Houston Defender: February 09, 2012

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Volume 81 | Number 15

NEWSTALK

African-American History Month

Assault on voting rights H Page 10

KOFI TAHARKA leads police brutality

P3 OPINION WHAT’S UP

CEE LO GREEN

gains more exposure

P7 BLACK HISTORY ROMARE BEARDEN Remembered at Macy’s

Roland Martin

suspended by CNN CNN analyst (and native Houstonian) Roland Martin was suspended by the cable news network after coming under fire by gay groups for tweets he made on Super Bowl Sunday. Martin said he regretted “any offense my words have caused.” Do you think Martin’s tweets were anti-gay? Let us know what you think about his suspension. Visit us on Facebook.com/ defendernetwork. H Page

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Trudy Lynn

sings the blues

Native Houstonian Trudy Lynn is dedicated to bringing back the blues. The singer and songwriter cherishes the music genre, and has found success at home and abroad. Lynn said true fans have to seek out blues performances, and it’s seldom played on the radio and in clubs. “The good news is I think it’s beginning to pick back up,” she said. H Page 7

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P14 H.S. ZONE

GARRETT WILSON remains optimistic

P19

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NEWSTALK

African-American History Month

Roland Martin

Assault on voting rights

KOFI TAHARKA leads police brutality

P3 OPINION WHAT’S UP

 PAGE 10

Celebs What was it like growing up in Liberia in a time of unrest? Check out the riveting memoir from Susan Peters, “Sweet Liberia, Lessons from the Coal Pot.” On DefenderNetwork com.

He’s back! Chris Tucker is returning in the cult classic, “Friday.” Will it be the same? Chris Tucker

CEE LO GREEN

gains more exposure

P7 BLACK HISTORY ROMARE BEARDEN Remembered at Macy’s

Roland Martin

suspended by CNN CNN analyst (and native Houstonian) Roland Martin was suspended by the cable news network after coming under fire by gay groups for tweets he made on Super Bowl Sunday. Martin said he regretted “any offense my words have caused.” Do you think Martin’s tweets were anti-gay? Let us know what you think about his suspension. Visit us on Facebook.com/ defendernetwork.  PAGE

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P14

Trudy Lynn

H.S. ZONE

sings the blues

GARRETT WILSON remains optimistic

Native Houstonian Trudy Lynn is dedicated to bringing back the blues. The singer and songwriter cherishes the music genre, and has found success at home and abroad. Lynn said true fans have to seek out blues performances, and it’s seldom played on the radio and in clubs. “The good news is I think it’s beginning to pick back up,” she said.

P19

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newstalk Police brutality

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protests mark anniversary

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By ASWAD WALKER Defender

NBUF and the New Black Panther Party, has demonstrated a level of resolve not seen since the days of the Ida Delaney/Byron Gillum Justice Committee of the late 1980s. Taharka attributes this to wise counsel and lessons learned. “We’re fortunate to have the wisdom of the elders to help us learn from past coalition issues. We started out knowledgeable of our need to stay on this issue beyond a press conference or rally. At the very

he now infamous Chad Holley video displaying the malicious beating of the then 16-year- old robbery suspect by multiple Houston police officers debuted on local TV February 2011, causing a national uproar about police misconduct. On Feb. 7, 2012, members of the Black Justice Tuesday Coalition (BJTC) marked the one year anniversary of their efforts to end police brutality in Houston – a movement inspired in part by the Holley video – by staging a protest at the Harris County Court House. Since the public release of the Holley video, made possible when local activist Quanell X supplied a copy he obtained to ABC 13, the BJTC has maintained a weekly protest alternating between City Hall and the county court house. Kofi Taharka, head of Houston’s National Black United Front, one of two organizations spearheading the year-long effort, said the emphasis from the beginning was on creating something sustainable in order to affect lasting change. “With so much national attention on the Holley case, we viewed it as an opporMembers of the Black Justice Tuesday Coalition have marched 52 straight weeks. tunity to bring to light structural changes needed in HPD; we didn’t want the outrage from the beginning we had the late Ester King who shared Holley case to die out without us making the kinds with us the strengths and weaknesses of past efforts,” of demands for change necessary,” said Taharka. said Taharka. “This movement is not just about Chad. He’s The structural changes most desired by the one in a long line of individuals abused or killed BJTC include a civilian review board with subpoena by HPD – Jose Campos Torres, Carl Hampton, Ida power [of individuals and information] for cases Delaney, Byron Gillum, Robbie Tolan, Anthony involving reported police abuses. Childress and others.” “We also demand proper funding and prosecutoFor 52 consecutive weeks, the BJTC, led by the rial power, because these two elements are critical

in cities across the country with successful civilian review boards,” added Taharka. “Houston has an independent review board, but HPD still has the ultimate power because everything must go through their Internal Affairs which has no community credibility.” The Houston Police Department declined to comment on the BJTC’s efforts or their demands. “According to public interviews the police chief talks nice, but wants no structural changes. HPD still wants the power and control to receive and investigate complaints, and issue discipline. We know that way doesn’t work,” Taharka said. Taharka said Mayor Annise Parker announced at a community meeting last February she did not support a civilian review board, but has since stated she was open to discussing the matter. A former elected official and a current one have vocally supported the BJTC’s call for a civilian review board. “Former Councilwoman Jolanda Jones publically supported it, and paid a political price for it. Rep. Borris Miles filed state legislation to create a statewide police community review board,” said Taharka. “As a former law enforcement agent, I have a particular interest in creating processes that will improve our overall public safety,” said Miles. “HPD had the Chad Holley tape seven to eight months before it was aired,” said Taharka. With a civilian review board with subpoena power, individuals would not be able to withhold evidence like that again.”

localbriefs AS THE STATE’S REDISTRICTING DRAMA continues, the April 3 Texas primary is doubtful. The battle returned to a federal court after negotiations failed between the state and a coalition of minority rights groups. Those groups felt the maps still contained portions that diluted Hispanic voting power. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott had issued a statement outlining an agreement reached with the Texas Latino Redistricting Task Force. The Texas Democratic Party, however, said it was not in agreement with the maps, adding that, “any maps that do not have the consent of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, the Legislative Black Caucus, and other plaintiffs are nonstarters.” The April 3 primary will probably be delayed

for two weeks…….. PUBLIC MEETINGS will be held by the City of Houston Planning Commission on proposed changes to the City’s Land Development Ordinance, Chapter 42. The public is invited to learn what proposed changes will mean for their community. All meetings are from 6:30-8 p.m. The first meeting is Feb. 13 at the Sunnyside Multi-Service, 4605 Wilmington…….. FIVE INNER-CITY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS will get a boost from a major donation. The Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston announced a transformational gift of $5 million from the Kinder Foundation to the Catholic Schools Cooperative, a pilot program to enhance the quality and viability of education in the Archdiocese’s inner-city

schools. The five grade schools in the cooperative are Resurrection, St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Peter the Apostle and St. Pius V……..TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY will be able to pursue more dorm space after Moody’s Investors Service upgraded TSU’S debt rating to Baa1 from Baa3. “Vice President Jim McShan and his financial team have worked diligently with all the bond rating firms to better position Texas Southern for favorable interest rates for our long-term needs,” said TSU President John Rudley. “This new rating will allow us to seek funding for a new residence hall, which is being planned to go on the site of the old YMCA building that was recently torn down.”

