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Volume 87 | Number 12
NEWSTALK AUSTIN LANE gets $2.7 mil criminal justice reform grant for TSU
P2 NATIONAL CEDRIC RICHMOND CBC may boycott State of the Union
P3 H.S. ZONE
How to get along with family, friends & colleagues
IMPROVE YOUR
COREY NICKERSON stands tall for Sterling Raiders
RELATIONSHIPS H PAGE 6
Cassi Davis back on TV
The fan favorite is back with her cohort from “House of Payne” in a new show on OWN. Find out more about her new show, “The Paynes,” as well as the rest of OWN’s new and exciting lineup.
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Eric Gordon
TOP EVENTS
shines for the Rockets
The Houston Rockets’ guard has been a consummate professional on the court, using his versatility to play off the ball or run the offense to help the team get off to an amazing start, despite major team injuries. Consuella Guillory-Adams, Joli Cooper Nelson and Carlecia Wright at the National Jack and Jill Founder’s Day Event.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 25 | 2018
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newstalk
TSU receives $2.7 million for new center Defender News Services
The fight to reform criminal justice just received some help thanks to a five-year, $2.7 million grant to Texas Southern University. The school will use the money for research stipends, scholarships and data collection in a new criminal justice center. The grant, from the Koch Foundation-backed, D.C.based Center for Advancing Opportunity, creates the center, which will be devoted to criminal justice research in an effort to create policy solutions to reform efforts. Administrators expect researchers to partner with local Houston law enforcement agencies, including the District Attorney’s Office. It’s the largest grant during TSU President Austin Lane’s term since he took charge in 2016. “The Center for Justice Research represents a new direction for Texas Southern and will strengthen our commitment to equal justice for all citizens,” said Lane. The proposal had support from Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and District Attorney Kim Ogg. “We are proud to be a part of a partnership supporting such critical, academic pursuits,” Jackson Lee said. “TSU is an appropriate place for this commitment because it is the people’s university. It costs more than $32,000 to incarcerate people and more women are being incarcerated, so there is a crucial need for this grant.” “Incarceration is the end of opportunity for many people, but this grant is setting the stage for a new era in criminal justice,” Ogg said. “We need a common-sense approach to avoid recidivism and address problems with mental illness and addiction in the community.” John Hardin, Ph.D., director of university relations at the
HISD names board president
Present at the grant announcement were (l. to r.) Dr. Kendall Harris, Oliver Bell, Dr. Howard Henderson, TSU President Austin A. Lane, Gerard Robinson, Dr. Harry Williams, D.A. Kim Ogg and Dr. John Hardin.
Charles Koch Foundation, said the fact that more Americans are incarcerated than have a college degree means the criminal justice system has a greater ability to destroy lives. “Research is required to ensure that the criminal justice system in this country is one that treats all people equally and with dignity so that citizens can live a fulfilling life,” Hardin said. Howard Henderson, an administration of justice professor at TSU will be the center’s director. The Center for Advancing Opportunity was created in
The HISD Board of Education voted unanimously to name District II Trustee Rhonda SkillernJones president for 2018. Skillern-Jones, a product of HISD, was first elected to the board in 2011. She’s previously served as board president, secretary and first vice-
2017 by the Koch Foundation-backed Thurgood Marshall College Fund to support faculty at historically Black colleges and universities who research education, criminal justice and entrepreneurship. Lane said the grant will support the research fully and will create a center for anyone to use to learn about mass incarceration or recidivism. “So many problems have to be researched and addressed,” he said. “Many times, people come from an emotional standpoint...we’re coming from more of a research standpoint.”
president. Other Board of Education officers for 2018 are Jolanda Jones, first vice president; Anne Sung, second vice president; Sergio Lira, secretary; and Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca, assistant secretary. Rhonda Skillern-Jones
localbriefs THE HISD BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVED turnaround plans for campuses designated Year Two Improvement Required by the Texas Education Agency. Schools with this designation have not met state standards for two years. The four campuses – Bonham Elementary School, Gregory-Lincoln Education Center (prekindergarten through grade 8), Madison High School and Washington High School – are required to develop and submit a two-year plan to improve student outcomes…….. HOUSTON’S FINANCIAL OUTLOOK HAS BEEN RAISED. The S&P Global Ratings service raised the rating to “AA stable” from “AA negative” in recognition of a $1
billion bond that reforms the city’s pension systems. The rating company cited the city’s “very strong management, with strong financial policies” and its “strong economy” as factors in the positive change. The Moody’s rating service raised the city’s outlook to “stable” last November because of the same factors. For buyers of Houston’s bonds, the ratings boosts potentially raise their confidence level in the city’s ability to pay bond interest to them and potentially allows the city to lower the interest rates it offers to those investors, saving even more money for taxpayers……..FORT BEND ISD WILL PRESENT PARENTAL WORKSHOPS focused on student mental wellness and suicide
prevention. Sponsored in conjunction with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the free, two-hour mental health education workshop for school professionals and parents is to help them better understand the signs and symptoms of emotional and behavioral difficulties, which in turn could be early warning signs of mental illness in children and adolescents. The workshops take place on Feb. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cornerstone Elementary, 1800 Chatham Ave., Sugar Land and Feb. 6, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Elkins High School, 7007 Knights Court, Missouri City. The workshops are part of FBISD’s Counseling and Postsecondary Readiness Department initiative. Visit www.fortbendisd.com.
