Houston Defender: January 17, 2013

HS ZONE

YATES BASKETBALL COACH GREG WISE TELLS IT LIKE IT IS P15

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

STATE REP. ERIC JOHNSON fights voter ID law

P2 NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA Is the White House too white?

JANUARY 17, 2013 |FREE

www.defendernetwork.com

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

NEWSTALK

Volume 82 | Number 12

Following in

MLK’s footsteps H Page 7

P4 SPORTS BRIEFS OPINION

MICHAEL STRAHAN named Hall of Fame finalist

Shekira Dennis

Christina Sanders

Elijah J. Williams

P15 CHAG’S PLACE

Benjamin Hall III, Yolanda Smith, Howard Jefferson at NAACP installation

P16

Marlon Wayans makes a movie

J.J. Watt looks ahead

Marlon Wayans has stayed busy in Hollywood since his “In Living Color” days. This time he’s back with another scary movie, but it has a different title. Discover how he came up with the idea. Find out what he has to say about the other Wayans family members. Learn what he sees when he looks in the mirror.

H Page 6

Though the NFL playoffs continue the Texans’ season is over, and star defensive end J.J. Watt has something to say about it. Read his thoughts on the definition of success. Hear what he and his teammates must do in the offseason. Find out four ways the Texans can improve their chances next football season.

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

H Page 14

2

DEFENDER | JANUARY 17 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

newstalk

Legislature addresses hot topics Defender News Services

The 83rd session of the Texas Legislature is in full swing, and members of the House and Senate are filing bills and voicing their opinions on a slew of topics. Following are some highlights so far:

All about the budget

thing to do, but will also generate new revenue for Texas.”

She said Texas’ blue laws “are antiquated laws that prohibit the sale of certain items on Sunday.

By the early '80s, most of these laws had been repealed or found unconstitutional.

“Distilled spirits are the only legal product that cannot be purchased on Sunday, ” Thompson states. “Texas should make hours of operation more State Rep. Eric Johnson even for the sale of all products and not unreasonably and unfairly restrict one from the other.”

According to a 2011 Texas Legislative Budget Board report, Texas stands to gain nearly $8 million in new revenue by expanding operating hours of stores which sell distilled spirits.

House Bill 421 will allow for distilled spirits merchants to make sales from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Sale of distilled spirits on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day would still be prohibited.

Legislative leaders recently unveiled budget proposals. The Senate proposed $186.8 billion in state and federal funds, compared to $187.7 billion for the House. Several minority lawmakers State Rep. Sylvester Turner State Rep. Senfronia said they are disappointed that state leadership is not restoring cuts made to the budget last session.

“Today, the House Appropriation’s Bill will be filed without restoring the staggering $5.4 billion in cuts made to public education in 2011,” said Houston State Rep. Sylvester Turner. “Last sessions’ cuts in education included zero funds for new enrollment growth and resulted in more than 12,000 teachers being laid off, despite an average increase of 80,000 students each year.”

Turner added that the House bill, “does not reflect education as a major priority and fuels the fire for the hundreds of school districts who have filed a lawsuit against the State for its failure to provide them with adequate funding.”

State Rep. Mike Villarreal State Rep. Borris Miles Houston State Rep. Borris Miles is also dissatisfied to start undoing the cuts. that leadership is not restoring cuts made to the state’s bud“I’m disappointed the first draft of the budget continues get last session. the historic education cuts,” Villarreal said. “I look forward “We cut $5.4 billion from public education and have a to working with legislators in the coming months to use the $4.7 billion unpaid Medicaid bill. It will cost more than $2 state’s increased revenue to start undoing the cuts. We must billion just to keep up with enrollment growth in our public invest in our schoolchildren if we are committed to growing schools. We’ve got crumbling roads and an unreliable elecour economy.” tric transmission system,” he said.

Blue laws challenged “Will the new budget move Texas forward or continue Houston State Rep. Senfronia Thompson filed House down the path of 2011 which turned our children, the elderly Bill 421, which will allow for distilled spirits to be sold on and our vulnerable constituents into second-class citizens?”

Sundays.

Miles asked. “The budget will be the fight of the session.

“In a modern economy, blue laws and hour restrictions Let’s get ready to rumble.” on sales no longer make sense,” Thompson said. “Allowing San Antonio State Rep. Mike Villarreal urges the legisspirits retailers to keep additional hours is not only the fair lature to use the state’s recently-disclosed revenue increases

Increasing voter participation

Dallas State Rep. Eric Johnson filed five bills in an effort to increase voter participation and strike down a bill requiring voters to show photo IDs at the polls.

“The ability to cast a ballot is a fundamental right that has come under attack in the last few years,” Johnson said. “I have filed legislation that seeks to reverse this trend in order to protect the rights of all voters, while at the same time making the process more welcoming in hopes of increasing participation.”

Three of the bills are designed to improve voter participation by creating uniform election hours at early vote locations, allowing for same day voter registration, and making Election Day an official state holiday.

The other two bills seek to protect voting rights. One does so by repealing Senate Bill 14 – the voter ID law – from last session. It has not yet taken effect because a federal court has blocked its implementation. The other aims to protect the voting rights of former felons.

Residents could benefit from settlement Defender News Services

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee recently announced that 10 banks have agreed to a settlement of $8.5 billion to settle federal complaints that they wrongfully foreclosed on homeowners who should

have been allowed to stay in their homes.

The banks are Aurora, Bank of America, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase, MetLife Bank, PNC, Sovereign, SunTrust, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.

Under the settlement, those who were wrongfully foreclosed on could receive up to $125,000. The

agreement covers up to 3.8 million people who were in foreclosure in 2009 and 2010. All will receive some amount of compensation.

Residents who had mortgages with the banks could be eligible for a settlement. For information call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

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

defendernetwork.com

JANUARY 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

3

Real Husbands of Hollywood available on BET.

All the speed you need for your one-man show.

