Houston Defender: February 14, 2013

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ENTERTAINMENT VIOLA DAVIS discusses work, family & hair

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Volume 82 | Number 16

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FEATURE MAGIC JOHNSON talks about HIV, health

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Police Chief Charles McClelland Jr. and Sheriff Adrian Garcia at MHMRA ball

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President Obama speaks to U.S.

Otis King made history

President Barack Obama delivered his annual State of the Union address, and he let Americans know his plans, priorities and where the country stands.

Read about his emotional plea to help solve a pressing problem. Hear what he has to say about jobs, minimum wage and the middle class.

Black History Month is a time to honor African-Americans who made a difference. One of those heroes is the late Otis King, former law school dean and city attorney. Discover why King deserves to be honored and remembered. Learn his connection to legends Thurgood Marshall and Barbara Jordan.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2013

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newstalk

Parker confident SHAPE will stay

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

North Forest Superintendent Edna Forté speaks to the community as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee listens.

North Forest fights for school district Defender News Services Members of the North Forest community are determined to keep their school district open.

During a recent town hall meeting, students, parents, school administrators and elected officials all raised their voices in support of North Forest ISD. Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams recently recommended that the troubled district be annexed into HISD effective July 1. Last March, Williams’

predecessor, Robert Scott, granted North Forest a one-year reprieve. Williams said the reprieve has ended.

“I fully recognize that there have been people in North Forest ISD working hard to turn things around for a very long time, but we can no longer afford to wait,” Williams said. “More importantly, the students of North Forest can no longer afford to wait for a strong education they need and deserve.”

The decision upset many in the community.

“We made sure our schools were safe Continued on Page 9

Though SHAPE Community Center was recently sold at auction, founder and director Deloyd Parker assures Houstonians that the iconic Third Ward institution is not going anywhere.

A court date to help decide the matter has been rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 8. Parker remains confident SHAPE will remain a community treasure.

“Everything is in the hands of Ben Hall’s law firm, so we’re comfortable he’s going to represent us very well,” Parker said. “I can’t talk about details of the case right now, but SHAPE is going to be here; 43 years and counting.”

A Harris County judge approved a temporary restraining order that halted the transfer of SHAPE to EZ Trust, the entity that bought SHAPE for $81,000 at auction. It is alleged that SHAPE accrued a debt of $60,000 due to unpaid leases on two copiers. An outof-state default judgment of $69,000 was awarded to debtors, which led to the auction. Deloyd Parker However, attorney Ben Hall said SHAPE was never informed of the judgment, thus making the sale null and void.

Hall said he has been unable to find a public notice of the foreclosure sale for any SHAPE address – a requirement for such a sale to be considered legal.

“It should never have gotten on the list,” said Hall, who asserts that when all is said and done, SHAPE will not owe anyone any money because they were never timely notified about the claim to protect their interests.

Since its founding in 1969, SHAPE has lived up to its official name — Self Help for African People through Education — by providing a multiplicity of services for community members of all ages.

Supporters of SHAPE, according to Parker, have shown their overwhelming interest in supporting the center any way they can.

“We’ve received over 1,000 emails,” Parker said. “Our telephone has been ringing off the hook, with supporters from New York to Los Angeles, and even West Africa, asking how they can help. I tell them to keep up the support, and be ready so when we get that court date you can come and support us in court. SHAPE is here to stay.”

localbriefs SERVICES WERE RECENTLY HELD for KTSU personality Myron Anderson, who died Feb. 7 after suffering a brain aneurysm. He was host of “Listening Back” for more than 30 years, holding down the Friday morning slot. A Houston native, Anderson joined the Texas Southern University radio station as a student in 1981. He earned a telecommunications degree from TSU……...

POLICE ARE SEARCHING FOR an assailant in the rape of a grandmother in Acres Homes.

The 62-year-old woman was leaving home on her way to work when the man confronted her, and then beat, sexually assaulted and robbed

her. The suspect is described as a Black male between 35 and 45 years of age, standing 6-feet to 6-feet-2 and weighing between 230 and 250 pounds. He is heavy set with a dark complexion, short black hair and clean shaven. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222TIPS…….. STATE REP. RON REYNOLDS of Fort Bend County was named House Democratic whip, the second highest ranking position in the Democratic Caucus. The whip assists the party leadership in managing its legislative program on the House floor. “I am very humbled and

excited that I have been selected to serve in this important leadership position this session. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pass legislation that benefits all Texas families,” Reynolds said……..A MARCH 2 DATE has been set for the special runoff election to fill the open seat created by the death of the late State Sen. Mario Gallegos. State Rep. Carol Alvarado and former Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia are vying for the seat. The election will occur just six days before the deadline for lawmakers to file bills in the 83rd legislative session.

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2013 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs TWO CHICAGO MEN have been charged with murder in the death of 15-year-old honor student Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed a week after performing at President Obama’s inauguration. Michael Ward, 18, and Kenneth Williams, 20, were charged with one count each of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. Hadiya was with a group of friends who took cover during a rainstorm in a park on the city’s South Side. One of the teens with her was apparently mistaken for a rival gang member……..THE NUMBER OF U.S. BABIES born to teen mothers dropped to record lows in 2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rates declined among all ethnic groups, but Black and Hispanic mothers remain more likely to have a premature baby than white women. Infant mortality was more than twice as high among babies born to Black mothers than those born to white mothers.

In general, the new data showed an 8 percent drop in teen births between 2010 and 2011, with just over 3 percent of 15- to 19-year-olds having babies during that period. The decrease is attributed to better contraceptive use and special programs targeting teenagers……..

FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN Cardiss Collins, an Illinois Democrat who reluctantly filled her late husband’s seat in 1973, died Feb. 3 from complications from pneumonia. When she stepped down in 1997, she was the longestserving Black woman in Congress…….A STATUE OF CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST Rosa Parks will be unveiled on the Capitol grounds later this year. It will be the first fullsized statue of a Black woman on Capitol Hill and will stand among such noted figures as Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson. A bust of African-American abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth was unveiled on the Hill in 2009.

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 16 - FEBRUARY 14, 2013 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager Clyde Jiles Multimedia Manager Tiffany Williams Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

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

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

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President Barack Obama gives the State of the Union before a joint session of Congress.

Obama addresses ‘unfinished tasks’ NNPA News Service

After laying out a progressive agenda for his second term in his inaugural address, President Obama followed up with a series of specific proposals in his State of the Union address that include increasing and indexing the minimum wage, repairing deteriorated infrastructure, and investing in education and clean energy.

“It is our unfinished task to restore the basic bargain that built this country – the idea that if you work hard and meet your responsibilities, you can get ahead, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or who you love,” Obama said in his first address to a joint session of Congress since his re-election to a second term.

He also announced that another 34,000 American troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by next February, down from 66,000.

He said by the end of 2014, the war will be over.

The president began his speech by noting some major accomplishments of his first term.

“Tonight, thanks to the grit and determination of the American people, there is much progress to

What Obama proposes • Raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $9 an hour.

• Put people to work on infrastructure projects.

• Appoint a non-partisan commission to improve voting.

• Enact new gun control legislation.

• Make high-quality preschool available to every child. report. After a decade of grinding war, our brave men and women in uniform are coming home.

“After years of grueling recession, our businesses have created over 6 million new jobs. We buy more American cars than we have in five years, and less foreign oil than we have in 20. Our housing market is healing, our stock market is rebounding, and consumers, patients, and homeowners enjoy stronger protections than ever before.”

He said that while the state of

the country is stronger, too many Americans still can’t find jobs as corporate profits rocket to all-time highs.

Referring to the poor, Obama called for building “new ladders of opportunity into the middle class for all who are willing to climb them.”

