements will be implemented. “The person who cuts your hair generally has to have a license where he or she operates and has to undergo basic testing and qualification procedures before doing so,” said David Williams, director of the IRS’s return preparer office. “How is it that the individual who has access to perhaps your most significant set of financial transactions during the course of any given year has no requirements for competency or oversight at all?”

World Bank pushes China for factories in Africa The World Bank has opened talks with Chinese trade officials in an effort to bring laborintensive manufacturing jobs to Africa, the Wall Street Journal reported. With the number of jobs falling steeply for Africa’s displaced and jobless farmers, the Bank is aiming to persuade the Asian giant to relocate at least five million jobs. There are currently 85 million “low-value” manufacturing jobs (cheap clothing, toys and electronics) in China, out of a population of 1.3 billion, and only 10 million “low value” jobs in all of Africa, population one billion.

“For decades, Africans have produced what they do notconsume and consumed what they do not produce,” observed Andrew Rugasira, a Ugandan entrepreneur. While manufacturing in China has “peaked,” according to some experts, jobs have been moving not to Africa but to other Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Bangladesh. Africa accounts for just 1 percent of global manufacturing, compared with Asia’s 25 percent. Meanwhile, China has embarked on a vocational school-building project in Rwanda.

The school will offer classes in construction and building services (plumbing and welding), agriculture, ICT and electronics. The school will offer training in construction, plumbing &welding, agriculture and food processing (especially in bamboo, meat and fruit processing), ICT and electronics. It is scheduled to open in 2013.

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011 | DEFENDER

entertainment

7

Ken Bevel balances acting, ministry

By Kam Williams Defender A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Ken Bevel is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering technology and a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School with an MBA in logistics management.

After 20 years of active service in the Marine Corps, Capt. Bevel retired to serve in the ministry on the staff of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. He and his wife, Lauana, have been happily married for 14 years and have two children, Kyra and Kaleb.

Bevel is also recognized for having played Lt. Michael Simmons in the inspirational film “Fireproof.” Here, the captainturned-pastor/actor talks about life and about his latest role as Nathan Hayes in Sherwood Pictures’ new movie “Courageous.”

KW: What interested you in “Courageous?”

KB: There are two things that

drew my interest to the movie “Courageous.” The first was my conviction to the messages told

by Sherwood Pictures. In each of the four films, the Sherwood Pictures team handles with care the weighty issues of honesty, integrity, marriage and fatherhood. As these topics are addressed through the silver screen, I have seen lives changed and families restored. So, seeing the fruit of the movies drew me more than anything.

The second is the topic, fatherhood. There are many men who deeply desire to be a man of integrity upon whom their children can look to for guidance, instruction, affirmation and love. However, due to a lack wise counsel many are straying from the path of true fatherhood and settling for good instead of great. As a man, I long to be a part of the solution that will assist men in being the fathers they were designed to be.

KW: Tell me a little about your character, Nathan Hayes?

KB: Nathan Hayes is a man most of us would consider a “good” man. He is a hard-working African-

American male, with a beautiful wife and three wonderful children. Although his life may seem picturesque initially, his earlier years were filled with identity struggles, violence and doubt due in part to the absence of a father. However, through the assistance of a mentor, William Barrett, Nathan was able to learn what it means to be a man. While the presence of a mentor helped his belief in God and personal growth, he believed there was more to being a father and was willing to seek after it.

KW: What interested you in acting after serving in the Marine Corps?

KB: I wanted to act because I was excited about the impact the Sherwood Movies were having on my life and countless others.

Although there were many jobs on the set, acting drew my attention the most.

KW: How did the Marine Corps prepare you to embody and accurately portray the bonding in “Courageous?”

Continued on Page 12

what’sup H Sparks to star in ‘Sparkle’ remake;

H Actor apologizes after saying he

H 20-year-old sex tape of Tupac

“American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks has landed the female lead in the remake of “Sparkle,” the 1976 musical drama about a girl singing group. According to CNN, director Salim Akil (“Jumping the Broom”) is reportedly working on getting Whitney Houston for the film, but the singer’s rep said there was no firm deal yet.

Sparks rose to fame as the season six winner of “American Idol,” and was only 17 at the time. She will portray the character Sparkle, one of three sisters, and Houston is the top choice to play her mother, Effie. Omar Epps is slated to play Satin, who marries one of the sisters.

The original film starred Irene Cara, Philip Michael Thomas, Lonette McKee, Mary Alice and Dorian Harewood. The late Curtis Mayfield composed and produced the musical score.

