Houston Defender: February 04, 2016

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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 85 | Number 14 FEBRUARY 4, 2016 | FREE

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NEWSTALK ADA EDWARDS concerned about crime

P2 NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA promotes equal pay

Houston’s Black Political LEADERSHIP

P3 BLACK HISTORY MISTY COPELAND featured on PBS special

Who plays what position?

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P5 TOP EVENTS

Kase and Eileen Lawal at CAMAC 30th anniversary celebration

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Chief McClelland stepping down Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland is retiring after nearly six years as HPD’s top cop. Hear why he says the decision wasn’t easy.

Discover his biggest accomplishments.

Find out what Mayor Sylvester Turner has to say about McClelland.

DeMarcus Ware plays defense Super Bowl fans are ready for the most anticipated game of the year, and Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware is one reason why defense will determine the outcome. Meet Ware’s defensive teammates. See who’s playing for the Carolina Panthers..

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 4 | 2016

newstalk

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Sunnyside crime causes concern

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

Police Chief Charles McClelland is retiring from HPD.

Chief Charles McClelland retiring Charles McClelland is stepping down as Houston police chief, effective Feb. 26. McClelland became chief in 2010 after rising through the ranks. He joined HPD as an officer in 1977.

“This is a decision that was reached after much personal thought and consultation with my family,” McClelland said. “It was not an easy decision, but I know it is the right decision for me personally. I am leaving HPD in a better place than it was six years ago.”

McClelland said his biggest accomplishments included a lower crime rate, HPD’s stewardship of its financial resources and improved community relations.

He is also proud of convincing former Mayor Annise Parker and City Council to name HPD headquarters after Edward A. Thomas, one of HPD’s first African-Ameri-

can officers and the department’s longest serving officer.

“I want to thank Chief McClelland for his 39 years of service to the city,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “He is a respected figure in the community who has served this city well and has many accomplishments of which to be proud.

“The city’s crime rate during his tenure is lower than it was for the previous six years and citizen complaints filed against our officers are at a record low.”

McClelland managed the fifth largest police agency in the nation with a budget of more than $825 million and a staff of 5200 sworn officers and 1200 civilian employees.

Turner has not yet selected an interim chief. That decision will be made in the coming days.

HISD hosts bond updates HISD is hosting community meetings in February and March to inform stakeholders of project plans to rebuild or renovate campuses as part of the district’s $1.89 billion bond program.

Attendees will hear from project architects and other team members and will have the opportunity to ask questions. Schools, meeting times, locations and scope of work are: Waltrip High School, Tuesday, Feb. 9 6:30 p.m., 1900 West 34th – Receiving $30.1 million for partial replacement and general renovations.

Westbury High School, Thurs., Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m., 11911 Chimney Rock – Receiving $40 million for partial replacement and general renovations.

Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, Tues., Feb 23, 6:30 p.m., 1906 Cleburne – Receiving $27.1 million renovation.

Wilson Montessori School K-8, Thurs., Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m., 2100 Yupon – Receiving new $18.9 million addition and general renovations.

HISD staff, architects and community members gathered last year for a bond meeting for the new Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy.

Sam Houston Math, Science & Technology Center, Tues, Mar. 1, 6:30 p.m., 9400 Irvington – Receiving $101.4 million for new school.

For more information visit www.hisd.org.

Residents, concerned citizens and elected officials are troubled by crime in the Sunnyside area. The seriousness of the problem was brought to light with the recent assault and robbery of a 95-year-old woman in her home.

She suffered several broken bones and family members discovered her the next day lying in her own blood.

The crime prompted some residents to gather at an area church to sound off about the incident. Others, such as former Houston City Councilmember Ada Edwards, addressed the issue at a council meeting.

Edwards, a Sunnyside resident, also became a crime victim when her home was burglarized two weeks ago.

“They took my grandmother’s jewelry, all my rings and even my coffee maker,” she said.

Edwards said there’s a possibility some of the crimes could be attributed to halfway house residents.

“We have an overabundance of re-entry homes and Ada Edwards group homes that are not regulated or licensed,” she said.

“We’re already a poor neighborhood trying to rebound.

I’m not saying that people don’t have the right to a second chance but they all can’t be in one neighborhood. How can you offer a valuable program rebuilding lives when you’re just putting grown men in a room?”

Councilman Dwight Edwards said the person Boykins who victimized the 95-year-old is “sick and needs help.” Councilmember Dwight Boykins, who represents Sunnyside, agreed.

“It’s a sad day when individuals – I don’t care what their excuse or situation is –attack an elderly person for any reason,” Boykins said.

He visited with the victim in the hospital and said he was impressed by her strength and resilience.

In an effort to address crime, Boykins said he allocated more than $100,000 out of his budget for overtime so officers could patrol the South Park and Selinsky neighborhoods.

“Even if you allocate $100 million you are still going to have crime,” Boykins said. “We have made an effort and I plan to put more resources into the problem.”

Edwards said programs are needed to foster a stronger sense of community in the area, such as Houston Hope, which was established under former Mayor Bill White’s administration.

The initiative reinvested in several of Houston’s older neighborhoods, including Sunnyside, by providing affordable housing and improving infrastructure and drainage.

“They know how to rebuild communities in Houston,” Edwards said. “Look at Midtown.”

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FEBRUARY 4 | 2016 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is Sunday, Feb. 7, and African-Americans are encouraged to get educated, tested, involved and treated. Getting tested is at the core of the annual campaign, and advocates hope that African-Americans will get tested every year on Feb. 7, especially those who are sexually active and at high risk of contracting HIV. According to the CDC, the rate of new HIV infection among African-Americans is eight times that of whites based on population size, with gay and bisexual men accounting for most new infections. The estimated rate of new HIV infections for African-American women is 20 times that of white women and almost five times that of Hispanic women ……..CONGRESS IS BEING URGED to address the nation’s retirement security crisis by expanding Social Security benefits for millions of Americans.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, Americans are less likely to retire in their 60s than their counterparts in peer countries.