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9 | 2012

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national

Analyst under fire

Martin suspended by CNN

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Defender News Services

fter days of silence, CNN finally reacted to an outcry from gay and lesbian groups over tweets by analyst Roland Martin. The network announced it would be suspending Martin because of the controversial tweets made about an H&M underwear ad during the Super Bowl. “Roland Martin’s tweets were regrettable and offensive. Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization, and is not tolerated. We have been giving careful consideration to this matter, and Roland will not be appearing on our air for the time being,” CNN said in an official statement. Members of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) called on CNN to fire Roland, who denied the tweets were homophobic but acknowledged that they were intended to be “over the top.” Martin also said the gaybashing allegations were, “furthest from the truth, and I sincerely regret any offense my words have caused.” GLAAD immediately began urging CNN to speak up. “Ultimately, it’s up to CNN, its audience, and those affected by Martin’s remarks to judge the veracity of, and Martin’s commitment to, his statement,” the organization said in a statement. “GLAAD continues to believe that CNN can find responsible, diverse voices who do not have a history of advocating or making excuses for violence toward anyone.” Native Houstonian Martin, also a synRoland Martin

dicated columnist, TV One commentator and author, came under fire for tweets concerning a commercial featuring soccer player David Beckham in his underwear. Martin tweeted to almost 95,000 followers: ‘If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham’s H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him! #superbowl’” GLAAD responded to the tweet with: “@ rolandsmartin Advocates of gay bashing have no place at @CNN #SuperBowl #LGBT” Martin, a frequent tweeter, replied, “@glaad @CNN well you’re clearly out of touch and clueless with what I tweeted. Way to assume, but you’re way off base.” In an earlier post, Martin said: “Who the hell was that New England Patriot they just showed in a head to toe pink suit? Oh, he needs a visit from #teamwhipdatass.” GLAAD director of communications Rich Ferraro criticized the tweets, saying: “It’s part of a pattern of antiLGBT rhetoric that culminated in two tweets promoting violence toward gay people. The time has come when CNN and Time Warner have to decide whether they want to continue to use their platforms to elevate those who use such language.” Martin, however, said he would never condone bullying, and recalled his own experiences. “In fact, I was bullied in school, and watched another middle schooler [pull] a knife on my father when he boarded our school bus and came to the defense of me and my brother. My position has been unequivocal on this issue, and will remain so,” Martin said. Continued on Page 5

U.S.briefs PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA wants to help unemployed veterans by implementing a program that would put them to work rebuilding roads, levees and trails on public lands. Speaking at a fire station in Arlington, Va., Obama also called for increased funding for programs that would allow local communities to hire more police officers and firefighters. “Let’s get more cops on the beat, let’s get more rangers in the parks, let’s get more firefighters on call, and in the process, we’re going to put more veterans back to work,” Obama said. “They’ve already risked their lives defending America. They should have the opportunity to rebuild America.” Obama’s effort is particularly geared toward veterans who served after September 11, a group experiencing a 9.1 percent unemployment rate……..ARIZONA POLITICIANS continue to garner attention. First, Gov. Jan Brewer pointed her finger in the face of President Obama. Now, Cecil Ash, a white Republican state representative, wants a holiday for white people. Ash made the comment after a Hispanic lawmaker proposed a Latino America Day on the House floor. “I’m supportive of this proposition and I think it’s well deserved. I just want them to assure me that when we do become in the minority you’ll have a day for us,” Ash said……..MOREHOUSE COLLEGE PRESIDENT Robert Franklin said he will step down after a five-year term as head of the historically Black men’s college in Atlanta. He will serve as scholar in residence at Stanford University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Institute. Upon his return, he will transition to president emeritus and distinguished Professor at Morehouse. Officials have launched a national search for Franklin’s replacement. College insiders say Franklin was coming under increased scrutiny from board members and influential alumni for management decisions that led to a series of fiscal challenges at the school.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 15 WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9, 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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Martin...Continued from page 4

VALENTINE’S DAY

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‘A playful shot’

Martin stressed that comments he made about the Beckham commercial were playful jabs at soccer. “. . . I made several cracks about soccer as I do all the time. I was not referring to sexuality directly or indirectly regarding the David Beckham ad, and I’m sorry folks took it otherwise. “It was meant to be a deliberately over the top and sarcastic crack about soccer; I do not advocate violence of any kind against anyone gay, or not. As anyone who follows me on Twitter knows, anytime soccer comes up during football season it’s another chance for me to take a playful shot at soccer, nothing more,” Martin said. GLAAD cited support for its position from an organization of African-American gays. “Even if he meant it in a jovial manner, Roland Martin’s words carry a real impact on the everyday lives of Black LGBT people, especially our youth,” said Sharon Lettman, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, the nation’s largest Black LGBT civil rights organization. “Given the number of rash murders, attacks and violent acts involving LGBT people of color, we cannot let statements such as this go unchecked. Silence is a form of acceptance and only perpetuates the problem.” GLAAD asserted that Martin has a history of making antigay comments. “Based on this history, this doesn’t seem like a playful jab at what Martin considers an inferior sport. It seems like a jab at what Martin considers an inferior community of people,” said GLAAD. Martin does have supporters, one who tweeted that they thought it a stretch to think Martin was advocating hate crimes. But one, signed “Political Nupe,” wrote, “hope @rolandmartin survives this but he’s gotta be smarter. Talking trash with your boys is cool but tweeting it to the masses? Dumb.” The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association issued a brief statement that said, in part: “As journalists, we understand that our words carry weight. Whether we speak in a broadcast studio or in bursts of 140 characters on Twitter, we often command national attention – so it’s our obligation to choose our words carefully…” CNN seems to have grown increasingly sensitive to pressure from groups complaining about the utterances of its employees or those under contract. Although it took months, the network cut ties with host Lou Dobbs in 2009 after a campaign by Latinos and others who complained about consistent inaccuracies Dobbs asserted on the air about immigration. Then, in 2010, CNN fired anchor Rick Sanchez, one of the few Latino anchors on an English-language network, over remarks to a radio interviewer that critics insisted were anti-Semitic, but which Sanchez contended were just clumsily phrased.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9 | 2012

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HISD names chief high school officer Defender News Services

O

rlando Riddick has been named chief high school officer of the Houston Independent School District. He will guide 67 campuses with a combined enrollment of 55,000 students. Riddick previ- Orlando Riddick ously served as director of high school operations of the Austin Independent School District. HISD Superintendent Terry Grier said Riddick has a history of raising academic achievement levels for students from all backgrounds. “Mr. Riddick has high expectations for all children and a genuine belief that any student can succeed under the guidance of a quality

teacher working in a school led by a great principal,” Grier said. “He is the ideal person to lead our efforts to raise the achievement bar at every HISD high school.” Riddick began his education career as an English literature teacher in Dallas. He later served as an assistant principal in the Fort Worth ISD. In San Antonio, he served as a lead instructional coordinator. Riddick was appointed principal of Warren Travis White High School in Dallas ISD in 2007. He led the predominantly Hispanic campus of 2,500 students to produce the district’s largest measurable academic gain in all areas, creating an environment in which

82 percent of students were college bound. “I am excited to join HISD and continue the transformative work that is already under way in Houston’s high schools,” Riddick said. “HISD’s efforts to boost the level of rigor at all campuses through the Advanced Placement program,

the Houston Innovative Learning Zone, and other innovative initiatives are setting a high standard for the rest of the nation.” A U.S. Army veteran, Riddick grew up in El Paso and is proficient in Spanish. He and his wife Yvette have three children. He will report for duty in HISD in March.

Ryan White Planning Council Meetings for 2012 January-no meeting February 9 March 8

April 12 May 10 June 14

July 12 August 9 September 13

October 11 November 8 December 13

Meetings are open to the general public; only Council members are allowed to vote but public comment is always welcome. The Council meets at 11:30 a.m. at our offices located in the Galleria area. Call to put your name on the list for public comment, or to request a calendar, membership application or more information.  Attend a Meeting  Apply for Membership  Be a Participant 

The calendar of all Council and Committee meetings and a wealth of other information is available on our website. Check the calendar regularly for topics of specific interest to you. We hope to see you soon! Houston Area HIV Services Ryan White Planning Council 2223 West Loop South, Suite 240, Houston, TX 77027 Phone 713 572-3724 TTY 713 572-2813 Fax 713 572-3740 www.rwpcHouston.org

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WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9 | 2012 | DEFENDER

entertainment Trudy Lynn: Lynn joins local Bringing back the blues

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By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

s a little girl growing up in Houston’s Fifth Ward, blues great Trudy Lynn knew that she was destined for big things. After all, she was from a family of musicians who loved to sing. “I did group singing in high school. I was always in the choir and things,” Lynn said. “I’ve always liked to sing and would sing at home with my brothers and sisters. But I’m the only one who ended up doing it professionally.” But it would be her sassiness, coupled with her talent that would make Lynn a renowned blues performer. Lynn was able to hone her talents working with established hometown favorites such as guitarists Albert Collins and Clarence Green. It was during that time that she learned how to fuse classic blues elements with the “music of the moment.” “When I stepped on the scene in 1958 that was the time when soul music was coming in. I did everything from Aretha Franklin to Gladys Knight. But I never forgot my roots in the blues. Then, the older I got I leaned toward blues. I liked blues more than the rest of it,” she said. That ability to fuse blues into all elements of music helped Lynn to evolve as both a singer and a songwriter. “I’ve been writing songs a long time. I just didn’t start recording them until more recently, she said. Early on, Lynn would fill pages with original lyrics, and then eventually she learned to shape those lyrics into compositions. “Once I get a hook, something that might happen to the average person, I just trust that, just go with it,” she said. Her hard work has not gone unnoticed. In 2007, at the Blue Foundation Music Trudy Lynn sings the blues.