In a speech that focused primarily on reinvigorating the economy, Obama expressed a willingness to make some changes to key social programs, but none that would destroy them.

With families touched by gun violence looking on, the president urged Congress to enact new gun legislation.

“Each of these proposals deserves a vote in Congress,” he said.

“If you want to vote no, that’s your choice. But these proposals deserve a vote…”

Obama also called on Congress to pass immigration reform.

“Real reform means establishing a responsible pathway to earned citizenship – a path that includes passing a background check, paying taxes and a meaningful penalty, learning English, and going to the back of the line behind the folks trying to come here legally,” he said.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2013

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entertainment

Viola Davis

discusses work, family, hair

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

V

iola Davis is a critically acclaimed actress who garnered her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her stellar work in

“Doubt.”

She received her second Oscar nomination in the Best Actress category for her portrayal of Aibileen in “The Help.” Davis also received a Screen Actor’s Guild Award and an NAACP Image Award for that powerful performance.

Her other film credits include “Won’t Back Down,” for which she just won another NAACP Image Award. She was most recently seen on Showtime’s hit series “United States of Tara.”

Here, she talks about her latest outing as Amma in the screen adaptation of the romantic Viola Davis and Jeremy Irons star in the fantasy “Beautiful Creatures.” fantasy novel “Beautiful Creatures.”

KW: What interested you in “Beautiful appealed to me about the role.

Creatures?”

KW: Of all the characters you played, which one is closVD: The character wasn’t what she appeared to be. That est to your personality? she had different secrets to be discovered. When you first meet VD: The character I played in “Nights in Rodanthe.” Jean her, she’s kind of just woven into the fabric of this family. But was kind of fun, and tough, sarcastic, artistic, creative, quirky then you see the tribal scarification on her back, and you see and a little sexy. She was probably the closest to the real me. her channeling spirits. And then you learn that she’s the keeper KW: What has been the public’s response to your natuof a library that’s the gateway to different worlds. ral hair?

I like that. I like when there are different layers to peel VD: The response has been huge. I think people admire away. It was just subtle enough to play and to craft. That’s what

the boldness of it, and the courage of it. For me, personally, it represents my coming into who I am, not apologizing for it, and being comfortable with the way I look. I have been amazed by the testimonies coming especially from women of color who have thanked me for it.

KW: Congratulations on your Image Award. How have these accolades affected your career?

VD: Recognition has brought me more work, because your name suddenly comes to mind when some directors are trying to cast a character. And my stage work has specifically enabled people to have faith that I can handle a role, even when it’s not specifically written for an African-American. So, I’d have to say that recognition brings work. A successful movie brings more work, and that been the biggest blessing.

KW: What excites you?

VD: Lately, my daughter. I get so excited when she says something new, which she is doing every day. I can leave the house for a few hours, come back and meet a totally different person.

KW: Who are you when you go home as opposed to the person you pretend to be on the red carpet?

VD: When I go home, I am a slug. I want to do everything completely opposite of what I do on the red carpet. I like to take off all my makeup, put on a T-shirt, be completely unassuming and just do stuff with my husband and my daughter.

what’sup Renowned trumpeter DONALD BYRD died Feb. 4 in Dover, Del. at the age of 80. Byrd, one of the leading jazz trumpeters of the 1950s and 1960s, blended jazz, funk and rhythm and blues into a pop hybrid in the 1970s. He organized a group called the Blackbyrds, which produced such hits as “Rock Creek Park.” In the 1980s and 1990s, Byrd experimented with rap music. ………Two native Houstonians were among the winners during the Grammy Awards. BEYONCÉ won the award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for her song “Love on Top.” Pianist ROBERT GLASPER and his group Robert Glasper Experiment won Best R&B Album for “Black Radio.” Glasper, 34, attended Elkins High School and the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts before studying music in New York. He has emerged as a singer,

songwriter, producer, composer and arranger, and works with artists ranging from MAXWELL to ERYKAH BADU. His mother, the late KIM YVETTE GLASPER, sang professionally in Houston. Other Grammy winners included JAY-Z, KANYE WEST, FRANK OCEAN, USHER and MIGUEL……..Will DENZEL WASHINGTON win his third Oscar? Movie fans will find out during the Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 24, on ABC. Washington is nominated for his role as pilot Whip Whitaker in the drama “Flight.” SAMUEL L. JACKSON and OCTAVIA SPENCER will be two of the presenters during the Academy Awards.

Dame SHIRLEY BASSEY, whose career spans six decades, will make a special appearance on the Oscars. Bassey is best known for recording the theme songs for the James Bond films “Goldfinger,”

“Diamonds Are Forever” and “Moonraker.” She has sold more than 135 million records……...JAMIE FOXX joined the parents of TRAYVON MARTIN during a recent Day of Remembrance Peace Walk in Miami. Foxx said what happened to the Florida teen should never be forgotten. “I don’t want anybody to forget about this, because they can’t forget about the fact that they lost their son,” Foxx said. Trayvon would have turned 18 on Feb. 5.…….. ROBIN ROBERTS returns to “Good Morning America” on Feb. 20. Roberts has been recuperating from a bone marrow transplant to treat a rare blood disorder.

She is anxious to get back to work. “I cannot wait to return to my ‘GMA’ family,” she said. “It’s going to be an incredible morning in Times Square. The overwhelming thoughts and prayers of the viewers have played a major part in getting me here today.”

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2013 | DEFENDER

It’s almost time for the Rodeo Defender News Services

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo comes to Reliant Park Feb. 25 through March 17. This year’s entertainment lineup represents various genres of music, from country and western to R&B to rap.

The star entertainers combined have won 24 Grammy Awards, 73 Country Music Association Awards, 29 American Music Awards and 26 Billboard Music Awards. Rodeo performers include Alan Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Lady Antebellum, Bruno Mars, Tim McGraw, Pitbull and Martina McBride.

Martina McBride

s

Bruno Mar

Mary J. B

lige

Black Heritage Day sponsored by Kroger

Friday, March 1

Keith Frank in The Hideout

Mary J. Blig

e

in Reliant S tadium

rodeohouston.com

Pitbull

Monday, Feb. 25 ..............................Toby Keith presented by Ford F-Series

Tuesday, Feb. 26 ..............................Gary Allan Wednesday, Feb. 27 .....................Alan Jackson Armed Forces Appreciation Day • Value Wednesday

Thursday Feb. 28 ................. Zac Brown Band Friday, March 1 ........................... Mary J. Blige Black Heritage Day • sponsored by Kroger

Saturday, March 2 .................Brantley Gilbert Sunday, March 3 ......................... Demi Lovato Austin Mahone Monday, March 4 ........................................Styx Tuesday, March 5 ................Lady Antebellum Wednesday, March 6 ................Dierks Bentley Value Wednesday

Friday, March 8 ..........................Tim McGraw Saturday, March 9 ..................The Band Perry Sunday, March 10 ..................... Julion Alvarez Los Invasores de Nuevo Leon Go Tejano Day • sponsored by State FarmTM

Monday, March 11 ......................Jason Aldean Tuesday, March 12 ................. Kenny Chesney Wednesday, March 13 ..................... Jake Owen Value Wednesday

Friday, March 15 ....................... Blake Shelton

Special activities on grounds

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2013

opinion

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Killing Black teens – literally

By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Columnist The death of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old honor student at King College Prep High School on Chicago’s South Side, is finally receiving the national attention that it deserves.

An honor student and majorette in her school’s marching band, Hadiya had recently participated in President Obama’s inaugural parade in the nation’s capital.

After leaving school on Jan. 29, Hadiya was shot and killed in a park after she and friends sought shelter under a canopy when it began raining.

She was killed about a mile from Obama’s Chicago home.

