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Volume 87 | Number 13 FEBRUARY 1, 2018 |FREE
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NEWSTALK
1968
SYLVESTER TURNER supports high-speed rail project
A F R I CA N -A M E R I CA N H I S T O RY M O N T H
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A PIVOTAL YEAR IN BLACK HISTORY
NATIONAL VAN JONES blasts State of the Union speech
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H.S. ZONE TELISHA BROWN leads state ranked girls at Wheatley
P11 TOP EVENTS
Terrance Fontaine and Dr. Austin Lane at the Black Heritage Western gala.
Jay-Z
Malcolm Jenkins
President Trump responded to criticism from the rap mogul by touting how Black unemployment is down thanks to him. But many are questioning why the president responds to Black critics, but not white ones like rapper, Eminem.
The Philadelphia Eagles safety is hoping to prevent the New England Patriots from obtaining their sixth Super Bowl title. With most of Black America rooting against the Patriots all eyes are on the Eagles for the big game in Minneapolis
Draws Trump ire
Pro Bowl bound
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 1 | 2018
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newstalk
Voter registration deadline Feb. 5
Texas will host the first statewide primaries of 2018 on March 6 and, with the Feb. 5 registration deadline fast approaching, Texans don’t have much time left to become eligible to vote. Voters need to submit their applications at least 30 days in advance of an election. Texans can fill out an application in
person at their county voter registrar’s office or pick up a copy at other locations including local libraries and most post offices and high schools. You can see if you’re already registered to vote at the Texas Secretary of State’s website. Early voting starts on Feb. 20.
High-speed train local hearing set for Feb. 5 By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
Facts & figures
Harris County residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on the high-speed Texas Bullet Train project that will connect Houston to North Texas in 90 minutes. A public hearing on the $12 billion-plus project will be held Monday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at Woodard Elementary School, 17501 Cypress North Houston Road in Cypress. Construction on the project could begin in 2019. It is being developed by the investor-funded private company Texas Central, which says the train will have a lasting impact on the city’s economy, serve as a catalyst for future growth, create jobs and A map and conceptual renderings of the train’s Dallas passenger station were infuse tax revenue into state and local comrecently released by its developers. (Courtesy Texas Central) munities. The project is being financed with a blend of debt and equity. ters, and proposing traveler-friendly connections between The public hearing is being held by the the new train station and the greater Houston region. Federal Railroad Administration, which released a draft The agreement also says the city and Texas Central environmental impact study outlining a preferred route will develop a minority, women and small business enbetween North Texas and Houston and identified passenterprises program for professional services, development, ger station locations. construction, supplier and other related services. The analysis provides a path for the train’s planning, “As I shared in my State of Mobility address, Housdesign and pre-construction phases, and is designed to enton needs a paradigm shift – a comprehensive approach to sure the safety and environmental well-being of counties mobility that includes all forms of transportation,” Turner and communities along the route. said in announcing the agreement. Last August, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Texas “Certainly, a high-speed train to Dallas is a glowing Central reached an agreement to work together on an idea among the options, especially when state transportaeconomic development and jobs-creating plan for the 200tion officials project traffic congestion on Interstate 45 mph train. between Houston and Dallas will double by 2035, increasThe joint agreement includes benefits for Harris ing travel time from about 4 hours to more than 6.5 hours. County, among them finalizing plans for a passenger Simply building more highways is not the answer.” station in northwest Houston near major employment cen-
• The local passenger station will be in northwest Houston just outside 610 between Interstate 10/290. • The project is expected to generate $36 billion in direct economic activity over the next 25 years, create more than 10,000 direct jobs per year during construction and up to 1,000 jobs permanently when operational. • Nearly 50,000 Texans travel between Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth more than once a week. • The approximately 240-mile high-speed rail line will depart every 30 minutes during peak periods each day, and every hour during off-peak periods. • The route will include a Brazos Valley stop serving Bryan-College Station and Texas A&M University. For more information visit www.texascentral.com. Turner said the city will work with Texas Central to make sure there is a wide choice of transportation options into the Houston area from the Houston train station. “We also look forward to the project’s creation of job opportunities and economic development,” Turner said. “Another huge win for taxpayers is that the Texas Bullet Train is a private-sector development that will not take public funds for its construction or operation.” The agreement says Texas Central is committed to recruiting Houston-area construction contractors, subcontractors and employees for project construction, maintenance and operation. At least a third of the permanent jobs after construction will be created within the city.