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JANUARY 25 | 2018 | DEFENDER
national
U.S.briefs THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN lasted three days and came to an end after the House of Representatives passed a three-week spending bill that will fund the government until Feb. 8. The vote was 266-150, and came after Senate approval of legislation. President Trump signed the bill to reopen the government…….. PRESIDENT TRUMP’S RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN is accused of having a racist ad that implied Democrats will be “complicit with murders by illegal immigrants” if they refuse to back his immigration proposal. The ad was released amid the battle in Washington over the government shutdown. The campaign insinuated that all undocumented immigrants are criminals, and critics said it raises racial fears and perpetuates harmful stereotypes……..THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR VOTER JUSTICE kicked off a two-year examination into voter suppression across the United States on the steps of the Supreme Court where the Voting Rights Act received a blow in 2013. Inspired by civil rights leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., the commission intends to shine a light on barriers to voting, the impact of voter suppression efforts on turnout in the 21st century, and ways to make the voting process more accessible for marginalized communities. The commission’s announcement came as Trump disbanded the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, moving its work to the Department of Homeland Security..….OMAROSA MANIGAULT may no longer be at the White House, but the former director of communications for the Office of Public Liaison reportedly has confidential conversations recorded on her iPhone. She reportedly is in fear of being a part of Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election because of the recorded conversations and is now meeting with lawyers. The source also claimed that Omarosa inspired the White House ban on personal cell phones in the West Wing. She hasn’t said why she is seeking legal representation.
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CBC members plan State of Union protest NNPA News Service
During a recent lengthy, membersonly meeting on Capitol Hill, members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) discussed various options to protest the current president of the United States. Their protest plans CBC Chair Cedric Richmond Congresswoman Maxine Waters Congressman John Lewis centered around the we could hold our own State of the Union.” annual State of the A few Black Caucus members have already Union address, scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 30 at stated that they will not attend the president’s State 8 p.m. of the Union address. They include Reps. John Weeks after President Donald Trump reportLewis (D-Ga.), in addition to Waters and Wilson. edly called Haiti, El Salvador and the continent of Some CBC members are concerned about Africa “s---hole countries” during a meeting on immigration with members of Congress in the Oval Congress’ largest caucus not being unified in protest, whatever form the protest may take. Other Office, many CBC members have had it. members wanted to make sure serious issues are CBC members discussed several options to highlighted and expressed concerns about the protest Trump, including walking out, wearing protest taking attention away from serious policy African-themed garb and or not showing up to the discussion. State of the Union address at all. The more vocal But in the age of former reality TV star turned members included U.S. Reps. Maxine Waters (Dpresident, others say that the best response is to Calif.), Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), Greg Meeks (Dfight fire with fire. N.Y.) and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.). The meeting the CBC held to talk over State of CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-La.) said the Union protest plans occurred only hours after they might hold their own State of the Union. 66 members of the House voted to act on impeach“We will…discuss how we want to respond ing Trump. That effort was led by Black Caucus to the president’s State of the Union,” Richmond member and Houston Congressman Al Green. His said. “We could go, we could go and walk out, we second impeachment try failed 355-66. could go and hold up fists...or we could not go, or
Brother of astronaut puts blame on racism The astronaut’s brother urged NASA to reinstate his sister to the mission and allow NASA couldn’t offer a deher to make history, according tailed reason why Jeanette Epps to a MoveOn.org petition he was abruptly pulled from an posted to his Facebook page. upcoming mission to space, but “We have lost all of the the astronaut’s brother has one: gains we gained over the past “Oppressive racism and misogy40 years in one year? No ny” are to blame for the agency’s more!” he said. “We cannot decision to stop her from being continue to tolerate what is the first Black astronaut to go to going on in America but we the International Space Station, must stand together and stand Henry Epps said. behind our people and our na“My sister, Dr. Jeannette tion! Take a stand and sign the Epps, has been fighting against Astronaut Jeanette Epps pulled from petition!” oppressive racism and misogyny mission. NASA officials declined to in NASA and now they are holding describe why she was passed over, saying it is a her back and allowing a Caucasian astronaut to take her place!” Henry Epps wrote on Facebook. “personnel matter.” Defender News Services
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 12 JANUARY 25, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
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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DEFENDER | JANUARY 25 | 2018 defendernetwork.com
Congressman introduces bail reform bill NNPA News Service
During a recent press conference on Capitol Hill, Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) said that at any given time there are roughly 500,000 people sitting in local jails waiting for their day in court. “These are people who have been charged with a crime, but are not convicted,” said Davis. “Many of the people waiting in jail are forced to wait simply, because they cannot afford to post bail.” Davis recently introduced the Bail Fairness Act of 2018 to alleviate some of the burdens associated with the cash bail system. The Chicago congressman was joined on Capitol Hill by U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) and Dwight Evans (D-Pa.) and Chicago businessman and philanthropist Dr. Willie Wilson. They were flanked by two large posters; one poster read: “Taxpayers Spend $17 billion on Pre-trial Detentions.” The other poster simply said, “Bail Fail” in large letters. Wilson said that he has paid the bails of non-violent Cook County Corrections inmates who were too poor to bail themselves out. Davis’ legislation would require states to release individuals charged with a non-violent misdemeanor on non-monetary conditions prior to their court date. Civil rights groups and lawmakers are increasingly putting pressure on businesses operating in the cash bail system and becoming more vocal about problems in the industry. As more cities begin to do away with the cash bail practice, some federal legislators are taking notice. U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have voiced similar concerns regarding the problems of money bail in the Senate. In September 2017, Harris joined with Republican Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on the Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act. The bill would overhaul America’s bail system just as Davis’
Chicago Congressman Danny Davis (far left) has introduced a Bail Fairness Act.
legislation hopes to do. A May 2017 report by Color of Change and the ACLU titled “Selling Off Our Freedom: How Insurance Corporations Have Taken Over Our Bail System,” outlined the for-profit incentives behind the bail system in America. The report revealed that there are fewer than 10 companies involved in the administration of over $14 billion in bonds posted by for-profit bail each year. The bail industry collects approximately $2 billion in profit, annually. “The result of bail corporations’ control is that millions of people are no longer free: people stuck in jail and families stuck in debt to create profit for these corporations,” the
report read. The study also pointed out that, “the national median for bail for a felony arrest is now $10,000, while the Federal Reserve has found that nearly half of Americans would be unable to pay for an unexpected expense of $400.” The United States remains number one in the world in the rate of incarceration, with over 2 million people behind bars, in large part, because poor people are unable to pay their way out of incarceration. The money bail system disproportionately impacts the poor. There are currently over 43 million Americans living under the poverty line; nearly 30 percent of African- Americans live in poverty.
