Houston Defender: February 23, 2012

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Houstonian returns in Alvin Ailey dance performance P7

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Volume 81 | Number 17

U.S. BRIEFS

ReShonda Tate Billingsley

AL SHARPTON spied on by police

Houston’s awardwinning author

P4 BLACK HISTORY OPINION

HARRIET TUBMAN subject of collection

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P12 SPORTS

CASE KEENUM will showcase QB skills

Gabrielle Union follows her dreams Actress Gabrielle Union is one of today’s busiest stars. She can be seen in the new Tyler Perry film “Good Deeds,” a romantic drama about a defining moment. Union said she experienced such a moment in her life. “I decided to follow my dreams and my passions and to always have an adventure, no matter what it is,” she says.

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Diamonisha Sophus excels at basketball

Wheatley High School girls’ basketball star Diamonisha Sophus continues to gain momentum. The senior guard helped lead the Lady Wildcats to the regional quarterfinals for the first time, scoring 37 points in the process.

Sophus plays a complete game, and possesses quickness, accuracy and excellent ball-handling skills.

H Page 15

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P14 CHAG’S PLACE

Rev. Leslie Smith, Diedra Kelly Harris and Ed Smith at Macy’s exhibit.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012

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See more on: defendernetwork For more than 135 years, CenterPoint Energy has served communities throughout the Houston area by building relationships between our employees and our customers. As a public utility, we touch the lives of our customers each and every day by delivering safe, reliable electricity and natural gas. But, that’s not all we do. Through our education and community outreach efforts, we work to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.

EVERY DAY BECAUSE YOU ARE AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING WE DO

Strengthening our neighborhoods Community involvement is at the core of our corporate culture and is exemplified by our employees and retirees who are committed volunteers in our service areas. Volunteering has long been central to CenterPoint Energy’s culture. We work to enhance the quality of life in our communities by reaching out as a caring neighbor to support education, community development and health and human services.

Each year our employees, family members and retirees provide tens of thousands of hours in our schools – making them better places to learn, and in our neighborhoods – making them safer places to live.

Investing in education In addition to volunteer activities, we promote specific company-sponsored activities, including natural gas and electric safety education programs designed to keep students safe and to inspire them to learn. Education opens doors and provides young people options, and our employees are eager to share their personal experiences with students.

Encouraging employees to make a difference CenterPoint Energy is a company of people who care about our businesses, our customers and our communities, and we understand that we can’t be successful if our communities are not healthy and strong. Our goal is to make a difference every day by helping to make our communities better places to live, to work and to conduct business.

For more information, log on to CenterPointEnergy.com/community.

2011 Volunteer Participation 2011 total volunteer hours: Volunteer participation rate:

235,847 41.26%

Total value of volunteer hours:* $5,037,692 * Based on the Independent Sector’s $21.36 estimate of the value of a volunteer hour. For 2010, the national average for volunteering in America was 26.5 percent.

©2012 CenterPoint Energy 120545

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WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012 | DEFENDER

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South Acres Ranch offers affordable homes

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By ASWAD WALKER Defender

which is already fully leased.

“There’s a cliché that many of us say, ‘If you build it they will come;’ and [South Acres Ranch] is an example of building something that is great because the community has come,” said Adams.

Linda Pepper, who recently relocated to Houston via St. Louis, is one of many residents pleased with the property. “I never, never expected to find a rental

he availability of affordable housing is a problem for countless local families. Capital One Bank and Hettig/Kahn Development Corp. have collaborated to provide solutions in the form of the recently christened South Acres Ranch Phase II, an 81-unit community of single-family homes in Sunnyside.

Construction on Phase II began in August 2010, next to South Acres Phase I which opened in November 2010. All 81 rental units of the new development are four-bedroom homes.

“The beauty of this property is it’s a multi-family property but it has an individual, single family feel to it,” said Joel North of the city’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCD).

“This development serves as a model for the city of Houston and probably the country to help families feel like they have a home instead of living in an apartment environment.”

Combined, South Acres Ranch Phase I and II provide 128 four-bedroom, single-family homes. Amenities include a community center, six playgrounds, a multi-level pool, ponds and fountains A ribbon-cutting marked the opening of South Acres Ranch Phase II. at the gated entries, and a covered bus depot area for school children. property like this; never in all my life,” said Pepper, of Located across the street from Houston’s KIPP her home that costs less than $1,000 a month.

Sunnyside Academy, South Acres Ranch is marketed Another resident, Kina Jefferson, said the deas a “high-end housing development for low-income velopment “feels like a sense of a family home in a Houstonians,” providing quality and secure housing neighborhood.” for families making roughly $40,000 or less a year.

“Capital One is pleased to play a key role in Councilmember Wanda Adams, in whose district developing quality, affordable, low-cost housing and the property resides, was pleased with the final project, a stable living environment in Houston and beyond,”

said Annella Metoyer, the bank’s Houston market president.

“We provided the debt equity for South Acres Phase I, but that was only the beginning. Capital One invested $14.3 million in funding for South Acres Ranch Phase II,” Metoyer explained.

“This includes a $5.5 million construction loan and a $1 million permanent loan for the developer, Hettig/Kahn Development Corp. In addition, we made an equity investment totaling $7.8 million in return for low-income housing tax credits awarded through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.”

Project financing also included $960,000 in funds from the HCD and $690,000 from the TDHCA, which identified southeast Houston as an area with a need for affordable multi-family apartment units.

U.S. Congressman Al Green said the development exemplifies community partnership.

“Capital One is the one that’s been involved in our community, with $2 million in grants to help senior citizens with home repair; partnering with the Sunnyside CDC to build low-income quality homes in our community; partnering with Affordable Care CDC so they could build additional homes in our community; helping small businesses…with their Getting Down to Business program, and helping scores of first-time home buyers to get a home,” Green said.

“I’ve been fortunate to participate both statewide, locally and nationally with a variety of housing organizations and I’m pleased to say that nobody knows of any other project that has received such recognition,” said Barry Kahn, president of Hettig/Kahn. “South Acres is truly a development that involved the whole community.”

localbriefs THE TEXAS PRIMARY DATE has been moved again because of the ongoing battle over the state’s redistricting maps. A San Antonio federal court said the primary elections will not take place until at least May 29. “It appears based on all the things that are going on here that it is extremely unlikely there will be a primary in April or for that matter before May 29,” said Judge Jerry Smith. “Based on the discussion we just had with the political parties, we asked that they start working on an election schedule.” The announcement came after groups suing over the map reached a deal

with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, preserving the Fort Worth-based district of Democratic State Sen. Wendy Davis……..