With the XFINITY® Triple Play, there’s no risk or term contract required.

XFINITY Internet delivers the fastest in-home Wi-Fi for all rooms and all devices. Stream HD movies and TV shows – all at reliably fast speeds. Not to mention, XFINITY Internet provides the most coverage.

Enjoy TV your way with XFINITY TV. Get thousands of movies, TV shows, and more to watch on TV and online — at no additional cost — with XFINITY On Demand.™ Plus, there’s no risk because there’s no term contract required or early termination fee.

XFINITY TRIPLE PLAY

99

$

A MONTH FOR THE FIRST YEAR

Includes XFINITY

STREAMPIX

™

SUREPRICE GUARANTEE®

for a year +

2-year rate guarantee +

service FREE for 6 months

No Term Contract No Early Termination Fees

HD DVR

Tomorrow could be awesome if you call

RISK-FREE

1-877-537-8409

All backed by the 30-Day Money-Back Comcast Customer Guarantee.SM

today.

comcast.com/xfinity

Offer ends 3/24/13. XF Triple Play with XFINITY TV Digital Starter, XFINITY Internet Performance and XFINITY Voice Unlimited services. After 2 years, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular charges apply to Starter XF Triple Play.

Comcast’s current monthly service charge for Starter XF Triple Play ranges from $139.95–$144.95. After 12 months, regular rates apply for XFINITY Streampix.TM Comcast’s current monthly service charge for XFINITY StreampixTM is $4.99.

After 6 months, regular rates apply for HD DVR service. Comcast’s current monthly service charge for HD DVR service ranges from $16.95–$17.95. TV and Internet service limited to a single outlet. Equipment, installation, taxes, franchise fees, the Regulatory Recovery Fee and other applicable charges (e.g., per-call or international charges) extra. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Wi-Fi claim based on August 2012 study of comparable in-home wireless routers by Allion Test Labs, Inc. Voice: $29.95 activation fee applies. Service (including 911/emergency services) may not function after an extended power outage. Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month recurring service and standard installation charges. Call or visit comcast.com/xfinity for details. ©2013 Comcast. © 2013 BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. All Rights Reserved. Celebrity endorsement not implied.

NPA123340-0001

84744_NPA123340-0001_MeTimesThree_West_9.75 x 13.indd 1

12/27/12 10:09 AM

4

DEFENDER | JANUARY 17 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

national

Is the White House

too white?

Defender News Services

As President Barack Obama prepares for his second term in office, there are concerns about the diversity of his Cabinet.

When Obama chose Jack Lew as his Treasury secretary recently, Lew became the fourth white male named to a Cabinet-level post in recent weeks. Members of his own party have criticized Obama for not including enough people of color and women in his inner circle.

Obama defended his selection of Cabinet members during a recent White House press conference.

“I’m very proud that in the first four years we had as diverse, if not more diverse, a White House and a Cabinet than any in history,” Obama said.

“And I intend to continue that, because it turns out

that when you look for the very best people, given the incredible diversity of this country, you’re going to end up with a diverse staff and a diverse team.

“So if you think about my first four years, the person who probably had the most influence on my foreign policy was a woman,” he continued. “The people who were in charge of moving forward my most important domestic initiative – health care – were women. The person in charge of our homeland security was a woman…”

New York Congressman Charles Rangel isn’t impressed.

“It’s embarrassing as hell,” Rangel said of Obama’s recent appointments. “We’ve been through all of this with Mitt Romney. And we were very hard on Mitt Romney with the women binder

Substance abuse fuels incarceration rates NNPA News Service

A recent study reports that treating substance abusers, especially African-Americans, could save the nation billions of dollars at a time when all eyes are glued to debates over how to solve the country’s national debt.

The study by researchers at Meharry Medical College School of Medicine in Nashville linked the prevalence of substance abuse disorders to the high rates of incarceration

among Black males.

Published in a recent edition of “Frontiers in Psychiatry,” the study also suggested that spending more money on community-based treatment programs and improving mental health care in the Black community could have an impact on substance abuse and crime among young Black males.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) were associated with health problems, economic hardships, failed relationships, domestic violence and crime. If you struggled with drugs Continued on Page 5

The White House released a recent photo showing President Obama with a more diverse group of advisers.

and a variety of things.

“I kinda think there’s no excuse when it’s the second term,” Rangel said.

Obama, however, said critics should not rush to judge him.

“I think until you’ve seen what my overall team looks like, it’s premature to assume that somehow we’re going backward,” he said. “We’re not going backward, we’re going forward.”

Detractors say the timing of Obama’s appointments couldn’t be worse. Lisa Jackson, who is Black, is resigning as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, and former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, also Black, is leaving his post as U.S. Trade Representative.

In addition, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, who is Hispanic, resigned from her position.

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 12 JANUARY 17, 2013

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

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

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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

defendernetwork.com

JANUARY 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

Substance..Continued from page 4 and lived in a major metropolitan area you were also more likely to spend time behind bars.

According to the Meharry study, roughly 80 percent of adults in U.S. prisons used or abused alcohol or other drugs.

Although Blacks abstain from drugs and alcohol at higher rates than the national average, Blacks are disproportionately represented in drug arrests and prison sentences nationwide.

Driven by draconian drug laws and mandatory minimum sentencing, the incarceration rates for Blacks exploded by 500 percent between 1986 and 2004. In 2009, Black males were 6.7 times more likely to spend time in jail than their White counterparts.

“This high rate of incarceration has resulted in more African-American males involved with the criminal justice system than with educational services,” the report stated.

When arrest records and visits to jail become more common than diplomas and college tours, educational values shift.

It’s an unfortunate fact of life for many young, Black men, said William Richie, assistant psychiatry professor at Meharry Medical College and lead author of the study.

“Finishing school for AfricanAmerican males is often some sort of incarceration, where they learn the true nature of the world,” Richie said. “You get a couple of arrests under your belt, a couple of times that you’ve been charged, and suddenly, it’s not a foreign concept for an African-American male.”

