ATASCOCITA BOYS’ BID FOR A STATE TITLE COMES UP SHORT, P11
H.S. ZONE
facebook.com/DefenderNetwork twitter.com/DefenderNetwork
Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
Volume 85 | Number 20 MARCH 17, 2016 | FREE
www.defendernetwork.com
NATIONAL JOHN KING confirmed as education secretary
P3 CENTERFOLD KALEB TAYLOR upholds student activism legacy
P6 SPORTS BROCK OSWEILER will quarterback Texans
P10 TOP EVENTS
Deanna Laster, Pastor Mia Wright and Kim Davis at Rare Pearls fashion show
P12
TERRENCE J
‘THE PERFECT MATCH’ H PAGE 4
President Obama talks Texas President Obama visited Austin for the South by Southwest Interactive Festival, and shared his observations of Texas. Read his thoughts on the state’s low voter turnout. See what he says about Internet technology and civic participation. H PAGE 3
Ernest Walker runs KTSU
Ernest Walker is the new general manager of Texas Southern University’s radio station KTSUFM. Discover why he’s honored and anxious to get started. Hear about his plans for the station. Find out about his entertainment experience. H PAGE 5
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
2
DEFENDER | MARCH 17 | 2016
defendernetwork.com
newstalk
Serial bank robber sought The FBI Violent Crime Task Force has linked an armed serial bank robber to at least six bank heists in three Texas cities – Houston, Pearland, and Sugarland – beginning in 2014. Crime Stoppers of Houston will pay up to $5,000 for information that leads to the identity and arrest of the robber. He is described as a Black male, 45 to 55
years old, approximately 5-feet-10 to 6-feet tall, and weighing about 200 pounds. He typically wears a ball cap and sunglasses and has changed his look during the robberies with varying degrees of facial hair, from a goatee to a mustache. During each of the crimes, the robber brandished a black semi-automatic handgun. The latest robbery occurred in Houston earlier
this month. The FBI is releasing photographs of the armed gunman from several of the robberies, and a photo and reward in the case can be seen on area digital billboards. Anyone with information about the robber is asked to call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 713222-TIPS (8477), the FBI Houston Field Office at 713-693-5000 or visit www.crime-stoppers.org.
With $107 mil shortfall HISD delays funding plan The HISD Board of Education voted to postpone consideration of a plan detailing how funding will be distributed to campuses across the district for the 2016-2017 school year. Trustees postponed the vote for 30 days to allow time to further study the funding plan before bringing it back before the board in April. The funding plan is outlined in the district’s annual Resource Allocation Handbook, which campus administrators use to develop their budgets for the coming school year. It calls for a reconfiguration of district funding methods to ensure the neediest students still receive appropriate resources despite budget cuts resulting from the state’s funding formula.
HISD is facing a $107 million shortfall for the 2016-2017 school year because the current school finance plan deems the district propertywealthy and requires it to send millions of local tax dollars back to the state, a process known as recapture. Though nearly 80 percent of HISD students come from low-income families, the district is considered property-wealthy because of rising property values throughout the city. A budget workshop is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center. Trustees also: • Approved a resolution formally beginning
the process of renaming Reagan High School so that it better represents the district’s values and diversity. The campus will be required to form a school-naming committee composed of diverse staff, students, parents, and school stakeholders. The process is already underway at seven other HISD schools – Grady, Dowling, Jackson, Johnston and Lanier middle schools, and Davis and Lee high schools. • Did not approve the final reading of a policy revision addressing inconsistencies related to non-comprehensive high school participation in University Interscholastic League sports. The revision would have allowed only comprehensive high schools to offer UIL athletic activities.
localbriefs MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER reached an agreement with Waste Management on a proposed new contract that will save $2 mil and allow the City of Houston to continue offering recycling services. The proposal, expected to be presented to City Council for approval, is a two-year contract with a $90 per ton processing fee and a guarantee to WM of at least 75 percent of the city’s recycling stream. “This agreement…reaffirms our commitment to recycling, doesn’t tie the city to a long-term contract, allows Waste Management to avoid the employee layoffs that would have likely resulted from cancellation of service in Houston and provides
an opportunity for potential competitors to enter the market,” Turner said……..BLACK BUSINESS DAY AT THE CAPITOL will be held Thursday, March 31, in Austin and is sponsored by the Texas Association of African-American Chambers of Commerce. Contractors from across the state are invited to hear from elected officials and interact with agency officials and procurement staffs charged with directing billions of dollars in contracts. There will be a welcome and remarks by Gov. Greg Abbott. The event will also review upcoming legislation. Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are available. For information visit www.taacc.org........