GOV. RICK PERRY said he’s keeping his options open concerning his political future.

Perry, the longest serving governor in the state’s history, told the Texas Tribune he is leaning toward running for re-election in 2014 and possibly seeking the presidency two years after that. “I happen to think that being the governor of Texas, I’ve said many times, is the best job in the world. I still believe that,’’ Perry said. Asked if he was considering

running, Perry said it was “on the radar screen” for him…….. SINGLE OCCUPANCY DRIVERS can now pay to use the Gulf Freeway’s HOV lane by paying a toll. Metro is converting High-Occupancy Vehicle lanes to High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes. The Gulf Freeway is the first corridor in Metro’s HOV network to undergo the transformation, with 59 South, IH-45 North, 290 and 59 North to follow. Buses, van pools and car pools will still use the lanes. Single occupancy drivers can use the Metro toll tag, Harris County EZ Tag, TxDOT’s TxTAG or the Dallas NTTA Toll Tag.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012

national

A threat to affirmative action?

Supreme Court to hear case of white UT student

Defender News Services

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he Supreme Court will address affirmative action in higher education by agreeing to hear a case brought

by Abigail Fisher, a white student who says she was denied admission to the University of Texas because of the color of her skin.

The court will return to the issue for the first time since A more conservative Supreme Court will revisit affirmative action in the fall.

2003, when it endorsed the use of race as tence of discrimination in ing minority students.” a factor in admissions in GrutTexas today and the current In 1997, the Texas legislature ter vs. Bollinger, a landmark effects of past discriminapassed a law that mandates high school case which concerned the tion. seniors in the top 10 percent of their University of Michigan law “Though we are class be automatically admitted to any school. hopeful about Texas state university. Fisher did not The Texas the outcome of qualify for automatic admission. case will be arthe issue, we Instead, she competed with other gued in the fall, registered our non-top 10 state applicants, some of and the court, concerns that a whom were entitled to racial preferwhich is more very conserences. She was denied admission and conservative than vative court argues it was because she is white. in 2003, could might reverse Last year, Texas’ Fifth Circuit produce a differthe affirmative Court sided with UT. The NAACP ent outcome. action case and Legal Defense Fund (LDF) presented Gary expressed the oral argument in the Fifth Circuit on Bledsoe, presineed for main- behalf of the Black Student Alliance dent of the Texas taining the at UT Austin in support of the position NAACP, is constate’s Top 10 taken by the university. cerned about how Percent Law at The LDF said it hopes the Suthe court will rule. the University preme Court will also rule in favor of “We did of Texas and UT. not expect the other flag“The benefits of diversity are Supreme Court ship schools,” unquestionable and as the Fifth Circuit to take this case Bledsoe said. recognized, UT Austin’s policy falls because the court “Africansquarely within the four corners of had already American and Latino Texans have the Supreme Court’s landmark 2003 decided the matter several years ago long supported UT, A&M and other decision in Grutter v. Bollinger,” the in the Michigan case and there was no state universities with their tax dollars, LDF said. compelling reason to revisit the issue,” even when Blacks were barred from at“We trust that the Court will Bledsoe said. tending. It is unfair to take actions that reaffirm that the educational benefits “However, since it has been diminish admission to the state’s top of diversity are a compelling interest accepted, this is an opportunity to put schools for talented and high-performthat colleges and universities can and forth evidence detailing both the exisContinued on Page 6

“Though we are hopeful about the outcome of the issue, we registered our concerns that a very conservative court might reverse the affirmative action case…”

– Gary Bledsoe

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U.S.briefs REV. AL SHARPTON’S National Action Network (NAN) is considering legal action against the New York Police Department in response to allegations that the department spied on the civil rights group and its leader.

The NYPD allegedly planted a confidential informant in NAN’s Harlem headquarters to report on any largescale protests planned in response to the acquittal of the officers who massacred Sean Bell, an unarmed Black man whom police riddled with bullets in 2006……..

INTERRACIAL MARRIAGES hit a record high in the U.S. According to a Pew Research Center study, the increase of Asian and Hispanic immigrants has expanded the pool of prospective spouses. In addition, Blacks are now substantially more likely than before to marry whites.

This is especially true for Black men, who were more than twice as likely as Black women to marry someone outside their race — 24 percent to 9 percent. Financially speaking, white-Asian couples who married had the highest median income, nearly $71,000. The median income for whiteBlack couples is $53,187……..THE INVESTIGATION OF CALIFORNIA CONGRESSWOMAN Maxine Waters took a turn when all five Republicans and the ranking Democrat on the House panel looking into the case stepped down. They withdrew from the two-year investigation to avoid further questions about their impartiality. Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) named six substitute lawmakers in their place. The panel has been examining whether Waters tried to steer money from a financial bailout to a minority-owned bank where her husband was a board member and shareholder. Waters, one of the longest-serving Black U.S. representatives, has consistently denied any wrongdoing……..ROLAND MARTIN met with a representative of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) over tweets the organization considered anti-gay. Martin said during the meeting, “…I reiterated my apology that if anyone who construed my comment[s] as being antigay or homophobic, or advancing violence, that was not my intent, and for that I was truly sorry.” GLAAD said the meeting was a good introduction. “[Martin] has committed to meeting with GLAAD and other organizations in the near future for a more substantial dialogue. We support Martin’s commitment to use his media platforms to shed light on the harms of hateinspired violence and look forward to continuing this dialogue.” Martin was suspended from his analyst position with CNN because of the tweets.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 17 WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Associate Editors Reshonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Columnist Yvette Chargois Sport Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Webmaster Corneleon Block

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender 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 2011 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Group seeks photos of fallen Vietnam vets Defender News Services

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial-the Wall in Washington, D.C., has launched an effort to collect photos of the 58,272 service members inscribed on the memorial.

When collected, the photos will be displayed at the memorial’s Education Center. The Wall is located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, along Constitution Avenue. It honors members of the U.S. armed forces who died

while serving in Vietnam or who were missing in action.

VVMF has collected more than 30,000 pictures to date, including photos of 1,833 African Americans. However, 5,429 photos of African-American heroes who served in Vietnam remain to be collected.

“We will not allow for African-American casualties to be under-represented in the Education Center,” said Harry G. Robinson III, a Howard University professor and member of VVMF’s board of directors.

“It would be a shame if these heroes, particularly those from our inner cities, aren’t included simply because we couldn’t step up and locate their pictures,” Robinson said.

Those who have photos of service members included on the Wall are asked to help VVMF put a face with a name. Photos should be of the highest quality possible and reproduced as an 8x10.