localbriefs THREE LOCAL BLACK GROUPS HAVE BEEN LABELED AS HATE GROUPS in Houston. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there are 917 hate groups in America and 55 of them are within Texas. SPLC defines hate groups as those who “vilify others because of their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.” Nation of Islam (Black separatist), New Black Panther Party (Black separatist), Israel United in Christ (Black separatist), League of the South (neo-Confederate), and Conservative Republicans of Texas (anti-LGBT) are the hate groups that operate in Houston, according to SPLC. Despite the rash of hate groups protesting in the south, the most densely populated hate group states are not the ones you may think they are. Josh King has the story. Texas ranks as one of highest states
with the most hate groups. California has 79 recorded hate groups, while Florida has 63. Other states that have a high amount of recorded hate groups include Pennsylvania (40), Tennessee (38) and Illinois (37). MORE THAN TWO DOZEN COMMUNITY GROUPS have begun work on a master plan to address Houston’s flood preparedness and resiliency. During a recent meeting sponsored by Bayou City Initiative, participants developed strategies and infrastructure improvements they believe are important in combating local flooding……..THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COUNTY AFFAIRS will meet in Houston on Feb. 6 to hear from experts and the public regarding interim charges related to Hurricane Harvey and flooding. Additionally, the Committee will discuss the implementation of Senate Bill
1849 otherwise known as the “Sandra Bland Act.” Chaired by State Rep. Garnet Coleman, the meeting will take place at the University of Houston-Downtown Campus, Welcome Center Building, Milam and Travis Rooms, 201 Girard. A tour of the Hurricane Harvey-affected areas of the campus will be given at 9 a.m. and the committee’s public hearing will follow. Elected officials and the general public are encouraged to attend and provide testimony on ways to improve state and county-run programs scheduled for the hearing……… DARIAN WARD RESIGNED as Mayor Sylvester Turner’s press secretary. Her replacement is Mary Benton, a former KPRC reporter and Harris County communications director. Ward came under fire for using a city email account for private business related to her production company.
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national
U.S.briefs FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA hasn’t spoken to Trump since #45’s inauguration last year. Apparently, this isn’t standard and is the first time in decades that two successive presidents haven’t spoken to each other in 12 months after the latter has taken over the White House. Obama reportedly spoke on the phone with George W. Bush on February 27, 2009, to discuss his decision to withdraw some troops from Iraq and Bush called Bill Clinton on June 1, 2001, at a funeral in Boston. Clinton spoke with George H.W. Bush on September 15, 1993 and Bush Sr. spoke with Ronald Reagan on April 26, 1989. Before and after the election, Trump has constantly attacked Obama, calIing him weak and ineffective. Trump is dead set on tearing down every ounce of Obama’s legacy including the Paris Climate deal and Obamacare, and even ridiculously accused Obama of having his phones tapped at Trump Tower…… DURING AN INTERVIEW IN BRITAIN TRUMP apologized for tweeting out three Islamophobic videos from the rightwing Britain First group. Trump sat down with Piers Morgan on “Good Morning Britain” and when the subject of the three videos came up, he said he “would apologize if you’d like me to do that.” Trump says he didn’t know who the group was. “I don’t want to be involved with these people. If you’re telling me they’re horrible racist people. I certainly apologize,” he said…….. NATION OF ISLAM MINISTER LOUIS FARRAKHAN is setting the record straight amid reports the Congressional Black Caucus tried to bury a 2005 photo of him and thenIllinois Sen. Barack Obama. Farrakhan took to Twitter to share a 2016 video explaining why he chose not to release the photo of him and Obama. The minister’s response came after photojournalist Askia Muhammad recently released the photo, revealing that the CBC pressured him to keep it under wraps.
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Blacks blast State of the Union address Defender News Services
CNN commentator Van Jones was among AfricanAmericans speaking out against President Donald Trump’s recent State of the Union address. Jones said the speech was akin to selling “candy with poison in it,” attacking Trump’s rhetoric about illegal immigration and MS-13. Jones took exception to Trump’s lengthy discussion of clamping down on the violent, international MS-13 gang, saying he was trying to draw parallels between its members and Dreamers, the children of undocumented immigrants. Jones squabbled with fellow panelist Rick Santorum, saying it was wrong to “smear these young people” when a large percentage of the country wants the Dreamers to stay in the country. “We are in a moment now where we could come together and get something done on a bipartisan basis,” Jones Van Jones said. “Republicans cannot continue to smear these young Dreamers and associate them with gangs that they’re not a part of.” During the speech, Trump cited a statistic he was proud of – “African-American unemployment stands at the lowest rate ever recorded,” he proclaimed to roaring applause. But one group of lawmakers was notably not applauding – the Congressional Black Caucus, a group of roughly 49 African-American representatives and
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus wore Kente cloth at Trump’s speech.
senators, many of whom chose to boycott the event. The members present wore Kente cloth in different fashions to protest Trump’s vulgar comments about African nations and Haiti, which many Democratic leaders believed to be antiBlack and racist. CBC Chair Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA) said Trump has made the country “less safe for people of color.” “The President has taken every opportunity to divide this country along racial lines,” Richmond said. “Words matter. President Trump’s racist rhetoric makes the country less safe for people of color by encouraging and emboldening and pandering to those who wish to do harm to others based on the color of their skin.”
Black Press, NAACP unite to address issues VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 13 FEBRUARY 1, 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).
NNPA Newswire
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade group representing more than 200 Black-owned media companies, signed a historic, strategic partnership with the NAACP during the NNPA’s Mid-Winter Conference in Las Vegas. “Sometimes you have to take a step back and reconnect in order to move forward,” said NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell. “Signing this agreement is taking that step back and it says it’s time for us to recommit to each other and work together to move our people forward.” NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., who once served as president of the NAACP,
called the partnership historic. “This [signing] consummates a working relationship of two of the world’s largest organizations focused on the empowerment of Black people,” said Chavis. Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, noted the groups’ histories. “The NAACP would not be here, if not for William Monroe Trotter, a civil rights activist, newspaper editor and real estate businessman…the NAACP would not be here today, if not for Ida B. Wells, a newspaper writer…the NAACP would not be here today, if not for W.E.B. DuBois and his Crisis Magazine. I commit today, that we will be joining the NNPA,” Johnson said.
