Houston Defender: August 15, 2013 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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FEATURE OMOWALE LUTHULI-ALLEN

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 82 | Number 42

AUGUST 15, 2013 |FREE

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Health Special

leads students on trip

P2 SPORTS BOOKIE SNEED plays well for Bearkats

High blood pressure

CONTROL THE

‘SILENT killer’

P12 CHAG’S PLACE OPINION

Stephanie Coleman, Larry Payne and Fortecia Iue at Children at Risk reception

P15

Visit faces

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Donnie McClurkin objects to ban

Eric Holder advocates reform

Gospel star Donnie McClurkin is troubled by a decision to ban him from singing at a concert commemorating the March on Washington. See why McClurkin believes he’s being bullied and discriminated against. Discover why D.C.’s mayor is siding with gay activists in the matter.

Attorney General Eric Holder announced a drug-sentencing reform plan to address the “vicious” cycle of poverty, crime and incarceration. Find out what the plan entails. Read the startling statistics on Blacks in prisons. Learn why the criminal justice system must change.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 15 | 2013

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Students enjoy global experience

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

hirteen Houston high school students experienced the trip of a lifetime by traveling to South Africa during the summer. Their travel seminar was sponsored by the International Youth Friendship and Development Program, founded by activist Omowale LuthuliAllen and the late civic leader Clarence Brooks. Luthuli-Allen said the purpose of the trip was to build friendships beyond borders, promote peace, foster leadership skills and global citizenship, and promote awareness of such issues as HIVAIDS, human trafficking, homelessness and hunger. He added that because many of the students come from at-risk environments, it is important that they gain exposure to different communities and cultures. “Weak and vulnerable populations need leadership development experienc- Participants in a human rights travel seminar are shown after leaving a prayer vigil for Nelson Mandela in Pretoria, South Africa. The group spent a day in the Netherlands as well. es that counter negative pathways such A highlight of the trip was joining South Afri- students “and received hugs and tears of apprecias dropping out of school, violence, teen ation. Our students also played soccer, hop-scotch cans and other international citizens at the site of pregnancy and low self-esteem,” Luthuli-Allen and other games with the students.” the hospital where Nelson Mandela recuperated. said. During a visit to Kruger National Park, the The Houston students took part in a prayer vigil “Our program equips youth for future leadstudents saw hippos, lions, elephants and other for restoral of Mandela’s health. ership by providing mind-stretching and skillTheir journey included a visit to Robben animals in their native environment. building workshops with youth in diverse and Island, where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in Luthuli-Allen said the trip would not have different cultures. Furthermore, youth learn the been possible without the support of various importance of service, by gifting struggling popu- prison. Luthuli-Allen said in addition, Houston stucompanies and individuals, including elected oflations in Southern Africa with school supplies, dents presented gifts to South African high school ficials, principals and concerned citizens. first-aid, shoes, clothing and other items.”

localbriefs A NEW NORTH FOREST High School and early childhood center have been approved by the HISD Board of Education, using funds that the state is sending HISD as a result of the annexation. The high school will serve up to 1,500 students and the early childhood center up to 600 students. HISD is also partnering with Houston Community College to open two middle college high schools focused on serving students who are in danger of dropping out of school or have already dropped out. The campuses will open in January at the Felix Fraga Academic HCC campus and the Gulfton HCC campus…….. TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY earned national rankings in two

educational polls. Affordable Colleges Online ranked TSU 30th out of 49 Texas universities with the greatest lifetime return on investment. Graduates from these schools enjoy the largest earnings gap between non-degree holders over 30 years, and earn more on average than graduates from other Texas schools. Diverse Issues in Higher Education released its top 100 rankings for graduate and undergraduate programs. TSU ranked 36th for its undergraduate program, 40th for its master’s program, 5th for its professional/doctoral program, 15th for Hispanic professional/doctoral programs and 17th for all minority professional/doctoral degrees……..THE HOUSTON HOUSING

AUTHORITY is receiving $4.6 million from HUD to make large-scale improvements to its public housing assets. The grant is part of a program which provides funding annually to all public housing authorities to build, repair, renovate and modernize their communities……..HARRIS COUNTY VOTERS will decide the fate of the Astrodome. Commissioners Court voted to let residents cast their ballots on Nov. 5 to decide whether the county can issue up to $217 million in bonds to finance the redesign and redevelopment of the former stadium. If approved, the stadium would be converted to a multipurpose venue hosting various events.

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AUGUST 15 | 2013 | DEFENDER

Attorney general speaks out

national

Drug-sentencing reform proposed By FREDDIE ALLEN NNPA Washington Correspondent

n a stunning turn in criminal justice policy, Attorney General Eric Holder announced steps the Justice Department will take to address over-population in federal prisons by changing mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines and pushing nonviolent drug offenders into rehab programs instead of prison cells. In a speech at an annual meeting of the American Bar Association in San Francisco, Holder said, “Today, a vicious cycle of poverty, criminality, and incarceration traps too many Americans and weakens too many communities. However, many aspects of our criminal justice system may actually exacerbate this problem, rather than alleviate it.” Holder also acknowledged that “too many Americans go to too many prisons for far too long, and for no good law enforcement reason.” Nearly 219,000 Americans are locked up in federal prisons. Even though, Blacks account for 13.1 percent of the United States population, they take up 37 percent of the beds in federal prisons, according to Federal Bureau of Prisons. Roughly 47 percent of prisoners are locked up for drug offenses, many of them non-violent offenders. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Department of Justice

spent $6.6 billion housing federal prisoners in 2012. Holder said that the Justice Department’s plans would mirror policies that worked to reduce prison populations and recidivism in Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio and other states. According to Holder, at least 17 states have improved recidivism rates and decreased prison populations without compromising public safety by shifting resources “from prison construction and toward evidence-based programs and services, like treatment and supervision, that are designed to reduce recidivism.” Holder noted that while the federal prison population continues to increase, in 2012 state prison populations experienced the largest drop in a single year. “The bottom line is that, while the aggressive enforcement of federal criminal statutes remains

necessary, we cannot simply prosecute or incarcerate our way to becoming a safer nation,” said Holder. “To be effective, federal efforts must also focus on prevention and reentry.” Holder also announced increased funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) that provides federal funding for advanced training and jobs for local law enforcement. Holder said that a new round of COPS grants would provide more than $110 million to hire military veterans and school resource officers. The Obama administration placed more than $1.5 billion into the COPS program over the past four years, even as critics panned it and research that found it often contributed to over-policing in poor and minority communities and played only a limited role in the reduction of crime. The Justice Department’s “Smart on Crime” initiative will focus on five key provisions: 1. Prioritizing prosecutions to focus on the most serious cases 2. Reforming sentencing to eliminate unfair disparities and reduce overcrowded prisons 3. Pursuing alternatives to incarceration and low-level, non-violent crimes 4. Improving reentry to curb repeat offenses and re-victimization 5. Surging resources to violence prevention and protecting the most vulnerable populations

Presidential Medal winners announced VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 42 AUGUST 15, 2013

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is 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 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

Defender News Services

President Barack Obama named 16 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant endeavors. The awards will be presented at the White House later this year. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Executive Order signed by President John F.