They can be sent to: Call for Photos, 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 104, Washington, D.C. 20037. For more information contact 202-393-0090 or mjohnson@vvmf.org.

and we are still having arguments over whether it’s legitimate to consider race in school admissions.

The answer should be a resounding no, and I’m hopeful that the Supreme Court rules accordingly.”

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, on behalf of UT, had advised the court to refrain from hearing the case. He said in court papers the case is “shot through” with jurisdictional issues that would “drag the court into a thicket of procedural” disputes.

The White House reacted cautiously to the news that the high court would hear the case.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters that he would not comment on the deci-

sion. He then addressed the issue in general terms.

“I think, as the Supreme Court has recognized in the past, diversity in the classroom has learning benefits for students, campuses and schools,” Carney said.

“President Obama has said that, while he opposes quotas, and thinks an emphasis on universal and not race-specific programs is good policy, considering race along with other factors can be appropriate in certain circumstances,” Carney said.

“But again, I want to make sure that’s viewed as a broad statement of where he has been and where his position is broadly, not a reference to this specific case,” he said.

Supreme Court... Continued from page 4 should pursue for the good of our students, our communities, and our nation.”

A conservative view

The Black conservative group Project 21, however, hopes the high court will not rule in favor of race as a factor in admissions.

“I am pleased to see the Supreme Court agree to hear this case,” said Project 21 spokesman Horace Cooper, who previously taught at the George Mason University School of Law in Virginia.

“Despite the intent of the framers, the adoption of the 14th Amendment and the admonition of Martin Luther King, we’ve reached the 21st century

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WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012 | DEFENDER

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Houstonian returns in Alvin Ailey performance

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

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ouston native Marcus Willis has always known he was meant to be a performer. From his early days as a student at Johnston Performing Arts Middle School, to his time at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and Discovery Dance Group in Houston, Willis knew performance was at his core.

That’s why, at age 16, he knew he was ready to truly follow his passion.

“I told my mother that I wanted to move to New York City and study at the Ailey School as a scholarship student,” he said. “I’m convinced that up until a month before it was time for me to leave, she didn’t take me serious.”

After finally giving in, his mother gave her blessing and Marcus headed to the Big Apple as a recipient of a Level 1 ARTS award given by the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts. He finished high school in New York, while continuing to train, and eventually received a scholarship to the Juilliard School.

Marcus has also worked with Pascal Rioult Dance

Theater, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, and Tania Pérez-Salas Compañía de Danza. He officially joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2008.

He is excited to return home in a show led by Robert Battle in his inaugural season as artistic director of the Ailey dance company. The three Houston performances are Friday and Saturday, March 2 and 3 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 4, at 2 p.m. in Jones Hall, and presented

by Society for the Performing Arts and the Defender.

The Ailey performance is a part of the “Saluting Black Music, and Dance” project sponsored

by Amegy Bank and Andrews Kurth Law Firm.

Looking back, Marcus said, “I know it was hard for my mother to watch me go. Now, she’s my biggest supporter. We keep in close contact and she comes to New York two to three times a year.”

Marcus says his mother’s decision to allow him to go to New York was life- changing and he urges other parents to be just as supportive when it comes to allowing their children to follow their dreams.

“To other parents, I know it can be hard.

But if it’s something your child is really striving to do, as long as it’s healthy, go for it. Those are the times that make the most difference. I’m so grateful that my mom let me experience it because it matured me in a way I don’t think I would have

ever known.”

The Ailey program for Friday and Sunday will feature technically challenging dancing with striking duets, solos and a men’s sextet that showcases the dancers’ skill and musicality.

Next will be three works: Takademe, a savvy deconstruction and abstraction of the tightly woven rhythms of Indian Kathak dance containing humor, fast-paced movements and

Marcus Willis will perform in Houston with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater March 2-4 at Jones Hall.

Continued on Page 10

what’sup SEAN “DIDDY” COMBS is launching a musicthemed cable channel called Revolt. Combs’ channel could kick off at the end of the year. It’s designed to be a mixture of music and news content inspired by socialnetworking sites. Comcast will carry the network in various markets……..EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON is also entering the cable TV business with the summer launch of Aspire, a 24-hour channel focusing on positive African-American images. “This is so exciting for me, I’m pinching myself,” said the former NBA great……..Actor DICK ANTHONY WILLIAMS died Feb. 16 in Los Angeles at the age of 73. Williams was best known for his role as Pretty Tony in 1973 film “The Mack.” The cause of death was not announced. Williams’ other movie credits include “Five On The Black Hand Side,” “The Jerk,”

“Tap,” “Mo’ Better Blues” and “Edward Scissorhands.”

Williams co-founded New York’s New Federal Theatre, which showcased such playwrights and actors as Amiri Baraka, Ntozake Shange, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Phylicia Rashad, Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson ……..Speaking of DENZEL WASHINGTON, his new movie “Safe House” became No. 1 at the box office during its second weekend in theaters. The movie, which co-stars Ryan Reynolds, could become Washington’s biggest hit since 2007′s “American Gangster,” which grossed $130.2 million……..A study of ACADEMY AWARDS VOTERS revealed that the group that hands out Oscars is not very diverse. According to the Los Angeles Times, Blacks and Hispanics account for only 2 percent each of academy members. Of the 5,765 voting

members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 94 percent are white and 77 percent are men.

The awards show airs Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. on ABC……..

MELISSA HARRIS-PERRY is joining MSNBC as its newest anchor. Harris-Perry, a professor at Tulane University, previously appeared as a substitute anchor for the network……..The HOUSTON EBONY OPERA GUILD’S annual “African American Music Gala: A Concert” is Saturday, March 3 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 4 at 4p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Ave. It will feature visiting conductor Barbara W. Baker.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers will appear Saturday. Tickets are $30 at the door, $25 in advance, $20 each for groups of 10 and $15 for children under 12. Call 713-335-3800 or visit www.houstonebonymusic.org.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

cover

ReShonda Tate Billingsle

Houston’s award-winning autho

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

N

ational best-selling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley has added another entry to her list of accomplishments.

She recently took home the prestigious NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work-Fiction for her novel, “Say Amen, Again.”

Billingsley traveled to Los Angeles for the annual awards show, and was thrilled to walk the red carpet with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. She said attending the ceremony was a “wonderful” experience.

“It was not just the star-studded treatment or being among all the celebs,” Billingsley said. “I never thought I would be just feet away from Harry Belafonte, Sydney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, Samuel Jackson, LL Cool J and so many others.

“What was so wonderful was that for as much respect that I had for all of these entertainers, they had a mutual respect for me as a writer and applauded my accomplishments as well.”