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entertainment
Mother sings, sponsors concert for son By ASWAD WALKER Defender
On Valentine’s Day – Wednesday, Feb. 14 – a Houston mother will offer an act of love for the well-being of her son who stands in need of costly surgeries after suffering horrific, life-altering injuries. This mother, award-winning vocalist Mary Griffin, is hoping this act, the “Love for Schuur” concert, will help assist her son Orlando’s recovery efforts. “Love for Schuur” is a tribute to two-time Grammy Award Winner and jazz great Diane Schuur. Griffin, along with “Great Day Houston” host Deborah Duncan, will pay homage to Schuur, also known as “Deedles,” by singing her songs in tribute to the legend. The concert takes place at 7 p.m., at the Heights Theatre, 339 W. 19th St.
Mary Griffin is organizing a Feb. 14 concert to benefit her son Orlando.
Schuur will close the show with several of her hits including “Deedles Blues,” “My Funny Valentine” and her iconic acapella rendition of “Over the Rainbow.” All profits from the event will go toward the reconstructive surgery and care of Orlando. The Defender spoke with Griffin about her son and the concert. Defender: What specifically happened to your son? Mary Griffin: Orlando moved to Vegas to pursue his MMA fighting career. After four fights, preparing for his fifth, he was asked to do a demonstration fight for the Children’s Cancer Society. This was a demo fight, to demonstrate the moves and techniques in his discipline. Unfortunately, he was matched with a street fighter from Hawaii, who did not play by the rules. The street fighter took the fight seriously and after his second reprimand by the referee, he grabbed Orlando’s head and rammed it into his knee, breaking Orlando’s facial bone structure, nose, eye sockets both orbital bones, etc. The fight was called and Orlando left the ring, dazed and without support from the cancer society or the fight organization. A friend drove him to the hospital, where they began to understand the extent of the injuries. Defender: How is your son right now, physically and emotionally? Griffin: Orlando has basically been in solitary confinement since October 2014. He is depressed, suffering from his injuries, unable to work. Brain damage has been assessed by physicians in Vegas. To put it frankly, Orlando is broken. Defender: What is your hope for this concert? Griffin: We hope to raise $5,000 to $10,000. The cost of the next surgery is $55,000 cash and we’ve negotiated the contracted surgeons down to $45,000 and we have paid a $5,000 deposit but need much more to get Orlando the surgery he so desperately needs. Then of course he has the convalescence costs of probably six months of rent, food, and medicine plus travel and hotel to go to LA for follow up. I estimate this all to be another $50,000 or so. Defender: For those who can’t attend the concert, how can they help? Griffin: Any donation to Orlando’s GoFundMe will be hugely appreciated. I looked at setting up
a 501c charity, but the law does not permit using 501c distributions for family causes. So funds raised go to my company, which then funds Orlando’s expenses which he can write off against his medical expenses. Defender: How are you holding up through this ordeal? Griffin: This is the most stressful, heart-breaking situation I have ever been through, knowing what he can be, and seeing where he is at today. Two surgeries down and one more to go. Every day, I pray for his mental, physical health and wellbeing and trust the legal system and courts will come through with a judgement that gets Orlando compensated and back on his feet. For concert reservations, call 713-487-7381 or email PaulDavid@pdvspecialevents.com.
what’sup BRUNO MARS owned the Grammys with his R&B-inspired album “24K Magic,” winning all six awards he was nominated for at a show where hiphop was expected to have a historical night. JAY-Z, the leading nominee with eight, walked away empty handed – a year after his wife lost album of the year to ADELE, causing fans and peers to criticize the Recording Academy for not properly rewarding BEYONCE’S bold “Lemonade” project. Though KENDRICK LAMAR won five awards, he lost in the top categories, marking another year where rappers were restricted to wins in the rap
categories, instead of earning coveted prizes like Album of the Year……..KEVIN HART’S latest comedy tour is making a stop in Houston. He will bring his “Irresponsible Tour” to the Toyota Center on Oct. 20. Hart’s last multi-city domestic and international “What Now” comedy tour sold out large venues all over the world. He was the first comedian to sell out an NFL stadium, selling over 50,000 tickets in one show at Lincoln Financial Field. Hart has sold out over a dozen arenas internationally, selling more than 150,000 tickets. His comedy tour has grossed over $100 million worldwide…….OMAROSA’S next move will be as
a contestant on “Celebrity Big Brother” on CBS. The new season of the reality show will start on Feb. 7. CBS sees it as counter-programming while the Winter Olympics are on NBC…….WENDY WILLIAMS said she’s tired of the #MeToo movement during her syndicated talk show. “I love that people are speaking up for the first time and coming out and everything, but now I look at all men like, ‘You’re a #MeToo.’ All of them. All of them, which is not fair.” Earlier in the segment, the 53-year-old host also blasted the #MuteRKelly campaign started by two women to remove R. KELLY from the music industry.
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Floyd Norman Award winning animator
Phil lamarr veteran voice over artist
Ruth E. Carter costume designer
Behind the Mask
This month, Xfinity introduces you to some of the elite men and women making our heroes super. From illustrators and studio execs, to costume designers and more. Just say, “Black History Month” into your X1 Voice Remote to hear their stories and see their work at Black Film & TV on Xfinity On Demand, where Black History is always on.
Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity TV with On Demand required. © 2018 Comcast. All rights reserved.
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5 0 Y E A R S AG O
1968 A PIVOTAL YEAR IN BLACK HISTORY By ASWAD WALKER Defender
It’s been 50 years since 1968, the year that arguably impacted Black people more than any other in the past century. Filled with events that still reverberate to this day, 1968 was one for the history books. Here are some of the big moments.
FEB. 6-8: Orangeburg massacre
Tensions between students and police escalated over three nights, following efforts by students to desegregate a bowling alley in Orangeburg, S.C. On the night of Feb. 8, three students – Samuel Hammond, Henry Smith, and Delano Middleton, who was still in high school – were killed by South Carolina Highway Patrol gunfire on the South Carolina State College (now University) campus in Orangeburg. Twenty-eight others were wounded. None of the students were armed and almost all were shot in their backs, buttocks, sides, or the soles of their feet. Nine officers stood trial for excessive force but were acquitted of all charges.
MARCH 19-23: Howard students’ sit-in
Howard University students held a five-day sit-in on campus protesting its ROTC program, the Vietnam War and demanding a Black Studies program. More than 2,000 students occupied the administration building while other students fortified their positions in school dorms, pledging to violate a university order to clear out until student demands were met. Those demands included (1) the resignation of Howard’s president James M. Nabrit Jr., (2) Black history and culture infused in the curriculum and school involvement in the community, 3) dropping of misconduct charges leveled against 39 students for protests at a March 1 event, and (4) the establishment of a campus judiciary system. The protest ended with students immediately winning two of their four demands.
MARCH 31: LBJ stepping down
President Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas announced his decision not to seek re-election, leaving Black people fearing the potential loss of federal support for Civil rights. According to James R. Jones, LBJ’s chief of staff, “The real reason for Mr. Johnson’s withdrawal was Vietnam. It was an involvement he had questioned as a Senator and about which he brooded as President. But his sense of Presidential continuity compelled him to pursue the commitments made by Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy.” Others contended that LBJ was also worn down by the fallout from Dixiecrats (Democrats from the South) who switched to the Republican Party when LBJ signed civil rights legislation.
APRIL 4: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assassinated
King was shot at 6:05 p.m. while standing on the Lorraine Motel balcony in Memphis. He was rushed to nearby St. Joseph’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead an hour later. King was in Memphis in support of a sanitation workers’ strike. He was also in the process of organizing a national Poor People’s March on Washington when he was assassinated. Civil Rights leaders pleaded for peace, yet riots broke out in more than 125 U.S. cities. President Johnson called for a national day of mourning to be observed on April 7. On April 8, King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, and other family members joined thousands of participants in a march in Memphis honoring King. He was buried on April 9. Though a white man, James Earl Ray, confessed to the murder and was convicted (he died in prison in 1998), in December 1999 a Tennessee court ruled that King’s assassination was a conspiracy.
JUNE 5: Robert F. Kennedy assassinated
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, brother of the late President John F. Kennedy and former U.S. attorney general, was assassinated during a campaign event at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Kennedy was shot by Palestine native Sirhan Sirhan after winning the California presidential primary. Star athletes Rafer Johnson and Roosevelt Grier, who accompanied Kennedy, wrestled Sirhan to the ground. Kennedy was considered Black America’s overwhelming choice to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for president. Sirhan, now 73, is serving a life sentence in San Diego County, Calif.
a
SEPTEMBER: First Black Studies program founded
Dr. Nathan Hare helped establish the nation’s first Black Studies program at San Francisco State University. Students of color collaborated to get the program, then worked to secure Chicano Studies, and others. Hare had been fired by Howard University for siding with students fighting for a Black Studies program there. (His Howard students included activist
nated in 1968.
y was also assassi
F. Kenned idate Sen. Robert Presidential cand
Stokely Carmichael and Claude Brown, author of “Manchild in the Promised Land.”) Hare also battled with the college administration at San Francisco State and left the college in 1969. Hare later founded a scholarly periodical and Black think tank.
OCT. 16: U.S. athletes take stand at Olympics During the Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Tommie Smith and John Carlos silently raised black-gloved fists during the National Anthem protesting U.S. racism. The pair won the gold and bronze medals in the 200-meter race, but were condemned by the International Olympic Committee for their act,
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Tommie Smith an d John Carlos rai sed their fists and caused controvers y at the Olympics.
Following the assassination of Dr. King, riots occurred in such cities as Wilmington, Del.
and expelled from Team USA two days later. Various U.S. media outlets labeled their action a “Nazi-like salute” “an embarrassment visited upon the country,” and “an insult to their countrymen.” Sportscaster Brent Musburger, then a young reporter, called Smith and Carlos “a pair of blackskinned storm troopers.”, a slur for which he has never apologized. Despite the negative storm, they were hailed as heroes by the Black community.
