Houston Defender: March 27, 2014

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Volume 83 | Number 21

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NEWSTALK DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING remembered during local events

Human trafficking

Today’s

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slave trade

NATIONAL ANITA HILL back in the spotlight

P3 FEATURE PRESIDENT OBAMA will speak at Austin summit

P8 CHAG’S PLACE

Dr. Jazz Sculark and Pastor Mia Wright at Metamorphosis Women’s Conference

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Taraji P. Henson returns to TV

Cari Champion knows sports

Fans of Taraji P. Henson – and CBS’ drama “Person of Interest” – were shocked last fall when her character was killed off the show. Henson, however, is busier than ever in Hollywood.

Read about her latest television gig. Find out about another project in the works.

ESPN morning viewers are familiar with Cari Champion, the host of “First Take.” What is the secret behind the show’s success? What does she say about her opinionated on-air colleagues? How did she get started in a business that is dominated by men?

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DEFENDER | MARCH 27 | 2014

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MLK statue to be unveiled Defender News Services

As the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death approaches (April 4, 1968), Houston will celebrate his “spirit” with a series of events, including the unveiling of a statue.

The events are sponsored by the Houston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Project, an effort by Black Heritage Society chairman and CEO Ovide Duncantell to keep King’s legacy

and dream alive.

The unveiling of the statue is a dream come true for Duncantell, and Attorney Ben Hall and his wife Saundra donated $65,000 for its purchase.

The events are: Friday, April 4 – A candlelight vigil begins at 6:30 p.m. at the MLK Jr. Memorial in MacGregor Park. The Black Heritage Society Mountaintop Awards Gala is at 8 p.m. at the park pavilion tent.

Saturday, April 5 – A parade and march begin at 9 a.m. at MLK Blvd. and Griggs and will end at the entrance of MacGregor Park. The official unveiling of the MLK Memorial and Statue will be held at 11 a.m.at the park, followed by a 1 p.m. community festival.

Sunday, April 6 – Houston churches are invited to dedicate their services to Dr. King’s vision of love, justice and brotherhood. For information visit houstonmlkjrmemorial.org.

Contractors can improve business chances College, the City of Houston and Metro have announced major construction plans.

Construction contractors are CCC business experts will offer encouraged to apply for a nineconsultation at no cost in such areas as month program that will improve marketing, business operations, banking, their chances of getting a piece bookkeeping and strategic planning. of the $2 billion pie in Houston Participants can also: government and private sector • Learn the “ins and outs” of how to contracts. bid for government contracts from those Twenty applicants will be who have won contracts. chosen for the Construction • Get a personal introduction to key Contractors’ College (CCC), prime contractors who have signed up to which is offered by the help smaller contractors be successful in Entrepreneurs’ Learning Center the bid process. at the Kingdom Builders’ Center The deadline to apply for the program (KBC) and funded by Capital One Construction Contractors’ College Executive Director Tandelyn Weaver (far right) accepts a is April 18. Classes begin May 20, and will Bank. check from Capital One Bank Senior VP Laurie Vignaud (far left) and Assistant Vice President be held the second and fourth Tuesday of Prospective applicants include Marvett Sawyer Howard. The funding will underwrite a program for 20 select contractors. each month from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at electricians, plumbers, painters, citywide goal for MWBEs has increased from the KBC, located at 6011 West Orem Drive. architects, landscapers and others 22 percent to 34 percent in construction, and For information call 713-726-2519 or visit in skilled trade areas. entities such as HISD, Houston Community thekbc.com and click on the CCC icon.

The program comes at a time when the Defender News Services

localbriefs THE OIL SPILL that caused the Houston Ship Channel to close raised concerns about the environmental and economic impact on the area.

A collision between a barge and ship caused the 168,000-gallon spill. Oil poured into the Galveston Bay, and the Galveston Ferry also closed during the clean-up. According to the Port of Houston, ship channel-related businesses contribute more than 1 million jobs throughout Texas, and have a $178.5 billion economic impact statewide. “As we move forward, we need to absorb the lessons from this incident and start to understand the future challenges that must be met,” said Congressman Gene Green, who represents the ship channel

area. ……..A $25,000 REWARD is now being offered in an effort to find those responsible for the recent burglary of Lakewood Church. Lakewood and Crime Stoppers of Houston increased the reward. More than $600,000 in check, cash and credit card donations was stolen. Investigators said the suspects could have disposed of the checks and credit card information because they had no use for it. Anyone with information about the burglary is urged to call 713-222TIPS…….. A YATES HIGH SCHOOL teacher is facing charges of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old female student. De Sergio Geterus Parrish, 31, is accused of allegedly having

sex with one of his students on more than one occasion. The allegations came forward after the student claimed that she and Parrish had an improper relationship. Parrish’s bond was set at $30,000…….. THE HOUSTON HOUSING AUTHORITY received $4.6 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to make major improvements. HUD awarded a total of $71 million to Texas public housing units. The grants are provided through HUD’s Capital Fund Program, which provides annual funding to approximately 3,100 public housing authorities to build, repair and renovate housing in their communities.

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MARCH 27 | 2014 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs THE UNDERREPRESENTATION of women of color in politics undermines the American ideal of democratic representation.