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tribute to blues

The Houston Defender is partnering with the Society of Performing Arts (SPA) to salute Black music, dance and art with special events held through June. Sponsored by Andrews Kurth Law Firm and Amegy Bank, the salute includes “Preserving a Legacy: A Tribute to Houston’s Blues.” Trudy Lynn will join Milton Hopkins and Rebecca Laird for a special blues program on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Central Library, 500 McKinney. On Wednesday, Feb. 29, Jones Hall will be rocking when the SPA brings together Lynn, Hopkins, Grady Gaines & the Texas Upsetters and Ray Brown for one night only at 7:30 p.m. The Kashmere Reunion Stage Band will take the stage as the grand finale. For ticket information visit www.spahouston.org or call 713.227.4772. Awards in Memphis, she was nominated for an award in the category of Soul/ Blues Female Artist of the year and Soul/Blues Female Blues Album of the Year for “I’m Still Here.” Also, she was a nominated as Traditional Female Blues Artist of the Year at the Just Blues Music Awards in Memphis. At the Chicago Blues Festival, a newspaper critic described her performance as enthralling. In Houston at Juneteenth Blues Festival, she was proclaimed, “Blues Artist of the Year.” Lynn currently performs all over the world, but it saddens her to see blues take such a back seat. “The blues are not commercial on the radio station, so you have to go to places where you can find it,” she said. “The good news is I think it’s beginning to pick back up.” She hopes that Blacks can learn to have a better appreciation for the art. “The blues are more appreciated by whites. Most Black clubs don’t support blues these days unless it’s a special event going on. Many of the clubs are pushing other types of music. To have a successful blues spot, you have to build it up to let people know where the blues are being played.” Lynn hopes that projects that bring attention to the blues can help breed a whole other generation of people that can appreciate the genre. “With what’s going on in the world today, everybody got the blues a little bit, they just don’t realize it. I tell everyone – young people included – just keep living. One day you’ll get the blues.”

what’sup CEE LO GREEN is gaining an even wider audience. NBC’s “The Voice,” which features Green as one of four celebrity judges-mentors, kicked off its second season with 37.6 million viewers, more than double the show’s biggest audience last year. It didn’t hurt that the show followed the Super Bowl. “The Voice” is a much-needed hit for NBC, which has consistently been in last place among the four major TV networks. Green also appeared on the Super Bowl half-time show with Madonna. Later, he reportedly partied at an Indianapolis strip club, and made it rain with about $10,000 in cash……..BEYONCÉ turned heads when she made her first public appearance following the birth of her one-month-old baby girl, Blue Ivy. Wearing a red dress and blue nail polish, Beyoncé stepped out to see her husband JAY-Z perform at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall. Proceeds

from the concert benefit the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation and the United Way of New York City…….. MORE THAN 60 BLACK CELEBRITIES united with the non-profit Greater Than AIDS to bring attention to the severe epidemic facing Black Americans and reduce the stigma surrounding the disease. Coinciding with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Greater Than AIDS debuted new public service ads and coordinated social media posts and other messages from Blacks in Hollywood. They included SAMUEL L. JACKSON, ANTHONY ANDERSON, DENNIS HAYBERT, NIA LONG and TIA MOWRY……..CATHY HUGHES, founder and president of Radio One, will receive the Chairman’s Award during the 43rd NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 17 on NBC. The award is bestowed annually in recognition of special

achievement and public service. “This is the most humbling honor to ever be bestowed on me,” said Hughes. She started her communications company in 1979 and built it into a major media institution with more than 70 stations in 16 major markets, including Houston. Its properties include TV One, Interactive One, Music One and Reach Media…….. MICHAEL JACKSON’S former doctor and former brotherin-law are on the same cell block in Los Angeles. According to TMZ, Dr. Conrad Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Michael’s death, is neighbors at L.A. County Men’s Jail with singer James DeBarge, who was married to Janet Jackson in the 1980s. DeBarge is serving time on drug and assault charges……..HALLE BERRY was denied sole custody of her daughter Nahla. She will continue to share custody with her ex-boyfriend, model Gabriel Aubry.

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entertainment

Director T.J. Martin

hopes to make Oscar history

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By Kam Williams Defender

versus a talking head piece. We saw this as an opportunity to make a coming-of-age film that was much more experiential and less anecdotal. Second, I feel that often times the stories that come out of neighborhoods like North Memphis are sensationalized pieces exploiting the pitfalls of the community. I saw this film as an opportunity to show both the good and the bad, and to really celebrate the community and all of the possibilities that lay before it.

orn in 1979, Thomas McKay Martin Jr. was reared in Seattle and graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in American cultural studies. In 2002, T.J. made an auspicious directorial debut with “A Day in the Hype of America,” which won the Best Documentary award at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. He next shot a short titled “Loves Martha” before making “On the Rocks,” a docudrama about drug and alcohol addiction. He collaborated with Dan Lindsay on his latest movie, “Undefeated,” an inspirational documentary chronicling the selfless efforts made by Memphis’ Manassas High School football coach Bill Courtney on behalf of underprivileged “Undefeated” director T.J. Martin (left) with co-director Dan Lindsay. members of his team. The film has been nominated for an AcadKW: How did you come to hear about emy Award in the Best Documentary category. Coach Bill Courtney? Here, T.J. talks about the possibility of beMartin: Our producer, Rich Middlemas, coming the first African-American director to graduated from the University of Tenneswin an Oscar. see. He follows their recruiting every year. KW: What interested you in making In 2009, he came upon a recruit named O.C. Undefeated? Brown. He had never heard of him and deMartin: I was really drawn to two things. cided to do a little research. He Googled his First, my directing partner, Dan Lindsay and I name and the first thing that appeared was an are interested in making documentaries where article from the Commercial Appeal, a local the action unfolds in front of the camera Memphis paper, about his living part-time

with his grandmother in North Memphis and part-time with his offensive line coach in East Memphis. He had never worked in the documentary world, so he sent the article to Dan and me. We thought that it was an interesting enough story to see if there was potential for a feature-length documentary. While trying to track down O.C. Brown we met Coach Bill, and from there everything changed. KW: What message do you hope people will take away from the movie? Martin: We set out to make an intimate, coming-of-age film that is, more than anything, a human interest piece. With that said, we never shy away from the race and class dynamics that are very prevalent in the film. I would hope that after being emotionally drawn into the human aspect of the story, the film can inspire a greater dialogue about the serious divide between the haves and have-nots in this country. KW: How do you feel about the possibility of becoming the first Black director to win an Academy Award? Martin: First and foremost I’m extremely honored for such recognition. At the same time, I would have a hard time claiming such an achievement since I’m half Black. My experience navigating the world is night and day different than that of someone whose parents are both Black. I personally, identify much more with being mixed race. It would be hard for me to accept such an achievement without also acknowledging my Native American, Scandinavian, Chinese and Jewish roots as well.

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African-American History Month

Voting Rights Act

President Lyndon B. Johnson, surrounded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others, signed the Voting Rights Act on Aug. 6, 1965.

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helped Blacks overcome

he Voting Rights Act was initially adopted in 1965 and extended in 1970, 1975 and 1982. Prior to its enactment, states and local municipalities used tactics such as poll taxes, literacy tests and outright intimidation to stop certain citizens from casting free ballots. Voting discrimination occurred despite the fact that African Americans and other minorities were guaranteed the right to vote by the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was passed in 1870 after the Civil War. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced his intention to pass a bill to ensure that no federal, state or local government could in any way block Americans from registering to vote or voting because of their race or ethnicity. On March 15, 1965, Johnson introduced his bill before a joint session of Congress and a live national television audience. He called for legislative action with “no delay, no hesitation, and no compromise” to protect Black Americans’ right to vote. He cited the March 7 demonstration in Selma, Ala., in which civil rights demonstrators were attacked by lawmen with billy clubs and tear gas on what became known as “Bloody Sunday.”

“What happened in Selma is part of a far larger movement which reaches into every section and State of America,” Johnson said. “It is the effort of American Negroes to secure for themselves the full blessings of American life. Their cause must be our cause too. Because it is not just Negroes, but really it is all of us, who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice. And we shall overcome.”

