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Volume 87 | Number 20 MARCH 15, 2018 |FREE
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NEWSTALK WANDA ADAMS HISD board in a fight for Worthing
P2 ENTERTAINMENT AVA DUVERNAY ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ celebrates Black girls
P4 SPORTS KELVIN SAMPSON UH coach leads team to tournament
P10
SERENA WILLIAMS SAYS
‘DOCTORS NOT LISTENING’ H PAGE 9
TOP EVENTS
Celebrating women who overcame the odds Frederick Barksdale, Jeffrey D. Wallace and Courtney Johnson Rose at Greater Houston Black Chamber meet & greet for Wallace
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March is Women’s History Month and this year, the national theme is, “Nevertheless, She Persisted.” The theme embodies so many women in the Houston community. The Defender is highlighting some local Black women who have succeeded through persistence, despite the challenges they have faced on different fronts. P6
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DEFENDER | MARCH 15 | 2018
newstalk
HISD to address fates of Worthing, Woodson By ASWAD WALKER Defender
HISD trustees will continue their slate of public meetings at schools labeled “improvement required” campuses by the Texas Education Agency, with the next one taking place at Worthing High School to discuss its fate and that of feeder school, Woodson Middle School. The meeting is Wednesday, March 21 at 6 p.m. at Worthing, 9215 Scott St. “Worthing is part of 10 schools slated for closure, so we want to update parents and the community on what the two bills mean – House Bill 1842 and Senate Bill 1882,” said HISD Trustee Wanda Trustee Wanda Adams Adams. According to HISD, Worthing and Woodson have fallen behind academically over the last four years and per state law (HB 1842) must meet all state standards this year or face closure or have an appointed management entity run the schools. Senate Bill 1882 offers what some see
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HAUL presents #MyUrban LeagueStory movement
as a ray of hope in the form of options allowing these schools to form outside partnerships, avoiding closure and total takeover. Adams said such a partnership “would give Worthing two more years [to meet state standards] and up to $1000 per student.” “Students have been working hard to show some growth. Still, closure is a real possibility. Unfortunately, this is what Worthing is facing because of the long history of not meeting standards. We want people to know the truth,” Adams added. Adams said current plans for Worthing – making it an International Baccalaureate campus or a career and technology school – will also be discussed at the meeting. She added that discussions have begun with potential partnership institutions, including Texas Southern University. Whatever plan will be enacted must be voted on and passed by the board by April 30, though the board’s only meeting before that date is April 10, increasing the sense of urgency for the March 21 meeting even more.
Defender News Services
The Houston Area Urban League has launched a campaign that highlights the contributions the organization has made to countless Houstonians over the years through a series of videos from people who were impacted by a HAUL service or program. They include volunteers, community partners and leaders, employees and clients. HAUL will highlight the videos on the My Urban League Story website, social media pages and at their 50th anniversary Equal Opportunity Day Gala on June 16. The gala coincides with the 50th year of the organization. Judson Robinson III, president and CEO of HAUL, knows first-hand the impact that the organization has had on the lives of many Houstonians, including himself. His grandfather, Judson Robinson Sr., was one of the founding board members of HAUL. Through his #MyUrbanLeagueStory, he shares that he has witnessed HAUL’s growth and positive changes. Judson Robinson III “In my 10 years with the organization I have witnessed the Urban League change lives by helping people learn, and then practice the fundamentals of starting and operating a successful business, purchasing a home, or securing that job that put their lives back on track and prepared them for a great future,” he said. Tiffany L. Williams, CEO and creative director of Twice Media Productions, said HAUL has been instrumental in her company’s growth and development. Williams shared her #MyUrbanLeagueStory of how HAUL helped her business grow after she participated in its Small Business Development University program. “As a newcomer to the city, with no business experience, the class really helped me gain the knowledge I needed to scale my company,” she said. The course is one of many services from the Workforce and Economic Development program that HAUL provides. Share your story at www.myurbanleaguestory.org.
localbriefs THE TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY Commencement Committee recommended to the Board of Regents that the 2018 spring exercise consist of two ceremonies. “Last year, we reached a major milestone and had the largest graduating class in school history,” said TSU President Dr. Austin Lane. “This spring, we expect an even larger number of candidates and want to be prepared to accommodate our students and their loved ones.” Ceremony one will begin at 8 a.m. and will include candidates from the graduate and professional programs, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the College of Education. Ceremony two will begin at 12:30 p.m. and will include candidates from the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences, Jesse H. Jones School of Business and the School of Communication……..HISD IS SEEKING INPUT on the district’s magnet programs in an effort to better understand families’ needs. The survey is open to students or parents of students who attend a magnet program, do not attend a magnet program or live within HISD but do not attend an HISD school. Superintendent Richard Carranza said the district is committed to magnet programs and school choice. The survey deadline is March
30. It can be found at HoustonISD.org/MagnetSurvey…….. FIVE GRASS ROOTS ORGANIZATIONS are receiving grants totaling $375,000 as part of the Visit My Neighborhood pilot program announced by Mayor Sylvester Turner. The groups are the Acres Homes MultiService Center Advisory Committee, Culture of HealthAdvancing Together (Gulfton), East End Chamber of Commerce (Second Ward), Avenue CDC (near Northside) and the Third Ward Cloth Cooperative. With Visit My Neighborhood, the Houston Arts Alliance partners with community-based organizations to expand arts and cultural experiences for residents and visitors based on their knowledge and expertise.