NOV. 5: Bittersweet elections
Republican Richard Nixon defeated Democrat Hubert Humphrey to win one of the closest presidential elections in history. Nixon campaigned to fight for law and order, and stand or the country’s “Silent Majority” (i.e. white people). The good news for African-Americans was that Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Four years later (1972) she became the first Black major-party candidate to run for president. Sources: Defender Files, New York Times, www.kingencyclopedia.stanford.edu, www.sciway.net, www.thecrimson.com, www.thehistorymakers.org, www.thenation.com
the Houston area for over 85 years
President Lyndon B. Johnson announ ced that he would not seek re-electi on.
came the first Black
New York be Shirley Chisholm of s. res elected to Cong
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 1 | 2018 defendernetwork.com
AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
HCC presents Black History Month panels Defender News Services
Throughout the month of February, Houston Community College is offering panel discussions on some of the most critical and relevant issues facing the city and nation. All discussions are free and open to the public. They include: • The Politics of Education –Thursday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m., HCC Central, Room 100, Learning Hub Science Bldg., 1300 Holman. Educators will share views on the crisis in urban education, the status of HBCUs, financial aid and student-loan debt and the challenge of educating young minds. Moderator is Charles Hudson of Texas Southern University. Panelists are Pastor D.Z. Cofield Singer Tamar Davis Kenneth Davis, James Douglas, State will discuss the effects of changing demographRep. Alma Allen, A.J. Crabill and Carolyn ics in Houston and the historical, financial and Scantlebury. residential factors to consider as new projects • The Politics of Gentrification/Urban and development take place in urban communiDevelopment – Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m., HCC ties. Moderator is State Rep. Garnet Coleman. Central, Room 100, Learning Hub Science Bldg. Panelists are Dr. Stephen Klineberg and Minister Sociologists, developers and urban planners
Robert Muhammad. • The Politics of Safety at Worship – Thursday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m. HCC Central, Room 100, Learning Hub Science Bldg. Religious leaders will discuss why places of worship have become targets for gun violence and what can be done about the problem. Moderator is Rev. Murray Martin of Mother Zion Baptist Church in Bay City. Panelists are Moustafa Carroll, Bishop Roderick Johnson, Father John Morfin, Father Scott Blick, Pastor Philip Le, Rev. Brian Morris Bishop James Dixon, Pastor D.Z. Cofield, Pastor Byron Stevenson and Pastor Max Miller. • The Politics of Entertainment – Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m., HCC Southwest, 5601 West Loop South. Entertainment opportunities for people of color will be discussed by Ricky Anderson, Kim Gagne, Preston Middleton, Tamar Davis and Patrice Covington. Rev. Jesse Jackson will dialogue with students after the discussion. To register visit hccs.edu/blackhistory.
Sandra Bland was arrested on July 10, 2015 following a traffic stop. She was found dead in her Waller County Jail cell on July 13.
Museum hosts Sandra Bland exhibit Defender News Services
The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) is observing Black History Month with the exhibition, “Sandra Bland.” It runs through Feb. 28 at the museum, located at 4807 Caroline St. A community panel will take place on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the museum as part of the exhibition. At the heart of the exhibition is an interactive engagement allowing John Guess Jr. visitors to experience the emotions of Bland on the day of her arrest in 2015 resulting from a traffic stop in Waller County. Bland was found dead in her jail cell three days later and her mysterious death was ruled a suicide. Protests were held around the country disputing her death and alleging racial profiling and police brutality. In 2016, Bland’s family reached a $1.9 million wrongful death settlement with Waller County and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Bland exhibition is curated by museum
CEO John Guess Jr. Guess said Blacks are familiar with “the talk,” in which Black youth are instructed how to behave during encounters with police. He cited a Stanford University study which found that police officers across the U.S. are more likely to cite, search and arrest Black and Latino drivers during routine traffic stops than white drivers. Not only did the study find that minorities are ticketed and arrested more often, it also found that police in general will use a lower bar to search minorities than whites. “This exhibit vividly underscores the basis for ‘the talk;’ the fear that the wrong use of words during encounters with police, which the Stanford study found more likely for minorities, can lead to escalation and result in tragedy,” Guess said. “We hope this exhibition will bring our multicultural audience to a better understanding of the fear African-Americans have toward encounters with the police.” For more information call 713-526-1015 or visit www.hmaac.org.
Rev. Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson speaks at gala Rainbow/PUSH Coalition founder Rev. Jesse Jackson will be keynote speaker at the 2018 HCC Black History Scholarship Gala on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. at the Ballroom at Bayou Place, 500 Texas Ave. Jackson will speak on this year’s gala theme, “The Politics Of.” He is one of America’s foremost civil rights, religious and political figures, and worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and is a two-time presidential candidate. Visit hccs.edu/blackhistory for ticket information.
