Houston Defender: January 14, 2016

BELLAIRE’S MAXWELL EVANS ACCEPTS LEADERSHIP ROLE IN BASKETBALL, P11

SPORTS

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Volume 85 | Number 10

JANUARY 14, 2016 |FREE

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NATIONAL

Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Holiday Edition

PRESIDENT OBAMA gives State of Union

Fight for justice continues

P3 ENTERTAINMENT JASON DERULO performing at rodeo

P6 SPORTS DEREK NEWTON reflects on Texans season

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Carroll Oliver remembered

Courtney Rose takes charge

McDonald’s restaurant owner Carroll Oliver, who was killed in an attempted robbery, is remembered by customers, employees and concerned citizens.

Learn why police suspect the crime was an inside job. See the numbers to call with information.

Local realtor Courtney Johnson Rose is new chair of the Greater Houston Black Chamber, the second oldest Black chamber in the nation. See why Rose is excited about her role with the organization. Read what Rose’s predecessor has to say about her.

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P10 TOP EVENTS

New TSU football coach Mike Haywood and Julia Askew at meet and greet

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 14 | 2016

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newstalk

McDonald’s owner murdered Dozens of Houstonians gathered at an East Houston McDonald’s parking lot for a candlelight vigil in honor of Carroll Oliver, who was shot to death on Jan. 11 in an attempted robbery.

Mourners at the vigil included Oliver’s customers, employees and concerned citizens.

Oliver, the owner of three Houston McDonald’s, was gunned down at his restaurant in the 5300 block of the East Freeway during his morning run to the bank. According to the Houston Police Department, the robbery could have been an inside job. An assailant

was waiting for Oliver and appeared to know his routine.

The assailant tried to take money from Oliver, but Oliver pulled his weapon and was shot. Witnesses reported seeing at least two suspects.

One was described as a Black male about 6-feet tall and weighing 200 to 225 pounds. The suspects sped away in a white SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Tahoe.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact HPD at 713308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713222-TIPS.

Carroll Oliver

UH students serve as Mickey Leland fellows Taylor Hicks, a senior psychology major, Public service is the common mission of 10 will work in the office of Congressman Al University of Houston students bound for WashingGreen. ton, D.C. as members of the Hobby Center for Public William Janowski, a senior political sciPolicy (HCPP) 2016 Leland Fellows program. ence major and Army veteran, will work in the They will spend the spring semester working the office of Congressman Gene Green. offices of Texas congressional members, gaining firsthand knowledge of the legislative process.

Ana Montanez, a senior political science “It means the world to me to further the legacy major, will work in the office of Congressman of Mickey Leland,” said Mariah Grayson, a junior Henry Cuellar. political science major.

Madelyn Wilson, a junior political science “Congressman Leland was not only a great and public relations major, will work in the ofhumanitarian, he was such an influential man that fice of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. people to this day still recognize what he has done for To be considered for the program, apthe community. I am proud to be a Leland Fellow.” plicants must show achievement in academics, Ten University of Houston students were selected for the Hobby Center for Public Policy 2016 writing ability, communication skills and comShe will work in the office of Congressman Mark Leland Fellows program.

Veasey. munity service.

The 2016 Leland Fellows also include: The Leland Fellows program provides a the office of Congressman Brian Babin.

Auruba Al-Zibdeh, a junior political science major who monthly stipend, paid housing and round-trip airfare to the naJon Garcia, a senior political science major, will work in will work in the office of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice tion’s capital, where students will work 40 hours a week in their the office of Congressman Ruben Hinojosa.

Johnson. lawmakers’ offices. They will also complete academic assignDaniel Gribble, a senior political science major, will work Mary Davis, a senior political science major, will work in ments for upper level credit in political science. in the office of Congressman Ted Poe.

localbriefs STATE REP. SENFRONIA THOMPSON joined Children at Risk at a press conference in observance of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Thompson highlighted one of the key pieces of legislation she passed in the most recent session, House Bill 2511. The legislation promotes the creation of a human trafficking prevention business partnership. “I firmly believe that the business community can play an important and key role in the fight against human trafficking,” Thompson said. “The International Labor Organization estimates that over 14 million individuals worldwide are victims of labor trafficking. The United States Department of Labor identified 136 goods pro-

duced globally through child labor and forced labor.

Slave labor taints the supply chains of goods produced and consumed in Texas. Businesses should be proactive in ensuring that labor trafficking, either domestically or abroad, never touches the supply chain of their products,” she said……..THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY has identified seven campuses across the state to take part in a best practices case studies project, including KIPP Shine in Houston. Each campus was designated by TEA as a High Performing and High Progress Title I Reward School. All have proven successful in classroom efforts on campuses with a high percentage of students from economically disadvan-

taged families and high mobility rates. Field researchers will conduct interviews to learn more about the schools’ improvement practices and successes. The final case studies will be available to all Texas school via the TEA website as well as distributed in Texas school improvement trainings……..THE BLUE TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER is getting a facelift on the MLK Holiday. The 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four Local Organizing Committee will collaborate with the organization Mission Continue to organize 300 volunteers to beautify the center. In addition, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation will donate 500 children’s books to the center.

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JANUARY 14 | 2016 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs THE BLACK CONSERVATIVE GROUP Project 21 criticized President Obama’s State of the Union address. “Tonight, the president ignored the persecution of Christians in the Arab world while castigating us all for perceived injustices to Muslims,” said Project 21 member Stacy Washington, a conservative talk show host.

“He further demonized millions of Americans who don’t believe in man-made anthropological climate change. And he pandered to a tiny partisan crowd by promising more free programs on the backs of taxpayers. It’s hardly a speech to be proud of,” Washington said…….. THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS brought its urban agenda to Des Moines, Iowa for a Brown & Black Presidential Forum. The group, under the leadership of Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, stressed to presidential candidates how important metropolitan issues are to the country. The presidential forum is the only event in which all candidates have the opportunity to answer essential concerns of African-Americans and Latinos. It began in 1984 and has figured prominently in the Iowa caucuses. The mayors’ concerns included access to healthcare, job creation, affordable housing, immigration, crime and illegal guns, failing public schools and climate protection………RON KIRK, the former U.S. trade representative, campaigned for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in South Carolina. Kirk delivered remarks to a Democratic club and chamber of commerce. Kirk served with Clinton in President Obama’s cabinet. The Austin native was the first African-American to serve as the Texas secretary of state and mayor of Dallas……..WELLS FARGO announced the donation of $1 million and historical artifacts from its corporate collection to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The artifacts, a collection of two mining stock certificates and one piece of letterhead featuring the work of African-American artist Grafton Tyler Brown, will be displayed in the NMAAHC’s inaugural exhibition scheduled to open in September.

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 11 JANUARY 14, 2016

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing writers Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon

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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Obama delivers last State of the Union

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n his final State of the Union address, President Obama said he wanted to focus on the future while confronting America’s fears.

“For my final address to this chamber, I don’t want to talk just about the next year,” he said. “I want to focus on the next five years, 10 years, and beyond.”

Obama said there were four big questions the country has to answer, regardless of who the next President is or who controls the next Congress.

“First, how do we give everyone a fair shot at opportunity and security in this new economy? Second, how do we make technology work for us, and not against us – especially when it comes to solving urgent challenges like climate change?

“Third, how do we keep America safe and lead the world without becoming its policeman? And finally, how can we make our politics reflect what’s best in us, and not what’s worst?” he asked.

Obama also said protecting the American people and going after terrorist networks is a top priority.