Isaiah Mustafa, known as the guy in the Old Spice comIsaiah Mustafa, known as the guy in the Old Spice commercials, recently tweeted an apology after saying he wasn’t happy to be nappy. “I want 2 apologize wholeheartedly 2 anyone out there who was offended or hurt by the irresponsible comments I made on E! News…” he said. Mustafa talked about the kind of woman he wants while promoting a guest role on the new TV series “Charlie’s Angels.” “I want my kids to have nice hair so she better have good hair. Cause, I don’t know if you’ve checked my hair out lately. Aside from today it’s normally nice. Today it’s slightly nappy,” he said. Mustafa is a former NFL practice squad wide receiver. He turned to acting after attending the Seattle Seahawks training camp in 2000. He appeared in the film “Horrible Bosses.”

He’s been dead 15 years, but there is still plenty of interest in He’s been dead 15 years, but Tupac still generates plenty of interest. A sex tape starring the late rapper is about to be released. According to TMZ.com, the fiveminute tape shows Tupac at a house party while a woman pleasures him. In the tape, shot 20 years ago, Tupac enters a room of groupies with his pants down around his ankles. He pulls one of the women toward him, and sings along and dances to one of his unreleased tracks. As the tape ends, he appears ready to begin sexual intercourse.

Tupac Amaru Shakur was born in 1971 in New York City.

He eventually gained fame rapping about the social ills facing African Americans. He also became known for his conflicts with the law. He died in 1996 after being shot in Las Vegas.

Whitney wanted for role as mom

wanted a woman with ‘good hair’

with a groupie soon to be released

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011

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coverpage

homeowners: Buying, selling & foreclosures By aswaD walKEr Defender ow has the housing market, amid the throes of an on again off again economic recovery, affected Black people in Houston?

It depends, according to Houston Real Estate Association President Courtney Johnson Rose and Housing Fair Chairperson Andrea Hilliard-Cooksey.

Rose, the HREA’s president and Hilliard-Cooksey are avid about getting correct and up-to-date information to Houstonians regarding how to proceed in today’s housing market, whether they are in foreclosure or looking to purchase a home.

The HREA, in conjunction with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, is sponsoring “The Time is Now,” a workshop that seeks to provide critical information to Houstonians on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Greenspoint Mall.

On the eve of the event, Rose and Hilliard-Cooksey spoke with the Defender about the good, the bad and the ugly of today’s housing market, and about go-forward steps for individuals representing the gamut of homeowner situations.

Defender: What is the “good” in the current real estate market?

Rose: It’s a buyer’s market, the interest rates are at an all-time low, and there are several government-funded assistance programs for people seeking to purchase.

Hilliard-Cooksey: The supply is bigger than the demand, meaning there are a lot of properties for sale. This generates a better price point for purchasers. And the interest rates are at about three-to-four percent—the lowest in 25-30 years.

Defender: What is the “bad” in the current real estate market?

Rose: For someone who wants to upsize their home or relocate, it’s hard to do in this buyer’s market. It’s harder to sell a home for the price you want.

Defender: What is the “ugly” in the current real estate market?

Rose: A lot of foreclosures, and individuals losing homes. Blacks are most affected by this.

Defender: What are the main things to do for a person in the middle of foreclosure, or the person who may have just lost their job, and is trying to avoid foreclosure?

Rose: The same for both. First, communicate with your bank to let the mortgage holders know your intentions; that you want to keep the home. The bank doesn’t want the home back but if you don’t communicate they almost have to. Second, look for help. And make sure to get a HUDapproved housing counselor. They will be able to advocate for you and help you navigate the process, explaining

H

‘The Time is Now’ Housing Fair When: Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Greenspoint Mall, 12300 North Freeway Who: Sponsored by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee & Houston Real Estate Association What: Free counseling for homeowners, including…

• Credit problems & solutions • The home-buying process • Down payment assistance • One-on-one with loan officers • Information on taxes For more information call 713-551-2092. everything.

Defender: What are the main steps to take for the individual seeking to sell their home in today’s market?

Rose: Be prepared, be patient and be realistic. Be prepared by putting your best foot forward, recognizing that there’s a lot of competition out there. Paint your house where necessary and refresh the carpet. Make your property stand out from the crowd. Be patient. The process takes longer now; homes are sitting on the market longer. Be realistic on the pricing that you want, being sympathetic to buyers.

Defender: What should the person or couple seeking to buy a home do?