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TRUMP VS. JAY-Z
Rapper’s comments draw president’s ire Defender News Services
suffered in the wake of the Great Recession. The job market continues to be tougher for Blacks than other groups. In December, the unemployment rates for Hispanic, white and Asian-Americans were 4.9 percent, 3.7 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively. Asked whether the Trump administration has done anything to address Black unemployment specifically, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders argued that Trump’s pushes to overhaul the tax system and cut regulations on businesses helped all Americans. “Look, I think you can see from the steps that we’ve already taken that we’re trying to fix unemployment for all Americans,” she said. “That’s the point that the president has made time and time again, is that he wants it to be better for everybody.” Asked why Trump took issue with Jay-Z after the rapper criticized the president’s racially charged remarks, Sanders expressed the same sentiment. “Because T:4.79” [the unemployment numbers
LEGAL NOTICE
classified INVITATION TO BID Sealed bids, in duplicate will be received by the East Downtown Redevelopment Authority (“the Authority”) and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 15 at the offices of the Engineer for the Zone, at 10555 Westoffice Drive, Houston, Texas for the following project until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2018. Bids will be publicly opened and read for the construction of the project: EAST DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE (TIRZ) NO. 15, PHASE 1 UTILITY AND ROADW AY IMPROVEMENTS FOR DALLAS AVE. AND LAM AR AVE. FROM CHARTRES ST. TO EM ANCIPATION AVE.; St. EMANUEL ST HUTCHINS ST & BASTROP ST. FORM POLK AVE TO MCKINNEY WBS Number:
N-T15010-0001-3 (T-1503)
Project Location:
The project is located East of IH-69, West of Emancipation Ave, South of McKinney Ave, and North of Polk Ave
Due Date:
Tuesday, February 20, 2018 until 2:00 p.m.
A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be help on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. on at 711 Louisiana Street, Suite 2300. All bidders (general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers) are invited to attend. [Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from a bidder who did not attend the Pre-bid Conference.] The East Downtown Redevelopment Authority (“the Authority”) intends to utilize the Competitive Sealed Bid process as authorized in Chapter 2269, Texas Government Code for the above procurement. The construction project will be performed in accordance with plans and specifications and any addenda thereto which may be issued prior to opening of bids. Bid Documents are available free of charge with the option to purchase hard copies on the CivCastUSA Website (www.civcastusa.com). Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 2013-0428, Chapter 15 Article V, City of Houston Code of Ordinances, as amended, and City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) Procedures. The successful Bidder/Proposer will be required to demonstrate good faith efforts to achieve a MWSBE participation goal as stated in Document 00800 Supplementary Conditions. T:3.25”
Hip-hop legend Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter described President Donald Trump’s “shithole countries” comment as disappointing and hurtful. “Everyone feels anger, but after the anger it’s really hurtful because he’s looking down on a whole population of people and he’s so misinformed because these places have beautiful people,” he told Van Jones on the debut of his CNN program, “The Van Jones Show.” Trump tweeted: “Somebody please inform Jay-Z that because of my policies, Black Unemployment has just been reported to be at the LOWEST RATE EVER RECORDED!” The White House continues to tout the unemployment rate for Black Americans, after Trump used the statistic to respond to criticism from music icon Jay-Z, who added that Trump’s comments about the labor market “are missing the whole point.” “Because it’s not about money at the end of the These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon: day. Money doesn’t equate to happiness. Official End It doesn’t,” he said. Game # Game Name / Odds $ Close of Validations “You treat people Game Date like human beings. 1827 50X The Cash - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.19 $10 2/10/18 8/9/18 That’s the main point.” Experts say 1829 100X The Cash - Overall Odds are 1 in 2.84 $20 2/17/18 8/16/18 Trump can hardly take all the credit for the drop in the 2006 Holiday Wishes - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.12 $3 2/18/18 8/17/18 unemployment rate for Black Ameri2004 Diamond Mine 9X - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.02 $5 2/22/18 8/21/18 cans. The decline is part of a gradual trend that has ocFor detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and curred since 2011, veterans. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2018 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved. when the job market
are] better than they have been. And we’re certainly making progress and we want to continue to do that,” she said.
The requirements and terms of the City of Houston Pay or Play Program, as set out in Executive Order 1-7 and Ordinance 2007-0534, are incorporated into this project for all purposes. All bidders shall comply with the terms and conditions of the Pay or Play Program as they are set out at the time of City Council approval of this Agreement. (http://www.houstontx.gov/obo/hirehoustonfirst.html) Each bid must be accompanied by a Certified or Cashiers Check, from a responsible bank in the State of Texas, or a Bid Bond, issued by the surety legally authorized to do business in the State of Texas, equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid amount. Make the Cashier’s Check, Certified Check or Bid Bond payable to the Owner.