That’s a conclusion reached by the Center for American Progress in a report titled, “Why We Need a Political Leadership Pipeline for Women of Color.” The report, part of the center’s Women in Leadership project, states: “The relative lack of women of color serving in elected office raises grave concerns regarding democratic legitimacy and the fundamental issues of political representation. Lack of representation can mean a lack of attention to and advocacy for issues important to communities of color.”

There are 14 African-American women in Congress, less than 3 percent of that political body. There is one woman of color in the Senate, an Asian-American. At the state level, Black women hold about 3 percent of the country’s 7,383 legislative seats. Among the 100 largest cities, Baltimore is the only one led by a Black woman mayor……..A BLACK COLLEGE STUDENT who says he was the target of racial hazing at San Jose State University filed a claim for $5 million in damages against the school. The claim alleges that the university failed to protect the student from racist pranks and remarks by white students with whom he shared a dormitory suite. Authorities said four white roommates taunted and harassed the student by displaying Nazi imagery and a Confederate flag in their dormitory and attempting to hang a bicycle lock around his neck……..FORTY PASTORS are forming a task force to have stand-your-ground laws repealed or amended throughout the U.S. The task force organizer is Dr. R.B. Holmes, pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee. “We need to take a deeper look at this legislation to make it abundantly clear that stand-your-ground laws are not being used fairly and justly in reference to poor and minority communities,” Holmes said.

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Blacks locked out of housing market

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NNPA News Service

s the housing market recovers, a new report by the Urban Institute shows that Black borrowers “have been disproportionately shut out of the market.”

According to the report titled “Where Have All the Loans Gone? The Impact of Credit Availability on Mortgage Volume,” the share of Black borrowers was 6 percent in 2001 but fell to 4.8 percent in 2012.

By contrast, the share of white borrowers increased more than 3 percent from 2001 to 2012 and now account for 71.2 percent of mortgage loans.

According to a report by Zillow, a home and real estate marketplace, and the National Urban League, “Blacks experience the highest loan application denial rates – 1 in 4 Blacks will be denied their conventional loan application, as opposed to 1 in 10 whites.”

Blacks apply for only 6 percent of mortgage purchases, despite accounting for more than 12 percent of the United States population.

Though a majority of people polled said that their loan application process was positive, many felt that their race was a factor in that experience.

“Specifically, 37 percent of Hispanics, 33 percent of Blacks, 25 percent of Asians and 14 percent of whites said they thought race was a contributing factor in their experience,” stated the Zillow/NUL report.

The decrease in homeownership also limits the opportunity for many Black families to build wealth.

The Institute on Assets and Social Policy (IASP) found that length of homeownership was one of the primary factors that contributed to the wealth gap between Blacks and whites.

The Black homeownership rate is nearly 30 percent lower than the homeownership rate for whites.

The IASP also reported that some white families had access to family inheritances to help pay for home purchases that helped them build home equity much faster than Blacks.

Documentary puts Hill in spotlight again VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 21 MARCH 27, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles People Editor Advertising/Client Relations Yvette Chargois Selma Dodson Tyler Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Local Editor ReShonda Billingsley LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Contributing Writer Tony Fernandez-Davila Cierra Duncan The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

Defender News Services

Anita Hill sat before the Senate Judiciary Committee nearly 23 years ago and transfixed the nation with sexual harassment allegations against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. After extensive debate, the Senate confirmed Thomas by a narrow 52-48 vote.

The 1991 hearings ignited a political firestorm about sex, race, power and politics. Today, Hill is speaking about her experience in the new documentary “Anita,” recently released in theaters.

Hill, now 57, is a professor at Brandeis University.

She’s still criticized for her testimony, and recently

received an email that read, “I hope you rot in hell.”

Hill was a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma when she testified against Thomas, who had been her boss at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

She received threats when she returned to Oklahoma and said, “People were trying to get me fired.”

Hill’s supporters, however, saw her as a heroine.

“In some ways I’m not very well suited, I think, for that position of heroine,” she said. “People do want that person who is sort of out there and vocal and adamant about who they are and what they want.

But I wouldn’t be credible if I didn’t come to this with my own personality.”

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DEFENDER | MARCH 27 | 2014

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Taraji P. Henson returns to TV

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Defender News Services

ans of CBS’ hit drama “Person of Interest” were shocked last fall when the police detective portrayed by Taraji P. Henson was killed off the show.

Henson, however, hasn’t missed a step in Hollywood. She has a new gig with BET, a pilot in the works with Fox Broadcasting and several movies coming out.

The Academy Award-nominated actress (for her role in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) will host the BET special “Celebration of Gospel.” It airs Sunday, April 6, at 7 p.m. Henson took over the role after Steve Harvey ended his 13-year run.

“I am thrilled to join the ‘Celebration of Gospel’ family,” Henson said. “I look forward to a great evening of incredible music and continuing the rich history of BET and gospel music which started 14 years ago hosted by the talented and very funny Steve Harvey.”

The special features performances by artists such as Donnie McClurkin, Ruben Studdard, India.Arie, Tye Tribbett, Lalah Hathaway and the Rance Allen Group.

Henson is also preparing for a role in the Fox pilot “Empire,” which co-stars Terrence Howard and will be directed by “The Butler’s” Lee Daniels. An air date has not been scheduled for the drama, which is set in the world of a hip-hop empire.