THE HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT is now able to test for the Zika virus in people living in Houston and 17 surrounding counties. HHD’s laboratory can perform the Zika tests in one day, speeding up turn-around time since the department previously needed to ship testing samples to the CDC for confirmation. “This is the test of choice to detect the Zika virus in blood within the first seven days after symptoms appear,” said Dr. Larry Seigler, chief of HHD’s Bureau of Laboratories. Zika virus has been linked to microcephaly, a serious birth defect of the brain in babies of mothers who had the virus while pregnant. Visit www.houstontx.gov/health/.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years
defendernetwork.com
MARCH 17 | 2016 | DEFENDER
national
U.S.briefs TEXAS’ VOTER ID CASE is headed to federal appeals court. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments on the constitutionality of the state’s voter identification law. The court did not specify a date for the hearing. The move, in response to a request by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is the latest step in a case that seems destined for the U.S. Supreme Court. Last year, a panel of three judges on the appeals court issued a complicated ruling that largely was applauded by the plaintiffs in the case — which include several civil rights groups and Congressman Marc Veasey of Fort Worth — when it said the state’s voter ID law violates the U.S. Voting Rights Act through its discriminatory effects……..A U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS delegation traveled to Austin to participate in South by Southwest. The mayors joined industry leaders in serving as panelists on interactive discussions focused on how data and technology can be used to solve local challenges. The delegation included Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, president of the Conference of Mayors, and San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor……..WOMEN 65 AND OLDER are far more likely than men to face financial hardship in retirement according to a report released by the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS). As men and women age, men’s income advantage widens to 44 percent by age 80 and older. Women age 75 to 79 were three times more likely to fall below the poverty level as compared to their males counterparts. “It is well documented that the nation faces a retirement savings crisis, but the pain is particularly severe for women because we need a bigger retirement nest egg than men thanks to our longer life expectancy,” said Diane Oakley, NIRS executive director and report co-author.
3
Obama addresses Texas’ voter turnout, leadership
T
By EDGAR WALTERS The Texas Tribune
exas’ Republican leadership has stifled voter turnout, and the public sector should do more to encourage online voting and other civic engagement, President Barack Obama said in an interview with Tribune CEO and Editor-in-Chief Evan Smith. Obama’s remarks at the South by Southwest Interactive festival in Austin focused on using Internet technology to encourage more civic participation, including voting. “It is much easier to order pizza or a trip than it is for you to exercise the single most important task in a democracy, and that is to select who’s going to represent you in government,” the president said. Asked about Texas’ historically low voter
turnout, Obama said the state’s leadership was partly to blame, singling out Texas’ policy that prohibits online voter registration. That law exists “because the folks who are currently governing the good state of Texas aren’t interested in having more people participate,” he said. Texas has found itself at the center of controversy over voting rights, facing criticism from the left over the state’s voter ID law. That law is currently tied up in court after a federal judge ruled it had a “discriminatory effect” by restricting access to the polls for Black and Hispanic Texans. The law requires most citizens to show one of a handful of forms of allowable photo identification before their election ballots can be counted. Obama called for bringing government and private technology companies together to streamline government services and elevate their standing in libertarian-minded states such as Texas. “Look, Texas is never going be an early adopter of what I’m talking about here, but over time, pressure builds for us to create systems that make government more responsive and make it work better,” he said. The president said his office was working to create a “pipeline” to recruit techminded talent to the federal government. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them – about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. This story has been edited for length.
President Barack Obama spoke about civic engagement at Austin’s South by Southwest.
VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 20 MARCH 17, 2016
Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Social|Online Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison
Contributing writers Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon
The Defender is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. (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).
King confirmed as U.S. education secretary The Senate confirmed John King’s nomination as secretary of education by a 49-40 vote. King was named acting secretary in January, replacing Arne Duncan who resigned. King previously served as the Department of Education’s principal senior advisor. “I applaud the Senate for confirming John King as secretary of education,” said President Obama. “In this role, John will continue to lead our efforts to work toward high-quality preschool for all, prepare our kids for college and a career, make college more affordable, and protect Americans from the burdens of student debt. Obama said King knows how education can
transform a child’s future. “He’s seen it in his own life. And his experience, counsel, and leadership couldn’t be more valuable to me and to our country as we work to open the doors of opportunity to all of America’s children,” Obama said. King’s background includes serving as senior deputy commissioner at the New York State Education Department and as a managing director with Uncommon Schools, a non-profit charter management organization. He earned a B.A. in Government from Harvard, a master’s and doctorate from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a J.D. from Yale Law School.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years
4
DEFENDER | MARCH 17 | 2016
entertainment
defendernetwork.com
Terrence J
stars in ‘The Perfect Match’
T
By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender