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 1 | 2018
sports
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Can Philly stop New England in Super Bowl? By MAX EDISON Defender
As the nation prepares for the national holiday that is the Super Bowl, the burning question on everyone’s mind is can the Philadelphia Eagles end the New England Patriots reign of dominance over the NFL? New England has won two of the last three Super Bowls and is making a bid to win back-toback championships. Over the last 10 years the Patriots have participated in four Super Bowls. They will be seeking their sixth title in franchise history on Feb. 4 (5:30 p.m. on NBC) in Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis. Going against Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history, and Bill Belichick, arguably the league’s greatest head coach, does Philadelphia have a chance to dethrone the Patriots? The answer to that question is affirmative, but they have to play a darn near perfect game to do so. Offensively, playing without injured QB CarSafety Malcolm Jenkins (No. 27) likes Philadelphia’s defensive abilities. son Wentz should put the Eagles behind the eight ball, but his backup Nick Foles has been an NFL challenge than the Eagles secondary. starter in his career and has been playing increasingly The Patriots aerial attack is deep and well down the playoff stretch. diverse and the Philadelphia defense They will rely on their running game to control the must be prepared to handle all of it. time of possession and keep Tom Brady off From speedy running backs out of the the field. The Eagles will unleash the backfield (Dion Lewis), to the mercutwo-headed rushing tandem of Jay rial Brandon Cooks, to “Mr. Reliable” Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount. The Danny Amendola and finally Gronk Patriots defense allowed over 4.5 (Rob Gronkowski), Brady has weapyards a rushing attempt, second ons and he’s skillful at choosing the most in the NFL. appropriate one to totally demoralize Provided the Eagles can find an opponent. success rushing the ball, it will Regardless of how it give Foles an opportunity to looks on paper, Eagles throw the ball downfield. Resafety Malcolm Jenkins ceivers Alshon Jeffery, Nellikes their ability to son Agholor, Torrey Smith defend. and tight end Zach Ertz, can “I think we Eagles receiver Alshon Jeffery isn’t intimidated by the Patriots. give the Patriots secondary match up well,” Jenfits if the Eagles offensive line LI and in the AFC title game this year against Jacksonkins said. “They’ve can give Foles time. ville, the Patriots started slowly and came on strong in obviously got a great system, great Defensively, the Eagles the second half, particularly the fourth quarter. Brady has offense, probably the best quartermust find a way to put consisback of all time, a great tight end, shown that no lead is insurmountable. tent pressure on Brady with The Pats defense has proven to be an opportunistic and speedy receivers. They’ve their front four. History has bunch, capable of pulling a rabbit out of their hat at just the got a real good scheme, and shown that rushing four and right time. Expect another hard hitting match-up that could they isolate people, but if dropping seven into covergo down to the final possession, similar to Super Bowl there’s any defense out there age helps slow down the XXXIX when the same two teams faced off in Jacksonville that can match up with every New England offense. in 2005. New England won that contest 24-21. single person, I think it’s this Philly defensive ends BranThe Eagles won’t be intimidated by the Patriots mysdefense, so we’re looking don Graham, Chris Long and tique. forward to it.” tackle Fletcher Cox will be key “They put on their pads just like us,” Jeffery said. Last year in Super Bowl up front. “I don’t care who it is, Tom Brady, it don’t really mat Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is No unit on the field will face a greater ter who’s the quarterback. It don’t matter.” chasing his sixth Super Bowl ring.
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h.s.zone Brown leads Wheatley High state-ranked girls Wheatley and Yates are tied for first place in District 11-4A with 9-1 marks and only a handful of Wheatley High School head league games remaining. Wheatley girls’ basketball coach Dedreck Carr is ranked No. 7 in the latest Texas knew it was one of those games. Association of Basketball Coaches With first place at stake and (TABC) Class 4A state girls’ poll. already down a loss to district rival Brown converted 5-of-6 freeJack Yates High School, Carr felt his throw attempts in the final seconds to squad needed to rely on a familiar secure the victory. Wheatley improves formula for success with to 24-3 on the season. the season on the line. “I had the confidence to play “I knew it was in the second half like my going to be a tough team wanted me to,” Brown game. My girls said. “I wanted to come worked hard and out and do my thing and grinded it out in get this win. The coachthe end,” Carr ing staff had confidence said. “They gave in me. all the heart they “My goals coming had. into this season were to “The last time we win a state title and try didn’t play our game. to earn a college scholWe wanted to make arship,” Brown said. sure we did what Nursing a precarious we do all the time. 43-42 advantage going into Play hard, get the the fourth quarter, Brown ball inside to our began to assert herself and big girl and let our scored three consecutive shooters, shoot.” field goals to give Wheatley Senior Ariana a 49-45 lead. Taylor scored six Then Taylor scored six of her 17 points in straight points to increase the fourth quarWheatley’s edge to 55-49. ter and sophoThe game was close more point guard throughout. Telisha Brown Following a scoreless first posted 11 of her quarter, Brown had back-to21 points in the final back driving layups in the second frame to lead Wheatstanza to help Wheatley creep ley past Yates 60-58 within 29-26 at halftime. A sixBirth date – Sept. 24, 2001 at Barnett Fieldhouse. point third quarter helped the Lady Birth sign – Libra “Ariana is a Wildcats carry a one-point lead into Favorite subject – Reading bruiser on the boards, the final frame (43-42). Favorite basketball player – she can stretch you With the score knotted at 58-58 out to the three-point Stephen Curry in the final seconds, Brown conline and that’s why verted two free-throw attempts to World problem she would solve she’s a Division I secure the victory. – Homelessness college recruit,” Carr “Telisha is only a sophomore said. but she was the Player of the Year “I told Telisha in our district last year as a freshthat in games like this, she was going to have man,” Carr said. “There are going to be times to take over. So don’t be afraid, just go ahead like this when she will have to take over the and do it.” game. She came through for us this time.” By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
about Telisha Brown
FEBRUARY 1 | 2018 | DEFENDER
11
sportsbriefs MLB names inductees Major League Baseball announced its four-member class of Hall of Fame inductees for 2018. Outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, reliever Trevor Hoffman, third baseman Chipper Jones and 1st baseman Jim Thome are now entering the HOF. Guerrero was a five-tool right fielder who made nine All-Star teams in his 16 seasons and won the 2004 American League MVP award. Hoffman, who spent 15½ of his 18 seasons with the San Diego Padres, ranks second in career saves with 601 and was the first pitcher to reach the 500- and 600-save marks. Jones, who played his entire 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves, becomes the second No. 1 overall draft pick to reach the Hall, after Ken Griffey Jr. Thome’s 22-year career included 12 seasons with the Cleveland Indians. He compiled 612 home runs and 1,747 walks.