Kennedy establishing the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as the first ceremony bestowing the honor on an inaugural class of 31 recipients. Since that time, more than 500 individuals from all corners of society have received the medal. “The Presidential Medal of Freedom goes to men and women who have dedicated their own lives to enriching ours,” Obama said. “This year’s honorees have been blessed with extraordinary talent, but what sets them apart is their gift for sharing that talent with the world. It will be my honor to present them with a token of

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entertainment

Lee Daniels

directs ‘The Butler’

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

ee Daniels is best known for directing and producing the Academy Award-winning film “Precious,” which was nominated for a halfdozen Oscars in 2010, including two for Best Picture and Best Director. Mo’Nique won for Best Supporting Actress while scriptwriter Geoffrey Fletcher landed another for Best Adapted Screenplay. Lee’s production company, Lee Daniels Entertainment, made its feature film debut in 2001 with “Monster’s Ball,” the dysfunctional family drama for which Halle Berry earned a historic Best Actress Oscar. Last year, he wrote, produced and directed “The Paperboy,” an adaptation of the Pete Dexter novel starring Matthew McConaughey, Zac Efron, John Cusack, and Nicole Kidman. Here, he talks about his new picture, “The Butler,” a civil rights epic recounting the real-life story of an AfricanAmerican who served in the White House at the pleasure of eight presidents, from 1952 to 1986. The film’s stars include Oscar-winners Forest Whitaker, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jane Fonda, Vanessa Redgrave, Robin Williams and Melissa Leo, and Oscar nominees Terrence Howard and Oprah Winfrey. KW: What inspired you to make the movie? LD: What attracted me to the project was the father-son story which I looked at as a love story with the Civil Rights Movement as a backdrop. That was intriguing to me both

because I’d had issues with my own dad, and because I have issues with my teenage son. I think the father-son love story is a universal one which transcends color. That’s what was sort of there on the page, but it wasn’t until I started shooting that we began getting into the Woolworth’s sit-ins and the Freedom Riders with the Molotov cocktails that I asked myself, “What have I stumbled upon?” It was then that I realized the film was much bigger than just the father-son story. KW: Did you decide to tackle the civil rights material because of the Trayvon Martin shooting? LD: No, it hadn’t happened when Danny Strong wrote the script, including the line “Any white man can kill any of us at any time and get away with it.” KW: How were you able to assemble such an outstanding cast? LD: My usual way – throwing out a net, and fishing. This one was easy because the material was so good. The actors I approached took the bait because they wanted to serve the material. We really didn’t have any money to pay them, so most of them lost money in relation to what their normal acting fee would be. KW: How has the tempest over reusing the title “The Butler” affected you? Continued on Page 6

what’sup USHER’S 5-year-old son is out of the hospital after a near drowning in Atlanta. USHER RAYMOND V had to be rescued after getting his arm stuck in a pool drain. Usher’s ex-wife TAMEKA FOSTER requested emergency custody of their two children but a county judge ruled in favor of Usher, and said the pool accident could have happened to anyone. Tragedy struck the family last summer when Tameka’s 11-year-old son Kile Glover was killed in a boating collision……..D.L. HUGHLEY has been signed to host a weekday radio broadcast, with a launch date to be announced. “I’m very excited to get back to radio and it couldn’t have come at a better time,” Hughley said. “I think radio fits my sensibility. I want to be fast, I want to be funny, I want to be topical. I want to make people laugh a lot and think a little.” The afternoon

drive program will be distributed by TOM JOYNER’S Reach Media, which reaches more than 12 million listeners through radio and digital media. ……..First Lady MICHELLE OBAMA will make a cameo appearance in a video for a hip-hop song which encourages minority kids to take care of their bodies. The tune is on an album titled “Songs for a Healthier America.” DOUG E. FRESH and JORDIN SPARKS are among the artists featured on the song……..MELLODY HOBSON and “Star Wars” filmmaker GEORGE LUCAS are celebrating the birth of a daughter, Everest, who was recently delivered via surrogate. Hobson is chairman of Dreamworks Animation and a financial contributor with CBS. She and Lucas were married in June…….. CHRIS BROWN has bounced back following a health

scare. Brown suffered a seizure at a Hollywood recording studio, and a rep attributed the episode to “intense fatigue and extreme emotional stress, both due to the continued onslaught of unfounded legal matters and the nonstop negativity.” A doctor examined Brown but he wasn’t hospitalized. Two days later, Brown played in a charity basketball game against the Los Angeles Police Department ……..SHONDA RHIMES, the creator of the hit series “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal,” has sold her first sitcom to ABC. The untitled show, which will air in 2014, revolves around a group of friends who are brought together after an unexpected turn of events. Rhimes has been called the most powerful Black woman in Hollywood and is one of the most sought-after writers and producers in the industry.

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Daniels...Continued from page 5 ....

LD: No, when I actually sat down LD: When I’m working on a movie, all alone to watch the final cut just it’s like being in a cocoon. I consider it for pleasure, I broke down in tears. like giving birth, and I don’t leave the KW: You did a masterful job bubble, because if I do, then it’s bad and of portraying the tensions and affects the child. But I was pulled out differences between the Civil Rights for a minute when my kids told me about and Black power generations. something they saw online. I didn’t even LD: There was no right and hear about it from the studio. It disturbed wrong. Cecil [played by Forest me, but I didn’t have time to think about Whitaker] was right and so was his it. son [played by David Oyelowo]. KW: Well, it’s now called “Lee You’ve got a problem when neither is Daniels’ The Butler.” wrong, yet you have a conflict. LD: The MPAA [Motion Pictures KW: Have you seen the TV Association of America] gave me that title miniseries “Backstairs at the White and I still don’t know how to feel about House?” it…sounds like “The Greatest Show on LD: I did. I think it was a great Earth!” movie for its time, but I wanted to KW: Tyler Perry, Dino De Laurentis avoid the episodic feeling of that and others are famous for placing their film. names before the title. KW: What message do you want LD: I’m not Tyler Perry. I’m not Dino the public to take away from “The De Laurentis. I think it’s a bit much to put In “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” Forest Whitaker is White House butler Cecil Gaines and Oprah Winfrey is his wife Gloria. Butler?” one’s name in front of the film. It makes LD: I hate that question, because me uncomfortable. Here’s the thing…I feel about it right now. Ask me tomorrow. it forces me to be philosophical… I think the worry that young kids in Oklahoma or Alabama KW: My eyes welled up at least a half dozen message is that we have got a long way to go. I hope might end up asking, “Who is this filmmaker to be times while watching the film. Are you too close to that this film rips a scab off the sore that is racism so full of himself?” That bothers me. The MPAA the film for it to have that sort of emotional effect in America today. handed down this edict. So, I don’t know how I on you?

THE ENSEMBLE The mission of The Ensemble Theatre is to preserve African American artistic expression; to enlighten, entertain and enrich a diverse community. The Ensemble produces a Mainstage Season of six contemporary and Eileen Morris, Actor Charles Dutton classical works devoted to the portrayal of the and Janette Cosley African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists, and offers youth outreach and educational programs.