Hadiya’s father, Nathaniel Pendleton, summed up his loss this way: “They took the light of my life…She was desChristopher Weyant, The Hill tined for great things and you stripped that from her.” the data were available, more than 56 percent of indiFirst Lady Michelle Obama, Secretary of Educaviduals who committed murder were also under 25. tion Arne Duncan and presidential adviser Valerie One-third of Chicago residents are under 25, accordJarrett attended Hadiya’s funeral. Her mother, Cleopaing to 2011 Census estimates,” the Chicago Reporter tra Cowley-Pendleton, was a guest of the Obamas at states.

Tuesday’s State of the Union address.

“And despite various police strategies and comThe president is scheduled to visit Chicago where munity efforts, things are getting worse. Last year, 243 he will deliver a major address on gun violence that is people under 25 were killed in Chicago. That’s an 11 certain to contain a mention of Hadiya. It’s fitting that percent increase over 2011 and a 26 percent jump from Obama return to his adopted home town to make his 2010.” case against deadly violence.

Chicago homicides are not limited to youth.

According to statistics analyzed by the Chicago The Reporter also noted, “In 2012, not only did Reporter, more young people are killed in Chicago Chicago lead the nation in homicides, it witnessed than any other city in the nation. More than 530 people nearly 100 more murders than New York City, even under 21 years old have been killed since 2008 – most though the Big Apple has three times as many resiof them in Black and Brown neighborhoods – while dents. And Chicago witnessed 215 more murders hundreds of others have been injured. than Los Angeles – home to more than a million more According to the newspaper, nearly 80 percent of people.” youth homicides occur in 22 Black or Latino neighborBecause of highly-publicized mass murders – inhoods on the city’s South, Southwest and West sides, cluding shooting deaths at Sandy Hook Elementary in even though those communities represent only oneNewtown, Conn.; a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado; third of Chicago’s population.”

Fort Hood, Texas and Virginia Tech – much of the gun Young people are not only the victims of gun viodebate has centered on reducing or eliminating access lence – they are usually the ones who pull the trigger. to assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

“From 2008 through 2012, nearly half of ChiWhile those are laudable goals, some police chiefs cago’s 2,389 homicide victims were killed before their have pointed out that handguns kill far more people 25th birthday. In 2011, the most recent year for which than assault weapons.

In its latest report titled, “Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2010 Homicide Data,” the Violence Policy Center reported: “For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 83 percent of Black victims (5,073 out of 6,149) were shot and killed with guns.

Of these, 72 percent (3,658 victims) were killed with handguns.

There were 617 victims killed with knives or other cutting instruments, 219 victims killed by bodily force, and 162 victims killed by a blunt object.”

Overall, Blacks are more than six times more likely to be homicide victims than Whites.

Citing FBI crime reports, the Violence Policy Center observed, “…In 2010 there were 6,469 Black homicide victims in the United States. The homicide rate among Black victims in the United States was 16.32 per 100,000. For that year, the overall national homicide rate was 4.42 per 100,000. For whites, the national homicide rate was 2.66 per 100,000.”

In addition to the need to address handgun violence, President Obama, Congress and law enforcement officials should acknowledge that violence is a serious problem and more often than not, the victim knew or had a relationship with the person who killed them.

“For homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 70 percent of Black victims (2,146 out of 3,058) were murdered by someone they knew. Nine hundred twelve victims were killed by strangers,” the Violence Policy Center report stated.

If this country is serious about curbing murders, it must focus on tragic deaths, such as the murder of Hadiya Pendleton and 20 young kids in Newtown, Conn. But it must also deal with handguns and the murder of people who have or have had a relationship with their killer. Otherwise, all the tough talk on reducing violence is empty rhetoric.

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Otis King is hero worthy of note

By SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER Special to the Defender

Many social scientists would argue that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall left an indelible mark in American and legal history. During February, as the nation pays homage to great African-Americans like Marshall, one should also take note of a humble Houston attorney who fought many of the same kinds of battles as the civil rights icon, but whose name is not etched in America’s collective consciousness.

However, Otis King deserves to be remembered and honored among the likes of any American who unselfishly stood undaunted in the face of inequality. Although he may not meet the literary archetypical depiction of a hero, Otis King, nonetheless, is a true hero and an icon in his own right.

He quietly influenced generations and built “the house” that even a Supreme Court justice could not deny. His humbleness became the hallmark of his often overlooked, or forgotten, acts of heroism during one of the most civilly distressed periods in American history.

The story of “the house” he built started long before he knew Thurgood Marshall. In 1946, a Houston postal worker by the name of Heman Marion Sweatt sued the University of Texas to attend its law school.

Back then, Jim Crow laws prevented African-Americans from attending Texas’ most influential institution.

The Sweatt vs. Painter case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, and in 1950, it was decided that UT would have to allow Sweatt to attend because there was no law school in Texas that admitted Blacks. But segregationists decided they needed to do something quickly to halt a possible influx of Black applicants to the all-white law school.

The state legislature decided to purchase the Houston Colored Junior College in 1946, at the time of the lawsuit. They renamed the school the Texas State University for Negroes and included a law school.

A budding scholar

Due in part to Lulu B. Madison White’s landmark work as Houston’s NAACP executive secretary, Thurgood Marshall saw through the Texas Legislature’s feeble attempt to counter the Supreme Court ruling and argued that the “Negro” law school was in no way equal to the UT law school.

King was a budding scholar as Marshall plowed his way through the courts to end segregation. He

In a file photo, King joins former TSU debate team member Barbara Jordan and debate coach Dr. Thomas Freeman.

in 1961.

While in law school, he strategized with fellow students Eldrewey Stearns and Holly Hogrobrooks and others to dismantle Houston’s segregation laws.

His strategy shattered Houston’s disenfranchisement laws, after the first sit-in that he had helped organize on March 4, 1960, at the Weingarten’s supermarket lunch counter at 4110 Almeda. Little did he know that his role as sit-in organizer would lay the foundation for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and his own maverick legal career.

King became the dean of TSU’s law school after earning a Master of Laws degree from Harvard University in 1970. Armed with a Ford Foundation Grant, King was determined to make TSU’s law school No. 1 in the land for educating minority lawyers.

A true hero

He started with 50 students, and by 1976 – the year he became Houston’s first Black city attorney – TSU’s law school enrolled more than 400 students. Today TSU’s law school is one of the most diverse in the country.

King even organized a protest in 1972 against the university to construct a building for the law school. It

The late Otis King speaks at the 50th anniversary of Houston’s first sit-in, which he helped organize.

graduated from Wheatley High School in 1952 as salutatorian and attended Houston’s new university for Blacks, which was renamed Texas Southern University. He honed his skills and mind as a brilliant academic and debating partner of the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. Upon graduation he went to the U.S. Army but returned to TSU’s law school and graduated

worked.

On Nov. 21, 2012, the nonviolent strategist for justice died at age 77. King’s homegoing service was Dec. 1 and a throng of people recounted his marvelous life.

Texas Congressman Al Green, who graduated from TSU’s law school, recalled how King, his professor, would slip him a 20-dollar bill to make it through the week.

King’s debate coach, the internationally acclaimed TSU professor, Dr. Thomas Freeman, said that it was 18 years ago that he stood at that same spot in the same church, Good Hope, to eulogize Barbara Jordan.

But the moment that stood out to me is when his colleague, Martin Levy, said that it was King who helped convinced Marshall in 1976 to allow the law school to be named in his honor.

“We had become the Thurgood Marshall Law School not just in name but in deed,” Levy said.

King had learned from the best and the best had learned from him.

The aged walls and foundation of Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, nestled snuggly in Houston’s historic Third Ward, stands as a constant reminder to all that heroes are real.

Heroes have walked and continue to walk among us.

