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Volume 81 | Number 21 WEEK OF MARCH 22, 2012 | FREE

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NATIONAL

TRAYVON MARTIN shooting death investigated

U.S. Trade Rep. Ron Kirk:

Understanding

trade

ENTERTAINMENT OPINION

DeRAY DAVIS jumps into role

H Page 6

FEATURE

PRESIDENT OBAMA speaks to Black Press

U.S. Rep. Al Green

Jermaine Authorlee

In an effort to shed light on the crisis in Sudan, Houston Congressman Al Green was arrested at the country’s embassy while participating in a peaceful protest. More than half a million men, women and children are at risk of starvation while the Sudanese government blocks food and humanitarian aid.

North Shore track and field standout Jermaine Authorlee has made up his mind and will head to the University of Alabama. He also received scholarship offers from the University of Houston, Texas Tech, TCU and Texas A&M. “I just felt like Alabama was a good fit and a good environment for me,” he said.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 22 | 2012

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Defender dialogue Summer travel? Think you can’t afford to make summer travel plans? Think again! Find out how to travel unique and cheap. At www.defendernetwork. com.

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Imagine getting a death sentence for a crime your friends committed…it’s possible and in “Party Girl” the riveting new novel by author Pat Tucker, find out firsthand how a young mother finds herself embroiled in a fight for her life after one bad choice lands her in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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WEEK OF MARCH 22 | 2012 | DEFENDER

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Black students

fight voter ID law

Division blocked Texas from enforcing its new law, contending that it would disproportionately affect eligible voters of color, who are more likely to lack accepted forms of photo ID than eligible white voters. “Many of our student members voted in previous elections in Texas using the only form of identification they had – a state-issued student ID – which would no longer be acceptable under Texas’s proposed photo ID law,” said Christina Sanders, director of the Texas League of Young Voters Education Fund. “While a student ID will not satisfy Texas’s proposed ID measure, a concealed handgun license will. Section 5 protects against the implementation of this type of law, which threatens to disfranchise many students of color who seek to

Defender News Services

tudents at Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M universities joined the Texas League of Young Voters Education Fund in filing a motion to intervene in a lawsuit to prevent the implementation of the state’s voter ID law, and defend the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) is representing the students and young voters. The contested lawsuit, Texas v. Holder, was filed against the Justice Department (DOJ) by state Attorney General Greg Abbott, who wants the voter ID law implemented immediately. The DOJ has until April 9 to respond to the lawsuit. The DOJ’s Civil Rights

exercise their protected right to vote.” The LDF previously urged the DOJ to reject Texas’ photo ID measure after it was determined that many students at Texas HBCUs, such as PV and TSU, would be stripped of their voting rights because they do not have and cannot easily obtain a state-issued ID card other than their student cards. “Our clients seek to join this case to illustrate the discriminatory nature of Texas’s photo ID measure, and the true costs and burdens of obtaining the underlying documents necessary to secure Texas’ so-called ‘free’ photo ID,” said Natasha Korgaonkar, LDF assistant counsel. “Our experience teaches us that a student’s ability to pay a fee should not determine whether they can vote.”

Houston Sun co-publisher dies Lonal Robinson, 63, co-publisher of the Houston Sun Newspaper, passed away on March 17 after a lengthy hospital stay. A native of Lima, Ohio, Robinson was a community volunteer who worked with youth in foot-

ball, basketball and baseball. He also supported the Friends of Emancipation Park’s efforts to renovate the 140-year-old historic landmark. In 1983, Robinson and his wife, Dorris Ellis Robinson, established the

Houston Sun. In 1990, he opened the first Blackowned comedy club in the Southwest, the Comedy Place. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children and five grandchildren.

A two-story classroom addition will be part of Worthing High School’s renovation.