Rose: Recognize that knowledge is power. It’s important to be well-informed about the entire process, and about

the assistance programs out there—information that will be shared during the housing fair this weekend. Also, start with a realtor. Get a referral from a friend or family member who has recently purchased, making sure you get one that is reputable and has a successful track record.

Also, get pre-qualified. Know your credit situation, how much you’ve been approved for, and put together a budget. The problem is many people get approved for more than their budget can handle—approved for $200,000 but can only really afford a $130,000 home. It’s also important to decide where you want to live. Think about the commute to your job, schools for your kids, your place of worship depending on how active you are. And give yourself time so you’re not rushing trying to make such an important decision. The process can take anywhere from six to 12 months.

Defender: What are the main arguments for buying a home instead of renting?

Rose: The ability to earn equity, because equity builds wealth. If you buy a home paying the same as you rented for, say $1,000 per month, at the end of the lease you may get back your security deposit. But with owning, you are paying down on the principal, and are able to establish an equity line of credit to pay for home improvements, for the kids’ college tuition. It’s like you’re paying yourself first.

There’s also the tax advantage. As an owner, you get to deduct the interest part of your note as a tax write-off at the end of the year.

Defender: Why is now such an opportune time to buy a home?

Rose: Because of the low interest rates, and because it’s a buyer’s market, more supply than demand, some people are selling their homes for 60-70 cents on the dollar because they need the cash in this tough economy. Along with the pricing, the down payment assistance programs help.

Defender: Is owning a home more of an asset or liability—a wealth builder or debt maker?

Rose: Owning is a big responsibility in terms of budgeting. If something is not working you can’t just call the landlord, you have to pay to get things fixed. Often people aren’t ready for all that responsibility. The key is, don’t max yourself out. Leave room and resources to handle emergencies, home maintenance, and other issues. Home warranties and various insurance coverage are ways to protect yourself, but the main thing is to budget and purchase a home within your real budget to avoid your American dream becoming an American nightmare.

Defender: Is there a salary level that determines if a person can afford to buy a home?

Rose: It’s hard to say; it depends on the individual. And it goes back to budgeting. It’s not a matter of how much you make but how you utilize it. It’s about budgeting and finding

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

9

Foreclosure alternatives something in your price range.

Defender: Is there anyone who should not buy a home?

Rose: If you haven’t had stable employment for a while, or no period of positive credit you may need to evaluate how serious you are about the process.

You may need to set some rent payment goals and stick to them to prove to yourself you have the discipline to do this.

Defender: Are there many down payment assistance programs in the Greater Houston area?

Hilliard-Cooksey: There are some all over, and each area is unique regarding the amount available. In Houston you can get up to $30,000 in assistance. Outside of Houston the programs offer between $10,000 and $15,000 in assistance. The Neighborhood Stabilizing Program offered by the City of Houston is a great program that knocks off 20 percent of the price.

Defender: How hard are the requirements of these programs to meet?

Hilliard-Cooksey: More people meet the requirements than people think. Many have the preconceived notion that the process is too hard. And then there are the barriers—some of the real estate agents

themselves. If a real estate agent is not participating in the assistance programs, they’re not promoting them. That’s critical information they’re not sharing with you.

And then also there’s a whole bunch of forms involved. I’m not going to lie to you; these programs are paper intensive and some people get rattled by that. But if you’re in the program your monthly note can go from $1,000 per month to $700 per month. Its criminal the information that’s not being shared; and often by our own people. So it’s real important to do the research on your own.

With the Internet, there’s no need for the consumer to be uninformed. Without the money from these programs, when buying a house you’ll need anywhere between $8,000 and $10,000 to make that transaction happen. With help you can move in for $1,500. There should be a stampede of Black people to these programs. You can buy and stay in something you own for cheaper than it would cost you to rent. You need to ask the agent if they’re in the loan program, and when was the last time they closed one? Because you need someone who’s in the game now.

he Houston area for over 80 years

“The Time is Now” Housing Fair will offer participants critical information on the home-buying and home-owning process from every perspective.

Along with free housing counseling for homeowners having difficulty refinancing and/or maintaining their monthly mortgage payments, participants with receive more specific information regarding alternatives to foreclosure.

Currently, the nation’s five largest mortgage firms may be forced to reduce loan balances for distressed homeowners as part of an agreement with state attorneys general and the Obama administration to settle claims of faulty mortgage practices.

The proposal includes mortgage principal reductions comprising part of a larger fine levied on Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo and Ally Financial. The penalties, which could reach $30 billion, are part of a set of remedies banks would have to agree to in order to settle state and federal probes launched last year.