Nearly a third of U.S. 65- to 69-year-olds are employed, versus 20 percent of 65- to 69-yearolds in peer countries. The lack of economic retirement security is attributed to policy decisions favoring the wealthy, a weakening of collective bargaining rights, a minimum wage that has not kept up with rising costs, and a lack of pay equity for women……..

THE NAACP and the National Head Start Association announced a joint initiative aimed at empowering the country’s most vulnerable families. The two organizations are focusing on three core directives: Organize voter registration drives at Head Start centers to provide parents with information to bridge gaps in the voting process, educate families and provide resources to the Head Start community to help families enroll in health care coverage and access critical medical care, and provide Head Start families with fair housing advocacy tools to help build a stable foundation.

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 14 FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Social|Online Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

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

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

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In 2009, President Obama signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

Obama takes action to advance equal pay

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resident Barack Obama said he is taking additional steps to advance equal pay for women.

He made the announcement on the seventh anniversary of signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law. It empowered women to recover wages lost to pay discrimination and was Obama’s first piece of legislation as president.

“While we’ve got a lot to celebrate we knew that our work wasn’t done,” Obama said. “We knew we had a lot more to do to close the pay gap between men and women and ensure that no women would ever face the kind of discrimination that Lilly [a discrimination plaintiff] faced on the job.”

Obama said that while the gender pay gap has narrowed slightly, there is more work to be done to ensure fair pay for all. The median wage of a woman working full-time year-round in the United States is about $39,600, only 79 percent of a man’s median earnings of $50,400.

Obama highlighted several actions that his Adminis-

tration is taking to advance equal pay: • The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), in partnership with the Department of Labor, is publishing a proposal to annually collect summary pay data by gender, race, and ethnicity from businesses with 100 or more employees. The proposal would cover over 63 million employees.

• Obama is renewing his call to Congress to take up and pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation that would give women additional tools to fight pay discrimination.

• The Council of Economic Advisers is releasing an issue brief titled “Gender Pay Gap on the Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act,” that explores the state of the gender wage gap.

• The White House will host a summit on “The United State of Women” on May 23 that will create an opportunity to mark the progress made on behalf of women and girls over the course of the Administration and to discuss solutions to the challenges they still face.

Teacher effectiveness gaps hurt minorities NNPA News Service

Minority and low-income students are less likely to have consistent access to effective teachers between preschool and the third grade than students from high-income households, according to a new report by the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C. think tank.

Rachel Herzfeldt-Kamprath, a co-author of the report, said kids are learning a lot during that time period and gaining foundational skills that they build on throughout the rest of their academic careers.

The report found that more than 60 percent of children in prekindergarten that come from households earning more than $100,000 have access to highly educated teachers, while about half of the students in prekindergarten that

come from households earning less than $20,000 do not have access to those teachers.

Black children are also more likely to have teachers whose household income is below $50,000 when compared to their white and Asian peers.

“In the early childhood field, studies have found both direct and indirect links between teachers’ pay and the quality of education provided, with comparatively bettercompensated educators creating a higher-quality classroom environment,” the report said.

The report highlighted a number of priorities including increasing access to high-quality prekindergarten programs, raising teacher pay and promoting collaborative professional development.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 4 | 2016 defendernetwork.com

AFRICANAMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

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Black history events

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Prairie View A&M University presents A Soundtrack to Black History through Feb. 7 at H. Edison Anderson Recital Hall. Performance times vary.

Contact: 936-261-3335.

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Saturday, Feb. 6

The Houston Public Library presents Explore Your History with genealogist Sharon Gillins at 10:30 a.m. at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, 5300 Caroline. Registration is required. Contact: 832393-2600.

Monday, Feb. 8

PVAMU sponsors an Artistic Expression Exhibition through Feb. 28 at the Northwest Houston Center, 9449 Grant Road. Contact: 713-790-7282.

The University of Houston African American Studies (AAS) sponsors a Blacks in Higher Education Forum at 5:30 p.m. at Student Center Room DI. Contact: www. uh.edu/class/aas/news/.

Tuesday, Feb. 9

The UH AAS Department hosts its 2016 Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series at 11:30 a.m. in AAH 210. Guest speaker is Quaniqua Cartthan, program coordinator for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods in Louisville, Ken. Texas Southern University hosts An Epic Evening with the Artists: Creative Expressions in Dance, Artwork and Spoken Word, at 6 p.m. at the Robert J. Terry Library. Contact: www.tsu.edu.

Wednesday, Feb. 10

The Houston Public Library presents Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, based on the children’s book

by Katheryn Russell-Brown, at 3:45 p.m. at Park Place Regional Library, 8145 Park Place Blvd.

Contact: 832-393-1313.

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PUBS: TANNY COPY: ART: TECH:

February 2016 Join us this February as we salute a rising icon of African American culture!

African American actors, artists and performers have been commanding the spotlight for decades, but the newest generation of trendsetters is in a class all its own.

Join us “In Conversation” with actress JURNEE SMOLLETT-BELL for an entertaining look at the next wave of African American cultural luminaries and taste makers! Then enjoy a special reception following the discussion where you’ll get a chance to meet Jurnee and snap a photo with her!

Jurnee Smollett-Bell Best known for her award-winning performance in The Great Debaters, and for her role on the critically acclaimed series, Friday Night Lights.

Jurnee has appeared in numerous films and television shows, and her newest project, Underground, debuts on WGN America this spring!

Check out our exclusive interview and content, and find an event near you at

macys.com/celebrate

Event subject to change or cancellation.