errence Jenkins, aka Terrence J, was born in Queens, N.Y. in 1982, but grew up in Raleigh and Rocky Mount, N.C.. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism at North Carolina A&T University where he also worked as a DJ and served as student body president. In 2006, Terrence launched his television career as host of BET’s “106 & Park.” That same year, he made his movie debut alongside Zoe Saldana and Wood Harris in “The Heart Specialist.” He parlayed that success into roles in “Stomp the Yard 2,” “Think Like a Man” and “Sparkle,” to name a few. Last year, he played himself in the big screen version of “Entourage.” He also co-anchored the news program “E! News.” As an author, Terrence published his first literary work, “The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom,” in Terrence J is a playboy and Cassie Ventura is the woman who makes him think twice about his relationships in “The Perfect Match.” 2014. He is involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including serving as a centennial ambassador for one woman for an entire month. the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary “Find Your Park” KW: What interested you in the script for The Perfect campaign. Match? He’s a spokesperson for Ronald McDonald House Charities TJ: I don’t think it was called “The Perfect Match” at the Future Achievers Scholarship campaign, a mentor with Steve time, but it had some really amazing characters. I’d been working Harvey’s Disney Dreamers Academy, and an avid supporter of with Queen Latifah and Flavor Unit [production company] for the Newark, N.J. Boys and Girls Club. He is closely associated quite some time. When we were able to develop it into a great with the Obama administration and has been tapped to host the story with dynamic characters, it became a no-brainer and a White House student film festival. project I really wanted to be a part of. Here, he talks about his latest outing opposite Cassie KW: Who put together such a talented cast with Paula Ventura in “The Perfect Match,” a romantic comedy revolving Patton, Lauren London, Cassie Ventura, Kali Hawk, Brandy around a shameless player who takes a dare to remain faithful to Norwood and Donald Faison? And even that scene stealer
Casper Smart was terrific in a minor role. TJ: Yeah, Casper was great. It was definitely a collaborative effort. [Director Billie Woodruff] made some decisions. Queen Latifah’s team made some decisions. I had my hand in it, and we had great casting directors [Kimberly Hardin and Natasha Ward]. We all came together. KW: How did you prepare to play Charlie? TJ: I really wanted to nail this character, so I worked with an acting coach. I was heavily inspired by Eddie Murphy in “Boomerang” and a lot of my favorite movies growing up. Charlie’s a multi-layered character, and I devoted a lot of time to working on him so that I felt like I knew him by the time we shot. KW: What message do you think people will take away from the film? TJ: This is a coming-ofage story about growing up. A lot of times, guys think we can get away with things. In the case of Charlie, he meets his match, a girl who really helps him mature and to look at relationships, his career and other aspects of his life in a new way. That’s what I hope people take away from the film. KW: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d like to star in? TJ: Not really one in particular. I love any script that tells a good story.
what’sup Singer CIARA is celebrating her engagement to RUSSELL WILSON, quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson announced that he popped the question via an Instagram video. Ciara said “yes” during a romantic trip to the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean off East Africa. The couple posted numerous photos on their social media accounts detailing their vacation. Ciara was born in Austin and grew up on U.S. Army bases……..“Empire” co-stars TRAI BYERS and GRACE GEALEY are engaged. Byers portrays Andre Lyons, the oldest son of TERRENCE HOWARD and TARAJI P. HENSON. Gealy plays Anika, Howard’s former
girlfriend. Rumors have surfaced that Byers plans to leave “Empire” because the show is beneath him since he’s a Yale trained actor. He denied the rumors and said he was “proud, so happy and so lucky” to be a part of the cast.........The premiere of Bounce TV’s first original drama series, “Saints & Sinners,” was the network’s highest-rated program in its history. The series airs Sundays at 8 p.m., and centers around the pursuit of power, intertwined with greed, deception, corruption and murder – all set against the backdrop of a large southern church. It stars VANESSA BELL CALLOWAY, KEITH ROBINSON, GLORIA REUBEN and RICHARD LAWSON…….. James
Hudson & Showtime present the dramatic musical “AMERICAN STEP DADDY” on Saturday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at The Church of Restoration , 6706 West Airport. It focuses on the ups and downs of a family with nine children. For ticket information visit www.jameshudsonshowtime.com or call 832-8804474……..TAKE 6, the most honored a cappella group in music history, is on the move. The group’s new album “Believe” will be released on March 25. They are also launching a European tour in April that will take them to seven countries. The group was formed in 1980 on the campus of Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years
defendernetwork.com
Ernest Walker
Walker new GM at KTSU Ernest Walker has joined Texas Southern University as the new general manager of its radio station, KTSU-FM (90.9). Walker, who is president of Walker Entertainment Group Inc., has served as a producer and music director in all aspects of the entertainment industry. He has worked with such recording artists as Kirk Whalum, Al Jarreau, Regina Belle, the late Natalie Cole, Quincy Jones and Chante Moore. Walker’s experience also includes serving as vice chairman of the Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation Board, business manager of Abundant Life Cathedral, general manager of Ablife Records and president of Keepinag the Music Alive Organization. He is a graduate of Yates High School and an alumnus of the School of Music in Washington D.C. In the coming weeks, Walker will assess the needs and resources of the station and align his goals and plans with successful outcome strategies. “I am anxious to get started,” he said. “I have so many plans to connect KTSU with the community and beyond. For the students, I want nothing more than to see them properly trained, interning in real world experiences and succeeding beyond measure. “It really is an honor to lead this entity as we look forward to charting a path to keep KTSU vital and vibrant,” Walker said. “We will work hard to build a stronger station for our community of listeners and members. Please stay tuned.”