The probes found that the largest mortgage firms illegally seized the homes of at least dozens of borrowers and engaged in shoddy practices that

short-changed troubled borrowers.

Alternatives to foreclosure include: n Special Forbearance – Long-term repayment plan that may involve temporary payment deduction or suspension while a borrower recovers from the cause of default. n Loan Modification – Permanent change to mortgage terms that reinstates a loan and reduces monthly payments through capitalized or reamortized payment or through a lower interest rate. n Partial Claim – Advance of insurance funds as a HUD interest-free second mortgagor either pays off the first mortgage or no longer owns the property (only applicable to FHA loans). n Pre-Foreclosure Sale – Mortgagor sells the property at a price less than the outstanding balance. n Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure – Voluntary transfer of property title to the mortgagor or to HUD.in the loan

program, and when was the last time they closed one? Because you need someone who’s in the game now.

10

DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011

health

defendernetwork.com

A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance

Angola sickle cell disease program begins pilot phase

A

recently announced program focusing on sickle cell disease in Luanda, Angola, is making progress to establish the nation’s first comprehensive initiatives to fight the disease.

The program, established as a public-private partnership between Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, The Republic of Angola and the Chevron Corporation, which has committed $4 million in funding over four years, has begun the pilot phase to assess the frequency of disease in Luanda, the capitol of Angola.

“Outside of the United States, resources for screening and treatment are scarce.

Many children die from the disease without even having a diagnosis,” said Dr. Russell Ware, who serves as director of the program and the director of Texas Children’s Center for Global Health and is a professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

Angola has one of the worst mortality rates in the world for children under age 5.

Ware said a substantial portion of this could be attributed to unrecognized sickle cell disease and its complications.

To begin the pilot phase,

Dr. Russell Ware examines patients in Angola. Photo by Agapito Sanchez, BCM

Ware and his team screened babies born in a local maternity center by taking a small blood sample from their heel, only a few hours after birth.

“In less than two months, we have already identified a 22 percent rate of sickle cell trait in the babies born during that time, twice the predicted rate, and about 2 percent with sickle cell disease,” said Ware.

Babies affected with sickle cell disease will begin antibiotic treatment and receive special immunizations to prevent

life-threatening infections.

The future hope is that by identifying babies with the disease, the infant mortality rate in the city can be reduced.

“This pilot phase is a small, yet very important step forward in establishing a comprehensive national program for sickle cell disease in Angola,” Ware said.

“We have a lot of work to do.

Together with our partners we are committed to overcoming this major global health problem in Angola and ultimately across sub-Saharan Africa.”

healthnotes Sickle cell disease 101 Sickle cell disease is an inherited, genetic blood disease which changes the shape of blood cells due to a mutation in the hemoglobin gene.

Instead of the normal round shape, these cells curve and make a sickle-like or crescent shape that disrupts normal blood flow, clogs blood vessels and causes infection.

Abnormal blood flow can result in a number of serious issues, including pain, pneumonia, organ damage, strokes, and life-threatening infections when the spleen gets clogged. The blockage can sometimes be spotted physically since it is characterized by swelling and puffiness of the skin.

Primarily, sickle cell disease affects people of African, Middle Eastern or Indian descent where malaria is or was common. In the United States, sickle cell disease affects about 8 percent of the African-American population.

Houston has a large sickle cell population, with more than 50 new babies diagnosed with the disease each year. Texas Children’s pediatricians currently provide care for nearly 1,000 children with sickle cell disease.

Because sickle cell disease is an inherited, genetic disease, it cannot be prevented. But the main goal is to prevent complications from the disease, which can be done with early diagnosis, education and treatment. All babies in the United States are screened for sickle cell at birth. If they are identified as having the disease, they are referred to pediatric sickle cell centers where they are given early care and treatment, and parents are educated about complications and management.

A new treatment, called hydroxyurea, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults with sickle cell and is increasingly prescribed to children.

“Sickle cell is a devastating disease,” said Dr. Russell Ware, director of the Texas Children’s Center for Global Health and professor at Baylor College of Medicine. “Here in Houston, we want to offer families early treatment options to help prevent serious complications further down the road.”

Protect children from lead poisoning There are many children in Houston with elevated levels of lead in their systems, but most parents are unaware if their child has been exposed. Lead is not easy to detect. You can’t see, taste or smell it. Early childhood detection of lead poisoning is key, as high levels can cause serious health consequences such as learning disabilities, decreased growth, hyperactivity, impaired hearing and even brain damage. What’s more, a pregnant woman can pass lead through her blood to her baby.