Henson will play Cookie Lyon, the ex-wife of Lucious Lyon (Howard), the head of a record label. Cookie has just been released from prison after serving 17 years for dealing drugs, using money she funneled into Lucious’ music empire.

The drama serves as a reunion between Hen-

son and Howard, who portrayed love interests in the 2005 film “Hustle & Flow.”

This summer, Henson can be seen in the sequel “Think Like a Man Too,” which co-stars Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Meagan Good and Gabrielle Union.

The original film, “Think Like a Man,” was based on Harvey’s best-selling book and grossed more than $91 million. Henson portrays Lauren, who becomes involved with Ealy.

“I wanted to play Lauren, the professional woman who gets to look pretty,” Henson said.

“As you know, I’ve played some pretty downtrodden women. So, I was more interested in that role. At first, they were going to go with a white actress for Lauren, but I said, ‘No, I want to play that character. I don’t think I have anything like that in my repertoire.’ ” Henson appears in two other upcoming films – “No Good Deed” starring Idris Elba and “Term Life” starring Vince Vaughn.”

Henson is a native of Washington, D.C. She spent her first year in college studying electrical engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. She transferred to Howard University where she studied theater.

She became pregnant during her junior year and kept up her classroom attendance and performances after giving birth to her son, Marcell. Henson graduated from Howard in 1995 and moved to Los Angeles the next year. She appeared in several TV shows and received her big break in the 2001 film “Baby Boy.”

Taraji P. Henson

what’sup RIHANNA is being honored for her sense of style. The Council of Fashion Designers of American will present the singer with the CFDA Fashion Icon Award in June.

The award is given to a personality whose style has made a tremendous impact on pop culture. She recently shared part of her fashion philosophy. “If I’m wearing a top, I don’t wear a bra. If I’m wearing a bra, I just wear a bra,” she said……..KANYE WEST and KIM KARDASHIAN ignited a social media frenzy with their Vogue Magazine cover, in which they’re dressed for their upcoming wedding. The couple generated thousands of tweets, some positive and some negative. One inside photo shows West reclining with their infant daughter NORTH WEST resting on his chest and his hand cupping her bare bottom……..

DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON” is working

hard to be in stunning shape for his role in the movie “Hercules,” which opens in July. The 6-foot-5 action star is up at 3:45 a.m. every morning on the treadmill and then spends hours in the gym. He recently tweeted an image of himself in full Herculean garb, surrounded by three huge horses. “The No. 1 goal is to make the definitive version of ‘Hercules.’ We know we’re going to be under a microscope,” Johnson said……..NBC’s weight loss reality show “THE BIGGEST LOSER” is searching for contestants for its new season. Candidates must need to lose at least 100 pounds, and must be 18 or older and U.S. residents. Those who are unable to attend casting calls held in seven U.S. cities can find application information on nbc. com/casting#bl16. Auditions will be held in Los Angeles, Boston, Birmingham, Charlotte, Chicago, Oklahoma

City and Salt Lake City. Contestants will compete for a grand prize of $250,000……..”Queen of Soul” ARETHA FRANKLIN celebrated her 72nd birthday at a small, exclusive party in New York City. Guests included DENZEL WASHINGTON, who stars on Broadway in “A Raisin in the Sun.” Franklin revealed that she’s working on new music with BABYFACE and ANDRE 3000……..

Former TV court judge JOE BROWN was arrested in Memphis on a contempt of court charge. Brown, 66, was sentenced to five days in jail after an argument that occurred in a courtroom, where Brown represented a client in a child support case. According to reports, Brown became verbally abusive after being warned to calm down. Brown’s nationally syndicated show was cancelled last year.

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Blacks in energy come to Houston Defender News Services

Nearly 700 energy professionals from around the country will meet in Houston for the 37th annual American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) national conference. It will be held April 8-11 at the Hilton Americas Houston.

The conference is designed for those who work or have interests in such industries as oil and gas, petroleum, solar, wind, biomass, electricity, nuclear, pipeline and hydrogenation. The theme is “Global Energy: Resources. Solutions.

Sustainability.”

Topics of discussion include trends in the energy industry, partnering opportunities, and policies, issues and advancements that impact global energy resources.

Speakers include: John Watson, president of Chevron; Michael Steele, past president of the Republican National Party; Paula Jackson, AABE president; Colette D. Honorable, chair of the Arkansas Public Service Commission, and Patricia McCloud-Russell, motivational speaker.

Other conference highlights include an interactive student energy bowl competition, a town hall seminar, scholarship luncheon, awards gala, career fair and booth exhibits.

AABE works to ensure the input of African-Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of the energy industry. According to Jackson, 40 percent of energy consumers are nonwhite, yet African-Americans are underrepresented in overall employment in the industry.

AABE’s purpose is to: • Serve as a resource for policy discussion of the economic, social and political impact of environmental and energy policies on African-Americans and other minorities.

• Ensure involvement of AfricanAmericans in governmental energy policymaking by recommending capable, sensitive and informed personnel to appropriate officials.

• Encourage the public and private sectors to be responsive to the problems, goals and aspirations of African-Americans in energy-related fields.