Heroes should be celebrated and not forgotten.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month activities

T

he African American Studies Department of the University of Houston hosts a series of Black history events at Agnes Arnold Hall 628. Professor Aswad Walker, a Defender contributing writer, presents a reading and discussion of his book, “Princes Shall Come Out of Egypt,” on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at noon. An Entrepreneur Expo featuring Jarvis Johnson of Aunt Bea’s Restaurant and Craig Joseph of This Is It Restaurant takes place Wednesday, Feb. 20, at noon. Contact: uh.edu/class/aas/news/index.php or 713.743.2811.

The Dance Department of Houston Community College Northwest hosts its annual Akwaaba Dance and Drum Festival Feb. 20-23 at the Spring Branch campus. Activities include African dance and drum workshops, panel discussions and lectures, and an African market. Contact: 713.718.5305 or northwest.hccs.edu.

The Thurgood Marshall School of Law sponsors the Craig Washington and State Sen. Rodney Ellis Excellence in Indigent Defense Series on Thursday, Feb. 21 and Friday, Feb. 22 in Rooms 105, 106 and 107. For times and registration

Isabel Wilkerson

Aswad Walker

call 713-313-1139.

Texas Southern University College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences (COLABS) presents: Black Theatre: Legacy and Advocacy on Monday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Ollington Smith Playhouse.

COLABS presents History and Film: Slavery and Emancipation in “Lincoln” and “Django” on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at noon in the Public Affairs Building, Room 114.

The Houston Museum of African American Culture co-sponsors its annual Spring Literary Lecture featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Isabel Wilkerson on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. at the Julia Ideson Building Auditorium, 550 McKinney. Wilkerson is the author of “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration.” Contact: hmaac.org or 713.526.1015.

The Wille Lee Gay H-Town Chapter of the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society sponsors a family history research workshop on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m. at Aunt Bea’s Restaurant, 5422 North Freeway. Admission is $25 and includes a meal. Advance registration is required. Register online at htown.aahgs.org by Wednesday, Feb. 20.

The 2013 African American Legislative Summit, sponsored by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, is Sunday Feb. 24 through Tuesday, Feb. 26 in Austin. Guests include Rev. Al Sharpton, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and comedian J. Anthony Brown. Contact: http:// texaslegislativeblackcaucus.com.

“What the people want is simple.

They want an America as good as its promise.”

Congresswoman

BarBara Jordan Harvard University CommenCement address, JUne 16, 1977

We keep Houston working. enroll today at hccs.edu

P o l . A dv. A n n I S e PA r k e r C A M PA I g n

BarBara Jordan was Born 77 years ago this week, one of three daughters of a Baptist preacher and a warehouse clerk. She was a path-breaking legislator, educator and civil rights pioneer — and a Houstonian.

I invite all Houstonians to join me in celebrating Black History Month, and to learn how the contributions of African Americans have made Houston the best place in America to live, work and raise a family.

Mayor annise Parker

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

Defender Fall 2012 .indd 1

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2013 | DEFENDER

North Forest..Continued from page 2 and our students were taught,” NFISD Superintendent Edna Forté told the 120 people present at the town hall meeting. “We did all we were supposed to do. We had an agreement: an honest year’s worth of work for a year’s worth of consideration.”

Forté pointed out that NFISD had its first unqualified audit in several years and has gone from a budget deficit to a $4 million fund balance.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who also attended the meeting, promised to carry the fight to Washington, D.C., where any merger will have to be approved by the federal government.

“This district has been discriminated against,” Jackson Lee said. “We will not close the door on the future of our children.’

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, who has a grandchild in NFISD, said that TEA managed North Forest for years yet problems remained.

“North Forest was under TEA for five years,” Thompson said. “TEA was supposed to resolve the problems but didn’t.”

Former HISD board member Carol Galloway was among those who questioned the merger with the Houston district.

“They want to bring in North Forest when HISD’s own house is not in order,” Galloway said. “We’re really going to have to stand up and fight.”

District B City Councilmember Jerry Davis also questioned the merger.

“If this district has the same numbers as Houston, what’s the rush,” Davis asked. “Is it money? Is it land?”

Forté reiterated her support for the district.

“I know who I am and I know who you are,” she said. “This is a good school district. No letter negates the truth.”

NFISD attorney Chris Tritico shares Forté’s determination to keep the district intact.

“It’s not over,” Tritico said.

“This is not a final decision. North Forest is not gone. What happened this week should never have happened. It’s not fair, it’s not right.

This district is not going away quietly. If they close us, it’s going to be after a hell of a fight.”

9

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Macy’s Celebrates

MACY’S, THE GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION AND THE AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATE THE 1OOTH BIRTHDAY OF AMERICAN ICON, GORDON PARKS.

MACY’S GALLERIA AT HIDALGO, LEVEL 2 FEBRUARY 21ST, 6:3OPM Join us in “In Conversation” for a spirited discussion on Gordon Parks’s influence on film and the future of African-American cinema. Following the discussion, enjoy light refreshments. Plus, with any $5O or more purchase made during the event, receive a commemorative Gordon Parks journal.* RSVP for this event at 877-884-3751.

Then join our Soul Jam dance party and boogie on down with us as we pay homage to the soul/funk 7O’s era music featured in the movie Shaft, directed by Gordon Parks. Don’t forget to pack your platforms, it will start as soon as the conversation winds down!

Plus, from February 1st through February 28th, visit macys.com/celebrate to enter for a chance to win a trip for two to The American Black Film Festival in Miami, courtesy of American Airlines, a $1OOO Macy’s shopping spree and Gordon Parks: Collected Works, a five-volume set of his photography.** The Gordon Parks Foundation permanently preserves the work of Gordon Parks, makes it available to the public and supports artistic and educational activities. The Foundation is a division of the Meserve-Kunhardt Foundation. For more information visit gordonparksfoundation.org.

Diversity. It’s not what you think.

At Macy’s, it’s part of everything we do.

Shown left: Kirk Buddy, Macy’s Advertising Photo of Gordon Parks courtesy of Adger Cowans.

Find us.

Follow us.

Events subject to change or cancellation. *While supplies last. **No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico who are at least 18 years and older. Employees of Macy’s, American Airlines and their immediate family members are not eligible. Sweepstakes void in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and where prohibited by law. For complete sweepstakes details and official rules visit macys.com/celebrate. ARV $4585.00 46576_N3010187A.indd 1

1/18/13 10:01 AM

10

DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2013

Dr. Shayna Lee

I

Dr. Dashiel Geyen

cover

Advic

Dr. Sharon Iglehart

Relationship tips

t’s Valentine’s Day and people everywhere have cruised the dating should consider options such as couple’s therapy. greeting card aisles, flower shops and stores looking for the However, before seeking counseling and even before dating, it is imperfect gift that says, “I love you” to that special someone. portant to know yourself and what you’re looking for in a mate, Lee said.

They’ve made reservations, spent money and crafted “Dating doesn’t mean it’s going to lead to a commitment,” she said. the most memorable surprise. But what happens after today, “When you’re dating, you need to make it clear what you’re looking for up when the greeting card aisles are bare, the flowers are dead front.” and the candy’s eaten?

Being too open in the beginning is risky, as most feel revealing too The Defender spoke with relationship experts to find much too early can scare the other person away. However, Sharon Iglehart, out common issues found in relationships, as well as ways to a medical doctor with a specialty in psychiatry, said you must decide what keep them happy, healthy and thriving for the other 364 days a year. is important enough to reveal up front and what can wait.

“It’s always nice to have one special day to recognize your loved “If you tell a guy you have children and he never calls you again, then ones,” said general psychiatrist he was not right for you,” she said.