Worthing High breaks ground on expansion

Defender News Services Administrators, staff, alumni, students and Sunnyside neighborhood residents recently gathered for the official groundbreaking ceremony for Worthing High School’s renovation and expansion. The project includes a new two-story classroom addition, safety and security upgrades, technology improvements, and roof repairs, in addition to repairs of the athletic track. Other changes include a new library, science labs and commons area. “Sunnyside is a proud community with close-knit ties to successful people across the United States,” said HISD Trustee Larry Marshall. “We are delighted to be able to welcome them to the site of the new and improved Worthing High School. It’s been a dream for these residents for a long time.” “This new school building, with the renovated commons and auditorium, will definitely be a source of pride for the residents of Sunnyside,” said Worthing Principal Tod Nix. “Most importantly, this is something our students are going to be proud of and enjoy every school day.” The $805 million bond referendum approved by voters in 2007 helped make the Worthing project possible. The campus’ life skills building will become the new Worthing Community Learning Center, a student uniontype structure that will serve neighborhood children.

localbriefs HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS can obtain assistance with school success and college/career-readiness through AT&T Aspire, a corporate educational initiative with more than $100 million invested since 2008. The program is being expanded with a new, $250 million financial commitment by using technology to connect with students in more effective ways. The program also connects through mentoring, internships and employee volunteer efforts. Texas organizations have until April 18 to submit applications to pre-qualify for funding. More information is available at www.att.com/education-news……..LOW-INCOME TEXAS WOMEN will continue to receive health screenings, family planning exams and birth control for three

months after an extension was granted to the Texas Medicaid Women’s Health Program. The program was scheduled to end in Texas on March 31 due to the state’s decision to exclude clinics affiliated with abortion providers, even those that do not provide abortions. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and State Rep. Garnet Coleman are among those fighting for the program, and Jackson Lee personally worked with Health and Human Services officials to gain the extension. “During those three months we will continue to have more talks and negotiations about the program,” Jackson Lee said…….. GALVESTON IS EXPANDING ITS JUNETEENTH celebration this year. The city, which is the birthplace of the holiday, is planning a 10-day festival designed to attract

tourists from across the country. The celebration will include a meeting of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. Other events will include a parade, picnics, live entertainment, a barbecue cook-off, African-American heritage exhibits, concerts and the annual reading of the Emancipation Proclamation…….. ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY holds its South Central Regional Conference March 22-25 in Houston. More than 3,000 women from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico are expected to attend…….. SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY hosts its 71st Southwestern Regional Conference March 22-25 in Houston as well. The region includes sorors who reside in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 22 | 2012

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Justice Dept. investigating teen’s death Defender News Services

During a protest about Sudan in Washington, D.C., Congressman Al Green (right) joins Benjamin Jealous, Dick Gregory, Martin Luther King III and others.

U.S. Rep. Al Green

draws attention to Sudan Defender News Services

ouston Congressman Al Green is determined to shed light on the crisis in Sudan. He was recently arrested at the country’s embassy for civil disobedience while participating in a peaceful protest against the aggression of Sudanese armed forces. Green was set free after posting bail at a Washington, D.C. police station. Also arrested were Martin Luther King III, NAACP President Ben Jealous, activist Dick Gregory, actor George Clooney and Congressmen John Olver (Mass.), Jim McGovern (Mass.) and Jim Moran (Va.). The protest was part of an effort by the group United to End Genocide to gain publicity for the violence and deteriorating conditions caused by Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir’s policies in the northeast African country.

“This situation is becoming more critical by the minute,” Green said. “I am working to bring attention to this tragic humanitarian crisis that can be resolved if the Sudanese army stops attacking civilians and allows them to receive food and humanitarian aid.” It is estimated that half a million innocent men, women and children are at risk of starvation in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile regions because the government is blocking food and humanitarian aid. “As Dr. Martin Luther King said, ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,’ ” Green said. “We cannot allow the ongoing conflict in Sudan to continue and we must stand together to protect those who are innocent victims of these senseless acts of violence. “The Sudanese people already suffered too much because of the atrocities that President Al-Bashir perpetrated in Darfur.” Amnesty International

joined Green and others in calling for an immediate end to atrocities being perpetrated by the Sudanese government. According to the organization, Sudanese armed forces are targeting civilian areas with aerial bombardment. The indiscriminate bombing, coupled with the denial of access to relief aid, has created a human rights and humanitarian emergency. “The tactics employed by the Sudanese forces in these areas are tragically reminiscent of the crimes committed in Darfur,” said Amnesty International’s Scott Edwards. “Civilians must at all times be protected, and the government’s failure to end indiscriminate bombing – or worse, its intentional targeting and murder of civilians – requires swift and meaningful action by the international community.” Jealous agreed that action is needed. “These atrocities must stop,” he said. “Too many lives Continued on Page 9