Billingsley, an associate editor with the Defender, also has a background in television and radio.

Many Houstonians recognize her as a former reporter with KPRC-Channel 2 and Fox 26 News.

She now has a national following due to her literary success. She has written 24 titles, including 11 adult novels, eight teen novels, one non-

fiction, three anthologies and one poetry book. Her books have appeared on the Essence Bestseller list more than 20 times, as well as the Washington Post and Dallas Morning News Bestseller lists.

Billingsley spoke with the Defender about her latest honor and her busy career.

Defender: The NAACP Image Award for fiction has been won by such illustrious authors as Toni Morrison, Nikki Giovanni, Terri McMillan, Walter Mosley and Pearl Cleage. How do you feel being in their company?

Billingsley: Humbled and honored. I admire and respect each of those authors, so to be considered in the same breath as them is a phenomenal accomplishment for me as a writer. I always say that I’m just making up stories, allowing my creativity to run rampant. But the beauty of what I do is that those fictional stories touch the lives of people all over this country on a regular basis and that means I’m obviously doing something right.

Defender: What do you think makes “Say Amen, Again” special? Is it your best work? Is it your favorite work?

Billingsley: It’s hard to say that I think it’s my best work because I pour my heart and soul into each book that I write, but I think “Say Amen, Again” was special for a few reasons: It continued a successful series that has become a fan favorite; It dealt with a topic that generates a lot of conversation – can you pray away the gay; and because it was like all of my books, an entertaining, yet informative story.

Defender: You recently branched out into acting. How did that happen? What’s next for you as an actress?

Billingsley: I have always wanted to act but my mom made me go to college instead! I always tell her I could’ve been Angela Bassett if she’d let me go to Hollywood at 17. She always reminds me that I could’ve also “been on Skid Row” so it’s best that I got an education. But I was thrilled to make my acting debut in Je’Caryous Johnson’s national touring stageplay “Marriage Material.” I played a Cougar dating a younger man, played by the talented Kier Spates (a Houston comedian).

I loved being on stage with true professionals like Jill Marie Jones, Allen Payne, and Michael Colyar. While I’m not actively

pursuing any acting roles, I wou do it again and hope to get the o nity when my book “Let the Chu Amen” is finally made into a mo tress Regina King is making her rial debut with that book-to-film Defender: You have a long tion with the Houston Defender you so committed to the Black P Billingsley: I started with th fender in 1993, after a stint at th Enquirer. Not only is the Defend for me, I remain committed to m that allow the African-American ence to shine through. I spent ne decades in mainstream media an nothing like having a venue to te told stories that are relevant to th community.

Defender: How do you jugg wife and mother of three with y career?

Billingsley: I believe every you spend talking about what yo have time to do, could be spent it. I utilize every spare moment my dreams come true – all of th family is first, but they are so su of my career so between their su

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

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uld love to opportuurch Say ovie. (Acr directom). associar. Why are Press? he Dehe National der a home mediums n experiearly two nd there’s ell the unhe Black

gle being a your busy

minute ou don’t doing to make hem. My upportive upport and

my passion, I can’t help but realize my dreams.

Defender: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Billingsley: Stop talking about writing and write. It’s as simple as that. There are so many stories out there that will never be shared with the world because people “can’t find time” to sit down and write. Or they’re trying to craft the perfect sentence.

A writer writes. So it’s about taking that first step, setting goals and making it happen. I started with a goal of three pages a day, five days a week, no matter what.

Well, that three turned to 30 and before I knew it, I was done with my first book.

Now, here I am 24 books later, and I have no plans of letting up.

he Houston area for over 80 years

About

ReShonda Tate Billingsley • Originally from Smackover, Ark., an inductee into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame • Graduate of Madison High School • University of Texas graduate with a degree in broadcast journalism • Co-host of “From Cover to Cover” literary talk radio show • Ghostwriter and literary consultant • Former anchor/reporter with NBC, ABC and FOX TV stations in Beaumont, Oklahoma City and Houston • Former reporter, National Enquirer • Member: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; National Association of Black Journalists; Jack & Jill of America • Five-time winner of NABJ Spirit in the Words competition • Member, New Faith Missionary Baptist Church

10 DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012

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Gabrielle Union follows her dreams

By Kam Williams Defender ne of today’s hottest stars, Gabrielle Union continues to shine. She will soon be seen in Screen Gems’ “Think Like a Man,” based on Steve Harvey’s book “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man,” which is slated for release on March 9.

Gabrielle’s impressive film credits include the criticallyacclaimed “Cadillac Records,” “The Perfect Holiday,” “Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls,” “Bad Boys II,” “Breakin’ All the Rules,” “ Deliver Us From Eva” and “Bring It On.” She made her television debut on the hit sitcom “Moesha,” before going on to guest star on such series as “ER,” “Dave’s World” and “The Steve Harvey Show.” Shortly thereafter, Gabrielle had a recurring role on two WB hit shows, “Sister, Sister” and “7th Heaven.”

And she stirred things up on “Friends” where she played a love interest to both Joey (Matt LeBlanc) and Ross (David Schwimmer). In that role, Gabrielle marked the first AfricanAmerican love interest on the series.

Gabrielle’s passion for acting is rivaled by her involve-

ment as an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Foundation as well as her support for the Young Survivor Coalition and the Rape Treatment Center at UCLA. She also helped establish a program called “A Step for Success” which helps to raise funds for the economicallychallenged Kelso Elementary School located in Los Angeles.

She currently serves as a brand ambassador for Neutrogena, and is featured in its national television and print campaigns.

A native of Omaha, Gabrielle currently resides in Los Angeles. Here, she talks about her new movie, “Good Deeds,” a romance drama where she co-stars opposite Tyler Perry and Thandie Newton.

KW: What interested you in collaborating with Tyler again and in playing Natalie in “Good Deeds” ?

Gabrielle: Once I read the script, the biggest thing was that I loved how he didn’t make her a b----. My character’s usually the villain in this sort of romantic drama. I was very happy that Tyler made her a normal person who has a great career, great friends and who comes from a great family. So, in this case, maybe the relationship’s just not working instead of my character’s being an evil shrew.

KW: How was it working with the cast?

Gabrielle: Phylicia [Rashad] is an icon, and amazing. Just being able to watch her work up close is like taking a master class in acting. Thandie was great, and having Beverly Johnson play my mother was huge, and a nice ego boost. The whole experience felt like being in a big, happy, well-functioning family.

KW: “Good Deeds” is a film about a “defining moment.” Has there been such a moment in your life or career you’d like to share?