Dr. Shayna Lee, who is also director of the counseling center at Take your time Texas Southern University. “But Dr. Iglehart also said you don’t have in committed relationships this to discuss everything about yourself and should be a daily responsibility.”

According to AIDS Foundation Houston, what you’re looking for on the first date.

Communication, honesty, African-Americans account for 52 percent of all “You should take time to know the trust and hard work are just a new HIV/AIDS cases in the U.S. In Houston, the person, and figure out why you’re attractfew of the areas that should be number jumps to 54 percent. ed to the person,” Lee said. “Then, when present in a relationship to keep it It is vital that men and women protect you feel comfortable with that person prosperous. themselves from this deadly disease.

Here are you can begin to share more.”

And no matter how healthy a few tips from the foundation’s website, www.

Not all relationships make it past one’s relationship is, there are aidshelp.org. the initial dating stages though. One of always outside factors that Don’t have sex. Sexual contact is the main the common reasons is mistaken feelthreaten it. way that HIV is transmitted. If you abstain, you are ings, Iglehart said.

Dr. Dashiel Geyen, who’s “A lot of people don’t 100 percent protected from getting HIV that way. been a marriage and family therarealize the difference Be monogamous.

Having only one sex partner pist for more than 20 years, said between love and pasreduces your risk of getting HIV he typically sees four areas that sion,” she said. “When Get tested and know your partner’s status. destroy relationships – finances, the passion goes, if family, friends and infidelity.

Talking about your status can be difficult or there’s no healthy “It’s always one of those uncomfortable, but it’s important to start the relationship to or a combination of those,” he discussion BEFORE you have sex. sustain you, it’s said. “Sometimes family can be Use condoms consistently and correctly. not going to last.” overbearing or there can be in-law Both male condoms and female condoms will help In order to issues. Or with friends, when all protect you against HIV and other STIs. build a strong reyour buddies are single but you’re lationship, couples married, you have to put friends should have realistic in a different perspective.” expectations when it comes to loving each other, Iglehart said.

‘It’s a process’ “People look for love to make them happy and to do Regardless of the issues, Geyen said all relationships take work. things that love can’t do,” she said. “One of the big problems I “A relationship is not an event, it’s a process,” he said. “It’s something see is broken people getting together. Two halves equal a whole you work at every day. You have to not only want each other but want the but it takes two whole people to sustain a healthy relationship. relationship.”

You must take care of yourself and be true to yourself first. You Sometimes, however, couples just can’t resolve their issues on their can’t love anyone until you’re healthy.”

Once a couple is able to sustain a relationship, they need to also own. When the relationship reaches this point, Lee suggests couples seek outside, professional help. find ways to constantly keep it fresh.

Iglehart said she and her husband still go on date nights. She also “Couples don’t like to [acquire professional help] because they don’t want to share their dirty laundry with a stranger,” she said. “But oftentimes said doing things together doesn’t have to be expensive. it’s good to have a mediator – somebody who is unbiased and more objec“The older you get, the more you realize time is a much more tive – to help resolve some of the conflict.” precious commodity than money” she said. “When you don’t Counseling is not just for married couples. Those interested in marhave any more time left, all the money in the world is not going riage should consider premarital counseling, and those only interested in to change that.”

Lo

By TIFFANY Defe

Practice safe sex

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

rpage

ce on

ove

L. WILLIAMS ender

he Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

How to spice up your love life

No matter how hot a relationship is in the beginning, it’s bound to cool off eventually. So, it’s important that you and your mate find ways to keep the fire burning and the passion pulsating. Senior Pure Romance consultant and pole fitness instructor Edrina Newman helped comprise a list of 20 things couples can do to heat things up.

For the ladies

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Pretend. Act as if you don’t know each other. The perfect strangers share a perfect night of passion.

The adrenaline rush you’ll get will have you urging for more.

Dance. Visual stimulation is awesome, Newman said, so dance for your man. Take a pole dancing or striptease class to ensure your skills are on point.

Play. Playing games might ruin a relationship, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play with a few toys.

Adding sex toys into the mix can definitely create a “buzz” in the bedroom.

Treat. You’d be surprised what a little whipped cream or chocolate syrup can do. “Make yourself dessert,” Newman said.

Massage. You can pay for a professional couples massage or give him one yourself. Either way, you’re creating the perfect combo of relaxation and stimulation.

Watch. Even if you’re not into adult films yourself, pop in one for him. He’ll start off watching it, but his eyes will be on you the rest of the night.

Transform. Playing dress-up can bring his favorite fantasies to life.

Talk. Talking dirty doesn’t have to be raunchy.

It can be sweet. And, it could be just the thing to ignite the fire.

11

For the fellas

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Relinquish. Submitting to your woman doesn’t mean you’re weak.

Pamper. Every woman loves to be pampered.

Greet her with a bath.

Look. Your lady might not agree to being videotaped (for obvious reasons) but that doesn’t mean you two can’t see a show. Adding mirrors to the bedroom can steam things up – literally.

Switch. Changing locations can be just what you need to heighten the mood. The bedroom’s great, but the kitchen, closet or back porch might be better.

Strip. Taking your clothes off slowly and deliberately is sure to entice her and will definitely have her guessing what you’ll remove next.

Give. Make some coupons for tasks you can do for or to her. Put them in a bag and let her choose.

Women love having options.

Feed. There’s nothing sexier than a man who cooks for his woman. If you’re inexperienced, prepare something simple. Even if your food doesn’t wow her, your effort will.

Write. There’s something nostalgic and delightfully simple about writing a personal note or love letter. Newman suggests taking time out to handwrite something. It can make her day and your night.

Send. “Stick some Post-It notes around the house and send her on a scavenger hunt,” Newman said.

She will be excited to find her treasure.

Chill. With these tips, you shouldn’t have a problem generating heat, so it might be wise to cool things down a bit by bringing in some ice.

Cook sexy. Try cooking in lingerie. Newman suggests throwing on a nice teddy and a pair of stilettos.

Tease. Having kids doesn’t mean you can’t steal a kiss or more when they’re not watching. The anticipation that builds will have you yearning to finish later.

Visit DefenderNetwork.com to see video of Edrina Newman’s pole dancing class.

Edrina Newman

12 DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2013

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2013 | DEFENDER

13

14 DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

City seeks payday loan regulations

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

Councilmember Wanda Adams, chair of the Housing, Sustainable Growth and Development (HSGD) Committee, is leading efforts to get regulations passed on the payday lending industry to protect customers from a disturbing trend of unlimited reloans pushing the poor further into debt.

“Currently Houston has no cap on how many times a person can re-loan,” Adams said. “Taking out second, third, and fourth loans to pay off the first one which is continually accruing interest pushes customers deeper in debt.”

At a recent HSGD meeting, one Houstonian said she paid $4,000 on a title loan of $1,500 and still had her car repossessed.

Though some contend the payday loan-debt cycle is a universal issue, certain groups seem to bear the brunt of the damage.

“It’s a citywide issue, not impacting one race or another.

But it does negatively impact the economically disadvantaged,” Adams said.

“Look at seniors; they can’t afford to pay bills, purchase medicine and food on a fixed income.

Councilmember Wanda Adams When they take out these payday or title loans, they can’t pay them back, and end up getting their cars repossessed,” she said.

Houston averages 112 loan-related auto repossessions a week. Over 70 percent of single-payment auto title loan consumers refinance their loans, compared to the state average of 57 percent.

Texas’ average payday loan of $300, if “rolled over” nine times, would see the borrower pay $840 on the $300 principal, according to City Attorney David Feldman. In the Lone Star State, 40 percent of borrowers roll their loans over at least five times, resulting in Texans typically paying late and accruing higher fees.

