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LOCAL VIVIAN R. KING named D.A. Chief of Staff
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NATIONAL BARACK OBAMA saving My Brother’s Keeper
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Volume 86 | Number 9
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OPINION ENTERTAINMENT TUPAC BIOPIC comes to theaters this summer
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TOP EVENTS
Rodney Ellis
John Legend
The former State Rep. is now taking the helm at the County Commissioner’s office. Ellis was among a handful of Democratic leaders sworn in after landslide victories in the recent election.
He’s made his mark as a singer/ songwriter. Now, the awardwinning crooner is shining on the big screen. We talk oneon-one with Legend about his starring role in “La La Land.”
sworn into office
James Harris and Jarvis Johnson attend Silver Street Studio Gala.
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Blacks fill assistant DA’s slots
counting, and Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1992. King was a Harris County Prosecutor in Harris County, Texas from 1992 to 1995 and is the second Black female Board Certified in Criminal Law in Texas. She was in private practice from March 1995 to January 2017.
Defender News Service
District Attorney-elect Kim Ogg is announcing her first additions to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. In mid-December, Ogg informed 37 prosecutors who were part of the former DA’s staff that they would not be invited Yvonne Q. Taylor, Training Coorto be part of her staff. Among them was dinator is a former Harris County Nick Socias, the prosecutor who handled a prosecutor. She was an Associate MuCarvana Y. Cloud controversial rape case. Vivian R. King Yvonne Q. Taylor nicipal Court Judge for 10 years. She “The paramount goals of the Harris worked as a civil litigator for the City County District Attorney’s office are public safety and evidence-based justice Attorney’s Office and represented clients in commercial litigation and medifor all,” Ogg said. “This means obtaining a just result for the victim, the accal malpractice matters at the law firm of Wickliff & Hall, P.C. cused and the community in every case. The guiding principles for achieving these goals are fairness, integrity, and transparency,” Ogg added. “These Carvana Y. Cloud, Family Criminal Law Unit Chief is a native of Acres individuals exemplify those three principals and will help lead a new era of Home, who speaks fluent Spanish. Carvana graduated from DePauw University criminal justice in Harris County. and the South Texas College of Law. Prior to joining the Harris County District Among her new hires: Attorney’s Office in 2005, Carvana worked in the Office of the White House Liaison to the United States Department of Commerce. Vivian R. King, Chief of Staff graduated from UH in 1980 with a BA in Ac-
New county commissioner sworn in Defender News Service
It’s official, Rodney Ellis is the Harris County Commissioner for Precinct 1. The former State Senator was recently sworn in as Harris County Precinct One Commissioner and pledged to improve the lives of his constituents and fight for important reforms that will benefit the entire county. Ellis, who spent more than 25 years in the Texas Senate, joined more than 30 other Democrats elected to various Harris County offices in the Jan. 1st swearing in. “This really is to say thank you first of all to our voters for having confidence in us and also the people who didn’t vote for us to challenge us to do better,” Commissioner Ellis said. “This is an opportunity for all of us to say that we commit to you pub-
licly to fulfill the promises that we made when we were running.” Commissioner Ellis was elected last November to the Precinct One position, which was left vacant with the death of El Franco Lee. “We can do great things in this Precinct and build Rodney Ellis on the legacy of El Franco Lee,” Ellis said, adding that one of his first priorities will be to enact reforms to the County’s criminal justice system with the help of newly elected District Attorney Kim Ogg and
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “We are wasting taxpayers’ money by locking up someone for riding a bike on the sidewalk,” Ellis said, referring to a recent arrest of a man in the Fifth Ward. “We want to make sure we protect the public by jailing dangerous criminals. But we don’t want an overcrowded jail with mostly low-level defendants who are there simply because they can’t make bond.” The Commissioner said he also will closely monitor the upcoming state legislative session, particularly any bills that would restrict the county’s ability to raise money to benefit its constituents. Ellis also pledged to build on the Precinct’s commitment to improving county roads and bridges and maintaining clean and safe parks.
localbriefs NEW VIDEO SHOWS A FORT WORTH POLICE OFFICER firing at a Black man while he walked away. David Collie was shot in the back, leaving him paralyzed. Police said at the time of the July encounter that a Fort Worth officer fired twice, striking Collie “once in the lower torso.” The officer and a Tarrant County sheriff’s deputy with him were off-duty at the time and working a security detail at an apartment complex. Police were searching for two shirtless Black men who they believed had committed a robbery near a gas station. Authorities said that Collie pulled a box cutter from his pocket and pointed it at the of-
ficers…..TEXAS TO DENY CAR REGISTRATION FOR DELINQUENT CHILD SUPPORT. The rule went into effect in December, but officials have been warning delinquent drivers of their status for months in advance. “This is an administrative office. We are now being directed to act as enforcement for the Texas Attorney General and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and that concerns me,” Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Mike Sullivan said. So far, over $160,000 in child support has been collected by the Texas Attorney General’s office….AREA BLACK GREEKS HAVE LAUNCHED a Black Greeks Speak Social
Justice and Human Rights Council (BGS) say the campaign will host leading business, education, political, and grassroots leaders in a series of forums and workshops in Cincinnati, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta. “The New Black Leadership Campaign is inspiring a new generation of Black leaders in America, from social entrepreneurs to former athletes to grassroots political activists,” said coordinator, Tai Davis. In addition to the five-city launch, BGS has partnered with various grassroots organizations including local Black lives matter affiliates and My Brother’s Keeper initiatives.