D’Antoni to coach stars Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni and his staff will represent the Western Conference at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 18 in L.A. His coaching staff is comprised of associate head coach Jeff Bzdelik and assistant coaches Roy Rogers and Brett Gunning. For D’Antoni, it is his second stint coaching the All-Star Game, having represented the Western Conference as head coach of Phoenix in 2007. D’Antoni joins Rudy Tomjanovich (1997) as the only coaches to have represented the Rockets in the game. Last season, D’Antoni earned his second Coach of the Year award, after guiding the Rockets to a 55-27 mark, up from a record of 41-41 in 2015-16.
Westside girls perfect The early results are in and it appears the Westside High School Lady Wolves are the class of the District 18-6A basketball race. Westside knocked off Westbury and Lamar to improve to 10-0 in league play. In a 76-12 win over Westbury, Kayla Pelson scored a game-high 20 points to lead the Lady Wolves. Helena Johnson added 13 points while Jordan Lewis and Triniti Charles contributed eight each. Westside led 57-9 at halftime and 69-11 going into the fourth quarter. Westside faces Bellaire with a chance to run the table in league play.
Atascocita unbeaten The Atascocita girls shrugged off a slow start and remained unbeaten in District 21-6A with a 57-41 victory over Summer Creek. Senior guard Dari Gabriel scored a team-high 14 points and junior Shaniya Klauster added 13. Sophomore center Elyssa Coleman finished with nine points. Trailing 11-6 in the first quarter, Atascocita scored the last eight points of the opening stanza and the first five of the second period to take a 19-11 advantage. “We had a great crowd here tonight,” said Atascocita coach Veronica Johnson. “The noise affected our communication on defense so we had to resort to our hand signals. Once we realized we could control the tempo of the game we settled down and played our game. Atascocita improved to 11-0 in league play with three games remaining and the first outright championship in three years. The Lady Eagles are ranked No. 22 in the latest Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Class 6A state poll.
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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 1 | 2018
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
TEXAS WELCOMES BAHAMAS PRIME MINISTER…….The state of Texas multiple schools. Attendees included Melvinie Davis, Felicia Pichon, Kyana Pichon, welcomed the prime minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the Honorable Stephanie Foreman, Laila Mouton, Yolanda Pratt, Madison Pratt, Kim Mason, Dr. Hubert Minnis. Lynden Rose, the honorary consul of the Bahamas for the state Qiana Manns, Shanell Jackson, Patricia Jackson, Natahsa Butler, Reagan Kay, of Texas, and wife Marilyn Rose hosted the reception held at the NRG Crowne Plaza Raechelle Kay, Layla Parrish, James Parish, Nakia Moore, Ireoine Johnson, Hotel. Along with an address by Prime Minister Minnis, attendees were treated to Deborah Duty and many more……..25th ANNUAL BLACK HERITAGE traditional Caribbean food and entertainment. Attendees included Houston tennis great COMMITTEE WESTERN GALA…….The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Zina Garrison, Arrlon McLean, Agnes Scott, Daryl Clark, Black Heritage Committee celebrated its Silvery Anniversary during Carolyn Scantlebury, Yvonne Miller-Johns, Marilyn Defender TOP EVENTS the 25th Annual Black Heritage Committee Western Gala. The event Douglas-Jones, Lewis Williams, Kristen Williams, Kofi honored companies demonstrating distinguished leadership and More photos on defendernetwork.com King, Aliah Pinder, Verchante Scott, Latha Nehru and accomplishments in the areas of diversity and inclusion, while also others…….SUPERGIRLS SHINE IT’S TEA TIME…… raising funds for scholarships for urban youth. BHC VP Dr. Terence SUPERGirls SHINE Foundation sponsored “It’s Tea Time,” an event designed as a Fontaine, and event chairs Wendy Lewis Armstrong and LaShandra Boddy, roundtable empowerment conversation between Houston’s leading ladies and girls. welcomed a host of guests including HLSR board chairman Jim Winne, HLSR Assisting in the character-building experience were Dr. Jonita Reynolds, CEO of the CEO Joel Cowley, Warner Ervin Sr., Naomi Smith, Dr. Austin Lane, Loren Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Loretta Williams Gurnell, Samyka Lane, Deidra Fontaine, Alexander Johnson, Kristen Johnson, Staffany Rawls, Leaston and guest speaker Ashley Turner, Houston’s “first daughter.” Women Christopher Houston, Denise Cabrera, Gary Nesloney, Melkeya McDuffie, Vivian from all walks of life, especially entrepreneurs, were on hand along with girls from Watkins, Samuel Watkins and more.
Lynden Rose, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis
Dr. Jonita Reynolds, Ashley Turner, Loretta Williams Gurnell
Vince Armstrong, Wendy Lewis Armstrong, Joel Cowley
Maya Ford, Marilyn Rose, Jacobi Ford-Rose
Madison Pratt, Yolanda Pratt
Terence Fontaine, Dr. Austin Lane
Lanece Clarke, George Cleare, Kristina Knowles
James Parish, Layla Parish
Julian Boddy Sr., LaShandra Boddy, Julian Boddy Jr.
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