Dallas County sued over its bail practices Defender News Services
The ACLU of Texas, American Civil Liberties Union, Civil Rights Corps and the Texas Fair Defense Project filed a federal class action lawsuit against Dallas County, Texas, the sheriff, and the county’s judges and magistrates, for violating the constitutional rights of people arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. Those who cannot afford to pay money bail amounts determined by the county’s bail schedule are detained indefinitely, while those who face the same charges but can afford to pay the money bail amounts
are freed until trial. “No person should be kept in a cage just because she doesn’t have enough money to make a payment,” said Civil Rights Corps attorney Elizabeth Rossi. “The decision to throw a person who is presumed innocent in a jail cell is a serious one. And a person’s access to money should not be the only factor that determines whether she is free or is in jail.” Dallas County’s system is accused of violating the Constitution because it keeps people in jail if they can’t afford bail while allowing those who can pay to go home to their families, jobs, homes and communi-
ties. With each day in jail, the person’s chances for a fair trial diminish as evidence and witnesses disappear, and many plead guilty even when innocent, just to go home. “The situation in Dallas County Jail is a crisis,” said Trisha Trigilio, senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Texas. “Like hundreds of people Dallas keeps locked in jail every day, our clients were never asked if they could afford the bail they were assigned. A judicial system where the amount of money in a bank account is the only thing standing between a defendant and her freedom is not a system interested in dispensing justice.”
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JANUARY 25 | 2018 | DEFENDER
entertainment
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OWN features new, returning series Defender News Services
The Oprah Winfrey Network – OWN – recently marked its seventh anniversary as the first and only network named for and inspired by an iconic personality. This January, the network line-up includes a new comedy and two returning series. All three are created, written, directed and executive produced by Tyler Perry and co-produced for OWN by Tyler Perry Studios. Highlights include: “THE PAYNES” (Fridays at 8 p.m.) – The sitcom is a spin-off of Perry’s comedy “House of “Payne. It follows Ella and Curtis Payne (Cassi Davis and LaVan Davis) Edwina Findley Dickerson and Denzel Wells are two stars of “If Loving You is Wrong.” through the ups and downs African-American women and total viewers of retirement. and portrays the ongoing drama between the The series also wealthy Cryer and Harrington families and stars Emmythe poor Young family. winning “The Paynes” is a spin-off of “House of Payne” and Season five picks up with no one actress Jackée OWN’s newest offering. unscathed by scandal, destruction, lifeHarry of “227” threatening moments and death. The series fame, along In upcoming shows, also stars Angela Robinson, Renée Lawless, with Stephanie Curtis is out for blood Crystal Fox, Peter Parros, Aaron O’Connell, Tyler Lepley Charles, Marafter he realizes that he has and Gavin Houston. kice Moore, been swindled. Later, Ella “IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG” (Wednesdays at JD McCrary, has a change of heart after 9 p.m.) – The drama series is the No. 2 original scripted Sanai Victoria visiting the local church cable series for African-American women and total viewand Anthony and she meets a beautiful ers. It delves into the lives of neighbors and friends turned O. Dalton. young woman in need, Nyla “frenemies” – Alex (Amanda Clayton), Kelly (Edwina As Curtis (Charles). The Paynes begin Findley Dickerson), Marcie (Heather Hemmens), Esperand Ella are to settle into their new life anza (Zulay Henao) and Natalie (April Parker-Jones). enjoying their with the help of their cousSeason three continues to unfold as the neighborhood Tika Sumpter and Crystal Fox can be seen in “The Haves and the Have retirement, a ins. Ella becomes concerned that once was the perfect picture of suburban life is still Nots.” death in the when when Nyla disappears. dealing with the repercussions of a scandalous affair that family takes them “THE HAVES AND tore apart two marriages, and jeopardized every friendon the road to Florida, where Curtis is roped into a real THE HAVE NOTS” (Tuesdays 8 p.m.) – The hit ship the couples held close. The series also stars Joel estate deal that will tumble their lives with laughs and drama, starring Tika Sumpter and John Schneider, reRush, Eltony Williams, Aiden Turner, Charles Malik life lessons along the way. turns for a fifth season. It is the No. 1 series on cable for Whitfield, Denzel Wells and Jay Hunter.