The U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the FBI are also looking into the case. Martin, a 17-year-old unarmed Black youth, was shot to death in an Orlando suburb on Feb. 26 by George Zimmerman, a white neighborhood watch captain who told police he fired in self-defense. Martin’s death sparked a nationwide outcry after local police handling the case failed to bring charges against Zimmerman. The Justice Department said it would conduct a “thorough and independent review” of all of the evidence and take appropriate action at the conclusion of the investigation. Zimmerman confronted Martin after calling 911 and reporting him as a “suspicious person.” Though a dispatcher told Zimmerman not to follow the teen, he confronted him nevertheless. When police and emergency medical officials arrived at the scene, Martin was pronounced dead with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was carrying cash, a bag of Skittles and a container of iced tea. Police questioned Zimmerman and released him without charges. Attorneys for Martin’s family said they had no faith in the Sanford, Fla. police and joined Black elected officials and organizations in calling for an independent investigation into the case.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 21 WEEK OF MARCH 22, 2012

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

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

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

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WEEK OF MARCH 22 | 2012 | DEFENDER

entertainment

DeRay Davis

Comedian-turned-actor jumps into role By Kam Williams Defender orn in Chicago, DeRay Davis began his career on the comedy club circuit. He was first noticed by Hollywood while onstage at Atlanta’s Laffapalooza Festival. Shortly after moving to L.A., he won the Comedy Central Laugh Riots Competition and was subsequently a standout on the Cedric the Entertainer Tour and at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival. Davis’ film credits include “Jumping the Broom,” “Get Him to the Greek,” “Barbershop,” and “School for Scoundrels.” On the small screen, he has appeared in HBO’s “Entourage,” Comedy Central’s “Reno 911,” and “Comedy Central Presents DeRay Davis,” along with performing various voices on “The Boondocks.” In terms of record albums, he wrote and performed the comedy skits on Kanye West’s “Late Registration” and “The College Dropout” LPs, and he performed at the 2006 Grammy Awards with Kanye and Jamie Foxx. Here, he talks about his latest screen role in “21 Jump Street,” where he plays a Dominican drug dealer named Domingo opposite Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. KW: What interested you in 21 Jump Street? Davis: My initial interest had to be the hype of the show. I’m from the generation that watched it growing up. So, I was pretty

happy and excited that they were even making the TV show into a movie. Plus, I wanted to see what kind of spin they were going to put on it. And to hear that they were going to turn it into a comedy was pretty intriguing to me. KW: Did you watch episodes of the TV series to prepare for your role? Davis: No, because my character was created for the film. When they told me that he was a biker and a bad guy, I looked at some eighties biker videos on YouTube. And because he’s Dominican, I also listened to some accents. Even though it’s a comedic film, I had to tone down the “funny” in order to play this bad guy. I started thinking about all my bills to get in touch with my angry side. KW: You definitely looked bigger, buffer and more intimidating than usual. Davis: I was glad I was playing opposite Channing [Tatum]. Two tall actors. That’s pretty unusual in Hollywood. KW: What’s the difference between doing standup comedy and acting in movies? How does each challenge you as an entertainer and how does each play to your strengths? Davis: I believe they parallel each other as far as the strengths. The difference is that when I’m onstage doing standup, no one yells, “Cut!” or tells me what to do. I’m DeRay, and I use my own words. With acting, you’re portraying a character with

someone else’s words. Still, you definitely want to inject a little of yourself into every role, the way that Samuel L. Jackson does. Following the script is one thing, but the unique way in which you deliver your lines is what makes them your own. KW: Are you ever afraid? Davis: Yep, I’m terrified of failure. KW: Are you happy? Davis: Half the time. When I’m with my daughter, I’m elated. That’s what makes my work pay off, knowing that she’s here, and she’s healthy, and that regardless of how I’m received by anybody else, I’m funny to her. KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure? Davis: I can’t tell you that. KW: What was the last book you read? Davis: Playboy. KW: What excites you? Davis: This is going to sound weird, but I’m excited by quiet. When it’s quiet, I get a rush because I start wondering what’s about to happen, like in a horror film. KW: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? Davis: The ability to ignore rejection. They don’t take a “no” the same way other people do. They react to it like it’s fuel instead of burning down their dream.