MARCH 17 | 2016 | DEFENDER
5
6
DEFENDER | MARCH 17 | 2016
cente
Students from PVAMU were among those protesting in Waller County.
History repeats itself at TSU, PVAMU, UH University of Texas and the State of Texas with the support of the NAACP. This paved the way for the establishment of a Negro he Civil Rights Movement law school in Houston and the creation of a brought about a wave of social university to surround it. change that propelled America With the help of student petitions to into a new age. Leaders such as remove the phrase “for Negroes” in 1951, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood up for the school’s name was changed to Texas social injustice despite the repercussions. Southern University. Others who took part in this movement One of TSU’s most well-known were college students who were bold and student activists was the late Holly unafraid to stand up for what they thought Hogrobrooks, who helped organize was right. Students across the country Houston’s first sit-in on March 4, 1960. She rallied together to make and a group of students social changes on their to the Weingarten “It was predictable marched campuses and beyond. Supermarket lunch counter The legacy of the at 4110 Almeda Road, sat that the young students who fought for down and waited to be students would social change during served. the civil rights era still TSU Vice President seek solace and lives on today in the and Dean of Students companionship hearts of the present William Saunders said the generation’s Black activism that took place in among other Lives Matter movement. time was different from African-American his Here, the Defender the movement college looks at the legacy of students partake in now. students. “ student activism at Texas “Throughout my Southern University, entire college career, when Prairie View A&M University and the the news came on I watched kids getting University of Houston. killed every day,” Saunders said. “Imagine going out on Dowling or Cleburne where Texas Southern University people are demonstrating and all of a The legacy of TSU’s student activism sudden you see 500 of the National Guard dates back to its founding when it was known as the Houston College for Negroes with guns. It’s a different day.” Today, students such as Kaleb Taylor in 1946. In February of that year, a Black of TSU continue to fight for social change. Houston native named Heman Sweatt Taylor, a political science major, has applied to enroll in the law school at the been involved in the Pre-Law Society, University of Texas. Due to segregation, Sweatt was denied Political Science Club and Collegiate 100 Black Men of America. He cofounded the admission and later filed a suit against the
T
By AMBER VERNON Defender
TSU students held a sit-in at Weingarten Supermarket on March 4, 1960.
THE LEG
STUDENT A
Southern Student Leadership Association to unite students on social justice issues such as Black Lives Matter and immigration. “What got me involved was the recurring incidents with police brutality,” Taylor said. “With each one I got more and more upset and angry at the lack of justice being given. We’re always told to go to school and get a good job but every decision that I’ve made now has always been about how this is going to help someone else. I envision a world where inferiority is not linked to blackness.”
Prairie View A&M University
PVAMU is another HBCU where students have a history of advocating for social change. In 1963, 60 students picketed two restaurants in Hempstead, Texas to protest segregation. The demonstrations were a part of a continuing economic boycott that began the summer before in protest of the town’s segregation policies concerning entertainment and business facilities. Students and faculty began to shop in near-by centers in Houston, 30 miles away, withdrawing their economic support from Hempstead. Trying to get administrators to take a stand, 3,000 students met in the gym to applaud 46 student leaders who resigned their campus offices in protest. Later, faculty members spearheaded a drive to talk with town merchants about desegregation that led to the removal
of discriminatory signs in Waller other places. Ten merchants also PVAMU Alumnus and Vice Governmental Relations Frank Ja area never stopped them from ca Civil Rights Movement. “We were out in the country spoke out,” Jackson said. “We ha government association. We prot open up and be more inclusive. I stand up against authority. “We had a lot of the activists community come out and talk to we wanted to get more informati on outside of what was happenin travel to Houston. “Once, during the time that I a list of demands for things like a hot water and more books in the marching in front of the universit said. In 2008, over 1,000 students to the polls on a Tuesday to prote voting place near campus. In resp commissioner’s court agreed to p temporary polling places that inc
defendernetwork.com • Serving th
erfold
defendernetwork.com
Kaleb Taylor ,
a TSU studen t activist, sp
eaks out on
7
local issues
.
GACY OF
ACTIVISM
r County Court House and hired 13 Blacks as a result. Chancellor for ackson said being in a rural atching the wildfire of the
y but the students ad a very strong student tested to get the campus to It was exciting to see people
s from the Houston the students, but when ion on what was going ng on the news, we would
I was pledging, we gathered adequate dormitories with library. I remember them ty president’s house,” he
s marched seven miles est the lack of an early ponse, the Waller County provide three additional cluded a place that was a
mile away from campus. Today, current students have rallied to support the Black Lives Matter movement and protest the death of Sandra Bland.