“Both al Qaeda and now ISIL pose a direct threat to our people, because in today’s world, even a handful of terrorists who place no value on human life, including their own, can do a lot of damage,” he said.

“But as we focus on destroying ISIL, over-the-top claims that this is World War III just play into their hands.

Obama said the U.S. doesn’t need to build terrorist groups up or push away vital allies in the fight against them.

“We just need to call them what they are – killers and fanatics who have to be rooted out, hunted down, and destroyed,” he said.

He added that if “Congress is serious about winning this war, and wants to send a message to our troops and the world, you should finally authorize the use of military force against ISIL. Take a vote.

“But the American people should know that with or without Congressional action, ISIL will learn the same lessons as terrorists before them. If you doubt America’s commitment – or mine – to see that justice is done, ask Osama bin Laden….”

In addition, Obama criticized suggestions that Muslims be banned from entering the U.S. “We need to reject any politics that targets people because of race or religion,” he said. “This isn’t a matter of political correctness. It’s a matter of understanding what makes us strong. The world respects us not just for our arsenal; it respects us for our diversity and our openness and the way we respect every faith…”

“When politicians insult Muslims, when a mosque is vandalized, or a kid bullied, that doesn’t make us safer. That’s not

telling it like it is. It’s just wrong. It diminishes us in the eyes of the world. It makes it harder to achieve our goals. And it betrays who we are as a country.”

Obama listed numerous steps that should be taken to improve America, including his priorities: • Provide pre-K for all, offer every student hands-on computer science and math classes, and recruit and support more great teachers.

• Make college affordable for every American and provide two years of community college at no cost for every responsible student.

• Strengthen Social Security and Medicare.

• Expand tax cuts for low-income workers without children.

• Launch a new national effort to cure cancer.

• Invest in clean energy and change the way America manages its oil and coal resources.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 14 | 2016

Ensemble Theatre presents ‘Fences’ The Ensemble Theatre, located at 3535 Main St., is kicking off the new year with “Fences” by August Wilson.

The acclaimed play won a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award.

Previews are Saturday, Jan. 23, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m.; and Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. The show runs Jan. 28-Feb. 28.

“Fences” tells the story of Troy Maxson, a trash collector and former baseball player who is struggling to provide for his family and has been hardened by life in America.

Cast members include Alex Morris, Kendrick “KayB” Brown, Jannah Bryant, Jason Carmichael, Nia Johnson, Gabriel Monroe, Detria Ward and James West.

The Ensemble is also celebrating Wilson’s 70th birthday and commemorating the 10th anniversary of his death with staged readings of 10 plays. “The Piano Lesson” is the next reading on Jan. 25.

For information visit www.EnsembleHouston.com or call 713-5200055.

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Museum hosts exhibit programs The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC), 4807 Caroline, announces the final month of two exhibits closing on Jan. 30 – “The Abolitionists: Different Eyes Seeing the Same Reality” and “As Small As A Giant/Black Lives Matter.”

Two closing programs will be held in conjunction with the exhibits. Kheli Willetts, a Syracuse University professor and executive director of the Community Folk Life Center, will discuss “Black Lives Matter” on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. at HMAAC. A discussion on “The Abolitionists” will be held Friday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m., at the Jung Center, 5200 Montrose. Speakers will be Rice University professor James Sidbury and Sam Houston State University Professor Brian Jordan.

For more information visit hmaac.org or call 713-526-1015.

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entertainment

Rodeo features music’s hottest stars The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo recently announced its star-studded entertainment line-up for 2016, with performances running from March 1-20. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Jan. 16.

“The variety in this year’s entertainer lineup makes it one of the most exciting in RodeoHouston history,” said Joel Cowley, president and CEO of the Livestock Show and Rodeo.

“These stars, as a group, have won everything from Teen Choice and Latin Grammy Awards to all of the country music honors. And with our family-friendly ticket pricing, our fans can enjoy the full spectrum of entertainment at our legendary event.”

Singer, songwriter, and dancer Jason Derulo will be the featured performer during Black Heritage Day on Friday, March 4. Derulo began his career writing songs for such artists as Lil Wayne, Diddy and Pitbull. Since becoming an R&B solo artist, he has sold more 50 million singles, racked up 2 billion views on YouTube, and boasts more than 20 million social media fans and followers.

Derulo has recorded 11 platinum singles, including “Want to Want Me,” “Whatcha Say,” “In My Head,” “It Girl,” “The Other Side” and “Talk Dirty.”

Country music star Darius Rucker will perform on Friday, March 11. Rucker first gained fame in 1994 with the rock band Hootie & The Blowfish. The group’s album “Cracked Rear View” skyrocketed to No. 1, won two Grammy Awards, and produced such hits as “Hold My Hand,” “Time” and “I Only Want to Be With You.” Rucker later branched out into country music with the album “Learn to Live.” His first single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” jumped to the top 20 on Billboard’s charts in 2008. Rucker became the first African-American singer to reach the top of the country charts since Charley Pride in 1988.

For ticket information visit rodeohouston. com. In addition to Derulo and Rucker, other stars scheduled to perform are: March 3 – Jason Aldean March 5 – Cole Swindell March 6 – Shawn Mendes March 7 – Miranda Lambert March 8 – Pitbull March 9 – Brett Eldredge March 10 – Luke Bryan March 12 – Billy Currington March 13 – Los Huracanes Del Norte, Banda Los Recoditos March 14 – Kenny Chesney March 15 – Kid Rock March 16 – Jake Owen March 17 – Florida Georgia Line March 18 – Little Big Town March 19 – Brad Paisley March 20 – Keith Urban

Darius Rucke

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Jason Derulo will perform on Friday, March 4.

m on Friday , March 11.

what’sup TARAJI P. HENSON won a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Drama. Henson, who won for her role as Cookie Lyon on “Empire,” passed out cookies as she headed to accept the award. “Cookies for everyone tonight. My treat,” Henson said on stage. “Hollywood Foreign Press, thank you.

I mean, who knew that playing an ex-convict would take me all around the globe?” Her competitors in the category included VIOLA DAVIS of “How to Get Away With Murder.”

DENZEL WASHINGTON was presented with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award……..The 24th Annual Trumpet Awards

will be held Saturday, Jan. 23 in Atlanta, and will honor individuals in entertainment, humanitarian efforts, politics and philanthropy. NIA LONG and MIKE EPPS will host the awards show.

Honorees will include NE-YO, who will receive the Visionary Award, and comedian GEORGE WALLACE, who will receive the Legend Award………NICHOLAS CALDWELL, cofounder and singer with the R&B group THE WHISPERS, died Jan. 5 of congestive heart failure. He was 71. The group was formed in the San Francisco area in 1963. Their first top 10 hit was “Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong” in 1970. They earned their first platinum album

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in 1980, which included the disco hit, “And the Beat Goes On.” Their last hit was the 1987 single “Rock Steady,” a collaboration with KENNETH “BABYFACE” EDMONDS……..