What’sup BEYONCÉ will return to the stage for the first time since giving birth in January to daughter Blue Ivy. She is presenting three concerts during the Memorial Day weekend at Atlantic City’s Revel Resorts, and will perform in a 5,000-seat hall in the new $2.4 billion resort……..VIOLA DAVIS will portray the late Houston Congresswoman Barbara Jordan in a film based on the book “Barbara Jordan: American Hero.” Davis and her husband Julius Tennon will produce the film through their company JuVee Productions. Emmy Award-winner Paris Barclay will direct the film. “In a world of movies about giants and Martians and toys come to life, if you can actually get involved with a movie about a human who singlehandedly changed American politics, you say yes,” Barclay told Variety……..OPRAH

WINFREY’S TV woes continue. Her struggling network, OWN, announced it is laying off one-fifth of its workers and restructuring its operations in Los Angeles and New York. She said the decision to let 30 employees go was a “tough” but necessary one. “As CEO, I have a responsibility to chart the course for long-term success for the network. To wholly achieve that long-term success, this was a necessary next step,” Winfrey said. She also cancelled the short-lived talk show hosted by Rosie O’Donnell. A ratings disaster, it averaged just 150,000 viewers a week…….. RAVENSYMONE will take over the lead role in Broadway’s hit musical “Sister Act,” based on the film about a nightclub singer who takes refuge in a convent. Whoopi Goldberg, who portrayed the original Deloris Van Cartier in the 1992

film, is producing the musical……..MIKE TYSON hopes to take his upcoming one-man show to New York after it plays in Las Vegas. The former boxing champion’s show is set to run April 13-18 at the MGM Grand, and is titled “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth – Live on Stage.” The autobiographical account of Tyson’s life is co-written by his wife, Kiki…….. “The Bodyguard,” starring the late WHITNEY HOUSTON and Kevin Costner, returns to theaters in a special one-night only presentation on March 28. Interest in Houston remains high. According to Forbes Magazine, “hanger on” Raffles van Exel is alleged to have sold the photo of Houston’s open coffin to the National Enquirer. Sources at the Whigham Funeral Home in New Jersey said an employee saw van Exel take the photo.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 22 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

cover

U.S. Trade Rep. Ron Kirk

Understanding

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

trade

.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk addressed a gathering of Houston business leaders with a message that was part celebration, part challenge. He celebrated recently enacted free trade agreements with Korea, Panama and Columbia. Free trade agreements (FTAs) open foreign markets to U.S. exporters, making it easier and less expensive for U.S. companies to export their products and services to trading partner markets. Kirk’s words harkened the saying, “Think globally, act locally.” He discussed the dramatic about-face the U.S. citizenry has made regarding its view of foreign trade, the victories that led to this dramatic shift and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for businesses and individuals. The former Dallas mayor is in charge of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, which is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. During his local visit, he toured the Port of Houston and spoke at a luncheon sponsored by the Greater Houston Partnership. Though attendees at Kirk’s speech were culturally and ethnically diverse, those concerned about the state of affairs for Black people could not help but hear a dire and directed call to action.

Advice for Black entrepreneurs

“We need to prepare ourselves to make sure we’re producing those next generation products that the world and consumers are going to want to drive their businesses,” said Kirk. He urged Black business owners to dive into foreign trade, citing successful companies in Phoenix, Detroit and elsewhere owned by people of color that experienced exponential growth. Kirk said if a business has a website it’s global, and suggested those interested in getting more involved visit www.ustr.gov or www.businessusa.gov. “We will tell you everything from how we can help you get counseling at the Small Business Association to how to export. We can put you with the Foreign Commercial Service and they will learn about your business

were able to do something no other administration has ever done; we passed three trade agreements not in one month, not in one week, but in one night,” said Kirk. The impact of the Korea FTA has been immediate. Kirk said it is larger than anything the U.S. has accomplished in terms of free trade since NAFTA, and has rendered 80 percent of what the U.S. sells to Korea duty free. “The combined economic impact to our economy of these agreements with Korea, Panama and Columbia could be about $11 billion in exports,” added Kirk. He believes the figure is conservative because it does not account for the trade in services by lawyers, architects and engineers willing and able to tap into Korea’s halfa-trillion-dollar service market.