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national
U.S.briefs THE ACLU FILED A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT accusing the U.S. government of separating immigrant families seeking asylum. The lawsuit follows action the ACLU took in the case of a Congolese woman and her 7-yearold daughter, who the group said was taken from her mother “screaming and crying” and placed in a Chicago facility. While the woman has been released, the girl remains in the facility 2,000 miles away. Immigrant advocates say the mother and daughter’s case is emblematic of the approach taken by President Donald Trump’s administration. The lawsuit asks a judge to declare family separation unlawful and says hundreds of families have been split by immigration authorities……..OFFICIALS IN TULSA, OKLA. SETTLED WITH THE FAMILY of a man who was fatally shot in April 2015 by a white reserve deputy. Tulsa County settled for a price tag of $6 million after volunteer deputy Robert Bates shot Eric Harris while other officers had Harris restrained. Bates claimed that he pulled his weapon by mistake, thinking it was his Taser. Bates was convicted of second-degree manslaughter but served less than half of his four-year sentence…….. NEARLY 600 CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS HAVE WRITTEN TO Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, asking that he reconsider his proposal to remove antidiscrimination language from the agency’s mission statement. “We urge you in the strongest possible terms to reverse course and retain language in your agency’s mission statement that reflects one of HUD’s most important responsibilities: enforcement and promotion of the Fair Housing Act,” the 573 groups wrote, noting that many of them worked with HUD to make sure that the commitment to inclusivity was made in the first place. The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are pursuing housing. Carson has come under fire after reports surfaced that HUD was changing its mission statement.
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 20 MARCH 15, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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Food stamp replacement proposal stirs debate Associated Press
Hawaii’s food stamp administrator says he was stunned when he first heard that the U.S. Agriculture Department wanted to replace some cash benefits with a pre-assembled package of shelf-stable goods. That changed quickly to frustration, befuddlement and serious concern. “This will wreak havoc on the states,” said Pankaj Bhanot, who serves as director of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services and is in charge of administering the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to Carl Lewis is shown in his market in Rankin, Penn., where half of customers pay with roughly 165,000 residents scattered benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which assists millions of low-income Americans. across a series of islands. SNAP administrators across ents to order provisions online using their EBT, or the country shared Bhanot’s Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, which function like reservations about “America’s Harvest Box,” pitched debit cards but can only be used to purchase grocerby USDA officials as a way to cut costs and improve ies. efficiency. Administrators say their programs already He said it was designed to streamline the process are efficient, allowing recipients to purchase whatever of getting healthy food into the hands of those who foods they want directly from retailers, which benneed it most. State administrators, he said, would efits families, retailers and local economies. be responsible for figuring out how to package and The proposal, unveiled last month in the Trump distribute the boxes themselves. administration’s 2019 budget, is part of an effort to But SNAP administrators say the proposal is reduce the cost of the SNAP program by roughly riddled with holes. $213 billion over a 10-year period. In Minnesota, officials called the proposal “a sigBrandon Lipps, administrator of the Food nificant step backward in our nation’s effort to ensure and Nutrition Service at USDA, said the idea was all Americans have access to nutritious food” and a partially inspired by rapidly changing models for major burden on states, which would have to figure how people get their groceries. The USDA last year out how to deliver the food boxes. launched a pilot program that allows SNAP recipi-
Trump may consider death for drug dealers Defender News Services
President Donald Trump praised countries that punish drug dealers with the death penalty or life in prison and said the United States should consider similar penalties. Trump made the comments during a Pennsylvania rally for a Republican candidate. “I think it’s a discussion we have to start thinking about,” Trump said. “I don’t know if we’re ready – I don’t know if this country’s ready for it.” He said someone convicted of shooting or stabbing a person to death faces life in prison without
parole or the death penalty, but someone can “kill 5,000 people with drugs because you’re smuggling them in and you’re making a lot of money and people are dying,” and receive a light punishment. “That’s why we have a problem, folks,” Trump said. “I don’t think we should play games,” Now, I never did polling on that – I don’t know if that’s popular, I don’t know if that’s unpopular. “But these people are killing our kids and they’re killing our families, and we have to do something. We can’t just keep setting up blue-ribbon committees… and they meet and they have a meal and they talk, talk, talk, talk, two hours later, then they write a report.”