• Encourage African-American students to pursue careers in energy-related fields and to provide scholarships and other financial aid for such students.

For more information visit aabe.org.

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DEFENDER | MARCH 27 | 2014

Officials address ‘horrific crime’ man trafficking is “far too prevalent” and a coordinated effort is Local, state and required to fight the problem. national officials “I am proud to co-sponsor recently met at Texas Congressman Ted Poe’s End Southern University to Sex Slavery Act and his Justice raise awareness of hufor Victims of Trafficking Act,” man trafficking.

McCaul said. “These bills will The U.S. House address a number of gaps in huHomeland Security man trafficking laws and provide Committee convened much needed support to victims.” a field hearing on One of the “gaps” addressed combating the problem. is ensuring buyers are subject to Participants included the same punishment as traffickCongresswoman Sheila Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee ers.

Jackson Lee (D-HousBrian Moskowitz, Houston ton) and Congressmen ICE special agent in charge with Michael McCaul (Rthe U.S. Department of HomeAustin) and Al Green land Security, also discussed (D-Houston). tackling the issue.

“Knowing the “ICE (U.S. Immigration and magnitude of this Customs Enforcement) remains problem in the state of committed to utilizing its authoriTexas and the Houston ties and resources to combat huarea in particular, I am man trafficking and identify and pleased that we could rescue the victims of this horrific come together on a crime,” Moskowitz said. bipartisan basis to have Green said all communities this crucial hearing,” should be aware of the problem.

Jackson Lee said.

“Human trafficking is actuCongressman Al Green “As a large city ally a euphemism for involuntary strategically located near the border, a major servitude and sexual bondage; a neologism port and critical transportation corridors, for exploitation and abuse; a genteelism Houston is an attractive target for human for extortion and rape,” Green said. “The trafficking organizations.” seriousness of human trafficking cannot be McCaul, the committee chair, said huoverstated.”

Defender News Services

Human trafficking: What to look for, what to do In order for community members to help, they must know what the problem is, be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity, said Kristin Rehler, supervisory special agent of the Rescue Alliance for the FBI’s Houston Division.

Maria Trujillo, executive director for Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition said, “Until you look at preventative issues you don’t know where the problem is. Community members should understand the issue and know what to look for, but they should not take on an investigative role.”

According to the U.S. State Department, human trafficking victims may sometimes be kept behind locked doors, but they are often in plain sight at certain

business establishments. Possible red flags that signal a potential trafficking situation and should be reported include: • Victims living with employers • Poor living conditions • Multiple people in a cramped space • Victims’ inability to speak to individual alone • Answers that appear to be scripted and rehearsed • Signs of physical abuse • Victims who are submissive or fearful • Victims who are unpaid or paid very little • Victims who are under 18 and in prostitution If you have the opportunity to speak with a potential victim privately and

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Today’s sl

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ach year, thousands of adults and children around the wo fall victim to human trafficking, an underhanded crime t affects both U.S. citizens and foreign-born immigrants.

Often referred to as modern-day slavery, human traffi ing is defined as the buying and selling of people for the pose of forced labor or sex. Human trafficking’s scope a reach is just as vast and diverse as the victims and perpetrators involved It can be a lucrative business. According to the United Nations, human traffickers earn an estimated $32 billion annually.

Labor trafficking victims can work in a variety of places, including sweatshops, restaurants and agricultural industries, and in positions such as domestics and nannies. Victims of sex trafficking can be found in street prostitution or working in such places as massage parlors, strip clubs or brothels.

There is no one profile of a human trafficker – it can be anyone willing to exploit another person for profit.

They can be male or female, partners, employers, pimps, friends, family members or complete strangers. They might Source: promise victims a chance for a better Bureau of life or kidnap victims and use physiJustice Statistics. cal and psychological violence to control them.

According to Bureau of Justice Statistics, “Confirmed sex trafficking victims were more likely to be white or black compared to labor trafficking victims, who were more likely to be Hispanic or Asian.”

Blacks make up 40 percent of all sex trafficking victims whose race could be confirmed.

Here is a look at the problem and what is being done to combat it.

40% of all sex trafficking victims are Black.

without jeopardizing the victim’s safety because the trafficker is watching, here are some sample questions: • Can you leave your job if you want to?

• Can you come and go as you please?

• Have you been hurt or threatened if you tried to leave?

• Has your family been threatened?

If you believe you have trafficking situation, yo 911. Other contacts inc • Houston Rescue and R 874-0290, houstonrr.or • FBI, 1-888-373-7888 gov • Tahirih Justice Center

defendernetwork.com • Serving th defendernetwork.com • Serving t

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lave trade

orld that

ficke purand d.

e identified someone in a ou can call clude: Restore Coalition 713rg 8 or 713-693-5000, fbi.

r, 713-496-0100,

tahirih.org • Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking, ctcaht.org • National Human Trafficking Resource Center – Call toll-free at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733).

• U.S. Department of Justice Worker Exploitation Complaint Line – Call toll free 1-888-428-7581.

he Houston area for over 80 years the Houston area for over 80 years

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Victims’ advocates identify problem, solutions

By EVAN TAYLOR Defender

HRRC said, “The diverse labor community, a variety of commodities and the Port of Houston are elements that make Houston ripe for human trafficking activity.”