Salutes

Executive Director: Janette L. Cosley Artistic Director: Eileen J. Morris Board of Directors Argentina James, Board Chair Mary Simon, Treasurer Jackie Phillips, Board President Tony Black, Assistant Treasurer Vernon Landers, VP Operations M. Kay DeWalt, General Counsel Brenda Peters-Chase, VP Programs Rev. DeFarris Gooden, Chaplain Alaina King-Benford, Secretary Delores D. Smith, Parliamentarian

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McClurkin calls ban discriminatory Defender News Services

Gospel star Donnie McClurkin said he’s being discriminated against after he was uninvited to appear at a concert commemorating the upcoming 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray made the decision after gay rights activists objected to McClurkin’s participation. McClurkin has angered some gays because of his belief that God delivered him from homosexuality and that it is a sin. “It’s quite unfortunate that today, a Black man, a Black artist, is uninvited from a civil rights [event] depicting love, peace and unity and tolerance,” McClurkin said. “It’s bullying, it’s discrimination and it’s depriving someone Donnie McClurkin of their civil rights if by coming to an event they would cause a disruption.” A spokesperson for Gray said McClurkin was asked to withdraw because his appearance would be a “distraction at an event about peace, love and justice for all.” McClurkin has said his homosexual desires were the result of sexual abuse. As a youngster, he was raped by two male relatives. Numerous African-American church leaders have rallied behind McClurkin, who is pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Long Island. His supporters include Rev. Patrick J. Walker, president of the Baptist Convention of the District of Columbia and Vicinity and an opponent of same-sex marriage. “Mayor Gray has systematically and deliberately done everything possible to strike at the fabric of the faith community – at least the sector of us who opposed his views,” Walker said. “This, however, is an atrocity and cannot be tolerated.”

AUGUST 15 | 2013 | DEFENDER

LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING!

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Ladies, we know you’ve got it covered when it comes to style. But, did you know that the right undergarments can make your clothes look even better? That’s why we’re inviting you to an exclusive afternoon with Urban Intimates Founder and President Psychelia Terry. Check out a fashion presentation featuring the brand’s introductory collection designed to complement every curve. Afterwards, chat with Psychelia and learn how to enhance your figure with lingerie. As you shop the line, enjoy mocktails, delectable sweets, bra fittings and a special celebrity guest appearance by DJ Fanci! Plus, receive* a mini Urban Hydration at home spa therapy sugar scrub with your qualifying purchase! To RSVP, please call 877-884-3751. Psychelia Terry of Urban Intimates is a 2011 graduate of The Workshop at Macy’s program, which aims to nurture and grow the next generation of minority- and female-owned retail business talent. For more info and how you can be part of it, go to macysinc.com/workshop Follow us on Twitter @macysevents

Events subject to change or cancellation. *One per customer; while supplies last.

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Presidential...Continued from page 3 ....

our nation’s gratitude.” The honorees come from all walks of life and include: Ernie Banks, known as “Mr. Cub,” is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. During his 19 seasons with the Chicago Cubs, he played in 11 All-Star Games, hit over 500 home runs, and became the first National League player to win Most Valuable Player honors in back-to-back years. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year of eligibility. Former President Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, previously served as governor and attorney general of Arkansas. Following his second term, he established the Clinton Foundation to improve global health, strengthen economies, Ernie Banks promote health and wellness, and protect the environment. He also formed the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund with former President Rev. C.T. Vivian George W. Bush in 2010. Bayard Rustin (1912-1987) was an unyielding activist for civil rights, dignity, and equality for all. An advisor to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he promoted nonviolent resistance, participated in one of the first Freedom Rides, organized the 1963 March on Washington and fought tirelessly for marginalized communities at home and abroad. As an openly gay African- American, he stood at the intersection of several of the fights for equal rights. Arturo Sandoval is a celebrated jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer. Born outside Havana, he became a protégé of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie and gained international acclaim as a performer. He defected to the U.S. in 1990 and later became an American citizen. He has won nine Grammy Awards and is considered one of the greatest living jazz artists.

Rev. C.T. Vivian is a distinguished minister, author and organizer. As leader in the Civil Rights Movement and friend to Dr. King, he participated in Freedom Rides and sit-ins across our country. Vivian helped establish numerous civil rights organizations, including Vision, the National Anti-Klan Network, and the Center for Democratic Renewal. In 2012, he returned to serve as interim

president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Oprah Winfrey is one of the world’s most successful broadcast journalists and hosted the highest rated talk show in America for 25 years. Winfrey is active in philanthropic causes and expanding opportunities for young women. She has received numerous awards, including the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.

March on Washington The 50th Anniversary March on Washington is Saturday, Aug. 24, at 8 a.m. at the Lincoln Memorial in D.C. Thousands are expected to attend. For information visit naacp.org/march.

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Defender Special Edition

High blood pressure takes toll on Blacks

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

igh blood pressure – also known as hypertension – remains one of the greatest health threats to African-Americans. More than 40 percent of African-Americans have high blood pressure, and they also develop the illness at younger ages compared to other racial

groups. The prevalence of high blood pressure in AfricanAmericans in the United States is the highest in the world. In addition, African-Americans are more likely to develop complications associated with high blood pressure, including stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, blindness and dementia. Why are African-Americans plagued by high blood pressure? “There is not one indication to its cause but it can

more than likely be genetic or due to environmental factors and lifestyle choices,” said Dr. Neha Shah, a family medicine physician with Memorial Hermann Medical Group. Risk factors for high blood pressure include smoking, lack of exercise, obesity, high dietary intake of salt, and a genetic predisposition. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases a person’s stroke risk by four to six times. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, AfricanAmerican adults are 60 percent more likely to have a stroke than their white adult counterparts. African-American stroke survivors are also more likely to become disabled and have difficulty with activities of daily living. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the blood vessel walls. As the heart pumps more blood, it increases the blood pressure. Blood pressure is generally recorded as two numbers written as a ratio or one on top of the other. The first number measures the systolic pressure, which is the blood pressure when the heart contracts. The second number, the

lower of the two, is the diastolic pressure. It measures the blood pressure between heartbeats or the heart at rest. A normal blood pressure consists of a systolic number of less than 120 and a diastolic number of less than 80. Prehypertension begins when the systolic number is between 120 and 139 and the diastolic number reads between 80 and 89. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is classified by a systolic number between 140 and 179 and diastolic number between 90 and 109. Dr. Shah says a slightly elevated blood pressure can be treated through lifestyle changes such as exercise and dietary changes. In more serious cases, medicines such as calcium blockers, alpha-blockers, and beta-blockers can be prescribed by a physician. If left untreated, high blood pressure can affect various parts of the body. The longer a person goes without treatment, the chances of damage to the eyes, kidney, heart, or brain increase. The good news is, by making healthier lifestyle choices, African-Americans can lessen their chances of becoming another high blood pressure statistic.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 15 | 2013

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health

Inside Smoking and young people 3B Texas Children’s Hospital

Changing from parent to grandparent 4B Treating high blood pressure 6B Kids and high blood pressure 7B MD Anderson Cancer Center

You can prevent colorectal cancer 8B Memorial Hermann Health System

Keeping students healthy, in school 10B Online Visit defendernetwork.com for tips on living with high blood pressure

Message from the Publisher

suffer from high blood his special health pressure this disproportionate edition is focused number indicates a troubling on high blood pattern in our community. pressure, also The fact of the matter is, known as the in many instances, we have “silent killer,” the power to help prevent this which impacts a significant medical condition that plagues number of our readers. us. Here are a few things you Even if you don’t have high can do. blood pressure you know a Lose excess pounds. family member or friend who Generally, the more weight does have it. Or you have seen you lose the lower your blood what happens when a loved pressure. Also, watch your one has a stroke or heart attack. Sonceria Messiah-Jiles waistline. Too much weight I have seen the damage around your middle can put you at greater high blood pressure can cause even though risk of high blood pressure. you think it is something that is small and Exercise on a regular basis. Increasing insignificant. It is not something we should your exercise level can lower your blood take for granted. pressure, and if you have prehypertension, When almost 1 in 2 African-Americans

it can help you avoid developing full-blown hypertension. Eat better and go easy on the salt. Eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains and other low-fat foods, which can help lower your blood pressure. Put down that salt shaker and find other ways to season your food, such as no-sodium herbs and spices. Reduce stress and anxiety, which can temporarily increase blood pressure. Find out what’s stressing you out, and see what you can do to reduce stress. In this special edition, you will find valuable information on detecting and treating high blood pressure. You will also learn about other medical issues from our health partners, Memorial Hermann Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Hospital. Live well and enjoy life!