It’s not a foreign concept for the rest of American taxpayers, either, who largely foot the bill for this costly education.

The Vera Institute of Justice, an independent research organization, found that states spend in excess of $40 billion annually to house, feed and secure criminals. States spend more than $300 million on health care for prisoners alone. That number is dwarfed by the $3 billion it costs to fund the health care and pensions for retired corrections employees.

“It’s cheaper to give [substance abusers] treatment and to try to help them return to a productive state than it is to lock them up,” said Tracye Wilson employment coordinator for Our Place DC, a nonprofit group that helps formerly incarcerated women return to their families and neighborhoods.

“They’re not doing anything accept for sucking the economy dry when they’re locked up. You have to feed them, you have to pay the guards to guard them.”

A 2009 report titled “Decades of Disparity Drug Arrests and Race in the United States” showed how “treatment, education and positive social investments” in poverty-stricken neighborhoods were “less destructive” and had a greater impact on reducing drug crimes than incarceration.

Being incarcerated, on the other hand, casts a long shadow that often limits job and housing opportunities for an ex-

offender years after he has paid his debt to society.

The Meharry Medical College study recommended a number of broad policy reforms to decrease incarceration rates, including increased awareness of SUDs among health care professionals, better treatment programs for substance abusers inside and outside of prison and connecting young, Black males to mentors and support networks to help them avoid the pitfalls of illicit drug use.

HAPPY NEWS

for MEDICARE

PART D MEMBERS

We can help you SAVE with lower copays.

We accept most major Medicare Part D plans, and we offer: • Plan-covered immunizations • Annual comprehensive medication reviews • $0 out-of-pocket Medicare Wellness Visits at Take Care ClinicsSM in select Walgreens Bring your Medicare Part D prescriptions to Walgreens today!

5

6

DEFENDER | JANUARY 17 | 2013

entertainment

defendernetwork.com

Marlon Wayans

makes another scary movie

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

Multi-talented Marlon Wayans graduated from the prestigious High School of Performing Arts in New York and Howard University’s Film School.

He received his start in Hollywood as a cast member of the Emmy Award-winning comedy series, “In Living Color.”

He went on to produce and star in “The Wayans Bros” on the WB. Together with brothers Keenen and Shawn Wayans, and producer Rick Alvarez, he formed the successful production company, Wayans Brothers Entertainment. Some of his noteworthy credits include “The Ladykillers,” “Scary Movie” and “White Chicks.”

Marlon’s compelling dramatic performance as a drug addict in “Requiem for a Dream” proved he could do more than comedy. Most recently, he was seen opposite Channing Tatum in the box-office smash, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.”

Next, he will be seen playing the title role in Sony Pictures, “Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?”

Here, he talks about his latest film, “A Haunted House,” a spoof of the “Paranormal Activity” franchise.

KW: Where did you find the inspiration to write this film?

MW: I was watching “Paranormal Activity” 1 and 2, which were very successful hits at the box-office, and I just thought to myself, “If I want to do a movie, how am I going to approach this?” Then, I had this epiphany that, “Damn, white people do a lot of stupid stuff in these movies.” Wouldn’t it be funny if a lot of paranormal activity happened to a Black couple?

Now, how do I keep them in the house longer than five minutes? That became the comic premise for the movie.

From there, it just snowballed into a bunch of jokes. So, I got together with Rick Alvarez, my producing partner, and we decided to write it together.

KW: Are you the only Wayans in this film?

MW: Yeah.

KW: That must be a first. How do you explain that? We’re used to seeing multiple Wayans in a Wayans production.

MW: Nobody loves me. No, everybody wanted me to do this one by myself, and I wanted to do it by myself.

So, this is sorta like my first solo album.

I didn’t pull any tricks out of my hat, and just went with the natural flow of the film.

KW: How did you go about assembling the cast?

MW: Just from meetings and readings. Everybody was game to do it, and I was very happy about that.

KW: What audience are you trying to attract? The same crowd that went to see “Scary Movie?”

MW: Not just them. They’re older now. I really want to hit the next generation of kids, the YouTube generation.

And also women, because it’s a relationship movie with romantic elements. I think anybody who wants to laugh is the intended audience.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

MW: I see a funny guy who’s imperfect, but has a great heart and no vanity when it comes to what he’ll do to get a laugh. I see a guy who loves his art and loves his family, and who is willing to live and die for both.

Now thru February 3 At the Alley Theatre A riveting re-imagining of the events that took place on the night before the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.

Marlon Wayans and Essence Atkins portray a married couple in “Haunted House.”

E-mail your name and address to: HoustonDefender@defendermediagroup.com No purchase necessary.

Contest ends January 25, 2013

You must be 18 to enter ● Contest open to Houston area residents only ● 10 pairs of tickets to be given away ● Email addresses will not be shared.

defendernetwork.com

JANUARY 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Holiday Edition

Following in

MLK’s footsteps

By TIFFANY L. WILLIAMS Defender

Each year on the third Monday in January, we commemorate the life of a man who believed in serving his community and contributing to the greater good in society. There are countless members of the community who put into practice the ideals Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. embodied every day of the year.

The Defender sat down with a few of Houston’s young, up-and-coming leaders who are striving to follow in Dr. King’s footsteps with their dedication and commitment to causes much bigger than themselves.

To see others following in MLK’s footsteps visit DefenderNetwork.com.

Continued on Page 8

7

8

DEFENDER | JANUARY 17 | 2013 |

defendernetwork.com

Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Holiday Edition MLK..Continued from page 7

Shekira Dennis While many aspects of Dr. King’s dream have been realized, recent Texas Southern University graduate Shekira Dennis believes there is still a great deal of work to be done.

“It’s going to take everyone,” she said.

“And that means older people welcoming the young people in because [the older generation] knows what the remedy is.”

At the young age of 24, Dennis has committed herself to helping others through community service and civic engagement efforts.