what’sup STERLING K. BROWN has made awards show history again. He took home the 2018 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama, making him the first Black actor to win in the category. Brown won the SAG Award for his role as Randall in NBC’s “This Is Us,” a role for which he won a Golden Globe earlier this month. The back-to-back historic wins weren’t even the first for Brown. Last fall, Brown was also the first Black actor to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series since 1998……. Comedian MO’NIQUE wants folks to boycott Netflix after claiming the platform offered her much
less than white and male comedians. She called out the streaming service for offering her $500,000 for a comedy special when AMY SCHUMER, CHRIS ROCK, DAVE CHAPELLE and others received millions more. Many people on social media offered their support to Mo’Nique, including comedian WANDA SYKES, who claimed to have had a pay disparity experience with Netflix, too….. Actor JESSE WILLIAMS has been ordered to pay his estranged wife, Aryn Drake-Lee, over $50,000 per month in spousal support. According to court documents obtained by People, Williams will pay Drake-Lee $50,695 per month, starting
later this month. He will also pay her $33,242 for last December. Williams and Drake-Lee have been in an ugly and often public fight over their kids since they separated……..GABRIELLE UNION received the green light for a series based on her undercover DEA operative character, Sydney “Syd” Barrett, from the “Bad Boys” franchise. The actress will reprise her role for the NBC TV series. In “Bad Boys II,” Union’s character Syd was MARTIN LAWRENCE’S on-screen sister and WILL SMITH’S main love interest, but the network has not announced whether the actors will make appearances in the show.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 25 | 2018
IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS How to get along with family, friends, colleagues By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender
Relationships are a cornerstone of our lives. Whether it’s a marriage, friendship, your family, or your co-workers, human nature makes us crave positive interactions, just as we do food and water. So, it makes sense that the better our relationships are, the happier and more productive we’re going to be. The Defender has compiled some tips to help you improve your relationships in every aspect of your life.
SPOUSES w Be understa nding and com passionate. It’ enough to simply be s not quite good your partner’s soun ding board, accordin University of Califor g to research from th nia Santa Barbara. Be e cause feeling underst cared for by someo ood, validated, and ne else is thought to im prove relationships who actually care th and well-being, thos at their partner is str e essed provide more support. w Set aside inti macy time – we ekly. Couples who once a week report have sex at least the greatest relations hip satisfaction, acco National Marriage Pr rding to a study by oject. But don’t forc the e it. The findings do having more sex m n’t clarify whether akes partners happier or if happier couples sim more sex. ply tend to have w Conduct a pe rformance revi gest that formal chec ew. Marriage coun selors sugk-ins could strengthe n the bond between meetings – one to tal partners. Weekly k about household re sponsibilities and an more intimate issue other dedicated to s – may help both pa rtn ers feel more validate comfortable. d, respected and w Unplug. Avoid “pphubbing” (p involves glancing at artner phone snubbi a cell phone or chec ng), which king notifications wh a romantic partner an ile in the company d can have negative of implications on a re lationship. w Do date nigh t. Husbands and wi ves are more likely “very happy” in their to report being marriage when they spend “couple time” ahead and take a pa like date night. Go ge out of your favo rite romantic comed believe in soul mate y. Also, couples wh s and the idea that lo o ve never fades are m greater relationship ore likely to report satisfaction and com mitment, according to the study.
N CHILDRE
arent-child ness of the p se o cl e h T . n with their foundatio w much parents connect m r or fi a e t o mh take a week w Crea fe results fro fathers who li at t u r th o ei n h g th w u o h ro it sh w connection th eginning. Research has r relationship eb have a close th rn m o o b fr e s ar ie s ts. bab r babie llege studen rk when thei teens and co as g more off wo in d u cl In relay stage, in e is a myth. m ti child at ever y it al u Q . tionyour child t a good rela h ec p it ex w ’t e n ca im et all her You w Prioritiz s no quality. d she spends e’ an er rk th o , w ty ti at an e to ithout qu ids, we have d all your tim tionships, w r if you spen ip with our k te sh h n g o ti au d la r re u r o te ship with y e want a bet friends. If w er h h . it en w p e ap m ti that h me to make plant who free up the ti ur child as a o y s f o k in h the plant ha tly. T e – constan nd blossom. If you see g rtilfe ra u re o o c m w En water, grow a re to o m re t, tu h a g n ed by more li grow right. is programm ou consider if it needs hten up and ple who are ig ra st y s, to e it v t eo brown lea it and yell a s as good p n’t criticize e themselve f your mouth is correc se to t n e izer. You do m e o g t ra u u o k o s li c e feel e com our en s and won’t ost of what e Kids need y m lv If se s. m g e in th ood th about capable of g , they won’t feel good g to pick m is c ti ri you’re rushin nity tion or c en h w n o ti n te rtu ally. hard to pay at ening, you miss an oppo you’re their listen. It’s st li d so n ly en a al st p re li o ’t ly t wS u aren ’t real me, but if yo that you don o s h roximn p et ar g in le d e e b h an d d ways to child, an up dinner n r fi u o d y an h er ac te en d. list t and g like a deman g. Be a good in to learn abou in lk em ta se in it t t u in o o , with uch p there’s not m both potentially available e ’r u o y e ity wher
PAR
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FRIENDS w Focus on others. You’ll mak e far more friends by showing you r interest rather than trying to get people interested in you. If you’re not genuinely interested in the othe r person, then stop trying to connect. w Pay attention. Switch off your smart phone, avoid other dist ractions and make an effort to truly listen to the other person. By paying close attention to what they say, do, and how they interact, you’ll quickly get to know them. Little things go a long way, such as remembering someone’s preferences and what’s going on in thei r life. w Be the friend that you wo uld like to have. Treat your frie nd just as you want them to treat you. Be reliable, thoughtful, trustworthy and willing to share you rself and your time. w Be forgiving. No one is perfect and every friend will make mistake s. No friendship develops smoothly so when there’s a bump in the road. Try to find a way to overcom e the problem and move on. It will often deepen the bond between you. w Take on new experiences. A long-term, good-enough friendsh ip can sometimes take on the air of an in-a-rut marriage, with both of you needing a shot of adrenaline. Starting a new activity together – even just to laugh at yourselves whi le doing it – can deliver a jolt of nov elty and the shared motivation of learning something new.