Think globally

At the Port of Houston, Ron Kirk talks with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (left) and Port Commissioner Elyse Lanier.

and go find customers for you. We’ll teach you about how we can finance you, because the biggest concern for small businesses is, ‘How am I going to get paid?’ ”

Changing view of foreign trade

Kirk outlined recent victories that have led to increased optimism and support for trade. “President Obama challenged me very early on in our tenure to take the time to make sure that we were recasting our trade policy in a different way that would resonate with the American public,” said Kirk, who assumed his current role at a time when 70 percent of Americans believed foreign trade was a detriment. Kirk toured the country and held conversations with business leaders and workers about the benefits of trade. Apparently, the strategy worked because the Korea Free Trade Agreement, which went into effect on March 15, received 83 favorable Senate votes. “Because we got such an extraordinary vote we

Kirk urged business and community leaders to recognize the power of foreign trade in generating jobs and stimulating the economy and become vocal advocates. “The United States has an explosive opportunity to build economic activity and job creation here by feeding the desires and needs of these billions of new consumers who are going to come of age now in Asia, in Africa, in India, in China, in South America,” he said. Though Texas is the largest exporting state in the country and Houston’s Port is the busiest in the nation, Kirk sees benefits for the entire country via trade, not just the Lone Star State. Kirk said a current trade agreement in the works is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an attempt by the U.S. and eight of the member countries in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation to gain a stronger “toe-hold” in the world’s soon-to-be fastest growing region, the Asia Pacific. “The president challenged us two years ago to double exports in five years. Through the first two years we’re up 34 percent,” he noted. Kirk said the Obama administration’s goal of creating 2 million jobs has already been surpassed, thanks in large part to foreign trade. “Through today, of the 3.9 million jobs we’ve created over the last 27, months 1.2 million have come through trade,” he said.

Act locally

Kirk said the next three years would be more challenging due to the slowing down of the economies of Europe, Brazil, India, Russia and China. He believes there

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rpage About Ambassador Ron Kirk Austin native Ron Kirk is the United States Trade Representative. He is a member of President Barack Obama’s cabinet and serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues. The U.S. Senate confirmed Kirk in 2009. He has directed USTR’s market-opening agenda through negotiations and dialogue with trading partners around the world. Initiatives include working to conclude and advance bilateral free trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama. Kirk brings both public service and private sector experience to USTR. He served two terms as the first AfricanAmerican mayor of Dallas. Prior to becoming mayor, he served as Texas secretary of state under Gov. Ann Richards. In addition, he practiced law as a partner in the international law firm Vinson & Elkins, LLP. He was named one of the “50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America” by the National Law Journal in 2008. Kirk graduated from Austin College and earned his law degree at the University of Texas School of Law. He is married to Matrice EllisKirk and they have two daughters.

are steps individuals can take on the local level to make a difference, especially since 95 percent of U.S. exports are generated by small-tomedium enterprises. “We are the last generation that the world is going to accommodate by showing up and thinking everybody’s got to speak English,” he said. “We still have explosively the most dominant economy in the world, but our children are going to live and work at some point in their lives outside of the United States,” said Kirk. “They need to have the language skills to go out and compete with these young, incredible, hungry minds from India and Africa and China and Korea that are willing to do all that our kids are willing to do, and do it for 25 cents on the dollar.”

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 22 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Obama expresses ‘love’ for Black Press By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Special Correspondent

resident Barack Obama expressed admiration for the balanced picture African-American newspapers present of the Black community each week, saying such portrayal not only helps Blacks but Americans of all races and ethnicities. “One of the things that I always love about African-American publications is that it’s not just gloom and doom,” the president told members of National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) at a private gathering at the White House. “Part of what you guys do is you lift up that kid who has overcome barriers and is now succeeding, or that family that has pulled together and helped to strengthen a community, or that church that is the bedrock of a neighborhood. “Those stories of success and hope, that’s what sustains us, that’s what has driven us, that’s what has given people a sense that no matter how tough things get sometimes, there’s always a better day ahead. And you’re part of telling that story. So I very much appreciate you.” Obama spoke to publishers who were in the nation’s capital to celebrate NNPA’s annual Black Press Week. In a 10-minute speech, he gave publishers a preview of the case he will be making to voters as part of his campaign to be re-elected. “Now we’ve obviously gone through three challenging years

but, whereas we were losing about 800,000 jobs per month, the month that I took office, we’ve now seen job growth over 23 consecutive months, almost 4 million jobs created, jobs in the manufacturing sector for the first time since the 1990s. “We have seen consecutive quarter after quarter after quarter of economic growth and so we’re starting to turn the corner and make progress. But all of you know that too many people… were struggling before this recession and they’re struggling now even more. Folks who can’t find a job, and if they have a job, they’re underemployed or not making a living wage.” Overall unemployment stood at 8.3 percent in February. For whites, it was 7.3 percent, compared to 10.7 percent for Latinos. Black unemployment under Obama peaked at 14.9 percent in June 2009, at the end of the recession, before settling at 15.8 percent last December. It dipped to 13.6 percent in January before rising to 14.1 percent in February. To help lower the unemployment rate, Obama said he has directed federal departments and agencies to streamline systems in place to match the unemployed with jobs. He said he has asked them to place particular emphasis on the long-term unemployed. Support for youth, businesses Black youth unemployment is also extremely high. “In many of the communities that all of you represent, we’ve got youth unemployment at 50, 60 percent. So one of the things that