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FEBRUARY 4 | 2016 | DEFENDER

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

PBS celebrates Black history

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his February, PBS is highlighting the African-American experience through content on air on PBS member stations and online through the PBS Black Culture Connection.

The Culture Connection, featuring video from films, award-winning documentaries and series, links the national content found on PBS with local programs, interviews and discussions from member stations and from around the web. It can be accessed at www.pbs.org.

Programs related to the African-American experience include: “Finding Your Roots,” Tuesdays through March 8 at 7 p.m. – Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the genealogy of 27 new guests, highlighting the ethnicity, race and experience that make up the fabric of America.

“Mercy Street,” Sundays through Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. – A colorful cast of characters, including doctors, nurses, contraband laborers and Southern loyalists, intersect in the chaotic world of Union-occupied Alexandria, Va., and the Mansion House Hospital in the early years of the Civil War. “A Ballerina’s Tale,” Monday, Feb. 8, 9 p.m. – Explore the rise of Misty Copeland, who made history as the first African-American female principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theater.

“B.B. King,” Friday, Feb. 12, 8 p.m. – The challenging life and career of B.B. King is chronicled through candid interviews with the “King of the Blues.” The special was filmed shortly before his death and features fellow music stars Bono, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, John Mayer and Ringo Starr.

“The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution,” Tuesday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m. – Revisit the turbulent 1960s, when a new revolutionary culture emerged with the Black Panther Party at the vanguard.

“Fats Domino,” Friday, Feb. 26, 9 p.m. – Discover how Fats Domino’s brand of New Orleans rhythm and blues became rock ’n’ roll. As popular in the 1950s as Elvis Presley, Domino suffered degradations in the pre-civil rights South and aided integration through his influential music.

“Wilhemina’s War,” Monday, Feb. 29, 9 p.m. – A Southern grandmother struggles to help her family through the scourge of HIV, but may be unable to save those she loves. AIDS is one of the leading causes of death for Black women in the rural south, where living with HIV is a grim reality.

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what’sup Former DESTINY’S CHILD member LETOYA LUCKETT, a native Houstonian, will star in the new sitcom “Here We Go Again,” which premieres Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. on TV One. The show is about three generations of women whose lives are upended after a series of events sends them along an unexpected journey. Luckett portrays a single mother and successful lawyer. WENDY RAQUEL ROBINSON plays her mother. Luckett, who left Destiny’s Child in 2000, became a solo artist and actress. She appeared in HBO’s “Treme” and BET’s “Second Generation Wayans,” and starred alongside TARAJI P. HENSON in the film “From the Rough,” released in 2014……..

MATHEW KNOWLES, who managed Destiny’s Child, has written a self-help book titled “The DNA of Achievers:10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals,” published by Xlibris. “My inspiration came from my travels and the many people I’ve had the opportunity to meet as well as build incredible working relationships with,” Knowles said…….. IDRIS ELBA didn’t receive an Oscar nomination for his acclaimed performance in “Beasts of No Nation,” but the role won him a Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance in a supporting role.

Elba also won a SAG Award for his leading role in the BBC TV series “Luther.” Other SAG acting

awards went to VIOLA DAVIS for “How to Get Away With Murder,” UZO ADUBA for “Orange is the New Black” and QUEEN LATIFAH for “Bessie.” SAG represents 160,000 entertainment and media professionals……..Fort Worth soul singer LEON BRIDGES premiered the music video for his gospel-inspired song “River.” The video was filmed on location in Baltimore and draws heavily from the uprising there. Bridges said it showcases the “unique struggle” faced

by African-Americans. “I want this video to be a message of light,” Bridges said. “I believe it has the power to change and heal those that are hurting.”

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COACHES

HOUSTON MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER – has worked hard to achieve this position. Although he may be new in this role, he has a track record of successful completions with his ability to build consensus across party lines and create team cohesiveness. the QB position in the Black community has been vacant for sometime, leaving the political Black agenda sputtering.

The real test will be his ability to read plays and maintain ball control as he decides whether to throw or run. So far his rollout has been smooth. Some

Quarterback: is the leader of the team. He calls the plays in the huddle, yells the signals at the line of scrimmage, and receives the ball from the center. Then he hands off the ball to a running back, throws it to a receiver, or runs with it.

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For the football novice, we have outlined the roles of each position and who currently plays the position. You may agree or disagree, let us know on facebook/defendernetwork.com what you think of the article or who you think should be in what position.

For the record, a football team is comprised of offensive players, who carry the ball and score points, and the defensive players, who try to prevent the other team from scoring. In football each player individually has strengths and weaknesses but it is still a team sport. The challenge is working together for the common good of the community.

Fullback: is a player who is responsible for blocking for the running back and also for pass-blocking to protect the quarterback. Fullbacks, who are generally bigger than run-

Running back: is a player who runs with the football.

STATE SEN. RODNEY ELLIS - has demonstrated a superior blend of both quickness and agility along with sure hands and shrewd vision. This position is often integral in both the passing and running attack. The combination of catching ability, speed, and blocking offers versatility and flexibility. Don’t think running is his only talent, as he has been known to have a trick play where a running back is occasionally used to pass the ball on a halfback option play or halfback pass.

CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN - holds this hybrid position because he is capable of blocking and receiving the ball. Frequently, the size of the tight end creates a mismatch in the defense secondary and gives the team a tactical advantage. He has developed a strong foundation with a diverse constituency and the strength of his running game demonstrates an innate power that allows him to penetrate the opponent’s

Tight end: is a player who serves as a receiver and also as a blocker. This player lines up beside the offensive tackle to the right or the left of the quarterback.

knows how to catch the long ball and often takes the spotlight in her effort to score points for the team.