University of Houston
Although UH is not a historically Black university, that fact didn’t stop the very first black students to attend its campus from rising up to make a positive impact. Within the university archives, Dr. Teresa TomkinsWalsh chronicled desegregation at the campus during the 1960s. In her article titled “Desegregation at UH” she wrote, “For African-American students who attended UH in the early cohorts, desegregation opened opportunities for education, but the broader range of college experiences remained closed to them. “It was predictable that the young students would seek solace and companionship among other African-American students. As their numbers increased by the mid-1960s, they began to organize and protest, influenced by a range of issues infusing the broader culture.” African-American students came together to form the Committee on Better Race Relations (COBRR) in the spring semester of 1967. In the fall, members protested the process for selecting the homecoming queen with a write-in candidate of their own.
he Houston area for over 80 years
esident of the UH Jalyn Gordon is pr
ion.
Black Student Un
In 1968, Lynn Eusan was crowned as the first African-American homecoming queen at the University of Houston. In petitioning for a course in Negro history in 1969, members of COBRR eventually brought about the base for the African-American studies program at UH and established local chapters of national Black organizations. UH early activists included SHAPE Center founder Deloyd Parker and County Commissioner Gene Locke. Today at UH, Black Student Union President Jalyn Gordon is working to have an impact on campus. “As the president, I have led the initiative to create programs that have
increased Black student engagement with the university such as Black Grad and an annual Black Faculty and Staff Mixer,” Gordon said. “I also promote Black student academic and social success via workshops. “Last spring we created the Black Caucus, a committee of representatives of all Black organizations on campus to discuss the Black political agenda and collaborate on programs. “My personal mission is to provide academic and social transformation to underserved and under-motivated students of African descent while increasing the awareness of community institutions such as churches and grass roots organizations,” Gordon said.
8
DEFENDER | MARCH 17 | 2016
defendernetwork.com
Willowridge students win Algebra 1 Quiz Bowl Willowridge High School students are celebrating a recent victory in academic competition. The school’s eight-member Algebra 1 team was named winner of high school level of Fort Bend ISD’s 8th Annual Algebra 1 Quiz Bowl after competing against teams from nine other FBISD high schools. Hosted by FBISD’s Digital Learning and high school Math Departments, the Quiz Bowl gives ninth-grade students the opportunity to match their math skills against
their peers across the district. The Quiz Bowl utilizes videoconferencing technology to connect opposing teams from across the district in a “face-to-face” competition. Students advance in rounds by solving and answering Algebra 1 questions. “We are so proud of our winning team,” said Willowridge Math Specialist Susan Lazarou. “They represented us well and made school history by being the first Willowridge team to win the competition.” Last year, Willowridge placed third in the Quiz Bowl.
Willowridge High School Algebra 1 team members include (seated, l. to r.) Andy Herrera, Kimberly Corleto, Mia Blaylock and Dominique Norman. Standing (l. to r.) are math specialist Susan Lazarou, team members Erick Bonilla, Floyd Vitatoe, Mercy Owolabi and Brandon Foster, and math teacher Anna Sasu.
Houston reading series features authors Inprint, a Houston literary arts nonprofit organization, presents an evening with fiction writers Mat Johnson and Helen Oyeyemi as part of the 2015/2016 Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series. The event will be held on Monday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. (doors open 6:45 p.m.) at the Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater, 501 Texas Ave. Johnson and Oyeyemi will read from their latest books, “Loving Day” and “What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours,” followed by an onstage interview with Audrey Colombe, faculty member at the University of Houston, an audience Q&A, and a book sale and signing. Johnson, a faculty member of the UH Creative Writing Program, has been called “one of the funniest writers in America” by NPR.
Mat Johnson
His novel “Loving Day,” a New York Times Notable book and optioned by Showtime for a TV series on racial identity, is about “being blackish in America.” Johnson is also the author of the novels “Pym,” “Hunting in Harlem” (winner of the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award) and “Drop,” and wrote the nonfiction novella “The Great Negro Plot.” Johnson was the first USA James Baldwin Fellow and
Helen Oyeyemi
has won the John Dos Passos Prize for Literature, among other honors. Oyeyemi has been called “one of our most exciting, witty, and questioning novelists as well as quite simply a writer of sentences so elegant that they gleam” by the Times Literary Supplement. Buzzfeed described her newly-published story collection “What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours” as “stunning
... highly imaginative and enchanting … Oyeyemi at her best.” Other works include her New York Times Notable Book “Boy, Snow, Bird,” loosely based on “Snow White,” as well as “The Icarus Girl,” “White is for Witching” and “Mr. Fox.” The Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series has presented more than 330 of the world’s great writers since 1980. For tickets and more information, visit www. inprinthouston.org or call 713-521-2026.