SAMUEL L. JACKSON has been dethroned as the actor whose films have grossed the most money in box office history. Thanks to his role as Han Solo in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” HARRISON FORD is now the top-grossing actor with $4.71 billion. Jackson has fallen to second place with $4.63 billion. Rounding out the top five are TOM HANKS with $4.33 billion, MORGAN FREEMAN with $4.32 billion and EDDIE MURPHY with $3.81 billion.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 14 | 2016 defendernetwork.com

Rose becomes Houston Black chamber chair Realtor Courtney siderable progress under Johnson Rose is the Harris’ leadership. new chair of the Greater “She has left our Houston Black Chamber, house in good order, and and will be sworn in with I am excited by the opother board officers and portunity to further the directors on Jan. 19 at the chamber’s mission and Federal Reserve Bank. take us to even greater “We are so very forheights,” she said. tunate to have Courtney Rose, a lifetime member of the GHBC, Johnson Rose in her new has served as a board position of leadership member for six years. and I am honored to turn She is principal broker over the chamber’s ‘reins’ Courtney Johnson Rose of George E. Johnson to my friend and fellow Properties and was selected by the entrepreneur,” said outgoing chair Vernita Harris.

National Association of Realtors Rose said the chamber made conand Realtor Magazine as one of “30

10 traits successful business people share Becoming an entrepreneur requires determination and hard work. You must set goals, take action, assess your progress, make adjustments and have a clear financial map drawn out.

There are common traits that are shared among many successful business people. Here are the 10 traits from the SBA: 1. Passionate – Successful entrepreneurs are passionate about their idea and the opportunity to solve a problem and make a difference.

2. Courageous – Being fearless is a trait shared among many successful entrepreneurs.

The good news is everyone has the capacity for being courageous.

3. Trustworthy – Whether they are pitching an idea to potential investors or convincing a banker to issue a business loan, successful entrepreneurs exemplify trustworthiness.

4. Tenacious – Successful entrepreneurs are persistent and have that never-give-up attitude. They push through times of uncertainty and tackle obstacles for years on end.

5. Accountable – Successful business owners know that the buck stops with them.

Taking responsibility and being accountable for decisions is crucial.

6. Flexible – Be willing and prepared to wear many hats. You should be able to adapt, improvise and overcome any challenges.

7. Confident – Entrepreneurs face doubt and fears throughout their business journey.

Those who have confidence when the going gets tough and stick with it reach the highest level of success.

8. Self-disciplined – Successful business people stay on task and avoid distractions. They work hard and strive to take their business to the next level.

9. Decisive – Successful entrepreneurs gather as much information as possible and then make a move. They are decision-makers and get things moving in a timely and efficient manner.

10. Forward thinking – The most successful entrepreneurs started with a great idea and had the mindset and vision to see it through. They are thinkers, innovators and doers.

under 30.”

She was awarded Realtist of the Year and Salesperson of the Year by the Houston Black Real Estate Association, and received the President’s Award from the NAACP Fort Bend Chapter. Rose is an active member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, serving on the national board and as board chair for the local chapter.

Rose serves as commissioner for the Planning and Zoning Commission in Missouri City. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from the University of Texas and a master’s in Community Development from Prairie View A&M University, and is an adjunct professor at PVAMU. She and her husband Teeba have two children.

Welcome to your brighter future.

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We have special programs for first time home buyers, low to moderate income home buyers, and home buyers in low to moderate income census tracts. These programs put home ownership within reach with lower down payment requirements and reduced fees.

Of course, we ofer more than just mortgages. We also provide financial tools and educational opportunities to help clients gain – and maintain – control of their financial journey.

That’s how we’re banking on a brighter future.

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Rev. 1/2016 / #3315.1

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Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Holiday Edition

Black church upholds

King’s legacy Houston hosts national conference

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By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

hroughout the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for justice and equality from the pulpit. Today, the Black church and its leaders continue to fight for equal rights while making a difference in their communities through countless programs and ministries.

In keeping with the tradition of activism, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC) works to mobilize African-American faith, civic, corporate and philanthropic leaders to address critical issues. SDPC will hold its 2016 Clergy & Lay Leadership Conference from Feb. 1518 at the Omni Houston Hotel. The theme is “Look Around: The Cries Will Be Heard.”

Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff, pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church and a SDPC board trustee, said 700 clergy and lay people are expected to attend.

“This is the first time Houston has hosted our national conference,” Ratliff said it’s important that Ratliff said. “It will be an opportuchurches tackle social issues. nity for pressing social issues to be “There are many churches that addressed. We try to bring the best avoid the political participation of minds together.” their congregations, whether it’s adSome 30 ministers and lay dressing the criminal justice system people have been invited to speak Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff or holding our elected officials acat the conference, including veteran countable,” Ratliff said. “We need to sound the trumpet civil rights leader Dr. Joseph Lowery and Dr. William to bring awareness of these issues.”

Barber, president of the North Carolina NAACP. Ratliff also stressed the importance of upholding Ministry session topics include the 2016 elections, King’s legacy and shared a bond with the late civil the cradle-to-prison pipeline, reconnecting global comrights leader. Ratliff is a graduate of Morehouse Colmunities, and faith, finances and the future.

lege, King’s alma mater, chairman of the board of trustees of the Morehouse School of Religion, and a board member of the MLK Memorial Project Foundation.

“Dr. King’s simple message of nonviolence is relevant today, juxtaposed against the violence that plagues our communities,” Ratliff said.

For more information on the conference, visit www.sdpconference.info.

About the SDPC

• Founded in 2003 by noted theologians Dr. Iva E. Carruthers, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III and Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. • Adopted an organizational vision that “there is no separation between the anointing of the Spirit of the Lord and the social justice aspects which that same spirit calls us to carry out day-by-day in the communities in which we live and serve.”

• Named for the late Rev. Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor, who was pastor emeritus of the Abyssinian Baptist Church of New York City, professor emeritus at Rutgers University, and president of Virginia Union University and North Carolina A&T State University • Co-chaired by Haynes, pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, and Tyra Mariani, managing partner of Opportunity@Work in Washington, D.C. and former official with the U.S. Department of Education.

King was destined to be a preacher Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the son, grandson and great-grandson of Baptist ministers.

According to the King Center, his maternal grandfather, Rev. Adam Daniel Williams, was pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Auburn, Ga. His father, Rev. Martin Luther King Sr., became pastor of Ebenezer when Rev. Williams died in 1931.

When MLK Jr. entered Morehouse College in 1944, he did not plan to become a minister. He majored in sociology and had an interest in law and medicine.

Morehouse President Dr. Benjamin E. Mays influenced King’s spiritual development, and encouraged him to view Christianity as a force for progressive social change. King was ordained his final year at Morehouse and named assistant pastor of his father’s church.

King went on to graduate from Crozer Theological Seminary in Upland, Penn., and later enrolled in Boston University as a philosophy student.

After graduation, he received offers of employ-

ment from two Northern churches and two Southern churches. He leaned toward Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala. In 1954, King preached a trial sermon at Dexter.

His sermon was titled “The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life,” and focused on the love of God, self and neighbors.

After accepting the call to pastor at Dexter, King became president of the Montgomery Improvement Association, and led his congregation and the comContinued on Page 2B

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2B DEFENDER | JANUARY 14 | 2016

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Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Holiday Edition

History of the

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday • 1968 – On April 8, four • 1984 – Reagan signs days after Dr. Martin Luther legislation providing for King Jr., is assassinated, Conthe Martin Luther King Jr. gressman John Conyers introFederal Holiday Commisduces first legislation providsion, to last for a term of ing for a federal holiday. five years, with an op• 1969 – On Jan. 15, the tion to renew for another King Center sponsors the first five years. At the first annual observance of King’s meeting of the commisbirthday with an ecumenision, Coretta Scott King cal service and other events is unanimously elected and calls for nation-wide chairperson commemorations of King’s • 1986 – On Jan. 20, birthday. the first national King • 1973 – The first state Holiday observed. By this King Holiday bill (sponsored time 17 states had official by then Assemblyman Harold King holidays.