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AUGUST 15 | 2013 | DEFENDER

Kids & smoking:

What parents can do

Defender News Services

ach year, more than 440,000 Americans die from the adverse health effects caused by smoking cigarettes. Smoking has been found to cause a variety of illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases such as including emphysema, bronchitis and chronic airway obstruction. Smoking isn’t an adults-only problem. According to the American Lung Association, every day, nearly 4,000 youth under age 18 try their first cigarette. Among adults who smoke, 68 percent began smoking regularly at age 18 or younger, Cigarettes produce significant health problems among young people, including an increase in the number and severity of respiratory illnesses, decreased physical fitness and potential effects on the rate of lung growth and maximum lung function. There are steps parents can take to help prevent their kids from smoking. Here is some advice from the American Lung Association. • Tell your children honestly and directly that you don’t want them to smoke. Give them clear, consistent messages about the risks involved. • Start talking to your kids about smoking when they are 5 or 6 years old and continue through their high school years. In addition to explaining the health dangers, tell them about unpleasant aspects such as bad breath and discolored teeth and nails. • Set a good example by not smoking. Parents who smoke are more likely to have children who smoke. • If you are a parent who smokes, the best thing you can do is to quit. In the meantime, never smoke around your children or let them have any of your cigarettes. • Establish a smoke-free policy in your home. Don’t allow anyone to smoke indoors at any time. • Make sure that the events that your children attend are

App encourages young people not to smoke Defender News Services

smoke-free. • Support tobacco-free schools and insist that school health programs include tobacco-use prevention education. • Know if your children have any friends that smoke. Talk with your kids about ways to refuse a cigarette. • If you find out that your teenager has already started smoking, your first reaction may be to order him or her to quit immediately. However, it’s important to realize that teen smokers become addicted to nicotine very quickly, and that can make quitting very difficult. • Be patient and supportive as your child goes through the quitting process. Try to avoid threats and ultimatums. Ask a few questions and find out why your child is smoking; he or she may want to be accepted by a peer group, or want your attention. For more information visit lung.org.

FAQs about secondhand smoke > What is secondhand smoke? Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke breathed out by the smoker. It can stay in the air for several hours and travel up to 20 feet. Even breathing secondhand smoke for just a short time can hurt your body. Over time, secondhand smoke causes disease and death in kids, teens, and adults – even if they do not smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke can increase your risk of lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent. > Does secondhand smoke contain harmful chemicals? Yes. Among the more than 7,000 chemicals found in secondhand tobacco smoke, at least 250 are known to be harmful. At least 69

of the toxic chemicals in secondhand tobacco smoke cause cancer. > What does secondhand smoke do to your heart? It can lead to heart attack or heart disease. About 46,000 nonsmokers die from heart disease each year as a result of secondhand smoke. > How can you protect yourself and others from secondhand smoke? Ask people not to smoke in your home or car. Avoid places that allow smoking indoors. Choose smoke-free restaurants and other establishments. Tell your friends and family about the dangers of secondhand smoke. Source: teen.smokefree.gov

An app to prevent teens from smoking and encourage them to quit if they’ve started is available free on the Apple iTunes Store. The app was developed by Dr. Alexander Prokhorov, a professor in the Department of Behavioral Science at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “Our app combines education and entertainment with comics and interactive games,” said Prokhorov, who is also director of MD Anderson’s Tobacco Outreach Education Program. “It motivates teens to stay away from tobacco and teaches behavioral skills to help them resist pro-tobacco pressures. Such an approach is much more appealing to youth than text-based instructional tools.” Prokhorov led the development of the app from content largely drawn from ASPIRE, which stands for A Smoking Prevention Interactive Experience. The program is a bilingual, online tobacco prevention and cessation curriculum targeting middle and high school students. Equipped with tunes and animated teen characters, the app addresses those who have never smoked, those wanting to quit, those having trouble quitting and those not interested in quitting. It includes gaming activities that reinforce smoking-cessation tips tailored for the teenage audience.

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Changing from parent to grandparent By Texas Children’s Hospital

efore World War II, American families often lived in the same community for many generations. When a couple had their first child, family members were there to help and support them during those exciting first days and weeks. Grandparents lived with the family, or nearby, and participated in household activities regularly so support came naturally and easily. As the child grew, grandparents often provided childcare and were a steady and important influence in the child’s life. How times have changed! Today families are mobile, living and working in many different places during their life together. Most young women work outside the home now and pay for childcare, rather than relying on family members. For parents and grandparents living at a distance from one another, the excitement of a first grandchild can be bittersweet. As a grandparent, you want to reach out and help, but about the only thing you can offer from afar is advice and counsel. Young couples today are learning new ways to care for their babies, different from the advice passed down

for generations. Grandparents today are finding out that birth and baby care have changed and their advice may be unwanted or go unheeded. “Becoming a parent and a grandparent are developmental milestones. Your child is having a child. It’s natural to want to do what we’ve always done – protect, advise and take care of them,” says Bonnie Bartman, education and development specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital. “But it’s their turn to learn to do those things for their child. And just as we learned ‘on the job’ to be their parent, our job is to let them learn to be a parent of this new child.” So what’s a grandparent to do? Understand your new role. Even if you’re an expert who has written a dozen bestsellers on parenthood, tread lightly and bite your tongue. Recognize that your child is now the responsible one. That means watching them make mistakes while they learn to be a parent, just as you did. Keep your opinions to yourself unless you’re asked – even then, speak carefully. Realize that what you say can have a huge impact on your relationship with your adult child and their partner during this sensitive time in their lives. Ask them what they expect from you and how you can best help them. And then revel in being a grandparent, one of the most fulfilling and wonderful experiences of life.

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healthnotes Talking to infants According to Dr. Jamil Joyner, pediatrician at Texas Children’s Pediatrics Gulfgate, despite a parent’s best efforts, some children will have a delay in speech development. “When our patients have speech delays, we refer to our excellent Speech Language and Learning Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital. The Speech Language and Learning Clinic has specially trained speech therapists that are able to diagnose and treat speech and language delays.” Stephanie Frenkel, speech-language pathologist at Texas Children’s, offers the following tips on how to expose your child to stimulating and loving speech at home. w Narrate all that you do. For example, while you are cooking you can say, “First I’m cutting the green lettuce, next the juicy tomato and last the crunchy carrots for a salad.” w Label your child’s environment. Babies are seeing the world for the very first time. On a car ride, you can point out the fast train, the sky up high and the fluffy clouds. w Review shared experiences with your child. Take pictures of activities you experience with your child. Look at the pictures later to discuss the setting, people involved and the events that occurred. w Read early and often to your child. Sit your baby on your lap so they can feel the cadence of your speech. When your baby is old enough to sit up, he or she may start to turn to look at you read. Make sure he or she can see your lips move and how you form words. w Create opportunities where children will need to request items. For example, if they gesture for more, give a little more so they will have to ask for it by name.