She said because victims are usually hidden and transactions are underhanded, it’s hard to estimate the number of adults and children who fall prey to perpetrators.

“At the end of the day one life is too many,” Trujillo said.

From the local to international level, steps are being taking to combat human trafficking. Houston State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, for one, has worked on anti-humantrafficking legislation for more than a decade.

Thompson is co-chair of the State Legislature’s Joint Committee on Human State Rep. Senfronia Thompson Finding solutions Trafficking, and has passed HRRC’s projects and various bills addressing activities include training the issue. She said Blacks programs in health care, law should be concerned about enforcement and domestic the issue because, “Human minor trafficking; prevention trafficking does not skip programs for boys and girls; anyone because of ethnicity a technical assistance and or gender.” resource center, and a multiThompson said hulingual media campaign. man trafficking can result The organization esfrom human smuggling but tablished a city-wide Human is very different.

Trafficking Awareness Month “The difference is (September) and has trained exclusive dominant control. more than 26,000 people The victim is not free to Maria Trujillo about the issue of human live; they have no freedom of movement.” trafficking.

During the last legislative session, The FBI also fights human trafficking, and Thompson and her human trafficking comhas two Houston-based task forces. The Human mittee co-chair State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte Trafficking Rescue Alliance focuses on those trafauthored and sponsored several bills addressing ficked across international borders. The Houston the problem.

Innocence Lost Task Force focuses on the trafHouse Bill 8, for example, toughened ficking of children. penalties for prostitution of a minor. House Bill According to Supervisory Special Agent 1272 continued the existence of the Human Kristin Rehler of the Rescue Alliance for the Trafficking Task Force. Senate Bill 92 created FBI’s Houston Division, the demographics and special courts to divert juveniles forced into geographic location of Houston makes it a hub prostitution away from the criminal justice for activity. system and toward rehabilitative and health “The proximity of the city to the border, the services.

Interstate 10 corridor, the medical district and diWhile Thompson works in Austin, she said versity of people on visas and serving as domestic the community can be active in Houston. servants makes Houston prone to human traffick“The community must become aware so ing,” Rehler said. they can be able to recognize and identify things The FBI partners with the Department of and situations that aren’t right. We have passed Justice, local law enforcement and non-governsome laws to make punishment stiffer but the ment organizations (NGOs) to educate the comcommunity needs to be informed to save the munity, rescue victims and enforce the laws. victims while the issue has become common“The FBI is focused on prevention and place and ignored,” she said. prosecution,” Rehler said. “We work with NGOs In addition, the Houston Rescue and like the YMCA and [HRRC] to provide victim Restore Coalition (HRCC) is on the frontlines services and training for the community. Because combatting human trafficking. HRRC is comlocal law enforcement is our eyes and ears, we prised of local non-profits, faith-based organizaconduct training with HPD and Harris County on tions, government agencies and law enforcea regular basis.” ment agencies, and was established in 2005.

As long as human trafficking remains a Its focus is to prevent and confront problem, victims’ advocates such as Rep. Thompmodern-day slavery through education, training son will seek solutions. and empowerment leading to the identifying, “We have to fight to save the victims and sorescuing and restoring victims to a free society. ciety from modern-day slavery,” Thompson said.

Maria Trujillo, executive director for

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DEFENDER | MARCH 27 | 2014

Obama to speak at Austin summit

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Trim The Tree - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.83

$5

5/28/14

11/24/14

T:3.25”

resident Barack Obama will deliver the keynote address at a Civil Rights Summit at the LBJ Presidential Library on the University of Texas at Austin campus on Thursday, April 10. First Lady Michelle Obama will attend the summit with the president.

Obama will be joined by three former presidents who will also deliver remarks at the three-day summit – Jimmy Carter will speak on April 8, Bill Clinton will speak on April 9 and George W. Bush will speak on the evening of April 10.

The summit commemorates the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The law, along with the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act in 1968, helped establish the legal foundation in fulfilling the promise of equality among all Americans.

The summit will celebrate those laws and address the civil rights issues facing America and the world today.

“We are truly honored to host President Obama as the keynote speaker at the [summit],” said Mark K. Updegrove, LBJ Library director.

“The world has evolved considerably in the half century that has passed since the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. “As our first African-American president, Barack Obama is the fulfillment of the promise of the civil rights legislation delivered by President Lyndon B. Johnson and a bipartisan Congress.”

Updegrove said Johnson’s vision of a “more just and honorable America” resulted in a crucial step in the realization of America’s promise.

“But his vision went far beyond ending racial discrimination,” Updegrove said. “He believed that education, economic opportunity, health care, clean air and water, and access to the arts and humanities, among other things, were inherent civil rights for all Americans — and it’s reflected in his legislative legacy.”

Guests at the summit include three men who were active in the Civil Rights Movement – Congressman John Lewis, former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Bond and former NAACP chairman Julian Bond.

Other participants include San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, soci-

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37-LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education. © 2014 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

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Congressman John Lewis

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206 east ninth street • austin, tx 78701 t 512.479.6200 f 512.479.6024

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Andrew Young

ologist Dr. Harry Edwards, singer and activist Mavis Staples, former NFL running back Jim Brown and the daughters of LBJ, Luci Baines Johnson and Lynda Johnson Robb.