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DEFENDER | MARCH 15| 2018 defendernetwork.com
entertainment
Ava DuVernay on…
The beauty of ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ Defender News Services
Director Ava DuVernay is exploring new territory and making history with a film adaptation of the beloved children’s book, “A Wrinkle in Time.” She is the first woman of color to direct a $100 million film, which is in theaters now. The blockbuster movie’s multicultural cast includes actresses Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling. The Walt Disney Pictures project and its trailblazing director have generated enormous support and enthusiasm since the announcement in February 2016 that DuVernay was on board. DuVernay discusses the importance of making the film and how it can make a positive impact on young girls and boys, especially children of color. Q. What attracted you to the story? A. Ava Duvernay: A Black girl as the hero attracted me to the story of “A Wrinkle in Time.” When Disney told me this film could be made and that I could cast it the way I wanted to, I said, “Could Meg Murry be a Black girl?” They said, “Yes.” I said: “Well, you got a deal. I will come and make that movie.” I’m glad I did. It’s a love letter to our girls. Q. What were some of the most challenging aspects of directing this movie? A. I don’t think of it as challenging because every day was a joy. It was like, “Black girl magic.” Every day I showed up, and there’s Oprah, there’s Gugu, there’s Storm, and me. And all the people who rallied around us, the Maori people in New Zealand. We were in the Sequoias [National Park in California] and with people up North in the Bay Area. We also shot in the Baldwin Crenshaw District in Los Angeles. The school that Meg Murry attends is Crenshaw High School. We shot in the Adams District
Hollywood trailblazer Ava DuVernay directed “A Wrinkle in Time,” which stars (background, l. to r.) Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon, Storm Reid and Oprah Winfrey.
in a historic Black neighborhood [in Los Angeles]. We were able to bring all these things to the film and Disney was game for it, so those weren’t challenges, they were blessings. Q. What are some of the empowerment themes that you want girls to walk away with? A: I want Black girls and little girls of all colors to see themselves as the hero. In this film, Meg is the leader of her crew. She’s got her little brother, Charles Wallace, who’s in her ear. She’s got her friend, Calvin, who’s in her ear. But they’re in her ear because they’re asking her, “Meg, what do we do?” She’s the leader. She says, “Do you trust me?” He says, “I trust you,” and she says, “Well then, come on!” And he follows her, and this is a little white boy. That’s a
powerful image for white boys to see. Hopefully, this will plant seeds with this generation. Q. What was your best moment in filming this movie? A. I can’t tell you the best moment because it was a thrill every day. It was a blessing and a joy to walk on that set and have the respect of my crew, and to be with these wonderful actors telling a story I believed in. “A Wrinkle in Time” is a story for young people; it’s for kids, and it’s for the kid inside of us…this film invites you to think about who you are. Are you the person you thought you would be when you were 12 years old? If not, and if you feel like it’s worth being that, then it’s never too late to change.
what’sup Former First Couple BARACK and MICHELLE OBAMA are reportedly talking to Netflix about making a series of shows for the streaming network. The shows would focus on “inspirational stories” about issues important to them. The former president is no stranger to the streaming network. He appeared as a guest in the premiere episode of David Letterman’s Netflix show, “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.” The streaming service also premiered a biopic on the former president in 2016 titled “Barry.”……..WILL and JADEN PINKETT SMITH’S eco-friendly water company, JUST, is vowing to donate water each month to Flint, Mich.,
schools until the city’s water is drinkable again. The company has already donated 9,200 bottles to Flint……..Actress LISA BONET didn’t hold back recently discussing 80-year-old BILL COSBY, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by countless women. When asked if the Cosby allegations “tainted” her memories of “The Cosby Show,” she said, “No, it’s exactly as I remember it.” She said she was not aware of him being an alleged sexual predator, but she did sense a “sinister, shadow energy.” Cosby is currently undergoing a retrial…….It looks like JILL SCOTT will be back in court soon, but not
because of her soon-to-be ex husband. Apparently she is being sued over a Hallmark card deal by her former friend, MISTER MAN FRISBY, who said he pitched the concept of using her lyrics on greeting cards 10 years ago. The journalist and author claims that Scott was enthusiastic about the idea and promised to split the gross revenues “5050” if he could nail down a deal. Frisby claims that his job was choosing the lyrics that would be used for each card. However, as Scott’s career began to skyrocket, she “unilaterally put Frisby’s activities ‘on hold’ ” while she pursued her acting projects, the lawsuit alleges.
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MARCH 15 | 2018 | DEFENDER
health
A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance
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Screening key in colorectal cancer survival By ANGELA MCGEE, M.D.
E
very year, more than 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer, and more than 50,000 die from it. It’s the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and African-Americans are especially vulnerable. African-Americans have the highest risk of Angela McGee, M.D. developing colorectal cancer – 20 percent higher than non-AfricanAmericans. But 90 percent of all colorectal cancer cases and deaths are preventable by removing polyps, and cancer can be successfully treated, and often cured, when detected early. This is why screening for prevention and early detection is so important.
Get screened for colon cancer
Colonoscopy is the most widely used tool to screen for colon cancer. It is the only screening method to date that can both screen and treat patients through identification and removal of colon and rectal polyps
discovered during the procedure. Polyps are grapelike growths on the lining of the colon or rectum that may become cancerous. They can be hyperplastic (benign) or adenomatous (precancerous). Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. The goal of screening colonoscopy is to detect and remove these polyps before they become cancerous. Due to lack of awareness or fear of getting a colonoscopy, many patients neglect getting screened. Some patients may simply be embarrassed. But getting screened for colon cancer is the number one way to prevent it. Because of the higher risk of colorectal cancer among African-Americans, American College of Gastroenterology guidelines recommend that screening of African-Americans for colorectal cancer begin at age 45, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
How many risk factors do you have?