Washington) signed into law • 1989 – As a result in Illinois. of leadership of the King • 1974 – Massachusetts Holiday Commission, the and Connecticut enact statenumber of states which wide King holidays. enacted a MLK holiday • 1978 – National Council grows to 44. of Churches calls on Congress • 1992 – After a to pass King Holiday. coalition of citizens for • 1979 – Coretta Scott an Arizona King HoliKing testifies before the Senday launches successate Judiciary Committee and ful protest and boycott joint hearings of Congress in campaigns, the people of support of King Holiday bill.

Arizona pass referendum President Carter also calls on establishing the MLK Congress to pass the national Coretta Scott King witnessed President Ronald Reagan signing the King Holiday legislation in 1986. state holiday. holiday. The bill finally begins • 1993 – Arizona obCenter petitions bearing more than 6 million to move through Congressional committees. In serves first statewide King holiday, leaving only signatures in support of the King Holiday to Tip November, the Conyers bill is defeated in the U.S. O’Neil, speaker of the U.S. House of RepresentaNew Hampshire without a state holiday in honor House by just five votes. of King. tives.

• 1980 – Stevie Wonder releases “Happy • 1999 – Gov. Jean Shaheen of New Hamp• 1983 – The House of Representatives passes Birthday,” a song celebrating King and urging a shire signs the King Holiday legislation into law, the King Holiday Bill. On Nov. 3, President holiday in his honor. It becomes a hit and a rallycompleting enactment of holiday in all states.

Ronald Reagan signs bill establishing the third ing cry for the holiday.

Monday of every January as the national Holiday, • 1982 – Mrs. King and Wonder present King Source: The King Center beginning in 1986.

King destined...Continued from Page 1B munity during the Montgomery bus boycott.

In his biography of King titled “What Manner of Man,” historian Lerone Bennett Jr., noted that the Montgomery association held large mass meetings which rotated from church to church, and included “hand-clapping, shouting, and testifying.”

Bennett said King tended to look down on the “emotionalism” of the Negro church, but that changed with the mass meetings.

“Now [King] began to see that the Negro religious tradition contained enormous reservoirs of psychic and social strength which had

never been adequately tapped,” Bennett said.

While leading the Civil Rights Movement, King also worked closely with other activistministers, including Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Andrew Young.

King relied on his faith in God through his trials and tribulations.

“God has been profoundly real to me in recent years,” he wrote in 1963. “In the midst of outer dangers, I have felt an inner calm. In the midst of lonely days and dreary nights, I have heard an inner voice say, ‘Lo, I will be with you.’ ”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., shown with his father, Rev. Martin Luther King Sr., and son, Martin III, was born into a family of ministers.

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Friday, Jan. 15

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The Black Heritage Society Mountain Top Gala Awards & Reception is 6:30 p.m. at the CWA Hall, 1730 Jefferson. Contact: blackheritagesociety.org or 713236-1700.

Saturday, Jan. 16

A LEGENDARY

LIFE

The MLK Parade Foundation Youth Parade originates at San Jacinto Street and Elgin at noon.

Contact: www.mlkgrandeparade. org or 713-953-1633.

The Black Heritage Society Community Health Festival & Health Fair is 11 a.m. at MacGregor Park.

Sunday, Jan. 17

The Black Heritage Society Feed the Hungry Food Drive is 10 a.m. at St. Johns United Methodist Church Cathedral Hall, 2019 Crawford. The BHS Gospel Fest is 5 p.m. at 3663 Westcenter.

The MLK Parade Foundation Battle of the Bands competition is 4 p.m. at W.W. Thorne Stadium, 1865 Aldine Bender.

Monday, Jan. 18

The North Houston Frontiers Club annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast is at 8 a.m. at the Hilton Americas Downtown. Guest speaker is civil rights activist Dr. Virgil Woods.

Contact: nhfrontiers.com or 713331-0440.

The Black Heritage Society Original MLK Birthday Parade is 10 a.m. at Minute Maid Park. A concert is at 1 p.m. at Jones Plaza, 610 Louisiana.

The MLK Grande Parade is 10 a.m. at San Jacinto and Elgin. The grand marshal is Emmy Award-winning TV producer Rushion McDonald.

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church presents its 44 th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at 11 a.m. 5902 Beall St. A mass memorial rally is at 7 p.m.

Contact: 713-692-5333.

The Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz, hosts a MLK Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities include a peace march and oratory speech recital.

Admission is $5 and free for children under 1 and museum members. Contact: www.cmhouston.org or 713-522-1138.

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Dr. Martin Luther

Dr. King gained national attention with his 1957 speech, “Give Us the Ballot.”

MLK helped lead fight for voting rights

I

By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender

n his quest for justice and equality, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought tirelessly for Black voting rights.

From his 1957 “Give Us the Ballot” address to the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march, King campaigned for power at the polls.

“Give us the ballot,” King said, “and we will no longer have to worry the federal government about our basic rights…Give us the ballot and we will no longer plead to the federal government for passage of an anti-lynching law…

Give us the ballot and we will quietly and nonviolently, without rancor or bitterness, implement the Supreme Court’s decision in May 17, 1954 [Brown vs. Board of Education].”

King saw his dream realized on Aug. 6, 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. King was present at the ceremony, and Johnson called the day “a triumph for freedom as huge as any victory that has ever been won on any battlefield.”

Half a century ago, Blacks in the South faced overwhelming obstacles to voting. Despite the Fifteenth and Nineteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which had enfranchised Black men and women, Southern voter registration boards used poll taxes, literacy tests and other bureaucratic impediments to deny Blacks their legal rights.

Some Blacks also risked harassment, intimidation, economic reprisals and physical violence when they tried to register or vote.

Merline Pitre, Ph.D., a history professor at Texas Southern University, said King’s “Give Us the Ballot” speech was a major turning point. The speech was delivered during a Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial, and was King’s first national address. Earlier that year, King was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

In his speech, King urged President Dwight D. Eisenhower and members of Congress to ensure voting rights and criticized both political parties for betraying the cause of justice.

Following his political plea, King and the SCLC, with NAACP support, were involved in efforts to increase the number of registered voters in the South. King also continued his efforts to involve the federal government in the Black struggle.

The events related to Selma remain King’s most well-known voting rights effort. According to the Library of Congress, on March 7, 1965, activists John Lewis (now a U.S. congressman) and Hosea Williams led about 600 people from Selma to Montgomery to protest voter registration discrimination. As marchers crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge they were attacked by officers with billy clubs and tear gas on x. the ballot bo what became known as Bloody Sunday. t to vote at gh ri r ei th d se On March 9, civil rights leaders t King exerci Coretta Scot Dr. King and organized a second protest called Turnaround Tuesday. King, who was unable olence in Selma, President Johnson tional movement to redefine Amerito attend the first march, led 1,500 demoncalled on Congress to support new can democracy. strators across the Pettus Bridge for prayer voting rights legislation.

“When King came into Selma before turning around to avoid a repeat of Pitre said Selma linked a local with a horde of people who marched Bloody Sunday. In the aftermath of the vicampaign for voting rights to a naalongside the trail blazed by the

King

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r King. Jr. Holiday Edition

Voting Rights Act facts

g

and the Black vote

Student Non-violent Coordinating committee [SNCC] and Black activists, the stronghold of segregation and police state tactics offered an inviting setting for King and activists to wage a major assault against political disenfranchisement,” she said.