Together with the Houston

Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS), Texas Children’s Health Plan launched the “Get the Lead Out” campaign aimed at educating parents about the importance of screening and empowering families to request lead screenings from their child’s pediatrician.

Despite the continued presence of lead in the environment, lead poisoning is entirely preventable. Dr. Harold Farber suggests a few simple steps that families can take to help reduce their child’s exposure to lead:

1

Get your child tested. It is best for your child to be tested at age 1 and 2, but they can be tested up to age 6. After this age, if a child has elevated lead levels, there can be long-term effects.

Get your home tested. Before buying a home that was built before 1978, ask for a lead inspection.

Get the facts! The HDHHS can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning. Call them at 832-393-5141.

To learn more visit www.

TexasChildrensHealthPlan.org/leadscreening.

2 3

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defendernetwork.com DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011 11

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011 defendernetwork.com

Ken Bevel... Continued from page 7

You’ve got friends in the business Is your minority or woman-owned business ready for the inside track to success in the retail industry?

We’re looking for stars like you!

KB: Just like the Marine Corps, most paramilitary organizations are a band of brothers, who seek unity and are willing to go the extra mile for his or her fellow officers.

So, this aspect of portraying the character was very easy because the environment was familiar.

KW: What is the most important lesson you learned from your time in the military?

KB: Real leaders never announce they are leaders; people are just willing to follow them.

KW: Who most inspired you to become the person you are today?

KB: There have been many people in my path, throughout the years, that have helped me to go the extra mile when I wanted to give up. The person who has inspired and encouraged me the most is my wife, Lauana. She has been in my corner faithfully and has always believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

KW: Do you attribute the success you’ve achieved to yourself, a higher power, or to a mixture of both?

KB: Without a shadow of doubt the Lord has been my help. There is no way I could come close to being the man I am today without Jesus Christ. He has changed my life and given me a renewed mind to follow Him. I am nothing without Him and to Him be all the credit and glory.

KW: How do you get through the tough times?

KB: The way I get through tough times is with prayer. It is impossible for me to handle life’s challenges on my own.

KW: How do you want to be remembered?

KB: I would like to be remembered as a man who loved God, loved his wife, loved his family and walked in integrity.

Without a shadow of doubt the Lord has been my help. There is no way I could come close to being the man I am today without Jesus Christ.

Ken Bevel

The Workshop at Macy’s is now accepting applications for our Spring 2012 Program. Select high-potential participants will take part in a 4.5-day intensive training course, led by Macy’s seasoned pros and star partners, and designed to help you succeed and sustain growth in the retail industry.

For more information and how you can be a part of it, go to macysinc.com/workshop.

Lisa Price, Founder of Carol’s Daughter

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9/29/11 6:45 PM

defendernetwork.com DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011 13

In Memoriam:

Josephine White Services were recently held for Mrs. Josephine White, who passed away peacefully on Oct. 2 at the age of 81.

Mrs. White was the mother of Jodie L. Jiles, managing director of RBC Capital Markets, and the mother-in-law of Defender publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles.

She was born on Jan. 14, 1930 in Longview. Other survivors include her daughters Joycelyn Fay Martin (Flenzy Martin Jr. deceased) and Diane Jiles Bradshaw. Mrs. White’s daughter Sherry Elizabeth Jiles preceded her in death.

Her grandchildren include: Jeanette Fields Bowie (Michael Bowie), Tracy Jiles Williams (James Williams), Monica Jiles Green, (Eugene Green), Kimberly Yvette Jiles, Diana Jiles Caldwell (Michael Caldwell), Luther Jiles (Serita), Sharon Denise Jiles, Andrea Sheanette Jiles, Jodie Brandon Jiles and Clyde Joseph Jiles.

Services were held at Windsor Village United Methodist Church. The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to: The Center for Healthy Aging, Office of Advancement, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, P.O. Box 203366, Houston, Texas 77216-3366.

Contributions may also be made in memory of Josephine White to the BCM Dept. of Neurology, Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center, Office of Development and Advancement, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS: BCM 160, Houston, TX, 77030-3498.

MLK estate files suit over documents Defender News Services

The estate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. recently filed a federal lawsuit against Mississippi TV news anchor Howard Ballou.

The suit claims that Ballou has documents that his mother, Maude Ballou, took when she worked as a secretary for King from 1955 to 1960.

At the time, King was in charge of the Montgomery Improvement Association and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Attorneys for King’s estate say the photographs, letters and other items are worth more than $75,000.