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U.S.briefs CHICAGO MARKED 2016 AS THE DEADLIEST YEAR IN NEARLY TWO DECADES. The city saw a surge in gun violence in 2016: 762 murders, 3,550 shooting incidents, and 4,331 shooting victims, according to recently released data. There were 480 murders in 2015, the most in the city since 1997. Attacks on police officers nearly doubled in 2016, which represents a “completely unacceptable rise in violence,” a release from the department said. However, it did not state specific figures for attacks on officers. As part of a plan to combat the rising homicide count, the Chicago Police Department will amp up its force in 2017.....PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS SIGNED THE EMMETT TILL CIVIL RIGHTS BILL, which allows the Department of Justice and the FBI to reopen unsolved civil rights crimes. The Emmett Till Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act of 2016 grants the agencies opportunity to pursue crimes committed before 1980. The original bill, named after 14-year-old Emmett Till who was kidnapped and brutally lynched by two white men for whistling at a white woman in 1955, was first introduced by activist Alvin Sykes in 2005. Sykes promised Till’s mom that he would pursue her son’s case after the two men were acquitted. Since the bill was introduced, the FBI has investigated more than 100 cold cases. The updated act encourages the agencies to reach out to “activists, advocates and academics working on these issues,” according to USA Today…. TALLADEGA COLLEGE’S MARCHING TORNADOES WILL BE PERFORMING AT THE INAUGURATION of Donald Trump on Jan. 20 during the parade that takes place just after the inauguration ceremony itself. While news that Talladega would be performing has been circulating for days, school officials have not yet confirmed whether the school would be going. But already, many are questioning whether the historically Black college should perform at the inauguration, considering the controversy surrounding the president-elect as many performers have refused to attend.
VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 9 JANUARY 5, 2017
Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Marshall A. Latimore Proofer Maia Shelby
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison
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).
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U.S. President Barack Obama has vowed to continue working to expand opportunities for young men and boys of color through his My Brother’s Keeper program after he leaves office.
Saving My Brother’s Keeper program incoming Trump administration and encouraged a room full of MBK supporters and participants to President Barack Obama has described the My stick to the program’s mission regardless of support Brother’s Keeper (MBK) challenge started under his from the White House or the government. administration as “something that I will be invested “Although it is important for us to poke and prod in for the rest of my life” as he begins to wrap up his and push government at every level to make the inpresidency. vestments that are necessary … we can’t wait for gov“This is just the beginning,” the outgoing presiernment to do it for us. We have to make sure that we dent said. “We are going to keep these efforts going are out there showing what works,” Obama said. to invest in our young people, to Rather than being a large-scale break down barriers that keep federal effort, MBK has worked them from getting ahead.” to connect private philanthropy Obama’s self-described “cradle dollars with local government and to college and career” challenge nonprofit programs. Obama said launched in 2014 aspires to close the program had marshaled over some of the opportunity and $1 billion dollars of support during achievement gaps faced by boys its nearly three years in operation. and young men of color, specifiAccording to a 2016 White House cally in low-income Black comreport MBK is in more than 250 munities. My Brother’s Keeper communities in all 50 states, Puerto emphasizes mentoring, summer Rico and Washington DC. employment for teens, gang The program has been criticized violence intervention, and a for its specific focus on boys and variety of other locally designed men. Shortly after the program’s programming aimed at addressing launch in 2014 a collection of 1,000 economic, educational, social and women of color including activist civic disparities. Angela Davis and author Alice Walker —President Obama The initiative has attracted signed a letter to Obama asking him a number of high-profile Black to include women and girls. celebrity endorsers across sports and entertainment, Others have focused on what they describe as a such as Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, flawed rhetoric that pathologizes Black communities and Will and Jada Smith. without paying proper attention to the history and The president appeared unconcerned with broader social issues that fostered the pronounced the prospect of his initiative being scrapped by an racial gaps the program wishes to close. Defender News Service
“This is just the beginning. We are going to keep these efforts going to invest in our young people, to break down barriers that keep them from getting ahead.”
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entertainment
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The 'La La Land' Interview
John Legend branches out O By KAM WILLIAMS
hio-born John Legend is an award-winning, platinum-selling singer/songwriter. His work has garnered him 10 Grammy Awards, an Oscar and a Golden Globe, among others. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he studied English and African-American literature, Legend participated in a wide range of musical activities while in college. During that period, he was introduced to Lauryn Hill, who hired him to play piano on her track, "Everything Is Everything." After college, he was introduced to an up-and-coming hip-hop artist named Kanye West. West quickly signed Legend to his G.O.O.D. Music imprint and had him sing vocal hooks on some of his tunes. Here, Legend shares his thoughts about playing his first, major movie role opposite Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in “La La Land,” a picture which he also executive produced. And he talks about his philanthropic work and his new album, "Darkness and Light." Kam Williams: Let me start by asking what made you decide to do this film? John Legend: It really started with meeting the director as a filmmaker in my capacity as a producer, because my company, Get Lifted Film Company, has done a few movies and a couple of television shows now. We love meeting with up-and-coming directors who are doing great things. My producing partner suggested we connect with Damien very early on, after we saw a screener of “Whiplash.” We finally got a chance to sit down and discuss something creative when he was in the process of preparing to shoot La La Land. The script was finished, and they were already in talks with Ryan and Emma to
star in it. Damien wanted to see if we were interested in getting involved. He was originally thinking in terms of executive producing and in terms of the music for the character, Keith, and his band, The Messengers. But eventually, he asked me if I wanted to play Keith. I said, "Yeah, let's do it!" I hadn't done anything like it before. I hadn't had a major speaking role in a film before. But I guess he felt that I could pull it off, because the character had some similarities to my own background as a musician. Damien thought I could relate to the character, and I felt the same way.