RENTS
alk to your pare nts as friends. If your parents still unny to give up your treat you like you’re role as the child. M 16, it od el your conversatio with friends, says Ti ns with parents on th na B. Tessina, Ph.D ose ., a lic ensed psychotherap You: Grow Up and ist and author of “It Out of Dysfunction.” Do n’t limit your conver mbers or your perso nal life, she advises. sations to gossip ab out Current events, work you share the same , local issues or natio views) are all fair ga nal me. ep your sense of humor. When you’re dealing with both to help you ha your parents, laugh ndle the stress of de ter can be ali ng with sometimes bond together. Tell crotchety individuals a few jokes you know and th ey ch sitcoms together. ’ll enjoy, share a hu morous e-mail with If you can laugh toge ther, you’re doing ok ay. your parents w hat bothers yo u. If you love your ty, your resentment mom and dad but th can eat away at your ey relationship. Don’t entleness and respec seethe silently. Com t. If your mom keep m us ca lling you at work, tel notice or it’s beginn ing to affect your jo l her that your boss b pe rformance. Arrang me. e a call at a mutually ase the guilt. Re member that you’re an adult now, perfe m carpet or a car on ctly capable of choo your own. If your pa sre nts are bent on offer take it in (it may ac ing you advice, tually be helpful). Fo cu s on the fact that th rt. Then make your ey have your best own choice withou t guilt. You are a m ature, independent
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CO-WORKERS
even if it’s just relationship-building, ard tow y da ur yo of on Twitter or Linkeips. Devote a porti to people’s postings on ly rep , ch w Build relationsh lun g rin du ce pop into someone’s offi 20 minutes. You could ffee. co of p cu ick qu out for a dIn, or ask a colleague to feel that their office custodian, wants the to ss bo ur yo m ng well. This will rs. Everyone, fro when they do somethi u yo d un w Appreciate othe aro le op pe nuinely compliment the work is appreciated. Ge work relationships. open the door to great tive all the time. And d someone who’s nega un aro be to nts wa e talk to them directly positive. No on meone in your group, so th wi ict w Focus on being nfl co ing rienc the situation and gossip. If you’re expe ues will only exacerbate ag lle co er oth th stay away from office wi n tio ssiping about the situa about the problem. Go u. yo n ee tw be ity d animos will cause mistrust an jobs, especially can start to impact our hip ds en fri a , lly na sio ive about your undaries. Occa rtant that you’re assert po im it’s w Manage your bo e tim r ou e liz l interactions. ague begins to monopo g the work day for socia rin du te vo de n ca when a friend or colle u yo e u know how much tim boundaries, and that yo with your cobuilding relationships to s me co it n he “W to Improve Your communicate. d author of “10 Ways an h ac co r w Be honest and ree ca , rry Ha th their co-workers honest,” said Cecilia people to be honest wi s ge ura co en workers, be open and rry Ha better in order to ur Boss (Or Anyone).” nt to get to know them wa u yo t tha te Relationships With Yo ica un relationship and comm about having a social work better as a team.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 25 | 2018 defendernetwork.com
Neighborhood flood relief centers open Defender News Services
The city and non-profit organizations are opening three new neighborhood flood relief centers, bringing to 12 the total number of sites where victims of Hurricane Harvey can seek assistance close to where they live. The new Neighborhood Restoration Centers are: • East Aldine (mobile site) – 3308 Aldine Mail Rte. Road, Suite C; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.2 p.m.; call 346-267-0487. • BakerRipley-Gulfton – 6500 Rookin, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; call 713- 273-3701. • Harbach-Ripley (Golfcrest, Bellfort, Reveille, Greater Hobby) – 6225 Northdale; Tuesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thursday, 2-6 Help for Hurricane Harvey victims is available at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center. p.m.; call 713-640-7100. The locations are operThe other centers are: ated in conjunction with BakerRipley, formerly • Acres Homes Multi-Service Center – Neighborhood Centers. They provide assis6719 W. Montgomery; Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.tance with housing, furniture, employment, 6 p.m.; 832-393-4145. sorting out aid from FEMA and other services. • Edgebrook – 10727 Hartsook; Tuesday The new centers are in addition to the and Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; served by a moopening of eight centers previously announced bile bus unit in Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic by Mayor Sylvester Turner. Church; call 211. “We are taking a neighborhood-by-neigh• Greenspoint – 159 Aldine Bender; Friborhood approach to getting assistance to the day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; served via mobile bus many people who need it,” Turner said. unit in Teloloapan Market; call 211. Last November, the city and BakerRip• Memorial Assistance Ministries Center ley opened a pilot version of a Neighborhood – 1625 Blalock; Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.Restoration Center at Kashmere Multi-Service 5:30 p.m.; email harveyrelief@maministries. Center (4802 Lockwood; Monday-Friday, 9 org or call 713 468-4516. a.m.-6 p.m.; 832-393-5503). • Memorial Assistance Ministries at The experiment was a success, with 700 Spring Branch Community Health Center Houstonians served there so far with disaster – 7777 Westgreen, Cypress; Monday-Friday, case management and vital services such as 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; email harveyrelief@maministemporary housing assistance, legal aid, mental tries.org or call 713-468-4516. health and wellness care, home repair, rebuild• Northeast Multi-Service Center – 9720 ing information and employment help. Spaulding; Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.;
Disaster unemployment payments end Feb. 24 Defender News Services
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) reminds individuals whose employment or selfemployment was impacted by Hurricane Harvey and who are receiving disaster unemployment benefits that the disaster assistance period for Hurricane Harvey ends Feb. 24. TWC has mailed notification letters to all affected individuals. The letter informs DUA claimants of the end of the disaster assistance period and that it is not an appealable decision. Each claimant letter includes the address of their nearest Workforce Solutions Office so they can take advantage of available employment and training services. Claimants are also encouraged to contact a specialist by calling 211 or by visiting www.211.org to find additional assistance in their area. TWC administers unemployment benefits to workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own and are actively seeking work. To file a claim or to find out more about unemployment benefits, visit www.texasworkforce.org. Job seekers may connect with potential employers by visiting WorkinTexas.com.