President Obama greets members of NNPA during Black Press Week.

we’ve discussed is that we’ve urged, as a part of my jobs plan that congress pass a robust summer jobs program so they can put young people to work but we’re not waiting for Congress,” Obama said. He said he realizes publishers are small business Continued On Page 9

President Barack Obama said he appreciates Black newspapers.

defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF MARCH 22 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Obama... Continued from page 8 owners and as such need more support from the federal government. “All of you are news people, and that’s the reason we brought you here [to the White House] but you’re also business people and entrepreneurs, and that’s always been the history of African-American publishing,” Obama said. Publishers laughed when he said, “You don’t start off with a big bank roll, most of you, right?” When the laughter subsided, he continued, “You don’t have a trust fund that helps you set up that newspaper. You guys are out there hustling, scrapping. And so our initiative on the small business side [is] to provide tax breaks and tax cuts to the small businesses to help them grow, to make sure that the SBA is responsive…” Obama spoke to Black publishers the day before the 185th anniversary of the founding of Freedom’s Journal, the nation’s first Black newspaper established by John B. Russwurm and Samuel Cornish.

Al Green... Continued from page 4 are at stake in Sudan and too little is being done by the international community. Many in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile regions are facing mass starvation because of the actions of the Sudanese government. Peace and justice in Sudan are a focus of the NAACP’s international agenda.” In February, the United Nations Security Council broke months of silence on the situation in Sudan by calling for immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to the affected areas. According to Edwards, however, “Thousands upon thousands have been brought to the brink of unimaginable suffering by the Sudanese government’s refusal to allow access to much-needed humanitarian aid.” Edwards added that the flow of arms from other countries fueled serious human rights violations in certain areas of Sudan. “The relentless and indiscriminate attacks have been further fueled by weapons from countries such as Russia and China, and as such, they bear particular responsibility for ensuring effective

The NNPA has its roots in a 1941 meeting of major Black newspapers organized by John Sengstacke of the Chicago Defender. Representatives from 22 newspapers attended that organizing meeting. “Over the years you’ve gone from 22 African-American publications to more than 200 newspapers across the country and in so many cities and towns you’ve got readers that depend on you to report on some of the stories that never get told by anybody else,” Obama said. “But also to be able to give people a sense of how the stories that everybody reports on impacts the African-American community in particular. That obviously is a critical role. And that’s not just important to the AfricanAmerican community, that’s important to the American community because it’s my belief that when everybody’s engaged, when everybody’s involved, they’re going to make better decisions and ultimately we end up having better governance.”

Security Council action to stop the attacks and aid civilians at risk,” Edwards said. Actor Clooney met with President Barack Obama after paying a clandestine visit to South Kordofan, a province of Sudan, where aid groups say 250,000 people are at risk for famine. “We need humanitarian aid to be allowed into the Sudan before it becomes the worst humanitarian crisis in the world – immediately,” Clooney said before his arrest. “The second thing we are here to ask is a very simple thing – it’s for the government in Khartoum to stop randomly killing its own innocent men, women and children,” he said. “Stop raping them, and stop starving them. That’s all we ask,” he said. Jealous said the D.C. protest showed Bashir “what the beginning of the end looks like.” “We kept coming back to the South African offices here until apartheid stopped. We will keep coming back to the offices of Sudan until this killing stops,” Jealous said before his arrest.

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Original Texan Chester Pitts has established a foundation to expose underprivileged youth to the fine arts.