Parenting in the digital age Technology has changed and advanced at a supersonic pace, and this remarkable shift has presented a new landscape for socializing, working, parenting and relating. Where does this ever changing landscape leave parents who are guiding youth online? Some may feel good about the move to a more digital world. However, it may leave others feeling confused, overwhelmed or detached. Children can utilize and mine the internet and online tools for valuable information, for connecting with friends and for developing communication skills in a modern world. Technology has advantages in learning settings as well. Although it is not always the appropriate tool, digital communication is being utilized in classrooms, and new media

allows for autonomy and exploration not found in the traditional classroom setting. The shift continues to progress with new technologies – it might be important to remember when talking to your child the value they may place on digital communication. “There are some risks online that are important to discuss with your child, or your child may have some good ideas about how he or she navigates around these risks to maintain a positive reputation online,” says Dr. Amy Acosta, psychologist at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Adolescent Medicine Section.

Risks include: w Cyber bullying – Any harassment online of a peer. This may start as a “joke” and become hurtful and harassing in ways

adolescents have trouble managing and navigating. w Choosing to view inappropriate content or creating inappropriate content. w Over-sharing personal life events without realizing the publicity of the audience. Over-sharing may be linked to adolescents seeking validation online from others about private topics in a public forum. An important reminder for parents of adolescents – feel empowered. You have been parenting your child for several years and talking through difficult decisions, identifying moments that define character and instilling values. Talking about behavior and identity online is no different than any other ongoing conversations you’ve had with your child over the years.

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High bloo

CONTR

Detecting and treating high blood pressure

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

igh blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Yet it is a serious medical condition affecting 1 in 3 adult Americans and more than 40 percent of African-Americans. It’s important to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. It is measured with an inflatable arm cuff and pressure gauge. These can be found at a doctor’s office and drugstores. For adults, normal blood pressure is below 120/80. A pre-hypertensive blood pressure measures between 120 to 139/ 80 to 89. A hypertensive blood pressure measures 140/90 or higher. “Blood pressure has to be high on two or more separate occasions when at the resting rate in order to be diagnosed as high blood pressure,” said Dr. Neha Shah, a family medicine physician with Memorial Hermann Medical Group. According to the American Heart Association, starting at the age of 20, a blood pressure screening should take place at each doctor’s visit or at least every two years if you do not have high blood pressure.

If you have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, blood pressure readings should be monitored closely on a regular basis. High blood pressure has many risk factors. They include: Age – As a person ages, the risk of high blood pressure increases. Race – High blood pressure is most common among African-Americans. Gender – Men are more likely to have high blood pressure. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure following menopause. Genetics – High blood pressure often runs in families. High blood pressure cannot be cured. However some of its risk factors can be controlled and managed. Shah said in order to control blood pressure, a person can implement a better diet, which may include limiting salt intake and participating in regular exercise. You should also maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption, avoid smoking and manage stress. If lifestyle and environment changes cannot control high blood pressure, one or more of the following types of medications can be prescribed by a physician to aid in treatment. • A thiazide diuretic, also known as a water pill, is a medication that helps the kidneys eliminate sodium and water from

‘SILENT

the body, reducing blood volume and, therefore, reducing blood pressure. This is usually one of the first medications prescribed. • Beta blockers reduce strain on the heart and open up blood vessels. This causes the heart to beat slower and with less force. • Calcium channel blockers relax the muscles of the blood vessels and some can slow the heart rate. If these medications don’t work, a physician may prescribe alpha blockers, alphabeta blockers, central-acting agents, renin inhibitors or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Shah reiterated the best prescription for fighting the condition. “High blood pressure can be controlled by seeing your doctor regularly, watching your diet, exercising and taking your medication as prescribed,” she said.

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These days, high blood pressure affects people of all ages – including children. New research by the American Heart Association found that the risk of elevated blood pressure has risen for children and adolescents by 27 percent over a 13-year period. African-American children in the study group had a 28 percent greater risk of elevated blood pressure than their white peers. High blood pressure in children can result in serious, long-term health effects, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Risk factors for high blood pressure in children include obesity and a family history of high blood pressure. Other risk factors may include sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. In general, treating high blood pressure in kids is not that different from treating it in adults. Parents are advised to work closely with their child’s doctor to find which treatment plan will work best. Here are some general guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control: Follow the DASH eating plan. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension plan includes eating less fat and saturated fat as well as eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain foods. Limiting salt intake can also help. A dietitian can help you and your child find ways to meet these goals without giving up favorite foods or great flavor.

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me 67 million American adults (31 percent) have high d pressure – that’s 1 in every 3 American adults. mong African Americans, more women (45.7 percent) men (43 percent) have the condition. gh blood pressure can run in families. People can ingenes that make them more likely to develop the conn. The risk for high blood pressure can increase even e when heredity is combined with unhealthy lifestyle ces, such as smoking cigarettes and eating a poor diet. ecause blood pressure tends to rise as people get r, everyone’s risk for high blood pressure increases age. In addition, some medical conditions can also your risk of high blood pressure.

Kids are impacted too

od pressure

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Watch your child’s weight. Being overweight increases the risk of developing high blood pressure. Ask your child’s doctor to help set goals for losing weight. Your child’s doctor can also refer you to other health care professionals for assistance in setting up a weight-loss plan. Avoid tobacco smoke. It can make blood pressure rise and directly damage your child’s heart and blood vessels. This includes secondhand smoke. Know about medications. If your child’s high blood pressure is severe or doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe medication. It may take a while to find a combination of drugs that works best to control high blood pressure with the least side effects.

hypertension facts 5. Sodium is the element in salt that can raise blood pressure. Most of the sodium we eat comes from processed and restaurant foods. Eating too much sodium can increase blood pressure. Not eating enough potassium (from fruits and vegetables) can also increase blood pressure. 6. Sixty-nine percent of people who have a first heart attack, 77 percent of people who have a first stroke, and 74 percent of people with chronic heart failure have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is also a major risk factor for kidney disease. 7. High blood pressure costs the nation $47.5 billion annually in direct medical expenses and $3.5 billion each year in lost productivity.

ng the Houston area for over 80 years

8. About half (47 percent) of people with high blood pressure have their condition under control. 9. Almost 30 percent of American adults have prehypertension—blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range.3 Prehypertension raises your risk of developing high blood pressure. 10. Reducing average population sodium intake from 3,300 mg to 2,300 mg per day may reduce cases of high blood pressure by 11 million and save 18 billion health care dollars annually. Source: Centers for Disease Control

DEFENDER | AUGUST 15 | 2013

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health

You Can Prevent

Colorectal Cancer By MD Anderson Cancer Center

Get screened for colorectal cancer on a regular basis. More than 90 percent of people can beat colorectal cancer if it’s found early. “Getting a colorectal cancer exam might sound painful and embarrassing but it could save your life,” says Elise D. Cook, M.D., who treats colorectal cancer patients at MD Anderson. Don’t Wait for Signs of Illness You may think you don’t need to get screened because your body is working just fine – but that’s not true. Cancer screening exams are medical tests done when you’re healthy, and you don’t have any signs of illness. Get Screened Beginning at Age 50 A colonoscopy finds cancer early and removes abnormal cells that may turn into cancer. Most men and women age 50 to 75 should choose one of the following exams. • Colonoscopy every 10 years. • Virtual colonoscopy (also called Computed Tomographic Colonography) every five years. A colonoscopy will be performed if polyps are found. • Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) every year. The FOBT or FIT does not prevent colorectal cancer. If your doctor finds blood in your stool, you may need to get a colonoscopy.