832-395-0470. • Pasadena at Cleveland-Ripley Center – 720 Fairmont, Pasadena; Tuesday, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; 713-944-9186. • West End Multi-Service Center, 170 Heights; Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; 832393-5950.
Survivor hotel stays extended to March 12 According to FEMA, eligible Hurricane Harvey survivors receiving transitional shelter assistance (TSA) may receive an extension to stay temporarily in hotels while they look for an alternative place to live. The new extension is through March 12. Disaster survivors with a continuing need for the hotel sheltering program will receive a phone call, email, and/or text message advising them if they have continued eligibility for assistance through a participating hotel. There will be a mid-term eligibility review on Feb. 20. A household of four or fewer members is authorized one hotel room and a household of five or more will be authorized additional rooms (limit four people per room). One member of each household, 18 years or older, must reside in each room. TSA-eligible applicants must find and book their own hotel rooms. The list of participating hotels is available at DisasterAssistance.gov under the Transitional Shelter Assistance Program link or by calling FEMA at 800-321-3362.
classified Electrical Equipment Bid
Houston First Corporation requests bids from electrical equipment sellers to provide and deliver fused switches, step down transformers and distribution switchboard as part of the Wortham Theater recovery project. Please visit https://www.houstonfirst.com/do-business for full details.
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Kaepernick nears $1 million pledge goal Last March, Kaepernick opted out of his 49ers contract and became a free agent. No NFL team signed him. Back when he was playing for the Kaepernick filed a grievance against San Francisco 49ers – and protestthe NFL in October, accusing it of coling by kneeling during the National lusion. Anthem – Colin Kaepernick said he “With or without the NFL’s platwould donate $1 million plus all the form, I will continue to work for the proceeds of his jersey sales from the people,” Kaepernick said in December 2016 season to organizations working when accepting the 2017 Sports Illusin oppressed communities. trated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. He is almost to his goal. “Because my platform is the people.” When he was at the final Kaepernick has kept a list on his $100,000 mark, the ex-49ers quarterwebsite of the recipients of his donaback said he would give $10,000 a tions and how the money has been day for the next 10 days to an organiearmarked. A large portion of the donazation of his choice, and one celebrity tions have gone to grass-roots groups, would match that donation. including veterans, the homeless, The Colin Kaepernick Foundastudents, immigrants, single mothers, tion announced the first $10,000 to families affected by violent crime, Silicon Valley De-Bug, a communitythose fighting for reproductive rights organizing, advocacy and multimedia and those impacted by incarceration. storytelling organization in San Jose, Kaepernick’s money has been disCalifornia. tributed all over the country, including Snoop Dog was the latest ceFormer NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick said he will continue to “work for the people.” to groups in New York, Phoenix, Chicalebrity to join in, donating a total of go, Dallas, Baltimore, New Orleans, Min$25,000. them, protesting what he believes are racial injusticneapolis, Los Angeles and Milwaukee as Snoop initially matched Kaeperes and ongoing police brutality in the United States. well as organizations in smaller communities such nick’s $10,000 donation to Mothers Against Police He drew fierce criticism from some by kneeling as Fayetteville, N.C., and Lithonia, Ga. Brutality in Dallas. Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and but also inspired other athletes –from elementary Another donation, according to Kaepernick’s Jesse Williams have also donated to the cause. schools to professional leagues – to join his movewebsite, was $50,000 for a plane to deliver food and Kaepernick became a lightning rod in 2016 ment. water to famine areas of Somalia. when he refused to stand during the National AnDefender News Services
Gymnast doctor scandal
Board leaders resign, more victims testify Defender News Services
USA Gymnastics announced the resignations of three key leaders while more women and girls told a judge about being sexually assaulted at the hands of a sports doctor who spent years with Olympic gymnasts and other female athletes. The resignations of chairman Paul Parilla, vice chairman Jay Binder and treasurer Bitsy Kelley were announced in Indianapolis while a judge in Lansing, Mich., heard a fifth day of statements from women and girls who said they were molested by Larry Nassar. The group said it was ending Simone Biles posted on social media that she was Sports doctor Nassar is accused of sexually assaulting patients. abused by Larry Nassar. its long relationship with the Karolyi Ranch, the Huntsville, Texas, home of from three members of the 2012 “Fierce Five” “Most of you know me as a happy, giggly and former national team coordinator Martha Karolyi team — McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and energetic girl. But lately…I’ve felt a bit broken and and her husband, Bela. Some Olympians said they Gabby Douglas. They did not attend Nassar’s the more I try to shut off the voice in my head the were assaulted there by Nassar. sentencing. louder it screams,” Biles wrote in a #metoo social Meanwhile, in Michigan, Nassar’s sentencNassar, 54, has admitted molesting athletes media post. ing hearing continued as more than 120 girls and during medical treatment when he was employed “For too long I have asked myself, ‘Was I too women, including former Olympic gold medalists, by Michigan State University and USA Gymnasnaive? Was it my fault?’ I now know the answers have confronted him or had statements read on their tics. He has already been sentenced to 60 years in to those questions. No. No, it was not my fault. behalf over five emotional days of sentencing. prison for child pornography crimes. No, I will not and should not carry the guilt that Simone Biles, the golden girl of the 2016 Olym- belongs to Larry Nassar, USAG [USA GymnasUnder a plea deal, he faces a minimum prison pics, added her name to the list of gymnasts who say tics], and others.” sentence of 25 to 40 years in the molestation case. they were molested by team doctor Larry Nassar. The maximum term could be much higher. Biles’ statement follows similar disclosures
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 25 | 2018
sports
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Rockets guard Eric Gordon a consummate professional By MAX EDISON Defender