Here are the Houston Political Players:

ith the height of the football season coming to a climax with the Super Bowl 50, the Defender decided to play the Houston Black leadership game football style.

Almost 35 years ago, the Defender published a similar story and the coaches were the late Mack Hannah and Dr. John B. Coleman with Mickey Leland as the quarterback.

A lot has changed on the (playing field) gridiron and the Houston Black community is entering a new era of leadership.

There is a changing of the guard due to new elections and the recent death of County Commissioner El Franco Lee.

By VON JILES

LEADERSHIP

Black Political

DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 4 | 2016

Coaches are the professional managers of the team who concentrate on training and developing athletes. On a pro team, there are usually over 15 coaches and assistants with different responsibilities depending on what level of the sport they are coaching. Traditionally the coach is knowledgeable about strategies/tactics and understands the game plan.

THE LATE EL FRANCO LEE, REV. WILLIAM (BILL) LAWSON, MILTON CARROLL, REV.

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OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Linebackers: are the players who line up behind the defensive linemen and generally are regarded as the team’s best tacklers. Depending on the formation, most teams employ either three or four linebackers on every play. Linebackers often have the dual role of defending the run and the pass.

BLACK PRESS & OTHER BLACK JOURNALISTS — are constantly shedding light on the issues impacting our community while penetrating the opponent’s offensive line and offering a perspective sometimes overlooked. With the end game in mind, these defensive players run through the breaks in the line exposing and combating the opposing team, stopping their ability to score. Because of their actions, our offense is able to return to the field. The goal is to stop the running game and sack the quarterback on the opposing team.

Defensive Line – Tackle & End: are the inner two members of the defensive line who stop a running play or run through a gap in the offensive line to pressure the quarterback or disrupt the backfield formation. The outer two members of the defensive line overcome offensive blocking and meet in the backfield, where they combine to tackle the quarterback or ball carrier.

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F.N. WILLIAMS, WILLIE BELLE BOONE, REV MAX MILLER, Houston Black American Democrats and more. When election time comes around candidates and political players make their rounds to sit at the feet of the coaches who offer advice on strategy, tactics and key players who can influence voters, contributors and decision influencers.

Because geography matters, different coaches are approached for the insider information related to key voter segments. El Franco Lee was sometimes referred to as the “godfather” because of his years of experience helping many of today’s politicians get elected, beginning with the election of Mickey Leland to the Texas House of Representatives in 1972. As one of the most proficient politicians in Houston, Lee will be truly missed.

KOFI TAHARKA, MINISTER DERIC MUHAMMAD, QUANELL X and others – are responsible for targeting eligible pass receivers despite having a wide area from the middle of the field to the sidelines to cover. This position requires the ability to watch the play unfold and follow the ball. They must be attentive and not get drawn off by the opposition. Many in this position are considered among the hardest hitters in football and smack their opponents utilizing the media to deliver the message.

Secondary- Safety & Cornerback: are the players who line up the deepest in the secondary — the last line of defense. There are free safeties and strong safeties, and they must defend the deep pass and the run.

NAACP, URBAN LEAGUE AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS – Combine their resources both locally and nationally to create the pressure needed to affect change.

Oftentimes because of their dual role of meeting to build consensus and tackling the role of advocacy, they are perceived as weak but have been effective behind closed doors in promoting the interest of the community. The credibility of these groups gives them an advantage as some of the best tacklers however their effectiveness is questionable at times.

BLACK MINISTERS - definitely have to touch the ball and play a pivotal role as all the political players hit the church circuit kissing the ring of the senior pastor to access their congregations. Although their role is to pass the football to the quarterback, they primarily perform blocking assignments.

From the pulpit every Sunday, the ministers influence the opinions of their congregations on the political and social issues affecting the day-to-day lives of their membership.

Center: is the player who snaps the ball to the quarterback. He handles the ball on every play. He is the inner most lineman and is considered one of the most intelligent players on the offensive line.

question whether Turner will be flexible in the pocket stepping up into the passing lane to throw the ball or decide to run or hand it off. He has the skill sets and has demonstrated he is capable, so stay tune because there are great expectations.

PLAYER SUPPORT

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY & PRAIRIE VIEW A&M – have served as the incubator for many of the political players in Houston who received their education there.

These institutions’ ultimate goal has been to help each player reach their highest potential and assist them in achieving their goals.

Athletic Trainers: are certified health care professionals who practice in the field of sports medicine to optimize performance while minimizing the limitations and disabilities.

POLITICAL CONSULTANTS: LINDA BROWN, DALLAS JONES, JERI BROOKS, AMBER BURTON, AND A HOST OF OTHERS – These individuals fit each player with a customized array of equipment and resources necessary to ensure maximum performance and minimize injury. In addition, the logistics of making the right move related to constituents, media and fund-raising is a strategic part of the job. The management of a player is very demanding and has evolved into a science. The expertise of these folks can make or break a player.

Equipment Manager: Has two extremely important roles to perform: protecting the players and managing the logistics.

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE – has a mastery of finesse and a skillfulness that comes with time and experience. She is capable of handling difficult situations with diplomacy and tact. Among the fastest and agile players on the field, she covers a lot of territory bopping from one event to another like a pin ball machine yet making each host feel special never dropping the ball. Whether in D.C. or Houston, she

quickness to elude defenders and catch the football.

STATE REPRESENTATIVES – carry the ball infrequently because they only meet every other year, however they use their large physiques as a primary lead blocker. When they handle the ball it is typically for gaining a short amount of yardage. At times, they serve a unique role by creating an inside running threat. Blessed with quick footwork skills, the state reps. engage their proponents and/or opponents as they block for the ball carrier. State Representatives: Senfronia Thompson, Harold Dutton, Garnet Coleman, Alma Allen, Boris Miles and Ron Reynolds.