Eat Fiber, Fight Cancer Plant foods rich in dietary fiber, like beans and apples, may reduce your risk for colorectal cancer. The more fiber you eat, the less time harmful toxins spend inside your body. Other benefits of a high fiber diet include: Feeling full longer. Fiber slows the speed at which food and drink leave your stomach. So, you stay full longer after each meal or snack. Weight control. Many high-fiber foods are low in calories and packed with disease-fighting nutrients. That’s good news because maintaining a healthy weight can help you prevent cancer and other diseases. Lower cholesterol. Some fiber-rich foods help prevent fat and cholesterol absorption, helping you lower your cholesterol. Lower blood sugar levels. Diabetic? Fiber can help regulate your blood sugar levels. Bowel management. Have digestive problems? Adding fiber to your diet can help protect your intestinal lining and make bowel movements easier or more frequent. If you choose a virtual colonoscopy, check with your insurance provider before scheduling an exam. Not all insurance providers cover the cost of this exam. Colonoscopy and virtual colonoscopy are preferred by MD Anderson to find and prevent colorectal cancer. What Happens During a Colonoscopy? During a colonoscopy, the doctor gently puts a thin, flexible tube inside your colon. This small tube has a light and tiny video camera that allows the doctor to check for cancer or polyps. Polyps are small growths that can become cancer. The entire exam takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You may get medicine to help you relax or to put you to sleep during the exam. To get the best results from your colonoscopy,

it’s important that the insides of your colon are very clean. You may need to follow a liquid diet for one to three days before the exam. Your doctor also will give you special medications, laxatives or an enema to clean out your colon on the night before the exam. Know Your Risk Being African American is a risk factor for colorectal cancer and puts you at greater risk of getting the disease. “This does not mean you will get colorectal cancer but it does mean that it’s important for you to get tested on a regular basis,” says Dr. Cook. A doctor can tell you what your personal risk for colorectal cancer is. He or she can then decide how often you should get tested and if you should start testing before age 50.

Finding Colorectal Screening Services For information on sites that offer colorectal cancer screening services,

contact the following agencies: • Gateway to Care, 713-783-4616 • Harris Health System, 713-526-4243 • Hope Through Grace, Inc., 713-6684673 • MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1-877632-6789 or visit www.mdanderson.org • United Way Helpline, 2-1-1 • VA (Veterans Affairs) clinic for U.S.

military veterans, 1-877-222-8387 or visit www.va.gov/healtheligibility Medicare and Medicaid • Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, or younger than age 65 with certain disabilities. • Medicaid is available to certain lowincome individuals and families. The Texas Medicaid Program may cover a portion of colorectal cancer screening

costs. • Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.cms.hhs.gov to learn if you qualify. Fit-Flu Program The FIT stool test is a colorectal screening exam that you can do at home. Are you between the ages of 50 and 75 and getting your annual flu shot? Get a free FIT stool test. For questions, call askMDAnderson at 1-877-632-6789.

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Memorial Hermann’s Health Centers for Schools

Keeping Students Healthy and in School

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Memorial Hermann School-Based Health Centers Locations:

w Burbank Health Center

(HISD) 315 Berry Road Houston, TX 77022 (713) 742-8151 w Elrod Health Center (HISD) 6230 Dumfries Houston, TX 77096 (713) 771-1805 w Hogg Health Center (HISD) 1100 Merrill Houston, TX 77009 (713) 864-7614 w Jane Long Health Center (HISD) 6501 Bellaire Houston, TX 77074 (713) 777-0481 w Lamar Health Center (Lamar Consolidated ISD) 1002 E. Stadium Drive Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281) 762-8383 w Terry Health Center (Lamar Consolidated ISD) 5500 Avenue N. Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281) 238-0852 w WAVE Health Center (Pasadena ISD) 1500 Main South Houston, TX 77587 (713) 946-7461

n just a few short days, a new school year will begin with thousands of students returning to Greater Houston region classrooms to learn the fundamentals of reading, writing and arithmetic. Many students will return to school happy, healthy and fed, but thousands of others live a contrasting reality. For those students, Memorial Hermann’s Health Centers for Schools program is a beacon of light. Established in 1995, Memorial Hermann’s Health Centers for Schools (MHHCS) program has a primary goal: Keep students healthy and in school so they can learn the skills they will need for a brighter future. The program accomplishes that by providing a stable “medical home” for uninsured students from prekindergarten Examination room at the Hogg Health Center at Hogg Middle School in the Heights through 12th grade. The Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation (MHCBC) partners with three school districts – Houston, Pasadena and Lamar Consolidated – to operate the Health Centers for Schools (HCS) program. The seven clinics in the Greater Houston region are staffed by a nurse practitioner/ physician assistant, social worker, licensed hospitalizations. vocational nurse and receptionist with physiMemorial Hermann’s HCS cian oversight provided. A certified Commuprogram is making a remarkable nity Health Worker (CHW) or navigator rodifference in the life of Jorge and tates among centers and assists parents with the lives of thousands of children CHIP/Medicaid applications and provides and families in the greater Houssocial service referrals. A registered dietitian ton area. The program provides provides nutritional counseling. Two dentists access to healthcare to more than and dental assistants staff two mobile dental 40,000 children at 49 schools units that provide preventive as well as reand demonstrates the impact of storative dental care to uninsured students. school-based healthcare on chilOpen five days a week, year round, the Hogg Health Center staff at Hogg Middle School dren and adolescents’ health and academic status program serves students in the schools’ with numerous outcome indicators. An example designated elementary and high school an asthmatic episode because she had no insuris the 84% reduction in asthma exacerbations, emerfeeder patterns. Services includes sick and injury ance. gency room visits, and hospitalizations realized by care, general and sports physicals, immunizaIn the previous year, Jorge had 15 asthma the students whose asthma care is managed by the tions, chronic care (asthma, obesity and cholesrelated absences, three emergency room visits health centers. terol), mental health therapy, social service referand four hospitalizations. At his first SBHC visit, The comprehensive primary care that is being rals, nutritional guidance and other care to meet Jorge received a steroid shot and two nebulizer provided by the MHHCS program is helping empowstudents’ needs. Dental services include cleantreatments. Afterward, Jorge and his mom reer impoverished families to address their problems ings, sealants, fillings, extractions, and crowns. turned to the SBHC for his first annual asthma head on, rather than be immobilized in the face of Consider Jorge Chavez’s story. The boy was plan and flu shot. Each year, he returns for his overwhelming odds. Children like Jorge and thousent to the school-based health center (SBHC) by asthma plan, school and home rescue inhalers, flu sands of others continue to benefit from the medical, his elementary school nurse with an acute asthma shot and adjustment of his peak flow zones as he mental health and nutritional counseling services exacerbation. Previously, his mother had taken grows. Since receiving care at the SBHC, Jorge they need to stay healthy and stay in school. him to the emergency room each time he suffered has had no asthma related absences, ER visits or