A historic day

On Aug. 6, 1965, Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law at a ceremony in the Capitol Building. “There were those who said this is an old injustice, and there is no need to hurry,” Johnson said during the ceremony. “But 95 years have passed since the 15th amendment gave all Negroes the right to vote. And the time for waiting is gone.” Section 4 of the Voting Rights act ended the use of literacy requirements for voting in six Southern states (Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Virginia) and in many counties of North Carolina, where voter registration or turnout in the 1964 presidential election was less than 50 percent of the voting-age population. Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act continues to

make headlines in 2012. For states covered by Section 5 – including Texas – any voting laws affecting elections must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for pre-clearance. Originally, legislators hoped that within five years of the 1965 measure, there would be no further need for such enforcement-related provisions. However, it proved necessary to extend the act in 1970, and again in 1975 and 1982. Hearings held in 2005 and 2006 in the House and Senate found a new generation of tactics which had a discriminatory impact on voters, including at-large elections, annexations, last- minute poll place changes and redistricting. Therefore H.R.9 was introduced to reauthorize the expiring portions of the Voting Rights Act and allow the federal government to address new challenges. H.R.9 was passed by Congress in 2006, extending expiring portions for 25 years. Sources: NAACP, www.naacp.org U.S. Department of Justice, www.justice.gov Lyndon Baines Johnson Library & Museum, www.lbjlib. utexas.edu

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Assault on v

U.S. Reps. Green and J Jackson Lee: For a number of years there has been a chipping away at the Voting Rights Act by a number of conservative and to-the-right groups who he Voting Rights Act of 1965 have accused minorities in particular of voter fraud and has been called one of the most voter abuse. significant pieces of legislation When the unfortunate wave of conservative votin African-American history. ers moved into state legislatures across the nation, they Today, in 2012, the issue were then able to act out their misgivings and misinterremains prevalent, as voter ID pretations and their wrong information – that is there laws and redistricting legislation threaten to was a high degree of fraud in the United States and dilute minority voting power. heavily focused in minority communities. To get a national and local perspecSome felt that the only reason they lost the tive on voting rights, the Defender turned to election of 2008 that elected President Barack Congressman Al Green of the 9th District and Obama was because all the minority voters. It was Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of the a direct backlash to undermine what has been a Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee 18th District. working system – the Voting Rights Act. Defender: What do you think is behind Those legislatures have passed hideous voter legislative attempts across the country to atsuppression legislation. Under the proposed Texas tack the rights of voters? voter ID law, for example, you can use a gun ID Green: Regardless of the motives, the to vote but you cannot use a student ID to vote. It consequences and effects of these voter ID is a stereotype that the Voting Rights Act does not requirements on American citizens should not represent all of America. But it in fact does. be ignored. These laws will likely result in Defender: What can you and other Convoter suppression and new barriers impeding gressional supporters of voting rights do to help citizens’ right to vote. ns in this country, such as the NAACP. Their It has been estimated by the NAACP advocacy work has been instrumental in educating and other national civil rights organizations the public on the consequences of these restrictive that these efforts to tighten voter registration photo ID and voter registration laws. requirements could impede up to 5 million I intend to continue hosting townhalls in the eligible voters in the upcoming election. In 9th District of Texas to educate my constituents addition, the photo ID requirement that many about what they can do to be prepared to vote states seek to impose would also create adfor the elections, and to fully understand what is Congressman Al Green ditional barriers. required to vote. My next townhall will be on FebThe Brennan Center for Justice estimates that around 6.2 million ruary 18 at the Sunnyside Multiservice Center, 4605 Wilmington African Americans and 2.96 million Latino-Americans lack proper Street. photo ID. Additionally, over 7 million American senior citizens are I will continue to advocate against these laws. I have written estimated to be without proper photo ID. a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice expressing my concerns Proponents of these photo ID laws argue that their intent is and opposition to Texas’ photo ID law. to preserve the integrity of our electoral system. It is difficult to be I am also co-sponsoring a number of pieces of legislation certain how the integrity of our democracy is improved by other that aim to minimize or remove the structural barriers created efforts that shorten early voting windows or eliminatby these voter ID laws: H.R. 3163, the Easy Voting Act of 2011, ing the Sunday before elections as a voting day. If introduced by Rep. Corrine Brown, would require a minimum anything, these are laws that ultimately impede early voting period, prohibit election officials from requiring an peoples’ right to vote and weaken our demoindividual to provide state-based identification as a condition of cratic system. registering to vote or to vote, and require states to make voter By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

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Jackson Lee speak out registration available on the day of the election. H.R. 3316, the Voter Access Protection Act of 2011, introduced by Rep. Keith Ellison, would also prohibit election officials from requiring individuals to provide photo identification as a condition of voting or registering to vote. H.R. 3317, the Same Day Voter Registration Act of 2011, also introduced by Rep. Keith Ellison, would require same day voter registration on the day of an election. Jackson Lee: We [the Democratic Caucus] have organized a Voter Protection Task Force. We are researching state laws and beginning to address legally those laws that have failed and are particularly destructive of the Voting Rights Act. We have worked with the state of Ohio which has pulled back on the voter ID law and will not be used in the 2012 elections. In addition, the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Congressional Community, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Progressive Caucus – of which I am vice chair – and the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus have all rallied to focus on Americans having the right to vote. In addition, we are encouraging the fair application of the Voting Rights Act which requires pre-clearance of any law that may deny the opportunity for a minority or disenfranchised person to vote. For the example, in the state of Texas, the voter ID law is presently being reviewed by the Department of Justice. It has not been pre-cleared and there are many of us advocating that it is too detrimental to preclear. We are also educating people about the changes that will warrant them having a state-issued voter ID for 2012 federal elections and primaries. It is a devastating law because it impacts senior citizens, disabled persons and others who may

he Houston area for over 80 years

not be able to secure a state-issued ID. Defender: What can your constituents do to help preserve their right to vote? Green: We must be prepared for the upcoming elections this year. We must not only register to vote but also secure the appropriate governmentissued IDs. This will be especially important because I believe that these elections will likely be very close – hence every vote will count. Perhaps the most effective way to counter these voter suppression efforts is by voting. I am a firm believer in our democratic system, and believe that people should vote to elect a person who they believe can best represent them and their communities. By being active participants in our elections, we can in elect officials who share their belief in preserving the right to vote for all Americans. Jackson Lee: There still is time for a massive voter education and registration effort to be undertaken by churches, schools, civic clubs, sororities, fraternities and others. Registering someone to vote is not a political act. It is an act of providing people with a right as a citizen of the United States. I believe there should be a clarion call for Houston, Harris County and the state of Texas to rise up and let everyone reach one, educate one and register one. Voters can change things and voters can make a difference. We should also be attentive to the voting rights redistricting litigation that it going on in the courts. We are fighting for our lives and voters need to be aware of that – they can get on websites, they can read articles. We need to be joined as a community to fight to preserve the Voting Rights Act.

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African-American History Month

Legally speaking

TSU law professor looks at voting rights By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

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early 47 years since its passage, the Voting Rights Act remains a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement and a hot topic of discussion. The law ended the legal restraints that kept Blacks from voting and gaining political power, particularly in certain parts of the South. Today, various attempts to enact voter ID and redistricting legislation are seen as a serious threat to a cherished right, and Texas is in the middle of the debate. Martin Levy Under one new law, the state’s voters would be required to show certain forms of ID – such as a Texas driver’s license, concealed handgun license, passport or military ID – before they could cast ballots. The law is currently on hold after the Justice Department notified the Texas Secretary of State’s office that information it provided regarding the Voter ID law was insufficient to determine whether it violates the Voting Rights Act. The state’s equally controversial redistricting plan is on hold as well, after the Supreme Court threw out electoral maps redrawn by federal judges in San Antonio that favored minorities. One observer paying close attention to current voting rights issues is Martin L. Levy, a law professor at the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Levy shared his thoughts with the Defender.

The threat is real

Levy said voter ID and redistricting laws are both a threat to voting rights, but in a different sense. “Redistricting is specifically covered by the Voting Rights Act,” Levy said. “In fact, that’s what the VRA is all about – to try and stop states that have a history of voting discrimination against minorities from continuing that discrimination by any changes that they make. “The voting ID acts are separate and distinct and the question is whether or not the requirements for putting identification may have such a negative impact on minority voters that they might offend the constitution let alone the VRA,” Levy said. “Any discrete member of an ethnic minority, let alone someone without funds, can be so intimidated by this process that they simply do not vote. Any given percentage of voters who so act can benefit a political party that polls project would benefit from such. “Historically, particularly in the South, racial majorities have traditionally retained absolute political power by denying the right to vote,” Levy said.