Houston’s proposal, according to Adams, would cap payday loans at 35 percent of the borrower’s gross monthly income for single-payment loans, which are intended to be paid back in a lump sum.

The city’s proposal also includes limiting the number of times a single-payment payday loans could be refinanced to no more than four, and no more than six times for title loans.

Adams also hopes that statewide regulations will come out of Austin this session. Legislators attempted such regulation in 2011 but were unsuccessful as the payday loan industry fought back with lawsuits.

“We would prefer the state to regulate these lending companies; but if the state doesn’t, the City’s draft would go into effect around June 1, 2013,” Adams said.

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PRESIDENTS’ DAY SALE 2O% TO 75% OFF STOREWIDE TAKE AN EXTRA 15% OR 1O% OFF

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Free shipping with $99 purchase. Use promo code: PRES for extra savings; offer valid 2/12-2/18/2013. Exclusions apply; see macys.com for details.

PRESIDENTS’ DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 2/12-2/18/2013. “Of the season” refers to Macy’s spring season from February 1 to April 30, 2013. Prices may be lowered as part of a clearance. ‡HOW IT WORKS: For any denim purchase you make in misses’, petites’, women’s, men’s, young men’s, juniors’ and kids’ denim departments, we’ll give you a $10 Savings Card at the register. Just bring your receipts from 2/12/13-2/18/13 to any Macy’s before end of day 2/18/13. You’ll get a $10 savings card on the spot. Then redeem each card from 2/12-2/26/13 on your next sale or clearance purchase in all apparel depts, including shoes & accessories. EXCLUDES: fine and fashion jewelry, watches, home items, Everyday Values (EDV), gift cards, previous purchases, super buys, specials, special purchases, special orders, selected licensed departments, services, macys.com, payment on credit accounts. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a Macy’s account. Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. Coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $10 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible.

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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business

15

Claim all of your credits and deductions this year

By CHARLENE CROWELL NNPA Columnist

When W-2 forms arrive in the mail, it’s a sure sign that tax season has returned. This year, however, there was a slight delay for tax filers.

Due to the lateness of tax law changes made by Congress, IRS began processing returns on Jan. 30.

The consumer benefit from this brief delay means tax filers have more time to identify and include every available credit. Depending upon family income, size and filing status, several tax credits can boost refunds – especially among low- and moderate- income households. Applying every eligible tax credit will maximize refunds.

For example, although four out of five workers are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), IRS advises that one out of four fails to claim the credit for one of two reasons. Either they failed to file a tax return at all, or filed one, but failed to claim what they were due.

In 2011, 27 million eligible workers received a total of $62 billion in EITCs, making it the largest tax program for working families, according to the Office of the Controller of the Currency (OCC).

This year, workers earning $50,270 or less can apply for EITC. The exact amount of EITC eligibility will vary by income, family size and filing status. Even so, last year the average EITC credit was $2,200, according to IRS. This year, IRS expects that workers, the selfemployed and farmers that qualify for this credit could receive even higher refunds.

Another key tax credit is the American Opportu-

nity Credit, designed to financially assist parents and students to pay for college expenses. Either individual filers with modified adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less, or married filers with a joint return earning $160,000 or less are eligible to apply.

The maximum amount of the annual credit is $2,500 per student, not per family. Eligibility for this tax credit can cover up to four years of post-secondary education.

For consumers of any age pursuing post-secondary

education, a Lifetime Learning Credit can help for that cost. Up to $2,000 in qualified, paid educational expenses can be claimed when enrolled in an eligible educational institution.

There is an important caveat to claiming this credit: filers can claim either the Lifetime Learning Credit or the American Opportunity Credit; but never both.

With so many consumers struggling with student loan debt, tax season also offers a tax deduction on paid student loan interest.

If a filer’s modified adjusted gross income is less than $75,000 or less than $150,000 for joint returns, a special deduction is allowed for voluntary and required interest payments.

IRS advises that this tax deduction can reduce the amount of income subject to taxation by as much as $2,500.

Here’s one last cost-saving tip for tax season: Utilize the free tax assistance services in your area. In many instances, there is no reason for consumers to pay the high-cost fees charged by tax services.

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is available to any worker making $51,000 or less. These IRS-certified volunteers can help filers to determine all eligible credits and/ or deductions. Interested consumers are asked to phone 1-800-906-9887 to determine the closest local assistance center.

AARP Foundation Tax Aid offers free assistance through more than 6,000 locations nationwide to consumers aged 60 or over. To locate a nearby service center, visit: www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/ searchTaxAideLocations.action

How to do your income taxes for free online Family Features

If you would like to prepare your income tax for free, help is available. It’s called Free File, and it’s offered exclusively from the IRS in partnership with nearly 15 leading tax software companies. About 3 million people use it every year.

Free File lets you choose brand-name software that does the hard work for you, and it offers a fast, safe and no-cost option. Brandname tax software is available to those who made $57,000 or less in 2012 — which is about

70 percent of us.

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• Can’t meet the April 15 deadline? Use Free File for a free extension, and then use it to do your taxes by October 15.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2013 com

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sports

Rockets show improvement

Coach Kevin McHale

games, a stretch that can challenge the resolve of any team, especially one as youthful as the Rockets.

The team seemed stronger as a result.

“That tough stretch helped us a lot,” Harden said. “When you go on a seven-game losing streak you’ve got to find a way to get out of it; nobody’s going to help you.

The defensive mindset is what you have to have.”

As the team prepares for the second half of the season and a run that could land them in the playoffs for the first time in three years, Harden maintains a simple, yet straightforward mindset.

“We’ve just got to worry about ourselves and win games and play as well as possible,” he said.

By MAX EDISON Defender

Don’t look now Rockets fans, but if the season were to end right now, Red Nation would have qualified for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

It’s not a bad feat for a very young squad that was put together on the fly and a team whose best player was acquired less than a week before the regular season began.

As the NBA pauses for the AllStar festivities, the Rockets have to be pleased with their play up to this point. Their hold on the eighth spot is tenuous at best, with veteran-laden teams like the Lakers and Mavericks all looking up at them in the standings, but give the Rockets their due – they come to battle every night.

The Rockets have endured their share of adversity for a young team, including the extended absence of head coach Kevin McHale due to the death of his daughter, and a seven-game los- Jeremy Lin ing streak.

Through it all the team has hung in there, refused to make excuses and continued to improve, a fact not lost on McHale.

“We’re getting better in a lot of little areas,” McHale said. “Our offensive rebounding has picked up a tick, our protecting the paint has picked up a tick.

With a young team a lot of little factors come into play, but I like a lot of the things we’re doing.

“We’ve just got to keep improving,” McHale continued. “I’ve said all year long, our goal is just getting better all the time. The thing I’m the most pleased with is our players have started to identify how we need to play and are buying into that more.”

All-Star James Harden and his band of merry men have built a reputation on being a high- scoring team.

The Rockets are averaging 106.3 points per game, No. 2 overall in the league. On the flip side, defensively they rank 11th overall, giving up 103.1 points per game.

Harden ranks among the top five leading scorers in the league, but he knows that for the team to achieve their ultimate goal they must improve defensively.

James Harden

“Obviously we get out and score a lot of points, but we want to build our identity on defense,” Harden said. “We want to be a great team defensively. It’s not going to be easy.

“When you look at all the other great teams it took them some time to really be focused on the same page. This is our first half of the season together and I think we’ve done a pretty good job for the most part.”

Point guard Jeremy Lin agrees with his backcourt mate that long-term team success means an improved defensive effort.

“We want to get away from having to outscore people,” Lin said. “We would like to get to where we’re getting stops and scoring. We’re trying to shore up certain things on defense.”