The Houston Rockets are off to another amazing start with the second best record in the NBA. Despite injuries that have sidelined AllStars Chris Paul and James Harden at different times during the year, the team has continued to persevere. One of the key reasons the team has stayed sharp despite adversity is the stellar play of guard Eric Gordon, a consummate professional. Gordon, the 2017 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, has once again shown his value to the team. He is an explosive scorer off the bench leading the second unit and also has been a reliable starter when either Paul or Harden has been injured. He has the versatility to play off the ball or run the offense as a point guard, often times doing both at any point in a game. Showing no signs of slowing down from his award-winning 2017 campaign, Gordon is averaging 19.6 points per game in 32 minutes per game with a pair of rebounds and assists. “I accept my role. I can either start or come off the bench.” Gordon said. “It’s all about being productive on the floor. I don’t really mind what my position is as long as I’m being productive. I’ve been scoring pretty much the same all year. I just have to continue to be consistent and play at a high level for us to continue to be successful. “You have to be a ball player, a professional,” he continued. “Understand what your teammates can do best then go out and play your game. For me it’s all about being aggressive.” As the leader of the second unit, Gordon has seen the Rocket bench become much
deeper and the level of talent is undeniable. Veterans like P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah a Moute added a blue-collar element defensively that had previously been missing. Gerald Green provides yet another scoring option with an inside/outside game. “We have a deep team, but it’s all about having an impact,” Gordon said. “At some point in the game guys have to step up and make a contribution whether it’s scoring or on defense, and we have the talent to do so.” The bottom line is that the Rockets can play any style an opponent desires and still get the job done. “When we’re healthy we’re a very tough team,” Gordon said. “We can match up well with anybody. We can play small ball or play with a lot of bigs.” With a reputation as one of the NBA’s elite teams, the Rockets realize they’re always going to get an opponent’s best game. Teams want to measure themselves up against the best. As a result the Rockets always have to be prepared to put their best foot forward, at home or on the road. “You know we’re going to get everybody’s best effort,” Gordon said. “Everybody’s going to play hard, work hard and we know it’s coming. We just have to continue to play our game at a high level. When we play our game and play it well from start to finish, then I like our chances in every game.” “We’re playing very well offensively and defensively. We just try to continue to play for each other. We all look for one another to play well every single night. We’re trying to win as many games as we can,” added Gordon. “It’s really tough to stop us. When we’re penetrating and everybody’s knocking down three’s, that combo is really tough to slow down.” Eric Gordon, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound guard, has proven to be an explosive scorer off the bench for the high-flying Rockets.
Gordon previously played for the New Orleans Pelicans and L.A. Clippers. He played college ball for one year at Indiana before being drafted and was Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
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h.s.zone Nickerson stands tall for Sterling Raiders coming for them. “I need to get a little more aggressive on the court. That would make a big difference Corey Nickerson remembers three milein how I play and how I do certain things in stones in his young life that have led to his the game,” Nickerson said. “Everything else is maturation into a standout high school basketwhere it needs to be.” ball player. Sterling head coach Andrea Young has In the fifth grade he noticed that seen a big improvement in Nickerson he could run faster than many of his between his sophomore year and this classmates. While in the seventh grade year. a growth spurt triggered that took him “His rebounding has gotten a little from 6-feet to his current height of better and his scoring has improved a 6-foot-7. lot along with his defensive intensity,” “By the time my eighth-grade year Young said. came around I had gained confidence “A player like him doesn’t come that I could be a good basketball around too often,” Young said. “So player,” Nickerson said. when you get a player with his Fast forward to Januskill set, you try to enhance ary of 2018 and Nickerson the things that he does well, is a junior at Ross Shaw but also work very hard on Sterling High School in those things he doesn’t do so Houston. well. Now in his third year “When he learns to be of varsity competition, more aggressive on a consistent Nickerson has become a basis, we’re going to be a hard cornerstone for the Raidteam to beat,” Young said. ers with averages of 17.8 Meanwhile, Nickerson conpoints, 15.3 rebounds tinues to hone his skills. and 4.0 blocked shots per “I’ve got to improve my post game. play,” Nickerson said. “Every“I’m driven to imthing from rebounding to my jump prove on my weaknesses,” shot from the free-throw area. I Nickerson said. “However see improvement from last year. much work I put in, I can “One of my goals coming live with the results.” into this season was to improve Following a recent my free-throw shooting,” Nick73-37 victory over Walerson said. “Last year I shot 47 trip at Barnett Fieldhouse, percent from the free-throw line Sterling improved to 15-8 and this year I’m up to 58 peron the season and 8-2 in Birth date – Nov. 23, 1999 cent and I hope to improve on District 24-5A. Nickerson that as the season goes on. Birth sign – Sagittarius finished with 10 points as “I’m working hard on my Favorite subject in school – U.S. the Raiders’ bench brigade aggressiveness in the paint and history received extended playing my free-throw shooting,” NickPossible college major – Astrotime. erson said. “My last three years physics The two losses were under Coach Young have been by three points to Houston Favorite meal – Spaghetti and an unbelievable experience. He’s Madison and a one-point taught me a lot of good stuff.” cornbread loss in overtime to Furr. Nickerson has already atFavorite NBA players – Lebron “We’re looking forward tracted the attention of area James, Kevin Durant, Giannis to both of those games,” colleges, including the UniverAntetokounmpo Nickerson said. “We’re sity of Houston. By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
about Corey Nickerson
World problems he would solve – Homelessness and hunger
JANUARY 25 | 2018 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs Super Bowl match-up Feb. 4 The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots last met in Super Bowl XXXIX (39) in 2005 in Jacksonville. The Pats won that epic contest 24-21. This time the same pair will tangle in Super Bowl LII (52) in Minneapolis on Feb. 4. New England defeated Jacksonville 24-20 to once again claim the AFC crown. Meanwhile Philadelphia dismantled Minnesota 38-7 to win the NFC championship. The Patriots become the first team since the Seattle Seahawks to appear in two consecutive Super Bowls, having won Super Bowl LI in Houston last year, overcoming a 25-point deficient.