KW: After watching the film, I was surprised to see that you have so few acting credits, because you did a phenomenal job. JL: Thank you! I'd spent my whole career focused on music. Acting wasn't something I was really pursuing, even though we were doing film and TV behind the camera as producers, because music takes up so much of my creative energy. But I couldn't pass up the opportunity to work with such great people. KW: I've always been impressed by your incredible commitment to charity work. What has inspired you to do that? JL: I've always thought that if I were successful in this career, I would have a lot of resources and a lot of influence, and that I would want to use them to make the world a better place. Part of my making the world better involves creating great art, and part involves my being an activist and contributing directly to causes that improve people's lives with my time, my money and my influence. I think that's part of who I am and of who I always will be.
what’sup KIM BURRELL is under fire after a YouTube video surfaced in which she can be heard preaching against homosexuality. Burrell said, “Anyone filled with the homosexual spirit, beg God to free you… That perverted homosexual spirit, and the spirit of delusion and confusion, it has deceived many men and women.” Burrell says she is not apologizing for her sermon.….MARIAH CAREY’s camp claims her live performance on DICK CLARK’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” special was sabotaged. The superstar vocally stumbled through the performance, failing to sing for most of it despite a pre-recorded track of her songs playing
in the background. Carey was visibly upset during the performance and afterward tweeted, “(expletive) happens.” Her representative blamed technical difficulties and said, the “production set her up to fail.” In a statement, the production company called such claims “absurd.”….TYLER PERRY is rejecting criticism over his predominantly white show, “Too Close to Home.” “That’s totally reverse racism, because it was coming from African-American people,” said Perry. “I don’t know if it was because they thought I should only be giving jobs to Black people. Well, I think that’s ridiculous. If you look at the hundreds of Black people I’ve given
jobs to and even the ones I’ve made millionaires, people of color, I just think it’s unfair.”….GABRIELLE UNION has settled her lawsuit against BET in regards to her hit television series, “Being Mary Jane.” According to Union, BET and the producers of “Being Mary Jane” had gone back on their agreement to have a long break between the 10-episode seasons four and five. Union’s camp claimed that the producers disregarded their promises in order to cut costs and run the production back to back. She was seeking general damages of at least $3 million and requested that BET agree that they will not let any season run longer than 13 episodes.
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10 things to WATCH
in 2017 Defender News Service
2017 may look bleak to some but do not fret, there’s plenty of good in store. From biopics on Nelson Mandela and Tupac to the return of television shows like “Scandal” and “Being Mary Jane,” there are many excellent Black projects set to release in 2017 that will undoubtedly bring us all a little bit of hope and excitement. Here are some things we can actually look forward to in 2017.
BET’s “The New Edition Story” is a three-night miniseries chronicling the ups and downs of legendary R&B music group New Edition from their humble beginnings in Boston to individual solo success and everything in between. friends exploring their sexuality, adulting and working through life’s hurdles. With the lack of media representation for LGBT folks of color, we couldn’t be any more ecstatic for its premiere in March 2017.
8. BET’s “Madiba” Series
BET will be premiering “Madiba,” a miniseries that is dedicated to the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela. The series, which will air on three consecutive Wednesdays beginning Feb. 1, chronicles the life of the former South African president based on his autobiographies “Conversations with Myself” and “Nelson Mandela By Himself.”
1. James Baldwin’s Film Essay “I Am Not Your Negro” “I Am Not Your Negro” is a new film that tells the narrative of Black America through the lens of the late writer and activist James Baldwin. The film, which explores Baldwin’s relationships with civil rights icons like MLK and Malcolm X, intertwines one of the writer’s unfinished works with the plights of our past and present. It’s set to release in theaters on Feb. 3.
2. The incredible Black politicians who will hold office Although Election Day represented a huge loss for people of color, there were some victories to take pride in. Senator-elect Kamala Harris, Stockton, CA Mayoral-elect Michael Tubbs and Minnesota Representative-elect Ilhan Omar are just some of the barrier-breaking Black politicians we’ll be rooting for in 2017.
3. The Return of our favorite Black-led TV shows While season two premiere dates haven’t yet been established for 2016 breakout hits “Insecure,” “Atlanta” and “Queen Sugar,” some of our other faves like “Scandal,” “How To Get Away With Murder,” “Being
9. New Edition miniseries
ing app based in Seattle. In March 2017, the company plans to become available in 20 U.S. cities.
Any story involving Bobby Brown is interesting and we expect the same from the January 24 premiere of “The New Edition Story.” The biopic stars “Empire’s” Bryshere R. Gray and offers an inside look behind the R&B group’s break-ups, make-ups and more.