Chester Pitts

proud of foundation

By Max Edison Defender

he name Chester Pitts has been synonymous with the Texans franchise. He was the second player drafted in franchise history – round two of the 2002 draft and 50th overall – and became one of the team’s most popular players. He started every game for seven seasons (from 2002-2008) on the Texan offensive line at left tackle or left guard. Pitts, who last played for the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, is pondering retirement, but has decided to make the Houston area home regardless of his football status. Pitts is currently an executive consultant at ZT Wealth management company. To go a step further, he has established a non-profit, the Chester Pitts Charitable Foundation (CPCF), giving something back to a community that has been good to him. A Southern California native, Pitts resisted the urging of his mother to return home. “The Houston area has been great for me,” he said. “I’ve grown to really love the people here. This is where my strongest fan base is, so why not give back here. “My home is in the Missouri City area. My mother has been trying to get me to come back to L.A. I just tell her how expensive it would be to come back there. Houston is home.” The CPCF’s mission is to expose underprivileged children to fine arts, an area that Pitts feels is sorely lacking. “Every year the budget gets balanced Pitts poses with the Texan cheerleaders at his recent golf tournament fundraiser.

on the backs of children for some strange reason,” he said. “The first classes, programs and teachers that are cut are those that deal with art, music and dance – anything in the realm of culture or cultural experiences. “I’m a firm believer in doing all that I can to preserve and save that. Some of our greatest and most creative minds have come from the strength of those types of programs.” Pitts’ passion for the fine arts was cultivated by his mother. “Growing up, my mother was huge into music. Classical music was 30 minutes a day – that was a house rule. We all had to perform and play an instrument. We all had to go to church and play the piano and the organ. I play the piano and organ. I also played the oboe in high school. “It was something that was ingrained in me and I think it’s something great to expose kids to that otherwise would not have the opportunity.” Pitts’ organization has hit the ground running having established some key partnerships in the community. “We have a partnership with Fort Bend ISD for first through sixth grades with a class art contest where the winner gets free art supplies. We had some partnerships with many of the area museums where we have purchased discounted tickets and then we partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs and other organizations to take kids to museums,” he said. “We’ve even had a couple of members of the Houston Symphony call and donate time to teach a child how to play a musical instrument,” Pitts said. “I’d like to do something to expose those students who might be interested in dance as well. Anything we can do to help enhance that cultural, artsy experience is what we’re all about.” Chester rejects the notion that exposure to fine arts is frivolous or meaningless in today’s society. “First and foremost it starts with education,” Pitts said. “It takes someone willing to teach and someone willing to listen. Obviously it’s not for everybody, just like math is not for everybody, but for those kids that it does matter to, my group will be there to support them.”

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h.s.zone North Shore’s

Authorlee makes up his mind By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

here will be no drama or late decision-making for North Shore track and field standout Jermaine Authorlee. When his already successful prep career ends in the next couple of months, he will head to the University of Alabama and major in pharmacy. “I feel real good about going into the Southeastern Conference. They’ve [Alabama] got the top recruiting class in the nation right now and I look forward to improving and running against the best teams in the nation,” said Authorlee, the defending Class 5A state 200-meter champion. Jermaine Authorlee runs the 4X100-meter relay with (left to right) Larry McDuffey, “It’s exciting to know that people Christian Houston and Kevin Alexander. are after me. It just makes me work “I’ve got two German shepherds championship-winning 4X100- and harder in fact,” Authorlee said. “Every in the backyard. I call my dog Flash 4X200-meter relay teams. day, just step-by-step, I try to get better. I because whenever we go to the track, “All the newcomers definitely try to be the best. I know there are guys he runs with me. He’s a real fast dog,” look up to them, and they provide a out there just as fast as me, but I don’t Authorlee said. “Diamond is really my great example,” Cross said. “They show want them to out-work me.” mother’s dog, but I love them both.” them what a great work ethic is every Authorlee said he chose Alabama Following last year’s state meet day in practice. They watch them and after mulling over scholarship offers in Austin, Authorlee ran summer track see how well they compete in the meets. from the University of Houston, Texas and won the 200-meter (20.90 seconds) They show them how they warm up and Tech, TCU and Texas A&M. how they’re focused for each event.” “I just felt like Alabama was a good and 4X100-meter relay (39.90 seconds) gold medals at junior nationals in Kansas A prime example was last weekend fit and a good environment for me,” City. when North Shore competed in the he said. “I want to be able to focus and 61st annual Texas Southern Relays at He plans to compete in the 100become who I want to be.” Alexander Durley Stadium. Authorlee and 200-meter dashes along with the Authorlee says his favorite subject easily won the boys 100-meter dash in a 4X100- and 4X200-meter relays in in school is science and has been ever time of 10.95 seconds. University Interscholastic League since he was a little kid. “I’ve always Authorlee and McDuffey events. loved animals and I watch “Animal combined with Kevin Alexander and “When it comes down to Planet” 24/7. You know, I’m just a it I may have to drop one of the Christian Houston to win the boys big kid,” he said. 4X100-meter relay in thrilling fashion as relays,” he said. He loves spending family time the Mustangs caught and passed Desoto Authorlee and fellow with his mother and father. at the finish line. Authorlee’s breath-taksenior standout Larry McDuffey “A lot of people, including my ing anchor leg brought nearly the entire are the main returning cogs father have asked me if I would capacity crowd in attendance to its feet. as the North Shore consider playing football Desoto (1:24.99) won the 4X200boys attempt to at Alabama if they asked meter relay with North Shore (1:25.60) win the Class 5A me,” Authorlee said. “I finishing as the runner-up. Lancaster team title for the told them that if they gave (1:27.12) was a distant third. Desoto also third consecume the opportunity at won the mile relay (4X400) in a time tive year. North wide receiver, I might as Shore head coach of three minutes, 16.44 seconds. Port well take it. There are a Arthur Memorial (3:19.39) took second Garret Cross lot of opportunities out place. lost eight of 15 there so I’d go for it.” “My goal coming into this year student-athletes to Along with family was to lead my team to another state graduation. time, Authorlee enjoys championship because I love them to McDuffey and spending time with his dogs, death,” Authorlee said. “That’s all that Authorlee were key memDiamond and Flash. His matters right now because I’ll be going bers on last year’s state favorite color is purple off to college soon and I want to help and his favorite meal is Jermaine Authorlee my school out before I leave.” chicken.