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Introducing Your Neighborhood Health Center Affordable, convenient, quality medical care for you and your family. Memorial Hermann offers affordable and fast healthcare to meet your urgent care needs. At our affiliated Neighborhood Health Centers, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to take care of basic health issues. Visits are only $48. Appointments are available, but walk-ins are welcome. For your convenience, we have three locations around Houston to serve you. Southwest 7600 Beechnut, Suite A (next to the Memorial Hermann Southwest ER) Houston, TX 77074 713.456.4280 Northwest 1800 W. 26th St., Suite 103 Houston, TX 77008 713.957.8400

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business

Employers get help with Affordable Care Act Defender News Services

Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) begins on Oct. 1 for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2014. The ACA’s comprehensive reforms are designed to ensure that Americans have access to quality, affordable health insurance. What does that mean for businesses? In an effort to educate employers and the selfemployed about how the ACA could affect them, the Obama Administration has launched the website Business.USA.gov/healthcare. Through the website, businesses can learn how the ACA helps them provide coverage options to their employees while still meeting their bottom line. The website’s wizard tool begins by asking employers their location and size. The size categories are self-employed with no employees, fewer than 25 employees, up to 50 employees and 50 or more employees. The website offers detailed information on things

employers need to know, the ACA implementation timeline, a glossary on key healthcare terms and facts about each state’s Health Insurance Marketplace. Many parts of the ACA, which was signed into law in March, 2010, are already in effect, including

new consumer protections and improvements to health care coverage. Starting Oct. 1, many individuals, selfemployed, and small businesses will have a new way to shop for private health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace and its Small Business Health Options Program (the SHOP Marketplace), and may be eligible for tax credits and financial assistance. Starting in 2015, businesses with 50 or more employees who don’t offer insurance that meets certain minimum standards to their full-time employees could be required to make an Employer Shared Responsibility payment. Ninety-six percent of American businesses have fewer than 50 employees and will not be affected by the shared responsibility rules. “As the Affordable Care Act is implemented, it is important for us to work with the business community and provide employers with the information they need,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker.

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Minorities attend ‘unequal’ colleges NNPA News Service

Even with high test scores and access to higher education, Black students often attend poorly-funded colleges and receive certificates instead of earning degrees, according to a recent report. The report, titled “Separate and Unequal,” was compiled by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. It found that white students are increasingly concentrated in the nation’s most well-funded, selective four-year colleges and universities, while African-American and Hispanic students are increasingly concentrated in the least well-funded, open-access, two and four-year colleges. “The American postsecondary system increasingly has become a dual system of racially separate pathways, even as overall minority access to the postsecondary system has grown dramatically,” said Jeff Strohl, one of the report’s co-authors. Blacks were underrepresented at the nation’s top schools by 8 percentage points, while whites were overrepresented by 13 percentage points compared to their share of the college age (18 to 24) population, the study found. Georgetown researchers found that even when Blacks and Hispanics finish high school with good SAT/ACT test scores, they still do not go to college as much as their white counterparts and are often guided into two-year and open-access colleges. Researchers admitted that admission policies alone would not change the enrollment numbers for minorities at high-achieving colleges. “In combination, both race and class-based affirmative action can ensure that highly qualified AfricanAmerican, Hispanic, and lower-income students gain access to well-funded and selective colleges that lead to elite careers,” said the report.

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AUGUST 15 | 2013 | DEFENDER

DEFENDER | AUGUST 15 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

sports

Will third time be the charm for Bearkats?

Tim Flanders

By MAX EDISON Defender

t has been a nice run for Sam Houston State University head football coach Willie Fritz. Preparing for season four, Fritz has a record of 31-10, the most wins in school history over a three-year period. The Bearkats have been the kings of the Southland Conference and have played in consecutive FCS national championship games, losing to North Dakota State on both occasions. The question is, will the third time be the charm? “We’ve done well,” Fritz said. “We’ve done a real good job recruiting the right type of kids who fit our profile. We’ve had some good transfers come in. We also have been able to stay relatively healthy and has a result we’ve been able to be successful.” The Bearkats will begin the season Coach Willie Fritz has compiled an impressive record with Sam Houston State. ranked No. 4 nationally in the FCS poll. “Once the season begins our focus shifts It’s an honor that Fritz embraces as a to one game at a time,” Fritz continued. “Our symbol of success. immediate objective is to win the Southland “It’s good to be ranked. We wanted to prove Conference. You win the conference you get an we were not a one hit wonder,” he said. automatic bid to the playoffs. That has the pos“We want to be a team that people talk sibility of a first-round bye. Once you’re in about, year in and year out. We want the playoffs you have a chance to win it all to be known as one of the better and of course, that is our ultimate goal.” teams and programs in the nation On offense, the Bearkats will be among when you talk about FCS football. the more talented and experienced teams ” in the nation. The offense will be paced After coming close two by two-time All-American and consecutive years in the championship game, the Bearkats hope this year will be different. “We’re pleased with our accomplishments, proud of our accomplishments, but we’re by no means satisfied,” Fritz said. “We want to win the national championship, not just play for it. Our motto for this season is ‘the highest expectations.’

Running back Flanders paces the Bearkat offense.

Payton Award finalist running back Tim Flanders, a senior. Flanders will begin the season 461yards shy of being the Southland Conference alltime rusher. He is one of three players to be named conference Player of the Year in consecutive seasons. Senior quarterback Brian Bell is the Bearkats all-time winningest quarterback, leading the team to 30 victories in 38 starts the past three seasons. Senior receiver Richard Sincere is a multi-purpose playmaker with AllConference pedigree. The offensive line is solid, anchored by a pair of All-Conference maulers in Donald Jackson III (sophomore) and Matt Boyles (senior), but is in need of quality depth. Shane Young (junior) is a quality tight end. Defensively, the Bearkats are a stout bunch. All-Conference performers Gary Lorance (senior) and Jarrett Brown (senior) are stalwarts on the defensive front. At linebacker, Gary Fieilo (senior), Jesse Beauchamp (senior) and TCU transfer Tanner Brock (senior) lead a group that should be the strength of the unit. All-American candidate Bookie Sneed (senior) is a shut-down cornerback who has to shore up a talented yet inexperienced group in the secondary. Notable Bearkat games include opening day against Houston Baptist (Aug. 31), home against Texas Southern (Sept. 14), homecoming against Lamar (Oct. 12), Stephen F. Austin at Reliant Stadium (Nov. 2) and at Central Arkansas (Nov. 23). Cornerback Bookie Sneed (No. 17) is an All-American candidate.