“These documents and items are not only rare and irreplaceable, but of great value and historical importance as well,” the lawsuit states.

Ballou, who anchors for WLBT-TV in Jackson, referred questions to his lawyer, Robert Gibbs.

“I don’t know if the items they’ve listed are in Howard’s possession,” Gibbs said. “What I do know is that Mrs. Ballou received a number of items from Dr. King and Mrs. King and those are rightfully her items.”

Gibbs said he was contacted in July by the estate’s lawyer with inquiries about the materials, which the Ballou family received decades ago. He added there was no negotiation about returning the items, and the lawsuit came as a surprise.

The estate has fought for control of King’s brand in recent years, and has sued media outlets that used his “I Have a Dream” speech.

14

DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011

defendernetwork.com

sports

NBA Lockout

The Clock on the Season is Ticking

By MAX EDISON Defender

W

e’ve heard this scenario before. A professional sports league and players union is at odds over a collective bargaining agreement. The lockout occurs during the league’s offseason, but because the two sides could not work a deal out, the season is now in jeopardy.

In the words of the great Yogi Berra, “It’s déjà vu all over again!”

After enduring 18 long, agonizing weeks the NFL resolved its labor issues, just in the nick of time to preserve NBA Commissioner David Stern represents the interest of the league’s 30 owners. the pre-season and the start of the believe that competitive balance can most non-superstar playregular season. be achieved through revenue-sharing ers. The owners feel Now after 12 weeks the NBA has from the NBA’s “have” franchises to they need to get a recently announced that player training its “have-nots,” and a more aggressive greater grasp on camp has been postponed indefinitely. luxury tax could generate more money to salaries in order to In addition, the league has canceled all be transferred among the teams. work their way back preseason games scheduled from Oct. 9 Essentially, the NBPA is opposed in the black. through Oct. 15. to anything that would reduce player Stern insists Is there an agreement in site? It apsalaries across the board, especially for things are getting pears highly unlikely.

Derek Fisher to the critical point So what are the issues in this where games and perhaps even the 2011lockout?

12 season are in jeopardy if significant NBA Commissioner David Stern and David Stern progress isn’t made toward ending the owners maintain the NBA is losing “We would like to get profitable, money. They indicate 22 out of 30 teams have a return on investment,” Stern said. were losing money last season, to the “There’s a swing of somewhere in the tune of $300 million per year. neighborhood of $750 to $800 million Their solution would be to institute a that we would like to change. hard salary cap of $45 million per team, “We need an economic system and as opposed to the $58 million soft cap a system where teams can compete per team that the NBA currently uses. A and fans know their teams can hard cap prohibits a team’s salcompete,” Stern continued. ary from going beyond that “My only concern is trying ceiling. to make a deal that’s fair to The NBA Players both sides.”

Association (NBPA) disNBPA Executive Diputes the owners’ claims rector Billy Hunter sees and would like the curthings from a different rent salary cap to remain perspective. unchanged. A hard cap “I really don’t would lead to fewer and think they’re ready shorter guarto do a deal,” anteed salaries Hunter said. “ My for the players. position is that they They said two years ago

they were prepared to lockout for a year to get what they wanted. I think the way they’ve negotiated gives every indication that that’s bearing out.

“While they’re talking about not wanting to miss the season or having to cancel games, I’m not really sure that’s the truth.”

Throughout the lockout, there has always been the ominous specter that at some point, if talks continued to prove unsuccessful, Stern would opt to cancel

the entire 2011-2012 season.

Laker point guard and NBPA president Derek Fisher remains resolute that a deal can be completed, although he admits there needs to be a greater sense of urgency.

“The calendar is obviously not our friend, but we’re not going to give up the process because of the time,” Fisher said.

“We’ll keep talking until we figure it out, until we get a fair deal.”

So there we are. Negotiations continue, but there doesn’t seem to be even minimal positive movement. It doesn’t appear likely that the regular season will start on time. If that occurs what will happen when the players start to miss game checks?

What will happen when the owners begin to miss revenue? Not all the players can play overseas. Would the Commissioner dare to cancel the entire season? Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.

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

DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs Wilhite runs to Hightower’s rescue in key game

Sharpstown

headlines week of upsets

S

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

harpstown head football coach Dallas Blacklock said his team was not only seeking a victory over a worthy opponent, but trying to lift what he calls a black eye off District 21-4A. A resounding 30-21 victory over defending district champion Yates at Barnett Stadium definitely accomplished the former and could go a long way towards initiating the latter.