Wide receiver: is a player who uses his speed and

ning backs, are short-yardage runners.

ACROSS THE TRACK PAC - is one group of business people and community leaders who have pooled their financial resources to contribute and fund the campaigns of political players. The investment makes good sense.

Understanding that part of the motivation is self-serving, interest in political appointments and government contracts, members of the Pac have benefited.

Cheerleaders: are energetic individuals or groups who support a sports team with chants and movements.

ATTORNEY MICHAEL HARRIS AND THE TEXAS LEGISLATIVE INTERN PROGRAM sponsored by Texas Sen. Rodney Ellis - are just a few of the folks focused on cultivating Houston’s political leaders of the future. Recognizing the importance of developing human capital and having a political succession plan, these individuals have invested time to young people who have a serious interest in serving the people or seeking political office. The track record of success is evident in the individuals who have been elected to office and provide good leadership.

– player scouts and tactical scouts. Player scouts evaluate the talent of footballers some scouts focus on discovering promising young players and future stars, others are employed to run the rule on potential signings.

Football Scouts: There are two types of scouts

BLACK CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS & SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS – are noted for their talent at tackling the issues or guarding the interest of their constituents. Whether the play is a trap, sweep or screen, this group of politicians knows how to engage against containing or rushing defensive ends on the other team. But don’t underestimate these players, who could determine how many times the quarterback is sacked, such as current council members Amanda Edwards, Jerry Davis, Larry Green and Dwight Boykins, and school board members Rhonda Skillern-Jones, Wanda Adams and Jolanda Jones.

Offensive Line – Guards & Tackles: are the two inside members who block for and protect the quarterback and ball carriers while the two outer members complete the offensive line.

offensive line while gaining yardage. Size and ability matter in this position and Green knows how to play the game and play it well.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 4 | 2016 defendernetwork.com

100-year-old Franklin Beauty School saluted AARP held a special recognition ceremony in honor of the Franklin Beauty School’s 100th year anniversary as a long-standing pillar in the Houston community.

The school was acknowledged for working tirelessly for economic empowerment for women and communities of color across Houston and the state.

“Major anniversaries, like this centennial jubilee, present us with a unique opportunity to look back on the Franklin Beauty School’s achievements with justifiable pride,” said AARP Regional Vice President Rawle Andrews Jr. “We recognize that when this Houston institution is honoring its legacy and ensuring its future, that 100-year milestone is just as important in 2015 as in 1915. Simply stated, 100 years means something special at AARP and to this great city,’” Ron Jemison Jr., co-owner of the beauty school,

Attendees at the Franklin Beauty School tribute included (l. to r.) AARP Regional Vice President Rawle Andrews Jr., school co-owner Ron Jemison Jr., Houston City Councilmember Amanda Edwards, AARP Texas State President Charlene Hunter James and AARP State Director Bob Jackson.

classified Request for Proposals (RFP)

For Visual Improvements & Beautification Services Notice of Invitation: Houston Southeast (formerly known as Greater Southeast Mgmt District) requests proposals from professional contractors to provide landscape maintenance and general clean-up services within public spaces and right-of-way within the District.

said they take pride in serving the community.

“When our students leave the school they know that the hands-on education they received is unlike any other,” Jemison said. “Our school, like AARP, is ensuring our students realize their real possibilities. We want them to know that this school, under four generations of leadership by the same family, will be here for many more years to come.”

Activist, professor Holly Hogrobrooks dies Holly Hogrobrooks, a civil rights pioneer who helped organize Houston’s first sit-in 1960, died Jan. 22 after a lengthy illness. She was 75.

Hogrobrooks was an alumna of Texas Southern University and a journalism professor until her retirement in 2000. More than a half a century earlier, Hogrobrooks, along with several other TSU students, led a sit-in move- Holly Hogrobrooks ment that changed Houston forever.

A founding member of the Progressive Youth Association, which was started on TSU’s campus in the 60s, Hogrobrooks strategized with other students on how the first act to end segregation in Houston would be organized.

Hogrobrooks and several others marched to the Weingarten Supermarket lunch counter at 4110 Alme-

da Road. They sat down but were never served.

The unlawful assembly became an exercise in civil disobedience for the young architects of change, and set-off a firestorm of student protests that cut at the core of Houston’s moral, political and economic fiber.

“Holly was fearless, opinionated and strong because our parents taught us to standup to injustice,” said Enid Hogrobrooks.

Hogrobrooks’ parents, Theodore and Euneida Hogrobrooks, played a vital role in the movement. They owned a popular diner located on Dowling Street across from the Eldorado Ballroom and would often allow the students to organize sit-ins at their home.

They also financed the movement and would bail the students out of jail when they were arrested for their non-violent protests.

TSU names new police chief, assistant VP Texas Southern University named Remon Green as the executive director of public safety and chief of police. TSU also named LaRence Snowden as the assistant vice president for development in the Office of University Advancement.

Green has served in several capacities at TSU for nearly 14 years. He began as a sergeant, and Remon Green later became a lieutenant and captain. He most recently served as deputy chief.

“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to serve as chief of police at Texas Southern University,” Green said. “I want to let TSU and the community know that I will do my very best, day in and day out to serve, protect and promote the university.”

Green received a bachelor’s degree in Business from Concordia University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix

and a certificate in criminal justice education from the University of Virginia. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Administration of Justice from TSU. Snowden served as assistant dean of Student Programs and External Affairs for the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs for the past four LaRence Snowden years.

He chaired the TSU’s faculty & staff campaign, increasing the total amount raised each year. Before joining TSU, Snowden worked for such companies as Dynegy, Enron and Amoco.

“I am delighted to be joining the Office of Development at this exciting point in Texas Southern University history,” Snowden said. “I hope to broaden the relationships of the university in anticipation of strengthening its development efforts.”