The exact cause of colon and rectal cancer isn’t known, but there are several risk factors that are thought to be associated with its development. Genetics, age, family history of colon cancer and colon polyps, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking are some of the risk factors identified. Diets high in red
meat and fat and low in fiber, calcium, and folate have also been thought to be linked to the development of colon cancer. Learn your family’s medical history and tell your doctor if a relative – parent, brother, sister, or child – has had colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
Never ignore symptoms
Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine. Symptoms that should never be ignored include a change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool lasting longer than four weeks; rectal bleeding or blood in your stool; or persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a Gastroenterology specialist. Dr. McGee is a board-certified Gastroenterology specialist who cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center. To schedule an appointment, call 713-442-0000.
Get KelseyConnected
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Healthcare that Revolves Around You. KelseyConnected is a smarter approach to your healthcare – because it revolves around you. As a Kelsey-Seybold patient, your entire healthcare team can share your medical history through one electronic medical record and collaborate on medical care that’s right for you. Being KelseyConnected makes your experience with us easy and convenient with: n
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Locations close to home and work. Choose the location most convenient for you at kelsey-seybold.com/locations. 24-Hour Nurse Hotline. Speak with a Kelsey-Seybold nurse after 5 p.m. and on holidays and weekends.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 15 | 2018
Ann Harris Bennett
‘SHE PER
Harris County tax assessor-collector & voter registrar Having worked in county government for a number of years, the Ann Harris Bennett saw that there were ways to better serve the community. She began her campaign with her first run for Harris county clerk in 2010, losing that race by 2 percent. In 2012 Bennett embarked upon her second race this time for tax assessor-collector and voter registrar and lost by two-tenths percent. She ran a third race for county clerk in 2014 with a loss of 2 percent. Bennett refused to give up and her strong desire to serve the community caused her to once again run for the county tax assessor in 2016. She won that race by over 8,000 votes and was sworn in on Jan. 1, 2017 to a four-year term. She is now living her passion of passion for community education on the voter registration and election process as well as the education of property owners on taxes and promoting technology.
WOMEN’S HIS
Women who succeed
By RESHOND D
March is Women’s History M “Neverthele The theme embodies so many w fender is highlighting some local B persistence, despite the challen
Bernice Bright Dickey Educator & author
In 2010, Bernice Bright Dickey was living her worst nightmare. Her husband and 10-year-old daughter were killed in a horrible car crash. That same crash left her 1-year-old in critical condition. “I couldn’t process the enormity of the multiple losses I was suffering at the same time,” she said. “The grief and loss I experienced as a result of this tragedy was more than I had ever known anyone to bear, let alone survive. I was just going through the motions of life, numbed by the pain of grief and loss. I didn’t know what to do, nor who to turn to,” Dickey said. Determined to live for her surviving daughter, Dickey turned to God and “step-by-painful-step” created a new and much different life for the two of them. Today, her mission is to share her own story as a means to coach others through their own painful process of grief recovery. Her memoir “My #1 Is Still My #1!” is about how she triumphed over tragedy. The book of journal entries, letters to God, and memories chronicles the difficult journey she traveled to overcome the deaths of her husband and daughter. Philosophy of life/motto: “To God Be The Glory For Transforming My Story!”
Carmen Norris Robinson Entrepreneur
Carmen Robinson remembers the distinct moment when she became aware of her faith and determination. Like most nights, she found herself crouched down behind the passenger seat of her mother’s Ford. They were parked in a dark alley in McAlmont, Ark. “She had left me there while she went on her regular crack binge. I was 10 years old. My father had recently passed away from a drug overdose and I remember being afraid. But that night was different because it wasn’t the darkness – I was suddenly afraid of becoming my parents,” she said. Robinson prayed to God saying if He allowed her to make it out of McAlmont that night she promised to grow up and make something of herself and never be like her parents. Despite setbacks which included sexual assault, a physically abusive relationship and teen motherhood, Robinson said her faith and determination helped her learn, grow and challenge herself to do things differently than what she saw in her family. She is now completing her Ph.D. in STEM, owns a successful wine bar, coaches aspiring female entrepreneurs who have similar experiences, and has watched her children grow up healthy and unharmed. Philosophy of life/motto: This too shall pass.”
STORY MONTH
RSISTED’
ded against the odds
DA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender
Month and this year, the national theme is, ess, She Persisted.” women in the Houston community. The DeBlack women who have succeeded through nges they have faced on different fronts.