The team survived a rough patch that saw them lose seven consecutive

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FEBRUARY 14 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Perennial teams

prepare for playoffs

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

Yates boys’ basketball head coach Greg Wise, and his counterpart at longtime rival Wheatley High School Willie Patrick, have a number of things in common.

In addition to being good friends, both have considerable experience getting their teams ready for long forays into the postseason.

Both have won state championships during their respective careers and each is hoping to add another in 2013.

Patrick guided St. Pius X High School to a Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) state championship in 2007.

A year later, he took over at Wheatley and the Wildcats rallied in the fourth quarter to upset Yates in the Region III-4A title game and advanced to the state tournament. He returned to Wheatley this season after three years at Worthing High School.

Wise led Yates to back-to-back Class 4A state titles in 2009 and 2010. The Lions were crowned mythical national champions following the 2010 season. Yates advanced to the state championship game against Dallas Kimball last season and lost a heartbreaker at the end. Prior to his stint at Yates, Wise guided Fort Bend Hightower to consecutive Class 5A state tournament berths.

During the University Interscholastic League’s most recent re-alignment, Yates dropped down to Class 3A while Wheatley remained in 4A. As the boys’ regular season comes to a close this week, Yates has been the No. 1-ranked 3A school al season while Wheatley has cracked the state’s Top n Class 4A. Since both schools were undefeated in district play and secured top playoff seeds weeks ago, we asked

17

Few Signing Day surprises Most of the big name Houston-area high school football recruits honored their verbal commitments so there were only a few surprises on National Signing Day. Spring Westfield defensive tackle Hardreck Walker cast his lot with Texas A&M as Westfield led the area with 13 signees. Fort Bend Marshall All-American defensive end Deon Hollins Jr., who made some late visits to Notre Dame and Utah, stayed with his original choice and signed with UCLA. Hollins will move to outside linebacker in college. Alief Taylor defensive lineman Torrodney Prevot agonized over his decision until the last minute. The three finalists were USC, Oregon and Texas A&M. The All-American eventually settled on Oregon where he will switch to outside linebacker. Kashmere High School two-way performer Grant Ross, the valedictorian of his senior class, signed to attend the Air Force Academy next fall.

Girls’ playoffs begin The girls’ high school state basketball playoffs began week with three top contenders in Region III-5A. Bellaire, Manvel and Clear Springs appear to be the cream of the crop according to Bellaire coach Michael Kramer, who quickly added that a sleeper can quickly surface in the playoffs. “It just depends on who is playing well at the right time,” he said. Clear Springs is on a mission after losing in the regional semifinals the last two seasons. The No. 3-ranked Chargers wrapped up their third consecutive undefeated district season with a 74-48 victory over Clear Falls.

Wheatley coach Willie Patrick

Yates coach Greg Wise

both coaches what goes into preparing for success in the postseason.

Defender: As the regular season winds down, what steps are you going through to prepare your team for the postseason?

Patrick: It’s time for me to do my homework. I scout the games we need to see as far as possible playoff opponents. We’re looking for their weaknesses and strengths and who the shooters are. I bring those notes back to my kids and we work on things in practice. Regardless of what we find, we’re still going to play Wheatley basketball – which is to press, run and get up the court.

Defender: How will the return of post Marcus Loud impact the Wildcats?

Patrick: With Marcus back, I can move Tavario Miller to the four spot and now he’s on the ball and I’ve got a 6-foot-8 guy on the back of the press.

Defender: Who are the main contenders for the Region III-4A crown?

Patrick: “It’s wide open this year.

Marshall, Beaumont Central, Beaumont Ozen, Montgomery, Huntsville, Terry, Crosby, Humble and

Brazosport are all capable. If we [Wheatley] peak at the right time, it’s right there for us.

Defender: What have you done to prepare your team for the playoffs?

Wise: “When you do something a lot, you get better at it.

The last few years the district race was decided and we could start our playoff preparation early. We knew there were some things that we needed to work on to get better.

So it’s a great time to have a boot camp to hone in on some things and the teams that we might play.

It makes our practices harder so the players don’t let down and allows us to work on things that we need to improve. Instead of having one week to do those things, we have two or three weeks.

Defender: Do you miss the Yates-Wheatley rivalry?

Wise: “I know a lot of people look at it as a rivalry. But I look at Willie as one of my closest friends in coaching…When we’re not playing Wheatley, we’re pulling for them to win and I know Willie does the same for us. It would be great if we could both represent HISD and go to state.”

Urban Invitational set The Urban Invitational, which features HBCU baseball, returns to Houston’s Minute Maid Park for the second consecutive year. The tourney will run Friday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 24. The 2013 field includes Alabama State University, Southern University, Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University. The games on Saturday, Feb. 23 will air live on MLB Network and MLB.com. Prior to Saturday’s contests, MLB and the Houston Astros will host a youth baseball clinic at the Houston Astros MLB Urban Youth Academy at Sylvester Turner Park from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Additionally, MLB and the Houston Astros will host a college and career fair at Minute Maid Park on Feb. 22 from noon to 3 p.m. For more information go to www.astros.com and click on the community tab.

Black driver in NASCAR Nineteen-year-old Darrell Wallace Jr. will make history when he competes in the Truck Series for Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2013. Wallace will be just the fourth Black driver in the 64-year-history of NASCAR to have a full-time ride in a national series. He will drive the No. 54 Toyota. Wallace drove in the K&N Pro Series East for JGR from 2010 to 2012. In 2010, he became that series’ youngest driver and the first Black driver to win a race at Greenville-Pickens Speedway. Wendell Scott (196173), Willy T. Ribbs (2001) and Bill Lester (20002006) have all raced full-time in NASCAR. Wallace is a product of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, which was created to develop minority and female drivers.

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18 DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2013

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classified HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18 th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1

Magic Johnson speaks to Howard University students about HIV.

Magic Johnson:

There was a lot of laughter in Howard University Hospital’s Tower Auditorium as Erwin “Magic” Johnson addressed a crowd of hospital staff and community members on National Black AIDS Day. The topic, however, was no laughing matter.

It has been 22 years since the former Los Angeles Laker announced that he had contracted the HIV virus, but he still remembers the moment he found out like it was yesterday.

He had received a phone call from his doctor while preparing for an exhibition basketball game in Utah. He was told he needed to return to Los Angeles right away, and the news he received once he got there changed his life forever.

“You think you’ve done everything right,” Johnson said to the crowd. “I thought, ‘How could this happen to me?’”

He asked his doctor what he could do to stay the same Magic Johnson he’s

always been. He was told to do three things: take your medication, maintain a positive attitude and continue to work out.

“I’m not on any magical drugs,” Johnson said. “I take a cocktail of meds like everyone else.

I’m just cool with my status.”

Being cool with one’s HIV status is a message advocates and physicians have been struggling to send. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of the 1.1 million people living with HIV in America, 19.5 percent do not know their status.

“There are a lot of supermen in our community,” Johnson joked. “The biggest problem is getting people to say there is a problem within Black and Brown communities.”

Johnson did not let his HIV infection sideline him. He embarked on a myriad of successful business ventures after his diagnosis, and is a testament to the fact that by staying healthy and taking medication, people

Project - 13-02-05 RFP– TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) Sample Analysis and PLM (Polarized Light Microscopy) Bulk Sample Analysis – with a deadline of 10 A.M., February 27, 2013.

The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE32 at the above stated address on February 20, 2013 at 10 AM.



Project - 13-02-09 RFP– Ready Mix – Concrete Materials – with a deadline of 10 A.M., March 1, 2013. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 3W26 at the above stated address on February 22, 2013 at 10 AM.

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

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

Life after HIV

BY MAYA RHODAN NNPA Washington Correspondent



living with HIV can maintain a normal lifestyle.

“I want to walk

The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com.