6. The National Museum of African American History and Culture
10. Oprah Winfrey Starring In “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”
Tupac Shakur’s forthcoming biopic “All Eyez on Me” is slated for a June 16 release this summer, which also happens to be the late rapper’s 46th birthday. Mary Jane” and “Power” are returning in 2017.
4. Tupac’s “All Eyez On Me” biopic The life of late rap legend Tupac Shakur has fascinated the masses for decades. This explains the excitement that ensued when trailers for the rapper’s biopic, “All Eyez On Me” were released this summer. The film is set to premiere on June 16, 2017, which also happens to be the 46th birthday of the iconic music artist.
5. Moovn’s ride-share app
If you’re looking to put your money where the melanin is, look to Moovn—a Black-owned ride-shar-
The National Museum Of African American History and Culture garnered so much excitement around its September opening that tickets are already sold out through March 2017. But once April arrives, prepare for the opportunity to soak up some historical Black opulence by paying a visit to the museum.
7. The “Brown Girls” Web Series “Brown Girls” is a new web show that follows the lives of queer
Oprah Winfrey has been behind-thescenes of some pretty major cable TV series this year like “Greenleaf” and “Queen Sugar,” but next year, she’s switching it up. Winfrey is set to star in “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” a new film where she’ll be playing the daughter of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were used by doctors—without consent—to create the first line of immortal cells. A premiere date for the film has yet to be announced.
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North Houston Frontiers look to future By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
As the North Houston Frontiers Club prepares to host its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Breakfast, the organization is mindful of its past accomplishments while anticipating the future. The NHFC breakfast will be held Monday, Jan. 16, at 8 a.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center, and highlights include the awarding of scholarships to students graduating from high school. Founded in 1986, NHFC is a non-profit service organization dedicated to providing educational and charitable assistance to minority students in the greater Houston area. The organization is comprised of all volunteers with no paid staff. “Our major accomplishment has been the dollar amount of scholarships awarded,” said Donnell Cooper, who has served as NHFC president for five years. “Since our inception, we have given more than one million dollars in scholarships.” There will also be a major an-
NHFC President Donnell Cooper (left) was joined at the 2016 MLK breakfast by honorary chair Deavra Daughtry and past scholarship recipient Corrin Williams. at the breaknouncement imMLK Breakfast fast. We hope pacting the future it will be a of the organizaDate: Monday, Jan. 16 more inclusive tion. Time: 8 a.m. Location: GRB Convention Center and embrac“This past 1001 Avenida De Las Americas ing concept so September the we’re very exboard voted to cited about it.” change the name Guest speaker at the breakfast from North Houston Frontiers to will be Mayor Sylvester Turner. HonGreater Houston Frontiers,” Cooper orary co-chairs are business leader said. “We will unveil the new name
Jodie Jiles and Defender CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles. The MLK Drum Major Award will be presented to attorney Ricky Anderson. “Ricky Anderson is a native Houstonian and one of most successful African-American entertainment lawyers in the country,” Cooper said. “We are honored to recognize him.” Anderson is managing partner of Anderson & Smith law firm and a television and film producer. He represents such stars as Steve Harvey, Yolanda Adams, Mo’Nique, Mary Mary and Isaiah Washington. Cooper said NHFC is proud to recognize scholarship recipients as well. Scholarships of $1,000 or $500 are awarded to students who will be enrolled as freshmen at an accredited four-year institution or two-year community or technical institution. In 2016, 26 students received scholarships. Cooper added that by empowering young people and promoting diversity, NHFC is helping to keep Dr. King’s legacy alive. Visit www.nhfrontiers.com for more information.
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By RESHONDA TATE BILLIN
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prah Winfrey made the word it’s something most of us try mapping out plans for the n four simple words can lead to you plan for 2017, here are 10
1. Reflect.
You’ve probably heard the saying, you have to know where you’ve been to know where you’re going. Take a few moments to look back on your year. Where did you experience the most joy or satisfaction? What areas of your life could stand improvement? What life lessons did you learn and what did you discover about yourself? Your answers to these questions will provide vital insights into what you need to focus on and how you can positively transform your life in the new year.
2. Realize your full potential. Whatever task you choose to undertake, give it your all and complete it to the best of your abilities. Even if it’s not something you want to be doing you should still do the best job you can. In those situations, work on cultivating the skills you already have and learn new ones when you’re able.
3. Let things go. Leave the baggage from 2016 in 2016. We all have old resentments from the past, regrets or mistakes that we carry around with us. They weigh us down and holding onto them is not productive. Make a list of memories or events from your past that you are willing to finally let go this month. You may also like to physically declutter items your home (like excess clothing, broken furniture and old paperwork). By doing this, you will be making space for new
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ds, “Live your best life,” famous. But to do—particularly when it comes to new year. When implemented, those o a year of happiness and success. As steps to plan for your best year yet.
reams to come to you in the new year.
. Write your vision.
Write down what you would love your life to look like n key life areas, like love and relationships, career and ontribution, wealth and lifestyle, health and welleing, learning and creativity, and soul or spirituality. et your imagination run wild and map out an overall ision for your ideal life. Writing down your vision, can erve as a road map to make it a reality.
. Plan your work and work your plan.