A limited number of tickets for the general public will be available beginning Monday, March 31.

Tickets will be available online only. For information visit civilrightssummit.org.

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MARCH 27 | 2014 | DEFENDER

Summer food sites sought Defender News Services

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.) is accepting applications from qualified groups and organizations interested in becoming a 2014 Summer Food Service Program site.

Lunch distribution sites include churches, apartment complexes, youth centers, community centers, private or non-profit groups.

“Every year, thousands of Houston-area children suffer a food shortage when the school year ends,” said H.P.A.R.D Director Joe Turner.

“H.P.A.R.D.’s Summer Food Service Program and its participating sites

fill that need by providing fresh, nutritious lunches and snacks to children across the city,” “We welcome and encourage groups and organizations interested in becoming 2014 sites to apply today.”

Last year, more than 460 sites participated, and there is a need for more this summer. Sites will open their doors to youth ages 1-18 from June 2 through Aug. 15. No food preparation is involved and no money is exchanged.

Applications must be received by April 17. Interested organizations must submit a Request to Participate form, which can be obtained by calling 713676-6832 or visiting houstonparks.org.

NOTICE

of Public Hearing Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX

(METRO)

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) will hold a public hearing on Friday, April 4, 2014, at 12 noon to receive public comment about proposed June 2014 service changes. The proposed service changes include: Implementation of new midday service on the 402 and schedule changes to the 25, 32, 46, 82, 85, 170, 214, 216, 217, 219, 221, 246 and 298 bus routes.

The public hearing will be held in the METRO Board Room on the 2nd floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, TX (served by METRO routes 3, 9, 11, 30, 44, 52, 56, 60, 66, 77, 78, 88, 102, 108, 249 and METRORail). The meeting will also be streamed live on RideMETRO.org.

Copies of proposed timetables will be available Monday, March 24, 2014, for public review at the following locations: • Online - RideMETRO.org • METRO Administration Building - 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 from 8 AM to 5 PM weekdays, and at our two METRO Outreach Offices located at: – Las Palmas Shopping Center at 6215 Harrisburg (served by route 50) – Palm Center at 5330 Griggs, Suite A104 (served by routes 5, 77) HOW TO COMMENT ABOUT THE SERVICE CHANGE • Attend the public hearing on April 4, 2014 • Write us at METRO, ATTN: June 2014 Service Change, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 • Fax comments with a subject line referencing “June 2014 Service Change” to (713) 652-7956 • Call METRO’s Customer Care Line at (713) 635-4000 • Submit comments at METRO’s website - RideMETRO.org Comments should be received by METRO no later than the date and time of the Public Hearing.

HISD hosts meetings HISD is hosting a series of “Plan Your Path: House Bill 5 and You” meetings to introduce eighth-graders and their families to major changes in high school planning that will blend academics with higher education and careers.

In its last session, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 5, which provides a new path to graduation designed to personalize learning. Students will identify career fields that interest them, and will take courses that will prepare them for college and the job market. Changes include: • End-of-course requirements have been reduced. Five tests now required for graduation are English I, English II, Algebra I, biology and U.S. history.

• Students will declare an endorsement area. The five areas are STEM, public services, multidisciplinary studies, business and industry, and arts and

humanities.

• Students will earn a single “foundation diploma,” which eliminates the minimum, recommended and distinguished graduation plans.

• A final grade in a course will not be given unless attendance requirements are met.

The planning requirements start with this year’s eighth-graders who will commit to and start their personal pathways next school year.

Meetings will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. at the following locations: Monday, April 7 – Lamar High School, 3325 Westheimer; Austin High School, 1700 Dumble Tuesday, April 8 – Worthing High School, 9215 Scott St.; Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th For information visit houstonisd.org/ planyourpath.

HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Please call (713) 750-4271 or (713) 635-6993 (for persons with a hearing impairment) a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public hearing.

LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION Any person who requires language interpretation or special communication accommodations is encouraged to contact METRO Community Outreach at 713-739-4018, or via email at tm10@ridemetro.org. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your needs.

1. This Public Hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration’s Circular 9030.1D, published May 1, 2010, page IV-13.

2. METRO does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities.

3. METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its transit services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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DEFENDER | MARCH 27 | 2014

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sports

Champion is daily fixture on ESPN

S

By MAX EDISON Defender

he comes into homes every weekday at 9 a.m. and stays all morning along with her two friends. She’s Cari Champion, the host of one of ESPN’s most popular shows, “First Take.” Her friends are journalists Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless.

They debate the top sports topics of the day in their own extremely opinionated way, kind of like the ultimate barbershop debate on steroids. Champion facilitates the show, which is no small task, and shows her skills as one of the industry’s hot young stars.

“The show works because it meets everyone’s needs as a sports fan,” she said. “The guys are very well prepared daily, as if they’re playing in game 7 of the playoffs. They’re very opinionated and have huge egos. It’s the true mixture of sugar and salt and for some reason it just tastes great. Whoever you are it meets your taste and I represent the middle ground.”

For Champion the job is a labor of love. She grew up in Los Angeles and was bitten by the broadcast journalism Cari Champion is the host of “First Take” on ESPN. bug at an early age. When she was 7, she and some friends were featured on the news for their neighborhood cleanup efforts.