“There’s no question that Yates deserves all the respect and recognition that they get,” said Blacklock, a 1999 Sharpstown graduate currently in his first year as head coach. “Many people have the perception that it’s Yates and no one else in District 214A. That’s like a ‘black eye’ for the district.

“We know they have a lot of speed. But we wanted to show them we have speed as well,” Blacklock said. “We knew if our offensive line could get a push against their big guys up front, then our backs would find some success against their defense.”

That game plan worked to near perfection as the Apollos rushed the ball 62 times for 283 yards in the game and wore down the Yates defense by the fourth quarter.

Junior running back Jerrod Taylor rushed for 148 yards on 26 carries and added touchdown runs of 25 and 21 yards. Senior quarterback Joshua Alexander contributed 114 rushing yards on 29 carries with TD runs of three and four yards in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

“For the Sharpstown seniors, this is our first victory over Yates in four years,” said Alexander, who sports a 3.72 gradepoint average while enrolled in advanced placement courses.

“This win feels real good.”

The game was originally scheduled for Sept. 29, but was among eight games postponed across the greater Houston area due to severe lightning.

“I think having that extra day of practice really helped us,” Alexander said. “We got a chance to eliminate some mistakes and smooth out our approach. It gave us more time to trust in one another.”

A key play in the game was a 38-yard field goal by Sharpstown senior kicker Alfonso Fragoso with seven minutes left in the second quarter that gave the Apollos a lead (9-7) they never relinquished.

“That was a big play in the game,” Blacklock said. “Alfonso works hard for us and the team depends on him. That kick was definitely a game changer.”

Alexander, who completed five-of-eight passes for 45 yards and one interception, agreed with his head coach.

“The field goal changed the momentum in the first half and when Jerrod and I scored back-to-back touchdowns at the end of the third quarter and again to start the fourth quarter. You could see the disappointment in the Yates players,” Alexander said.

Yates running back Arthur Lockett finished the game with 140 rushing yards on 21 carries and three touchdowns. Lockett had scoring runs of 17 and 15 yards in the fourth quarter but it

15

wasn’t enough.

“I can’t say enough about Taylor and Alexander,” Blacklock said. “It starts in the classroom for both of them. They are honor students.”

The upset bug didn’t just visit Barnett Stadium last weekend.

Two weeks ago, Klein Collins was the top-ranked Class 5A school in the Houston area.

A triple-overtime loss to Klein Oak was followed by a 4231 loss to Dekaney. Running back Trey Williams rushed for 212 yards on 28 carries and scored three touchdowns while Dekaney quarterback Dujuan Hines passed for 210 yards and four touchdowns to keep the Tigers reeling.

Willowridge notched its first District 23-5A victory by scoring 14 fourth-quarter points and derailing Kempner 33-27. The Eagles trailed Kempner 20-19 heading into the final stanza but scored consecutive touchdowns by quarterback Darrin Reddick.

DaRobert Tezino had touchdown runs of 53 and 62 yards in the first quarter and finished the game with 191 yards on 14 carries to lead Worthing past defending District 22-4A champion Wheatley 27-26 at Butler Stadium.

Yzerick Oliver caught a 22-yard TD pass from Worthing quarterback Stefan Crayton at the end of the first quarter. Crayton added a three-yard TD run in the third quarter. Demarcus Minor kicked three extra points in the contest and the last proved to be the game winner as Wheatley was unsuccessful on a two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter.

classified      

                                             

  

  



   

Joshua Wilhite is a big fan of getting a second opinion. Two weeks ago, the Fort Bend Hightower High School tailback had been declared out for the season with a meniscus cartilage injury in his left knee.

Then, after a second opinion, Wilhite was cleared to resume running. The Wake Forest pledge bullied his way for 178 rushing yards on 26 carries and the scored the go-ahead touchdown on a three-yard run in the third quarter that sealed the Hurricanes’ 2114 victory over Elkins in a key District 23-5A Zone A matchup.

Strake Jesuit coach Joseph notches win No. 100 Katy’s 55-3 victory over Strake Jesuit at Rice Stadium recently not only improved the Houston area’s top-ranked Class 5A school to 5-0 on the season and 2-0 in District 19-5A, but also registered a milestone for head coach Gary Joseph. After taking over the program in 2004, the Strake Jesuit win earned Joseph his 100th victory as head coach of the Tigers. Joseph is 100-10 overall and has won two state championships in eight seasons.

Deer Park volleyball team wants long playoff run Gay Sabatell has preached the same message to the Deer park girls’ varsity volleyball team all season.