Bloody Sunday made national headlines and sickened many Americans. Pitre said King knew from his previous encounter with Bull Conner, a racist politician in Birmingham, that “the application of nonviolent pressure would evoke intemperate racists to commit acts of brutality.

“King hoped to attract national media attention and pressure the U.S. government to protect Blacks’ constitutional rights. He strategi-

cally depended on Blacks to behave with restraint in the face of vicious racists attacks and with the aid of local photographers and journalists recording the confrontation, outraged the nation,” Pitre said.

That summer, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act to sweep away practices that had long deprived Blacks of equal partnership in the American democracy.

“The law’s effects were wide and powerful,” Pitre said. “Between 1965 and 1990, the number of Black state legislators and members of Congress rose from a mere two to 160. The Voting Rights act of 1965 re-enfranchised Black southerners, helping elect African-Americans at the local, state, and national levels.”

he Houston area for over 85 years

1.The Voting Rights Act, adopted initially in 1965 and extended in 1970, 1975, and 1982, is generally considered the most successful piece of civil rights legislation ever adopted by the United States Congress.

2. It outlawed the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many Southern states after the Civil War, including literacy tests as a prerequisite to voting.

3. Because African-Americans in the South faced tremendous obstacles to voting, few were registered voters, and they had very little, if any, political power, either locally or nationally.

4. The murder of voting-rights activists in Mississippi and the attack by state troopers on peaceful marchers in Selma gained national attention and persuaded President Johnson and Congress to initiate meaningful and effective national voting rights legislation.

5. The legislation that Johnson signed into law outlawed literacy tests and provided for the appointment of federal examiners with the power to register qualified citizens to vote.

6. In addition, Section 5 of the

act required covered jurisdictions to obtain “preclearance” from either the District Court for the District of Columbia or the U.S. attorney general for any new voting practices and procedures.

7. Section 2, which closely followed the language of the 15th Amendment, applied a nationwide prohibition of the denial or abridgment of the right to vote on account of race or color.

8. Because of the significance of the act, it was immediately challenged in the courts. Between 1965 and 1969, the Supreme Court issued several key decisions upholding the constitutionality of Section 5 and affirming the broad range of voting practices for which preclearance was required.

9. By the end of 1965, a quarter of a million new Black voters had been registered, one-third by federal examiners.

10. By the end of 1966, only four out of the 13 southern states had fewer than 50 percent of African-Americans registered to vote.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice

President Lyndon B. Johnson, Rev. Ralph David Abern signing of the Vo athy and Dr. King ting Rights Act. and applauded

the

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Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Holiday Edition

Analysis: Beyond ‘I Have a Dream’

King’s lesser known speeches The speech was defiant at times, referencing the violence that plagued the movement.

“They told us we wouldn’t get here,” King said. “And there were those who said that we would get here only over their dead bodies, but all the world today knows that we are here and we are standing before the forces of power in the state of Alabama saying, “We ain’t goin’ let nobody turn us around.’ “ He reiterated that they were on the move and would not be stopped.

“The beating and killing of our clergymen and young people will not divert us. We are on the move now.

The wanton release of their known murderers would not discourage us,” he said. “We are on the move now…”

Commentary: Some 50 years later, we are reminded that the fight for justice isn’t over. King’s speech reflects the injustice affecting Blacks today in such communities as Ferguson, Baltimore, Cleveland, Charleston and Waller County.

By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender

D

r. Martin Luther King Jr. is revered for his role in the Civil Rights Movement and non-violent protests for justice. His life’s work has been honored not only with a national holiday, but schools, streets and public buildings are named after him, and a memorial on the national mall in Washington, D.C celebrates his memory.

King was also a great orator who is remembered for his “I Have a Dream” speech delivered at the March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963.

However, that was not King’s only influential speech. The Defender takes a closer look at four of King’s greatest, lesser known speeches and their relevance today.

The American Dream

On Feb. 5, 1964 at Drew University in Madison, N.J., King told an audience that his dream had turned into a nightmare. He addressed such topics as racial discrimination, income inequality and the challenges of preserving a multicultural democracy.

“On the one hand we have proudly professed the great principles of democracy,” he said. “On the other hand we have sadly practiced the very antithesis of those principles. Indeed, slavery and racial segregation are strange paradoxes in the nation founded on the principle that all men are created equal.”

King said that class divisions within the United States “can be as vicious and evil as a system based on racial injustice.” He also talked about the dignity of all work, saying that even menial workers should make enough “so they can live and educate their children and buy a home and have the basic necessities of life.”

Commentary: In America today, we have this same issue as workers living off of minimum wage fight for

A Time to Break the Silence

higher pay. Women are also fighting for equal pay within the same career field as their male counterparts.

Our God is Marching On!

When King and a crowd of over 25,000 people marched from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., on March 25, 1965, at the conclusion, King delivered a speech commonly referred to as “How Long, Not Long.”

This was King’s most controversial speech and was delivered at Riverside Church in New York on April 4, 1967. With this sermon, King decisively came out against the Vietnam War at a time when many Americans still supported it. At the beginning of his speech, King said “there comes a time when silence is betrayal.”

He said throughout his sermon that such silence must be broken if change is to occur and that a course of compassion, rather than violence, is what’s necessary to restore order.

“Some of us who have already begun to break the silence of the night have found that the calling to speak is often a vocation of agony, but we must speak,” he said.

“We must speak with all the humility that is appropriate to our limited vision, but we must speak.”

King added that he could not be silent while young Black men were being sent overseas to die in war.

Commentary: In 2016, African-Americans must continue to break the silence. Blacks and whites in America are still not seen as equals because Blacks are often objects of social suspicion. Blacks are still presumed to be violent Continued on Page 8

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Monday, January 18 at Noon

Brought to you by State Rep. Garnet Coleman

Join us for our 20th Annual Peace March and all-day activities!

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Comcast® celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by honoring his strength to love — even when the law was against him. On this day, we remind everyone of the power of love and serving one another.

Personality rights and copyrights of Dr. King are used with the permission of The Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., Inc. Represented by Corbis. © 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved.

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Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Holiday Edition

In his own words:

Quotes by King Dr. King was a powerful speaker and prolific writer who shared his faith and philosophy in speeches, sermons and books. Here are some of his quotes on various topics:

Change

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.

And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.” – Sermon, 1956

Color

“We must never be ashamed of our heritage… or the color of our skin. Black is as beautiful as any color…I am Black and beautiful.” – Speech, 1967

tion. And so we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.” – Speech, 1963

Peace

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”

– “Stride Toward Freedom,” 1953

Protest

“The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important. If you are in a moment that is designed to save the soul of a nation, then no other death could be more redemptive.” – Speech, 1968

“If you protest courageously and yet with dignity, when the history books are written in future generations the historians will have to pause and say, ‘There lived a great people – a Black people – who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization.’ This is our challenge and our overwhelming responsibility.” – Speech, 1955

Faith

Racism

Death

“Before the ship of your life reaches its last harbor, there will be long drawn-out storms, howling and jostling winds, and tempestuous seas that make the heart stand still. If you do not have a deep and patient faith in God, you will be powerless to face the delay, disappointment, and vicissitudes that inevitably come.” – “The Strength to Love,”1963

Justice

“We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this na-

“Racism is a contempt for life, an arrogant assertion that one race is the center of value and object of devotion, before which other races must kneel in submission.” – “Where Do We Go From Here,” 1958

War

“We have committed more war crimes almost than any nation in the world…And we won’t stop it because of our pride, and our arrogance as a nation.” – Sermon, 1958

Lesser known speeches...Continued from Page 6 and up to no good. Black lives are continuously undervalued by the criminal justice system, politicians and mainstream media. That is why it is necessary to insist that “Black lives matter.”