Gabrielle: In my life, when I got divorced. I sort of realized that I hadn’t been making sound choices which were the best for me to pursue my hopes and dreams and aspirations

and passions. I had been living the life that society tends to dictate for women of a certain age. You marry the person who asks you, even though he may or may not be the best one for you.

Around the time that I got divorced, I had an epiphany that there is no blue ribbon or gold medal for living someone else’s life, for fulfilling someone else’s dreams. It doesn’t make you happy. You just end up with a life that’s not yours. So, I decided to follow my dreams and my passions and to always have an adventure, no matter what it is.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Gabrielle: Twitter.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

Gabrielle: Collard greens.

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

Gabrielle: My mom.

KW: How often do you get back to Nebraska to see her?

Gabrielle: Pretty often. I go back quite a bit, although I don’t announce my visits in order to protect our privacy.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

Gabrielle: My wish for the world would be to end violence against women. My wish for myself would be for peace of mind.

KW: When did you realize that you had made it?

Gabrielle: I haven’t made it yet.

KW: How do you get through the tough times?

Gabrielle: I eat.

KW: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?

Gabrielle: Great communication skills.

KW: How did your first big heartbreak impact who you are as a person?

Gabrielle: I think the impact is that you become a little hardened and you protect your heart a little more. You’re not as open, or so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I was only broken up with once. He just happened to go on to become famous.

So, the story has lived on in infamy. Jason Kidd dumped me two weeks before the junior prom. You kind of hoped he’d go off and no one would ever hear of him again. But in this case, he went on to a Hall-of-Fame career in the NBA. KW: What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

Gabrielle: Getting raped.

KW: I’m sorry that happened to you. Who’s at the top of your hero list?

Gabrielle: My mom.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

Gabrielle: Stay in school. You have the rest of your life to act.

Saturday night’s program will begin with Home, a show inspired by stories submitted to the “Fight HIV Your Way” contest of people living with or affected by HIV. “This is the beginning of a new adventure — for the company, for me and for our audiences around the world,” stated Battle, who became artistic director in July 2011. “We are going to reach back and try to touch some of the vital sources of Alvin Ailey’s creativity, but also stretch forward into new possibilities that develop his legacy. For the millions of people who love Alvin

Ailey’s work and have been inspired by the great achievements of Judith Jamison and our unsurpassed dancers, I hope this season will be just what the company has always delivered: a revelation.”

Marcus says it’s a show you don’t want to miss.

“We are doing some really great work. The work that we’re doing is challenging. And whether you’ve never seen an Alvin Ailey show or you’ve seen it five times a year for 20 years, you’re in for a real treat.”

For ticket information visit www.spahouston. org or call 713-227-4772.

O

Gabrielle Union

Tyler Perry and Gabrielle Union star in “Good Deeds.”

Houstonian returns... Continued from page 7 propulsive jumps; The Hunt, an athletic work for six men, revealing the predatory side of human nature and the primitive thrill of the hunt and set to a thundering percussion soundtrack; and In/Side, a bold and physical solo set to Nina Simone singing “Wild is the Wind.”

Concluding the evening will be Ailey’s beloved masterpiece Revelations, an American classic that uses African-American spirituals, songsermons, gospel songs and holy blues and explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

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defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012 | DEFENDER

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12 DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012

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African-American History Month

Black history calendar of events FRIDAY, FEB. 24

in conjunction with “Preserving a Legacy: A Tribute to Houston’s A Black history program Blues,” a month-long Society of focusing on Benjamin Performing Arts project. The Banneker’s contributions to discussion features local blues the U.S. is at 11:30 a.m. in the musicians and Roger Wood.

Honors College Commons, 212 Contact: www.spahouston.org or M.D. Anderson Library, on the 713-227-4772.

University of Houston campus.

Titled “A Black Man Decided Where the White House Would SUNDAY, FEB. 26 Be,” it is sponsored by the Antioch Baptist Church, Honey Brown Hope Foundation 500 Clay, celebrates 146 years and UH’s Office of Community of Christian service at 10:15 Relations & Institutional a.m. Pastor Tracy Phillips of Access, African American New Hope Baptist Church Studies Program, the Honors will be the featured speaker.

College, and Women’s Resource Contact: 713-652-0738 or www.

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum gala is Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the University of Houston Hilton. antiochdowntown.org.

Center. Guest speaker is Peggy Seats, executive director of the Washington Interdependence Council.

MONDAY, FEB. 27 SATURDAY, FEB. 25 Contact: www.honeybrownhope.org or 281A Society for Performing Arts blues music Award-winning journalist Mignette Patrick 499-7966. master class is 4 p.m. at Yates High School, Dorsey will discuss her book about her The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 3703 Sampson.

Reservations are required. father, “Speak Truth to Power: The Story of 12th annual gala benefiting the restoration Contact: viola@spahouston.org or 713-227-4772.

Charles Patrick, a Civil Rights Pioneer,” at 1 of the historic Houston Light Guard Armory p.m. at Henington-Alief Library, 7979 South is at 6:30 p.m. at the University of Houston Kirkwood. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or WEDNESDAY, FEB. 29 Hilton, 4800 Calhoun. The gala’s theme 832-393-1313.

Preserving a Legacy: A Tribute to is “Honoring Our Military Healthcare Storyteller Hope Shiver shares the legacy of Houston’s Blues concert is 7:30 p.m. at Jones Professionals.” The event begins with a silent Harriet Tubman at 2 p.m. at Central Library, Hall. It features Grady Gaines and the Texas auction followed by the program at 7 p.m.

500 McKinney. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.

Upsetters, guitarists Milton Hopkins and Len Cannon, Channel 11 news anchor, is the org or 832-393-1313.

Texas Johnny Brown, vocalists Trudy Lynn presiding officer. Honorees include Clarence A blues preservation panel discussion and Ray Brown and the Kashmere Reunion Sesser, Dr. Darrick Castleberry, Dr. J. Kalavar is 2 p.m. at the African-American Library at Stage Band. Contact: www.spahouston.org or and Dr. Doris Forte’. Contact: 713-942-8920 the Gregory School, 1300 Victor St. It is held 713-227-4772. or www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com

Tubman collection highlights D.C. museum groundbreaking son Afro-American Collection of rare texts, slave narratives, art and other historically signifihe groundcant artifacts. The breaking at items came to him the construcafter the death of a tion site of the Tubman relative.