Voter fraud: fact or fiction

Some supporters of voter ID laws argue that they discourage voter fraud. Levy, however, finds no basis for such an argument. “Much of this is ingrained in the normal course of politics,” Levy said. “I am not aware of any study anywhere in Texas or nationwide that shows any significant problem of voter fraud. I think this legislation could be

supported and defended much easier if that was the case.” Levy also cited legal precedents involving the issue of voter ID/voter fraud. “The Supreme Court has viewed some of these voter ID requirements under the challenge that they discriminate against minorities; that their intent is really to stop minority citizens, particularly Hispanic citizens, to be fearful of actual voting and that might benefit other political parties. (Crawford v. Marion County Election Board, 128 S. Ct. 1610 – 2008). “In the case the court reviewed in Indiana in Marion County, the Court itself concluded that Indiana had not shown any specific evidence indicating voting fraud was a problem at all, although in that case the Court did not find that voting ID legislation was not constitutionally objectionable and denied such a challenge,” Levy said.

Automatic registration

In calling for voting rights reform, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has said that voter registration should be modernized, and all eligible citizens should be automatically registered to vote. Levy agreed. “I personally would compliment the attorney general because this is a very significant issue, and I think the major problem of the politics with the voting ID legislation is that they run contrary to modern America, which has more forcefully tried to increase the rights of citizens to vote,” Levy said. “I think we should be looking at making voting easier, not more difficult. Fraud has not been a problem; we do not have studies to show it. I think all eligible citizens should automatically be registered to vote and we should be doing everything we can to get everybody the right to vote.”

Attorney general defends voting rights

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Defender News Services

s head of the Department of Justice and the government’s chief law enforcement officer, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is charged with enforcing voting rights laws. During a speech at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library & Museum in Austin, Holder reflected on the Voting Rights Act, its history and why it is needed now more than ever. Excerpts from his speech follow.

Lifeblood of democracy

“In 1965, when President Johnson signed the landmark Voting Rights Act into law, he proclaimed that, ‘the right to vote is the basic right, without which all others are meaningless.’ Today, as Attorney General, I have the privilege – and the solemn duty – of enforcing this law, and the other civil rights reforms that President Johnson championed… The right to vote is not only the cornerstone of our system of government – it is the lifeblood of our democracy. And no force has proved more powerful –

or more integral to the success of the great American experiment – than efforts to expand the franchise.”

Current concerns

“In my travels across this country, I’ve heard a consistent drumbeat of concern from many Americans, who – often for the first time in their lives – now

have reason to believe that we are failing to live up to one of our nation’s most noble, and essential, ideals. As Congressman John Lewis described it, in a speech on the House floor…the voting rights that he worked throughout his life – and nearly gave his life – to ensure are, ‘under attack… [by] a deliberate and systematic attempt to prevent millions of elderly voters, young voters, students, [and] minority and low-income voters from exercising their constitutional right to engage in the democratic process.’ ”

Texas and Section 5

“Texas and South Carolina, for example, have enacted laws establishing new photo identification requirements that we’re reviewing. We’re also examining a number of changes that Florida has made to its electoral process… Although I cannot go into detail about the ongoing review of these and other state-law changes, I can assure you that it will be thorough – and fair… If a state passes a new voting law and meets its burden U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder Contunued on page 13

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Attorney General..

Reform needed

“I’d like to highlight three areas where public support will be crucial in driving progress – and advancing muchneeded reforms. The first involves deceptive election practices – and dishonest efforts to prevent certain voters from casting their ballots… The second area for reform is the need for neutrality in redistricting efforts. Districts should be drawn to promote fair and effective representation for all – not merely to undercut electoral competition and protect incumbents… One final area for reform that merits our strongest support is the growing effort – which is already underway in several states – to modernize voter registration. Today, the single biggest barrier to voting in this country is our antiquated registration system… All eligible citizens can and should be automatically registered to vote. The ability to vote is a right – it is not a privilege.”

MACY’S CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH Macy’s Houston Galleria at Hidalgo February 16th-26th In honor of Black History Month, Macy’s and The Romare Bearden Foundation celebrate the 100th birthday of the African-American artist, innovator, scholar and visionary Romare Bearden. Join us at Macy’s Houston Galleria at Hidalgo for an exciting and inspiring events as we showcase Romare’s artwork, on loan from the Stella Jones Gallery, and celebrate his legacy with live music. Plus, with

The Lamp, c.1984 Lithograph, commissioned, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision ending official segregation in public education

of showing that the law is not discriminatory, we will follow the law and approve the change. And where a state can’t meet this burden, we will object as part of our obligation under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Section 5 was put in place decades ago because of a welldocumented history of voter discrimination in all or parts of the 16 states to which it applies. Within these “covered jurisdictions,” any proposed change in voting procedures or practices – from moving a polling location to enacting a statewide redistricting plan – must be “precleared” – that is, approved – either by the Justice Department, or by a panel of federal judges. Without question, Sections 5’s preclearance process has been a powerful tool in combating discrimination for decades…”

Art © Romare Bearden Foundation/Licensed by VAGA, NY

Continued from page 12

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any purchase of $50 or more, you will receive a complimentary scarf printed with Romare Bearden’s most revered work, The Lamp. Visit macys.com/celebrate for details.

All events and information subject to change or cancellation without notice

Enter* for your chance to win a trip for two to Paris, Romare Bearden’s beloved city and inspiration for his work on the project Paris Blues Revisited. Prize includes Coach Class Air Transportation for two (2) to Paris, France and hotel accomodations provided by American Airlines, plus a $500 Shopping Spree. American Airlines is a proud partner of Macy’s Black History Month Celebration. *No purchase necessary. For official rules and details visit macys.com/events. 36920_N2010301A.indd 1

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African-American History Month

The legacy of Romare Bearden

Macy’s celebrates Black history with events, exhibit This February, a unique American master returns to the spotlight as Macy’s celebrates Black History Month with special events and exhibits dedicated to famed artist Romare Bearden. In conjunction with the Romare Bearden Foundation, Macy’s honors the rich history and legacy of the incomparable artist, writer and musician in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth. The exhibit takes place at 11 Macy’s locations nationwide, and can be seen at the Houston Galleria store Feb. 16-26. Bearden’s life was marked by the pursuit of art in all of its forms. During his lifetime Romare Bearden’s works will be on display Feb. 16-26 at Macy’s in the Galleria.

(1911-1988), Bearden experimented with many different mediums and artistic styles, but is best known for his richly textured collages. His diverse interests included costume and set design for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Nanette Bearden’s Contemporary Dance Theatre, music composition and literary work such as his famed children’s book, “Li’l Dan, The Drummer Boy: A Civil War Story.” “Macy’s is thrilled to partner with the Romare Bearden Foundation in celebration of the life and work of one of America’s preeminent artists,” said Dineen Garcia, Macy’s vice-president of Diversity Strategies. “Every year, as we honor the contributions of African-Americans with our Black History Month events, we hope to empower a new generation through a look back at some of our nation’s most important leaders. “Throughout his life, Romare Bearden brought his exceptional talents to a wide range of interests, cementing his unique place in history and blazing a

TSU hosts Freedom Ride exhibit The University Museum at Texas Southern University is hosting an exhibit titled “Get on Board: Stories of the Los Angeles to Houston Freedom Ride.” The exhibit, which runs through Sunday, Feb. 19, is held in honor of the brave students who risked their lives on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement. In August 1961 a group of Los Angeles students boarded a train headed to Houston. The group’s assignment was to aid members of the Houston Progressive Youth Association (PYA) to nonviolently desegregate Houston’s Union Station Coffee Shop, located on the corner of Crawford and Texas Avenue. Upon arrival in Houston, the California Freedom Riders, along with TSU students (Herbert Hamilton, Willie Handy, Holly Hogrobrooks, John Hutchings, Eddie Jones, Robert E. Jones and Marian Moody) and the PYA were arrested for unlawful assembly while trying to desegregate the coffee shop. The story of their journey, arrest, brutal treatment in jail and subsequent court trial is an important chapter in the civil rights history of Texas, and places it within the key events of the struggle for racial equality in the United States. For information call 713-313-7120 or 713313-7145