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Raquelle Lewis Manager of communications
In 2007, Raquelle Lewis was climbing the professional ladder pursuing a career in transportation and public relations. Newly married, she was excited about what lay ahead both personally and professionally, especially when she received the news that she would be a first-time mother. Lewis did everything right – prenatal care, doctor’s visits, eating healthy. And when something felt wrong with her pregnancy just five months in, she immediately called her doctor. She was told it was “OK;” nothing to be alarmed about and that all new mothers go through the same growing pains. Hours later she was on her way to Texas Women’s Hospital ER, her son was born the next morning. Four months premature, little Andrew began the fight for his life. It’s a fight that he is winning and continues to take on. Lewis, her husband, and their support system, have helped Andrew battle severe brain injury, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, numerous surgeries and a host of other health issues to blossom into an amazing little boy. Through it all, Lewis’s faith kept her strong. Though many days were a struggle, she persisted, giving Andrew all that he needed, while continuing to climb the ranks in her career. Today, she balances motherhood with a demanding job and says her faith and attitude make it all possible. Philosophy of life/motto: “Life is Journey not a Destination” and “Seek first to understand then to be understood.”
Lolita Smith Pharmacist
Brittany King
Senior recruiter & career coach Brittany King graduated high school by the skin of her teeth and had a 1.9 GPA in college. The future didn’t look too bright for King, a teen parent and victim of domestic violence. Six years ago, she found herself in a psychiatric hospital battling depression and anxiety. Five years ago, she was nearly homeless and on welfare. King was tired of letting despair win. She changed her mindset, and that changed her life. Today she is on a path of going from welfare to building wealth while helping others along the way. “Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds I’ve faced, I’ve persevered. Resilience and determination have been the hallmarks of my success,” King said. As a career coach, she works with women to help them find or create the work they love and also work beyond the struggles they’ve encountered and pursue their dreams. “I used to say, ‘This is my lot in life, it’s not a lot, but it’s my life.’ Now I believe that I am the architect of my future and that I am responsible for pressing on in the face of adversity and trials.” Philosophy of life/motto:“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it certainly can achieve!”
In 2014, Lolita Smith was diagnosed with a rare tumor. She was treated at MD Anderson, but the chemo wreaked havoc on her body. And in May 2016, she was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukemia. Smith needed a transplant but there was no match in the bone marrow registry. “They ended up doing a transplant of cord blood, the placenta from when women have babies. They found a match in Spain. It worked and as of now, I’m in remission,” she said. But the journey to healing has been paved with obstacles. Between May of 2016 and today, the mother of three young children has been hospitalized 17 times. “That was only of portion of issues. I dropped to 79 pounds. I lost my hair, my taste buds and it was just a rough time. It was definitely very scary. But I can remember after getting the diagnosis, sitting in the backyard watching my kids playing and thinking, there is no way I can not be here for this and for them. You will do anything to fight to be here for your family.” That fighting spirit, coupled with prayer and an incredible support system has continued to fuel Smith as she takes each day one day at a time. She recently returned to work full-time and remains an active part in her children’s lives. “It’s been a rough three years, but I’m here. At one point, I took 30 pills a day, but now I take three or four. It’s a long road but I count the small blessings.” Philosophy of life/motto: “With God, all things are possible.”
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DEFENDER | MARCH 15 | 2018
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GOP coalition seeks CBC resignations Defender News Services The Republican Jewish Coalition is calling for the resignation of seven Democratic members of Congress whom it claims are “connected” to Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan, including Houston Congressman Al Green. The group describes Farrakhan as a “known anti-Semite.” Farrakhan has routinely spoken disparagingly about Jews over the years, as well as white people, in general. He was thrust
into the mainstream spotlight recently after excerpts from a speech he gave on the Nation of Islam’s Saviour’s Day surfaced online. During the speech, he described Jewish people – who “are my enemy” – in a negative manner. The lobbying group has also called for six other lawmakers to step down: U.S. Reps. Keith Ellison, D-Minn.; Barbara Lee, D-Calif.; Maxine Waters, D-Calif.; Danny Davis, D-Ill.; Andre Carson, D-Ind. and Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y..
The lawmakers have at one point in their careers while in the House – but not necessarily anytime recently nor with any frequency – met Farrakhan. The lawmakers have not commented on the allegations. A spokesman for Ellison, the deputy director of the Democratic National Committee, said that Ellison “has repeatedly disavowed anti-Semitism and bigotry, since his first campaign for Congress in 2006.” Ellison in 2007 became the first Muslim member of Congress.