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

Proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. (CST) on Friday, February 26, 2016.

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1  Project 15-11-06 – Production Kitchen Bulk Products – with a deadline of 2 P.M. March 23, 2016. The combined pre-proposal conference & production facility tour for this project will be held at the Nutrition Services Support Facility at 6801 Bennington Street Houston, TX 77028 at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2016.

Please R.S.V.P. as indicated in the RFP.  Project 15-12-34 – Enterprise Mobility Management RFP – with a bid due deadline of March 1, 2016 at 1 PM. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be at 4400 West 18th, Houston, Texas 77092 Hattie Mae White Building February 8, 2016 at 8 AM in Room 1E01.

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

To access, go to: Departments> Procurement> Services> Bid Opportunities The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

INVITATION TO BID Sealed bids, in duplicate will be received by Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 5 at the office of the Engineer for the Zone, EHRA, 10555 Westoffice Drive, Houston, Texas until 2:30 p.m., Thursday, February 25, 2016, at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read for the construction of the project: TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NO. 5 AND MEMORIAL HEIGHTS REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TRAILHEAD AT 11th STREET AND BRYCE STREET EHRA PROJECT NO. 131-067-03-01 A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2016, at 2:30 p.m., at the office of the Engineer for the Zone, EHRA, 10555 Westoffice Drive, Houston, Texas. Bids submitted by parties not attending the mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will not be accepted or opened.

Project scope shall include approximately 250 LF of RCP Storm Sewer, 5,200 CF of Underground Detention Facilities, 1,500 CY of Reinforced Concrete Sidewalk, 450 CY of Reinforced Concrete Parking Lot, 3 Rain Gardens, Landscape and trees, 700 LF Galvanized Steel Louver Fence and Signage. The project site is located on Harris County Key Map No. 425Y. The above described construction will be performed in accordance with specifications and any addenda thereto which may be issued prior to the opening of bids. Specifications and bid documents may be viewed and downloaded free of charge or the option to purchase hard copies on the CivCastUSA Website (www.CivCastUSA.com).

Each Bid must be accompanied by a Certified or Cashier’s Check, from a responsible bank in the State of Texas, or a Bid Bond, issued by a 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.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to accept any bid deemed advantageous to it and waive informalities in bidding. All bids received after the closing time above designated will be returned unopened.

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FEBRUARY 4 | 2016 | DEFENDER

UH honors Leslie Smith Rev. Leslie Smith, CEO and founder of Change Happens, is the recipient of the University of Houston’s 2016 Community Partner Award. UH President Renu Khator presented the award to Smith.

The Community Partner awards are presented annually to honor people and businesses that contribute to improving the quality of life in the community.

UH Vice President of Community Relations Elwyn Lee said the Rev. Leslie Smith University has worked closely with Smith and Change Happens for the past 25 years.

Collaborations have included cohosting KIDS University on the UH campus for the past 15 years, partnering on tutoring and mentorship programs, and community outreach to share information on HIV prevention and better health practices.

“Rev. Smith and Change Happens are improving the lives of residents in

the Third Ward,” said Lee. “We are committed to continuing our partnership, and the University looks forward to future collaborations that will continue to uplift our neighborhood.”

Each year, Change Happens advances its mission of empowering families to help themselves.

Through their programs and services, they are able to touch over 100,000 lives each year.

In the 27 years since Change Happens was founded, Smith and the organization have worked to decrease the number of violent crimes, teen pregnancies, substance abusers, high school dropouts and new cases of HIV/AIDS. According to Smith, “Change Happens is a beacon of hope for all those that seek change and strive to make it happen.”

Memorial Hermann opens third clinic Memorial Hermann, continuing its effort to help close the behavioral and mental health resource gap in the greater Houston region, recently opened its third and most centrally located Mental Health Crisis Clinic.

The new clinic at 4850 West Bellfort is located in Meyerland’s Meyer Park Shopping Center and joins two other clinics located in Humble and Spring Branch.

“Our strategy in determining where to locate our clinics is based on opening access points to people in need of mental healthcare services throughout the Houston/Harris County region,” said Theresa Fawvor, associate vice president of Behavioral Health Services for Memorial Hermann.

The clinic is staffed with a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, social worker, and other patient care personnel.

With the clinic’s focus being on non-traditional access to a psychiatric, multi-disciplinary team, its operating days and hours are Monday-Friday, 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Services provided include: • Multiple psychosocial assessments and medical history assessments • Emergency medication administration • Short-term prescriptions • Connection to a more permanent medical home and outpatient psychiatric treatment • Social services For more information call 713-338-6422 or email askmhcc@memorialhermann.org.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 4 | 2016

sports

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Defense key in Super Bowl 50

I

By MAX EDISON Defender

t has been said that, “Offense sells tickets and defense wins games.” That adage holds true as we await the epic match-up for Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos on Sunday, Feb. 7, at 5:30 p.m. on CBS. Millions will be focused on the much ballyhooed match-up of Peyton Manning vs.

Cam Newton at quarterback, which pits the old guard against the new regime. The game, however, will be won or lost by the 11 men lined up on the defensive side of the ball for either team.

The Broncos and Panthers are literally DeMarcus Ware, a Denver Bronco defensive star, is a former Cowboy.

Von Miller, another Denver linebacker, played college ball at Texas A&M. mirror images of each other when it comes to defensive prowess. The Panthers ranked hopefully the Super Bowl’s golden anniversary will live up to the times and hit him 20 more times. seventh in total defense in the 2015 season and hype.

Can they pressure Cam Newton?

DeMarcus Ware calls it the Broncos ranked 10th. playing Bronco defense.