Contunued on page 16

Black History calendar of events FRIDAY, FEB. 10 Lauren Anderson will discuss the challenges she faced on her journey to become the first AfricanAmerican principal dancer with the Houston Ballet at 4 p.m. at Acres Homes Neighborhood Library, 8501 W. Montgomery. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or 832-393-1313. The Ensemble Theatre’s Act One Young Professionals host the second annual Black History Month Mixer at 8 p.m. at the theater, 3535 Main Street. The mixer is free, and guests are invited to attend the Ensemble performance of “The Ballad of Emmett Till” at a discounted rate. Attendees will have an opportunity to network and mingle with the cast after the show. Contact: 713-520-0055 or www.ensemblehouston.com/actone. SATURDAY, FEB. 11 The Association of Black Social Workers of Houston sponsors its 41st annual luncheon and meeting at 11:30 a.m. at the Power Center, 12401 S. Post Oak at Main. The topic is “Stepping Up to the Plate: Where Do We Stand on Civil Rights and Social Justice.” Guest speaker is Rev. Reginald Lillie, branch president of the Houston NAACP. Tickets are $40. Contact: 713-826-0677. A book discussion and presentation on “Invisible Families: Gay Identities, Relationships, and Motherhood Among Black Women” by Mignon Moore, is

at 2 p.m. at Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library, 4100 Montrose. Dr. Janis Hutchinson, professor of anthropology at the University of Houston, will host the interactive event. Contact: www.houstonlibrary. org or 832-393-1313. A screening of “The Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975,” a Swedish compilation of 1960s Black militant footage and interviews, is at 2 p.m. at Central Library, 500 McKinney. Among those featured in the film are Stokely Carmichael, Bobby Seale, Angela Davis and Eldridge Cleaver. Contact: www. houstonlibrary.org or 832-393-1313. MONDAY, FEB. 13 “Slavery By Another Name” airs at 9 p.m. on PBS, Channel 8. A Sundance Film Festival selection for 2012, it examines the concept of “neoslavery,” which sentenced African-Americans in the postEmancipation South to forced labor for violating laws that criminalized their everyday behavior. Laurence Fishburne narrates the film. Visit http:// www.houstonpbs.org. TUESDAY, FEB. 14 Rockell Brown Burton, an assistant professor in the School of Communication at Texas Southern University, will speak on “African Americans in the Media” at 4 p.m. at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Student Services Classroom Building Lecture

Hall, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Contact: Hernandezsu@ uhcl.edu or 281-283-2565. “Frontline: The Interrupters” premieres at 9 p.m. on Channel 8. It follows a group of former gang leaders in Chicago who try to “interrupt” shootings and protect their communities from the violence they themselves once committed. It is from director Steve James. Visit http://www. houstonpbs.org. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15 Baba Alafia and the Magical Storytime, which incorporates stories and games involving African drums and percussive instruments, takes place at 1 p.m. at Pleasantville Neighborhood Library, 1520 Gellhorn. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or 832393-1313. The Black Student Association of the University of Houston-Clear Lake sponsors a panel discussion on the benefits of a college education at 6:30 p.m. in the Bayou Building, Garden Room, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Contact: Hernandezsu@uhcl.edu or call 281-283-2565. THURSDAY, FEB. 16 Baba Alafia and the Magical Storytime takes place at 10:30 a.m. at Scenic Woods Regional Library 10677 Homestead. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or 832-393-1313.

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The women in Black history:

Sing a song for sisters

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By DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist

lift our men up. What about lifting ourselves up? I speak to this from the vantage point of being president of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina. I cheer whenever I hear of the four phenomenal Black men who sat at a Woolworth’s counter on February 1, 1960, protesting segregation. I chafe when Bennett College women are left out of the story. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth is that Bennett women were much a part of the protest. The patriarchy of the 1960s would not allow women to sit at

Nate Beeler, The Washington Examiner

am grateful and appreciative of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the man who claimed Negro History Week, which later changed to Black History Month. From a week to a month, but we need to rock the year, every year, because there are so many opportunities to celebrate Black history. The organization that Dr. Woodson founded, the Association for the Study of African American Life and Heritage (ASAALH) organizes a theme each year, and this year the theme is women. Part of me fusses. Gender

needs always to be threaded through conversations about the African-American experience. When we think of history, men’s names drip off our lips – Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King. Much less frequently do we think of women like Ida B. Wells, Dr. Sadie Alexander, Mary Ellen Pleasants, Fannie Lou Hamer, so many others. Yet these women are the marrow of the bone of our history. These women are the beacons of our world. Why do we so ignore women’s contributions? History belongs to she who holds the pen. Too often women want to

the counter. Our brothers, always chivalrous, would not expose women to the lighted matches, drizzled catsup, or other harassment that angry whites directed on them. Still, if we tell the whole story, we have to tell the women’s story. Too often, the stories are buried by expedient headlines. We have to tell the stories for our mothers, to honor them, and for our daughters, to inspire them. There should never, ever be the sense that women are at the periphery of history. We need to tell the stories of the living – like bold Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and stories of those who have made their transition – like the revolutionary Fannie Lou Hamer. We have to tell stories that reflect the diversity of our styles. All of us are not bold and bodacious. Some achieve demurely and quietly, like the 10th president of Bennett, Dr. Willa B. Player, who is said to have never spoken louder than a whisper. Yet this demure woman was the only person in Greensboro who had the courage to invite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the city. No rabbi, no Baptist minister, no other college president would welcome Dr. King in 1958. The NAACP invited him, but they struggled to find a place for King to speak. Dr. Player

famously said, “We teach our students how to think, not what to think,” and she proffered the invitation, braving disapproval. I cannot imagine the courage it took, in the South, when she depended on white philanthropists, to invite the then-controversial Dr. King. She didn’t mind. She did it anyway. That’s women’s history, something for our young women to savor; the notion that right is not always popular. During this Black History Month, let’s sing a song for sisters. For Elsie Scott, who leads the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. For Melanie Campbell, who leads the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation. For Barbara Lee, the Oakland Congresswoman who has been fearless in her support for economic justice. For Maggie Lena Walker, the Richmond woman who was the first Black woman to start a bank. For Marianne Spraggins, the first Black woman to be a managing director on Wall Street. Sing a song for sisters, for those well known, and those unknown. We are the backbone of African-American history, and our song is one that must be sung, trilled, placed into crescendo. When we sing our sister song we empower and uplift each other.

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Minorities will still suffer when they become the majority By Charlene Muhammad Special to NNPA

P

eople of color will be the majority of America’s population by 2042. They will also remain the least wealthy, least employed, least educated, and the most incarcerated, unless the country steps up efforts to close its racial economic divide, according to a new report by United for a Fair Economy. “State of the Dream 2012: The Emerging Majority” is the Boston-based economic think tank’s ninth annual assessment of progress on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice and equality since his assassination. The 2012 report measured 30 years of public policy on the racial divide and its impact on economics, poverty, education, home-

“There is hope if America invests in infrastructure, jobs and education.” ownership, health care, and incarceration. The outlook was bleak. “I keep asking myself,

The Legacy...Continued from page 14 ....

trail for those who followed.” To celebrate the artist’s centennial, Macy’s will spotlight Bearden’s work through special exhibitions featuring watercolors, prints, oil on paper and dramatic black and white photostats that date from 1964 to 1984, when he was at the peak of his artistic power. These satellite exhibits will showcase some rarely displayed works loaned by private collectors, in addition to works on loan from local galleries. Exhibits will be supplemented by works from artists influenced and inspired by Bearden. Opening receptions will include performances from a new generation of jazz musicians playing Bearden’s compositions, which have been previously recorded by masters including Branford Marsalis, Tito Puente and Billy Eckstine. Additional in-store celebrations will include children’s collage-making events, special readings of

Bearden’s children’s book, and cooking demonstrations from local chefs featuring Bearden’s favorite recipes and Caribbean dishes from the out-of-print cookbook, “Ma Chance’s French Caribbean Creole Cooking,” which he illustrated. At the opening receptions, customers will have the opportunity to receive a 15 percent off community shopping pass, and a $10 Macy’s gift card. Additionally, with a purchase of $50 or more, while supplies last, customers can receive a printed scarf featuring Romare Bearden’s most revered work, “The Lamp.” From Feb. 2-23, Macy’s will also offer the opportunity to enter for the chance to win a trip for two to Paris, Romare Bearden’s beloved city and the inspiration for his work on the project, “Paris Blues Revisited.” Visit www.macys.com/ celebrate for complete entry rules or visit the event store for more information.