The Other America

On March 14, 1968, three weeks before he was assassinated, King gave a speech at Grosse Pointe High School in suburban Detroit titled “The Other America.” He told the crowd that he wanted to discuss America’s race problem very honestly.

King spoke of two Americas that existed.

“Every city in our country has this kind of dualism, this schizophrenia, split at so many parts, and so every city ends up being two cities rather than one,” he said. “There are two Americas. One America is beautiful. In this America, millions of people have the milk of prosperity and the honey of equality flowing before them…In this America children grow up in the sunlight of opportunity.”

Commentary: King said there was another

America plagued by ugliness and despair. It’s a problem that still exists today and his words spoken in 1968 ring true in 2016.

“Probably the most critical problem in the other America is the economic problem,” he said. “There are so many other people in the other America who can never make ends meet because their incomes are far too low if they have incomes, and their jobs are so devoid of quality. And so in this other America, unemployment is a reality and under-employment is a reality.”

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A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

health

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Black women at higher risk of preeclampsia complications

By ERIC PETERSON, M.D.

W

hile the majority of pregnant women will never experience it, preeclampsia, a complication characterized by high blood pressure that can lead to serious – even fatal – complications for both mother and baby, affects 5 to 8 percent of all pregnancies.

African-American women and women 40 and older are at higher risk of preeclampsia, which doesn’t always Eric Peterson, M.D. show symptoms. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor regularly during pregnancy to detect problems early.

High blood pressure is a factor

Preeclampsia generally occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and up until six weeks following delivery.

While the exact cause is unknown, having diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, a previous history of preeclampsia, kidney disease or lupus may elevate your risk of developing the condition. Obesity also may increase your risk.

Signs of preeclampsia may include any of the following:

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• High blood pressure.

• Sudden weight gain of four pounds or more in a week.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Protein in your urine.

• Headaches.

• Swelling of the face and upper body.

• Vision problems.

• Upper abdominal pain.

The exact reasons why Black women are more likely to develop preeclampsia aren’t known, but it may be related to the higher rates of hypertension. In the United States, 45 percent of non-Hispanic Black females age 20 and older have high blood pressure, compared with 27 percent of non-Hispanic white women.

A pregnant woman with severe preeclampsia or severe hypertension is at risk for congestive heart failure, seizures, kidney or liver problems, vision changes and stroke. All forms of high blood pressure can cause complications during pregnancy and birth. Those include low birth rate, preterm delivery and placental abruption, where the placenta partially or completely peels away from the uterine wall before delivery, depriving the baby of oxygen and nutrients and causing heavy bleeding in the mother.

C O N Q U E R

The only way to treat preeclampsia is to deliver the baby. The decision for delivery depends on a combination of factors, such as: • How many weeks along you are in your pregnancy.

• The condition of the mother and baby.

• The severity of preeclampsia.

• The risk of other pregnancy complications.

In less severe cases, it may be possible to manage preeclampsia through prescribed medication and frequent medical monitoring.

Prenatal care is crucial

The best approach to preeclampsia is to begin prenatal care early and continue it throughout the pregnancy. This allows your healthcare provider to find and treat conditions such as preeclampsia early. Watch your weight. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Eat healthy.

Get plenty of rest. Take any prescribed blood pressure medications as instructed.

Dr. Eric Peterson is a board-certified Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist who provides complete maternity care and delivery, including prenatal counseling. He cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Peterson, call Kelsey-Seybold’s 24-hour Contact Center at 713-442-0000.

C A N C E R

Exceptional Cancer Care Just Got Even Better In our beautiful new facility, everything is under one roof – from our connected team of experts to state-of-the-art technology for radiation therapy.

Kelsey-Seybold’s nationally accredited Cancer Center is focused on not only treating patients, but on providing personal, coordinated care that encourages healing.

Now, with state-of-the-art technology for radiation therapy and our beautiful and spacious facilities, we’re better equipped than ever to help our patients be victorious over cancer. It’s just one more way our exceptional cancer care has gotten even better.

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Financial tips to follow if you hit the jackpot Lottery fever has gripped the nation, as Americans dream of hitting the jackpot. If by chance you become an overnight millionaire or billionaire, consider the following advice from Patricia Bass Peterson, a financial advisor with Wells Fargo.

1. Take lottery winnings in a lumpsum. If you’re disciplined enough not to spend the money all at once, you may want to consider taking it all in a lump sum.

Typically, receiving your winnings in this manner will give you more money in the end than if you were to be given payments over the years.

For example, if you receive $1 million and pay half of that in taxes, you’ll end up with $500,000 to invest. At a hypothetical 10 percent rate of return, your winnings would have the opportunity to grow to more than $3.3 million in 20 years.

By comparison, if you chose to receive your windfall in 20 annual installments of $50,000 and invest each year at that same 10 percent, you would end up with approximately $2.8 million — a difference of more than $500,000. The more money you can get invested right away, the better off you could be.

2. Choose the installment option if you’re a spendthrift. On the other hand, if having an account with a lot of money in it is too tempting for you to handle, take your fortune over a period of several years. You may not have this option with every type of windfall, but if you happen to win the lottery, the sponsor may invest your winnings for you. You may get a better rate of return by taking the money in a lump sum, but that’s no use if you end up spending all of it without planning.

3. Keep income taxes in mind. Most likely, about half of what you win or inherit will go to pay federal and state income taxes. And remember, a multimillion dollar payout this year would put you in the highest federal tax bracket at 39.6 percent. Add state income taxes to that, and you may end up losing half of your money to taxes.

In cases where winning lottery tickets are purchased outside your home state, it’s possible that you would be taxed in your home state and the state where you purchased the ticket. Careful tax planning can help you keep as much of the money as possible.

4. What happens when you die? If you’re married, the money – no matter how much – may be transferred to your spouse free from estate taxes. However, if you’re single, the amount totals more than $5,430,000, and you die this year, your heirs may have to turn over 40 percent of it to the federal government in the form of estate taxes.

Without careful planning, a financial bonanza could become a nightmare. A financial advisor can help you take appropriate steps to help you manage the windfall more effectively.

classified Houston/Harris County Continuum of Care Public Invitation for New Membership The Houston/Harris County Continuum of Care (CoC) was created in 2012 and has adopted an action plan with specific goals and strategies to prevent and end homelessness in Houston, Harris County, and Fort Bend County. In the past three years we have seen tremendous results through the increased collaboration among providers and partners. These outstanding outcomes can be attributed to our CoC Steering Committee and the partners who have created integrated, community-wide strategies to prevent and end homelessness.

Membership in the Houston/Harris County CoC can be sought year round. If you would like more information about becoming a member visit http://www.homelesshouston.org/continuum-of-care.

Request for Quotes (RFQ) For Bus Shelter Maintenance Notice of Invitation: Houston Southeast (formerly known as Greater Southeast Mgmt District) requests quotations from qualified individuals, firms, or organizations interested in performing trash removal and other maintenance services for approximately 25 bus shelters within the District.

Deadline: The RFQ can be obtained from the Houston Southeast website (http://greatersoutheastonline.com/gs-management-district/notices/).

Proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. (CST) on Friday, February 12, 2016.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 2016 Banner Program PROCUREMENT # 2016-834.200 The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for fabrication, installation, and maintenance of banners in downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 2:00 PM, local time on February 8, 2016, at the Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted.