“As young people if we want the face of this city’s leadership or the face of this nation’s leadership to reflect what we look like, what we represent and what we stand for, then we have to get involved in the process,” she said. “And we must start in our respective communities.”

While at TSU, Dennis served as the Student Government Association president, helping to organize voter events and a rally in response to the Trayvon Martin tragedy.

“It’s about effective change,” she said. “It takes more than walking around with a sign and protest-

About Shekira Age: 24 Hometown: Houston Education: Texas Southern University, bachelor’s in political science/journalism

ing. It’s not going to leaders and just presenting a problem, but presenting a feasible solution and practical means of implementation.”

Dennis was active in a number of other student organizations at TSU and participated in a fellowship for the Obama campaign in South Carolina.

Though Dennis accomplished a lot in college, she had her share of difficulties. By age 19 she had two choices: give up on life or keep moving forward.

At the time she was a sophomore, and found

herself alone after losing both of the women who reared her, her grandmother and aunt.

Already estranged from her parents, Dennis didn’t have many places to turn. Instead of letting her situation deter her from her dreams, she used it as fuel to propel her toward a life of leadership and service.

“I understood the impact I wanted to leave and the influence I wanted to have on other people.”

Now, the proud college grad is interning at the Texas State Legislature.

Even though there aren’t many young people doing what Dennis has committed to doing so early in life, she said she couldn’t see things any other way.

“I don’t feel like I’m missing out because I’m doing what is fulfilling to me,” she said. “This is something I’m very passionate about.”

Although the culture and environment have changed since Dr. King’s death, Dennis said his vision can be used to fight for change.

“There are some aspects in society that naturally deserve more attention, but we all have common interest and we all need to be involved,” she said.

Elijah J. Williams The legacy of Dr. King lives on today, but 29-year-old Elijah J. Williams feels it’s up to the next generation to keep it alive.

“There’s still a need for those that have not firsthand witnessed Dr. King but who have seen the documentaries, heard the stories and spoken to the parents,” he said. “There’s room for those folks to fight today’s battles no matter how different they may be.”

Williams said during the Civil Rights Movement, “We were fighting for the right to vote, but now we are fighting to get people to utilize their right to vote. Either way, there’s still a need.”

Poverty, mis-education, and disenfranchisement are also issues that need serious attention, he said. That’s why Williams started volunteering for the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals (HAULYP), an organization that helps communities of color through economic and political awareness, community development and real world education.

He recently finished his term as president for the volunteer organization, and said getting people involved in the

About Elijah

Age: 29 Hometown: New Orleans Education: Xavier University of Louisiana, bachelor’s in business administration; Texas Southern University, master’s in public Administration fight can sometimes be challenging.

“A lot of people want to take the easy way out, but it’s not always fun,” he said. “There’s no progress without carpet burns, scrapped elbows and hurt feelings.

“You have to do the work – and deal with what comes with doing the work.”

Williams, who has lived in Houston for the last nine years, said growing up in New Orleans with a single mother,

he saw firsthand what poverty and devastation looked like.

“I’ve seen a lot of people who need help both pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina,” he said. “That put in me the desire to do better than what I had and then to help others.”

Professionally, Williams handles government and community relations for NASA and uses his position to give back to young people in the community.

“I have the opportunity to expose kids to something as inspiring as space travel,” he said. “Kids don’t imagine themselves as being those people because a lot times those people don’t look like them.”

In addition to his work at the Johnson Space Center, Williams also volunteers for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Williams said the MLK quote he strives to live by is, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.”

How does Williams feel about following in Dr. King’s footsteps?

“By no means do I see myself as a Dr. King or the next Dr. King,” he said. “I’ve just always had this spirit of wanting to give back and help others.”

Continued on Page 12

NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 3 $26 TICKETS SUN., JAN. 20, TUE., JAN. 22 AND WED., JAN. 23 AT 7:30 P.M. (WITH NO ADDITIONAL FEES, LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

RECOMMENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES. ADULT LANGUAGE AND PROFANITY.

ALLEYTHEATRE.ORG 713.220.5700

Supporting Sponsor

Official Airline of Alley Theatre

defendernetwork.com

JANUARY 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

9

Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Holiday Edition

Influences on

Dr. King’s life

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

The annual celebrations of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. rarely mention the individuals and events that had a profound effect upon shaping the clergyman, activist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, human rights icon and leader of the Civil Rights Movement.

Yet, it was these influences that transformed King from a young son of a Baptist preacher to our “Drum Major for Justice.”

College

Though King studied at Crozer Theological Seminary and earned his Ph.D. from Boston University, the impact of his time at Morehouse College, where he enrolled at 15, cannot be overstated.

According to Morehouse, a sociology major, King was introduced to the problem of segregation by department chair Dr. Walter P. Chivers.

Dr. George D. Kelsey, director of the School of Religion, inspired him to think beyond his early fundamental instruction regarding the Bible and theology.

The influence of such educators is thought to have led King to enter the ministry.

Kelsey, King’s favorite professor, challenged students with the idea of the ideal minister – someone bringing religious traditions to bear upon socially relevant issues.

Professor Samuel Williams exposed him to Henry David Thoreau’s “Essay on Civil Disobedience,” a work that had King transfixed by the idea of “refusing to cooperate with an evil system.”

“King led the movement like a teacher leading a

class,” said Dr. Jawanza Eric Clark, a Manhattan College professor. “His college experience profoundly shaped how he went about fighting for justice – doing everything possible to teach life lessons along the way.”

Mentors

King’s vision was nurtured not only by his Morehouse experience, but by other mentors who provided living examples of courageous faith in action.

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, January 21 at Noon Brought to you by State Rep. Garnet Coleman Join us for all-day activities and a peace rally!

cmhouston.org/king-day

“Everyone heralds King for reintroducing the Black Church to the fight for social justice. But the pastor whose church King took over, Rev. Vernon Johns, was considered one of the most courageous fighters for civil rights ever. He surely impacted King’s view of ministry,” Clark said.