classifieds NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids, in duplicate, addressed to OST /Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority will be received at 5445 Almeda Rd, #545, Houston, TX 77004, until 2:00 pm on Monday, March 28th , 2016. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 2:05 PM on Monday, March 28th 2016 for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals, as required, for tree planting along OST and Griggs and the removal and replacement of sidewalks along Cullen and Tierwester in Houston, TX. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be examined at the following locations: (1) Amtek Plan Rm, 4001 Sherwood Ln, Houston, TX.; (2) ABC/Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX; and (3) AGC, 2400 Augusta, #305, Houston, TX. The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be obtained at the offices of OST /Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority, 5445 Almeda Rd, #545, Houston, TX 77004 (713-522-5154) for a nonrefundable fee of $75.00 per set. Make checks payable to OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority. A prebid conference will be held at OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority offices, 5445 Almeda Rd, #502, Houston, TX on Monday, March 21st, 2016 at 2:00 pm. It is requested, but not mandatory, that each bidder be represented at the pre-bid conference.
defendernetwork.com
MARCH 17 | 2016 | DEFENDER
9
Filed 2012 taxes? Refund deadline near The Internal Revenue Service announced that federal income tax refunds totaling $950 million may be waiting for an estimated one million taxpayers who did not file a federal income tax return for 2012. To collect the money, these taxpayers must file a 2012 tax return with the IRS no later than this year’s April 18 tax deadline. In Texas, an estimated 96,400 individuals did not file a 2012 return with a potential refund. The median potential refund is $771. In cases where a tax return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim a refund within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. “A surprising number of people across the country overlook claiming tax refunds each year. But the clock is ticking for taxpayers who didn’t file a 2012 federal income tax return, leaving nearly $1 billion in refunds unclaimed,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “We especially encourage students and others
who didn’t earn much money to look into this situation because they may still be entitled to a refund. Don’t forget, there’s no penalty for filing a late return if you’re due a refund.” The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2012 refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2013 and 2014. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS, or their state tax agency, and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, such as student loans.
By failing to file a tax return, people stand to lose more than just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2012. Many low-and-moderate income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit. For 2012, the credit is worth as much as $5,891. Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the IRS. gov Forms and Publications page, or by calling toll-free at 800-TAX-FORM (800-8293676). Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years 2012, 2013 or 2014 should request copies from their employer, bank or other payer. Taxpayers who are unable to obtain missing forms from their employer or other payer should go to IRS.gov and use the “Get a Transcript by Mail” button to order a paper copy of their transcript and have it sent to their address of record. Taxpayers can also file Form 4506-T to request a transcript of their tax return.
10
DEFENDER | MARCH 17 | 2016
defendernetwork.com
sports
Texans hit grand slam in free agency
N
By MAX EDISON Defender
FL free agency started recently and Texans fans were hopeful that the team would find a way to address some of their numerous needs. Prior to the start of free agency, the Defender listed six positions that the team needed to address in the offseason, and General Manager Rick Smith undoubtedly saw the same list. On the first day of free agency Smith hit what amounted to a “grand slam,” acquiring four players that immediately make the Texans a better team. The Texans signed quarterback Brock Osweiler (Denver), running back Lamar Miller (Miami), guard Jeff Allen (Kansas City) and center/guard Tony Bergstrom (Oakland). The free agent moves will allow the Texans to go into the draft with a wide open mindset, not being bound to a particular position. With over $100 million in total contracts invested in this group of players you must have the blessings of the owner, and Bob McNair is pleased with the personnel the team acquired. “We added some components that are going to be very productive for our team and we’re excited,” McNair said. “We’ve got the draft coming up shortly and we’ll be bringing in a few other young athletes, so it’s a wonderful opportunity. We think that we’ve got the best young men around and they’re going to represent the city well and represent the Texans.” Having the financial resources to orchestrate deals of this magnitude are always key and Smith was quick to acknowledge McNair’s commitment. “First of all, I have to publicly thank Bob McNair for the resources that he allows us,” Smith said. “He talked about our program and our plan, and part of that plan is to have an organization that is consistently competing every year. “I think if you look back over the last five or so years, we’ve had some measure of success. We’ve had a winning season four out of the last five years and had a few division championships, but we
haven’t taken the next step,” Smith said. “We really believe that this class of free agents gives us an opportunity to do that, and it certainly is not possible without the support that we get from ownership from both him and Cal [McNair]. “…I wear a lot of hats and do a lot of things as general manager, but every decision that we make collectively is geared toward one goal, and that’s to win.” The centerpiece of the free agency haul is quarterback Osweiler (6-feet-8, 240 pounds). Entering his fifth year in the NFL, Osweiler is a former second-round pick out of Arizona. State. He is only 25 years old, and the Texans hope they have answered their QB questions for the present as well as the future. Osweiler is convinced Houston was the right fit for him. “I feel that the Houston Texans give me the best opportunity to be successful,” he said. “From the top down, starting with the McNair family, moving down to the coaching staff with Coach [George] Godsey and Coach [Bill] O’Brien and the offensive attack they have here, I feel that their offense fits my skill set very well and I am excited
Jeff Allen, an offen sive guard, playe d four seasons with Kans as City.