Lombardi finalists named The Lombardi Awards named seven finalists for the 2018 award. Baker Mayfield, the 2017 Heisman trophy winner from Oklahoma, leads a star-studded group which includes Heisman Trophy runner-up Bryce Love of Stanford and 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson of Louisville. Other finalists include Saquon Barkley of Penn State, Minkah Fitzpatrick of Alabama, Shaquen Griffin of UCF and Joel Lanning of Iowa State. The award is based on performance, leadership, character and resiliency on and off the field. The ceremony is Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Hobby Center. Mayor Sylvester Turner and Grammy-winning gospel singer and Houston resident Yolanda Adams are scheduled to receive the Lombardi Fellows Award. Proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support cancer research and treatment. Visit www.thelombardifoundation.org.
Madison in tight race Jeremiah Gambrell Jr. scored 14 of his 19 points in the first quarter to ignite the Madison offense and the Marlins rolled over Waltrip 82-42 at Butler Fieldhouse. The win keeps the Marlins in first place in District 24-5A. Madison led 28-12 following the opening stanza and 47-22 at intermission. The 8-1 Marlins continued the onslaught in the second half when head coach Craig Maura emptied his bench. Tim Moore scored a team-high 22 points and Ron Harleston added 14. “We’re still trying to get the kinks worked out as we prepare for the stretch run,” Maura said. Madison sits atop the 24-5A standings with one league loss while Houston Sterling and Furr are a half-game behind with two district losses.
Tennis gala set for Feb. 2
The Houston Tennis Association and Tennis Express present the Game Set Match Gala and Tennis Fashion Show on Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Sonesta Hotel Galleria, 2222 West Loop South. The event raises funds to support the HTA National Junior Tennis & Learning youth development programs, which provide free tennis and educational classes and scholarship opportunities. More than 6,000 students, ages 4 to 18, are served each year at over 60 neighborhood parks and schools. Michael Russell of Houston, a former Association of Tennis Professionals player and touring coach, is the featured speaker. Yvette and Erik Simpson are honorary chairs for this seventh annual event. Lara Lehmann is the gala chair. KPRC Channel 2’s Khambrel Marshall will emcee the program. Call 713-302-4256 for tickets and more information.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 25 | 2018
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
LINKS MENTAL HEALTH RETREAT…….Links Inc. hosted “Through the was the organization’s national president Joli Cooper Nelson. Attendees included Storm,” its inaugural mental health retreat seeking to address mental health challenges Sharon Watkins Jones, Stephanie Vann, Andrea McHenry, Alaina Benford, and concerns, particularly those brought on by the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. LaKenya Collins, Consuella Guillory-Adams, Shannon Roland, Ronique The retreat featured workshops described by participants as life-changing, a callRobinson, Defender Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Carlecia Wright, in by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and a keynote address by Pastor Mia Jessica Taylor and many more.…….. ACTS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Wright (Fountain of Praise). Event organizers Roxann Chargois and Dr. Janice FORUM………Achieving Through Community Tasks Successfully (ACTS) recently Beal-Geyen welcomed presenters and attendees from hosted an Environmental Justice Forum featuring environmental across the state and nation, including Delores Smith, justice icon Dr. Robert Bullard. Held in partnership with the HBCUDefender TOP EVENTS Muriel Funches, Loren Lane, Yolanda Green Barnes, CBO Gulf Coast Equity Consortium, the forum took place in the heart More photos on defendernetwork.com Dr. Wanda Mott, Apriel Powell Martin, Miyoshi of the Pleasantville community, ground zero for many environmental Thompson, Mary Benton, Dr. Kelly Coleman, Sharon issues. The forum offered presentations by some of the world’s Murphy, Korie Brown and others……..JACK AND JILL 2018 FOUNDERS DAY foremost experts to help Pleasantville residents formulate their solution priorities. PROGRAM……..Jack and Jill of America, Inc. celebrated its 2018 Founder’s Day Attendees included Bridgette Murray, Dr. Beverly Wright, Dr. Angel Torres, Dr. Program at the Houston Junior League. The event, entitled “BLING: Bold Leadership Glenn Johnson, Dr. John Warford, Dr. Denae King, Dr. David Padgett, Steven into the Next Generation,” was organized by the “Sensational South Central Region,” Washington, Dr. Earthea Nance, Mary Fontenot, Judge Willie Blackmon, and celebrated the incredible legacy of Black mothers collaborating to provide Monique Harden, Della Wright, Deborah Merrick, artist Marsha Dorsey-Outlaw and many others. programs and services for their children and others. Featured keynote speaker
Dr. Janice Beal-Geyen, Loren Lane, Roxann Chargois, Tanyel Bennett
Karry Brown, Pastor Mia Wright
Consuella Guillory-Adams, Joli Cooper Nelson, Carlecia Wright, ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Dr. Angel Torres, Dr. Robert Bullard, Dr. Glenn Johnson, Dr.John Warford
Sharon Watkins Jones, Stephanie Vann
Monique Harden, Dr. Denae King
Valencia Bell, Crystal Donatto Brown, Mary Benton, Apriel Powell Martin
Avis Smothers, Ronique Robinson
Judge Willie Blackmon, Mary Fontenot
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