“Much has been said about Gandhi’s influence upon King’s acceptance of the redemptive suffering mantra that undergirded his nonviolent approach, but few mention the profound impact of two people closer

Continued on Page 10

Special Admission

$5

All Day!

10

DEFENDER | JANUARY 17 | 2013 |

defendernetwork.com

Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Holiday Edition Dr. King’s life..Continued from page 9

Coretta Scott King

Dr. King was studying at Boston University when he met Coretta Scott, a student at the New England Conservatory of Music. They were married in 1953, and she later assumed the responsibilities of a pastor’s wife in Montgomery, Ala. Mrs. King shared Dr. King’s dream of equality, and balanced mothering and movement work, speaking before church, civic, college, fraternal and peace groups Many people know that King’s global impact was multiplied by his voiced opposition to the Vietnam War. But what most do not know is that his wife came out against the war before her husband, and convinced him to do so as well.

Mrs. King had a mind of her own.

Author and professor Michael Eric Dyson states in his book I May Never Get there With You, “King was in constant conflict with his wife about her role. She

Dr. King followed in the footsteps of his father “Daddy King.” They are joined in photo by Martin Luther King III.

wanted to become much more involved in the movement; he wanted her to stay home and raise their children.”

“In speaking out against Vietnam, Dr. King was willing to risk alienating white liberals who had supported him, and President Lyndon B. Johnson and his administration,” Clark said. “But he was also revealing just how profound an influence his wife was on his decisions. She was much more than just the faithful spouse.”

Faith

Dr. King drew inspiration from both his Christian faith and the peaceful teachings of Gandhi to lead the nonviolent movement in the '50s and '60s.

He was the son, grandson, and great-grandson of Baptist ministers.

Even with a long line of preachers in his family, King initially resisted the call to ministry and desired to be a lawyer, doctor or college professor.

However, influenced by Mays’ encouragement to view Christianity as a force for progressive social change, King was ordained during his final semester at Morehouse.

Even as he continued to question and modify his own religious beliefs, he compiled an outstanding academic record and graduated at the top of his class.

According to the King Center, while attending Crozer, King increased his understanding of the progressive Christian thought that shaped his future ministry.

“To say King’s faith was an influ-

Coretta Scott King, shown with her husband and oldest daughter Yolanda, influenced his life.

ence is not surprising because he was a minister. But you must remember; many of his theological beliefs were at odds with the traditions of the Baptist

Church,” Moore said. “But his belief in religious-led social justice was so strong, he was willing to butt heads with Baptist denominational leadership.”

“ If

you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl;

but whatever you do,

you have to keep moving forward.”

— R e v. D R . M a Rt i n Lu t h e R K i n g , J R .

Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by continuing to move forward together to keep Houston the best place for all Americans to live, work and raise a family. Happy Martin Luther King Day! M ay o r a n n i s e P a r K e r

P o l . a dv. a n n i s e Pa r k e r C a m Pa i g n

to home – Rev. Howard Thurman and Dr. Benjamin Mays,” said historian William Moore.

Thurman, considered one of the foremost theologians in the world, Black or otherwise, helped shape what King believed about God, humanity and the role of the church, Moore said.

“Mays was president of Morehouse during King’s days there. He provided invaluable counsel and mentorship, helping the young King grow into the man he became – one who felt obligated to give his talents to the service of his people and the world,” Moore added.

defendernetwork.com

JANUARY 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

11

MLK

Calendar of Events

AD #: N2

NAME: JA MLK ROP

JOB ID: 3

Friday, Jan. 18

WEEK: W

The Black Heritage Society hosts its MLK MountainTop Awards Gala at 7 p.m. at CWA, 1730 Jefferson St. Contact: originalmlkparade.org.

COLOR: 4

SIZE: 7X1

6.77X

RUN: 01/

Saturday, Jan. 19

The Black Heritage Society MLK Children’s March begins at 10 a.m. at Minute Maid Park. The BHS Community Health Fair & Youth Concert begins at 10 a.m. at MacGregor Park. Contact: originalmlkparade.org.

The MLK Grande Parade sponsors its Youth Parade at noon at San Jacinto and Elgin. Check-in time is 10 a.m.

The Grande Parade Toyota Battle of the Bands Competition is at 4 p.m. at Joe Kelly Butler Stadium, 13755 South Main Street. Contact: mlkgrandeparade.org.

The 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Stop the Violence Youth Workshop and Rally will be held 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. at Wheatley High School, 4801 Providence Street.

The event brings together community stakeholders, youth advocates, law enforcement officials and others to discuss peaceful solutions to dangerous encounters.

Contact: 832-573-2705.

Sunday, Jan. 20

The Black Heritage Society MLK “Feed the Hungry” Food Drive is at 10 a.m. at St. Johns United Methodist Church Cathedral Hall, 2019 Crawford St. The BHS MLK Statue and Park Plaza Dedication is at 4 p.m. at MacGregor Park. Contact: originalmlkparade.org.

The Community Music Center of Houston hosts a Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 5 p.m. at Key Middle School, 4000 Kelley St. Key Middle School students and the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra will perform. Contact: 713-636-6000.

RELEASE 12/24/20

PUB: HDF TRAFFIC COPY ART TECH

- DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

MACY’S IS PROUD TO SALUTE THE LEGACY OF

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

WE HONOR THE MAN WHO TAUGHT THE WORLD THAT FAITH IN EACH OTHER IS OUR GREATEST STRENGTH.

Monday, Jan. 21

The Children’s Museum of Houston is commemorating the King Holiday with a variety of events on Monday, Jan. 21.The museum, located at 1500 Binz, will be open from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. Events include: The Gardere Oratory Speech Winner Recital, where visitors can listen to the uplifting words of this year’s oratorical winner: the presentation of the Caryakid Award to Dr. Thomas F. Freeman and much more. Admission is $5, and children under one and museum members are admitted free. For more information, visit www.cmhouston.org or call 713522-1138.