Take your vision and choose your top goals or priories for the year ahead. What would make the biggest mpact on your life? What excites you the most? Goals ake time and energy, so you need to make sure you re committed to your top goals and know why you ant to achieve them; how will it benefit or change our life? Then take your top goals and break them own into action steps you can take each month.
. Upgrade your mindset to match your dreams.
You need to believe in your ability to kick your oals in order to achieve them. Ask yourself: “What eliefs would help me achieve my goals?” For exmple, believing that you are capable, resourceful, onfident, and of value to the world. Write a list of -10 affirmations based on your new beliefs and read hem daily. Be realistic, though.
he Houston area for over 85 years
“A happy life is not just about external goals and achievements. It’s also about making time for doing the things we love...” 7. Live an active, healthy lifestyle. Living your best life means being healthy and taking care of your body. The better you treat your body, the longer it will stay healthy and functioning well for you. This means you’ll be able to live your best life even longer because you’ll be in good health longer into your old age.
8. Schedule time to fill your cup. A happy life is not just about external goals and achievements. It’s also about making time for doing the things we love - for play, creativity, laughter, relaxation, hobbies, learning, and quality time with loved ones. Take a look at your calendar and make sure you are scheduling in time each week for fun and relaxation.
9. Check your circle We are the sum of the five people we
spend the most time with. Reflect on your circle of friends. Do they bring out your best? Are they supportive and uplifting? Make a commitment to invest your time in good company over the next 12 months, and distance yourself from people who don’t serve your highest good. Sometimes making decisions can be difficult and it will help your ability to make mindful decisions if you have someone trustworthy to talk to about these issues.
10. Know your own limitations. It is important to recognize your full potential, but you should also recognize your limitations. Sometimes being persistent at a specific task is not the right choice because your skills might be put to better use somewhere else. Think about what you’re good at and try to cater to your own skillset when you make decisions.
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opinion
Thank you, Obama By REV. JESSE JACKSON SR.
The final days of the Obama presidency are upon us. His popularity is rising with the economy, and with the increasingly stark contrasts to his successor. It is worth being clear about the legacy that he leaves behind. Obama came to office facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The global financial system teetered on collapse; the auto industry faced bankruptcy; the economy was shedding 400,000 jobs a day. He also inherited the catastrophe George Bush had created with the debacle in Iraq and government misrule dramatized by the shame of Katrina and New Orleans. Now, eight years later, the economy nears full employment, with more than 15 million jobs created and private sector jobs growth at a record 81 consecutive months and counting. Wages are beginning to rise, after long years of stagnation or worse. The auto industry has enjoyed some of its most prosperous years. This isn’t an accident. Obama helped rescue the economy by passing the largest stimulus in history, the most ambitious financial reform since the 1930s, and daring and direct intervention to save the auto industry. Economic growth helped lower the annual budget deficit to less than half the level he inherited. Obama also passed the largest health care reforms in six decades, providing health insurance for 20 million Americans. His reforms saved those with pre-existing conditions, provided the young with protection under their parents’ programs and, although most Americans don’t realize it, slowed the rise of health care costs dramatically. Running for re-election in 2012, Obama recognized that income inequality had become “the defining issue of our time.” With his progressive tax reforms both in his health care plan and in the partial repeal of the top-end Bush tax cuts, and with expanded tax credits for low-income workers and families with children, Obama made a significant beginning in addressing that inequality. Obama won a majority of the votes in both his election and re-election, something neither his predecessor nor successor achieved. He governed with grace and dignity, despite grotesque and too often racist provocations. His family provided a model for all Americans, with Michelle winning hearts across the country. He and his administration were remarkably free of scandal. His administration demonstrated once more that competence could be valued in Washington. He did all of this while facing unprecedented, unrelenting partisan
obstruction, with the Republican leader of the Senate opposing him at every turn, intent on making him a oneterm president. In part because of that opposition, much remained undone. The stimulus would have been larger and the recovery stronger except for Republican opposition. The national minimum wage would have been raised. A national infrastructure project to rebuild America would have been launched. Progress on making America the leader of the green revolution, the next global industrial revolution, would have been greater. Guantanamo, the shameful prison in Cuba, would have been closed. The Voting Rights Act would have been revived, and much more. For most Americans, the recovery was slow; for many it was invisible. Donald Trump won election promising working people a better deal. He appealed to our weariness with war, suggesting a less interventionist policy. He played upon divisions, rousing fears about immigrants and Muslims. He pledged to “make America great again,” in part by undoing everything Obama. So it is worth marking what Trump will inherit, as we head into what is already a rocky and tempestuous presidency. Unemployment under five percent. Eightyone months of jobs growth and counting. Average wages rising at 2.4 percent over the last year. Growth at 3.5 percent over the last PETAR PISMESTROVIC, full quarter. Inflation at 2 percent. 20 million KLEINE ZEITUNG, more Americans with health insurance. America AUSTRIA one of the global leaders in the green industrial revolution. A president respected at home and abroad, known for his thoughtfulness and his great eloquence. Let us hope that Trump can build on that legacy, and not lead us into a far deeper hole. You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this newspaper or by email at jjackson@rainbowpush.org. Follow him on Twitter @RevJJackson.