Minister Louis Farrakhan
“M O V E M E N T T H AT ’ L L M O V E Y O U” –New York Magazine
Michael Jackson Jr. Photo by Andrew Eccles
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Robert Battle Artistic Director
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9
Serena Williams
‘Doctors aren’t listening’ to Black women Defender News Services
Tennis champion Serena Williams became a mother for the first time last September when she gave birth to Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. Though she joked that she and baby Olympia are “not spending a day apart until she’s 18,” bringing her daughter into the world almost cost Williams her life. Black women are more than three times as likely as their white counterparts to die during pregnancy or childbirth, and Williams thinks one reason is because many doctors don’t take the concerns of Black women seriously. “Doctors aren’t listening to us, just to be quite frank,” she said during a recent interview with the BBC. “I was in a really fortunate situation where I know my body well, and I am who I am, and I told the doctor: ‘I don’t feel right, something’s wrong.’ She immediately listened.” The day after having baby Olympia via an emergency cesarean section, Williams felt short of breath and worried she was having a pulmonary embolism, a condition that previously sidelined her career for nearly a year. Williams told a nurse she needed a CT scan, but the woman brushed her aside. When she spoke to her doctor, Williams again said she needed the procedure and her physician listened. The CT scan found several blood clots in Williams’ lungs, which could have easily been deadly. “I had a wonderful, wonderful doctor. Unfortunately, a lot of African-Americans and Black people don’t have
the same experience that I’ve had,” she said. “Because of what I went through, it would be really difficult if I didn’t have the healthcare that I have – and to imagine all the other women that do go through that without the same healthcare, without the same response, it’s upsetting,” Williams said. In addition to subpar access to quality healthcare, many Black women are forced to deal with both unconscious and outright bias from doctors. In an investigative report on the issue, ProPublica and NPR collected 200 stories from
Black women who felt disrespected and devalued by healthcare officials. The result? Many Black women don’t feel comfortable seeking help, speaking with their doctors, and the care they receive does not accurately address their needs. While she believes the medical community needs to get its act together in the way it treats Black women with respect, Williams also said when it comes to addressing any sort of inequality, we have to speak out. “I think it’s important to speak up loud and clear and say: ‘No, this isn’t right. Treat me the
Williams had a health scare after giving birth to daughter Alexis.
same way that you’re treating [someone else],” she said. As Williams returns to competitive tennis, she has undergone major changes in her personal life. Two months after giving birth she married her baby’s father, Internet entrepreneur and reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
classified REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
PLANNING AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR
WESTERN DOWNTOWN FACILITIES MASTER PLAN The Downtown Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) will receive Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from planning and financial consultants for land use planning, facilities planning, and financial development advisement for all civic facilities owned and operated by the City of Houston, in western Downtown, Houston, Texas. SOQs will be received until 2:00 P.M., local time on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, by Ryan Leach, Executive Director, Downtown Redevelopment Authority, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Qualifications received after this time will not be accepted. Respective of this advertisement, telephone, mail, email queries or requests for information will not be addressed by the Authority. Beginning Wednesday, March 14, 2018, this project’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) may be reviewed and downloaded as an electronic file from the Authority’s website: http://www.downtowntirz.com. A qualifications pre-submittal conference is scheduled for 2:00 PM, Thursday, March 22, 2018, to be held at the Authority’s offices. Following this conference, queries or requests for information will be addressed by the Authority, pursuant to the instructions provided in the RFQ. Based on the Qualifications submitted, an evaluation and selection committee will identify up to three consultants for a second-stage interview to be held in early-May. The Authority will award the contract to the selected consultant based on the qualifications and interview performance. The City of Houston General Services Department will administer the logistics of governmental and public engagement during the planning process and work directly with the selected consultant. As the project’s funding entity, the Authority will serve as the Client to the selected consultant.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN CONSULTANTS FOR BAGBY STREET CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN DOWNTOWN, HOUSTON FOR THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / TIRZ NO.3 The Downtown Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) will receive Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from engineering and design consultants for the preparation and issuance of engineered construction and bidding documents for capital improvements to be constructed on Bagby Street in Downtown Houston, Texas. Statements of Qualifications will be received until 2:00 P.M., local time on Monday, April 9, 2018, by Ryan Leach, Executive Director, Downtown Redevelopment Authority, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Qualifications received after this time will not be accepted. Respective of this advertisement, telephone, mail, email queries or requests for information will not be addressed by the Authority. Beginning Monday, March 12, 2018, this project’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) may be reviewed and downloaded as an electronic file from the Authority’s website: http://www.downtowntirz.com. A qualifications pre-submittal conference is scheduled for 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 21, 2018, to be held at the Authority’s offices. Following this conference, queries or requests for information will be addressed by the Authority, pursuant to the instructions provided in the RFQ. Based on the Qualifications submitted, an evaluation and selection committee will identify up to three qualifying consultants for a secondstage interview to be held in mid-April. The Authority will award the contract to the selected consultant based on the qualifications and interview performance.