Smithsonian’s “I inherited her National Museum of Afribelongings, and can American History and for eight months, I Culture (NMAAHC) was kept them with me recently held in Washing- Harriet Tubman’s artifacts are examined by Lonnie G. Bunch (left) in my bedroom, but ton, D.C. of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History One of the most talked and Culture, Rep. Robert A. Brady, D-Pa., and collector Charles L. they belong in this museum,” Blockson about donations is the Har- Blockson. said. “Harriet Tubof the Historical Society of riet Tubman collection, a man is one of the most imporPennsylvania. gift to NMAAHC from Charles tant women in the history of He also is founder and cuL. Blockson — writer, histoAmerica, and her story needs rator of the Charles L. Blockrian and former board member continued on page 13

By Bobbi Booker Special to NNPA from the Philadelphia Tribune

T

Local museum to open new facility Defender News Services

The Houston Museum of African American Culture will celebrate Black History Month with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open its new facility at 4807 Caroline. It takes place Saturday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m.

Special guests include Meme Omogbai, vice-president of the Association of American Museums and Professor Franklin Knight, director of the Johns Hopkins University Center for African Studies.

The event is open to the community though seating will be limited. For information call 713353-1578 or info@HMAAC.org.

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16 DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com Tubman Collection...Continued from page 11

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Saluting

13

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and the civil to be heard by genrights era. erations to come.”

“There is Blockson’s something both family story is inhumbling and tertwined with Tubsacred found man’s. His research in the the personal shows he is the ing slavery throughout nation.

The Emancipation Proclamaitems of such an descendant of JaFor tickets or more information tion is coming to Houston for a rare iconic person,” cob Blockson, visit www.hmns.org or call 713public viewing.who said Lonnie escaped 639-4629.

The slavery original on document will be Bunch, director on display from Feb.16-21 at the Maryland’s Eastern Houston Museum of NMAAHC. Shore with Harrietof Natural Science, 5555 “It is an honor Tubman andHermann settled Park Drive Emancipation Proclamato be able to show in St.The Catherine, tion is a landmark of American histhe private side Canada. tory.

Daring and of a very public Tubman, borndivisive, President Abraham Lincoln’s historical docuperson, a woman into slavery on ment was issued as the nation was whose very work Maryland’s Eastern consumed in ainviolent civil war. for many years Shore, gained Issued acclaim on January 1, 1863, it put her in service ternational that “all persons held as to countless othasdeclared an Underground slaves” within the rebellious states ers. This donaRailroad operator, “are, and henceforward shall be tion by Charles Civil War spy and free.”

Blockson is a suffragist.

Althoughofthe selfless gesture “Several myEmancipation Proclamation did not end slavery, that ensures that ancestors escaped Abrahan it proclaimed the freedom of slaves Lincoln her story will be with Harriet Tubin the 10 states in rebellion, placed enshrined forever man, came to PhilaHarriet Tubman (1820-1913) made her the issue at the top of the warwithin the Smithdelphia, met with in history by guiding slaves to time agenda, and was amark significant freedom. sonian Institution,” [Black abolitionist] milestone leading to the ratification Bunch said.

William Still and later her soul force — she of the 13th Amendment to the NMAAHC was went on to Canada,” is the Moses of our Constitution formally outlawestablished by an Act explained Blockson. people, as we were of Congress in 2003, Among the items taught, and here she making it the 19th shedding light on the delivered us to the private life of Tubpromised land. To me, Smithsonian Institution museum. It is the man are family photo- the groundbreaking only national museum graphs, a hymn book for the NMAAHC is devoted exclusively published in 1876 and history, and Tubman to the documentation signed in pencil by is the proper one to Ongoing activities will spotThe Children’s Museum of of African-American Tubman, and a lace the leading soul light African-American scientists Houston will pay tribute be to the life, art, history and shawl (circa 1897) force.” and inventors, jazz, tales derived contributions of African Americans culture. given to her by EngThe NMAAHC from Ghana and African games. during Black History WonderWeek to open land’s Queen Victoria. collection holds The museum isScheduled located at 1500 Feb. 23-29. in 2015, the muAmong the phonearly the 10,000Binz. items Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The museum will highlight seum will be the first tographs Tubman’s fine art,through Saturday, and Gullahof residents of Southranging CarolinafromTuesday green building on the funeral in 1913 is one historic noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and Georgia, who are known for photographs National Mall on showing her lying in and manuscripts, to person, $7 for seniors anda is $8 per preserving their African linguistic five-acre sitefor adjacent state at cultural A.M.E.heritage.

Zion items documenting military personnel, and free and the Washington ChurchAn in Auburn, theYah slave trade, the underto children one and museum exhibit titled “Cum Monument.

N.Y., and surrounded Harlem Gullah” opens Feb. 25. As part ofRenaissance members. by seven members of Ebony Opera the opening, at 2 p.m., Free Family Night is every the soprano board of directors Joan Hubert will lead the Thursday from 5-8 p.m. of the Harriet Tubman Texas Southern University Choir For more information visit Home. as they perform traditional Gullah www.cmhouston.org or call 713“She in died Au- Auditorium. music thein Brown 522-1138. burn, N.Y., and when INVITATION TO BID I came back, I stood Sealed bids, in duplicate, addressed to OST /Almeda Corridors Redeover her grave under velopment Authority will be received at 5445 Almeda Rd, #545, the evergreen tree and Houston, TX 77004, until 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 8, 2012. Bids my emotional armor will be publicly opened and read at 3:05 PM on Thursday, March 8, 2012 for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and incierupted,” recalled dentals, as required, for the Demolition and Site Preparation at Blockson. “I started to 5107-5111 Griggs Road Houston, TX. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be examined online at the following address: ftp.espacorp.com. cry, and asked, ‘How        demolition, enter did she do it?’ username demolition2 and enter password griggs2. A hard copy of the contract documents may be obtained at the offices of ESPA “Of all the people CORP, 7120 Grand Blvd, Suite #100, Houston, TX 77054 in our history, she sort (713-680-0080) for a nonrefundable fee of $25.00 per set. Make checks payable to OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority. of reigns supreme.

A prebid conference will be held at OST/Almeda Corridors Wherever I travel and Redevelopment Authority, 5445 Almeda Rd, #502, Houston, TX on Friday, February 24, 2012 at 2:00 pm. It is requested, but not talk, everyone seems mandatory, that each bidder be represented at the prebid to know of Harriet conference. The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may Tubman. She is pararequire, to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids Ashley Harris reads to young visitors at the Children’s Museum of Houston. received. mount — her blood,

photographs by James Fraher and text by roger wood

photographs by James Fraher and text by roger wood the african american library at the gregory school

the african american library at the gregory school

opening January 28

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012

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sports

Local Athletes

Record setting Cougar QB Case Keenum will showcase his ability & dispel any myths at the Combine.