There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting at 10:00 AM on January 19, 2016 at the office of the Downtown District, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010.

Questions concerning bids must be submitted prior to 5:00 PM on January 29, 2016 by email to: scott@downtowndistrict.org. Answers to all questions will be sent to all contractors who attend the mandatory pre-bid meeting. Bid packages will be available online at downtowndistrict.org and can be picked up at 909 Fannin, Suite 1650 beginning on January 8, 2016.

Competitive Sealed Proposal Notice for Sharpstown International School Project Number: 15-12-28 Houston Independent School District (HISD)

The Houston Independent School District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for work at Sharpstown International School. The work includes, but is not limited to, New Construction – Demolition, Earthwork, Site Utilities, Concrete, Structural Steel, Masonry, Roofing, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Finishes and Exterior Improvements. Part A and B and all other required proposal information, except M/WBE required documents, are due no later than Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services #C1, Houston, TX 77092.

The price proposals will be opened and the amounts read aloud.

Sharpstown International School is located at 8330 Triola Lane, Houston, TX 77036.

The Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (RFCSP), which includes plans and specifications, will be available beginning Saturday, January 9, 2016, and may be obtained from ARC Document Solutions, 2900 Smith Street #100, Houston, TX 77006, phone: 713-782-8580 for a refundable deposit of $350.00 for each set of plans and specifications. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from ARC Document Solutions on disk for a Fee of $50.00. Any questions regarding documents are to be addressed to AutoArch/ Munoz, 6200 Savoy Street, Houston, TX 77036, Michael Sabouni, msabouni@autoarch.net, phone: 713.952.3366, fax: 713.952.5002.

The Competitive S e a l e d Proposal process will be utilized as authorized in Senate Bill 1093, Legislative Session 83-2013, Chapter 2269, Subchapter D, of Texas Government Code. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process enables HISD to select contractors on the basis of price and qualifications/methodology.

M/WBE Forms, schedules and statements, as required by Section AB of the RFCSP, and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance will be received at 12:00 noon. Wednesday, February 3, 2016, in the Board Services Office #C1, 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT M/WBE FORMS PROPERLY COMPLETED WILL BE CONSIDERED NON RESPONSIVE. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at HISD CFS Office, 3200 Center Street, Houston, TX 77007, Room 117, Cafeteria For additional information regarding this project, please contact Raymond Hooks at rhooks@houstonisd.org.

Drawings and Specifications for the RFCSP may be reviewed at the following Houston locations: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092, (713) 843-3700.

HISD Construction Services Office (Bond), 3200 Center, Houston, TX 77007, (713) 556-9250.

McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com.

Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby #131, Houston, TX 77098, (832) 613-0201.

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Enjoy health benefits of taking regular walks The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other is being called “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug”

by CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden.

Any physical activity is great for your overall health.

But walking in particular comes with many benefits.

Walking for 2.5 hours a week – about 20 minutes a day – can trim your risk of heart disease by 30 percent.

Walking has also been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and keep your mind sharp. Here are five more health perks from walking from blackhealthmatters.com • It helps tame a sweet tooth. According to studies, a 15-minute walk can curb cravings for chocolate and reduce the amount of chocolate you eat when you’re stressed. New research even confirms walking can reduce cravings for a variety of sugary snacks, not just chocolate.

• It eases joint pain. Several studies have found walking reduces arthritis-related pain. Do it five to six miles a week and possibly prevent arthritis from forming in the first place. How? Walking protects the joints – especially the knees and hips, which are most susceptible to osteoarthritis – by lubricating them and

strengthening the muscles that support them.

• It boosts immune function. Walking can keep colds and flu at bay. A study of more than 1,000 men and women found those who walked at least 20 minutes a day for at least five days a week had 43 percent fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less. If they did get sick, it was for a shorter time with milder symptoms.

• It fights the effects of weight-promoting genes.

Harvard researchers looked at 32 obesity-promoting genes in more than 12,000 people to determine how much these genes contribute to body weight.

They discovered the effects of those genes in study participants who walked briskly for about an hour a day were cut in half.

• It reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers know physical activity can lessen the risk of breast cancer. An American Cancer Society study that focused on walking found women who walked seven or more hours a week had a 14 percent lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer each week. Even better, walking provided this protection even for women who had breast cancer risk factors, including being overweight or taking supplemental hormones.

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Texans’ season ends with Kansas City loss

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By MAX EDISON Defender

t has been a long season for the Houston Texans, filled with highs and lows. The season concluded recently when the Texans were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs 30-0 in the wild card round of the playoffs.

It was an abrupt ending to a season that saw the home team win seven of its last nine games to capture the AFC South title.

Now that the finality of the outcome has set in, players and fans look back at the team’s success and ponder plans for the future.

In his post season evaluation, head coach Bill O’Brien was pleased with what his team accomplished despite losing in the playoffs.

“I’m proud of this team, proud of these guys,” O’Brien said. “They overcame some adversity during the season and I’m proud to be associated. Certainly, it wasn’t the way that any of us wanted the season to end. It’s a feeling that will linger for a long time. I know for me personally, it’s going to drive me to try to be a better coach, try to help this organization get to where we all want it to get to.”

For O’Brien and his staff, the evaluation process immediately begins.

“The evaluations start right away,” he said. “We meet with the players here and then we’ll begin with our staff, evaluating our season strategically, personnel, schemes, everything. Every aspect will be evaluated. “[General Manager] Rick Smith will do the same thing with his crew and we’ll get together and we’ll figure out what we have to do to be better in the coming weeks.”

Offensive tackle Derek Newton discussed the resolve the team had despite obstacles throughout the season.

“When you start down like that, you get counted out,” Newton said. “But the team we’ve got has a lot of fight, and a lot of guys who are not going to give up. That shows what type of team we have and what type of players we have. [Our] coaching staff believes in us and we believe in ourselves.

“So I think the sky’s the limit for this team. We’ll see how things go this offseason and be ready when it’s time to kick off OTAs.” Center Ben Jones said the team learned from its adverse situations.

“We’re definitely a team that grew throughout the year, and we have a great, close-knit bunch,” Jones said. “I love everything about this team. I enjoyed coming to work every day and just love everybody on this team and I really enjoyed this whole season, the ups and the downs. I learned a lot from each of our players, so it was definitely a blessing to be here this year.”

Coach Bill O’Brien, shown with J.J. Watt, is determined to be better at his job.

Offensive tackle Derek Newton (75) said the sky is the limit for the Texans.

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Center Ben Jones (60) said the team grew closer as the season progressed.

JANUARY 14 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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Bellaire guard Evans accepts leadership role

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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

ellaire High School head boys’ basketball coach Bruce Glover saw something he liked nearly as much as a victory in a recent district matchup against rival Westside. Following the Cardinals’ 64-43 victory at Butler Fieldhouse, Glover summed up his feelings.

“I really like the leadership of Maxwell Evans,” said Glover, currently in his 16th year at Bellaire. “Our team feeds off him on both ends of the court. We were down 10-0 and the kids settled down and executed our game plan.”

Evans, a 6-foot-2 junior guard, finished with a game-high 30 points. A lefthander with a silky smooth stroke, he put on a dazzling floor show that included equal prowess from beyond the three-point line, pull-up mid-range jumpers and going to the hole with authority.

Evans is surrounded by other talented players. Blake Bartlett and Isaac Allen can hit jumpers or take opponents off the bounce (dribble). Jayden Peevy gives the Cardinals a definite presence in the post. Tevin Johnson is a solid defender and rebounder.