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sports
March Madness
Texas schools represented in big dance By MAX EDISON Defender
On the eve of March Madness, Texas has no less than seven universities going to the big dance. Basketball is representing itself very well in the Lone Star State, once known exclusively as a football state. Texas Southern University, the University of Houston, Texas Tech, Texas, Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M and TCU all received their dance cards recently. The only question now is how long they all will stay. Locally, Houston can proudly push its chest out. The Bayou City has TSU and UH holding dance tickets. If it’s March, you expect TSU to compete. For the fourth time in five years, Tiger men’s basketball, under head coach Mike Davis, has been crowned SWAC Mike Davis, TSU basketball coach Tournament champions. That automatically secures you a ticket to the dance. Point guard Demontrae Jefferson was named all-tournament and tournament MVP. It’s been an up and down season for the Tigers, a talented group. Davis had to deal with some discipline issues that caused his team to struggle at various time during the season. The team has come together at just the right time, peaking in the SWAC tournament. “We’ve had some challenges throughout the season, but those items are behind us now,” Davis said. “We knew that talent was there. We simply needed to come together, trust each Rob Gray, UH guard other and play as a team. “Our pre-conference schedule is in the AAC championship game always tough, but that prepares us to be on top of our game to Cincinnati 56-55. The Couwhen conference comes. Our ultimate goal is winning the gars could be one of the more conference and getting to the dance.” dangerous teams with Sweet “We’ve been playing some really good basketball as 16 potential. of late,” Davis continued. “We’ve known all season that we “In this conference, you can score the ball at a high level. Tonight, we were able to hear a lot about Cincinnati put it all together and bring home another SWAC Tournaand Wichita State and we like ment championship.” to think that we have a good Because of a subpar regular season record (15-19 over- program as well,” Sampson all), the Tigers will face MEAC tournament champ North said. “We know they’re Carolina Central in a play-in game before heading directly ranked eighth and 11th and to the NCAA tournament. we’re sitting at 21.” For the 20th time in school history and the first time During March Madness since 2010, UH under coach Kelvin Sampson is back at the guard play rules the day and dance. The Cougars finished the season 26-7, losing by one the Cougars have a jewel in
Kelvin Sampson, UH basketball coach
first- team All-AAC guard Rob Gray, who averaged 18.5 points per game and 4.5 assists. The Cougars are the sixth seed in the West region facing No. 11 seed San Diego State in the opening round. Texas Tech (second), TCU (fifth) and Texas (seventh) participated in a bloody battle royale in an extremely competitive Big 12 season. How much they have left for March Madness remains to be seen. Texas A&M finished eighth in the SEC, but stumbled down the stretch in the regular season, before losing in a buzzer beater to Alabama in the SEC tournament. Stephen F. Austin is poised to go dancing for the second time in three years.
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Demontrae Jefferson, TSU guard
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h.s.zone Port Arthur Memorial rules Class 5A basketball By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
SAN ANTONIO – In the aftermath of the destruction dealt to the Texas Gulf Coast by Hurricane Harvey, Port Arthur Memorial rallied from a 10-point deficit to claim the school’s first Class 5A boys’ state high school basketball championship with a 75-69 victory over Northwest. With some of the Port Arthur players still displaced following the August 2017 flooding in the area according to head coach Kenneth Coleman, the 34-5 Titans found the resolve to regroup from a slow start and flourish in the fourth quarter. Senior guard Darion Chatman took center stage by scoring 13 of his 17 points in the final eight minutes. “After the hurricane this is a great feeling,” Chatman said. “We knew we weren’t out of the game the whole time. We wanted to come out and play our game in the third quarter and I just happened to take over in the end. “I didn’t plan it but I knew I needed to do something,” Chatman said. “I looked at our fans and our team and I just did it.” Northwest led 26-16 following a Darion Chatman (center) of Port Arthur Memorial was named MVP of the Class 5A pair of 3-pointers by Mason Hix, who boys’ state high school basketball championship. led all scorers with 27 points. Six-foot-9 junior center Sammie Freeman added 11 “We couldn’t stop Chatman,” said Northwest points and 15 rebounds. head coach Mike Hatch. “He just wouldn’t lie down.” The taller Texans (34-6) owned the rebounding With the game’s momentum clearly on their edge in the game’s early stages and were able to get side and the Port Arthur faithful clamoring for more, the shots they wanted. Memorial poured it on down the stretch and led 66-57 Meanwhile, Memorial struggled to get open looks with 2:16 left. against Northwest’s zone defense. Riding a 17-game winning streak coming into the The tide began to turn in the second quarter when contest Northwest pulled to within four points in the Port Arthur Memorial shot 63 percent from the field final minute of play but could get no closer. and closed within three (36-33) at halftime. “We never flinched even when we were down by Northwest led by five (50-45) to start the fourth 10 points,” Coleman said. “We had that belief in us quarter. that we could get the job done.” That’s when Chatman went to work. Thailan Wesley led Memorial with 21 points. He fed Nathan Clover for a layup and then scored Jomard Valsin (14 points) and Clover (11 points) also 10 consecutive points over the next 94 seconds to give scored in double figures. Memorial a 57-56 advantage with five minutes, 26 “We’re used to seeing Darion do that kind of stuff seconds left in regulation. everyday in practice,” Wesley said. Chatman’s foray in the fourth quarter included A crowd of 12,018 at the Alamodome witnessed four driving layups through contact, four rebounds, the 10th overall state basketball title for the Port Arthur five made free throws and two assists. He was later community and the first since P.A. Lincoln won in named the championship game MVP. 1995.
MARCH 15 | 2018 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs Big3 basketball coming Fresh off their inaugural season in 2017, The Big3’s second 10-week season will tip off in Houston on June 22 at the Toyota Center. Other stops include Chicago, Oakland, Detroit, Miami, Toronto, Dallas and Boston, with Atlanta hosting the playoffs, and the championship game taking place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. All stops will feature four back-to-back games and will take place on Friday evenings this season. The Big3 is the premier half-court, 3-on3 basketball league, featuring many of the greatest, most popular and skilled NBA players of all time. Founded by producer, actor and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, the Big3 combines highly competitive, physical, fast basketball and “incredible” fan experiences.