The Black Heritage Society sponsors its 35th annual “Original” MLK Birthday Parade at 10 a.m. at Minute Maid Park. The staging area is at Texas and Chartres.

The BHS Community Festival is from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at Discovery Green. Contact: originalmlkparade.org The 19th annual MLK Grande Parade begins at 10 a.m. at San Jacinto and Elgin. Check-in time is 8 a.m. at Houston Community College, 1300 Holman Street. The Grand Parade Battle of the Bands is at 4 p.m. at Joe Kelly Butler Stadium, 13755 South Main Street. Contact: mlkgrandeparade.org Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 5902 Beall, hosts its 41st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at 6 p.m. The theme is “We are One.” Contact: 512-4630554.

37018_N2120063J.indd 1

1/7/13 12:54 PM

12

DEFENDER | JANUARY 17 | 2013 | defendernetwork.com

Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Holiday Edition MLK...Continued from page 8

of Black Houston

Christina Sanders For Christina Sanders, Dr. King’s legacy means imagining the impossible and inspiring others to help conquer it.

She said we might not see Dr. King’s dream in the literal form, but that’s only because what has happened is exceedingly beyond anything he or any of us could have imagined.

“We are the freest, most advanced, most integrated generation of Americans to ever exist,” she said. “We have the power, the access to resources, the knowledge and the skill base to make an impact for the greater good. “[Dr. King] was talking about white kids and black kids (in America) and now we’re talking about how to alleviate oppressive suffering around the world, because we’re the only ones who actually have the power to do it.”

As a community organizer, Sanders works to empower young people and educate them about civic engagement and their rights as voters.

Getting young people to see the bigger picture isn’t always easy, Sanders said, and it’s going to take a certain type of love to make it more clear to them.

“Love is tough, love is going to get your own switch – crying the whole way there, crying the whole way back – but having a connection and a unit of understanding that everything we’re doing, even when it’s challenging, we’re growing,” she said.

Sanders, who also teaches political science part-time at TSU, said her social commitment stems from growing up in Houston’s South Park neighborhood, and seeing firsthand what a lack of knowledge can do to a community.

Vowing to do “something,” Sanders went on to work for some of the state’s

Faces

About Christina

Age: 29 Hometown: Houston Education: Texas Southern University, bachelor’s in political science and master’s in public policy.

top legislators and volunteer for several community organizations. In 2010, she and a colleague started a Texas chapter of the League of Young Voters, a national grassroots organization dedicated to empowering and educating young voters in underserved communities.

Sanders is determined to uplift and foster change within the minds of today’s youth.

“When [Dr. King] was out at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement he probably didn’t think it was historical, he was just doing what it was that needed to be done,” she said.

“That’s where my being out in the community comes from. I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I know our kids need to graduate from school, our schools need to be better, we need to teach more, someone needs to do something and enable others to do it.”

What will these ‘Faces’

reveal to you?

E

ach of us has a story. Some of them reveal moments of struggle, of heartache, of triumph, of resiliency, of joy.

The man on the bus sitting next to you could volunteer at the children’s hospital every weekend. The bank teller could double as a burlesque dancer by night. The woman speaking loudly on her cell phone could be speaking to one of her three hearing impaired children. Whatever the story, everyone has their own to tell.

With the Faces of Black Houston project, we invite you to step inside the lives of those you’re with every day but never truly see.

We have compiled a series of profiles that give everyday Houstonians the ability to be seen and heard.

Debuting in February 2013 On Defendernetwork.com

defendernetwork.com

JANUARY 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

13

Petition drives ‘Babies’ Mamas’ off air Defender News Services

The Oxygen Network recently confirmed that it will not move forward with plans to air a controversial proposed show, “All My Babies’ Mamas,” after more than 37,000 people supported a petition on Change.org demanding that Oxygen pull support for the show.

“All My Babies’ Mamas” had been set to feature rapper Shawty Lo, his 11 children and their 10 mothers.

The petition was started by author Sabrina Lamb, who launched the campaign in late December, days after Oxygen announced plans to develop the show. A trailer featuring the 10 mothers and Shawty Lo’s current 19-year-old girlfriend was leaked on the internet.

The campaign quickly garnered national attention and culminated in simultaneous petition deliveries in New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia to the offices of Oxygen, owner NBC Universal, and broadcaster Comcast.

“The late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, who fought for justice for all, once said, ‘Our

lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,’ ” Lamb said. “I am pleased that Oxygen Media has heard the outrage of over 37,000 consumers and shareholders who said, ‘enough is enough.’

“We will not support any network and advertiser that exploits the plight of children and targets young women with stereotypical, dangerous, unsafe messages. This petition, this victory is for them. Adults have choices and today, children, through 37,000 petitioners, have voices.”

Oxygen said in a statement that plans for the show will not proceed.

“As part of our development process, we have reviewed casting and decided not to move forward with the special,” the statement said. “We will continue to develop compelling content that resonates with our young female viewers and drives the cultural conversation.”

Shawty Lo, who was born Carlos Walker in Atlanta, fathered his first child at age 17. He is the founder of D4L Records and a member of the hip-hop group D4L. The group’s single “Laffy Taffy” reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2006.

Rapper Shawty Lo will not be seen on TV with his kids’ mothers.

Luxe Touch Hair Spa Presents

New Year’s Family & Friends Special

50% off

shampoo n style or two consecutive shampoo n style and third visit free!

*New Glossy Color *Sassy Cut and Style *Silky Condition Treatment *Highlights & Low lights *Sew-ins *Quickweaves

Call Benaye @ 713-551-8659 . 832-275-8289 Power Center, 12401 So. Post Oak, Houston 77045 Corrected Phone Number

Offer Expires January 26, 2013

We keep Houston working. enroll today at hccs.edu

The reasons people choose HCC are as diverse as the Houstonians we serve. And no institution does more to get students where they’re going faster than HCC. We keep Houston working with affordable tuition, innovative courses, and convenient locations.