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HISD EDUCATOR
Arthur M. Gaines Jr. dead at 91 Defender News Service
Arthur M. Gaines, Jr., a longtime educator, school administrator and Houston Independent School District trustee, has died after a long bout with cancer, according to his family. Gaines, who worked as a Board of Education District IV Trustee, was sometimes called the "Dean of HISD" because of the 60 years he spent serving the students of Texas' largest school district. District officials said they were mourning the loss of a "pioneering servant and leader." Gaines was elected to the HISD Board of Education in 1991, served as board president in 1995, and reArthur M. Gaines, Jr. tired in 2007 at the age of 81. A lifelong educator, Gaines joined HISD in 1948 as a classroom teacher. He was among the district’s first wave of high-ranking African-American administrators, and he held several top-level positions in central administration. “Mr. Gaines was a pillar of the HISD community and a selfless public servant,” said HISD Board President Manuel Rodriguez, who served on the board with Gaines. “He was a true gentleman, a wise friend, and generous mentor to me and many others who served on the board over the years. HISD is a great school district because of the foundation put in place by people like Mr. Gaines.” Current District IV Trustee Jolanda Jones said Gaines was an effective advocate for all children, and particularly those in his community, which includes the Third Ward and Sunnyside areas on Houston’s south side. “Mr. Gaines is a legend in our community, and I am proud to serve the neighborhoods he once represented,” Jones said. Among his accomplishments were a magnet program at one high school and special program for students with disabilities at another. In addition to his work as an educator, Gaines helped break color barriers outside the classroom. In a 2007 Houston Chronicle interview, Gaines recalled the time he and his wife Jean sat down at a restaurant that had never before served customers who weren't white. Gaines graduated from Wheatley High School and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Texas Southern University, where he was later an adjunct professor.
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Black Heritage annual gala promotes rodeo By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest such event in the world, and its Black Heritage Committee works to spread the word while spotlighting the influence of Blacks on western culture. This year, the committee will hold its annual Western Gala on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center. An estimated 1,500 guests will attend. Six community newspapers are among the honorees, including the Defender. Black Heritage Committee members are also gearing up for the 2017 rodeo, which runs from March 7-26 at NRG Park. They will be out in full force on Black Heritage Day on March 10 and the guest performer will be announced on Jan. 9. Curtis Clerkley, the committee’s officer in charge, and Dr. Terence Fontaine, the chairman, are pleased with the community’s interest. The committee’s 175 membership slots are filled, and there’s a waiting list of applicants. The committee was organized in 1993 and was originally named the Black Go Texan Terence Fontaine Committee. Howard Middleton was the founder and first chairman and serves on the board as a lifetime director. Clerkley said one of the priorities is to encourage more Black students to apply for scholarships. This year, the rodeo will award 238 four-year, $20,000 scholarships to students graduating from public school districts in Harris, Fort Bend and six other counties. (The deadline to apply online is Feb. 6). “Every year we have increased the number of scholarship opportunities for kids because the committee has gone out to schools and churches and spread the word about it,” he said. Curtis Clerkley Fontaine said exposing the Black community to its western heritage is another priority, and representatives from the Buffalo Soldiers and Taylor-Stevenson Ranch have been featured on Black Heritage Day. The committee named an award after Verna Lee Booker (Boots) Hightower, the first Black woman to compete in barrel racing at the rodeo. “We should never lose sight of contributions African-Americans have made to western culture,” Fontaine said. “Our youth might not read about our accomplishments in history books in school but that does not negate the fact that you should learn about them.” Clerkley said in addition, it’s important for Black community members to be involved in all aspects of the rodeo. “Every day is Black Heritage Day,” he said. “Every day is Go Tejano Day. The more we participate in the rodeo the more opportunities we will have.” Visit www.rodeohouston.com for more information.
Un ndersta anding the H HIV Carre Syste em FREE classes to help h you get the most HIV services in the Houstton area! from H Join u us for Registra ation and Break kfast at 9:30 a.m. After break kfast we want tto hear frrom you -- tell us u about your experience e witth HIV services s and how we c can impro ove your medic cal care. Find out what to do o when you hav ve a problem o or co omplaint and le earn how you can c be involved d in planning HIV H services. We W will wrap up p with a networrking lunch.
Saturday, January 14 4, 2017 LOCATI TION:
Montro ose Center 401 Bra anard Street Houston, TX 77006
FOR R MORE INFORM MATION CONTA ACT:
Ryan White Planning Cou uncil Office of Supp port 713 572-33724
Please RSVP!
ASL interpreters will be b in available; ple ease call for more e information: 713 3 572-2813 (TTY). T:4.79” Intérpretes Español estarán presentes; por favor llame para más infformación.
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For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and veterans. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2017 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.
T:3.25”
May the new year bring you blessings and prosperity!
Howard Middleton and Donald Middleton are former chairs of the rodeo’s Black Heritage Committee, which will hold its annual Western Gala on Saturday, Jan. 14.