The Denver defense was No. 2 against the run allowing “That’s how we play every single game,” Ware said. “The a paltry 64.5 yards per game. Carolina was No. 3 allowing a [Patriots’ contest] was the all-around closing game that’s going to mere 69 yards rushing per game. Though they both get after the defendernetwork.com carry over and motivate us in the Super Bowl.” opponents’ offense in a big way, their methods of operation are UH’s Cameron Burrell dominates Derek Wolfe, Slyvester Williams and Malik Jackson provide different. indoor track & field the muscle on the defensive front. Brandon Marshall and Danny Carolina’s head coach Ron Rivera is a former defensive Trevathan are the inside linebackers that tandem with Miller and coordinator for the Chicago Bears and San Diego Chargers. He Ware. played linebacker for nine years with the Bears and was coached The Bronco secondary patrols an area called the “No Fly by defensive legend Buddy Ryan.

Zone.”

Cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr., along with The Panthers’ defense is based on their ability to create safeties T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart ,make receivers pay for takeaways. They led the NFL with 39 turnovers forced, resulting Kawann Short, a invading their area without the required paperwork.

Carolina Panther in 148 points off takeaways in the regular season. defensive tackle, is Talib believes the recipe that shackled Brady can work The Panthers boast a rock solid defensive front led by part of a solid front. against Newton.

Charles Johnson, Star Lotulelei, Kawann Short and Ryan Delaire.

“We’re going to do what we do,” Talib said. “We’re going to The heart of their defense – as one might imagine when your go line up, do what we do. We may switch it up here and there a head coach is a former linebacker – is the linebacker group. Luke little bit, but for the most part, we’re going to get pressure on the Kuechly, Thomas Davis and rookie Shaq Thompson are one of quarterback and cover.” the most dynamic and opportunistic groups in the NFL. Expect a physical ballgame from the first play and “We go out and try to let our actions speak for us,” Davis said. “We don’t do a whole lot of talking. Our goal each week is to try to be the best linebacker corps on the field.”

The Panther secondary, comprised of Robert McClain, Josh Norman, Roman Harper and Kurt Coleman, has created its own neighborhood known as “Thieves Ave.” The Carolina thieves robbed Arizona QB Carson Palmer with four interceptions in the NFC championship game, including a pick 6.

The Broncos’ defense should look familiar to Texans’ fans.

That’s because former Texan defense coordinator Wade Phillips has the same position with the Broncos. Phillips is a brilliant defensive mind and he has no shortage of talent with which to work.

The key to Wade’s defense in Denver is intense pressure on the quarterback. The Broncos led the league in quarterback sacks with 52. They boast the NFL’s most lethal tandem of pass rushers.

Former Cowboy standout DeMarcus Ware and former Aggie AllAmerican Von Miller at times are literally unblockable.

Exhibit No. 1 on the Broncos’ ability to bring pressure is the AFC championship game. The Broncos sacked Tom Brady four Josh Norman, a Carolina cornerback, is part of the defense’s “Thieves Ave.”

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JANUARY 28 | 2016 | DEFENDER

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Wheatley’s Nygil Carr has priorities in order W

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

heatley guard Nigil Carr has his priorities in order. A four-year starter for Wheatley head boys basketball coach Willie Patrick, Carr recently scored a game-high 37 points in the Wildcats’ 88-71 victory over defending district champion Houston Sterling.

Wheatley, 22-2, is unbeaten in District 22-4A (8-0) and has a three-game lead with four league games to play. The Wildcats are ranked No. 4 in the state among Class 4A programs by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) poll.

The 5-foot-11 senior is a huge part of the Wildcats’ success. Yet basketball doesn’t necessarily make his world go round. He’s just as successful in the world of academics where Carr is ranked No. 3 in his graduating class.

Throw in the fact that Carr doesn’t have a favorite subject in school makes the combination even more compelling.

“I really don’t have a favorite subject. I like every subject,” Carr said. “Anything to make me smarter and keep me going forward in life, I love it. I just love school period. Without school I wouldn’t be playing basketball. So school is my No. 1 thing.”

While academics may have the inside track, Carr does a good job of juxtaposing his studies with athletics.

“He’s a guy who thinks about academics first,” Patrick said.

“He told me once that he’ll never quit. Even if I told him he was through he was still going to work it out. He’s a great kid.”

Patrick has seen Carr grow from a player that used to get saddled with early foul problems in games to become one of his best overall defensive players.

“I’m really proud of

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defendernetwork.com Find out which team rallied to remain unbeaten

him because last season he used to get three fouls in the first half,” Patrick said. “Now he’s gotten better. He’s my leader, my captain and he wants to win. He doesn’t care about scoring as long as we win.”

While Carr is listed as a shooting guard, he has to take over at point guard on occasion.

“My coach has me at the shooting guard because he wants me to score and not tire myself out at the point guard position,” he said. “Sometimes I have to play the point in order to get my team in order. Then we go from there.”

Carr says he came into the 2015-2016 season with a short list of objectives.

“I wanted us to play together as a family, win and make it further than we did last year when we lost in the third round of the playoffs,” he said.

As a student of academics and athletics Carr is well aware of Wheatley’s storied history in the annals of Texas high school basketball.

“I want to see us get back to winning state championships and dominating on the basketball court,” he said. “This team is the best team I’ve played on at Wheatley.

We have a better chemistry than we did in previous years. We do a good job of supporting one another.”