Remember the heartbreak from last year’s defeat in the regional quarterfinals and take a step further this season. The Deer is quietly marching toward that goal with just four new players from last year’s squad. The tandem of Kayla Jordan and Haley Mueller has helped Deer Park jump out to a 23-8 start, including 2-0 in District 22-5A. Jordan has registered 814 assists while Mueller has posted 430 kills. “The expectations have been the same since our final match last November,” Sabatell said. “Now it comes down to can we meet those expectations?

Hopefully, it’ll work to our favor.”

Hank Williams out on MNF after his Obama remark His catch phrase “Are you ready for some football?” has opened Monday Night Football telecast for 23 years, but it’s history now. Country singer Hank Williams Jr. has been pulled by ESPN for making an ignorant comment comparing President Obama to Adolph Hilter. While appearing on Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends” recently, Williams said that he thought Speaker of the House John Boehner playing golf with Obama “would be like Hitler playing golf with [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu ... In the shape this country is in?” Told by anchor Brian Kilmeade that he didn’t understand the analogy, Williams said: “I’m glad you don’t, brother, because a lot of people do. They’re the enemy.” Asked who, Williams said: “Obama and Biden are you kidding? The Three Stooges.” ESPN, in a statement, said: “While Hank Williams, Jr. is not an ESPN employee, we recognize that he is closely linked to our company through the open to Monday Night Football. We are extremely disappointed with his comments, and as a result we have decided to pull the open from tonight’s telecast.”

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16

DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 | 2011

For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

GREAT PAST, BRIGHT FUTURE……..Former They included Yolanda Williams, Mark Ryan, Patricia heavyweight champion, businessman and minister Roberts, Dr. Albert Lemons, Duni Hebron, Nicole George Foreman returned to the home that he credits Robinson, Candace Brooks, Monique Shankle, for making him the man that Dr. Samoan Johnson, Toni Davis and he is today. He was honored Gina Carroll, to name a few. We salute Join Yvette Chargois by the Julia C. Hester House at executive director, Jennifer Holmes, Events of the Week their annual luncheon. Hester luncheon committee chair, Robert Mills More photos on defendernetwork.com House’s mission is to enhance the and the entire board of directors and staff See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads quality of lives in Fifth Ward and for an outstanding luncheon. Continued with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. surrounding communities through success!.........FIRST ANNIVERSARY…..

Branwar Wines recently celebrated their programs and services promoting first anniversary of providing premier wines to the Texas self-empowerment. He was joined by some of his old market. Branwar Wine Distributing Co. was established friends and classmates, including Commissioner El by founder Wayne Luckett and son, Warren. Wayne Franco Lee, State Rep. Harold Dutton and chairman of developed an affinity for South African wines during the board of directors, Charles McCloud, to name a few. his five-year residency in Johannesburg. After returning This fun-filled afternoon was attended by over 200 folks who support the mission and the work of the organization. home, he wanted to continue his enjoyment of select

George Foreman, State Rep. Harold Dutton and Commissioner El Franco Lee

The Luckett Family, Warren, Patricia and Wayne

Mr. and Mrs. Alvin L. Terry III

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JCHH Board Chair Charles McCloud and Luncheon Chair Robert Mills

Wayne Luckett, Lisa Chargois and Dr. Bernard Harris

James and Margie Roque, Karen and Alvin Terry, III and Beverly and Alvin L. Terry, II

wines and realized there was a void in the Texas wine industry, so he set out to offer the Western Cape’s best kept secrets. Their wines are now available in many upscale restaurants and wine bars in Houston. Enjoying a few sips at the party were Patricia Luckett, Dr. Bernard Harris, Arlecia Williams, Wendell Prothow, Gwen Reden, Jessica Varner, Magen Singleton, Sandy and Dr. James Anderson, Lisa Chargois, Dan Hunter and Margaret Scranton. Happy anniversary!........HAPPILY EVER AFTER…..Karen Renee Roque and Alvin L. Terry III were united in marriage at Hotel ZaZa with over 200 family and friends in attendance. Margie and James Roque and Beverly and Alvin L. Terry II are the proud parents of the couple. An elegant reception followed the beautiful ceremony. Wishing you a beautiful future, made up of one happy day after another!........From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

JCHH Executive Director Jennifer Holmes and Heavyweight Champ George Foreman

Sandy and Dr. James Anderson

Tammara Canady, Natalie Beaudion, Karen and Alvin Terry, William Peyton and Keith Roque

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