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NFL PLAYOFFS BEGIN By MAX EDISON Defender
A
fter 17 weeks it’s come down to this. Twelve teams, six from each conference begin the final trek as the NFL playoffs begin this weekend. The Wild Card round will feature eight teams that all hope to further validate their season and keep them on a path that ultimately will lead them to Houston for Super Bowl LI. Locally, the Texans host the Oakland Raiders to kick off the playoff weekend. This game will be a rematch of the week 11 contest played in Mexico City when the Raiders bested the Titans 27-20. Based on recent events, that game seems like it occurred years ago. The Raiders (12-4) lost their league MVP candidate QB Derek Carr, who broke his leg against the Colts 2 weeks ago. As a result the Raiders enter the playoff as a wild card team instead of a division winner and wind up on the road in Houston. If that wasn’t enough, Carr’s backup Matt McGloin was dinged in the regular season finale against Denver and his availability for the playoff game is questionable. If McGloin is unavailable they could be forced to go with rookie Connor Cook for the team’s first playoff appearance since 2002. Raider head coach Jack Del Rio
explains his quarterback dilemma. “We’ll see how healthy McGloin is and make the decision from there,” Del Rio said. “Obviously he has more experience in our system, a little bit longer, but I thought Connor did a nice job, with the opportunities that he had.” Regardless to who the Raiders start at quarterback, Del Rio says his team will be ready to play. “Nothing is easy about this league, it’s always tough. We’ll be ready to roll,” Del Rio continued. “We have a good group of men. We’ll shift into playoff mode. That’s what we talked about, you get what you earn. We wanted to win the division but we didn’t earn that. We earned the playoffs. We won 12 games this year and we earned a spot in the playoffs. We’re looking forward to it.” The Texans also have made changes at the quarterback position, based on production, but injury has forced the team to backtrack. Tom Savage was elevated to the role of starter during week 15 of the season against Jacksonville. Savage pulled out wins over the Jaguars and Bengals, but suffered a concussion in the regular season finale against Tennessee. Brock Osweilder stepped in and moved the team well, going 21-of-40 for 253 yards and a touchdown. The Texans would go on to lose 24-17.
(Top) Lamar Miller, left, hopes to revive a stagnant Texan offense. (Above) Texan fans hope some time on the bench has helped Brock Osweilder.
While the team waits to see if Savage clears the league’s concussion protocol, O’Brien has made the decision to return to Osweilder. “I thought Brock did some really good things on Sunday with his teammates,” O’Brien said. Another plus for the Texans beleaguered offense will be the return of starting running back Lamar Miller. In 14 starts, Miller has led the team with 1,073 yards rushing on a
career best 268 carries and scored five touchdowns. “It’ll be good to have him back. He’s been a very productive player for us this year. So we’re looking forward to getting him back.” In other Wild Card weekend activity, the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) hosts the Miami Dolphins (10-6), the Detroit Lions (9-7) travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks (10-5) and Green Bay (10-6) hosts the New York Giants (11-5).
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JANUARY 5 | 2017 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs Harden, Player of the Month Houston Rockets guard James Harden has been named Western Conference Player of the Month for December. It marks the fourth time Harden has received the honor, all coming as a Rocket. For the month, Harden averaged 28.3 points, 12.0 assists, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.53 steals while helping the Rockets to a 15-2 mark. The 15 wins tied the franchise record for the most in a single month (November of 1996). Harden ranks fourth in the league in scoring this season with 28.4 points per game and is averaging a league-high 11.9 assists, along with 8.2 rebounds. Oscar Robertson (3 times) is the only player in NBA history to have averaged at least 28.0 points, 11.0 assists, and 8.0 rebounds in a single season.
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GREAT SEASON
Woodlands falls short
Griffin leaves TSU
Texas Southern All-Everything basketball star Derrick Griffin recently announced he was withdrawing from school to prepare for the upcoming NFL draft. The 6-foot-7 Houstonian won last season’s SWAC Player of the Year honor after becoming the first player on record to average a doubledouble through the season and was also a second-team All-SWAC selection at wide receiver after a freshman season where he led the conference in touchdown receptions (11). He played in only two games this past season for the football team, grabbing seven passes for 115 yards and a score. He was kicked off the squad by head coach Mike Haywood for disciplinary reasons. Griffin was also averaging a double-double for the Tigers this season at 11.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. His 5.8 offensive rebounds per game is the best in the nation.
WOS repeats as state champions Although West Orange-Stark High School hails from the Golden Triangle area (Beaumont, Orange, Port Arthur), the Mustangs are a prominent member of Region III and have a rich history with schools from the greater Houston area. The 1985 Class 5A state champion Yates Lions (first school to finish 16-0 in large-school classification) had an epic playoff battle with WOS before advancing with a 19-6 victory. The following year WOS dropped down to Class 4A and won back-to-back state championships in 1986 over McKinney (21-9) and again in 1987 over Rockwall (17-7). The Mustangs also made state title game appearances in 1988, 2000 and 2014. With a 24-6 victory over Sweetwater in the 2016 Class 4A Division II state championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, West Orange-Stark is once again a repeat state champion. WOS defeated Celina 22-3 in the 2015 Class 4A Division II title game at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
DefenderNetwork.com Find out who emerged as Texas high school state champs.