SOW_HoustonDefenderPaths.indd 1

9/12/11 8:37 PM Defender Fall 2012 .indd 1

12/4/12 9:14 AM

14

DEFENDER | JANUARY 17 | 2013

sports

Where do Texans go from here?

By MAX EDISON Defender

In the words of Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” That’s how we evaluate the Texans’ season now that they’re out of the playoffs.

The team had the Midas touch at one point this season with an 11-1 record, tied for the best record in the NFL. Fans had visions of the road to the Super Bowl going down Kirby and directly through Reliant Stadium.

All those dreams turned into a nightmare on a fateful Monday night in December in Foxborough, Mass.

The New England Patriots trounced the Texans before a nationwide audience by a score of 42-14.

That started the Texans on a slide that saw them lose three of their last four regular season games. Any hopes of hopes of home field advantage suddenly vanished.

Then like a punch-drunk fighter, the Texans were TKO’ed out of the playoffs by the Pats in the rematch, 41-28.

The Texans ended the season with their best record in franchise history (12-4), but fell woefully short of their ultimate goal, a Super Bowl appearance.

Texan owner Bob McNair remains ever optimistic despite his team’s late-season collapse.

“We’re very close, we’ve just got to realize that though and make it happen,” McNair said. “We had a chance to have this game at our place and we didn’t grab it.

“It was a great season,” McNair continued. “Even though we ended in the same position, I think we definitely grew

defendernetwork.com

Despite Pro Bowl performances by J.J. Watt (99), Arian Foster (23) and Duane Brown (76) the Texans season ended in New England .

as a team. It’s going to be a memorable one for me.

And I’m just looking forward to next year.”

Team MVP J.J. Watt takes no solace in the fact that the team won a record 12 games.

“No. I don’t see it as a success. We don’t have a trophy, so it’s not a success,” Watt said. “In my mind in this league, if you don’t have a trophy then you’re not a success. So we work hard this offseason, put every single thing we have into it, and we’re going to come back next season with that trophy on our mind.”

It was a great Texan season, but they still stumbled when it mattered most. I’ve compiled a short list of improvements that could lead to an improved season in 2013.

1. Use more imagination in the offensive scheme. Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh think the Texan offense is too conservative and predictable.

You actually expect more creativity when the head coach is a former NFL quarterback.

2. Realize that quarterback Matt Schaub is not the guy to take the Texans where they ultimately want to go, the Super Bowl. Of the eight QB’s in the playoffs last week, he was the worst by far. He’s a decent enough guy; let’s just say he lacks the intangibles needed to be a championship level QB. 3. Feel free to mix in one or more vertical compliments to Andre Johnson at the wide receiver position. It’s painful to watch Johnson carry the receiving load for 10 years without another receiver worthy of a double team. Some would suggest our disdain for receivers of this ilk is because Schaub’s arm is too weak to consistently get them the ball down field.

4 Find more competent linebackers. That position is the backbone of the 3-4 defense. We lost Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Cushing to injury mid-way through the season. Conner Barwin, Bradie James and Brooks Reed all had a mediocre season which is puzzling because they play behind the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, J. J. Watt.

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

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone Yates coach tells it like it is

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender Yates head boys’ basketball coach Greg Wise doesn’t resort to trickery or sugarcoating when getting his players primed for an opponent.

A case in point was the District 23-3A encounter with Booker T. Washington at Barnett Fieldhouse. Two Lorenzo Phillips free throws near the end of the second quarter gave Yates a 35-33 advantage at intermission.

The Lions’ edge grew to nine points after three quarters (51-42) when junior J.C. Washington went to work and blocked four consecutive shots during one defensive series.

The Yates faithful stood up and roared its approval.

By the end of the game, the state’s top-ranked Class 3A squad had worn down yet another upset-minded rival (70-51). “We told our guys that Washington was a better team than their record indicated,” Wise said.

“They don’t always play to their potential. But I figured they would against us,” said Wise, who guided the Lions to back-to-back state championships in 2009 and 2010. “The kids already know that I’m going to be honest with them.

If a team can’t play, I’m not going to be less than truthful, just to get them fired up.”

With the victory, Yates improved to 18-4 on the season and 5-0 in district play.

With a team roster filled with underclassmen, Wise says the development of his squad has been hindered with injuries, illness and missed

JANUARY 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

sportsbriefs Hollins’ stellar prep career While leading Fort Bend Marshall to a 13-1 record and the Division II-4A state quarterfinals, Deon Hollins Jr. was a force opponents had to prepare for on a week-to-week basis. Hollins totaled 15 sacks and 36 tackles for a loss during the regular season, while adding 23 quarterback hurries. The Buffs’ season ended with a 26-20 loss to Manor. The 6-foot-2 and 225-pound Hollins was named the Touchdown Club of Houston’s Defensive Player of the Year recently, topping a list of 10 nominees, seven committed to major colleges.

Hollins has verbally committed to UCLA, but is scheduled to visit Notre Dame later this month.

Selected as the District 22-4A defensive MVP and all-state, Hollins registered 1.5 sacks in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl held earlier this month in California.

Bush wins against Travis Fort Bend Bush senior guard Shawndre Jones saved his best for last in the Broncos’ recent 61-58 overtime win over District 23-5A rival Travis at Hopson Fieldhouse. Jones’ pull-up jumper with six seconds left in regulation sent the game into overtime and his three-pointer with one minute, 39 seconds remaining in the extra session lifted Bush to a thrilling victory. Jones finished with 21 points to tie teammate Kelly Oubre, who added 11 rebounds. Bush improved to 20-5 on the season and 4-1 in district play to tie Travis and Dulles. Travis, the defending Region III-5A champion, was led by Andrew Harrison with 21 points. The end result validated Bush’s victory over Travis in the Outback Tournament championship game.