Train for the NFL Scouting Combine

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

he annual NFL Scouting Combine takes place Feb. 22-28. More than 300 of the nation’s top college football players will converge on Indianapolis for an invitation-only workout.

The athletes will be weighed, measured, poked, probed, questioned and sent through a battery of position-specific drills. How well they perform under this highly competitive spotlight could mean the difference between being drafted in the first round, second round or even being drafted at all.

Brian Gardner, Houston Texan director of pro personnel, explained why the combine experience is so important.

“The value of the combine for a prospect is immeasurable from several perspectives,” Gardner said. “There is the aspect of the player who has something to prove whether it’s questions about his speed, his actual size, athleticism, explosiveness.

“There is also the prospect that has questions about his intangibles and character – concerns that team representatives will seek to evaluate through actual interviews with the player.

“If it’s a quarterback, it’s a chalk talk about how well he understands and approaches the game, how quickly he can adapt,” Gardner continued.

“A very good combine can really hype a guy’s prospects in the draft. A poor performance can raise additional questions. Players hope when they leave the combine their performance will send them on an upward trend towards the draft,” Gardner said.

Record-setting University of Houston Cougar quarterback Case Keenum had a stellar college career, but is not rated among the top 10 QB prospects in the draft. For him the combine will be an opportunity to show teams that he is worthy of their consideration if they’re looking for a signal caller.

“The only thing I can do is perform well and ask for one team to give me a chance,” Keenum said. “I only had one team really give me a chance when I came out of high school. I think there are quite a few schools in hindsight that think they missed out.

“I’m hoping it works out the same way in the NFL,” Keenum said. “The combine is the first step in that direction. I’ve been working really hard and I think it will pay off when I get my opportunity at the combine.”

Keenum rejects the notion that his accomplishments should be minimized because he played in a potent offensive system.

“You don’t see people labeling Robert Griffin a system quarterback and he played in the same system I did,” Keenum said.

“Brandon Weeden [Oklahoma State] is in the exact same system. If you want to call me a system quarterback and a system quarterback means doing re ally well in

Alabama All-American cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick plans to display superior skill on the field and character off the field.

the of-

fense you’re in, then I’ll be a system quarterback. I’ll be in whatever system you want to put me in. It’s whatever it takes to win.”

Dre Kirkpatrick, an All-American cornerback from national champion Alabama, has come to Houston to train for the combine. A client of Houston-based sports agent Brian Overstreet, Kirkpatrick is rated one of the draft’s top defensive players and anticipates an outstanding combine performance.

“I’ve been working very hard, twice a day and I feel like I’m in great shape,” Kirkpatrick said. “I’m a real confident and competitive guy so I’m looking forward to showing the scouts what I can do.

“Having played at Alabama, in the SEC, I think I’ve been prepared for the type of intense environment that comes at the combine,” Kirkpatrick said. “My goal is to show everyone that I’m the top cornerback in the draft.”

Kirkpatrick will have to dispel any character red flags after being arrested for a misdemeanor marijuana charge in January. After a brief investigation, no charges were filed and Kirkpatrick was totally exonerated. Still, he knows NFL executives will have questions.

“I know NFL teams will have questions and I won’t have a problem responding. I’ll stand behind my reputation,” Kirkpatrick said. “I’ve never had any issues my entire time in school at Alabama.”

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WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012 DEFENDER

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs Fort Bend ISD hires O’Neal as athletic director

Sophus helps

Wheatley girls make history

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

W

hen Wheatley High School historians do their research and check the archives years from now on the first time the girls’ varsity basketball team advanced past the area round of the playoffs, there should be a giant photograph of Diamonisha Sophus in the file.

Sophus scored a game-high 37 points, including 13 of her team’s 17 points in the fourth quarter, to lead the Lady Wildcats to a 68-58 victory over Lamar Consolidated and into the regional quarterfinals for the first time in school history.

“Diamonisha has just put us on her shoulders and carried us the past few games,” said Wheatley head coach Rueben Stiff. “There’s not much one or two defenders can do with her. She’s so quick that they can’t keep her in front of them and she can get her shot whenever she wants to.”

The senior guard opened the season with a 39-point effort and she’s been gaining momentum ever since. Averaging nearly 30 points per contest, Sophus is a major reason why Wheatley can score with just about anybody.

“This is nearly the exact same team we had here last year,” Stiff said.

“The freshmen and sophomores that received playing time a year ago have matured and they’ve taken a lot of pressure off Diamonisha. They help with the ball handling and they aren’t afraid to take big shots.”

Yet there’s no mistaking who Wheatley’s marquee player is.

In one of last season’s most entertaining games, Sophus went toe-to-toe with Worthing’s Jenzel Nash, the nation’s leading scorer, and nearly led Wheatley to a victory.

“I thought about that game today,” Stiff admitted. “I was hoping there wasn’t going to be a repeat performance.”

Not with Sophus at the controls.

The diminutive dandy has a complete game. She can shoot from beyond the three-point arc, has excellent accuracy in the mid-range game along with the ball-handling wizardry to get to the basket at will.

“I’m just glad she’s on my team and we don’t have to guard her,” Stiff said. “She’s a nightmare for opposing coaches to prepare for. Even when you put multiple defenders on her, she’s still going to find an open teammate.

Her court vision is uncanny.”

Sophus has yet to settle on a college or university when it comes time to take her enormous skills to the next level. Stiff says several schools are constantly inquiring about her, but she’ll wait until the season is over before making up her mind.

Until then, Wheatley historians can continue to enjoy a special talent at work.

Etcetera

Perhaps the biggest upset in the greater Houston area during the opening round of the girls’ high school state basketball playoffs was Friendswood’s

15

56-54 victory over Richmond Foster in overtime.

On paper, this matchup appeared to be a mismatch. Foster was the District 23-4A champion with 25 wins to its credit prior to the postseason.

Friendswood was the fourth-place qualifier out of District 24-4A and was sporting an 18-12 ledger going in.

“Do we think it’s an upset?” said Friendswood coach Ginger Hartman.

“We think it’s a win.”

Wins forfeited

The Wheatley boys’ varsity basketball team had to forfeit five district wins because three players were ineligible.

Six freshmen enrolled at Young Mens College Preparatory Academy were allowed on the basketball team at Wheatley. Three of the six who played in five district games live in the Sterling High School attendance zone.

Students who attend schools with no attendance zones, such as Young Mens College Preparatory Academy, must participate in sports on the campuses where they are zoned to according to Houston Independent School District rules.