The Woodlands players during playing of school song at the 2016 state championships. By DARRELL K. ARDISON | Defender
It was a unique perspective provided by a coach who had experienced a gamut of emotions over the course of a six-game playoff ride that ended in the Class 6A Division I state championship game. The Woodlands earned the praise and support of nearly the entire high school football community in Texas while winning its first 15 games of the 2016 season, upsetting No. 1-ranked Allen 3628 in the state semifinals and overcoming the loss of injured linebacker Grant Milton in the regional semifinals. Yet, when time expired following a 41-13 loss to Lake Travis at AT&T Stadium, there was no doubting the reality of the moment. “There was really no loser today, but when you do lose you walk off the field feeling a little bit different than they (Lake Travis) feel,” said The Woodlands head coach Mark Schmid. “Lake Travis is a very good football team. They played better than we did today and they deserved to win. “These kids (The Woodlands) did a great job all year long,” said Schmid, who played on the school’s first varsity team and whose son Eric was the quarterback of this year’s team. “They built momentum each and every week and dealt with a huge amount of adversity. “Grant wasn’t here tonight but he was always in our hearts and in our minds,” Schmid said. “We wanted nothing more than to give him a victory tonight but we weren’t able to do that.” Grant Milton remains hospitalized at a medical facility in The Woodlands following 17 days in a Waco hospital after emergency brain surgery. The 15-1 Highlanders ran up against a Lake Travis team that came out of the gate running on
all cylinders and scoring touchdowns on four of its first five offensive possessions of the game to take a 27-0 lead with nine minutes, 16 seconds left in the second quarter. “Their defense was all over the place and they’re a great football team that made a lot of plays,” said Eric Schmid, who completed 17-of-27 passes for 140 yards with two touchdown passes and two interceptions. “We didn’t execute the way we needed to and they punched us in the mouth from the start and we never recovered. “We could have played a lot better but we weren’t ready,” Eric Schmid said. “They were able to do their thing.” Lake Travis senior quarterback Charlie Brewer was named the game’s offensive MVP after amassing 434 total yards (361 passing, 73 rushing) and throwing four touchdown passes with one interception. Following a 20-point opening quarter Lake Travis (15-1) tacked on an additional touchdown in each of the following three quarters. Dylan Casey hauled in a 30-yard TD reception from Eric Schmid in the second quarter (1:42 mark) while Connor Patrick concluded the game’s scoring with a nine-yard TD pass from Schmid with six seconds remaining in the fourth stanza for the Highlanders. Senior linebacker Aidan Estrada of Lake Travis was named the game’s defensive MVP with seven tackles and an interception. The Woodlands was making its second appearance in a state title game and first since 2003. “We have an incredible football team,” Mark Schmid said. “With what we accomplished over 16 weeks, this team will go down among the best in Highlanders’ history.”
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Happening in Houston
For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
DISTURBING THE PEACE YOUTH SLAM AND ARTIST SHOWCASE…. and the “Ethiopian Community Organization of Houston,” all 501(c)3 Acting UP Studios hosted its 4th Disturbing the Peace Youth Slam entities. In attendance were State Rep. Jarvis Johnson, Wea H. Lee, and Artist Showcase at the Lifelong Learning Center. DTP is a city-wide Tiffany Burks, Kathryn Griffin-Grinan, Kijana Wiseman, Joseph competition and showcase featuring some of the finest voices in youth Douglas, Cecile Mengue, Shavonda Harris, James Harris, Sheila poetry. The showcase sets the stage for young talent to not only discover Y. Coleman, David Guillory, Dr. Denise Adjei and many more…….. and develop their skill in performance, but to harness their thoughts and WINTER RED UNITY BALL…….. II Nxtlevel Inc., a 501(c)3 Organization ideas and give soulful weight to their Spoken & Stafford MSD Booster Club hosted its Winter Word. The event was hosted by Acting UP Red Unity Ball at the Power Center. NxT Level studios founder Joe Palmore. Performers is a 501(c)3 organization affiliated with Stafford More photos on defendernetwork.com MSD. The organization’s mission is to increase included Aireanna Page-Wilson, Lauryn Ford, Alicia Selveva, Aleandria Worshum, college bound awareness and social enrichment Adam Mac, Ashlyn Stewart, Don Val and opportunities to at-risk students. The Winter Red David Akinware. The high school artists competed for first, second and Unity Ball allowed students to socialize with a diverse group of their peers third place titles. Winners received YMCA memberships and gift cards…….. from various area schools in an upscale, safe environment. At the gala, CELEBRITY GALA……..Robert Townsend and Leon Robinson hosted students were treated to a two-step dance showcase consisting of student the Celebrity Gala Fundraiser at Silver Street Studios. Celebrity question dance groups from Kempner HS, Dulles HS, Stafford HS and Marshall and answer sessions engaged guests. There was also a silent auction and HS. In attendance were Kenneth Boduin, Trinity Hawkins, Jolecia a cultural art exhibition. The gala served as a fundraiser to benefit the Williams, Kae’lob Campbell, Kyle Tinister, Kayla Maree, Laceria non-profit projects of “Go Blue For Water,” “Casa de Angola of Houston Gaines, Kaila McZeal and many more.
Defender TOP EVENTS
Joe Palmore and his family
Tiffany Burks, Jeremiah Houston
Darnetta Nelson, Delicia Arriola
James Harris, State Rep.Jarvis Johnson
Kenneth Boduin, Trinity Hawkins, Jolecia Williams, Kae’lob Campbell
Kayla Maree, Kyle Tinister
David Akinware, Alicia Selveva
Kathryn Griffin-Grinan, Kijana Wiseman
Laceria Gaines, Kaila McZeal
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