Yates coach Greg Wise and forward J.C. Washington.

practice time.

We’re nowhere near where I’d like us to be,” he said.

“That’s why these next few weeks are so important in trying to get us ready for where we want to be.”

What the Lions want is a return trip to the state title game like last season. Only this time they want a different result. Dallas Kimball pulled out a close win and won its second consecutive state title.

“We want to be playing our best basketball when the playoffs begin,” Washington said. “That’s why these district games are so important.

It’s time for us to get on a roll.”

Along with Washington and Phillips, Wise counts on contributions from Melvin Swift, Sadiq Inowa, Darrion Martin, Daquarius Tucker and Joseph Anderson. Swift is one of a handful of holdovers from last year’s squad who received

meaningful playing time.

Wise put together a rigorous preseason schedule that included Dallas Kimball, Fort Bend Travis and Dallas Prime Prep. Yates defeated Redemption Home School (80-67) as part of a tripleheader at Fonde Recreation Center designed to bring high school basketball back to the historic Houston landmark.

The Lions made a trip to Hawaii over the Christmas holidays and dropped two of three games in the Iolani Classic. “We actually played well and were in position to win the games that we lost,” Wise said.

“The pieces are in place for us to have a successful future. We’ve got to settle in for the long haul. We can’t control things like kids getting sick or hurt,” Wise said.

“Hopefully, we can put all this behind us and start playing the way we’re capable.”

Sims set to return Houston Cougar fans can breathe a sigh of relief – former Westbury star running back Charles Sims has announced he is returning for his senior season. Sims led Houston in 2012 with 851 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns to go along with 37 receptions for 373 yards and three TDs, despite missing three full games and the second half of three other games with injuries.

“The NFL is my ultimate goal and will still be my goal when I finish at Houston,” Sims said.

“I enjoy begin here and enjoy being around my teammates. We have a number of players returning on offense so I’m excited for next year and the future of the Houston football program.”

Strahan, Culp HOF finalists Former Texas Southern standout Michael Strahan and Houston Oiler nose-tackle Curly Culp have been named finalists for the 2013 class of the NFL Hall of Fame. Strahan played 15 years for the New York Giants (1993-2007) and was one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers. Voted to seven Pro Bowls, he was the unanimous NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2001. He retired after winning Super Bowl XLII. Culp played with the Oilers from 1974-1980 as part of a 14-year career. He was a Super Bowl champ with the Kansas City Chiefs and was the backbone of the defense during the Luv Ya Blue era. Hall of Fame selections will be announced in New Orleans on Feb. 2.

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

15

16

DEFENDER | JANUARY 17 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

For Event Coverage...visit

defendernetwork.com

chag’splace

the Abundant Praise group. Those serving on the A NEW ADMINISTRATION…....The NAACP Houston Branch held its swearing-in ceremony for the executive committee include Andrea Arceneaux, 2013-2014 officers and executive committee members Alan Bergeron, Donnell Cooper, Florida Cooper, Raymond Freddie, Vivian King, at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Sylvia McCarter, LaRence The officers are Rev. Reginald Join Yvette Chargois Snowden and Tequilla Wilson. A Lillie, president; James Douglas, reception followed the ceremony.

1st vice president; Carroll Events of the Week Continued success!...... GOLDEN Robinson, 2nd vice president; More photos on defendernetwork.com GIRLS…..The Houston Alumnae Rev. John Ogletree, 3rd vice See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta president; Jylise Smith, secretary; with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. celebrated living legacies of service Kimberly Hodge, assistant by honoring their “Golden Girls.” secretary; George Edwards Jr., More than 70 women who each have devoted at least treasurer; and Rev. Allan Abney, assistant treasurer.

Yolanda Smith, executive director, served as mistress 50 years of service were treated to a special brunch followed by hair and makeup for a glamorous portrait of ceremony and Benjamin L. Hall III administered the oath of office. Others participating on the program that will be assembled for the annual commemorative included Rev. Bobby Best, pastor of Metropolitan plaque. At the chapter’s January meeting, the Golden Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, national board Girls made a spectacular entrance and were seated member Howard Jefferson, Congresswoman Sheila in “chairs of honor” draped in shiny honey-colored Jackson Lee, Congressman Al Green and songs by fabric. The honorees included Mary Brannon,

Alan Bergeron, Carroll Robinson and Raymond Freddie

Donnell Cooper and Rev. Dr. Bobby Best

Dr. Benjamin L. Hall, III, Yolanda Smith and Howard Jefferson

Lou Barron, Gloria Tapscott and Betty Caudle

Brenda Dugas, Maude Jones, Emma Steward, Mary C. Hamilton, Thelma Gould, Fannie Lundy, Gloria Tapscott, Erie Calloway, Carolyn Lindsey, Valda McAfee, Loyce McAfee and 99-year-old Theresa Pratt Allen, to name a few. They also received a surprise visit and a warm congratulatory address from Delta Sigma Theta’s 17th national president, Dr. Mona Humphries Bailey. We salute chapter president Karen Hauser, first vice president Tia Simmons and the entire membership.

Congratulations!.............CONDOLENCES……

Our prayers are with the families of Mrs. Virgie Mae Marshall and Mr. Alvin Chargois, who recently celebrated their homegoing. Think of it this way, they have a new position and are now your guardian angel appointed by God to look after you. He saw the road was getting rough, the hills were hard to climb, so He gently closed their loving eyes and whispered, “Peace Be Thine.” God Bless!.....From Chag’s place to your place, have a great week!

Rev. Reginald Lillie and James Douglas, Esq.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Yolanda Smith, Rev. Reginald Lillie and Congressman Al Green

Erie Calloway, Emma Steward, Maude Jones, Brenda Dugas and Mary Brannon

Carolyn Grant, Tia Simmons, Dr. Mona H. Bailey and Karen Hauser

Carolyn Lindsey, Valda McAfee and Loyce McAfee

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