Competitive Sealed Proposal Notice for my daughter down the aisle one day,” Johnson said. “This disease won’t stop me.”

classified Competitive Bid Notice for Re-roofing Buildings 3 and 4 at Black Middle School Project: 13-02-03CS

Houston Independent School District (HISD) The Houston Independent School District will receive bids from contractors for the re-roofing of Building 3 (Shops building) and Building 4 (Cafeteria) at Black Middle School. Bids are due no later than Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 12:00 Noon at 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Level 1, Houston, TX 77092.

Black Middle School is located at 1575 Chantilly, Houston, TX 77018-4197.

The bid package, which includes plans and specifications will be available beginning Monday February 11, 2013, and may be obtained from A&E The Graphics Complex, 4235 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77007 / Phone (713) 621-0022 / Fax (713) 621-2537. Documents are also available from A & E on disk in pdf format or printed for a deposit of $75. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Any questions regarding bid documents are to be addressed to AMTECH Building Sciences, Inc., William Hutz, email: whutz@amtechbuildingsciences.com, v. 713-266-4829, f: 713-2664977.

The Competitive Bid process will be utilized as authorized in H.B. No. 628, Legislative Session 82(R) -2011.

M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required in the Project Manual and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance are due at 2:00 p.m. on the due date at 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Level 1, Houston, TX. Bids will be opened and the amounts read aloud at 2:00 p.m. Bids submitted without M/WBE Forms, properly completed, will be considered non-compliant.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 10:00 a.m.., Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at Black Middle School, 1575 Chantilly Houston, TX 77018-4197.

For additional information regarding this project, please contact Wm. Earl Finley, at 713-556-9306, or w finley@houstonisd.org.

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

Renovation Work at T.H. Rogers School and Paul Revere Middle School Project Number: 13-02-02CS

Houston Independent School District The Houston Independent School District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for Renovation Work at T.H. Rogers School and Paul Revere Middle School. The work includes, but is not limited to, replacement of windows, storefronts, and curtain walls; floor finishes (VCT, Carpet, Wood Plank, Ceramic); ceiling finishes (Acoustical Panel, Gypsum Board); wall finishes (Paint, Ceramic Tile); masonry (Brick, CMU, Glazed Tile); restroom renovations and plumbing; acoustical wall panels; science classroom millwork; HVAC equipment (Cooling Towers, Air handlers, Fan Coil Units, Hydronic Piping); electrical equipment (Switch Gear, Panels, Transformers, Lighting); site work (Fences, Handrails, Marquee Sign, and playground impact surfacing). Proposals are due no later than Thursday, February 28, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at 4400 W. 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Houston, TX 77092. The price proposals will be opened and the amounts read aloud.

T.H. Rogers School is located at 5840 San Felipe Houston, TX 77057. Paul Revere Middle School is located at 10502 Briarforest Dr., Houston, TX 77042.

The Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (RFCSP), which includes plans and specifications, will be available beginning Monday, February 11, 2013, and may be obtained from Gurrola Reprographics, Inc., 6161 Washington Ave. Houston, TX 77007 / Phone 713-780-0041 / Fax 713-861-8635 upon refundable deposit of $150.00 for each set of plans and specifications. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from Gurrola Reprographics, Inc., on disk for a deposit of $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Any questions regarding bid documents are to be addressed to SUSTAITA ARCHITECTS INC., 2525 Wilcrest, Suite 250, Houston, 77042, Abraham Sustaita, v. 713-780-0041, f. 713-780-3278.

The Competitive Sealed Proposal process will be utilized as authorized in H.B. No. 628, Legislative Session 82 (R)-2011. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process enables HISD to select contractors on the basis of price and qualifications/methodology.

M/WBE Forms, schedules and statements, as required by Section AB of the RFCSP and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance, will be received at 12:00 p.m. (Noon), Monday, March 4, 2013, at the Board Services Office, 4400 W. 18 th Street, Office of Board Services, Houston, TX 77092. Proposals submitted without M/WBE Forms properly completed, will be considered non-compliant.

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 20, 2013, at T.H. Rogers School, 5840 San Felipe Houston, TX 77057.

For additional information regarding this project, please contact Mr. Wm. Earl Finley, at 713-556-9306, or wfinley@houstonisd.org.

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

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

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

McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com

McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com

Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098-4151, (832) 613-0201

Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, Texas 77098-4151, (832) 613-0201

FEBRUARY 14 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

Dr. Sylvia Muzquiz-Drummond, Barbara Dawson, IT’S MARDI GRAS SEASON, HOUSTON Dr. Daryl Knox and MHMRA executive director, Dr. STYLE…..While Galveston and New Orleans have their Steven Schnee. Congrats to gala chair Marshenell Sells, own style, we here in Houston celebrate with Mardi Gras Geraldine Royal, staff and volunteers for a successful Balls…… FRIENDS OF MHMRA MARDI GRAS evening. Continued Success!..... HAUL BALL…..The Friends of MHMRA GUILD MARDI GRASS BALL…. celebrated its ninth annual Mardi Join Yvette Chargois The Houston Area Urban League Guild Grass ball at the Bayou City Event Events of the Week celebrated its 15th annual Masked Ball Center. The organization was created More photos on defendernetwork.com at the Renaissance Houston Greenway in 2005 to enhance and expand the See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Plaza Hotel. The guild is the heart and services and supports provided by and with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. soul of the urban league movement and through mental health and MHMRA takes great pride in helping connect of Harris County. This year’s honorees the Houston Area Urban League and were Houston Police Chief Charles the National Urban League to the community through A. McClelland, Jr. and Harris County Sheriff Adrian volunteer service. One of the highlights of the evening Garcia. This festive occasion began with the famous is the announcement of the annual king and queen. This 2nd line processional led by the master of ceremony, Jose year’s winners are King Cary Yates and Queen Clarease Grinan, followed by board members Ms. Chag, Lily Rankin Yates. Other highlights showcase the Swingin’ Foster, Attorney David Feldman and others. Program participants included Rev. Jamale Kempt, Alan Helfman, and Steppin’ dance contest and the presentation of the best-dressed costume/masked female and masked male.

Georgia Provost, Lynne Cleveland, Rose Childs,

MHMRA Exec. Director Dr. Steven Schnee and MHMRA Board Member Dr. Lois Moore

Honorees Police Chief Charles A. McClelland Jr. and Sheriff Adrian Garcia

Mardi Gras King Cary Yates and Queen Clarease Rankin Yates

HAUL President Judson Robinson III and Cora Robinson

Orchard Ball Chairman Eric Butler

19

Thomas Edwards, Kay Jones Rosebure and Theo Woodard

Kudos to guild president Felicia Jackson, vice president Bobby Scott, chairs Jory Patton and Sherri Smith and the entire membership. Congratulations!..... ORCHARD BALL…..The men of Alpha Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. hosted its annual traditional “Orchard Ball Gala.” The proceeds from this auspicious occasion support scholarships and numerous community service programs and projects. The impressiveness and beauty of the Orchid Ball has served to bring substantial distinction to the noble band of Sigma men. About 300 impeccably dressed members of the fraternity and their guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining and entertainment and included chapter president Tim Hadley, Eunice Hadley, vice president Daniel Harris, Hon. Thomas Edwards, Hon. Theo Woodard, Leo Rosebure, Kay Jones Rosebure, Captain Riley Moore, Charles Butler, Goldman Butler, Reginald King, Durrell Howard, Derrick Farrow and Clifford Gardner, to name a few.

Fabulous Event!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a great week!

Marshenell Sells and Geraldine Royal

HAUL Guild President Felicia Jackson, V.P. Bobby Scott and Gala Chair Jory Patton

Chapter President Tim Hadley and Eunice Hadley

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20 DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 14 | 2013

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