ed for nearly
Miami, rush ing back from
st
900 yards la
, a runn Lamar Miller . on as se
Brock Osweiler, the Texans’ new quarterback, earned a Super Bowl ring with Denver.
to play in that offense. That is ultimately what brought me here to Houston.” Osweiler acknowledged the team’s past success. “The Houston Texans were a playoff team last year,” he said. “They’ve already created a great culture here. They’ve already created a great locker room. They already have a great football team. “My biggest thing is just coming in and doing my job to the best of my abilities, to put the football team in a position to be successful. I don’t think I need to come in and do anything special. Obviously, I know there’s plenty of areas that I can improve in my game. I’m already working on that in the offseason.”
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
defendernetwork.com
h.s.zone
MARCH 17 | 2016 | DEFENDER
11
sportsbriefs TSU ready for relays The 65th annual TSU Relays are scheduled for March 18-19 at the Alexander Durley Stadium on the campus of Texas Southern University. Participants from middle schools, high schools and the university level will be represented. The Tiger men, fresh off the heels of their second consecutive indoor SWAC championship, are expected to primed and prepared on their home turf. Expect the Lady Tigers to bounce back even stronger after finishing in a third place tie at the conference indoor championship meet. Many of the region’s premier high school athletes will be performing in what should be one of the hottest meets of the outdoor season.
PVAMU hires coach
Atascocita boys’ state title bid comes up short back-to-back three-pointers. Super sub Tristen Wallace scored eight points during the surge that included a monster dunk from 6-foot-11 center Marques Bolden and a steal and layup from SAN ANTONIO – There was no fairytale ending to this Brandon Butler. adventure and gold at the end of the rainbow. It came down to “Foul trouble put us in a bind and we just couldn’t dig a startling revelation that on this day there was a better team on ourselves out of a hole in the second quarter,” said Atascocita the floor. head coach David Martinez. “They got us today so my hat’s off The Atascocita boys’ varsity basketball team was a to DeSoto. preseason No. 1 selection in the Texas Association of Basketball “This is a tough way to end the season,” Martinez said. Coaches (TABC) Class 6A state poll. The unbeaten Eagles held “We took it one game at a time and we never looked ahead. It that distinction throughout the 2015-2016 high school basketball was a great run with a great group of guys that I had for four regular season and stormed their way into the state title game years. We did our best to bring the championship home and we against No. 4 DeSoto with six playoff wins. just couldn’t finish.” After starting the season When 6-8 post Fabian with 38 consecutive wins, the White picked up two early defendernetwork.com 39th “W” was nowhere to be fouls, Martinez was forced to Find out how Fort Bend Elkins found. DeSoto prevailed with utilize an undersized lineup. boys fared at state tournament a resounding 73-54 victory in Atascocita was outrebounded the Class 6A state title game at 40-24 while Bolden (12 the Alamodome. points, 9 rebounds) controlled the interior with six blocked shots. Trailing 13-11 following the first quarter, Atascocita guard Yet Atascocita (38-1) refused to go down quietly. Martinez Carsen Edwards converted consecutive jumpers to pull his team employed a full-court press to begin the third quarter and a even at 15-15. Then the momentum changed when DeSoto three-pointer by Edwards with two minutes, 25 seconds left in cranked up an 18-0 run to close out the second quarter and carry the stanza pulled the Eagles within 43-36. That was as close as a 33-15 advantage into intermission. they would get. “They were making defensive stops and scoring on the Wallace, a University of Oregon football commit, other end,” said Edwards, a Purdue signee and Atascocita’s was sensational off the DeSoto bench and was named the leading scorer with 20 points, including four three-pointers. championship game Most Valuable Player for his 25-point, 9 “That’s what got them on their run, big stops with their defense. rebounds and three steals performance. That’s what we needed and couldn’t get it done. “The way Wallace played the last two days, he deserved the “We gave it our all and I can’t say anything bad about our MVP,” said Martinez, a former DeSoto assistant coach. “Tristen effort,” Edwards said. “It was a blessing to make it this far. We came through big for them. When we tried to prevent their big wanted a different ending but we’ll be okay. They are a great man from getting the ball, he had an answer for them. team. That’s why they were here.” “Coach [Chris] Dyer does a great job with this group. His DeSoto (36-2) guard Jordan Berry began the barrage with guys were on it today.” By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
Prairie View A&M University Athletic Director Ashley Robinson recently announced that Byron Smith has been named the school’s head men’s basketball coach. Smith served as interim head coach for the final three months of the 2015-16 season. “I’ve observed Coach Smith on and off the court once the transition was made in January and I liked how the student-athletes gravitated toward him and fed off his energy and confidence,” Robinson said. “It showed as we finished the second half of the season with a winning record. I was also impressed on how he interacted with the PVAMU community and went out of his way to make them feel welcome when the opportunity presented itself. I feel he has the necessary characteristics to become a successful head coach and our men’s program will be in good hands.”