‘Why is everyone marching out in the streets? I think this is not good enough for America. Forty years after Dr. King died and we’re still where he was, fighting about the disparities in income, wealth, education, and incarceration,” said Wanjiku Mwangi, Racial Wealth Divide Initiative leader for United for a Fair Economy and report co-author. The report forecasts poverty rates for Blacks will be 1.9 times higher than for whites, and for Latinos, 2.6 times higher. Black and Latino unemployment rates will be 1.8 and 1.5 times higher than white unemployment rates, respectively, it continues. “The main thing that struck me was how for the last 10 years, even prerecession, how income and wealth equality was declining for disenfranchised minori-

classified

ties and poverty was increasing. If this continues into mid21st century then, racial disparities will be even worse than projected by 2042,” said Dedrick Muhammad, NAACP senior director of the

Economic Department and executive director of the Financial Freedom Center. He formerly worked for United for a Fair Economy and contributed to the report. Contunued on page 17

classified Harris County Community Services Department Harris County Home Repair Program Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Pre-Qualification Submittals to provide Home Repairs Notice to Contractors January 30, 2012 The Harris County Community Services Department seeks to prequalify responsible contractors for participation in the Harris County Home Repair Program for the following categories: 1) Neighborhood Stabilization Repair; 2) Minor Repair; 3) Disaster Recovery; and 4) Health & Safety Improvements. The mission of the Harris County Home Repair program is to provide assistance to low-to- middle income and urgent need homeowners for the purpose of providing decent, safe and sanitary housing conditions as well as improving their quality of life. The Harris County Home Repair Program will provide assistance under the following home repair categories: Neighborhood Stabilization Repair: Provide up to $10,000 to make County acquired vacant foreclosed homes decent, safe and habitable to prepare the home for sale or occupancy. Goal: 40 units/year

HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Minor Repair: Provide up to $10,000 assistance in the form of a grant for minor home repairs to owner occupied homes, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, handicap accessibility improvements, mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements. Goal: 40 units/year

Caroline, Dallas, and Crawford Streetscape IMPROVEMENTS

Disaster Recovery: Provide up to $50,000 assistance in the form of a grant for home repairs to qualified housing which sustained damages as a result of Hurricane Ike. Goal: 30 units/year

The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for Caroline, Dallas, and Crawford Streetscape Improvements, located along Caroline between Polk and Dallas, Dallas between Caroline and Crawford, and Crawford between Polk and Lamar in downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 9:00 AM, local time on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, by the Director of Construction, Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and read at 9:05 AM on the same day in the Downtown District Conference Room.

Health & Safety Improvements: Provide assistance up to $40,000 in the form of a grant for the purpose of repairing /replacing water wells and septic systems that are not functioning and/or have received a citation for health and safety violations. Goal: 10 units/year.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Beginning Monay, February 6, 2012, Bid Documents may be purchased for $50 per set from the Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010, by a cashier's check, certified check or money order, payable to the Houston Downtown Management District. The cost for up to two sets will be refunded to Bidders who submit a valid bid for this Project. Addenda are free of charge and will be distributed to those who purchase Bid Documents. Bid Documents may be examined at plan rooms of the Associated General Contractors of Houston, the F. W. Dodge Corporation, the Minority Business Development Center, and Amtek Information and Plan Room. A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held at 9:00 AM on Thursday, February 16, 2012, in the Downtown District Conference Room, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. All bidders (general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers) are invited to attend. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from someone who did not attend the pre-bid conference. Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95-336 (March 29, 1995) and Exec. Order No. 1 2 (June 14, 1995), and City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Procedures (June 1995). The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/WBE participation goal of 17 percent.

The program will operate on a continuous annual basis using multiple contractors. It is mandatory that all Contractors who are interested in participating in the Home Repair Program fully complete a pre-qualification submittal, provide all materials requested herein, and be approved by the Harris County Community Services Department to be on the Qualified Contractors List for the Home Repair Program. Filing of Submittals All applications must be filed with the Harris County Community Services Department, Attention: Housing Construction and Inspection Services, 8410 Lantern Point, Houston, Texas, 77054, on or before 3:00 p.m., February 17, 2012. Pre-qualification packages may be obtained by contacting: Adriana Villuendas Harris County Community Services Department Housing Construction and Inspection Services 8410 Lantern Point Houston, TX 77054 (713) 578-2000 or email: adriana.villuendas@csd.hctx.net Or Prequalification packages may be downloaded from the Harris County Community Services Department’s Website at www.csd.hctx.net/ Contractors who submit pre-qualification packages will be notified in writing regarding whether or not they qualify to participate in the program.

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Minorities...Continued from page 16 ....

Authors cited education as one of the most important tools people have for climbing social and economic ladders, but disparities perpetuate inequality. Any gains made during the civil rights era are threatened by restrictions on affirmative action in higher education, spiraling college costs and underfunding of education. In addition, according to Mwangi, Blacks are six times more likely to be in prison than whites and people of color make up over 65 percent of the prison population. Five million Blacks will be imprisoned in 2042 if things continue. She feels that while America has made some progress, a great lack remains because people have ignored the institutions, programs, and structural practices that have historically kept people of color down. The treatment of Blacks during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 is one example, she continued. “The official response to that disaster makes you think about how little things tend to affect what we do, think, and how our institutions operate...,” said Mwangi.

She believes there’s hope if America invests in infrastructure, jobs, and education. Without education, there’s no income and without income there’s poverty and no food. People are jailed and cycles continue, so the solutions are for the good of everyone, not just Blacks and people of color, she added. The answer to the crisis facing Black America is it must do for self, says Minister Louis Farrakhan. A first step is to pool money in a national treasury to buy farmland and rebuild wasted cities, he said during a radio interview. “Obama cannot make jobs for all of us who are unemployed, but we can,” Farrakhan said, continuing that donations to a national fund of as little as one nickel-a-day to $1-a-month would yield $480 million in one year. Blacks will need every cent of that amount to survive the future, if the report’s predictions manifest. As disenfranchised minorities

February 9 March 8

May 10 June 14

August 9 September 13

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November 8 December 13

Meetings are open to the general public; only Council members are allowed to vote but public comment is always welcome. The Council meets at 11:30 become larger of Galleria the ties will probably be name weakened,” a.m. at aour officesproportion located in the area. Call to put your on the list for public comment, or to request a Muhammad calendar, membership population, their inclination to said. application or more information. support more progressive policy Report recommendations

will  advance helpinclude stemming the foreclosure Attend policies a Meetingmost  Apply for Membership  Be a Participant  ful to The rebuild a middle class crisis by offering loan modificacalendar of all Council and Committee meetings and a wealth of economy, according to Muhamtion programs, federal other information is available on our website. Check the increasing calendar regularly for topics of specificfunding interest to you. mad. for higher education, We hope to see you soon!the war on drugs to “Yet as money becomes more and ending and more of aHouston determining factor Ryan substantially impact Area HIV Services White Planning Council the racial in politics and 2223 barriers to voting divide due in upcomWest Loop South, Suiteeconomic 240, Houston, TX 77027 Phoneand 713 more 572-3724 TTY 713 572-2813 Faxand 713begin 572-3740 become more common, ing decades realizing www.rwpcHouston.org the democratic voice of minoriDr. King’s dream.

Available this Spring… 2012-2013 Blue Book Resource Guide In the meantime, there are still copies of the 2011-2012 Blue Book available. This free Houston Area HIV/AIDS Resource Directory may be picked up at the following location, Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm: THE RYAN WHITE PLANNING COUNCIL OFFICE OF SUPPORT

2223 West Loop South, Suite 240; Houston, TX 77027 713 572-3724 If you would like a Blue Book mailed T:4.79” to you, please call 713 572-3724.