“I watched the story when it came on and thought what a great way to tell a positive story,” Champion recalled.

“The reporter was a lady named Angela Black. She was beautiful and dynamic and whenever I would walk in the room and she would be on the television I would be drawn to her because she was so good. She was my first inspiration.”

Armed with that inspiration, Champion developed her speaking skills in church.

“My mother and my grandparents would always make me read the church bulletin,” she said. “I liked to talk and Champion is joined on the show by Stephen A. Smith (left) and Skip Bayless. had an affinity for reading out loud. assignment reporter covering news and occasional Things just snowballed from there. I sports stories. developed a passion for wanting to tell the story the “I started in local news, working as a one-man right way, without bias or stereotype. By the time I band, carrying my own tripod, setting up the camera, got to high school I knew I wanted to be a broadcast editing tape, writing stories the whole thing. I was journalist.” just passionate about being successful and learning After graduating from UCLA with a degree in the business.”

English and an emphasis on mass communications, A lifelong sports fan, Champion was working Champion worked in various markets as a general

for the Tennis Channel when the opportunity came to audition for the host of “First Take.”

“I loved ‘First Take.’ I truly enjoyed the banter. I would watch the show all the time and wonder why are they yelling so much. I auditioned with no expectation, but I knew I did well because I was well prepared and being a fan of the show I felt really comfortable and relaxed. I felt in my spirit that I had it when I left.”

In October 2012 Champion became host and has been rolling ever since. Now that she is a daily fixture on TV, she realizes that young people, especially minority girls, might see her and be inspired to pursue the business.

“I’m aware that they are watching me.

It’s humbling and at the same time a huge responsibility for me because I want to be a positive role model, just as I acknowledge ladies like Pam Oliver and Robin Roberts who I admire,” she said.

“It’s important for me to convey to them that they have to commit to the hard work it takes to be successful in this business. It’s not nearly as easy as it may look, but with the right work ethic and passion they can do it.”

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h.s.zone Manvel’s Ingamells does things right way how to push yourself and not allow pain to be an obstacle,” he said. “I see a lot of that paying off for me right now.” anvel head baseball coach Kelly Kerlin Ingamells also believes he’s reaping the benefits of livraves about his leftfielder. ing a Christian life.

Senior Brian Ingamells is batting “Being a Christian person is a big part of my life,” Inthird in the Mavericks’ order and hitgamells said. “If you don’t know who you are, then you’re ting a torrid .455 as the District 22-5A kind of lost in life. It’s so fulfilling and I think it spills over race heats up with games against state-ranked Pearland to the baseball field.” and area-ranked Alvin loomChanging his plate ing on the horizon. approach from last Find out what former baseball legend Brian “Brian has really been season to become more Ingamells most admires tearing it up for us so far,” balanced at the plate has Kerlin said. “He’s definitely transformed Ingamells been one of the bright spots in the early part of the into a more opportunistic hitter. He knows he may only season.” see one good pitch to hit per at-bat and that means being Ingamells, who is 6-feet-1, credits his work in the prepared from the moment he steps into the batter’s box. weight room and on the track last summer to adding “I try not to hit the ball into the air too much and 10 to 15 pounds of muscle to his frame. He also cites keep the number of strikeouts to a minimum,” he said. “An the mental and physical offseason drills Kerlin put his unproductive at-bat really bothers me. team through as helping them deal with adversity and “I had a problem swinging my front side open too obstacles that must be overcome. early and my coaches helped me make an adjustment to “Seeing adversity and not being intimidated by keep my front side closed so that my bat can be more it was a big part of the training, [along with] learning explosive,” Ingamells said.

One of his favorite professional baseball players to study is Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles first baseman Manvel High School Albert Puhols. “He’s got a classic swing,” Ingamells said. senior Brian Ingamells “I can watch film of him hitting for hours.” is described as a “bright Ingamells began playing organized baseball in the spot” early in the season.

Pearland Little League when he was 4 or 5 years old.

So he’s known Pearland High School standouts Connor Wong, Jacob Barfield and Skylar Valentine for a long time.

He’s already been accepted at the University of Texas in Austin for academics. Yet he’s open to any other opportunities that baseball might provide by season’s end.

“I like to keep my options open,” Ingamells said.

“If a good opportunity comes from baseball, I don’t see why I wouldn’t take it.”

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

M

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About Brian Ingamells Birth date: Feb. 20, 1996 Birth sign: Pisces Favorite subject: Math Favorite chill activity: Weightlifting Possible college major: Petroleum or mechanical engineering Last good book read: “Unwind” Last good movie seen: “Ride Along”

MARCH 27 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Turner Player of the Year The awards just keep rolling in for Manvel High School standout basketball player Brianna Turner.

A week after she was named Most Valuable Player after scoring 17 points and registering 17 rebounds while leading Manvel to a 58-53 upset of Class 5A two-time defending state champion Duncanville in the state title game, Turner was named Gatorade National Player of the Year for girls’ basketball. Turner led Manvel in every major statistical category this season, garnering recognition at the district, state and national levels. The Notre Dame signee also has a 3.71 grade-point average and works as a volunteer and mentor. Former Olympian Maya Moore surprised Turner in her English class to present the Gatorade award.