Yates hosts free clinic Yates High School, located at 3703 Sampson, will host a Powerade youth basketball clinic on Saturday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as part of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four Tournament coming to Houston April 2-4. The free clinic is open to students in grades 3-8. Participants will learn fun basketball drills and healthy lifestyle tips from NCAA coaches and student-athletes. Each participant will receive a free T-shirt and other promotional items. The clinic will also feature a session for parents/guardians with information on sports recruiting and eligibility guidelines. Registration information is available online at www.ncaa.com/final-four/ youth-clinics.
NFL honors high schools The NFL has launched the Super Bowl High School Honor Roll Initiative, recognizing schools and communities that contributed to Super Bowl history and positively impacted the game of football. High schools across the nation and around the world received a commemorative Wilson Golden Football for every player or head coach who graduated from the school and was on an active Super Bowl roster. Alief Elsik High School graduate and former Pittsburgh Steelers player Tony Hills recently signed the ball at the school. Hills also toured the school with his wife and two sons and spoke with teachers, coaches and administrators. Hills, 31, is a 6-foot-5, 304-pound free agent offensive tackle who also played with the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. The eight-year NFL veteran is a native of Dallas who played his college ball at the University of Texas.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
12
DEFENDER | MARCH 17 | 2016
defendernetwork.com
Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
Texas Southern, Prairie View A&M, Alabama A&M, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Mississippi COVENANT HOUSE GALA……..Covenant House Texas recently held its “Vintage Valley State, Grambling State, Jackson State, and Alcorn State. Those on the scene Houston” gala at the Omni Riverway Hotel. The night began with cocktails and a silent included Gordon Marc, Kimberly Anderson, Kiersten Brown, Kenya Hadnot, Danyell auction, which raised over $745,000 for Covenant House youth programs and to help end Blough, Jason Ness, Tracee Fletcher and Charles McKnight……..DEANNA LASTER homelessness. KHOU’s David Paul and Chita Johnson emceed the event and former & RARE PEARLS FASHION SHOW……..More than 100 people attended the private Astros pitcher J.R. Richard gave the invocation. Those in attendance included Kurt Nondorf, Rhonda Robinson, Greg Hernandez, Randall Walker, Jacqueline Fair, Linda launch of Deanna Laster’s spring fashion line at Gremillion & Co Fine Art, Inc. As part of the designer’s philanthropic efforts a silent auction was held for the Bell, Yvonne Conklin, Patti Turner, Ashley Tisius, Barbara Jean nonprofit, Rare Pearls. The organization benefits high school girls who Lauratis, Teresa Ombese, David Ombese, Karmoh Sheriff, Defender TOP EVENTS have demonstrated academic skills, leadership abilities, character, and Lucia Sheriff, Vidajia Reece, Mark Adamtey, Catherine Ojode More photos on defendernetwork.com discipline but are at-risk of not living up to their full potential due to and Kim Upchurch……..2016 SWAC TOURNAMENT…….. See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ extenuating circumstances and challenges. Laster’s brand merges fashion The 2016 Toyota SWAC Basketball Tournament recently with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. with philanthropy and seeks to empower women. Those in attendance crowned its kings and queens of the court as the Southern included Rev. Jacquie Hood-Martin, Rev. Mia Wright, Anita Smith, University men’s team and Alabama State Lady Hornets went Charmane Carter, make-up artist Monsieur Walzer, Michica Guillory, Kim Davis, Kim home as SWAC champions. Off the court, the city hosted several parties and a star-studded Roxie of LAMIK, Natalie Weakly, Alia Vojnikovic, Andrea Henderson, Connie Bailey, concert line-up at the Toyota Center. The official alumni live party was held at both Sugar Paris Givens, Yolanda Green, Toni Johnson and Sydney Dao. Hill Bar and Lounge and Mosaic Bar & Lounge. The SWAC tournament bracket included
Mark Adamtey, Vidajia Reece, Lucia Sheriff, Karmoh Sheriff
Lula and J.R. Richard, Jacqueline Fair
Kiersten Brown, Kenya Hadnot, Danyell Blough
Connie Bailey, Paris Givens
Kimberly Anderson, Jason Ness
Deanna Laster, Pastor Mia Wright, Kim Davis, Kim Roxie
Rhonda Robinson, Kurt Nondorf
Charles McKnight, Tracee Fletcher
Yolanda Green, Toni Johnson (Fashion show photos by Mike Charlton)
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years