T:6.5”

PLAY RESPONSIBLY. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education. © 2012 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9 | 2012 defendernetwork.com

sports

NFL introduces

its latest Hall of Fame class

O

By MAX EDISON Defender

ne of the highlights of any Super Bowl week is the introduction of that year’s Hall of Fame class. Recently, the NFL announced the distinguished HOF class of 2012. Curtis Martin, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Willie Roaf, Dermontti Dawson, and senior selection Jack Butler were all named to a class that will be known as the linemen’s class, with four of the inductees (Doleman, Kennedy, Roaf and Dawson) being offensive or defensive linemen. Martin rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 NFL seasons. He retired as the game’s fourth all-time leading rusher with 14,101 yards and had 90 rushing touchdowns. Doleman racked up 150.5 career sacks in his 15-season career which ranked fourth all-time when he retired. He had 10 or more sacks in a season eight times. Kennedy, the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1992, earned eight Pro Bowl berths and was named firstteam

Steelers offensive lineman Dermontti Dawson (63)

All-Pro three straight seasons. He was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s. Roaf, a seven-time, first-team All-NFL choice, starred for nine seasons with the New Orleans Saints and four years with the Kansas City Chiefs. In all, he played in 189 career games and was voted to 11 Pro Bowls. Dawson, a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s, was named to the Pro Bowl seven straight seasons and was an All-Pro selection six consecutive years. The NFL Alumni’s Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1996, Dawson played in 184 career games for the Steelers. Butler, a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1950s, intercepted 52 passes, four of which he returned for scores, in his nine-season career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The inductees were pleased when they received the notice that the Hall of Fame was calling their name. “It’s a great honor to be selected to the Class of 2012 in the Hall of Fame,” Dawson said. “It’s caused my phone to malfunction. I’ve had over 100 texts and phone calls. It’s been non-stop, but it’s a good thing.” “I’m blown away by it – I really am,” former Viking Doleman told NFL Network’s Fran Charles. “This is just a big surprise. I couldn’t have asked for a better day, and

Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman (56)

it couldn’t have happened in a better way. I watched it with my family here, cousins, aunts, and uncles and it was just wonderful.” For Jack Butler, the oldest inductee (84), who starred in the ‘50s, the Hall of Fame invitation was validation of his ability during an era that received significantly less fanfare than today’s game. “I never thought it would happen, but here I am!” Butler said. “I never, ever thought I would be here. I just didn’t think this was reality. When I was a kid, I dreamed about being a football player and here I am, Jack Butler from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, going into the Hall of Fame. I can’t believe it.” There was also a level of disappointment at many of the popular players and coaches that were waiting for a call that never came. Most notable in that group – two-time Super Bowl winning coach Bill Parcells, Steeler running back Jerome Bettis, five-time Super Bowl winning defensive lineman Charles Haley and former Viking receiver Chris Carter. “It almost caught me off guard,” Martin said. “The bittersweet part about it is Parcells. Without him, my career wasn’t even 30 percent of what it was. He taught me not only how to be a professional, a professional athlete, but he also had a lot to do with teaching me how to be a man.” The 2012 class will be formally enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 4. The ceremony takes place at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Jets/Patriots running back Curtis Martin (28)

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Wilson remains optimistic in spite of setbacks By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

one another and it caused havoc for opposing teams,” said the elder Wilson. The pair met when Garrett was in the eighth grade and Chris was in the seventh at a local basketball camp. “He was real slender back then but you could tell he was really going to be a good basketball player,” Garrett said. “Chris was a very talented basketball player,” said Cinco Ranch head coach Neil King. “But he was a better person than he was a basketball player. He was a

Cinco Ranch guard Garrett Wilson is an eternal optimist. Despite last-second losses to Katy Taylor and Memorial that have all but eliminated the Cougars from playoff contention, the Cinco Ranch team captain and three-year starter remains optimistic. “We’re going to play as hard as we can and finish the season strong,” Wilson said. “That’s one sure thing about our team. The effort is always going to be there.” This has been a season of adversity for the Cinco Ranch boys’ varsity basketball team. During the Christmas holidays starting junior point guard Chris Saiz was killed in an automobile accident. Teammate Derrick Jones, who was Garrett Wilson and his father Gerald Wilson. driving the vehicle when it lost straight A student who had a huge control, escaped serious injury heart and always wanted to help and has since rejoined the team. people. We miss him a lot.” Cinco Ranch, which was Saiz and Wilson were cut favored to secure one of the four from the same mold in many playoff berths in District 19-5A regards. prior to the loss of Saiz, suddenly Wilson is a member of the found itself fighting tooth and nail National Honor Society, the Spanto stay in each and every game. ish Honor Society and the Future “It was a tough transition for Business Leaders of America. the team because we went from He’s fluent in speaking Spanish having two floor leaders in Chris and currently has a 4.2 grade-point and myself, to just one,” Wilson average. Wilson has been selected said. “He was our point guard all-district the past two seasons as and I could relieve him when he well as academic all-district the needed rest. Now I play the bulk past two years. of the minutes at point guard and This season Wilson is it’s been tough without that other averaging 20 points, five rebounds leading scorer.” and three assists per game. FollowGerald Wilson, Garrett’s ing a recent 72-48 loss at Morton father, says that his son and Chris Ranch the Cougars are 15-14 on Saiz played off each other and the season. always knew where the other was Despite already receiving on the court. “They had a feel for

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several scholarship offers, Wilson has decided to postpone his decision on where he will attend college until after his current season is over. He does plan to major in either finance and accounting or economics. One of the things he’s going to miss is playing AAU ball during the summer. “Playing AAU ball has allowed me to travel and meet people,” Wilson said. “That’s two things that I truly like to do. The last two summers were especially good playing for [Yates coach] Greg Wise because we got a lot of exposure.” So much exposure that Wilson hasn’t ruled out attending college outside of Texas. “It’s definitely a consideration and I haven’t ruled out leaving the state,” he said. For now he’s concentrating on these last two weeks of his current basketball season. “I like playing for coach King because he has a great relationship with his players and he’s enthusiastic about seeing us be successful,” Wilson said. When Wilson was a freshman, he was good enough to be on the varsity where he would have seen limited playing time or playing regularly for sub-varsity squad. “We had 12 seniors on the varsity that year and it didn’t make sense to ride the bench when I could have been playing,” he said. Wilson began playing organized basketball when he was in the fourth grade. He wants to own a business one day and if he could visit any place in the world it would be Italy. “My brother went there four years ago and he had a great time,” Wilson said.

Yates will join Class 3A for 2012-13 school year The biggest news to surface from the 2012 University Interscholastic League biennial reclassification and realignment is that Jack Yates High School will move from Class 4A to Class 3A. The former national champion in boys’ basketball will move into the newly created District 23-3A along with Furr, Jones, Kashmere, Scarborough, Sterling, Washington and Worthing. Yates reported a student enrollment of 1,000 students. “We could have moved back to 5A for all I’m concerned,” said Yates head boys’ basketball coach Greg Wise. “But in the long run, it’s probably best for the other sports.” The Lions won back-to-back state 4A titles in 2009 and 2010.

Annual Senior Football Showcase for set for Feb. 18 The Touchdown Club of Houston will conduct its second annual Senior Football Showcase for all unsigned players in the class of 2012 on Feb. 18 at the Methodist Training Center across the street from Reliant Stadium. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free for all participants and colleges. Pre-registration is required. Eligible student-athletes must be graduating seniors who’ve taken the SAT or ACT and meet one of the following requirements: SAT score of 1,000 or ACT of 18, top half of graduating class or GPA of 2.5 or better. To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/fbshowcase.

Hightower’s Addison chooses Oregon over Texas A&M Hightower standout quarterback Bralon Addison signed a letter-of-intent to play football at the University of Oregon on national signing day. Addison had been leaning toward Texas A&M, but decided around 4 a.m. the morning of Feb. 1 that he would accept a scholarship offer from Oregon. The deciding factors were the Ducks’ football program where he will be given a shot to play quarterback and the university’s broadcast journalism school.

Kevin Love is lucky punishment wasn’t stiffer Minnesota Timberwolves center Kevin Love is one of the NBA’s most promising young stars. Love, who doesn’t have a record as a dirty player, at the very least is guilty of being gutless and classless. Love in a recent game against the Rockets, purposely stepped on the chest and face of Rocket Luis Scola, who was lying on the floor. Love has been suspended for two games without pay.

Pick your favorite Manning – Eli or Peyton Now that the New York Giants have won their second Super Bowl in five years, both over the New England Patriots, America’s latest team, we have an internal family debate. If you had a choice, which Manning brother – Peyton or Eli – would you choose if you were building a franchise? We are all familiar with Peyton, the elder Manning and his ability to put up points and eye-popping passing statistics as quarterback of the Indy Colts. Peyton is the only NFL player to win four MVP’s, yet is .500 in Super Bowl play. Now comes younger brother Eli who is perfect in his two Super Bowl appearances and has two Super Bowl MVP trophies as well.

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