“Blake and Isaac are hitting enough of the wing threes that our opponents know they have to guard them,” Glover said.

“Jayden and Tevin do a good job on the boards.”

Glover likens his team to a brand new sports car.

“We’ve talked all week about them being in control on the court,” he said. “They know what to do and I want them to drive their own car. When they start swaying a little bit then I’ll grab that steering wheel. Tonight I didn’t have to grab the wheel much.”

Evans serves as the principal driver of the Bellaire roadster. He also sets a good example for his teammates.

“Maxwell has a great work ethic,” Glover said.

“When your best player is in the gym at 6 a.m., then you challenge the other players to do it. I know they can’t all get there at 6 a.m. Yet the kids are starting to show the same kind of work ethic in other ways,” Glover said.

“A couple of them came to me today during lunch and wanted to practice free throws.

So we’re starting to get it.”

Bellaire has played a brutal non-district schedule that has included the likes of Yates, Westbury Christian, North Shore, Dallas Lincoln, Houston Christian, Summer Creek and Fort Bend Marshall.

“We’ve played those tough teams for games like this that really matter,” Maxwell Evans

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Find out how Bellaire girls fared against Westside

Glover said.

Meanwhile, Evans says that improving as a team leader is at the top of his priority list.

“I want to be a better leader,” he said. “That’s the one area I think there’s room for improvement.”

Evans’ father, Carlis, works him out every morning and teaches him the finer points of the game. Athletics runs in the family. He has an older brother at the University of Arkansas and two sisters at Bellaire who are Division I college volleyball prospects. Maya, Megan and Maxwell Evans are triplets.

Maxwell Evans is already receiving Division I college scholarship offers, but right now he’s still undecided about what college he’ll attend. He still has another year of high school.

About Maxwell Evans Birth date – Sept. 17, 1998 Birth sign – Virgo Favorite subject – History How he relaxes – Rides dirt bikes Favorite NBA player – Kobe Bryant World problem he would solve – Improve gun laws

Texans fire coaches After an embarrassing 30-0 playoff loss to the Kansas Chiefs, someone on the Texans’ coaching staff had to be the scapegoat. As a result, three assistant coaches were fired: receivers coach Stan Hixon, defensive assistant Anthony Pleasant and special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky. All three men were a part of head coach Bill O’Brien’s original staff in 2014.

The Texans began the game by giving up a 106-yard kickoff return to former Fort Bend Marshall standout Knile Davis, so clearly special teams was an issue. “Everything’s got to get better on special teams in order for us to be where we want to be this time next year,” O’Brien said.

PVAMU lands recruit Prairie View A&M University recently announced the signing of J.D. Wallace to a national letter of intent to join the men’s basketball team for the 2016-17 season. A 6-9, 225 forward/ center, Wallace currently plays at Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas, and is averaging a double-double of 11.4 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Wallace is blocking an average of 1.8 shots per outing and is shooting 53 percent from the field. He ranks second nationally in rebounding at this point of the season and 19th in blocked shots. “J.D. is a big-time transfer who will have an immediate impact on the division one level,” said head coach Byron Rimm II. “He has an intensity that PV nation will love. We are excited and ecstatic to have him in our program.”

Area teams top polls No. 1-ranked and undefeated Atascocita (21-0) tops nine Houston area schools ranked in the latest Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) boys Class 6A state poll. Other schools and their rankings include Sam Houston (5), Spring Dekaney (7), Aldine Davis (10), Fort Bend Travis (18), Fort Bend Hightower (19), Klein Forest (20), Cinco Ranch (21) and Spring Westfield (23). No. 7 Dekaney defeated No. 23 Westfield 55-54 to possibly move up in the next TABC rankings. Three schools from District 156A are state ranked, including Dekaney, Westfield and Klein Forest. Fort Bend Elkins (18-1) heads the TABC boys Class 5A state poll. Fort Bend Bush (4), Yates (6), Fort Bend Marshall (9) and Kingwood Park (17) are also state ranked.

North Shore (21-1) is ranked No. 2 in the latest TABC girls Class 6A state poll. Dekaney (3), Clear Springs (18), Hightower (22) and Westside (23) are also ranked. Barbers Hill (9), Tomball Memorial (15), Richmond Foster (20) and Bush (23) are state ranked in the TABC girls Class 5A poll.

Barbers Hill begins era Tom Westerberg is the new head football coach and athletic director at Barbers Hill High School. Westerberg succeeds Ronnie Gage, who retired following six seasons at Barbers Hill and 39 years overall in coaching. Westerberg comes from Allen High School near Dallas-Fort Worth, where he coached the Eagles to national prominence, four state championships and three in a row from 2012 to 2014. Barbers Hill went 4-6 in 2015 and hasn’t reached the playoffs in three years.

Coach Bruce Glover

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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

KEY PAC RECEPTION……...Key PAC hosted a private reception access to career opportunities, programs and long-lasting relationships. TWW and discussion with Dr. Ivory Toldson, the director for the White House serves women by referral only. Clients come from a diverse group of noninitiative on Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Key PAC was joined profit and government agencies, homeless shelters, job training programs and by presidents, board members and special guests from 10 HBCU alumni domestic violence shelters. Participants are not charged a fee to benefit from associations which included Spelman, Morehouse, Howard, Hampton, Fisk, their programs. Those in attendance included CEO & founder Carla Lane, Florida A&M, Prairie View A&M, Jackson State, Southern and Texas Janice Hall, Michelle Lewis, Dorita Hatchett, Wanda Adams and a slew of Southern. The reception included a meal provided by Rustic Oaks and an prospective members……..TSU MEET & GREET……..The Texas Southern engaging dialogue on the State of HBCUs, the importance University Maroon & Grey Alumni Chapter hosted a of alumni being engaged in the political process, and meet and greet with new TSU head football coach Mike Defender TOP EVENTS solutions to help maintain the status and achievements Haywood at the Sterling Student Life Center. Haywood More photos on defendernetwork.com of these beloved institutions. Those in attendance attended St. Thomas High School and Notre Dame. His See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. included LaRence Snowden, Zoe Cadore, Julian background includes serving as head coach of Miami of Rhyne and a host of others……..THIS WOMAN’S Ohio. Students and staff had the opportunity to ask questions as well as inquire about plans for his new position. Those in attendance WORK MENTOR MIXER……..This Woman’s Work (TWW) held a prospective mentors meeting at the Gite Gallery to distribute information to included LaKeisha Melton, Eve Weeks, James Shelton, Connie Cochran, those seeking membership. The event centered on the organization’s mission Etta McChristian, Keith Scott, Joyce Sisson, Bennie Allen-Brooks, Julia Askew, Linda Boyd and Elwin Carter. and vision to provide a community where women and girls are empowered by

Dr. Ivory Toldson, LaRence Snowden

Janice Hall, Michelle Lewis

Zoe Cadore, Dr. Ivory Toldson, Julian Rhyne, LaRence Snowden

Elgin Wells, Felix Chevalier

Dorita Hatchett

LaKeisha Melton, Eve Weeks, James Shelton, Connie Cochran, Mike Haywood, Etta McChristian, Keith Scott, Joyce Sisson, Bennie Allen-Brooks, Julia Askew, Linda Boyd, Elwin Carter

Michelle Lewis, Carla Lane, Wanda Adams

Melvin Hurd, Mike Haywood, William Barrett

Mike Haywood, Julia Askew

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