Candidates are considered for their contributions in athletics, academics and service said Gatorade senior marketing analyst Aminah Charles. “There are a lot of great athletes out there, but none of them had the complete package like Brianna has,” she said.

Kay named North Shore coach Galena Park ISD has named Jon Kay to replace David Aymond as head football coach at North Shore High School. Aymond stepped aside recently to become the boys’ athletic coordinator at Galena Park ISD. An 18-year veteran of the district, Kay has been a longtime assistant coach and athletic campus coordinator at the school and in 2010 was named the Greater Houston Coaches’ Association Assistant Coach of the Year.

“Jon Kay is a strong role model and will serve our students well,” said Angi Williams, Galena Park superintendent.

Burrell, Collins earn honors University of Houston track standouts Cameron Burrell and LeShon Collins recently earned All-America honors for the 2014 indoor season.

Burrell was awarded first-team All-America honors after placing sixth in the men’s 60-meter dash at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships in Albuquerque. The freshman ran a time of 6.63 during the 60m finals and a record-setting 6.54 in the prelims. Burrell once again broke his own school record and personal record at his first indoor national meet. Collins was awarded second-team All-America honors for placing ninth in the men’s 60m dash during the national meet. He ran a 6.65 (6.644) during the prelims, just missing the finals by one hundredth of a second.

Texans play QB shuffle The Texans have parted ways with QB Matt Schaub, trading the beleaguered signal caller to Oakland for a sixth round pick in the 2014 NFL draft. Schaub was acquired by the Texans through a trade with the Atlanta Falcons in 2007. He leaves Houston as the franchise’s all-time leading passer, a two-time Pro Bowler and the team’s 2012 Ed Block Courage Award-winner. With Schaub heading west, the team signed free agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, a nine-year veteran from Harvard. Fitzpatrick spent the 2013 season with the Tennessee Titans. He appeared in 11 games with nine starts, throwing for 2,454 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing a career-high 62 percent of his passes. Expect the Texans to acquire a rookie QB early in the draft.

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DEFENDER | MARCH 27 | 2014

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chag’splace

For Event Coverage...visit

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Wanda Adams and Yolanda Carroll

Dr. Jazz Sculark and Pastor Mia Wright

Vickee Syes, Omar Peters and Arielle Watson

Eezgebe Desta and Lex Frieden

Pastor Jerome Campher, founder Mia Wright, Lady Felecia Henderson and Pastor Keion Henderson

Tiara Hands, Winfred Fraizer and J’Marcus Fisher

Kimberly Evans and Belanie Dishong

Jacob Crosby and Justin Sutherland

Julius Burchell, Jarren Small, Dwight Williams and Douglas Johnson Jr.

METAMORPHOSIS WOMEN’S CONFERENCE….. executive director of Metamorphosis and co-pastor of The More than 2,000 women from Houston and across the Fountain of Praise, Mia K. Wright. Congratulations and country were challenged to redefine their lives at the 13th continued success!.....AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEDIA annual Metamorphosis Women’s PIONEERS…..During Black History Conference held at The Fountain of Month, the School of Communications Join Yvette Chargois Praise church. This four-day event at Jack Yates High School announced featured empowerment seminars and a new project titled “African-American Events of the Week gospel music performances. The Pioneers in Houston Media.” This is More photos on defendernetwork.com conference blended ministry, song a collaborative project for the students See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. and personal enrichment through between the instructors at Yates a remarkable lineup of nationally including Omar Peters, television; acclaimed speakers, ministers and Nick Strong, radio; Ray Carrington, performances. Grammy-nominated and Stellar Gospel photography; Delilah Whitmore; graphic arts; Ronnie Music Award-winning singer Tamela Mann, Houston’s Morgan, printing and Vickee Syes, print journalism. The own gospel recording artist Kathy Taylor, teen gospel students are busy working on compiling and writing the singer Jekalyn Carr, ministers Dr. Jazz Sculark and history of African-American pioneers in Houston’s media Pastor Sheryl Brady, of Bishop T. D. Jakes’ The Potter’s that will become a published book in chronological order House North and Pastor Jerome Campher, of New Faith beginning with the pre-1960s in each area of concentration.

Church, Cape Town, South Africa, shared motivational Several media pioneers were invited to the school to meet the “junior journalists” and tell their stories, including messages of hope and faith at the event. We salute

John Smith, Bob Nicholas, James Penny, Ernie Jackson, Winfred Frazier, Carolyn Campbell and Ms. Chag, to name a few. Keep up the good work!.....HTV STUDIO OPENING…..Mayor Annise Parker and HTV division director Dwight Williams recently hosted the grand opening/ribbon-cutting ceremony of HTV Houston Television studio’s new 12,000 square foot state-of-the art facility located at Houston City Hall. The facility will provide HTV with upgraded high definition equipment; two studios; two production control rooms; edit, graphics, audio and client suites and green screen capabilities.

This project brings the entire HTV operation under one roof. The station is devoted to providing citizens with access to unbiased coverage of local and state government deliberations, public policy and events. The programming helps educate the public and advances the participation of citizens in the political process. In fact, they are gearing up for a live HTV broadcast of the State of the City address on April 3. Congratulations!...From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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