Wheatley boys basketball coach Marcus Elder was also relieved of his coaching duties when officials with the HISD presented investigation details of the team to a District 22-4A District Executive Committee.

With the Wheatley boys forfeiting five district wins and losing its head coach, there was a chance the Wildcats could miss the postseason instead of playing for a share of the District 22-4A title. Washington’s 68-32 win over fifth-place Furr prior to the Jones-Wheatley game sealed fourth place for the Wildcats.

Then Wheatley made an emphatic statement with a rousing 115-73 victory over first-place Jones. “That’s the heart of a Wheatley Wildcat,” said coach Marshall Lyons III, who took over for Elder.

Diamonisha Sophus leads the Lady Wildcats.

Phillip O’Neal has been hired as the new athletic director in Fort Bend ISD. He starts March 19. O’Neal played basketball at Wayland Baptist University. He was the executive director of athletics for Weatherford ISD the past three years. O’Neal previously served as the basketball coach at Weatherford and Copperas Cove high schools. He has more than 25 years of experience in education and athletics. O’Neal said he looked forward to building upon the amazing academic and athletic successes attained under former Fort Bend ISD athletic director Keith Kilgore.

Green, West nominated to coach for all-star games North Shore basketball coach David Green and Brenham football coach Glen West are among a group of coaches nominated to coach in the Texas High School Coaches Association’s all-star basketball and football games this summer.

Green is one of four candidates to guide the South basketball team, along with Tatum’s Brett Carr, Edinburg’s Zeke Cuellar and Hendrickson’s Jim Reid. West is a candidate to lead the South football team. Henderson’s Dickey Meeks, Fall City’s Mark Kirchhoff and Cibolo Steele’s Mike Jinks are the other nominees. The THSCA all-star basketball game is set for 7:30 p.m. July 30 at Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio.

The football contest is slated for 7:30 p.m. July 31 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

St. John’s, Kinkaid win prep division state titles St. John’s defeated Kinkaid 70-60 to win the Southwest Preparatory Conference Division I boys basketball championship. Kinkaid won the division I girls title with a 48-44 victory over St. John’s.

Urban Invitational succeeds despite the weather Hats off to MLB and the Houston Astros for the success of the Urban Invitational collegiate baseball tournament held last weekend. Rainy weather conditions forced all of the action into Minute Maid Park, instead of the Urban Baseball Academy. Fans that braved the raindrops saw some outstanding baseball and really seemed to enjoy themselves.

Saturday’s games were shown on the MLB network, so many who couldn’t make it to Minute Maid were able to watch the games from home. We can only see this event gaining in momentum and next year’s tournament should be even better.

UH Cougar Simmons named Player of the Week Congratulations to Cougar junior guard Jonathon Simmons who was named C-USA basketball Player of the Week. The Houston native and Smiley High product poured in a gamehigh 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting to lead the Cougars to a 73-71 home upset win against Southern Miss last weekend.

The Golden Eagles entered that game ranked at No. 10 in the latest NCAA RPI rankings. Simmons also tied his career best in field goal attempts and field goals in recording his seventh straight game with at least 10 points, the secondlongest streak of his career. He also had eight rebounds, including three off the offensive glass.

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16

DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 | 2012

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For Event Coverage...visit

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Melba Williams, Sheila Torry and Bobbie Linton

Steven Lufburrow, Kym King and Jim Gibbons

Mandura Ellis, Hattie Marshall, Mary Addison and Sylvia Fitch

chag’splace

Johnny and Loretta Williams

Charles Brown and Alan Watkins

Alice Bonner, Shirley Bell, Rebecca Taylor Porter and Consuela Broussard

of Houston hosted their annual meeting and open house to MACY’S CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH….. showcase their new corporate office. While most people are In conjunction with the Romare Bearden Foundation, Macy’s familiar with their donation centers and retail stores, they are Galleria honored the rich history and legacy of the incomparable not so familiar with their mission: changing lives through the artist, writer and musician in celebration of this year’s 100th power of work. The money they take in anniversary of his birth. The foundation through the sale of donated items is used was established in 1990 as a non-profit Join Yvette Chargois to create jobs and to provide job training organization by his estate to preserve and placement. Some of their programs and perpetuate his legacy. His works Events of the Week include Project Good Hope, Academy feature watercolors, prints, oil on paper More photos on defendernetwork.com of Career Development, Aging Workers and dramatic black and white photostats See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Initiative, Homeless Veterans Reintegration that date from 1964-1984, when he with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

Program, Community Rehabilitation was at the peak of his artistic power.

Services, Civic Justice Corps, and much Attendees included co-director of the more. Program participants were president and CEO, Steven Romare Bearden Foundation Diedra Kelly Harris, Macy’s Lufburrow; chairman of the board, Bill Kacal, and the executive Krystin Page, Ed Smith, Loretta and Johnny international president/CEO, Jim Gibbons. Spotted at the Williams, Jennifer Baldwin, Darcey Jones, Sheila Torry event were Ralph Cooper, Patricia Angeles, Charles Brown, Bobbie Linton, Melba Williams, Elle McHughes, Marlin Alan Watkins, Angela Granger, Mona Ellis, Kathy Mackie, Thomas, Rev. Leslie Smith and Joyce Rachal, to name a few.

Glory Mims, Tracey Crawford, Zeljka Mijic and Anthony Fabulous exhibit!.....A NEW HOME……Goodwill Industries

Rev. Leslie Smith, Diedra Kelly Harris and Ed Smith

Angela Granger and Mona Ellis

Mildred Williams, Laura Alex, Lillian Hall and Dolly Spencer

Freddie. Continued success!.....UNSUNG HEROES…..The Missouri City/Houston Metro Chapter of the National Women of Achievement, Inc. presented “Profiles of Prominence” honoring several Unsung Heroes - “People of Courage and Couture Elite.” The Unsung Heroes honorees included Rosalyn Boyd, Maggie Broussard, Mablejean Burrell, Ida Marie Cox, Ollie Duplechain, Dr. Latricia Trena Willis Gillis, Nakishee Trishawn McGee and Shirley Payne. The Couture Elite included Jacqueline A. Lewis, Patricia Parhms, Yolanda Petterway and Gloria Jean Waller Pierce. We salute the chapter president, Cousuela Broussard; national president, Beatrice Mayes; luncheon co-chairs Hattie Marshall and Mandura Ellis, Mary Addison, Sylvia Fitch, Alice Bonner, Shirley Bell, Rebecca Taylor Porter, and youth achievers Ryan McCullough and Arianna Washington.

The organization encourages women to maintain high moral, ethical, and scholastic standards, and to strive for excellence in the field of their choice. Congratulations!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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