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h.s.zone

AUGUST 15 | 2013 DEFENDER

sportsbriefs UT football No. 1 somewhere Although the last few years for Mack Brown and the University of Texas football program have not been stellar, at least the burnt orange faithful can look on the bright side – they’re No. 1 in merchandise royalties. For the eighth consecutive year, UT collected the most royalties of any college or university. The University of Alabama came in second, followed by Notre Dame, Michigan, Kentucky, LSU, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Arkansas. The list, which represented royalties on the $4.6 billion annual college merchandise business, reflects money collected by schools on sales of gear from July 2012 to June 30 of this year.

L.A. Dodgers on a roll

Some of country’s top high school prospects visit Minute Maid Park to participate in Major League Baseball’s annual Breakthrough Series. (Photo by Ben Baroody)

Top baseball prospects showcase their skills

By BUCK BEDIA Defender

ollegiate recruiters and professional scouts recently gathered at Minute Maid Park to watch 60 of the top high school prospects in the country participate in Major League Baseball’s annual Breakthrough Series. For the sixth year, MLB has partnered with USA Baseball in bringing predominantly Black ball players representing 15 states to the Houston Astros Urban Youth Academy. All the players were invited based on recommendations from five entities – MLB’s Urban Youth Academies, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, the MLB Scouting Bureau, the Chicago White Sox and Mentoring Viable Prospects “We are here to provide a platform for these young men to show what they can do on the ball field,” said Ben Baroody, MLB manager of development. Besides showcasing the players, MLB featured a wide range of speakers, including NCAA compliance officials, scouts and big-league umpires. Speakers gave insight on what to expect as graduation approaches and possible career opportunities in baseball other than on the field. In the last two years, the Breakthrough Series has produced 43 players that have been selected in the MLB draft, including four first-round draftees.

“One of the important things these young players are learning here is how the recruiting process works,” Baroody said. “We are also providing them with options for life after baseball.” Lutheran South High School junior Pablo Salazar from Pearland was one of seven players invited from Texas. “It’s a great opportunity; not many kids my age get to do this,” Salazar said. “Besides playing games, they have brought in speakers to help us with the recruiting process. I really enjoyed that.” For players like Corderias Dorsey, this is not his first time participating in the event. Dorsey is entering his senior year in high school in Atlanta, and his team hopes to repeat as state champions. “This year, the series has helped me out a lot,” Dorsey said. “There are a lot of great players here, which has motivated me to work harder and become a better student. “I learned how important keeping my GPA up is, and how high I need to score on my SAT so I can be eligible for a scholarship,” he said. Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, MLB executive vice president of baseball development, said the league is pleased to work with USA Baseball in giving amateur ballplayers an opportunity to showcase their skills. “The Breakthrough Series is yet another testament to our commitment, along with that of all supporting organizations, to advancing the game within the urban community,” he said.

We had the feeling this would happen when a group led by Magic Johnson bought the Los Angeles Dodgers a little over a year ago. Now it’s come to pass, the Dodgers are one of the hottest teams in MLB. The team is currently leading the NL West by 7.5 games. Their record of 37-8 since June 22 is the best in baseball. Combine that with a team that has won a franchise record 15 consecutive games on the road and you’ve got a juggernaut. Sparked by the sterling performance of rookie Yasiel Puig and the outstanding pitching of Clayton Kershaw and Zach Greinke, the Dodgers are the team to beat. Throw in Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford and Hanley Ramirez and you’ve got a team that can very easily be playing into October. With what Magic and team have done in baseball, Rocket fans are glad he isn’t running the Lakers.

Bolt is still the man Just in case you thought Usain Bolt was losing a step, wake up. Bolt once again flashed his brilliance at the World games in Moscow recently. Competing against a world-class field on a rainy track, Bolt captured gold with a time of 9.77 in the 100 meters, outpacing American Justin Gatlin who came in second and Jamaican teammate Nesta Carter who took third. “It’s always great to get back your title,” Bolt said. “I’m happy [that] I got it done. I’m just doing my part by running fast, winning titles and letting the world know you can do it clean. My focus is to continue doing what I do.”

L.A. Lakers can’t accept it Weeks after the decision was made, the Lakers still can’t believe Dwight Howard left them and is now a Houston Rocket. Recently Jeanie Buss, daughter of former Laker owner Jerry Buss, said that if her dad was still alive Howard would still be a Laker. “When it came time to try to convince Dwight to stay, we lost the best closer in the business in Dr. Buss,” Jeanie said. “Putting up the billboard maybe wasn’t the right thing. But we maybe have to learn to do things differently because Dr. Buss isn’t here anymore.” Who knows if what she’s saying is true. The bottom line is Houston has Dwight Howard and L.A. is sad.

DEFENDER | AUGUST 15 | 2013 |

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AUGUST 15 | 2013 DEFENDER

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chag’splace

For Event Coverage...visit

defendernetwork.com IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN…..Children at Risk is a non-partisan research and advocacy organization dedicated to addressing the root causes of poor public policies affecting children. The organization began in 1989 when a group of child advocates met to discuss the lack of date on the status of children and the absence of strong public policy support for Houston’s children. Since that time, they have grown to become a statewide organization impacting all children in Texas addressing issues including juvenile justice, mental health, physical health and parenting. Regina Drake and longstanding member of Children at Risk’s board of directors Larry Payne recently hosted a reception at Americas River Oaks to give the leaders in our community an update about the work the organization is doing, as well as a brief summary of the 83rd Legislative session. During the reception they also honored Stephanie Coleman, Tre’ Magazine, Inspire, Inc. and Bain Houston. Spotted at the event enjoying the delicious hors d’ oeuvres and fellowship included Dr. Frazier Wilson, Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Dr. Davetta Daniels, Lucie Gaye Gerren, Kathy Wells and Fortecia Iue, to name a few. Continued success!.....GOING FOR THE GOLD…..The Harris County Precinct One Street Olympics, Inc. was founded Join Yvette Chargois in 1986 by Events of the Week Commissioner More photos on defendernetwork.com El Franco Lee. See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Its mission is to with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. implement and sustain programs that provide training, support and resources that lead to healthy and productive lives for the youth of the Houston metropolitan area. The 27th annual “Final Games” was recently held at Reliant Center with about 3,000 children participating and showing off their skills in traditional games such as kickball, hopscotch, Hula Hoop, jump rope, jacks and basketball dribble, in hopes of winning either bronze, silver or gold medals. Once the competition in completed, they visited the Bright Futures Fair where about 100 city and county non-profit organization, area businesses and healthcare agencies provided them with fun activities and educational information. Additionally, the summer program includes a 3-on-3 basketball tournament held at Fonde Recreation Center and Splashdown held at the Harris County Aquatics Center. Over the years, about 110,000 children have participated in these structured Olympic-style competitions and they learn it’s not all about sports as they develop new leadership and teamwork skills, while their self-esteem grows. Some of the winners and participants included Uriah Wilson, Cedrika Love, Kayla Fisher, Seairol Saultry, Anna Alvarado, Yasvet Gutierrez and Latravia Jobe. We salute the commissioner, board of directors, staff and volunteers for another successful summer. They’re all winners!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Regina Drake and Larry Payne

Kathy Wells and Lucie Gaye Gerren

Stephanie Coleman, Larry Payne and Fortecia Iue

Councilman Jerry Davis, Commissioner El Franco Lee, Constable Allen Rosen and Councilman Larry Green

Uriah Wilson, Cedrika Love and Kayla Fisher

Mignon Smith, Harriett Navarre, Tina Dessart and John Beaudion

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 15 | 2013

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