WEEK OF MARCH 22 | 2012 DEFENDER

sportsbriefs University Interscholastic League notes It has been nearly a year since Mark Cousins was promoted director of athletics in the University Interscholastic League administration. The UIL is the governing body of extracurricular activities in Texas public secondary schools. During the recent boys’ state basketball tournament, Cousins shared his thoughts on issues concerning Houston area high schools in athletics. On the subject of Yates moving to 3A, Cousins said, “Schools are looking forward to the challenge of playing Yates, La Marque and Stephenville in Class 3A.” He also discussed Houston high schools in Region II. “The re-alignment doesn’t just have to do with the population explosion in the greater Houston area,” Cousins said. “It also has to do with what’s happening in west Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Each region has eight districts in it and we have a total of 32 districts in each classification. We lost a district in the panhandle and we had to make some decisions in reference to Region II. We moved some schools from central Texas into Region II so we wouldn’t have to further impact schools in the Houston area. When asked if a 6A conference is coming, Cousins replied, “In the sports where we have more than 1,100 or 1,200 schools participating, we already have a sixth conference; we just don’t call it that. If you’re talking about a scenario where you break off another conference with fewer schools, then travel becomes an issue. The concern is if you put schools with over 5,000 population (four) and schools with over 3,000 population (about 50) in a separate conference, there’s really not that many schools.

What did the Rockets gain at trade deadline? The Rockets made a few deals at the NBA trade deadline and when the dust cleared had GM Daryl Morey done anything other than rearrange the furniture with no real net benefit? The Rockets acquired center Marcus Camby (38) from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for guard Jonny Flynn, center Hasheem Thabeet and a 2012 second-round pick, which was previously obtained by the Rockets from the Minnesota Timberwolves. In a separate deal, the Rockets acquired veteran guard Derek Fisher (37) and a 2012 first-round pick from the L.A. Lakers (via Dallas) in exchange for center/forward Jordan Hill. Fisher promptly declared he had no intention of joining his new team and was later waived, having never appeared in Rocket red. So at the end of the day, we traded a group of young stiffs for one 38-year-old stiff. Are we supposed to be motivated by this? Oh, by the way, that sound you hear is the team slowly sliding down the playoff drain.

March Madness begins with a bang Why do we love March Madness? We love it because it gives the underdog a chance. The first round saw perennial favorite Duke (No. 2 seed) nailed by Lehigh (No. 15 seed) 75-70, and Missouri (No. 2 seed) and Final Four favorite was booted out by MEAC champ Norfolk State (another No. 15 seed) 86-84. March Madness is truly must-see TV for even the casual fan.

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12 DEFENDER | WEEK OF MARCH 22 | 2012

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