Hall dominant for UH University of Houston senior sprinter Elijah Hall put on a clinic at the 2018 NCAA Indoor Championships, winning a pair of national titles en route to leading the Cougar men’s track & field team to its highest point total in program history at the meet. Hall captured the 60 with a winning time of 6.52. In the 200 Hall, a Katy native, took the gold in 20.02, which ranks as the second-fastest indoor 200-meter time in world history. Hall earned NCAA first team All-America honors in the 60 and 200. Hall is Houston’s ninth All-American in the 60, while he becomes the second Cougar to claim the honor in the indoor 200.
Tompkins loses 6A crown
Katy Tompkins made history with its first appearance at the boys’ Class 6A state basketball tournament. The Falcons nearly brought home the state championship trophy as well. Tompkins led Allen at the conclusion of the first three quarters and the game was tied at 44-44 at the end of regulation. A Donovan Parham layup with one second left in overtime following a missed shot by Tompkins was the difference as Allen prevailed 49-47. A crowd of 12,153 at the San Antonio Alamodome and a state-wide television audience on Fox Sports Southwest saw Tompkins lead by as many as seven points. Allen’s biggest advantage was by three points. C.J. Washington and Jamal Bieniemy led the 32-9 Falcons with 15 points apiece. Jaylen Walker was named the game’s MVP after he led Allen (34-5) with 18 points.
Two straight for Silsbee In what may have been the most-anticipated game of the 2018 boys’ state high school basketball tournament, Silsbee held off Dallas Carter 104-101 for its second consecutive Class 4A crown. Devon McCain led the Tigers with 39 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore Braelon Bush added 31. Both McCain and Bush played all 32 minutes. Zahad Munford led Carter with 37 points. McCain shot 11-of17 from the field, including two 3-pointers. The junior also converted 15-of-16 free-throw attempts and added six assists and three steals. Silsbee led 50-46 at halftime when McCain fed Landyn Tyler at the buzzer. Silsbee defeated Yates 120-103 in the Region III title game. It was the 700th career win for Silsbee head coach Joe Sigler.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 15 | 2018
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
GHBC MEET & GREET NEW PRESIDENT……..The Greater Houston food and games-filled event attracted Third Ward residents, business owners and Black Chamber hosted a meet & greet to introduce its new president, Jeffrey D. organizational reps. They received an opportunity to get to know their neighbors Wallace. It was held at the posh Kulture Restaurant & Bar in the Greater Houston and strengthen support for each other and for Third Ward. Attendees included Partnership Building. GHBC Board Chair Courtney Johnson Rose along with Eureka Gilkey, Ryan Dennis, Dorothy Rodgers, Ken Rodgers, DJ Elevated, a packed house of chamber members and supporters welcomed Wallace with Diane Williams, Anita Williams, Shannon Baldwin, Pastor Ed Jones, fellowship, kind words and pledges of support. Founded in 1935 as the city’s first Blynthia Scott, Judge Zinneta Burney, Buerkie Klokpah, Brittany Moore, African-American civic organization, the GHBC serves as one of the best forums Jyoti Malhan, Kenneth and Loretta Ausbie and many more……..PEARLS in Houston to reach and partner with African-American GIRLS……..The Pearls Book Club sponsored a Pearls Defender TOP EVENTS Girls event geared to empower females of all ages, especially owned businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals. More photos on defendernetwork.com Event attendees included Layle McKelvey, Frederick through the arts and reading. Playwright Walker Smith was on Barksdale, Ellis Hubbard, Teeva Rose, Hiram H. Smith, hand to take part in the fun, games and uplifting conversations Kulture owner Marcus Davis, John Rolfe, Dorothy Muhammad, Alyssa that helped make the event a success. The Pearls Book Club seeks to empower Sloan, Kim Davis, Sandia Edwards, Zoga Berisha and many more…….. women through discussions, fellowship and community service. Coordinators Geynille Agee, Elandis Cashe and Carolyn Murry welcomed a sleuth of TRE NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT OUT……..The Emancipation Economic Development Council endeavored to build community through the fun and eager attendees including Sylvia Bradshaw, Maia Shelby, Vanessa Williams, fellowship of the Tre Neighborhood Night Out. Held at Trinity UMC, the music, Malaika Murry, Kennedy Shelby, Terri Dickerson, Niya Allen and others.
Frederick Barksdale, Jeffrey D. Wallace, Courtney Johnson Rose
Eric Wyatt, Dolores Rodgers, Ken Rodgers
Linda Thomas, Geynille Agee
Alyssa Sloan, Thomas Benjamin
Blynthia Scott, Joneen McIntosh
Vanessa Williams, Matt Lyne Dukes
LeeVera Smith, Eric Goodie, Chris King
Rev. John Eigege, Enayi Eigege, Jaya Eigege, Chinyere Eigege
Niya Allen, Julisa Dillingham, Kennedy Shelby
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