About Nygil Carr

Birth date – Dec. 22, 1997 Birth sign – Capricorn Possible college major – Biology Possible career – Anesthesiologist Favorite NBA players – Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul World problem he would solve – Black-on-Black crime

Duo at All-Star weekend The NBA recently announced that two Rockets will head north to Toronto to participate in All-Star weekend, which will be held Feb. 12-14 at the Air Canada Centre. Guard James Harden has been named to the West All-Star squad. He has been an All-Star in each of his four seasons as a Rocket, making him the seventh player in franchise history with at least four appearances. Harden has started all 48 games for the Rockets so far this season and is averaging 27.5 points, 6.9 assists and 6.3 rebounds. Secondyear center/forward Clint Capela was selected to represent the World Team in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge. Capela (6-feet-10, 240) was the 25th overall pick by Houston in the 2014 NBA draft.

PVAMU’s Rimm resigns Byron Rimm II recently resigned as head basketball coach at Prairie View A&M University. Assistant coach Byron Smith has been named interim head coach, effective immediately. Rimm began his career with the men’s PVAMU basketball program as an assistant coach during the 2005-06 season. He was elevated to head coach prior to the 2006-07 season and earned accolades when he became the first head coach since 2002 to make consecutive SWAC tournament championship game appearances in 2013 and 2014. Under his leadership, the Panthers made seven SWAC Tournament appearances. “This was not an easy decision, but sometimes we need to make tough decisions to move the program forward,” said Ashley Robinson, PVAMU’s athletic director. The Panthers are tied for last place in SWAC competition with a 1-7 record (1-19 overall).

Fox center of attention Cypress Lakes guard De’Aaron Fox is getting used to all the attention. As one of the top high school basketball recruits coming out in the 2016 senior class and bound for the University of Kentucky, Fox routinely performs in front of packed gymnasiums. He usually is inundated with autograph and picture requests before and after games. That scenario was taken to a new level when Cypress Ranch hosted Cy Lakes and Washington Wizards point guard and Kentucky product John Wall was in attendance. “We have a lot of connections,” Fox said. “I’m going to the same school he went to and we talk a lot to each other. I knew he was playing in Houston and I told him we were playing the night before the Rockets’ game. He said he would come out and he did.” Cypress Ranch outlasted Cypress Lakes 77-74 and the two schools are now tied atop the District 17-6A standings. Elish Benjamin and Miles Simms led Cy Ranch with 19 and 18 points, respectively. Fox wowed the crowd with a 33-point effort.

Schools moving to 6A The University Interscholastic League (UIL) announced its bi-annual re-alignment and four Houston area high schools moved up to the large-school classification (Class 6A). Ridge Point (2,349 students), George Ranch (2,416), Goose Creek Memorial (2,213) and C.E. King (2,195) are making the move from Class 5A to 6A. The minimum cutoff for Class 6A student enrollment is 2,150. Class 5A starts at 1,100 students.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 4 | 2016

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

topevents

JACK & JILL BEAUTILLION BALL……..The Missouri City-Sugar Land Chapter into a global energy services firm and recently celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Hilton of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. hosted the 16th Biennial Beautillion Ball at the Marriott Americas-Downtown. The night featured entertainment by Mary Griffin and Kool and Hotel in the Sugar Land Town Center. Twenty-six young men from area chapters of Jack the Gang. The guest list included Eileen Lawal, Dr. John Rudley, Dr. Docia Rudley, and Jill across the city of Houston and its suburbia were presented to society before an Councilman Jerry Davis, Rachel Andres Davis, Caroline Thorton, Fred Thorton, audience of more than 650. This year’s Beaux included young men classified as high Christopher Ayinde, Elaine Ayinde, Tanyel Bennett, Judge Al Bennett, Judge Vanessa school juniors through college freshmen. This year’s Beaux lineup included Canaan Gilmore, Dr. Kathy Flanagan and Lloyd Gite……..100 BLACK MEN CASINO Anthony, Coulson Anthony, Bryce Broussard, James Bryant, III, COUTURE……..The 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston Derrick J. Cyprian, Cameron Eason, Chase Fontenot, Rodney hosted “Casino Couture,” its fifth annual fundraising social event, Defender TOP EVENTS Francois, Colby Frazier, Howard Grant, Ollie Harris, IV, in the Union Station Lobby at Minute Maid Park. The fundraiser More photos on defendernetwork.com Justin Hodrick, Dallis Kendrick, Ryan Marshall, Christopher serves as the platform to fund vital programs for student members See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Mathis, Mason Mayes, Jeremiah McCollum, Jackson Odom, that include mentoring sessions, college tours, leadership conferences with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Marcus Rockwell, Brennan Roquemore, Kenneth Stephens, for collegiate chapters of the 100 Black Men and providing academic Bryce Terrell, Tucker C. Toole, Roshaan Turner, Cameron scholarships to deserving young adults. Those in attendance included West, and Devin Woods. Those in attendance included Mayor Sylvester Turner, Melinda Reco Caston, Kenneth Robinson Jr., Christon Butler, Caesar Grantham, Stephen Spaulding, Jarvis Hollingsworth, Odysseus Lanier and Tammy Lanier……...

Carter, Robert Collier, Alan Hudson, Roy Carr, Ollie Reed III, Quincy Caldwell, CAMAC 30th ANNIVERSARY CELBRATION……..Founded in 1986 by NigerianDarell Prince, Darnell Joseph, K.C. Carroll, Kelley Carroll, Erica Lee-Carter, Dr. born Kase Lawal as an agricultural commodities trading company, CAMAC has evolved Roy Carter, Courtney Rose Johnson and a host of others.

Jarvis Hollingsworth, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Odysseus Lanier

Christopher Ayinde, Elaine Ayinde, Fred Thorton, Caroline Thorton

Reco Caston

Mason Mayes, Jillian Taylor

Judge Al Bennett and Tanyel Bennett

Christopher Santee, Caesar Grantham

Tammy Lanier, Lisa Mead, Chaun Hubbard, Donna Wise Joseph

Kase and Eileen Lawal

Steven Carter, Ollie Reed, Chris Butler

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